Chapter 18: Where the Mighty Rivers Roam

[Dave W.]

Dec 9, 2019 12:16:32 GMT -4 Brian said:

He approaches Adamant. "Did anything happen during the night?" He removes his tinker's tools from his pouch. "Do you need anything repaired?"

"Not need, no, though it's always refreshing to have one's knees freshly adjusted. If you have a few." Adamant sits down to let Melethos tinker. "How was your experience in the Cave? I quite like your horns... not that there was anything wrong with the old ones, mind you... just, I suppose a change is nice... you haven't changed your name again have you?"

[Brian]

Melethos chuckles in surprise. "No, I haven't changed my name." He kneels and starts working on Adamant's knee, inserting the ticker tool into the gap between the warforged's "kneecap" and upper leg and working at a piece of bent metal. "Though, to be honest, I never had a different name. I've always been Melethos. It's the name my parents gave me. Condign is what our race calls a virtue name. We take one as a youth. It's meant to embody a certain quality, to define our place in the world. You may not know, but condign means something like 'fitting' or 'deserved', especially when it comes to punishment for a crime." He hesitates, the tinker's tool still in Adamant's knee. "I failed at saving my love. I saw it as a crime. Not a crime like breaking the law, but a crime like breaking a promise to yourself, if that makes any sense." Melethos shrugs. "I've been punishing myself for being inadequate ever since her death, and the name Condign seemed to fit." Another pause. Melethos shifts to work on his friend's other knee. "As to the Cave, I was presented with another chance to save Jyoti, to prove myself worthy. But some things can't be changed, and she died again, in my arms. It was the same but not completely the same. There were differences. Whether that has to do with the change in my horns, I'm not sure. Probably. Maybe even hopefully. I hate failing."

Minutes later, Melethos stands and smiles at Adamant. "There, that should help." He slips his tinker tools back into his pouch. "I don't think I'll ever be adequate enough, but at least I'll never doubt myself so much as to adopt the name Condign again. What about you? What kind of experience did you have in the Cave?"

[Dave W.]

Adamant listens carefully to Melethos, "Oh, my friend. I did not know. I am glad you have left behind the accusing name… you should not punish yourself… the loss is suffering enough surely. I wish I could have met your Jyoti; she must have been an astonishing person."

Adamant swings his leg, "Oh, that is better… I feel newly forged, thank you Melethos."

Dec 9, 2019 15:24:53 GMT -4 Brian said:

"What about you? What kind of experience did you have in the Cave?"

"Hmmm, somewhat disturbing I'm afraid. Oh! I did have a chance to be a vassal of Dol Dorn instead of Dol Arrah… they are brother and sister you know. It would have broken my existing oaths, I think, so of course I couldn't. Though maybe the oaths would have survived. I wonder what would have changed between Aven and me?"

"And the sultar girl found me there. The Cave has changed her considerably. I honestly believe she will not hunt me down and kill me now. So that's good."

"I did have a darker vision. A clue to the person or people who destroyed Cyre. But if it exists it is back in Sharn… and I am not sure anything in the Cave was real anyway. It tugs at me though. I almost wish I was free to leave this quest and follow that one."

"But there is nothing to be done with it at this moment. I will not leave the Eye Quest or you, my friends."

He turns bright eye-gems to the tiefling, "It is so good to be back with you."

[Darren]

Staring down at the staff, Kal feels the power it holds, and he smiles. He gives a bittersweet look at the sharrash that now leans in the corner. He remembers the day the Talenta halflings gave it to him, the weapon made special and oversized for his human frame. He will be forever grateful to those brave men and women and even children for all they taught him about strength of character and perseverance in the face of adversity. As he rises from his cross-legged position on the floor, using the staff for leverage, and takes the sharrash and seeks out Sem to ask that it be placed into the bag of holding for safe-keeping.

As Kal reaches the deck, he takes a deep breath. The humid air seems foul in his lungs. He frowns. He had hoped that leaving the cave would bring fresh, clean air. He wipes at the sweat that instantly beads on his brow. The staff he now carries flashes bright blue, in tune with its owners feelings. Kal grins as he notices it, then takes a deep breath and smiles when he sees the light in the staff subdue. He strides casually over to his companions who seem to have gathered around Kurra and the braziers.

"Come, my friends. Let us gather and talk and leave Kurra to her work. If she needs us, I am sure she will let us know. In the meantime, I wish to hear what each of you experienced in the cave, should you wish to tell it. I think there is much we can learn about each other and our quest from this. Just remember...that which you saw, however it may have felt, was not real. It may have had a ring of truth, but this, here, is OUR world. This is where we are based on the choices we have made and this is where we belong. So, I will begin..."

Kal tells a story of his adolescence in Sentinel Tower. He was there with his parents, and a strange woman who he had never seen before. That part was new. She took him under her tutelage. Kal grins and a slight blush comes to his cheeks as he says, "In more ways than one." Kal clears his throat and continues to tell his companions how the woman sought to teach him secrets, how she spoke to him of a Keeper of Secrets who was the source of her power. "It sounded, Belarin, a lot like pact that you have made with your Raeshera. I was...reluctant. The source of my power comes from within. I do not wish to be a slave to anyone." Kal catches Belarin's look. "My apologies, my friend. I did not mean to offend. But we come by our powers in different ways, and it is my belief in my own power that makes me strong." Kalarian speaks of finding himself in a shallow pool, the woman now lying in the water in his arms, apparently dying, begging to be submerged so that this Keeper of Secrets might save her and reveal herself to Kal. And so Kal begain to speak with the Keeper of Secrets who revealed certain rituals to him and asked what he believed about prophecy. And it was in that moment that Kal was transported back to a chamber underneath the temple where he previously found himself speaking with a great gold dragon, once again face to face with the magnificent creature. "He said something to me, though...he asked if I felt that all of my allies' desires were aligned with my own as it related to our search for the Eye. And so I must ask you all again, my friends, should we find the Eye, what would you see us do with it?"

DM's Edit: changed "bronze dragon" to "gold dragon." You're terrible with these dragon colors, Darren.

[Joe]

Streko rises slowly, feeling the aches and pains of being burned and bounced around keenly throughout his diminutive frame. The wood planks of the Dragonfly feel like a balm beneath his feet. He feels connected, not to Earth and soil, obviously, but to life nonetheless. He takes in a deep, stifling breath of humid air, which feels almost as stagnant as the water around the ship. He notices no rocking motion and assumes the ship is stopped in some kind of marsh, by the smell of the decaying plants that permeate the air. "Early. Not hot yet."

He glances around, looking for something to wear, as his beautiful robes are a charred wreck and barely cover him. His mail survived, fortunately, even if it looked tarnished and singed around the edges. "Damn, I should have asked Olladra for the ability to mend clothing, rather than light up a room. Adamant is a walking beacon of light. Ah, well."

He is unsure when he began getting comfortable talking out loud. "I wonder if I should ask if it is bothersome," he says. He sniffs at his undergarments and crinkles his brow. "Olladra forgive me, I'm adding to the stench in the air."

He feels his stomach rumble and realizes that he can smell fish, but not rotting fish lying about rocks decaying in the mid-day heat, but freshly cured fish, perhaps cooked a bit, adding to the aromas of the day. "A bit of wine to go with it would be perfect, but I will accept tepid water, as I am unable to turn such into a wine of choice, although, perhaps, one day, Olladra will bless me with such an ability."

Feeling more upbeat and empowered than he has in a while, he goes up to the top deck...

...where he sees cured fish and water waiting for him, as well as some of his friends. He notices Starg still sleeping, sounding more like a lumberjack sawing through trees than an adventurer sleeping peacefully. The day's brightness seems muted, no doubt a result of the humidity in the air (and the stench of the stagnant, marshy water around them). He eats his fill, follows it with some water, and goes over to watch Kurra work on the braziers. Histra is still there, he supposes, feeling a powerful jolt of sadness for his friend Belarin. Streko then watches Kal as he approaches them.

Dec 9, 2019 19:27:34 GMT -4 Darren said:

"Come, my friends. Let us gather and talk and leave Kurra to her work. If she needs us, I am sure she will let us know. In the meantime, I wish to hear what each of you experienced in the cave, should you wish to tell it. I think there is much we can learn about each other and our quest from this. Just remember...that which you saw, however it may have felt, was not real. It may have had a ring of truth, but this, here, is OUR world. This is where we are based on the choices we have made and this is where we belong. So, I will begin..."

Kal tells a story of his adolescence in Sentinel Tower. He was there with his parents, and a strange woman who he had never seen before. That part was new. She took him under her tutelage. Kal grins and a slight blush comes to his cheeks as he says, "In more ways than one." Kal clears his throat and continues to tell his companions how the woman sought to teach him secrets, how she spoke to him of a Keeper of Secrets who was the source of her power. "It sounded, Belarin, a lot like pact that you have made with your Raeshera. I was...reluctant. The source of my power comes from within. I do not wish to be a slave to anyone." Kal catches Belarin's look. "My apologies, my friend. I did not mean to offend. But we come by our powers in different ways, and it is my belief in my own power that makes me strong." Kalarian speaks of finding himself in a shallow pool, the woman now lying in the water in his arms, apparently dying, begging to be submerged so that this Keeper of Secrets might save her and reveal herself to Kal. And so Kal begain to speak with the Keeper of Secrets who revealed certain rituals to him and asked what he believed about prophecy. And it was in that moment that Kal was transported back to a chamber underneath the temple where he previously found himself speaking with a great gold dragon, once again face to face with the magnificent creature. "He said something to me, though...he asked if I felt that all of my allies' desires were aligned with my own as it related to our search for the Eye. And so I must ask you all again, my friends, should we find the Eye, what would you see us do with it?"

"Interesting, Kalarian. I would tell my story now, as it is parallel to yours, in a way. When I left you in the cave, I found myself aboard the Merrow Down the day of our abduction by Larest. I went to the top deck and looked around. I watched Sharn receding and knew that, if I were to jump ship, as it were, I would swim back to shore and return to Varna and my parents. None of you were around, although the original crew were. I knew they had perished and thus, suspected this was not real. To prove my point, I leapt over the side and found myself on a pile of coins."

He glances up at Kal and nods, seeing his friend's understanding. "Yes, the same pile of coins we both found ourselves sitting underneath the Temple of the Wyrm Ascendant in Stormreach. And, before you ask, yes, that same Gold Dragon was there, asking questions. It asked me what I would do if I had the Eye in my hands. I told the Wyrm I would destroy it without hesitation. Such an object has already taken the lives of too many people. I could not allow one more such death to be added, especially if I could directly prevent it. The most important question it asked me, however, was the same one it asked you: Do I believe that all of my allies could be trusted to destroy it? He then offered me advice, advice that Histra once gave me as well. He said to me, "You are a passive soul, Talentan. But though your loyalty may keep your friends alive, it will not allow you stop them when the time comes. If you are not strong, you will be shunted aside."

Streko takes in a deep breath. "Twice now, I've been told I am passive and fail to exert my authority, especially in regards to those who are more naturally aggressive and confident in themselves. It is almost as if Olladra Herself is reminding me of who I am and why She chose me as one of Hers. After this, I found myself on the Red Atoll and a pack of Death Dogs attacked you all. One by one you each fell to them. I was too far away to help, although I tried desperately. I watched all of you die gruesome deaths. I had but one spell left, one spell and I had to think, who would I send Olladra's gift of life back into, which would do the most good? I chose Adamant, for I knew, there was no one else among us who had a better chance of helping me heal others, or at least keep them alive long enough to get them to safety.

"I found myself back in the Temple, this time with Adamant. There was a priest there who told me that, while our faith will sustain us, that it can falter. He also tried to say that the rest of you may not understand our importance in the coming fight and, for the third time, I was asked if I would do more than simply follow you. I was asked if I would lead you, even if you didn't understand why I would.

"I am unsure of where I stand here, or how I should act, but I do suspect that I was told truth and that the words were real, even if the images were not. I feel as if Olladra herself was speaking to me through the dragon and through the priest and," Streko turns to Belarin, "Perhaps even through Histra. If the time comes, I would ask this of you...would you follow where I lead, even though you may not understand why I would do so. Would you trust me with the lives of all we hold dear? Would you trust us?" he asks, patting Adamant's metal arm.

"One last thing. The Dragon implied that the Eye was beneath the Temple, where he was. Could it be so? Could this entire journey be a false lead? I was unsure as to the Wyrm's truthfulness. But, it's gotten me worried, more so than usual."
______________________________________________________________

DM's Edit: changed "the Merrow Down" to "the Dragonfly" and vice versa.
Spells chosen.

[Dave B.]

Shorak's eyes open. For a moment, he feels that no time has passed and rolls over to go back to sleep. After another moment, he realizes that he has slept. It just feels like he only just went to sleep. If he did dream, he doesn't recall doing so. Still a little achy, but definitely feeling somwhat refreshed. He goes to wash up a bit, gets dressed and gathers his gear. He then grabs some of the cured fish and water for a quick breakfast and heads up to the deck. He stretches a little and spends several minutes taking in their surroundings. He smiles at the view, revelling in the humid air that feels so much like home to him. Hearing Belarin's comment, Shorak strolls over to him and lays down the Sulatar knife and the two vials of liquid flame. "If you'd like to take a look at these feel free. I doubt I want to keep them, but..." Shorak just shrugs.

When Kal asks if anyone wants to share their experiences in the cave, Shorak listens from afar. He is curious about the dagger he procurred from the dragon's horde. He squats down and examines the dagger, feeling its weight, tossing it in the air and catching it by the hilt. Holding it in his hand, Shorak changes his grip on the hilt several times to get a better feel for the shape of the hilt and how it best fits his hand. He can't help but smile. The dagger was the first weapon he learned to use.

[Jeff]

Sem takes an immediate interest in the backpack when Belarin puts it forth, but he is distracted when Melethos and Adamant strike up a conversation about their experiences in the Cave. So he sits and first listens to the tiefling and warforged, just sort of rifling through his spellbook nearby. Then when Kal and Streko surface and speaks of their Cave experience, he moves closer to them, listening intently, ignoring his book altogether.

Starg wakes in time to hear of both Streko's and Kal's experiences as well. Sem remains silent and introspective. Kurra pays attention to none of it, intent as she is in her work.

[Elvis]

After entrusting his axe to the shifter, Thul lingers on deck, cleaning and packing up his kit.

He listens to the other recount their experiences in the cave, remembering his own, he finds it interesting that some came out physically changed...

Thul is quiet for some time. A study in thoughtfulness.


The evidence that the cave can manifest physical changes is as clear as the horns on the Redman’s head. Had Thul stepped left or right from the path, how would it have changed him?


“The cave.” Thul says, breaking his silence, “seemed to learn as it went. Like it was testing my defenses. Looking for a weakness. At first, its efforts were too obvious. Tempting me with nonsense. With promises of power. All I had to do is turn on you.” Thul glances as each of the companions on the ship. “But I’ve already considered that…” Thul trails off.


“Then the cave got smarter. It started digging deep. Plucking at memories like lyre strings. Eventually it found a tune that I couldn’t ignore.”


“It was looking for regrets, I assume. Things I would seek to undo, and do better. I can see now where I could have made an effort to do things differently. Maybe even change the outcome of things… Fix them.”


Thul looks up again. He tries to herd his thoughts like wild hens, failing miserably.


“I have many regrets. Too many to even remember. Which one should I fix? One? Ten? All? The cave failed to recognize that I am the sum of my failures. To undo even one would unravel what I am right now.”


“I don’t seek redemption, or glory, or fortune, or any of that bullshit…” Thul looks at the Warhammer. “I seek to adapt. Between now and the end, I will accumulate more regrets. I accept that.”


“My purpose – my only purpose – is to find and neutralize the threat of the Eye.”


Thul finally shuts up.

[Ken]

"I'd be terrible with the Eye," says Belarin from his spot on the deck. "Too many desires. I'd use it. So... probably destroying it is the right move."

He stands up. "I saw myself in the earliest days of my tutelage under Raeshara. But I was alone - at first. I talked to a satyr, chatted with some obnoxious birds, and then had a very interesting conversation with a hag, who knew me - that is, the person I am right now. She gave me a couple of leads on the person I've been tasked with killing for the Queen of Dusk, and some bits of, shall we say, 'career advice.'

"It was interesting, even without any obvious changes. My hair is the same, thank the Host."

[Jeff]

It is late morning when Brack emerges from his cabin, right out onto the main deck. He is dressed, armored in his usual leather, but looking a tiny bit feral and seems to have dunked his hairy head into a bucket of ice water recently. He is still dripping when he looks around, observes others talking or otherwise surveying the water and the marshlands, when Thul approaches him.

Dec 9, 2019 11:20:29 GMT -4 Elvis said:

Wrapping up the weapon in a blanket and bundles it with some twine, he hands the letter and the axe to the captain.

“I would ask a favor.” Thul says quietly. “Return this to King Kaius, so I won’t be negligent of my promise.”

“In case he asks who sent you…” Thul leans in close and whispers the answer.

The shifter blinks and stares at Thul. He grunts, clears his throat, and lets out a big sigh and forcibly screws his mouth into a half smile. "I choose to believe in myself today, and in others," he mutters like some daily affirmation.

"Captain Thul, you do know I'm not headed back to Stormreach at present, aye? And that we're going to be some weeks pointed deeper into the heart of the Shattered Land, as they call it? Well, if you so desire to store this fine weapon somewhere, I recommend entrusting it to the care of my quartermaster when she is not otherwise occupied." He inclines his head in Kurra's direction. "As for this letter. . . I'll consider the matter the next time I have an audience with King Kaius." He stares blankly a moment long, then nods at Thul and tucks the letter inside his leather jack.

Shaking his head, he marches up to the sterncastle and produces his spyglass.

[Elvis]

Dec 10, 2019 11:34:44 GMT -4 Jeff said:

It is late morning when Brack emerges from his cabin, right out onto the main deck. He is dressed, armored in his usual leather, but looking a tiny bit feral and seems to have dunked his hairy head into a bucket of ice water recently. He is still dripping when he looks around, observes others talking or otherwise surveying the water and the marshlands, when Thul approaches him.

Dec 9, 2019 11:20:29 GMT -4 Elvis said:

Wrapping up the weapon in a blanket and bundles it with some twine, he hands the letter and the axe to the captain.

“I would ask a favor.” Thul says quietly. “Return this to King Kaius, so I won’t be negligent of my promise.”

“In case he asks who sent you…” Thul leans in close and whispers the answer.

The shifter blinks and stares at Thul. He grunts, clears his throat, and lets out a big sigh and forcibly screws his mouth into a half smile. "I choose to believe in myself today, and in others," he mutters like some daily affirmation.

"Captain Thul, you do know I'm not headed back to Stormreach at present, aye? And that we're going to be some weeks pointed deeper into the heart of the Shattered Land, as they call it? Well, if you so desire to store this fine weapon somewhere, I recommend entrusting it to the care of my quartermaster when she is not otherwise occupied." He inclines his head in Kurra's direction. "As for this letter. . . I'll consider the matter the next time I have an audience with King Kaius." He stares blankly a moment long, then nods at Thul and tucks the letter inside his leather jack.

Shaking his head, he marches up to the sterncastle and produces his spyglass.

Thul picks up on the vibe coming of the shifter and stuffs the letter back into his pocket for he can take it.

"Nevermind."

Thul stows the axe in his room instead. He'll deal with it a different way.

[Jeff]

Sem strolls over to Belarin and leans in conspiratorially. "That's more words than he's ever said to any of us combined, I bet," he whispers, pointing a thumb in Thul's direction.

But Starg rises to his feet, having listened. "I am very fascinated by this Cave," he admits. "I wish we had had time for further inspection, and I confess I would have been tempted to explore its possibilities myself. A fine labyrinth that would be!" A gleam of excitement shines in the minotaur's eyes like you've never seen. Then it fades. "But I do not wish to look to closely at regret. There is a reason most creatures of this world forget, or nearly forget, aspects of the past."

To Thul he says, "I admire your tenacity to remain unchanged by ghosts of the past, Captain Thul. Given the challenges that lie before us, I hope you will not remain unchanged by experiences to come."

Sem then crouches down to look at the curious coil of rope before Belarin. A mischievous smile creeps onto the gnome's face. "If I may...?" He takes hold of one end of the rope, then looks towards Starg. "Arrest!" he says like a command word and looks intently at the old minotaur.

Faster than any snake, the rope uncoils and yanks itself out of Sem's grasp, then surges like a living thing nearly twenty feet away and wraps itself around Starg where he stands. It twines and weaves in such a way as to partially bind his legs and arms together, forming a few knots along the way.

Sem chuckles. "Rope of entanglement. And not just any; that's one previously owned by Sharn's law enforcement agencies."

Starg sighs.

---

Starg's Dexterity saving throw: 5 (failure) / Starg is restrained.

Belarin finds the lantern-shaped device to radiate transmutation magic.

[Darren]

Kal laughs at Sem's display. "Okay," he says, his mirth subsiding through his words, "let him go, Sem." He chuckles again, considering the rope. "I think Shorak should take that. He may be able to best get close enough to an enemy to make use of it without being noticed."

Listening to the words of his friends, Kal begins to smile. "May I say, then, that we are unified in our desire to rid the world of the Eye of Azalar? None of you would seek to use it for yourself? Or to return it to some other master?" This is directed particularly towards Thul. "I know that many of you may believe that I would seek to enrich House Deneith with the Eye and while I can say the thought had once crossed my mind, I pledge to you all that it is not my intention. I know that the best of intentions can be corrupted by a power that great and I would not see anyone tested in that way. I will see it destroyed, or if that is not possible, lost so permanently that the search can never be completed. If that is our will, then let us each pledge to it now. Let me hear it from you, and then know that pledge has been made and witnessed by those who have fought with you, who would give their lives for you, and that if you do not fulfill that pledge, you dishonor those to whom you have made it."

[Elvis]

Thul nods in agreement with Deneith, "Aye."

[Ken]

"Really? A pledge?" Belarin frowns.

"Fiiiine." He raises his hand. "I do pledge."

[Jeff]

Sem raises his eyebrows at Belarin and Thul both, his look dubious.

"Well, I can only speak for Larest ir'Zathyran at this point," the gnome says, straightening up. "He sought the Eye for study, purely from a scholar's point of view—and while I could always relate to that, I knew it would never remain that easy. Not if we were successful. But his opinions changed over time, and in my last discussions with him....well, he was willing to consider other fates for it. Which is all to say, I suppose, that it cannot be allowed to fall into any of our enemies' hands. There is no baron, organization, or king"—he throws a quick look Thul's way—"that would not use it for terrible effect. But I also think we're worrying about it much too soon. And Larest would not be comfortable discussiing the matter while Histra was...well, inaccessible. Neither am I."

Starg lowers his head. "I, too, would prioritize the Lady Histra's safety."

Kurra rises to her feet and pulls the goggles from her head. "Brack, there's nothing I need you for here." She gestures at the braziers. "Why don't you start trawling about, slowly, so we don't lose anymore time. If I need you to to stop, I'll say so."

[Darren]

Kal wants to address Kurra, but I'm gonna wait for input from everyone else before moving on.

[Brian]

"I agree with Sem and Starg," Melethos says, approaching the group. "Saving the Lady Histra must come first. As to the Eye, I have no king or kingdom to whom I can hand it over. However, as to destroying it, or even hiding it, the Eye is the most powerful artifact I've ever heard of. I doubt we possess the power to harm it or effect it in any way. Our best bet"--a grin spreads across his face--"will likely be killing everyone around it. If there's no one left alive, the Eye is safe. Maybe it'll disappear for another decade or so, and then it'll be someone else's problem."

[Elvis]

Thul, his gruffness returned two-fold, eyes the gnome.

"King Kaius' orders to me were to keep it from falling into Emerald Claw control." He looks around at the others, "I decide how to interrupt that. And my interpretation is destroying it." 

[Dave W.]

"I would like to also share my Cave experience, but yes, let us first agree on the quest."

"Though I would intend to do only good with such a power, I know my intention would ultimately be corrupted. I have always said that no mortal nor organization of mortals should have it."

"Melethos may be right, we may not have the power to destroy it. But I would try. And if, as rumors say, it answers questions, then the only question we should ask of it is: how do we destroy the Eye?"

"In any event, though my Cave experience would pull me to another adventure, I will see this one through. I will stay with all of you until the end."

[Jeff]

Dec 10, 2019 16:30:37 GMT -4 Brian said:

"Our best bet"--a grin spreads across his face--"will likely be killing everyone around it."

Any lingering mirth in Sem's face fades at this. To Kal he says, quietly so Melethos does not hear, "Does that sound like your friend to you?"

But louder, addressing this to everyone: "Assuming we make it to Gerhest, we're going to be running into others then, or before then. Expeditioners from various houses. Orien. Tharashk. Maybe Deneith. We know there are some tieflings headed there, too, and the Host knows how many mercenary groups. Anyone with enough funding to make the attempt. So we must think hard about how we're going to treat with them when we meet them. Yes, we know it's a race, and there's no question that many of them will be hostile to us—the Emerald Claw and what have you."

Brack starts up the paddle wheel and the Dragonly begins some slow southward movement. The captain is entirely focused on the landscape, caring nothing for talk of the Eye or of pledges.

Kurra, satisfied that the ship has begun to move again, points at Belarin. "You. Get me something—or somethings—physically relevant to Histra. I don't mean emotional or sentimental—none of that nonsense. I mean some object she has spent much time around, some kind of anchor on this plane we can tug her towards."

[Darren]

Kal stares hard at Melethos, not looking down at Sem as he speaks, but he still answers. "No," he says, not bothering to keep his voice low, "it does not sound like him at all." Kal takes a few steps forward, towards Melethos. "My friend, do you not hear yourself? You suggest killing until there are no more people left to kill. Would you have us destroy the entire world? Is that your solution?"

[Joe]

"I do pledge to destroy the Eye. If it is where we believe it to be. I am concerned it was within our grasp not so long ago, Kalarian. But, we shall see. We shall see."

[Dave B.]

Shorak continues to focus on the dagger he took from the dragon's horde, while still listening in on the different conversations. He smiles to himself when he hears Thul's description of his time in the cave. It sounds like it parallels his experience to some extent, although Shorak does not offer his own experience.

Hearing the suggestion to give the magical rope to him, Shorak nods and calls out, "I have no problem carrying such an item, as long as Sem shows me exactly how it works."

Shorak finally stops his contemplation of the small blade when Kal requests a pledge from them. He looks at the sorcerer. In a calm and reasonable tone, Shorak responds. "Wasn't ridding the land of the Eye our purpose? But, you now need a pledge from us? Even after all the risks we've taken time and again? I've been with all of you, not much longer than Captain Thul, here." Shorak motions to the grizzled warrior with the dagger. "Although my role was originally as hired scout, yet I find myself with new friends. Being part of a...team is still new to me. I have mostly worked alone in the past. Yet, I find that having allies is a boon, in so many ways." He pauses, looking slightly surprised at his own words. "You have my word that I still walk that path. Destroying the Eye, if possible, but my word will have to be enough. I do not make oaths or pledges. There are too many variables to do such a thing. I believe that if one dies with an oath or pledge unfulfliied, one's spirit is forced to spend eternity continuing to attempt to fulfill that promise. I'm sorry, but that's the best I can do." He looks at the dagger in his hand, obviously anxious to continue his contemplation of the new weapon.

[Dave W.]

“You are among friends Shorak, be at rest so far as that is concerned.”

“It seems the dragon Kal saw in the Cave has advised that he check our commitment to the cause. One should never ignore the advice of dragons according to legend. However, it begs the question of whether any vision in the Cave is True or Cruel Deception... or perhaps even self-delusion. That question has plagued me, my vision was disturbing.”

[Brian]

Dec 10, 2019 19:33:01 GMT -4 Darren said:

Kal stares hard at Melethos, not looking down at Sem as he speaks, but he still answers. "No," he says, not bothering to keep his voice low, "it does not sound like him at all." Kal takes a few steps forward, towards Melethos. "My friend, do you not hear yourself? You suggest killing until there are no more people left to kill. Would you have us destroy the entire world? Is that your solution?"

Melethos's golden eyes narrow. "You're a soldier, Kal. An officer and leader with battlefield experience. You know how this is going to end, whether you admit it to yourself or not. The various Houses and guilds didn't send bards to retrieve the Eye, nobody is going to sing a song and simply dance away with it. They sent warriors to take it by force, and that force will have to be met with more force." He brings his fists up and presses them together, knuckle to knuckle. The meaning is unmistakable. "Now multiply that by what, ten, twenty? Who knows how many groups are after the Eye. And many of them won't hesitate to kill us to get it.

"I don't intend to let any of us die, we will all sail back to Sharn together. And you and I both know what that means. Kill them before they kill us. But to answer your question, yes, I do hear myself. And no, I don't think killing everyone will be the answer. Krez, certainly, and his Claw minions. And that damnable Demise. Lamara would be a nice bonus. But I won't hesitate to kill to defend us." Melethos's gaze hardens. "Let me ask you. Are you prepared for what you might have to do? What if a contingent of Deneith stand between us and the Eye? What then, my lord? Would you turn around and go home, or would you risk fighting your brethren so Baron Breven doesn't attain the Eye? The choices ahead will be difficult for all, my friend. I suspect for you more than anyone else."

Melethos's fists unclench, and he lowers his arms. "You're our leader, Kal. I've put my faith in you, and I'll support you in any way I can. That, I pledge."

[Jeff]

When Melethos mentions Baron Breven d'Deneith, Kal is reminded when Sem brought him up once...on this very topic.

But right now the gnome is staying out of it. He gives Kal and Melethos some space to talk.

Meanwhile, Belarin observes evocation magic emanating from the "fiery" vials that Shorak placed down, taken from the dead Sulatar mage.

The Dragonfly continues to move only slowly, with Brack and perhaps Calirataia (who you can't even see at present) making sure to weave around the reeds and lily pads. There sure are a lot of them here, and they sure are large. It makes the whole place seem more like a like than a river. But even so Brack doesn't look worried. He mostly spending his time peering through the spyglass to the north and east, as if he's looking for something in particular.

[Elvis]

"Syndra. The dwarfwoman is trying to unlock the firedjinn's brazier. Is there anything you can offer to assist?"

[Ken]

Belarin stays out of the conversation between Melethos and Kal. Instead, he says to Shorak, "These potions have an evocation aura. Could be healing potions..." He pops the lid on one of the potions, dabs his finger in it, and tastes it. Having sampled plenty of healing potions over the last several years, he feels hopeful that he could identify such a potion by taste.

[Jeff]

Dec 11, 2019 9:36:37 GMT -4 Elvis said:

"Syndra. The dwarfwoman is trying to unlock the firedjinn's brazier. Is there anything you can offer to assist?"

Hmmm. If it works, if the human isn't a mess of cinders, and any fire-guardians come with her, I am ready to fight them.

When Belarin takes a small taste of the volatile-looking potions, Belarin winces; his tongue burns as if from a powerful hot spice. Yet he feels a tingling, restorative sensation follow it. It's bizarre, but his arcane experience finds it informative. He coughs violently suddenly, just once, and a tiny spark of flame goes with it. He suspects that these potions—surely some Sulatar specialty—allow the imbiber to spit forth fire and yet get some healing benefit from it.

Ken, in case you missed this from above:

Dec 10, 2019 17:40:15 GMT -4 Jeff said:

Kurra, satisfied that the ship has begun to move again, points at Belarin. "You. Get me something—or somethings—physically relevant to Histra. I don't mean emotional or sentimental—none of that nonsense. I mean some object she has spent much time around, some kind of anchor on this plane we can tug her towards."