Chapter 18: Where the Mighty Rivers Roam

[Joe]

Streko takes Adamant's arm into his hands. "Come, brother, teach me some of the texts I will be chanting so that I may prepare. I am sure Belarin, Histra, Sem, and Kal are all quite fine. Unless Belarin or Histra tried a spell that misfired and there is currenly a hole in the bottom of the ship. However, Belarin's cry didn't sound like one of alarm. More like, excitement. Like he discovered a new spell that Histra taught him. That's probably it. Now, about those words we'll be chanting."

[Darren]

Aug 17, 2020 20:26:20 GMT -4 Ken said:

"You're not wrong, Sem," says Belarin. "That's why I'd like Streko to try it. I would try again tomorrow - but the calendar is against us at that point. Still... I'm sure it's him."

Kal looks between Belarin and Sem. "I think it's time," he says at last. "I know you both have your reservations, but I think it's time to contact the Keeper of Secrets. We found out what we needed to from your scrying, Belarin. We found out that Larest MAY not be dead." Kal looks over at Sem and repeats that, "MAY not. I understand. But the Keeper will know. We can ask directly. We can ask if Larest is alive. And if he is, then Streko can try to locate him. Or we can ask the Keeper if he is, for instance, with Major Krez. We have questions and we need answers and this is a way to get them."

[Ken]

"If we're going to do any sort of reaching out, Kal," says Belarin, "we should do it soon."

[Jeff]

Sem seems bewildered by the possibilities, but still dubious about trusting it.

Histra seems the least moved. "What are your concerns?" she asks both Kal and Belarin. "That Larest has been kidnapped and his death falsified? He knows us, but his usefulness to our enemies is surely limited."

"He's a Morgrave professor," Sem adds. "A pompous ass, at worst, but harmless. If they wanted Xen'drik expertise, they would have taken me, don't you think?" He ponders this. "Well, Demise and her guards were chasing us both; I suppose they'd have tried to grab me, too, if you hadn't shown up. But doesn't it seem like extra work to fake such a killing? Especially at Last Chance, a venue they cannot control? That's dragonmarked house territory, with wards and workers everywhere. They can't have counted on anything. And it was only chance that Larest and I ran into the inn to try and escape here. What's the point?"

Histra shakes her head, accepting nothing without further proof. Belarin can see it in her eyes. She's not convinced. "What if Larest is alive? Whether complicit in the deception or held against his will? What then? Will you have the captain turn the ship around and abandon our course? These are needless distractions. You will not rescue him anytime soon."

"What's involved, Kal?" Sem says, his tone grave. "If you want to consult your Keeper."

[Darren]

"I don't really know," Kal says. "I'm not really one for study and theory. That's your area. I just kinda," Kal wiggles his fingers and waves his hands back and forth, "feel my way through things. I believe what I do is open a channel between the planes, allow her access to Eberron through me. In return, she promises to answer my questions honestly. The problem is, it's like making a wish. Our questions have to be specific, or we may get an answer that is honest but not really what we intended."

Kal leans against the wall and puts his hand on his chin, looking at the floor. "I agree with both of you, though. I don't know WHY such great lengths would be gone to in order to fake Larest's death. But I trust Belarin's instincts, and if Larest IS alive, I'd like to know that. The more information we have, the better. I'm not intending to rescue him. I just want to know if someone has him. The two of you knew him better than Belarin or I did. I don't know what he was really up to. I don't know who he was involved with. I don't even really know his motivations for this entire expedition." Kal sighs.

"Alright, IF I do this, I think we can ask the Keeper as many as...maybe five questions." Kal frowns slightly. "Maybe. So I would need you to help me figure out EXACTLY what to ask. Then I would start the ritual." Again Kal sighs. "The other thing is," Kal pauses, then looks up. "I don't think getting a glimpse into other planes is natural. I don't know what impact allowing the Keeper access to my mind might have. It is possible I could....lose my grip on reality." Kal's eyes drift to Belarin and he shrugs, smiling a bit as he looks at Sem. "I guess then I'd know what it's like to be him, huh?"

[Jeff]

"I trust Belarin's instincts, too," Sem says, "But not the agencies that misdirect his divination. The Traveler's Curse at work, the power that made far-ranging magics unstable in this land."

"IF you are going to do this," Histra says, eyeing Kal. "Then do it straightaway. If it fails and you require recovery, begin it sooner than later."

"I don't know if you decide what all the questions will be, Kal," Sem says. "Because you may need to change your question depending on the answers you receive."

[Darren]

Aug 18, 2020 10:19:37 GMT -4 Jeff said:

"I trust Belarin's instincts, too," Sem says, "But not the agencies that misdirect his divination. The Traveler's Curse at work, the power that made far-ranging magics unstable in this land."

"IF you are going to do this," Histra says, eyeing Kal. "Then do it straightaway. If it fails and you require recovery, begin it sooner than later."

"I don't know if you decide what all the questions will be, Kal," Sem says. "Because you may need to change your question depending on the answers you receive."

Kal nods at this. "I also don't know if I'll be able to communicate with you while I'm communicating with her." Kal locks eyes with Belarin. "This is where I need you, my friend. You're better at this kind of thing than I am."

[Dave W.]

"Yes, of course," Adamant replies to Streko, "If there were an injury they would have called of one of us. I suppose I have been worried about Histra since her return… but, yes, Belarin called for Kal; they must be physically safe."

"So, the Psalm of Awaking Dawn. It is long but repetitive. It will become second nature in a few tries. And as I said, we can add a verse; it seems that the rhythm of the chant is basic fabric; that we continue weaving is more important than the perfection of the design."

Adamant will start teaching the chant there on the deck, only occasionally looking to the stairway leading down.

[Ken]

"Sure, Kal," says Belarin. "I'll do what I can."

He addresses Sem and Histra. "I understand the skepticism. Larest's 'survival' raises far more questions than his presumed death. We need to consider the reasons for it. I'm certainly not advocating a rescue mission. But we should consider what might have made him a valuable acquisition."

[Brian]

Kal waits to hear something from Kal, and when he doesn't get an answer, he tries again.

Kal, you have to give me something to work with. You can't expect us to simply ignore an outburst by Belarin. What is going on down there?

[Darren]

Aug 18, 2020 11:31:02 GMT -4 Brian said:

Kal waits to hear something from Kal, and when he doesn't get an answer, he tries again.

Kal, you have to give me something to work with. You can't expect us to simply ignore an outburst by Belarin. What is going on down there?

Coming, dear. Melethos can even hear Kal's laugh in his mind.

Kal smiles. "Okay, let's not hide anything else from the others then. They're getting anxious. Let's move this on deck."

Moving out to the ladder (I'm making an assumption that no one is objecting), Kal gathers everyone around him. "We need to talk..."

________________
Gonna pause here in case anyone has objections or has anything to say. Then Kal will lay out what they've learned and what the plan is.

[Jeff]

Histra and Sem have no objections. Sem especially seems happy to include the rest of the expedition party and Dragonfly clue.

But if you want to update everyone on what's going on, and want to do so without writing it all up, you should let me know what's not being said. I think both Belarin and Kal have discussed some things (like suspicions) that haven't been aired openly before, for example. Otherwise it's all coming out.

[Ken]

Once on deck, Belarin speaks up. "Sorry for getting everyone concerned - I get excited sometimes. But I had a good reason..." The warlock reiterates his original conversation with Kal, omitting the portion where he expressed earlier concerns about Sem.

"You know me," he continues. "My ratio of brilliant ideas to ridiculous ones is about 1-to-1. That's why I mentioned my idea to only Histra and Kal at first. No point in getting everyone excited for no reason." He then proceeds to describe his scrying attempt.

"Not all of you are familiar with the rules of magic," he says. "If Larest were truly dead, I shouldn't have contacted or heard anything. That said, there's ample reason for skepticism. As Sem points out, the region we're in can do some weird things to spells. But the fact that I reached someone is enough for me to consider the possibility that Larest is alive."

He looks to Kal and says, "Kal has some ideas about what to do next."

___________________

Belarin mentions nothing about suspicions, and he's leaving the discussion of the Keeper of Secrets to Kal.

[Darren]

Kal takes in a deep breath. "I told you all a bit about my experience back at the cave. When I was there, I was contacted by an....otherworldly being. Someone not of this plane. She calls herself the Keeper of Secrets and she claims to know things. Everything. I believe I can contact her, but it's not without risk. First of all," Kal grins, "I've never done this before. I think I know what to do, but let's be honest...my magic surprises even me sometimes. Now, I think that once the conduit is open, it works in both directions. I think one of the ways this Keeper gathers her secrets is through the minds of those who contact her. I don't know that for sure, but it's something to think about. And, there is a possibility I may lose my mind. I've never been in contact with a being from another plane like this." Kal laughs. "Dragons? Absolutely. But otherworld women? Nope."

Kalarian folds his arms. "Okay, that's the negatives. IF it all goes as planned, we can ask her anything we want, and I believe she will answer with the truth. I don't think we're going to get detailed answers. Yes or No questions are probably best. And I don't know how long the link will last, so we probably won't get many questions. We'll need to be specific. But I believe that asking a question such as, "Is Larest ir'Zathryn alive?" should yield a truthful answer of yes or no. From there we could ask, "Is Larest ir'Zathryn traveling with the vampire Major Krez?" We could even ask if the Eye is located where we think it is...."

Here Kal pauses, waiting to hear from the rest of the group.

[Brian]

Melethos's eyes widen at the mention of Larest possibly being alive. Why would he fake his death? Or did someone fake it for him? The man wasn't so powerful that he'd make a valuable hostage.

"Before we risk this Keeper of Secrets," he says when Kal finishes talking, "we need to know what we'd do with the answer. Are you thinking of a rescue mission? Giving up the Eye in favor of saving Larest? And that's assuming he wants to be saved. If we're not going to do something with the information, then it's not worth the risk of obtaining it."

[Darren]

Aug 18, 2020 14:05:43 GMT -4 Brian said:

Melethos's eyes widen at the mention of Larest possibly being alive. Why would he fake his death? Or did someone fake it for him? The man wasn't so powerful that he'd make a valuable hostage.

"Before we risk this Keeper of Secrets," he says when Kal finishes talking, "we need to know what we'd do with the answer. Are you thinking of a rescue mission? Giving up the Eye in favor of saving Larest? And that's assuming he wants to be saved. If we're not going to do something with the information, then it's not worth the risk of obtaining it."

Kal holds up his hands. "No, I don't intend to change our course, unless we are told that our course is wrong. But there is information we don't have and I don't like that. Any time our enemies know something we don't, it puts us at a disadvantage. I don't know why someone would fake Larest's death. But knowing that he's alive is not something I want to be surprised with when he suddenly shows up. Who knows what group he was mixed up with? Are we working for someone else and don't even know it? There's too many questions without answers."

[Jeff]

Starg stands against the gunwale as Kal and Belarin speak. When they are finished, lets out an angry snort, an uncharacteristic sound for the peaceable minotaur. He turns his back to everyone and grips the rail in his hands, visibly calming himself. "For what it is worth," he says, "I do not believe Larest was capable of deception. Nor do I believe this information entails his survival. But I do believe forces acted upon him. Perhaps he lives. But his fate is not of his volition."

Histra steps forward, her now-finished staff of bones in hand. She has, at this time, acquired (and altered) black robes again. They are not as shroud-like as those she used to wear, but they are lightweight and flowing. "I am doubtful Larest lives at all. I will suspect even the information you acquire from this otherworldly entity, Kalarian," she says to the Deneith heir, "But that does not mean it is not useful to have. This expedition employs great powers that many of our rivals do not share. We should make use of them. But have caution. We should not wait for more desperate times to attempt them. I am therefore in support of your attempt." She nods at Kal.

Sem sighs. He looks to be caught between worry and hope. "I suppose we don't want to be like those skeletons entombed in old Dhakaani ruins, impaled on spikes, potions still in their pockets. Unused, forever stoppered."

Kurra whistles. "You folks are steeped in magics I cannot understand. Have at it. Please just don't destroy our lovely ship."

Brack says, "What can we do to make sure you don't bring ruin upon yourselves? Especially with Long Shadows drawing close."

[Darren]

Kal looks sympathetically at Starg. "I didn't know Larest like you did. I had my reasons not to trust him. I was a victim of his deception, but I came to believe that his motives were never...bad. I don't suggest that he is complicit in any deception that may or may not have occurred. But if deception DID occur, then someone may be using him against his will, and it would be valuable to know that, too. And Histra, if he is truly dead, then let us find that out for certain and let him rest forever."

Sem's words, though, strike a chord with Kalarian. "Exactly, Sem. So think, my friends....what else do we want to know? Not just Larest. What information do we need?"

[Jeff]

Starg approaches Kal and nods. "I misspoke. He was a man of cozenage in his own way. He deceived all of you, and without knowing it some of us"—he indicates himself, Histra, and Sem—"were party to it. I meant to say, deception of this sort does not characterize him. I believe, at heart, he was wished to learn and he thrived beside like-minded individuals. I met him under such circumstances, and he persuaded me without trickery to join his quest. He wanted to find the Eye of Azalar to learn from it, to better society. I think he would have done right by many had he succeeded."

The minotaur leaves it at that.

[Dave W.]

"I do not know how to process this. Alive? A faked disintegration? The possibility of it is... astonishing."

"I agree, we can not go to rescue him. However if he is alive I suspect he will come... or be brought... to us. We should not go off to rescue him... if however, our paths cross I think we should be prepared to... umm, capture I suppose... him. If he is being used we should free him; if he is against us... we should be ready to deal with him as a very dangerous enemy."

"In any event, getting more information would seem wise. I don't know how to judge the danger to you Kal. Perhaps I should stand near in case my Lady will extend her protection to you even while you send your mind far afield?"

"I am still stunned."

[Joe]

"Gods Below be Damned! I did not prepare my own scrying spell, or I would have asked to follow up on your attempt to see if the attempt was similar or if the magics misdirected. This is something we should have known about prior to your attempt. With Long Shadows approaching, my own attempt at scrying shouldn't be attempted for another three days at least. You should have trusted us, Belarin. I would also have been able to commune with Olladra or one of her proxies. Of course, I would need to prepare for such an event and if I had been made aware, as I feel I should have been, we might have more answers now.

He sighs heavily. "Having now scolded you...all of you...I am heartened that you come to us now with this. I agree that it should be attempted now. How can we help?" He looks to Kal and arches an eyebrow. "Can we help?"

[Ken]

"There's still tomorrow morning, Streko," says Belarin simply, "if this doesn't work.

"Adamant, I'm sure your presence would be a boon to Kal. We should do this soon."

He looks over to Shorak. "Anything from you?"

[Dave B.]

Shorak looks at Belarin, thoughtfully. "I am not one to turn down a chance to learn something that may be of great use to me or those I rely on. So, yes, ply your magics." He looks from Belarins to Kal. "If you need me to assist in defending you during your ritual, so be it. If not, I would like to get back to smoking those ribs and fininshing the crow's nest."

[Darren]

Kal draws in a deep breath, then exhales quickly. "Okay. Let's do this here, then. Streko, Adamant...if you would stay by me, it would be a great comfort. Belarin and Sem, I need you here, too, to help guide the questions. Melethos and Shorak, don't go far, but keep an eye on things. I won't have long where the conduit is open, but if there is a question you want answered based on what you hear, I need you nearby."

Kalarian sits cross-legged on the deck, drawing forth Skyfang and placing it on the ground in front of him. "Before I begin," he says, looking at Sem and Belarin, "what is the first question we want answered? Is Larest ir'Zathryn alive? If the answer is yes, what is the next question?"

[Jeff]

Where on the deck is Kal situating himself?

Darren: I'm going to address any input Kal receives in the private thread, but you can relay anything back here as normal. I'll keep them sychronized.

[Dave W.]

"I think one of us might add a Bless as well; just in case."

"I am not clever with these things but I will say that I would start with asking if he is alive, yes. Maybe something like 'Is he willingly working against us' could follow?"

---

Joe, do you want to cast Bless on Kal before he does his thing? And extra d4 on saves vs "Make Catatonic" won't hurt.

[Darren]

Aug 19, 2020 16:05:33 GMT -4 Jeff said:

Where on the deck is Kal situating himself?

Darren: I'm going to address any input Kal receives in the private thread, but you can relay anything back here as normal. I'll keep them sychronized.

Let's say right by the main mast. That gives him the farthest distance to have to run to jump overboard.

[Ken]

Aug 19, 2020 15:52:43 GMT -4 Darren said:

Kalarian sits cross-legged on the deck, drawing forth Skyfang and placing it on the ground in front of him. "Before I begin," he says, looking at Sem and Belarin, "what is the first question we want answered? Is Larest ir'Zathryn alive? If the answer is yes, what is the next question?"

Belarin looks at Histra. Her advice has helped him when he's asked questions of the dead.

"The first question should be 'What is the location of Larest ir'Zathryn?'" he says to Kal. "That alone might answer the question of whether he's alive. After we get that settled... I don't know. Ask about the cogship? Ask about the location of the Eye? As Histra said, if we're going to use this potential advantage, we should ask questions that'll get us to the Eye."

[Jeff]

By the time of this discussion, Kurra and Shorak have the rebuilt crow's nest in place. Simply getting it up there with new ropes and rope ladders was the hard part. Bot halfdrow and dwarf are exhausted. But Kurra sits now, watching Kal from afar.

Shorak has already got the boar smoking by this point, and the smell of it dominates the ship.

Aug 19, 2020 20:43:06 GMT -4 Ken said:

Belarin looks at Histra. Her advice has helped him when he's asked questions of the dead.

"I will be with you," Histra says to Belarin. But he can see she's more interested to see what happens than to partake of it. She understands the dead, less so extraplanar powers...if that is indeed what Kal is attempting to reach. It's not something either of them understands.

Tangat sits at Kal's feet, intent upon being with him, closer than anyone.

Thul summons the Hammer of Syndra and rests it upon his shoulder, then fishes out his pipe to observe from nearby.

Calirataia watches for a moment, then fades from view.

It is late, late afternoon. The sun is in swift descent.

Where will Adamant be, and Streko, and if any other spells are being cast, this is the time.

[Brian]

Melethos moves to stand behind Kal, ready to intervene if necessary.

"Be careful, Kal," he says. "Gathering answers is good but not worth the risk of losing you. If this doesn't go well, end the communion. Or call for help. Agreed?"