Chapter 1: A Peaceable Kingdom

[Joe]

Irritated, confused and saddened by the departure of Oss, Streko steps between Kal and Taymra.

"For the love of the Twelve would you PLEASE stop this bickering? Some of us have barely survived our latest encounters, one of the group has gone UNWITTINGLY missing and another has decided to romp off on his own! At this point, I'm thinking that my oath to assist you is meaningless, as no one here seems interested in doing the same thing! I have my own quest, my own needs and an injured sister who may or may not be involved in all this and I am prepared to delay that quest to discover why we are all being summarily stalked with murderous intent because of a book we know nothing about!

Now, before you start BICKERING again about plans and such...I suggest we decide who really wishes to undertake this mission and who wishes to walk away again! After which, I am going to get some sleep, otherwise I might see fit to simply jump from this machine in mid-flight! Goran? Are you leading us or is Kal? Who is willing to lead us, keep us together and remind us why we are all here? For Olladra's sake..."

Streko seems on the verge of continuing his rant, but takes a deep breath instead, then steps over to the far wall and slides down until he is sitting with his knees at his chin. He is very much wired and, while exhausted and drained, he waits to see if his words have any effect.

[Darren]

Kal places his hand on Streko's shoulder in a sympathetic gesture. When he speaks, his voice is very calm and reasonable. "I wasn't going anywhere, Taymra. I have no more need to be in Passage than I do in Fairhaven. All I'm saying is that we know our enemies are following us, so what makes us think they won't just follow us to Passage? People are likely to get killed no matter where we go, simply because they are somewhere near us." He looks around and says, "I feel somewhat guilty just for being on this rail. Passengers are probably going to die."

Kalarian remains silent for a moment. It's not clear if he is feeling guilty about his last statement or if he is simply trying to digest his emotions. Finally, he looks up. "Alright. If we're going to Passage, let's have an idea in mind for what to do when we get there. We have no leads in Passage. Certainly, we have fewer leads than we did in Fairhaven. So we need to start gathering whatever information we can. I think that when we arrive, we should head to the Orien enclave first. Grafth, I know you have business to attend to in Passage, so when we arrive, if you wish to do that, we can either accompany you or you can take care of it and meet up with us, whichever you choose. I think we need to find out whatever the Orien people in Passage know regarding the crash and Malov. I've sent word regarding Malov and the attack to House Deneith, so they will look into the lead the rogue gave us. Maybe that will yield some information. I still maintain that we need to draw our enemies out into the open. Hopefully one of the Orien people in Passage will have some information that will help us with that."

[Jeremy]

Goran's eyes are closed as he leans his head back on his seat, enjoying the moment of comfort. Finally he speaks up.

"Streko, my friend, stop driving yourself nuts. Just because we're occassionally disagreeing doesn't mean we're always 'bickering'." He smiles.

"We're just working it out. Bickering is when we're yelling uselessly at each other when time is running out, okay? So let's all stop being so touchy and lightning-reactive to every single thing that someone else says, how about that?"

His tone is clearly friendly, not accusatory, just for the record.

He opens his eyes, rather bloodshot, and leans forward.

"Now, we're on our way to Passage, so let's decide what we're going to do when we get to Passage, yes? What are the key problems? Well... [he speaks as though making a list]

"People, or machines, keep trying to kill us. That's a problem."

"Someone wants this book we have...and wants it in the worst way."

"We have the book, but don't know what in the Hells it is, nor how to use it to our advantage, nor why this creep wants it so badly."

"We're now short TWO of our original group," he looks at Streko and Tamyra "but at least for now we seem to have broken even."

"Streko's sister must be found, and I have a feeling we will find her accidentally caught up in this nightmare, though I hold out hope that she is still alive and well."

"Let's see...oh yes, so this creep seems to know where we are at all times and, if memory serves, the fellow from whom we got this book seemed to think they could HEAR us too. If true, that's bad. Thus it follows to list last the fact that we cannot yet figure out how to sever the link between our pursuer and this thing he wants."

"And we're all exhausted...and beat up...and, apparently, still bickering."

Goran leans his head back, obviously tired as all hell. He mumbles...

"Did I miss anything? Suggestions?"

"In my opinion, we need to break that link, first and foremost. No more questioning people who end up dead, no more running around spraying people with magic...we figure out, BEFORE we get to Passage, how to break the link then we just damn well do it when we get there."

"I'll take first watch, I got a little sleep at the inn...ten years ago or whenever that was."


He turns again to Streko with a smile.

"I will lead, if you wish it. But it is difficult for any of us to lead when none of us has any idea what's really going on...and all of us seem to have different motivations. You, yourself, have your own agenda and needs, which is quite understandable. So you can see how difficult it is for any one person to lead. For now, I suggest that Kal and I lead the group, with Tamyra as our guide and counsel."

---

I just added the orange to make this odd format easier for everyone to read. Goran is speaking to everyone.

[Josh]

"If anything, moving locations might buy us a bit of time, so that we are striking first, rather than reacting to constant attacks."

He clears his throat. "I have business in Passage that I must conclude- this was and is my reason for traveling there. I would feel much more at ease if I could finish that first- and it should take mere moments once we arrive.

"My opinion is this: Our first order of business is to secure the book in some sort of shield, so that we are not tracked. Next, we should contact the Watch in Passage and let them know that terrorists are abroad, and they should take extra care. Whether this is done anonymously or in person, they need to be able to protect their citizens.

"Third, we figure out what that book is... and why they want it. Then we decide what to do with it."

[Jeff]

Taymra nods her head at Grafth's and Goran's words, then turns to everyone. "Listen, I have no agenda. From the start I've been offering you my help. I have Orien's interests at heart, because I won't tolerate seeing innocent people harmed or killed while under our protection."

She gestured at the lightning rail itself. "My house was hit hard during the war. Rail lines were sabotaged or destroyed, and people could not freely travel from one nation to another. Just two years after the war, we're finally getting things back together."

"Let me be your voice for House Orien. I know some people in Passage, and I can help secure transportation if we need to go elsewhere."

To Kal she says, "No one's going to die on this rail. Not this time. I know for a fact that two house wizards and a Blade of Orien are aboard seeing to security personally."

"I agree with Goran. We...you...need a plan, and that's a good start."

"Also, who is this Malov you keep mentioning? That bastard rogue mentioned him, too. You think he's our enemy?"

[Joe]

Properly chastised, Streko nods his head.

"Forgive my outburst. I am tired, sore and gravely concerned. I've been near death and the Host knows I'm not ready for THAT to happen again any time soon. I agree that our first and most important task now is to shield us from prying eyes...and ears.

"Passage is where my sister was headed...and in the direction that Malov was possibly travelling. I suspect that, if she has recovered from her injuries, she would wish to continue with her mission. If we can FIND her, she can tell us where she was supposed to meet Malov once her task was concluded...and then, perhaps, we can solve this Six-be-Damned mystery before someone else gets injured."

He turns briefly to Grafth.

"Grafth, I will be by your side should you wish my company in concluding your business in Passage."

Back to the group, Streko takes a deep breath and continues his oratory...

"Then, there is the task of attempting to locate your missing friend...the human...I can't recall his name...the one who's room exploded. He cannot be forgotten in all this, even though he is no longer with us. Oss left of his own accord. I doubt that your friend can say the same."

Streko yawns, then blushes.

"My apologies. Olladra knows I've babbled enough to make even my own eyes weak with exhaustion. I shall support any endeavor decided upon, short of waltzing into Khyber and asking The Fury to dance."

Taymra says something that catches Streko's attention. "House wizards? Did you say...? Can you get them to loan us the use of a lead box? If they have one, that can go along way to keeping us safe. Can you do this quickly? If so, upon your return, I will gladly tell you the story of Malov that we know of to this point."

[Joe]

Jeff, how long is travel time to Passage again?

[Jeff]

12 hours. Arrival is scheduled for noon the next day.

[Josh]

At Streko's yawn, Grafth, too, stretches his jaw wide.

The shifter looks at Taymra, "We know very little about this 'Malov', only that he has red hair and is a powerful enemy. That may not even be his real name- but after the last two days, we believe he may very well be behind the attacks on the rail, on us, and yourself, this evening. All we know is that he was on the rail when it was attacked... presumably with Streko's sister..."

At that thought he pauses, then his eyes flash in remembrance. "Dhaz, you said that the red-haired man and the halfling actually weren't traveling together on the rail! Can you tell us more about that?"

[Lara]

Pellorien yawns and takes a seat. While the discussions go on, she pulls out the book to examine some more. When the discussion lulls, she says, "I agree with most of what's been said here. This book --" she holds the book up and shakes it briefly "-- must have some clues in it. Are you sure that the name Daen ir'Turian doesn't ring a bell?"

A scrap of paper falls from the pages of the book, catching her eye. She picks it up and looks at it a moment. "Hmm... has anyone ever heard of the forest of secrets?" She holds up the scrap of paper.

[Jeff]

The lightning rail at last lurches into motion....the steady hum of the elemental and the fluid buoyancy of the coach. You are leaving the Fairhaven station for the second time.

At Streko's words, Taymra laughs heartily—mostly from weariness and stress—wiping her eyes from the tears. "My dear Streko...I don't think the wizards typically carry with them specially-designed lead boxes when they're on duty, on the off chance that a passenger is carrying something that someone else has marked with a location spell." She smiles at him, meaning no mockery.

"But, I do have an idea where we can get something like this when we reach Passage. So here's a thought: when we arrive, most of you stay right there in the station, in a public place, with the book." She looks pointedly at Pellorien. "Grafth, you can take care of whatever business you need to. I will find us our lead shielding. Then we meet again, 'hide' the book, and choose the next location."

[Jeff]

Taymra looks to Pellorien as the other woman holds up the scrap of paper.

This is what it looks like:

"That was there in the book?" She reads the paper, then sits back in the seat, thinking. "....Daen ir'Turian. I think ir'Turian is a bit familiar. An old noble house based out of...well, Fairhaven. I could probably find out more at the Orien enclave."

[Jeff]

Sorry, I missed Josh's post. Here's an update:

________________________

Dhaz sits up from one of the beds. He still looks woozy, but he's clearly paying attention. He returns Grafth's gaze.

"There was no red-haired human on our coach. I'd remember that. But...after the crash—mind you, I don't remember much of that—I remember walking off...trying to figure out where I was." He taps his head. "I wasn't....all there at the time, if'n you know what I mean."

"I was the only one moving...thought I was the only one alive, so I started off for help, or...or for something. I nearly crossed paths with a man...a human. He's your red head. He was walking with a smile on his face toward the crash. Something wasn't right about him, I couldn't make sense of it. So I steered out of his path. He didn't see me."

[Joe]

"Taymra, first of all, I must take some responsibility for this, if indeed Malov is involved. It is possible that he is a man that I rescued from what I thought, at first, was a simple mugging. I discovered this red-haired human who called himself Malov was, at the time, assaulted by a bounty hunter, who after incapacitating him, raced off to find the Watch. I healed Malov, who informed me that he had an urgent meeting with a female halfling, who ended up being my sister. She was on her way to Passage on the lightning rail, running some urgent errand. Malov was supposed to meet her after her job was complete, on a road outside Passage. Since then, we have all heard of rumblings concerning Malov as being a major crime lord responsible for sending that rogue after us for this book. He was honorable, at least to me. He kept his word about bringing me to my sister, and part of me is grateful to him for that. After such a long time....to see her again...."

He takes a deep breath, shakes his head, as if to clear the cobwebs, and continues.

"It is my belief that Varna, may the Sovereigns bless her, might have been taking this book, or been with others who were taking this book, to Passage, to deliver it to someone as yet unknown to us...perhaps in exchange for something else that might help Malov with his own agenda. This is all supposition on my part, and I am exhausted, so take that for what you will. Perhaps I can think of more in the morning. For now, I'm afraid the rocking of the rail is making me feel much like an infant. My eyes wish for nothing more than sleep...and I fear the rest of me shall follow momentarily."

___________________________________________

Streko is gonna crash...hard (no pun nor prophecy intended). In the morning, he will pray and inquire as to what, if anything, he missed. Good night all....

[Josh]

"I'll take second watch," says Grafth, trying to get a bit more comfortable in the rail car. "Wake me up in a few hours."

He looks back at the book, and at Streko. A shadow of thought crosses his face, but it quickly dissolves into fatigue.


_____________________________________
Zzzzzzzzzz....

[Jeremy]

Goran listens intently to Streko's words about Malov, while politely beckoning to Pellorien to see the paper that just fell out of the book. His voice is a bit quieter now, noting the passengers (including everyone's favorite sniffer) nodding off.

"Streko, if that really was Malov whom you healed, and he was an honorable fellow as you perceived, then it wouldn't be the first time that this business has cast an evil glare on persons or houses that not a shred of genuine evidence exists to connect them with it. That is to say, it is possible that once again we are being led towards the wrong person. A wise subterfuge always finds elsewhere to point the blame...sometimes three or four levels deep, if you get my meaning."

"That said, all our best guesses still point towards him."

Assuming Pellorien hands him the paper, Goran studies it intently, not just what's written on it, but the paper itself, the handwriting, the ink, etc.

---

Jeff, would a Knowledge: Dungeoneering check help here, since there is a map? Or perhaps Knowledge: Nature would help re: the location mentioned. Who knows.

Also, Goran will wake Grafth in five hours to change "shifts".

[Lara]

Pellorien hands the paper to Goran. "Careful with it. It's just a scrap."

She watches him for a moment, then flips through the pages of the book. "I don't know where it was in the book. What if it was marking some pages that are important?"

She yawns then turns her attention back to Goran. "Do those words mean anything to you?" She yawns again. "I must be more tired than I thought... Do you want help with keeping watch, or would you mind if I sleep? I could use the rest." She yawns again.

[Jeff]

Taymra unfolds a rough map of Khorvaire and lays it on the low table between the beds so it can be used as a point of reference. Conversation begins to wane as various members of your group nod off with the slight sway of the lightning rail and the ambient drone of the elemental: first Streko, then Grafth, then Dhaz...

"Pellorien, can I hold onto this for a while?" She points to the scrap of paper.

Taymra stares out the window for a while. About a half hour into the ride, she dims the lantern. A short while later, for those still awake, she points out the window. "This is where the coach broke off," she says quietly.

Those still awake can see that a temporary camp—of Orien agents—has been made along the countryside by the crashed rail.

Tangat hops up onto one side of the bed Kal is sitting on, curls up, and drops into a deep sleep. A muffled woof occassionally interrupts his steady breathing, his paws twitching in reflex.

"I think there is more to work out, but I suppose there'll be time in the morning."

If there is anything anyone else wishes to say before passing the night....

______________________________

Dungeoneering can't help with a simple map, nor can Nature place it on one. Knowledge (geography) is the closest you can get, which only Grafth and Streko have. Neither are examining the scrap of paper at this time.

So the only thing you have as a reference is the map of Khorvaire. Consider this map, minus the numbers and scale, to represent each character's knowledge/memory combined with the occassional Khorvaire map posted in various public places—and, of course, Taymra's own map.

[Jeremy]

Goran looks kindly at the exhausted Pellorien.

"Go to sleep. You can all sleep, I have much to think about, and have had a little sleep not too long ago. I can watch us all, and I'll wake Grafth in a few hours to take over."

---

Goran will keep alert as best he can. Remember he slept for at least an hour at the Inn before last night's craziness began. And he's had lots of tea! He will occasionally peek out into the corridor, but keep a sharp eye (and ear) on windows, the corridor, etc. He will wake Grafth in five hours or, if he really feels as though he cannot keep his lids open any longer, he will wake him earlier. Better than that falling asleep at the switch!

[Darren]

"There were trained Deneith guards on the last rail," Kalarian mumbles in response to Taymra's words regarding the Orien guards.

"As for the locating spell, unless our enemies are already aboard the rail right now, moving to Passage should actually throw them off temporarily. Remember, they have to stay close in order to track the book. Judging by our encounter on the platform, though, I'd say they know we're here and where we're going."

Sitting down next to Pellorien, Kal says, "Mind if I have a look at that with you?" He points towards the book. "Maybe if we put our heads together, we can make some sense of it."

__________
I don't believe Kal has actually seen inside of the book, yet. Whatever appropriate Knowledge checks would apply here would be good, hopefully with a bonus from Pellorien.

[Lara]

darren said:

Sitting down next to Pellorien, Kal says, "Mind if I have a look at that with you?" He points towards the book. "Maybe if we put our heads together, we can make some sense of it."

Pellorien's mouth opens in a wide yawn. Through heavy eyelids, she regards Kalarian for a long moment before responding.

"I'm going to sleep now. You probably need rest, too. Let's start over in the morning, please."

[Jeff]

Goran takes the first watch....with all of his companions asleep, the darkened stateroom and soothing ambience of the rail, by the end of his shift it's rather difficult to stay awake. But the sheer tranquility of this time is wonderful. So many hours straight without interruptions of any kind.

Grafth takes over five hours later, and Goran drops like a rock. Midway through his shift, the lightning rail stops at a station situated halfway between Fairhaven and Passage. Only a handful of people disembark or board the rail at this time; but evidently such stations are used to check the rail for any issues, as well as allow passengers from the countryside to board.

It moves on again without delay. As Grafth sits in solitude, free to write in his journal, sleep continues to call to him. He needs a bit more. Two hours later, Dhaz wakes. The other shifter sits up, blinks his eyes wide a few times, then looks around at everyone else (half the group is sleeping in the other stateroom, though). He puts one hand to his face, meets Grafth's eye, and smiles a toothy grin.

"I'll take it from here, capt'n. Get some hibernation, eh?"

As Grafth fades back to sleep, he glimpses Dhaz doing some unusual stretches...

......

Wir, the 4th of Rhaan 998 YK

Morning slides into your consciousness pleasantly. Each of you wakes at a different hour—and each of you needing to slip out to the nearby privy at each waking. (Tangat accompanies Kal, and in fact is the one to wake him up with some good-natured whining.)

The first thing Taymra says to Kal, with a half-smile: "No attacks yet, d'Deneith." She stares around at the group with a curious look on her face, then leaves the stateroom. She returns a short while later with two Orien servers and several trays worth of baked goods!

Aundairian pastries, cream-filled fried dough, three types of bread, and some sort of oatmeal. "At least let my house handle your breakfast." The Orien servers disappear, leaving you with your mini feast.

"We've only a few hours left. Shall we finalize our thoughts?"

Bright sunlight streams in through the stateroom windows. There's a blue sky, white puffy clouds, and more rolling green and yellow countryside.
______________________________

Streko can pray and prepare his spells for the day (Joe, just post in your character sheet thread which ones you're choosing).

Everyone heals 3 hit points from natural healing. Everyone's at full health.

Kal can take a stab at Spellcraft and Knowledge (arcana) if he can look at the book, but Pellorien's already done her best so he's on his own.

[Jeremy]

Goran thanks Tamyra, looks at the spread and suddenly laughs.

"Quick, everyone...grab something before the esteemed Grafth inhales it!" he gives the shifter a wink, and fairly inhales his breakfast.

Finishing his last bite with sticky fingers, the half-elf is much pleased and leans back again, staring out the window of the coach.

"I slept as I haven't for some time." he mumbles while yanking at a stubborn tangle in his hair. "Perhaps I should engage in slaughter and adventures more often. Does me a power of good for my night's sleep!"

Goran will seek some kind of hot tea. He's still muttering...

"...what I wouldn't do for a pipefull and some soft music..."

[Darren]

Kal gives Taymra a mocking half-smile at her comment. He turns to Pellorien with a questioning look. "The book?"

[Joe]

Morning constitution complete, prayer-obligation fulfilled and tummy rumbling, Streko returns to the cabin, graciously thanks Taymra for her and her house's hospitality, and dives in to the food.

"I feel like a new halfling!" he says mirthfully, before stuffing his mouth with a pastry and following it up with some oatmeal.

While eating, he notices Kal looking at the book Pellorian has been holding on to. He steps over to them. "Might I assist you, Kal? I have some experience with arcane writings."

____________________________________________

Streko will attempt to use his arcane knowledge to help solve the book's riddle. Also, he will use up his Mending Spell to fix his clothing, which was so rudely speared just above his heart just a few short hours ago...

[Lara]

Pellorien digs through her bag and offers Kalarian the book.

"It might be better if I don't show you what Fenwolt and I figured out. I mean, you bring a fresh perspective to the material... If we guessed wrong at anything, or if I explain things poorly, then you could be led astray in your understanding of its magic, too."

She reaches for a pastry. "It might be better if we confer after you've looked through it."

To Taymra she says, "Thank you, Taymra. These --" she indicates the filled pastry in her hand "-- are my favorite!"

So saying, she reaches for another pastry.

[Jeff]

Kal settles in for a good look through the book. Ten minutes in he realized what he's up against—some very complex arcana. Twenty minutes later he's feel baffled.

The book is entirely filled with notes, diagrams, and sketches. The only thing he feels sure about is that most of the magical theory packed into this journal of notes involves the Conjuration school of magic. Some of the diagrams may actually depict conjuring circles, patterns used to summon creatures from other planes. Not unlike the elementals conjured by the gnomes of Zilargo which are bound into objects or vehicles (like the lightning rail itself). He can't determine what kind of creatures such summoning circles would involve or what planes they may draw from.

After thirty minutes, Kal's head hurts from looking through the book. It reminds him why he prefers the sorcery of innate magic to the studious rituals of a wizard! But, as this book proves, a great deal more research and development is available to wizards.

Yet none of his magical understanding applies to the scrap of paper with its message and its threadbare map.

Taymra taps the window. "Not far now. Anything else we need to discuss?"

_________________________

Kal's Spellcraft = 21

[Jeff]

When Streko peruses the book, he reaches a similar conclusion: that conjuration magic is predominant in the arcane theory. Beyond that, he can deduce no more. It's simply beyond his level of understanding.

"So no one has any ideas about this little poem?" Taymra says, indicating the scrap of paper.
________________________________

Streko's Spellcraft check = 10

Sorry, Joe. When I post it doesn't always mean I'm "done."

[Josh]

Grafth, finishing off his oatmeal and tucking a roll into his coat pocket with only a mild attempt at discretion, takes another look at the scrap of paper that Pellorien found the night before.

________________
Knowledge Check?

[Jeff]

Grafth has no special insight about the scrap of paper beside what it shows. He's never heard of a "forest of secrets," at least not by such a name. The map portion is merely a map. It looks like it could be a keep of some kind.

Dhaz has shown no interest in the book, but when the scrap of paper is produced, he cocks his head. "Any chance what these freaks want is just that piece of paper and not the book at all?"

_________________________

Grafth's Knowledge (geography) = 9