Chapter 3: The Enemy Within

[Jeff]

Sickbay

"Let's chat, shall we? Man to man?"

"Please," he says again, "sit. Let's talk."

"All right, Kal. Let's do that," Pel says in a pouting voice. She let's her hair fall in front of her eyes as she sits down in a girlish manner. "Let's play the information game, wherein you try to learn things from me without revealing anything yourself. It promises to be fun."

"I'll give you a free one, first," she goes on, crossing one leg over the other. "Every body I possess becomes host to...let's call it a parasite. Some bodies are more resistant than others, and last for whole days before physical deterioration sets in. I guess we'll see how healthy dear Pel is. Meanwhile, her wonderfully malleable body is mine."

"Your turn, d'Deneith. What's your move? Creep away and consult with the others—sensible Grafth, melodramatic Streko, wayward Goran, or any of these new friends whose lives you've condemned? What then? Form a plan of action against me and whatever threat you believe I pose? Or will you be a real man and deal with me yourself?"

Pel smiles and winks flirtatiously at Kal. "You have me all to yourself. Why not ask your puppy dog to step outside?" She looks to Amal, then down at Tangat. "Although Tangat can stay. He's a good boy."

Tangat sits tall at Kal's legs, ears flattened back, his lips curling back as he growls at her.

Wheelhouse

Indeed, Goran and Torhak are below, prying apart your crates. If you'd like to make an attempt to stop them, be my guest.

Ralsor laughs bitterly. "Why not? I've got at least two dragonmarked houses after me. Why not a private wealthy noble, too?"

"I can't help but notice that there is some tension aboard this ship... did something happen while we were away?"

"Ah, just a little lovers spat. Pel imitated Misha, Misha didn't like it, you know how women are. Misha's mad at me for getting involved in all this. That's all. So the next question is, food."

He walks over to his wall map of Khorvaire and taps the little black dot of Windshire. "If we make a straight line to the Whisper Woods, there's not much for us finding foodstores. I don't want to move any more to the east...too close to Fairhaven. It sounds like that's not a good place for us right now. If we veer to the west, we could reach another town, such as Wyr or Riverweep...they're even more backwater than Windshire. Or...we go somewhere else, the Chanthwood perhaps, and find our own. Can any of your companions hunt? I can't."

Lever and Mist, neither of whom require sustenance, say nothing.

Cargo Deck

Between Goran and Torhak, the lid of crate E breaks free...

Something squat and swollen, and poised on the ground as if walking on all fours, stands amidst the packing powder. Like an overweight human with surprisingly long limbs, clawlike appendages at their ends, and a very bizarre head with very large round eyes. And of course, wholly rendered in stone.

Matheu hops over to the crate it lies within, snaking his neck down to view it better. Two large eyes, and two sets of additional, smaller eyes. This is an ettercap, a forest-dwelling aberration that combines human and spider physiology. Loathsome.

[Jeff]

Wheelhouse

"As for your changeling friend," Ralsor adds. "Well, you know your enemy better than I do right now. If she needs to be confined, we'll do it. Be sure to have your friends clear that room of any of her equipment and weapons, and I'll see what I can find to bind her with. We can definitely lock the door." He pats his pocket, and Grafth hears jingle of keys.

[Darren]

"No, Malov," Kal says, unfazed by the creature in front of him, "you're not really my type." He smiles at her. "You know we still have your precious book, right? You want it back, don't you? We thought perhaps we would just destroy it right now. Want to watch?"

[Jeff]

Sickbay

"I wonder that you haven't done so already," Pel says with a shrug. "I scent uncertainty as to its purpose or value."

[Josh]

Wheelhouse

"I assume that Goran can hunt, and I should have no problem doing so. I cannot decide for the group, however, and am unfamiliar with the western territory. How much time until we need to make a decision? I can try to gather the others below and decide on a plan."

[Darren]

"Ah, you've got me there, Malov. I have no idea what use the book is. All the more reason to be rid of it. Why don't you tell me what it's for, hm? I bet House Deneith might find it to be of value."

[Jeff]

Wheelhouse

Ralsor stares at the distance. The low-hanging fog has mostly cleared from the Thunderhead's path, but the rainy sky still obscures vision. "We should be flying over the Charnwood in two or three hours. At any point thereafter we can go in low for hunting.

Sickbay

"Yes," Pel replies with a nasty laugh. "Let's check with House Deneith, shall we? I'm sure we can find an enclave or an agent around somewhere, in just about any town or city. Let's."

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Note to all: Click here.

[mike]

"Loathsome indeed." Torhak cocks his head and stares at the stone ettercap in wonder. "A nobleman who would want such things ... lives, locked away in stone ... it is monstrous. That, or he is a fool, if he does not know what his gold has purchased."

The dwarf turns away from the crate, and begins looking for other tools - hammers, nails, and the like. "I fear that no answers will be found within the crate," Torhak says. "They will either come from our captain, or from the one who bought the crates and their contents."

"Best to close these crates up again, at least as best we can."

[Josh]

Grafth sets out to talk to the others about the possibility of food. Seeing Streko, still on the deck, he props up his collar and sets out into the damp afternoon air.

"You look absolutely wretched, friend," the shifter remarks. "Perhaps some hot drink can soothe your mind?"

Grafth looks out at the landscape beyond them. "All is not lost, Streko. We will do what must be done to stop Malov, and to reunite you with your sister, but to do so, we must remain strong."

He leans against the rail, "And right now, I think what we need more than anything is a good meal. Come with me; let's see if we can convince the others to do a little hunting... somehow I feel like heading to another town is the last thing we need right now."

[Joe]

At the sound of Grafth's voice, Streko feels a weight on his shoulder's shift slightly. At the mention of food, his stomach rumbles.

"Malov needs my assistance to do something. He said as much and threatened my sister's life if I didn't comply."

He looks up at Grafth. "What am I to do with such a choice? How can I be trusted to do the right thing, whilst my sister suffers at that monster's hands and I might be able to end that?"

"I know I am not alone in this journey, dear friend. I know that, truly. But, upon hearing his words through Pel's voice, I cannot help but feel that way. I would not wish any harm to come to YOU as well through my actions or inactions."

He takes in a deep breath. "But you are right about one thing. There are no answers out here in the rain."

He takes Grafth's hand in his. "Thank you, Grafth. Now, lead on. We shall find us some food and warm our hearts and dispel this evil that threatens to consume us all."

[Jeff]

Torhak is able to find the sundry tools needed to do a rough job of repacking the opened crates. As Matheu watches him do this, he says, Do you know about the Mourning that occurred in Khorvaire's Year of the Kingdom 994? The Khorovar* mentioned it earlier to you, but having been uncrated yourself earlier today, I am assuming you have not yet heard the news.

___________________________

*Again, this is just a very formal word for half-elves of Khorvaire, a race that breeds true that is a mixture of elves and humans, not likely human and elf parents.

[mike]

Mike knows a little bit about it - and a bit about Cyre, since he's been reading up on Eberron ... however, since Torhak doesn't ... ;D

"The Mourning? No," says Torhak. "Is it a place, or a person? Or an event?"

[Jeff]

Cargo Deck

Even Matheu pauses for a moment, as if in consideration for what he must say. Through his telepathic voice, Torhak hears a measure of aloof lament. Even Goran can hear it.

The Mourning....is all three, the pseudodragon begins. A day of great destruction not seen in an age or more. Even the elder dragons of Argonnessen do not know it's cause, though there are always those who claim they do. In that year, a cataclysmic event occurred, originating near the center of Cyre, some believe in the city of Making, other believe the city of Metrol. The blast of arcane energy slew every living man and woman of almost every race—dwarf, human, elf, gnome, halfling, all of them—from border to border. What was once Cyre is now considered the Mournland, for it is a wasteland of death and twisted magic. The bodies of the fallen still lie fresh, they do not decompose. The citizens of Cyre, and all invading armies at the time—all of them dead. Magic is wild and rampant within the borders of dead-gray mist that now mark the land. It is a vast and perilous tomb of treasures and anomalies.

It is despair for those who venture within, Matheu adds in a quieter tone. I thought you should know. The Day of Mourning ruined many lives and its legacy continues throughout every corner of this world in some form or another. Cyre is no more. It was one of the fearful events that sobered the remaining Five Nations and brought about the peace talks that ended the Last War. Many still wonder if the Mourning could happen again. If so, who would be the next victim? And when?

Torhak knows that Clan Narathun was the clan with the strongest ties to Cyre. And while his clan, Droranath, often feuded with Narathun (the latter claims that Droranath reneged on some business deal centuries ago), it's easy for imagine what such an event as the total destruction of Cyre would have done to Narathunhold's coffers...not to mention the lords who had friends among Cyre or were visiting Cyre itself on that day.

[Darren]

admin said:

"Yes," Pel replies with a nasty laugh. "Let's check with House Deneith, shall we? I'm sure we can find an enclave or an agent around somewhere, in just about any town or city. Let's."

"Come now, Malov. Neither of us are fools, are we? Don't talk to me like I'm one of your ignorant henchmen. You know full well that we don't have any real idea what you are up to, but we also know that you need what we have. So what would you have me do, wizard?"

[Josh]

Grafth and Streko head downstairs. As they reach the level containing the passenger's quarters, the shifter signals for them to pause.

"When I last checked," he whispers, "Kalarian was speaking to Pel, but it was clear to me that Pel's personality was not in control at that time. Let's leave them be for the moment, and find Goran and the dwarf."

They move down into the cargo hold. Grafth can't help but notice that more crates have been opened, but he chooses to ignore it for the time being.

"Who here is interested in hunting some game that presents more of a challenge? Perhaps a moving target would interest you, Goran? We're going to need food for the next few days, and our captain suggested a brief hunting expedition. What say you?"

[Jeff]

Sickbay

So what would you have me do, wizard?"

Pel sighs. "The pathetic posturing of a petty sorcerer isn't worth my time just now, I'm afraid."

Almost instantly, Pel's body spasms in place. She clutches at herself and rolls back, and a sob escapes her lips. She tears at the sheets beneath her and backs herself into the wall. "Stop it...stop it...!"

Amal steps forward, then stops. "My lord?" he asks Kal.

[Jeremy]

Goran listens to the Pseudodragon's words with interest.

"Clearly there is much I do not know about this world. Hiding in the forest, such as I saw it to be, may have protected us a little...but it would be well for my people to know more of the threats that exist outside our shrinking borders."

He turns to Torhak, motioning to the crate debris.

"I'm with you, let's re-assemble this mess as best we can. I know of ettercaps, and my memories are not fond ones. There are spiders still hiding in the darker corners of my land. These are often shephards to the spiders..."

He shudders, and begins reaching for the disassembled planks.

[Darren]

Kal sighs and stands up. "I'm afraid we won't get any more information out of Malov right now," he says to Amal. "Stay here. Guard her. Don't let her leave the room. I'll send Streko to check on her. I want to get the little dragon's opinions on a few things, too." Kalarian heads out to find Matheu.

[mike]

"I thank you for your help ... and your words," Torhak says to Goran. "You are familiar with danger, I see, and of the monsters that wander through the darkness."

He works with Goran to reseal the crates as best they can.

As Grafth enters, he gives the shifter a brief nod, and listens to the suggestion of a hunt.

"I will join you, if you like," Torhak says to Grafth, "though I fear I am not skilled at slaying the likes of rabbit or deer. I will help as best I can, though, and perhaps protect you from enemies armed with steel. It seems the passengers on this ship have a knack for attracting enemies ..."

[Jeremy]

Missed the question. So many threads going at once, it's tricky to keep up.

---

Goran looks at Grafth with a grin.

"Of course. I haven't hunted any worthy game in longer than I care to remember!"

[Jeff]

I have updated the Thunderhead map to include a clearer understanding of the stairwells on all three decks (arrows point stairs down), the location of the hatch that opens out, and the location of the crates in the central cargo room. Also, I've designated the sickbay as the room where Pel and Amal had been recovering, as well as labeled quarters A, B, and C. Let me know which of those three rooms your character prefers to stay in (you don't all have to be in the same room anymore; though every room has several bunks of the same size).

Currently:

Ralsor remains in the wheelhouse. The two warforged, Lever and Mist, remained with him. Fherina is lurking in the "lounge" of the upper deck.

Grafth and Streko are headed down to the cargo hold, and encounter Kal headed the same way, looking for Matheu. Matheu, Torhak, and Goran are in the cargo hold. When Torhak and Matheu finish their exchange, Grafth, Streko, and Kal will enter.

[mike]

As Matheu explains the Mourning to Torhak, the dwarf's eyes widen in wonder ... and in horror.

"Cyre is a land of the dead," he whispered. "By Khyber's Teeth, that is ... that is beyond comprehension. What horrors must have happened there, to invoke wrath such as that?"

"And Narathun ... I wonder ..."

Torhak looks at Matheu. "How far are we from the Mror Holds, little wizard? While I feel my destiny is intertwined with some of the good folk aboard this ship, I must return to Droranathhold at some point to learn of their fate as well. Once I have helped those aboard to resolve their ... difficulties, I feel that is where I must go next."

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As a side note, Torhak would probably be staying in quarters C (closest to the stairs).

[Jeff]

We are in Aundair right now, Matheu says. Which is well over one thousand miles to the west of the Mror Holds. But from what I've observed of this ship's speed so far, it would only take a few days to reach the Ironroot Mountains by airship.

At this point, Kal comes down into the cargo hold. Everyone (the PCs, anyway) is together.

[Josh]

Seeing Kalarian enter the cargo hold, Grafth appraises him of the situation. "Without even minimal supplies, our trip to the Whisper Wood will be a failure. Goran has agreed to do some hunting with me, and all who are willing to help are welcome. We can have Ralsor find a suitable location at any point."

His tone becomes more grave, "However, the most pressing matter is not our hunger—it is Pel. Tell us, Kalarian, did you learn anything from her? How firm is Malov's hold?"

[Darren]

Kal nods silently at Grafth's words regarding the supplies. His agreement seems a given, but his mind is clearly elsewhere. His face is grim as he begins to speak. "Malov seems to have a pretty clear hold over Pel's mind and body. I was able to speak for a bit with the wizard, but I don't think I really gained anything significant. I tried to convince him we were on our way to Arcanix, but I don't think it worked. At least, he was able to tell that we were headed north. I doubt he knows our actual destination. We must all be careful about what we say within earshot of Pel, now. Whatever else we might believe, Pel is not herself anymore, and we must always assume that Malov is listening to us."

Kalarian turns to Matheu, offering an uncharacteristic slight bow. "Little dr..." he stops himself. "My apologies. Matheurynivorak, I could use your help. I know we've had our disagreements, but I admit that I am out of my depth. First, Pel mentioned that one of the noblemen that we fought in Passage was Krenstaff ir'Vorem. Does that name mean anything to you?" Kal thinks for a moment. "Here's what else I'm wondering, Matheu. Malov has some sort of conduit through Pel by which he can watch and listen to us. Is it possible that the magic could be made to work in reverse, that we could use that same conduit to spy upon him?"

Kalarian turns to the room again, addressing everyone. "Pel said that Malov was planning to perform some sort of rite in Passage, to use that as a test for what he intended to do in Fairhaven. Not having the book seems to maybe be delaying these rites from taking place. I threatened to destroy the book in front of Malov, but he seemed unfazed. I wish I could have gotten more out of him, but..." Kal's face shows a mixture of anger, disappointment and sadness.

Another sudden thought occurs to him. "Matheu, could you take a look at the dagger that Goran carries? It was given to him by a high ranking member of House Deneith. She said it would be of use to us. I wonder if its magic might assist in ridding Pel of Malov's influence? At minimum, perhaps you could aid us in learning more of the dagger's magic and it's intended use."

[Joe]

'I should mention to everyone that, when Malov spoke to me, he said that my cooperation would be required, should I wish to see my sister again. I believe he is torturing her. Or, for all I know, he could be lying. I do not know and I fear I am unable to decide on what I must do."

Streko's shoes look as if they need polishing. In fact, the deck in front of his could use some work. He sees nothing else at the moment but that small area at his feet.

[Jeremy]

"Saint's blood! I'd forgotten about the dagger!" Goran pulls it out from it's well-secured sheath, and looks curiously at the blade.

"Always wondered why her Ladyship gave this to me..."

---

Goran is currently staying in the hold with the others, at least until hunting time. If that's far off, he'll eventually find the nearest bunk.

[Jeff]

Matheu listens quietly for a time, and at Kal’s more respectful tone, inclines his head just so—acknowledging the words. Perhaps if I observe the changeling, I can learn more about the nature of the possession at hand. I do not know of this Malov that you and Phorem have spoken of, as I arrived on your continent after his time. Nor did I observe your fight with him, which I understand was another host for his spirit? But I will watch and learn.

Matheu turns his head towards Grafth. I am a wizard and I do have a collection of spells that I have mastered. But none of them can bind the changeling for any length of time, as you had request. I am sorry. I am a sage, not a war wizard.

The pseudodragon at last swivels his head to look upon Goran. I will study this dagger for you. Give it to me and give me an hour. I have a spell prepared which can identify magical devices. Or weaponry.

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Jer: the hunting expedition will come in a few hours (in-game) time...once we've moved on from this scene. When that time comes, this is how it'll go down. Mostly, it's just a roll.

[Darren]

"Thank you, Matheu," Kalarian says, his tone somber. "Please, study the dagger out of sight of Pellorien, and take extra care when you are near her. We don't yet know the full extent of what Malov is capable of, but he definitely has full physical and mental control of Pel. I do not want you getting hurt." He turns to address the room again and adds, "Any of you."

Kalarian stays silent for a time. His reflection must seem uncharacteristic to those who have known him only a few days. "I will make sure that Amal stays guarding the door, but it would be best if he were joined, and relieved, in shifts by each of us. Streko, if you have anything that will make Pel sleep, rest peacefully....? Or you, Matheu? I know that Pel had the power to make men slumber. Surely a wizard of your power must also have that ability? I do not wish her to suffer, and cannot bear the thought of...him....moving inside of her." Suddenly, Kalarian's cold and rational side returns. "If he won't talk to us through her and will not allow her to tell us what she learned, then it is better if she can do nothing at all." Kal turns away from the group as he adds, "For now."

[Josh]

"I agree with Kalarian, and perhaps it is cold of me to say that if the potential for Malov to harm any of us exists through her, Pel should be bound and blindfolded. I know that is extreme, but it is also the safest route to take."

Grafth leans against the wall for a moment. "Well, it's nice to see we are thinking our way through this problem, rather than hacking it to pieces. Let's inform Ralsor that we wish to hunt, see if anything else needs done, and rest in the meantime.

"Perhaps Mist could be useful in guarding Pel's quarters? Can Malov's control pass from one person to another... even a warforged?"