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-------------- Chapter 35: Where to go and What to do ? --------------
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The Eidolon have rested back in their headquarters after a day in
which they have freed a group of ancient beings with almost god like
power and returned to find their home overrun with enemies of those
they freed. Today, they have a meeting with Mendahl to decide what to
do next ....


(Keilan:)
When the early risers among you begin moving about the next morning,
Keilan is found asleep with his head laying on the table.  His hunting
knife and a small, crude carving next to him.  Raoh is curled up next
to him on the table, and casts a lazy eye at your approach, while Keilan
sleeps on...

(Silver:)
Silver rubs Raoh's neck, notices the carving, and smiles.  She does
not wake the tired Keilan. Instead, she goes and starts preparing
breakfast for herself and the others.


One by one, some of the others arrive in the kitchen ...

(Keilan:)
Keilan awakens to the bustling of people about the place, "Raoh!  Look
how late it is, and I told you to wake me at dawn."  He takes the lazy
cat and rolls him over playfully.  "Now get down so we can put food on
the table."  Keilan stretches and cracks his neck and gets up to help
with breakfast.  "Good morning Silver."

(Silver:)
Silver chuckles to see Keilan in such good spirits with Raoh. The day
has started well, she thought.

She will wait until most are present, then steer the conversation
around to the upcoming mission (not difficult).

She begins hesitantly. "Umm .. there might be some of us who ... for
one reason or another ... might find it .. er .. difficult to return
back to our home land.  I can think of several who might find
themselves in an awkward situation when they return." She looks at
each of the others present with a deep, searching gaze.

(Falrun:)
At breakfast, when Silver mentions doubts about going back to the
main-land, Falrun will say, "I too, have reasons for not going back.
But if the greater good depends on it, and we can all depend on each
other, then I see nothing to stop us from reaching our chosen goals."

(Shade:)
The bard smiles "Not so awkward, I should say, just plainly tortured
to death. That's my destiny if I get back home." He shudders "But I do
think the underworld is _NOT_ in our travel plan. Am I wrong?"

(Keilan:)
"I should hope not.  Or your fate might be shared by us all.  'Tis
better to cut your own throat than let the drow get hold of you.  Or
so I've heard."

(Silver:)
"One day, I would like to see your home, Ebu. You have shown me much
in story and song about it's beauty ... but I think you are right -
this is not the time to go there ... unless that is where the
artifacts lie hidden ..." she says, her eyes widening with surprise at
the thought. 

(Arlon:)
"It seems most if not all of us could find trouble on our return.  But
it seems that this continent is very important to our home land, as we
can see by the entourage outside.  Mendahl may be able to arrange
things for us back home that would limit our special 'problems'
there."

(Silver:)
"What do we do about this ? I have no real answers myself, except that
we must stick together, for mutual protection."

(Arlon:)
"But of course."

(Silver:)
"What about disguising ourselves ?" she suggests, with a shrug of her
shoulders. Then, "And there may be some of us who wish to revisit
certain .. haunts ..  back there, where we might not be so welcome. I
would suggest that not only do we stick together, but we also take an
oath to help each other in reaching personal goals when we return,
without asking questions."

(Shade:)
"I do not think we need an oath for mutual protection, I assumed it
was part of joining the group, but I will state it explicitly any time
you like, dear"

(Silver:)
Silver says "No, an oath would not be necessary for us to stick
together. Just that if one of us needed to ... oh well, perhaps we
just trust to friendship, eh ?"

(Shade:)
Shade arches an eyebrow "But what do you mean by 'personal goals' ? My
opinion is that if it is not part of our mission I can ask the help of
my friends but surely I should not take it for granted."

(Silver:)
"An oath not to ask any questions, love ..." Silver says gently.

(Arlon:)
"Hopefully an oath won't be necessary and at most we would only need
to disguise one of us at a time.  I think the chances are slim that we
will need to do so.  It will depend where we need to look for the
artifacts."

(Silver:)
"Agreed. So we play it by ear. But it might be worth mentioning this
to Mendahl to see what he could come up with ..."

(Arlon:)
"I don't think we'll have the spare time to work out these personal
goals, considering our quest and its urgency.  If it can be worked in
with the quest however, that may be possible."

(Silver:)
Turning to Dithion, Silver asks quietly "I think now is the time,
Dithion. I know certain things should be kept hidden, but this is not
one of them. Tell us more of the Demon Lord in it's crystal prison."
She leans forward, eager to hear what the big man might have to say.

(Dithion:)
Dithion seems to start at Silver's words and then says, "That is a
choice I will make!  This is not the time."  He stands up abruptly
throwing his chair back several feet as he does so.  He slams his
hands down on the table...upsetting dishes and glasses alike...he
glares at Silver.

(Silver:)
Silver backs away from the angry Dithion, moving her chair back across
the floor away from the table. Her hands are raised slightly, as if
warding off an imagined attack.

(Arlon:)
Arlon is startled by Dithion's initial reaction, then listens as
Dithion explains his feelings.

(Dithion:)
Then just as suddenly he seems to relax.  His brow unfurls, and he
stands up straight.  "I am sorry for my outburst my friend....I have
had much on my mind lately...more than you could know, and much I
cannot share at this time."

(Silver:)
Silver gapes at Dithion's outburst, unable to think of what to say to
him at this time. She is absolutely stunned by his reaction.

(Dithion:)
He pauses for a moment, and then says, "Secrets do not shelter
friendship, nor help it grow.  However..."  He stops again and shakes
his head as if unable to say anything more...another pause follows.

(Silver:)
"Dithion, if I have offended you, I am truly sorry. But I _need_ _to_
_know_ ... you of all people should understand that ..."

(Dithion:)
Dithion says, "I have been called to service by Des and I must follow
his call where it leads.  It now calls me to go elsewhere, and I
cannot resist.  There are things I must do....alone."

(Silver:)
"But Dithion ..." Silver starts to say, but her voice trails off as he
gets up and moves away from her.

(Dithion:)
He steps back from the table and walks to the door, "Until our paths
cross again my friends I bid you farewell.  May Des watch over you."
He opens the door, looks back once more, and then closes it as he
leaves....

(Shade:)
Shade will try to get these words reach Dithion's attention before he
goes "If you _HAVE_ to do it by yourself, I, of course, will not
prevent you from doing it; but if you need help you can always count
on Shadowdancer. Let me know. Good luck Dithion, and take good care,
my friend."

(Falrun:)
After Dithion makes his departure, Falrun will stare, for a moment, at
the door as a shadow of regret passes over his face.

(Silver:)
Silver looks long at the closed door, then at the rest of the group.
She has a sort of half-apologetic, half-unbelieving expression. Her
eyes then go downcast, and unfocused. She seems to be concentrating on
something, and does not speak.

(Keilan:)
Keilan eats hungrily at breakfast (hmmm, when did I last eat?), but
keeps quiet even as the discussion takes its unexpected turn.

(Arlon:)
When Dithion departs, a few seconds later.  "Well that's just ducky.
What was that about?  It would have been nice to know if we could have
Dithion's support on our quest."

(Tatiana:)
True to form, Tatiana was sleeping late, and would have slept well
past noon if the sound of Dithion hitting the table hadn't woken her.

She came running down the stairs, her rune-covered long sword held at
the ready.  Her hair was a mess, but left her looking sexy in a
strange sort of way.  She was still in her night shirt and that too
lent to her sex appeal.

Seeing nothing but astounded faces on those down in the common room,
she relaxed her stance.  She brushed her hair back over her shoulder.

"What in the Abyss is going on?"

(Silver:)
Silver re-focuses her eyes and looks up at Tatiana. "I couldn't have
asked a better question if I tried, 'Ana" she says.

(Arlon:)
Arlon was looking back at the door and then turns quickly toward
Silver with HUGE concern in his eyes.

(Silver:)
Silver looks at Arlon, then at Keilan, saying softly "Sorry ... but I
tried to clear it up. What can I say ?" She pushes what is left of her
breakfast away.

(Keilan:)
"You did your best, I'm sure.  You always do."

(Silver:)
Silver was very grateful for the ranger's kind words, but could not
say anything at the moment. He could see from her eyes that she
appreciated his comment, though.

(Arlon:)
"He's not thinking of trying to free that Demon Lord, is he!"

(Silver:)
Silver looks at Arlon with a tired expression, and says slowly "He has
gone to tread the paths of Des, my friend. Nothing can stop him from
that. I fear for those that walk any paths alone, though."

OOC: Answering neither yes nor no, just like the auguries I get   ;-)

(Arlon:)
OOC: Are you a god ? (a line from the ghostbusters film)

(Silver:)
OOC: Not yet, but I'm practicing ... ;-)

(Arlon:)
"Well that doesn't tell me anything, since I don't know the ways of
Des" he says with a little contempt.

(Silver:)
Silver shakes her head a little sadly, partly from the tone Arlon is
using. "I also know only what Dithion himself told me ... that Des is
the God of travelers and adventurers. Those who follow His paths do
so for the thrill and excitement of reaching the unknown ..."

(Arlon:)
"I fear for what may result from that path.  Tatiana, can you ask Tuft
to scan for Dithion, mainly around the cave area."

(Silver:)
"A very good idea. But Arlon, I don't think that he intends any of us
harm. Please, try to trust Dithion ... I feel the time is coming when
he is going to need us all."

(Arlon:)
Arlon is already moving towards the door "I am going to run over to
see Mendahl." he opens the door and begins to walk out, then muffled
"that's all we need is a Demon Lord running around avenging itself."

OOC: Over-reacting?  Maybe, but Arlon doesn't like loose ends or
     half-info, he'll generally take a negative few first.

(Silver:)
"Please, Arlon," Silver beseeches him. "Remember. Dithion is doing
what he believes is necessary - for all of us. To encourage the seeds
of doubt which I may have sown, may bring an awful doom upon us. Send
Tuft, by all means, but do not involve Mendahl ... yet."

(Arlon:)
"Don't you think I am doing what I believe is necessary for all of us?
But very well, I will wait for Tufts report.  I only hope the delay
does not spell doom for us."  He looks out through the door.  "I will
doubt any God that puts thrill and adventure before ALL things."

(Falrun:)
Turning to Silver he says, "Beseech your god that we do not lose any
more companions or there may become nothing left of the Eidolon."

(Silver:)
Silver looks kind of helplessly at Falrun. "I will pray that he fares
well in his travels, that he comes back to us soon. A path walked
alone can be dark and lonely ... and dangerous ..."

(Falrun:)
Excusing himself from the table, he will go through his morning
routine of cleaning his weapons and equipment in preparation of the
day's surprises.




Not much else happens until Tuft signals what he has seen to Tatiana

(Dithion:)
A scan by Tuft will show Dithion heading toward the jungle...away from
the city.

(Arlon:)
When Tuft comes back with the report Arlon relaxes.  "Your insights
serve you well Silver."

(Silver:)
Silver shrugs off this compliment. "I doubt we can count on him
joining us for our meeting with Mendahl today. But I have a notion
that we will see him ere long ..." she says with a sort of far-away
look in her eyes.

"Maybe then ..." she adds.




Breakfast is finished in a subdued silence following Dithion's
departure, and the table cleared ....

(Arlon:)
Arlon will be studying his spellbook until we get called to see Lord
Kael; unless something else happens before then.

(Keilan:)
OOC: I'll assume Tatiana returns to her room seeking more proper
     clothing after her rude awakening.  I would anyway...

(Tatiana:)
OOC: Good assumption :)

(Keilan:)
After Dithion's departure and destination are determined, Keilan
finishes up his meal, sharing some of the meat with Raoh, who growls
viciously while tugging the morsels from Keilan's hand.  He gets up
and leaves the plate for Raoh to clean (as cats are wont to do).

With a brief glance toward Silver and a small sigh, he goes to
Tatiana's (and Arlon's too, I suppose) door and knocks.

(Silver:)
Silver winks at Keilan and grins a little despite the departure of
Dithion.

A short while after Keilan went upstairs to Arlon and Tatiana, Silver
followed him. She went into the room she and Shade were sharing, and
made sure she was dressed well before going to meet with Mendahl.




Keilan approaches the room where Tatiana has finished dressing, and
knocks ....

(Tatiana:)
"A moment" she called out.

A little while later she opened the door with a smile, which quickly
faded as she realized who it was.  Apparently Tatiana could hold a
grudge. "Can I help you?"

(Keilan:)
The ranger's voice is subdued, but he looks straight into the face of
disaster (err, Tatiana), "Can we talk a moment?  In private?"

(Tatiana:)
A cold stare met Keilan, and silence as she thought about the little 
ballad she had created.  She didn't want any excuse from Keilan that 
would change her mind, before she sang it at the Dark Haven tavern.

He looked sincere though, and she reluctantly said "I guess I have
some time." She stepped back from the door and let him in. Her look
said she wasn't going to listen much though.

(Keilan:)
Keilan enters the room and shuts the door quietly behind him.

He looks for a place to sit and finally sits hunched over looking at
the floor.  "I didn't get much sleep last night.  I stayed up making
this for you," as he turns the carving in his hands.

(Tatiana:)
Tatiana stood off to the side, feeling her grudge strongly until
Keilan said he had made something for her.  Her eyes narrowed fully
expecting a poor jest.  She was looking forward to singing that
ballad.

She looked at the carving and her heart melted.  Her cold and hard
glare softened into a look of astonishment.  Her knitted brow unfurled
and her mouth opened with a peculiar lack of words.

(Keilan:)
Keilan misses this sudden change since he was looking at the floor...

"I...I'm sorry.  I made a bad joke and you snapped at me for it.  But
I shouldn't have said any more.  I grew up arguing with my sister
every minute of the day.  I called her worse things than I care to
repeat, but I didn't mean them.  No more than I meant what I said last
night.  I've been bothered recently.  I haven't fared well to say the
least.  It's no excuse, but I hope last night was no more than blowing
off some steam."  He stands, leaving the carving (a curled up cat) in
his place.  "I'll go now, if you wish."

(Tatiana:)
She quietly picked up the carving and looked it over. Then to Keilan's
surprise she flung her arms around him in big hug.  "I'm so sorry!"

(Keilan:)
Keilan jumps involuntarily at the friendly assault (more expecting a
choke hold than a hug).  He turns and smiles at her (when he can
rotate himself in the vice-like grip of the bard).

(Tatiana:)
She released him after a while.

"No, don't leave yet, I had no idea.  I mean I always thought you were
the strong quiet type, and you just liked your space.  I always tried
to give you that.  And I was exhausted and on edge too.  Then coming
back to town to see the Zhentarim here.  I'm hunted by them you know.
It was too much.  I took your jests seriously when I should have known
they were just jokes to lighten the mood.  I can be so dense some
times."

(Keilan:)
Keilan sits back down, much relieved that his devious plan worked
(that's a joke, really).

(Tatiana:)
"I didn't know you thought of me as your sister."

OOC: Keilan would realize that Tatiana thinks of this as a compliment
     whether you intended it that way or not.  Family means a lot to
     her.

(Keilan:)
"You are a lot like Beth.  You even have the same hair.  Silver
reminds me of Hope, my younger sister.  They share the same love of
nature and a sweet demeanor beyond anything I could ever muster.  I
miss them both very much.  If I hadn't met you two, I don't think I
could have made it.  And I didn't know about the Zhentarim.  I must
have forgotten."

(Tatiana:)
"What is on your mind?  I can keep your trust and maybe help you if I
can.  It always helps to have someone listen to your problems."

(Keilan:)
"Oh thank you, but Hope was always my conscience.  Silver and I talked
last night about a lot of things.  Gods and goddesses, friends and
friendship, our return to the mainland.  I'm glad she decided to walk
with me last night.  Things are changing for me.  It seems...well it
can wait."

Keilan takes Tatiana's hands in his as he stands, "I've prattled on
enough.  We have a date with Mendahl.  I really am sorry about last
night.  I may yell at you again, but I'll never mean it."  He hugs her
to him, "You've already given me more than I can repay."




The party meet up in one of the larger rooms downstairs, ready to meet
with Mendahl ....

(Silver:)
When she got downstairs, she moved over to Keilan and pressed into his
hand what looked like a small just-formed branch with green leaves. 
"Keep this close," she added softly, smiling at the ranger.




The party leave their headquarters for their arranged meeting with
Mendahl and the sage Archion ....

(DM:)
The next morning/afternoon you guys had been asked to show up at
Mendahl's Tower, and I assume you guys will all dress up nicely after
a decent nights rest, and go over to the Pentagon.

(Keilan:)
If anyone is underdressed it's probably Keilan, he has only the same
clothes he's been wearing plus a white shirt he bought yesterday.  Not
that he cares, mind you...

(Silver:)
As the party moved towards Mendahl's tower, Silver walked close by
Tatiana for a while. "You are looking really good, 'Ana. The shorter
hair suits you. I'm not too sure about mine - I've always worn it
long."

(Tatiana:)
"I considered a cantrip to lengthen it again, but that's only temporary
and causes split ends from magical abuse after a while.  Let me work
on yours tonight, I think we can do something with it."

(Silver:)
"I'm glad to see that you and Keilan have made up your differences,"
she smiles warmly. 

(Tatiana:)
"All friends do.  They fight the worst together."

(Silver:)
"It helps a little to see things sorted out, especially since Dithion
left like he did." At that, she shrugs her shoulders a little.

(Tatiana:)
"Him, I don't understand in the slightest."



The party arrive at Mendahl's Tower ...

(DM:)
Coming there, you are greeted by a guard detail of local troops. When
you arrive they look you over, but let you go on unchallenged. When
you get to the base of the Tower, the wall shimmers, and you are
greeted by a wispy dark spectre-like creature. In a hollow voice it
speaks to you, the words echoing through the entrance chamber.

"Greetings. My master is expecting you. Master Mendahl is already in
company of Daermon, Shilara and Lord Kael as well as Archion Thissel
and the Patriarch Loromar. Please follow me."

(Keilan:)
Raoh growls at the shadowy butler (?) that greets the party at Mendahl's
Tower, and then retreats behind Keilan peering at the thing from behind
the safety of Keilan's boots.  Keilan follows the others in, clucking to
Raoh to follow.

(DM:)
At that, the wall shimmers back in place behind you, as the creature
begins to float up the stairs. When it comes to a heavy oaken door, it
speaks an arcane word, and the door swings open. From inside you hear
the voices of people talking and arguing. They cease when you enter.

Inside you are greeted by the sight of all those you were told would
be in attendance. They are all sitting or standing around a large
table with maps on it. Upon a glance you notice the maps are those of
the Continent you have left behind. Archion Thissel stands with a
large scroll in his hands, lowered as though he had been shaking it in
the air to make some point.

Faces are flustered, it seems that the debate you interrupted had some
people's tempers flaring. Loromar is the first to say something.

(Loromar:)
"Ahh. The vaunted Eidolon. The people who will undertake this task
ahead. Greetings my children. I hope you are well, for this situation
is not."

(Tatiana:)
Tatiana was dressed regally and curtsied to all upon greeting them.

(DM:)
Then also the others greet you, and Archion speaks as he hands you his
large scroll.

(Keilan:)
Keilan is most interested in seeing the new allies that have appeared
(Archion et al.)

(Archion:)
"Here. Read this. This is a partial list of what we are debating. We
(hesitatingly)... most of us, feel that it would be our best hope if
these items could be found and used by those who would fight on our
side. We are certain that the enemy will also try to get their hands
on these items, so even if we cannot use them, we will have to secure
them in order to deny them to our foes. This will not be easy."

At that he gives the scroll to Arlon who holds out his hand to receive
it ... 

                     



Arlon takes the scroll, and after a while, starts to read ....

(Arlon:)                     
"There seems to be an immense number of items of power, some of
ancient origin." He scans the scroll, and refers to various points
before beginning to explain to the others.

"As we know, Azith Dengg was the prime motivation behind the Azithian
Race Wars. He set himself up against the might of the Empire of
Eteocles the Magnificent and his generals, amongst whom were Chalkas
and Piraz."

"Some of the items mentioned were held by the Theocrats - a cabal of
orcs, goblins and ogres who rallied to the banner of Azith Dengg.
Among these items were an orb and a trumpet. The trumpet was said to
have been made from the horn of a minotaur vampire. Called the Trumpet
of Doom, it was used by the Goblin Theocrat to summon hordes of undead
to his side. The Orb of Destruction could destroy mighty fortresses
when wielded by spell throwers, and destroyed fully half of the castle
of Piraz the Mad before the Theocrats were sent fleeing from certain
death. The Empire triumphed against the Theocrats that time."

"Then there are items worn by Piraz the Mad himself. These comprised a
set of silver plate mail that would strike out at any who struck it
with a metallic weapon; a shield that he could stand upon and fly; and
a giant sword of mithril that not only sliced through metallic armour
as if it were not there, but also conveyed an amount of magical
resistance upon the wielder."

"Invincible though he seemed, Piraz was brought low by treachery
rather than single combat. The dagger known as Vengear was told of his
true name by Saicha La Vallee, Azith Dengg's wife. She then threw it,
and Vengear sought out Piraz and slew him. Thus died one of the
Empire's greatest figures."

(Silver:)
When the details of Vengear the dagger were read out, she said "Saicha
La Vallee ... do you think ... no, surely not." she wondered aloud.

(Arlon:)
"Another of the generals serving Eteocles was Chalkas. He wore a ring
which could shroud him in great protective magics, and he carried an
adamantite spear that not only repelled any spells cast against the
wielder, but also made him immune to any form of surprise attack."

"Chalkas was finally defeated by Neabaz, who carried a rod whose
merest touch would be death for most mortals. It also gives those with
mind magics an immense pool of power. It was with this mind magic that
Neabaz defeated Chalkas. Azith Dengg rejoiced at the defeat of Chalkas."

"Neabaz was not immune to attack either, for Semnai defeated him in
turn. With the aid of his huge sword, Semnai became invulnerable to
mind magics, and enshrouded him within a globe of invulnerability to
even quite major spells of destruction. This sword even broke the
fabled Staff of Agenor."

"The Staff of Agenor was reputed to have been made from a fossilized
tail of one of the original Great Demon Lords, and could kill even the
mightiest enemy on touch. It could summon forth pit fiends to fight
for the wielder, and bestowed the powers of a 25th level necromancer
upon the wielder. The staff was broken in twain by the sword of
Semnai. Even though the two parts were split apart, they each retained
part of the powers of the original."

"Against Azith Dengg fought those who wanted to protect the Empire.
The council of twelve were prime powers on the side of the Empire, and
each council member appointed a Champion. Each champion was awarded a
set of magical bracers, known as 'Ultimate Armour'. When activated,
the bracers surrounded the wearer with a prismatic sphere making them
almost invulnerable, yet any strike made by one of the champions
caused great damage to wherever the blow fell. Five of these twelve
sets were known to have been destroyed in the battles with Azith
Dengg. The others are lost."

"An apprentice of Azith Dengg was known as Zharkass, who was reputed
to have a small circlet, known as the Crown of Zharkass. It required
immense mental control to use, but could take over the mind of another
creature totally. Zharkass fell when he tried to control the mind of
Piraz. Zharkass did not realize the full extent of the insanity of
Piraz, and himself succumbed to madness."

"Others in the service of the Empire mentioned here include Szartax,
Hesione, T'Kall, Zaraya, Cassandra, Astyanax, Irikiel and of course
Eteocles himself. All important figures on the Council of Twelve, the
items they wielded held immense powers."

"Szartax had full plate armour which enabled him to move easily, yet
protected him from any attacks involving gas, and he could even
breathe freely underwater."

"Alihandra T'Kall was a sun priestess on the council, and Azith Dengg
tried to lure her to him with the gift of a torque. This torque was
cursed, since it had regenerative powers, but only when in complete
darkness. The wearer would eventually die if held in sunlight for long
enough. T'Kall did not yield to Azith Dengg, however. She wielded a
solid crystal ball - the Orb of Ra - which could emit a fearsome ray
of fire that could obliterate undead and cause damage to anyone
regardless of the armour they wore. Alihandra T'Kall eventually died
fighting in the courtyard of the Green Palace. Even her bodyguard
wielded no ordinary sword. The Sword of Horus was made from the purest
silver and had a globe of invulnerability surrounding it."

"Zaraya was the first consort of Piraz the Mad. She fought alongside
him many times. Her staff - the Staff Arcane - bestowed partial
resistance to magic, and acted as an enchanted staff in it's own
right. It could also be used to store spells of frightening power,
that could be called upon later. Once Saicha killed Piraz by using the
dagger Vengear, Azith Dengg and his followers teleported in and
blasted Zaraya with a single bolt from his Spellfire Staff."

"Still with the council of twelve, we come to Cassandra - one of the
councilors, and primary advisor to Eteocles. She too had a staff -
the Vampire Staff. She died heroically on the steps of the throne,
trying to defend Eteocles from Azith Dengg and his allies. This weapon
not only damages any opponents severely, but transfers the life-force
from them into the wielder."

"Cassandra also sometimes wielded the Mace of Life. This actually
heals living creatures when it hits, yet undead will disintegrate
when struck. None know exactly what it is made from, and although used
at the time of Cassandra and the council, was ancient even then."

"Another of the Champion defenders allied to the council members was
Astyanax. He battled with a shield which could defend against many
simultaneous attacks. When fighting against a few opponents, he was
basically immune. It was said it could deflect 6 arrows at any one time
from hitting him. He died alongside Cassandra, in the throne room of
the Green Marble Palace, defending the life of Eteocles."

"Aside from the Mace wielded by Cassandra is also recorded the Mace of
the Silver Dragons, wielded by Irikiel, a Moon Priestess and member of
the council of twelve. The design of this mace was of three
intertwined Silver Dragons. Each of these could emit a cone of
freezing temperature, causing immense damage to all within range. This
use was limited, but it was a fearsome weapon in it's own right as a
mace." 

"And so we come to the Sceptre wielded by the God-Emperor Eteocles
himself. This mace like weapon was immense, and was topped by an
emerald the size of a child's head. All who gazed upon the emerald
would be unable to do any harm to the wielder, and would obey him as
if he were a God. Eteocles could cause it to emit a mist far and wide,
which would suck the life force out of opponents and make them
ineffective very quickly indeed. Combined with the ability to blast
cones of raw magical energy at opponents, this sceptre was fearful in
the extreme. The sceptre could only be wielded by someone with immense
physical strength, and it drew upon the life-force of the wielder for
some of it's powers. Even magical resistance would not be totally
effective against attacks by this sceptre - with the possible
exception of the Spellfire Staff, as possessed by Azith Dengg."



Arlon pauses for breath, then continues to read ....

(Arlon:)
"Those who fought against the Empire had items of power themselves,
and wielded them to great effect."

"Anchises was one of those in Azith Dengg's personal guard. He wore
armour which no mundane weapon could even scratch. He took part in the
attack upon the stronghold of Piraz the Mad."

"Another who personally challenged Piraz was Arendo, formally Captain
of the Guard of the destroyed Temple of Lolth. Once his temple was
destroyed, he chose the easy way out and committed suicide rather than
face the consequences of his failure. His mace was renowned to cause
black crackling energies to swarm over the victim, causing blindness,
paralysis and terrible pain."

"Others allied closely to Azith Dengg also wielded certain items.  The
Archmage Molach, one of his apprentices, wore a ring which shielded
him against all and any mental intrusions, yet allowed the wearer to
seek out others using the very mental powers it shielded against."

"Szjiad was one of the assassin henchmen of Azith Dengg, and wore a
simple cloak and cap. The cloak, when worn, protected him from any
magical scryings or searchings, though he would still be physically
visible.  Yet the real power became apparent when he donned the cap
as well, for then he became invisible and intangible to physical
detection as well. He could, when wearing these garments, walk through
physical barriers such as walls, and through magical spell effects as
well suffering no harm. Yet while wearing these items, Szjiad could
cast no spells nor affect the real world at all. Szjiad perished
during the second attack on the stronghold of Piraz the Mad, when he
attempted the destruction of Zaraya, the first consort of Piraz. Since
he removed the cap while his feet were still encased in rock, he was
held in place. Trapped thus, he died in agony."

"Azith Dengg had other allies, and Shu'Matsis, the representative from
the Abyss, an Arch-Demon, wore a black belt. This Belt of the Darkling
Lords, as it was known, contained twelve black metal stars. Each star
would explode on impact with dark fury. The stars regenerate after a
long time period, and so carefully used could cause incredible damage."


Arlon takes a deep breath and continues ....

(Arlon:)
And so we come to the items wielded by Azith Dengg himself. The
Spellfire Staff has been hinted at earlier. This staff is not only
capable of absorbing harmful magics - such as draining the blast from
an incoming fireball - but can drain the power of other items.  This
power can then be expelled in an immense surge, and straight wherever
the wielder so wishes. It cannot be shielded against by any known
magical defense. The staff is said to have been formed by the Evil
ArchMagus Whisper from a spellfire caster who fought against Whisper
and lost. Her body now forms the staff itself."

"It is rumoured that Azith Dengg invoked the Wars in the honour of
Whisper, his mentor. Dengg is said to own the legendary Tome of
Whisper, an ancient book filled with many unique and terrible spells.
The head of the God-Emperor Eteocles the Magnificent was presented to
the Lords of Hell for their support of the cause of Azith Dengg. The
Tome of Whisper appears as a set of platinum plates joined by a
mystical ring of pure magical force."

"Apart from the power to absorb other magics, and the ability to cast
spells known to no other in this world, Azith Dengg also wore the Ring
of the Arch-Magi. This was the item above all which made Azith Dengg
such a powerful opponent. A ring of wizardry is immensely powerful for
all wizards, but this ring is more powerful than any other reported."

"Azith Dengg was given gifts by his allies, so that he could call on
great forces in time of need. The Lords of Hell gave him three
portable obsidian altars. Whenever a sacrifice of a creature of good
alignment is made, a gate to Hell is opened. Up to a hundred lesser
devils could pour through, led by a pitfiend. This gate remains open
while the victim continues to be tortured, and closes when their soul
leaves the body. One was lost during the siege of the stronghold of
Piraz, and the other two were rumoured to have been taken by the Drow
back to the underdark."

"Portal Mirrors were another form of magical transportation used by
the armies of Azith Dengg. Used in pairs, one could walk through the
surface of one of these mirrors, to appear outside the other. The
problem was the fragility of these items - by breaking one, the other
was rendered useless."

"And here, this is the description of another mace formed by three
intertwined dragons - but these are black. Once per week, this weapon
can be made to gout forth acid. This was reported to have been used by
the Theocrats in the attack on the stronghold of Piraz."

"Another weapon wielded by the Theocrats in that attack was the two
handed Sword of Darkness. Apart from inflicting severe wounds with
it's blade of pure unearthly energy, this weapon drains energy from
the victim, and can even paralyze them with shock. It seems unaffected
by any normal armour - only magical protection has any effect. The
first wielder was slain by Piraz himself, and the second by Alihandra
T'Kal before she herself died. As with all of these items, there is no
knowledge of it's current location."

"Saicha La Vallee was the one who killed Piraz with the dagger Vengear.
It has long been suspected that she located him through the Crystal
Sphere. This supposedly indestructible sphere could be used to see the
truth of any situation, locally or remotely. It is sure to have
survived through the ages, for it was ancient when Saicha first came
across it."

"Ahh, now here is news. Azith Dengg was not the only student of
Whisper. It seems that two sisters of great power and beauty were
fellow mages of Azith Dengg. They were Eileithyia and Iphigenia, and
have been rumoured to have the Earrings of the Magi which dramatically
increase spell casting power of a mage, and were shaped in the form of
a cascade of twelve diamond tears. They were worn by one, and the
other was the wielder of the Demon Staff. This staff, formed from a
thighbone of some demonic monster, could not only cause immense damage
when it hit, but could also strike one specific target with a bolt of
pure black magical energy. It could only be used by evil creatures,
but could also open up a portal to the abyss to summon forth pit
fiends."

"And now come a list of mighty two-handed swords, known as Starblades.
One exists for each alignment, and each will only permit itself to be
used if some dire threat exists to that alignment. Each Starblade can
only be wielded by someone of immense strength - far beyond known
mortal strength. But while it is used, the blade will bestow
incredible strength and intelligence upon the wielder. Along with
immunity to most magics, there are additional powers available to the
blades, each Starblade producing different powers. The true neutral
sword could cast prismatic spray once, teleportation twice and a cone
of cold four times each and every day.  The chaotic evil blade could
produce four fireballs, two harm spells and one unholy word each day.
Not only that, but the sword takes damage meant for it's wielder. When
the wielder dies with the sword, the Starblade will also die, and not
reappear for up to ten years.

"During the time of Eteocles and Azith Dengg, just four of these
StarBlades were seen in use. The Chaotic Good blade in the hands of
allies of Piraz, the wielder defeated by Dengg himself. One of Dengg's
personal guard, Anchises, was killed by the one wielding the Lawful
Neutral blade - probably the sorcerer Szartax VI. The Neutral and
Chaotic Evil blades were the other two known to have been used by the
drow and ogre allies of Azith Dengg."

"The only clue of the whereabouts of any of these weapons is that the
Chaotic Evil blade may have been taken by the Royal House of the Drow."

(Silver:)
At the mention of the Starblades, Silver asks Shade "Do you know where
the chaotic and evil of these blades might be ? Might it be in your
city of the dark, in some house or other ?"

(Shade:)
"I had never heard of those blades before today, if anyone in the
underdark got one, or more than one, of the evil blades, he is keeping
that secret damn good. But I do not think they are down there."



Arlon waits, then continues ....

(Arlon:)
"And here is a brief description of the wondrous Tome of Cesshahl.
This fabled book is not magical, but is a journal of the Azithian Race
Wars, kept by Cesshahl the blind seeress. The reason for it's value is
that it's long texts give valuable clues about the items listed here.
For example, this extract from it's magically protected pages of
yellowed papyrus gives the clue that the Altar of Hell can be found
near a stone pinnacle to the west of the ruins of castle Kharth ...."

   "As the smoke cleared, the Theocrats could get a good view of
   castle Kharth [the keep of Piraz the Mad]. Its walls were nearly 
   gone. Theocrat Phaselus of the Evil Eye ogre clan gave the command
   to his company of archers. The ogres bent back their great bows and 
   fired as one. As the arrows flew, many transformed. The walls were
   raked by fireballs and lightning bolts. Here and there pieces simply 
   vanished. Then the great gates opened, and out stormed Piraz the Mad,
   and a veritable army of Ki-Rin, Lammasu and other goodly creatures.
   Theocrat Ogygia was standing on the stone pinnacle facing the west 
   wall, and saw what was happening. She ordered her acolytes to kill 
   the sacrifice that was lying ready across the altar. The portal 
   opened and the Devils streamed out to do battle, but Piraz flew over
   on his shield killing the Theocrat and her acolytes. He killed the
   sacrificed elf, closing the gate...."

"One more weapon listed here is a mace, similar to others described
earlier. This one, though, is more massive than any of the others. It
is formed by not three, but five intertwined dragons, each of them one
of the colours of the evil dragons. The Great Chromatic Dragon Mace as
it is called, can only be wielded by one of great strength indeed.
Only one of evil intent can touch the weapon without suffering a blast
of eldritch damage designed to kill. This item is absolutely unique,
found only in the hands of an evil god, or perhaps wielded by the
chosen high priest or priestess of Tiamut or the like. It was the
demon priest Shu'Matsis who wielded it in the great battle at
Thon-Farr during the Azithian Wars. Each of the dragons of which it is
formed can gout forth the breath weapon of the dragon it represents
three times each day, damaging the victims as if it were an ancient
beast."

"The last of this mighty list is another weapon, a mighty dragon
staff, known as the 'Staff of Khaled'. It has a mighty enchantment,
and like the Chromatic Dragon Mace is formed from the likenesses of
five different dragons.  Arcane metals make up the dragons, and it is
massively heavy. Again, only one of enormous strength could wield this
effectively. The mouths of the dragons hold different gems, each able
to emit dragon breath once per day. Apart from the dragon breath and
the massive damage it can inflict in melee, this staff has the ability
to summon a huge dragon once per week for each type. This dragon could
then be used as a steed into battle. If used by a mighty figure, all
dragons would respect the power held by the wielder. If used by a
lesser person, this would enrage all dragons except those summoned. It
has such inner strength that it cannot be changed by any shapechanging
magics."




And so the reading of the scroll is finished. All take a deep breath ...

(Tatiana:)
"Whew.  That's some awesome power. I can't see recovering that stuff
and keeping it safe.  If any of it ever got into the wrong hands, we'd
have a heap of trouble to take care of."

(Keilan:)
His attention turned quickly to Arlon's reading of the scroll.  He
remained silent throughout the reading, but anyone who tires of the
reading might easily read his perplexed expression.

(Silver:)
As the litany of artifacts goes on, Silver becomes more and more
subdued. As the list stops, she is seated, her shoulders slumped. She
bites her lip without realizing it, gently shaking her head.

Her eyes eventually search out Shade, and she says to him (though
others can hear) "Ebu, I had thought that Mielikki had shaped me for
this. And yet ... how can that be ? If these items are retrieved -
brought back into the realms of mankind - then the Balance will be
thrown aside."

"It must be a great debt that is owed by the Gods.  Or perhaps I have
misread the augury I received. I have misread signs before - and ended
by hurting many ..."

Silver seems desperately unsure and unhappy at the moment. This is in
such contrast to her mood yesterday.

(Shade:)
"Do not despair, dear" - the drow gently kisses Silver's forehead -
"sometimes Balance is a _VERY_ all encompassing concept. Trust
Mielikki and the powers She has given to you. In time we shall see
what we are up against."

(Silver:)
"The wand of fireballs was bad enough ... but these items," she waves
vaguely toward the scroll "defy understanding."

(Keilan:)
"If it were not for the last few weeks, I would dismiss these as faery
tales for children and fools.  Now I would say they are nightmares."

(Tatiana:)
"One would have to be extremely wise or powerful to be able to use 
that kind of power without having everyone in the world after your 
life.  Maybe the cloak would help against detection.  I sure could 
use that one, if only it didn't have the taint of evil on it."

(Arlon:)
As he read the scroll, his tones changed dramatically.  When he
finished, he will look up at Archion and Mendahl.

"There are so many items, do we try to find specific ones, prioritize
them, or try to find whatever ?  I guess the Tome of Cesshahl could be
a key item, it may be one of the first things we should try for ?"

(Archion:)
When Arlon speaks of the magnitude of amount of items, and the trouble
in looking for all of them, Archion Thissel gets a gleam in his eyes
and smiles knowingly.

"Yes. That would be a problem. But for this possibility. As you said,
the Tome of Cesshahl is the Key to unlocking the mysteries of that
era. Don't you think all sages and mages know this and have known it
throughout the ages?  I find it highly suspicious that the Tome, said
to be nearly indestructible, disappeared. Right after it was finished,
twenty copies were made, and spread through the land. These copies
were copied, and so forth. Nowadays, not a single copy remains intact.
All have many of the most important parts cut out, or smudged beyond
redemption. I think this is on purpose. Someone, or some organization, 
has found the first Tome, and expended huge effort to destroy, or at
least mangle to near uselessness, all other copies."

"Think also of this. Throughout the millennia, people have roamed all
the lands, and looked for riches and treasure everywhere. How come not
a single one of these items EVER surfaced? I firmly believe that a
powerful archmage or a powerful organization has throughout the ages
collected and preserved all these items and more. All you would have
to do is find out what kind of organization this is, and where it is
located. If they simply hold the items against abuse, they might be
reasoned with to release them to our aid. If they are held for some
evil purpose, they will have to be taken by force."

(Arlon:)
"Yes that sounds like a real possibility ... but I wonder.  It was
also great danger to go looking for them.  Many of the mages died
trying to get these items - the Core wars claimed many of them.  The
way to the artifacts is perilous, only a powerful group could hope to
get one, let alone many.  To track down all the copies of the Tome,
hunt for these artifacts and all the while to keep all of it a secret
would take great effort as well as time.  Who could possibly have had
the resources to accomplish this?!"

Arlon knows that Archion's idea makes a great deal of sense, it's just
the sheer magnitude of the operation is overwhelming.

(Falrun:)
After hearing the long list of items and Archion's explanation of a
secret organization to be found, Falrun asks, "Do we have any clues to
go on?  Are there any known organizations that would be known for this
kind of thing?"

As he waits for an answer, he will walk up to the table and start
perusing the maps and notes left there.

(Keilan:)
Talking to Archion, Keilan (That's MR. Tact to you, bucko!) says
"Indeed, a mysterious group or person who has remained unknown
throughout the centuries slowly hoarding this powerful items?  It
could only be an elf I think.  An organization would not work.
Someone would grow greedy or careless.  One of the items would surface
either for personal gain or for someone's cause not unlike our own.
You must have more to go on than this.  If the keeper has remained
hidden away for so long, how exactly can we hope to find him?"

(Tatiana:)
"An elf ... or some kind of undead that lives for a long time.  Maybe
a lich ?"

"I can't see an organization of this magnitude lasting so long without
anyone knowing of it's existence either.  Someone would get power
hungry."

(Arlon:)
"An elf or group of elves could certainly have the time; but the
motivation would not be there.  The elves were badly hurt during the
core wars, they would have wanted to stay far away from that for it
would surely bring the destructive humans to the homelands."

"An organization would most likely be torn by greed, unless it was a
group of fanatic mages and their followers bent on claiming the world
and more as their own."  He pauses here and looks solemn "The Sons of
the Empire.  They would know about the artifacts and have the greatest
resources available - they would surely have some of them and may even
have the Tome of Cesshahl."

He then seems struck by a thought.  "Keilan, you were in the war room
with the Sons.  Did you see anything they had that might even closely
resemble one of these artifacts?"

(Keilan:)
"Indeed there were several with intricate armour and weapons, but then
no more so than any knight or honour guard might have.  Since we
didn't have occasion to clash swords, I saw no evidence of magic.  I
can't recall the details of their possessions, I was more interested
in what was being said."

(Tatiana:)
Musing partly to herself, she says "Another possibility is that the
Gods themselves have the artifacts.  And are safe keeping them for the
chosen ones to claim them.  Saicha and the others might be able to
give us a clue as to were to start.  I'm sure the way is guarded in
such a way that forces the chosen to prove they are worthy.  It would
be a gods way to play games like that."

(Silver:)
Silver nods. "If they ... or it ... have hidden the artifacts from
mankind through the millennia, then they will not want to release them
to us. And we would not be the first searchers."

"But at least," at this she sighs and looks upwards, waving one arm in
that vague direction, "we will be following the Will of the Gods." She
does not seem to be too happy about this.

(Loromar:)
When some of you mention the Will of the Gods, the patriarch Loromar
interrupts.

"My children, do not think you are the only ones with the power to
attempt to divine the will divine. I too have searched the heavens for
an answer to the problems ahead, and answers have come. We are moving
in the right direction, and a new era is upon us. Now, as during the
Azithian Race Wars and the Core Wars, the Gods take keen interest in
the affairs of man. As mortals rise to challenge the Gods themselves,
the Gods move and shake the firmament, and prod their followers into
action. A grand game is upon us, and we must stand ready to do as the
Gods will."

(Silver:)
As Loromar speaks of the will of the Gods, Silver finds herself paying
more and more attention to his words. Slowly, she nods. "Then I will
trust Mielikki to keep the Greater Balance, and do Her bidding in
whatever way She chooses." Her voice becomes quite determined as she
resolves her problems. 

(Archion:)
When you all go off speculating on what kind of group or organization
may have gathered the items, Archion Thissel speaks up again...

"It would be your task to locate their bases and operations, many
others will be standing by to aid you once we know what to do."

(Tatiana:)
"Great!  That sounds real easy."

"I don't even know where to start.  The castle of Mad Piraz surely has
be scoured by now and there is nothing new to find there."

"Or is there more to tell?"

(Archion:)
"There is one clue. The Archmage Molach, a minor apprentice to the
great Azith Dengg, is rumoured to have been the only one of the great
wizards to have survived both the Azithian Race wars and the Core
Wars. It is widely believed among the community of sages who study
this era, that he was powerful enough to know secrets of immortality.
If there is one who had both the will and the strength as well as the
authority to keep an organization together throughout the millennia,
he is a prime candidate. Reread the artifact scroll on the part of
'Ring of Molach'. It will give you a starting point."

(Arlon:)
Arlon scans through the scroll and reads the entry more fully ....

"This magical item gives its wearer many mind powers. It shields the
mind of the user against any intrusions (ESP and all that), as per a
mindbar. On the other hand, it allows the wearer to use ESP,
Clairaudience and Clairvoyance up to four times a day each.  This ring
was used by the Archmage Molach, one of the minor apprentices of Azith
Dengg, during the Azithian Race Wars. He is rumoured to have survived
the Race Wars as well as the Core Wars.  Some say that the Citadel of
Molach could still be found in what was then called the World's End
Mountains. However, it is currently no longer known how the geographic
locations of then compare to those of now. No maps have survived, and
no recognizable ruins have ever been found. Some sages say only that
the Shining Plains, across the Orsraun Mountains from Turmish are said
to be the same as the Golden Plains where the old Capital lay, but
this is very unsubstantiated. The ring was made as a simple band of
gold, and no distinguishing features were added, though people say
that upon touching the item, one will automatically know what its'
powers are."

Looking up from the scroll, he adds "Yes I recall this; but since the
location of the World's End Mountains is unknown, the starting point
is obscure.  You have written in your book the only reference point we
have are the Shining Plains; but even this is heavily disputed.  Are
there any descriptions of these mountains that we could use as clues ?"

(Keilan:)
Keilan moves quietly over to the maps spread out on the table,
pondering which of the towering ranges depicted might once have
been the World's End mountains.

(Silver:)
"My mentor prophesied that I would follow Her path to the ends of the
world. It now seems we travel to these World's End mountains. Some
prophecies are quite literal ...." she smiles.

(Arlon:)
"Some elf may know some clues to this; but there is no one old enough
in my village that would know.  We would probably have to go to the
Home Land to find such an elf."

(Silver:)
Silver speaks in a sort of urgent tone, trying to point something out
while trying not to be obvious about it.

"Arlon, Elves are not the _only_ long-lived creatures ..." she says
with a sideways nod at Lady Shilara.

(Falrun:)
"That's right!  We could also try to get help and information from a
variety of sources besides elves.  I would say the best bet is to seek
the information from long-lived mountain dwelling creatures.  They're
the ones who are going to know the old names of mountains."

(Arlon:)
First to Silver "With all respect to you and the Lady, I have assumed
since the Lady Shilara did not offer that information that she did not
have it to give."

(Silver:)
Silver frowns at this and looks questioningly at the Lady Shilara.

(Arlon:)
"As I pointed out before, we will need to use ALL the resources
available to us.  I talked about the elves because our life spans can
even treble those of other races, the loss of information through the
generations should be the least with the elves."

(Silver:)
"Well, I didn't say that you were the _only_ long-lived race, just
that there were others" Silver says, petulantly.

(Arlon:)
"We have already established where we are going, we just have to find
out where that is.  If we cannot say," he motions to all "with
reasonable accuracy; then we need to decide who we are going to see
and in what order - with personal feelings aside.  I'll go talk to a
troll if necessary."

(Silver:)
Silver frowns and folds her arms. She starts to say something to
Arlon, but thinks better of it and stays quiet, with a disgruntled
expression. 

(Shade:)
The drow chuckles slightly "Do you really like to be as picky as us
elves dear" - a malicious smile in his eyes - "I thought you knew us
well enough to avoid this danger ..."

(Silver:)
Silver again starts to make a comment - and it probably wouldn't be a
pleasant one - when she again stops herself. She seems a little
tetchy.

(Shade:)
Suffocating another chuckle he slightly and gently pokes her ribs.

(Silver:)
Silver frowns at first, but then relaxes a little, and raises one
eyebrow at Shade, acknowledging his attempts to lighten a difficult
situation. She still seems a little tetchy, though.

(Falrun:)
"I must agree with you, Silver, Arlon does seem a bit presumptuous,
doesn't he?" Falrun says with a sideways glance at Silver.

(Silver:)
Silver looked sideways at Falrun and muttered "Hmmm" in agreement. 
For a moment she looked curiously at Falrun, as if appraising him
anew. 

(Arlon:)
"Presumptuous?  Not at all, pure and simple Logic."

(Silver:)
Looking at Falrun distracted her for a moment, then she too turned
back, awaiting a response from the Lady Shilara, Archion or one of the
others present.

(Shilara:)
While you guys and girls argue amongst each other, the other people in
the room look to amusedly. When the matter of longevity is raised, the
Lady Shilara speaks up. "Nay, so old I am not. Not many of us are, and
even those who may have lived during those times and lived through
them were not those present on this world. Dragons back then were used
as war-steeds for powerful warriors and mages. Their life-spans during
the Azithian Race Wars and Core Wars were short indeed. Most dragons
only returned when the wars were over. Our people may know a lot about
the atrocities of that age from hearsay, but none know of it first
hand."

(Keilan:)
As the postulations about the Eidolon's prowess and options continue,
"Where then, Mendahl, has this council decided the lair of Molach
might lie?  Or was that the argument we interrupted?"

(Silver:)
"Yes, what else can you tell us of these mountains and of this
immortal Molach that we do not already know ? And where will you send
us to start our search for his 'Citadel' ?"

Silver adds "Now that a decision has been made, I am anxious to depart
and move quickly through the darker sections of the path before me."

(Arlon:)
He then looks back to the leaders of Dark Haven. "Do you have any
guess on the location of the mountains, if not who do you suggest we
search for ?"

(Falrun:)
Falrun quickly interjects, "I don't think all of that will be
necessary, Arlon.  I'm sure that we will be able to determine the best
starting point through our own resources rather than wasting precious
time looking for an elf who may or may not know something any better
than we do."

(Arlon:)
"All that may be true Falrun; but the gods seem to be very cryptic
when answering.  The greatest sages have not been able to pinpoint a
single landmark from that time.  Not even Archion knows these things,
unless you have kept things hidden for reasons."  Arlon will give
Archion a look of - have you?

(Silver:)
Silver nods at this and also looks expectantly at Archion. "Yes
indeed, what else have you found ... or guessed at ? We would value
your guesses higher than most supposed facts ..."

(Archion:)
When some of you question whether Archion Thissel is telling you all
that he knows, he looks indignant. "The art of history is not an exact
knowledge. No matter how much detail one may unearth, there always
remain mysteries and unknowns. From here on your guides will be your
own wisdom and guile and whatever knowledge the Gods deem to impart
upon you."

(Falrun:)
"We have the knowledge of a great sage, the wisdom of two very pious
servants of the gods and our own deductive reasoning to guide us on
the proper course.  Nay, there is not a secret in the land that could
hide from the Eidolon at this juncture."

(Arlon:)
"We will need to use or find as many resources as we can and we'll
probably have to put aside our 'feelings' about certain groups to
accomplish this quest.  The time we 'waste' in the beginning may well
save much time in the end."

(Archion:)
"One thing I can still tell you. Mages from that era oft held diaries,
like the one you brought me. The Sons of the Empire may know more
about where to begin searching for the lost artifacts. You have two
options regarding that. You can try to gain their knowledge, tho I
have no clue how such a task might be accomplished, or you could
'piggy back' on their expedition. Once they learn of our intent, they
are sure to send their own delegation in search of the items. You
could follow them, and take things from there. Then rests how to find
out when and where their search party leaves. Obviously they will not
go by sea, for they have no ports. They may use flying ships or move
underground, traveling underneath the sea bed."

(Arlon:)
"How are _we_ going to travel back to the main continent?"

(Archion:)
"Well, my mage friend. Teleport does not work for some strange reason
between the continents. Mayhap travel is barred by either the Sons of
the Empire, or by the Ardanarzherdar. Why do you think we could only
get reinforcements by sea? It would have been a small matter to set up
a portal otherwise. No, you, as they, will have to move by mundane
means ..."

(Arlon:)
OOC: It sure would take a hell of a lot of teleport spells to do it. As 
     far as a portal, that is beyond Arlon's knowledge - Ron sure
     doesn't know about a spell to do this.

"Didn't I hear it discussed that there were to be ambassadors to the
Ardanarzherdar.  They may be able to give us clues to the Sons
activities if not other types of aid for the expedition.  We could go
see them to see if there is anymore they can do for us.  They seem to
have awareness of the events on this continent and the depictions on
the temple indicated there could be a land bridge between the two
continents.  They may have gotten knowledge of our continent through
the renegade wizards. They were able to transport us here by pure
thought, who really knows what they are capable of.  Should we perhaps
see them first?"

(Falrun:)
"I would also like to go see them first.  The only question is, how do
we find them.  Now that they are free, I don't think that anyone is
going to be able to find them unless they want to be found.  Even if
we could find them, where do we start looking and how do we avoid the
Sons of the Empire's forces?"

(Arlon:)
"I would suspect one or two of them would stay at the temple since it
seems to be a place of importance.  I think we should at least try,
they have a stake in this also."

(Tatiana:)
"I think it is our best starting point.  They can probably give us 
some more guidance as well.  It probably is a good idea to start our 
relationship with them off on the proper foot too.  We are willing 
allies now not begrudging ones as we were before."

(Arlon:)
He again turns to the leaders "What do you think of this?"

(Mendahl:)
When you guys mention an ambassadorial outing to the Ardanarzherdar,
Mendahl speaks up. "Yes, such an expedition is planned, and you would
be welcome to it.  You are afraid of time restraints for your quest
for the items, however, the Sons of the Empire have not yet made any
hostile moves, nor do they seem to be preparing for one. Maybe our
friend Loromar can tell us more on that."

(Loromar:)
At this, the old patriarch clears his throat and strokes his fine
white beard. "Yes. Being as high placed in the church of my God as I
am, I am a bit closer to the acts of the Gods than most of you will
be. I have felt their struggle. Last night, it was only with the
greatest effort that I could reach my God and receive my spells."

(Silver:)
Silver gasps involuntarily, eyes wide. She shakes her head in wonder
and fear as the patriarch continues.

(Loromar:)
"It appears that the words of the Ardanarzherdar are most true. The
forces of the Sons of the Empire are indeed already on the offensive,
but their current battles take place in the realms of the Gods. This
morning, I dared enter the divine realms with my ethereal body, and
was nearly unable to return. A great battle raged, as demon thralls
under the command of twisted beings that can only have been the
genengeneered Sons of the Empire's mages clawing at the very gates of
the Seven Heavens, while Solar commanded the forces of good in a
desperate struggle to keep the realms open to us on the prime.
Should this struggle turn for the worse, it will force the Gods
themselves to devote more attention to their home planes, and we will
be left without their guidance."

(Silver:)
"No. This cannot be. If I am then to presume to ask for gifts from my
Goddess, while She is defending Her own realm from unworthy and vile
intruders, then how can I know that I am not causing Her further
troubles ?"

(Loromar:)
"Then, the Sons of the Empire will strike here.  It is difficult to
know how the fighting in the planes will go, for it is not yet clear
which groups are allied with which. Many------------------------------
the chaos to follow, have enlisted with the Sons, the Modron Empire
has declared allegiance to the Gods of Good."

(Tatiana:)
Tatiana sat back quietly as the discussion continued. She had already
voiced her opinion that she would like to go back to the temple.  Now
it was up to the thinkers in the group.  She would watch and record
for histories sake.

(Arlon:)
"Right. When and how will we leave to see the Ardanarzherdar?"

(Falrun:)
"At any time and by any means, except by flying, of course. Though I
take it that we will again receive magical aid in getting to the temple ?"

(Arlon:)
"We must haste our preparations to visit the Ardanarzherdar and be
ready to leave on our quest directly from that.  We need to be as
light as possible for quickest travel on foot, which will undoubtedly
happen."

"If things do get worse, does this mean priests will lose their
spells ? And what about mages - will the magical sea that surrounds
all become inert and inaccessible to us?"

(Keilan:)
"Let us hope so.  That would simplify things immensely."

(Arlon:)
Arlon totally ignores this.

(Silver:)
"No my friend," Silver says with utter certainty. "For without magic
and the tender care of the Gods, this world will become as barren as
if there were no forests to walk in."

(Shade:)
An Angelic aura surrounds Shade as he, immensely sweetly, says "Why
are you always looking for a nasty reply, Keilan? Don't you ever get
bored of this game? Try have a look at someone else point of view in
time; what will be of you if you ever lose the ability of sharing the
beauty of nature and living in harmony with the natural environment ?
Think of this before wishing for magic to leave Arlon and the Gods to
relinquish Silver and Dithion."

(Silver:)
As Shade also admonishes Keilan, Silver looks at Shade with a warm
expression. His words have touched a chord deep within her. "Ever the
bard ..." she whispers.

(Keilan:)
Keilan looks cross as Shade spews his nonsense.  "Have you never
studied war?  I think it was Mongo Thunderhead who said 'Give me a
swordsman without a sword, an archer without a bow, and a wizard
without magic, and I will crush them each with ease.'  Since our enemy
is undoubtedly going to rely on magic, it would be better for us if
they were denied it.  Even at the cost our own.  If they can retain
their powers while we lose ours, then... well, then bards like you
won't have much to sing about."

(Shade:)
Shade sighs "Silly me, I got caught in it." He won't say anything more
about this.

(Silver:)
As Keilan responds (angrily ?) Silver just shakes her head and looks
to the ceiling. She sighs deeply but says nothing.

(Arlon:)
Responding to Keilan's mention of the fabled Mongo: "As I recall Mongo
Thunderhead relied heavily on magic, his hammer and a belt that
greatly augmented his strength.  Typical thing for a dwarf to say,
always thinking their strength will pull them through.  I believe one
of his fellow adventurers could have bested him in hand-to-hand, and
another that could have easily bested him in hand-to-hand. I wonder
what he would say if he had to go up against one with Psionics ..
probably nothing since his brain would be oozing out of his ears
within seconds."

(Keilan:)
"The point IS take your enemies weapon away and he is much easier to
defeat.  And no mere warrior could not have beaten Mongo.  While
possibly a bit stronger, Mongo was undoubtedly the better warrior.
And if I were you I wouldn't make that speculation again if dwarves
are about.  Few are those who have attained Mongo's skill with
weapons.  Whole graveyards can attest to that fact."

"In any case, the question is now moot.  If anyone is to lose their
advantage of magic it will be us.  If there is nothing we can do to
prevent it, then we must act quickly while it holds, and be ready for
when it fails."

(Loromar:)
When Arlon is shocked by the implications of losing touch with the
Gods, and Keilan mentions that it may not be so bad, Loromar speaks up
again.

"Yes. This could indeed happen. If all goes against us, clerics might
well lose their ability to cast higher level spells, and the spells of
the mages may be blocked again as happened during the Azithian Race
Wars. However, rejoice not too fast my dear Ranger friend. The book of
the Son of the Empire you brought spoke that the mages of the Empire
had found a way to maintain control of the magical weave. If we were
the only ones thus crippled, then it would be very simple indeed. We
would all be wiped off the face of this world."

(Arlon:)
"Exactly, plus I am sure they have Psionics, powers of the mind, which
does not depend on magic and we would be totally defenseless against
it."

(Loromar:)
"It is imperative that the Gods not be engaged so fully as to devour
their attentions towards the outer planes alone. To this end, other
people are already forming parties to enter the planes and aid the
Gods' troops with spell and sword."

(Silver:)
Silver speaks out to all present. "Should we not then also take the
other path open to us and walk the unknown path to the realms of the
Gods to offer such assistance as we can there ? For if our Gods are
wounded there, then what hope is there for our world ?"

"I fear to tread that path, perhaps because I know nothing but rumours
of what lies beyond, and also that I feel that I am not worthy yet to
visit ... those places. But if we can play some small part in the
defeat of the vile intruders there, then perhaps they may retreat to
lick their wounds while we search then for the artifacts ... being
safe in the knowledge that our Gods are not under direct threat."

(Falrun:)
"Rest your soul, Dear, for when the opposition realizes what we are
attempting to do, it may very well draw off some of the pressure on
the gods that they may more easily defend themselves.  No matter what
path we take, as long as it is in the best interest of the gods, we
will be helping them."

(Silver:)
Silver studies Falrun intensely. She nods slowly in agreement, and
smiles in thanks. 

Later, Silver will say "I have met few who know the right things to
say in so many situations. You seem to intuitively understand what
needs to be said. And your judgment seems to be so accurate as well.
You make no harsh judgments of people. You do not jump to hasty
conclusions." She pauses, then "I am proud to know you, Falrun. May
you achieve your fondest desires in life. You deserve no less."




As Arlon and Keilan continue their discussion on dwarves, magic and war ...

(Silver:)
Ignoring all the discussions between Arlon and Keilan about Dwarves
and Magic, she says "Well now.  Am I right in thinking we return to
the temple to see if there is any trace of Saicha and the others ?  If
so, we had best leave now.  Tensions are building, and we need to act
as soon as we can."

(Arlon:)
"Yes, let us make preparations in haste.  We can let Mendahl et al
decide on the best and fastest means of getting us to the temple."  He
looks to Mendahl "With your leave we shall go and gather our things."
he hesitates and looks at Daermon "I balk to ask this of you in your
time of illness; but any of your special potions would be most
helpful."  He then bows and begins to exit, unless Mendahl says
otherwise.



And so the party stand, ready to leave the tower and make preparations
for their journey ... 

(Tatiana:)
"Before we go though, I'd like to get some of the stuff we recovered 
identified.  I'd like to know what our magic items do before we go 
traveling all over the world."

OOC: The champions ring from the cavern, the new chain mail, the
     longsword, and scabbarded dagger recovered from the late Dark
     Haven Dozen.

(Silver:)
OOC: If there are offers to ID the items, Silver will also ask about
     the stuff she has (especially bracers and ring). If no offer is
     forthcoming then she keeps quiet.

(Tatiana:)
"I'd also like to get some fire-proof containers to store some of 
the more important things from fireballs.  I'm lucky I didn't lose 
my spell books in the battle with the natives."

(Silver:)
Before she finally leaves the tower, Silver will take a deep breath
and approach Shilara. "My Lady," she begins "I would deem it an honour
beyond words to fly with you, when things are less ..." and waves a
hand toward the maps displayed.

"My cycle of life is so short this time, and each opportunity must be
grasped while it passes ..."