Journal - The Crown of Intelligence - Revision history

2A00:23C7:BF83:A101:C954:4846:AE42:5436 at 11:45, 21 January 2023

2023-01-21T11:45:35Z

imported>Garret: /* The City of Shadows */

2022-02-28T14:36:27Z

The City of Shadows

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:36, 28 February 2022
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	She had stabbed me once and grabbed at me, and I could feel a pull on my essence like Karmana's power was flowing the wrong way from me, but I was just able to resist it. Thanks to Falcor's aid, though, I was able to shake free of her grip quickly. She missed me a couple of times after that - all I could do was dodge and parry as I couldn't hurt her - then thankfully Falcor arrived to engage her in melee. Arad was also there, holding up his holy symbol and chanting. In a strange vision, Falcor became an Elvradrak as he ran at her and roared at her. She froze in terror, allowing Falcor to strike her with his rod (which was strange given that he had changed form) and shoot bolts of energy at her. Light flooded the chamber from Arad's holy symbol as he finished chanting, although it didn't seem to have any obvious effect on her, and then Falcor returned unusually quickly to his human form; was that an illusion? She seemed to all outward appearance to be helpless and fragile, but such an evil creature could not be trusted at any time, and it was still dangerous, of that I was sure.		She had stabbed me once and grabbed at me, and I could feel a pull on my essence like Karmana's power was flowing the wrong way from me, but I was just able to resist it. Thanks to Falcor's aid, though, I was able to shake free of her grip quickly. She missed me a couple of times after that - all I could do was dodge and parry as I couldn't hurt her - then thankfully Falcor arrived to engage her in melee. Arad was also there, holding up his holy symbol and chanting. In a strange vision, Falcor became an Elvradrak as he ran at her and roared at her. She froze in terror, allowing Falcor to strike her with his rod (which was strange given that he had changed form) and shoot bolts of energy at her. Light flooded the chamber from Arad's holy symbol as he finished chanting, although it didn't seem to have any obvious effect on her, and then Falcor returned unusually quickly to his human form; was that an illusion? She seemed to all outward appearance to be helpless and fragile, but such an evil creature could not be trusted at any time, and it was still dangerous, of that I was sure.

	Falcor was similarly unconvinced and continued to bludgeon her even as Arad tried to bind her hands, urging us to relent. We in turn asked him not to be deceived!		Falcor was similarly unconvinced and continued to bludgeon her even as Arad tried to bind her hands, urging us to relent. We in turn asked him not to be deceived! We were right, of course, and she suddenly turned into a gas and disappeared through some small holes in the floor! I moved towards the stairwells in two of the corners, noting that both went down. We really wanted to go up though, so I didn't continue. Arad poured holy water into the sarcophagus in the centre of the room (what had looked like an altar from a distance was definitely not an altar... I had opened it but found nothing inside except a lining. He said a blessing over it, hoping that it had been purified in some way.

			Falcor flew out and up to look at the windows of the floor above, and I ran to the corner and leapt into the air, creating a pocket of Cernurros' realm using my wand to stay at that height and to penetrate the ceiling. I had called Arad, but of course once I was inside the "bubble" we could no longer communicate. I jumped out and up, emerging into a dark room lined with bookcases and with study tables towards the middle. Arad joined me after managing to reach the bubble and make his way up, and I learned from him that Falcor had made his own way onto this floor, into a corridor nearby.

			I took a moment to light a lantern so that we could see more clearly, and idly looked at the nearest open book - and I was slightly alarmed to see that it recorded known vulnerabilites of the Elvradrak! I took it, with Falcor's blessing, and put it in my pack to look at later. We linked up with Falcor as he opened the door and all made our way into the corridor. There were several doors leading off this, as well as another corridor at a corner. I opened the nearest and found a lady's bed chamber with a huge four-post bed, wardrobes, and so on. As I stepped in, though, there was a sudden sucking drain of energy from my mind, taking some of Karmana's power from me. I warned the others and stepped back out quickly!

	~~She turns into gas and disappears through the floor. I move towards stairs, but both go~~ down~~. Arad pours holy water into sarcophagus, then says blessing.~~		Falcor opened a door farther down and found an alchemist's laboratory, collecting several potions of interest for study later.

	~~I run to corner~~ and ~~leap into air and create a pocket of Cernurros' realm, calling Arad but then disappearing into it. Trying to breach the ceiling.~~

	~~Arad can't get high enough to join me. Falcor flies outside to look into windows.~~

	~~Jump out into dark room lined with bookcases, study tables. Book of vulnerabilites of dragons - take it. Bed chamber in next room, huge four poster bed, warderobes, etc.~~

	~~As I step in, sudden sucking drain of energy from mind, taking Karmana's power from me. Warn the others!~~

	~~Falcor finds~~ alchemist's laboratory.

imported>Garret: /* The City of Shadows */

2022-02-28T13:14:12Z

The City of Shadows

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:14, 28 February 2022
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	Arad was still praying, adding additional blessings to Falcor and himself, and the bat was clearly angry that it couldn't touch either of them. Arad threw bolts at it, striking true, and it flew away to disappear into the darkness. I reached the open floor again and flew in, changing into my normal form to attack the other one. She was in female human form, not that the form could be trusted. Unfortunately all of my weapons passed harmlessly through it! Thankfully Falcor was nearing an entrance and cast some spell on my foe that weakened it. It certainly looked like she was struggling, no longer as quick or powerful in her movements.		Arad was still praying, adding additional blessings to Falcor and himself, and the bat was clearly angry that it couldn't touch either of them. Arad threw bolts at it, striking true, and it flew away to disappear into the darkness. I reached the open floor again and flew in, changing into my normal form to attack the other one. She was in female human form, not that the form could be trusted. Unfortunately all of my weapons passed harmlessly through it! Thankfully Falcor was nearing an entrance and cast some spell on my foe that weakened it. It certainly looked like she was struggling, no longer as quick or powerful in her movements.

	She had stabbed me once and grabbed at me, and I could feel a pull on my essence like Karmana's power was flowing the wrong way from me, but I was just able to resist it. Thanks to Falcor's aid, though, I was able to shake free of her grip quickly.		She had stabbed me once and grabbed at me, and I could feel a pull on my essence like Karmana's power was flowing the wrong way from me, but I was just able to resist it. Thanks to Falcor's aid, though, I was able to shake free of her grip quickly. She missed me a couple of times after that - all I could do was dodge and parry as I couldn't hurt her - then thankfully Falcor arrived to engage her in melee. Arad was also there, holding up his holy symbol and chanting. In a strange vision, Falcor became an Elvradrak as he ran at her and roared at her. She froze in terror, allowing Falcor to strike her with his rod (which was strange given that he had changed form) and shoot bolts of energy at her. Light flooded the chamber from Arad's holy symbol as he finished chanting, although it didn't seem to have any obvious effect on her, and then Falcor returned unusually quickly to his human form; was that an illusion? She seemed to all outward appearance to be helpless and fragile, but such an evil creature could not be trusted at any time, and it was still dangerous, of that I was sure.

			Falcor was similarly unconvinced and continued to bludgeon her even as Arad tried to bind her hands, urging us to relent. We in turn asked him not to be deceived!


	~~She misses me a couple of times and then thankfully Falcor arrives to engage her. Arad is also there with holy symbol chanting.~~

	~~Falcor becomes a dragon as he runs at her and screams, freezing her with terror and striking her in some way that might be with a rod and shoots bolts of energy at her.~~

	~~Light floods the chamber from Arad's holy symbol as he finished chanting, but doesn't seem to change anything.~~

	~~Falcor unusually returns quickly to human form. She seems helpless. Not, though, evil creature in disguise.~~

	~~Falcor continues to bludgen her to death even as Arad tries to bind her and urges us to relent. No - she's evil.~~

	She turns into gas and disappears through the floor. I move towards stairs, but both go down. Arad pours holy water into sarcophagus, then says blessing.		She turns into gas and disappears through the floor. I move towards stairs, but both go down. Arad pours holy water into sarcophagus, then says blessing.

imported>Garret: /* The City of Shadows */

2022-02-28T12:54:55Z

The City of Shadows

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:54, 28 February 2022
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	The others had noticed the movement and decided to fly up to the tower. The dweomer was much slower than flying as a bird, though, so it would take some time for them to reach it. Arad levitated himself so that he could be drawn along by Falcor without burdening him, which helped a little. The bat was circling and shrieking loudly, but it seemed to have lost me, at least for the time being. It climbed back up to the level it had started from, shrieking slightly less frequently - presumably using the noise to search for me.		The others had noticed the movement and decided to fly up to the tower. The dweomer was much slower than flying as a bird, though, so it would take some time for them to reach it. Arad levitated himself so that he could be drawn along by Falcor without burdening him, which helped a little. The bat was circling and shrieking loudly, but it seemed to have lost me, at least for the time being. It climbed back up to the level it had started from, shrieking slightly less frequently - presumably using the noise to search for me.

	Arad called the Creator's protection on Falcor and himself as they approached, which would prove to be a crucial advantage later, although of course I didn't know that they were approaching at this point.		Arad called the Creator's protection on Falcor and himself as they approached, which would prove to be a crucial advantage later, although of course I didn't know that they were approaching at this point. That changed when a lightning bolt, conjured by Falcor, lit up the sky above me and Falcor became visible. He had struck the bat with it, and then sent a second bolt arcing out. The crazy fools were going to alert the whole city! I decided that I'd better go and help in some way, perhaps to engage the second figure they wouldn't have been aware of. There was also a mental battle going on between the creature and Falcor, although that was invisible of course. The thing launched itself at Falcor, aiming to slam into an attack, but was repelled by the invisible barrier of the Creator's protection.

			Arad was still praying, adding additional blessings to Falcor and himself, and the bat was clearly angry that it couldn't touch either of them. Arad threw bolts at it, striking true, and it flew away to disappear into the darkness. I reached the open floor again and flew in, changing into my normal form to attack the other one. She was in female human form, not that the form could be trusted. Unfortunately all of my weapons passed harmlessly through it! Thankfully Falcor was nearing an entrance and cast some spell on my foe that weakened it. It certainly looked like she was struggling, no longer as quick or powerful in her movements.

			She had stabbed me once and grabbed at me, and I could feel a pull on my essence like Karmana's power was flowing the wrong way from me, but I was just able to resist it. Thanks to Falcor's aid, though, I was able to shake free of her grip quickly.

	~~Lightning bolt lights up sky as Falcor appears, then again! Crazy fools. I'd better go and help...~~

	~~Mental battle going on between it and Falcor. It launches at Falcor aiming to slam into an attack but repelled by invisible barrier.~~

	~~Arad calls another blessing on Falcor. Bat very angry, cannot touch either of them. Arad throws spears at thing, striking it.~~		She misses me a couple of times and then thankfully Falcor arrives to engage her. Arad is also there with holy symbol chanting.

	~~Falcor casts something on my foe - apparently enfeebled and certainly looks like she's struggling.~~

	~~Female I fight - weapon just passes right through! She stabs me and grabs at me, feel a pull on my essence but just manage to resist it.~~

	~~Shake free of her grip, thanks to Falcor's weakening her.~~ She misses me a couple of times and then thankfully Falcor arrives to engage her. Arad is also there with holy symbol chanting.

	Falcor becomes a dragon as he runs at her and screams, freezing her with terror and striking her in some way that might be with a rod and shoots bolts of energy at her.		Falcor becomes a dragon as he runs at her and screams, freezing her with terror and striking her in some way that might be with a rod and shoots bolts of energy at her.

imported>Garret: /* The City of Shadows */

2022-02-28T12:24:20Z

The City of Shadows

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:24, 28 February 2022
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	In the morning, although it was still dark in this place of shadows, we continued on towards the city, still invisible. We took some time to circle and inspect the place, noting the fine stone outer walls in a square with a gate on each of the four sides. Each gate had a very robust double-towered defensive gatehouse, and there were armed figures visible atop them. The gates were huge and at least clad in iron. There were large fortified towers in the corners where the walls met, formed in an "L" shape to cover both walls. At the western edge of the city, but outside, was a massive stone tower about a hundred yards from the city gatehouse. This tower had only arrow slits for perhaps the first five storeys, then an open layer with many pillars on each side that was brightly lit on the outside. We could clearly see one of the giant bats perched in one of the openings there, so it seemed to be a sort of landing area. There were perhaps another couple of storeys above that with windows. The Saloroc stood guard near the gates, both city and tower, and all seemed to be moving on foot. There were some humans around, though, which surprised me. All of those that were not in armour were not armed at all and were all finely dressed.		In the morning, although it was still dark in this place of shadows, we continued on towards the city, still invisible. We took some time to circle and inspect the place, noting the fine stone outer walls in a square with a gate on each of the four sides. Each gate had a very robust double-towered defensive gatehouse, and there were armed figures visible atop them. The gates were huge and at least clad in iron. There were large fortified towers in the corners where the walls met, formed in an "L" shape to cover both walls. At the western edge of the city, but outside, was a massive stone tower about a hundred yards from the city gatehouse. This tower had only arrow slits for perhaps the first five storeys, then an open layer with many pillars on each side that was brightly lit on the outside. We could clearly see one of the giant bats perched in one of the openings there, so it seemed to be a sort of landing area. There were perhaps another couple of storeys above that with windows. The Saloroc stood guard near the gates, both city and tower, and all seemed to be moving on foot. There were some humans around, though, which surprised me. All of those that were not in armour were not armed at all and were all finely dressed.

	After our inspection we found a spot a few hundred yards from the tower to discuss what to do next. This, it was clear to me, was the Tower of Sins we had been directed to. Falcor wanted more information before acting, to I transformed into a Thrush (still invisible) and flew to the main door on its east side. I was able to swoop through as some civilians entered and found an internal courtyard with three oak doors, all closed. One was clearly a main entrance, with the others seemingly leading to a barracks of some kind. There were about a dozen Saloroc, not bearing any clan markings (we had seen none at all here). They were well appointed, armoured and carrying medium sized swords.		After our inspection we found a spot a few hundred yards from the tower to discuss what to do next. This, it was clear to me, was the Tower of Sins we had been directed to. Falcor wanted more information before acting, to I transformed into a Thrush (still invisible) and flew to the main door on its east side. I was able to swoop through as some civilians entered and found an internal courtyard with three oak doors, all closed. One was clearly a main entrance, with the others seemingly leading to a barracks of some kind. There were about a dozen Saloroc, not bearing any clan markings (we had seen none at all here). They were well appointed, armoured and carrying medium sized swords. The height of the courtyard was about twenty feet, with a ceiling of stone above. I noticed that the double doors that were the main entrance were not used by the Saloroc guards at all, but when civilians approached they were let through quickly with a nod.

			I could see no way of getting inside without alerting at least one of the guards, if not more, so I flew out and over to the city wall to take a look there. I was most surprised that the majority of light sources within the city seemed to be magical in nature, suggesting that magic was commonplace here. There were both human and Saloroc guards on the walls, although more were human. This was different to the tower, where I had only seen Saloroc guards. I flew back to the others to report what I'd found so far, and as we were discussing it the bat we had seen perched on the tower launched itself out and flew off into the darkness. Not wanting to lose the opportunity, I flew up to where it had been to take a look. Although the outside was brightly lit there was hardly any light inside so it was hard to see, but there were a couple of figures near the centre.

			As I hopped in I could see a bit more; there were two figures near to what might be an altar arranged diagonally in the centre of the open floor. One was slumped against this, but jumped up as I entered looking in my direction. I didn't wait to see what they did, flying straight out again. Behind me a human form jumped from the tower and turned into one of the giant shrieking bats, so I dived for the floor. I go there first, but could not enter the earth in my animal form so I instead flitted over to the edge of the tower, hoping its shaped and my invisibility would hide me.

	~~About twenty feet~~ to ~~ceiling of stone~~. ~~Double doors not used~~ by ~~Saloroc~~, but ~~when civilians approach let through quickly with a nod~~.		The others had noticed the movement and decided to fly up to the tower. The dweomer was much slower than flying as a bird, though, so it would take some time for them to reach it. Arad levitated himself so that he could be drawn along by Falcor without burdening him, which helped a little. The bat was circling and shrieking loudly, but it seemed to have lost me, at least for the time being. It climbed back up to the level it had started from, shrieking slightly less frequently - presumably using the noise to search for me.

	~~Most of~~ the ~~light sources seem~~ to be ~~magical. Humans and Saloroc on the walls~~, ~~2/3 human. Only Saloroc in tower~~.		Arad called the Creator's protection on Falcor and himself as they approached, which would prove to be a crucial advantage later, although of course I didn't know that they were approaching at this point.

	Go back to others. Bat leaves so go for a look. Figures in there... vampire?! Turns into bat and shrieks, chasing me as I dive for floor. Others notice movement and start to move, Falcor offering to fly with Arad (but not as an Elvradrak).

	Arad casts levitate and Falcor casts something to make him fly. I cannot sink into ground so flit over to tower and press against wall. Bat shrieking but seems to have lost me for now. Bat spiral climbing, shrieking slightly less frequently.

	~~Arad calls the Creator's protection on Falcor and himself as they approach, although I don't know that they're there yet.~~

	Lightning bolt lights up sky as Falcor appears, then again! Crazy fools. I'd better go and help...		Lightning bolt lights up sky as Falcor appears, then again! Crazy fools. I'd better go and help...

imported>Garret: /* The City of Shadows */

2022-02-27T21:38:21Z

The City of Shadows

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:38, 27 February 2022
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	I indicated the direction we should head for, and we set off once more. We started to emerge into drier, deciduous forest after a while, but it was getting darker again. At some point we lost our tail from the swamp, probably satisfied that we had left, but kept going for about four hours. The forest was very thin by now and we started to see the bright reflected light of a city up ahead. Falcor turned us invisible and we set camp for the night, using string to keep track of where we all were. It was actually reasonably pleasant, with forest sounds having returned since leaving the swamp and the temperature was warm enough to be comfortable. We rested well, with the only event during the night being a shrieking giant bat that flew over heading towards the city.		I indicated the direction we should head for, and we set off once more. We started to emerge into drier, deciduous forest after a while, but it was getting darker again. At some point we lost our tail from the swamp, probably satisfied that we had left, but kept going for about four hours. The forest was very thin by now and we started to see the bright reflected light of a city up ahead. Falcor turned us invisible and we set camp for the night, using string to keep track of where we all were. It was actually reasonably pleasant, with forest sounds having returned since leaving the swamp and the temperature was warm enough to be comfortable. We rested well, with the only event during the night being a shrieking giant bat that flew over heading towards the city.

			In the morning, although it was still dark in this place of shadows, we continued on towards the city, still invisible. We took some time to circle and inspect the place, noting the fine stone outer walls in a square with a gate on each of the four sides. Each gate had a very robust double-towered defensive gatehouse, and there were armed figures visible atop them. The gates were huge and at least clad in iron. There were large fortified towers in the corners where the walls met, formed in an "L" shape to cover both walls. At the western edge of the city, but outside, was a massive stone tower about a hundred yards from the city gatehouse. This tower had only arrow slits for perhaps the first five storeys, then an open layer with many pillars on each side that was brightly lit on the outside. We could clearly see one of the giant bats perched in one of the openings there, so it seemed to be a sort of landing area. There were perhaps another couple of storeys above that with windows. The Saloroc stood guard near the gates, both city and tower, and all seemed to be moving on foot. There were some humans around, though, which surprised me. All of those that were not in armour were not armed at all and were all finely dressed.

			After our inspection we found a spot a few hundred yards from the tower to discuss what to do next. This, it was clear to me, was the Tower of Sins we had been directed to. Falcor wanted more information before acting, to I transformed into a Thrush (still invisible) and flew to the main door on its east side. I was able to swoop through as some civilians entered and found an internal courtyard with three oak doors, all closed. One was clearly a main entrance, with the others seemingly leading to a barracks of some kind. There were about a dozen Saloroc, not bearing any clan markings (we had seen none at all here). They were well appointed, armoured and carrying medium sized swords.

	When fully rested continue towards city, still invisible. Fine stone outer walls with gate on the four sides. Very robust double towered defence on each gate, with figures manning them. Huge iron gates.

	~~Large fortified towers in corners of walls. Western edge has massive stone tower, but outside the walls about a hundred yards from gatehouse on that side.~~

	Arrow slits only for five storeys and then an open layer with pillars about six storeys up, brightly lit. Bat perched in one of the openings there, and then another couple of storeys above it. Windows at that level.

	~~Saloroc guards near gates, moving on foot. Some humans around, though. All of those not in armour guarding are not armed and are finely dressed.~~

	Fly into tower as invisible Thrush - swoop through archway into internal courtyard. Oak doors (3) closed, about a dozen Saloroc with no clan markings. Well appointed, armoured and carry medium sized swords.

	About twenty feet to ceiling of stone. Double doors not used by Saloroc, but when civilians approach let through quickly with a nod.		About twenty feet to ceiling of stone. Double doors not used by Saloroc, but when civilians approach let through quickly with a nod.

imported>Garret: /* The Price of Information */

2022-02-25T14:05:32Z

The Price of Information

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:05, 25 February 2022
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	Arad entangled two of his attackers, and I called on Karmana to form a wall of vegetation between us and the grove, catching the other two of Arad's attackers in the corner. I shouted that we needed to leave, we had the information we wanted so there was no reason to fight, but Arad was a stubborn fool sometimes and kept lashing out at any perceived threat. We finally convinced him to come back to where we were and then headed west for a couple of hours, just to move away from the druid's sanctuary. We were sure that we were being followed, but we were not attacked again. We did not know exactly where the City of Shadows could be found, although it was likely to be in the southern half of the island. Falcor suggested that I use the sense of force drawing from the land that I had felt before to guide us in the right direction.		Arad entangled two of his attackers, and I called on Karmana to form a wall of vegetation between us and the grove, catching the other two of Arad's attackers in the corner. I shouted that we needed to leave, we had the information we wanted so there was no reason to fight, but Arad was a stubborn fool sometimes and kept lashing out at any perceived threat. We finally convinced him to come back to where we were and then headed west for a couple of hours, just to move away from the druid's sanctuary. We were sure that we were being followed, but we were not attacked again. We did not know exactly where the City of Shadows could be found, although it was likely to be in the southern half of the island. Falcor suggested that I use the sense of force drawing from the land that I had felt before to guide us in the right direction.

	I reached out to touch a tree and spoke with it for a moment, but that only gave me the sense that Karmana and holiness was below, with poison and bad air above. Thanks, tree.		I reached out to touch a tree and spoke with it for a moment, but that only gave me the sense that Karmana and holiness was below, with poison and bad air above. Thanks, tree. Instead I tried a small prayer to purify some of the water from the swamp, but then was overwhelmed by a mocking presence filling my senses. I did get a good sense of direction just before I passed out, though, which was definitely south west of us. I was revived by Arad using his crown, feeling a great surge as my body and mind were filled with Karmana's energy. I was glad for the help, and felt better than ever, and I placed my crown on as well since something probably knew where we were by now anyway.

			==The City of Shadows==

			I indicated the direction we should head for, and we set off once more. We started to emerge into drier, deciduous forest after a while, but it was getting darker again. At some point we lost our tail from the swamp, probably satisfied that we had left, but kept going for about four hours. The forest was very thin by now and we started to see the bright reflected light of a city up ahead. Falcor turned us invisible and we set camp for the night, using string to keep track of where we all were. It was actually reasonably pleasant, with forest sounds having returned since leaving the swamp and the temperature was warm enough to be comfortable. We rested well, with the only event during the night being a shrieking giant bat that flew over heading towards the city.

	~~Try a small prayer and get mocked by evil presence - do get a sense of direction, though, just before I pass out. 240 degrees.~~

	~~Arad revived me with crown, so filled with Karmana's energy and come to. Crowns on then!~~

	~~Move in that direction, emerging into drier deciduous forest, but getting darker again. Keep going for about four hours, forest very thing now and see brightly lit city up ahead.~~

	~~See the lights of a city ahead. Falcor turns us invisible and we camp for the night, using string to keep track of each other.~~

	~~Reasonably pleasant, forest sounds returned since leaving the swamp. Rest, shrieking bat flies over during the night, but that is all.~~

	When fully rested continue towards city, still invisible. Fine stone outer walls with gate on the four sides. Very robust double towered defence on each gate, with figures manning them. Huge iron gates.		When fully rested continue towards city, still invisible. Fine stone outer walls with gate on the four sides. Very robust double towered defence on each gate, with figures manning them. Huge iron gates.

imported>Garret: /* The Price of Information */

2022-02-25T13:15:58Z

The Price of Information

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:15, 25 February 2022
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	I asked if this was a sacred place, and he responded that it was "...beyond your imagining" and told us to leave and never return. Interestingly he made a point of saying that Falcor was not welcome, and knew that he was Elvradrak. I offered my apologies, saying that we did not mean to invade such a sacred place, or to harm his people without knowing that they were of Karmana / Korman. The response, though, was that "Korman is no friend of ours and nor is her Guardian. Leave now." I ventured to ask, saying that we would leave, who his guardian spirit was if not Korman? He said that it was "The Queen of the Damned", and in her name he wanted to banish us from this place. I asked if this was Sullinassauri, but he practically spat how I dared to speak that name as it was his Queen's jailor! I apologised again, saying that we sought to destroy this jailor and our ignorance had brought us into unnecessary conflict. I probed as to where we could find the jailor, and he said we could find them in the Tower of Sins beside the City of Shadows.		I asked if this was a sacred place, and he responded that it was "...beyond your imagining" and told us to leave and never return. Interestingly he made a point of saying that Falcor was not welcome, and knew that he was Elvradrak. I offered my apologies, saying that we did not mean to invade such a sacred place, or to harm his people without knowing that they were of Karmana / Korman. The response, though, was that "Korman is no friend of ours and nor is her Guardian. Leave now." I ventured to ask, saying that we would leave, who his guardian spirit was if not Korman? He said that it was "The Queen of the Damned", and in her name he wanted to banish us from this place. I asked if this was Sullinassauri, but he practically spat how I dared to speak that name as it was his Queen's jailor! I apologised again, saying that we sought to destroy this jailor and our ignorance had brought us into unnecessary conflict. I probed as to where we could find the jailor, and he said we could find them in the Tower of Sins beside the City of Shadows.

	I told the others that we were in a sacred place and that we should leave immediately, but that I had information for them on the location of the Sarn.		I told the others that we were in a sacred place and that we should leave immediately, but that I had information for them on the location of the Sarn. Falcor was reluctant to believe some snake creature that we had just met, but I insisted that he was a keeper of the land and we should respect this place. Now we had the information we needed we should leave, I said, and we started to walk away discussing it. Arad, though, had stayed behind and tried to use his staff to influence the reaction of whatever creatures were within the trees. Whether it was because he had not withdrawn or as a response to his actions, Arad was attacked from behind by more lizard creatures and shouted in alarm.

			Arad entangled two of his attackers, and I called on Karmana to form a wall of vegetation between us and the grove, catching the other two of Arad's attackers in the corner. I shouted that we needed to leave, we had the information we wanted so there was no reason to fight, but Arad was a stubborn fool sometimes and kept lashing out at any perceived threat. We finally convinced him to come back to where we were and then headed west for a couple of hours, just to move away from the druid's sanctuary. We were sure that we were being followed, but we were not attacked again. We did not know exactly where the City of Shadows could be found, although it was likely to be in the southern half of the island. Falcor suggested that I use the sense of force drawing from the land that I had felt before to guide us in the right direction.

			I reached out to touch a tree and spoke with it for a moment, but that only gave me the sense that Karmana and holiness was below, with poison and bad air above. Thanks, tree.

	They were reluctant... Arad, though, uses staff to influence their behaviour as Falcor and I are ready to withdraw. We walk away, talking about the situation, but Arad is attacked from behind as he lingered.

	~~Arad entangles two foes, I call on Karmana and form a wall of vegetation between us and grove, trying to catch Arad's attackers in the corner.~~

	~~Try to encourage them to leave whilst trying to reassure the druid here that we will leave. Say that they have given us the information we need. Must leave.~~

	~~Convince others to move west for a couple of hours before turning south - Falcor wants me to use sense of drawing force to guide us from there.~~

	~~Probably being followed. After away, touch a tree and reach out - Karmana holy below, poison and badness above. Thanks.~~

	Try a small prayer and get mocked by evil presence - do get a sense of direction, though, just before I pass out. 240 degrees.		Try a small prayer and get mocked by evil presence - do get a sense of direction, though, just before I pass out. 240 degrees.

imported>Garret: /* The Price of Information */

2022-02-25T12:03:32Z

The Price of Information

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:03, 25 February 2022
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	As we approached, I started to notice the shape of the trees forming the start of a circle, and I was reminded for some reason of Borarla. A dread filled me, as we knew so little about this land, that we might be intruding on a sacred grove. I tried calling out in the secret tongue of druids that my Saloroc mentor had taught me, and my stomach tightened as I immediately received a response in kind. We should not be here!		As we approached, I started to notice the shape of the trees forming the start of a circle, and I was reminded for some reason of Borarla. A dread filled me, as we knew so little about this land, that we might be intruding on a sacred grove. I tried calling out in the secret tongue of druids that my Saloroc mentor had taught me, and my stomach tightened as I immediately received a response in kind. We should not be here!

			I asked if this was a sacred place, and he responded that it was "...beyond your imagining" and told us to leave and never return. Interestingly he made a point of saying that Falcor was not welcome, and knew that he was Elvradrak. I offered my apologies, saying that we did not mean to invade such a sacred place, or to harm his people without knowing that they were of Karmana / Korman. The response, though, was that "Korman is no friend of ours and nor is her Guardian. Leave now." I ventured to ask, saying that we would leave, who his guardian spirit was if not Korman? He said that it was "The Queen of the Damned", and in her name he wanted to banish us from this place. I asked if this was Sullinassauri, but he practically spat how I dared to speak that name as it was his Queen's jailor! I apologised again, saying that we sought to destroy this jailor and our ignorance had brought us into unnecessary conflict. I probed as to where we could find the jailor, and he said we could find them in the Tower of Sins beside the City of Shadows.

			I told the others that we were in a sacred place and that we should leave immediately, but that I had information for them on the location of the Sarn.

	~~Was this indeed a sacred place?~~

	~~Beyond your imagining. Leave and never return~~
	~~The Dragon is not welcome~~

	~~My apologies, we did not mean to invade such a place, or harm your people without knowing you~~ were ~~of Karmana / Korman~~.		They were reluctant... Arad, though, uses staff to influence their behaviour as Falcor and I are ready to withdraw. We walk away, talking about the situation, but Arad is attacked from behind as he lingered.

	~~Korman is no friend of ours and nor is her guardian~~. ~~leave now~~

	~~May I ask, before we leave, who is your guardian spirit if not Korman?~~

	~~The Queen of the Damned - in her name we banish you from this place~~

	~~Tell others that it is a sacred place and we should leave, but have information for them~~.

	Arad, though, uses staff to influence their behaviour as Falcor and I are ready to withdraw. We walk away, talking about the situation, but Arad is attacked from behind as he lingered.

	Arad entangles two foes, I call on Karmana and form a wall of vegetation between us and grove, trying to catch Arad's attackers in the corner.		Arad entangles two foes, I call on Karmana and form a wall of vegetation between us and grove, trying to catch Arad's attackers in the corner.

imported>Garret: /* The Price of Information */

2022-02-25T10:42:25Z

The Price of Information

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:42, 25 February 2022
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	We took a moment to check our equipment, finding that Arad and I had lost a potion each due to the glass cracking during the transfer through the tapestry. Also, having slept on it and now with a moment to reflect, I discussed with Falcor my concerns about the implications of handing this artifact we sought over to a third party if we did find it. I was concerned that it might affect the Elvradrak, and if it did what it might be used for. As we were speaking and looking at our equipment Falcor cooked up some snake for breakfast, which was delicious. As I used Karmana's power to dry the wood, however, I felt a presence that noticed me and was contesting for Karmana's power - I suspected that it was this that was drawing on the land. Arad took time to bless one of Falcor's swords for use against Sullinassauri, offering to do the same for me at some point before we reached our goal.		We took a moment to check our equipment, finding that Arad and I had lost a potion each due to the glass cracking during the transfer through the tapestry. Also, having slept on it and now with a moment to reflect, I discussed with Falcor my concerns about the implications of handing this artifact we sought over to a third party if we did find it. I was concerned that it might affect the Elvradrak, and if it did what it might be used for. As we were speaking and looking at our equipment Falcor cooked up some snake for breakfast, which was delicious. As I used Karmana's power to dry the wood, however, I felt a presence that noticed me and was contesting for Karmana's power - I suspected that it was this that was drawing on the land. Arad took time to bless one of Falcor's swords for use against Sullinassauri, offering to do the same for me at some point before we reached our goal.

	We continued our journey, and we knew that we were well into the morning by now but it was still dark and murky. After an hour or so I heard something slightly unnatural up ahead, so I warned the others and offered to sneak forward to investigate. With Falcor's blessing I pulled up the hood of my cloak and sneaked forward.		We continued our journey, and we knew that we were well into the morning by now but it was still dark and murky. After an hour or so I heard something slightly unnatural up ahead, so I warned the others and offered to sneak forward to investigate. With Falcor's blessing I pulled up the hood of my cloak and sneaked forward. There were definitely sounds of things moving on the other side of a pool of swamp water, but it was too murky to see what without getting closer. I heard some snippets of the language of the lizard folk as well. I closed, skirting the pool, until I saw four of the first lizard things we had encountered. They noticed me, by sound I guessed, and came sprinting at me fast. I dove into the earth at my feet and moved away for several minutes before resurfacing and just staying still to watch. They were sniffing and scratching around the area where I had been, but then a sharper voice called them back, still in the lizard tongue. I returned to the others to report what I had seen and discuss what we wanted to do.

			Arad had a plan to influence the lizards' minds and potentially make them allies, so we advanced confidently together. Sure enough they reacted in the same way, charging at speed towards us. The rapid movement took Falcor by surprise, and he instinctively lashed out with his mind rather than wait for Arad's prayer. All of the creatures suddenly crumpled and collapsed to the floor within a few steps, their simple minds unable to withstand the assault. They seemed harmless after that, and we checked that they were still alive and able to breathe before proceeding.

			As we approached, I started to notice the shape of the trees forming the start of a circle, and I was reminded for some reason of Borarla. A dread filled me, as we knew so little about this land, that we might be intruding on a sacred grove. I tried calling out in the secret tongue of druids that my Saloroc mentor had taught me, and my stomach tightened as I immediately received a response in kind. We should not be here!

	~~Definitely sounds on other side of pool of swamp water. Some language of lizard folk as well.~~

	Close until see four lizard things. They notice me and come running, so I dive into the earth and move away. Stay still and watch - something called them back. Return to others to report what I had seen.

	~~Arad has a plan to influence the lizards so we advance confidently together, but their rush still takes us by surprise with its alacrity.~~		Was this indeed a sacred place?

	~~Falcor uses a mental assault in a reaction, not waiting for Arad's action. They all suddenly crumple and collapse to the floor within a few steps. Seem harmless now - not very powerful minds.~~

	~~As we approach, start to notice shape of trees and worry it might be a sacred grove. Call out in druid tongue and get a response.~~

	Is this a sacred place?

	Beyond your imagining. Leave and never return		Beyond your imagining. Leave and never return