Journal - The Crown of Intelligence

(Clearly not meant for us)

A New Way of Travel

After the tragedy in the temple it took a few days for Arad to discuss how the people's needs would be catered for with the acolytes remaining. We also spent time with our respective mentors to learn more and practise our skills, which took a few weeks. There was plenty of time for contemplation, and I mourned the passing of Gilrad, resolving to follow the laws of the Creator a little closer as a small offer of contrition. I also learned as much as I could from our Saloroc friends about their homeland, Rozdyrevdoy, and its current state under the War Chief King Muddar the Undefeated.

Falcor had been studying how to use the tapestry and pyramid device, and visited the Elvradhil to speak about how they could help. They had restored the star room with the four statues that we had found by chance when we first followed the goblins what seemed like an age ago. Apparently the star was important to the use of the tapestry, and it was now functional again with the star design inlaid with gold and fist-sized gemstones at each point. The statues still turned to face Falcor at all times, which was no less creepy, but at least didn't suck the life out of him anymore.

When we finally came together and were prepared to travel again, it was to the star chamber that Falcor brought us. He had breathed fire into an Elvradhil brazier in preparation for the ceremony, and some magical force kept it burning whilst containing the heat so that it could be moved easily. Falcor placed the tapestry in the centre of the star and then used the pyramid to mark a place in Rozdyrevdoy near Mirgord. Strangely it stood firmly on its point as if fixed and could not be accidentally moved. We stood on our respective points, except for Falcor - his place was taken up by the brazier so he stood on the "intelligence" point as that is where we were moving to. Arad focused on the pyramid, willing us to move, and it did seem to work but there was a sound from our packs that suggested something might have broken in the process!

Despite this we were instantly transported to another place, although the pyramid was still stood on its point in front of us. Falcor urged Arad to take the pyramid, as he was the only way we could get back now that he had used it.

Relatively sparse forest at northern edge, can see a fortifed city and coastline. Road in front of us, about a hundred yards away, almost wrapping around us. Rolling hills to east.

Start roping up as Falcor turns us invisible. Walk west along the treeline parallel to the road. I reach out for Karmana to see if she is present here... and there is a powerful draw of power to the southwest that I had to pull back from. Karmana is here, but something siphons power from the land.

Notice dust up ahead and mounted company about a hundred strong rode past on the rode. Black Hand Saloroc light cavalry with spears and bows. Purposely moving on some kind of mission.

Notice that something is overhead, large but far away, and seems to be following us. No squirrels to ask... perhaps afraid? Falcor annoyed by noises he he.

Get closer to city. Wall not a regular shape but in good condition, around thirty feet high in most places, but with manned guard towers and fortified gate facing roughly SE. Find a spot to meet.

Stone built city with narrow streets within walls - flat topped hill around the centre with fine buildings, like a palace or other important place. Docks on one side.

Killing zone inside walls, but tight narrow streets otherwise. Head to docks. Find Sailor's Delight in shittiest part of docks next to poor area.

Change in alley and hide as much as I can. Duck into tavern, getting some looks, black hand three look. Aggressively engaged with - beers, then fight. Kill them. Lady watches "don't mind me".

Have to drag bodies to sea through secret door. Wants us to fetch powerful artifact from swamp people touched by dark magic for information. Returned by otter in sea and then squirrel to forest.

Relay request to others. Stay as squirrel to be inconspicuous. After five miles or so a colder feeling in the air, wind behind us now. Chill on the back of our necks. Sky gets slightly darker.

Gets darker as we progress, unnaturally so, and trees become draped in vines and fungi growth. Ground gets soggy underfoot. Scurrying noises unseen in the gloom.

Turn back to normal - worried about being eaten as a squirrel! Having to rest as it gets dark into night. Arad first watch.

After a couple of hours he notices snakes slithering down the tree towards us. Three try to strike at Arad.

Arad yells mentally and it somehow penetrates my dream so I wake. He has snakes on him! He throws one off as I spot them.

I call on Karmana to protect us as legged serpent creatures advance from all around. One dropped dead and three others in pain.

Arad handles the snakes, bashing them against the tree. I warn him not to wake Falcor and to stay close. Last three die in the barrier and almost catch some chanting in the air from somewhere off distant.

One flees. Stay on defensive for half an hour then stay on watch as Arad sleeps, then hand over to Falcor.

Falcor towards end of watch hears noises around us. Moves out and sees some snake-headed humanoid warriors.

He shouted a warning and closed with one, activating a staff, which had no effect, and summoning magic missles which strike true. Neither of us wake up!

Falcor attacked, but armour returns just in time to protect him. Part of tree turns into snakes and drops on Arad and me! Bitten, which wakes me up, thankfully venom doesn't affect me.

I sink into earth, dragging one snake with me, leave it there and emerge a little way away.

Arad bitten, venom in him, manages to kill one by bashing it against tree. Uses crown to purge the poison from him.

Attacked by snake warriors as well, and Falcor conjures lightning bolt, frying one to death. Arad kills a snake or two but attacked so fights with sword as well.

Falcor strikes one but surrounded by four but only took one glancing blow. Ice bolt strikes one of Falcor's attackers, turns black where it was struck and keels over dead.

I land a good blow, but miss with short sword. Stab it with the next attack, though, as Falcor kills another. I sweep around and run my attacker through, now free.

Voice in the air again. I move to help Arad but struggle to land a blow, then ground erupts with spiders! Bitten but manage to resist whatever poison they had.

Arad kills another snake, but also has spiders all over him! I finish my attack and kill the snake warrior, though. Other things to worry about now.

I dive into soil again, emerging away from the spiders. Falcor cleaves an attacker down so only one on him. Arad moves to aid Falcor, still being bitten, striking with both weapons.

I dump a load of water on top of spiders near me, as Arad has moved away. Scattering them all over the place, then run to help others, killing last snake warrior.