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Jaden has connected.
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Brian:
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really curious what happened to
Satineclair...
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Jaden:
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Did you tell him 3 central?
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Jaden:
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Because if you did it might be 2 hours
or so until
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Brian:
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I told him 2 eastern
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Jaden:
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I'm guessing there are actually more
than 6 cities
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Jaden:
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Just only 6 are on the map
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Brian:
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Some of those aren't even cities...
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Brian:
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I just note places I already drew
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Jaden:
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So, on this map, which way is north?
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Jaden:
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So Tinsboro is a bit south of the
capital
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Jaden:
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Just not far enough south to be "from
the south"
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Jaden:
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Which could be explained by Artyom
being a poor naive villager from a small town
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Adam has connected.
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Brian:
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When did Artyom say that again?
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Jaden:
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One of the knights asked if he was
from the south
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Jaden:
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Since he had a bow
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Jaden:
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He said he was south of the capital,
yes
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Jaden:
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And then the other guy laughed
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Brian:
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ohh yeah. I thought you were just
being a smartass
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Jaden:
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No, he was being a commoner
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Jaden:
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And a smartass, yeah
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Brian:
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Alright, do folks need a recap, or are
we ready to take ass and kick names?
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Adam:
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we just burned bodies
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Brian:
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Alright then, we return to our heros
several hours later, staring at the mass of ash they have made,
and the horrid stench that now falls over the down.
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Artyom Cooper:
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Try not to breathe it in too much
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Cerim Potter:
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This is not how I expected my life to
turn out from chasing an eloping couple.
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Artyom Cooper:
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Oh, that was a lie
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Cerim Potter:
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I'm sure it wasn't the whole truth,
but you weren't planning on getting hitched as well?
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Cerim Potter:
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You two seemed to spend a lot of time
together.
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Artyom Cooper:
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We did
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Artyom Cooper:
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And a lot of that time was spent
training in our magic
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Artyom Cooper:
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That's not to say we weren't close
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Cerim Potter:
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And what kind of magic was that?
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Artyom Cooper:
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But I'm pretty sure neither of us
really considered it
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Artyom Cooper:
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The magic I used just now
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Cerim Potter:
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Yeah, that's my point.
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Cerim Potter:
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Best I can do is summon a protective
shield or heal someone.
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Cerim Potter:
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Giant tentacles?
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Cerim Potter:
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I don't even know what to make of it.
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Artyom Cooper:
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Neither do I
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Artyom Cooper:
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I don't know why I have my powers
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Artyom Cooper:
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If the gods gave me these, then I have
to do my best to use them in the right way
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Artyom Cooper:
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If not, then the same still applies
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Cerim Potter:
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Have you prayed for answers?
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Artyom Cooper:
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And what sort of answer would I even
receive?
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Cerim Potter:
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I assume if such great power was
awared to you by the gods, they would at least do you the courtesy
of letting you know.
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Cerim Potter:
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They'd probably have a reason for
doing so.
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Artyom Cooper:
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Then tell them to send me a letter
giving instructions on what to do.
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Artyom Cooper:
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I'll follow them if I get it
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Artyom Cooper:
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If not
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Artyom Cooper:
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I'll decide what I want to do for
myself
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Brian:
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just now, you start to hear the
clopping of horse's feet.
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Cerim Potter:
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Oh look.
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Sir Vilrays:
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Mr. Cooper?
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Jaden:
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Artyom turns around to look
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Artyom Cooper:
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Yes?
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Sir Vilrays:
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What happened here?
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Artyom Cooper:
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The skeletons rose up out of the
ground and attacked the villagers
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Artyom Cooper:
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Cerim and I stopped them
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Sir Vilrays:
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It's a blessing we got here when we
did.
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Sir Vilrays:
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What of the other knights?
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Sir Vilrays:
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Did they...
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Artyom Cooper:
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They took care of the priest who
summoned them out of the ground
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Artyom Cooper:
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I believe they should be executing him
near the temple around now
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Sir Vilrays:
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Yes, but...
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Sir Vilrays:
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Are they alright?
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Artyom Cooper:
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I think so
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Jaden:
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Artyom looks at Cerim to see if he
noticed anything
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Cerim Potter:
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None of them fell.
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Cerim Potter:
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They were killing the villagers locked
in the temple while we dealt with the undead horde.
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Sir Ephnyr:
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They were killing the villagers?
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Cerim Potter:
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the church, I mean
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Cerim Potter:
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Yes. The Nerullian congregation was
all killed.
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Cerim Potter:
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Except for a few survivors
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Sir Ephnyr:
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Horrible.
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Sir Vilrays:
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*looks over to Ephnyr* There will be
time to discuss all of this. *back to you* We have found something
ourselves.
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Brian:
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He dismounts, and removes his helmet,
before handing Artyom a box.
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Artyom Cooper:
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What's this?
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Cerim Potter: (( a phylactery ))
Cerim Potter: (( your girlfriends head ))
Cerim Potter: (( a pile of dog poo ))
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Sir Vilrays:
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We found this on the body of Ephnyr's
squire, out in the forest.
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Brian:
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He opens it, and hands the letter
inside to you.
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Jaden:
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Artyom begins to read the letter
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Sir Vilrays:
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Concerning, no?
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Artyom Cooper:
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Very
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Sir Ephnyr:
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The battle of East Glenne was some
time ago. We may be able to find this soldier.
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Sir Vilrays:
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I think the undead are a greater
threat. We need to return to court and inform Eldati what the
Nerulians have done.
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Sir Ephnyr:
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Are we so sure it was the Nerulians?
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Sir Ephnyr:
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Artyom, your council?
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Artyom Cooper:
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As I've heard, the priest appeared to
be the one controlling the skeletons, and a shadow being defended
the door
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Artyom Cooper:
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So I've been told
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Sir Ephnyr:
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By whom?
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Sir Vilrays:
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Don't you think these questions are
better suited to court?
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Cerim Potter:
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It was I who was attacked by the
shadow beast.
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Artyom Cooper:
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As for the priest
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Artyom Cooper:
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It was the knights that I learned the
information from
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Sir Ephnyr:
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And do you think we should head back
post haste?
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Artyom Cooper:
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No, I'd like to investigate the box
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Artyom Cooper:
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However, I believe word should be sent
back, at least informing them of the situation here
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Sir Ephnyr:
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I think they would want to hear your
testimony directly.
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Sir Ephnyr:
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You are the scout entrusted with this
task, after all.
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Artyom Cooper:
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Then, if need be, I shall do my duties
as scout
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Jaden:
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Artyom wraps up the box in a spare
cloak
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Brian:
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you have a spare cloak?
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Jaden:
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I don't need a cloak right now
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Jaden:
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The one on my back is a spare
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Cerim Potter: (( who doesn't carry a spare cloak
at all times? ))
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Sir Vilrays:
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With all due respect, we were sent to
investigate, not bring rebels to justice.
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Artyom Cooper:
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Tell me, if you were sent to
investigate a town's bandit problem and bandits suddenly attacked
you, what would you do?
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Artyom Cooper:
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Were we not sent to investigate the
priests here and provoked by an uprising of skeletons?
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Sir Vilrays:
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We were. You you were at least.
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Sir Vilrays:
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And we dealt with that.
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Artyom Cooper:
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Then there should be no issue with it
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Artyom Cooper:
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As for giving testimonies, I believe
Cerim would also be of great importance
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Artyom Cooper:
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The same goes for the knights who were
here with him and Father Austiem of this village
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Sir Ephnyr:
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You're suggesting we split up?
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Artyom Cooper:
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I'm suggesting we find them and group
together to travel to this court
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Sir Vilrays:
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At once. You said the temple?
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Artyom Cooper:
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Father Austiem was at the well tending
to villagers with wounds last I heard
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Artyom Cooper:
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He may be done now and back at the
temple
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Artyom Cooper:
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The knights should be there already
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Brian:
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in short order, the knights are
gathered
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Brian:
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Father Austliem takes more time to
find, and is concerned about the safety of the remaining villagers.
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Father Austliem:
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Quite frankly, we are blessed to have
had you arrive when you did.
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Father Austliem:
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Can we afford to leave now?
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Artyom Cooper:
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I'm not sure
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Artyom Cooper:
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Cerim, you're more experienced with
this sort of thing
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Artyom Cooper:
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What are the chances of a repeat
attack?
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Cerim Potter:
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I'm afraid my experiences with undead
attacks are quite limited. This encounter being chief among them.
If the priest was the man behind the attack, and he is now dead,
then unless we have some reason to believe another will take his
place in this town, we should be safe. Besides that, I don't think
there are any dead left to raise.
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Sir Ephnyr:
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I will speak to the duke of Riverkeep.
He should be able to lend you a few knights in your hour of need.
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Father Austliem:
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Then I shall do as the king's chosen
one commands.
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Brian:
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Do you guys want to do anything else
before heading back?
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Jaden:
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Pick up a spare cloak
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Cerim Potter: (( this town has its own guard,
right? ))
Cerim Potter: (( yeah, they'll be fine ))
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Brian:
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they kind of backed away when the
fighting broke out, but they were by the church
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Cerim Potter: (( ah yes, I spoke with them ))
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Brian:
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Alright then, with one more man and
one more cloak than you left with, you proceed back to Shavorne...
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Brian:
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When you arrive, it is late in the
night. Do you press to see Eldati now, or wait until morning?
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Cerim Potter: (( I'm cool with waiting ))
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Jaden:
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I'm going to sleep after tucking the
box under my bed
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Brian:
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Cool. Nobody do anything odd that
night?
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Jaden:
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Unless dreaming of tentacles is odd, no
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Cerim Potter: (( Nothing I'd like to share with
the class. ))
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Brian:
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alright then, let me draw a room
really fast.
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Brian:
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It appears that news of your arrival
and having news has already spread, because you are informed to go
into the outer council chambers first thing in the morning, right
after breakfast
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Brian:
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both the high priestess and the lord
commander are present in the medium sized room.
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Brian:
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From either side stand tapestries and
statues, clearly meant to intimidate those who questioned the
king's greatness, even if the king himself was still deligating
the matter.
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Sir Eryson:
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Less than no casualties. I call that a
sucessfull raid.
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Father Austliem:
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It is a pleasure to see you with my
own eyes, high priest Eldati.
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Eldati:
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I'm sorry it wasn't on better terms.
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Eldati:
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*takes a seat, and addresses the
group* What did you discover?
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Artyom Cooper:
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Not so much sadly, a lot of skeletons
disrupted my investigation
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Artyom Cooper:
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The knights expect it was the priest
of Nerul who summoned them and another beast, a thing of shadow
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Cerim Potter:
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Our suspect was executed, so no
further interrogation is possible.
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Eldati:
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A thing of shadow?
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Artyom Cooper:
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Cerim knows more than I do on this
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Cerim Potter:
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Aye. It phased through the walls and
attacked me.
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Sir Eryson:
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Did anyone else see this?
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Cerim Potter: (( points to knights. ))
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Knight of the Order of Blood 3:
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We did, Lord Commander. the human
speaks true.
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Sir Eryson:
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Then how did you manage to survive?
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Cerim Potter:
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The knights were able to slay it. I
never landed a blow.
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Cerim Potter:
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Luckily my armor kept me protected in
the meantime.
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Eldati:
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Well perhaps the time our lord spoke
of has come at last, and it's time for the Order of Blood to do
its duty. You have my thanks, noble knights.
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Sir Vilrays:
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The undead were stopped thanks to your
servant, and the priest was executed.
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Sir Vilrays:
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May I ask where you discovered a boy
of such power?
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Eldati:
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You may not.
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Eldati:
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Did you find anything from the priest,
or any communications?
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Father Austliem:
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I saw a vision from our lord. He was
to be killed at once and burned, and I did so.
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Eldati:
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You all left without searching him?
Searching the church?
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Brian:
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The knight lowers his head a little in
shame.
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Sir Eryson:
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How do we know the church was
responsible? This seems to be a foolish time for a rebellion.
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Sir Vilrays:
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There were plenty accounts from the
villagers. Besides, who else controls such magic over death?
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Sir Eryson:
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Gorewood.
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Brian:
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He steps back, and knocks on the door
twice.
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Brian:
|
when it opens, it reveals something
that I might need a good 10 minutes to get prepped
|
Cerim Potter: (( take your time ))
SyRaX has connected.
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Brian:
|
There is a knight, holding a rack of
ebony black swords, with some guy who's clearly not a knight
following him. An elf, it seems. Clearly pretty wealthy, if not truely royal.
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Brian:
|
They step into the room, and the
knight present the weapons, mostly to Eldati.
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Sir Eryson:
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These are a collection of blades that
have been showing up all over the kingdom. If you remember, these
were the center of an investigation by the Order of Blood.
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Sir Eryson:
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I thought they were only rumors, until
this merchant did what our knights could not. He solved the
mystery, presented me a whole array of these weapons, and proved
where they came from.
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Sir Eryson:
|
These are plants from Gorewood, used
to undermine us.
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Cerim Potter:
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The swords are made of plants?
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Artyom Cooper:
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How do swords accomplish this?
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Sir Eryson:
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After they were provided to me, I had
the blades tested on hogs.
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Sir Eryson:
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Sure enough, there is magic in them.
The hogs rose days later, hungry for flesh.
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Eldati:
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Why would you not tell the king about
this?
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Sir Eryson:
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I already have. I just wanted to know
if your men found the same clue.
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Cerim Potter:
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I have found one, yes.
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Brian:
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all eyes turn to you.
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Cerim Potter:
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It now lies in Tinsboro with the
guard's armory.
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Cerim Potter:
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It was found stuck in a tree in the
woods. We brought it back from a patrol.
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Brian:
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Eldati opens her mouth to say
somthing, but then stops to think.
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Artyom Cooper:
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Are there any reports of trees
attacking someone around Tinsboro lately?
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Knight of the Order of Blood 3:
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*laughs*
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Cerim Potter:
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The tree we pulled it from was still
alive.
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Cerim Potter:
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However, the sword may be in use by
one of the guards. I cannot say.
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Artyom Cooper:
|
Are we certain it doesn't infect them
with only a single wound?
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Artyom Cooper:
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Lord Commander, in your testing were
any of the hogs wounded and left alive after a sword stroke?
|
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Sir Eryson:
|
No. Hogs don't tend to live long when
I swing the sword.
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Eldati:
|
Well do try to not kill something,
just this once.
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Eldati:
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For me?
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Artyom Cooper:
|
So, right now we can't be sure that
the swords don't corrupt those who've been stabbed or slashed by
one
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Sir Eryson:
|
Mr. Aaron, you didn't try it out, did
you?
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Sir Eryson:
|
You never told me if you did anything
with the swords first...
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Aaron:
|
Nope, didn't try anything.
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Aaron:
|
Oh and, can we get this over with
soon? I usually don't mind listening to fairy tales like walking
trees and undead hogs, but time is money, as you might know, and I
have an important task ahead of me.
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SyRaX:
|
sorry for red colour, I'm trying to
fix this
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Brian:
|
it's the box on the right.
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Jaden:
|
next to the emoji, the box
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Sir Eryson:
|
You are dismissed.
|
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Eldati:
|
I will want to speak to you later.
|
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Eldati:
|
I thank you for your service
|
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Artyom Cooper:
|
Before you go
|
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Artyom Cooper:
|
Where did you find these?
|
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Aaron:
|
In Gorewood. Can't tell you more buddy,
like time, information is also money.
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Aaron:
|
Can I get my swords back? I worked
hard for them.
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SyRaX:
|
it won't let me change btw I'll try to
figure this out later
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Brian:
|
Sir Ephnyr looks at Artyom and Cerim
and rolls his eyes.
|
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Sir Eryson:
|
I'm sure the king himself will want to
speak with us first, and we can get you one nice simple list of
questions.
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Brian:
|
He gestures towards the door.
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Aaron:
|
The swords?
|
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Brian:
|
He nods, and the knight hands the rack
back to you.
|
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Brian:
|
Sir Eryson whispers something in his
ear, and he leaves the room
|
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Aaron:
|
*sarcastic* Glad to have met you all
and a wonderful evening. You know where you can find me, if need
be.
|
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Artyom Cooper:
|
What a charming fellow
|
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Cerim Potter:
|
More than some. Less than others.
|
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Sir Eryson:
|
I'm not as good at picking friends as
the high priestess, I fear...
|
SyRaX is disconnected.
|
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Artyom Cooper:
|
Well, now that we know the swords are
the cause
|
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|
Artyom Cooper:
|
Should we return to Glenswood and
search for one?
|
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Cerim Potter:
|
We should collect the sword from
Tinsboro
|
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Eldati:
|
No.
|
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|
Eldati:
|
This matter has become too great for
us to work underneath the king's feet without his knowlege.
|
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Eldati:
|
Lord Commander, we need to address his
magesty at once.
|
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Sir Eryson:
|
Praying.
|
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|
Eldati:
|
This evening then.
|
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Sir Eryson:
|
Agreed.
|
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|
Sir Eryson:
|
Until then, what are you up to Cerim?
|
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|
Sir Eryson:
|
I'd like to speak with you about the
sword you found.
|
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Cerim Potter:
|
Unless I am needed by anyone else...
*looks to priestess and knights*
|
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Brian:
|
no NPCs say anything
|
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|
Cerim Potter:
|
I have time to speak with you.
|
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|
Sir Eryson:
|
Shall we?
|
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|
Cerim Potter:
|
By your leave.
|
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Brian:
|
he leads you out of the room, to some
other place
|
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|
Eldati:
|
Ephnyr, I'm sure you have knightly
duties to attend to.
|
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|
Sir Ephnyr:
|
I do, your holyness.
|
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|
Eldati:
|
Father...
|
|
|
Father Austliem:
|
Austliem.
|
|
|
Eldati:
|
Father Austliem, the Chapel is on the
east wing, second left when you walk out of here the way you came
after that nook.
|
|
|
Eldati:
|
I think it's where you will be most at
home in this stuffy castle.
|
|
|
Father Austliem:
|
And there is much on my mind. I ought
to be in our lord's presence as much as I can.
|
|
|
Eldati:
|
Sir Vilrays, Mr. Artyom, I would like
to discuss the results of the mission further.
|
|
|
Eldati:
|
Looks like this room is avalible.
|
|
Brian:
|
OK, NPC dismissal done, party split
hell begins. Anyone volunteer to start?
|
|
Jaden:
|
I'm fine either way
|
Cerim Potter: (( I'll go first, I guess. ))
|
Brian:
|
alrighty then. Yours is most likely
the shorter adventure.
|
|
Brian:
|
If you want to drop off and be more
authentic you may, Jaden.
|
|
Jaden:
|
DM me when I'm needed
|
Jaden is disconnected.
|
Brian:
|
The armory of the royal palace sure
puts Tinsboro to shame, but it's not as mighty as you might have
imagined. It's also an odd place to have a meeting...
|
|
|
Sir Eryson:
|
Know what? This was dumb. We should
have gone by the kitchens and I could have offered you a glass of
wine or something first.
|
|
|
Cerim Potter:
|
It's fine. I'm sure the kitchens would
have been far less private.
|
|
|
Sir Eryson:
|
Still should have gotten a proper room.
|
|
|
Sir Eryson:
|
First off, the sword.
|
|
|
Sir Eryson:
|
You just found it in a tree one day?
How long ago?
|
|
|
Cerim Potter:
|
Perhaps a week ago.
|
|
|
Sir Eryson:
|
Interesting.
|
|
|
Sir Eryson:
|
Any clue of who's it was? If it was
left there on purpose?
|
|
|
Cerim Potter:
|
Nothing of the sort. There were some
severed branches around, so it looked like someone had been
playing with it and then ditched it.
|
|
|
Sir Eryson:
|
If only they knew it wasn't a toy.
|
|
|
Sir Eryson:
|
And it's safe in the armory now? How
much do you trust your fellow guards there?
|
|
|
Sir Eryson:
|
Would they ever sell it off?
|
|
|
Cerim Potter:
|
I suppose it's possible. As far as
they know, there's no reason to keep it. A black sword swings as
well as a steel one, but I'm sure costs double.
|
|
|
Sir Eryson:
|
I don't want these weapons in the
hands of the wrong people.
|
|
|
Sir Eryson:
|
How far a ride is it back to your home
town?
|
|
|
Cerim Potter:
|
A day or two at most
|
|
|
Sir Eryson:
|
Each way?
|
|
|
Cerim Potter:
|
One way.
|
|
|
Sir Eryson:
|
Still too long to not get caught. It's
often better to ask for forgiveness instead of permission, but
this is king Glistar we're talking about.
|
|
|
Cerim Potter:
|
I've never met the man.
|
|
|
Sir Eryson:
|
You don't get to be king and stay that
way by letting people do whatever they want.
|
|
|
Cerim Potter:
|
Do you become king by punishing well
justified initiative?
|
|
|
Sir Eryson:
|
Perhaps you do.
|
|
|
Sir Eryson:
|
He's in charge, and if he wants to
stay that way all he needs is for the whole kingdom to sit on it's
ass while it rots.
|
|
|
Sir Eryson:
|
He's been ignoring this undead issue
for a while, save for the prophecy nonsense...
|
|
|
Cerim Potter:
|
It sounds like your not pleased with
the way the King is running things.
|
|
|
Sir Eryson:
|
As I've said in court before, the
elves aren't as unstoppable as we like to think.
|
|
|
Sir Eryson:
|
Gorewood hates everything we've built,
and they will strike one day.
|
|
|
Cerim Potter:
|
Do you think they're capable of such
an attack?
|
|
|
Sir Eryson:
|
I don't know. We know very little
about what's happened in the east. Strange rumors abound, but they
few scouts we sent in ended up dead.
|
|
|
Sir Eryson:
|
Although this Aaron man seems to have
found clues by virtue of money.
|
|
|
Sir Eryson:
|
...and perhaps sheer power of being an
ass.
|
|
|
Sir Eryson:
|
And aside from all that, they're orcs.
They spread the goblin plague just by existing. Would it harm us
to wipe them out?
|
Cerim Potter: (( Hang on. Who is this guy? ))
|
Brian:
|
He's lord commander. Ruler of the
king's military.
|
Cerim Potter: (( he's using the same token as the
father. it's confused me ))
|
Brian:
|
yeah, my bad. If you want to reton,
speak up now
|
Cerim Potter: (( no retcon needed. ))
Cerim Potter: (( so this is the guy in charge of
the scouting missions? ))
Cerim Potter: (( he's an elf? ))
|
Brian:
|
as are all higher ups
|
|
|
Cerim Potter:
|
There were no orcs behind the attack
yesterday. This seems to be a matter of the Nerullians.
|
|
|
Sir Eryson:
|
But who's?
|
|
|
Sir Eryson:
|
No matter, this is politics, and
you're not a politician.
|
|
|
Sir Eryson:
|
You're a guard of Tinsboro, right?
|
|
|
Cerim Potter:
|
No, I am a simple human commoner.
Perhaps the elves are
right to exterminate a subjugated race.
|
|
|
Cerim Potter:
|
Aye, sir.
|
|
|
Sir Eryson:
|
You're clearly better than the average
human. I heard that sir Ephnyr almost made you his squire.
|
|
|
Cerim Potter:
|
Sir Ephnyr almost does a lot of things.
|
|
|
Sir Eryson:
|
I suppose so. He ALMOST prevented the
attack on Glenswood. He almost was there when leaving his
man-at-arms behind.
|
|
|
Cerim Potter:
|
He almost forced himself on a peasant
woman.
|
|
|
Sir Eryson:
|
...
|
|
|
Sir Eryson:
|
That's a bold accusation.
|
|
|
Cerim Potter:
|
I was under the impression this
conversation was off the record, sir.
|
|
|
Sir Eryson:
|
It will be.
|
|
|
Cerim Potter:
|
Well, it's a sensitive matter. I would
prefer to not make waves about it.
|
|
|
Sir Eryson:
|
I understand.
|
|
|
Sir Eryson:
|
And to be quite frank, I would rather
not have opinions soiled by such things when he's the only knight
who saw for sure what happened at Glennsdale.
|
|
|
Cerim Potter:
|
As I recall, he was the only knight
who wasn't there.
|
|
|
Sir Eryson:
|
The order of blood aren't knights.
They work directly under Eldati.
|
|
|
Sir Eryson:
|
And what do you mean he wasn't there?
|
|
|
Cerim Potter:
|
He was off on his own searching for
his squire. The squire who turned out dead.
|
|
|
Sir Eryson:
|
I suppose then your testimony is all
the more important then, should the church decide to edit the
truth.
|
|
|
Sir Eryson:
|
The way that Emita girl speaks of
you, you are almost as honorable as any knight.
|
|
|
Cerim Potter:
|
That's kind of you to say, sir. Emita
is a dear friend.
|
|
|
Cerim Potter:
|
She's very important to me, sir.
|
|
|
Sir Eryson:
|
Of course.
|
|
|
Sir Eryson:
|
You seem to be likewise. It may serve
you well.
|
|
|
Cerim Potter:
|
I've idolized the knights since I was
a boy. While I may never become one, I try to uphold their values
just the same.
|
|
|
Sir Eryson:
|
Cerim, I can't promise anything, but I
would like to get you a position as Artyom's bodyguard.
|
|
|
Sir Eryson:
|
If what I've heard of you is true, you
are worthy of being more than a town guard.
|
|
|
Cerim Potter:
|
If you've seen the strange and
powerful magics he wields, you would know he is one of the last
people who needs a bodyguard. He put down sixty or so undead on
his own.
|
|
|
Sir Eryson:
|
I'm sorry?
|
|
|
Cerim Potter:
|
It's true. Magic the likes of which
I've never seen. He summoned gargantuan tentacles from the ground
and obliterated the swarm.
|
|
|
Sir Eryson:
|
This...I've never...is this why Eldati
values him so much?
|
|
|
Cerim Potter:
|
I would assume so. Not even he knows
the origin of his power.
|
|
|
Sir Eryson:
|
If this is true, then we need to make
sure he has someone near him at all times, if only to know what
he's doing.
|
|
|
Sir Eryson:
|
I'm going to try my best to pull
strings. Artyom came here on the king's orders, not hers.
|
|
|
Sir Eryson:
|
Until then, it's best you go back to
your quarters. Humans aren't technically allowed this far in the
palace.
|
|
|
Cerim Potter:
|
I see. He is the brother of Emita, if
you were unaware. It would be in my best interest to assure his
safety.
|
|
|
Sir Eryson:
|
I don't think she mentioned that.
|
|
|
Sir Eryson:
|
I'll be sure to ask her when I can get
a chance to be alone with her. Probably wouldn't even look
strange. Ephnyr's been showing her off to all the court, and she
is doing quite well for herself in making friends.
|
|
|
Sir Eryson:
|
But that's for later. Right now I need
to send orders about this undead, and to return these black swords.
|
|
|
Cerim Potter:
|
Yes, sir. I'll be off then.
|
|
Brian:
|
He opens the door for you.
|
Cerim Potter: (( I go back to the barracks ))
|
Brian:
|
Alright, time to go find Jaden, and we
will see if there's enough time for party togetherness again.
|
Artyom has connected.
Adam is disconnected.
|
Brian:
|
huh, came back in character
|
|
Brian:
|
That might get confusing to transcript
readers, BTW
|
|
Artyom:
|
I can change it if you'd like
|
|
Brian:
|
yeah, that would be best.
|
Artyom is disconnected.
Jaden has connected.
|
|
Eldati:
|
You really didn't search the church?
|
|
|
Artyom Cooper:
|
No
|
|
|
Artyom Cooper:
|
I was a bit preoccupied with the
immediate aftermath
|
|
|
Eldati:
|
I understand.
|
|
|
Eldati:
|
I'm sure there are other followers
there who can take care of that.
|
|
|
Eldati:
|
Or at the very least the place was
looted and Nerul's followers didn't get anything.
|
|
|
Sir Vilrays:
|
Your holyness, there is also the
letter we found.
|
|
Brian:
|
He looks over at you.
|
|
|
Artyom Cooper:
|
Yes, the letter
|
|
Jaden:
|
He takes it out and hands it to her
|
|
Brian:
|
she gives it a quick read
|
|
|
Eldati:
|
Should I know either of these people?
|
|
|
Artyom Cooper:
|
I don't think so
|
|
|
Artyom Cooper:
|
I think it would be wise to find the
person this letter was to be sent to
|
|
|
Artyom Cooper:
|
Or the one who sent it
|
|
|
Sir Vilrays:
|
Whatever unopenable box he speaks of
was gone.
|
|
|
Eldati:
|
And where did you find this?
|
|
|
Sir Vilrays:
|
On the body of Sir Ephnyr's
man-at-arms. Slain in the forrest.
|
|
|
Eldati:
|
Do we have any clues on who this Garen
or Eadi is?
|
|
|
Artyom Cooper:
|
No idea
|
|
|
Eldati:
|
Do you think Ephnyr knows?
|
|
|
Artyom Cooper:
|
He might
|
|
|
Sir Vilrays:
|
It's only a matter of time before he
tells the Lord Commander.
|
|
|
Eldati:
|
Any connection to Torgists would give
him an excuse for his damn crusade.
|
|
Brian:
|
Suddenly, that servant girl from your
first day here opens the door
|
|
Ilaiya:
|
Your holyness, Artyom is requested at
once!
|
|
|
Eldati:
|
By whom?
|
|
|
Ilaiya:
|
The king.
|
|
|
Artyom Cooper:
|
Oh?
|
|
|
Artyom Cooper:
|
It must be important then
|
|
|
Artyom Cooper:
|
I should go
|
|
Brian:
|
Eldati nods, and you are escorted off.
|
|
Brian:
|
The throne room is a smaller chamber than one might expect, but covered in all silver and gold
nonetheless. Besides you and the king, there stand nearly a dozen knights, a few elves whom you assume are nobles, and many
statues of heros from Damrieli history, some of whom you recognize, some not.
|
|
Jaden:
|
Artyom would follow whatever protocol
is normal for being in the presence of the king
|
|
King Issald Glistar, first of his name:
|
So the chosen one has come...
|
|
|
King Issald Glistar, first of his name:
|
Rise, you are greater than some
peasant.
|
|
|
Artyom Cooper:
|
What do you need me for, my king?
|
|
|
King Issald Glistar, first of his name:
|
What does my god need me for?
|
|
|
King Issald Glistar, first of his name:
|
They have told me of your powers.
|
|
|
King Issald Glistar, first of his name:
|
You smote the undead with the sheer
power of your mind.
|
|
|
Artyom Cooper:
|
That was to remove the threat to the
villagers
|
|
|
Artyom Cooper:
|
I am still just a commoner myself
|
|
Brian:
|
He rises from his throne, and takes a
few steps towards you.
|
|
|
King Issald Glistar, first of his name:
|
You are an elf.
|
|
|
King Issald Glistar, first of his name:
|
We were chosen to lead the people out
of the times of chaos that followed the death of king Veric.
|
|
|
King Issald Glistar, first of his name:
|
For years, our lord sent me visions of
the coming doom, and that heros must be found to stop it.
|
|
|
King Issald Glistar, first of his name:
|
And here you are. The finest elf I've
ever seen, crushing my enemies.
|
|
|
Artyom Cooper:
|
Then you believe I should be one of
the heroes?
|
|
|
Artyom Cooper:
|
If that is so, I would be honored
|
|
|
King Issald Glistar, first of his name:
|
I think it is more than clear.
|
|
|
King Issald Glistar, first of his name:
|
Tell me, when did you gain these
powers, or were you sent from above?
|
|
|
Artyom Cooper:
|
I've had these powers for almost as
long as I can remember
|
|
|
Artyom Cooper:
|
As far as I know, I was not however,
sent from above
|
|
|
King Issald Glistar, first of his name:
|
So you know nothing about yourself?
|
|
|
Artyom Cooper:
|
Not at least, about my powers
|
|
|
Artyom Cooper:
|
I was born to an elven father
|
|
|
King Issald Glistar, first of his name:
|
And your mother?
|
|
|
Artyom Cooper:
|
Elven as well, though remarried now to
a human
|
|
|
King Issald Glistar, first of his name:
|
And our lord chose a peasant.
|
|
|
Artyom Cooper:
|
Yes, your majesty
|
|
|
King Issald Glistar, first of his name:
|
I will never understand our lord.
|
|
|
King Issald Glistar, first of his name:
|
Sir Gyslim, see to it that a feast is
arranged for this man, tonight.
|
|
|
King Issald Glistar, first of his name:
|
*to others in the court* This one will lead my armies when the
time comes to crush the foes of Correlon Lorathien, and many will
not be alive to rejoice when that time comes.
|
|
|
King Issald Glistar, first of his name:
|
We shall sing to his glory now.
|
|
Brian:
|
he gestures to the door.
|
|
|
Artyom Cooper:
|
Can you lead me back to where Eldati
was earlier?
|
|
|
Ilaiya:
|
Of course, my lord.
|
|
Brian:
|
she takes you back, where they are
still talking.
|
|
Brian:
|
one of the knights opens the door
|
|
|
Artyom Cooper:
|
Hello, is Eldati still here?
|
|
|
Eldati:
|
I am.
|
|
|
Eldati:
|
I see you still have your head.
|
|
|
Artyom Cooper:
|
I do
|
|
|
Artyom Cooper:
|
And much more than that apparently
|
|
|
Eldati:
|
Well I'm glad you've kept all your
limbs.
|
|
|
Artyom Cooper:
|
You wished to speak to me earlier
|
|
|
Eldati:
|
We were speaking. What were we talking
about when you left?
|
|
|
Artyom Cooper:
|
We were discussing the box that was
missing
|
|
|
Artyom Cooper:
|
And the possibilities of Sir Ephnyr
knowing who Garen and Eadi might be
|
|
|
Eldati:
|
Yes.
|
|
|
Eldati:
|
We should send out knights sooner
rather than later to see to it this is resolved.
|
|
|
Eldati:
|
Artyom, you're already too famous to
go slinknig off like that. I want you to see if Ephnyr knows
directly.
|
|
|
Eldati:
|
I assume you'll see him again. I
assume he's being used as a spy on you.
|
|
|
Artyom Cooper:
|
I'll have to be on my guard then
|
|
|
Eldati:
|
That's always good advice.
|
|
|
Eldati:
|
Have either of you two seen any other
news of the Torgists?
|
|
|
Artyom Cooper:
|
I have not
|
|
|
Sir Vilrays:
|
Nor I.
|
|
|
Eldati:
|
They are a strange group. All we know
is that the religion started in the east.
|
|
|
Eldati:
|
Don't know why they would associate
with the church of Nerul though.
|
|
|
Artyom Cooper:
|
These Torgits
|
|
|
Artyom Cooper:
|
The Lord Commander is currently
hunting them down?
|
|
|
Artyom Cooper:
|
You mentioned a crusade earlier
|
|
|
Eldati:
|
Ohh, the crusade isn't against them.
Our lord commander is intent on winning his shiny ass glory, and
he sees the best way as going and attacking those barbarians at
Gorewood.
|
|
|
Eldati:
|
He's been begging the king to let him
ride off to it since the knight didn't make it back from there.
|
|
|
Artyom Cooper:
|
Ah, I see
|
|
|
Artyom Cooper:
|
On that topic, what do you think of
the swords?
|
|
|
Eldati:
|
They make no sense.
|
|
|
Eldati:
|
They already have magic that does
this, why some sword?
|
|
|
Artyom Cooper:
|
Perhaps the magic can only raise those
already dead, as they are in the graves
|
|
|
Artyom Cooper:
|
If there were to be a war
|
|
|
Artyom Cooper:
|
An army armed with these swords would
not only destroy the others
|
|
|
Artyom Cooper:
|
But after they left a battlefield or
village, the slaughtered would rise and remove any stragglers
|
|
|
Eldati:
|
What I know for sure is that we need
one. I don't want Eryson having a monopoly on that information.
|
|
|
Eldati:
|
We only have his word the things do
anything.
|
|
|
Artyom Cooper:
|
I almost offered to buy one in this
very room, however decided it might be best to acquire one more
discreetly
|
|
|
Artyom Cooper:
|
We should find that merchant
|
|
|
Eldati:
|
Agreed. You want to seduce him, or
should I?
|
|
|
Artyom Cooper:
|
He's a merchant who focuses on money
from what I see
|
|
|
Artyom Cooper:
|
The most seductive thing for him is
the jingle of coins, which sadly, I don't have very many
|
|
|
Artyom Cooper:
|
So it might be best for you to do it
|
|
|
Eldati:
|
If they are being put to good use, you
can consider the coins yours.
|
|
|
Eldati:
|
Perhaps we both carry a bag and see
who finds him first. I still don't know where they hid the guy.
|
|
|
Artyom Cooper:
|
That may be best
|
|
|
Artyom Cooper:
|
However there is a feast tonight that
I must attend, so I don't know how long I can search today
|
|
|
Eldati:
|
Very well. Was there anything else you
wanted to discuss?
|
|
|
Artyom Cooper:
|
Not at the moment
|
|
Brian:
|
She takes you to her chambers, where
you get a sack of 200gp.
|
|
|
Eldati:
|
I would advise only carrying a few
coins for obvious reasons.
|
|
|
Artyom Cooper:
|
Of course
|
|
|
Artyom Cooper:
|
The vast majority of it will be kept
somewhere safe
|
|
Brian:
|
alright, roll charm+int to ask around
and see if you find this guy in time
|
* Jaden rolls: 1d20 + 1 => 18 + 1 = 19
|
Brian:
|
cool. Please wait while I figure out
where this guy actually was, and thus how hard he is to find.
|
|
Jaden:
|
You're telling me he's actually just
not standing in the hallways trying to hawk swords to the knights
walking by?
|
SyRaX has connected.
|
Brian:
|
you find him just around the corner,
in the anteroom
|
|
Guard:
|
I'm sorry, orders are orders.
|
|
|
Guard:
|
You may not leave.
|
|
|
Aaron:
|
I've got business to do! Why am I kept
here?
|
|
|
Artyom Cooper:
|
Speaking of business, would you sell
me one of those swords?
|
|
|
Aaron:
|
Sure, for the right price, that is.
|
|
|
Artyom Cooper:
|
How much?
|
|
|
Aaron:
|
How much is it worth to you?
|
|
|
Artyom Cooper:
|
Passing interest and enough to inquire
the price
|
|
|
Aaron:
|
Let's go somewhere else.
|
|
|
Artyom Cooper:
|
Agreed
|
|
Brian:
|
you slip into a side hallway
|
|
Brian:
|
unless you want to go to one of your
chambers
|
|
Jaden:
|
Side hallway is fine with me
|
|
|
Aaron:
|
So first off, which one do you want? A
longsword or a shortsword?
|
|
|
Artyom Cooper:
|
I want one of the black swords you
showed to us
|
|
|
Artyom Cooper:
|
Either would do, but a shortsword
might be better
|
|
|
Aaron:
|
Alright then. I reckon you need it for
... whatever you're here for?
|
|
|
Aaron:
|
A fine-looking black sword might sell
for maybe triple the price they usually go for, if you're just in
for the aesthetics. But considering the stories you've told me and
your seemingly high interest ... I think I'll have to set the
price a little higher.
|
|
|
Artyom Cooper:
|
Actually, I don't need it
|
|
|
Artyom Cooper:
|
In fact, it's a passing interest
|
|
|
Artyom Cooper:
|
If the price is going to be that high
I can leave, there are others that are out there that aren't being
sold by you I can get my hands on eventually
|
|
|
Aaron:
|
Now wait a second, I wouldn't want to
scare off my customers like that, would I?
|
|
|
Aaron:
|
A normal shortsword is 30 gold pieces,
so why don't we make this one a round 100, eh? How does that sound
to you?
|
|
|
Artyom Cooper:
|
I was hoping more along the lines of
50, I could hire a servant easily to go retrieve me one for 10
gold at the most, I'd just like to avoid the wait
|
|
|
Artyom Cooper:
|
Besides, you look to be in a pretty
tight spot right now without being able to leave the castle
|
|
|
Aaron:
|
Buddy ... buddy. I know how hard it is
to get one of these, trust me. I might not know how much this one
is worth, but it sure as hell is worth more than 10 pieces.
|
|
|
Aaron:
|
I'll make you a one-time offer:
|
|
|
Aaron:
|
I'll give it to you for 60, if you let
me go with you and see what the sword is good for. I have ...
let's say a personal task connected to these and I'm sure our
paths would cross eventually.
|
|
|
Aaron:
|
How does that sound to you?
|
|
|
Artyom Cooper:
|
60, and when the time comes that I
test it, I let you watch?
|
|
|
Aaron:
|
Deal.
|
|
|
Artyom Cooper:
|
Sounds good to me
|
|
|
Aaron:
|
*gives one black shortsword* There you
go.
|
|
Jaden:
|
Artyom hands you 60 gold pieces
|
|
|
Artyom Cooper:
|
I'll contact you whenever I plan to
use it
|
|
|
Aaron:
|
Alright. See you then.
|
|
Jaden:
|
Artyom takes his new spare cloak and
wraps the shortsword in it
|
|
Jaden:
|
Then heads off towards his room
|
|
Brian:
|
alright then, unless someone has
something else they're up to, that's session.
|
|
Brian:
|
Aaron soon learns there is a feast
tonight, and everyone's invited.
|
|
Brian:
|
But Adam needs to do adult things, so
that will wait until next session.
|
|
SyRaX:
|
I'm sure glad I'm not ad- ... fuck, I
am now
|
|
SyRaX:
|
anyway, was fun, until next time!
|
SyRaX is disconnected.