The Wizard

[Dungeon Master]

Crash!
By the DM


The ships lands on the beach on one side of the Isle, crashes to the other side of the Isle and comes to rest on that beach.


When everyone is able to pick themselves up, there are some shaken up, all mostly banged up.

The Kender Longshot has taken off into the woods as he has heard for hours that the crew and the captain say they were going to kill the kender.


And now, everyone is at a loss. Where are we, how many hours was it that we went so fast? Our heading was northwest, so the captain tries to plot where they are in the Stern Castle, looking over a large map.

Captain Kane mutters under his breath, The First Officer is inspecting the damage to the hull and masts.


The crew is taking a well deserved breather while the Captain and First mate decide on their collective fates. Some speak of hunting the kender down. Lashia is down in the cargo hold to check on Solvern, who only wants to get off that damn boat.

Solvern spreads his wings and takes flight away from kender, wizards and humans, the lot of them.


The Griffon returns Twenty minutes later and dives bombs Lashia, and lands right by her. “Wha, What is it Sol? What?

The griffon answers in squawks and roaring. Lashia turns deathly pale.

Lashia calls Elraith and goes to Kane.

“We must get out of here, now.” Lashia says.

“I would like to very much Mistress Arbagon, But the Hull is breached, and our main mast is compromised by what your little buddy did yesterday, today, whenever.”

“You don’t understand Captain, We must or we are all dead.”

[Dungeon Master]

Jarak-sinn
By the DM


The Jarak-sinn Lizardmen are advanced and evolved past the simple mindedness of their ancestors, the Bakali that once served the Dark Queen in Huma’s time. They have been dire threats every time they appeared on Ansalon, taking great swaths of land, killing everybody and everything they come into contact with. Though they consorted with the Dark Queen, they pray to Chislev, who views them as a necessary evil that must kill down population in times of unbalance and excess, Chislev’s Earthquake, her Tsunami, her wrath.

These Isles that you are on was once occupied by the Dark skinned ones of Northern Ergoth, the Jarak-sinn ran them out and enslaved them thousands of years ago.

It is here that they lives generation after generation, growing, dying, being born in hatches of twelve per female, they have society all their own, and are the ultimate parasite, stripping every natural resource they can to live and thrive. Disease brings their numbers down, internal strife, and famine. They are cannibalistic creatures that are nature’s ultimate engine of destruction.


Lashia explains what she knows from her husband, him being the former Grand Druid of Krynn, now a Hierophant of Chislev. “He says they are a lost race, but that is because now one has seen them for thousands of years. My Griffon scouted the interior of the isle and found them in mass droves around a giant organic dome in the center of the Isle. We have to get out of here as soon as possible, what can we do to help you?

[Dungeon Master]

Scouting Party
By the DM


Hours go by and Lashia fells a tree in seconds flat with a lighting bolt and some of the crew are chopping away the branches.

Some of the crew is working on the Hull and the rest are constructing a way to get the ship to sea.

The Tropical sun has all of you very hot and thirsty. Water is brought up from the cargo hold for the crew to ration their water intake.


From beyond the tree line, a snout emerges and licks the air and is overloaded with sensations, it pulls its snout back and informs the rest of its pack of the arrival of new ones.

They are distracted by a running small thing heading from the jungle toward the new ones.

They hiss aggressively at this new development as Longshot is running he calls out for Lashia.

“Lizard men, Lizard men!” The Kender yells breathlessly.

One of the crew grabs the Kender and lifts him off the ground. “Grab your pouches and get us out of here or so help me . . . I’ll . . . “

“You’ll what?” The kender asks, interested.

The crew member named Ralf just bring himself to commit cold blooded murder, he pushes the kender away.

Longshot walks up to the man and pats him on the arm. “I will look. But in the meantime, LIZARD MEN are near by! Don’t make me get my Hat of loudness out!”

The kender has everyone’s attention and silently pleads for the kender not to get out the Hat of Loudness. The Crew arms them selves for the battle of their lives. The Wizards, they bring spells to their thoughts to defend and fight.

[Dungeon Master]

Battle
By the DM and Mabius Majere

Once the lizard men come out of the treeline, Elraith casts Alter-Self to take on the likeness of a Lizard Man, but moves around to flank the Lizard Men’s escape.

Meanwhile, The crew have drawn arms and run toward the Lizard Men, but Lashia yells at them to stop. She draws her wand, and fires off several Fireballs at the oncoming creatures.

Elraith terribly burns two escaping Jarak-Sinn with Burning hands that they could not avoid.

Elraith drops the Lizard Man form and rejoins the others on the beach.

A Perimeter is set and half the crew gets back to work while the other half readies for battle when the Lizard Men return.

You and Lashia rest on the Beach. Night fall comes soon.

[Dungeon Master]

Deep in the deep, dark jungles of the isle, a group of Jarak-sinn moves quickly thru the brush and trees. They return to the pit where they where born. They speak with the elders who lead them hurriedly to the king and tell them to repeat their story.

“That human are on the beach, they killed Zhua’s group.”

There is an uproar of activity. The King immediately orders all Warrior-groups and shamans to the beach and slay all but five of the humans and bring them back, but kill the rest.



When the Lizard men get to the shore, the humans are gone.



Five Days Later,

Finally reach Northern Ergoth and put in for the night in the harbor of Echo Bay in Hylo. They resupply their stores and get medical attention for those that have desperately needed it for Eight days.

Kender priests of Mishakal come forth and offer their prayers for the injured and heal them and keep them overnight in the Hospital.

Despite the fact that this is a Kender port city, the crew needs to get off the ship and away from each other for a few hours.

[elraith]

OOC: fixed my IE problem.. i can stay logged in now ;D

Elraith was pleased to leave the lizard people behind, and set to studying his herb lore books, and his spells..

Once he reached the port, he went up on deck for a few minutes to enjoy some fresh air, and take in the scene. He honestly wasnt sure if he would come out of the test at all. After a few minutes, he went below deck and resumed his studies.

[Dungeon Master]

Travel through the Bay of Monsters
By the DM

Set off the next day, The Equinox passes Hylo’s Bay of Monsters and everyone sighs relief when the famed sea serpent doesn’t make an appearance after what the Crew of the Equinox has been thru.

Two days later, The Equinox enters the Straits of Schallsea and into New Sea. Two days after that, they pass Xak Tsorath and Merwellyn Wood in the early evening, Merwellyn Forest is the home of Lashia and her husband Talidaar. It is not far to New Ports now.

You are utterly amazed at what you see next, a flying ship unlike anything you could ever imagine. It looks organic, a giant butterfly that is bathed in green and yellow light. It is taking off from the dark water, out 6 miles or so. It goes up into the sky and joins the stars in the heavens.

The anticipation grows within you, two more days, and you will be in Wayreth.

Four hours later, the Equinox docks in New Ports of Abanasinia. They are met by a dock man to take payment for docking fees, The First Officer deals with the Tax Collector, while you and your master speak your thanks to Captain Kane. He and the crew will stay in New Ports for two weeks, then maybe ride to the Crossing and see if there is work up there. He will work for you again if you want, but never with that kender or any kender again. Lashia says she can not promise that, but handshakes are made.

Lashia makes sure Solvern gets out of the cargo hold okay and that he knows the way to their stop for the night. You take care of Onyx when he gets down the ramp from the ship.

A Wagon and driver are commissioned to take the things of Lashia and Elraith to the Inn.

Elraith and Lashia walk with their staves to the Roaring Griffon Inn, run by Lashia’s sister Damara Ambrodel, and her partner, Paliness Darkhammer of the Neidar hill dwarf clan.

[elraith]

Although glad to be on the move once more, Elraith was secretly a bit disappointed that he didnt at least catch a glimpse of the sea serpent. He smiled though, as he looked out over the rail of the ship....

after these couple days of peace and quiet onboard the Equinox, Elraith found himself wishing something interesting would happen.. and just then, as he looked out towards the sunset, he saw an amazing sight. He couldnt tell whether it was man made or organic from the distance, but it soared out into the stars and made Elraith really contemplate what the hell it could have been...

Upon reaching the new ports dock, Elraith was already full of excitement, energy, and a bit of nervousness. That was after all, the first time he'd been back since he graduated. After thanking Captain Kane for everything, he joined Lashia and walked to the Roaring Griffon.

A pleasure to meet you sir. Elraith said to Paliness, offering a handshake. Once all introductions were made, Elraith ordered some tea and began inquiring as to the route they'd be taking to wayreth, and when exactly he'd be left to go the rest alone, basically general small talk and information gathering.

[Dungeon Master]

The Roaring Griffon
By the DM

You were looking at the door as it opens and you release you completely missed the 8’Minotaur Bouncer, as Palainess gives you his name, Thul-Chuk.

Lashia tells you that this bar was her father’s joint project with another dwarf; they were ambassadors from Qualinesti to Thorbardin and so forth Thorbardin to Qualinesti. He gave it to Damara after the Chaos War, who partnered up with Palainess here after they adventured together nearly a hundred years ago. Also, The Ambasorder of Thorbardin and a Hylar and Palainess is Neidar, Hill dwarf, so you would do well to make sure you always get that right.

Palainess asks you want you want to drink?

[elraith]

Elraith smiles wryly and greets the minotaur briefly, before answering Paliness, "I'll take a cup of hot Tarbean tea, if it is available."

[Dungeon Master]

At a Table
By the DM

Paliness eyes the wizard to make sure there is no funny business and then orders the barmaid Sally-Jean to bring some tarbean tea for the visiting Wizard. Then Paliness then mutters something about that’s fine, alcohol and wizardry not mixing or something. Lashia asks if that is supposed to be directed at her, since Lashia already has a wine glass in front of her being filled with Normaar Red. Paliness says, he was just saying nothin.


The three of you talk into the night of a range of conversations from how Damara is doing-(Lashia’s older sister, the owner of the bar), to current events on Ansalon.

As you ponder the threat of Baron Samuval on Abanasinia, you find yourself gazing off around the room.


You think back to your time here in New Ports, of classmates and of teachers of the recent past.

-Of Course Headmistress Lashia Arbagon, she taught History of the Conclave, Abjuration, Spellcraft and Magical Beasts.

-Master Quintilin of Mt. Nevermind. He was exiled a long time ago as you guess Gnomes aren’t supposed to use magic and well he agreed to come forward and teach Illusions and scribing, and Enchantment/Charms

-Master Diviner and Evocation White Robe Mistress named Rasilyss, but you think she moved back to Wayreth at the end of Term,

-Master Param uth Meltor teached Alchemy and Potions. Master Param uth Meltor was a Patrician from a filthy rich family in Solamnia inheritance after they died in Fire. How strange, you always felt an odd connection to the Master, but the more you think of it, it’s even more strange, you did not like him very much, not that he was not a good teacher, but you just did not like his patrician way.

-Mistress Enam of Northern Ergoth, from the Capital, Gwynned. She was Transmutation and Herb teacher and also was a zippy One Hundred and Sixty Years two years young. She is clearly a favorite of Lunitari

-Master Baran of Khur. A follower of the Black Moon, he is a Necromancer of vast knowledge and very personable, not the monster you would expect, though he is one to always be weary of. He is quite charming and vastly knowledgeable of magic and its applications and perhaps the smartest and most dangerous mage you will ever meet. You have never had any love for the dark arts, but he was one teacher you certainly respected. He also taught Conjuration, Chronomancy, and Magical Item Creation.

[elraith]

Elraith smiled at Lashia and her nordmarr wine as she inquired Paliness about the comment he just made. He took a sip of his hot tea, and drifted into thought. He was curious about this baron, and reminiscing about his old shoolmasters.

"Tell me about this baron samuval." he said still looking at his cup. "And has anyone heard anything of my old teachers?" he added, looking up at lashia and paliness.

[Dungeon Master]

Just Talking
By the DM

Palaines tells of the Baron of Abanasinia, the former dark knight-turned mercenary-turned leader of the bad guys of Abanasinia, taking over effectively most of Qualinesti, and providing enough of a threat to the Wolverines for the Wolverines to sit up and take notice.

“The Baron has two goblin nations to back him up, along with a large contingent of mercenary Draconians that survived from the Black Brood. Not to mention other former Dark Knights, thieves, scumbags, other evil inclined creatures that was in Beryl’s army that survived the demise of Qualinost and the Bloated, fat Green Bitch that haunted these parts for much of the 5th Age, thank god the elves, dwarves and Wolverines killed the bitch. Anyways, the Baron is what we around here try to figure out. Makes me feel safer having the Wolverine Navy in Port that’s for sure.”


Lashia tells you that “The teachers are still around, but they are on holiday before the next term starts. We are getting a new Divining Teacher and Evocation Teacher for the new term.”

[elraith]

Elraith nodded his head and gave a slightly worried look at the news of the baron and his army. "Must We pass through this barons territory to get to Wayreth? Even if we don't, I think we should try to hire an escort of some kind, on my coin of course. I'd rather make it there in one piece, and a few more in our group couldn't hurt."

Elraith took a small sip of his tea, "Why haven't the Wolverines taken action against the baron yet? If he indeed has as many soldiers as reported, I personally would consider such a force my top priority, unless of course there is a bigger problem I am unaware of."

Elraith sipped his tea once more and looked around the inn for any mercenary types looking like they needed a job

[Dungeon Master]

Real-Time Game Session
Edited by the DM

DM says:
We can role-play for a little while if you would like?

Mabius Majere says:
Sure

DM says:
So, let me set the mood.

Mabius Majere says:
Cool.

DM says:
it is late, well about 9 or so. You and Lashia and the Dwarf has been up talking for Two Hours. here is a candle center piece and the bar is hoping, several Wolverine Officers, sailors, dock workers, and some unseemly dangerous types. an occational kender, some elves, maybe a half-elf, you can't be sure, certinnly some dwarves around at one point or another in the Bar. Palaines answers your question about the Wolverines.

"Well truth to tell, they just fought Beryl to her daeth, took alot of Wolverines down too with the destruction of Qualinost. Now even though there is fresh divisions here, I don't think the General is ready to go back to war so soon. First off, the people of Abanasinia is sick of war. So General Granitehammer is building up his defences, gathering Intel, and move in on our time.

Mabius Majere says:
"I see, I have to say i agree then, with the delay.. if they just brought down Beryl they must rest and regroup." now as for some hired help to travel with us, Palaines have you any suggestions as to a few good mercenaries? Anyone you would recommend?"

DM says:
“I got a couple of folks that wouldn’t mind running you to Pax Thakus, you will come out on the Plains right smack around Skullcap.
Lashia says "The Tower will meet you before you enter the Baron's lands"

Mabius Majere says:
Looking to Lashia, I say "perfect, I was hoping there was a way around." then to Palaines, "ah good then, are they here now?"

DM says:
"I will have to rustle them up, maybe tomorrow."

Mabius Majere says:
nodding my head, I finish off my tea

DM says:
Palaines says,“I will get Allie to show you are your room. It is getting late."

Mabius Majere says:
"indeed, the fatigue just hit me." i say after a yawn. standing I wait for Allie

DM says:
A red head come around the corner, in her twenties, she smiles and shows you to your room. It is cozy with a bed, a desk and chair. There is a lantern on the table by the window.

You finish the night reading while lying down on the bed. You eventually get tired and put the book down, blow out the lantern, and find a comfortable sleeping position and drift off to sleep thinking of what you have to do before setting out for Wayreth Tower.

[Dungeon Master]

The Next Day
By the DM

You get up and shower and get ready to head out the door. It is a foggy spring morning and you walk to merchant’s row.

The port town of New Ports has grown with the new road to Solace, linking with Long Ridge, Gateway, Tantallon and Haven has made this a bustling Port with goods bound for Ergoth and Solamnia. Charter boats take people from all over Abanasinia to Schallsea, to see the Citadel of Light and the grand Temple of Mishakal.

So with the rise of the importance of the Port, so too has many new businesses have opened here since you were a student here.

One is a high-end dagger emporium and other weapons of exotic beauty.

A new equipment store run by a old mad gnome, was a adventurer in the Time of the Lance, he never was very good at building machines, but did try his hand at making several versions of a swiss army knife.

There is a new carrier service in town; they are starting mail and small package deliveries.

Nearby is an owlery that has opened near the school. The students and other Wizards are using owls as familiars more and more these days. They have proven themselves very useful and loyal.

Near the Equipment shop is a Cartography store where a retired afflicted kender makes maps and copies maps and has rose to some fame as you have heard of Quiby Whistlewood in Palanthus.

[elraith]

(how much steel do i have at my disposal right now?)

Elraith stepped out into the day feeling refreshed, and walked down merchant's row. Hearing conversations about new shops along the way, Elraith decided to pay the exotic weapons store a visit. Perhaps something there would strike his fancy..

[Dungeon Master]

Exotic Weaponry Emporium
By the DM

You walk up the steps to the store entrance and step in. There are people at the counter, on both sides. There appears to be an investigation going on as a grizzled man is intently looking at the counter top. The grizzled man is the Sheriff, you remember him from when you went to school here. Known to be one of the most honest men in Abanasinia, a veteran of the last war, said to be a legionnaire once, long ago.

Seems there was a robbery last night and the thief left a calling card that has been seen once before in New Ports.

You look back to what you came in for, exotic blades.

You look around for while, seeing several works of beauty in their elegance and deadliness.

One, an curvy Athame, ritual dagger made of silver with fire etchings thruout the whole of the double edged blade. A Fire Opal is set in the pommel. Made at the Ice Wall by a artificer.


You have about 1,000 steel coins at the Roaring Griffon, locked up in your room.

[elraith]

Elraith walked into the Weapons emporium and upon seeing the sheriff, he was a bit surprised. Looking to the shopkeep, Elraith asked the price of the fine curvy athame, and(if he has enough back at the inn) asks that it be held for him until his return.

[Dungeon Master]

Leaving Tomorrow
By the DM

It was 50 steel coins for the athame, that’s fine, it is a fine ritual dagger, you have seen nothing more beautiful then this blade, so in the end, you do not feel badly for buying it.

You figure it up that it will cost 30 steel a man for protection from four men comes to 120 steel pieces.

You try to figure out what you have left to buy.

[Dungeon Master]

This Thread will continue the next part of this story. You may post in here in regard to personal records of what you do in the next part of the story, but the main story will be played out in the Journey to Wayreth

thedamnforum.proboards51.com/index.cgi?board=newbeginings&action=display&thread=1142662301

[Dungeon Master]

Lunch was indeed a strange affair, but everyone got it with their necks intact. Nailo and Victor leave the Inn saying they have errands. With is just fine with you Elraith, as you want good study time before you leave in the morning for your trip south onto the Blood Soaked plains called Durgoth, for the lands south are the lands that the Dwarfgate war played out to it’s bitter and explosive end when Zhaman exploded leaving Skullcap. You have read about it in history class in New Ports.

You excuse yourself from the table and head up to your room. You enter the room to find a simple feather stuffed mattress with blankets and pillows. There is a desk with a lamp and a human sized chair.


You take stock of everything you have. Spell components, Spellbooks, your scrolls, and magical items all set out around you.

You put them away and start to study. This activity takes you to 11th Watch*

*5:00pm

[elraith]

As Elraith took an inventory of all his things, he Contemplated this business with nailo and malice.(against his better judgement.. He really didnt want to even think about it, for fear of undesired involvement on their parts)

All his efforts to try and not think about it proved useless. Until after he had finished with his inventory that is. As soon as he finished he took out his various books and began to memorize and contemplate once more, his arcane knowledge.

upon the rounding of 11th watch, Elraith stood up and stretched his arms wide, and yawned wide, looking around the room, he decided to go for a walk if there was anyone around to go with him. He didnt feel safe without anyone around at this point. (and oddly enough he found himself feeling as if he actually missed having everyone around for once...)

He Headed out into the hallway to look for an escort...

[Dungeon Master]

Defenders
By the DM

Tarx Stonebreaker and Stanch Hammerfell are in the Bar, They are eating stuffed mushrooms and Staunch waves you over to offer you some food. You have lost 13 Pounds since your journey began nearly a month ago.

The bar wench brings out two trays of big steaks with potatoes. She asks you what you’ll be having.

[elraith]

Elraith noticed the dwarves waving him over, so he told the barmaid he would be seated with them. He was awfully hungry, and the mushrooms they were eating looked delicious.

to the barmaid, "Ill have a plate of these mushrooms for myself please, and a cup of your best tea to go with it."

[Dungeon Master]

Dinner
By The DM

Staunch Hammerfell orders a bottle of wine to the table along with a Lobster. “You like seafood right Mage?”

The food arrives and the three talk. You find out Staunch’s Uncle was King Hammerfell of the Hylar Clan, which are apparently High Mountain Dwarves. Tarax is a Priest of Reorx from Daewarbardin until the Time of Chaos. Both Staunch and Tarax left Thorbardin because of the injustice of the current Thane King Stoneslinger. Stoneslinger banished Tarn Bellowgrantie, the true king of Thorbardin. Tarn lives here at Pax Tharkus, trying to gather forces to one day retake Thorbardin.

[elraith]

Elraith looks over at Staunch and, smiling, replies "Indeed i do, Hammerfell. Seafood is probably the closest thing to meat I'll eat by choice."

While listening to the dwarves, he eats quite a bit of lobster, as well as mushrooms. Once the dwarves are done explaining the situation (and he finishes eating), Elraith pushes his plate forward, and says "That is most unfortunate for your people and your king. If i am ever able to do you any service to help to counter-balance this crooked act, do let me know."

[Dungeon Master]

Pax Tharkus
By the DM

Staunch says, “Good, Good, Hey, Tarax and I need to see Tarn, I did’nt want to leave you alone, not that you can’t handle yourself, but Tarax was charged and all with his mission, so We can’t leave you here, do you want to come with us? It for a hour or so, then you can get back here to study.”

[elraith]

Elraith nods and says "I would love to accompany you hammerfell, as long as we let the rest of the group know where we are headed. I Dont need communication issues to add to the stress I am already under."

with that he sips the rest of his tea, and leaves a message with the most sober and intelligent looking person in the place(along with 5 steel for their trouble) to give to all of his companions, detailing his whereabouts with the dwarven escorts.

[Dungeon Master]

The Hanging Goblin
By the DM


The three of you travel under the open air and the emerging stars. The Night watch takes over at the battlements. There are stores and shops here, the old place has gained life since Tarn and his family and supporters moved here after the War of Souls. Pax Tharkus was built between 2000-1900 PC, making it nearly 3000 years old, survived Two Cataclysms, Seven Wars and mother nature.

The Red moon is reaching its apex and moving towards High Sanction in two days. The Trio arrive4 to the Hanging Goblin Inn. There are armed dwarven guards at the door, they know Staunch and Tarax and your Dwarven protection vouches for you and you are let thru. The Bar is full with nearly fifty dwarves, all drinking, talking and laughing and arguing and grumbling and plain loud.

You all find a table and sit down. Staunch orders two pints and a goblet of the house’s finest wine.

Tarax points out Tarn Bellowgranite.


Tarn was once a broad shouldered and strong, now he is a bit more reserved and slow moving. His beard is grayed and he is going bald. He is a man of great guilt, humility, and loss. Once he was King, but no longer. He is in council with what you recognize to be a couple of hill dwarves, but then you can’t be to sure, Staunch looks and talks like a Neidar, but is a Hylar in actuality, with his giant bowie knife.

Staunch gets up and goes over to Tarn’s Table, leaving you with silent Tarax Stonebreaker.

You see Tarax look at you, but he looks away, he looks unsure as to how to interact with you. Are you and he such different creatures that you don’t know how to talk to each other? A Dwarven Cleric with a Red Moon Human Wizard, how different are they and their fates?