'Take the map!' The voices sudden shout startles Faen,who drops her drink and kicks her leg up in reflex, banging her knee against the table. She pushes away from the table and curls up in her chair holding the hurt appendage.'Bastion why'She whimpers.'The map Child, get it.' The commanding tone puts her off, it's never spoken to her like that before. Not wanting to upset her friend, she uncurls and looks at the older elf.
"Um the map might be very useful.We could better equip ourselves against the darkness if we could acquire those magic items. May I please have it?" She says smiling nervously.
"These artifacts and other guardians are necessary to face this threat? Why not face it now," the young dwarf's time full of urgency! "My hammer and the blessing of Ximesi are all I need," she adds her confindence, although seemingly reckless, returns with a brilliant smile as a fire seems the crackle over her entire form! "I will bring the light we need," she exclaims!
"Certainly, Guardian Hanali." Lore replies. "A scribe will bring you the map before you depart our village. I hope your journey into the temple proves to be--" the wood elf ponders a moment, perhaps he notices something strange about Faen's demeanor, but he seems to dismiss the idea. "--fruitful."
The paladin's brash confidence stirs the air in the room a bit, but Lore remains quiet. The decision is for the Guardians to make.
Dmitrei looks at Faen a little curious as to why the sudden burst of excitement from the nervous girl. Dmitrei also cannot help but smile at Jinx's comment, and he thought he was reckless and ready to get on with his destiny.
"Jinx, I understand your excitement to defeat the shadow and complete your destiny. However, my mentor always told me that part of one's destiny is also doing small tasks that make you stronger. Let us find these temples and other guardians and grow stronger only then will we be able to complete our destiny."
Dmitrei says growing more and more excited and the thought of doing something big in this world.
"Yes, that is one philosophy to have?" Dmitrei comments to Thokks statement. He will then turn to Lore.
"You were once a guardian. You have faced the Shadows before. What were they like? What advice do you have? Are the other Guardians of your time alive? Can we see them? Will they help us?"
Dmitrei asks Lore; obviously interested in hearing about Lore's history with the Guardians.
"Yes, I see how gathering advice for battle from those who've fought might seem like a worthy task," Jinx paused looking at Dmitrei, "but I have seen battle before," she says curtly! "Please don't let my new armor fool you," Jinx adds looking out at her companions her hand running over the shining chainmail. It has rings of gold in the shape of a phoenix centered in the chest. "I am ready to fight whatever may come," she explains looking now to the timid elf that moved away from her curious as to what tasks she completed to become a gaurdian herself. "Unlike some my faith protects me even more than this fine armour," she adds pounding her chest! "As for finding better weapons against the Shadow, I do see the merit in that," she says standing up from the table now. "Let us waste no time new companions," she calls out looking to the group before looking to Lore. "I may seem hasty but I know by the light of Ximesi we will prevail," she adds with a curt nod of her head at the older elf!
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Sometimes a Nat 1 tells a better story than a Nat 20 ever could.
"Would it..Would it be possible for me to look at the map now? For curiosity's sake?" Faen asks, side eyeing the dwarven woman. 'My goodness she is quite..intense isn't she.'She thinks.'Ugh. Holy folk.'The voice hisses back, slowly retreating to the back of her mind.
Lore waits for a moment of silence before speaking his mind. “I will give you all the information I can, Guardian Snowhunter.” He says, “But perhaps before I do, we can adjourn this meeting to pursue the matter you all find most pressing. Guardian Brightwell is foremost correct in that we simply cannot waste time. Innocent lives are at stake.” Lore slightly raises his voice to call out, “Gera. Yora. Please.”
The doors of the room open, and two wood elf women enter. They are both wearing sage green robes tied with a gold sash at the waist. Their pointed ears poking out of their silky opal colored hair, they appear to be identical twins. They give a polite bow. Lore says, “Guardians, if you wish to stay and speak with me longer, I welcome it. However, if you wish to go and rest or maybe explore our village instead, please do so. Gera and Yora can be your guide. Most of our people do not speak the common tongue, so you can ask them for assistance if you’re not confident with our dialect.”
"Well, we are a team now. I too am eager to begin this journey but I do believe we should learn as much as possible about not only our enemies history and where we must travel but, also about each other's capabilities if we are to be a team. and do any necessary preparations beforehand. I would like to stay here with Lore in order to learn more about his time as a Guardian and how his battle against the shadow went. Also, about the temples and if any of the other Guardians from his generation are alive. How about Faen, since your so eager to, go see and study the map? I do not know what you Jinx or you Thokk wish to do but if either of you is going shopping I have an item I forgot at home and I think it would be useful. I'm sure a replacement copy could be bought here and I'd gladly give you the money to purchase it for me. It's just a herbalism kit they normally do not run more than 5 gold."
Dmitrei says to the others; never leaving his chair since he intends to stay and talk with the old elven man.
The wood elf nods approvingly at Faen. "Indeed." One of the wood elf twins moves to get Faen's attention and gestures toward a door in the far end of the room. "If you take the stairs up, you'll find the scriptorium above. Speak to Shaya. He has made a borrowable copy of the map I spoke of." Lore then waits to see what the others decide to do.
"Ohthank you so much." She bows to the wood elves , collects her things, and runs off in the direction of the stairs, before anyone can say anything else.
"I have no need for shopping and would also like to remain with Lore for futhur council. It seems its needed before leaving to collect this artifact to aid us," Jinx replies. "But whenever wisdom you can impart please make haste," she adds remaining at the table as well.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Sometimes a Nat 1 tells a better story than a Nat 20 ever could.
As Faen leaves the room, Lore begins his tale. “More than a century ago, the darkness returned to our land. We were the fourth generation of Guardians, ten strong. Our leader, Molekk, a powerful and brave half-orc islander from Maha led us.” For a moment, Lore looks at Thokk the elf’s expression seems reminiscent, as if looking at an old friend. The expression fades, he continues, “Molekk was faced with a difficult decision, the dark army had gathered in the western desert just beyond the gates of Great Dorra,” The group would know of this city. It is now entirely ruins, a city buried in desert sands. The desert folk, Tieflings as they are sometimes known, were scattered into nomadic tribes. They’ve yet to rebuild the ancient capital. “Molekk made the decision to not defend Great Dorra from the dark army and instead use the opportunity to push hard into the Ximesi mountains where the dark army had rooted itself in the beginning. At the cost nearly wiping out an entire civilization, the Guardians were successful. The enslaved mountain dwarves aided us in navigating the twisting tunnels beneath the earth to the heart of darkness. A vile sight, it was. A giant crystal shard with a crimson glow and tendrils of black ichor to protect it. The battle was long, in the end only three of the ten Guardians emerged from the deep core alive. Myself, our leader Molekk, and Rook, a tiefling from the desert. With the darkness vanquished, we said our goodbyes and returned home. However, when Rook learned that the dark army had obliterated Great Dorra, he blamed Molekk. The two battled, and Rook killed the half-orc islander. There was nothing I could do. Regardless, Rook is an old Guardian who still lives in the Koatel Desert. His son, Caster, is a Guardian as well, but Rook forbade him from joining us today. I understand Rook’s fears, but Caster’s destiny is the same as yours and he’ll meet it, one way or another.”
[Faen] When Faen ascends the stairs, the smell of old paper and incense surrounds her. The room at the top is circular, with several curtain drawn windows around it. One window is open, allowing a single beam of light in. A wood elf with blonde spiky hair sits at a large writing desk with his back to the entrance that Faen entered through. He seems to be writing with a feather quill pen. Scattered the about the room are piles of books, scrolls, and loose pages of paper. He doesn’t seem to notice that someone has come in.
(OOC: It’s up to you, but I would imagine all of you know the stories of the previous guardians. This is probably the only time you’ve heard this particular version of the story, as each culture tends to vary the retelling. The last battle against the darkness would have ended 150 years ago, so about 100 years before Jinx. Some of the following info, might be old news to your character if you think your character has a pretty good grasp on world history.)
“The temples were constructed ages ago. People across the land were being devastated by the first incarnation of the darkness, so they called upon the old sages for help. The sages granted power to the first generation of Guardians, and after, temples were constructed to commemorate the sages. Some of the temples are still well maintained, for instance, the earth temple in the Tetna Riverlands stands at the center of the great human city, Harlome.” Lore pauses for tea, and empties his cup. “Sorry to ramble, Guardian Snowhunter. I’ll answer more directly. The Forest Temple has been long abandoned. A blight rooted itself there sometime ago, and the elves left it. Some believe that it was Gridori’s will to allow to place to be returned to nature, others believe some remnant of darkness lies deep within. In either case, the elves left in a hurry and there are likely still some artifacts of elvenkind that were forgotten. Furthermore, I believe that regardless of how maintained these temples are, they remain closely connected to the sages. As Guardians, you might have a chance to speak with the forest sage.”
"Speak to the sage himself; that would be unbelievable. The darkness started here with the elves in Gridori as well. I wonder if maybe there is any truth to the belief that darkness lies deep within the Temple. Anyways, thanks for your help; I have just one final question. Do you know who Gridori has chosen as their new Guardan?"
'Take the map!' The voices sudden shout startles Faen,who drops her drink and kicks her leg up in reflex, banging her knee against the table. She pushes away from the table and curls up in her chair holding the hurt appendage. 'Bastion why' She whimpers. 'The map Child, get it.' The commanding tone puts her off, it's never spoken to her like that before. Not wanting to upset her friend, she uncurls and looks at the older elf.
"Um the map might be very useful.We could better equip ourselves against the darkness if we could acquire those magic items. May I please have it?" She says smiling nervously.
Avery Highdale-Halfling Rogue(Thief) Lv.3
Penelope Skyshatter-Dragonborn Sorcerer(Draconic Bloodline) Lv.2
Red Skies in Mourning: DM
Volqelli Ryxu- Drow Wizard(Conjuration School)/Rogue Lv. 13
"These artifacts and other guardians are necessary to face this threat? Why not face it now," the young dwarf's time full of urgency! "My hammer and the blessing of Ximesi are all I need," she adds her confindence, although seemingly reckless, returns with a brilliant smile as a fire seems the crackle over her entire form! "I will bring the light we need," she exclaims!
Sometimes a Nat 1 tells a better story than a Nat 20 ever could.
Faen scoots her chair a bit away from the excitable dwarf.
Avery Highdale-Halfling Rogue(Thief) Lv.3
Penelope Skyshatter-Dragonborn Sorcerer(Draconic Bloodline) Lv.2
Red Skies in Mourning: DM
Volqelli Ryxu- Drow Wizard(Conjuration School)/Rogue Lv. 13
"Certainly, Guardian Hanali." Lore replies. "A scribe will bring you the map before you depart our village. I hope your journey into the temple proves to be--" the wood elf ponders a moment, perhaps he notices something strange about Faen's demeanor, but he seems to dismiss the idea. "--fruitful."
The paladin's brash confidence stirs the air in the room a bit, but Lore remains quiet. The decision is for the Guardians to make.
Dmitrei looks at Faen a little curious as to why the sudden burst of excitement from the nervous girl. Dmitrei also cannot help but smile at Jinx's comment, and he thought he was reckless and ready to get on with his destiny.
"Jinx, I understand your excitement to defeat the shadow and complete your destiny. However, my mentor always told me that part of one's destiny is also doing small tasks that make you stronger. Let us find these temples and other guardians and grow stronger only then will we be able to complete our destiny."
Dmitrei says growing more and more excited and the thought of doing something big in this world.
"Power is everything in this world. Whether the darkness or light has it is the deciding factor."
Myron Craw- Isles of Famine
"Yes, that is one philosophy to have?" Dmitrei comments to Thokks statement. He will then turn to Lore.
"You were once a guardian. You have faced the Shadows before. What were they like? What advice do you have? Are the other Guardians of your time alive? Can we see them? Will they help us?"
Dmitrei asks Lore; obviously interested in hearing about Lore's history with the Guardians.
"Yes, I see how gathering advice for battle from those who've fought might seem like a worthy task," Jinx paused looking at Dmitrei, "but I have seen battle before," she says curtly! "Please don't let my new armor fool you," Jinx adds looking out at her companions her hand running over the shining chainmail. It has rings of gold in the shape of a phoenix centered in the chest. "I am ready to fight whatever may come," she explains looking now to the timid elf that moved away from her curious as to what tasks she completed to become a gaurdian herself. "Unlike some my faith protects me even more than this fine armour," she adds pounding her chest! "As for finding better weapons against the Shadow, I do see the merit in that," she says standing up from the table now. "Let us waste no time new companions," she calls out looking to the group before looking to Lore. "I may seem hasty but I know by the light of Ximesi we will prevail," she adds with a curt nod of her head at the older elf!
Sometimes a Nat 1 tells a better story than a Nat 20 ever could.
"Would it..Would it be possible for me to look at the map now? For curiosity's sake?" Faen asks, side eyeing the dwarven woman. 'My goodness she is quite..intense isn't she.' She thinks.'Ugh. Holy folk.' The voice hisses back, slowly retreating to the back of her mind.
Avery Highdale-Halfling Rogue(Thief) Lv.3
Penelope Skyshatter-Dragonborn Sorcerer(Draconic Bloodline) Lv.2
Red Skies in Mourning: DM
Volqelli Ryxu- Drow Wizard(Conjuration School)/Rogue Lv. 13
Lore waits for a moment of silence before speaking his mind. “I will give you all the information I can, Guardian Snowhunter.” He says, “But perhaps before I do, we can adjourn this meeting to pursue the matter you all find most pressing. Guardian Brightwell is foremost correct in that we simply cannot waste time. Innocent lives are at stake.” Lore slightly raises his voice to call out, “Gera. Yora. Please.”
The doors of the room open, and two wood elf women enter. They are both wearing sage green robes tied with a gold sash at the waist. Their pointed ears poking out of their silky opal colored hair, they appear to be identical twins. They give a polite bow. Lore says, “Guardians, if you wish to stay and speak with me longer, I welcome it. However, if you wish to go and rest or maybe explore our village instead, please do so. Gera and Yora can be your guide. Most of our people do not speak the common tongue, so you can ask them for assistance if you’re not confident with our dialect.”
"Well, we are a team now. I too am eager to begin this journey but I do believe we should learn as much as possible about not only our enemies history and where we must travel but, also about each other's capabilities if we are to be a team. and do any necessary preparations beforehand. I would like to stay here with Lore in order to learn more about his time as a Guardian and how his battle against the shadow went. Also, about the temples and if any of the other Guardians from his generation are alive. How about Faen, since your so eager to, go see and study the map? I do not know what you Jinx or you Thokk wish to do but if either of you is going shopping I have an item I forgot at home and I think it would be useful. I'm sure a replacement copy could be bought here and I'd gladly give you the money to purchase it for me. It's just a herbalism kit they normally do not run more than 5 gold."
Dmitrei says to the others; never leaving his chair since he intends to stay and talk with the old elven man.
Faen jumps out of her seat and nods.
"Yes sir. Mr. Lore can someone please show me to the map."
Avery Highdale-Halfling Rogue(Thief) Lv.3
Penelope Skyshatter-Dragonborn Sorcerer(Draconic Bloodline) Lv.2
Red Skies in Mourning: DM
Volqelli Ryxu- Drow Wizard(Conjuration School)/Rogue Lv. 13
The wood elf nods approvingly at Faen. "Indeed." One of the wood elf twins moves to get Faen's attention and gestures toward a door in the far end of the room. "If you take the stairs up, you'll find the scriptorium above. Speak to Shaya. He has made a borrowable copy of the map I spoke of." Lore then waits to see what the others decide to do.
"Ohthank you so much." She bows to the wood elves , collects her things, and runs off in the direction of the stairs, before anyone can say anything else.
Avery Highdale-Halfling Rogue(Thief) Lv.3
Penelope Skyshatter-Dragonborn Sorcerer(Draconic Bloodline) Lv.2
Red Skies in Mourning: DM
Volqelli Ryxu- Drow Wizard(Conjuration School)/Rogue Lv. 13
"I have no need for shopping and would also like to remain with Lore for futhur council. It seems its needed before leaving to collect this artifact to aid us," Jinx replies. "But whenever wisdom you can impart please make haste," she adds remaining at the table as well.
Sometimes a Nat 1 tells a better story than a Nat 20 ever could.
As Faen leaves the room, Lore begins his tale. “More than a century ago, the darkness returned to our land. We were the fourth generation of Guardians, ten strong. Our leader, Molekk, a powerful and brave half-orc islander from Maha led us.” For a moment, Lore looks at Thokk the elf’s expression seems reminiscent, as if looking at an old friend. The expression fades, he continues, “Molekk was faced with a difficult decision, the dark army had gathered in the western desert just beyond the gates of Great Dorra,” The group would know of this city. It is now entirely ruins, a city buried in desert sands. The desert folk, Tieflings as they are sometimes known, were scattered into nomadic tribes. They’ve yet to rebuild the ancient capital. “Molekk made the decision to not defend Great Dorra from the dark army and instead use the opportunity to push hard into the Ximesi mountains where the dark army had rooted itself in the beginning. At the cost nearly wiping out an entire civilization, the Guardians were successful. The enslaved mountain dwarves aided us in navigating the twisting tunnels beneath the earth to the heart of darkness. A vile sight, it was. A giant crystal shard with a crimson glow and tendrils of black ichor to protect it. The battle was long, in the end only three of the ten Guardians emerged from the deep core alive. Myself, our leader Molekk, and Rook, a tiefling from the desert. With the darkness vanquished, we said our goodbyes and returned home. However, when Rook learned that the dark army had obliterated Great Dorra, he blamed Molekk. The two battled, and Rook killed the half-orc islander. There was nothing I could do. Regardless, Rook is an old Guardian who still lives in the Koatel Desert. His son, Caster, is a Guardian as well, but Rook forbade him from joining us today. I understand Rook’s fears, but Caster’s destiny is the same as yours and he’ll meet it, one way or another.”
[Faen] When Faen ascends the stairs, the smell of old paper and incense surrounds her. The room at the top is circular, with several curtain drawn windows around it. One window is open, allowing a single beam of light in. A wood elf with blonde spiky hair sits at a large writing desk with his back to the entrance that Faen entered through. He seems to be writing with a feather quill pen. Scattered the about the room are piles of books, scrolls, and loose pages of paper. He doesn’t seem to notice that someone has come in.
Dmietrei cannot believe what he is hearing, ten Guardians went in and only three survived.
“That must have been some fight if only three of you survived. What about the temples? What can you tell us of them or at least the one to Gridori?”
Dmietri asks eager for information.
OOC: As a mountain dwarf wouldn't Jinx know this history of the guardians? How long ago? Jinx is 50.
"Is there any idea of the artifacts or relics we should be searching for to aid us now," Jinx asks Lore.
Sometimes a Nat 1 tells a better story than a Nat 20 ever could.
(OOC: It’s up to you, but I would imagine all of you know the stories of the previous guardians. This is probably the only time you’ve heard this particular version of the story, as each culture tends to vary the retelling. The last battle against the darkness would have ended 150 years ago, so about 100 years before Jinx. Some of the following info, might be old news to your character if you think your character has a pretty good grasp on world history.)
“The temples were constructed ages ago. People across the land were being devastated by the first incarnation of the darkness, so they called upon the old sages for help. The sages granted power to the first generation of Guardians, and after, temples were constructed to commemorate the sages. Some of the temples are still well maintained, for instance, the earth temple in the Tetna Riverlands stands at the center of the great human city, Harlome.” Lore pauses for tea, and empties his cup. “Sorry to ramble, Guardian Snowhunter. I’ll answer more directly. The Forest Temple has been long abandoned. A blight rooted itself there sometime ago, and the elves left it. Some believe that it was Gridori’s will to allow to place to be returned to nature, others believe some remnant of darkness lies deep within. In either case, the elves left in a hurry and there are likely still some artifacts of elvenkind that were forgotten. Furthermore, I believe that regardless of how maintained these temples are, they remain closely connected to the sages. As Guardians, you might have a chance to speak with the forest sage.”
"Speak to the sage himself; that would be unbelievable. The darkness started here with the elves in Gridori as well. I wonder if maybe there is any truth to the belief that darkness lies deep within the Temple. Anyways, thanks for your help; I have just one final question. Do you know who Gridori has chosen as their new Guardan?"