You round out your evening, then head off to bed. In the morning, you gather in the same private room, where breakfast is waiting for you. You carry on yourconversations from the night before, when the door opens, and the inn keeper leads two men into the room.
"My good people, may I introduce the emissary from the Church in Chyrellos Brother Maynard, and his protector and representative from the Church Knights, Sir Sparhawk of the Pandion Order."
The innkeeper nods to Brother Maynard before exiting and closing the door behind him. Brother Maynard takes a seat at the table, Sir Sparhawk stands behind and off to the side.
Brother Maynard for being an Elene, doesn't look any different from human in Faerun and the Sword Coast. Some of you have heard of the Eosia Continent, across the Trackless Sea to the west. Only the most stalwart of trading vessels would ply across the sea. In the past, there was good trade, but over the last century or so, it has dwindled.
Brother Maynard settles himself and places a large book on the table before him, he turns to and appraises all of you, looking into your faces and smiling, though he did pause for a moment when he looked upon Akron. He has a calm, serene look upon his face. While he wears dark brown monk robes, you catch the glint of chainmail underneath. His hands, knuckles are well condition from what you assume is a strict training regimen.
As for Sir Sparhawk, he is as the inn keeper described him. A stout individual, black hair with what does appear to have a nose that has been broken from time to time. Wearing chainmail, his black and silver surcoat covers, with an emblem of an osprey in the center, wings outspread holding a spear in its talons. A longsword hangs from his hip, as well as a dagger.
Brother Maynard opened the book, then looked at you all. "You are probably wondering we have asked for your help, and it is a rather dire and urgent need we have asked our kin from across the sea for help." He flips to a page that has been book marked with a maroon ribbon, and reads.
“Brothers will fight and kill each other; sisters' children will defile kinship. It is harsh in the world, whoredom rife —an axe age, a sword age —shields are riven— a wind age, a wolf age— before the world goes headlong. No man will have mercy on another.”
He looks at the group, "This is an old tale, but we have been receiving warnings from the other clergies from across Eosia, that an Immrama is returning, another great upheaval where light will fight the darkness for the possession of our world, and our souls."
Akkon-you recall about the continent of Eosia across the sea, and this term of Immrama, of a great battle of forces for the light and the dark, wielding powerful magics that was even felt in Faerun. You also recall, that was about a thousand years ago.
Brother Maynard continues. "The Immrama is a series of apocalyptic events that will define the end of the world, where the Gods of Darkness, with dragons, giants of frost, and fire will band together to fight against the gods of light in a final battle for dominance over the world." he pauses for a moment before continuing. "I am a historian for the Basilica in Chrellos, and specifically this continuing fight between the light and the darkness. We understand the need for balance, but once that balance is upset, then chaos reigns. This is what the dark servants want, to set the conditions for Immrama."
He looks around the room once more before continuing.
"When it first happened, about a thousand years ago, the darkness rose in the ancient land known as Vigrid, The Vigridians were known to be worshipers of dark entities in their capital city then named Hel. Rumors abound of dark rituals, and human and blood sacrifices as a bargain for power from the dark forces. The Vigrid Empire, their emperor Otho led the campaign of blood, slavery, and slaughter into the old lands of Finir and Fenris."
"The histories spoke of rumors swirling and the priests began speaking of Immrama, of the coming war between the light and dark in visions and dreams. The ancient historian Strabo wrote that the Druids taught that fire and water must one day prevail over existence, which is an evident belief in some final cataclysm or Apocalypse. Combined with the other portents, they feared the world would end when the heavens fell, the earth burst open, and the sea engulfed all things."
"The first sign was in the ancient land of the Finrir, where a long and continuous cold winter with constant snow lasted for a year. Then all of the monsters and giants rose up and joined the dark forces being led by the dark gods themselves, as well as the creatures from the dark depths of the earth."
"The result of the war was a massive exchange of magical energies, turning the land into a wasteland. It almost seemed that the gods of light would die and the dragons would release fire that would destroy all life on Earth. It was the last charge of the Great Confederation composed of the Elves, Dwarves, Humans, and the Church Knights banding together, and the combined magical might of the Council of Wizards, that threw the dark forces back."
Akkron, you recall that sensation, the ripple effects the massive magical energies used in the war was felt here in Faerun,
Brother Maynard looked at the group, "We barley won, and it was a heavy butchers bill we paid for that victory." He continues reading from the book.
"But the cost was high, a majority of the Great Confederation lay dead upon the field, to be interred in great warrens and crypts. Most of the borderland between Finrir and Vigrid became a wasteland, from the residue of the dark energies. The surviving Church Knights, Confederation, and Council of Wizards marched on Hel, destroying it, yet could not find Ortho the Emperor."
"That was 1,000 years ago," Sir Sparhawk spoke, "but the border are now watched by strongholds and warders, in case the darkness rises again. We have also received information of increased activities along the old border again, of raiding parties attacking towns and farms near the border. The Pandion Order and the other church knights, along with some of the militaries along the borders, are making more patrols. Even some of these patrols, though not the Church Knights, have even been attacked. Mostly at night, by creatures who by all accounts look like the ancient Zemochs, an off shoot of the High Elves who live in the great forests, but with dark, almost black skin. Most of the Zemochs were believed dead, but now we are not sure. They may have retreated with their Emperor Ortho into the deep under the earth. We are not sure yet."
Brother Maynard in agreement. "Rumors have made their way to Capital at Chyrellos and the Church that darkness stirs. These unknown raiders are riding out of the wasteland, burning and taking captives. Of a Demon Queen and the return to blood and human sacrifices that the Zemochs practiced before the Immrama."
He closes the book and lets out a sigh. "So, my friends, this leads us to why we have asked for you. We want you to travel from Baldur’s Gate to Eosia, then to the Capital City of Chyrellos. There you are to meet with Archprelate Demos at the Basilica of Chyrellos, where he will request assistance of confirming the rise of this darkness, and if possible, stop it or delay it as they must have time to gather their forces. Creating a Confederation is much more difficult this time, as politics and perhaps some dark subterfuge are at work. The alliances we had a thousand years ago are not the same today. Thus our travel here to seek you all out, will you honor us and help us in our time of need?"
I must warn you though, there are those out there who want darkness to return and will send agents to stop us on our journey and if you accept, the quests. Dangerous, dark souled and heartless, there may even be some here in Baldur's Gate, or those who are of like mind, may support them."
Akkron looks at the two men for a moment, one mummified finger tapping gently on the table as he thinks.
"So it's the end of the world we have been called upon to stop," he ponders aloud. "I remember the first time it happened, though I was unable to participate in the battle, as I had my own war to fight at the time... I will gladly lend my aid now. But tell me, what do you know of Emperor Ortho? Is there reason to believe that he may still live on after a thousand years? And in your messages you stated that we might be targets of 'dark agents.' Are they hunting us specifically, or are they simply attempting to eliminate anyone who could be strong enough to pose a threat to their plans?"
Khessa seems more and more worried as Maynard continues to describe the apocalypse... and Eosia's problematic situation doesn't really help to reassure her.
As might be expected of such an ancient and competent arcanist, Akkron is quick to ask pertinent questions. While waiting for an answer to be given, the blue eyed woman mutters, almost more to herself than to her companions: "Zemochs... Off shoot of the High Elves with almost black skin... A Demon Queen... Is it possible that it's drow and Lolth? Maybe that oversized vermin who pretends to be a goddess, not happy with causing trouble in our parts, is getting busy there too?" she shrugs "I guess we'll see".
"Oh, anyway, Maynard, Sparhawk, guys..." the blonde arcane warrior smiles, turning to the two "What do you think we will answer? The description you made of the Immrama... Fire and water that prevail over existence... the heavens that fall... the earth that burst open... the sea that engulfs all things..." she tries to play down "It would be a fitting description for a room where I left my children to play for ten whole minutes..." she shudders. "Certainly, however, not an ideal state in which to drag the whole world".
'Do not overdo it!' telepathically cackles Anator in the mind of the tall adventuress 'Yondra and Sarvin are lively, but not so terrible'.
'Easy to say...' the blue eyed woman replies, using the same method of communication 'when you have wings to escape them! Joking, brother... I see how many times you come and play with them... you are very tender! You would have been a very patient father, you know?'
"Of course we will help you in your time of need" Khessa assures, focusing back on the two men. "And 'those out there who want darkness to return' will have to live with it".
When Khessa raises the possibility that the Zemochs might actually be Drow, Akkron nods gravely.
"I strongly suspect that the Zemochs are indeed at very least cousins of the Drow," he says. "Though seemkngly known by a different name. And their Demon Queen may well be the very same Lolth we both know and despise. That spider's web seems to reach to every corner of this world, and likely to other worlds as well."
Akkron looks at the two men for a moment, one mummified finger tapping gently on the table as he thinks.
"So it's the end of the world we have been called upon to stop," he ponders aloud. "I remember the first time it happened, though I was unable to participate in the battle, as I had my own war to fight at the time... I will gladly lend my aid now. But tell me, what do you know of Emperor Ortho? Is there reason to believe that he may still live on after a thousand years? And in your messages you stated that we might be targets of 'dark agents.' Are they hunting us specifically, or are they simply attempting to eliminate anyone who could be strong enough to pose a threat to their plans?"
Brother Maynard thinks for a moment. "From what history, fables or legend says, Ortho was a simple sheep herder who was not very bright. Along with being dimwitted, he was not handsome by any stretch of the imagination. One day tending his flock, his mind wondered, some say he was distracted by a butterfly or something, and one of his sheep wandered off. While searching, he came across an old idol, covered in vines and neglect. It may have been a temple but not much remained. When he came upon the idol, he heard a voice speak to him, calling itself Azash and asked if he had come to worship him. Azash had not heard prayers in so long, he wanted to be adored once more.:
Brother Maynard pauses as he thinks about the tale. "Please forgive me, for sometimes I find the absurdity in the histories, more fables and seeing it came from the Zemochs, we don't hold much truth to it. But as the story goes, Ortho not being very smart, had no idea how to worship or pray. So Azash taught him how to worship him, and in return, granted him power and everlasting life. All of his dreams come true. The more of the locals he made into followers of Azash, the more power he received. Soon, he had the choice of the most beautiful women who would never have looked upon him. Some of the new worshipers became fanatical followers of Azash and Ortho. Enough so, they overthrew the ruler of Zemoch, and made Ortho their emperor. He built a new temple around the idol, and a city around the temple that we named Hel, but its original name was Thakan'dar. Azash was a Dark God, some say may had been the one who drew the dark forces together for the Immrama. The religious practice that Azash demanded was blood sacrifices, and thus the Zemochs raided and attacked all along their borders. The weapons their dark forces required human sacrifices and their blood to temper and taint the steel."
"From what we know," Sparhawk added, "Ortho began his worship of Azash about 500 years before the Immrama, we believe that Azash sustains his life, near immortality. When the final battle was won, the Thakan'dar or Hel as we called it was destroyed, there was no sign of Ortho. When the temple was razed, there was no idol present either. We fear, that they may have gone underground, and are now slowly building back up their forces, and recruiting others to their dark crusade. Promises of power can have a stroong influence on the weak minded."
Khessa seems more and more worried as Maynard continues to describe the apocalypse... and Elosia's problematic situation doesn't really help to reassure her.
As might be expected of such an ancient and competent arcanist, Akkron is quick to ask pertinent questions. While waiting for an answer to be given, the blue eyed woman mutters, almost more to herself than to her companions: "Zemochs... Off shoot of the High Elves with almost black skin... A Demon Queen... Is it possible that it's drow and Lolth? Maybe that oversized vermin who pretends to be a goddess, not happy with causing trouble in our parts, is getting busy there too?" she shrugs "I guess we'll see".
"Oh, anyway, Maynard, Sparhawk, guys..." the blonde arcane warrior smiles, turning to the two "What do you think we will answer? The description you made of the Immrama... Fire and water that prevail over existence... the heavens that fall... the earth that burst open... the sea that engulfs all things..." she tries to play down "It would be a fitting description for a room where I left my children to play for ten whole minutes..." she shudders. "Certainly, however, not an ideal state in which to drag the whole world".
'Do not overdo it!' telepathically cackles Anator in the mind of the tall adventuress 'Yondra and Sarvin are lively, but not so terrible'.
'Easy to say...' the blue eyed woman replies, using the same method of communication 'when you have wings to escape them! Joking, brother... I see how many times you come and play with them... you are very tender! You would have been a very patient father, you know?'
"Of course we will help you in your time of need" Khessa assures, focusing back on the two men. "And 'those out there who want darkness to return' will have to live with it".
Brother Maynard shrugs, "We have no name of Drow, or this Lolth you speak of. Could be some similarities? We believe that our race of Elenes, traveled to Eosia from here in the ancient days, and grew in parallel. Could our Zemochs be an off shoot of these Drow? They do worship a Demon Queen that none have seen. Since the great battle, we believe the Zemochs are living under the earth, and have to recruit normal people as they can be easily spotted."
"Not to mention, we have orders to kill them on site if they are found in our lands," Sparhawk explains. "All of the Church Knights have that order, and we have our own eyes and ears network that will pass any information that detects Zemochs in the kingdoms." He snorts for a second. "Even the Thalesians and the Genidian Order of their Church Knights can commune with the trolls up in that region, and the trolls do not want to be forced into a fight again, so they pass any information they get from the shadows."
When Brother Maynard and Sir Sparhawk requested their assistance, Amanises responded without hesitation. Her voice carried a hint of weariness as she spoke, "In times of darkness and impending catastrophe, it is our sacred duty to stand firm against the encroaching shadow and protect the realms from the forces of darkness. These words are often preached by our clergy. When a Cleric of Selûne encounters a shadow, be it Shar's, Lolth's, or the influence of other dark gods, it is our solemn obligation to set things right by spreading the Moonmaiden's radiant light."
"The conflict you describe feels both familiar and unfamiliar," Amanises confessed, her brow furrowing as she delved into the depths of her memories, forged through countless years in Selûne's service as her Chosen. In the grand tapestry of Toril's history, she was but a fleeting speck, yet a millennium ago was well within her span. "Honestly, I must admit that I am not privy to such knowledge, at least not as far as Selûne has seen fit to reveal to me at the time. I would wager the event stretches from somewhere after the rise of the second Mulhorand Empire to the cataclysmic events of Karsus' Folly."
The memory of past cataclysms sent a shiver down her spine. She closed her eyes briefly, offering a silent prayer to Selûne, fervently hoping that the current crisis was not of such catastrophic proportions. Amanises had grown weary from witnessing the world shatter into fragments in the mad ambitions of dark gods and trying to mend it back together afterwards.
With some apprehension, Amanises fixed her gaze upon the monk and the knight, her eyes narrowing with a hint of scrutiny. "Could you clarify what your church specifically seeks from us? I understand you are seeking assistance, but some among us are not just independent adventurers. I am here representing the Church of Selûne. Are you requesting aid from the church as a whole or from me personally?"
...and the trolls do not want to be forced into a fight again, so they pass any information they get from the shadows."
Khessa marvels visibly hearing that in Eosia the trolls can 'get information from the shadows' and, reflexively extracting, without even consciously thinking about it, an imposing tome with a black cover bound with a pattern of silver threads that unnervingly recalls a cobweb, asks: "Sparhawk, dear... Excuse my ignorance, but in our parts trolls are already a lot if they know how to grunt... In the country where you come from, on the other hand, do they have the power to speak with shadows?" and, holding an elegant quill in striking contrast with the so unacademic full plate armor, she seems ready to take notes at any moment "Do you know something about how they do it? Is it a magic ritual? Or do they talk like this, as I am talking to you? Or do they meditate and the shadows speak to them in dreams? Yes, well... do you know anything more about it?"
"It's not just curiosity, huh, mate?" the blonde arcane warrior cares to add, staring intently at the other with her own blue eyes "It's that, given the complexity of the matter, every detail can be important... especially for those who, like me, still know incredibly few details".
...and the trolls do not want to be forced into a fight again, so they pass any information they get from the shadows."
Khessa marvels visibly hearing that in Eosia the trolls can 'get information from the shadows' and, reflexively extracting, without even consciously thinking about it, an imposing tome with a black cover bound with a pattern of silver threads that unnervingly recalls a cobweb, asks: "Sparhawk, dear... Excuse my ignorance, but in our parts trolls are already a lot if they know how to grunt... In the country where you come from, on the other hand, do they have the power to speak with shadows?" and, holding an elegant quill in striking contrast with the so unacademic full plate armor, she seems ready to take notes at any moment "Do you know something about how they do it? Is it a magic ritual? Or do they talk like this, as I am talking to you? Or do they meditate and the shadows speak to them in dreams? Yes, well... do you know anything more about it?"
"It's not just curiosity, huh, mate?" the blonde arcane warrior cares to add, staring intently at the other with her own blue eyes "It's that, given the complexity of the matter, every detail can be important... especially for those who, like me, still know incredibly few details".
Sparhawk nods his head. "They do, a gift I believe from their Troll Gods. When I hear it from our brother Genidians tell us of their contact with the trolls. Its an uneasy peace in the north, but sometimes the trolls do come into the land of the Thelesians, in which they have to be dealt with. They do speak common, but are still rather brutish and slow witted. Our concerns grew when word was brought to us by our Genidian Order that a troll did come to the border, and spoke with one of their knights. It said they their Troll Gods, especially Ghworg, their God of Kill, and Ghnomb, the God of Eat. We have had an agreement to remain peaceful since the end of the last great war. Now, someone or something is negotiating with the Troll Gods. That if they were to join this new dark crusade, then they could eat of all us to their hearts desire, no peace with humans, and take back all of the mountains in the north. It is a very tempting to them as you can imagine. Bhlokw, their one Troll Priest to their Gods, is speaking on our behalf so they don't get caught up in this war if it happens."
"Luckily this Bhlokw is speaking on our behalf..." Khessa is partially relieved, while taking note in her tome of the little arcane knowledge she has just received on the unheard-of phenomenon that the Trolls of Eosia can speak with shadows "It is clear that anyone has contacted them wants to manipulate them... Send them to slaughter for his own benefit. I too would prefer that 'they don't get caught up in this war'; both for them and for us".
"It is a credit to your people, Sparhawk," approves the blonde arcane warrior "that you have set up a sort of... diplomacy, with these trolls, instead of seeing them only as monsters to be exterminated. Who knows, so now maybe we'll be able to convince them to refrain from a conflict in which they have everything to lose".
"If food is a strong temptation for them, perhaps a commercial agreement could be arranged that would ensure it without them having to fight for it..." the tall adventuress thinks, following a sudden inspiration "Meat processing scraps, for example... meat too tough to be easily eaten by humans... if you set up a regular collection process and donate it to the trolls (or sell it to them at a very favorable price), it could lead to a more stable peace... and convince them even more that mutual slaughter is not always the best way to pursue one's goals".
Akkron mulls over the new information. After "living" for two millennia, he has grown very methodical in both actions and words.
"So, the trolls' gods are negotiating with these dark forces... that is most unfortunate," the lich says. "As Khessa just articulated, perhaps it would be wise for us to speak to their priest and see if we can offer the trolls a better deal."
Then he turns his attention back to the Zemochs and their allies.
"Now, to the Zemochs again... As much as I understand the sentiment, I think it may be time to rethink the 'take no prisoners' policy in regards to them," he says thoughtfully. "The easiest way to find out what they are planning is to hear it from their own mouths. Another thing to note is that, as similar as these Zemochs sound to the Drow that plague our own land, there are some notable differences that I find rather perplexing. First and foremost is that the Zemochs apparently have an emperor, but the Drow society is strictly matriarchal. Males in their society are regarded as second-class citizens at best, by the decree of their so-called goddess, Lolth... so if the demon queen that has appeared in your land is one and the same as Lolth, then that leaves me with even more questions that I want answers to. Emperor Ortho sounds to have gained his rank by the intervention of another god, but still... I think that our first priority should be to speak to one or more Zemochs directly to make sense of what is actually happening; though I am sure they are untrustworthy, there are many spells that can be used to coax truth from even the most unwilling mouths. If the Zemochs are indeed Drow under a different name, then I want to know how their society has been changed from the one we know and why Lolth allows it. If they are not... then I want to know exactly who and what they are so that we don't walk blindly into battle."
"Luckily this Bhlokw is speaking on our behalf..." Khessa is partially relieved, while taking note in her tome of the little arcane knowledge she has just received on the unheard-of phenomenon that the Trolls of Eosia can speak with shadows "It is clear that anyone has contacted them wants to manipulate them... Send them to slaughter for his own benefit. I too would prefer that 'they don't get caught up in this war'; both for them and for us".
"It is a credit to your people, Sparhawk," approves the blonde arcane warrior "that you have set up a sort of... diplomacy, with these trolls, instead of seeing them only as monsters to be exterminated. Who knows, so now maybe we'll be able to convince them to refrain from a conflict in which they have everything to lose".
"If food is a strong temptation for them, perhaps a commercial agreement could be arranged that would ensure it without them having to fight for it..." the tall adventuress thinks, following a sudden inspiration "Meat processing scraps, for example... meat too tough to be easily eaten by humans... if you set up a regular collection process and donate it to the trolls (or sell it to them at a very favorable price), it could lead to a more stable peace... and convince them even more that mutual slaughter is not always the best way to pursue one's goals".
Brother Maynard nods his head. "Bhlokw has done us a great service, and he has proven himself to the Troll Gods, enough so they granted him the power to be their cleric and speak for them. I know they Thelasians have means to keep them fed in the winter so a few who go against their Gods, come down from the mountains to raid a farm. Mostly cattle and sheep, but they take a lot to satisfy their hunger. It's when one goes rabid, or more feralthan the others, when the Genadian Knights have to hunt them."
Akkron mulls over the new information. After "living" for two millennia, he has grown very methodical in both actions and words.
"So, the trolls' gods are negotiating with these dark forces... that is most unfortunate," the lich says. "As Khessa just articulated, perhaps it would be wise for us to speak to their priest and see if we can offer the trolls a better deal."
Then he turns his attention back to the Zemochs and their allies.
"Now, to the Zemochs again... As much as I understand the sentiment, I think it may be time to rethink the 'take no prisoners' policy in regards to them," he says thoughtfully. "The easiest way to find out what they are planning is to hear it from their own mouths. Another thing to note is that, as similar as these Zemochs sound to the Drow that plague our own land, there are some notable differences that I find rather perplexing. First and foremost is that the Zemochs apparently have an emperor, but the Drow society is strictly matriarchal. Males in their society are regarded as second-class citizens at best, by the decree of their so-called goddess, Lolth... so if the demon queen that has appeared in your land is one and the same as Lolth, then that leaves me with even more questions that I want answers to. Emperor Ortho sounds to have gained his rank by the intervention of another god, but still... I think that our first priority should be to speak to one or more Zemochs directly to make sense of what is actually happening; though I am sure they are untrustworthy, there are many spells that can be used to coax truth from even the most unwilling mouths. If the Zemochs are indeed Drow under a different name, then I want to know how their society has been changed from the one we know and why Lolth allows it. If they are not... then I want to know exactly who and what they are so that we don't walk blindly into battle."
Brother Maynard looks to Sparhawk, "Perhaps we need to make a journey to the North so our friends here can meet and speak with Bhlokw, and see what he can share."
Sparhawk nods, then turns to Khessa. "From what we had gathered, their society has changed some, most of the males are the warriors, but they follow a Demon Queen of some type. You are also correct, the females are the leaders and the main priestess and servants to the queen. While it is church policy to kill them on site, we Pandions have been known to stretch the rules a little when necessity calls for it, and I believe this calls for it. The challenge will be to find where they are hiding, normally underground, and see what we can find and take a prisoner or two."
When Brother Maynard and Sir Sparhawk requested their assistance, Amanises responded without hesitation. Her voice carried a hint of weariness as she spoke, "In times of darkness and impending catastrophe, it is our sacred duty to stand firm against the encroaching shadow and protect the realms from the forces of darkness. These words are often preached by our clergy. When a Cleric of Selûne encounters a shadow, be it Shar's, Lolth's, or the influence of other dark gods, it is our solemn obligation to set things right by spreading the Moonmaiden's radiant light."
"The conflict you describe feels both familiar and unfamiliar," Amanises confessed, her brow furrowing as she delved into the depths of her memories, forged through countless years in Selûne's service as her Chosen. In the grand tapestry of Toril's history, she was but a fleeting speck, yet a millennium ago was well within her span. "Honestly, I must admit that I am not privy to such knowledge, at least not as far as Selûne has seen fit to reveal to me at the time. I would wager the event stretches from somewhere after the rise of the second Mulhorand Empire to the cataclysmic events of Karsus' Folly."
The memory of past cataclysms sent a shiver down her spine. She closed her eyes briefly, offering a silent prayer to Selûne, fervently hoping that the current crisis was not of such catastrophic proportions. Amanises had grown weary from witnessing the world shatter into fragments in the mad ambitions of dark gods and trying to mend it back together afterwards.
With some apprehension, Amanises fixed her gaze upon the monk and the knight, her eyes narrowing with a hint of scrutiny. "Could you clarify what your church specifically seeks from us? I understand you are seeking assistance, but some among us are not just independent adventurers. I am here representing the Church of Selûne. Are you requesting aid from the church as a whole or from me personally?"
Brother Maynard responds with, "The Church is asking on behalf of the different rulers of Eosia, as well as monks like myself are the keepers of the history. Additionally, each of the different chapters of the Church Knights are in each of the different Kingdoms. So the church is asking on behalf of the different Eosian rulers as they are trying to assess the threat, determine it's validity, and if a true threat, then gather forces. There has been some diplomatic overtures between the different rulers on forming a new coalition amongst themselves, and with the High Elves and Dwarves of Eosia. Plus there is the Council of Wizards that representatives are talking with. Only the Church Knights stand united at the moment, there are some difficulties in the other negotiations. So the Church, is a mediator which is why I was sent as an emissary, and a force provider with the Church Knights."
When Brother Maynard and Sir Sparhawk requested their assistance, Amanises responded without hesitation. Her voice carried a hint of weariness as she spoke, "In times of darkness and impending catastrophe, it is our sacred duty to stand firm against the encroaching shadow and protect the realms from the forces of darkness. These words are often preached by our clergy. When a Cleric of Selûne encounters a shadow, be it Shar's, Lolth's, or the influence of other dark gods, it is our solemn obligation to set things right by spreading the Moonmaiden's radiant light."
"The conflict you describe feels both familiar and unfamiliar," Amanises confessed, her brow furrowing as she delved into the depths of her memories, forged through countless years in Selûne's service as her Chosen. In the grand tapestry of Toril's history, she was but a fleeting speck, yet a millennium ago was well within her span. "Honestly, I must admit that I am not privy to such knowledge, at least not as far as Selûne has seen fit to reveal to me at the time. I would wager the event stretches from somewhere after the rise of the second Mulhorand Empire to the cataclysmic events of Karsus' Folly."
The memory of past cataclysms sent a shiver down her spine. She closed her eyes briefly, offering a silent prayer to Selûne, fervently hoping that the current crisis was not of such catastrophic proportions. Amanises had grown weary from witnessing the world shatter into fragments in the mad ambitions of dark gods and trying to mend it back together afterwards.
With some apprehension, Amanises fixed her gaze upon the monk and the knight, her eyes narrowing with a hint of scrutiny. "Could you clarify what your church specifically seeks from us? I understand you are seeking assistance, but some among us are not just independent adventurers. I am here representing the Church of Selûne. Are you requesting aid from the church as a whole or from me personally?"
Brother Maynard responds with, "The Church is asking on behalf of the different rulers of Eosia, as well as monks like myself are the keepers of the history. Additionally, each of the different chapters of the Church Knights are in each of the different Kingdoms. So the church is asking on behalf of the different Eosian rulers as they are trying to assess the threat, determine it's validity, and if a true threat, then gather forces. There has been some diplomatic overtures between the different rulers on forming a new coalition amongst themselves, and with the High Elves and Dwarves of Eosia. Plus there is the Council of Wizards that representatives are talking with. Only the Church Knights stand united at the moment, there are some difficulties in the other negotiations. So the Church, is a mediator which is why I was sent as an emissary, and a force provider with the Church Knights."
Amanises nodded in comprehension as Brother Maynard elucidated the intricate diplomatic intricacies and the Church's role in mediation. She replied, "It is abundantly clear that Eosia is in dire need. The Church of Selûne is fully committed to extending our unwavering support to your cause in any way possible. We shall accompany you to Eosia, convene with Archprelate Demos, and work to assess the situation and counter the looming threat of the Immrama. This, I swear, by my name and Selûne's. So it shall be."
"With that formalized, I have no further inquiries," Amanises declared before turning her attention to the other three, inquiring if they had any additional thoughts to share.
"Well!" Khessa seems satisfied to be able to begin "The idea of the journey to the North to speak with Bhlokw in person sounds great to me! And soon after we could organize the capture of some Zemochs. Either by organizing a quick expedition underground, or maybe a trap... they are looking for victims for blood sacrifices, aren't they? Maybe some of us could act as bait - they don't know us! But the first thing that interests me is another: how will we travel? Do you have someone who can get us there instantly, by means of teleportation, for example? Or shall we take a ship to Eosia?"
At Khessa's suggestion of baiting the dark elves, Akkron glances at one of his nearly skeletal hands and chuckles.
"Somehow, I suspect that someone else would be a better candidate as bait if they're looking for a blood sacrifice," he says. "But that does lead us back to an earlier question I had: are the 'agents of darkness' looking for us specifically or are they after anyone who could be a threat to their plans?"
"Well!" Khessa seems satisfied to be able to begin "The idea of the journey to the North to speak with Bhlokw in person sounds great to me! And soon after we could organize the capture of some Zemochs. Either by organizing a quick expedition underground, or maybe a trap... they are looking for victims for blood sacrifices, aren't they? Maybe some of us could act as bait - they don't know us! But the first thing that interests me is another: how will we travel? Do you have someone who can get us there instantly, by means of teleportation, for example? Or shall we take a ship to Eosia?"
"We have a ship standing ready," responds Brother Maynard. "As soon as we are all gathered and if you need to get any last-minute items, I will tell the captain we will sail to Eosia."
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You round out your evening, then head off to bed. In the morning, you gather in the same private room, where breakfast is waiting for you. You carry on your conversations from the night before, when the door opens, and the inn keeper leads two men into the room.
"My good people, may I introduce the emissary from the Church in Chyrellos Brother Maynard, and his protector and representative from the Church Knights, Sir Sparhawk of the Pandion Order."
The innkeeper nods to Brother Maynard before exiting and closing the door behind him. Brother Maynard takes a seat at the table, Sir Sparhawk stands behind and off to the side.
Brother Maynard for being an Elene, doesn't look any different from human in Faerun and the Sword Coast. Some of you have heard of the Eosia Continent, across the Trackless Sea to the west. Only the most stalwart of trading vessels would ply across the sea. In the past, there was good trade, but over the last century or so, it has dwindled.
Brother Maynard settles himself and places a large book on the table before him, he turns to and appraises all of you, looking into your faces and smiling, though he did pause for a moment when he looked upon Akron. He has a calm, serene look upon his face. While he wears dark brown monk robes, you catch the glint of chainmail underneath. His hands, knuckles are well condition from what you assume is a strict training regimen.
As for Sir Sparhawk, he is as the inn keeper described him. A stout individual, black hair with what does appear to have a nose that has been broken from time to time. Wearing chainmail, his black and silver surcoat covers, with an emblem of an osprey in the center, wings outspread holding a spear in its talons. A longsword hangs from his hip, as well as a dagger.
Brother Maynard opened the book, then looked at you all. "You are probably wondering we have asked for your help, and it is a rather dire and urgent need we have asked our kin from across the sea for help." He flips to a page that has been book marked with a maroon ribbon, and reads.
“Brothers will fight and kill each other; sisters' children will defile kinship. It is harsh in the world, whoredom rife —an axe age, a sword age —shields are riven— a wind age, a wolf age— before the world goes headlong. No man will have mercy on another.”
He looks at the group, "This is an old tale, but we have been receiving warnings from the other clergies from across Eosia, that an Immrama is returning, another great upheaval where light will fight the darkness for the possession of our world, and our souls."
Akkon-you recall about the continent of Eosia across the sea, and this term of Immrama, of a great battle of forces for the light and the dark, wielding powerful magics that was even felt in Faerun. You also recall, that was about a thousand years ago.
Brother Maynard continues. "The Immrama is a series of apocalyptic events that will define the end of the world, where the Gods of Darkness, with dragons, giants of frost, and fire will band together to fight against the gods of light in a final battle for dominance over the world." he pauses for a moment before continuing. "I am a historian for the Basilica in Chrellos, and specifically this continuing fight between the light and the darkness. We understand the need for balance, but once that balance is upset, then chaos reigns. This is what the dark servants want, to set the conditions for Immrama."
He looks around the room once more before continuing.
"When it first happened, about a thousand years ago, the darkness rose in the ancient land known as Vigrid, The Vigridians were known to be worshipers of dark entities in their capital city then named Hel. Rumors abound of dark rituals, and human and blood sacrifices as a bargain for power from the dark forces. The Vigrid Empire, their emperor Otho led the campaign of blood, slavery, and slaughter into the old lands of Finir and Fenris."
"The histories spoke of rumors swirling and the priests began speaking of Immrama, of the coming war between the light and dark in visions and dreams. The ancient historian Strabo wrote that the Druids taught that fire and water must one day prevail over existence, which is an evident belief in some final cataclysm or Apocalypse. Combined with the other portents, they feared the world would end when the heavens fell, the earth burst open, and the sea engulfed all things."
"The first sign was in the ancient land of the Finrir, where a long and continuous cold winter with constant snow lasted for a year. Then all of the monsters and giants rose up and joined the dark forces being led by the dark gods themselves, as well as the creatures from the dark depths of the earth."
"The result of the war was a massive exchange of magical energies, turning the land into a wasteland. It almost seemed that the gods of light would die and the dragons would release fire that would destroy all life on Earth. It was the last charge of the Great Confederation composed of the Elves, Dwarves, Humans, and the Church Knights banding together, and the combined magical might of the Council of Wizards, that threw the dark forces back."
Akkron, you recall that sensation, the ripple effects the massive magical energies used in the war was felt here in Faerun,
Brother Maynard looked at the group, "We barley won, and it was a heavy butchers bill we paid for that victory." He continues reading from the book.
"But the cost was high, a majority of the Great Confederation lay dead upon the field, to be interred in great warrens and crypts. Most of the borderland between Finrir and Vigrid became a wasteland, from the residue of the dark energies. The surviving Church Knights, Confederation, and Council of Wizards marched on Hel, destroying it, yet could not find Ortho the Emperor."
"That was 1,000 years ago," Sir Sparhawk spoke, "but the border are now watched by strongholds and warders, in case the darkness rises again. We have also received information of increased activities along the old border again, of raiding parties attacking towns and farms near the border. The Pandion Order and the other church knights, along with some of the militaries along the borders, are making more patrols. Even some of these patrols, though not the Church Knights, have even been attacked. Mostly at night, by creatures who by all accounts look like the ancient Zemochs, an off shoot of the High Elves who live in the great forests, but with dark, almost black skin. Most of the Zemochs were believed dead, but now we are not sure. They may have retreated with their Emperor Ortho into the deep under the earth. We are not sure yet."
Brother Maynard in agreement. "Rumors have made their way to Capital at Chyrellos and the Church that darkness stirs. These unknown raiders are riding out of the wasteland, burning and taking captives. Of a Demon Queen and the return to blood and human sacrifices that the Zemochs practiced before the Immrama."
He closes the book and lets out a sigh. "So, my friends, this leads us to why we have asked for you. We want you to travel from Baldur’s Gate to Eosia, then to the Capital City of Chyrellos. There you are to meet with Archprelate Demos at the Basilica of Chyrellos, where he will request assistance of confirming the rise of this darkness, and if possible, stop it or delay it as they must have time to gather their forces. Creating a Confederation is much more difficult this time, as politics and perhaps some dark subterfuge are at work. The alliances we had a thousand years ago are not the same today. Thus our travel here to seek you all out, will you honor us and help us in our time of need?"
I must warn you though, there are those out there who want darkness to return and will send agents to stop us on our journey and if you accept, the quests. Dangerous, dark souled and heartless, there may even be some here in Baldur's Gate, or those who are of like mind, may support them."
Akkron looks at the two men for a moment, one mummified finger tapping gently on the table as he thinks.
"So it's the end of the world we have been called upon to stop," he ponders aloud. "I remember the first time it happened, though I was unable to participate in the battle, as I had my own war to fight at the time... I will gladly lend my aid now. But tell me, what do you know of Emperor Ortho? Is there reason to believe that he may still live on after a thousand years? And in your messages you stated that we might be targets of 'dark agents.' Are they hunting us specifically, or are they simply attempting to eliminate anyone who could be strong enough to pose a threat to their plans?"
Khessa seems more and more worried as Maynard continues to describe the apocalypse... and Eosia's problematic situation doesn't really help to reassure her.
As might be expected of such an ancient and competent arcanist, Akkron is quick to ask pertinent questions. While waiting for an answer to be given, the blue eyed woman mutters, almost more to herself than to her companions: "Zemochs... Off shoot of the High Elves with almost black skin... A Demon Queen... Is it possible that it's drow and Lolth? Maybe that oversized vermin who pretends to be a goddess, not happy with causing trouble in our parts, is getting busy there too?" she shrugs "I guess we'll see".
"Oh, anyway, Maynard, Sparhawk, guys..." the blonde arcane warrior smiles, turning to the two "What do you think we will answer? The description you made of the Immrama... Fire and water that prevail over existence... the heavens that fall... the earth that burst open... the sea that engulfs all things..." she tries to play down "It would be a fitting description for a room where I left my children to play for ten whole minutes..." she shudders. "Certainly, however, not an ideal state in which to drag the whole world".
'Do not overdo it!' telepathically cackles Anator in the mind of the tall adventuress 'Yondra and Sarvin are lively, but not so terrible'.
'Easy to say...' the blue eyed woman replies, using the same method of communication 'when you have wings to escape them! Joking, brother... I see how many times you come and play with them... you are very tender! You would have been a very patient father, you know?'
"Of course we will help you in your time of need" Khessa assures, focusing back on the two men. "And 'those out there who want darkness to return' will have to live with it".
When Khessa raises the possibility that the Zemochs might actually be Drow, Akkron nods gravely.
"I strongly suspect that the Zemochs are indeed at very least cousins of the Drow," he says. "Though seemkngly known by a different name. And their Demon Queen may well be the very same Lolth we both know and despise. That spider's web seems to reach to every corner of this world, and likely to other worlds as well."
Brother Maynard thinks for a moment. "From what history, fables or legend says, Ortho was a simple sheep herder who was not very bright. Along with being dimwitted, he was not handsome by any stretch of the imagination. One day tending his flock, his mind wondered, some say he was distracted by a butterfly or something, and one of his sheep wandered off. While searching, he came across an old idol, covered in vines and neglect. It may have been a temple but not much remained. When he came upon the idol, he heard a voice speak to him, calling itself Azash and asked if he had come to worship him. Azash had not heard prayers in so long, he wanted to be adored once more.:
Brother Maynard pauses as he thinks about the tale. "Please forgive me, for sometimes I find the absurdity in the histories, more fables and seeing it came from the Zemochs, we don't hold much truth to it. But as the story goes, Ortho not being very smart, had no idea how to worship or pray. So Azash taught him how to worship him, and in return, granted him power and everlasting life. All of his dreams come true. The more of the locals he made into followers of Azash, the more power he received. Soon, he had the choice of the most beautiful women who would never have looked upon him. Some of the new worshipers became fanatical followers of Azash and Ortho. Enough so, they overthrew the ruler of Zemoch, and made Ortho their emperor. He built a new temple around the idol, and a city around the temple that we named Hel, but its original name was Thakan'dar. Azash was a Dark God, some say may had been the one who drew the dark forces together for the Immrama. The religious practice that Azash demanded was blood sacrifices, and thus the Zemochs raided and attacked all along their borders. The weapons their dark forces required human sacrifices and their blood to temper and taint the steel."
"From what we know," Sparhawk added, "Ortho began his worship of Azash about 500 years before the Immrama, we believe that Azash sustains his life, near immortality. When the final battle was won, the Thakan'dar or Hel as we called it was destroyed, there was no sign of Ortho. When the temple was razed, there was no idol present either. We fear, that they may have gone underground, and are now slowly building back up their forces, and recruiting others to their dark crusade. Promises of power can have a stroong influence on the weak minded."
Brother Maynard shrugs, "We have no name of Drow, or this Lolth you speak of. Could be some similarities? We believe that our race of Elenes, traveled to Eosia from here in the ancient days, and grew in parallel. Could our Zemochs be an off shoot of these Drow? They do worship a Demon Queen that none have seen. Since the great battle, we believe the Zemochs are living under the earth, and have to recruit normal people as they can be easily spotted."
"Not to mention, we have orders to kill them on site if they are found in our lands," Sparhawk explains. "All of the Church Knights have that order, and we have our own eyes and ears network that will pass any information that detects Zemochs in the kingdoms." He snorts for a second. "Even the Thalesians and the Genidian Order of their Church Knights can commune with the trolls up in that region, and the trolls do not want to be forced into a fight again, so they pass any information they get from the shadows."
When Brother Maynard and Sir Sparhawk requested their assistance, Amanises responded without hesitation. Her voice carried a hint of weariness as she spoke, "In times of darkness and impending catastrophe, it is our sacred duty to stand firm against the encroaching shadow and protect the realms from the forces of darkness. These words are often preached by our clergy. When a Cleric of Selûne encounters a shadow, be it Shar's, Lolth's, or the influence of other dark gods, it is our solemn obligation to set things right by spreading the Moonmaiden's radiant light."
"The conflict you describe feels both familiar and unfamiliar," Amanises confessed, her brow furrowing as she delved into the depths of her memories, forged through countless years in Selûne's service as her Chosen. In the grand tapestry of Toril's history, she was but a fleeting speck, yet a millennium ago was well within her span. "Honestly, I must admit that I am not privy to such knowledge, at least not as far as Selûne has seen fit to reveal to me at the time. I would wager the event stretches from somewhere after the rise of the second Mulhorand Empire to the cataclysmic events of Karsus' Folly."
The memory of past cataclysms sent a shiver down her spine. She closed her eyes briefly, offering a silent prayer to Selûne, fervently hoping that the current crisis was not of such catastrophic proportions. Amanises had grown weary from witnessing the world shatter into fragments in the mad ambitions of dark gods and trying to mend it back together afterwards.
With some apprehension, Amanises fixed her gaze upon the monk and the knight, her eyes narrowing with a hint of scrutiny. "Could you clarify what your church specifically seeks from us? I understand you are seeking assistance, but some among us are not just independent adventurers. I am here representing the Church of Selûne. Are you requesting aid from the church as a whole or from me personally?"
Khessa marvels visibly hearing that in Eosia the trolls can 'get information from the shadows' and, reflexively extracting, without even consciously thinking about it, an imposing tome with a black cover bound with a pattern of silver threads that unnervingly recalls a cobweb, asks: "Sparhawk, dear... Excuse my ignorance, but in our parts trolls are already a lot if they know how to grunt... In the country where you come from, on the other hand, do they have the power to speak with shadows?" and, holding an elegant quill in striking contrast with the so unacademic full plate armor, she seems ready to take notes at any moment "Do you know something about how they do it? Is it a magic ritual? Or do they talk like this, as I am talking to you? Or do they meditate and the shadows speak to them in dreams? Yes, well... do you know anything more about it?"
"It's not just curiosity, huh, mate?" the blonde arcane warrior cares to add, staring intently at the other with her own blue eyes "It's that, given the complexity of the matter, every detail can be important... especially for those who, like me, still know incredibly few details".
Sparhawk nods his head. "They do, a gift I believe from their Troll Gods. When I hear it from our brother Genidians tell us of their contact with the trolls. Its an uneasy peace in the north, but sometimes the trolls do come into the land of the Thelesians, in which they have to be dealt with. They do speak common, but are still rather brutish and slow witted. Our concerns grew when word was brought to us by our Genidian Order that a troll did come to the border, and spoke with one of their knights. It said they their Troll Gods, especially Ghworg, their God of Kill, and Ghnomb, the God of Eat. We have had an agreement to remain peaceful since the end of the last great war. Now, someone or something is negotiating with the Troll Gods. That if they were to join this new dark crusade, then they could eat of all us to their hearts desire, no peace with humans, and take back all of the mountains in the north. It is a very tempting to them as you can imagine. Bhlokw, their one Troll Priest to their Gods, is speaking on our behalf so they don't get caught up in this war if it happens."
"Luckily this Bhlokw is speaking on our behalf..." Khessa is partially relieved, while taking note in her tome of the little arcane knowledge she has just received on the unheard-of phenomenon that the Trolls of Eosia can speak with shadows "It is clear that anyone has contacted them wants to manipulate them... Send them to slaughter for his own benefit. I too would prefer that 'they don't get caught up in this war'; both for them and for us".
"It is a credit to your people, Sparhawk," approves the blonde arcane warrior "that you have set up a sort of... diplomacy, with these trolls, instead of seeing them only as monsters to be exterminated. Who knows, so now maybe we'll be able to convince them to refrain from a conflict in which they have everything to lose".
"If food is a strong temptation for them, perhaps a commercial agreement could be arranged that would ensure it without them having to fight for it..." the tall adventuress thinks, following a sudden inspiration "Meat processing scraps, for example... meat too tough to be easily eaten by humans... if you set up a regular collection process and donate it to the trolls (or sell it to them at a very favorable price), it could lead to a more stable peace... and convince them even more that mutual slaughter is not always the best way to pursue one's goals".
Akkron mulls over the new information. After "living" for two millennia, he has grown very methodical in both actions and words.
"So, the trolls' gods are negotiating with these dark forces... that is most unfortunate," the lich says. "As Khessa just articulated, perhaps it would be wise for us to speak to their priest and see if we can offer the trolls a better deal."
Then he turns his attention back to the Zemochs and their allies.
"Now, to the Zemochs again... As much as I understand the sentiment, I think it may be time to rethink the 'take no prisoners' policy in regards to them," he says thoughtfully. "The easiest way to find out what they are planning is to hear it from their own mouths. Another thing to note is that, as similar as these Zemochs sound to the Drow that plague our own land, there are some notable differences that I find rather perplexing. First and foremost is that the Zemochs apparently have an emperor, but the Drow society is strictly matriarchal. Males in their society are regarded as second-class citizens at best, by the decree of their so-called goddess, Lolth... so if the demon queen that has appeared in your land is one and the same as Lolth, then that leaves me with even more questions that I want answers to. Emperor Ortho sounds to have gained his rank by the intervention of another god, but still... I think that our first priority should be to speak to one or more Zemochs directly to make sense of what is actually happening; though I am sure they are untrustworthy, there are many spells that can be used to coax truth from even the most unwilling mouths. If the Zemochs are indeed Drow under a different name, then I want to know how their society has been changed from the one we know and why Lolth allows it. If they are not... then I want to know exactly who and what they are so that we don't walk blindly into battle."
Brother Maynard nods his head. "Bhlokw has done us a great service, and he has proven himself to the Troll Gods, enough so they granted him the power to be their cleric and speak for them. I know they Thelasians have means to keep them fed in the winter so a few who go against their Gods, come down from the mountains to raid a farm. Mostly cattle and sheep, but they take a lot to satisfy their hunger. It's when one goes rabid, or more feral than the others, when the Genadian Knights have to hunt them."
Brother Maynard looks to Sparhawk, "Perhaps we need to make a journey to the North so our friends here can meet and speak with Bhlokw, and see what he can share."
Sparhawk nods, then turns to Khessa. "From what we had gathered, their society has changed some, most of the males are the warriors, but they follow a Demon Queen of some type. You are also correct, the females are the leaders and the main priestess and servants to the queen. While it is church policy to kill them on site, we Pandions have been known to stretch the rules a little when necessity calls for it, and I believe this calls for it. The challenge will be to find where they are hiding, normally underground, and see what we can find and take a prisoner or two."
Brother Maynard responds with, "The Church is asking on behalf of the different rulers of Eosia, as well as monks like myself are the keepers of the history. Additionally, each of the different chapters of the Church Knights are in each of the different Kingdoms. So the church is asking on behalf of the different Eosian rulers as they are trying to assess the threat, determine it's validity, and if a true threat, then gather forces. There has been some diplomatic overtures between the different rulers on forming a new coalition amongst themselves, and with the High Elves and Dwarves of Eosia. Plus there is the Council of Wizards that representatives are talking with. Only the Church Knights stand united at the moment, there are some difficulties in the other negotiations. So the Church, is a mediator which is why I was sent as an emissary, and a force provider with the Church Knights."
Amanises nodded in comprehension as Brother Maynard elucidated the intricate diplomatic intricacies and the Church's role in mediation. She replied, "It is abundantly clear that Eosia is in dire need. The Church of Selûne is fully committed to extending our unwavering support to your cause in any way possible. We shall accompany you to Eosia, convene with Archprelate Demos, and work to assess the situation and counter the looming threat of the Immrama. This, I swear, by my name and Selûne's. So it shall be."
"With that formalized, I have no further inquiries," Amanises declared before turning her attention to the other three, inquiring if they had any additional thoughts to share.
"Well!" Khessa seems satisfied to be able to begin "The idea of the journey to the North to speak with Bhlokw in person sounds great to me! And soon after we could organize the capture of some Zemochs. Either by organizing a quick expedition underground, or maybe a trap... they are looking for victims for blood sacrifices, aren't they? Maybe some of us could act as bait - they don't know us! But the first thing that interests me is another: how will we travel? Do you have someone who can get us there instantly, by means of teleportation, for example? Or shall we take a ship to Eosia?"
At Khessa's suggestion of baiting the dark elves, Akkron glances at one of his nearly skeletal hands and chuckles.
"Somehow, I suspect that someone else would be a better candidate as bait if they're looking for a blood sacrifice," he says. "But that does lead us back to an earlier question I had: are the 'agents of darkness' looking for us specifically or are they after anyone who could be a threat to their plans?"
"We have a ship standing ready," responds Brother Maynard. "As soon as we are all gathered and if you need to get any last-minute items, I will tell the captain we will sail to Eosia."