Lady Arin accepts Chadwick's bow and gracefully offers her hand to him as he does so. Hoid notices. He also notices that she did not offer her hand to anyone else....(humph).
"I must say that we both are much more presentable today than at our first meeting, Sir Chadwick," Lady Arin responds. That brings flashbacks to all of you but Xymox of Lady Arin in five point restraints, gagged with two very small towels preserving just a hint of modesty. She seems unfazed by the imagery she seemingly conjured purposefully. "It is my pleasure to welcome you and your companions to Stormrise. How have you found the City of Splendors? If I remember correctly, you are from a more agricultural setting?," she asks.
Chadwick blushes a bit at the memory, then carries on. "My Lady has a fine memory indeed! I hail from a small town near Everlund called Monstordrink. While agricultural and livestock are what the town was founded on our brewery is our best known export. I was quiet pleased and proud to find it had made its way up north almost to the Spine of the World.
As to finding our way here; well our friend Hoid's armor suffered some damage, as did most of ours, in an unfortunate spray of acid while purging our beloved brewery of some particularly nasty and unusual undead. I'm actually surprised master Starker hasn't begun a essay on it. (He glances his way seeing if he may have already started one) While our blacksmith and his apprentices were able to fix most of our armor Hoid's mithril armor was beyond his skill. I'm happy to report he had no problems finding a craftsman to repair it in your fine city.
We are also heading north to investigate the possible location of of lich, thought we are still a little unsure exactly where. We also recently pledged to help Yortal, a new companion, to exact revenge on a particularly loathsome dragon near the Spine of the World. (Chadwick chuckles a bit) If I heard someone say that a couple of years ago I would have thought them mad, or a braggart, yet here we are. I guess we just go where Tyr see's fit to guide us, and hopefully do good work in his name."
He smiles his boyish smile, while he takes a drink of wine.
Xymox inclines his head politely, stepping forward with a smooth flourish—his cloak whispering across the fine floor of Stormrise as his voice, low and clear, carries with quiet confidence.
"Lady Arin Stormrider, the honor is mine. I’ve heard no shortage of songs sung in your name—and judging by your hospitality, not a one of them was exaggerated."
He offers a small, appreciative smile, then gestures lightly to the Company.
"As for how I joined this remarkable assembly… fate placed us in the path of a shared threat. I lent my song and steel, and they let me stay. Not many bands would welcome a Drow with a complicated past—but The Company… they see past the surface. They've earned every tale whispered of them."
He nods respectfully to Chadwick, Kragen, and the others.
"They’ve slain horrors, challenged dragons, and stood firm in defense of those with no one else. I’ve come to trust them. That’s a rare thing."
He folds his hands before him, voice softening just slightly.
"I have not met Gneuman or Ajax, though I've heard enough to know they leave big footprints—literal or otherwise. I hope to cross paths with them in time."
Then, with a slight, warm grin:
"Until then, I’m content to walk with those present—and, when needed, put their deeds to music."
With that, he steps back quietly, a respectful nod closing his words.
Was that a faint smile Lady Arin had at seeing Chadwick blush? Perhaps. She continues on in the conversation with all of you, but paying attention to Chadwick, "That is a most impressive list of accomplishments. I continue to count my blessings that you were able to locate me when you did. Any longer and...." She gives a small shudder.
She then seems to become more direct and turns to the rest of you, "I know of your quest to seek out the lich Illiandil. Xagyg the Potent has reached out to me upon his learning of your presence here in our fine city. It is fortuitous that our paths have crossed in the past and a connection is easily made. He has a request of you," she says this and pulls a crystal from her blouse pocket. Setting it down she murmurs something over it and it begins to glow with an amethyst colored light from within. Shorty after, the image of a wizened dwarf face appears hovering above it. "Be at peace, each of you. Lady Arin has gathered you to deliver my message. I am impressed with the doings of The Company in the north. Arnak has kept me informed of your accomplishments. I am particularly pleased with your assisting the Stonejaw brothers in reclaiming the Deep Wave Mine. The magical furnace there is an important asset," the image of whom you assume to be Xagyg begins. "I have a mission that I would like for you to undertake. The wizard Illiandil had in his possession a staff of great power when he sought to cross over into lichdom. I would like for you to retrieve that staff from his tomb in the Spine of the World mountains. Lady Arin has a piece of a map that can assist you in locating this tomb. The staff is easily recognized. It is made of polished ebonwood with a platinum heel and cap piece. Hovering within the cap piece is a sphere of energy that appears to contains thousands of stars. Fine runes inlaid in platinum run down the length of the staff. It is the Staff of the Void. Bring this staff to me, here, in Waterdeep once you have retrieved it," he details to you. "STARKER!," he suddenly exclaims, "this is most importantly for you. The staff is beyond your capabilities. Do NOT try to attune to it or it will consume you. It is unclear what has happened to Illiandil with his attempt at lichdom. None have seen or heard from him since. This staff may be what has confounded his efforts. Bring it to me so that it does not fall into the hands of evil. All other treasures you find in his tomb are yours to take as a reward. May Tymora bless your efforts and bring you swift success." With that the image fades away.
Lady Arin opens a small drawer in the table by her chair. She pulls out a slip of paper that appears to be weathered and old. It is a piece of your incomplete map. The MISSING piece. The map is now complete! (Look for Map-Combined Map in Inventory).
Starker, solemnly:”If we are indeed to go up against a lich or even a magic user who reasonably thought they were capable of achieving lich-dom we will be challenging a creature far more dangerous than any I have encountered. If we fight it in its lair we might save ourselves the time and just have Cyrus slit our throats in our sleep.
”Silence will be key. Even the undead need to be able to verbalize to cast most deadly spells. Lady Arin, do you know someone who might be willing to sell us scrolls of silence? Or someone who might be willing to teach me and some of the rest of The Company how to confound the cunning corpse.”
"Master Starker, unfortunately I do not have contacts like that in the wizardly community. My talents and contacts lie.....elsewhere. Surely Master Charletin will be able to help you in this way. Or know someone who can," she answers.
The luncheon is wonderful that follows your discussion in the salon. Stormrise has a lovely courtyard with gardens and a softly bubbling fountain. Lady Arin's hospitality is impeccable. It is mid-afternoon by the time you finish nuts and sweet wines. A skilled harp player provides background music throughout your meal and conversation. With Stormrise behind you, your inn beckons. Hoid speaks up as you sit in the sparsely populated common room, "I have something to discuss. There are some people I have met at the armorers who are looking for a new member of their team, The Shining Steel mercenary company. I'm going to join them. They have a new contract in the southlands and plan to leave Waterdeep tomorrow."
Startled to hear Hoid speak, Kragen looks despondent at him. “Brother, you would leave The Company for another? First our Cousin Gnueman and now you.” Saying this with a heavy sigh. “These are sad times, we are losing too many close comrades.” Stands up and offers Hoid his hand giving him a lengthy dwarven handshake.
”Fare thee well Brother, may Tyr bless your future endeavors and keep you safe, may your sword strike true at the heart of those who perpetrate injustice. Know this, if ever you are in need, just call and I will be there!” Looks at Hoid in the eyes, With moisture forming in his.
"Thank you, Brother," Hoid joins in Kragen's handshake. He then pulls out two items from a pouch, the Astral Beacon and Craddock the Capable's Key. He hands both to Kragen, "These are things that belong with The Company. I give them to you now."
Xymox watches Hoid with a long, unreadable look—the kind only one who has buried companions and secrets alike can manage. Then, setting aside his wine, he stands with slow, deliberate grace, the flickering firelight catching the silvery embroidery on his cloak.
"So, the stone speaks at last," he says, voice velvet with a quiet sorrow,"and tells us that its path splits from ours."
He walks forward, resting a hand lightly on Hoid’s shoulder, his tone shifting—lower, and more sincere.
"I will not gild this with false cheer. You have stood between us and death more times than memory counts. There is a silence that will follow your leaving... not the absence of footsteps, but the weight of trust no longer at hand."
He taps the Astral Beacon gently in Kragen’s palm.
"Still, I cannot begrudge the call of a new cause. We are blades drawn by fate, each seeking a scabbard worthy of our edge. If the Shining Steel deserves you, then may it never dull your worth."
He leans in slightly, his voice low and meant only for Hoid.
"But if they fail you—if your journey south becomes a shadowed one—you need only whisper into that beacon. We will hear. And we will come."
He steps back, and with the faintest smirk curling his lip, adds:
"Just… do try not to get eaten by anything less than a dragon. It would be terribly anticlimactic."
He raises his glass one last time.
"To Hoid. The shield that held. The sword that struck true. The friend we will miss."
As the afternoon passes and The Company shares their stories Chadwick tells his share, but the Company notices he doesn't downplay his role as much as he usually does. Certainly not boasting, but not as self deprecating either.
He is clearly smitten with Lady Arin, but trying to keep his cool and not come on too strong. For the most part he succeeds, but if a brother or father were there things might have gotten a bit tense.
After Xymox's comment about his songs:
"Xymox's songs he composes about The Company are rousing indeed, but I fear if I listen to too many too often my head might get too big for helm." He chuckles while giving Xymox a grin.
To Hoid's announcement:
Clearly emotional and quiet. "Brother, it pains me to hear this. We have spent so much time together, bled together, and have done so much good vanquishing." He pauses looking at him distraught. "But of course a person has to follow the oath they feel is best. I wish you the best of luck and safe travels. I hope eventually you maybe recover your lost memories. He goes to hug him, then checks himself and hands his hand.
Starker:”Hoid, that is an excellent cover story. We all know, though, that you leave us because you anticipate that the next time quartestaff meets sword the flayer-bedecked weapon will triumph where before it merely drew. May you enjoy the thick of it.”
Once farewells are said to Hoid, Kragen turns to Lady Stormrider.
”Lady Stormrider, it appears we have been chosen to vanquish a blight on this land. We have been chasing this fell evil for quite sometime. Would be willing to assist us in finding the faster mode of transport to that region? Where could we secure transport?”
Starker eill go to The Academy to confer with Master Charletin and others to get information about liches in general and this particular wannabe lich. He will consult with librarians about the best tomes.
A human mage aligned with The Arcane Brotherhood of Luskan. Last heard from around 60 years ago. He was known to have a special interest in chronomancy. Later his interests were focused on achieving lichdom. It is unclear if he was successful in this effort. Notable accomplishments:
Rising to high leadership in The Arcane Brotherhood
Training several apprentices who became powerful mages themselves - Addintal, Moskvit, The Arrow and Ponix of the Hive.
Wielder of the Staff of the Void. A near artifact level staff of wizardry.
He sought after the Stone of Despair. An entire clan of dwarves was scattered to the winds in his quest. Unclear if he was able to claim this relic of primordial power.
Liches in general are potent undead beings held to unlock through powerful magics. They can be arcane or divine in their source of power. Usually, they are arcane. Uniformly they are evil embodied. There is rumor of an elven high mage crossing over to lichdom to continue protecting the elves. The focus of their power comes from their phylactery. This can be anything in physical form enchanted with the fell magics to hold the soul of the lich. The phylactery must be destroyed to destroy the lich. Otherwise, it reforms after a period of time if destroyed.
You were always the mysterious one- no long tales, no lineage- just your sword and your skill. While the rest of us gather vows like trinkets…
smiles glancing at Chadwick
…you have remained blissfully unbound.
Enjoy yourself in this new journey Hoid You have earned it! You have made every place we have walked together better and safer with your blade and friendship . I look forward to the day our roads cross again- and you can remind this lot how to properly slay a fiend!
Lady Arin accepts Chadwick's bow and gracefully offers her hand to him as he does so. Hoid notices. He also notices that she did not offer her hand to anyone else....(humph).
"I must say that we both are much more presentable today than at our first meeting, Sir Chadwick," Lady Arin responds. That brings flashbacks to all of you but Xymox of Lady Arin in five point restraints, gagged with two very small towels preserving just a hint of modesty. She seems unfazed by the imagery she seemingly conjured purposefully. "It is my pleasure to welcome you and your companions to Stormrise. How have you found the City of Splendors? If I remember correctly, you are from a more agricultural setting?," she asks.
Chadwick blushes a bit at the memory, then carries on. "My Lady has a fine memory indeed! I hail from a small town near Everlund called Monstordrink. While agricultural and livestock are what the town was founded on our brewery is our best known export. I was quiet pleased and proud to find it had made its way up north almost to the Spine of the World.
As to finding our way here; well our friend Hoid's armor suffered some damage, as did most of ours, in an unfortunate spray of acid while purging our beloved brewery of some particularly nasty and unusual undead. I'm actually surprised master Starker hasn't begun a essay on it. (He glances his way seeing if he may have already started one) While our blacksmith and his apprentices were able to fix most of our armor Hoid's mithril armor was beyond his skill. I'm happy to report he had no problems finding a craftsman to repair it in your fine city.
We are also heading north to investigate the possible location of of lich, thought we are still a little unsure exactly where. We also recently pledged to help Yortal, a new companion, to exact revenge on a particularly loathsome dragon near the Spine of the World. (Chadwick chuckles a bit) If I heard someone say that a couple of years ago I would have thought them mad, or a braggart, yet here we are. I guess we just go where Tyr see's fit to guide us, and hopefully do good work in his name."
He smiles his boyish smile, while he takes a drink of wine.
Xymox inclines his head politely, stepping forward with a smooth flourish—his cloak whispering across the fine floor of Stormrise as his voice, low and clear, carries with quiet confidence.
"Lady Arin Stormrider, the honor is mine. I’ve heard no shortage of songs sung in your name—and judging by your hospitality, not a one of them was exaggerated."
He offers a small, appreciative smile, then gestures lightly to the Company.
"As for how I joined this remarkable assembly… fate placed us in the path of a shared threat. I lent my song and steel, and they let me stay. Not many bands would welcome a Drow with a complicated past—but The Company… they see past the surface. They've earned every tale whispered of them."
He nods respectfully to Chadwick, Kragen, and the others.
"They’ve slain horrors, challenged dragons, and stood firm in defense of those with no one else. I’ve come to trust them. That’s a rare thing."
He folds his hands before him, voice softening just slightly.
"I have not met Gneuman or Ajax, though I've heard enough to know they leave big footprints—literal or otherwise. I hope to cross paths with them in time."
Then, with a slight, warm grin:
"Until then, I’m content to walk with those present—and, when needed, put their deeds to music."
With that, he steps back quietly, a respectful nod closing his words.
Was that a faint smile Lady Arin had at seeing Chadwick blush? Perhaps. She continues on in the conversation with all of you, but paying attention to Chadwick, "That is a most impressive list of accomplishments. I continue to count my blessings that you were able to locate me when you did. Any longer and...." She gives a small shudder.
She then seems to become more direct and turns to the rest of you, "I know of your quest to seek out the lich Illiandil. Xagyg the Potent has reached out to me upon his learning of your presence here in our fine city. It is fortuitous that our paths have crossed in the past and a connection is easily made. He has a request of you," she says this and pulls a crystal from her blouse pocket. Setting it down she murmurs something over it and it begins to glow with an amethyst colored light from within. Shorty after, the image of a wizened dwarf face appears hovering above it. "Be at peace, each of you. Lady Arin has gathered you to deliver my message. I am impressed with the doings of The Company in the north. Arnak has kept me informed of your accomplishments. I am particularly pleased with your assisting the Stonejaw brothers in reclaiming the Deep Wave Mine. The magical furnace there is an important asset," the image of whom you assume to be Xagyg begins. "I have a mission that I would like for you to undertake. The wizard Illiandil had in his possession a staff of great power when he sought to cross over into lichdom. I would like for you to retrieve that staff from his tomb in the Spine of the World mountains. Lady Arin has a piece of a map that can assist you in locating this tomb. The staff is easily recognized. It is made of polished ebonwood with a platinum heel and cap piece. Hovering within the cap piece is a sphere of energy that appears to contains thousands of stars. Fine runes inlaid in platinum run down the length of the staff. It is the Staff of the Void. Bring this staff to me, here, in Waterdeep once you have retrieved it," he details to you. "STARKER!," he suddenly exclaims, "this is most importantly for you. The staff is beyond your capabilities. Do NOT try to attune to it or it will consume you. It is unclear what has happened to Illiandil with his attempt at lichdom. None have seen or heard from him since. This staff may be what has confounded his efforts. Bring it to me so that it does not fall into the hands of evil. All other treasures you find in his tomb are yours to take as a reward. May Tymora bless your efforts and bring you swift success." With that the image fades away.
Lady Arin opens a small drawer in the table by her chair. She pulls out a slip of paper that appears to be weathered and old. It is a piece of your incomplete map. The MISSING piece. The map is now complete! (Look for Map-Combined Map in Inventory).
Starker, solemnly:”If we are indeed to go up against a lich or even a magic user who reasonably thought they were capable of achieving lich-dom we will be challenging a creature far more dangerous than any I have encountered. If we fight it in its lair we might save ourselves the time and just have Cyrus slit our throats in our sleep.
”Silence will be key. Even the undead need to be able to verbalize to cast most deadly spells. Lady Arin, do you know someone who might be willing to sell us scrolls of silence? Or someone who might be willing to teach me and some of the rest of The Company how to confound the cunning corpse.”
"Master Starker, unfortunately I do not have contacts like that in the wizardly community. My talents and contacts lie.....elsewhere. Surely Master Charletin will be able to help you in this way. Or know someone who can," she answers.
Starker:”Excellent suggestion, My Lady. I will see him as soon as I am able.”
The luncheon is wonderful that follows your discussion in the salon. Stormrise has a lovely courtyard with gardens and a softly bubbling fountain. Lady Arin's hospitality is impeccable. It is mid-afternoon by the time you finish nuts and sweet wines. A skilled harp player provides background music throughout your meal and conversation. With Stormrise behind you, your inn beckons. Hoid speaks up as you sit in the sparsely populated common room, "I have something to discuss. There are some people I have met at the armorers who are looking for a new member of their team, The Shining Steel mercenary company. I'm going to join them. They have a new contract in the southlands and plan to leave Waterdeep tomorrow."
Startled to hear Hoid speak, Kragen looks despondent at him. “Brother, you would leave The Company for another? First our Cousin Gnueman and now you.” Saying this with a heavy sigh. “These are sad times, we are losing too many close comrades.” Stands up and offers Hoid his hand giving him a lengthy dwarven handshake.
”Fare thee well Brother, may Tyr bless your future endeavors and keep you safe, may your sword strike true at the heart of those who perpetrate injustice. Know this, if ever you are in need, just call and I will be there!” Looks at Hoid in the eyes, With moisture forming in his.
"Thank you, Brother," Hoid joins in Kragen's handshake. He then pulls out two items from a pouch, the Astral Beacon and Craddock the Capable's Key. He hands both to Kragen, "These are things that belong with The Company. I give them to you now."
Xymox watches Hoid with a long, unreadable look—the kind only one who has buried companions and secrets alike can manage. Then, setting aside his wine, he stands with slow, deliberate grace, the flickering firelight catching the silvery embroidery on his cloak.
"So, the stone speaks at last," he says, voice velvet with a quiet sorrow, "and tells us that its path splits from ours."
He walks forward, resting a hand lightly on Hoid’s shoulder, his tone shifting—lower, and more sincere.
"I will not gild this with false cheer. You have stood between us and death more times than memory counts. There is a silence that will follow your leaving... not the absence of footsteps, but the weight of trust no longer at hand."
He taps the Astral Beacon gently in Kragen’s palm.
"Still, I cannot begrudge the call of a new cause. We are blades drawn by fate, each seeking a scabbard worthy of our edge. If the Shining Steel deserves you, then may it never dull your worth."
He leans in slightly, his voice low and meant only for Hoid.
"But if they fail you—if your journey south becomes a shadowed one—you need only whisper into that beacon. We will hear. And we will come."
He steps back, and with the faintest smirk curling his lip, adds:
"Just… do try not to get eaten by anything less than a dragon. It would be terribly anticlimactic."
He raises his glass one last time.
"To Hoid. The shield that held. The sword that struck true. The friend we will miss."
As the afternoon passes and The Company shares their stories Chadwick tells his share, but the Company notices he doesn't downplay his role as much as he usually does. Certainly not boasting, but not as self deprecating either.
He is clearly smitten with Lady Arin, but trying to keep his cool and not come on too strong. For the most part he succeeds, but if a brother or father were there things might have gotten a bit tense.
After Xymox's comment about his songs:
"Xymox's songs he composes about The Company are rousing indeed, but I fear if I listen to too many too often my head might get too big for helm." He chuckles while giving Xymox a grin.
To Hoid's announcement:
Clearly emotional and quiet. "Brother, it pains me to hear this. We have spent so much time together, bled together, and have done so much good vanquishing." He pauses looking at him distraught. "But of course a person has to follow the oath they feel is best. I wish you the best of luck and safe travels. I hope eventually you maybe recover your lost memories. He goes to hug him, then checks himself and hands his hand.
"You will be missed deeply."
Starker:”Hoid, that is an excellent cover story. We all know, though, that you leave us because you anticipate that the next time quartestaff meets sword the flayer-bedecked weapon will triumph where before it merely drew. May you enjoy the thick of it.”
Hoid: (Humph!)
Once farewells are said to Hoid, Kragen turns to Lady Stormrider.
”Lady Stormrider, it appears we have been chosen to vanquish a blight on this land. We have been chasing this fell evil for quite sometime. Would be willing to assist us in finding the faster mode of transport to that region? Where could we secure transport?”
“Perhaps asking among the merchants heading north? Luskan is the largest port that is close,” she answers Kragen.
Starker eill go to The Academy to confer with Master Charletin and others to get information about liches in general and this particular wannabe lich. He will consult with librarians about the best tomes.
Investigation = 16
Illiandil
A human mage aligned with The Arcane Brotherhood of Luskan. Last heard from around 60 years ago. He was known to have a special interest in chronomancy. Later his interests were focused on achieving lichdom. It is unclear if he was successful in this effort. Notable accomplishments:
Rising to high leadership in The Arcane Brotherhood
Training several apprentices who became powerful mages themselves - Addintal, Moskvit, The Arrow and Ponix of the Hive.
Wielder of the Staff of the Void. A near artifact level staff of wizardry.
He sought after the Stone of Despair. An entire clan of dwarves was scattered to the winds in his quest. Unclear if he was able to claim this relic of primordial power.
Liches in general are potent undead beings held to unlock through powerful magics. They can be arcane or divine in their source of power. Usually, they are arcane. Uniformly they are evil embodied. There is rumor of an elven high mage crossing over to lichdom to continue protecting the elves. The focus of their power comes from their phylactery. This can be anything in physical form enchanted with the fell magics to hold the soul of the lich. The phylactery must be destroyed to destroy the lich. Otherwise, it reforms after a period of time if destroyed.
Trolkarl raises a glass upon hearing Hoid’s plans
You were always the mysterious one- no long tales, no lineage- just your sword and your skill. While the rest of us gather vows like trinkets…
smiles glancing at Chadwick
…you have remained blissfully unbound.
Enjoy yourself in this new journey Hoid You have earned it! You have made every place we have walked together better and safer with your blade and friendship . I look forward to the day our roads cross again- and you can remind this lot how to properly slay a fiend!
“Thank you Lady Stormrider, it has been a pleasure visiting with you again. Tyr shines upon you as always.” Bows and readies to leave