Arcana: 17

Are the collars of obedience different in any way from the amulets?

Is Lira wearing an amulet or a collar?

If an amulet, then can she take it off?

((Lira has an amulet. Amulets for females and collars for males seems to be Shareella's pattern. Neither amulets nor collars seem to be removable until the wearer dies. Unsure so far what the difference between their effects is if any.))

Quote from EmileTherese >>

"A good thief doesn't need to hurt anyone. You don't notice them until they're long gone. That's what I've tried to be, at least...I steal, gather information."

'Because no one ever suffered from having their properties and valuables stolen.' Iólinder replied in a flat voice. He had heard many of the same excuses before from every type of thief. Every thief at some point in their life somehow managed to rationalise their actions: they did not hurt their victims because it was a violence free crime, they only stole from people who could afford it, they needed it more than the victim was using it, and so forth and so on. From a philosophical standpoint it was fascinating how so many of them could delude themselves into believing they were not in the wrong.
'And information surely would not be abused.' His voice remained flat with the characteristic monotone of one who had heard it all. 'Crime is crime.' It was one of the few hard lines in Libra's doctrine: one might explain or even justify a crime but that did not change the fact it was still a crime.

He said nothing more of the issue and turned his attention towards the maps and the travel ahead.

Quote from Brian_Avery >>

"We really need to finish dividing up these items. Don't be shy, if you think it will serve you or even someone else among us please speak up."

Iólinder eyed the remaining items. 'Those bracers can be used to cast a shield of faith, right?' He thought it over for a moment. 'My magic can already produce such an effect, as Vydar can attest. Someone else should take it in case we have need of two shields at the same time. Though be warned: keeping the shield up can be rather taxing on your endurance and mental fortitude.'

(Collars of obedience were found on the wolves, male kobolds. The wolves had blood on their necks) They are tarnished silver with spikes on the inside. The amulet is a beautiful blue deep amulet, looks to be with a lot of gold, attacked to a silver chain. Only female cloaked caster kobolds and lira have them. They are all dull in color except for Liras)

Lira gave a somewhat sad smile; Iólinder was a cleric through and through, eh?

"I would argue...but I know your charity matches your judgement. We could've used more like you in Rentarn when I was growing up, or for the urchins there now."

(Ooc it is interesting that the traveling companions actually know very little about each others backgrounds.. what brought you together was your interest in Natalie storm, but since your first night together, it may occur to you how little you know about each other, as you have been quite focused on the three way race to acquire the artifacts)

Lev gives Iolinder a nod... though it may just look like he's nodding to himself at this point. The cleric isn't wrong about crime, Lev simply understands that some people get pulled into that lifestyle whether they like it or not. He just hopes that Lira will heed his advice and get out while she can. If they manage to save Paevira, he'll say the same thing to her. After all, everyone has a choice in life, even if the right choice takes you down a path that could result in your own death. 

When no one speaks up to claim the armor, he sighs and gives a slight shrug before taking it for himself. "I will take this then, the bracers wouldn't fit my combat style. Perhaps one of our casters can put it to use." He collects the armor and looks it over... seems like some small modifications will be needed but it should work alright. He leans his head back after a while, closing his eyes and letting out a long breath. The headache is still there, and he still looks like he's been through the wringer and back in spite of his wounds being mostly closed up. 

Lowering his head again, he stares at the armor for a long moment before setting it aside and looking around the camp. He almost brings up the fact that they should get a move on, but right now he knows they could all use a moment to just take a break. 

The dark elf scoffs when Iolinder once again starts treating him like a child. Opting to just ignore the keeling over comment, he looks at the half-elf flatly when responding to the dagger comment. "I'm pretty sure I have a far better idea of what i'm dealing with than you do."

He does take interest in Lyra's explanation of her work. He'd considered following that path himself, but ultimately decided against it. ...he prefers to be his own employer and would rather not be tied to an organization. His face darkens when Paevera is mentioned, and he clenches his a fist. He's been so useless in that moment.

Vydar as always, stays up and sleeps in far later than the rest of the party, he probably would have slept later had the smell of Lyra's cooking not woken him up. Seems she found his pot...well...Natalies pot. He stretches, wincing slightly at the subsiding pain in his side.

Vydar finishes up his food just as talk of dividing up loot begins. Part of him wants to grab the armor, but he stays silent when Lev seems to claim it. He hesitates when Iolinder practically demands the scroll Zarban had given him, before sighing and handing it over.

He continues to listen as the conversation around Lyra's work is rekindled. He doesn't disagree with her thought process, as he understands that his past situation was...well much different. Sure you didn't have to hurt people...but some of them deserved it. He gives Iolinder the side-eye when he chastises Lyra's ideals. He huffs, putting his arms behind his neck, "A good thief also doesn't steal from anyone who can't handle the loss." Iolinder's other comments seem to rub the dark elf the wrong way as well. Crime may be crime, but half the time justice isn't even served correctly. He himself would be dead if he hadn't learned to steal....and though some of his other actions may have been a bit unnecessary, he does not regret them.

He falls silent, and glares at the ground as the conversation continues, though he's hyper-aware of Iolinder's periodic glances. The half-elf would note that Vydar makes no move to handle, or even open the pouch containing the dagger and the figurine. While he really does want to figure out how to break them, he's in no hurry to start studying them.

He looks up when Lev states that perhaps one of the casters should take the bracers. Vydar take this as his que and holds out his hand. "I'll take them." He says bluntly, and glances at Iolinder when the half-elf comments on needing mental fortitude to hold up a shield. "I'm plenty adept at casting spells with such requirements."

Lira looks curious when Vydar implies he has expertise with such cursed items, slightly skeptical as he doesn't elaborate. She nods along with his addition to her thieves' rules though; she wasn't in the habit of stealing from people who were just as badly off as her. There seems to be a lot of tension in the group...Is it all because Paevira was taken?

"You all don't owe me any explanations, but...Anything you don't mind telling me about Myurr's cult or these artefacts, I'm happy to listen. It sounds like with two the kobolds can summon Shareella to somewhere even if she isn't 'invited'. And 'several' means she can revive some ice prince and start her new age."

"They killed a friend, Natalie Storm," Lev says in a low tone. "They must pay for what they have done." He falls silent for a moment, apparently thinking this somehow related to giving Lira some information about Myurr's cult and the artifacts before realizing that probably isn't enough information. Still, he's not much of a talker, so he decides to let the others explain the bulk of what's going on, all he adds is, "They already have at least one artifact, they beat us to it. This was the second cache we hit."

He frowns, "Ice prince?" This is new information, not that the rest isn't new too but... this adds another factor to the issue at hand. 

https://fightingfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Demon

some might know about demons, note there are snake, prince, element demons

As they walked Amdaeng carried Ning and sidled up to Lev, " Uh......Lev.....just so you know I....um....stole some stuff....and I used to be a lookout for other people that sold stuff.....and I used to fight people for money....and I'm pretty sure some of those fights were rigged....but not by me......and I copied off Hamrik a lot during tests at the temple.....and I took some gold from my parents and......uh.....I think that's it....."

Lev blinks, then frowns slightly when Amdaeng confesses to stealing. It really wasn’t the stealing that pushed him to talk to Lira, it was the organized crime. 

With a sigh he says, “The past is the past. There are worse crimes than stealing or… any of those other things you mentioned..” He pauses, averting his eyes,  “…and I fear my hands are dirtier than yours.” 

Looking up again he adds, “I was more concerned about this guild business. From what I can tell, you had the choice to simply stop doing those things when you realized they were wrong. If you were part of a guild or… gang, that might not have been so easy. Thats why I want Lira and Paevira both to know that they do have a choice, even if their organizations don’t want them to think they do.” 

He looks sad as he says this, guilt washing over his face as he once more averts his eyes to stare into the dwindling fire. 

Seeing everyone still feeling the loss of Paevira and feeling it strongly himself, after all she was the first one to show him kindness and friendship when he met this eclectic group, Zarbyn remember something Lira said about the amulets.

"Listen everyone, I know we are all upset about them taking Paevira but something Lira said gives me a little more hope, apparently they give the females amulets and use them to control the collared males. This means she probably going to be heading for the other caches. Our best chance to rescue her may be to continue on our mission."

Zarbyn takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly to calm his emotions.

"However, this is just theory and may be wrong but all the information we have so far seems to support it. What do you all think about it."

(Not sure where the party would like to head. You have the crater where Paevira was taken, the tunnel where Lira supposedly met Shareella, the green path to cache 3, the blue path to cache 3, Notes from Natalie Storm regarding Cache 3, Shareella, etc.)

Natalie Storms Journal Entries

A backup copy of Natalie Storm's notes lies safely in a box. Although wet, you can recover this information from the various pages, when combined with the wet documents from the leather tomb. Doing so, you see that the MAP was ripped out of the tomb.

(Various entries: here are some that stand out.)

Journal entry (6 years ago)

It is my suspicion that the Cult of the Dragon King had additional artifacts for further summoning. Although those in the desert were acquired by Malbordus and eventually destroyed by Gillibran’s, the Seconds Warhammer, I believe the almost-extinct cult hid a second set of artifacts. 

Through time the secret location of the artifacts was lost as the cult was scattered and destroyed after Malbordus’s death. There have been sightings of the Dragon King Cultists. At first, just rumors, then more stories. I have now confirmed they have reassembled. Who is guiding them? Who is their new leader? I’ve decided to investigate further.

Journal entry (5 years ago)

Through careful infiltration, I was able to join the cult, as an imposter. After much time I learned what I feared. The cult is growing. Something or someone is empowering them to act. Drawing them together in secret. 

Journal Entry: 1 year ago

 I believe these artifacts were placed in hidden caches in the Icefinger mountains. My theory is that each cache holds a different artifact. But….I need to find them before the cultists. The mountain range is huge, and covered in snow. If the cultists re-acquire the artifacts, a dragon of great power could be summoned. This of course could endanger all of Allansia and beyond. The cultists have been searching for their old hiding places. They are getting closer as am I.

When I spoke of this to King Gillibran the Third, he was quite dismissive. Something about “the ramblings of a myth chaser, a treasure hunter trying to create panic.” Rubbish!

(You see various entries of her research, maps, hints, histories, and stories, and even speaking with the dead. This has led Natalie to 15 possible hidden locations.)

Entry: 6 months ago

I've been informed of disputes within the leadership of the Cult regarding their next steps upon obtaining the artifacts. I strongly suspect that the ancient Cult of the Dragon King has split into two distinct factions. These two schools may have different agendas, and…different leaders. One group seems intent on dominating all of Allansia, the other…destroying an entire race of people, exploiting their weakness. Hum…will need to explore this more, or the evidence will help me solve this very concerning development.

Entry: 5 months ago: 

I fear that I was wrong. There is another group seeking the artifacts entirely. This is quite unexpected. I believe Shareella, the Snow Witch might be trying to obtain them. She is powerful enough to cast the spell, but would not be creating a dragon. I believe if she had the artifacts and enough time, she could potentially manipulate the spell and summon an Ice Demon from the Pit. Her goal would be to cause an age of ice in the land. If this is true, it's not a positive development.

Entry: 2 months ago

For the past 5 years, I have had local experts, and scouts watching the cultists. Through my network, I have seen a pattern in the cult's movements and have concluded that there are

 15  11     8    5      locations. 

I’ve been studying maps, routes, and cultures and I think I have it. I can make an educated guess where the cultists of old hid the artifacts in the mountains. Once the weather warms up and the mountain pass clears, I must go. 

Entry: 1 month ago (Spring): It is time. I will put out a missive and see if I can get some good people to help me uncover these caches, bringing the artifacts to Stonebridge where they too can be destroyed. We can start in the Port Rentarn area, but I won’t go there, too many scoundrels and spies. We can meet at the bridge. Good camping and the salmon run is starting. Yum.

Entry: (The ink is dry, but it is perhaps three days old)

They are after me, I know it.

Charlie has been irritated lately. He keeps putting back his ears. What does he sense?  Some sort of goblin presence perhaps. That farmer mentioned huge footprints in his field and his livestock missing. I thought it was just my paranoid imagination, but is the cult here? I kept my missives discrete. Did they find out? It is better to have an enemy who slaps you in the face than a friend who stabs you in the back. Who was it? 

Entry: (Last night, fresh ink)

I didn’t want to scare my new young friend, Vydar. He is kind and looking for honest work. I wonder if he knows his heritage. He has a few distinctive traits. This could make him a target of racism in certain circles. I hope not. I’ll send him to the Port of Rentarn. I hope he finds the work he is looking for. The fishing industry is tough but can be lucrative, especially for boat owners. But the port has those unions. Yuck! I didn’t want to get him mixed up in this mess. So young and with so much life ahead of him.

Well, hopefully, a good group of folks shows up, capable and brave enough to help. The journey will be long and cold as we climb. We will need to hurry before they find us. 

I think I’ll go hook my dinner.

Mountain Pass: SEE MAP Port Rentarn to Silverton:  —---------

Only open in the summer when snow clears

I suspect a Goat Trail or other tracks will lead me in the right direction off the path.

**********************************************************************************

The First Cache. The first treasure cache was hidden by the Cult of the Dragon King in an abandoned cave at the base of the southernmost mountain in the Icefinger range. While it was thought to be the smallest of the caches, it likely has limited protection in the form of traps or magic. Still, caution is why I am still alive. The caves and tunnels of the complex, according to my sources, are not very structurally sound. 

The Second Cache. My sources confirmed that one cache was buried beneath a unique structure: A pyramid of stone resting on a flat field of stone in the middle section of the Icefinger range, directly between the two highest mountains of that section of the range. The area was once filled with volcanic activity, making the flat stone field difficult to navigate. My sources could not tell me who or what built the pyramid, but I have my suspicions, likely Rockmen.

The Third Cache. The source I questioned about this cache, the  Toa-Suo people, said that it was carefully hidden behind a secret entrance, behind a large frozen waterfall. The falls are usually a solid sheet of ice but due to the warm weather, I might be able to get behind them and access the door. The Toa-Suo can help me find it. I should probably get more information from them first. Tombs and crypts are dangerous. If it's the right place, it will have a large doorway behind it. The cultists like to protect their crypts with magical curses, and clever traps. This one may be the most dangerous, other than the climb up the mountain.

Note, when you run into the Toa-Suo people, they really liked my smoked Salmon. They had never had it and thought it was delicious. I was able to trade them for other materials to aid in climbing.

The Fourth Cache. This cache was secured in an abandoned dwarven outpost used for treating ore that was being prepared for use in weapon and armor smithing. During their mining, veins of gold and silver may have been found here. My sources implied that the place had been overrun by something terrible and immortal, causing the dwarves to leave it centuries ago. 

The Fifth Cache. At the top of the tallest summit of the Icefinger mountains, Stormy Peak is over 14,000 feet above the sea! One contact told me that there was an abandoned shrine once revered by giants. It is said you can see all of Allansia from this height, and that Dragons used to perch here. I’m certain a cache is hidden there. This will be quite a climb. I think the crampons, harnesses and rope should help. Will need pitons and my hammer as well so we don’t fall to our death.

After summiting Stormy Peak, I think the quickest and safest way would be to go to Silverton and secure a boat downriver. Then a ship to Port Blacksand and finally the Red Road to Stonebridge.

Lira glanced around at the others, sharing a small, grim smile. "I think you’re right, Zarbyn," she said, her voice laced with determination. "Looking back on it now...Shareella did 'recruit' me just in time for her assault on Cache 2. Maybe they want Paevira for the next one. If we press on towards 3, we might catch up to her."

Turning her attention to Natalie Storm's diary entry about the third cache, she raised an eyebrow. "The Toa-Suo people sound promising. If they helped Natalie find the cache, maybe they’d help us too. And if all it takes is smoked salmon, I could make them as much as they want." The thought of Paevira’s capture still weighed on her; she'd never wish being controlled like that on anyone else.

Her gaze shifted toward Vydar for a moment, remembering something else from the diary. Natalie’s words about his heritage intrigued her—there was clearly more to his story than met the eye—but she knew enough not to pry.

Quote from EmileTherese >>

Lira looks curious when Vydar implies he has expertise with such cursed items, slightly skeptical as he doesn't elaborate. She nods along with his addition to her thieves' rules though; she wasn't in the habit of stealing from people who were just as badly off as her. There seems to be a lot of tension in the group...Is it all because Paevira was taken?

"You all don't owe me any explanations, but...Anything you don't mind telling me about Myurr's cult or these artefacts, I'm happy to listen. It sounds like with two the kobolds can summon Shareella to somewhere even if she isn't 'invited'. And 'several' means she can revive some ice prince and start her new age."

'Myurr is a Snake Demon.' Iólinder said in response to Lira's inquiry. 'And one of the three highest ranking demon princes. He is ancient and malicious, and like most entities of that sort has amassed various cults over the years. Wherever he appears, death and destruction follows in his wake.' His voice was grave and solemn. 'He must not be allowed to be summoned into this world by any means.'

 The artefacts were already mentioned in the copies of the Professor Storm's diary so Iólinder gave her the quick summary. 'The artefacts can be used in a ritual to summon a dragon under the summoner's control. As Professor Storm pointed out: she believed that Shareella might be able to modify the ritual, to call forth a demon instead of a dragon. That would be the ice prince you mentioned.'

Quote from Brian_Avery >>

"Listen everyone, I know we are all upset about them taking Paevira but something Lira said gives me a little more hope, apparently they give the females amulets and use them to control the collared males. This means she probably going to be heading for the other caches. Our best chance to rescue her may be to continue on our mission."

Zarbyn takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly to calm his emotions.

"However, this is just theory and may be wrong but all the information we have so far seems to support it. What do you all think about it."

'I agree.' Iólinder replied. 'If they plan to turn Paevira into their lieutenant we will naturally run into her at one of the next caches. We should get going.'

He began packing up his belongings to get ready for the journey ahead.

Amdaeng cocked her head as she tried to recall anything she had read about Toa-Suo....... ( History/Nature- 19 )

" Do we have any smoked salmon?"