Kal nods, uncertain of what to say in the circumstance. Words of comfort did not come easily to him. "It won't be a wasted death,"he says slowly, turning to follow Silthras, "we'll make sure of it."
When they return to the inn, Kal will use an hour of time and his last spell slot to create a flask of holy water. In the morning, he will wake up an hour earlier to create the other.
Urgoth stays to make sure that the undead bodies are burned, staying close incase there is a chance that the zombies rise up. Once that is done he heads back to the inn to rest with the others.
While the other three head back, Urgoth remains to safeguard the bodies. Eventually, one of the garrison troops crosses over to the corpses, binding their legs and arms together with iron manacles. Around half an hour later, acolytes from the temple of Maliel arrive with sheets, wrapping the bodies and taking them to the temple to be cremated. They make no objections as you follow them back to the temple, some even seem relieved to have an escort. A short ceremony is held behind the temple, and the bodies placed in a fire pit dugout(seemingly for this sole purpose). Once the fire is lit, you return to the inn.
If there is more you or anyone else meant to do, let me know and we'll back up!
It is assumed Fauna also returned to the Inn - for now.
The next morning comes quickly after you all finally manage to rest your eyes.The light of early morning filters in through the windows of your room, this time unobstructed by an overcast sky. Looking outside, you can see scarce clouds in the sky, and an early morning frost that has settled on the ground.
Breakfast served at the inn isn't the most impressive, bread that isn't quite stale, but not fresh either, merely rewarmed. A dish of cooked eggs with a small piece of ham was also offered for those that would take it. You would find Sybil waiting for you in the common room again, although she waits for you to finish eating(and properly waking) before speaking.
"Thank you again, for your help last night. It wasn't as bad as it could have been if you hadn't been there. The southern gate handled their attack just fine..." She pauses to drink a steaming liquid from a mug. "Any other preparations you need to make before leaving? Have you decided on which mining settlement you're heading towards?"
Silthras arrives just in time, hurrying through the front door of the inn, and hurriedly grabs a hand full of food. He listens and, between mouthfulls of food, manages to speak.
"The nearest, I think, would be best. How are they all placed -- relative to this fine town?" he asks.
The sun has just barely hit the horizon as you wake, with a wonderful display of orange, pinks, and light blues on the eastern horizon. You quickly make yourself ready and leave the inn, following the directions Sybil had given to Kal the night before. You arrive at the ruddy little shack of a shop-home, with the carved Owl above the door clearly visible. A bell rings as you open the door, entering the small space cluttered with shelves as far back as you can see. From a room in the back, you hear a feminine voice call out "by the GODS, who comes here this early!?" The voice is quickly given a face as a dark elf emerges from the back of the building. With stark white hair and deep purple skin, she peers at you from beneath a pair of spectacles. "Oh. You're new." A momentary pause. "What do you want?"
Silthras bows his head slightly, then looks back up at the elf, "Apologies Mistress...it was either ungodly late, stinking of the undead, or ungodly early -- and less stink."
He smiles and holds out his hand in greeting, "My name is Silthras Greyhame, and Sybil told me that you may have word of a friend of mine ... an elf going by the name Elirion."
"We are to leave for the mines shortly, and I was hoping to hear what news you might have before I leave."
His attention remains entirely focused on the elf, earnest and eager for news, though he is curious to look at the shop.
Usul sneaks a couple extra pieces of ham, tossing one to his Mastiff under the table, and feeding small pieces in under his coat as they eat; probably eating more than is ‘appropriate’ if it seems food is lacking. He then nods at the talk of heading to the nearest mine, thinking it makes little difference, and simply replies with a “mmm hmm” while eating.
Kal eats little this morning, pushing the remnants of his plate to Usul if the gnome will take it. "Closest is fine." He says. "If any of you wish, you may make use of these, " he sets the two flasks of holy water on the table. "Last night was not a great struggle, but you may find the punch they pack useful against the undead in a tight spot."
"Less stink?" The elven woman questions incredulously, wrinkling her nose. She waves away your outstretched hand, moving past to get around the countertop and sit behind it. Her ears twitch at hearing the name Elirion. "Ah, that's why Sybil was so curious when I mentioned her. I saw her a few months ago at the Astrium ruins - was having a chat with my petulant little archaeologist brother. Why, what is she to you?"
"Feycrest then. You'll set out west from here then. Should only have to spend one night out in the open on your way there." Sybil rolls out a small map on a thin piece of leather. It shows the immediate region(located in the first post in the group DM). The three towns are roughly to the west, east, and north from Silvervein, nestled within the range known as the Shimmering Peaks.
Silthras withdraws his hand, glances at his nails briefly to make sure they are indeed clean, then answers her question.
"I count her as a friend. She is also the one who introduced me to the arcane arts -- without her, my options in life would have been more limited" he says as he notes the items on the shelves, "...so, aside from friendship, I owe her a debt of gratitude."
His eyes rest on the horn briefly, "Interesting horn...dangerous though, if it's what I think it is! Did you make it?"
"Feycrest then. You'll set out west from here then. Should only have to spend one night out in the open on your way there." Sybil rolls out a small map on a thin piece of leather. It shows the immediate region(located in the first post in the group DM). The three towns are roughly to the west, east, and north from Silvervein, nestled within the range known as the Shimmering Peaks.
Silthras examines the map carefully, then reaches into his pack to pull out some calipers, a sheet of paper and some pens. he does his best to copy the details of note from the map, being especially careful to mark down the main features as well as anything that he thinks might be defensible, water, or a good choke point...
"Perhaps ex-student is more accurate...I studied with her for a few years before a death in the family drew me away, then things became complex...." his voice trails off as his brow furrows.
Glancing at the horn, his demeanor brightens again, "The horn? Hah! I doubt I could afford it, and -- based on the reputation of such things -- most likely would not survive using it! But I must admit curiosity as to the price..." he shakes his head. "But before I indulge my curiosity, can you tell me anything more of Elirion and these ruins...Astrium ... you said?"
The drow hesitates for a moment, and then asks, "when was the last time you saw her?"
"The Astrium? We call it a ruin, but its honestly in better shape than most of our own constructions. Ancient city to the west, the age of which is somewhere between the beginning of time and a thousand years ago when we stopped burning everything we could get our hands on. Mostly famous for the giant tower that floats above the citadel." She rests her chin in her hand, leveraging her elbow on the counter. "Was apparently built by the Starlight Court, though its not like they can tell too much about it. They haven't been able to get into the tower yet. My brother could tell you more about that though. Elirion had visited him with some questions about the nature of the Seven is all I really know. From the way my brother described her, sounds like she's driven herself mad with obsession over them."
Nodding towards the horn, "it's only a paltry seven hundred and fifty gold pieces. No refunds, and I'm not responsible for any missing limbs."
"Feycrest then. You'll set out west from here then. Should only have to spend one night out in the open on your way there." Sybil rolls out a small map on a thin piece of leather. It shows the immediate region(located in the first post in the group DM). The three towns are roughly to the west, east, and north from Silvervein, nestled within the range known as the Shimmering Peaks.
Silthras examines the map carefully, then reaches into his pack to pull out some calipers, a sheet of paper and some pens. he does his best to copy the details of note from the map, being especially careful to mark down the main features as well as anything that he thinks might be defensible, water, or a good choke point...
Usul nods, and watches his companion take note of the map. He tries to pay attention a bit to what is being marked on the map while he continues to eat and then ready himself for the trip, ready to head out.
"The Astrium? We call it a ruin, but its honestly in better shape than most of our own constructions. Ancient city to the west, the age of which is somewhere between the beginning of time and a thousand years ago when we stopped burning everything we could get our hands on. Mostly famous for the giant tower that floats above the citadel." She rests her chin in her hand, leveraging her elbow on the counter. "Was apparently built by the Starlight Court, though its not like they can tell too much about it. They haven't been able to get into the tower yet. My brother could tell you more about that though. Elirion had visited him with some questions about the nature of the Seven is all I really know. From the way my brother described her, sounds like she's driven herself mad with obsession over them."
"Do you know where she went next? Into the ruins?"
He pauses a moment, lost in thought, then looks at her with a start, frowning again, "Do you think that -- perhaps -- they might be connected to the undead?"
Silthras nods at Kal, "Aye almost done," he says, then scans the map for any sign of The Astrium, and makes sure he marks it on his map. If it is not there, he turns to Sybil, "Is The Astrium anywhere on this map?"
"Was a few months ago that I ran into her. Not sure where she went after that, but she didn't stay at the Astrium." Another half cocked eyebrow is offered at the half-elf's suggestion. "That seems a little half baked don't you think? The undead have been around for ages. Except now we're swimming in walking corpses and nothing has changed at the Astrium. That and the half thousand or so miles of separation between us and the ruins." Her eyes glance down at the counter, then back up to Silthras. "Look, sometimes mages just get a little...Eccentric. She'll snap out of it in a half century or so."
"The Astrium? Sure. Would be quite the trip to get there though, unless you plan on hurling yourself off a cliff." Sybil points to an unlabeled tower symbol on the far western edge of the map.
... Her eyes glance down at the counter, then back up to Silthras. "Look, sometimes mages just get a little...Eccentric. She'll snap out of it in a half century or so."
Silthras smiles and laughs briefly, "Hah! Well I suppose I could wait for her to return...if she doesn't get herself killed..."
... Her eyes glance down at the counter, then back up to Silthras. "Look, sometimes mages just get a little...Eccentric. She'll snap out of it in a half century or so."
"The Astrium? Sure. Would be quite the trip to get there though, unless you plan on hurling yourself off a cliff." Sybil points to an unlabeled tower symbol on the far western edge of the map.
"Well. Not much of a lead then. Thank you for the help, but it's a long way to have come for the news she was 500 miles from here several months ago..."
He holds up a hand in placation, "Not your fault of course...but I might have to speak with Sybil about misleading and deceptive conduct" he says.
"No wonder she was happy for me to follow this particular lead" he grumbles quietly to himself as he once again examines the wares.
Turning back to Elyxir, he bows slightly, "Well...thank you for your time. With luck I may be able to afford your wares when next I visit, but...if you remember anything else about Elirion, please let me know. I have a feeling I may be here for a while at least."
Silthras sighs, and turns to Sybil, exasperation creeping into his voice. "Did you actually know what Elyxir's so-called lead was?" he waves his hand at the general area on the map that she pointed to. "500 miles away...2 months ago?"
"I have to conclude the message you sent was about getting me to here. Not about Elirion. Ordinarily, despite the reputation, I am not prone to mercenary instincts, but I have to ask...what's in this for me? Every day, the trail gets colder."
"Ta-ta!" The dark elf wiggles her fingers in farewell as you leave, hopping off the stool she'd been sitting on behind the counter to retreat into the backroom once more.
Sybil glares daggers into the half-elf, setting her hands palm down on the table. "She made vague mention of seeing Elirion. I figured you would be pleased with any information, or would you rather be back to square one with zero leads?"
The soldier takes a moment, looks down to draw in a breath, and raises her head. "I said I needed your help, and in the same message I said I have some news. That wasn't a deception. It might not be exactly what you were hoping for, but a mage with no ties to any particular land isn't exactly easy to keep track of."
"Now if you wish to leave in some vain, directionless search for someone you haven't seen in years and leave these ones to the task at hand, you are more than welcome." Her voice lowers in tone, "but if you want my help and what my contacts have to offer in terms of hunting someone down, you will help get to the bottom of what's going on here."
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Kal nods, uncertain of what to say in the circumstance. Words of comfort did not come easily to him. "It won't be a wasted death," he says slowly, turning to follow Silthras, "we'll make sure of it."
When they return to the inn, Kal will use an hour of time and his last spell slot to create a flask of holy water. In the morning, he will wake up an hour earlier to create the other.
Usul quietly follows the others back to the Inn as well.
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Urgoth stays to make sure that the undead bodies are burned, staying close incase there is a chance that the zombies rise up. Once that is done he heads back to the inn to rest with the others.
While the other three head back, Urgoth remains to safeguard the bodies. Eventually, one of the garrison troops crosses over to the corpses, binding their legs and arms together with iron manacles. Around half an hour later, acolytes from the temple of Maliel arrive with sheets, wrapping the bodies and taking them to the temple to be cremated. They make no objections as you follow them back to the temple, some even seem relieved to have an escort. A short ceremony is held behind the temple, and the bodies placed in a fire pit dugout(seemingly for this sole purpose). Once the fire is lit, you return to the inn.
If there is more you or anyone else meant to do, let me know and we'll back up!
It is assumed Fauna also returned to the Inn - for now.
The next morning comes quickly after you all finally manage to rest your eyes.The light of early morning filters in through the windows of your room, this time unobstructed by an overcast sky. Looking outside, you can see scarce clouds in the sky, and an early morning frost that has settled on the ground.
Breakfast served at the inn isn't the most impressive, bread that isn't quite stale, but not fresh either, merely rewarmed. A dish of cooked eggs with a small piece of ham was also offered for those that would take it. You would find Sybil waiting for you in the common room again, although she waits for you to finish eating(and properly waking) before speaking.
"Thank you again, for your help last night. It wasn't as bad as it could have been if you hadn't been there. The southern gate handled their attack just fine..." She pauses to drink a steaming liquid from a mug. "Any other preparations you need to make before leaving? Have you decided on which mining settlement you're heading towards?"
Silthras arrives just in time, hurrying through the front door of the inn, and hurriedly grabs a hand full of food. He listens and, between mouthfulls of food, manages to speak.
"The nearest, I think, would be best. How are they all placed -- relative to this fine town?" he asks.
Silthras
The sun has just barely hit the horizon as you wake, with a wonderful display of orange, pinks, and light blues on the eastern horizon. You quickly make yourself ready and leave the inn, following the directions Sybil had given to Kal the night before. You arrive at the ruddy little shack of a shop-home, with the carved Owl above the door clearly visible. A bell rings as you open the door, entering the small space cluttered with shelves as far back as you can see. From a room in the back, you hear a feminine voice call out "by the GODS, who comes here this early!?" The voice is quickly given a face as a dark elf emerges from the back of the building. With stark white hair and deep purple skin, she peers at you from beneath a pair of spectacles. "Oh. You're new." A momentary pause. "What do you want?"
Silthras bows his head slightly, then looks back up at the elf, "Apologies Mistress...it was either ungodly late, stinking of the undead, or ungodly early -- and less stink."
He smiles and holds out his hand in greeting, "My name is Silthras Greyhame, and Sybil told me that you may have word of a friend of mine ... an elf going by the name Elirion."
"We are to leave for the mines shortly, and I was hoping to hear what news you might have before I leave."
His attention remains entirely focused on the elf, earnest and eager for news, though he is curious to look at the shop.
Usul sneaks a couple extra pieces of ham, tossing one to his Mastiff under the table, and feeding small pieces in under his coat as they eat; probably eating more than is ‘appropriate’ if it seems food is lacking. He then nods at the talk of heading to the nearest mine, thinking it makes little difference, and simply replies with a “mmm hmm” while eating.
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Kal eats little this morning, pushing the remnants of his plate to Usul if the gnome will take it. "Closest is fine." He says. "If any of you wish, you may make use of these, " he sets the two flasks of holy water on the table. "Last night was not a great struggle, but you may find the punch they pack useful against the undead in a tight spot."
Silthras
"Less stink?" The elven woman questions incredulously, wrinkling her nose. She waves away your outstretched hand, moving past to get around the countertop and sit behind it. Her ears twitch at hearing the name Elirion. "Ah, that's why Sybil was so curious when I mentioned her. I saw her a few months ago at the Astrium ruins - was having a chat with my petulant little archaeologist brother. Why, what is she to you?"
The shelves are overfilled with various baubles, jarred liquids, scrolls, and other such miscellany, but a few items stick out to you:
A thin copper colored liquid in a small vial with a porcelain topper
A smoky bronze liquid in a square bottle with a cork stopper
A sparkling emerald, cut into a diamond shape
A long ornate horn, carved in the shape of a tusked elephant at the end
"Feycrest then. You'll set out west from here then. Should only have to spend one night out in the open on your way there." Sybil rolls out a small map on a thin piece of leather. It shows the immediate region(located in the first post in the group DM). The three towns are roughly to the west, east, and north from Silvervein, nestled within the range known as the Shimmering Peaks.
Silthras withdraws his hand, glances at his nails briefly to make sure they are indeed clean, then answers her question.
"I count her as a friend. She is also the one who introduced me to the arcane arts -- without her, my options in life would have been more limited" he says as he notes the items on the shelves, "...so, aside from friendship, I owe her a debt of gratitude."
His eyes rest on the horn briefly, "Interesting horn...dangerous though, if it's what I think it is! Did you make it?"
Silthras examines the map carefully, then reaches into his pack to pull out some calipers, a sheet of paper and some pens. he does his best to copy the details of note from the map, being especially careful to mark down the main features as well as anything that he thinks might be defensible, water, or a good choke point...
Silthras
A white eyebrow goes up, "a student then? That's...Different. And she didn't take you with her?"
Looking towards the horn, she smiles. "I did indeed. Stability issues aside, it's quite the noisemaker. Would you be interested in purchasing it?"
Melfin:
"Perhaps ex-student is more accurate...I studied with her for a few years before a death in the family drew me away, then things became complex...." his voice trails off as his brow furrows.
Glancing at the horn, his demeanor brightens again, "The horn? Hah! I doubt I could afford it, and -- based on the reputation of such things -- most likely would not survive using it! But I must admit curiosity as to the price..." he shakes his head. "But before I indulge my curiosity, can you tell me anything more of Elirion and these ruins...Astrium ... you said?"
Silthras
The drow hesitates for a moment, and then asks, "when was the last time you saw her?"
"The Astrium? We call it a ruin, but its honestly in better shape than most of our own constructions. Ancient city to the west, the age of which is somewhere between the beginning of time and a thousand years ago when we stopped burning everything we could get our hands on. Mostly famous for the giant tower that floats above the citadel." She rests her chin in her hand, leveraging her elbow on the counter. "Was apparently built by the Starlight Court, though its not like they can tell too much about it. They haven't been able to get into the tower yet. My brother could tell you more about that though. Elirion had visited him with some questions about the nature of the Seven is all I really know. From the way my brother described her, sounds like she's driven herself mad with obsession over them."
Nodding towards the horn, "it's only a paltry seven hundred and fifty gold pieces. No refunds, and I'm not responsible for any missing limbs."
Usul nods, and watches his companion take note of the map. He tries to pay attention a bit to what is being marked on the map while he continues to eat and then ready himself for the trip, ready to head out.
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Kal glances at the map and nods. "I've no other preparations to make. Are you all ready?"
He nods, "Perhaps another time...when I have am a great deal more wealthy, and less attached to my limbs!"
"A little over two years ago" he says slowly, looking into the middle distance. "I had to leave urgently. When did she come here?"
"Do you know where she went next? Into the ruins?"
He pauses a moment, lost in thought, then looks at her with a start, frowning again, "Do you think that -- perhaps -- they might be connected to the undead?"
Silthras nods at Kal, "Aye almost done," he says, then scans the map for any sign of The Astrium, and makes sure he marks it on his map. If it is not there, he turns to Sybil, "Is The Astrium anywhere on this map?"
Silthras
"Was a few months ago that I ran into her. Not sure where she went after that, but she didn't stay at the Astrium." Another half cocked eyebrow is offered at the half-elf's suggestion. "That seems a little half baked don't you think? The undead have been around for ages. Except now we're swimming in walking corpses and nothing has changed at the Astrium. That and the half thousand or so miles of separation between us and the ruins." Her eyes glance down at the counter, then back up to Silthras. "Look, sometimes mages just get a little...Eccentric. She'll snap out of it in a half century or so."
"The Astrium? Sure. Would be quite the trip to get there though, unless you plan on hurling yourself off a cliff." Sybil points to an unlabeled tower symbol on the far western edge of the map.
Silthras smiles and laughs briefly, "Hah! Well I suppose I could wait for her to return...if she doesn't get herself killed..."
"Well. Not much of a lead then. Thank you for the help, but it's a long way to have come for the news she was 500 miles from here several months ago..."
He holds up a hand in placation, "Not your fault of course...but I might have to speak with Sybil about misleading and deceptive conduct" he says.
"No wonder she was happy for me to follow this particular lead" he grumbles quietly to himself as he once again examines the wares.
Turning back to Elyxir, he bows slightly, "Well...thank you for your time. With luck I may be able to afford your wares when next I visit, but...if you remember anything else about Elirion, please let me know. I have a feeling I may be here for a while at least."
Silthras sighs, and turns to Sybil, exasperation creeping into his voice. "Did you actually know what Elyxir's so-called lead was?" he waves his hand at the general area on the map that she pointed to. "500 miles away...2 months ago?"
"I have to conclude the message you sent was about getting me to here. Not about Elirion. Ordinarily, despite the reputation, I am not prone to mercenary instincts, but I have to ask...what's in this for me? Every day, the trail gets colder."
Silthras
"Ta-ta!" The dark elf wiggles her fingers in farewell as you leave, hopping off the stool she'd been sitting on behind the counter to retreat into the backroom once more.
Sybil glares daggers into the half-elf, setting her hands palm down on the table. "She made vague mention of seeing Elirion. I figured you would be pleased with any information, or would you rather be back to square one with zero leads?"
The soldier takes a moment, looks down to draw in a breath, and raises her head. "I said I needed your help, and in the same message I said I have some news. That wasn't a deception. It might not be exactly what you were hoping for, but a mage with no ties to any particular land isn't exactly easy to keep track of."
"Now if you wish to leave in some vain, directionless search for someone you haven't seen in years and leave these ones to the task at hand, you are more than welcome." Her voice lowers in tone, "but if you want my help and what my contacts have to offer in terms of hunting someone down, you will help get to the bottom of what's going on here."