Chapter VIII
Cast of Characters
Inigo, Human Bravo (Swashbuckling) played by Jeremy
Gwydion, Human mercenary fighter (henchman of Inigo)
Loralask, Human Elementalist (Geourgy), played by Mike
Morpheus, Human Ecclesiastic (Theurgy), played by Carl
Phylus, Unordered Gnome (Physique), played by Chad
Thursday, 11 October - Dusk
The Avatars emerged in a lightly wooded area. They started marching in a southwesterly direction and it wasn't long, perhaps a half-hour or so, before they came across an east-west road. Unsure of which direction to travel, Morpheus attempted a divination: "Are we east of the Keep?" Unfortunately the divination failed. The Avatars then decided to break the "safe haven" so that Loralask could use his flying ability to determine their location. It turned out that the Keep lay several miles to the east of their current location, and on the same road. (The Old March Road.) The Avatars then packed up their gear as best as they could (Phylus, though conscious, was too weak to carry his own equipment), lit their torches, and started on their way home.
After an hour or two of walking, the party saw torches in the distance ahead (perhaps 300 yards). These torches were almost immediately extinguished, however, and the party was able to continue along the road unmolested. Except possibly for a few tracks, no sign of the other party could be found, and the Avatars returned safely to the Keep.
The guards at the gate were curious (especially about Phylus' missing arm), but not belligerent. Morpheus and Phylus returned to the party's apartment while Inigo, Gwydion, and Loralask descended on the Tavern for a night of revelry (celebrating the party's first amputation, perhaps?). The place was full of regulars this evening and no one seemed out of place.
When the next morning dawned, Morpheus and Loralask took the small green gem they had found in the Caves to be appraised. Kris, the jeweler, told them that he would give them 5 gold sovereigns ($600) for the gem, which turned out to be a beryl. Thinking they could get a better deal, Morpheus and Loralask left and made for the apartment. One of the acolytes from the Keep's small church was already at the door waiting for them. "Morpheus!" he called out. "Morpheus!"
"Yes?" Morpheus responded.
"Melchior would like to see you at your earliest convenience."
Figuring that no time would be more convenient than the present time, Morpheus (he took Loralask along with him to do the talking) went to see Melchior.
Melchior greeted the two Avatars, then immediately apologized to Morpheus. It turned out that Friar Simon had indeed been nothing so much as a charlatan -- Melchior, being a bit suspicious because of Morpheus' warnings, had taken the chalice he received from Friar Simon to be appraised. It turned out to be a cheap piece of work with gold plating and fake gems, worth perhaps 5 shillings ($50) (the real chalice was clearly worth much more). Melchior then handed Morpheus an envelope containing some letters and asked him to take them to the bishop (His Supernal Devotion Victor Oldham) in Yggsburgh -- about 200 miles to the west of the Keep. Morpheus and Loralask both agreed to undertake this task. Melchior thanked them and they both left the Keep by the gate.
Once they had gone about a mile or so down the road, Loralask inscribed a protection circle and command circle and summoned a Devati (air elemental). The elemental creature whisked them away and in short order (about an hour) set them down on Dunfalcon Pike near the entrance to Yggsburgh Town. They crossed the bridge over the River Nemo and each paid the four-penny toll ($2). The guards at the gate gave them directions to the Grand Temple or Cathedral where the Supernal Oldham could be found -- Crossgates Ave. to the Market Plaza to Citadel Ave. They found the great church and attached monastery with no difficulty (passing another smaller church on their way) and pulled the rope next to the nearest entrance. A porter dressed in a monk's habit (tunic, scapular, and cowl) answered the door. He took one look at their travel-stained garments and asked, "Weary travelers, how may I be of assistance to you?" The two Avatars replied that they had letters for the His Supernal Devotion and asked if they could have an audience with him. The porter explained that His Devotion is a very busy man; in addition to his duties here at the temple he is also a member of the town's Council of Eight. He told the two that he would take the letters for them and deliver them to His Devotion. Morpheus was suspicious and decided to question him on the subject of religion in order to prove his (the porter's) integrity. He asked an obscure question about the nature of angels and the monk, though a bit taken aback, answered it without difficulty. Morpheus gave him the letters and asked about Friar Simon. The porter averred that he had never heard of them, but referred the Avatars to the Priory of the Gray Friars.
The two Avatars then traveled down Friars' Lane to the Priory and rang the bell at the door. A piebald half-orc, dressed the habit of a friar, answered the door and asked what he could do for them. "I am Dutiful Brother Hrodmund," he said, speaking slowly in a deep, low voice. "What help might I (an unworthy sinner) offer to ye?" Morpheus explained about Friar Simon. Br. Hrodmund replied that he had never heard of him, but told them of a traitorous friar known as Br. Beanis, who was known as the "Black Friar" and who had been thrown from the top of one of the towers to die on the rocky bank of the river below, all many years ago. Br. Hrodmund also explained that the Gray Friars currently were lodging a wandering exorcist named Br. Stephen. The mention of the word "exorcist" set off alarm bells in the Avatars' heads, and they asked Br. Hrodmund if they might speak to Br. Stephen. Br. Hrodmund showed them to a small waiting area and left.
When Br. Stephen appeared less than 10 minutes later, Morpheus and Loralask knew immediately that he was not Friar Simon. Br. Stephen was shorter, older, balder, and wore the black robes of a desert hermit rather than the brown habit worn by Friar Simon. Br. Stephen apologized for his lack of social graces, noting that he had lived the eremitic life for many years and was not used to receiving visitors. Morpheus and Loralask cut right to the chase and asked the old hermit if he had ever heard of Friar Simon or seen anyone matching his description. He averred that he had not, but that if he had seen such a person he almost certainly would not remember, as he meets many friars, monks, and the like. The Avatars then asked him if he, being an exorcist of some renown, would travel to the Keep in order to exorcise the spirit now inhabiting the old graveyard. Br. Stephen replied that he would, and asked them to consider making a donation to the Priory in return for his service. He then asked the two Avatars' names so that he might ask for them upon getting to the Keep. "Morpheus," said Morpheus. "Loralask," said Loralask, forgetting temporarily that he had used a fake name at the Keep itself. But he covered his mistake quickly by telling Br. Stephen that he ought to ask for Melchior once he got to the Keep. Loralask then asked Br. Stephen if he might arrange for magical means to bring him to the Keep. Br. Stephen demurred, stating that he only travels on his feet, and pointed down to his aged feet in their well-worn sandals. Morpheus and Loralask thanked Br. Stephen and took their leave.
Friday, October 12 - 10:00 a.m.
Not trusting the price offered to them for the beryl by the jeweller at the Keep, Morpheus and Loralask decided to find a jeweller or gemner in Yggsburgh to whom they could sell the gemstone. They walked east on Citadel Ave. until they got to the Market Plaza, where a jewelry shop was easily recognized by the cluster of diamonds on its sign. Ranolf Marks, the jeweller, offered the same price for the gem as did Kris, the Keep jeweller, but recommended that the Avatars approach a jewel merchant named Edward Bloomer, who was particularly interested in emeralds and beryls, back on Friars' Lane. They would recognize the house by the armorial bearings displayed at the gate: an anchor or on a field purpure. And, indeed, when Morpheus and Loralask approached Master Bloomer he offered them 7 sovereigns and two crowns ($900). The two gladly made the exchange. They then returned to the Grand Temple to see if the Supernal Oldham had returned. Upon hearing that he had not, they asked the porter some further questions: Has he ever heard of any clerics with the ability to regenerate limbs? is it possible that His Supernal Devotion has this ability? etc. But the porter, Br. Lithos, was not very helpful in this regard, and the two Avatars decided to return to the Keep.
(Meanwhile, Inigo, ostensibly keeping an eye on Phylus, was silently stewing over the party's plan, revealed the prior evening, to "renegotiate" his contract. The party had initially agreed to give him 1/3 of all the treasure recovered on an expedition, mindful of the fact that he was paying Gwydion out of his own pocket; but now Morpheus and Loralask wanted to reduce his share to 1/4 to make for a more "equitable" distribution.)
The two travelers returned to the Keep around noon. They immediately went to Melchior and informed him that they had delivered the letters. "Already?" he asked. Morpheus nodded toward Loralask, who started launching into an explanation of how they had managed to travel so far (and back!) so quickly. Melchior put up his hand. "I don't even want to know." But he also told them that he had arranged for them to be introduced to the Castellan the following morning.
Saturday, October 13 - 8:00 a.m.
The party (minus Phylus) went to the gate of the Inner Bailey accompanied by Melchior. The gatehouse stood here, virtually a small fortress, with heavy gates double-bound in iron and spiked. Two guards stood in front of the gate, two on the lower battlement of the gatehouse, and two more on the upper battlement. The party was admitted to the Inner Bailey, a grassy area on which some dozen soldiers were engaged in jousting and weapons practice, and brought (by the two gatehouse guards) to the Fortress. In turn, they were admitted to this structure and brought into a long (50' long) audience hall. The Castellan, Sir Maldwyn, stood at the far end of the audience hall, flanked by Ben-adar on his right and another soldier, unknown to the Avatars, on his left. Sir Maldwyn spoke first: "Salvete! I thank you for coming to this audience. After hearing of your deeds from the Pious Melchior, my two advisors, Ben-adar" -- here he gestured to his right -- "and Albrecht" -- here to his left -- "thought it best that you be brought before me."
The Avatars began the audience by wondering, since they were now in the employ of the Church, whether they might be excused from paying the 10% tax levied on all booty brought into the Keep. Sir Maldwyn looked at Melchior, who shrugged his shoulders. "Employed by the Church?"
"Well," replied Loralask, "we are undertaking a certain mission for them," and then he explained about the haunted graveyard.
"Very well," responded Sir Maldwyn. "Any booty you recover while on your mission for the Church will not be subject to the levy. Still, any other booty you might bring into the Keep will be subject to it. I cannot set aside our law based on your deeds alone; it would not be fair to the others whose deeds have been even greater and who paid out the tithe without complaint." The party agreed to these terms. "You are not in my employ, and if you were, you would certainly not be permitted to keep 90% of the treasure you recovered!" Here he smiled and gestured for the Avatars to come before him. "Melchior?" The three Avatars then knelt while Melchior stretched out his hands and said a blessing over them.
Inigo, Human Bravo (Swashbuckling) played by Jeremy
Gwydion, Human mercenary fighter (henchman of Inigo)
Loralask, Human Elementalist (Geourgy), played by Mike
Morpheus, Human Ecclesiastic (Theurgy), played by Carl
Phylus, Unordered Gnome (Physique), played by Chad
Thursday, 11 October - Dusk
The Avatars emerged in a lightly wooded area. They started marching in a southwesterly direction and it wasn't long, perhaps a half-hour or so, before they came across an east-west road. Unsure of which direction to travel, Morpheus attempted a divination: "Are we east of the Keep?" Unfortunately the divination failed. The Avatars then decided to break the "safe haven" so that Loralask could use his flying ability to determine their location. It turned out that the Keep lay several miles to the east of their current location, and on the same road. (The Old March Road.) The Avatars then packed up their gear as best as they could (Phylus, though conscious, was too weak to carry his own equipment), lit their torches, and started on their way home.
After an hour or two of walking, the party saw torches in the distance ahead (perhaps 300 yards). These torches were almost immediately extinguished, however, and the party was able to continue along the road unmolested. Except possibly for a few tracks, no sign of the other party could be found, and the Avatars returned safely to the Keep.
The guards at the gate were curious (especially about Phylus' missing arm), but not belligerent. Morpheus and Phylus returned to the party's apartment while Inigo, Gwydion, and Loralask descended on the Tavern for a night of revelry (celebrating the party's first amputation, perhaps?). The place was full of regulars this evening and no one seemed out of place.
When the next morning dawned, Morpheus and Loralask took the small green gem they had found in the Caves to be appraised. Kris, the jeweler, told them that he would give them 5 gold sovereigns ($600) for the gem, which turned out to be a beryl. Thinking they could get a better deal, Morpheus and Loralask left and made for the apartment. One of the acolytes from the Keep's small church was already at the door waiting for them. "Morpheus!" he called out. "Morpheus!"
"Yes?" Morpheus responded.
"Melchior would like to see you at your earliest convenience."
Figuring that no time would be more convenient than the present time, Morpheus (he took Loralask along with him to do the talking) went to see Melchior.
Melchior greeted the two Avatars, then immediately apologized to Morpheus. It turned out that Friar Simon had indeed been nothing so much as a charlatan -- Melchior, being a bit suspicious because of Morpheus' warnings, had taken the chalice he received from Friar Simon to be appraised. It turned out to be a cheap piece of work with gold plating and fake gems, worth perhaps 5 shillings ($50) (the real chalice was clearly worth much more). Melchior then handed Morpheus an envelope containing some letters and asked him to take them to the bishop (His Supernal Devotion Victor Oldham) in Yggsburgh -- about 200 miles to the west of the Keep. Morpheus and Loralask both agreed to undertake this task. Melchior thanked them and they both left the Keep by the gate.
Once they had gone about a mile or so down the road, Loralask inscribed a protection circle and command circle and summoned a Devati (air elemental). The elemental creature whisked them away and in short order (about an hour) set them down on Dunfalcon Pike near the entrance to Yggsburgh Town. They crossed the bridge over the River Nemo and each paid the four-penny toll ($2). The guards at the gate gave them directions to the Grand Temple or Cathedral where the Supernal Oldham could be found -- Crossgates Ave. to the Market Plaza to Citadel Ave. They found the great church and attached monastery with no difficulty (passing another smaller church on their way) and pulled the rope next to the nearest entrance. A porter dressed in a monk's habit (tunic, scapular, and cowl) answered the door. He took one look at their travel-stained garments and asked, "Weary travelers, how may I be of assistance to you?" The two Avatars replied that they had letters for the His Supernal Devotion and asked if they could have an audience with him. The porter explained that His Devotion is a very busy man; in addition to his duties here at the temple he is also a member of the town's Council of Eight. He told the two that he would take the letters for them and deliver them to His Devotion. Morpheus was suspicious and decided to question him on the subject of religion in order to prove his (the porter's) integrity. He asked an obscure question about the nature of angels and the monk, though a bit taken aback, answered it without difficulty. Morpheus gave him the letters and asked about Friar Simon. The porter averred that he had never heard of them, but referred the Avatars to the Priory of the Gray Friars.
The two Avatars then traveled down Friars' Lane to the Priory and rang the bell at the door. A piebald half-orc, dressed the habit of a friar, answered the door and asked what he could do for them. "I am Dutiful Brother Hrodmund," he said, speaking slowly in a deep, low voice. "What help might I (an unworthy sinner) offer to ye?" Morpheus explained about Friar Simon. Br. Hrodmund replied that he had never heard of him, but told them of a traitorous friar known as Br. Beanis, who was known as the "Black Friar" and who had been thrown from the top of one of the towers to die on the rocky bank of the river below, all many years ago. Br. Hrodmund also explained that the Gray Friars currently were lodging a wandering exorcist named Br. Stephen. The mention of the word "exorcist" set off alarm bells in the Avatars' heads, and they asked Br. Hrodmund if they might speak to Br. Stephen. Br. Hrodmund showed them to a small waiting area and left.
When Br. Stephen appeared less than 10 minutes later, Morpheus and Loralask knew immediately that he was not Friar Simon. Br. Stephen was shorter, older, balder, and wore the black robes of a desert hermit rather than the brown habit worn by Friar Simon. Br. Stephen apologized for his lack of social graces, noting that he had lived the eremitic life for many years and was not used to receiving visitors. Morpheus and Loralask cut right to the chase and asked the old hermit if he had ever heard of Friar Simon or seen anyone matching his description. He averred that he had not, but that if he had seen such a person he almost certainly would not remember, as he meets many friars, monks, and the like. The Avatars then asked him if he, being an exorcist of some renown, would travel to the Keep in order to exorcise the spirit now inhabiting the old graveyard. Br. Stephen replied that he would, and asked them to consider making a donation to the Priory in return for his service. He then asked the two Avatars' names so that he might ask for them upon getting to the Keep. "Morpheus," said Morpheus. "Loralask," said Loralask, forgetting temporarily that he had used a fake name at the Keep itself. But he covered his mistake quickly by telling Br. Stephen that he ought to ask for Melchior once he got to the Keep. Loralask then asked Br. Stephen if he might arrange for magical means to bring him to the Keep. Br. Stephen demurred, stating that he only travels on his feet, and pointed down to his aged feet in their well-worn sandals. Morpheus and Loralask thanked Br. Stephen and took their leave.
Friday, October 12 - 10:00 a.m.
Not trusting the price offered to them for the beryl by the jeweller at the Keep, Morpheus and Loralask decided to find a jeweller or gemner in Yggsburgh to whom they could sell the gemstone. They walked east on Citadel Ave. until they got to the Market Plaza, where a jewelry shop was easily recognized by the cluster of diamonds on its sign. Ranolf Marks, the jeweller, offered the same price for the gem as did Kris, the Keep jeweller, but recommended that the Avatars approach a jewel merchant named Edward Bloomer, who was particularly interested in emeralds and beryls, back on Friars' Lane. They would recognize the house by the armorial bearings displayed at the gate: an anchor or on a field purpure. And, indeed, when Morpheus and Loralask approached Master Bloomer he offered them 7 sovereigns and two crowns ($900). The two gladly made the exchange. They then returned to the Grand Temple to see if the Supernal Oldham had returned. Upon hearing that he had not, they asked the porter some further questions: Has he ever heard of any clerics with the ability to regenerate limbs? is it possible that His Supernal Devotion has this ability? etc. But the porter, Br. Lithos, was not very helpful in this regard, and the two Avatars decided to return to the Keep.
(Meanwhile, Inigo, ostensibly keeping an eye on Phylus, was silently stewing over the party's plan, revealed the prior evening, to "renegotiate" his contract. The party had initially agreed to give him 1/3 of all the treasure recovered on an expedition, mindful of the fact that he was paying Gwydion out of his own pocket; but now Morpheus and Loralask wanted to reduce his share to 1/4 to make for a more "equitable" distribution.)
The two travelers returned to the Keep around noon. They immediately went to Melchior and informed him that they had delivered the letters. "Already?" he asked. Morpheus nodded toward Loralask, who started launching into an explanation of how they had managed to travel so far (and back!) so quickly. Melchior put up his hand. "I don't even want to know." But he also told them that he had arranged for them to be introduced to the Castellan the following morning.
Saturday, October 13 - 8:00 a.m.
The party (minus Phylus) went to the gate of the Inner Bailey accompanied by Melchior. The gatehouse stood here, virtually a small fortress, with heavy gates double-bound in iron and spiked. Two guards stood in front of the gate, two on the lower battlement of the gatehouse, and two more on the upper battlement. The party was admitted to the Inner Bailey, a grassy area on which some dozen soldiers were engaged in jousting and weapons practice, and brought (by the two gatehouse guards) to the Fortress. In turn, they were admitted to this structure and brought into a long (50' long) audience hall. The Castellan, Sir Maldwyn, stood at the far end of the audience hall, flanked by Ben-adar on his right and another soldier, unknown to the Avatars, on his left. Sir Maldwyn spoke first: "Salvete! I thank you for coming to this audience. After hearing of your deeds from the Pious Melchior, my two advisors, Ben-adar" -- here he gestured to his right -- "and Albrecht" -- here to his left -- "thought it best that you be brought before me."
The Avatars began the audience by wondering, since they were now in the employ of the Church, whether they might be excused from paying the 10% tax levied on all booty brought into the Keep. Sir Maldwyn looked at Melchior, who shrugged his shoulders. "Employed by the Church?"
"Well," replied Loralask, "we are undertaking a certain mission for them," and then he explained about the haunted graveyard.
"Very well," responded Sir Maldwyn. "Any booty you recover while on your mission for the Church will not be subject to the levy. Still, any other booty you might bring into the Keep will be subject to it. I cannot set aside our law based on your deeds alone; it would not be fair to the others whose deeds have been even greater and who paid out the tithe without complaint." The party agreed to these terms. "You are not in my employ, and if you were, you would certainly not be permitted to keep 90% of the treasure you recovered!" Here he smiled and gestured for the Avatars to come before him. "Melchior?" The three Avatars then knelt while Melchior stretched out his hands and said a blessing over them.
posted by dcs at 12:00 AM
