Dark City: What Happens Next -- Harvester 25, 591

[EvilGenius]

I tell him about my phony dream; on the plains, a great ring of fire erupts, and the bright sun grows dim. The circle of flame grows in intensity but does not burn the grassland or seem threatening to me.

I also comment on the angry mutterings outside, asking if they are having trouble with the falsely pious "healers" (pelorites). I'm going to put some extra bitterness into my voice when mentioning the pelorites. If he asks about it, i'll spin a tale that the pelorites refused to heal a family member of mine and he died.

Vargas and Wind at the Temple of the Earth Dragon

Vargas and Wind keep their appointment with Brother Dursen Gallohavo. By the time they arrive at the Temple late that morning, the crowd has largely dispersed, though a few still mingle about. As you walk to the Temple, you over here a few talking angrily and loudly about what the Temple should do about the wizards and their Pelorite lapdogs cowardly theft of the baby.

You are escorted into the Brother's Office on the first floor, where he asks you to sit down. He introduces himself and asks how he can help you achieve a greater understanding of the Earth Dragon.

What do you ask him?

[EvilGenius]

Wind is going to propose to Salassar that we secretly start "Persuading" the members of the Earth Dragon.

I'm thinking about covert urban warfare here. Nothing lethal, just finding lone members and "persuading" them that they should lighten up their grip on the mudsitters district.

Since Wind isn't super good, and not lawful at all, a more direct approach against those we "know" to be sinister seems like a good idea.

And we can always misdirect the blame onto the BR guild.

[NukeHavoc]

I tell him about my phony dream; on the plains, a great ring of fire erupts, and the bright sun grows dim. The circle of flame grows in intensity but does not burn the grassland or seem threatening to me.

He nods eagerly. "Yes, truly you have been blessed with a vision from the Earth Dragon. A ring of fire ... very interesting indeed. And your companion? Has he experienced such visions as well?

I also comment on the angry mutterings outside, asking if they are having trouble with the falsely pious "healers" (pelorites). I'm going to put some extra bitterness into my voice when mentioning the pelorites. If he asks about it, i'll spin a tale that the pelorites refused to heal a family member of mine and he died.

He does ask, and then commiserates with you. "The Pelorites are so sanctimonious, always claiming to walk in the light. But truly that light can not reach all places, as the Darkness itself shows. The Earth Dragon though ... we are made from the earth itself! Our blood is that of the Earth Dragon's!" The fevered glint of true belief comes into the man's eyes.

"And they are duplicitous. Indeed! They conspired with the Guild of Wizardry to sneak into the Temple and steal the child, the self-same child they corrupted by interfering with its birth! Three of them magically appeared in the second floor creche, incapacitated the guards with their spells, then grabbed the child and magicked away in a flash of blue light! They will be made to pay ... oh yes, they will." He seems to realize he may have said a bit too much and stops to gather himself.

"Not that we would directly attack them you understand. We are a lawful people ... even if others in the city are not. But we will find a way to recover that child ... and some day, some day they will be punished for this brazen crime against the Earth Dragon."

"So, Vargas was it? Tell me of your dream..."

[NukeHavoc]

Back at the temple, Alowyn explains it will take a day or two for her to fully analyze the samples. Mindful of Vargas' request for a sample, they give him three vials taken from the cistern for him to do with as he wishes (that will happen after the meeting at the Temple of the Earth Dragon).

Several days later, on Harvester 28, Alowyn -- working with Absalom completes her analysis of the poison in the well. While she does not fully understand how it was made, she believes that it can be countered, but only by combining a powerful reagent with a traditional neutralize poison spell.

That reagent is tongue of the naga; she used the last of her personal supply to test her hypothesis; a new tongue will need to be secured.

She does not personally know the location of any naga nests, though she knows that dark naga have been seen in the UnderOerth caverns and that aquatic naga sometimes haunt the caves lining the coast of the Great Southern Plain of the Pomarj.

She further suggests that the Temple of Pelor work with the City Guard to examine other water supplies to insure they have not also be contaminated.

GM Note

This is reported on Harvester 28, but I'm just posting it to move this part of the story along; others can still post actions taken between Harvester 25 and 28.

[Lars Porsenna]

Sah-weet! I TOTALLY have a Naga mini...and I think I painted it as an Aquatic Naga...!

Damon, going to finish the mini tonite...

[EvilGenius]

Can Prug get wind of this through his many friends in the Mudsitter's District?

Cause if he can, Prug warns the Temple of Zodal that things are coming to a head and they had better be ready to provide healing and shelter to a lot of people.

Prug will also start putting out the word to any of the homeless street sleepers (like him) that they should get indoors for the next several days at least. Stay indoors, off the street at night.

He will also start putting out the word that the common citizens of the Mudsitters district should quietly avoid the Earth Dragons, especially large armed gatherings.

Prug will try to contact Gryyffudd and make himself available for assistance also.

Kerth, Gruffud and the Temple of Pelor

Kerth summons aid from the Church of Pelor, which dispatches Kerth, a noted healer named Alowyn and a contingent of guards under the command of Sir Peldonius Trueshield himself. They retrieve several samples, all under the uneasy, distrustful eyes of the Mudsitters living there. Just as they are finished a contingent of armed Earth Dragons arrives, clearly bristling for a fight, and demanding that "the child-stealing, wizard-minions leave immediately/"

They nearly start a fight when the Maidens of the Shield arrive, led by Koriona Sethowen. Suddenly outnumbered, the Earth Dragons reluctantly backdown.

Back at the temple, Alowyn explains it will take a day or two for her to fully analyze the samples. Mindful of Vargas' request for a sample, they give him three vials taken from the cistern for him to do with as he wishes (that will happen after the meeting at the Temple of the Earth Dragon).

Koriona stays at the Temple to speak with Kerth and get caught up on the happenings of the previous day.

[NukeHavoc]

Can Prug get wind of this through his many friends in the Mudsitter's District?

When you say 'get wind of this' ... I assume you mean the following:

* The armed Earth Dragons running about looking to bust Pelorite and Wizard heads
* The contamination of the cistern in the Mudsitters District

As for the former, while folks might not come running to Prug with that information, it would be common knowledge after the rally on the Morning of the 25th that the Earth Dragons are infuriated with the Pelorites and the Wizards, but no one knows what will come of it.

As for the contamination, that's not widely known -- there would be rumors of a showdown between the Pelorites and their Maiden allies with the Earth Dragons, but not why. Since Prug follows up with Gruffud, I'm assuming that either he will tell the monk what is happening with the well. (Jon can correct me if I'm wrong). But Prug can also learn that information from Kerth or possibly the Maidens, so it's his call.

[setanta14]

Ah, Your Excellence, my dreams have been troubling as of late, but more ellusive to recall each night as well. All that I can remember is scenes of a writhing serpent, awakening in the depths beneath a mountain crowned in flame. Does this portent mean anything, or is it simply my imagination or deep-rooted fears getting the better of me? I seek you out more for spiritual guidance and to learn more of your faith at present rather than to have my dreams interpreted as any portents of events to come. My family far to the East has been steeped in the traditions of the arcane for centuries, and many of them have been blessed with a gift for divination, but what I have seen seems to have more primal origins rather than simply the weaving of common spells from tome or codex.

"So, Vargas was it? Tell me of your dream..."

[NukeHavoc]

My family far to the East has been steeped in the traditions of the arcane for centuries, and many of them have been blessed with a gift for divination, but what I have seen seems to have more primal origins rather than simply the weaving of common spells from tome or codex.

The man looks increasingly excited as he hears of your dream. "Signs and portents! Truly you are blessed of the Earth Dragon! I believe that this dream and that of your friend indicates an awakening of knowledge of the Dragon inside you. Your blood calling to the Dragon's blood, your divine fire calling to the Dragon's fire. I must consult with Brother Nemgard about this ... I am sure he will have additional insights into the will of the Earth Dragon."

"You must return for tonight's service and undergo the Blessing of the Earth, which will strengthen your ties to the Dragon, and may bring greater focus to your dreams. And then ... in time ... perhaps the Blessing of Fire..." His face takes on the far off, dreamy appearance. He then smiles at you and says "leave now my friends. Ponder what the Earth Dragon has shown you, and prepare for your Blessing!"

He calls for two guards to escort you out.

[Hardcorhobbs]

Sah-weet! I TOTALLY have a Naga mini...and I think I painted it as an Aquatic Naga...!

Damon, going to finish the mini tonite...

I have a handful of pre-painted nagas already painted

[NukeHavoc]

Of course, using them necessitates you guys actually finding one to fight...

Sah-weet! I TOTALLY have a Naga mini...and I think I painted it as an Aquatic Naga...!

Damon, going to finish the mini tonite...

I have a handful of pre-painted nagas already painted

[setanta14]

Vargas will leave, spend some time wandering the Strange Quarter weaving in and out of shops, etc. to try and determine if anyone is following him, and try to lose them if there are, and then return to his quarters at Saheed's house to relay what information he has (and arrange for the planar expert with the Tiefling apprentice, and the Guild of Wizardry to discreetly learn this information as well).

Vargas would volunteer to attend the coming night's "Blessing" if the Guild wishes it, as long as he is provided certain protections, such as having a way to escape (Contingency of Teleport/Dimension Door, various magical wardings, etc.)

The man looks increasingly excited as he hears of your dream. "Signs and portents! Truly you are blessed of the Earth Dragon! I believe that this dream and that of your friend indicates an awakening of knowledge of the Dragon inside you. Your blood calling to the Dragon's blood, your divine fire calling to the Dragon's fire. I must consult with Brother Nemgard about this ... I am sure he will have additional insights into the will of the Earth Dragon."

"You must return for tonight's service and undergo the Blessing of the Earth, which will strengthen your ties to the Dragon, and may bring greater focus to your dreams. And then ... in time ... perhaps the Blessing of Fire..." His face takes on the far off, dreamy appearance. He then smiles at you and says "leave now my friends. Ponder what the Earth Dragon has shown you, and prepare for your Blessing!"

He calls for two guards to escort you out.

[NukeHavoc]

Vargas will leave, spend some time wandering the Strange Quarter weaving in and out of shops, etc. to try and determine if anyone is following him, and try to lose them if there are, and then return to his quarters at Saheed's house to relay what information he has (and arrange for the planar expert with the Tiefling apprentice, and the Guild of Wizardry to discreetly learn this information as well).

He does so, but finds that no one is following him. At least no one he can see. You alert Minwyrr, the occultist Vanthia's tiefling apprentice, of what you have learned.

Vargas would volunteer to attend the coming night's "Blessing" if the Guild wishes it, as long as he is provided certain protections, such as having a way to escape (Contingency of Teleport/Dimension Door, various magical wardings, etc.)

Later that day Vargas meets with Saheed, Conzell (Steward of the Guild of Wizardry) and the master of the guild himself, Corwin Aldroc . Corwin listens to the whole tale, but when Vargas 'volunteers' and ask for a contingency spell, he spits out the wine he's been drinking. "Contingency? A spell of the Sixth Rank? Wasted on these Earth Dragon scum? Not to mention the time, the materials. Nonsense. This ritual, it sounds to me like a simple initiation, nothing more. Protection spells -- from law, from evil -- they seem to be in order, though we will need to weave them in such a way as they can not be detected by any divinations that the Earth Dragons may cast. That will be difficult enough with out--" he spits again --" contingency."

Saheed nods gravely, then says "You must excuse my apprentice, he is still learning. He knows not of the difficulty of casting certain spells, such as the time pressures in carving a figurine in his likeness in the few hours that lie between now and the service, the finding of the raw, uncut ivory needed, nor of the need to secure the eyelash of a ogre mage or rakshasa. Though I'm sure he does now."

[setanta14]

Vargas bows his head in pardon in says "My apologies for my ignorance Master Corwin, Mistress Vanthia, Master Saheed, and Steward Conzell (Vargas uses all of his knowledge of diplomacy and decorum, and uses that specific order to give deference both to rank, and because a Lady is present). I shall endeavor to deepen my studies of such things to learn from my mistakes. I remain your humble servant."

Later that day Vargas meets with Saheed, Conzell (Steward of the Guild of Wizardry) and the master of the guild himself, Corwin Aldroc . Corwin listens to the whole tale, but when Vargas 'volunteers' and ask for a contingency spell, he spits out the wine he's been drinking. "Contingency? A spell of the Sixth Rank? Wasted on these Earth Dragon scum? Not to mention the time, the materials. Nonsense. This ritual, it sounds to me like a simple initiation, nothing more. Protection spells -- from law, from evil -- they seem to be in order, though we will need to weave them in such a way as they can not be detected by any divinations that the Earth Dragons may cast. That will be difficult enough with out--" he spits again --" contingency."

Saheed nods gravely, then says "You must excuse my apprentice, he is still learning. He knows not of the difficulty of casting certain spells, such as the time pressures in carving a figurine in his likeness in the few hours that lie between now and the service, the finding of the raw, uncut ivory needed, nor of the need to secure the eyelash of a ogre mage or rakshasa. Though I'm sure he does now."

[NukeHavoc]

Vargas bows his head in pardon in says "My apologies for my ignorance Master Corwin, Mistress Vanthia, Master Saheed, and Steward Conzell (Vargas uses all of his knowledge of diplomacy and decorum, and uses that specific order to give deference both to rank, and because a Lady is present). I shall endeavor to deepen my studies of such things to learn from my mistakes. I remain your humble servant."

Saheed gives a small smile, then turns to Corwin. "See, the young do learn. And learn well. Now, we have much work to do ... let us begin preparing the needed spells... Steward Conzell, could you please bring this individual named 'Wind' from the Outer Study? I assume he will want the same sorts of protections if he is undergoing the ritual.

GM Comment

I'm assuming Wind will do this as well; if so they provide you with 'cloaked' versions of the protection from law and protection from evil spells. Vargas isn't sure how they did that, but he believes that it was Saheed that weaved the necessary illusionary protection.