Shadowcasters:
In the past they were said to be dreamweavers and communicated with other worlds via dreams. At some point in the distant past a new leader arose who twisted their agenda. He received aid from the Goblins and the Half-Elves (the full elves being wise enough to ignore him) and they built two dream gates. Since that time they have largely left this world be and it has been dominated by the Monastery.
The Monastery:
Originally a order dedicated to helping life those up around them they helped build the towns, make farms, villages, and mines. At some point in the past they too came under the control of a leader who changed them into an occupying force. A war was fought and the towns separated themselves from the physical lay of the land. The monks in the northern village will be able to help you more.
The next morning you leave the elven village with new packs on your back. In these packs you have some money (roughly 100 gold), food (enough so that I won't have to wonder how you are eating), and directions to get to the northern town. Illuvaen also travels along, but dresses to hide his nobility and in an attempt to hide his wood-elf heritage.
"I certainly wouldn't them being too aware of who I am." Shortly outside the village Druuv says her goodbyes and promises to meet up in the northern village before dives into a pond and disappearing.
"It will take us a good day or two to get to the northern village. Getting to the vicinity of the region will take but a moment; however journeying through tunnel into the village takes some time. Being so close to the monastery they are much more cautious."
Illuvaen leads you through the woods to a small glen where he pulls out a shovel and starts to dig. After a moment he unearthes a large stone with a handprint. He presses his hand to it and flies into the sky. Shrugging your shoulders, getting more used to this kind of travel, Kilink presses it as well.
After several cold windy hours surrounded by clouds you land smoothly in another forest glen. Nym, Darvin and Talathel fall to the ground shivering. As they look around they see that there is a small pond and a rock wall. Illuvaen, still standing (barely) points to the rock and says "straight through there. We will catch our breath first and warm up a bit. Anyone care for a spot of lunch?" He gathers some bits of wood before sitting down next to Nym to make a fire.
I will post again at 10 PM or so, if you have anything you want to do before the tunnel do it before then.
"That sounds wonderful!" says Nym, helping Illuvaen start the fire. "What is the city like?" she asked as she pulled out some of the food supplies to help make lunch.
ReplyDelete"It is much larger than the village you were in. It has large buildings, floating houses, gardens that grow in all directions." He finally stoked the fire to a workable blaze. "It also has a music house, a nice pub district, and several libraries, colleges, and other houses of learning."
ReplyDeleteBecause Darvin hasn't posted in a while I will post for him.
ReplyDeleteDarvin had spent the rest of the day in the elven village quite annoyed. Nym seemed to be paying far too much attention to this oily Illuvaen character. What could anyone possibly see in him? He was attractive and nice, but of course that only meant that he was would make a good used boat salesman. Needless to say he was quite glad when they left the village... but quite annoyed that Illuvaen and his holier than thou art attitude would be coming along too. After flying, alone, he was near enraged when Nym and Illuvaen sat down and chatted away. After eating he gruffly said "perhaps we should be getting on our way?"
Illuvaen turned away "yes, yes of course!" He smiled at Nym before leading them down the tunnel.
"It will take at least eight hours to get through here... try not to get too bored!" He shouted out.
Halfway through the tunnel Kilink camped for the night. In the morning they continued on their way until, roughly around noon, into a large valley filled with a city larger than they had seen before.
"Welcome to Colxvar city of one thousand surprises!" Illuvaen said. It took another twenty minutes to head on down the path and through a gate. Many species, shapes, and animals passed them in both directions. Some laden with backpacks, carts, wagons, and other such assorted items.
Nym laughed at Illuvaen's grand introduction to the city. There was something both familiar and alien about Colxvar that Nym couldn't quite place. It reminded her of a hundred places she'd been and yet nowhere all at once. A cool breeze blew Nym's hair in her eyes, and she realized it was getting long again. The air smelt of cinnamon and wet earth and something she couldn't quite place. Pipper leaned on Nym's leg and looked up at her. "It's... like..." began Nym, trailing off trying to describe her first impression of Colxvar. She turned to Illuvaen, smiling. "Well, where should be start?" Nym cocked her head to the side like a little bird while Pipper echoed the question.
ReplyDelete"It will take some time to locate them, but let's start with Flaxen-hair square. It is much less expensive than the main square and should be easier to find what we are looking for."
ReplyDeleteNym nodded, accepting Illuvaen's suggestion. She looked into his eyes for a moment and was struck by the fact that he had led them all the way to this village and was willing to help them on a seemingly quite dangerous quest. Looking into Illuvaen's eyes, Nym found herself wondering if she would risk so much for someone she knew so little. Illuvaen laughed nervously, growing uncomfortable under Nym's gaze, and Nym looked away, blushing.
ReplyDeleteNym bent down to adjust her shoes as they started off, falling a bit behind the group. Still kneeling, she whispered to herself, “Better never to have met you in my dream than to wake and reach for hands that are not there.” Pipper pawed Nym's leg to be picked up and said, "Who are you meeting in a dream mama? Am I in the dream?" Nym smiled at the fox pup and picked him up like he wanted, laughing at the innocence of the fox. "Of course you're in the dream, Pipper! ...aren't we all?" Nym trotted past the sour-looking Darvin and mildly buzzed Talathel to catch up the Illuvaen. "So what should we be looking for?" she asked, smiling brightly at the half-elf prince.
"The man we are looking for is named Dohn Aeskmi, he used to be a large powerfully built man... but I wouldn't be surprised if he has let himself go. I suggest we split up to cover more ground. Why don't Talathel and Darvin go and mingle in the pubs. I know that several of them have a nice assortment of rum. Nym, why don't we go and have a look around some of the shops and markets."
ReplyDeleteSorry I haven't posted much this week. It got pretty busy with my birthday and everything.
ReplyDeleteAfter not having had much to say for the last few days and being tired of everyone following Illuvaen's suggestions he finally spoke up, "I have a better idea. How about you and Talathel go to the pubs and Nym and I go to the markets. We can meet back here at dusk."
No worries, I understand.
ReplyDelete"I can't actually go into a pub or a tavern - it is part of my religious obligations." Illuvaen responded. "Of course, if Talathel is willing he could go on his own."
"Darvin!" exclaimed Nym, surprised, "But you love going to pubs so much!"
ReplyDelete"Well, that would be perfect for you then!" Illuvaen said enthusiastically.
ReplyDelete"I think, Illuvaen, you should go to the docks. I bet you'll get along with the people down there just perfectly. Talathel can handle the pubs on his own." Darvin harumphed to the group.
ReplyDelete"While you are there, I need a glass bottom boat." Said Guybrush.
"What are you talking about? There aren't any docks in this city... unless you meant this is as a joke - in which case I do appreciate your sense of humor in such dark times." He smiled broadly at Darvin before turning to begin walking with Nym toward the marketplace.
ReplyDelete"Why don't you and Talathel go to the market...oh, nevermind," Darvin said to Illuvaen as he and Nym walked away. Darvin back to Talathel and Guybrush, "I really don't like that guy. Let's go get wasted." And he started walking towards the pub.
ReplyDeleteCould either Darvin or Talathel post a new thread for us? You can describe the bar you find however you like - there are about thirty of them in this region so you can find whatever flavor you like. Title it something akin to "all is fair in drinking and war"
ReplyDelete"Have fun!" Nym said to Darvin and Talathel as she walked toward the market with Illuvaen. "What was that about the docks?" she asked Illuvaen as the walked, "Darvin's been awfully moody since we got here... not really the person I thought he was." Nym frowned, looking concerned. Pipper woke up in Nym's arm just long enough to like her hands for a moment before falling back asleep. Nym smiled at the pup and asked Illuvaen, "So where do you think we'll find this Dohn Aeskmi? Is he one of the ex-monks?"
ReplyDelete