On the outskirts of the Village

Several days Talathel found himself stuck out in the woods in the middle of a rainstorm. He, Lailsan, and Zalkar were huddled underneath a length of canvas that they had stretched between two trees.
"Why are we here again Talathel?" Lailsan asked. "This is miserable."
"I could cast..." Zalkar said in a hopeful tone.
"No, Zalkar, I don't trust any of your magic." Talathael said taking a sip from his flask. "I know that this is one of the entrances to the village.

In the Hall of Aethea

"Oh, they are probably doing what they think is best. Though best is a relative term for Darvin." Talathel responded smiling at Aethea.
Zalkar grew more nervous as they continued to sit at the table. Although Talathel seemed rather unworried, Zalkar was very suspicious of the situation. Why would they want him? He wasn't the leader of the group or anything Zalkar thought to himself. He set his glass down and looked around at the guards stationed throughout. They had no weapons, but had the bearing of people who needed none. From the muscles on their arms, Zalkar could tell that their robes hid powerful physiques. Their steely calm reminded him of monks he had met while traveling in Faerun.

Zalkar was quite calm compared to Lailsan. She hadn't been to keen on traveling through the Astral Sea to begin with, but their recent arrival in this odd land had made her even less comfortable. At the same time, she was rather curious about these people. From their knowledge of Talathel, and Talathel's ease with the setting it appeared that this was the land that he had traveled to before the destruction of Waterdeep.
"How do you know Talathel, Aethea?" Lailsan said interuppting.
The woman looked her direction.
"Oh, he was kind enough to destroy the evil Shadowcasters, weren't you?" She said smiling

Talathel's Path

When Talathel looked up he saw that he was lying next to Zalkar and Lailsan on the path. Except, there was no sign of the beast, Beranhond or Aelysin. The path also looked narrower, but it stretched far in front and behind them.
"What... happened?" Lailsan asked quietly.
"I... think that the paths have found a new home." Zalkar said quietly.

A Brave New World

Beranhond, Talathel, Lailsan, and Aelysin all felt something smack them in the face. Tigrisclawu, in the way of cats, managed to land on his feet. When they opened their eyes they then realized that it would have been better to say that their face smacked the ground.
"Welcome to the Astral plane... or at least a very small controlled portion of it that the Wizards of Thay use to move around. We have a bit of a walk before our exit." Zalkar said in an awfully cheerful voice.

The morning after...

When the morning came, Nym found herself in a corner of the camp feeling stretched and sore. Pipper lay next to her crying.

Darvin, found himself underneath the large orcish woman. He struggled out and saw that the arena was a smoldering ruin. Beside him Khursid started to move, much of her body was covered in deep burns and scars, but after a moment she was able to stand and look out on the wreckage.
"I am impressed... whoever did this has a lot of power." She said to Darvin, or perhaps to no one in particular.

Talathel, Aelysin, Tigrisclawu, Beranhond and Lailsan are asleep on the edge of the camp. Beranhond acquired some scrapes and bruises, but the rest of them appeared none the worst for wear. As they looked out on the camp they saw that most of the camp is in ruins, tents fallen, and dead bodies laying on top of the wreckage. The stench of death is strong and several orcs are moving around collecting bodies and taking them to a large pyre.

"Narath have mercy..." Beranhond said quietly looking out at the carnage.

The Elephants Go Marching

Umm, so I was going to make you a map today, but the program I wanted to make it with (Visio) isn't working right now... I will have the map for you tomorrow. In the meantime, let's work on those horses.

The rest of the day after the Lady Narath lands at the Shaar is spent repairing the hull. The next morning, after giving instructions to the crew remaining behind to sail back to and support themselves by doing work on the dock and making due, the small band of Darvin, Nym, Beranhond, Talathel, Aelysin, Scriptus, Codex, Greg, and Lailsan leaves and heads out onto the plains. They make sure to leave a hearing stone with Kailina (who is captain in Darvin's stead) to safeguard, leaving them a way to call the Lady Narath back when they needed to return.

As Kilink sets out in search of mounts, Thjodolf tells them about the many nomadic groups on the grasslands that will most likely be willing to trade you for the horses, with either gold or some slightly exotic trade good. On Nym's assertion that nothing in the hold was that worthwhile or exotic except for a few random magical items that are not too interesting, you bring a bit of the gold from the hold, and travel east and slightly north in search of someone to trade with.

About 3 in the afternoon, you see a dust cloud in the distance, moving slowly northwest, across your path. The dust could be a caravan, Thjodolf tells you, and as they come within sight, you see what can only be a Loxo band. The group appears to number about 20 Loxo, with ages ranging from young to very old, and most of the members of the group that is not obviously an infant carries some sort of bundle or pack on their back. The several who are not carrying bundles carry weapons. Three are armed with morningstars, one has a club, and another has a large hammer. All three have javelins strapped to their backs as well. They stand about 8-10 feet tall and look like elephants walking on their hind legs with handlike appendages at the end of their trunks and wearing loose clothing made of orange and yellow patterned fabric, with beads of different metals as decoration. The pattern appears to be a herringbone-type pattern with good attention to detail.

They are still far enough away that you can leave without them seeing if you would like. Would you like to try to engage them and trade?

Above the fray

Sorry if I'm stepping on some toes, but I felt like writing something. This takes place on night six during the party.

Talathel was unsure as to why the drink at the party was so weak, but it wasn't doing much for him. He had found himself slightly bored with the party. Lailsan had taken to the task of preparing food for the event, and was busy in the galley. Talathel, not known for his skills in the kitchen, found himself more a hinderance with his assistance, so he went to join the crew.

He enjoyed some small talk but found himself staring out at the open ocean more than he did conversing as the night drug on. Finally with the moon high above the waters, he climbed up to the crow's nest and settled in.

He listened to the din of the party below. Talathel was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the music. He enjoyed the atmosphere of the festivities without being a part of them.

He looked up at the moon, which shone bright on the cloudless night. He studied its features, fixated on the distant body. He was not sure what drew him to the moon this evening, but he found himself enamored by it.

"Got room for one more?" A voice said, breaking the silence. Talathel looked up to see Lailsan peering over the crow's nest.

"Uh...yea...yes!" Talathel said, surprised. "You came up here?"

"Its the only way I'd get to see you," she said. Talathel nodded. "How is it up here?"

"Its nice. I...I have been looking at the moon." Talathel realized that it was awkward as soon as he said it. Lailsan gave a slight laugh.

"The moon, eh? What about it?"

"I don't know. Its just bright and beautiful this evening." Talathel looked over at Lailsan. The moon gave just enough light that he could see her. In the plae moonlight, she was more beautiful than we he first saw her.

"I suppose that's a good reason." Lailsan slid underneath Talathel's arm. The two elves looked skyward together letting the laughter and music from below serenade their evening.

From the edge of dreams

Talathel awoke, not with a jolt that he somewhat expected when he jumped through the Dream gate, but very slowly. The light that came down upon him was warming. He allowed his eyes to adjust to the new world. For a few moments he did not move, unsure of if he was back.

"Did it work?" he asked, not knowing who else was in the room.

"Did what work?" the soft, gentle voice of Lailsan replied. She was calm, collected. Talathel was unsure of how long the group had spent in the Dream world. They were there for awhile, but he didn't know if time had moved at the same pace as it did there as it did here. Regardless of his questions, Talathel smiled at her voice.

"It did...it worked." Talathel slowly sat up. Lailsan looked as radiant as ever. "How have you been? Have I been out long?"

"Long enough," she replied. "We were worried about you all, but now that you're back things can return to normal. Whatever that is anymore." She gave Talathel a reassuring smile, the gesture for herself as much as it was for him.

Talathel reached out his hand and the two touched. He closed his eyes, knowing he was back in his world.

"I suppose you want rum?" she asked.

"You know me to well..." Lailsan handed him a flask.

"One of our passengers did not follow Beranhond's rules regarding alcohol. I managed to talk him out of throwing it overboard. Thought you could use it when you got back."

Talathel held the flask in his hand. "I do need a drink...but perhaps something to eat. What have you got prepared?"

Lailsan smiled. 'The galley is open...lets see what I can do."

The two elves made their way to the kitchen, Talathel giving quick hellos to his crewmates who were surprised to see him up and about.

Happy birthday to our fire-breathing, manual reading DM

In honor of him, here is a poorly done photoshop of an elf coming out of a cake.

As you can see, it was poorly done. Happy birthday, Dan.

Good to see people

As the three adventurers approached Silverymoon, they noticed a bit of increase in the traffic. There were some merchants and other travelers, indicating that the town was near. Talathel was grateful to see them, if only because it meant that, in theory, the journey was half-way done and he could return to the ship and Lailsan. He didn't like the way the two had parted. It seemed rushed. He hoped she would understand.

Talathel hoped that they could find Nym soon. Depending on how the reunion went, he may think about riding back towards Watersdeep by himself. But, they'd have to find Nym.

"Darvin," Talathel began, almost cautiously. "Have you a plan to locate your fair maiden?"

Choosing my confessions

"There you are!"

Talathel was startled to hear Lailsan. He excused himself from the "heated" discussion and walked with her.

"I've hardly seen you since we boarded the ship. You spend all your time up in the crow's nest."

Talathel looked back at her, not knowing what to say or do. "I'm sorry..." he said, sheepishly.

"Nym's gone!"

"We know...we're working on a plan to find her," Talathel replied. "At least I think we're working on a plan."

"What are you going to do from the crow's nest?" Lailsan turned away and rushed back into the galley, leaving Talathel feeling quite alone on the deck. He could feel Darvin and Gukirat staring at him.

"Excuse me, gentlemen." He climbed back into the crow's nest, and pulled out his journal and began to write...

Dearest Lailsan,

I understand your frustrations and I apologize for being at the root of them. I have been lost in my thoughts in the crow's nest. The main purpose of my journey is to try and spread the message of The Old Order and my focus on how I might achieve that has led me to stray from one of Order's main tenants, as I have neglected my personal relationships.

The Old Order used to be guided by a lesser deity named Kolodael. He was a wise man. His teachings have changed many a person, myself among them. Though he possessed power greater than most humans could imagine, he chose to live a simple life, finding value in friendships and experiences, not in wealth and gluttony. Those that followed him did not worship him, they did not praise his name. Kolodael did not seek such recognition. He would often tell those that followed him "if you put your energy into glorifying me, you will not find your true meaning. Your meaning lies within the people of Faerun. Seek an understanding with your fellow beings and world and you will please me more than any sacrifice ever could."

One winter, Koldael was traveling with a band of his followers near The Spine of the World. They came upon Baffenburg and found the town's fires to be out and its people losing their battle against the cold. Using what little supplies he and his men had left, Koldael worked to help restore some heat in the larger halls to help the people of Baffenburg. However, this displeased Auril. In her eyes, the people of Baffenburg had not reveled in her power enough and so she wanted them to suffer more. A blizzard came upon Baffenburg that lasted for several weeks until Koldael, cursed with immortality, was the only one alive.

He wandered Faerun for several years, distraught over the actions of another deity. He questioned himself and all he stood for. Some say he circled the continent until he arrived in Calimport. He gave an order of monks there his final testament. It was deemed The Old Order. Over the course of many months, he detailed his journey and his reflections, all written into the book. After the many years of searching and looking within himself, his message remained true. Koldael wanted his monks to spend their time building up the world around them and to put their faith into their fellow man, not the Deities of Faerun. "It is imperative to lend a hand to those who require its assistance. It is absurd to give praise to those who would not lend their hand otherwise."

One night after the book was finished, Koldael left the monastery in Calimport. He gave no word where he was going. Some say he has taken up residence in The Calm Desert. Others believe he is trying to find away to access Pandemonium, so that he may confront Auril and avenge his fallen men.

I write this because I know Koldael would not approve of my actions as of late. Instead of being there for you and for this crew, I have focused on myself. I will do what I can to make this right.

Yours,

Talathel Braegen.

Talathel climbed back down the crow's nest and snuck into the galley. Lailsan had her back to the door. He slid the letter on the counter next to her.

"Just read it, I must go for now."

Too Bad No One Ever Posts

Just before noon Nym wakes up to the sound of more people moving about the Lower Deck with the changing of the watch. She sat up and watched people move about for a bit and then she realized she was hungry, so she hopped out of Nesme's pen and walked toward the kitchen. Lailsan was hard at work in the kitchen preparing midday meals, and seeing how busy the elf was, Nym slipped in, collected something to eat, and slipped out unnoticed. She returned to Nesme's pen where the horse was now taking a nap to eat. When she was finished, she returned her dishes to the kitchen, and headed to the deck to take a look at her ship at sea.

Nesme's Pen and Art Class with Nym

Nym awoke to the sound of some sort of prayer on the main deck and hopped up, excited to start the day. She pulled her fingers through her hair as she ran up the the main deck. She stopped briefly to wave enthusiastically at Beranhond leading a prayer circle and then ran over to Nesme, who was impatient to eat and exercise. Nym fed the horse and saddled up to take her for a quick ride. She stopped in town to ask if anyone knew where she could buy supplies for a mini stable and borrow a cart for these supplies. A portly middle aged man stopped her and offered her spare wood and the use of his cart for the day. "Little Lady, your deeds in the sewers have saved many lives. The least I can do is offer you the supplies you request." Nym smiled and thanked him. They hooked Nesme to the cart and loaded it with wood.

When she returned to the ship, she cleared a space on the lower deck under the stairs and sharing a wall with her room, for Nesme. Carlinya saw Nym hard at work on some mystery project, and after a brief explanation of what Nym was doing, Carlinya offered to help. They set about building a pen for Nesme in the cleared area. Eventually Lailsan too joined their work, since she had become rather fond of both Carlinya and Nym.

Craft:Carpentry checks (1d20) Nym 16 - 2 HP/hr Lailsan 12 - 1 HP/hr Carlinya 19 - 2 HP/hr

The three women spend the morning building the pen, and though it isn't the most magnificent horse pen ever seen, it was sturdy and would contain Nesme well. Nym thanked Lailsan and Carlinya for their help and then took Nesme and the cart back to the abandoned stable in the destroyed part of town where she'd spent the 10 days prior to the party. She loaded the cart with hay for Nesme to stand on, water and food troughs, extra food, and a shovel and bucket for removing Nesme's mess. She had trouble loading the items herself, but was able to push the larger things into the cart without lifting them.

When Nym returned, she asked several of the sailors to help her bring the supplies down to her pen. Within an hour she had the pen set up how she liked it. Nym returned the cart with Nesme, and when the came back to the ship, she carefully led Nesme down the stairs to her new pen. Nesme seemed content enough in the pen and began to eat.

Satisfied with her horse pen success, Nym ran off to the market again to buy a bucket of white paint. When she returned, she collected the painting supplies from the ship and set about scraping "Sea Star" from both sides and painting "Lady Narath" with her own flair on the ship. Admiring her work, she was pleased with how both the text and her mascot picture for Narath had turned out. She ran off to show Beranhond how the ship's name had turned out.

Strange sensation

Talathel came out of his meditation, still in the crow's nest. He had not intended to spend the night up there, but with clear skies and relative solitude, he ended up doing so. Out of habit, the elf grabbed his head, only to realize that this morning it did not hurt.

"When was the last time this happened?" Talathel could not remember. He knew he had wanted rum the night before, but in the excitement of exploring the ship, he did not drink any. He was as sober as most of the crew, which Beranhond had gathered around for a service. He skimmed the small congregation, and was somewhat happy that Lailsan was not among them. "I shall teach her the ways of the Old Order, but not right away, there is much to be done."

Talathel saw Lailsan appear on deck. She seemed a bit confused. Wasting no time, Talathel swung himself down the rigging (Acrobatics: Roll(1d20)+9: 14, +9 Total: 23) to see her.

"How are you this fine morning?" he asked. "Not being hungover gives me a lot of energy, apparently."

She gave a smile. "Well, I kept waiting up for you last night, but eventually drifted off to sleep." Talathel sheepishly looked down at the ground.

"You want to stay on board?"

"Aren't there rules about swearing and drinking?"

Talathel looked at the prayer circle. "For you, no. For everyone else, I give that two weeks tops. Eventually those guys will want to swear and have some rum to unwind after a day of sea. If we don't let them have fun, they'll jump at the first port." Lailsan giggled a bit.

"I would love to stay on board."

"Alright, lets go find the Mighty Pirate and see where you might fit in..." The two elves linked arms and wandered about the deck.

Just a heads up, this is my last post for awhile. I'm moving to Montana, probably headed out on Monday. Hopefully I won't be without Internet for too long and will return to the game as soon as I can.

So Much for No Girls Allowed

As soon as the Justiciar finished his speech, Nym was off at top speed to collect her things and Nesme from the inn and bring them to the ship. As she arrived at the ship, she noticed that new crew members had not only beat her there somehow, but that they and others were on the ship fixing the masts and the like already. Nym tied Nesme up on the docks so as not to sequester the horse too soon on the ship, and brought her things into the captain's cabin. She selected a corner of the room for herself and hung a hammock near the windows and placed her things around in the corner. Once she was satisfied with her corner, she went out on the deck to watch the crew for a bit, not really sure how to be of service.

As she watched the men on the ship excitedly fixing it up, she saw Carlinya and Talathel's elf lady friend coming toward the ships with luggage. She hopped up and waved at them excitedly, yelling, "AHOY! AVAST! ARE YOU PART OF THE CREW?!" As the two women walked up the gangway, Carlinya laughed and yelled back, "Why yes we are, Admiral Nym. Permission to come aboard, sir." Nym poised with one foot resting on a small box and her fists on her hips. "PERMISSION GRANTED, MANATEES." Carlinya laughed harder, saying, "Do you mean mateys?" Nym gazed into the distance, "No, an Admiral always means what she says and says what she means!" and then smiles broadly at the women.

Nym leads the two women around the ship, and Lailsan asks, "So what exactly is the purpose of the no swearing or drinking ban?" Nym shrugs and says, "I didn't know there was a swearing ban, DAMMIT." and smiles. Carlinya laughs and says, "Well I intend to do both, unless the Admiral or Captain disapprove!" All three women have a good laugh at this.

After a bit, Nym leaves her friends and explores the ship.

Perception (1d20)+5
17+5
22

What do I find, Dan? I'm exploring all over the whole damn thing.

"We were seduced by the glamor of it all"

The rattle of chains temporarily filled the room as Talathel entered. His friends turned around, and not being bound themselves, politely asked with their expressions what was going on.

"Hi," said Talathel.

"Were you in the dungeon?" asked Moran. Talathel could sense that Nym would soon be asking a hundred follow up questions, so he answered the first quickly.

"Ah...yes. The guards did not like how I spent my free time."

A raised eyebrow from one of Nym's handlers prompted further discussion.

"Well, I didn't do anything illegal. Its just that, apparently, conjugal visits don't begin until after they sentence you." Colin could only roll is eyes.

'Talathel!" came a voice from behind the imprisoned elf. He turned his head to see, but he already knew who it was.

"Everybody, this is Lailsan." Another raised eyebrow from a guard.

"To answer your question, yes, they had sex." Colin said.

"He's not half bad," said Sabry. An awkward silence came over the crowd. "Well, they did invoke Lastai!"