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Subject: STORY: The Tales of Dark Haven (Chapter 35, Part 2)
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Date: 17 Jan 1996 15:54:56 -0500
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------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------- The Tales of Dark Haven ---------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-                                                                            -
- These stories are from an on-going E-mail campaign, and are currently      -
- maintained by Lance Dooly ([e-mail]).  New stories will -
- be posted in rec.games.frp.archives and are available for anonymous FTP    -
- at tfnet.ils.unc.edu in /pub/dark.                                         -
-                                                                            -
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------- Chapter 35, Part 2 ------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(Silver:)
At the mention of the Starblades, Silver asks Shade "Do you know where
the chaotic and evil of these blades might be ? Might it be in your
city of the dark, in some house or other ?"

(Shade:)
"I had never heard of those blades before today, if anyone in the
underdark got one, or more than one, of the evil blades, he is keeping
that secret damn good. But I do not think they are down there."



Arlon waits, then continues ....

(Arlon:)
"And here is a brief description of the wondrous Tome of Cesshahl.
This fabled book is not magical, but is a journal of the Azithian Race
Wars, kept by Cesshahl the blind seeress. The reason for it's value is
that it's long texts give valuable clues about the items listed here.
For example, this extract from it's magically protected pages of
yellowed papyrus gives the clue that the Altar of Hell can be found
near a stone pinnacle to the west of the ruins of castle Kharth ...."

   "As the smoke cleared, the Theocrats could get a good view of
   castle Kharth [the keep of Piraz the Mad]. Its walls were nearly
   gone. Theocrat Phaselus of the Evil Eye ogre clan gave the command
   to his company of archers. The ogres bent back their great bows and
   fired as one. As the arrows flew, many transformed. The walls were
   raked by fireballs and lightning bolts. Here and there pieces simply
   vanished. Then the great gates opened, and out stormed Piraz the Mad,
   and a veritable army of Ki-Rin, Lammasu and other goodly creatures.
   Theocrat Ogygia was standing on the stone pinnacle facing the west
   wall, and saw what was happening. She ordered her acolytes to kill
   the sacrifice that was lying ready across the altar. The portal
   opened and the Devils streamed out to do battle, but Piraz flew over
   on his shield killing the Theocrat and her acolytes. He killed the
   sacrificed elf, closing the gate...."

"One more weapon listed here is a mace, similar to others described
earlier. This one, though, is more massive than any of the others. It
is formed by not three, but five intertwined dragons, each of them one
of the colours of the evil dragons. The Great Chromatic Dragon Mace as
it is called, can only be wielded by one of great strength indeed.
Only one of evil intent can touch the weapon without suffering a blast
of eldritch damage designed to kill. This item is absolutely unique,
found only in the hands of an evil god, or perhaps wielded by the
chosen high priest or priestess of Tiamut or the like. It was the
demon priest Shu'Matsis who wielded it in the great battle at
Thon-Farr during the Azithian Wars. Each of the dragons of which it is
formed can gout forth the breath weapon of the dragon it represents
three times each day, damaging the victims as if it were an ancient
beast."

"The last of this mighty list is another weapon, a mighty dragon
staff, known as the 'Staff of Khaled'. It has a mighty enchantment,
and like the Chromatic Dragon Mace is formed from the likenesses of
five different dragons.  Arcane metals make up the dragons, and it is
massively heavy. Again, only one of enormous strength could wield this
effectively. The mouths of the dragons hold different gems, each able
to emit dragon breath once per day. Apart from the dragon breath and
the massive damage it can inflict in melee, this staff has the ability
to summon a huge dragon once per week for each type. This dragon could
then be used as a steed into battle. If used by a mighty figure, all
dragons would respect the power held by the wielder. If used by a
lesser person, this would enrage all dragons except those summoned. It
has such inner strength that it cannot be changed by any shapechanging
magics."




And so the reading of the scroll is finished. All take a deep breath ...

(Tatiana:)
"Whew.  That's some awesome power. I can't see recovering that stuff
and keeping it safe.  If any of it ever got into the wrong hands, we'd
have a heap of trouble to take care of."

(Keilan:)
His attention turned quickly to Arlon's reading of the scroll.  He
remained silent throughout the reading, but anyone who tires of the
reading might easily read his perplexed expression.

(Silver:)
As the litany of artifacts goes on, Silver becomes more and more
subdued. As the list stops, she is seated, her shoulders slumped. She
bites her lip without realizing it, gently shaking her head.

Her eyes eventually search out Shade, and she says to him (though
others can hear) "Ebu, I had thought that Mielikki had shaped me for
this. And yet ... how can that be ? If these items are retrieved -
brought back into the realms of mankind - then the Balance will be
thrown aside."

"It must be a great debt that is owed by the Gods.  Or perhaps I have
misread the augury I received. I have misread signs before - and ended
by hurting many ..."

Silver seems desperately unsure and unhappy at the moment. This is in
such contrast to her mood yesterday.

(Shade:)
"Do not despair, dear" - the drow gently kisses Silver's forehead -
"sometimes Balance is a _VERY_ all encompassing concept. Trust
Mielikki and the powers She has given to you. In time we shall see
what we are up against."

(Silver:)
"The wand of fireballs was bad enough ... but these items," she waves
vaguely toward the scroll "defy understanding."

(Keilan:)
"If it were not for the last few weeks, I would dismiss these as faery
tales for children and fools.  Now I would say they are nightmares."

(Tatiana:)
"One would have to be extremely wise or powerful to be able to use
that kind of power without having everyone in the world after your
life.  Maybe the cloak would help against detection.  I sure could
use that one, if only it didn't have the taint of evil on it."

(Arlon:)
As he read the scroll, his tones changed dramatically.  When he
finished, he will look up at Archion and Mendahl.

"There are so many items, do we try to find specific ones, prioritize
them, or try to find whatever ?  I guess the Tome of Cesshahl could be
a key item, it may be one of the first things we should try for ?"

(Archion:)
When Arlon speaks of the magnitude of amount of items, and the trouble
in looking for all of them, Archion Thissel gets a gleam in his eyes
and smiles knowingly.

"Yes. That would be a problem. But for this possibility. As you said,
the Tome of Cesshahl is the Key to unlocking the mysteries of that
era. Don't you think all sages and mages know this and have known it
throughout the ages?  I find it highly suspicious that the Tome, said
to be nearly indestructible, disappeared. Right after it was finished,
twenty copies were made, and spread through the land. These copies
were copied, and so forth. Nowadays, not a single copy remains intact.
All have many of the most important parts cut out, or smudged beyond
redemption. I think this is on purpose. Someone, or some organization,
has found the first Tome, and expended huge effort to destroy, or at
least mangle to near uselessness, all other copies."

"Think also of this. Throughout the millennia, people have roamed all
the lands, and looked for riches and treasure everywhere. How come not
a single one of these items EVER surfaced? I firmly believe that a
powerful archmage or a powerful organization has throughout the ages
collected and preserved all these items and more. All you would have
to do is find out what kind of organization this is, and where it is
located. If they simply hold the items against abuse, they might be
reasoned with to release them to our aid. If they are held for some
evil purpose, they will have to be taken by force."

(Arlon:)
"Yes that sounds like a real possibility ... but I wonder.  It was
also great danger to go looking for them.  Many of the mages died
trying to get these items - the Core wars claimed many of them.  The
way to the artifacts is perilous, only a powerful group could hope to
get one, let alone many.  To track down all the copies of the Tome,
hunt for these artifacts and all the while to keep all of it a secret
would take great effort as well as time.  Who could possibly have had
the resources to accomplish this?!"

Arlon knows that Archion's idea makes a great deal of sense, it's just
the sheer magnitude of the operation is overwhelming.

(Falrun:)
After hearing the long list of items and Archion's explanation of a
secret organization to be found, Falrun asks, "Do we have any clues to
go on?  Are there any known organizations that would be known for this
kind of thing?"

As he waits for an answer, he will walk up to the table and start
perusing the maps and notes left there.

(Keilan:)
Talking to Archion, Keilan (That's MR. Tact to you, bucko!) says
"Indeed, a mysterious group or person who has remained unknown
throughout the centuries slowly hoarding this powerful items?  It
could only be an elf I think.  An organization would not work.
Someone would grow greedy or careless.  One of the items would surface
either for personal gain or for someone's cause not unlike our own.
You must have more to go on than this.  If the keeper has remained
hidden away for so long, how exactly can we hope to find him?"

(Tatiana:)
"An elf ... or some kind of undead that lives for a long time.  Maybe
a lich ?"

"I can't see an organization of this magnitude lasting so long without
anyone knowing of it's existence either.  Someone would get power
hungry."

(Arlon:)
"An elf or group of elves could certainly have the time; but the
motivation would not be there.  The elves were badly hurt during the
core wars, they would have wanted to stay far away from that for it
would surely bring the destructive humans to the homelands."

"An organization would most likely be torn by greed, unless it was a
group of fanatic mages and their followers bent on claiming the world
and more as their own."  He pauses here and looks solemn "The Sons of
the Empire.  They would know about the artifacts and have the greatest
resources available - they would surely have some of them and may even
have the Tome of Cesshahl."

He then seems struck by a thought.  "Keilan, you were in the war room
with the Sons.  Did you see anything they had that might even closely
resemble one of these artifacts?"

(Keilan:)
"Indeed there were several with intricate armour and weapons, but then
no more so than any knight or honour guard might have.  Since we
didn't have occasion to clash swords, I saw no evidence of magic.  I
can't recall the details of their possessions, I was more interested
in what was being said."

(Tatiana:)
Musing partly to herself, she says "Another possibility is that the
Gods themselves have the artifacts.  And are safe keeping them for the
chosen ones to claim them.  Saicha and the others might be able to
give us a clue as to were to start.  I'm sure the way is guarded in
such a way that forces the chosen to prove they are worthy.  It would
be a gods way to play games like that."

(Silver:)
Silver nods. "If they ... or it ... have hidden the artifacts from
mankind through the millennia, then they will not want to release them
to us. And we would not be the first searchers."

"But at least," at this she sighs and looks upwards, waving one arm in
that vague direction, "we will be following the Will of the Gods." She
does not seem to be too happy about this.

(Loromar:)
When some of you mention the Will of the Gods, the patriarch Loromar
interrupts.

"My children, do not think you are the only ones with the power to
attempt to divine the will divine. I too have searched the heavens for
an answer to the problems ahead, and answers have come. We are moving
in the right direction, and a new era is upon us. Now, as during the
Azithian Race Wars and the Core Wars, the Gods take keen interest in
the affairs of man. As mortals rise to challenge the Gods themselves,
the Gods move and shake the firmament, and prod their followers into
action. A grand game is upon us, and we must stand ready to do as the
Gods will."

(Silver:)
As Loromar speaks of the will of the Gods, Silver finds herself paying
more and more attention to his words. Slowly, she nods. "Then I will
trust Mielikki to keep the Greater Balance, and do Her bidding in
whatever way She chooses." Her voice becomes quite determined as she
resolves her problems.

(Archion:)
When you all go off speculating on what kind of group or organization
may have gathered the items, Archion Thissel speaks up again...

"It would be your task to locate their bases and operations, many
others will be standing by to aid you once we know what to do."

(Tatiana:)
"Great!  That sounds real easy."

"I don't even know where to start.  The castle of Mad Piraz surely has
be scoured by now and there is nothing new to find there."

"Or is there more to tell?"

(Archion:)
"There is one clue. The Archmage Molach, a minor apprentice to the
great Azith Dengg, is rumoured to have been the only one of the great
wizards to have survived both the Azithian Race wars and the Core
Wars. It is widely believed among the community of sages who study
this era, that he was powerful enough to know secrets of immortality.
If there is one who had both the will and the strength as well as the
authority to keep an organization together throughout the millennia,
he is a prime candidate. Reread the artifact scroll on the part of
'Ring of Molach'. It will give you a starting point."

(Arlon:)
Arlon scans through the scroll and reads the entry more fully ....

"This magical item gives its wearer many mind powers. It shields the
mind of the user against any intrusions (ESP and all that), as per a
mindbar. On the other hand, it allows the wearer to use ESP,
Clairaudience and Clairvoyance up to four times a day each.  This ring
was used by the Archmage Molach, one of the minor apprentices of Azith
Dengg, during the Azithian Race Wars. He is rumoured to have survived
the Race Wars as well as the Core Wars.  Some say that the Citadel of
Molach could still be found in what was then called the World's End
Mountains. However, it is currently no longer known how the geographic
locations of then compare to those of now. No maps have survived, and
no recognizable ruins have ever been found. Some sages say only that
the Shining Plains, across the Orsraun Mountains from Turmish are said
to be the same as the Golden Plains where the old Capital lay, but
this is very unsubstantiated. The ring was made as a simple band of
gold, and no distinguishing features were added, though people say
that upon touching the item, one will automatically know what its'
powers are."

Looking up from the scroll, he adds "Yes I recall this; but since the
location of the World's End Mountains is unknown, the starting point
is obscure.  You have written in your book the only reference point we
have are the Shining Plains; but even this is heavily disputed.  Are
there any descriptions of these mountains that we could use as clues ?"

(Keilan:)
Keilan moves quietly over to the maps spread out on the table,
pondering which of the towering ranges depicted might once have
been the World's End mountains.

(Silver:)
"My mentor prophesied that I would follow Her path to the ends of the
world. It now seems we travel to these World's End mountains. Some
prophecies are quite literal ...." she smiles.

(Arlon:)
"Some elf may know some clues to this; but there is no one old enough
in my village that would know.  We would probably have to go to the
Home Land to find such an elf."

(Silver:)
Silver speaks in a sort of urgent tone, trying to point something out
while trying not to be obvious about it.

"Arlon, Elves are not the _only_ long-lived creatures ..." she says
with a sideways nod at Lady Shilara.

(Falrun:)
"That's right!  We could also try to get help and information from a
variety of sources besides elves.  I would say the best bet is to seek
the information from long-lived mountain dwelling creatures.  They're
the ones who are going to know the old names of mountains."

(Arlon:)
First to Silver "With all respect to you and the Lady, I have assumed
since the Lady Shilara did not offer that information that she did not
have it to give."

(Silver:)
Silver frowns at this and looks questioningly at the Lady Shilara.

(Arlon:)
"As I pointed out before, we will need to use ALL the resources
available to us.  I talked about the elves because our life spans can
even treble those of other races, the loss of information through the
generations should be the least with the elves."

(Silver:)
"Well, I didn't say that you were the _only_ long-lived race, just
that there were others" Silver says, petulantly.

(Arlon:)
"We have already established where we are going, we just have to find
out where that is.  If we cannot say," he motions to all "with
reasonable accuracy; then we need to decide who we are going to see
and in what order - with personal feelings aside.  I'll go talk to a
troll if necessary."

(Silver:)
Silver frowns and folds her arms. She starts to say something to
Arlon, but thinks better of it and stays quiet, with a disgruntled
expression.

(Shade:)
The drow chuckles slightly "Do you really like to be as picky as us
elves dear" - a malicious smile in his eyes - "I thought you knew us
well enough to avoid this danger ..."

(Silver:)
Silver again starts to make a comment - and it probably wouldn't be a
pleasant one - when she again stops herself. She seems a little
tetchy.

(Shade:)
Suffocating another chuckle he slightly and gently pokes her ribs.

(Silver:)
Silver frowns at first, but then relaxes a little, and raises one
eyebrow at Shade, acknowledging his attempts to lighten a difficult
situation. She still seems a little tetchy, though.

(Falrun:)
"I must agree with you, Silver, Arlon does seem a bit presumptuous,
doesn't he?" Falrun says with a sideways glance at Silver.

(Silver:)
Silver looked sideways at Falrun and muttered "Hmmm" in agreement.
For a moment she looked curiously at Falrun, as if appraising him
anew.

(Arlon:)
"Presumptuous?  Not at all, pure and simple Logic."

(Silver:)
Looking at Falrun distracted her for a moment, then she too turned
back, awaiting a response from the Lady Shilara, Archion or one of the
others present.

(Shilara:)
While you guys and girls argue amongst each other, the other people in
the room look to amusedly. When the matter of longevity is raised, the
Lady Shilara speaks up. "Nay, so old I am not. Not many of us are, and
even those who may have lived during those times and lived through
them were not those present on this world. Dragons back then were used
as war-steeds for powerful warriors and mages. Their life-spans during
the Azithian Race Wars and Core Wars were short indeed. Most dragons
only returned when the wars were over. Our people may know a lot about
the atrocities of that age from hearsay, but none know of it first
hand."

(Keilan:)
As the postulations about the Eidolon's prowess and options continue,
"Where then, Mendahl, has this council decided the lair of Molach
might lie?  Or was that the argument we interrupted?"

(Silver:)
"Yes, what else can you tell us of these mountains and of this
immortal Molach that we do not already know ? And where will you send
us to start our search for his 'Citadel' ?"

Silver adds "Now that a decision has been made, I am anxious to depart
and move quickly through the darker sections of the path before me."

(Arlon:)
He then looks back to the leaders of Dark Haven. "Do you have any
guess on the location of the mountains, if not who do you suggest we
search for ?"

(Falrun:)
Falrun quickly interjects, "I don't think all of that will be
necessary, Arlon.  I'm sure that we will be able to determine the best
starting point through our own resources rather than wasting precious
time looking for an elf who may or may not know something any better
than we do."

(Arlon:)
"All that may be true Falrun; but the gods seem to be very cryptic
when answering.  The greatest sages have not been able to pinpoint a
single landmark from that time.  Not even Archion knows these things,
unless you have kept things hidden for reasons."  Arlon will give
Archion a look of - have you?

(Silver:)
Silver nods at this and also looks expectantly at Archion. "Yes
indeed, what else have you found ... or guessed at ? We would value
your guesses higher than most supposed facts ..."

(Archion:)
When some of you question whether Archion Thissel is telling you all
that he knows, he looks indignant. "The art of history is not an exact
knowledge. No matter how much detail one may unearth, there always
remain mysteries and unknowns. From here on your guides will be your
own wisdom and guile and whatever knowledge the Gods deem to impart
upon you."

(Falrun:)
"We have the knowledge of a great sage, the wisdom of two very pious
servants of the gods and our own deductive reasoning to guide us on
the proper course.  Nay, there is not a secret in the land that could
hide from the Eidolon at this juncture."

(Arlon:)
"We will need to use or find as many resources as we can and we'll
probably have to put aside our 'feelings' about certain groups to
accomplish this quest.  The time we 'waste' in the beginning may well
save much time in the end."

(Archion:)
"One thing I can still tell you. Mages from that era oft held diaries,
like the one you brought me. The Sons of the Empire may know more
about where to begin searching for the lost artifacts. You have two
options regarding that. You can try to gain their knowledge, tho I
have no clue how such a task might be accomplished, or you could
'piggy back' on their expedition. Once they learn of our intent, they
are sure to send their own delegation in search of the items. You
could follow them, and take things from there. Then rests how to find
out when and where their search party leaves. Obviously they will not
go by sea, for they have no ports. They may use flying ships or move
underground, traveling underneath the sea bed."

(Arlon:)
"How are _we_ going to travel back to the main continent?"

(Archion:)
"Well, my mage friend. Teleport does not work for some strange reason
between the continents. Mayhap travel is barred by either the Sons of
the Empire, or by the Ardanarzherdar. Why do you think we could only
get reinforcements by sea? It would have been a small matter to set up
a portal otherwise. No, you, as they, will have to move by mundane
means ..."

(Arlon:)
OOC: It sure would take a hell of a lot of teleport spells to do it. As
     far as a portal, that is beyond Arlon's knowledge - Ron sure
     doesn't know about a spell to do this.

"Didn't I hear it discussed that there were to be ambassadors to the
Ardanarzherdar.  They may be able to give us clues to the Sons
activities if not other types of aid for the expedition.  We could go
see them to see if there is anymore they can do for us.  They seem to
have awareness of the events on this continent and the depictions on
the temple indicated there could be a land bridge between the two
continents.  They may have gotten knowledge of our continent through
the renegade wizards. They were able to transport us here by pure
thought, who really knows what they are capable of.  Should we perhaps
see them first?"

(Falrun:)
"I would also like to go see them first.  The only question is, how do
we find them.  Now that they are free, I don't think that anyone is
going to be able to find them unless they want to be found.  Even if
we could find them, where do we start looking and how do we avoid the
Sons of the Empire's forces?"

(Arlon:)
"I would suspect one or two of them would stay at the temple since it
seems to be a place of importance.  I think we should at least try,
they have a stake in this also."

(Tatiana:)
"I think it is our best starting point.  They can probably give us
some more guidance as well.  It probably is a good idea to start our
relationship with them off on the proper foot too.  We are willing
allies now not begrudging ones as we were before."

(Arlon:)
He again turns to the leaders "What do you think of this?"

(Mendahl:)
When you guys mention an ambassadorial outing to the Ardanarzherdar,
Mendahl speaks up. "Yes, such an expedition is planned, and you would
be welcome to it.  You are afraid of time restraints for your quest
for the items, however, the Sons of the Empire have not yet made any
hostile moves, nor do they seem to be preparing for one. Maybe our
friend Loromar can tell us more on that."

(Loromar:)
At this, the old patriarch clears his throat and strokes his fine
white beard. "Yes. Being as high placed in the church of my God as I
am, I am a bit closer to the acts of the Gods than most of you will
be. I have felt their struggle. Last night, it was only with the
greatest effort that I could reach my God and receive my spells."

(Silver:)
Silver gasps involuntarily, eyes wide. She shakes her head in wonder
and fear as the patriarch continues.

(Loromar:)
"It appears that the words of the Ardanarzherdar are most true. The
forces of the Sons of the Empire are indeed already on the offensive,
but their current battles take place in the realms of the Gods. This
morning, I dared enter the divine realms with my ethereal body, and
was nearly unable to return. A great battle raged, as demon thralls
under the command of twisted beings that can only have been the
genengeneered Sons of the Empire's mages clawing at the very gates of
the Seven Heavens, while Solar commanded the forces of good in a
desperate struggle to keep the realms open to us on the prime.
Should this struggle turn for the worse, it will force the Gods
themselves to devote more attention to their home planes, and we will
be left without their guidance."

(Silver:)
"No. This cannot be. If I am then to presume to ask for gifts from my
Goddess, while She is defending Her own realm from unworthy and vile
intruders, then how can I know that I am not causing Her further
troubles ?"

(Loromar:)
"Then, the Sons of the Empire will strike here.  It is difficult to
know how the fighting in the planes will go, for it is not yet clear
which groups are allied with which. Many------------------------------
the chaos to follow, have enlisted with the Sons, the Modron Empire
has declared allegiance to the Gods of Good."

(Tatiana:)
Tatiana sat back quietly as the discussion continued. She had already
voiced her opinion that she would like to go back to the temple.  Now
it was up to the thinkers in the group.  She would watch and record
for histories sake.

(Arlon:)
"Right. When and how will we leave to see the Ardanarzherdar?"

(Falrun:)
"At any time and by any means, except by flying, of course. Though I
take it that we will again receive magical aid in getting to the temple ?"

(Arlon:)
"We must haste our preparations to visit the Ardanarzherdar and be
ready to leave on our quest directly from that.  We need to be as
light as possible for quickest travel on foot, which will undoubtedly
happen."

"If things do get worse, does this mean priests will lose their
spells ? And what about mages - will the magical sea that surrounds
all become inert and inaccessible to us?"

(Keilan:)
"Let us hope so.  That would simplify things immensely."

(Arlon:)
Arlon totally ignores this.

(Silver:)
"No my friend," Silver says with utter certainty. "For without magic
and the tender care of the Gods, this world will become as barren as
if there were no forests to walk in."

(Shade:)
An Angelic aura surrounds Shade as he, immensely sweetly, says "Why
are you always looking for a nasty reply, Keilan? Don't you ever get
bored of this game? Try have a look at someone else point of view in
time; what will be of you if you ever lose the ability of sharing the
beauty of nature and living in harmony with the natural environment ?
Think of this before wishing for magic to leave Arlon and the Gods to
relinquish Silver and Dithion."

(Silver:)
As Shade also admonishes Keilan, Silver looks at Shade with a warm
expression. His words have touched a chord deep within her. "Ever the
bard ..." she whispers.

(Keilan:)
Keilan looks cross as Shade spews his nonsense.  "Have you never
studied war?  I think it was Mongo Thunderhead who said 'Give me a
swordsman without a sword, an archer without a bow, and a wizard
without magic, and I will crush them each with ease.'  Since our enemy
is undoubtedly going to rely on magic, it would be better for us if
they were denied it.  Even at the cost our own.  If they can retain
their powers while we lose ours, then... well, then bards like you
won't have much to sing about."

(Shade:)
Shade sighs "Silly me, I got caught in it." He won't say anything more
about this.

(Silver:)
As Keilan responds (angrily ?) Silver just shakes her head and looks
to the ceiling. She sighs deeply but says nothing.

(Arlon:)
Responding to Keilan's mention of the fabled Mongo: "As I recall Mongo
Thunderhead relied heavily on magic, his hammer and a belt that
greatly augmented his strength.  Typical thing for a dwarf to say,
always thinking their strength will pull them through.  I believe one
of his fellow adventurers could have bested him in hand-to-hand, and
another that could have easily bested him in hand-to-hand. I wonder
what he would say if he had to go up against one with Psionics ..
probably nothing since his brain would be oozing out of his ears
within seconds."

(Keilan:)
"The point IS take your enemies weapon away and he is much easier to
defeat.  And no mere warrior could not have beaten Mongo.  While
possibly a bit stronger, Mongo was undoubtedly the better warrior.
And if I were you I wouldn't make that speculation again if dwarves
are about.  Few are those who have attained Mongo's skill with
weapons.  Whole graveyards can attest to that fact."

"In any case, the question is now moot.  If anyone is to lose their
advantage of magic it will be us.  If there is nothing we can do to
prevent it, then we must act quickly while it holds, and be ready for
when it fails."

(Loromar:)
When Arlon is shocked by the implications of losing touch with the
Gods, and Keilan mentions that it may not be so bad, Loromar speaks up
again.

"Yes. This could indeed happen. If all goes against us, clerics might
well lose their ability to cast higher level spells, and the spells of
the mages may be blocked again as happened during the Azithian Race
Wars. However, rejoice not too fast my dear Ranger friend. The book of
the Son of the Empire you brought spoke that the mages of the Empire
had found a way to maintain control of the magical weave. If we were
the only ones thus crippled, then it would be very simple indeed. We
would all be wiped off the face of this world."

(Arlon:)
"Exactly, plus I am sure they have Psionics, powers of the mind, which
does not depend on magic and we would be totally defenseless against
it."

(Loromar:)
"It is imperative that the Gods not be engaged so fully as to devour
their attentions towards the outer planes alone. To this end, other
people are already forming parties to enter the planes and aid the
Gods' troops with spell and sword."

(Silver:)
Silver speaks out to all present. "Should we not then also take the
other path open to us and walk the unknown path to the realms of the
Gods to offer such assistance as we can there ? For if our Gods are
wounded there, then what hope is there for our world ?"

"I fear to tread that path, perhaps because I know nothing but rumours
of what lies beyond, and also that I feel that I am not worthy yet to
visit ... those places. But if we can play some small part in the
defeat of the vile intruders there, then perhaps they may retreat to
lick their wounds while we search then for the artifacts ... being
safe in the knowledge that our Gods are not under direct threat."

(Falrun:)
"Rest your soul, Dear, for when the opposition realizes what we are
attempting to do, it may very well draw off some of the pressure on
the gods that they may more easily defend themselves.  No matter what
path we take, as long as it is in the best interest of the gods, we
will be helping them."

(Silver:)
Silver studies Falrun intensely. She nods slowly in agreement, and
smiles in thanks.

Later, Silver will say "I have met few who know the right things to
say in so many situations. You seem to intuitively understand what
needs to be said. And your judgment seems to be so accurate as well.
You make no harsh judgments of people. You do not jump to hasty
conclusions." She pauses, then "I am proud to know you, Falrun. May
you achieve your fondest desires in life. You deserve no less."




As Arlon and Keilan continue their discussion on dwarves, magic and war ...

(Silver:)
Ignoring all the discussions between Arlon and Keilan about Dwarves
and Magic, she says "Well now.  Am I right in thinking we return to
the temple to see if there is any trace of Saicha and the others ?  If
so, we had best leave now.  Tensions are building, and we need to act
as soon as we can."

(Arlon:)
"Yes, let us make preparations in haste.  We can let Mendahl et al
decide on the best and fastest means of getting us to the temple."  He
looks to Mendahl "With your leave we shall go and gather our things."
he hesitates and looks at Daermon "I balk to ask this of you in your
time of illness; but any of your special potions would be most
helpful."  He then bows and begins to exit, unless Mendahl says
otherwise.



And so the party stand, ready to leave the tower and make preparations
for their journey ...

(Tatiana:)
"Before we go though, I'd like to get some of the stuff we recovered
identified.  I'd like to know what our magic items do before we go
traveling all over the world."

OOC: The champions ring from the cavern, the new chain mail, the
     longsword, and scabbarded dagger recovered from the late Dark
     Haven Dozen.

(Silver:)
OOC: If there are offers to ID the items, Silver will also ask about
     the stuff she has (especially bracers and ring). If no offer is
     forthcoming then she keeps quiet.

(Tatiana:)
"I'd also like to get some fire-proof containers to store some of
the more important things from fireballs.  I'm lucky I didn't lose
my spell books in the battle with the natives."

(Silver:)
Before she finally leaves the tower, Silver will take a deep breath
and approach Shilara. "My Lady," she begins "I would deem it an honour
beyond words to fly with you, when things are less ..." and waves a
hand toward the maps displayed.

"My cycle of life is so short this time, and each opportunity must be
grasped while it passes ..."
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-------------------------- End of Chapter 35, Part 2 -------------------------
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