44. The Sword of Justice
The festival which is taking place in Ankhapur at this time that includes among its activities a horse race. Liadan convinced me to enter Aratan in this race. Ankhapur's citizens are evidently quite proud of the horses bred in their climes - justifiably so if I may judge by the animals I saw at the festival grounds. I paid two silver pieces for entry into the race. To my amusement, Liadan attempted to improve my standing among the competitors by boasting of Aratan's speed.
In the hope that he can aid us in bringing Furnael to justice, we have decided to seek the advice of the paladin of Tyr, Sir Tyrion. Nicos had learned that he had been holding audiences in a manor house in the city. It was decided that all of us would proceed there as early in the day as feasible to seek an audience with the paladin.
Already a line of supplicants had formed outside the manor when we arrived. These were being overseen by several warriors known as Soldiers of Tyr, who served in Sir Tyrion's retinue. We were questioned by these men as to our business with the paladin, though they acknowledged only Nicos and Nekaya. They showed some interest in the fate of Camber, as did some others among the waiting throng. Rumors abounded regarding the destruction of the town, most of them wildly speculative.
After arranging for an audience at noon, my companions and I parted company for a short while. At midday we met again at Sir Tyrion's manor and were conducted into a dining hall to meet the representative of Tyr. He kindly shared his midday meal with us.
Sir Tyrion is a most impressive man of middle years, who strangely has bound up his left hand in such a way that it is withered to the size of a child's hand. He bears a mighty blade known as Justice which contains some powerful divine grace. This blade he wears on his back in a baldrick at all times, so that one may see its guard in the form of a balance scale over his shoulder. Such is the power of this sword that most of my friends and I felt unworthy to be in its presence. I experienced a sudden wave of guilt for every minor transgression I have ever committed. Only Nekaya seemed little affected by the aura of judegement the sword radiated.
After we had dined - most of us in silence, cowed by our feelings of shame - Nekaya showed Sir Tyrion the ring taken from the wizard Pascal in Camber, which he examined most thoroughly. Then he asked each of us to swear upon Justice as to the truth of our claims. When he drew the sword from its sheath it transformed from a longsword into a kind of scepter. Once we had each laid a hand on this scepter and testified to what we recalled of our experiences in Camber - my own memory still being inaccurate according to my friends, as a result of the spell cast on me by the priestess of Shar - Sir Tyrion assured us that he would speak as soon as possible with Elder Furnael.
His intention at that time was to summon the elder to him for questioning, and thus we waited to witness this event. But Elder Furnael would not come to Sir Tyrion, and the paladin then arranged to go to the governor's palace. We were given a choice to remain at the manor or be summoned once he returned. Rock and Nekaya chose to remain while the rest of us returned to the Cobblestone Inn.
Our dinner at the inn was a quiet one, for most of us still felt the effects of Sir Tyrion's aura. Nicos in particular was visibly shaken by this experience, having already confessed to us that his past has contained some actions of which he is not proud. But despite our solemn demeanor, we did overhear the other patrons of the inn discussing various affairs of the day, including the plentiful rumors regarding Camber. We did not disabuse any of these folk of their misconceptions. Nicos also overheard some folk of the Millwright family, who are evidently horse breeders of some good standing, whispering and plotting as to how they might win the horse race.
Late in the evening Nekaya came to call us back to speak with Sir Tyrion. He told us that Elder Furnael had answered all his questions and denied all accusations. Sir Tyrion evidently has some ability to sense the truth or falsehood of a statement, and he stated that he could not sense that Elder Furnael's remarks were either false or true. He advised us that should Elder Furnael suddenly depart from the city, the paladin would consider this an admission of guilt and pursue him.
He also permitted us to perceive precisely what he had experienced during his conversation with Furnael. In some manner Justice is able to preserve a memory of what it perceives, and by touching the sword-scepter we were also able to see this as though we had been present. It was by this means we were able to confirm that the man we met as Elder Furnael in Camber and the man appearing under that name here are the same.
Now we are more confused than ever as to how Elder Furnael could seemingly be in two places at once. For now we will continue to watch him, seeking any opportunity to expose his secrets. It is still possible that some other person was masquerading as the Halruuan.
The festival which is taking place in Ankhapur at this time that includes among its activities a horse race. Liadan convinced me to enter Aratan in this race. Ankhapur's citizens are evidently quite proud of the horses bred in their climes - justifiably so if I may judge by the animals I saw at the festival grounds. I paid two silver pieces for entry into the race. To my amusement, Liadan attempted to improve my standing among the competitors by boasting of Aratan's speed.
In the hope that he can aid us in bringing Furnael to justice, we have decided to seek the advice of the paladin of Tyr, Sir Tyrion. Nicos had learned that he had been holding audiences in a manor house in the city. It was decided that all of us would proceed there as early in the day as feasible to seek an audience with the paladin.
Already a line of supplicants had formed outside the manor when we arrived. These were being overseen by several warriors known as Soldiers of Tyr, who served in Sir Tyrion's retinue. We were questioned by these men as to our business with the paladin, though they acknowledged only Nicos and Nekaya. They showed some interest in the fate of Camber, as did some others among the waiting throng. Rumors abounded regarding the destruction of the town, most of them wildly speculative.
After arranging for an audience at noon, my companions and I parted company for a short while. At midday we met again at Sir Tyrion's manor and were conducted into a dining hall to meet the representative of Tyr. He kindly shared his midday meal with us.
Sir Tyrion is a most impressive man of middle years, who strangely has bound up his left hand in such a way that it is withered to the size of a child's hand. He bears a mighty blade known as Justice which contains some powerful divine grace. This blade he wears on his back in a baldrick at all times, so that one may see its guard in the form of a balance scale over his shoulder. Such is the power of this sword that most of my friends and I felt unworthy to be in its presence. I experienced a sudden wave of guilt for every minor transgression I have ever committed. Only Nekaya seemed little affected by the aura of judegement the sword radiated.
After we had dined - most of us in silence, cowed by our feelings of shame - Nekaya showed Sir Tyrion the ring taken from the wizard Pascal in Camber, which he examined most thoroughly. Then he asked each of us to swear upon Justice as to the truth of our claims. When he drew the sword from its sheath it transformed from a longsword into a kind of scepter. Once we had each laid a hand on this scepter and testified to what we recalled of our experiences in Camber - my own memory still being inaccurate according to my friends, as a result of the spell cast on me by the priestess of Shar - Sir Tyrion assured us that he would speak as soon as possible with Elder Furnael.
His intention at that time was to summon the elder to him for questioning, and thus we waited to witness this event. But Elder Furnael would not come to Sir Tyrion, and the paladin then arranged to go to the governor's palace. We were given a choice to remain at the manor or be summoned once he returned. Rock and Nekaya chose to remain while the rest of us returned to the Cobblestone Inn.
Our dinner at the inn was a quiet one, for most of us still felt the effects of Sir Tyrion's aura. Nicos in particular was visibly shaken by this experience, having already confessed to us that his past has contained some actions of which he is not proud. But despite our solemn demeanor, we did overhear the other patrons of the inn discussing various affairs of the day, including the plentiful rumors regarding Camber. We did not disabuse any of these folk of their misconceptions. Nicos also overheard some folk of the Millwright family, who are evidently horse breeders of some good standing, whispering and plotting as to how they might win the horse race.
Late in the evening Nekaya came to call us back to speak with Sir Tyrion. He told us that Elder Furnael had answered all his questions and denied all accusations. Sir Tyrion evidently has some ability to sense the truth or falsehood of a statement, and he stated that he could not sense that Elder Furnael's remarks were either false or true. He advised us that should Elder Furnael suddenly depart from the city, the paladin would consider this an admission of guilt and pursue him.
He also permitted us to perceive precisely what he had experienced during his conversation with Furnael. In some manner Justice is able to preserve a memory of what it perceives, and by touching the sword-scepter we were also able to see this as though we had been present. It was by this means we were able to confirm that the man we met as Elder Furnael in Camber and the man appearing under that name here are the same.
Now we are more confused than ever as to how Elder Furnael could seemingly be in two places at once. For now we will continue to watch him, seeking any opportunity to expose his secrets. It is still possible that some other person was masquerading as the Halruuan.
I pray that Corellon Larethian give us all the wisdom to act when the proper moment comes.
In the meanwhile I must prepare for the horse race. I have every confidence in Aratan, and will pray only that Corellon keep him safe from harm. And as always, I wish that my beloved Erendis could be here, but as she is not I pray that she be safe.
__________________________________________________
I often wrote down funny things my fellow players said during our sessions. Here are the Quips & Quotes for this session. Rather than name the players I give their characters' names.
Nekaya: "Justice waits for no man."
Nicos: "Nor does lunch, apparently."
Rock: "I wonder if Heward's Handy Haversack is waterproof? I could fill it with water using the rune of create water."
GM: "You need a 7-foot straw."
Liadan: "Heward's Handy Sippy Cup!"
45. Fortunes and
Farewells
We have managed to gain personal experience of the monstrous creatures that have been plaguing this city of late. My friends and I were merely walking through the streets this day when I sensed something peculiar and turned to be confronted by a huge, black, horned beast that had appeared without warning. No doubt it was summoned by some dark witchery. This massive creature began to thrust its way through the pedestrians on the street, hurling them aside like so many leaves tossed on a fast-flowing stream.
I drew my swords and leapt to strike it at once. I believe that Erim may have cast a spell of haste upon us all but I was so concentrated upon halting the beast's charge that I am not certain. At that time I was not aware that it had a particular target, but my companions observed a man bearing an odd smoldering dagger who seemed to be the focus of the monster's fury. This man fled into a side alley rather than face the creature.
My blades struck true again and again, though the monster's black hide was as tough as steel. My friends also attacked the beast, but so large was it that I could not see them beyond its bulk. Erim had chanced to move up within sword's reach of the beast and it caught him on its horns and tossed him into the air just as I struck it a fatal stab. It would have collapsed atop him had I not caught hold of him and drawn him out of the way.
Once it was slain the monster simply vanished as though it had never been. This confirmed for Erim and Phaele that some wizardry was afoot. Of the man it had been pursuing we could find no trace other than his peculiar weapon.
Afterward Liadan presented each of us with a small brooch in the form of Lathander's emblem. Through these she can extend her deity's healing mercies to us at a distance. She regretted that she had been unprepared to present these gifts to us prior to our encounter with the black creature, but thanks to Corellon none of us had suffered any serious harm.
We struggled with the decision as to how to proceed in our inquiries regarding Elder Furnael. Our small company has little power to affect one of such lofty position, and though perhaps Nekaya would not agree with me on this, we cannot merely attack him on the street. We have concluded that we must seek more information. It is still possible that some other person masqueraded as the elder to mislead us.
We have attempted to watch Furnael further, but rumors tell that he has been ill for the past week. He is reputed to be planning to attend the horse race. Perhaps we will see him at that time. Other rumors indicate that the Millwright family intend to prevent Sir Tyrion from judging the race. We have advised him of this, but it seems unlikely such a plot can succeed against one so well-protected.
Nekaya has learned by questioning some of the servants at the governor's palace that Furnael fell ill at about the same time that Camber was attacked. Phaele and Rock learned that prior to his illness he had purchased a number of enchanted items and exotic animals. Phaele thinks this odd, for the items he purchased would not ordinarily be of interest to one as well-versed in the arcane arts as an elder of Halruua. Things which seem exotic to us are quite ordinary in her homeland. This discovery further suggests to me that some impostor is masquerading as the elder. But does this then mean that the man we met in Camber was the true Halruuan wizard?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It seems that the Millwright family are more devious and more determined to win the race than I had imagined possible. They have attempted to poison Aratan!
I took him to the festival grounds to exercise this morning, and found that he did not seem quite himself. When we returned to the inn I sought Liadan's aid, for she is not only a healer but also a trained farrier. She quickly determined that Aratan had been poisoned. An examination of the stables revealed sacks of contaminated grain.
We called the ostler to us to question him, and under our angry gaze he soon confessed that the Millwright family had persuaded him to allow them to feed the poisoned grain to my faithful steed. I lost my temper at this point and caught hold of his shirt front, lifting his feet off the ground. He will think carefully before he crosses one of the Tel'Quessir again, I believe.
The stable manager was summoned and apologized profusely for this affair. The ostler was dismissed from his position, and Aratan was given free lodging. Liadan called upon Lathander's healing energies to ease some of Aratan's discomfort. Tomorrow she will be able to summon further healing grace.
Rock was furious when I explained to him what had occurred. I have little doubt that if he can arrange it the Millwrights will suffer his wrath for their actions.
As we dined this evening, Erim told us of a peculiar encounter he had experienced earlier. An unknown woman had approached him and offered to assassinate Elder Furnael for an exhorbitant sum! Naturally he scoffed at her suggestion. Then Nicos shocked us all with an unexpected announcement: he has decided to join the retinue of Sir Tyrion!
He was greatly impressed by the paladin, and the aura of judgement we experienced during our meal with Tyrion has made Nicos think on his past and his desire to atone for his previous actions. He feels that service with Tyrion will be the best way in which to do this. In preparation for his departure he gave me one of the well-crafted shortswords he carries, and also the enchanted archer's bracers we found among the ogres in the Cloven Mountains.
I am of course grateful for these items, but sorry to see Nicos leave us. He has been with us so short a time and we have had little opportunity to know him well. I know that Liadan will be particularly saddened by his departure. He has already become like a brother to her. But if this new direction will ease his heart, then I wish him well. I pray that Corellon watch over him.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quips & Quotes:
GM: "It has all the hallmarks of a summoned creature."
Rock: "Aw, it's a Hallmark creature - for when you care enough to summon the very best."
We have managed to gain personal experience of the monstrous creatures that have been plaguing this city of late. My friends and I were merely walking through the streets this day when I sensed something peculiar and turned to be confronted by a huge, black, horned beast that had appeared without warning. No doubt it was summoned by some dark witchery. This massive creature began to thrust its way through the pedestrians on the street, hurling them aside like so many leaves tossed on a fast-flowing stream.
I drew my swords and leapt to strike it at once. I believe that Erim may have cast a spell of haste upon us all but I was so concentrated upon halting the beast's charge that I am not certain. At that time I was not aware that it had a particular target, but my companions observed a man bearing an odd smoldering dagger who seemed to be the focus of the monster's fury. This man fled into a side alley rather than face the creature.
My blades struck true again and again, though the monster's black hide was as tough as steel. My friends also attacked the beast, but so large was it that I could not see them beyond its bulk. Erim had chanced to move up within sword's reach of the beast and it caught him on its horns and tossed him into the air just as I struck it a fatal stab. It would have collapsed atop him had I not caught hold of him and drawn him out of the way.
Once it was slain the monster simply vanished as though it had never been. This confirmed for Erim and Phaele that some wizardry was afoot. Of the man it had been pursuing we could find no trace other than his peculiar weapon.
Afterward Liadan presented each of us with a small brooch in the form of Lathander's emblem. Through these she can extend her deity's healing mercies to us at a distance. She regretted that she had been unprepared to present these gifts to us prior to our encounter with the black creature, but thanks to Corellon none of us had suffered any serious harm.
We struggled with the decision as to how to proceed in our inquiries regarding Elder Furnael. Our small company has little power to affect one of such lofty position, and though perhaps Nekaya would not agree with me on this, we cannot merely attack him on the street. We have concluded that we must seek more information. It is still possible that some other person masqueraded as the elder to mislead us.
We have attempted to watch Furnael further, but rumors tell that he has been ill for the past week. He is reputed to be planning to attend the horse race. Perhaps we will see him at that time. Other rumors indicate that the Millwright family intend to prevent Sir Tyrion from judging the race. We have advised him of this, but it seems unlikely such a plot can succeed against one so well-protected.
Nekaya has learned by questioning some of the servants at the governor's palace that Furnael fell ill at about the same time that Camber was attacked. Phaele and Rock learned that prior to his illness he had purchased a number of enchanted items and exotic animals. Phaele thinks this odd, for the items he purchased would not ordinarily be of interest to one as well-versed in the arcane arts as an elder of Halruua. Things which seem exotic to us are quite ordinary in her homeland. This discovery further suggests to me that some impostor is masquerading as the elder. But does this then mean that the man we met in Camber was the true Halruuan wizard?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It seems that the Millwright family are more devious and more determined to win the race than I had imagined possible. They have attempted to poison Aratan!
I took him to the festival grounds to exercise this morning, and found that he did not seem quite himself. When we returned to the inn I sought Liadan's aid, for she is not only a healer but also a trained farrier. She quickly determined that Aratan had been poisoned. An examination of the stables revealed sacks of contaminated grain.
We called the ostler to us to question him, and under our angry gaze he soon confessed that the Millwright family had persuaded him to allow them to feed the poisoned grain to my faithful steed. I lost my temper at this point and caught hold of his shirt front, lifting his feet off the ground. He will think carefully before he crosses one of the Tel'Quessir again, I believe.
The stable manager was summoned and apologized profusely for this affair. The ostler was dismissed from his position, and Aratan was given free lodging. Liadan called upon Lathander's healing energies to ease some of Aratan's discomfort. Tomorrow she will be able to summon further healing grace.
Rock was furious when I explained to him what had occurred. I have little doubt that if he can arrange it the Millwrights will suffer his wrath for their actions.
As we dined this evening, Erim told us of a peculiar encounter he had experienced earlier. An unknown woman had approached him and offered to assassinate Elder Furnael for an exhorbitant sum! Naturally he scoffed at her suggestion. Then Nicos shocked us all with an unexpected announcement: he has decided to join the retinue of Sir Tyrion!
He was greatly impressed by the paladin, and the aura of judgement we experienced during our meal with Tyrion has made Nicos think on his past and his desire to atone for his previous actions. He feels that service with Tyrion will be the best way in which to do this. In preparation for his departure he gave me one of the well-crafted shortswords he carries, and also the enchanted archer's bracers we found among the ogres in the Cloven Mountains.
I am of course grateful for these items, but sorry to see Nicos leave us. He has been with us so short a time and we have had little opportunity to know him well. I know that Liadan will be particularly saddened by his departure. He has already become like a brother to her. But if this new direction will ease his heart, then I wish him well. I pray that Corellon watch over him.
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Quips & Quotes:
GM: "It has all the hallmarks of a summoned creature."
Rock: "Aw, it's a Hallmark creature - for when you care enough to summon the very best."
46. A Race for Justice
The day of the horse
race dawned with no sign of Rock or Liadan. Rock had been so insensed by the
attack on Aratan that he had set off to take the Millwright family to task for
their behavior. Liadan had accompanied him to keep him out of trouble - a
futile task, I fear.
I made my way to the fairgrounds where the race was to begin and took Aratan for a quiet ride through some open country that lay near to the fair. As I rode I noted two other riders coming along behind me. At first I paid them little mind, but after a short while I began to be convinced that they were following me with no good intent. My suspicion was confirmed when I turned Aratan and rode past them in the opposite direction. They did not acknowledge my greeting, and one of them bore a crossbow.
As I continued back toward the faigrounds, I heard the snap of a bowstring. Before I could steer Aratan aside, a bolt had struck him in the near flank. Observing that the injury was not serious, I quickly took charge of my startled steed and raced back toward his attacker. This insult was too much to bear. My fine mount had done this fellow no harm, and to risk Aratan's life over a mere competition seems ludicrous to me. But I am afraid I lost my composure.
Two swift slashes with Sulian brought the crossbowman down, while his accomplice fled. I then dismounted and examined Aratan's wound. I had the foresight to bring several potions of healing in my saddlebags and applied one of these. Then I turned my attention to the injured man. I noted that the side of his face wore a purpling bruise that I had not inflicted; I later learned that must have been Rock's doing. As I did not wish to kill this man I used another potion to heal him sufficiently that he would not expire. When he regained his senses I remarked to him that perhaps he ought to find a more honorable method of winning races, such as having a good horse. Then I mounted Aratan once more and returned to the fairgrounds.
The blood on Aratan's flank caused some consternation among the other riders. I cleaned him and prepared to await the start of the race. My friends soon arrived and Liadan kindly extended Lathander's mercy to Aratan to relieve him of the last effects of the poisoned grain. I left my blades with her as the race officials indicated weaponry would be frowned upon.
The other competitors and I gathered to observe as a gnome summoned up an illusory map to show us the racecourse. The course wound through various pieces of terrain and passed several potential obstacles. Along the way, guides in red vests would help to keep the racers from straying, and judges would also be present to deter any attempts at diverging from the course. We were told that we might increase our winning scores by taking a stave topped with a red flag from a barrel during the last third of the race.
My friends wished me luck and warned me against two of the other competitors, who were members of the troublesome Millwright family. I had noted that the two men I had encountered during my morning ride showed signs of having been involved in a scuffle, and the two Millwright riders showed similar evidence of injury. Rock looked quite smug when he pointed them out to me.
I said a brief prayer to Corellon for the safety of my mount before the race began. Despite his experiences during the morning, Aratan performed admirably. We galloped past a flock of geese and through an apple orchard, having already achieved such a lead on our competitors that I felt confident enough to snatch an apple from a bough as we passed beneath. A flock of sheep and two herd dogs provided no distraction, as I called out to the dogs to heel and they readily obeyed my command. When we reached a small bridge crossing a stream I chose to take a nearby ford instead.
A red-vested guide directed me to the right, and I permitted Aratan to run on a short distance before realizing that the map I had seen indicated a turn to the left after crossing the stream. Fortunately this unintended detour did not cause me to lose my lead. More amused than angered by yet another subterfuge from the Millwright clan, I turned my steed back to the correct course.
I must have lost my concentration, however, for I failed to properly judge the distance when I came to the barrel of staves, and missed my grasp. Another Millwright supporter attempted to startle Aratan by hurling some exploding object at him but I was able to steer him away enough that it did not deafen us. As we galloped toward the final stretch more Millwright compatriots hurled rotten vegetables at us. Poor Aratan crossed the finish line covered in filth. I did not realize until I saw my companions' elated faces that we had won the race!
The Millwrights had failed in whatever scheme they had prepared to prevent Sir Tyrion from judging the race. He stood upon a small dais beneath a tent, with the city governor and Elder Furnael nearby. I noticed that there was a second man with the Halruuan elder, wearing a similar style of dress and surrounded by orbiting magical stones, but I did not know who he was.
I was already beginning to realize the import of my winning: in addition to a handsome statue of a horse and a purse of 800 gold pieces, I would be given an opportunity to seek a boon of the Justice of Tyr!
Suddenly my attention was drawn to a figure in the audience who appeared to have smoke emanating from his person. This reminded me of the peculiar knife we had found in the street on the previous day, following the attack by the huge black beast. The smoldering figure appeared to be moving toward the dais. Then a knife hurtled toward Elder Furnael! It struck some invisible force near the Halruuan's body and hung motionless in the air.
Furnael's features curled into a cruel smile as he began the gestures to summon some arcane force, and a shape began to form nearby. The audience screamed in panic as a huge golden bear, covered with bony spikes, appeared beneath the tent!
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Quips & Quotes for this session:
Nekaya: "Nekaya utters a short prayer to Elishar to heal this vessel and Rock gets 30 HP back."
GM: "And Elishar says this vessel is only a quarter full!" (Rock has over 120 HP - he'd lost about 80% in a bar fight)
GM (to Nekaya): "You see no evil in this man."
Erim: "And no trans-fatty acids!"
I made my way to the fairgrounds where the race was to begin and took Aratan for a quiet ride through some open country that lay near to the fair. As I rode I noted two other riders coming along behind me. At first I paid them little mind, but after a short while I began to be convinced that they were following me with no good intent. My suspicion was confirmed when I turned Aratan and rode past them in the opposite direction. They did not acknowledge my greeting, and one of them bore a crossbow.
As I continued back toward the faigrounds, I heard the snap of a bowstring. Before I could steer Aratan aside, a bolt had struck him in the near flank. Observing that the injury was not serious, I quickly took charge of my startled steed and raced back toward his attacker. This insult was too much to bear. My fine mount had done this fellow no harm, and to risk Aratan's life over a mere competition seems ludicrous to me. But I am afraid I lost my composure.
Two swift slashes with Sulian brought the crossbowman down, while his accomplice fled. I then dismounted and examined Aratan's wound. I had the foresight to bring several potions of healing in my saddlebags and applied one of these. Then I turned my attention to the injured man. I noted that the side of his face wore a purpling bruise that I had not inflicted; I later learned that must have been Rock's doing. As I did not wish to kill this man I used another potion to heal him sufficiently that he would not expire. When he regained his senses I remarked to him that perhaps he ought to find a more honorable method of winning races, such as having a good horse. Then I mounted Aratan once more and returned to the fairgrounds.
The blood on Aratan's flank caused some consternation among the other riders. I cleaned him and prepared to await the start of the race. My friends soon arrived and Liadan kindly extended Lathander's mercy to Aratan to relieve him of the last effects of the poisoned grain. I left my blades with her as the race officials indicated weaponry would be frowned upon.
The other competitors and I gathered to observe as a gnome summoned up an illusory map to show us the racecourse. The course wound through various pieces of terrain and passed several potential obstacles. Along the way, guides in red vests would help to keep the racers from straying, and judges would also be present to deter any attempts at diverging from the course. We were told that we might increase our winning scores by taking a stave topped with a red flag from a barrel during the last third of the race.
My friends wished me luck and warned me against two of the other competitors, who were members of the troublesome Millwright family. I had noted that the two men I had encountered during my morning ride showed signs of having been involved in a scuffle, and the two Millwright riders showed similar evidence of injury. Rock looked quite smug when he pointed them out to me.
I said a brief prayer to Corellon for the safety of my mount before the race began. Despite his experiences during the morning, Aratan performed admirably. We galloped past a flock of geese and through an apple orchard, having already achieved such a lead on our competitors that I felt confident enough to snatch an apple from a bough as we passed beneath. A flock of sheep and two herd dogs provided no distraction, as I called out to the dogs to heel and they readily obeyed my command. When we reached a small bridge crossing a stream I chose to take a nearby ford instead.
A red-vested guide directed me to the right, and I permitted Aratan to run on a short distance before realizing that the map I had seen indicated a turn to the left after crossing the stream. Fortunately this unintended detour did not cause me to lose my lead. More amused than angered by yet another subterfuge from the Millwright clan, I turned my steed back to the correct course.
I must have lost my concentration, however, for I failed to properly judge the distance when I came to the barrel of staves, and missed my grasp. Another Millwright supporter attempted to startle Aratan by hurling some exploding object at him but I was able to steer him away enough that it did not deafen us. As we galloped toward the final stretch more Millwright compatriots hurled rotten vegetables at us. Poor Aratan crossed the finish line covered in filth. I did not realize until I saw my companions' elated faces that we had won the race!
The Millwrights had failed in whatever scheme they had prepared to prevent Sir Tyrion from judging the race. He stood upon a small dais beneath a tent, with the city governor and Elder Furnael nearby. I noticed that there was a second man with the Halruuan elder, wearing a similar style of dress and surrounded by orbiting magical stones, but I did not know who he was.
I was already beginning to realize the import of my winning: in addition to a handsome statue of a horse and a purse of 800 gold pieces, I would be given an opportunity to seek a boon of the Justice of Tyr!
Suddenly my attention was drawn to a figure in the audience who appeared to have smoke emanating from his person. This reminded me of the peculiar knife we had found in the street on the previous day, following the attack by the huge black beast. The smoldering figure appeared to be moving toward the dais. Then a knife hurtled toward Elder Furnael! It struck some invisible force near the Halruuan's body and hung motionless in the air.
Furnael's features curled into a cruel smile as he began the gestures to summon some arcane force, and a shape began to form nearby. The audience screamed in panic as a huge golden bear, covered with bony spikes, appeared beneath the tent!
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Quips & Quotes for this session:
Nekaya: "Nekaya utters a short prayer to Elishar to heal this vessel and Rock gets 30 HP back."
GM: "And Elishar says this vessel is only a quarter full!" (Rock has over 120 HP - he'd lost about 80% in a bar fight)
GM (to Nekaya): "You see no evil in this man."
Erim: "And no trans-fatty acids!"
47. A Furnael and Four Elders
The huge golden bear at once began to target the would-be assassin. As I stood gaping in astonishment, Liadan approached the dais and handed me my swords. But I did not draw them. Furnael began to gesture and mouth arcane syllables once more, his eyes on the man who had hurled the smoking knife at him. A burst of magical energy lanced out from the Halruuan, but the assassin deftly managed to avoid the effect of the spell.
Sir Tyrion shouted some words about justice, though I cannot now recall quite what he said. He brandished his sword imperiously. I could see that Nekaya was casting some divine enchantment on the assassin, though it seemed to me that she was calling upon one of her gods to heal the man, much to my confusion. As Erim clambered onto the dais I felt the familiar tingle of his spell of haste. But I had no opportunity to avail myself of my increased alacrity.
Rock struck the bear reluctantly with his hammer, bringing the skull-shaped head down on the creature with a resounding blow. When he struck a second time the bear collapsed on top of the man it had been assaulting and then simply vanished. I recognized the signs of cold fury on Rock's face as he bellowed at Furnael. Furnael then cried out incongruously for justice. The second Halruuan wizard flung a spell at Rock. It was countered by a burst of arcane force from somewhere within the crowd and I realized that Phaele must have blocked the Halruuan's wizardry with her own.
Sir Tyrion called for all aggression to cease, and I was cowed by the power within his words. Furnael then accused my friends and I of aiding the assassin! One of the Halruuans conjured a huge blue hand of spectral force that thrust Rock away from the dais. He struggled fiercely for a moment before the hand winked out of existence beneath his might. In the meanwhile Nekaya had begun to argue with Furnael, who demanded that the assassin be executed on the spot.
Sir Tyrion once more called for justice, but Furnael did not heed him. The Halruuan sent a bolt of lightning at the fallen assassin, and Nekaya interposed her body to shield the injured man, taking the brunt of the bolt herself. Furnael's action so offended Sir Tyrion that he struck the wizard in the back of the head with the pommel of his sword!
As I gaped in surprise, I became aware that the air surrounding us was filled with arcane energies. Four figures abruptly materialized around the area in which Furnael stood. I knew by their elaborate attire that they must also be Halruuan mages of great power. One floated in the air like a tuft of thistledown, while another was wreathed in flames that did not burn him. All had enchanted stones circling their heads and bore staffs or wands in their hands, and their eyes glowed an eerie blue.
The mage who stood by Furnael began to speak, and as he drew breath, Furnael vanished! One of the new arrivals exclaimed, "It is worse than we feared - he must be stopped," and all four of the wizards also disappeared, along with the man who had stood beside Furnael. This left my friends and I standing alone with Sir Tyrion.
The assassin clambered to his feet and Sir Tyrion touched him with his sword, pronouncing some portentous words to dispel all pretense. The assassin's form shifted and blurred, transforming from an ordinary man to a strange greyish creature with indistinct features - I believe he was a doppelganger. He appeared startled by this transformation and swiftly resumed the appearance of a man.
Under Nekaya's questioning the doppelganger admitted that he had masqueraded as Furnael during the time that Camber was under siege. Afterward the elder had attempted to slay the shapechanger, and the doppelganger had slain four people and assumed their identities in an attempt to elude the elder's attacks. This explained both how Furnael could be in two places at once, and the reason behind the strange appearances of monstrous creatures in Ankhapur, as Furnael had attempted to dispose of the shapeshifter.
Sir Tyrion took charge of the assassin to bring him to justice. Though Nekaya and Liadan asked for mercy on his behalf, it seems likely that the shapechanger will die for his crimes. I was surprised when Nekaya sought clemency for the assassin, for she has been so vengeful in pursuit of Furnael. But perhaps her more recent allegiance to Elishar has softened her. Sir Tyrion assured her that should the Halruuans not return, he would continue his pursuit of Furnael.
A scant moment after he stated this, two of the Halruuans reappeared. One of them was the younger man who had stood with Furnael. His name was Geeghan Waas, a magehound of Halruua. Waas explained to us that the other elders had succeeded in capturing Furnael and would return him to his native land to meet justice, stripped of all his arcane power. He would be questioned thoroughly regarding his evil acts. While Waas spoke to my friends and I, the other wizard conversed with Sir Tyrion.
Rock asked Waas if Furnael's possessions might be sold and the proceeds sent to the survivors of Camber. Waas seemed pleased by this idea and stated that he would suggest it to the council of elders. He then produced a small bag and a chest adorned with ornate latches and a silver symbol upon its lid. I am told this symbol is the sigil of Mystra, goddess of magic, who is greatly revered in Halruua. He offered both bag and chest to us in reward for our aid in capturing Furnael.
Rock took charge of the bag, which was filled with a quantity of precious gems. These were enchanted gems of the variety the Halruuans have encircling their heads. The chest held stacks of what at first appeared to be wooden disks bearing the tenets of Mystra. But when touched these disks transformed into platinum coins! The Halruuan elder explained that this was a mere token of their gratitude, and that we would remain in high esteem among his people. I am proud of my companions for their determination not to let Furnael escape retribution.
Magehound Waas then spoke privately with Phaele for a moment. When she turned back to us she explained that her parents had been afflicted by some mysterious illness that seemed to affect only the households of those with sorcerous power. Sorcerers are not well regarded in Halruua, hence Phaele's departure from her homeland. But as a result of her parents' illness Phaele intended to accompany the elders back to Halruua. She knows our intended destination and can perhaps even communicate with us by contacting Sandrue in Arrabar, who has the other enspelled book.
It is sad to say farewell to yet another of our company, but I cannot begrudge her the opportunity to be reunited with her family in their time of need. As the Halruuans were departing immediately to return to their native land, our farewells were perforce kept brief.
I pray that Corellon keep Phaele and her family safe, and that the people of Halruua will maintain their vigilance against the temptation to evil. Now I must go and contemplate the boon Sir Tyrion granted me. I do not wish to squander such a gift. Naturally my inclination is to seek some sign as to the fate of my dear Erendis. Corellon grant me wisdom!
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Quips & Quotes for this session:
GM: "The bear bellows - meow!"
Telemnar: "The bear has laryngitis!"
Liadan: "Bearyngitis."
Erim: "I cast Bigby's Interposing Paladin."
Telemnar: "Come on! I don't have all instant!"
GM: "Who pinched my guano?"
Rock tells a story about an orc running away with his PC's magic dagger impaled in its back.
Nekaya: "That's why you should never let the bad guys escape - you never know what magic items they might have impaled in their backs."
Erim: "Oh, look, he's got a magic ring impaled on his finger."
GM: "Brimstone Keep sprang up overnight like an instant fortress, but not mithral like Daern's Instant Fortress."
Rock: "Bob Vila's Instant Fortress. This Old Fortress."
The huge golden bear at once began to target the would-be assassin. As I stood gaping in astonishment, Liadan approached the dais and handed me my swords. But I did not draw them. Furnael began to gesture and mouth arcane syllables once more, his eyes on the man who had hurled the smoking knife at him. A burst of magical energy lanced out from the Halruuan, but the assassin deftly managed to avoid the effect of the spell.
Sir Tyrion shouted some words about justice, though I cannot now recall quite what he said. He brandished his sword imperiously. I could see that Nekaya was casting some divine enchantment on the assassin, though it seemed to me that she was calling upon one of her gods to heal the man, much to my confusion. As Erim clambered onto the dais I felt the familiar tingle of his spell of haste. But I had no opportunity to avail myself of my increased alacrity.
Rock struck the bear reluctantly with his hammer, bringing the skull-shaped head down on the creature with a resounding blow. When he struck a second time the bear collapsed on top of the man it had been assaulting and then simply vanished. I recognized the signs of cold fury on Rock's face as he bellowed at Furnael. Furnael then cried out incongruously for justice. The second Halruuan wizard flung a spell at Rock. It was countered by a burst of arcane force from somewhere within the crowd and I realized that Phaele must have blocked the Halruuan's wizardry with her own.
Sir Tyrion called for all aggression to cease, and I was cowed by the power within his words. Furnael then accused my friends and I of aiding the assassin! One of the Halruuans conjured a huge blue hand of spectral force that thrust Rock away from the dais. He struggled fiercely for a moment before the hand winked out of existence beneath his might. In the meanwhile Nekaya had begun to argue with Furnael, who demanded that the assassin be executed on the spot.
Sir Tyrion once more called for justice, but Furnael did not heed him. The Halruuan sent a bolt of lightning at the fallen assassin, and Nekaya interposed her body to shield the injured man, taking the brunt of the bolt herself. Furnael's action so offended Sir Tyrion that he struck the wizard in the back of the head with the pommel of his sword!
As I gaped in surprise, I became aware that the air surrounding us was filled with arcane energies. Four figures abruptly materialized around the area in which Furnael stood. I knew by their elaborate attire that they must also be Halruuan mages of great power. One floated in the air like a tuft of thistledown, while another was wreathed in flames that did not burn him. All had enchanted stones circling their heads and bore staffs or wands in their hands, and their eyes glowed an eerie blue.
The mage who stood by Furnael began to speak, and as he drew breath, Furnael vanished! One of the new arrivals exclaimed, "It is worse than we feared - he must be stopped," and all four of the wizards also disappeared, along with the man who had stood beside Furnael. This left my friends and I standing alone with Sir Tyrion.
The assassin clambered to his feet and Sir Tyrion touched him with his sword, pronouncing some portentous words to dispel all pretense. The assassin's form shifted and blurred, transforming from an ordinary man to a strange greyish creature with indistinct features - I believe he was a doppelganger. He appeared startled by this transformation and swiftly resumed the appearance of a man.
Under Nekaya's questioning the doppelganger admitted that he had masqueraded as Furnael during the time that Camber was under siege. Afterward the elder had attempted to slay the shapechanger, and the doppelganger had slain four people and assumed their identities in an attempt to elude the elder's attacks. This explained both how Furnael could be in two places at once, and the reason behind the strange appearances of monstrous creatures in Ankhapur, as Furnael had attempted to dispose of the shapeshifter.
Sir Tyrion took charge of the assassin to bring him to justice. Though Nekaya and Liadan asked for mercy on his behalf, it seems likely that the shapechanger will die for his crimes. I was surprised when Nekaya sought clemency for the assassin, for she has been so vengeful in pursuit of Furnael. But perhaps her more recent allegiance to Elishar has softened her. Sir Tyrion assured her that should the Halruuans not return, he would continue his pursuit of Furnael.
A scant moment after he stated this, two of the Halruuans reappeared. One of them was the younger man who had stood with Furnael. His name was Geeghan Waas, a magehound of Halruua. Waas explained to us that the other elders had succeeded in capturing Furnael and would return him to his native land to meet justice, stripped of all his arcane power. He would be questioned thoroughly regarding his evil acts. While Waas spoke to my friends and I, the other wizard conversed with Sir Tyrion.
Rock asked Waas if Furnael's possessions might be sold and the proceeds sent to the survivors of Camber. Waas seemed pleased by this idea and stated that he would suggest it to the council of elders. He then produced a small bag and a chest adorned with ornate latches and a silver symbol upon its lid. I am told this symbol is the sigil of Mystra, goddess of magic, who is greatly revered in Halruua. He offered both bag and chest to us in reward for our aid in capturing Furnael.
Rock took charge of the bag, which was filled with a quantity of precious gems. These were enchanted gems of the variety the Halruuans have encircling their heads. The chest held stacks of what at first appeared to be wooden disks bearing the tenets of Mystra. But when touched these disks transformed into platinum coins! The Halruuan elder explained that this was a mere token of their gratitude, and that we would remain in high esteem among his people. I am proud of my companions for their determination not to let Furnael escape retribution.
Magehound Waas then spoke privately with Phaele for a moment. When she turned back to us she explained that her parents had been afflicted by some mysterious illness that seemed to affect only the households of those with sorcerous power. Sorcerers are not well regarded in Halruua, hence Phaele's departure from her homeland. But as a result of her parents' illness Phaele intended to accompany the elders back to Halruua. She knows our intended destination and can perhaps even communicate with us by contacting Sandrue in Arrabar, who has the other enspelled book.
It is sad to say farewell to yet another of our company, but I cannot begrudge her the opportunity to be reunited with her family in their time of need. As the Halruuans were departing immediately to return to their native land, our farewells were perforce kept brief.
I pray that Corellon keep Phaele and her family safe, and that the people of Halruua will maintain their vigilance against the temptation to evil. Now I must go and contemplate the boon Sir Tyrion granted me. I do not wish to squander such a gift. Naturally my inclination is to seek some sign as to the fate of my dear Erendis. Corellon grant me wisdom!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quips & Quotes for this session:
GM: "The bear bellows - meow!"
Telemnar: "The bear has laryngitis!"
Liadan: "Bearyngitis."
Erim: "I cast Bigby's Interposing Paladin."
Telemnar: "Come on! I don't have all instant!"
GM: "Who pinched my guano?"
Rock tells a story about an orc running away with his PC's magic dagger impaled in its back.
Nekaya: "That's why you should never let the bad guys escape - you never know what magic items they might have impaled in their backs."
Erim: "Oh, look, he's got a magic ring impaled on his finger."
GM: "Brimstone Keep sprang up overnight like an instant fortress, but not mithral like Daern's Instant Fortress."
Rock: "Bob Vila's Instant Fortress. This Old Fortress."
Between sessions
I had missed session #47 due to illness. Telemnar received a 'boon' from Tyrion Sinistral, paladin of Tyr, as a result of winning the horse race in Ankhapur (which he did by rolling well on Ride checks).
After careful consideration, the question Telemnar asked of Sir Tyrion's sentient sword, Justice, was this: "How may I be reunited with my dear wife?"
Here is the response of the sword, emailed to me by our illustrious GM:
"You stand before Tyrion Sinistral, with Judgement held out between you.
Tyrion bids you place your hands upon his blade, then closes his eyes.
You touch Judgement, and instinctively close your own eyes.
A hollow, emotionless voice echoes from out of the darkness.
"Injustice! Constructed by immortal artifact, not divine.
This question cannot be answered by cosmic being,
For this place is hidden from cosmic sight;
Mortal eyes must find the way.
Spirit and form sundered one from another.
Great injustice to the Elf Lord, who has not collected his due.
Greatness is measured in deed and intent,
And only in the Shadows of Greatness will you find your answer."
There is a power to this cryptic answer, if an answer it is. And yet Telemnar has the deep-buried feeling that everything he needs is hidden in this riddle. The consideration and introspection that comes from
pondering Tyr's answer opens up new paths of contemplation for our elf warrior."
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