IC I

[sulldawga]

Marodin, the Cleric, says, "I would do this task for the mage, and save the coin for other purchases."

[frobozz]

Lanny the elf looks at the map drawn by Zoltar, then speaks to the party. "The pond appears to be in the general direction of the caves, not far out of the way. At the very least, we can pass by the area on our way to the caves, to scout out what we would be up against... whether one trog or one hundred."

I think the dagger and the wand are first priority for ID, followed by arrows and bracelets. I wasn't sure if the green vial was still with the party or not, but if it is, it should also be ID'ed.

[riftstone]

Thordin the dwarf

"As all in this group are still breathing, have all their limbs, and are not cursed (as far as I know, although Elfism is debatable) I have no reason to spend any of my money. I don't understand all your wiggly-finger, backward talking mumbo-jumbo, but Trogs; that I do understand. And they understand this." He places his hand on his sword-hilt. "This, I can do for you, oh tumored-one."

[zebediah]

I think the dagger and the wand are first priority for ID, followed by arrows and bracelets. I wasn't sure if the green vial was still with the party or not, but if it is, it should also be ID'ed.

Drudsa left the vial with the herbalist in the city as he would not be able to identify it immediately.

[thirdkingdom]

Zoltar the Blind

The old mage seems pleased. "Very good! You will, however, need to take this medallion with you," he lifts a necklace over his head; it is a smooth, greyish stone with an off-centered hole. A leather thong is threaded through the hole, "and carry it with you when you speak with Zahara." His animated face turns serious, lined with age. "I do not know how many of you have experience with faeries, with the spirit creatures, but they are capricious and fickle. They do not think as we do, and are oft-times judged cruel, even evil, when in fact they simply see the world quite differently. Beware and be on your guard when dealing with her; I fear the pollution may have made her actions even more incomprehensible. But this charm, simple though it is, should let her know you are a friend. Now, will you all join me for lunch?"

Can I get a quick show of hands, in the forms of an IC response, from everyone, to see how many of us there are? I know it is the weekend, and a slow time, but there are several people I haven't heard from in a while.

About faeries. I prefer to treat the fae (dryads, nereids, brownies, etc.) in a more grim light than is typically done, drawing inspiration from, among other sources, Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell. These are immortal, for all intents and purposes, beings, with inscrutable motivations and obscure, complicated plans. They are not evil so much as beyond the mortal ken of such a term.

[zebediah]

Drudsa the dabbler

"You wish to become my apprentice, young mage?" He raises an eyebrow and Drudsa is struck by the feeling that, as sightless as his eyes appear to be, the old man can still see him. "I should think you would have better luck talking to Myraal about joining the Guild. His library is much larger than mine. Besides, I am old and blind. However, if you would perform this task I have spoken of we can speak further, if you so desire."

"I thank you for the opportunity. I have no doubt of the Guild's resources or of master Myraal's knowledge. However, I treasure my independence and though I would willingly put my efforts to the benefit of the Duchy I would rather not be formally bound to do so."

"Very good! You will, however, need to take this medallion with you," he lifts a necklace over his head; it is a smooth, greyish stone with an off-centered hole. A leather thong is threaded through the hole, "and carry it with you when you speak with Zahara."

"Is this medallion enchanted for protection or is it meant to enable us to communicate with Zahara? I have read about some of these entities causing strange effects upon the and body of mortals, is there any precaution we should take when meeting her?"

Drudsa also thanks the old wizard for the assistance and will be happy to join him for lunch, unless the majority of the group prefers to move asap.

[Bouv]

Tratiln nods in agreement, "I have only heard rumors of faerie folk. And I fear much of it is probably wrong. However, like Thordin, I believe the Trogs aren't going to be happy with where they are and will eventually start expanding and raiding"

[thirdkingdom]

Zoltar the Blind

"Enchanted? No, it's just a rock on a string. But it is a stone from Zahara's pool, one she gave to to me as a symbol of our . . . friendship, shall we say. She'll recognize it. Or at least, I hope she does. And independence is a fine thing, young man, a fine thing. Come back to me once you have completed your quests and we shall speak further on the matter."

[frobozz]

Lanny the elf speaks to the party. "I am agreeable to lunch, we should probably have a bite to eat before continuing on anyway." Then to Zoltar: "An impressive garden you have here! A labor of love, no doubt."

Lanny glances at the creature on Zoltar's shoulder and smiles. "Curiousity has gotten the best of me, Master Zolatar. Pray tell, what is that fascinating creature perched upon your shoulder?"

[riftstone]

Thordin the dwarf

"I wish not to speak to this fae!" Fear showing on his face for the first time. "My people have had nothing but ill luck with them! Let us leave her to her watery depths and run off these Trogs without disturbance!"

[thirdkingdom]

Lanny the elf speaks to the party. "I am agreeable to lunch, we should probably have a bite to eat before continuing on anyway." Then to Zoltar: "An impressive garden you have here! A labor of love, no doubt."

Lanny glances at the creature on Zoltar's shoulder and smiles. "Curiousity has gotten the best of me, Master Zolatar. Pray tell, what is that fascinating creature perched upon your shoulder?"

Zoltar the Blind
"Ah," he says, "this is Ruby." The little creature, a bundle of sticks and litter, with a head clearly made from a small gourd and two beady stone eyes, bows as well as it is able from her perch on Zoltar's shoulder. "Ruby is what is called a 'homonculus'. I don't know if you gentlemen have heard of familiars -- an animal magically bound to a spellcaster for the benefit of both. That is similar to what Ruby is, but the creation of a homonculus requires even more of an investment. She is truly a part of me, as I am a part of her. I created Ruby years ago, before I lost my sight, and since then she has become my eyes, allowing me to see when I otherwise could not."

FYI, it is closer to early evening. I will be allowing spellcasters to use familiars or homonculi, but at this point they are not high enough level.

[Finglas]

Bregalad the elf

Bregalad had found Zoltar, his home, and his patchwork companion to be fascinating. Although not aesthetically beautiful as his elven home, Zoltar's place revealed the same connection to magic and nature. It appeared disorganized, but it was also deep and displayed great intellect.

edit - I pulled out the part where Bregalad requested apprenticeship under Zoltar, as it felt kind of awkward. I'll elaborate more on this in OOC.

[Finglas]

Zoltar the Blind

The old mage seems pleased. "Very good! You will, however, need to take this medallion with you," he lifts a necklace over his head; it is a smooth, greyish stone with an off-centered hole. A leather thong is threaded through the hole, "and carry it with you when you speak with Zahara." His animated face turns serious, lined with age. "I do not know how many of you have experience with faeries, with the spirit creatures, but they are capricious and fickle. They do not think as we do, and are oft-times judged cruel, even evil, when in fact they simply see the world quite differently. Beware and be on your guard when dealing with her; I fear the pollution may have made her actions even more incomprehensible. But this charm, simple though it is, should let her know you are a friend. Now, will you all join me for lunch?"

Bregalad the elf

The thought of aiding and meeting a fae spirit made brightened Bregalad's countenance. "I would rather we help Zahara before exploring the caves further. I am afraid that Bargle will be with us for a long time -- but that time will allow us to grow stronger and finally end his dark schemes."

[Finglas]

Zoltar sucks wind and shakes his head at the mention of Bargle, while the little mannikin perched on his shoulder does the same. "Don't know anything about Elwyn, but that Bargle's a right mean bastard. You all would be well to have as little as possible to do with the likes of him. He's crazy, no doubt, and cruel, but he's got the power to back it up."

Bregalad the elf

"My friends, let us accept the wizard's offer, and enjoy a meal with him. After that we can set off to save Zahara, and then return for our magic items. If we must face the cave troll or Bargle's emissaries, then the wand and dagger and arrows may help us defeat them."

Although Bregalad has expressed his wishes, he will support whatever decision the party makes.

[Bouv]

Tratiln agrees, "We need every edge we can get and Zoltar can help provide those edges. Let use eat and then help the fairey."

[sulldawga]

Marodin, the Cleric, is in favor of not only accepting Zoltar's hospitality for dinner, but also camping here or nearby. Let's get a fresh start in the morning.

[Makofan]

Grey Jake says "I think we should get back to the caves. But if identifying these items could make the difference between success and failure, and this side trip does not take more than a day, we can chance it.

[frobozz]

Lanny the elf listens to the group as some express interest in rescuing the fairy straight away. He then speaks to the party quietly, away from Zoltar.

"Let's scout the area around the pond and assess the problem with the troglodytes, but let's also be cautious and not commit ourselves fully until we have investigated the situation. Remember, we know very little about this Zoltar and this fairy, and of their "relationship" to one another. We may be getting more than we bargained for."

Lanny looks up to the evening skies, then to the forests to the north.

"I have full faith in my skills in navigating forests... but our movement will be slowed enough that we may not reach the caves tonight anyway. And if we must deal with troglodytes in that area, let's deal with them in broad daylight, for they are stealthy creatures and can be difficult to see... So let's camp here for the night and leave at dawn."

[zebediah]

Drudsa the dabbler

"Sounds good to me."

[riftstone]

Thordin the dwarf says "We need to be very careful, as Trogs are reputedly much stronger than goblins. We will need to scout them out and check their numbers." He looks to the thieves (er, scouts).