IC IX

[thirdkingdom]

The adventures bid Myraal a good evening and, with promises of returning in a week's time. An hour's ride sees them at the eastern gates of Threshold. A watchman nobody recognizes hails the party and orders the surrender of all weapons, then ducks out of sight for a moment. "Never mind," she calls, "orders from on high says you boys can go in without giving up your blades." The party is met by the watch sergeant after passing through the gate. "Welcome back," he says gruffly, "Varis gave orders you're to visit him in the morning."

Once inside the gate Marodin takes his leave of the party. "My path leads me elsewhere, I fear," he explains, "but may the Immortals guide you on your path. Semele, you are free to stay or go, as you choose."

Later that night, as the companions recount tales of their exploits and formulate plans for the future, they are approached by an individual who introduces himself as Aquar Ionian, and mentions that he is of the clerical persuasion.

You're up grognardsw.

[zebediah]

Drudsa the dabbler

The party is met by the watch sergeant after passing through the gate. "Welcome back," he says gruffly, "Varis gave orders you're to visit him in the morning."

As the party approaches the inn Drudsa mumbles "So now we supposedly take orders from the church..."

Once inside the gate Marodin takes his leave of the party. "My path leads me elsewhere, I fear," he explains, "but may the Immortals guide you on your path. Semele, you are free to stay or go, as you choose."

"Deeply sorry to see you leave Marodin, you have been invaluable through our adventures. I wish you all the best on your future endeavors and hope our paths may cross again in the future." to Semele he adds "Your support has also been very important. I believe our companions are interested in keeping your services if you would like to continue travelling with us."

Later that night, as the companions recount tales of their exploits and formulate plans for the future, they are approached by an individual who introduces himself as Aquar Ionian, and mentions that he is of the clerical persuasion.

"Well met Aquar. A happy coincidence, as a matter of fact, since our cleric friend has just left our band to seek adventures elsewhere. If you are looking for an opportunity to seek your fortune while doing some good deeds you have just found yourself the right fellows."

[thirdkingdom]

Drudsa the dabbler

The party is met by the watch sergeant after passing through the gate. "Welcome back," he says gruffly, "Varis gave orders you're to visit him in the morning."

As the party approaches the inn Drudsa mumbles "So now we supposedly take orders from the church..."

Hah! That was actually meant to read "we have orders to let you know that Father Varis would like to see you in the morning", but screw it, I like this interpretation better.

[frobozz]

Lanny the elf

Oops, I moved too slowly! Lanny still had a few questions for Myraal:

While the party is wrapping up its business with Myraal, Lanny walks up to the guild mage.

"Please be careful with this bowl, Myraal... When activated, it will summon a dark mage who may or may not be Bargle himself, though none of us really know what the renegade wizard looks like... Are there any likenesses of him in any of your books? Or have you even seen him personally? If so, what does he look like? It is always good to know your enemy when you see him..."

Lanny looks over the magical items one last time to see if he forgot to mention anything.

"One more thing, Myraal. Many of the magical items we found, especially the ancient ones, showed signs of Alphatian design. This sword, for example, with this rune on the hilt... We also encountered a statue with a unique inscription, possibly in the Alphatian tongue: "Kulen er nøkkelen". I don't suppose you have a Book of Common Words for the Alphatian language amongst your reference materials? Failing that, might you know someone who might speak or read this language?"

Lanny thanks Myraal for any information he provides and then rides back with the group to Threshold.

Lanny will take another shot at learning Sleep with his two hours of spell study tonight.

[Innana]

Innana the Fighter:

The adventures bid Myraal a good evening and, with promises of returning in a week's time. An hour's ride sees them at the eastern gates of Threshold. A watchman nobody recognizes hails the party and orders the surrender of all weapons, then ducks out of sight for a moment. "Never mind," she calls, "orders from on high says you boys can go in without giving up your blades." The party is met by the watch sergeant after passing through the gate. "Welcome back," he says gruffly, "Varis gave orders you're to visit him in the morning."

Once inside the gate Marodin takes his leave of the party. "My path leads me elsewhere, I fear," he explains, "but may the Immortals guide you on your path. Semele, you are free to stay or go, as you choose."

Later that night, as the companions recount tales of their exploits and formulate plans for the future, they are approached by an individual who introduces himself as Aquar Ionian, and mentions that he is of the clerical persuasion.

You're up grognardsw.

Innana turns toward Semele, "Wait Semele, you are welcome to stay with us if you wish. You could stay with me while in town. I usually stay with the women, and their families that I have befriended. I will try the best I can to get you the time, and materials you need in your Clerical studies. I am sure that everyone in the group will help protect you from harm."

[thirdkingdom]

Lanny the elf

"One more thing, Myraal. Many of the magical items we found, especially the ancient ones, showed signs of Alphatian design. This sword, for example, with this rune on the hilt... We also encountered a statue with a unique inscription, possibly in the Alphatian tongue: "Kulen er nøkkelen". I don't suppose you have a Book of Common Words for the Alphatian language amongst your reference materials? Failing that, might you know someone who might speak or read this language?"

Myraal
"Why, I speak Alphatian myself! The phrase means, literally, 'The orb is the key', whatever that may mean."

[thirdkingdom]

Semele

"Well, you all have been fair to me . . . and adventuring is a lot more fun that performing ceremonies in a stuffy temple . . . why not?"

Semele's henchman roll: (2d6-1=7)

[Bouv]

Tratlin will bid a fond farewell to Marodin, "May your journeys bring you excitment!"

He will then enjoy a meal before joining the rest of the party in visiting the temple.

[frobozz]

Lanny the elf

Lanny shakes hands with Marodin as he departs.

"The Church of Karameikos and the Patriarch are fortunate to have you as an adherent. Best wishes to you on your next mission, whatever that may be."

He turns to Semele and smiles.

"Thank you for staying. Your healing touch has helped us all, and I myself might not be alive right now were it not for your quick thinking and quick reactions. You are now one of us!"

Around the table at dinner, Lanny mulls over what to do next.

"The Castle will hopefully remain undisturbed while we are on the Baron's logging camp mission, unless Bargle's agents return while we are away, in which case they may make adjustments to their evil plot. Let's mention this to Father Varis in the morning."

Lanny looks up and smiles when the newcomer approaches the table.

[riftstone]

Thordin the dwarf

Later that night, as the companions recount tales of their exploits and formulate plans for the future, they are approached by an individual who introduces himself as Aquar Ionian, and mentions that he is of the clerical persuasion.

You're up grognardsw.

"Look, how you spend your nights is up to you. No judgement here. Live and let live, and all that. Do ye drink?"

[zebediah]

Drudsa the dabbler

After arriving at the inn and refreshing himself Drudsa will spend the next hours in his spell studies before going to bed. In the morning he will prepare the same set of spells before heading to the church with the group.

[Finglas]

Bregalad the elf

Bregalad bids Marodin farewell, and welcomes Semele back to the group.

To the new arrivial, he responds, "Welcome Aquar Ionian. I am Bregalad of the eastern forest, at your service."

For the next morning, Bregalad will have Magic Missile prepared (x 2) and Invisibility.

[Alethan]

Rhys the Traveler

Rhys offers the newcomer a brief nod of welcome, interested to hear what he has to say before doing anything more...

[Grognardsw]

Aquar / Inn

“Good day adventurers! My name is Aquar Ionian - traveling cleric of Procan, sailor and explorer,” says the big man in plate armor and blue robe with a holy symbol of a gold and coral trident above a cresting wave. He has a broad smile, his black hair a little unkempt, features young but weathered from time at sea. He holds a tankard of ale in one hand, a turkey leg in another; he could stand to lose a few pounds. “After staying some time with priest friends at The Church of Karameikos, my spirit is restless. I’m now looking to join a group in seeking treasure and adventure.”

Procan: Oeridian (Greyhawk) god of Seas, Sea Life, Salt, Sea Weather, and Navigation.

[Innana]

Innana the Fighter:

Innana is listening to Lanny conjecture about what the should do next when a tall fire lit shadow stretches across the group, and a tall man with dark thick hair introduces himself. Innana senses a calm strength emanating from him. A wash of fresh ocean air follows him as if the seas essence clung to him. Innana stands up wobbly, exposing how much ale she had already drank, Well met Cleric, my name is Innana the Fighter. We just got back from an adventure, and lost our Cleric upon our return. . You have come at the perfect time. This is Semele,Innana turns to Semele with a smile, "and she is also studying to become a cleric". Innana holds her hand out, "Welcome to our group Aquar. "

[frobozz]

Lanny the elf

Lanny smiles and nods in greeting to the travelling cleric.

"Greetings, my friend. I am Lantharios of the Callarii, though most simply call me Lanny. A sailor, you say? Well, I believe most of our group are land lovers by nature, but I imagine that one day our journeys will lead us to Specularum and the Great Sea beyond, so having a travelling companion with knowledge of the nautical arts would certainly benefit us. We have adventure-related business with the Church in the morning... You are welcome to join us if you wish to learn more."

Lanny prepares Magic Missile X 2 and Invisibility.

Im not sure who will pick Semele's spells going forward, but while Sulldawga was gone I had selected the following for Semele as a basic healer's package (these can be changed at any point if desired):

Level 0: Cure Minor Wounds, Resist Poison
Level 1: Cure Light Wounds

[Innana]

Innana the Fighter:

"Come Semele, I have found lodging for us this night. It is very close, and You will have plenty of space to practice your prayers, or whatever you do."

Innana spends some time brushing her horse Bliss, and talking to her at the nearby stables while Semele practices her spells. Innana finds a quiet spot near the back of the stables, and practices her knife throwing at the back wall.

Afterwards Innana joins Semele back at the house. She gets to indulge herself in a hot bath before she falls exhausted onto the bed. Innana falls asleep looking out the window, remembering the good times, and missing Her friend Saul.

Semele will work on memorizing her prayer/spells: Level 0: Cure Minor Wounds, Resist Poison
Level 1: Cure Light Wounds

[Grognardsw]

Aquar the Cleric / Inn

"Thank you Bregalad, Iannana and Lanny. If you are questing on behalf of the Church, then you must be trusted and goodly adventurers indeed."

Aquar sits besides Iannana. "I must admit I've had enough nourishment of spirit, and now need such for body."

The smiling priest of Procan orders a bread bowl of hearty stew, a corn on the cob, goat's milk, and ale for dessert. He finishes his tankard of ale and turkey leg, with gusto, while talking.

"These past weeks have seen my tending to sick priests, shearing wool from the sacred sheep, scribing scrolls of the 101 ablutions, teaching clerics the star positions, and delivering food to the poor.  It's been too long since I last swung my hammers against heathen monsters!"

Aquar belches. "Excuse me," he mutters, wiping his mouth. "Yes I've been away from my big blue mistress" - he winks - "for a good many moons now, but I'll be back sailing on her watery ways soon enough. I have a treasure map to the Isle of Dread that bears investigation."

As his third tankard of ale arrives, Aquar raises it. "To new friends!" Holding both hands above the cup: "Let me say that most sacred of prayers, the blessing of the beer:

Our Lager,
Which art in barrels
Hallowed be thy drink.
Thy will be drunk,
I will be drunk,
At home as in the tavern.
Give us this day our foamy head
and forgive us our spillages
as we forgive those that spill against us
and lead us not into incarceration.
But deliver us from hang-overs,
for thine is the beer,
The bitter and the lager
forever and ever
Barmen!"

[frobozz]

Lanny the Elf

Aquar the Cleric / Inn

As his third tankard of ale arrives, Aquar raises it. "To new friends!" Holding both hands above the cup: "Let me say that most sacred of prayers, the blessing of the beer:

Our Lager,
Which art in barrels
Hallowed be thy drink.
Thy will be drunk,
I will be drunk,
At home as in the tavern.
Give us this day our foamy head
and forgive us our spillages
as we forgive those that spill against us
and lead us not into incarceration.
But deliver us from hang-overs,
for thine is the beer,
The bitter and the lager
forever and ever
Barmen!"

That is aweome.

[Finglas]

Aquar the Cleric / Inn

"Thank you Bregalad, Iannana and Lanny. If you are questing on behalf of the Church, then you must be trusted and goodly adventurers indeed."

Aquar sits besides Iannana. "I must admit I've had enough nourishment of spirit, and now need such for body."

The smiling priest of Procan orders a bread bowl of hearty stew, a corn on the cob, goat's milk, and ale for dessert. He finishes his tankard of ale and turkey leg, with gusto, while talking.

"These past weeks have seen my tending to sick priests, shearing wool from the sacred sheep, scribing scrolls of the 101 ablutions, teaching clerics the star positions, and delivering food to the poor. It's been too long since I last swung my hammers against heathen monsters!"

Aquar belches. "Excuse me," he mutters, wiping his mouth. "Yes I've been away from my big blue mistress" - he winks - "for a good many moons now, but I'll be back sailing on her watery ways soon enough. I have a treasure map to the Isle of Dread that bears investigation."

As his third tankard of ale arrives, Aquar raises it. "To new friends!" Holding both hands above the cup: "Let me say that most sacred of prayers, the blessing of the beer:

Our Lager,
Which art in barrels
Hallowed be thy drink.
Thy will be drunk,
I will be drunk,
At home as in the tavern.
Give us this day our foamy head
and forgive us our spillages
as we forgive those that spill against us
and lead us not into incarceration.
But deliver us from hang-overs,
for thine is the beer,
The bitter and the lager
forever and ever
Barmen!"

Bregalad the elf

"A prayer for drink? Hmm. Not something I had considered before. I am seeing your people in a whole new light, Aquar!"

The cleric's enthusiasm must be contagious this night, for Bregalad sees what liquid words of inspiration might come forth from his lips. "Barman! Another flagon of ale, please!"

The elf allows his thoughts to brew as he refills each person's tankard, "Another toast to friends and fine spirits.....

Glory be to the ales,
and to the wines,
and to the distilled spirits,
as it was with the first brewers,
is now, and shall ever be,
flowing without end!

Bottoms up!"