Gull's Landing

[Rex]

Bryne

Bryne will offer up her drow sword and the magic ring she has been carrying.

[Revenant]

Malaguerre steadies himself, looking a bit older after identifying Torvik's sword. He takes up the drow sword first, handing the three rings to Sigismund to hold, "Ah drow steel, very hardy," grinning as he examines its edge, "and very deadly." He then looks over the pale gem, "Hmm," running his fingers across its cool unblemished surface. He then takes a scroll from his robes and intones an the incantation crumbling something between his thin gnarled fingers. "Ah, so that is the purpose of the gem," he hands the sword pommel first to Bryne, "I can only see limited amounts of information about this blade. It is of course a drow made short sword, though I cannot see by whom or when. It is a finely crafted blade of exceptional quality. The gem grants protection against lesser undead. I'm afraid that is all I can see about it."

In game terms this is a Short Sword of Lesser Undead Warding. It is a +1 blade against lesser undead as well as granting a bonus to the wielder's armor class when facing lesser undead.

Malaguerre takes out another scroll and nods to Sigismund who hands him the ring with the green gem. He again reads the scroll while crushing something between his fingers. "Ah, this is an elven crafted ring, the Ring of Mossy Blessings. Entrapped within the gem is the residue of healing moss from the forests near Birdsong. It will assist with healing or is useful against poisons."

In game terms this ring can be used once per day to cast either a Cure Light Wounds or Slow Poison spell. It is usable by any class.

The process with the scrolls is repeated twice again for the golden ring (Thena) and for the silver ring with the shield etched on its surface (Bryne).
"The golden ring is a common but useful bauble. It can be used to call upon torchlight to emanate from the ring. The silver ring is a ring offering the wearer protection.

In game terms the golden ring can be used once per day and the silver ring confers a bonus to armor class of the wearer.

[Rex]

Bryne

"We should spread the magic items out to maximize their use and benefit. The ring of healing for example should go to a non-healer in case the healers go down."

[spanningtree]

Thena

Obviously Bryne, maybe don't tell others what they should be doing... Handing the healing ring to Mave. I think you could use this and Bryne took your opportunity to choose something to identify.

Turning to Liviel she grips him lightly above the elbow: We could use some help when returning, I think we were close to victory but ran short of healing. would you share glory with us?

[Revenant]

Niserie carefully examines the yellow potion and she even dips her finger into the liquid, gently touching her tongue to the drop on that finger. In her mind she recognizes the ingredients, bits of various herbs and some crushed flowers. It is a potion useful against poisons of many types.

Liviel who has been in the Gallowhawk compound watching De'Ath in their absence turns at Thena's touch. Nodding, she says, "I could hardly refuse the request of those who saved my life. We can leave De'Ath with Lord Gallowhawk. Morwen, my sister, you are stuck with me again." Morwen grips her shoulder, "I shall endeavor to keep you out of trouble as always." Liviel then turns back Thena, "However, I have no healing skills. Perhaps Mediphera would be a better choice if that is what you seek?"

[spanningtree]

Thena

Nodding at Liviel's words she turns to her comrades: Is it healing or strength or maybe both we should be asking for.... my guess would be both.

[Darithe]

Mave

Mave takes the ring, though she looks between from Bryne to Thena with concern. Best not to comment she thinks, lest she rile up things. "I'll put it to good use if we need it," she says putting it on one finger. She likes Liviel's idea about Mediphera and glances to Niserie. She'd likely have the best luck of convincing the woman to join us. After Thena's remark, she volunteers, "I could probably convince my brothers to join us if you like. And there are numerous churches in the Landing. Maybe we could convince some priests to join us, if Mediphera declines to.

[spanningtree]

Thena

Agrees with with Mave, nodding as she speaks: If Mediphera should decline I can inquire with my temple for a volunteer.

[tristenc]

Nis nibbles at her lower lip. To be honest, I am loathe to ask her though she would certainly be able to perform some healing. Those of our path are sadly not well prepared to weather the hazards of combat to the same degree that an armored priest or cleric might. You might recall she came near death at the Vagary carnival. She reminds them.

I would prefer we seek assistance for this particular endeavor from the Temple first, and only then from her if we cannot find sufficient support...

====

OOC I'm worried Mediphera would get killed quickly. Having a healer in armor seems much more prudent

[GreyWolfVT]

Torvik thanks Malaguerre for identifying the sword and explains "It was that very dwarf's ghost that told me where to find the sword."

[Revenant]

Malaguerre remarks, "Durvan's shade himself told you? How remarkable! This is quite an historical weapon. I don't suppose you'd be interested in selling it, would you?"

Garet returns to compound and lets his father and sister know, "I've stationed guards within up to the stairway and outside. None of the rogues will be getting out that way."

[GreyWolfVT]

Torvik "Not on yer life. It's saved my hide plenty. I'd like ta keep it." he replies on the comment of wishing to sell the sword.

[Darithe]

Mave

Mave sympathizes with Niserie's statement. She doubted Mediphera had much battle experience as she seems rather reclusive. She is pleased to see her brother, "Good, keep the guards on the alert. We intend to return soon. As soon as Thena returns, or perhaps she might wish you to deliver the message to Brother Lucente personally." She looks to Thena unsure if she might prefer to have personal interaction with the priest.

[spanningtree]

Thena

Pulling parchment, ink, and pen from her pack, she writes a simple letter:

-----
Brother Lucente,

By the grace and will of mighty Tempus, I beseech thee in this hour of need. As we have discussed in times past, I now find myself and my comrades locked in a dire struggle against a foe of considerable might. We stood on the precipice of glory, yet were compelled to withdraw, beset by a reinforced enemy and grievous wounds among our number.

I humbly implore thee, if it be Tempus' will, to dispatch unto us aid in the form of acolytes skilled in both the arts of healing and battle. We are at the caves near the lighthouse, where we await thy reinforcement. Time is of the utmost urgency, for our enemies may soon flee or gather their strength once more.

Know that I swear upon my solemn vow to Tempus to safeguard those you send, and to return them to your fold in safety.

Sister Thena, Servant of the Mighty Tempus
------

She will leave a mark on the letter that would indicate legitimacy to Brother Lucente.

Mave, would it be possible for you to enlist one of the mounted guardsmen to take a note from me to the Temple of Tempus requesting aid?

[tristenc]

Before Thena finishes/ sends the letter, Nis addresses the group. Should we return to the same entrance they are almost sure to reinforce or should we approach via the alternate entry? Granted they may anticipate either approach...

[spanningtree]

Thena

Hmm... your right Nis... there was an alternate entrance via the sewers... as an option.

[Revenant]

Garet overhearing Thena's request takes the matter into his own hands, "I will have my swiftest most trusted guard deliver it personally and wait for a response."

As his brother is doing that task Erel comes into the room with a sheaf of parchments and a large map of the city. Lord Gallowhawk says, "Wise lass Lady Niserie. When the enemy is expecting you to attack from one front, attack from another." He spreads the map out before him, "We have guards heavily posted in the abandoned building near the scribe's and in the cave. We have smaller groups watching each entrance to sewers." He points each of those locations out on the map. "They likely won't be expecting you coming in from the less well-guarded positions here, here and here," pointing out entrances to the sewers. "Pick the one you think the most advantageous and make that your point of entry." He looks from Bryne, to Torvik to Thena to Niserie and then to Mave, "You all have good heads on your shoulders and have proven your courage and capability. Decide your path and we will shore up the defenses above so none can escape." He then shakes his head, "I still can't believe Adwin is behind this. It will kill your mother."

After about an hour has passed the rider returns with a message for Thena. She tears it open and reads it...

Sister Thena,

These are dire times indeed. I do not have many to send your way but I have chosen five to meet with you. Take one or all as you see fit. I pray for your success and may Tempus bless us all.

Brother Lucente, Sword of Tempus

Shortly after the delivery of the message, one of the guards announces that visitors from the Tempus Temple are waiting at the gates. Lord Gallowhawk asks that they be shown in. There are three men and two women each dressed in heavy armor. One by one they approach Thena.

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The first is a lean man with brown hair who does a slight bow, "I am Brother Valentin, a former soldier in the King's army. I have fought in many battles with the barbarians of the north and the pirates from the south and during that time I came to know the glory of Tempus. Where before I was a warrior for the king, I am now a holy warrior for both our great king and the great battlelord above. I would be honored to serve your cause if you deem me worthy."

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The second man has black hair and a neatly trimmed beard, with spiked pauldrons on each shoulder and a large two-handed sword strapped to his back. With a furrowed brow that almost looks cut permanently in his forehead he says, "Sister, I am Battleguard Folcard, chosen of Tempus. I administer his will in word and blade and woe to any who does not heed my authority. Tempus has sent me to follow your path."

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The third to stand before Thena is a tall blonde-haired woman with striking blue eyes wearing plate armor. She immediately drops to her knees before Thena and bows her head, "I am Sister Jacinthe milady. I am new in service to our glorious lord but aspire to be a great crusader for his cause like yourself. If you will have me." She then rises and stands beside the two other men.

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The fourth is a young man with a full beard wearing plated armor, "Name is Brother Gervais, but mostly folk just call me Bear. I'm a former farmer and know hard work and how to do it. I'm a recent follower of the battlelord. But I hope to prove myself of worth."

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The fifth is a woman you at first didn't notice as her companions all tower over her. Standing barely over five foot and small of frame, she looks up at Thena and grins saying nothing. Then she pulls out a small chalkboard and writes out, *Bessea, healing hand of the battlelord.* She then wipes the board clean and writes, *I have taken a vow of silence as Brother Lucente says I talk too much.* She wipes that clean and writes again, *He has given me the title of the Lady of Herbs and Cleaner of Latrines.* She then wipes that clean and writes, *He thought I might be adept in the sewers as I'm good at cleaning up messes.* She then wipes that clean and starts to write and then thinks better of it and wipes it clean again and looks up at Thena once more and grins.

[spanningtree]

Thena

While waiting for the guardsman to return Thena approaches Bryne: Please excuse my bark m’Lady, it was unintended and your place should not experience disrespect. You were correct that the items should be distributed to those with the need.

OCC: I had assumed Nis was going to have the yellow potion identified but was mistaken.

Turning to her comrades: I have no interest in the sword, forged by those with dark souls.. But the ring of light would find use by myself, I cannot see in darkness like some of you. If that is amicable I would like to claim it...?

Any thoughts on where we should enter the underworld? The two sewer entrances appear to be best...

Reading the note from Brother Lucente, she looks up and nods to Brother Valentin, Battleguard Folcard, Sister Jacinthe, Brother Gervais, and Bessea.

Welcome, brave servants of Tempus. I, Sister Thena, receive thee with open arms and a heart full of gratitude. By the will of the Foehammer Tempus, you have been sent to stand by my side in this dire hour, and I accept each of you with the highest esteem.

Know that the path before us is fraught with peril, for we face a foe of great strength and cunning. The battle ahead will test our resolve, our faith, and our very bodies. Yet, let not fear take root in your hearts, for this mission is not ours alone—it is for the greater glory of Tempus, the Lord of Battles.

Together, we shall wield our weapons and our faith as one, striking with the fury and righteousness that only those who walk in Tempus’ light can muster. Let our every blow and every prayer honor His name. And if it be our fate to fall, let us do so with the knowledge that we served Him well and with valor.

Now, prepare yourselves, my brothers and sisters, for the time of reckoning draws near. Tempus watches over us, and in His name, we shall prevail.

Meet your comrades in arms: Mave, Bryne, Nis, Torvik, Ruskin, Morwen, Kade, and Athan. She points to each in turn. Fight alongside and protect them as you would one of our sisters or brothers.

[Darithe]

Mave

Mave greets each of the newcomers warmly, "Glad to have you join us!," as she introduces herself as simply Mave not wanting to draw attention to her last name. "Now then," looking over the map, "Which one is the most likely to have the least eyes watching?"

[Rex]

Bryne

"No worries Thena, we are all stressed in the current situation. I am fine with you taking the ring. I will take the dark sword, if a magical weapon becomes required it will allow me to continue to fight as much as I hate carrying a weapon of the dark elves."