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Comment
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Tarondor
Moderator
Posts: 1275
(9/16/04 2:08 pm)
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Re: Dobrug
Removing his hat, Madragar runs his hand over his freshly-shaved head.
"I must admit that this is dramatic enough even for a wizard. Such elaborate privacy carries with it the promise of dire news. I presume that it is safe to speak here?"
He does not mention his own supposition that it is safe from all but the ears of the faithful.
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mikedobbs
Moderator
Posts: 251
(9/17/04 3:55 am)
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Re: Dobrug
Janes is quietly thrilled by the idea that some remenant of his family is still around and tries to interest Kura in taking some active responsibilty with the inn in the hope that he and his family could run it if/when Janes has to leave town.
[ Could Janes be considered to be training in Profession Innkeeper? ]
[Sure. Note also that Kura is Ruglan's brother, which makes Janes Ruglan's great uncle. -GM]
Edited by: Jubilex at: 9/17/04 6:24 am
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Ulwe
Moderator
Posts: 1043
(9/17/04 8:16 am)
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Re: Dobrug
"You presume correctly as usual, Madragar." Replies Ulwe once the door is closed and Brae the Diviner has left the room.
"Dire news indeed my friend. I have learned a few things from the Temple Elders which you must also know. The Hygurae do not exist as we have been led to believe. As you know there is a great ensorclement across the land which deceived everyone to believe false things about the Hygurae. Foremost, they are in fact called Xorn. The Xorn, are an old tribe, and they lived here for a long time. When your ancestors came from the west, the Xorn hid below the earth and ensorcelled the land with the Charm of Xoriath: One cannot remember any words that tell of the Xorn, or hear words of the Xorn spoken. To speak of the Xorn alerts them to your presence. They are few in number, so it is usually safe, but to do so often can be dangerous. It is best avoided entirely."
Ulwe pauses for a moment for the bald wizard to absorb the news.
"They are a foul race and constantly meddle with the affairs of Moagarans or the Xoriath as they call us. 'Proud Vermin' is what they call us. They have allied themselves with Chaos. Remember Joru's dying words? He mentioned a great evil, whose name I am loath to repeat... Salhaug. He is but one of three foul Lords od Chaos. It was they to whom the Shadow-Cults prayed in their blashemous folly. It is they to whom the Xorn are now allied. And it is they who seek to dominate our Land*. "
The flickering candle light in the small room casts long shadows. The man and elf sit in semi-darkness. As Ulwe speaks, the darkness seems to grow and fill up the room, until it is only the glimmering reflection of the small flame in his eye that Madragar can see.
"The Orb destroyed and re-created our bodies. In doing so, it broke the Charm. We have made some powerful enemies, who know our names and deeds. We are in peril, and need to exercise more caution. I am not sure how much the others have told and to whom, but it would be best if some things were never spoken of again, except in the most gravest of circumstances, or the safest of places." Ulwe pats the walls of the room they are in for emphasis.
Ulwe looks at the mage with great concern. He is clearly haunted by what he speaks of.
"You and I know there is a dark conspiracy, which threatens us all. Your nemesis, the Gorgon, must surely be a part of this. The disappearances of Edrigarn as well as the other mages I have heard you speak of must surely be a part of their plan. I worry for Lyssa and would speak more with her. What do you think about the strange one who has disappeared, this Yuli?"
Ulwe waits for Madragar's response.
*Ulwe is from Shei Hythriad, but referrs to Moagara as 'his' land. The priest clearly feels a strong affiliation with his adopted homeland.
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doggius
Moderator
Posts: 814
(9/17/04 8:23 am)
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Re: Dobrug
[I know its a bit late, but Pogar would have joined Madragar.]
[Fine with me. -GM]
Edited by: Jubilex at: 9/17/04 11:12 am
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Tarondor
Moderator
Posts: 1277
(9/17/04 11:06 am)
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Re: Dobrug
Madragar absorbs the tale of the Hyurgae, Xorn and Xoriath. He smiles at the word "Proud Vermin", but nods in agreement with Ulwe's desire to lower the team's profile.
"I know nothing of this Yuli. It may be instructive to learn more. We just have nothing to go on. Or, more likely, nothing we have recognized as such."
He rubs his bald head in an unconscious gesture of concentration. "As a group, we have spent much effort on increasing our own training, our own lethality. But we have not put the same effort into the collection of information. That needs to change. Who do we have with expertise in this? Khelzad, I think. Anyone else?"
"Another matter on which I have been keeping my own counsel until the time appeared to be right. Within these walls seems as safe as we are likely to be for some time. Edrigan is alive. It came to me, suddenly, that the defenses of the Tower of the Mists have not eroded over time, as they would have with his death. He is alive somewhere, but unable to return. What I cannot fathom is why an enemy would keep such a dangerous man prisoner, rather than killing him."
"Moreover, I have had a dangerous thought. I may...and I repeat may be able to penetrate those defenses. My master may have keyed them to me, specifically, as well as to himself. Perhaps also to my lady Lyssa. If I can return to the Tower of the Mists, I may be able to discover some clue...something which will lead us closer to the heart of this mystery. Then, too, I may be able to recover something of my master's that will aid us in finding him."
"But this plan is perilous. The Gorgon will be watching the Tower and its approaches night and day."
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Jubilex
ezOP
Posts: 3619
(9/17/04 11:26 am)
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Re: Dobrug
Ulwe's explanation of this Charm of the Xoraith gently jogs some memories in Madragar's head of a tense conversation he had with the Shadow Urukavas while the creature was in possession of Ruglan's body.
[A conversation which might be revisited in Madragar's GM Notes thread.]
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Ulwe
Moderator
Posts: 1044
(9/17/04 6:08 pm)
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Re: Dobrug
"As usual, one answer raises only more questions. I hazard a few guesses about the fate of your master. He may be alive because the Gorgon cannot slay him. For if the Gorgon did slay Edrigarn, he would lose his prize, the Tower of the Mists. Or perhaps the Gorgon merely keeps Edrigarn alive for the perverse pleasure of seeing his defeated enemy at his mercy."
Ulwe puts a hand on the mage's shoulder. "I am sorry. But there is hope! If you know your master to be alive, and you feel that the defenses of the Tower can be breached by your craft, we may yet see your Master again."
"After the Watermel, we should find Atan and Sangraal. Once we are reassembled, let's seek out Lyssa. Her aid through deeds, materials, or counsel will be invaluable for our next endeavour, to go to the Tower of the Mists."
"For our immediate future, no more tales of our exploits. I also agree with your ideas on gathering information. How we do that I am at a loss. My studies here at the Temple do not allow for much ramblings about the town. Your status precludes you as well. What do we do?"
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Tarondor
Moderator
Posts: 1278
(9/19/04 3:14 am)
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Re: Dobrug
"The answer must lie with Khelzad. As a bard, he has great access to the parlors of the wise and the wealthy. He may be able to learn somewhat. Also, Ruglan knows the town as well as any. He may be able to learn something if properly cautioned to reveal nothing."
"As to Edrigan, I no longer think the Gorgon has him. If so, he would not need me. No, I think that vile creature was complicit, but not the agent of my master's demise. Even the Gorgon could not engineer the downfall of so many in so small a space of time. I fear this is the handiwork of Chaos. Perhaps through the agency of these Xorn."
"Which reminds me. Do you recall when Ruglan was possessed in the Cairnhollow, and had a knife to my throat? Do you recall what the shadow said through him? That Yelm's priesthood had been complicit in 'foulest treachery' against my people. Chaos thrives on lies, of course, but I now recall thinking that there was something true in what it said. My heart is heavy with what this bodes. Did the priests of the sun-god make a pact with the servants of Chaos?"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From April, 2004:
Ruglan listens impatiently to Khelzhad's threats but seems to tune him out as Sangraal approaches. The Shadow possessed watchman will not be moved by the priest's advance and seems ready to slit Madragar's throat.
"Unarmed? Why should I care if you are unarmed? You cannot harm me, feckless priest. But I do know of your Order, Brother of the Dawn, and of their complicity in the foulest treachery perpetrated against the miserable horse tribes of Moagara. Your faith is a veil of gossamer, priest. A single candle of illumination will set it alight!"
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Ulwe
Moderator
Posts: 1045
(9/19/04 2:06 pm)
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Re: Dobrug
At Madragar's question, Ulwe becomes agitated. "Lies and Blasphemy!" Ulwe's rancour reverborates inside the tiny room. He then shakes his head violently, causing his hair beads to clack against one another.
"Madragar, How could you ever speak thus? Yelm the Creator is as ever a great foe of Chaos. Indeed I know of no other opponent of our enemies as fierce and adamant as Sangraal. Dispell such thoughts my friend. In times like these we need Faith to combat the evils which beset us. Words of a terrified shadow who foresaw his own oblivion, only. It spoke lies to try to sever the bonds of our Alliance. Heed them no longer and let not the foul lies of Chaos trouble your thoughts anymore." Ulwe places his hand on Madragar's shoulder again.
Ulwe sits across from Madragar for a moment before he asks the mage "Fisherman's son - Wizard's son, Child of two fathers, what of our plans for Spring? If you can gain entry to the Tower of the Mists, Many questions will be answered. Let us attempt this. What say you?"
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Jubilex
ezOP
Posts: 3621
(9/20/04 7:43 am)
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Re: Dobrug
One day, when he's not hiding in a lead-lined closet with Madragar, Ulwe spends some time asking around the Locamyrida about the Uzla Thura. The locals were very curious about the vessel, but couldn't discover much about it. There was a strict guard placed at the pier on which it was anchored, and no one was able to speak to the Lunar offical on board other than the Council of Elders.
Edited by: Jubilex at: 9/20/04 7:43 am
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Tarondor
Moderator
Posts: 1279
(9/20/04 12:06 pm)
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Re: Dobrug
"I agree," says Madragar simply.
"The ways of the gods are inscrutable, my friend. You know that better than I. Of course the shadow twisted what was said to make it a weapon of the darkness. But that does not mean it was a lie outright. Else why bother to say it? Consider the possibility that the priesthood did something in regards to the Hyurgae, or the Xorn. Perhaps from the best of motives. It would behoove us greatly to learn what that something was, would it not?"
"Yelm is the light. Orlanth one of the Lightbringers. How then can it be blasphemous to bring light upon the truth, however ancient? Even if that truth has an ugly face. If what lies beneath is important to our survival, we must find it. It would be an act of faith in the light, would it not?"
Madragar is quite serious. Though trained to debate, discover and probe, he is nonetheless pious. Religion has never been a static act of obedience to him, but an active inquiry into hidden truths.
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Ulwe
Moderator
Posts: 1046
(9/20/04 6:39 pm)
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Re: Dobrug
Ulwe shakes his head again in disagreement.
"Madragar, it is righteous to seek the truth. I as ever seek to live in the manner of my Lord Orlanth and shed Light upon the darkness. However I cannot believe the lies of a Shadow. Nor should you."
"My Friend, we have spoken of many dark things today. I will seek guidance from my Lord Orlanth. I will also try to learn what I can from the Temple Elders. You should meet with the others but never speak of the Xorn to them, and advise them to never speak of the Hygurae, nor the Shadows Urukavas and Irigaal. Ruglan never experienced the Orb, so he is most likey still ensnared in the Charm of Xoriath. We should try to break its hold upon him. As for Khelzhad and Ruglan, what exactly should they seek?"
Edited by: Ulwe at: 9/20/04 10:27 pm
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doggius
Moderator
Posts: 815
(9/21/04 11:43 am)
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Re: Dobrug
Once Pogar and Madragar return to the winter wonderland of Dobrug, Pogar will go to Janes's tavern, after Ulwe and Madragar go off to talk.
Tossing 5 gold pieces on the bar, Pogar motions to a table in a dark corner, facing the door and says "Keep 'em commin'".
He then proceeds to find his seat in the table, kicks his feet on the table, with his pack next to him, and proceeds to drink his thick mead. Feeling that today would be his day to embibe and not worry about a thing.
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Tarondor
Moderator
Posts: 1280
(9/21/04 1:52 pm)
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Re: Dobrug
Madragar nods. The subject is finished, for now.
"What should they seek? To begin with, rumors. Any town of this size is usually rife with rumors, even in winter. Perhaps something of importance will catch their ears. But specifically? Tales of disappearances. New people in town. And of course, anyone specifically asking about us."
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Jubilex
ezOP
Posts: 3622
(9/21/04 1:56 pm)
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Re: Dobrug
Ruglan and Khelzhad make discrete inquiries but, for now, nothing of note reaches their ears.
[Ready for Month #4? I think we're down to 3 active PCs, but let's keep going anyway.]
Edited by: Jubilex at: 9/21/04 1:57 pm
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Tarondor
Moderator
Posts: 1281
(9/21/04 5:32 pm)
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READ ME, MIKE WARD!
Madragar doggedly refuses to do anything that might reveal his presence as a wizard. He therefore lives simply, and sends yet another verbal message to Khelzad telling him that he, "Anorre", will create the needed scrolls as soon as Khelzad gets him the necessary cash.
[Note to the GM].
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Ulwe
Moderator
Posts: 1047
(9/21/04 6:52 pm)
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Re: Dobrug
Month 4:
Ulwe continues with his studies, learning the Rituals for the upcoming Watermel festival. He also seeks the audience of Brae the Diviner to see if the aged priest will share more knowledge or will answer some of Ulwe's questions. [note to GM]
Later in the Month, Ulwe arranges for a large amount of Powdered Silver to be sent to the Aerendalen Shrine. [note to GM]
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Ruglan
Moderator
Posts: 346
(9/22/04 2:30 am)
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Re: Dobrug
Ruglan continues to help Janes with the tavern. He also continues to try and gain information about the Lioness and her dealings. He'll also walk around Dobrug when the weather permits to see how much has changed since he left.
Edited by: Ruglan at: 9/22/04 2:49 am
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Jubilex
ezOP
Posts: 3623
(9/22/04 7:22 am)
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Re: Dobrug
Ruglan already looked into the Lioness:
Quote:
Ruglan does a little additional investigating. His association with the town watch gives him some valuable information on the comings and going of those around the Lioness and her clan, but he is unable to penetrate the tight-nit Olmani community that probably has better insight into Yashai herself.
The watch noticed that in the weeks after her arrival Yashai purchased a significant stockpile of raw materials. In addition to common building materials used to make homes and businesses for Olmani refugees, she also acquired quantities of leather goods and iron. A cluster of armor and weapon smiths in the southwestern corner of the city works almost constantly to produce new implements of war for Yashai's kuralitai. The whole situation makes the town watch, not to mention the Council of Elders, very nervous. What is to be done, it is often asked, when the Lioness is already in your house?
Ruglan was only gone for about a month, so nothing really changed in Dobrug outside of what the Lioness was going in the south part of town.
Edited by: Jubilex at: 9/22/04 7:24 am
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squarefodder
Khelzhad
Posts: 336
(9/22/04 11:23 am)
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Re: Dobrug
Hard as it is for the young bard, Khelzhad heeds Ulwe's caution and does not divulge their adventure at this time, saying only that the lights have gone out in the Cairnhollow. During month 3, he works with Madragar to develop scrolls of aid [how much per scrolll?]
As the winter wears on into month 4, he seeks out an Olmani bard and requests tutelage in the language and customs of these folk, for which he would pay or return in kind (teaching Uz or Ghuraskalli).
Edited by: squarefodder at: 9/22/04 11:59 am
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