Kalitharsis II: Of wishes and of Swords

[Jair Barik]

You awake from unconsciousness upon a firm yet comfortable bed. You can roughly make out your belongings to one side but you are badly wounded. Your strange green friend sits on a chair in one corner of the room. From the lavish decorations you can determine that you are most likely still within the city.

"We did warn you there may be demons on guard... You almosy died in there and then we may well have all been doomed."

[Emperor Ing]

In thought of running a finger through one of her wounds, Stiekel's arm begins to move but she immediately stops herself realizing that the increased sensation of pain compared to what she already feels isn't worth complicating her condition. It will be seen as Stiekel's right arm twitching.
Uhhgh, thank you.

http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll246/EmperorIng/Stiekellvl8.png

((I'll get a panorama of the PDF up in a bit...))

[Jair Barik]

"Yes well magic powers or not try not to get yourself killed. Your just lucky you had friends close at hand this time. Next time you may not be so lucky."

[Emperor Ing]

I don't know what happened. I did not realize how close I was to...well...you know...until my flesh could not sustain my form. But I cannot justify what happened, I should not have to.

[Jair Barik]

"Well I'm hardly blaming you for what happenned, just saying be careful is all okay?"

[Emperor Ing]

Stiekel nods slowly. Would assistance be possible?

[Jair Barik]

"Well it appeared as though whatever almost killed you was either dead or gone when I came so I'm sure there is nothing in there that you yourself cannot handle."

[Emperor Ing]

That can't be good, because if it is not in the forst of pillars room it's somewhere else. Just tell me that I am able to make a run into the room, remove the lamp, and run out.

[Jair Barik]

"The lamp cannot be removed from the room as far as I am aware."

[Emperor Ing]

Damn, but you cannot blame a girl for trying. Still, would it be possible to call on assistance in the event of demonic intervention?

[Jair Barik]

"Potentially yes. I will have to check around though."

[Emperor Ing]

I am sure my old companions would not mind assisting too much.

[Jair Barik]

"You've only been down for a few minutes, your friends are still asleep I'm afraid."

[Emperor Ing]

Stiekel glances around the room.
So it has only been a few minutes between when you first woke me up and this moment?

[Jair Barik]

"I only meant a few minutes since when you passed out and this moment. So you've not even been here a half hour by my estimate. maybe not even twenty minutes."

[Emperor Ing]

Ah....how did they manage to bring them (Stiekel's companions) in without waking them?

[Jair Barik]

"Well whenever your ready I can escort you back to the throne room."

[Emperor Ing]

You have magical healing available?

[Jair Barik]

The man taps you with a wand of some sort healing the worst of your wounds (heal for 25 points of damage).

[Emperor Ing]

((Stiekel has 23 hp. ))
Ah, thank you very much, that feels much better.
She will jump out of the bed.
Lead on.

[Jair Barik]

The fey leads you back through the winding halls of the building eventually coming once more to the throne room.

[Emperor Ing]

Hmm, why have you brought me here again?

[Jair Barik]

"Because the genie dwells just beyond the throne room. Beneath the bell."

[Emperor Ing]

In a lamp I presume? How do I summon it.

[Jair Barik]

"Wow you really do no nothing about basic legend do you? Rub the lamp or with rings generally rub the ring and then you typically get three wishes per genie. Sometimes its three wishes for each user but generally its free wishes and then your genie is granted its freedom and is no longer bound to the recepticle."

[Emperor Ing]

Stiekel shrugs. I know much, but I will be the first to say that much knowledge still eludes me. Now then, do you know if demons still guard the lamp?

[Jair Barik]

"I didn't see any when I went in there to rescue you."

[Emperor Ing]

Stiekel has a few ideas for spells she already knows that she can cast just before entering that would be useful as precautions. I am willing to wager that is subject to change by the minute. Can you take me to the...err...whatever the room with the genie in it is called?
Stiekel casts Blindsight on herself again.

[Jair Barik]

He opens the door into the bell room and gestures with his hand inviting you in.

[Emperor Ing]

One moment.
Stiekel casts Invisibility on herself before going in, tapping a toe on the floor gently as she moves to give a faint but audible signal to the Fae that she is moving forward. Once she's all the way inside the tapping will stop.

[Jair Barik]

"Goodluck."

Turning away the door back into the antechamber closes.

[Emperor Ing]

Stiekel, as a final precaution, casts Mage Armor on herself ((I looked up Invisibility, i'll only break invisibility if I attack or cast an offensive spell.)) before approaching the lamp.

[Jair Barik]

You cross the room and reach the lamp unmolested by any demons.

[Emperor Ing]

Thinking of her luck for a brief moment, Stiekel then rubs the lamp.

[Jair Barik]

A thin trail of smoke begins to pour out of the lamp trailing upwards towards the roof forming a cloud around the bell. The cloud begins to take form and solidfy with a large creature gradually taking form upon the bell. A great hairy beast with six arms and hooved feet, a dogs head and trailing beard it looks down at you its eyes connecting with your own.

[Emperor Ing]

Stiekel returns the figure's gaze.
Hello?

[Jair Barik]

"You are no blood of the city but it matters not. Thanalothk awaits your wish, speak it now and let my curse upon this city come to its end. Only one wish remains so chose carefully, what is your wish oh master?"

[Emperor Ing]

Stiekel has thought long and hard on this. She considers automatic lichdom but decides against that for miscellaneous reasons. This leads into other forms of longevity, mainly ascension into dragonhood. She finds this idea extremely appealing. As she entertains the thought of it she considers the different breeds of dragons. Multiple thoughts, mainly on their resistances and which ones do not have those stupid looking frilly wings. This makes gold, bronze, and brass dragons out of the question. Still many choices, but she remembers that due to her age, she will become Very Young by draconic standards.

I wish... for ascension. To join the ranks of the pinnacle of scalykind. To no longer exist under their shadow and former glory. ...to become a Blue Dragon.

[Jair Barik]

"Your wish, is granted."
The creature smiles and snaps its fingers disappearing in a puff of smoke. At first nothing seems to happen but then there is a loud metallic groaning. High above you the bell is beggining to give way, a large crack appearing along its side. The stones supporting it seem to grind to dust and the bell collapses to the ground in a great cloud of masonry dust. As it begins to clear you feel yourself being sucked towards the place where the bell collapsed and see it seems as though the lip of the bell has formed a mouth, a swirling blue vortex pulling you into it. With no means of stopping yourself you are sucked in and raking pains fill your limbs and your head. You begin to recover your senses but you feel choked, blind and deaf with a gritty feeling all across your body.

[Emperor Ing]

As Stiekel slowly recovers and regains control of her body, she struggles to breathe as well as grasp her throat in a rather futile attempt to aleviate the choking sensation. She will also attempt to move around her legs and tail to get a feel for her surroundings.

[Jair Barik]

It feels as though you are buried beneath a layer of sand or perhaps earth. It is hard to say for certain.

[Emperor Ing]

She tries to escape as best she can.

Escape Artist check
[roll0]

[Jair Barik]

Escape is easy consisting simply of shrugging off a thin layer of sand a dirt that was lying on top of you. Looking around you emerge into darkness in the bottom of some foul smelling pit. Your darkvision shows that there are a number of tunnels leading off at various heights with vile liquids running through them, most are covered in metal grates. Your hands appear to be much the same as they were before but they have a scaly blue tinge to them and small yet sharp claws instead of fingers.

[Emperor Ing]

She feels confused, but it would probably be best to get to somewhere less...offensive before rushing to any conclusions. Stiekel decides to head to a tunnel that leads upward, one without a grating.

[Jair Barik]

Most of the tunnels seem to lead straight on or further down but further up the pit there appears to be more tunnels (though no stairs through which you can reach them).

[Emperor Ing]

She goes down one that leads further on. Is she walking on four legs now or two?

[Jair Barik]

It seems more comfortable to walk upon two legs than four, your arms (despite being clawed) feel better suited to standing upright than going upon all floors. As you walk down the tunnel you see the occassional piece of discarded food or refuse flow past upon the water. After a little while you come to a hole in the roof up which climbs a ladder. The tunnel also continues onwards.

[Emperor Ing]

She will investigate the ladder, climbing up it.

[Jair Barik]

The ladder goes up a long way, after awhile rays of sunlight begin to pierce the darkness from above. It appears as though the ladder tunnel ends in a grate of some sort but whever or not it can be opened is another question. As you go higher up you can begin to hear the sounds of life, the thud of feet and the chatter of day to day life.

[Emperor Ing]

Stiekel's fears are confirmed, but it is a step up from her prior thought where she imagined herself waking up as a dragon hatchling inside an egg. Nevertheless, the sewers are certainly not pleasant.

She attempts to open the grate.

[Jair Barik]

The grate opens quite easily into an alley packed high with refuse and rubbish.

[Emperor Ing]

That's convinient for Stiekel, she'd prefer to end up some place out of sight as opposed to popping up in the middle of the street. Anyways, she climbs out, places the grate back in place, and casts Prestidigitation on herself to remove the raw sewage look and smell. She will then take the time to examine herself to see if her wish was granted.

[Jair Barik]

You appear to have gained a blue tinge to all of your scales and your throat feels funny. You don't feel any wings but your tail is slightly larger than before and just as with your claws your teeth feel larger now.

[Emperor Ing]

Is Stiekel wearing her desert clothes? If not she'll cast Disguise Self on herself to make it look like she is then goes outside into the street.

[Jair Barik]

She is wearing her desert clothes yes.

[Emperor Ing]

She goes into the streets, taking note of the architecture of the buildings as well as racial demography to try and determine where she is.

[Jair Barik]

The streets are relatively clean and the buildings made of white stone with tall towers dotting the cityscape. The people here appear predominantly human and shortly after stepping out a woman screams and points at you, in a matter of seconds people are yelling for guards.

[Emperor Ing]

Damnit, she has been teleported out of the Northern sands!

Stiekel appears startled. She imagined herself resembling a Blue Dragonwrought at the moment minus the wings and plus the teeth and claws. Apparently the not-Stiekels see her as something else. Either that or a bluish kobold is a being of absolute terror.

She casts Invisibility on herself.

[Jair Barik]

You disappear but it takes less than a minute for a group of guards to turn up on the scene, one with a bow strapped on his back with leather armour, three with crossbows and a pair in heavy plate with halberds.

[Emperor Ing]

Stiekel stands in an inconspicuous corner, watching the scene unfold.

[Jair Barik]

The man with the bow seems to be examining the ground whilst the two crossbowmen take statements. The two men in heavy armour keep a watchful eye out but don't seem to see you. The man with the bow takes out a white bag.

[Emperor Ing]

Stiekel backs away from the bag. For all she knows that could dispel the invisibility.

[Jair Barik]

The man quickly turns about on the spot and hurls the contents of the bag in your general direction, a white cloud of dust billowing up in the air around everyone. It tastes oddly familiar, like flour.

[Emperor Ing]

That's what cantrips are for. Prestidigitation to clean the flour off of her invisible form.

[Jair Barik]

The man curses and pulls a red vial out of his pouch. The two men in heavy armour move in closer and the two crossbowers ready their weapons.

[Emperor Ing]

Stiekel decides now would be the best time to start running.

[Jair Barik]

As you run off the man looses his bottle at the spot where you were standing, as it cracks open its contents ignite coating the wall and floor with wall with flaming liquid. Noticing you don't appear to be there the man curses again.

[Emperor Ing]

Stiekel feels a bit of relief as she has literally just dodged the bottle of alchemal fire. She continues moving through the streets, careful not to bump into anything.

[Jair Barik]

As you run down the street a guard with a pack of hunting dogs runs past you in the opposite direction, headed to where you already were.

[Emperor Ing]

Stiekel frowns invisibly, wow they are going all out to find one blue kobold aren't they? Damn it does she have wings?! Those would be really useful right now. She looks for an inn where she would be able to hide out for the moment. In addition, she casts Disguise Self to take the form of a Male Gnome. Currently an invisible male gnome, but enough to throw them off the track for the duration.

[Jair Barik]

(OOC: Gnomes are an extinct race in this setting)

[Emperor Ing]

Dwarf it is then.

[Jair Barik]

There doesn't appear to be any taverns to speak of in the immediate area, most of the buildings appear to be private residences.

[Emperor Ing]

(S)he keeps moving around, looking for any taverns or inns.

[Jair Barik]

Oddly it doesn't appear as though there are any such buildings. There is however an abundance of patrolling guards, strange tower buildings and clergy of some sort.

[Emperor Ing]

Stiekel is beginning to understand why she woke up in the sewers, the mammals seem to have a zero-tolerance policy on the presence of scalyfolk. Nevertheless she wants to know where she is and what she is before deciding on making a home down there.

Now she looks for a store or a shop out of sight of anyone else.

Also, does she have all of her possessions with her?

[Jair Barik]

You spot a few shops. A fine carpet shop, a food shop with exotic produce and some for of a magic shop or something along those lines.

You seem to have all your posessions.

[Emperor Ing]

Stiekel looks for one that doesn't seem to have any traffic. If the invisibility hasn't worn off already she'll go into an inconspicuous alley and dismiss if when she's out of sight. She is relying on the dorf form to remain undetected.

[Jair Barik]

Of the three shops it is only the food shop that is particularly busy. You quickly find and ally and dismiss your invisibility.

[Emperor Ing]

Dorf Stiekel goes into the carpet shop, looking around for any other people besides the shopkeeper meanwhile making it look like (s)he is looking at carpets.

[Jair Barik]

There are a few other humans in the store. The shopkeeper, a guard (dressed in the same manner as those you have already met), a wealthy looking couple and a larger man in blue silk robes.

[Emperor Ing]

Dorf Stiekel goes up to the guard.
'ello lad, i'ma wondr'n, I'm hearin' rumors 'bout a blue drag'n 'round 'ere, Ya know any'tin ya cen tell me?

[Jair Barik]

((I'm still waiting on your PDF to be edited into your first post.))

[Emperor Ing]

((Ya, i've put that off....>_>.

http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll246/EmperorIng/Stiekellvl8.png

here it is, i'll put it in my 1st post now. ))

[Jair Barik]

((OOC: Your NA has increased by 4, your bite deals 1d4 and your claws 1d3. Your type is dragon.
Breathe weapon is 60ft line of lightning, reflex DC 10+con mod for 6d8 damage 1per day.
Your immune to sleep, paralysis and lightning
Also +8 to your strength and +2 to your Con, Int and Charisma.))

The guard frowns and looks you over curiously.
"You don't sound like any dwarf I've ever met."

[Emperor Ing]

Stiekel glares at the guard. Wha're ya sayin?

[Jair Barik]

"I don't know its just not often we get dwarves around these parts and you don't sound that dwarven to me... Hold on a minute."

The man turns away and goes to chat with the shop keeper.

[Emperor Ing]

Stiekel waits.

[Jair Barik]

After a little while the man returns to you.

"Could you wait here for a moment? I need to go outside to check something."

[Emperor Ing]

Eh, fine, fine.
Stiekel will wait.

[Jair Barik]

The man walks outside and out of sight. It is a few minutes time and he still hasn't returned.

[Emperor Ing]

After one minute (s)he will go see the shopkeeper, the individual who the guard was talking to about something.
'ey, what's goin' on?

[Jair Barik]

"Not entirely sure. I got the guy on my payroll to keep the place extra protected, he just wanted to arrange with me that he could go outside for a few minutes."

[Emperor Ing]

Eh, I dun like th' looks ah this, first I 'ear a lady screamin' parts off, den I 'ear people talkin' 'bout some sorta drag'n.

[Jair Barik]

"When did all this happen then? I aint heard anything about dragons in the quarter."

[Emperor Ing]

Li'r'ly ((Literally)) a few minutes ago, mah apol'gies lad, he jus' looked like a guard I thought he'd know more.

[Jair Barik]

"And who are you exactly? If you don't mind me saying you look awfully short for a dwarf."

[Emperor Ing]

'ts okay, I gets dat a lot. Jus' call me Sindri fer now.

[Jair Barik]

The man points behind you.

"He's back."

The guard is standing in the doorway with a scimitar in his hand.

[Emperor Ing]

Stiekel turns.
Ah, can I help you?

[Jair Barik]

"Perhaps. Me and some of the guard would like to escort you somewhere for a few questions."

[Emperor Ing]

What's this about?

[Jair Barik]

"I'd just like you to come with us to answer a few questions is all."

[Emperor Ing]

Hm, 'ine, fine. Les jus' make dis quick.

[Jair Barik]

"Good. Now if you will come with me..."
The man gestures for you to leave the store, standing to one side to let you through.

[Emperor Ing]

Stiekel will follow the guard.

[Jair Barik]

Outside there is a small retinue of other guards. Two in heavy plate, three with crossbows and two with longbows.

[Emperor Ing]

If they head out somewhere, Stiekel will follow them.

[Jair Barik]

Half the guards lead off while the over half move in behind you. The group heads towards a tower, one of the larger ones in fact.

[Emperor Ing]

Stiekel still cooperates, beginning to feel unnerved.

[Jair Barik]

The guards lead you to the entrance to the tower, getting closer you notice that most of the windows appear barred and there is a higher density of guards near to it.

[Emperor Ing]

Hmm, why do I gets th' feelin' yer errestin' me?

[Jair Barik]

"Wether or not you are arrested will depend a lot upon how you answer our questions. You understand of course that as city guards it is our duty to be on the lookout for suspicous individuals."

[Emperor Ing]

Fine, fine. Stiekel will go with them, trying to take mental notes on possible escape routes.

[Jair Barik]

The towers ground floor has a reception desk and several doors leading off of it into other chambers. There is also several staircases leading up and down from it to the other floors, it is to one of the downward staircases that you are directed.

[Emperor Ing]

And we can fast forward to when the questioning begins.

[Jair Barik]

The guards take you into a cell beneath the tower. It is small and has a single steel door with a sliding viewport. Three of the guards accompany you into the room but they all stand whilst you are told to sit.

"Okay then lets start with the obvious. What is your name, age and area of origin."

[Emperor Ing]

Stiekel sits.

I'm Sindri Stonespeaker. 84 yeers uv age. Place uv or'gen be tha Burryer Range.

[Jair Barik]

"Quite far from home then aren't we? Now then, what brings you to our fair city and when did you arrive? Do you have any work colleages or family here in the city?"

[Emperor Ing]

Ah've arrahved li'r'ly todeh. As fer fam'leh, eh, Ah have none in yer city that I know of. Ahm a travelin' scholah, I be studyin' tha histreh of what be happenin' durin' and before tha scourgin'.

[Jair Barik]

"I see.... And how exactly did that bring you here?"

[Emperor Ing]

Yer city's quite big, I wouldn't be suprised ta find a few texts that servived tha scourgin'. A few pieces to tha puzzle if ya wunt.

[Jair Barik]

"I see... And which gate did you come into the quarter by?"

[Emperor Ing]

(S)he looks confused. Tha...frunt gate? I'm sorry lad, I thought ther be just th' one gate.

[Jair Barik]

"Hmmm. And under whose authority were you allowed into the inner ring?"

[Emperor Ing]

Silent Still Charm Person is cast
Tha gate guard nice enuff t' lemme in once I 'splehned ma'ntentens.

[Jair Barik]

The man looks confused for a few seconds and then continues.
"Which gate guard though? I doubt any of them would have let you through without reason. Do you have a written invite? Forms? A writ of access?"


[roll0]

[Emperor Ing]

*shrug* I dunno lad, he just...lemme through.
Suck my bluff check.
[roll0]

and mah natural 20. :smallbiggrin:

[Jair Barik]

"Hmmmm. Yes, well. You said something about a blue dragon? Tell me about that then."

[Emperor Ing]

Stiekel leans back. I d'nno, heard a lady screamin', then I hear people talkin' 'bout sum blue drag'n. Figured a guard'd know more.

[Jair Barik]

"A guard several buildings away from the event so shortly after it occured? Interesting... Where are you staying if you don't mind me asking?"

[Emperor Ing]

I heven't checked en atteny inn yet, I stell be quite new en town, dun even know where one es.. If ya dun mind me sayin' tha word trevels much more quickly then ya do. All I know is I be standin' in tha streets thinkin' of, ya know, tha forces o' destruction....tha REAL forces o' destruction when way down tha street I be hearin' screamin' an' people runnin' from the scream be talkin' 'bout a blue drag'n. Little one, but still a blue drag'n.

[Jair Barik]

"Perhaps would be best tp hand this one over to Councillor Alderbrac for questioning? He has an interest in all this sort of thing. Bringers, and weilders and watchers, the edge project too if I'm not mistaken."

"This Sindri is still a suspicous character Dern, given the circumstances. We do not just go around dumping strange individuals on the door steps of Council members. "

"I know but if you want answers out of her Alderbrac can make anyone talk."

"True enough..."

[Emperor Ing]

Lessen, I answehed ye questens best I can. I be not harmin' anyone, I dun wunt any mor' trouble.

[Jair Barik]

"In which case perhaps you would like to meet Alderbrac... As my friend said he has similar interests to your own. You can't object to that now can you?"

[Emperor Ing]

I s'pose I cen't. Ef ya wanna take meh to 'im then lead on.

[Jair Barik]

The guards open the door and lead you outside, headed in the direction of another tower, this one much more magnificent and heavily adorned than the prison tower.

[Emperor Ing]

Stiekel follows.

[Jair Barik]

The guards take you through the tower lobby and up several flights of stairs. The building is rife with religous iconography and one of the guards goes on up ahead of you. Eventually you come out to a room with the guard standing outside next to a young and handsome man in clergy robes.

[Emperor Ing]

Looking at the who is probably a preist, Stiekel seriously hopes that this one is someone Stiekel can trust and can help her in this rather interesting situation. Councelor Ulderbrac?

[Jair Barik]

"Alderbrac, actually... So this is the one hmmmm?" The priest looks you over curiously with a smile on his face.

"Correct. This is the dwarf we thought you might like to talk to."

"Indeed. Well if you would like to come into my office Sindri I might be able to help you with your studies."

[Emperor Ing]

Word tr'vels fester then I thought. I heve much to discuss weth yeu.

[Jair Barik]

Alderbrac leads you into his study leaving the guards outside and closing the door behind him. The room is cluttered with various piles of books, scrolls and shelves as well as numerous trinkets and contraptions lying about. It is not a small room and the desk and carpet are both exquisite in design. On one wall hangs a large map of the world as it is, covering both the Northern and southern deserts. A number of pins have been stuck into this linked together by brightly coloured threads of cotten. On the opposite wall hangs another map of several circles each cut into eight segments.

"I apologise for the mess. I am still relocating from my old offices into these ones after the unfortunate accident last week. Now, how can I help you?"

(OOC:If you wish for a more detailed description of any of the aspects of the office just ask)

[Emperor Ing]

(S)he starts talking as normal, sounding less dwarven.
I have a certain situation as I was hoping I would be able to trust you. As I am sure you are able to guess by my voice I am not what I seem. Do not worry, performing malevolent acts to you or your work is as far from my intentions as you may get.

[Jair Barik]

"So you are our little Dragon I presume? Well then that is interesting. Though not wholly unsurprising. You really must work on your disguise if you hope to ever get anywhere in this world. Out of curiosity who do you work for? The north or the dragons in Krade Ful'Foth?"

[Emperor Ing]

Stiekel dismisses the disguise, revealing the small blue dragonnoid underneath.
Hah, you read me like a book. As for my employers, while I may hail from the north I do not find myself recieving pay from their coffers, nor am I even familiar with this "Ful'Foth" thing you mention. Prior to my predicament where I woke up miles from my prior location in the sewers of your city, I was tasked with recovering a long lost sword, one whose symbolism once all nine are combined is supposed to unite the world. It was a greater success than I hoped, but then a more grievous failure than I feared.

[Jair Barik]

"It was stolen from you. Well I am not one who is privy to knowledge of these swords you seek but I know one place you could likely start. The Edge project. Though they are not interested in that sort of thing in general they have some of the most advanced psionic equipment in the known world and have long been looking into travelling over the edge into the realms beyond."

[Emperor Ing]

A great possibility but I doubt they would simply let one burrow their equipment just to find one pointed stick. Not to mention my original problem. I have no clue as to where I am. My being in the southern sands is a given but it is a far greater geological expanse than in the north.

[Jair Barik]

"Fascinating. You really have no idea where you are do you? Which I suppose begs the question as to how you came to be here."

[Emperor Ing]

What would your first reaction be if I told you I saved a suprisingly elusive city in the north from being overrun by demons by wishing to become a blue dragon? Then after I get pulled into some sort of vortex, I wake up in the sewers of this city? Now then what if I said this happened less than 30 minutes ago?

[Jair Barik]

"Well it would hardly surprise me given some of the things I have seen myself. So you never even intended to come here in the first place then? How amusing. Now then seems to explain your complete ignorance of everything. Tell me, what do you intend to do next?"

[Emperor Ing]

Hopefully exchange notes. In my travels I came across the specter of a long-deceased golden great wyrm who remembers...vaguely...what happened before the scourging. I also have texts from the hoard I have yet the chance to look at. In addition I have four mysterious and possibly enchanted items that I would like to identify the enchantments of.

[Jair Barik]

"You know the trade of such artifacts is in many places frowned upon. Your story about the dragon is... intriguing. In Gecis I presume?"

[Emperor Ing]

Correct. The wyrm spent millenia moping over that the bulk of his hoard is a pile of dirt. So much so that his consciousness refused to die. So now then... Stiekel looks at the maps. What are you trying to do here?

[Jair Barik]

"Hmmm? Oh ignore those not important. Now tell me about this wyrm."

[Emperor Ing]

Extremely ancient gold dragon named...uhh...wait, why the interest?

[Jair Barik]

"Oh no particular interest. I'm happy to talk about something else if you want."

[Emperor Ing]

Stiekel turns to the maps again. Her snout pointing straight at the one with the thumbtacks* and strings.Then what can you tell me about this map?

[Jair Barik]

"As I said, nothing important."

There is only a handful of pins in the board. Each placed on a different location of the map. One isn't actually on the landmass and another its heard to tell wether it is or not.

[Emperor Ing]

Fine, I can at least tell you what the gold dragon said about before the scourging.

[Jair Barik]

"Yes, I'd like to hear that."

(If you want I can tell you where the pins are marked.)

[Emperor Ing]

((Please do))

Well unfortunately this one was not an exemplary member of their species. He stayed locked up with his hoard all his life and beyond that, guarded by a draco-lich and more traps than you can throw a bouncy-ball at. Did not destroy the phylactery of the lich so it is very likely he has regenerated. Anyways, what he did say is that the land was consumed in an enormous war with the abberations, and excuse me for paraphrasing, but "the wizards are preparing to do something to wipe them out once and for all." Keep in mind that this one had no idea the scourging had even occurred.

[Jair Barik]

"My own research has had similar conclusions. I however came to be under the impression that the creatures in question were not necessarily abberrations. I didn't know about the involvement of wizards but it seemed a logical prediction. Now, one thing I did dig up was that the wars were not necessarily with the apocalyptic beasts that threatened the world. Some of my research implies that even as the world threatened to end the mortal races still fought amongst one another."

Looking on the map there is a handful of pins. One is pinned to the same location in the heart of the great forest, one black pin seems to be pinned just to the east of the half city, or possibly on the half city, it is hard to tell. One is pinned out due east of Ta Sol Ravoq not even on the land mass. One is pinned in the middle of the shifting sands but isn't attatched to the others by the threads. Similarly one is placed up in the middle of the northern sands and another in the middle of the desert, neither have threads attatched to them. A final two pins (both connected to the thread network) are on the mountain where the shade water originates and on Gecis.

[Emperor Ing]

That does not suprise me, but from my own personal experiences I believe that even a united world would have had difficulty. Encountered them myself several times.

[Jair Barik]

"That's just it though. Monsters as we know them are still mortal. They could be defeated through military might or the machinations of wizards without causing catastrophic damage on the scale of the scourging. All this leads me to believe that it was either not an army of abberations, or was not the actions of the wizards that actually lead to the scourging taking place."

[Emperor Ing]

I have seen it, I fought an army of these abberations with victory only being possible through psions replicating the scourging on a much smaller scale. Heart stones I believe they called them sent out an enormous wave of fire that obliterated their entire army. But anyways, what do you believe caused the scourging?

[Jair Barik]

"Oh my personal beliefs on the matter are largely irrelevant. Understand of course that unlike Alarev my interest is purely academic. I don't intend to act on any of the information I learn. The past cannot be changed so what can we really do but learn from the mistakes of the past."

[Emperor Ing]

While it is true you cannot change the past, to not act on what you can is to doom the truth to the ignorant machinations of the social convention. Your people believe mine seek the destruction of the world while mine think yours are no better. But I wish to emphasize that there is some things that are more difficult to act on than others. The quest of Alarev to unite the world under the nine swords is more plausible than undoing the scourging, but this is just my opinion. In conclusion, hypothetically if you were to acquire the knowledge of the entirity of the circumstances that lead to the scourging, what would be your plans moving forward?

[Jair Barik]

"Well that depends entirely upon what I unearthed. Perhaps I would use it, perhaps I would destroy and remove all of the accumulated knowledge of the scourging from existance. You see it all depends on what would be found, and wether it could be used again."

[Emperor Ing]

Could you be more specific?

[Jair Barik]

"Well, for example, say what I unearthed was instructions on how to reproduce the exact effect of the scourging. Not defining how the effect works, just how to create it. Surely then the responsible thing to do would be to destroy the instructions to prevent the world from another catastrophe. On the other hand what if the instructions detailed how it worked as well as how it could be created. Imagine the sheer energy required to produce the scourging but put towards constructive goals! One could nbot undo the permenant effects but perhaps you could bring life to the sands, or raise land where there is the edge."

[Emperor Ing]

A reasonable enough point, but I digress. Your insistence on the insignificance of the map increases my curiocity. I have noticed many of the pins placed on major locations of interest, Gecis included.

[Jair Barik]

"Hmmm? Oh yes so it is. They are simply places that hold some interest to me, historical landmarks that have piqued my curiosity. You notice perhaps that Ta Sol Ravoq isn't marked? That is because being so local I have already visited there."

[Emperor Ing]

What did you find there?

[Jair Barik]

"I found... that it is a place best left alone. There is something down there that is best left alone. Some strange and sinister intellect capable of senseless murder on any who intrude into those depths."

[Emperor Ing]

Sounds like fun. An obvious sarcastic tone. Also sounds like a lot of these places are tombs that hold clues to the scourging. Whatever inhabits Ta Sol Raviq likely has gone completely insane, but since I am talking to you I feel this goes without saying.

[Jair Barik]

"Actually I believe that whatever it was that was down there was anything but insane. I believe they were constructs in nature and thus completely incapable of insanity as we know it. Which begs the question as to what task or instructions their owners gave to them."

[Emperor Ing]

Guardians, of course. Whatever is down there is probably worth the trouble of constructing golems and animating suits of armor.....or highly paranoid, very old, probably deceased, and is or was an extremely powerful arcanist.

[Jair Barik]

"Suits of armour... are the least of the problems down there. In our sewers perhaps, but in those ruins? Not likely Small little machines that hit and run. They set up ambushes, prepared pitfalls and cave ins. Harried you as you rested and seemed to ignore you in your waking hours. A single one could decimate an unprepared group without them being able to do a single thing to stop it."

[Emperor Ing]

So they are intelligent. While I still believe whatever is down there is worth guarding, it probably is not worth the suicide run.

[Jair Barik]

"My thoughts exactly. Ironically it seems that whatever they are guarding is likely second in value only to whatever preserved the great forest."

[Emperor Ing]

I would believe that one does not simply walk into the Great Forest either. But I believe that if wizards were able to cause this much destruction in one fell swoop, that there were other wizards who saw it coming that worked to protect what they could. Hence the existence of the great forest amidst the mass obliteration.

[Jair Barik]

http://xspblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/mordor.png

"Which begs the question though as to why the forest is still inhabited but Ta Sol Ravoq is not. The constructs, they do seem to be of the guardian variety. But why prevent the land from turning to desert if you only intended for little mechanical creatures to live there?"

[Emperor Ing]

((That was the idea. :smallbiggrin: ))
It probably is, and the inhabitants of the hypothetical secret civilization just expected the survivors of the outside world to be dangerous monsters and raving lunatics. In fact, it would not be suprising at all if the constructs work both ways and they prevent the hypothetical inhabitants deep down inside from leaving.

[Jair Barik]

"Possible. Underground civilisation has been proved to be a possibility. But that hardly matters if neither of us intend to go there. May I inquire as to where you intend to head next?"

[Emperor Ing]

My plans at the moment are that I have several large texts I have not had the chance to read yet, so may I inquire as to whether or not you can provide me sanctuary?

[Jair Barik]

"I can make no such offer. I can however remove the guards from trailing you around."

[Emperor Ing]

That would be satisfactory, thank you. Now then, I have been meaning to ask you this, could I burrow your mirror?

[Jair Barik]

"Certainly."

Your host wheels a mirror out from amongst the clutter.

[Emperor Ing]

My thanks again.
Stiekel will take the time to examine her new form in the mirror, noting things such as longer or shorter appendages, color change, shape change, and even additions in relation to her previous orange kobold form.

[Jair Barik]

Overall your scales have taken on a much bluer tone. A few small horns are protruding from your head in a similar manner to a rhinos and your tail fangs and claws are all longer. You have no wings to speak of though but overall you look much hardier.

(In short you have had the half dragon blue template applied to you)

[Emperor Ing]

((Half dragons get wings))

Hmm, looks good. Wish I had wings though. I feel like I can actually lift things so that is an improvement. She turns back to him. So you can give me something that will get the guards to leave me alone?

[Jair Barik]

"I can tell the guards to leave you alone."

(Only get wings if you are large size or greater)

[Emperor Ing]

Ah yes, word travels fast as well. The only problem is that not everybody in your city is a guardsman.

[Jair Barik]

"Well I didn't expect you to walk around like that. You disguised yourself earlier so do it again. Or if that is a problem I'd head to the eight quarter of the city. Next to no guards there and people don't care so much about who sticks around. Nothing I can say will stop you getting a dagger in the ribs if you walk around like that."

[Emperor Ing]

So the guards will know to leave the dwarf as well as the blue dragon well enough alone. Will I be able to come into the inner ring I believe it is called again?
((Also, did he mention the name of the city yet?))

[Jair Barik]

"Oh, I think you misunderstand me. I will tell them to leave the dwarf alone, but the blue dragon has no protection within these walls. I can strike fear into a full seventh of the city guard, or there abouts, but I can give you no real protection if you flaunt your true form about. It is unlikely you will be allowed to return to the inner ring, and should you even try to enter the innermost temple grounds at the very heart of the city you will likely find a very swift imprisonment, assuming you are lucky."

(you never asked so no he hasn't)

[Emperor Ing]

Very well. But I might have neglected to ask you before, but what is the name of your city?

[Jair Barik]

"You haven't already guessed? Why it is the city of the seven of course."

[Emperor Ing]

Knowledge (geography?) check to see if she knows of the city.
[roll0]
I would have no way of knowing, this is prehaps my first time away from the northern sands.

[Jair Barik]

"We are strong believers in the seven Gods here. The city is cut into eight segments of which seven are dedicated to the different deities. Each of these is then split into three parts and then we have the great temple at the very centre of the city. You are currently in the inner most ring, home to the rich and the clergy. You should be able to easily walk around the two outer rings without hinderance."

[Emperor Ing]

I also may seek out the edge project when it is possible. But for now can I be provided with a map...please?

[Jair Barik]

"Unfortunately I do not have any small maps on me. Do you mean a map of the city or of the surrounding area? Either way I'd look for a catogropher."

[Emperor Ing]

It would seem at the moment this city's tourist industry is insufficient for the maps to be available either publically or in general retail. A cartographer must be actively sought out.
The city. Although do you know where a cartographer can be found?

[Jair Barik]

"Your best better would be in the mid ring. Most tradesmen can be found there. Ask around and you'll probably find them."

[Emperor Ing]

Very well. I only have one last question and I will take my leave. Do you know where the edge project would be located?

[Jair Barik]

"Assuming nothing has changed then it remains localised to the twin cities of Folgrave and Prospect."

[Emperor Ing]

Stiekel nods and casts Disguise Self to turn into the dwarf form.
I shall take my leave of you then. My thanks to you again for your help.

[Jair Barik]

"You are welcome."

opening the door the priest has a few quick words with the guards and then gestures for you to leave.

[Emperor Ing]

Stiekel leaves, heading outside. Looking for a way out from the inner ring.

[Jair Barik]

The guards escort you to the gate into the middle ring. You immediatley notice that the middle ring is much more crowded than the inner ring, that the buildings aren't as fanciful and of as high a quality, and that the people appear poorer.

[Emperor Ing]

Stiekel chuckles slightly at the thought of what would their reaction to her true form being revealed here is. Nevertheless, she decides that blending in beats standing out, so all she does is move casually, looking for shops.

[Jair Barik]

'Shops' is giving the area a bit too much credit. Though there are a few devoted shops most of the commerce appears to be street peddlars and stalls in the streets, hawking their wares.

[Emperor Ing]

Stiekel goes over to a random street vender. e'cuse m' lad, I be lookin' ferra cartographah, ye know wher' I be findin' one?

[Jair Barik]

"Why? You new round these parts?"

[Emperor Ing]

yep, q'ite new.

[Jair Barik]

"Well suppose you could hire a guide. Or theres A man what deals in map makin nearer the gate out towards the outer ring. You shoulda past him likely commin here. Red tent with lotsa scrolls an such."

[Emperor Ing]

Yeah, past him on my way here. aright, mah thenks.
Stiekel will head there.

[Jair Barik]

Eventually you manage to find the gate that the man was talking about. The red tent is pretty obvious and has numerous leather scrolls hanging about its exterior.

[Emperor Ing]

Stiekel grins and makes her way to the tent. 'ello.

[Jair Barik]

"An whatten mighta be dween fra yaou?"

The shopkeeper is an eccentric looking figure. A goblinoid of almost human height with rough tanned skin and brightly coloured clothing.

[Emperor Ing]

I be lookin' ferra map ah tha city, I be quite new ta' town.

[Jair Barik]

"Wychan part dey citay you be lokin fayra map of buday?"

[Emperor Ing]

Ye dun hava mappa tha city?

[Jair Barik]

"Nayn ya deft Dweef! I be hayvyn lotsa maps o the citay soupid! New wych part ya be wantin a lock at!?"

[Emperor Ing]

A map ah da whole city. Not cumpleceded. Ye dun heve one do ya?

[Jair Barik]

"Wella coursa ha map o da whole citay! Just curious as to whyad want one is all!"

[Emperor Ing]

Ahm new, an' if I be wendrin' outta tha quertur I dun wanta be gettin' lost.

[Jair Barik]

"An jus waddaya be doin wherin ya dant noce der wells? Nottin in mey busineess corse jus curayous."

The goblinoid begins rummaging around his wares looking for something.

[Emperor Ing]

An' I also needa map uh thu area frum here to ((the two towns where the edge project are located because I can't find it))

[Jair Barik]

"Thall bay three hunded gold."

[Emperor Ing]

Ah rehlly? Tha' be seemin' quite steep, how 'bout a hundred?

[Jair Barik]

"Twundred!"

[Emperor Ing]

One forty.

[Jair Barik]

"Wanudred an atey an thats may final offer."

[Emperor Ing]

'ine, 'ine, eh hun'red ehty 'tis.
Stiekel pulls out 180 gp for the maps.

[Jair Barik]

The goblinoid eagerly takes your money and hands over the maps.

[Emperor Ing]

Stiekel looks at the city map first.

[Jair Barik]

The map charts various main streets and important buildings in the city, dividinf it into eight equal segments and each of the eight segments into three more. There is then a circular building at the very centre of the city that is even further walled off. Each 'segment' is itself enclosed by walls but one of the eight parts of the city has been left completely blank except for these major walls.

[Emperor Ing]

Stiekel looks for a reference point, AKA the mental equivalent of the "You are here" dot.

[Jair Barik]

There is no actual refrence point to say 'you are here' on the map. It would be somewhat irrelevant on a portable map. There is however a number of gates and, judging from where you stand, you can assume you are at one of the eight major gates that connects the outermost ring with the middle ring.

[Emperor Ing]

Stiekel decides to begin looking for an inn to stay at...for a while.

[Jair Barik]

There is an inn nearby almost adjacent to the gate. It appears relatively busy.

[Emperor Ing]

Stiekel decides to go in, looking around both at the facility as well as the innkeeper present.

[Jair Barik]

The innkeeper doesn't appear to be dealing with anyone at the moment. The building appears to be a coach house more than anything with adjoining stables and a large number of rooms, built for housing as many as possible as opposed to being of luxury quality.

[Emperor Ing]

Stiekel goes up to the innkeeper.
'ello, I be lookin' ferra room fer a while an, whet's th' price av yer rooms?

[Jair Barik]

"Two silver a day, five silver for horse and camels, one silver fer your meals."

[Emperor Ing]

Would't be poss'ble ta pey daily, I dunnae how long I be stayin'.

[Jair Barik]

"Fine but in that case I'll need an extra silver to cover other costs an such like."

[Emperor Ing]

'ery well, I be payin' fer ya rooms e'ry night, mebee 'bout tha' time I get ma meals.
She pulls out 3 silver pieces.