|
Post by Keikan300 on Nov 15, 2006 14:05:00 GMT -5
Sabastian wiped his mouth and pushes his plate away from him, stands and bows respectfully and then offers he his seat "May I offer you a seat?" He waits to see if she accepts or not. Either way he continues.
"I speak for myself when I say that I am here to participate in profittable endeavors. As such I believe that a "Charter" would be needed."
Sebastian then takes a drink from his goblet..
"As far as the Haunted Halls go.. I have heard little more than rumors and so a little more information would be appreciated, prior to me making my decision."
|
|
|
Post by Matt Droz on Nov 15, 2006 19:30:00 GMT -5
Lord Winter smiles, then waves her hand for Sabastian to take back his seat. "Well, let's start at the beginning...
Of old, when men were fewer and the rule of kings not so heavy of hand and long of reach, many mages dwelt near Eveningstar, in its woods or in small, now ruined towers or caves on the edge of the Stonelands. The spells and magics of these wizards are still sought by many hopeful adventurers, such as yourselves, and at least one adventuring band arrives each summer to try its luck at gleaning treasures from the legendary 'Haunted Halls'. (Notably fewer stalwarts arrive to explore the Halls in winter.)
Partway up the western side of the Eveningstar gorge is the entrance to the Halls. The Halls are actually a subterranean stronghold built by dwarves long ago for the human bandit lord Rivior, but since have become home to kobolds and worse. Rivior died some two hundred winters ago when Enchara, Warrior-Queen of the fledgling realm of Esparin (since absorbed by Cormyr), knowing Rivior's band to be short of food, tricked them out into the winter snows with a false food caravan and slew the bandits to the last man.
The deserted hold soon became home to monsters (lured in to discourage intruders, some say, by evil mages who took abode in the Halls), and was often visited by adventurers. The undead remains of some of these intrepid souls gave the former bandit hold its present name.
One of the most famous tales of the Halls is the titanic battle between the young, unproven Knights of Myth Drannor (exploring the Halls was their first foray) and the evil mage Whisper. Another tale is the explosive encounter in front of the Halls between The Company of the Unicorn and a circle of nine levitating, fireball-hurling, black-robed mages.
Despite continuing patrols, the Haunted Halls remain home to many dangerous beasts. Folks whisper that fell Zhentarim wizards dwell there, and it is their magic that lures or attracts (and heals, and trains) the monsters. There are also ongoing local problems with trolls, particularly to the east, in the caves known as 'The Caverns of the Claws'."
Looking over a Dunman, Lord Winter nods and Dunman pull a jack of ale for the beautiful lord and brings it over to her. She takes a long gulp of the ale and then looks at each of you.
"That's the common tale of the Halls. What isn't well known is that, even after all of these years, they still haven't been fully explored and no one truly knows what lies in its depths. There has also been a recent rumor, regarding a mage or sorcerer deep in the depths of the hall, carving out a place to set up shop. Unlike the other prattling rumors going through town, this one actually seems to be true. What I'm hoping is that you're fine group might enter the halls and try to map out a bit more than what we have and, if possible, find out more about this wizard and what he's up to. What say you? Up to the challenge?"
|
|
vchan
Thespian
Making gravy without the lumps!
Posts: 176
|
Post by vchan on Nov 16, 2006 9:01:18 GMT -5
Fozhug stands hastily as Lord Winter approaches, and remains standing until she takes her seat. He then resumes his, leaning forward eagerly to listen to her tale, the remains of his breakfast almost forgotten.
He listens with poorly concealed fascination as she fleshes out more of the story of the Haunted Halls, its history and its likely dangers. As almost a side note to himself he promises himself a visit to the Cavern of Claws is also likely. He spoke up when she finally began to wind down.
Well Milady, to be honest I had not much destination in mind when I set out from me sainted mothers home beyond 'adventure' and 'interesting sights' and it strikes me that these Haunted Halls are far and away the most interesting sights I have heard of to date, and if I can achieve a charter from exploring them and a wee bit of mapping, then the charter is a lovely bonus to so something I'm afire to do anyways.
Apparently unaware the'd done all that in one breath, and he beamed at her.
|
|
|
Post by Keikan300 on Nov 16, 2006 14:42:36 GMT -5
Sabastian remains silent and ponders what has been said....
" I have but questions two.... How do we get our `license' to adventure and how do we get to the Halls? I for one have always wanted to tackle the difficult tasks before me and this sounds like a good one."
Sabastain eagerly awaits the answer... his anticipation starting to show.
|
|
|
Post by Matt Droz on Nov 16, 2006 21:25:18 GMT -5
Lord Winter smiles, "That's what I like to hear. To answer the second question, the halls are just northwest of here, about six miles. You can't miss it really, just follow the path through Starwater Gorge and it will take you straight to the entrance to the halls. Most adventurers looking for the Hall mistakenly go to Killing Keep, which is a trap-infested castle that's been plundered dry for a few centuries. The traps, beasties and undead are all you'll find there.
As to the first question, getting the license is actually pretty easy. Go to the Halls, find something new or get me some info on this wizard and I'll set it up myself." With that, she winks at the group of you and awaits your reply.
|
|
|
Post by Keikan300 on Nov 20, 2006 16:17:37 GMT -5
Sabastian smiles and tips his mug and smiles...
"It sounds as if my traveling plans are set."
He looks at the others.. "Who else is interested?"
|
|
|
Post by Jona on Nov 20, 2006 17:07:23 GMT -5
Tim sat back feet crossed at the ankles and thought. And thought. and thought about it some more.
Well there it is. I thought to myself. I've still got plenty of coin left in my pocket and there's a whole world out there looking to share what's over that next hill. So why am I so reluctant to do this? I poundered upon that for a few more seconds before realizing how much a bigot I was turning out to be. One of the answers was sitting right next to me. It was the 1/2 orcs. Ok, so I've got a little thing about orcs and them trying to eat me. Not their fault who their parents were. Gonna have to work on that. So far 2 of the 3 have shown themselves to be... well, if not absolutely nice, I eyed the bagpipes and shuddered, at least as civilized as your average soldier. I rolled my eyes at that one. Seeing how some humans act when their blood is up should make me a whole lot more understanding about things. That being sa.. er thought I swallowed my pride and went to see what was over that next hill.
Sure, I'm in for what's it worth. Give me a sight line, a target and I'll make sure that it gets a sucking chest wound.
|
|
vchan
Thespian
Making gravy without the lumps!
Posts: 176
|
Post by vchan on Nov 22, 2006 12:45:32 GMT -5
Fozhug stretched, and grinned toothily back at Lord Winter.
New wizard bits for your collection it is.
He cast his eyes around at the rest of the group. Did anyone have any pressing plans for tomorrow?
|
|