Post by Matt Droz on Mar 17, 2008 22:46:17 GMT -5
The last few days have been a blur of activity. Introductions with people that are important, people that think they are important and people that should be important. Ever since you came back from the Black Rift, the War Wizards have been questioning, prodding and basically trying to find out more about the plans of the Sharrans.
At some point, you finally collapse from exhaustion. You feel like going back to the Rift and facing those ephemeral hangmen again, just for a change from all the talking. You've gathered back in the shared wing of the royal castle that they have put you up in while they dissect you and have locked the door for a moment of peace. Well, as much peace as you can get with stewards, apprentices and maids pounding on the door for you to open up.
Suddenly, standing before you is Caladnei. The Archmage of Cormyr. The successor to Vangerdahast. And, some claim, the real ruler of the realm. As you're busy picking your jaws off the ground, she looks around the room and smiles. "Did you think you'd get out of questions just by locking the door?"
She walks over to a nearby table and sits down. Before you get a chance to respond, she raises her hand, forestalling any questions or outbursts. "Don't worry, I'm not here to pull you off to more interrogations with my wizards. Besides, I truly think you've given up everything you truly know. But you do realize that this worries all of us a great deal."
"The fact that the Sharrans were able to get so far in their plans without us discovering anything until you show up on our doorstep says much. So, Alusair and I believe the best course is to let you loose and see what trouble you can stir up."
She chuckles at the affronted looks you begin to shoot her, "Please, you know as well as I do that's what 'adventurers' are best at. And, to give you a extra bonus, I think Shadowdale should be your next stop..."
She waggles her fingers and a cup of wine appears in the air next to her hand. Taking a sip, she continues.
"The letter you have from Skull Servant Ethar mentions the Book of the Black, a little known Sharran religious tome. So, unknown that the only reference I know of is in a book from Myth Drannor entitled 'Songs of the Wind: the Holdings of Windsong Tower', penned by the Sage of Shadowdale, Elminster."
"I do know that forces are on the move against Myth Drannor and, we suspect, Shadowdale, so I don't know what you'll find when you get there, but be prepared for anything. Now, get some rest, tomorrow's the big ceremony and you'll be sure to be on your feet and smiling for at least 12 hours."
With a wink, she disappears as easily as she appeared, the only hint that she was there being a faint scent of mulled wine and the fact that no one is pounding on your door anymore.
The next morning, you find yourself dressed in fineries you couldn't begin to imagine and brought before the Steel Regent herself. The woman exudes beauty and strength. And you feel sorry for anyone that stands against her. Of course, right now you feel more sorry for yourselves as the pomp and circumstance is non-stop. Noble after noble greet you, some looking to rub shoulders with the latest fad, some looking to see if they can hire you for this scheme or that. By the early evening, you cannot wait for dinner to begin, just so they will shut up while they chew their food.
As you enter the dining hall, the servants guide you to the head table to sit with Caladnei and Alusair. Beside Alusair sits a young boy, no more than four years old being tended to by a maid.
(Okay, anyone want to do some conversing? Now's the time. And, if we're going to run this on the boards, I'll need the character updates)
At some point, you finally collapse from exhaustion. You feel like going back to the Rift and facing those ephemeral hangmen again, just for a change from all the talking. You've gathered back in the shared wing of the royal castle that they have put you up in while they dissect you and have locked the door for a moment of peace. Well, as much peace as you can get with stewards, apprentices and maids pounding on the door for you to open up.
Suddenly, standing before you is Caladnei. The Archmage of Cormyr. The successor to Vangerdahast. And, some claim, the real ruler of the realm. As you're busy picking your jaws off the ground, she looks around the room and smiles. "Did you think you'd get out of questions just by locking the door?"
She walks over to a nearby table and sits down. Before you get a chance to respond, she raises her hand, forestalling any questions or outbursts. "Don't worry, I'm not here to pull you off to more interrogations with my wizards. Besides, I truly think you've given up everything you truly know. But you do realize that this worries all of us a great deal."
"The fact that the Sharrans were able to get so far in their plans without us discovering anything until you show up on our doorstep says much. So, Alusair and I believe the best course is to let you loose and see what trouble you can stir up."
She chuckles at the affronted looks you begin to shoot her, "Please, you know as well as I do that's what 'adventurers' are best at. And, to give you a extra bonus, I think Shadowdale should be your next stop..."
She waggles her fingers and a cup of wine appears in the air next to her hand. Taking a sip, she continues.
"The letter you have from Skull Servant Ethar mentions the Book of the Black, a little known Sharran religious tome. So, unknown that the only reference I know of is in a book from Myth Drannor entitled 'Songs of the Wind: the Holdings of Windsong Tower', penned by the Sage of Shadowdale, Elminster."
"I do know that forces are on the move against Myth Drannor and, we suspect, Shadowdale, so I don't know what you'll find when you get there, but be prepared for anything. Now, get some rest, tomorrow's the big ceremony and you'll be sure to be on your feet and smiling for at least 12 hours."
With a wink, she disappears as easily as she appeared, the only hint that she was there being a faint scent of mulled wine and the fact that no one is pounding on your door anymore.
The next morning, you find yourself dressed in fineries you couldn't begin to imagine and brought before the Steel Regent herself. The woman exudes beauty and strength. And you feel sorry for anyone that stands against her. Of course, right now you feel more sorry for yourselves as the pomp and circumstance is non-stop. Noble after noble greet you, some looking to rub shoulders with the latest fad, some looking to see if they can hire you for this scheme or that. By the early evening, you cannot wait for dinner to begin, just so they will shut up while they chew their food.
As you enter the dining hall, the servants guide you to the head table to sit with Caladnei and Alusair. Beside Alusair sits a young boy, no more than four years old being tended to by a maid.
(Okay, anyone want to do some conversing? Now's the time. And, if we're going to run this on the boards, I'll need the character updates)