The Assault on the Mage Hall

For days he had been walking around the keep, stabbing into the waters with his staff, abjuring the wards that protected and surrounded the exterior:

 

Nai vanwa mordo!

At an i undume!

Nai vanwa ar entulesse!

moica vantil núre moica yala!

 

Be gone shadow!

Return to the abyss!

Never to return again!

Heed my staff and obey my call!

 

The ground shuddered and the sounds of thunder could be heard around the keep as he continued through the long day and into the nights, taking neither reverie nor food until at last he grew wearie enough to return to the ground through the portal and take nourishment. But as soon as he was able, he returned and resumed his rounds, attacking the wards over and over until they finally began to crumble bit by bit. He could now sense what was within and the mage was nonplussed as he could feel a certain presence within from beyond the mortal plane. He recognized it well for he had, in his prior life, transcended those boundries himself, summoning those reluctant and hostile creatures and tearing them from their home. Even if he never did so again, he would forever be seen as hostile in those planes, and the creatures would seek their vengeance. He would need help for this next phase.

 

He went through the portal and down the mountain, making a note to move the portal to a more convenient location in the future. He stopped by the tavern to grab a bite to eat. He found it empty, but managed to get warmed and find a bit of bread and meade when he heard voices out the back of the building. He walked around the building to see several milling about.

 

Kiila Blackheart: *her brow lifts again at a new approach *

 

Daza (daza.mistwalker) looks at the rather motley bunch, making a note of any weapons and noting something that looks like a staff on one, only recognizing one of the party “Greetings Tamshi…friends” and bows a bit to the rest

Tamashi (georgia.bettencourt) nods and offers Daza a smile. “Daza.”

Kiila Blackheart: *stepping lightly to the side to keep all in view smiled at the man “Vendui ” a neutral greeting

Zebeyanna Baen’ath (artic.scribe) snapped out of her thoughts and gave an audible growl. Baelwhelar’s name was mentioned and it was a hated name now. The unfamiliar scent came to her as well as the man stepped near. She took a step back, her eyes never leaving him.

Zandeln Venoch (beaurey) looks over at the mage saying….”How’s Daisy been?” He remembers when the mage had been cursed to be a girl, low born one at that. Her name was Daisy.

Daza (daza.mistwalker) gives the gate guards a small salute and steps a bit closer “I see you’ve found some new friends here” He addresses them “Daza, at your service. Arch Mage of Lundene” He gives Zan a look and his eyes twinkle a bit, as he vaguely recalls a far more recent encounter “Still working with the rangers of Sylvhara?”

Tamashi (georgia.bettencourt): “Oh, Avina was talking with Kiila, and Zand and his friend recently joined us,” she mused to Daza.

Kiila Blackheart: *grins unable to help herself “Vendui Daza Arch Mage of Lundene. I am Kiiila, Ban Drui of the united Realms and serve here as a High Druid. we were jsut discussing my present .. umm.. coloring..”

 

A crowd in Lundene

Daza (daza.mistwalker) smiles “Well met, Kiila of the Realms, I seem to remember hearing of a druid of some reknown but hadn’t thought to ask of her…erm…coloring”

Kiila Blackheart: *chuckles* when I walked these lands last my skin was fair and hair ebony.. which yes.. *lookst Zande* I think i’d like my old coloring back.

Zandeln Venoch (beaurey) nods to that, “The pack’s moved to Sylvhara, so yes. Good to see you still are yourself, i was wondering if you had forgotten you promise when you helped Parzival amd Dinna again me and Argo that one time, you do remember that promise that brought you back?” He was a wolf then, but was there, when the mage had been freed. He’s tossing a reminder of it back at him, his way of getting even for that day at Godiva’s

Zandeln Venoch (beaurey) looks over at Kila, “Oh xas, i meant help with the earthquakes, i don;t think stone singing would help with your skin tone milady killa, sorry…

Daza (daza.mistwalker) scatches the back of his neck “Well I recall a promise of fealty to the good queen Beatrix…and to be a better caretaker of this body than the last one…as for prior to that, whatever I did or said; those promises perished with that old body”

Tamashi (georgia.bettencourt): “I suppose if I had changed appearance, I might wish my old appearance back.” She glanced from Zand to Daza with interest, then glanced at Kiila. “You do look lovely the way you are, however.”

Kiila Blackheart: *chuckles* I will take your aid in creating quakes. You are like to find the weakness within the stone where it is weak and I can touch off a few earthquakes ” then gives Daza a specoulative look “But perhaps another can do something about this coloration issue.”

Daza (daza.mistwalker) nods with some agreement “It’s what is inside that counts, and I find your present coloration seems to become you, dear Kiila”

Zandeln Venoch (beaurey) chuckles at Daza, “Well if you start tip toeing through the daisies again, i warned you at least. I don;t think that goddess will give up so easily on your promise.” He looks over at Killa and asks, “Killa, would you happen to have any clue where the Shadow might hide someone from our noses? We know our friend was in the land, but we are unable to trace his scent down.

Kiila Blackheart: Neither fully one of the other.. not elf, not drow.. its my boon and curse both.

Tamashi (georgia.bettencourt) shrugs. “Be who you like, as I am, though at times I am frightened along the way.”

Kiila Blackheart: *looks back at Zande * “depends on tehe abilities of those who seek .. if it was me looking he’d hide someone under stone or over water.. the two places the first song cannot reach.

Talonia Moonshadow walks out from her tavern and wonders what the ruckus outside was.

Kiila Blackheart: *Nods at teh newcomer* “Vendui ”

Talonia Moonshadow looks up and nods slowly in acknowledge. “Greetings”

Daza (daza.mistwalker) listens with some interest to this talk of a shadow which reminds him of his own business this evening “Well…changing exterior appearance is merely a matter of illusion if you wish it enough. Otherwise a more permanent solution gets a bit more complicated. And if you, my wolfish friend, seek the Shadow, you might find him aboard his ship”

Daza (daza.mistwalker) arches a brow “Ah! Red! I see you’ve come prepared and brought a weapon with you!”

Zandeln Venoch (beaurey) shakes his head, “there is no hiding something in stone from me…and we’ve been through every river in this land. It down right baffling. Unless….” he mulls over some things in his mind. “A ship….that explains things.”

Tamashi (georgia.bettencourt): “Again with the talk of this Shadow fellow…he seems quite known wherever I go.” She looks up and nods to Talonia. “Vendui.”

Kiila Blackheart: *carefully blanks her expression* ” siyo Daza.. I think we should talk later together. as charming as I find my lords opinion of my appearance I do have a reputation to live up to .. and a well known state of dark locks. ”

Talonia Moonshadow looks to Daza a little confused a moment. “Umm……I have a weapon yes always do but…what are you talking about? ” looks to teh other and smiles in greetings.

Kiila Blackheart: *bites her lip softly knowing what would happen if she gave aid agaisnt the Shadow.. what if he decided she was no longer ‘useful’ and held her peace. but dteremined to relay the conversation to him.

Daza (daza.mistwalker) rocks back on his heels, considering “Well…I happen to have a bit of a job that might require some skill with weapons”

Tamashi (georgia.bettencourt) listens with interest

Zandeln Venoch (beaurey) looks back at zebe and says, “time to go home sister. We have our answer finally i think. Time to find out if those nordsman friend of Freya’s still have the 52 gun ship available…If the shadow has had Tel on a ship, we’ll board, get him back, and then bast the shadows ship back into pre history.”

Kiila Blackheart: *ears perk up* Tel? Telryn?

Daza (daza.mistwalker) glances over “Tamashi, you remember the door we were looking for? Well we found it and it led to an impressive keep. I have taken care of the wards, but…welll there are other creatures occupying that need to be evicted”

Tamashi (georgia.bettencourt) turns to Daza. “Really? What sorts of creatures?”

Talonia Moonshadow grumbles something under her breath a bit before looking at everyone and back at Daza. “A job you say? ” taps her chin softly before listening. “What is my compensation for such? I must ask only seems fair no? WHat creatures are we taking out?”

Zandeln Venoch (beaurey) turns nodding back to Killa, “I’ll have to let the Queen know we’ll be bringing a war ship into the waters around here. If we can get them to help….” He starts planning a few things in his mind. Logistics of a ships battle, dealign with the pirtates that will also be around, avoidign, international incidents int he process…. he scrunches up a brow.

Daza (daza.mistwalker) makes a bit of a face unsure if he wants to reveal the true nature of them “Well, they are rarther…ummm…tenacious and nasty….not at all the sort one could live with. But they could be vanquished with a force of arms. As for compensation….well I *am* a mage. Perhaps some future small-ish favor could be arranged.”

Kiila Blackheart: *nods* I am a Druid Zande.. a few things like obscuring banks of fog are easily arranged.

Talonia Moonshadow nods in agreement. “That is fine I am sure that will come in handy.”

Tamashi (georgia.bettencourt): “Were I a more skilled healer I might offer my aid, but it sounds as if you have some good aiders in mind with our friends here,” she mused, nodding to Talonia and Zand.

Daza (daza.mistwalker) fidgets a bit “Well, such favors assume you…ahh…survive of course. A healer might be useful to that end”

Tamashi (georgia.bettencourt): “I can do what I can. Anything serious I will have to seek the aid of another, but I know at least two skilled healers”

Zandeln Venoch (beaurey) bows head to Killa and Daza, “My thanks for the clues. Now that I look at it, a ship is the only way to keep us from having found him for so long. I dislike water so i hadn;t though of a ship as a place to hide someone.

Zebeyanna Baen’ath (artic.scribe) heard her brother and silently fumed. Her thoughts focused upon her companion, an unearthly growl formed. “Nau!” she yelled. “He is here, brother. I can feel him…feel his thoughts!” She stepped back growling still. Every fibre of her being trembled with rage. This was false information given to them by those who associated with that…murderer. “Nau…I won’t believe it.”

Daza (daza.mistwalker) sighs “Mind yourself around the shadow’s ship…he is a wiley one. Even if you don’t find the one you seek, the Shadow still uses it as a place of refuge. It will not be easy to catch him unawares”

Kiila Blackheart: its my… gift.. I can sense life.. anywhere, all life.. blades of grass, insects.. trees.. people..but only when they are set upon the taig .. when they are over water or under stone I can’t doso..its how he hides from me.. but I know the moment he comes within range. *felt her cheeks color ing with a mix of shame , regret and tenderness *

Zandeln Venoch (beaurey) nods, “excuse me…” he moves off to Zebe

Tamashi (georgia.bettencourt): “Ah yes, the one who leaves black roses. I wonder what his fascination with them is? He wanted to see the Valuk Relonimar once, but the Valuk was busy.” She glanced at Kiila. “that is a wonderous gift indeed.”

Daza (daza.mistwalker) taps his chin and looks at Kiila “Any experience with…ahh….fire elementals?”

Kiila Blackheart: *Nods* fires is mysecond element. though last I banished a earth elemental

Zandeln Venoch (beaurey) says, “Zebe, we’ve been here three days now and are no closer to finding him, then the moment we got here. Daza says the shadow has a ship. The Shadow knows a wolf was with Telryn. WHat better place to hide Telryn from us then in the middle of the sea, where our Noses can;t go?”

Daza (daza.mistwalker) thinks long about what he sensed on the other side of the heavy doors “Hmmm…could be useful although these are some ill-behaved and ill-tempered creatures”

Tamashi (georgia.bettencourt) chuckles. “So, not the type to offer us tea, I take it?”

Daza (daza.mistwalker) chuckles softly “aahh, sadly no”

Kiila Blackheart: we might have to work out an exchange then Daza.. *smiles at him* as mycurrent countenance shows.. I am , in the end, drow.

Daza (daza.mistwalker) considers, his mind turning “Hmm…well fair enough…changing your actual body could be tricky, but appearances are oft decieving. I can’t make you NOT be a drow, but what you look like is mostly cosmetic…practically speaking”

Zebeyanna Baen’ath (artic.scribe) just stood there…fighting tears, fighting falling apart…fighting herself and what she heard. “Nau…nau…” she kept repeating herself. ‘So close…so close’ her thoughts kept repeating…seemingly tormenting her. Her breathing came in gasps as she tried to formulate the words her brother spoke. Her words now came out in growls as her native tongue spoke. “I don’t believe it. I can’t. Why?!” She felt like she’d lost everything. A ship…a damned boat! “Why?” she whispered in wolven.

Kiila Blackheart: Then we have an agreement. I’ll get rid of your heat issue there and you will do something to return me to my usual self.

Tamashi (georgia.bettencourt): “It sounds like a fair agreement to me…and with any luck, all will work out.”

Daza (daza.mistwalker) nods “Done! Perhaps something to keep the buggers from coming back once we evict them. Then we might have a place to actually conduct such a ..erm…procedure”

Daza (daza.mistwalker) looks over at the 3 ladies “Well…are you game to attempot this extrication now?”

Zandeln Venoch (beaurey) looks Zebe over, he could force her to come with him, but, this is not a hunt, and not her eating before her beta. He says, “If you want you can stay, but I have to follow though on this. If for no other reason then confirm he;s not on a ship. I hate to say this though he probably is, keepign soemthign on the sea isabout the only way to hide them from a wolf’s nose.

Kiila Blackheart: I can banish the elemental now if you need

Talonia Moonshadow: “Lets do it.”

Daza (daza.mistwalker) tilts his head “Well…seems you might want to have a look at the project first. I can;t guarantee that is all we have to contend with”

Tamashi (georgia.bettencourt): “I do not know how much aid I will be in this case, but I can try if you wish me to come along

Kiila Blackheart: ok Daza.. lets take a look.. I can provide some elemental protection as well

Daza (daza.mistwalker) nods “Well if that staff has any power to it, you might find it handy….It is a bit of a trek up the mountain but I might be able to portal you directly to the site…might be easier”

Zebeyanna Baen’ath (artic.scribe) closed her eyes and the tears that had brimmed fell, released of their tiny prison. She nodded wordlessly and cried out in thought to the Great Wolf. She felt His embrace and it gave her strength when she had none at all. Softly she whispered to her brother “Let’s go.”

Daza (daza.mistwalker) draws his staff and grips it “Are we ready?”

Talonia Moonshadow nods. “I vote for easiest.”

Kiila Blackheart: *snorts* ever heard of wind walking? its like a mages gasetous form spell but takes a group you just might be a bit.. umm.. insubstantaial for a few minutes

Daza (daza.mistwalker) concentrate and opens the portal with a clap

Daza (daza.mistwalker): wormhole

 

Zandeln Venoch (beaurey) nods, “We’ll go home, look into get a war ship, and be back with a seven day, hopefully with enough cannons to to put the shadow’s ship out of buissiness. After we get get Telryn back….

 

Zandeln Venoch (beaurey): Lets find that knight before we go, i want him to know what we are up to next. Last thing we need is for someon to sink our ship by misatake

 

Daza watches as the 3 women enter the portal and disappear before stepping through himself. When he appeared at the front of the keep he looks around, seeing all made it “okay…get ready because when I open these doors….all hell will break loose”

Kiila Blackheart: *thumps her staff on the ground*

Daza (daza.mistwalker) opens the doors and cautiously steps in

Kiila Blackheart: follows, a chant ready to her lips, the staff held securely in her hands*

Talonia Moonshadow readies her sword and follows behind

 

for a moment all is tense, but then nothing happens and nothing appears, the mage begins to wonder if he had misread something. He furrows his brow “well…this don’t look so bad”

 

as soon as he uttered the words, a pair of alien-looking fire elementals pounce upon the party

 

Tamashi (georgia.bettencourt) recoils from the fire as the pair are soon joined by a second pair of the creatures. While Tamashi hides in a corner the other 3 battle the creatures with staff and sword, taking them out one by one, vanquishing them and sending them back to their own plane.

 

.: Fire Elemental shoots a fireball at Kiila Blackheart

Fire Elemental: The Monster absorbs the fire and looks revitalized

Kiila Blackheart the Arch Druid of Flora casts Sylvan Bounty and restores 5 points of food and 10 points of health to all those in a small area.

Fire Elemental: Monster resists the spell!

 

Battling a fire elemental

After the battle in the main hall, Daza grumbles “Damn things seemed to really like me!”

Tamashi (georgia.bettencourt) coughs and comes out of the corner she was pushed into. “Is everyone all right?”

Kiila Blackheart: *snorts indelicately*

Talonia Moonshadow nods and just breaths

Daza (daza.mistwalker) scans the room “I told you they were nasty…whoever last had this keep kept interesting pets”

Talonia Moonshadow: Well at least you know very few would come near

Kiila Blackheart: *mutters something that sounds like ‘bloody mages’ *

Tamashi (georgia.bettencourt): “I wish I knew of a fire protection spell….” She sighs. “I might have been of more use.”

Daza (daza.mistwalker) relaxes some what and looks around “Indeed….it looks as if it might have been a keep of some mage…it has been hidden for quite some time”

Talonia Moonshadow snorts. “Explains alot.”

Tamashi (georgia.bettencourt) approaches the center and looks around. “An elemental mage no doubt.”

Daza (daza.mistwalker) spies the painting on the wall and growls “Dragons” He looks at the other furnishings “skulls…some dark sorcerer or mage”

Tamashi (georgia.bettencourt) follows his gaze to the painting. “Or a dragon.”

Talonia Moonshadow shrugs. “Looks pretty nice in here actually.” looks around. “Or a lover of dragons.” smirks

Daza (daza.mistwalker) shrugs “Well this was before the Queen;s time…she had no idea it was even here”

Tamashi (georgia.bettencourt): “Once it is cleared of troublesome vermin, perhaps it can be turned into something useful.”

Daza (daza.mistwalker) nods toward the stairwell “Well..this level looks good…care to venture a guess as to …up there?”

Talonia Moonshadow: Lets give it a go I say

Tamashi (georgia.bettencourt) nods. “I am anxious to see as well…thank you for having me along.”

Daza (daza.mistwalker) shrugs and looks at the steps warily “I guess..I’ll go first” He climbs the steps to where he can look down on the main great room from which they had just come.”Oh…nice balconey!”

Tamashi (georgia.bettencourt) follows up the steps, looking about cautiously. “It is lovely,” she mused, pausing to look over the balcony.

 

On the Balcony

At that moment, another fire elemental comes blazing down the step from where Talnia had just disappeared into and another skirmish ensues until the creature is vanquished back from whence it came, but only after knocking them off the parapet onto the ground below.

 

Talonia Moonshadow: I swear there was another

Daza (daza.mistwalker): hmm…only one this time?

Talonia Moonshadow: I suppose so. Back up we go

 

As they begin reclimbing the steps they are met by Tamashi “There is a scorpion of some sort up at the top…I backed away from it”

Daza (daza.mistwalker): I just saw the one…oh?

Tamashi (georgia.bettencourt): “Up there”

 

Again a small skirmish ensues and the creature is killed within the smallest and highest tower.

Talonia Moonshadow kicks it

 

Tamashi (georgia.bettencourt): “Are you both all right?”

Daza (daza.mistwalker) grumbles “Aside from Tal wacking me with her sword…”

Talonia Moonshadow glares. “It was not on purpose. I did try to avoid you but it is hard when the fire is attached to your…..um yea.”

Tamashi (georgia.bettencourt) grins. “I might be able to give you an herb or two for the bruise. And were you burnt? I could have a look.” She peered at him innocently.

Talonia Moonshadow smiles. “You may need to give him a full body search. I am sure he bruised alot falling.”

Daza (daza.mistwalker) looks around in the tower, aside from the dead scorpion, too distracted to notice any burns “More dragon, skull stuff”

Talonia Moonshadow: “Perhaps whoever was here was a dragon collector.”

Tamashi (georgia.bettencourt): “Well, there is a bit of water and a nice bed for him to stretch out…I’m certain something could be arranged.” She nods. “Perhaps indeed.”

Talonia Moonshadow smiles and winks at Daza. “You may have a nursemaid to tend to you.”

Daza (daza.mistwalker) snorts as he tosses the dead creature out the window “I’m not keen to stretch out anywhere on these hidous furnishings!”

Talonia Moonshadow looks around. “Shall we continue on then?”

Tamashi (georgia.bettencourt): “Well, perhaps we could replace it with something nice in blue velvet?

Talonia Moonshadow: “No offense but…I ready to kill some more creatures.”

Daza (daza.mistwalker) sighs “I would sooner simply leave it clear for a nice friendly spell circle…a good place to meditate orrr….perhaps help restore old memories”

 

Dead Scorpion

Tamashi (georgia.bettencourt) nods. “That might be a good thought as well….a spell circle would be nice here”

Talonia Moonshadow: “Right…..meditate.” coughs and continues on

Daza (daza.mistwalker) looks around “Well…we might as well see what else is here in the way of traps or creatures”

The trio head back down the stairs and into what appears to be a large study. The room is surrounded by chelves of books and in the center is a desk, surrounded by a large spell circle inscribe and glowing on the floor.

 

The Study

Talonia Moonshadow sees something of interest and sits to read it.

Tamashi (georgia.bettencourt) pauses to look around, and runs a hand over the books cautiously. “It seems like a nice enough study”

Daza (daza.mistwalker) walks in and sees all the books and scowls “Don’t touch anything!”

Talonia Moonshadow looks up and looks innocent.

Daza (daza.mistwalker) looks at the circle around the desk and grumbles “I recognize those symbols”

Tamashi (georgia.bettencourt) walks away from the bookcase and observes an herbalist table with a skull on it

Daza (daza.mistwalker) hisses as he remembers the crazy draken named Perwin once gave him a most arduous task of translating “Draconic”

Talonia Moonshadow stands and begins to move away

Tamashi (georgia.bettencourt) turns her attention to the circle and eyes the symbols. “I do not understand them, but they seem familiar”

Daza (daza.mistwalker) nods “yes…the original scroll that led us to the secret portal was written in draconic…it was a dragon mage that once lived here”

Talonia Moonshadow looks between the two. “Well then ….. what kind of meaning comes form these writings then?”

Tamashi (georgia.bettencourt): “I see..that makes sense. Still, I wonder why the symbols are so familiar….” She leans over to take a closer look.

Daza (daza.mistwalker) arches a brow “you read draconic, Tamashi?”

Tamashi (georgia.bettencourt) shakes her head. “I cannot remember; perhaps it is a lost memory. But these symbols seem familiar, as if I have seen something like them somewhere. I could not tell you what this says, however.”

Daza (daza.mistwalker) scrapes his staff on the floor “It’s rather simple actually…the cardinal directions of the winds”

Daza (daza.mistwalker) sighs “Getting rid of this one will take a lot longer than the furnishings”

Tamashi (georgia.bettencourt): “It sounds more and more like a mage of the elements…but then who can tell.” She nodded to Daza. “Do you suppose the person will return, then?”

Talonia Moonshadow shakes her head. “This is beyond me. I will leave it to you then High Mage. Though some of these furnishings look nice. Like this desk for example. Very COmfy chair.”

Daza (daza.mistwalker) shrugs “This place was long abandoned and the creatures left here to guard or simply moved in on their own.”

Tamashi (georgia.bettencourt): “In that case, if the creatures seem to be cleared out, then perhaps it can be used for a better purpose. Though the writings are intruiging.”

Daza (daza.mistwalker) looks at all the books “Those will stay….but if the creature that once lived here was still alive, they would have showed up whilst I was breaking the external wards, if they were able”

Talonia Moonshadow looks around and begins to walk back to the entry way. “Wel I am sure you can find some use for this place. SInce there was no external force to question you while you broke down teh wards then I guess you should claim this tower as yours then.”

Daza (daza.mistwalker) nods “It will make a fine hall for mages I think. It already has a portal system…it just needs a bit of recorating and updating”

Tamashi (georgia.bettencourt): “I agree…and I had not thought much on that.” She chuckled. “We would have had more to worry about than those creatures if this tower were not abandoned.” She nodded at his thought. “A tower for mages it is, then; I agree. I do hope you do not mind me visiting.”

Daza (daza.mistwalker) chuckles “Well you’re welcome to visit…I’ll try to warn you if I acquire pets of my own to guard the place”

Talonia Moonshadow looks around. “Oh I don’t know feels very mage like now. Though if your do not want all these perhaps you can bring some of it by the tavern and i will be happy to take some of it off yours hands. ” SMiles softly and sweetly. “Mages and pets…”

Tamashi (georgia.bettencourt): “Yes, please do…I do not wish an unpleasant surprise.” She laughed. “Pets, now there is an idea. Perhaps I should get a pet.”

Daza (daza.mistwalker) sheaths his staff “Well thank you ladies, for you assistance…and I’ll need to see where Kiila has got off to, as she needs to lay down some elemental wards to keep the nasties from returning”

Tamashi (georgia.bettencourt) nods. “I do not know how much help I was, but I do thank you for inviting me along. Safe paths to you.”

Talonia Moonshadow nods. “Anytime Daza feel free to stop by for a drink or some food. It was a pleasure to help. I shall be returning to my tavern and make sure those wenches are not leaving dirty dishes again. Be well.”