While listening to the others I will drop my coins into the growing pile and add, "What is going to be our course of action? Maybe splitting up will give us an added advantage over our enemy. I myself am no match in face to face combat. Maybe if I, along with a couple others try to get into the 'heart' of the horde then that would give us an added advantage?" "I am only making a suggestion, I will follow whatever lead the group comes up with," Clayton says with a smile of reassurance. "Anyone care to share a room with me, I promise not to let my curiousity find my way into your belongings," Clayton pleads.

Having returned to the Inn in time to hear the last portion of Clayton's statement, Tallandril says, "I will." with a mischevious smile much in evidence. "And I promise to keep my own 'curiosity' in check.." he adds with an even bigger smile. When appraised with the groups current suggestions for how to approach the horde, Tallandril says, "I am also not as useful in a hand to hand fight... but Clayton's idea I think I may be able to help with. Perhaps he, myself, and Myrage or Blake? Invisibility is going to be the key in whatever we do until we know more. Perhaps once we discover something about their plans, we could recruit help from Cormyr or Hillsfar. My father has a small mercenary group based out of Hillsfar, if he hasn't fallen to the horde already..." Tal grows quiet for a moment, then hands a few coins to Clayton and says, "Good night all, I'll see you on the 'morrow."

"I'm to being a man o' the woods, and me and Az' here could find a trail that will get us close. Perhaps we could find a way into the tower at night , but I'm warnin' ye, if I'm seeing an Orc, I'm cuttin' it's throat where it lies."

Myrage looked almost apologetically at the rest of the party, his hatred of the Goblinoids obvious.

The ranger smirks at Jacosia, before re-addressing the others, "Mayhaps Elminster may be of assistance. His lore is said to be unending, and mayhap he could conjur some gate that could get us through the horde unscathed."

Blake realizing that the fun of the evening is over, gets a serious look on his face. "Myrage is right, as long as we're in town, we might as well seek assistance from Elminster. However, Eliminster is a busy man and I don't think the sign on his gate that says 'Trespassers should notify next of kin' is there for nothing. I can't imagine that he doesn't know about this problem already and has a plan of his own in the works. It's worth a try though. Our chances might be better with Mourngrym Amcathra. But what if none of these sources pan out?"

Jacosa becomes very serious and replies, "I would rather take my chances with Elminister than going blind into a battle that we might have had foresight into. The better preparation the better."

"If our sources don't work out, I suggest that we take Clayton's plan and adapt it a little. We should let the scouts of our party go ahead to look for the enemy and find the safest passage. If we cut through the forest, it should only take about two days. I would suggest that the red tower is the most likely source of the problem, so that is where we should go. I'm not suggesting that we go knock on the gates, but we should get a look at it form a distance. From there, we will be more informed to make a more detailed plan. What do you all think?"

She continues, "With the utmost respect, if Rangers indigenous to this region have gone missing on exactly the same mission how do we hope to succeed when we are not? We must come up with something far less traditional and expected if we are to succeed where others have failed. I am not certain what that is, however..."

Blake frowns. "You're right, we do need something less traditional. If lone, stealthy rangers failed, a group of people on horse back will stand out like a campfire at night. What we need is magic. Jornath can cast some spells. We should find out what kind of spells he has and make a plan around it. I also, have two magical items which can come in handy. My sword and the stone. Does any one else have anything that might be useful? Roandad could you see if Jornath will come down and discuss the matter with us? See if you can round up Tal, as well."

"I suggest that we move to Jornath's room instead. Who knows what ears are listening. If we are to discuss something of such utmost importance, we should do it in private."

Rondad pulls forth two gold coins and makes sure they get added to the pile. He removes his blue cloak and folds it neatly while waiting to see if the others agree with his suggestion.

"Sounds like a good idea". Blake pays for his meal and waits for the others to head up the stairs.

Rondad leads the assemblage upstairs to Jornath's room. He raps on the door and calls out to the cleric. "Jornath, open the door. We have more to discuss."

Jornath opens the door with aplomb. It is easy to see that he was not asleep, but merely chanting and praying. Incense lingers in the room as he removes his study aids and sits down on the bed.

Once the group is let inside and they all find a place to sit in the now cramped room, Rondad addresses everyone. "As Blake suggested, we should probably start by telling what skills or special magicks we possess that might aid us in our cause. This will help us formulate our plan."

The warrior unbuckles his sword and sets it on the floor, tired of having it hanging from his side. He sets his folded cloak on top of it and stretches out in a relaxed position. He allows sabre to hop down to the floor and sleep in the folds of the cloak.

"Contrary to my outward appearance, I no longer strive to carry the sword. My actual strengths lie in the use of magic that can control the mind." He stops for a moment assuming that his revelation surprises a few people.

"I was once a Paladin of Tyr but those days are over..." A quick flash of grief touches his face but is quickly replaced by his usual stern countenance. "I do not possess, nor will I attempt to use any of my old abilities. It is Tyr's justice that I have accepted and now I am a mage who also wields a sword."

Jornath's face is a play of emotions. Sympathy, anguish, hope and even fleeting glimpses of fear and disdain cross his face. "May I never know the anguish that such a separation may bring, Rondad. Yet know that I recognize your sacrifice and respect it. Tyr gives out Justice to those who require it, but Mercy is not an unkown kindness from the Great One."

"Aye, mercy can be granted but it must also be accepted." mumbles Rondad in response to Jornath.

He pulls forth a plain-looking, gold colored necklace from beneath his tunic. "This simple looking piece of jewelry will allow me to throw large balls of fire that can be quite damaging. It was a gift I received while living with a society of elves. I have nothing more to share..."

Jornath silently lets Rondad's phrase fade away before interjecting. "I will not hear such again! Tyr's Wisdom was once granted you and He does not give gifts lightly. Do not for a second think that I believe that you have nothing left to share, nor all of us. We have been chosen for this purpose. Know that we are all required for the completion of this task. The one who says that they are insignificant is a fool, not recognizing the hands of the Gods. Rondad, again I can only imagine what such loss means, but you are as much an integral part of this party as any of us. Let us carry on with our descriptions of talents, but the next one to say, 'Woe is me!' will find themself sitting out in the hall!"

Although the proud man's face does not change, Rondad's subtle body language reveals that Jornath's message has been taken to heart.

Jornath pauses from his diatribe, then continues. "I, as I am sure is obvious, am a Holy Justice, an Arm of Tyr. He is most gracious, (a nod to Rondad), and has blessed me well. Aside from my armamentarium of spells, I also have abilities when it comes to the dispensement of Justice. Any who tell an untruth in my presence need only to glance my way to know that I see into their soul. Tyr also has given me the ability to freeze an enemy(ies) where they stand once per day. I fight as well as some fighters, and am given magical strength once per day also."

Jornath pauses for a moment, and withdraws the emerald sword from its jewel-encrusted scabbard on the bedpost. With a tone of reverence and awe, he continues, "This, however, is my most prized gift from the Law Maker. This is Tearulai, a pluripotent magical weapon of whom I am entrusted. This magically keen blade holds within it powers that are many and diverse, some of which allow me to fly and to assume another shape. I daren't expect any to understand, but Tearulai is as much a part of me as my priesthood. We are one." The zealous light slowly fades from Jornath's eyes as he looks around, "Tsk, tsk, here I go, bragging in a most unbecoming prideful way. I apologize friends, but the Gifts of Tyr are many and precious. Know that I will freely give all that I have that our venture may be successful."

Myrage listens to Rondads oratory, feeling a twinge of sorrow at the obvious remorse emanating from the former honour knight.

"I'm afraid my skills are slightly more obvious," the rangers says finally, his voice low, "I have few things in life, the main ones being my Goddess and Az' here," The ranger, as is his usual habit, drops his hand to the flank of the dog that naps contentedly by his feet, and strokes him subconciously, "I have too this ring, "Myrage raises his hand, revealing a strange ring encircling his wedding finger, it's face made up of two inter- twining loops,"It glows when danger is at hand."

The ranger pauses for a second, his voice cracking with his final words, and a shadow seems to cross his face. He clears his throat once, holding the ringed hand in front of his mouth, and he appears to return to his normal self.

"I also have....." The woodsman reaches beneath his tunic, and draws out a mysterious pendant, "....This!"

"I was told it held magical properties, which I do not doubt, but it's full nature still lays hidden to my eyes." The ranger shrugs, before placing his pendant back beneath his once-fine tunic.

"I do know one thing. I believe we have hidden allies against this dark force, though it would appear they are reluctant to reveal their true motives." The forest fighter seems to struggle with the words, and smiles meekly as he realises the ambiguity of his statement.

Myrage sits back then, stroking Az' constantly, and considers the best course for the party.

he dwarf reaches into his pocket to get something out, he seems none too happy about what he is about to do.

"I really hate to do this but I think it is for the better of the group. I don't trust many with this so consider yourselves a privileged few."

Belak opens his closed and reveals a small sphere about an inch in diameter.

"This is what my clan calls a sphere of teleportation. It will take me and anybody close to be where ever I want to go......up to a certain distance."

Belak places his thumb over a small opening and appears on the other side of the room.

"I usually only use it when there is no other course of action. It is a last ditch save my hairy butt device. I would use it more often, but about a year ago I used it to escape some nasties and arrived at the desired location.......20 feet up."

Myrages' eyes widened as the Dwarf shared his 'secret'

"Is there a maximum range that ye're to be knowing?" "Do you have to be acquainted with the destination?" "Has it got unlimited uses?"

The ranger crowded the Dwarf with question.

This could be their key into the tower.

Jacosa also looks impressed with everyone's magical secrets and awaits the dwarf's answer.

The dwarf fidgits abit with the pressing from Myrages. With a deep breath, Belak tells what he knows about the sphere.

"I've only ever needed to use it but 4 or 5 times. Me father always stressed that it should be used in only the worst of situations with no other options left. Everytime I have used it it seems to take a lot out of me. In fact it nearly killed me once. As for the range I'm not certain, I used it 3 times for escaping. I thought of locations anywhere from 2 to 4 days away and made it no problem. The other times I thought of locales 6 to 8 days away and like I said, I ended up 20 feet in the air in full armor. What a racket that made not to mention that is the time I was almost done in. I've tried using it more than once a day and it never worked. I stayed in the same place. It seems though that the device only takes me to a location that I have seen or visited before. Beyond this, the only way we are going to find anymore out about it is to use it, and I do not cherish that thought. If you don't mind, I would like to rest now, that little demonstration took more than a little out of me.

Belak sits down and leans against the wall. His skin looks a little bit lighter than it did before he did the little trick.

Having joined the others in Jornath's room, Coble sits and watches in silent, intent watchfulness as Rondad, Belak and the others share what are obviously very important features and personal belongings. Sensing the seriousness of this gathering and knowing that information is crucial when persons must work as one, he prepares a brief statement for his part in this exchange.

"Ye should know me and ye should know of my skills and my needs" the young man states as he shakes his reddish brown hair and stands in front of the others. "Know this then - I have studied the magics that men use and have mastered those makings and powers that beginning mages may use. I have skills in illusions and charms. I have knowledge in working with languages and magics. My talents include spells which will protect me and those which will hide me. If need be I am able to attack enemies with flame, lightning or acid."

Then looking at each person, he continues: "These powers and knowing do not come with out a price, however. My skills with weapons are few and my strength is slight. I am neither able to outrun an enemy or physically overcome one. What powers I can bring into being, must take time and space for me to use them and can easily be disrupted. I say these things so you may know how I can aid you, but also so you may see how I may need your aid."

"As for special items, I have only this", he says, and holds out his well made, black walnut, walking stick. Finely crafted and set with six sparkling stones in the shaft, the walking stick seem ordinary but of good quality. As Coble moves, the stick is clearly a natural part of him and he uses it to gesture, turn and stand. "This gift from my teacher has served me well and may help us in our quest as well. When it was time for me to leave his training, my master said: "Coble, you have dreams of traveling far and often. It is best then that I aid you by giving you an instrument that will aid you as you walk the trails and roads of the realms. He then presented me with this - "Coble's fancy walking stick" as he termed it and it has been a great boon to me. It offers me the opportunity to pass through walls or dig through the dirt, among other things and in this way it might help us gain entrance to this tower we seek."

Having said his piece and offered his part in the gathering, Coble sits down on the floor and listens to the others plan and discuss.

Tallandril listens while the others explain their various magical talents, and raises an eyebrow at Belak's teleportation sphere--such a thing could DEFINITELY come in handy... When the others look to him, he draws out his shortsword. "This is TrapSpringer," he says simply, motioning to the sword. It is certainly well crafted, though plain in appearance. It seems to absorb some light, since it doesn't shine much. Tallandril speaks a word quietly in elven and the entire party backs away slightly as the sword bursts into flames. Speaking another word, he quells it. "TrapSpringer can also tell me when traps are near, and..." he says, grasping the hilt firmly and rising off the floor, "he can lift things every now and then. I'm not sure how much, but he never has any problems with me." Sinking back to the floor, Tallandril sheaths his sword and glances around at the party. "So... what next? I'm still not in favor of the whole 'getting-your-head-fried-off-by-Elminster' plan, but it's better than anything I've been able to come up with. If nothing else, we could all pitch in and buy him a cask of really fine wine... I hear he has a fondness for fine wines, and maybe he'll let us in the front door long enough to kick us out again and have it count as a visit."

Jacosa adds to the mix, "Well, we needn't necesarily -=all=- go to Elminister. Perhaps a couple of us could attempt to visit the grande mage while the rest of the party remains in a local tavern <her eyes twinkle mirth> so as to notify their next of kin..."

Looking around at the assembled party, Tallandril says, "Perhaps a representative core of us should attempt to gain an audience with Elminster. Belak and myself, to show the dwarven and elven races in cooperation in this endeavor. Jarnath, not only because he is human, but because his presence shows the sanction of his diety upon our quest. And Jacosa... for company a little more pleasant to the eye."

Service with a smile