==GM==
Copperfield lives up to its name. The city sits on a major river, the Stondeth, and is a central trade hub for the surrounding area. As you may have guessed, much of the city's wealth comes from copper mining in the hills to the south and east of the city. Copperfield is an independent city-state that has nominal control over the surrounding area, though as the coach driver told you on the way to the city, the farmers and ranchers in the area only ever deal with the city while selling their excess in the markets. The recent big news is that there have been recent problems with orcs, which have been marauding recently in the area north of the city. The city twice has sent out a company of soldiers to try to pin down and destroy the orcs, but the marauding monsters are too clever to let themselves be pinned down by a large force.

The other force trying to counter the orcs is that of Alcastra, a powerful sorceress whose tower is in the plains north of the city. Alcastra actually has a group of mercenary warriors that serve her, and these soldiers have had the only success in fighting the orcs.

Once you arrive in the city, you are able to find lodging in the Lion's Rest, a decent inn, with decent lodging, decent food, and notably better-than-decent ale brewed by the innkeeper, a craggy-faced dwarf of indeterminate age who goes by the name Zack.

A couple days of working the local markets and jewelry merchants gets you the following offers for the treasure you have:
300gp for the gold pin
125gp for the silver bowl
620gp for the crown
350gp for the brooch
(OOC: You may decide to sell any of the items for the stated price, or hold onto them in hopes of getting a better deal later on. "Later on" in this case means after the about-to-start adventure.)

Also, if your characters want to buy anything in the way of equipment, this is the time for it, as pretty much anything you could want can be had within the city.
==/GM==

Much discussion about what to do, what to sell, what to buy, etc.

==GM==
Two weeks later, our heroes found themselves meeting for dinner at The Lion's Rest. Over steaming bowls of pork stew and frothy glasses of ale, the group recounted what they had been up to over the past couple weeks.
==/GM==

==Quint==
"Man, I know it's just stew, but this stuff is awesome. Anyway, how have y'all been? I know I wasn't super keen on leaving Thunder Rift, but we sure did make a lot of coin from those trinkets, didn't we? Who knew that merchant wanted a dented crown so bad? Shoot, even after I gambled a bunch of it away I've still got enough left to live the life of a man of leisure for a full season or more."

Everyone can see that Quint, while he may or may not have lost a lot of money gambling, is sporting a couple gold rings that he didn't have before, and is dressed in a most dapper fashion. So, obviously, he's not doing too bad.

"So, what have all of you been doing these past weeks?"
==/GM==

==Condrasson==
Finished training to be a second level fighter little buddy.
==/Condrasson==

==Ariel==
Hey hunny. Can I have on of those rings. (flirting)
==/Ariel==

==Finri==
You know me. I spent some time at the local temple working with the people who come there needing our help, as well as spending some time studying the decrees of Aequitas and gaining new insights into his justice. (OOC: Would Condrasson actually say, "training to be a second level fighter"? Or would he say something more along the lines of "studying new combat techniques"?
==Finri==

==Drugar==
I was able to find a job carving stone for a merchant's villa on the outskirts of town. He's a rich, but fat man and needed a couple special marble bathtubs made just for him and his equally bloated wife! Not the most fulfilling work, but he gave me artistic license and it paid the rent!
==/Drugar==

==Quint==
(To Ariel) "Whaaaat!? I think you have enough money to buy your own, girly. I got these with the sweat of my brow. Maybe you should spend less money on your training and magical equipment and spend some more time enjoying yourself. Life's too short to work all the time."
==/Quint==

==GM==
Considering that dwarves tend to be interested in other dwarves, not humans, Ariel's attempt to seduce the crusty old dwarven innkeeper fails.

After Ariel returns to the table with a lighter purse, a well-dressed man approaches the table and looks at Ariel.
==/GM==

==Stranger==
Good evening, everyone, and pardon for the interruption. I am a messenger looking for an Ariel Starfire. I have been told that she is staying at this inn, and, young lady, you match the description that I was given. Are you Ariel?
==/Stranger==

==Ariel==
Keeping a safe distance from the stranger. Yes I am Ariel loud enugh for the rest of the group to hear.
==/Ariel==

==Reginald==
"Ah, excellent, I do have the correct person." he says, and he gives a light bow at the waist towards Ariel. "My name is Reginald, and I serve the illustrious Alcastra, a sorceress that lives in this area. She has requested the privilege of an audience with you, and your companions." at this he waves his hand to encompass everyone at the table, "Word of your recent accomplishments in the Rift region has recently reached my mistress, and she believes that you are the right people to assist her with a certain task. My companions and I," at this he motions towards the entry door, where three soldiers (visible chainmail armor and swords) in unknown uniforms are sitting at a table. When they see Reginald motion towards them, they make eye contact and nod in your direction. "...are ready to accompany you to Alcastra's tower north of the city, at your convenience."
==/Reginald==

==Ariel==
What do you say, guys?
==/Ariel==

After much discussion, the group heads off with Reginald to meet Alcastra.

==GM==
The trip to Alcastra's Tower was pretty uneventful. Alcastra's soldiers obviously knew the terrain well, and the ground was covered quickly. The area north of Copperfield definitely showed some signs of depredation to those with an eye to see it; you pass the occasional burned-out homestead, as well as some plowed fields that seem to have been left to go wild. "Orcs" is the answer you get from the soldiers to what has happened.

Alcastra's tower itself is pretty impressive, though no architectural marvel. The tower is square, being 50 feet on all sides, and 40 feet tall, built of solid stone. The tower is surrounded by barracks and stables for the mercenaries she commands, and all of that is surrounded by a 10 foot earthen rampart topped by wooden palisades; it looks like it would take a large fighting force to take the camp, even without the presence of a powerful magic-user.

Once inside the compound, you are taken to the second floor of the tower, to a room that seems to be a storeroom of some kind; there are lots of dry goods, bedding, and other such material. Also in the room, to meet you, are three women. Two of the women are around 5 1/2 feet tall, wearing plan but sturdy dresses. The woman in the middle, however, immediately commands your attention. She is rather short, being maybe just over 5 feet tall. She has a commanding presence, however. She has long black hair (with just a hint of grey) that is kept out of her face by a jeweled, metal headband. Her dress is white with gold edging, and you can see that she also wears multiple gold rings. She smiles at you as you enter, and begins to speak.
==/GM==

==Alcastra==
"Greetings, travelers, and thank you for accepting my invitation. You especially, Ariel; I haven't seen you since you were very young. yes, I know your father, though I'm not surprised that you don't remember me, as it was many years ago when Condra and I adventured on the Eastern coast, well before he met his current wife. I had heard through the grapevine that Condra's children had been in the Rift, and when I caught word that you were in Copperfield, I just had to meet you and see how you had grown up. However, this visit is not just a social one, as something has recently come up that I could use some help with.

"It has recently come to my attention that one Charellsfane, a Wizard who lived in this area over 200 years ago, possessed a work known as the Illhiedrin Book, the contents of which are said to be beyond any current knowledge. I have carefully searched through all records concerning the time after his death, and nowhere is there any mention of the fate of this time. I must therefore assume that either it was spirited away immediately upon his death by persons unknown, or it remains hidden in his Tower, the location of which remains a mystery. I do not possess the time to spare to search for the location by magical means, and therefore I must turn to someone like you, Ariel, and your friends, to search out the location of the tower. I wish you to either return here with the Book, or, if you feel the danger is too great, return having seen the Tower and reveal its location to me. The rewards will, of course, be much greater if you return with the book.

"I offer aid to those willing to accept a Geas to return to this place within a fortnight either with the book or without it. If you return with the book, those items which I give to you shall remain yours. If you return without the book, these items will be returned to me. In addition, to all of you who return upon completion of this mission, 500 gold pieces will be paid. One half this amount will be paid in advance to those who accept the Geas in order that you might be able to better equip yourselves.

"I have but one suggestion to offer as a location in which to begin your search. In the town of Tassin's Wood is a Temple of Pondera at which Charellsfane's funeral rites were performed. I have dealt with the High Priest before, and a letter from me will enable you to receive all the information he possesses, which I fear is very little. However, it is a beginning, which all things must have before they have an ending."
==/Alcastra==

==GM== At this point, a trio of Alcastra's mercenaries bring forth a couple chests, which contain the items Alcastra is offering as aid:
* a +1 two-handed sword
* a Wand of Secret Door Detection (7 charges)
* a Wand of Trap Detection (7 charges)
* a Scroll containing two spells: Sleep and Magic Missile
==/GM==

==Alcastra==
"So," says Alcastra with a smile on her face. "What say you?"
==/Alcastra==

==Ariel==
Ariel upon hearing Alacastra's words for a brief moment loses her usual calm composure and then quickly makes herself return to a state of calm in a hurried fashion as if not to give away her reaction. Ariel then says in a ceremonial and proper fashion "Greetings Alacastra. Friend of Condras, my father. We graciously accept your incredibly generous gifts and are honor bound in the name of my father to accept the mission,"giving the rest of the team then a look as not to be angry at her for accepting the mission on their behalf. Taking the two magic wands and scroll for herself and then bowing in thanks. Then Ariel turns to Condrasson, Quint, and Drugar "Condrasson please take the incredibly generous gift of the magic two-handed sword. If Quint, Drugar and Condrasson would please wait outside while Finri stays I would like to have a private moment with mighty Alacastra, with her permission of course after everyone has finished asking her questions regarding the mission." But first, "Why is their a Geas against going to this tower? If I may ask Alacastra."
==/Ariel==

==Condrasson==
Takes the sword and bows upon acceptance of two-handed sword.
==/Condrasson==

==Alcastra==
"Certainly, child, you may ask any questions you desire." Alcastra smiles sweetly at Ariel. "I fear you have mis-understood what I was saying, though. The Geas is not for not going to the tower, but for returning back to me with the book. While I'm sure that the adopted daughter of Condra would not break her world, I am not familiar with your friends or your half-brother, and I feel the need to use a Geas to ensure that their word is kept. I need you to find the tower, and see it with your own eyes, but you may enter the tower if you want. In fact, if you can, and can retrieve the Book from the tower, then you can keep the items I am offering, as I said before."
==/Alcastra==

==Ariel==
"Perhaps I was a little hasty" says Ariel "If I recall my studies from my father, if we fail to succeed within one fortnight we would begin to suffer penalties to our abilities including our intellect, strength, charisma, wisdom, dexterity, and constitution for failure to return within one night." "Is my understanding correct?"
==/Ariel==

==Alcastra==
"Yes, child, you are correct. You remember your father's lessons well."

(to everyone) "So, what do you say?"
==/Alcastra==

==Finri==
I humbly accept your offer, and will do my best to help find this book.
==/Finri==

==Ariel==
I humbly accept your offer, and will do my best to help find this book.
==/Ariel==

==Condrasson==
I humbly accept your offer, and will do my best to help find this book.
==/Condrasson==

==Drugar==
"Hmm... No trinkets for a Dwarven warrior, eh? Well, I'll do my best, but I won't accept a Geas for less than 100 gp up front for myself and 150 gp upon sucessful completion of the quest. Seems to me that you stand to gain well beyond your short-term monetary costs should we return with the book."
==/Drugar==

==Alcastra==
"Good dwarf, I fear you have misunderstood. I will pay 500 gold pieces to each one of you here, with half up front. You are correct, considering the value the Illhiedrin Book has to me, 500 total would be a rather low price. Hopefully you agree that 2500 total is much more fair.

"Now, considering that I am offering money up front, is there anything in particular you are looking to purchase to aid you in this quest? As I have some mercenaries who work for me, we have a fair supply of materials on hand in the encampment. If you are looking for something, please let me or my servants know."

(OOC: This is your opportunity to get any extra items you may want without having to go back to the City or to Tassin's Wood, the town Alcastra recommended you visit first.)
==/Alcastra==

==Condrasson==
"Do you have any extra potions of healing? Or a ring+1 to armor class to help my Dwarven friend that we could afford to pay for?"
==/Condrasson==

==Ariel==
"Do you have any extra food or some kind of cool clothing for a fellow female magic user/sorcerer? I certainly could not get anything from my dad."
==/Ariel==

==Alcastra==
(OOC: one blown negotiating roll later...) "As we don't have any priests on location here at my tower, I don't have any extra potions of healing that I could offer you. I also don't have any magic rings to spare at the moment, either, nor do I possess any enchanted robes. However, I certainly can sell you trail rations. How much are you looking for?"
==/Alcastra==

==Ariel==
Two weeks worth each at a fair price. Also would you happen to have an extra ring of invisibility for my halfling friend for a friend of Condra's daughter?" (with a cute smile)
==/Ariel==

==Drugar==
"Hmmm. If you have an enchanted battleaxe to lend me, I would use it onorably and with gusto in the retrieval of the book. A quiver of silver arrows might also come in handy."
==/Drugar==

==Alcastra==
"Two weeks of rations for each person would cost 100 gold pieces total. My servants will take care of that. What about horses, do you need horses? Or are you planning on carrying all of that food yourselves?

"And I'm sorry, but I don't have any magic rings available for you, nor any enchanted battle axes. I can provide up to 10 +1 arrows, good dwarf, but they are not silvered. I can make them available for 50 gold pieces per arrow. Would that be good enough for you?"
(OOC: arrows aren't necessarily lost after a shot; I'll give each shot a 25% chance of not being usable again, but this also assumes that you can find the arrow after shooting it.)
==/Alcastra==

==Condrasson==
"Do you have any war horses?"
==/Condrasson==

==Finri==
You wouldn't happen to have any plate armor fitting of a dwarf for myself, and if he wants a set, for my friend Drugar here as well, Lady Alacastra, would you?
==/Finri==

==Alcastra==
"Oh, yes, we have war horses. They don't come cheap, though. We also have regular riding horses and some ponies, as well. I would recommend that you not travel on foot, as there are groups of orcs hunting through the area, and you will have much difficulty outrunning them on foot.

"And I'm sure we have some plate mail armor that isn't currently being used, so I'm sure that any of you that wants some can buy it. (OOC: Prices for mounts and armor will be the same as in the rulebook)
==/Alcastra==

==Condrasson==
Gives from what Alacastra gave him 200 gp for a war horse. "What commands will my war horse respond to?"
==/Condrasson==

==Ariel==
"Certainly a mighty sorceress such as yourself has magic potions available?"
==/Ariel==

==Drugar==
"Forgive me madame sorceress, but while your offer of compensation is most generous, it seems to me that since we are incurring all the risk on this quest, going so far as submittting to a Geas, you could certainly provide foodstuffs, basic supplies and transportation. Perhaps you could *lend* us mounts for the journey instead of requiring us to pay for them. I myself, will ride a pony if I must. I shall decline the platemail, however, and the magic arrows seem a bit too expensive. Perhaps I can find some silver arrows at Tassin's Wood." The miserly dwarf he is, Drugar is a bit put out about having to spend his reward money even before the quest has started, but will buy the rations and a pony if he must.
==/Drugar==

==Ariel==
"I will purchase a pony."
==/Ariel==

==GM==
(OOC: Nobody can make a negotiation roll to save their lives at this moment, so it's good your lives aren't in danger!)
Alcastra won't budge on what has been offered; no extra potions, no free mounts, nothing. Her stance seems to be that you have money in order to spend it, so you can spend it.

So, at this point, you get to spend money to buy mounts and food, and any mundane equipment that you want (armor, weapons, etc.). Once you let me know how much you've spent, and what you've spent it on, we'll move to the next Act. Which raises a question: do you want to go to Tassin's Wood as was recommended, or do you have any other ideas?
==/GM==

==Finri==
I will purchase a pony. (OOC: I say we go to Tassin's Wood as a starter. It seems to be the logical place to start our search.)
==/Finri==

==Drugar==
Drugar purchases a pony and two weeks' rations for a total of 60gp. Standing in the stables, he's clearly not happy about riding, and regards the beast with some disgust, muttering to himself "My feet were good enough to carry me from my homelands far to the east, but now I must debase myself and ride this creature. Hmmm. No matter." Turning to the stablehand, he asks, "To what name does he answer?"
(OCC: yes, Tassin's Wood is fine with me.)
==/Drugar==

==GM==
Following Alcastra's directions, the group rode off towards the town of Tassin's Wood. They left Alcastra's tower the morning after their meeting, and reached the town by evening. The group encountered nothing out of the ordinary on their way, though they did cross some tracks that appeared to have been left by a group of orcs, probably around half-a-dozen is your best guess.

Tassin's Wood itself seemed to be pretty small, maybe 25 buildings total, and probably not much more than 100 to 150 people. It is a farming village, as the entire surrounding area is given over to fields and pasture for livestock. There are four primary areas of interest in town:
A. The Scarlet Moon, which seems to be the only Inn in town.
B. A Blacksmith shop
C. A Stable
D. Temple of Pondera

The sun is setting as you ride into town. Where do you want to go? Quint wants to head to the inn so he can rest his butt (not used to riding all day), but if you want to check out somewhere else, first, he's OK with that.
==/GM==

==Ariel==
"Hey guys we should probably speed things along given the Geas. It would be a shame if I started losing my looks. So we probably should immediately head to the temple with letter from Alacastra."
==/Ariel==

==Condrasson==
"I don't know Ari maybe we should put aways our horses in the stable first."
==/Condrasson==

==Drugar==
Drugar's bottom is sore, too, but he wants to stop by the blacksmith and see about those silver arrows. He will offer to supply the silver if necessary (in the form of coins).
==/Drugar==

==Finri==
A quick stop by the temple might not hurt, but Finri agrees with Quint that after the temple, sitting down for a nice hot meal at the Inn and being off a saddle sounds great, so would be more that pleased to head over there in short order. We may even be able to find out some information from the locals before heading to our rooms.
==/Finri==

==GM==
(OOC: Yay, now I get to try to run three events at once in the same act. We'll see how this goes!)

Drugar dismounted his pony and walked over to the Blacksmithery. He was met there by Arnold Whillingbill, the smith, who was getting ready to close up for the day but was always willing to talk to a new customer.
==/GM==

==Arnold Whillingbill==
"Well now, good dwarf, what can I do for you today? Are you travelling through the area and need new shoes for yer horse?"
==/Arnold Whillingbill==

==Drugar==
"I know 'tis late in the day, but I was wondering if you might have some silvered shortbow arrows for sale?" If he does, Drugar will purchase 12. If not, Drugar asks "Then, perchance could you fabricate a dozen? I could supply the silver in the form of coins." Drugar will return the following morning with as many coins as necessary for 12 arrows, as well as half the money up front. (It doesn't matter how long the process takes.) If he neither has them, nor can make them, Drugar will grudgingly give up on trying to find silver arrows for now.
==/Drugar==

==Arnold==
"Well, master dwarf, that is definitely an odd request. I don't have any in stock, but I can definitely make you some silver heads. I'm not a fletcher, but if you have some existing arrows I'm sure one of my assistants, who does a bit of shooting himself, can replace the standard heads with silver ones and leave you with an arrow that will still fly straight. It'll take 6 silver coins per head, so if you want 12 that will be 72 silver coins, and then I'll charge you... um... 20 gold for making and sharpening down the heads. Will that work for you? It will take me a couple days in order to get them ready, as well."
==/Arnold==

==Drugar==
Agreed.
==/Drugar==

==GM==
At the same time, Condrasson and Quint headed over to the Stables. It turns out that these stables are NOT those associated with the inn (which has its own stable for guests), but they do sell horses if you want one. They've got draft horses, some mules, and half a dozen riding horses.
==/GM==

==Dorain==
"Yup, I've got the best beasts in the area; much better looking than those sad sacks you're riding. Pathetic looking beasts. Check out this beauty; only 150 gold and she'll run all day for ya. What do you say?"
==/Dorain==

==Condrasson==
"No thanks." and heads to the Inn with Quint.
==/Condrasson==

==Quint==
"Yeah, good call, there. We don't need any new rides when we just bought ours!"
==/Quint==

==GM==
Also, Finri and Ariel decided to take Alcastra's letter and head straight to the Temple of Pondera. While Pondera and Aequitas were celestial allies, it was still strange for the dwarven priest to be entering a different temple. The temple itself was more impressive than would be expected for a small town like this. The temple is surrounded by a twelve-foot stone wall with an iron-barred gate at the single entrance. There were two clerics at the entrance when they arrived.
==/GM==

==Cleric of Pondera==
"Greetings traveller, Justice-bringer. What brings you to our temple today?"
==/Cleric==

==Ariel===
"Greetings, Cleric of Pondera. My name is Ariel Starfire. I have an urgent matter I need to discuss with the high priest of the Temple. I have a letter to deliver from the mighty sorceress Alacastra."
==/Ariel==

==Cleric==
"With the high priest? And a letter from Alcastra? I will certainly let him know, but he is currently in prayer, and will not be able to see you right away. Are you staying at the Scarlet Moon? I can certainly have word sent to you there when the priest determines a time to meet with you, if that will be sufficient for you. Or, you are free to wait inside the temple, but you could be waiting for a while."
==/Cleric==

==Finri==
Well, we just arrived in town and haven't even checked ourselves in to the inn yet. Would it be best to get checked in and send word of where we're staying once we get checked in here shortly so that the priest may contact us at his earliest convenience? Is this Scarlet Moon a good inn to settle in to?
==/Finri==

==Cleric==
"Well, Justice-bringer, the Scarlet Moon is the only inn that this town has, so I figured that was where you were staying. It is good enough for most people's tastes."
==/Cleric==

==Ariel==
"Thank you priest. I think it would be fine for the my cleric friend and myself to go to the Scarlet Moon and wait for word of the High Priest. Please forgive my urgency but this is an urgent matter and time is of the essence. We have little time to waste."
==/Ariel==

==GM==
After their dealings, everyone gathered in the Scarlet Moon, the local inn. A bit surprisingly, the inn was fairly large, and seemed to act as the local meeting place. Outside of people who appeared (based on their dress) to be local farmers, you notice a number of soldiers as well as some others who seem to be traveling through the area. They all seem to be enjoying the beer and the food in the main room on the first floor. You leave your horses with a young teenage lad named Matthew, who mans the attached stable, and are greeted by a large, jovial man with a wide grin.
==/GM==

==Kreagold==
"Greetings, fair travelers! Welcome to the Scarlet Moon. Are you needing rooms for the night, or just a meal and a warm fire? I've already got some of my rooms rented out, but I've got enough rooms left for all of you, if you want 'em. How does 1 gold per day sound, and I'll throw in breakfast and dinner, too?"
==/Kreagold==

==Ariel==
"Hi Mr. Kreagold (flirtatiously),you wouldn't mind reducing that reduce for a poor young woman and her friends to one electrum piece would you?"
==/Ariel==

==Drugar==
*rolls eyes
==/Drugar==

==Finri==
Looks over at Drugar and speaks in Dwarven "I don't know why she tries. She's really not all that pretty. Too tall, skinny, and not hairy enough. If she were a nice dwarven woman she might get somewhere!!!!" *chuckles*
==/Finri==

==Kreagold==
"Sorry, miss, but that is the best I can do, as that is already discounted from paying for rooms and meals separately. How many nights will you be staying?"
==/Kreagold==

==Condrasson==
"You got give my sis credit she never stops trying to charm."
==/Condrasson==

==GM==
The adventurers got their room keys from the innkeeper, stored their stuff in their rooms, and then headed down to the common room for dinner. The fare was decent, but nothing to write home about. The dwarves found the ale to be weak and not cold enough, but nobody else seemed to be bothered by it.

Looking around the common room, the place was packed, with over 20 people in it. There looked to be a mix of locals and travelers, and, in fact, one of those travelers was making his way over to the group's table.
==/GM==

==Lucas==,br> (looking occasionally at everyone, but mostly at Ariel) "Well met, travelers. Making your way through town, eh? Yeah, there's not really much to do here, is there? Unless you like shearing sheep, that is. Heh."

*crickets chirping*

"Anyway, do you mind if I take this open seat?" he asks as he sits down without waiting for an answer. He then looks at Ariel and says "Hopefully this isn't too presumptive, but I detect that you are a master of the arcane arts. Is this correct? I myself am a student in that area and would be interested in discussing theories with you. I'm in town for a couple days, so I have plenty of time. So, gorgeous, what say you?"
==/Lucas==

==Condrasson==
Stands up and walks over to Ariel and says to Lucas "Care to explain your impolite behavior to my sister before I teach you manners."
==/Condrasson==

==Lucas==
Holds his hands up to ward off Condrasson "Hey, love, it's a common room, ain't it? You weren't using the chair, so I decided to take it; nothing wrong with that, right? Anyway, what brings you all to the area? Perhaps I can help you out with something."
==/Lucas==

==Ariel==
"We are here to see the high priest of Pandora. Why do ask besides wanting an excuse to hit on me"
==/Ariel==

==Drugar==
Drugar stands on his chair holding his empty hands out, plams down, [in umpire's 'safe' move--the Eastern Dwarf expression of neutrality] and says "Everyone, hold. We should retire as we have pressing business in the morning."
==/Drugar==

==Condrasson==
"We can do this the easy way or the hard way. Either you apologize to my sister or I am going to put your head through this 'community table area'"
==/Condrasson==

==Ariel==
"Take it easy Condry. We don't want to create any unnecessary trouble."
==/Ariel==

==Finri==
I apologize my good sir, but we've traveled a long ways and we are very tired and have pressing business with the local priest of Pandora, so unless you have real need to discuss matters with us and not just attempting to pick-up a girl at the tavern, we must take our leave, as we are very tired and would like some rest before we meet with the priest.
==/Finri==

==Lucas==
(wondering what on earth Drugar is doing) "Ummm... certainly, that is fine. I didn't intend to cause any problems. I have no problems with you meeting the priest. I had mistaken the lady for a magic-user, but obviously I didn't properly read the situation."

And, with that, he gets up and walks away.
==/Lucas==

==GM==
As the magic-user sulks away, you realize that you have attracted a fair amount of attention, what with Drugar making had signals while standing on a chair. While many of the people just look at you curiously, you notice one fairly large man sitting at a table by himself, as he raises his glass in toast to you with a big grin on his face.
==/GM==

==Ariel==
Realizing her brother may have been a little harsh on Lucas Ariel walks over to him and says. "I apologize for my brother but you were a little rude earlier. Yes I a magic-user why do you want to know."
==/Ariel==

==Lucas==
(looking a but flushed and embarrassed) "Oh, really? So I was right. Uh, my master is pretty rough and always wants me to be direct, so I guess I'm just used to being that way, even around others. Sorry. (gives Ariel a sheepish grin) I was just wondering what you and your friends were doing, and if you had any need for help, or wanted to discuss magical theory. I always like talking with other magic-users about their different techniques. If you're tired we could always talk tomorrow; I'm in town for a few days."
==/Lucas==

==Ariel==
"Yes, my friends and I are tired. We will catch up some other time. Regards." She goes back to the table with her friends.
==/Ariel==

==Condrasson==
Responds by raising a toast to him. Then says to the bar tender "An ale for my friend." (The big man rasing his glass)
==/Condrasson==

==Kaystar==
The innkeeper brings an ale to the man, but he waves it away. He then gets up and walks over to Condrasson. "Actually, friend, allow me to buy a round for you and your comrades. That was some good entertainment, and I don't mind repaying a good show! Ha, ha! I go by the name 'Kaystar.' Don't ask me why my mother named me that, but now I'm stuck with it. Well met, traveler!"
==/Kaystar==

==Condrasson==
"Thank you my friend Kaystar, I graciously accept the drinks. What can you tell me about the opportunities for adventure in this area of the world. What are you doing in Tassin wood?",br> ==/Condrasson==

==Kaystar==
"Why, looking for adventure, of course! Ha, ha! I've been hired to do some... treasure hunting in this area. Someone says a... family heirloom, or something like that, is lost in this area, so I'm looking for it. If you want some danger with your adventure, you could always try orc hunting. They're causing lots of trouble in this area, and the village leaders are definitely concerned. The priests at the temple seem tough, though, so I think if orcs actually attacked that they could rely on the priests to provide protection. Still, you might be able to get a bounty for orc heads from the village leaders. You look like a fighting man, so I figure that kind of thing is up your alley. What about you, my good man, what are you doing in Tassin's Wood this fine evening?"
==/Kaystar==

==Condrasson==
"My friend Kaystar before we discuss niceties. How about a friendly wager? You seem to be powerful fellow. How about a challenge of arm wrestling winner gets 10gp?"
==/Condrasson==

==Kaystar==
"Ha, ha, ha! Friend, I like your style. Still, 10gp is quite a lot of money for the common folk. How about 5gp? That will still buy a lot of ale. What say you?"
==/Kaystar==

==Condrasson==
"It is agreed my friend! 5 gp it is! Lets clear the table and let the friendly challenge begin!"
==/Condrasson==

==GM==
With the wager set, Kaystar cleared a table and set it up so he and Condrasson could arm wrestle. In the old tradition, they each stacked their wager on opposite ends of the table. Knowing what this meant, an excited crowd gathered the two competitors, and there were even a few side wagers running through the crowd.

At the count of three, both of the men threw themselves into the contest. for a good 15 to 20 seconds, neither man could gain the advantage, as they pushed against each other. Sinews began to bulge and veins appeared on both their faces, as they struggled against each other. Finally, after over 40 seconds, Kaystar was able to wear Condrasson down and slam his hand into the table. Kaystar then laughed heartily, claimed his prize, and ordered another ale for the loser, to show his good sportsmanship.

Condrasson has lost 5gp.
==/GM==

==Condrassson==
"Well done my friend and here is your just winnings (hands him 5gp if not already given).Thank you for ale. Where are you from my friend? Heard any interesting rumors?"
==/Condrasson==

==Drugar==
Drugar laughs heartily at the spectacle, slapping Condrasson heavily on the back "Surely, you should have another go, but with your left arms this time! Ha ha! I'll put 6 gold coins on my ox-like friend here! Who will take my wager?" Then he calls out to the serving wench, "More ale here!"
==/Drugar==

==Quint==
"I'll take that wager, Drugar! I'm putting 6gp on Kaystar."
==/Quint==

==Kaystar==
"Ha, ha! This is fun! I'm game for another round, if you are. Want a chance to win back your gold? Or maybe I should take the dwarf on, for a challenge?

"I'm from south of here, the lands of Sorndale, actually. How about you?"
==/Kaystar==

==Condrasson==
"Originally from the city of Lanberg. How about a game of skill, darts? Tell me about your recent adventures."

"My friends and I are here to see the high priest of Pandera. What can you tell me about him?"
==/Condrasson==

==Finri==
Leans back in his chair, with a nice cold mug of ale and watches the spectacle with amusement.
==/Finri==

==GM==
The evening continues for a while longer, with nobody getting to sleep as early as they wanted. Condrasson and Kaystar have a few more competitions, with Condrasson winning his money back, and Drugar winning 6 gold from Quint, in the process. You don't learn any more solid information from Kaystar. He doesn't know the local priest of Pondera, he doesn't know the village leaders, he doesn't seem to know much of the area, at all. He can throw back a scarily large volume of ale, though, that he can definitely do. After a while, Kaystar calls it a night and everyone heads to bed.
==/GM==

==GM==
The next day, early in the morning, a priest from the local temple arrived at the Scarlet Moon, to let you know that the head priest would see you. After preparing and eating a fast breakfast, you all headed over to the temple, where you were led through the main temple into into the high priest's quarters. The furnishings are simple, including a small bed, a table with a single chair, and a couple of cupboards for his personal effects.

After introducing yourselves, the note from Alcastra is handed over to the priest, whose name you learn is Lassering Thay. He reads it silently to himself, closes his eyes and sighs, and then opens his eyes and looks at everyone.
==/GM==

==Lassering==
"Alcastra was correct when she wrote that she feared there was little I could do for you. The location of Charrellsfane's Tower was a well kept secret while he was alive, and those servitors with him when he died never revealed its location. The only person who could possibly tell you is Charrellsfane himself. Even talking to him would not be impossible were these normal times, as I believe I could assist you in this matter, and I do know where his Tomb is located. Unfortunately, we have recently received word that the Tomb has been invaded by the Orcs of the north. It is our duty to protect the Tombs as Charrellsfane bequeathed a considerable sum to our church just for that purose. I fear, though, that this is part of a plan by the Orcs to draw our strength away from the town to deal with the invasion of the Tomb, while their main force attacks the town itself.

"I see the possibility of a bargain here, gentlemen. You need to speak to Charrellsfane, and I need his Tomb cleared of invaders without removing our strength from the defense of the town. I will provide you with what maps I possess, as well as the means to speak with the long-dead Charrellsfane, if you agree to drive the invaders out of the Tomb and reseal its entrances. Furthermore, you must agree not to plunder the Tomb, although anything you take from the orcs you may keey as your own. As to what Charrellsfane will say, I couldn't even guess. He might be properly grateful for the cleansing of his Tomb, or he might be angered that we did not fulfill our duties to protect it personally. That is not my concern, however. I only offer you the chance to speak with him. I do not guarantee the results. Do you agree?"
==/Lassering==

==Ariel==
To summarize your proposed bargain, if we successfully clear the Tomb and seal its entrances, and not plunder it, you will provide us a means to talk to the dead Charrelsfene? Am I correct? Am I missing anything?
==/Ariel==

==Lassering==
"No, you aren't missing anything. I can provide a Speak with Dead scroll to the priest of Aequitas, in order to allow you to converse with the spirit of the departed Charrellsfane."
==/Lassering==

==Ariel==
"Given the great danger we are expousing ourselves, can you provide us with a potion of healing each to improve our chances of success?"
==/Ariel==

==Lassering==
"No, unfortunately, the temple does not have any potions to spare, currently. I can provide you with a map to the tomb, though. Dealing with the orcs therein, however, will be your problem."
==/Lassering==

==Finri==
Given the circumstances, I think the deal sounds agreeable. What say you, friends? Shall we go root out some orcs and have a visit with Charrellsfane?
==/Finri==

==Ariel==
Sounds good to me.
==/Ariel==

==Condrasson==
Lets kill some Orcs.
==/Condrasson==