DRUIDLANDS:CAMPAIGN

NARRATION (01/13/00): It was a cold night, no dew to mar the crystal clearness of the path beneath your feet. The full moon above seems to be surrounded by an aura, such phenomenon caused by lack of moisture in the air, or so you've heard.

The chill seeps to your bones, and you hurry a little faster, heading toward a small village you hope to find shelter and food in. As you enter it, you see that no exaggeration was given. It is a small one, a few thatched houses, a dry goods store and thankfully, an inn. You smile to yourself, reading the weather-beaten wooden sign outside it's doors. "The Dew-Drop Inn," you repeat out loud to the night, shaking your head.

When you enter, the musky smell of old ale and rotten hay surrounds you. There is a small bar, only seats two people, but there are picnic table style seats around it, and another square table seating four. It is warm though, and seems to have a hominess to it that's comfortable, like you've stepped into your grandmother's kitchen. (to save time, I'm placing everyone already here)

There is a middle-aged human lady back behind the bar. When you order, all that she has is stew with bread (of course), and home-made ale or water. On a stool at the bar, there is a young human boy. He's playing with a child's toy, and rocking back and forth on the stool. In order to place an order, you have to go to her, she does not come out from behind the bar. When you walk up, you notice that the boy's features seem odd, and that the rocking seems uncontrollable, just a constant rocking almost to soothe himself. He does give each of you a huge smile when you come up though, so he's obviously not troubled, just simpler than most.

Looking about the room, these are the people that you see. You notice a female gray elf with no apparent weapons, though there is a staff leaned against the wall next to her. She has long blond hair, and is wearing long violet-colored robes. You can tell by the way this lady is sitting that she is a striking looking elf. The next person you notice is another gray female elf. She has jet-black hair with an odd white lock running through the center of it and off to the side. You do see that this one is wearing a sword. From the scabbard you can tell it's a long sword, with a finely carved hilt and a black gem in the center of the pommel. This female elf is also striking, though in royal blue vest, leggings, and soft boots instead of robes.

A young halfling is also in the room. His plain clothes would blend him with the room, if it weren't for the bright red hair. He's rather somber-looking for a halfling, which catches your notice. You can catch that an amulet or emblem of some type is hanging from his neck, but you are not close enough to see it. Your eyes next light on a male half-elf, young adulthood seems to be his approximate age. The elven features are in his face, for the rest of him is definately human, at 5'7" and well-built. He's dressed all in black, and the scabbard at his waist reveals a sword, either a broadsword or bigger. You're surprised to see another half-elf in the room, a little taller and leaner than the one you just saw. His scabbard and the pommel of his sword are odd-looking, as the scabbard is more round than flat. You see on the table in front of him a huge white hat with a large black feather in it. The rest of his outfit is rather colorful as well. His cloak, thrown across his chair, is red. The shirt he's wearing is bright blue with white ruffles, which complements his green pants and black calf-high boots. Things that make you go "hmmmm". (Any other features or characteristics each of you wants to add, please put in your actions)

The night goes on unimpeded, nothing much happens, you all are doing your own thing. For your lovely hay bed and breakfast in the morning will be one silver piece. Late in the night, it starts softly. There is a wailing you hear from outside. After listening to it for a few moments in your rooms, you can pretty much tell that it sounds like a child crying. But it's outside.

Alistarra: The delicate she-elf in the violet robes awakens with a cough, which wracks her small body. A fine shen of sweat covers her skin, as she stands, leaning heavily on her staff. After coughing again, and wiping specs of blood from her lips, she goes to rouse the half-elf with the broadsword. "Good sir, I am Alistarra Moondance of Selune. There is some peril outside, and I am not strong enough to face it alone. Would you aid me in this?" Her skin is sickly white, and she coughs again and moves towards the door. "May Selune, bless and keep you all, and show you the starlit path in your time of darkness." (Alistarra has blessed the party and has cast Starshine outside the Inn).

Puck: Puck hears the scream and immediately jumps out of bed. He leaves behind his armor, as whatever threat that is occurring is probably imminent. He grabs up his flail and rushes outside, reassuringly touching his holy symbol as runs for the door.

Galen: Galen awakes from his warm hay, with a jerk. He rushes to his door just in time to hear the good ladies trouble. He spins on his heels, puts his boots and his hat on. As he steps through the door with weapons in hand, "I will aid you my lady, where doest the trouble be. Come my brotheren lets us defeat what it is, and drink till dawn on our win." As Galen strides past gonig to the door. "Well are ye coming?" At that Galen steps out the door at the ready..

Jaelin: Jaelin hears the wailing, and puts her arms over her head, trying to block it out. It doesn't work. And she manages to just get hay all over her head in the process. Reaching heavily for her sword, she buckles the belt around her waist as she comes out, looking about to see if some other lucky person is already taking care of whatever is caterwauling outside. Brushing what hay she can see out of her hair, she heads for the Inn's door, though she pauses as she feels the magic momentarily in the room. Glancing toward the frail cleric, she nods her thanks and looks around outside the door, though she doesn't step outside.

Zhan: Awakened from a dead sleep by wailing and any other loud noises are not what puts me in a good mood at this time of night. I was deeply engrossed in a most delightful dream, of which you need not know the details. I hear the words of Alistarra Moondance and I, as Galen says, will help, although this, putting me in the mood to kill something or someone for waking me. But alas, I am awake now and gather my clothes on and put my broadsword and gather my other weapons quickly as I dress. I hurry out and see others standing around gathered, all looking to see what has happened and where the wailing came from. I see if I can be of some help to them...

After seeing if I can be of any help to someone or to whoever was wailing, I look at Alistarra Moondance coughing, and seeing blood, I ask her if I can be of any assistance to her in some way. I offer my kerchief to her to keep the blood from getting onto her violet robe...

NARRATION (01/16/00): As everyone makes their way out of their rooms, and looks down the stairs into the dining area/bar, you see the boy sitting on the floor just in front of the fireplace. He turns and looks up.

"The leaves of trees fall. The water and the rivers become black. The skies rain blood."

Alistarra: She politely accepts the kerchief, and smiles. "Thank you Zhan." Once as the Fiery Beast appears, she begins a prayer: "Oh Sweet Selune, in the face of evil I do find myself. Protect your humble servant in her time of need, Lady of Light!" (Protection from Evil)

Puck: Puck hears the squishing sound as the stairs beneath him begin to turn to mud. He reaches for the stair rail, pulls himself out of the mud, and slides down to the main floor. While sliding down the stairs, Puck whispers, "Protect me Urogalan, from this supernatural evil." (He activates a granted power, Protection from Evil.)

Zhan: You are quite welcome M'lady Alistarra. Looking down into the dining room and bar area of the Inn, I see the fiasco of the beast and the small boy in front of the fireplace. It happens so fast, there is nothing anyone can do to help the boy right now. When the commotion dies down, I see Puck begin to slide down the stairs, which all of a sudden turn to mud and quickly, using my mountaineering skills, I climb down over the railing and do not use the stairs when I see the woman fly across the kitchen and then the furniture follow her. I make haste to the kitchen to see what is going on and if I may help. I will try to figure out the riddle of what the small boy in the dining room said about the leaves and trees, water becoming black and the skies raining blood after I see if I can help the woman in the kitchen...My broadsword is ready for what may come...

Jaelin: "How touching..." Jaelin remarks quietly in a sarcastic manner to the conversation she overhears between Zhan and Alistarra. She listens intently to the boy's words, then ducks behind the railing when all hell breaks loose, unsheathing her sword. Seeing the scene between the railings as it unfolds, she stays where she's at. Her eyes widen at the wild antics of the normally inanimate objects, though she begins grinding her teeth as the wailing continues outside. Finally unable to take it anymore, she shouts, "Will you shut UP?!?! We've got a problem in here!" As soon as she can figure out how to get off the stairs (don't know if she could jump it with no proficiencies in that way), she will do so and head out the door.

Narration (01/17/00): As Puck slides down the stairs, the wall at the end of the slide turns into spikes poking out. (Trying to just roll off won't work). Zahn climbs his way down the wall and makes it to the woman. She looks up and screams again. Zahn looks up just in time to see a beast. It kind of looks like a troll but it's not. A large hand comes forward, sending Zhan flying backwards, crashing into the wall (you went clear across the room. You are now by the front door. 4 points of damage).

When Jaelin makes her remarks, all goes quiet for a moment. Then a low growl is heard that becomes a deep hollow voice. The fireplace turns into a face that looks like a male human. "Who are you to tell me to shut up?" The whole house begins to shake and the tearing and popping of wood can be heard. There is a crash of glass. A fire breaks out in one of the bedrooms.

Allistarra: The frail young elf looks, nearly exhausted from the energy that she has been bringing through her body. Her breathing is hard, and she is beginning to sweat. She begins tracing runes in the air and mumbling in the arcane toungue. She has cast Snilloc's Snowball Swarm (2nd level MU spell, pg 47 of Forgotten Realms Adventures). If the creature is actually fire-based, it will do 4d6 points of damage. IF otherwise it will be 4d3. I don't have a map of the area, but I am cetering the spell in the back of the fire place so as not to hit my party members. Actually by the way it has been described, the snowballs swarm should be blocked by whatever is in the fire place.

Galen: As I stand there in and see the chaos, I notice the little gnome sliding to a wall of thorns. I leap to place my self between him and the wall, to stop him. (jump 3/17, dex 11/18, to grab AC 15) Of all the luck perfect hero move and missed the grab, thinking to himself.

Jaelin: Jaelin steadies herself, then immediately throws a spell to protect herself (Prot f/Evil). With that, she answers the voice above the commotion, "I am Jaelin Silverblade of the Calamus Guild, and how DARE you disturb the ONE good night's rest in a week that I've had! Go back into the night from whence you came, and rattle someone else's inn for sport!"

Puck: Puck realizes that some ultra-powerful and unseen force has it in for him and prays to Urogalan to protect him as he slides down (for some reason) helplessly towards the spikes.

Zhan: Well, I guess I am going to have to figure something else out about helping the woman in the kitchen. Just walking in and offering help is not going to work. I don't think I feel like getting thrown across the room again. Boy, that hurts. I get up slowly and try to think of a way to get in and help her when the voice from the fireplace bellows again and starts to argue with Jaelin. I think I will sit this one out for a just a few moments while I can get my wits together and figure out what to do. I watch as Puch still slides down the mud trail towards what end?...

NARRATION (01/22/00): Our young warriors are stunned and don't seem to know which way to turn. The wall above the fireplace turns an odd shape. As it starts to come into a shape that you can make out, it's a face. "On this night the world will change for all time, this is just one part of many. You will all die along with everything that keeps nature at her best. The moonwells and druids will be no more. The gods are trying to make you the savior." The face turns evil-looking and begins to shake. "This will not be!" The face then turns into a dragon and a rush of air can be felt leaving the room. All at once the spikes in the wall leave. The mud turns back into stairs and Puck stops sliding. The beast that threw Zhan across the room wavers and then is gone. The house stops creaking. You hear the voice again. "What are you doing, NO! WAIT! BOOOOMMMMMM!!!!!!"

When you wake it is morning and the house is gone. The spot were the house was is there, but most of the village has been blown up. The boy that was taken is laying on the ground at about the spot were the fireplace was. He gets up and walks over to Galen. "I was told to give you this." He hands Galen a very small silver dagger. The only thing on the dagger is a small "L". There is a high-pitched squeal from above. When you look up, you see a hawk flying around.

Puck: Puck closes his eyes tightly and then reopens them, hoping what he sees is a dream. When he opens his eyes and still sees that most of the village is destroyed, he knows that in some strange way, last night's events were real. The little halfling pushes himself up off of the ground, and then drops to his knees in prayer, thanking Urogalan for his protection, and praying that the souls of those lost in the village will safely reach their final destinations. He looks around at the others, glad that the small boy and the adventurers are alive at least. He glances up at the hawk, then goes a few feet away from the remains of the inn and weeps quietly for those who are lost.

Galen: As I roll out of bed and hit the floor with a joult. And realize it was a dream but I look around I see that it wasn't. As I'm getting all my things together and getting dressed, I see the boy that was taken in the events last night walking to me. "Hello lad I'm glad to see you're alright, do you know what that was all about last night. What is this, a dragon dagger I haven't seen one of these before. The "L" can you tell me what it means." As I see the hawk "Is that your bird?" I watch the hawk as is flies around to see what is doing. After a moment I walk toward the hafling. "Well met my little friend, I'm Galen Naar of the Moonshae Isles'. I glad to see your alright, in the dream or what ever last night I was on the way to help you. Do you make anything of what went on last night?" As I see that he is weeping, I place my hand on his shoulder and say "Don't weep for the dead, they are free of their worries here. Weep for the living."

Alistarra: Alistarra looks about warily, but soon her frail body is wracked by a fit of coughing. When she stops her breathing is hard, and her skin is wet with sweat. Her pale, thin lips are tinged red again with blood. Her eyes looks fiercely about. It is as if her body wants to give up, but her mind will simply not let it. With much effort, she rises to her feet and goes about the blast site giving final rites. After a time, she returns to the party and says in a soft, almost whispering voice, "Do any of you know what that was about last night? I feel as if I have missed the first ten minutes of a play. I am Alistarra Moondance, Priestess of Selune. May I ask your names?"

Jaelin: Jaelin opens her eyes to see sky. "Strange, I distinctly remember cobwebbed beams." she says out loud. She looks about her warily, then gets up, not seeing any immediate danger. She hurries over toward Puck, afraid he may have wounds from the spikes making him weep, and answers Alistarra over her shoulder. "It's Jaelin. Hell, don't feel bad, I feel like I missed the entire first half..." When she gets to Puck, her violet eyes rake over him, taking a quick inventory. Not seeing any blood seepage or rips in the cloth of his clothes, she nods her head in agreement with Galen. "He's right you know. And alive, we feel pain, they don't. Speaking of which," she eyes the priestly robes for a fraction of a second, before settling her full gaze on the halfling with a slight smile, "Do you have anything for a headache?"

Zhan: Waking up, I see it is daylight and we are outside. I get up ever so slowly, as being thrown across the room last night is not my idea of a fun time. I look around me and see the others are for the most part, alright. I watch as the boy hands Galen the dagger and listen to him and the others speak before I do. I am Zhan Kashirni, also from the Moonshea Isles. I am not sure what happened last night myself, but see if I go running into the middle of a fight headlong again like I did last night. I don't think so. Time to start thinking things out first if you ask me. I look up into the sky as the hawk flys over us and wonder as to what we shall undertake next...

Puck: Puck smiles as the others show their concern. "I weep not for their souls but for the loss of what they could have been or who they could have touched had not this tragedy occurred. I don't know any of these people, but it seems that many have died leaving no one to mourn their passing. It just isn't right, so I mourn for them. Thank you for your concern." Puck looks over at Galen. "Thank you, for your gallant effort, young hero." "As for me, I don't believe I've ever been to a play, but if this is what one is like, I'd rather not. I am Puck, Grimwarden of Urogalan. I am pleased to meet you all, and am more than willing to find out what happened here and make sure it doesn't happen anywhere else." Puck rummages around in his herb pouch and mutters, "now where did I put those painkiller herbs?" He also looks over Alistarra (Healing 13 of 16), and tries to find something to alleviate her symptoms. While Puck searches his bag for herbs, (Herbalism roll is 6 out of 10) he searches his mind for answers based on what the strange voice said and what the face looked like. (Spellcraft 15 of 10 oops!, Necrology 7 of 18, Netherworld Knowledge 16 of 18, Ancient History 3 of 11).

Jaelin: "Thank you Puck, I'd appreciate it. I don't generally carry herbs that help." After his comment about why he was crying over the people of the tiny village, she cocks her head to the side as though thinking, then nods, "Makes sense." She turns to the others and introduces herself, "I am Jaelin and pleased to meet you all, though I would have prefered to have not had it happen at the same moment I'm apparently royally upsetting a demon or god of some type. I don't wake up well." She looks about the group, then narrows her eyes on Alistarra. "Yes, you'd be the one. What's going on? You're an elf, obviously a priestess of some type, and elves tend toward the nature lovers. All this talk has been about nature throwing it's arms up and saying to the hells with it all, so what's going on?"

Zhan: "Yes Alistarra, I must agree with Jaelin. I really do not like being awakened at all hours of the night to try fighting someone or something that I really do not understand in the first place. If all these people have died for no reason, then what was it all for? I do believe that an explanation is in order if there is one. What were we all brought together for? If there be someone or something that needs done away with, I am someone that can be counted on. If it be only fighting nature, then I know not what I can do to help... Is there another of you that be any kind of fighter or knows anything of the forests and mountains and how to get through and around them?"

Puck: "The Moonwells." Puck states. "They must be found and defended. Maybe a druid can be found who can help. The Moonwells must not be allowed to be destroyed. Maybe a trip to the Moonshaes is in order. Some of you are from there, any ideas?" The halfling shivers as the thought of an ocean voyage seems likely.

Alistarra: First Alistarra motions to Puck, " I have herbs of my own, sir. I am in need of hot water however." "Zhan and Jaelin,if I may call you common, I do not know what that thing was last night, but I am of the persuasion to try and save whatever innocent I may be able regardless if I know what is attacking them or not. I had hoped to find- cough- companions of the same mettle." "In any case (after making a successful religion check), the moonwells are foci of power for the Goddess, Earth Mother. They are very similar to a Pool of Radiance, and exert similar power over mortals. Why someone would want to destroy them is beyond me."

Galen: While I'm scanning the area I hear them talking of the destroying of the moonwells. "THAT CAN"T HAPPEN, they are the source of life. I have seen them as a little boy, even then I swore to keep them safe. So if the gods have brought us together to save the wells, then we will or die." Looking at Zhan, "We must protect our homelands." After a moment he asks, "Does anyone have an idea of what this dagger is about?"

Jaelin: Jaelin looks with a casual air back at Zhan after Alistarra's comments. "You know, I do believe we've just been insulted. The body's all to hell, but the mouth works just fine." She listens intently, however, to everything being said. When Galen shows the dagger, her eyes light up immediately, and a quirk of a smile shows as she answers him. "I know exactly who that dagger represents and what it means. I wouldn't doubt for a moment that it involves exactly what we're talking about. Actually makes sense now from what I've been told." She pauses for a moment, giving a steady look at the priestess. "But of course, (cough) someone of my mettle wouldn't know such things."

Alistarra: Her eyes open in mild surprise as Jaelin speaks, as insult was the last thing on her mind. "I do apologize if my speach was misconstured as an insult. My words were not intended as such. Please, excuse my state as well. I do not wish to be a burden. (To Galen) If you plan to rescue the Moonwells, I should very much like to assist you. I warn you that I am not the strongest traveler, and aside from my spells and prayers I am of little use in combat, but I will aid you in any way possible. To console you I do not believe that the Moonwells themselves can be destroyed though. They may certainly be corrupted, and used by the Darkbringer. It is much the same with the pools of Radiance and of Darkness. The balance of Good and Evil changes like the phases of the moon." Alistarra sits to conserve her strength for the journey ahead.

Jaelin: Jaelin shrugs her shoulders. "Understood. I'm not thin-skinned anyway. Just blunt. It's faster that way." Turning her attention toward Galen, she finishes. "That dagger is the callmark of a friend who does not appear as one. He is infiltrating a human group known as the Black-Feather Clan. The few of us that survived Myth Drannor witnessed their part in it, and it was a large one." She stops for a moment, gazing at the burnt area where the fireplace used to be. "They apparently have moved on to higher stakes than destroying my people." Her eyes flash bright violet briefly, then calm. "If he was here, then so were they." She turns her attention back to the group in general. "What else do any of you know of the wells?"

Alistarra: The moonwells are tied to the story of creation. It is said that the Earthmother did not create Toril, she IS Toril. It is not a story that is known widely as she has fallen into obscurity except for in the Moonshae Isles. Here on the mainland, she is referred to as Chauntea. The Moonwells as said to be the eyes of the Earthmother. Probable culprits for the destruction of these holy wells would be Moander the Darkbringer, or perhaps one of the Dark Three especially emphasizing Myrkul. You see, the Moonwells embody life, while Myrkul rules over the Dead. Myrkul himself would not strike them down, but Bhaal would as he is murder. Myrkul's kingdom only grows when Bhaal does his job exceedingly well. I however believe that Moander, would hold a greater interest in this as he would gain strength by corrupting the Moonwells as is his nature. But then again, Bane would be well served by ruling over the moonwells and thus the Moonshae Isles. HE who can destroy a thing, controls the thing." "I do however admit that the evidence we have at this point is totally circumstantial, and so a conclusive decision must be delayed. We can only doom the Moonshaes by jumping to the wrong conclusion."

NARRATION (01/29/00): The hawk that has been flying around screeches once again. When you look up, the hawk is flying in a smaller circle and starts to come down. All at once it dives, just before it hits the ground the hawk shimmers and a young woman appears standing in it's place. She is small for a elf and very young. She is dressed in plain wood land clothes. She has blue eyes that seem to sparkle when the morning sun hits them. Various animals come from the forest and gather around her. The only thing that she is carring is a staff. The staff is pure white with runes all over it. She takes out food from her cloak and feeds the animals. After a few minutes she looks up to the group. "I am Ophilia I have been watching and listening to you. I must say that you are on the right track. Yes the Clan of Black Feathers is involved but they are not the heart of the problem. Please come with me I have something to show you." She turns and starts to walk in the woods. It takes but a moment and you come to a small area in the woods that have seem to died. When you make your way through the dead area you come to pool of black muck. Ophilia looks into the pool. "I am the last of a group of druids that protected this. It used to be what we call a Moonwell. The forest here was lush and full of life. Now it is dead and all around it dies more every day." She steps back reaches into her cloak again and pulls out a seed. She bends down and plants the seed in the ground. She touches the area of the ground with her staff. The earth moves a little and a sprout comes up. It then grows a little more and a flower begins to bloom. Just before it blooms completly. It shakes and wilts. She then looks up to the group and tears can be seen rolling down off her face. "I can not get them to grow. I can not stop the forest from dying." She points behind you. "Look". When you turn around you see a rabbit eating just at the fringe of the dead forest. There is a shimmer of light and the black dieing forest grows again. It catches the rabbit. The rabbit shakes violently and dies. It does not make a sound and the dead forest is now twice the size that it was. "So now you see what is happening. I do not know if it is going on at the others. I must get to the islands but I need help. Will you help me?

Galen: "Don't worry Ophilia, I will protect you on your quest. For their is a only a few thing I love and one is the moonwells." Thinking to myself money is the other. "And besides what better way to build a name for myself than to save the lands. What say the rest of you, I always love a good adventure. So Jaelin who or what is this black feather clan?"

Jaelin: Jaelin follows along with the group, mulling over what Alistarra said about the Moonwells. At the sight of the rabbit's death, the growth of rotten vegetation increasing, her face constricts into one of horror, for the first time showing strong emotion in front of the group. The young druid's futile attempt to bring life to the area sends a visible shiver through her, and she turns her head slowly back to the druid. Her violet eyes seem to blaze forth, ignited from within, and she answers in an icy voice. "I will accompany you as well to the Isles. This abomination will be answered." Her eyes travel back to the rabbit, but her comments are obviously in answer to Galen. "They are a highly secretive human group, so not much is known. Most do not know of their involvement in Myth Drannor, as they are efficient at leaving none alive. They are always marked by a black feather. The more feathers they have, the higher their rank seems to be. I do not know who they are aligned with, if anyone. Their demise has been planned for a long time now, in retribution for their acts against us, and I have a friend who I have faith is already among them, who has sworn his life to their destruction. That is the extent of my knowledge of them. Beyond that, I know not."

Zhan: As I stand here taking all that has been said in, I try to conceive all that is going on. When the hawk fly's down and lands and turns into an elf, I watch and listen to Ophilia speak and follow her to what was a moonwell. I look around at the dead forest close to the well and wonder what has happened. I too, will go back to the Moonshea's and help with destroying the Black Feather Clan and what has destroyed the lands. I also look forward to trying to visit my home again since I have been gone for so long. I start to practice my proficiencies as I wait to see what will happen next and when we shall leave for the Isles...

Alistarra: A mix of emotions run through Alistarra's shining eyes. The wizard in her simply logs the rotting effects in her mind, and begins thinking along lines of spell components and mystical chants. Being a priest she knows that even as these things die, new things will come to life. Like the cycles of Selune. Her Elfin nature shines through when a tear rolls out of one of her eyes. Her blood tells her that this should be fought, but that the elves' fight is nearly over. Once Cormanthyr has fallen, can Evereska or Evermeet be far behind? "Consider my spells and thoughts to be at your disposal," Alistarra whispers in an uncertain voice.

NARRATION (01/30/00): (DM's Note: I need a marching order. I also need a watch list, everybody take 1000 exp pts). Ophelia listens and looks at each of you, and she does muster up a smile. "Good. We are in the Forest of Tathyr. Now, I can fly, but I doubt any of you can, so we'll just have to walk. In about a half day we can reach the coast, then follow the coastline east. We should be able to find a ship in Murann. From there we can take a ship out to Gwynneth. There's someone I need to pick up there, and from there we can head to where we need to go. The only problem that I can see is that we're going dangerously close to the Pirate Islands, and I don't know what type of ship we can get." (It'll take two days to get to Murann, do as you will until that time. Giving you guys time to talk along the journey.)

Puck: Puck's eyes spring open wide at the transformation of the hawk into Ophelia. He listens to her story and the conversations of the others. He looks around thoughtfully, unable to forget the scene with the rabbit at the Moonwell. That could have been a person! "My faith and my flail are at your disposal. I am a priest of Urogalan, who is over the Earth in a different sense, the earth that covers us in death. In being the priest of a god that protects the dead, I have learned a profound respect for life." A determined look crosses Puck's face as he contemplates the sea voyage with trepidation. Puck will offer to take watch when needed, and will state that he would not serve well as either as rear guard or a scout (he has not the "skills" that most of his people possess).

Alistarra: On the road, Alistarra has a lot of problems, but never complains or asks for assistance. Through all her trials she maintains a stoic face, and a soft look of natural beauty. Every night she makes a pungent smelling tea that soothes her afflictions. She will go off alone to say her prayers, which fervent requests for protection and restoration of health. You half suspect that those prayers are answered, as it is not possible that she would survive such a journey without divine aid. She is ever pleasant, so intellegent its scary, and is willing to contribute to any conversation.

Galen: As we travel I stay close to Alistarra, to help her even if she doesn't want it. I do this to the point of being a pest. But it my duty to help and protect beautiful ladies. At night I sleep close to her and I can take second watch. As we travel I'll talk with Zhan "How long has it been since you've been on the Isles. What caused you to leave." Then I start talking about a Taven, and ramble into tales of flashy fights I've seen and been in. To and past the point of being a pest. during the travel quiet only when I sleep or I'm eating.

Jaelin: Jaelin seems genuinely amused at Galen during the journey, even to the point of commenting to Puck, "So chivalry isn't dead." After approximately 16 hours of watching his caretaking of Alistarra, she comments to Zhan, "It should be." It takes about a day's worth of journey before the strict training in her wins out. She's off to the side of the group during a rest, looking as if she's dancing, a slow graceful movement, fluid as the water in the streams you've passed. It conjures up images of women in scarves and flowing silks, erotically dancing before a prince for favor. You almost miss the length of steel in her hand, the gestures so smooth you don't notice when it appears. She finally speaks up, continuing her graceful acts without pause, eyes closed. "If we're going to fight as a unit, let's act like one. Ophelia, you're the only one I know of who might have tracking abilities, and you know the way. Stay with me up front. Puck, you stay near Alistarra, in the center so we can protect you with steel. I'll expect you both to contribute with spells as needed. Zhan, Galen, protect our rear, especially since whatever it is we're up against will probably be stealthy. If anybody has a better idea, I'm all pointy ears, but I'm not risking my carefully sculpted ass because someone's not paying attention. If you're better somewhere else, speak up so we all know." She continues as if the words hadn't been spoken, concentrating as she forms tight spirals with the blade to her left, then right, the muscles of her arms making the panther tattoo seem to twitch with a life of it's own as she sways from side to side.

Alistarra: Alistarra thanks Galen along the way but weakly protests that she would be allright on her own. When Jaelin makes her comments, Alistarra gets a devilish grin and says, "This far in the wilderness I'm certain that these fine young men will guard every piece of female ass they can, if only to keep their options open, Jaelin." "I do infact have a thing or two to add." She goes and picks up two fist sized stones, and sets them about thirty feet apart. She casts continual light on the one, and continual darkness on the other. She goes over and picks up the light stone, and begins to wrap it in cloth so as to hide the eminating light. "This stone may be used as a non- heat light source. It will not foil infravision because it is not hot, but to dark adjusted eyes it can be quite a shock. Further more, its light range is greater than a torch and it doesn't have to be relit." After it is wrapped and given to the point man, she goes over to the Darkness Stone. "For any of you sneaky types, the is a porable shadow to hide in and use infravision, since it blocks light not heat. It may also be used to blind a non-elven enemy. Keep the two away from eachother, however, for they will cancel out. " Lastly Alistarra sighs a bit and says, "I have one other talent aside from being priestess and mage. I am a wild-talent psionicist. I can heal with a thought, or grant a limited means of teleportation. I will show you." She walks away of camp for about three minutes, then stops as a violet hued crackle of energy spreads both in front of her and into the camp without the typical trapping of a cast spell. As she walks through the dimensional door in front of her, she steps out of the dimensional door in front of you. She traveled 100 yards in less than a second. Then she calls everyone around, and slashes her palm with a dagger. As you watch, her rent flesh slowly knits itself back together without a single prayer to any god. "These are the additional powers I have at my disposal. Feel free to employ them in any tactic you may wish, Jaelin."

Zhan: Galen, I left Lotune' about three years ago. I have been traveling around quite a bit and learning and studying all I can. My father put me on a ship and made me come out into the world and explore. He said I would not yet be a man until I learned what the world was like for myself. Jaelin, why do you think Chivalry should be dead? I thought all women liked to be helped, at least that is what I learned as a young man. I watch as Jaelin pratices her proficiencies also. I also listen and watch Alistarra do her tricks and wonder how they are done. I will stay in the back of the group with Galen to watch out behind us...

Jaelin: Jaelin doesn't stop practicing, but smiles as Alistarra comments about the young men in the group. "I hadn't thought of that...could come in handy." She continues what she's doing while listening. Nodding as Alistarra explains the stones, she seems to mentally catalogue it while she practices a few sideswipes, but stops dead cold as Alistarra shows the psionics. "Now THAT's impressive!" She pauses, looking thoughtfully at Alistarra. "That would come in handy, but how much does it take out of you to do it?" she asks. While waiting for the answer, she turns to Zhan in answer to his question. "I've not really thought about it before Zhan. Never had the experience before, so I don't know if I'd like it or not." She looks over at Galen as he continues his various courtesies to Alistarra, actually looking like she's thinking seriously on the subject (which she is). "Helping probably would be alright I guess, but the hovering...it'd have to go. I'd likely stick a sword through his belly out of sheer frustration. And then I'd feel guilty." She shakes her head for a moment. "No, the hovering just wouldn't do."

Alistarra: After coughing a bit more. "Actually, Jaelin, it takes surprisingly little out of me. When I perform psionic tasks, I align my mind and body into a state of harmony, which eases my shattered constitution. I was not always like this. I actually did this to myself while trying to uncover psionic talents. I was experimenting with a form of Magical psychic surgery, and I opened my mind's potential at the expense of my health. My meditations have taught me more patience and temprance though. I no longer seek ravenously for supernatural strength. What Selune grants me, I shall recieve." She gives a fey smile, and continues to sip her herbal tea.

Galen: Impressed at the movements of Jaelin and hearing some of the words spoken. "I am sorry to disapoint you Jaelin but I can't hover, I can't even fly. Unless you count the times I've jump in the air, but no you wouldn't. I walk like a mere man. As for the looking after Alistarra sometimes you get a better reaction out of honey than bull. But leave it to my head strong cousins to be loners. So come now there is much too much non-happiness here." As he says that he uses Etiquette to say it as a stuck up noble would. As he starts dancing around fencing at air with his main-gauche.

NARRATION (02/06/00): The couple days into the village is filled with frolicking and foolishness. Ophelia, every so often, does take her form as a hawk and scouts around. Mid-morning, on the third day out, she comes in for her usual graceful landing. "The village is just over the next hill, and there are two ships. One looks like it'll be leaving in the morning. That will be good timing for us." Once you cross the hill, you see that it is a small village, one main road leading into it from the east. Once you enter it from the main road, heading west to the docks, on the left is a brothel, a drygoods, an inn, and then two rows of warehouses. On the other side, directly across from the brothel is a small shrine to Poseidon, then weapons shop, armorer, a tack house for both ships and horses, a tavern, and then two rows of warehouses. After the warehouses are the docks. Galen and Zhan automatically know that the captain more than likely would be at the tavern this time of day. First mates would be taking care of loading and unloading. So you make your way down to the Shark's Tavern.

The tavern itself is large, a few round tables scattered here and there, dirt floor, and the bar along the back wall. When you enter, there's about twenty people there. You can tell they are mostly sailors, at least half of those having a black feather hanging from their left ear. After surveying the crowd for a few minutes, you see two older gentlemen sitting at the bar. One of them has two black feathers and a white feather hanging from his ear, dressed in seafaring clothes. The other gentleman is dressed the same, but older, and has no feathers on him. Both are human. Ophelia walks up to the two of them, with you all following her. "By the look of you two gentlemen sitting here, I would say you are the captains of those ships." The unfeathered captain turns and says, "Why yes lass, that's a good choice you made. How can we be helping you? It's my boat that's planning to sail later this evening. Captain Toff here (he points to the feathered one) has just come ashore. I doubt he'll be leaving any time soon." Ophelia answers him. "That'll be fine, do you have room for seven?" He answers, "Yes, but you'll be expected to work, and it'll be twenty gold pieces per!" Ophelia says, "That'll be fine, but we have one who is sick, she will need rest," and she points to Alistarra. Looking at Alistarra, she continues, "And there'll be no argument about this child.", in a voice that you could swear was your grandmothers. Ophelia opens up a little sack and pulls out seventy gold pieces. "I'll pay you half now, and the other half when we land in the Moonshae Isles. That's where you're headed, correct?" The featherless captain leans over and looks at the rest of the group. "Yes, we'll be going to straight to the Moonshae Isles. And seeing as how the rest of your party seems of the warrior type, I might even go through the Sword Coast." (With that comment, Jaelin, Galen and Zhan notice the feathered captain start to go for his dagger.) There is suddenly a loud crash at the front doors. More of the black feathered ones break in with weapons drawn, and a fight immediately breaks out between the black-feathered sailors and the regular ones. Alistarra is the first to notice a small shimmer. She screams, "It's getting ready to change!" The room itself shimmers. This is what you see. The tavern itself is exactly as it was. All of the regular human sailors, including the captain have changed and are now elves. All of the black-feathered sailors and captain are still human. The feathered captain is quick in his motion and he slices an elderly female elf's neck, and she falls to the ground. (DM's NOTE: Remember your storyline. Remember the era. Remember your character. Make your choice. This is the black-feathered humans against elves.)

Alistarra: As the shimmering occurs, a compliment of spell combinations tumble through Alistarra's coldly logical eyes. Without a moment's delay, the appropriate prayer tumbles from her mouth, and she seems to disappear (Sanctuary). She immediately begins preparing new spells.

Puck: Puck travels quietly and somberly during the trip. He gives the elf a half-smile when she speaks to him about the death of chivalry, remembering the great importance the daughters of Yondalla are attributed in halfling culture. The fun and frolicking, though odd in light of recent events, seems right somehow. The passing of the dead has brought a union of joy in these new companions. Puck sees the events unfold, and doesn't know whether or not to believe his eyes, until he sees the feathered warrior cut down the elven woman. Whether these images are real, or some strange magic like in the inn, the black-feathered men are pure evil. Puck sees that his group has not yet entered melee and speaks, "May Urogalan bless these brave adventurers as they fight to preserve life." (bless spell).

Zhan: I watch Ophelia continue to fly around and wonder how she does it. When she returns and tells us that the village is just over the next hill and about the ships, I think of the Moonshea's. As I pass the different buildings and stores in the village, I do some window shopping, wishing that I had more than four gold pieces left on me. I sure would like to visit the weapons shop. I figure that the Captains of the ships are in the tavern and we head that way. When we walk into Shark's Tavern, I become wary as I see the feathers hanging from the sailors ears. I automatically put my hand on my broadsword, just waiting for trouble to start somewhere within. When Ophelia walks up to the Captains at their table I can tell by their voices as they speak that trouble is brewing an will be here soon. When the Captain tells Ophelia that is is going to be twenty gold pieces each for the trip to the Moonshea's, I wonder how I am going to pay him when Ophelia opens her own sack and pays him or all of us. I do not like being in debt to anyone and will find a way to pay her back as quickly as possibble. When the Captain says that he is going to go through the "Sword Coast", I start lifting my broadsword from its scabbard as I can sense the trouble is here now, even as the Captain reaches for his own dagger. As the black feathered sailors crash throught the front doors, my broadsword is already drawn and ready. The next instant I hear Alistarra scream that the room is getting ready to change. When the room finishes shimmering, I see that all the regular sailors and their Captain have changed into elves. As I watch the black feathered Captain slice through the female elf's neck with his dagger, I become quite consummed with anger and immediately realize that anger will only hinder me in battle. I quickly settle down and remember my training and the other battles I have fought. I raise my sword with the proficiency that I have practiced so hard for and bring it down through the torso of the closest black feathered sailor...I have chosen...

Galen: As our trek continues, I keep a watchful eye on Alistarra. Think to myself about how it would feel to be back on a ship as well as the bad times on board. But those thoughts are soon gone at seeing the graceful Ophelia fly down and change. At the sight of the town I start straighting my outfit and ajusting my hat. As I head for the town their is a bit more pep to my step. I have a cheerful grin on my face as we head into the bar. As I'm just about to yell out a greeting I catch sight of the black feathers, and my grin turns to a more serious look. I take a quick look at Zhan and see his movement I copy his, easing my hand to my hilt. As the action unfold I take a postion behind Zhan so that our backs are not so easily attacked. I draw my weapons to parry the blows to see what play out for the moment.

Jaelin: Jaelin doesn't parry, or pause for that matter. With one lightning-quick move her long sword is out of it's sheath, the blade singing toward the feathered captain's neck. She attempts to keep Ophelia to her left, behind her shoulder.

NARRATION (02/08/00) (DM's Note: AC for sailors is 8; with 2-feathers AC is 5; captain's AC is 3. AC for elves is 4. I give 100 pts each for each spell used. Everyone has +1 courtesy of Puck). With Zhan and Jaelin not having a second thought, they have chosen their side. Zhan's broadsword quickly passes through the gullet of a black-feather. Galen, realizing that they are heavily out-numbered, backs his new companion. Literally. (the two of you like this could be a very serious force). Jaelin swinging quickly with her sword, seems almost like a prism slicing through the air. The Captain had just enough time to block the blow that would have surely cut his own neck as he just did the elderly elf. Ophelia, backing up Jaelin's move, hits the captain behind the knees, knocking him to the ground on his back. The feathered captain, being uncommonly quick for his age, is on his feet in a flash, only to once again slump, but this time with two swords piercing through his chest from the back. The Captain falls to the ground, and all anyone can see is a cloaked figure with two long swords as black as a moonless night. Just as fast as you spot him and his swords, they are gone. The Room: Jaelin and Ophelia can see a back way out, and have no one around them alive. Puck and Alistarra, you each have three black-feathers closing on you fast. There is one elf beside each of you, but they are fighting. Zhan and Galen, you both have two coming at you. Same thing, elves are fighting on either side of you.

Alistarra: Alistarra, noticing the approaching feathered men, shuts her eyes and steels her will. She will place her trust in Jaelin's promise to protect the spellcasters, and prays that her sanctuary spell is working correctly. Cold logic over rides her fear, and she readies more supportive magicks. She says a fervent prayer. (bless, chant, prayer are compatible spells, so now the party, and the Elves are +2 to attack rolls. Under the affects of the Prayer spell, the black feathers are at -1 to attack rolls). Determinedly, she prepares more supportive magic.

Galen: As I see the two coming for me as well as Zhan, " I've got two coming my way, well Zhan it's time to play." At the two that are charging me I attack the one on the right and disarm the one on the left. Att 16 + 3 =19 Ac -1 Dam 5, disarm 12 + 4 - 4 = 12 AC 7 on weapon (your call). "We do need to try find a better place than here."

Jaelin: Strangely in the midst of the chaos, Jaelin smiles slightly at the blackened swords sticking out of the captain, then hears the noise of fighting outside. She yells, "Close ranks!" as she moves herself between the advancing black-feathered humans and the trio of Ophelia, Alistarra and Puck. Her left hand shoots out, two electric violet streaks flying from her fingertips toward the center human (12 pts dmg). Her right hand is up with her sword to parry if any get to them before she can strike again.

Zhan: When Galen disarms the feathered ear one on the left coming at us, I thrust my broadsword into him up to the hilt. I trust he won't be harming any more elves...I get ready for the next melee when I hear Jaelin yell "Close ranks". I move towards her to help protect the others...

Puck: Puck sees the six men coming for him and Alistarra. He glances her way for a second, thinking, "she must be protected." Then seeing the three men coming towards him, a rare bit of dry humor crosses his mind, "I must be protected!" he thinks to himself. He thanks Urogalan for the intervention of Jaelin and for the power to cast a spell to help. Puck chants to Urogalan and centers a light spell on the eyes of the closest black-feather (save or be blinded).

NARRATION (02/12/00): As the fight continues inside the Inn, for a few moments, the elves and the black-feathers seem to be at a stale-mate. But it is quick how fights can change. Three black-feathers seem to begin to fight as one unit, slicing down elves. Jaelin screams for everyone to close ranks, and her and Ophelia are next to the only clear way out of the building. Ophelia starts heading outside, through the backdoor. (It'll be Ophelia, Alistarra, Puck, Jaelin, then Zhan and Galen, bringing up the rear). Two black-feathers begin to bear down on Alistarra and Puck, but they both suddenly see a flash of an individual, using two black longswords to slice through the two black-feathers, cutting them down. As quickly as they saw the movement, he disappears again. You make your way out the backdoor. As you look down both sides of a clearing about 50 ft wide, it is just the backside of all the shops. The fighting that you hear seems to be coming from the main street and the inn where you just were. Ophelia says, "Quickly, we must get to the docks, see if the ships are still there." She takes off running, behind the buildings, heading for where the docks are at. With everyone following her, Galen and Zhan are doing everything in their power to slow down the five black-feathers that came out of the backdoor chasing them. Ophelia runs and suddenly cuts through an alleyway between the buildings, still heading for the docks. A black-feather on a horse is coming from the main street into the alleyway as well, and as they meet, he knocks her down, sending her staff flying. The black-feather wheels the horse around, releasing a morningstar on the end of a three-foot long chain. He spurs his horse toward her once again, drawing back the morningstar for a final blow. The five black-feathers are gaining on Zhan and Galen, when suddenly there is a small crack of lightening that comes through the woods. The lightening goes just behind the black-feathers, lighting a figure that has two black swords, running behind the five black-feathers. Four human figures come out of the woods. One is a male, carrying a staff and dressed in plain leather clothes. Two are females, over 6 ft tall, built as well as any man, carrying broadswords, wearing chainmail. The two females come running, screaming like banshees, heading straight for Galen and Zhan. The fourth human, a male, comes out of the woods closest to Jaelin, Puck and Alistarra. He is carrying a battleaxe in each hand, wearing plate mail colored red. He's headed for Ophelia. (DM's Note: AC for black-feather on horse is 5; AC for three black-feathers coming up on rear is 5, the other two are 7; AC for four humans coming out of woods is ?).

Galen: As we are getting out the door I look at Zhan "We're having fun, yeah" As the others are getting to the docks, and I'm bring up the rear. I hear the crack of lighting which cause me to pick up the pace. I glance back to see the figure from the bar that has helped us get hit. With the other coming from the wood line, I can only guess that these aren't the good guys. With the two females coming at me and Zhan, I tell "Zhan hold off the feathers, I'll try to slow these two up." And with that I charge at a full run weapons out. When I get within about 8' I jump (4 out of 17Str) with all my might at the one on the my left. Tring to put a knee to her chest along with the main-gauche. And use the rapier to parry the other. (To hit with knee 18 AC 1 with out your penalties, To hit with M-G 17+1=18 AC 1 with out your penalties if hit dam is 4 from M-G) After the hit or miss I use tumbling to regain my feet (15 out 18DEX). And think to myself I'm good!!!!!

Jaelin: Jaelin feels as though her will is pulled in two different directions, but one way is clear and the other has party members moving in her line of sight. Knowing she has but one chance, her left hand shoots out, holding steady on the horseman as he brings his arm back. She aims directly for his eyes, violet sparks flying from her fingertips (Light).

Alistarra: Seeing these ravenous humans seeking her blood, Alistarra closes her eyes and opens herself to her psionic abilities, directly in front of the plate-armored human charging her, a shimmering portal opens. Its other end is 50ft in the air over the oncoming black feathers. ((Psionic Bowling!))

Zhan: I fight my way out the back door of the Tavern. I look down the clearing and see Ophelia start to run. Galen, let us follow Ohelia and yes, it does seem like fun doesn't it? Still fighting the five black feather's and trying to follow Ophelia, I see the figure with the two black swords behind the black feathers and wonder who it is that is helping us. When the two females come out of the woods and start directly for us yelling, I see Galen start to run towards them. When he says "hold off the feathers", I turn my attention towards them...

Puck: Puck moves his short legs quickly, trying to keep up with the rest of the group. When the bolt of lightning slams into Mr. Two-swords, Puck pours on the speed. He sees Ophelia go down, and rushes towards her. When he sees Jaelin throw her spell at the man, and defend Ophelia, he takes the time to pray in simple halfling fashion, "Urogalan, shut that wizard up." (Silence 15' radius centered on the ground around the man with the staff).

NARRATION (02/17/00): The young swashbuckler attempts to put his knee into one of the two females coming out of the woods. When he makes contact with her chest, she wraps her arms around his leg, swinging him around with his own momentum, and basically power-bombs him on the ground. Before he has a chance to blink, the twin sister drops her sword at his neck, screaming to everyone, "SURRENDER!". (Galen, with the force of your hitting the ground, you do drop both your weapons, 2 pts dmg for the impact). With the rider getting ready to bear down on Ophelia with his spiked club, he screams and jerks violently, dropping the swinging spike and grabbing at his eyes, which are now bright white. Needless to say, he falls off the horse. The horse takes off and runs down the alleyway, dragging him behind it, a foot still caught in the stirrup. Alistarra is bowling at the moment, opening a psionic doorway, which the human, although trying to stop, can't avoid because of his momentum. He disappears into it, reappearing in another doorway above where Zhan and the five black-feathers are fighting. When he comes out, he lands on the feathers, knocking everyone down, including Zhan. Unfortunately, when Zhan gets up ready to attack again, he sees that he is surrounded by three of the black-feathers and the human with the two battle-axes. The human with the two battle-axes tells him "Surrender!" (Zhan, you are completely surrounded). Puck, running along, trying his darndest to stay with the rest of the party, realizes that the magic-user could become a problem. So he immediately silences him. Unfortunately, his spell has no affect on the staff the human is carrying. The magic-user lowers his staff, pointing it in the direction of Puck. A streak of lightning comes out, forming a ball about 10 feet from the staff. Three smaller streaks of lightning come from the ball, hitting Jaelin, Puck and Alistarra (12 pts dmg each, save vs. magic for half). At the same time that the magic-user is throwing his lightning, he is hit by lightning, coming from the elf in black with two swords, who was originally hit by lightning in the first place. He is heard saying under his breath, "Tit for tat, m*f." Ophelia is seen running for her staff while this is going on.

Galen: After my breath comes back "So what's two fine women like yourselves doing in a place like this? Can we talk about this, I like tall women!"

Puck: "OOOOOOUUUUCHH!!!!!" Puck yells as the full brunt of the bolt slams into Puck. (Failed that save!)He takes cover around a corner, getting out of the line of sight of the magic user. "Urogalan, if I am to try to help these people, please heal me." (cure moderate wounds for 10 points of healing).

Zhan: While fighting the black feathers, all of a sudden a human falls from the sky atop us and I fall to the ground. Before I can gather my wits together and resume fight, I see I am surrounded by the black feathers and the human weilding two battle-axes. When I am asked to surrender, I contemplate for a moment, the chances of my getting up fast enough to continue my efforts in ridding the world of these blasted creatures. For the meantime though, I stay on the ground and look around at what is happening to the rest of the group to see if they are in the same predicament as I am...My choices, at the moment, look pretty slim at outwitting my agressors. I still try to devise a way to get up without getting poked by something as surrender is really not in my vocabulary...

Allistarra: Allistarra shrieks as her body takes the full brunt of the lightning strike (12pts). Her form is thrust to the ground, blue lightnings crackling around her as she twitches on the ground uncontrollably. Her head lolls to the side, and her hair obscures her face a little bit. She seems to be breathing shallowly, and quite unconscious.

NARRATION (02/26/00): The lightening bolt flies from the two-sworded elf, hitting the human mage who seems so fond of them. The human mage is thrown back into the woods from whence he came, and he does not reappear.

Jaelin: Jaelin assesses the situation quickly, then begins shouting orders as well as any general. "Ophelia, get Alistarra and Puck! Black One, Zhan!" Her arms shoots out toward the amazon women and she shouts at the top of her lungs, "Galen!" Two violet streaks come from her fingertips in the split second she calls his name, hitting each of the women (magic missiles: 7 pts dmg to one, 8 pts dmg to the one holding the sword).

Galen: While laying here on my back, using my gift of gab. "So I hope you didn't mind that knee thing, I thought that a big woman like yourself need a tough guy so I tried to show my strenght. It seems your friend is a little jealous about the whole thing." Hopeing my gab will keep their attention on me. If not looking for the chance to get free. "You know that their's a woman in the bar that is shorter than you, you know what she say about big women. Know don't hold it against me, she says the only place for big women is pulling plows in the fields with the other mules. I didn't like what she said but I didn't have a chance to tell her off. Thats when the fight broke out. You should have saw me I was taken on four of these guys and they didn't even touch me. I was parring and dodging blow, stabbing and slashing them." As I'm saying all this I'm moving my body like I'm telling it. But if they have not relaxed the sword at my neck my movements are easy so as not to harm ME! "I tell you I was great, then two more came up......"

Puck: Puck comes out from behind the corner and sees Alistarra on the ground. He runs forward under the cover of the magical missile fire towards her. Puck whispers a prayer as the healing magic courses through him and into the elf (cure light wounds for 1 pt.- guess I better try again next post!)

NARRATION (03/01/00): With the swashbuckler swashbuckling the two ladies who have him pinned to the ground, magic missiles come from Jaelin, striking both women. The sister that was standing over Galen is hit hard enough that she stumbles forward. The sister with the sword over Galen's neck takes two shots directly to her sword arm, causing her arm to sling backwards and her sword to go flying. Ophelia runs over, grabbing her staff with her left hand, releasing a spell with her right. Zhan, seeing that he's surrounded, is biding his time for an opening. Fire erupts all around him suddenly, in a 5 foot diameter. (Zhan, the black feathers and human are on the outside of the firering, you're on the inside). Puck, desperately trying to reawaken Alistarra, has received divine intervention from his god (Alistarra has 6 more hit points back in addition to Puck's 1 that was given). Zhan, Puck and Galen hear this. The two-sworded elf very calmly speaks. "Otath. I have hunted and looked for you, and on this day you die. But before you die, I want you to know who you're killer is. It is I, Lestat." The human with the two axes spins around at the name Lestat. There is nothing but a very fluid movement that comes from Lestat, reminiscent of when you saw Jaelin practicing. Five daggers fly from Lestat's hands, nailing the human with the two axes. The human staggers back, and is now in the fire that is protecting Zhan, with his back to Zhan.

Jaelin: Seeing Ophelia has her staff back, Jaelin begins moving fast in Zhan's direction. As she comes past Galen, she launches another attack at the sisters. Two more violet flashes come from her right hand, her left still wielding her sword. The sisters are hit by magic missiles again (Each taking 7 pts dmg). She slows midpoint between Zhan and Galen, waiting to see which direction the threat will be greatest from.

Zhan: As the human with the battleaxes turns towards Lestat, and the black feathers are outside the circle of fire, I jump up at exactly the time Lestat throws his five daggers into Otath's chest. As Otath falls back into the fire with his back turned towards me, I plunge my broadsword into his back to finish him off (Assassins Kill in the back). I jump over the fire circle and start to run towards Jaelin, watching to see who needs help and if the black feather's follow me or just stand there stupified...

Galen: At the moment that the swords leaves my neck. I outstretch my arms to reabtain my weapons, and in a fluid movement do a spring flip to my feet. And with weapons out I take up postion with Zhan and Jaelin. So that we form a trangle to guard all sides. "Jaelin thanks for the help, I owe you one."

NARRATION (03/05/00): The human with the two battle-axes stumbles backwards right into the path of Zhan. Unfortunately for the human, his back is to Zhan. For just a second, and it's only a second, Zhan and Lestat make eye contact. Both have the same style of grin. Zhan's sword splits the human from the left shoulder to the right hip (Mike, remind me to split XP pts with you). Jaelin, letting loose once again with her magic, hits both sisters again with her magical violet darts. The girls stagger back this time, but only for a second. These hardened warriors were ready. Galen, both girls swing at you, one of them twice. One hits (11 pts dmg).

The black-feathers, seeing their leader fall, turn to the two people who killed him. Three turn toward Lestat, two toward Zhan. Zhan is hit by one of them (5 pts dmg). Lestat does an amazing job of ducking, and manages to evade all three on him. But he is in trouble in a face-to-face fight. There are still no enemies near Alistarra and Puck. Ophelia is now bringing up the rear, and is slowly coming closer to the battle, but trying to stay near Puck and Alistarra. Alistarra is now conscious.

Galen: Ouch! I stagger back from the hits from the bitch, weapons at the ready now. I take a quick glance to see where Jaelin is, I contine to move toward her as I attack. Stab with the main-gauche step back and slash with the rapier, in my movement to Jaelin. (I'll try the roller)

Puck:Seeing that none of his companions are down at the moment, Puck turns his attentions back to the combat. He scans the situation and sees the blackfeathers making their way towards Zhan, and what is apparently an ally. Puck prays, "Urogalan, stop these fiends from their mischief" (hold person-spread out to four of them, save is at normal value.)

Jaelin:Jaelin, trying to figure out which way to turn, decides quickly, figuring to eliminate completely rather than just hurt. Though some strain is beginning to show around her eyes, more violet streaks fly from her fingertips, this time concentrating on the one who held the sword to Galen's neck (6+7=13 pts dmg). "Have fun Galen!" she yells as she moves more to a halfway point between Galen and Zhan.

Alistarra: Alistarra coughs, sending a small line of blood falling from her mouth. She closes her eyes and chants softly, and points a finger at the one Jaelin just shot, and light blue bolts fly forth from her extended finger. (5+3=8pts of damage).

Zhan:When one of the black feathers wounds me, I grit my teeth and plunge my broadsword into him. It hurts, but not to the extent that I cannot fight. I try to stay away from the other black feather as best I can, as my strength is not up to the point yet to where I can fully employ my broadsword to its full capacity...

NARRATION (03/16/00): (DM's Note: I've not received any dice-rolls for those of you in hand-to-hand combat. Remember to either use the dice-roller or send your rolls with your actions.) Galen, fighting for everything he's worth against the two sisters, gets some very timely help. From both Jaelin and Alistarra. The two sets of magic missiles take their toll on the one sister. The first blows from Jaelin's stagger her back, making her lose her sword again. The third set coming from Alistarra knock her completely off her feet, where she lands on a limb from a tree, stabbing her all the way through. (Jaelin gets 3/4, Alistarra gets 1/4 exp pts). The other sister, now completely in a tyrant rage, swings wildly at Galen and misses.

Zhan and the one black-feather on him are striking blows back and forth, neither one really landing a hit. The other that was on him is heading toward Jaelin to cut her off. Ophelia finally gets over to Alistarra and Puck, placing her hand upon Alistarra, giving her 19 pts back. Lestat is the one in trouble. With the ducking and weaving that he does, he manages to land a blow on one of the black-feathers. Unfortunately, the other two land their blows on him. The first blow by the black-feathers is a strong one. The second one is massive, slicing off one of his arms about mid-forearm. Lestat lets out a scream and goes purely on the defensive.

Allistarra: Allistarra begins snarling arcane syllables and tracing sigils in the air with delicate fingers. To conclude the spell, she scoops up some sand from a pouch, and allows some blood to drip in it. Energy swirls out from her hand, and darts back into the Inn. In the blink of an eye, 4 flaming arrows come darting out of the Inn slamming into the back of the second female on Galen. (Fire Arrows 2nd level Wizard Spell) damage 29 pts of damage, save vs spell for half)

Allistarra: After the casting of the spell, Allistarra screams, "Galen, help Lestat!"

Galen: As I use may skills of ducking and dodging and LUCK, I manage to get out of the reach of the sister. As the fire bolts hit her, I take a quick glance to see where they came from. Seeing who they came from I smile. As I here her, I look to see how best to attack. With the two so intent on killing Lestat, gives me the chance to circle around and take the prime attack to the back. (use move silently to not draw attention 13% out 50% sneek sneek. As I reach the back side I attack, the one that looks hurt the most I use the rapier and the other gets the m-g. R: 16 +1= 17 + 4 from rear = 21 rear ac -3 dam 7 M-G: backstab 10 + 1 =11 +4 from rear= 15 rear ac 4 dam 4 x 2 = 8) If this works I wink at Lestat.

Jaelin: Jaelin's slowed move toward Zhan and Lestat becomes a dead run at Lestat's scream and the sight of his arm. Barely pausing at the black feather trying to get in her way, she screams at him "Damn it! I've no time for you!", as she blasts him with magic missiles, her sword held in a defensive position (r:3+1+2=6;4+1+2=7:13 pts dmg). She never pauses, taking whatever damage he may inflict or not, moving like a streak toward him. If possible upon reaching him, she'll move so that Zhan, Galen and her form a triangle around Lestat, facing the black-feathers.

Zhan: While fighting the black feather, I see Lestat taking the wrong end of the swords and when I see his arm cut off, I also plunge my broadsword into the black feather to finish him off. I then start to run towars Lestat as does Jaelin to help him in his efforts...

Puck: His hold person spell being apparently ineffective, Puck charges one of the blackfeathers on Lestat. "Block my silence, resist my hold person, let's see you stop THIS!" (17 to hit on dice roller, 6 points of damage).

NARRATION (03/25/00): The flame arrows that come from the inn land their mark on the other sister. She screams with pain as she goes flying through the air. She does not get back up. Jaelin is running for Lestat and sends more of her magic at the helpless black feather that now can't move because of Puck's spell. The black-feather's head explodes and his body just falls to the ground. The other black feathers, seeing that almost all of their other friends have fallen, decide that this is a good time to run. One of them turns to run, but he is not fast enough, and the little halfing takes him out with one hit, stopping him in his tracks. Lestat falls to the ground grabbing his arm. Blood is pouring out from the wound and the color of his face is turning white fast. In a whisper of a voice, "I need to... get to the master.... He can help me.... island....". He then closes his eyes, dropping his arm and sword. (DM's Note) EXP POINTS: Zhan 3200, Alsitarra 2800, Jaelin 3200, Puck 2800, Galen 2850. That was for the ones you killed. Take another 5000 for your actions. Now I have to figure out what to do because you guys just kiled all but one of the bad guys! Send me the changes to your characters. I believe that all of you moved up in a level. One last question: would you guys consider playing Dragon's Inc II if I get stuck here?

Galen: As I see the fight draw to an end. I drop to the ground in a sitting postion. Catching my breath and tring to stop the bleeding where I been hit. "Well now that was a great begin to a trip! I want you to know you all fight a good fight. We just got to watch those inn's where their's sailors. HAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAH Come Zhan you get to kill again, I just hope not any time soon! HAHAHAHAAHHAHA OUCH" as I grab my side.

Alistarra: Alistarra moves weakly over to Lestat. Obviously the magic she has been wielding has been draining her allready weak health. She has broken into a cold sweat, and her breath comes in gasps. (In Elven) "Noble Warrior, I may be able to help, please lie still." She takes his severed arm gently and presses it against his stump (after a successful activation roll) the flesh begins to knit together. There is no prayer or aura of mgaic. It is by force of will that she psionically commands the cells of Lestat's arm to re-attach themselves at the cellular level. (I don't know if you're going to let it work Donnie, but I figured I'd give it a shot.)

DM's NOTE: Nope, can't let it work to fix Lestat's arm. Excellent try though, I had to think on that for a bit. Believe me, I WANTED it to work.

Walker's Note: well, at least the wound is healed. . .

Puck: Puck grabs up some dirt from the ground, sprinkles it upon the bodies and prays to Urogalan. "Oh god of the earth and protector of the dead, deliver these souls upon their final journey."

Zhan: Standing up, slowly, but getting better, I look around at the dead laying around us. Puck, leave those demons alone. They no longer have a soul anyway. Let them rot in hell where they belong. I watch as Alistara tries to help Lestat and his arm. There has been a good battle here and we have fought well. Congratulations to all, as I look around us to make sure that those are the words that should be spoken now or if I have spoken too soon. I am looking for any more of the black feathers and their followers. I lean on my sword to help me up, as I recuperate from my wounds. Well, it would have been a good day to die, but not this day...

Jaelin: Jaelin also keeps a steady eye out, watching for any other enemies who might be skulking about. A quick glance around tells her that everyone is basically alright. She keeps her sword out, guarding where Lestat and Alistarra are. "You've done all you can, he'll not bleed to death now." she says to Alistarra. She turns toward Ophelia, "Do you know what island he speaks of? We've got to get out of here now, or they'll be back. We've fought well today, but now it's time to disappear. Is the boat still there? We need leave here immediately."

Allistarra: Allistarra whispers "May Selune guide the souls of these dead to what ever horrors await them in the hereafter." She takes a couple of deep breaths, her small frame shuddering with the effort. "I believe that the logical assumption would be he meant the Moonshae's Jaelin." She wipes her blood off her lips, and is attempting to stand with the support of her staff. "I can take us from here, but I am not certain how far. Nor how much the effort will drain me. I will take a few moments to regain my strength. While I do so, strip away the weapons from the dead some may be magical, and it may be some time before we can re-provision." She casts detect magic so that the party can see what is magic and what is not. "Jaelin, in what direction do you wish to go?"

NARRATION (04/09/00): Sweating profusely from the pain, Lestat shakes his head. "No Alistarra, though it's a logical assumption. I speak of an island in the Pirate Isles, where a man I came to know lives. He had an injury such as mine, and he fixed it through some way I don't know." Looking about him, he catches his breath for a moment. "If you please?" Alistarra gathers her remaining strength, and the portal appears in front of them.

The party gathers its belongings and takes a look quickly over of the small treasure they've found. Lestat looks over each gem during the summoning. There are six gems worth 500 gold pieces, three worth 200 gp. You find roughly another 30 gp and 10 sp. The chainmail of the two sisters and the battleaxe guy are fairly nice. The two broadswords that the sisters were using are exquisite, as are the battleaxes. The wand found near Lestat and Galen is short and bronze.

Everyone steps through the portal created by Alistarra. When you come through the other side, you see that you are on an island, facing inland. There is but a single trail. As you look out toward the ocean, you do notice that the water is awfully clear, and you can see the dark green of the ocean beyond just a couple of miles out. Following on the trail for a while, it is a jungle, humid. After about an hour of walking, you come to a huge clearing. At about another 50 yards, you see a stone wall with two wooden doors. You also can see the top of a building behind the stone wall. Lestat walks up to the two doors, next to which is a overhang with what appears to be a large round piece of brass. There is a small log hanging in front of it from two ropes. Lestat grabs the log and pushes it into the gong, hitting it twice. Lestat turns to everyone and says, "Just follow my lead, do as I do." He goes over and stands in front of the doors. After a few moments, one of the doors begins to open inward. Lestat immediately unsheathes his sword and grabs the one Jaelin was carrying for him, holding both right below the hilt and in plain sight beside him. There is no aggression on his face at all. However, he has been sweating so much from the walk that his hair is now matted to his head, and he is extremely pale.

A small human,lightly brown with dark brown eyes, robes made in a style that his arms are disappeared inside of them in front of his chest, comes out and bows. Lestat bows to him. The human turns back toward the door and Lestat begins following him. You see the path leads up to what best could be described as a temple. It is huge. Easily 300 feet across the front alone. It is so long across the front that you can't see around the two sides, so there is no way to tell how deep the building is. The path leads up to marble stairs with 10 treads, which stretch the length of the building. Fifty feet off of the left and right hand corners are sets of double doors. In the very center is another set of double doors. There are statues beside each of these doors. In front of the left doors are two gold tiger statues. In front of the right doors are another kind of cat that you don't recognize, similar to the tiger, but sleeker with no rough around the face. The center doors don't have matching statues. Instead, on the left side is a statue of a coiled cobra about to strike. On the right is a great bird, one of it's legs raised, with a long beak. Above these center doors is a carving of the head and wings of a dragon, deeply etched into the stone. As you begin your walk toward the temple, you see small waterfalls cascading into pools. Around these pools are small pine trees and areas of sand perfectly groomed so that no ripples appear. In some areas there are large rocks, with precision lines grooved into the sand, outlining the contours all the way to the edges of the area. Small metal lanterns adorn some smaller rocks. There are various people working in these perfect little sand "gardens", though they seem to not hear or see your presence as you walk through.

The gentleman that you are following leads you to the stairs. Once you reach the top of the stairs, he stops and turns, looking back at Lestat. Lestat bows to him, placing his two swords on the ground in front of him. The whole time that Lestat has been walking, he has had the arm cut off hidden inside his cloak. Once he lays down his weapons, he stands with his legs and feet pointing straight toward the small fellow. He takes his cut arm out from under his cloak, raising it into an upright position with elbow bent (almost as if you would block a move). The small man bows once again to him upon seeing the arm. Lestat reaches down and picks back up his two swords, then turns to the party. "These are very honorable people. As you can tell from looking around, they believe in harmony and peace with their surroundings. But they are also some of the greatest warriors I have ever seen. You are each required to show your special talents. If you're a fighter, show what you can do with your weapons. If you're a magic-user, show what you can do with your abilities. Do exactly as I did. I cannot show him my talents because of the condition I am in now. When he bows to you, pick up your weapon and perform...sorry, I don't have a better word." Lestat then steps aside, letting the next person up.

Allistarra: When the monk bows to her, Allistarra weakly stands upright, thanking Galen and Jaelin for their support. Her silvery hair falls partially in her eyes as a blue-white sword appears in her hands, seemingly made of nothing but moonlight. The tip is lowered, in a gesture of non-hostility. She closes her eyes for a moment in concentration, and when she opens them agin, they are bathed in a milky white light. Her body slowly becomes increasingly phosphorescent in a similar manner, and the air around her crackles with magical energy. Slowly her body seems to become consumed with the energy, as everyone in the temple complex feels a gentle presence just behind their eyes, and you know that she has psionically contacted your mind. With a flash, the contact, sword and glow is gone, and Allistarra lies on the ground, steam rising from her pale naked form, her waist-length silvery hair her only concealment. She is unconscious.

Galen:As I watch Lestat and Allistarra I try to think of what I'm going to do. When Allistarra is done I jump to where she lay, with a fluid motion I draw my rapier. With quick flips of my wriast the sword flashes here and there. I then take out my main-gauche flip it in the air and catch it. And then stand with the main-gauche out in front of my body and rapier over my head with the point to the tip of the main-gauche. I then sheath the main-gauche take my hat off with a sweaping motion and plant the point of the rapier to the ground. Cross one foot behind the other with the hat in my hand rest on my hip.....

NARRATION (04/14/00):The monk looks down at the young lady. "Madame please get up. There is no need for you to lie there. Have you not felt better since you got to this island?" All of you do feel some what better after the fight that you had. If you look at your wounds you will notice that they all starting to heal. Even Lestat's fever seems to have broke.

ZhanI look at the monk and then realize that I do feel better. Well, I guess I can try to impress somebody, so here goes. I flail my broadsword all around over my head and around my body, then toss it into the air, flipping it over a couple of times before it comes back down and I catch it by the hilt. I flip it into the air one more time and pull out my dagger and throw it up also. When the broadsword comes down, I catch it again by the hilt and twirl it around my head. When the dagger drops down, it goes between the twirling broadsword and I catch it with my teeth by the blade. I again throw my dagger into the air and then flip my broadsword up into the air also. When the dagger comes down, I open my cloak and it drops right into its sheath. I let go of my cloak and the broadsword comes down. I push my hip out and the broadsword falls into its scabbard. I bow with the utmost reverence...

Zhan:After I have finished what I thought was making a fool of myself, I look at the others and ask them if they mind if I try on one of the Chainmails to see if it fits me and if I may have one of the gems to set me up with some gp's. I would love to have one of the broadswords if they do not mind. Thanks to all of you...

Jaelin:Looking suitably impressed by the others skills, Jaelin tilts her head toward the short fellow in the robes, in a manner that says, "I'm next I suppose." Stepping forward, her eyes are drawn to the statues next to the doors, and with a slightly ironic smile, she deftly unties the cape at her throat. It slides down in a wave behind her, revealing the swords at her side and the tattoo on her arm. Her violet eyes rest finally on the statue of the sleeker big cat, and she nods to it. Unsheathing both swords, she lays them crossed in front of her and asks, "May I begin?" At the man's nod, she dips down swiftly, sheathing one sword as she slices through the air with the other. She performs the training exercise the others have seen before, though the intensity of her concentration is rather scary to see right now. She makes the sword literally sing as it slices the imaginary enemy, her movements becoming more cat-like as she moves faster with each block and thrust. Her hands begin to glow with violet light as she spins, her hair whipping around her, the tattoo seeming to move of its own accord as she wields her sword with graceful and deadly intent. Her words carry to you as her left hand shoots out, "Sleek and deadly, friend to the night...because of your courage, there will always be light." Her sword arm brings the weapon straight up in front of her face, and a violet crackle instantly settles upon the statue of the cat that so closely resembles her tattoo, causing it to glow brightly as if lit from within. She bows deeply to the statue, then settles the sword in it's sheath and faces the robed figure, the glow from the statue bathing her face.

Narration (04/26/00):When Jaelin gets done with her show of using a weapon, Puck comes up the stairs. When the human bows to Puck, Puck just nods his head. He touches the stone platform where he is standing with his finger and the stone turns to mud. He then touches the mud with his other finger and the mud turns back into the stone that it was. The monk comes and stands back in front of the group. "Here we teach and help with many things. If you wish to learn we will teach. If you wish to share we will listen and learn. Each of you has a special gift that you can use, come inside and see ours." With that the doors that are behind the monk swing open. The first noise that you hear is that of men shouting all at the same time. You step through the doors and see a few hundred men standing in lines all dressed in white. At the head of each of these lines with their backs to you, is a monk standing in all black. The monks in black do a series of punches and kicks. All the monks in white mimic their moves. At the end of each move, there is a yell from the monks. Back behind the monks in white appear to be seperate small buildings, but they are open on two sides so you can see inside of them. Within each are more monks who appear to be training with different weapons, a different one within each small building. The monk you've been following leads you out through this area, the buildings being on your left. You can see between the buildings that the statues and gardens are here as well. You pass three of the small huts, and when you come to the fourth there are two monks in full length orange and white kimodos. The monk leading you bows to them, they bow back, and he then begins speaking a rapid language none of you understand. He then turns to Lestat and says, "He will see you now." Lestat takes off his swords and his backpack, handing them to Jaelin, further shocking her by a kiss on the cheek and the quiet statement, "You already know how to make them sing. Now learn how to make them dance." He turns, one of the white and orange-dressed fellows opens the door, he walks through with the doors closing behind him. The monk then leads the rest of you past a few more of those little buildings and come upon something that looks completely out of place, but makes you feel completely at home. A one-story thatch-roof stone house. There's no guard in front of it's plain oak door. When you walk in following the monk, you see it has a nice fireplace with normal cooking utensils you're used to, indoor water, a good size kitchen table that could seat six comfortably. Bedrolls and large pillows are piled up in one corner. Suddenly from the front door bursts in a small skinny man in white robes, or what used to be white robes if it weren't for the dirt and coal dust streaked everywhere. He flashes a quick smile at all of you and holds out his hands, "Me fix weapons? Sharpen, mend, fix weapons?" He is nodding his head and smiling as he repeats this rapidly.

Zhan:I watch the human touch the stone and turn it into mud and them back to a stone again. I listen as the monk tells us one can learn as well as teach here and I begin to think of what I could learn from these people and also what, if anything, I could teach them that they do not already know. As we follow the monk inside the compound and I see all the men shouting and punching air and kicking nothing, I wonder what they are doing and why. As we walk through the compound, I take notice of the different dress and garb of the men in all the small huts. When we approach the two monks in full length orange and white, I watch as Lestat disarms himself and hands his weapons to Jaelin, in disbelief. I have always been taught never to relinquish my weapons to anyone, ever. But, I say nothing. Then Lestat goes behind closed doors. I wonder what is behind them and what is so important that he would give up his weapons so easily. When we are led away from that place and come to the one-story stone house, I feel just a small bit of ease. I am still fully aware of my surroundings and at my peak of awareness, so I keep my hand on the hilt of my broadsword out of habit when in a totally new environment. As we walk inside the house, I look around at the others and see how they are discerning what is happening and how they are reacting to what is going on. I look aroung the house and see that it is more to my standards of what living should be like than what I have seen so far. When the small skinny man comes bursting through the door, I, reactively start to take my broadsword from its scabbard. Then, notice that he is of no threat that I can see, and let it go back to its place in the scabbard. When he says that he will sharpen our weapons, fix them if they need it and mend anything we need to have mended, I again think back to Lestat handing his weapons to Jaelin and wonder why! I do not think I will relinquish my weapons so freely, not just yet anyway. Until I know where we are and just who these people are. I look around the room and again think of what I have to offer these people in teaching. I have already seen what I would like to learn from them, but I am fully on my guard, as right now, I do not even know where I am or why we are here...

Alistarra:Alistarra, looks with a sigh over her equipment, finding know weapons but a small knife, she hands it over. The a look of realization strikes her, "Zhan, why don't you let them look at the magic swords. Perhaps they could tell us something about them."

Zhan: When Alistarra says out loud to show them the magic swords, I glare at her as if to tell her to keep quiet for the moment. I was not going to bring them up at this time. I think that our secrets for the time being should remain our own. I may, in the future, show them to them and find out what they may tell us, but for now, they will remain with me...

Jaelin: Jaelin looks rather wide-eyed at the statue of the cat she made glow earlier as they pass through the doors, curiousity obvious on her face. She looks around like the others as they walk through the strange compound, never having seen mass training before. She knows that's what it is from what they are doing, but she's never seen it done enmasse before. She shares the same look of shock as Zhan does when Lestat kisses her cheek and hands her his weapons, though she can't figure out which one shocked her more. She tries to unobtrusively pick her jaw back off the ground and follows along with everyone to the little hut. The little man bursting in the door does nothing to soothe her nerves, causing her to immediately draw her sword (sorry, a little quicker on the draw than Zhan, but not as quick to realize there's no danger as Zhan was, so her sword is obviously out and ready when the poor fellow comes toward them). She relaxes just as quickly, letting the tip drop so he'll take no offense. She's obviously not pleased with the idea of handing her weapons over to a stranger either, but curious considering the care everything else seems to have been given around here. Bowing back to the little man, she sheathes the ornate longsword she prefers. "Thank you for your kindness." She then unsheathes the plain longsword, handing it to him by the hilt. "If it pleases you, take this weapon and check it for me. I am curious and would be most grateful if you would practice your skill upon it, as it has never seemed to balance quite right in my hand." At Alistarra's comments, Jaelin drops her head, shaking it. Not in the least surprised at Zhan's response, she adds her own, a small exasperated smile on her face as she searches the little hut for something to drink. "Ali, we REALLY need to discuss a few facts of life...and don't worry overmuch that you let that slip. The power of magic I felt from that cat statue was strong enough that I can guarantee you that whomever is important around here already knows we have those swords." She pauses in her search for a moment, trying to describe it. "It was strange...when I threw that light spell, it's almost as if the magic hovered until I bowed." She shakes her head. "That's not quite right, but I can't think of another way to describe it. But I bowed to the statue, because I meant nothing but respect to the statue of the same great cat that adorns my shoulder, and I wanted to make it shine. It's like, I don't know, but it was like it KNEW that I meant it that way when I bowed, and it then LET me light it up. I know without a doubt that the magic I felt literally ALLOWED me that spell." She continues on her search again while continuing to speak. "But Ali, you've got to remember when we're in a strange place with strange people...just because their face isn't hidden in a black cloak with evil little red eyes glowing from within doesn't mean they're to be trusted with information like that." She cocks her head at her. "Do you understand what I mean? Evil can come as a beautiful maid, a haggard old knight, a peasant child...deceit is it's middle name and it's very good at it."