From: pcalvert@economics.adelaide.edu.au
Newsgroups: alt.pub.dragons-inn
Subject: [R] Karl : The Lodge of the Gentlemen Apothecaries
Date: 2 Sep 92 03:40:06 GMT
Organization: Economics, University of Adelaide

Posted on behalf of Dennis Brennan
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Karl, following Ahri's direction, lifted a piece of burlap that
covered a doorway at the bottom of an outdoor staircase between two
buildings.  THe cloth presumably served to shield the area within
from the sun and stinging dust.  As Karl shook the cloth, a day's
accumulation of sand and grit flew up in a choking cloud.  Strangely,
this sand did not linger in the air but was whisked away as if by an
attentive and friendly wind.  After an instant's deliberation, Karl
decided that Hazy Drifter had to be following him.  Before entering,
Karl turned and whispered over his left shoulder "Be wary, dear,
that the folks inside don't catch on that you're around.  No women
allowed in the lodge.  Tradition, ye see.  Though we mean well."
As he entered, he was spied from a brass merchant's stall by Artifice,
who had lingered to observe Karl's activities.

As he had expected, Karl found a greyish robe and hood waiting for
him just inside the doorway.  He donned these, which concealed his
face and figure.  He then parted a heavy curtain and found a small
bronze replica of a mortar-and-pestle.  Karl struck the basin with the rod,
producing a deep 'THRUMM' ring that alerted the other embers of the
society that Karl had arrived.

Several other men parted a curtain at the other side fo the room and entered.
These men wore robes and hoods of a cut similar to Karl's but in an
array of colours.  One who wore a golden chain around his neck spoke,
"Welcome, brother.  Among the fellows of the society I am known as
Norn.  With me are Kosgar and Sparn, both Practicing Apothecaries."
As Ahri had done a few minutes before, Norn ground his fist in his palm.
Karl mimiced the gesture, and replied, "I am called En Cariol."  After
intoning the ritual greeting and thanks, all pressend removed their hoods.

He who had called himself Norn spoke.  "Karl of Generica, welcome to
Pashar.  I am Salim'Bar, a lensmaker.  Sparn and Kosgar bear their
true names.  Undoubtedly you require information."  Karl nodded.
"We understand that you have been ordered by the government of your
city to escort the sorceror Amaan back to Generica.  Well, friend,
I'm afraid it's going to be a little more complicated than that.  One
of the prominent high priests of this city, Cardinal Xar, is a member
of the Sons of Dawn.  Perhaps you've heard of them?  I suppose their
notoreity is a local phenomenon.  These guys have been at odds with
the nastier mages of the town for some time.  Particularly the ones
who have been practicing necromancy and human sacrifice.  Amman
among them, I'm afraid.  So the Sons of Dawn recently, under the
Cardinal's direction, have been working to fight sorcery and magic
of all kinds, arguing that magic perverts those who use it.  Granted,
their hearts are in the right place in wanting to stomp out evil, but
burning libraries and imprisoning wizards go a bit against our grain.
Kosgar here has ran up against the Sons several times because of his
research into the Philosopher's Stone.

We have reason to believe that Cardinal Xar will attempt to detain
Amaan for a witchcraft trial.  If this proves impossible then he
may make an attempt on Amaan's life.  Now being rid of the bastard
may suit me fine, but there are several layers to this problem.
If Xar succeeds then either he will become one of the most influential
powers in Pashar or the other sorcerors will retaliate against him
and all the churches.  Either way, we lose.  Furthermore, the Shaheran
is getting increasingly worried about Rameshan's decline as
a world power.  If he decides that you and the other Genericans are
conspiring to turn Amaan over to Xar then he might use the incident
as an excuse to declare war on Generica and send the Armada up to
stomp out the competition once and for all.  On the other hand it
is possible that Xar is cooperating with the Shaheran and if you
attempt to leave town with Amaan then he will call it an abduction
and attack anyway.  A delicate situation."

Karl shifted in his seat uncomfortably.  "Salim'Bar, what about
Artifice.  Whose side is that kid on?"

"Artifice?  He's on your case now?  Ha!"  The other man chuckled.  "He's
no kid, I can tell you that.  Artifice has been in Pashar for as long as
I can remember.  Sparn suspects that he maintaiins his youth with some
kind of magical preservative.  I had no idea that he was interested
in this event.  Whose side?  Could be anybody's, or everybody's, or
he could be holding out for the highest biddeer.  Watch your
back around him, friend."

After a few hours conversation with the Gentlemen Apothecaries, Karl
decided it best that he return to The Court before his companions
missed him.  More by misfortune than intent, he followed a circutuous
route back to his quarters (he got very lost).  Nevertheless, he
was followed, and watched...

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