20031115 ThreatCouncil

<H1> Threat Council </H1>
<H2> Roll Call </H2>
<TABLE>
<TR>
 <TD> Prince Donner </TD>
 <TD> 6th/13th/2nd Human Fighter/Wizard/Fatespinner </TD>
 <TD> John Speck </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Auric </TD>
 <TD> 15th (22th CL) Wemic Druid </TD>
 <TD> Keith Farrar </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Estus </TD>
 <TD> 19th Human Cleric </TD>
 <TD> Ray Chiang </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Colin </TD>
 <TD> 16th/6th Human Fighter/Hospitaler </TD>
 <TD> Jim Yonemura </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Grackle </TD>
 <TD> 6th/10th/4th Half-Elf Fighter/Rogue/Templar (22nd TBD) </TD>
 <TD> Mark Whisler </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Kill'Dar </TD>
 <TD> 19th/3rd Elf Wizard/Fighter </TD>
 <TD> Rick DiRicco </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Travian </TD>
 <TD> 20th Human Paladin </TD>
 <TD> Robert Giedt </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Borgar </TD>
 <TD> 10th/6rd Dwarf Cleric/Warpriest </TD>
 <TD> Matt Miller (Not Present) </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Fingle </TD>
 <TD> 3rd/17th Gnome Cleric/Wizard </TD>
 <TD> Richard Jacobsen (Not Present) </TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<H2> Session Summary </H2>
<H3> Safe at Home </H3>
The party arrives at Home. At Home, they find Njal Bearheart, a dwarven messenger from the Thorsen clan, waiting for Borgar.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Njal:</B> Thor's spirit strengthen you, Borgar.
<B>Borgar:</B> May his hammer fall upon our foes, Njal. What news?
<B>Njal:</B> We are caught between the jaws of evil. The portal has opened, and dark magic from the other side is constantly assaulting our protections. You remember poor Ragnar and the trouble he caused. It will be far worse next time, we are certain of it.
<B>Borgar:</B> Aye, that I do, Njal. Ragnar should never have peered into the portal after these heroes went through. such as he have no business toying with the Abyss. His end was unfortunate, but well-earned. It is well that we did not revive him.
<B>Njal:</B> Our priests have so far been able to maintain enough Circles to keep it sealed, but Abyssal powers continue to work to dispel them and will one day succeed.
 Even as we face this evil from within the caves, we are beset from without. Beast-men stalk the plains under cover of night and keep us penned in. We can see them gathering, and we fear that one day soon they will seek entry in such strength as cannot be resisted.
 We were prepared for another seige by the giants. This, we are ill-suited for. We are warriors, not mystics. Our supplies run low and our people live in fear. Mighty Borgar, return to us with these heroes and help us seal the Portal and scatter the beast-men like chaff before our thundering charge!
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Donner gathers his allies to determine the future of the Westmarch. Even as he begins the wheels leading to his coronation, the forces of evil work to their own ends.
<H3> Gathering the Council </H3>
A day earlier, Donner has sent messages to Kennetar through Kieran. He has notified the Protectorate about his goals and what he has accomplished. Given the importance of the meeting, the Praetor decides to join the council. Donner has a similar communique with Hensen.
Kill'Dar checks up on the status with the elves. He teleports to the elven grove. Donner's intentions to become King of the West and the rest have been communicated to the elves through Seledan's efforts.
At this point, Lady Mianna's forces are coordinating with the rest of the elven army better, but they are still not one cohesive force. Her forces are better trackers and guerilla fighters (i.e. mostly druids, rangers, and rogues) and have been of much help during the mopup operation. Lord Cerethan would prefer that he and Lady Mianna go to the council.
Donner continues down his invitation list (and who they decide to bring):
<UL>
<LI> Philip, George, Father Cullaim
<LI> Lord Cerethan, warleader of the elves (Lady Mianna)
<LI> Raevin, gold dragon
<LI> King Alain Cathmor Wymer (Seledan and Blaine scrying)
<LI> Sark of Boralar
<LI> Lady Veronica Roarke
<LI> Annelise Pyn
<LI> Leyla Toshkan
<LI> Certes Deladus, Praetor (Sindar)
<LI> St. Morbios (Rep: Templar Janos)
<LI> Norcandum the demon hunter
<LI> Ansrak (no answer)
<LI> Kieran
<LI> Grackle
<LI> Father Elias (Jim's earlier character), Priest in Dulax Moir (Kent Galfax)
<LI> Borse
</UL>
Seledan says that the other kingdoms have neither accepted nor denied his right to become King of the West. Relations are still cordial, but at arms length. Cirrus sends it regrets and wishes everyone well. They will go as the winds flow and continue on their ways. Initially, the city appears to be drifting south towards the Southlands.
Donner has a conversation with a few select people before the Threat Council.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Donner:</B> So, I wanted to talk to you about the progress of the claim to the throne of the Kingdom of the West. And I wanted to see what you think about my becoming king versus your becoming king.
<B>King:</B> As you already know, the evidence is being gathered and evaluated for your claim as King of the West. Things are moving slowly right now, but it looks as though it will all happen eventually.
 As for my becoming King of the West, I would have to pass the dragon's challenge. In my advanced years, I don't know that it would be possible. And since you've already passed the challenge, I don't see much point.
 I would be just as happy to remain king of the Aquitaine province and be your advisor. It's time for you to step and it's the perfect time for you to step up in the council.
<B>Donner:</B> I see. (To Raevin) What do you think about the way I'm handling things?
<B>Raevin:</B> Well, it's not the way I would do things.
<B>Donner:</B> Oh? How would you handle things?
<B>Raevin:</B> Establish Kingdom of the West and your authority first. If you agree that the Lich King is the greatest threat first, then any disagreements means that you simply won't have that individual's support.
 On the other hand, if you get everything on an egalitarian basis. That establishes you as a democratic, collaborative leader. It may not be as effective, but it may give a better long term rule.
<B>King:</B> I'm not sure I agree with that approach. This will be new information and they'll be slow to agree. If you want something done, you'd better get to it.
<B>Donner:</B> Well, through my examples, I hope they see the wisdom of working together. But in any case, how best to proceed when dealing with the council?
<B>King:</B> I'd suggest that you deal with threats that your most distant friends first.
<B>Donner:</B> Who do you think is the least likely to support the Kingdom of the West? I think Kennetar and then Lower Kingdoms.
<B>King:</B> I believe the Lower Kingdoms will be easy to deal with. Getting the independent city-states on the Plateau on board will be difficult. And given what we know about the Imperial influence, it would be very useful to have the Praetor on our side.
 Hensen is a tougher proposition. The ascendant leaders are good, but they are a democratic city-state. They have a more adventurous military. If they could be enlisted, they could form the backbone of the military of the Plateau. They are certainly less useful as an economic and political friend, but as a military force, they are probably most important.
 I would also consider your work with the other forces here. Your work with Home. I see several. The lion men and with the alliance with the druid . And then there's the dwarves...
 Seledan and I can handle the gruntwork of diplomacy in the Lower Kingdoms. We have no such contacts on the Plateau and you have the contacts and goodwill here, especially if you intend to ever sit on the ancient throne. That would certainly end almost any opposition to your claims.
<B>Donner:</B> That's just what he wants me to do.
<B>King:</B> I agree that the most valuable prize isn't always the one to shoot for. Right now, I'd say that solidifying your claim takes precedence.
<B>Donner:</B> The motivation is there, but we're not certain that we have the ability, yet.
<B>King:</B> Seledan tells me that you will almost be certain that you will be struck at, now that you've proven yourself as a true descendant.
<B>Donner:</B> He won't strike directly. He will send minions. I don't think that he'll chance the fact based on the fact that we have his periapt.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
<H3> Threat Council </H3>
The threat council meets to discuss the immediate issues:
<UL>
<LI> Ragnarok/City of Brass/Bifrost/Inevitables
 <UL>
 <LI> Most people don't see this as a big deal. Certes appears unconcerned.
 <LI> Info (Raevin): Titan has been slain. Storm giants have taken care of the problem. Uncertain whether the Titan will ever return.
 <LI> Info (Janos): This Titan is Holos. He was cast out of Olympus and is banned from ever returning. He would do anything to get his position back. Apollo now holds his position. It is a matter of the gods whether Holos is allowed to return. Hades is free to release Hades to the land of the living, they are not allowed or interested in aiding him again.
 <LI> Info (Borse): The inevitables are here under their own business. I think the giants are playing with fire and I think it's going to mean the fall of the City of Brass. From what I've observed, they are not serving the giants. I'd say that they're massing their forces to dismantle the City of Brass. It's impossible to say what their purpose beyond that would be.
 <LI> Info (Janos): We are quite happy to have the inevitables here. One of the inevitabilities that they enforce is that of life and death. I cannot imagine that they will not enforce that too soon.
 <LI> Info (Janos): If you could please Hades sufficiently, he might keep Holos. We would be happy to do Divinations to determine his requirements.
 <LI> Info (Lady Rourke): The Lich King is very important, but not very urgent. The demonic army is not as important but is very urgent. And that's what we're here to decide. I also hear people saying that the Lich King is a rather large and complex issue and should be done in several steps: investigation, scouting, etc. You could make progress against him (scouting missions, researching to discover his allies and powers, making allies of the inevitables).
 <LI> <B>Conclusion:</B> Inevitables not immediate threat. Ragnarok not too likely.
 </UL>
<LI> Aishapra's continuing existence.
 <UL>
 <LI> Info (Philip): We do know more. It is our understanding that Aishapra is not actually headed for Home right now. Our divinations have indicated that it is no longer urgent. We're not certain where she has turned her attention. I would guess that she sees or knows about this gathering of strength and is doing the same for her side. I expect that she knows that she must have overwhelming firepower to succeed. But I would bet that that is what she is organizing. In addition, we believe her talisman has crossed the barrier to the Prime Material. That means getting it without having to go to another plane. The importance is that the holder of that talisman can command and destroy that demon.
 <LI> Info (Norc): I've almost finished my research. First you should know that demonic activity in this region is quite high. You should know that in my travels between here and Kenntar, I have seen no fewer than 17 posesssed invididuals. 12 of them lived. I chose not to engage every individual I saw. I believe I can coroborate what Philip said about the talisman. I have information about its location and I have furhter information about what she's been up to. I belive the war between Baphoment and Yee is reaching a crisis point. I believe Aishapra has raised an army on the Prime Material and intends to assault the portal from this side the same time as Yee intends to assault the other side. They will assault. It has always been her goal to get a portal from the Abyss to the Prime Material. There is an opportunity and a risk. If we allow Aishapra to reach the portal and strike, we have the opportunity to destroy her while she is facing other forces. I recommend the dwarves vacate the Teeth. Particularly, if we destroy her after the bulk of her forces go through and while she remains with half her forces on this side. I believe that if I have her talisman, I can immobilize her.
 <LI> Info (Njal): If you destroy the beast men outside, we can camp out outside the Teeth or near Kennetar. Especially now that the giants aren't a threat yet.
 <LI> <B>Conclusion:</B> Clear the beast men. Let the dwarves free. Deal with Aishapra during her plan.
 </UL>
<LI> Imperial Encroachment/Shapeshifter problem
 <UL>
 <LI> Info (Certes): You should understand that you're speaking from a significant position of weakness when it comes to military power. My people are interested in expanding into the farmlands around the city. The Imperium has that might. They are prepared and have offered to clear out all the threats within four or five leagues of the city. Do they have a solution for the shapeshifter weapons? Silver weapons. Trained warriors. The centurions that are currently stationed at Kennetar are extremely powerful and capable warriors. They cannot provide perfect protection, but they can provide sufficient protection with their troops.
 <LI> Info (Borse): No interest in ever entering that "sty" of a city (meaning Kennetar). The wolfweres operate solo. The werewolves operate in packs. The dopplegangers operate in singles or pairs, purely selfish reasons. Other weres operate in similar groups. We beornings are a different sort. We don't infect others. The organization is very loose.
 <LI> <B>Conclusion:</B> Send Black Lions to Kennetar to match Imperial offer.
 </UL>
<LI> Aftermath of the orc invasion
 <UL>
 <LI> Info (Seledan): They have been broken and scattered, but there are many areas where orcs have set themselves up as local forces. Any teams that can be sent to break their power, can be done quickly. There are probably three or four key gatherings of orcish power.
 <LI> <B>Conclusion:</B> Send someone to investigate and handle remaining orc tribes.
 </UL>
<LI> Existence of the Magister
 <UL>
 <LI> Info (Pyn): All still exists. Judges of Unerring Wisdom also still exist. Believe they have formed some sort of arcane pact or sanctuary from which they draw some kind of unified power.
 <LI> <B>Conclusion:</B> Need more information on Magister and their base of power.
 </UL>
<LI> Any additional information or threats?
 <UL>
 <LI> Kent Galfax: I can't follow all this big talk. Life is getting tough for us. The Imperium has been recruiting heavy. They ride into town, offer safe passage to Regis Vale. If they had protection or someone wiped that smirk of their faces, that'd be different. We don't think much of the Imperium where I come from. We consider ourselves as one of the last towns of the old Kingdom of the West. We haven't served any King before or since. When you came to us and asked about Blackvault, we knew that there was something special about you. We'd be even happier to see you ascend the throne, kick out the Imperium, and put Vorn Kalak back in his grave. We'd be happy to have you come by, kick some werewolves and wipe the smirk off them Imperial soldiers. There are also some other small settlements around too.
 <LI> <B>Conclusion:</B> Send someone to deal with local issues and leave some troops.
 </UL>
<LI> Bab-El
 <UL>
 <LI> Info (Norc): Bab-El is not an expasionist city-state. We have our way of life. It is comfortable for us and we are very, very good at identifying users of dark magics or other trickery. We can spot shapeshifters, demons, and witches all very quickly. There are many of us working outside the city. Would be willing to train some individuals in this art.
 </UL>
</UL>
Donner presents what he and his allies have done, including the destruction of the portal on the Plateau.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Certes:</B> Regarding the portal. We've done quite a bit of research concerning the threat. The planar portal did seed the Plateau with many threats from other planes. However, that has been going on for a very long time. Certain extraplanar creatures have adapted and multiplied on the Prime Material. Finding all these pockets will take a great deal of time.<BR />Some of the creatures, like the T-Rex will not live long in this weather. However, the shapeshifters have adapted well. There are weres, dopplegangers, etc. and they have all done well. While we are extremely pleased to hear that you have destroyed this source of great trouble. The dangers of the Plateau have not lessened. Over the years, the dangers have worsened. So, I would caution all those at this table that the dangers of the Plateau still remain and will continue to do so for some time.
<B>Donner:</B> What we're trying to point out is that we have a history of dealing with these threats and that was the first step. The rest of the stuff, I'm not sure that in my lifetime that it'll be clear of those threats. But as we form up the kingdom, improve commerce, and so on, I expect that things will improve.<BR />Once the weather curse is lifted, many beings won't be happy with the climate change.
<B>Certes:</B> Yes, but in order to prevent this A stronger military force that protects people and will.<BR />Before that can happen, someone has got to destroy the Lich King. I have every faith that you will accomplish that.
<B>Donner:</B> The Lich King will be my personal priority. And you will see that we have put out a call to those who might help in this case. We've demonstrated that the actions of a few good people can change things for the better in a substantial way. Having contact with those such as Raevin, who have allies whom can help us. (And our timetable is...)
<B>Colin:</B> Are there any things that you have specific concerns about at the moment?
<B>Certes:</B> The threat is that there are many varieties of dangerous shapeshifter on the Plateau and they're constantly trying to infiltrate Kennetar. And the residents of Dulax Moir have the same problem.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
After the threat council, there is a discussion among the heroes about which missions to handle.
<OL>
<LI> Gather adventurer army Kennetar to gather. Donner will talk to Seledan, who can handle the logistics.
<LI> Orc Cleanup. Assigned to Colin.
<LI> Dulax Moir. Assigned to Travian.
<LI> Let the dwarves free. Send large group of warrior types. Assigned to Borgar.
<LI> Myrmidon Armor. Assigned to Estus.
<LI> Divination for Aishapra's plans. Get Aishapra's talisman. Assigned to Kill'Dar and Auric. With Norc.
<LI> Scouting alien civilzation underneath the Plateau (The Tyrant) and Octax. Grackle.
</OL>
Unprioritized and remaining tasks (any time, independent of long-term goals)
<UL>
<LI> Scouting out the grey vales. Involve a priest and Grackle.
<LI> Norse Warriors at the Teeth of the World
<LI> Dwarves unleashing demons on Red Islands?
<LI> Sons and Daughters of Lorga
<LI> Siman Jed
<LI> Hades quest
<LI> Melina, ex-consort of Sarin II
<LI> Rescue Marden from Abyss
<LI> Donner's necklace and dog
<LI> Blackvault
<LI> Talisman of Golem Control
</UL>
After some discussion, the players decide to handle the orc invasion first.
<H2> Roll Call (Orc Invasion) </H2>
</p>
<TABLE>
<TR>
 <TD> Mirto </TD>
 <TD> 8th Human Wizard (Evoker) </TD>
 <TD> Mark Whisler</TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Colin </TD>
 <TD> 16th/6rd Human Fighter/Hospitaler </TD>
 <TD> Jim Yonemura </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Bimblefin Candytuft </TD>
 <TD> 3rd Pixie Rogue </TD>
 <TD> John Speck </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Kristoff </TD>
 <TD> 7th Elf Druid </TD>
 <TD> Keith Farrar </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Paxus </TD>
 <TD> 7th Human Cleric </TD>
 <TD> Ray Chiang </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Foradun </TD>
 <TD> 4th/2nd Githzerai Psionic Warrior/Soul Knife </TD>
 <TD> Rick DiRicco </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Elverie </TD>
 <TD> 7th Half-Elf Druid </TD>
 <TD> Robert Giedt </TD>
</TR>
</TABLE> 
The land granted to Colin by Donner is Brighton County. The fortress Tarthenel is the closest city. Tarthenel was the seat of government for the lowlands and was built out of stone by the elves that live there. The population is about 70% elven. One peculiarity about the elven city is that they swear fealty to the kingdom of Aquitaine. <P> <P> Brighton County is a mining area in a natural sinkhole. It was overrun early in the war, since there was no garrison. It was never strategically important enough to restore. There was a mithril mine and there used to be a group of druids that operated out of there. It's near Telendir, but never part of the forest proper.<P> Before he leaves, Colin checks with Cerethan and Mianna to see if they have any objections about his oversight of the lands.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Cerethan:</B> It was a human village before, and we don't mind it being a human village again. Should you remove the orcs and bring peace to the area, so much the better.
<B>Mianna:</B> Brighton County stops at the edge of the sinkhole. As long as you remember that, that's fine. And if we see you strip mining, we're going to come after you.
<B>Colin:</B> Uh, what is strip mining?
<B>Mianna:</B> It is a method of mining which ravages the land. Once the mine is tapped out, the surrounding land is scarred-- virtually useless for any other purpose for decades.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
In Home, Colin announces his intentions. Some of the locally gathered heroes express an interest. One cleric, Paxus, was doing a favor for Sark of Boralar, aiding in transporting troops. He offers to give Colin a ride to the front lines of the Aquitainian and elven army.
Foradun and his companion have travelled far to Home. They have heard stories of Colin and his adventures--most notably with his moniker "the Deathless". His companion tells him that he can probably fool the warrior.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Foradun:</B> I hear you are going on a quest to the lowlands.
<B>Colin:</B> Yes, there was a war with the orcs, and we have broken the back of the army, but many have scattered. In the interests of peace, I have taken it upon myself to go to these areas of unrest and bring stability back to the people.
<B>Foradun:</B> Peace, law, and order. My companion and I have travelled far and would be honored to help in such a mission. We have encountered much and would like to provide our aid in the benefit of law and order.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Colin examines the two new recruits with his helmet using True Seeing. He flips the visor back up and motions for the two new people to a new area.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Colin:</B> Why is it you feel the need to disguise yourself?
<B>Kha'Narek:</B> I did not tell a lie, we have travelled from far.
<B>Foradun:</B> The inhabitants of this plane, judge first before they speak.
<B>Foradun:</B> Our skills are worthy and your fight seems lawful.
<B>Colin:</B> I think those that join my banner need to understand a certain level of trust.
<B>Kha'Narek:</B> We would avoid conflict with those undeserving of death. Perhaps I should explain, when we typically fight, we fight to win. Since we do not wish to cause unnecessary harm, we choose to disguise ourselves to prevent such incidents.
<B>Colin:</B> I see. Well, I can understand that. So, then what are your reasons for joining me then?
<B>Kha'Narek:</B> We are here in the pursuit of knowledge and we have heard that you and your companions have encountered much. I will someday learn those skills necessary to return home.
<B>Colin:</B> Well, I don't know what knowledge you're expecting to find, but I can't really promise all that much.
<B>Foradun:</B> We come from a land without magic, so this is all new to us. The more we encounter and the more we face, the more we learn.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Colin has sent a message to Ox and Farendil to meet him at Tarthenel. They mention a new acquaintance Mirto, a former Black Lion, who has expressed an interest in Colin's mission and will be joining them. In the meantime, Colin, Paxus, and the two new companions leave Home.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Paxus:</B> So, we're off to Tarthenel?
<B>Colin:</B> Yup. You do know where this place is, right?
<B>Paxus:</B> I've seen it... (Teleports, rolls 36)
</BLOCKQUOTE>
The group arrives in the main entrance to the city. Tarthenel is a scarred beauty of a city. As they look around, most of the population is definitely elven. There is a lot of greenery throughout the city. They head to the city guard post by the entryway. Colin checks with the gate guard for a good place for lodging and where to hire guides.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Colin:</B> Do you know of a good place to stay around here?
<B>Guard:</B> I'd suggest that you stick to the main square--the inns are nicer there. The south side of the city has a heavy grove and it's also where a lot of the shrines of the nature guides and their worshipers might be.
<B>Colin:</B> Also, I'm thinking about checking out the nearby mithril mine. Do you know of a good guide for that area?
<B>Guard:</B> You know who you should ask for is Kristoff. He used to take people out there. He knows the area as it was before the orcs came. Hey, you're Colin Deathless, aren't you?
<B>Colin:</B> Yes, I am.
<B>Guard:</B> Someone was asking for you... Some elven woman...
<B>Colin:</B> Her name wasn't Elverie, was it?
<B>Guard:</B> That name sounds about right. You've been expecting her?
<B>Colin:</B> Yes, a friend had mentioned her. It is good that she is already here.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Colin visits the local shrines to Athena. Apparently, there is a small area of shrines to all the Greek gods in the city. The temple of Athena is quite glad to see Colin. Colin inquires about the roadwardens and hospices for the travelers on behalf of Estus. There was a bunch of roadwarden, though most were drafted for the army. Right now, the army maintains order along the roads. Colin then next heads to the grave area of the city. There, he inquires a person and finds the guide he is looking for. The guide appears to be talking to an elven woman.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Colin:</B> Kristoff?
<B>Kristoff:</B> Yes?
<B>Colin:</B> My name is Colin. I'm told you're familiar with the Brighton County area and I'm looking for a guide.
<B>Kristoff:</B> I'm your man.
<B>Colin:</B> You came highly recommended as a guide to the area.
<B>Kristoff:</B> Funny that your name is Colin. That land was ceded to a guy named Colin.
<B>Colin:</B> I'm that guy.
<B>Elven Woman:</B> Ah, the person I was looking to see.
<B>Colin:</B> You would be Elverie. Janos spoke highly of you. As I told Kristoff, I'm wanted to clean out that area.
<B>Kristoff:</B> The lands there are filled with orcs. You've got to sneak around everywhere. But to clean it out, you'd need an army. Have you got one?
<B>Colin:</B> I don't have an army yet. We want to scout stuff out. If we need an army, we can get one, but otherwise, I'll just take care of it myself.
<B>Kristoff:</B> (Look dubious) Uh, okay.
<B>Colin:</B> I need to wait until tomorrow for two more guys to show up.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Ox and Farendil show up with a guy around midday. Their companion Mirto appears to be a combat wizard type. Colin gives him the standard interview.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Colin:</B> So, what's your story?
<B>Mirto:</B> I'm sort of on detached duty.
<B>Colin:</B> I just want to make sure that you're not in any trouble.
<B>Ox:</B> Most of them are in camp, but most of them are off combat pay. So, a lot of them have taken off.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Due to the stealthy nature of this mission, the group decides to walk rather than take horses. As they leave the city, they are interrupted.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Invisible Voice:</B> Hold on a second there! You're not going anywhere.
<B>Colin:</B> (Flips visor) And, who might I be addressing Sir Pixie?
<B>Bimblefin:</B> Oh crap! (Dodges behind a tree) I'm Bimblefin and you're not going anywhere near that mine without me!
<B>Colin:</B> That's not the story I was told.
<B>Bimblefin:</B> Who found it?
<B>Colin:</B> I don't know.
<B>Bimblefin:</B> Oh, there's owners on papers that you humans have. But I found it!
<B>Colin:</B> Well, I'm sure people wouldn't want
<B>Bimblefin:</B> Well, the way I see it. I get a cut of what's there. I found it! So, if you want to help me get my mine back, I'll let you do it.
<B>Colin:</B> Well, I'm not specifically going to get the mine back. I'm going to the area to check out the area.
<B>Bimblefin:</B> You know, if you help me get my mine back. I'll let you pick an item from my horde.
<B>Colin:</B> That's very generous, but I'm not doing this for personal profit, but for the people of the land.
<B>Bimblefin:</B> But you're going to the mine, right?
<B>Colin:</B> Yes.
<B>Bimblefin:</B> Well, I suppose I'll let you accompany me there.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
The party travels during the day. That evening Mirto puts up a Leomund's Secure Shelter. In the interests of trust, Colin asks Foradun and Kha'Narek to reveal their identities.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Colin:</B> The reason I've asked them to reveal themselves is because I wish that we have trust between everyone here. Our lives may depend on each other and it's hard to trust someone who's keeping secrets.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Bimblefin casts Detect Thoughts and aims at the two Githzerai, both make their saves. Foradun immediately creates a force blade, while Kha'Narek restrains him.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Kha'Narek:</B> Peace. We are from a land where even the most innocent of actions can result in instant death. Please forgive us for our overreaction. Someone here exercised spell ability on us.
<B>Colin:</B> Sir Bimblefin, were you responsible for this?
<B>Bimblefin:</B> I don't know what you're talking about.
<B>Colin:</B> Okay.
<B>Kha'Narek:</B> Did any of you sense magical energy right now? Well, I see that it was just the two of us.
<B>Kha'Narek:</B> There is one we seek information about. But if any of you know anything about a being named the Tyrant. Agents serving the Tyrant destroyed our home.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Colin tells Kha'Narek about the Tyrant. Kha'Narek seems quite interested.
Kristoff, Elverie, and Mirto go scouting out the area. They find traces of spider webbing that indicate signs of a Phase Spider. Foradun spots the three of them talking and makes his ways towards them. Kristoff's wolf detects him first and Kristoff spots him. Not one to be left out, Bimblefin flies out of the chimney, but an audible Alarm spell goes off. Despite the chaos, nothing happens.
That evening, the party holds watches. During Elverie's watch, something happens.
<B>Round 1:</B> A Phase Spider appears to attack Elverie, but misses.
<B>Round 2:</B> Colin sees and kills the spider near Elverie. As another spider phases in near Kha'Narek, he strikes it and wounds it, while Foradun finishes it. Another phase spider phases in on Paxus and bites him, but he saves against its poison.
<B>Round 3:</B> The remaining spider appears, but Paxus kills it.
<H3> Foes Fought </H3>
Prejudice<BR />2 Newborn Phase Spiders