20030419 LegendsUnveiled

<H1> Legends Unveiled </H1>
<H2> Role Call </H2>
<TABLE>
<TR>
 <TD> Fingle </TD>
 <TD> 3rd/17th Gnome Cleric/Wizard </TD>
 <TD> Richard Jacobsen </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Grackle </TD>
 <TD> 6th/10th/4th Half-Elf Fighter/Rogue/Templar </TD>
 <TD> Mark Whisler </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Kill'Dar </TD>
 <TD> 17th/3rd Elf Wizard/Fighter </TD>
 <TD> Rick DiRicco </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Borgar </TD>
 <TD> 10th/6rd Dwarf Cleric/Warpriest </TD>
 <TD> Matt Miller </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Prince Donner </TD>
 <TD> 6th/13th/2nd Human Fighter/Wizard/Fatespinner </TD>
 <TD> John Speck </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Travian </TD>
 <TD> 19th Human Paladin </TD>
 <TD> Robert Giedt </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Estus </TD>
 <TD> 17th Human Cleric </TD>
 <TD> Ray Chiang </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Colin </TD>
 <TD> 16th/4th Human Fighter/Hospitaler </TD>
 <TD> Jim Yonemura </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Auric </TD>
 <TD> 13th (20th CL) Wemic Druid </TD>
 <TD> Keith Farrar </TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<H2> Session Summary </H2>
The group surmises that the Set priest
Estus casts Legend Lore on the ring. The first thing is that this is a signet ring crafted for the Kings of the West crafted by enchanters from the Imperium. This was long ago, commissioned by King Erek I. The relation between the Kingdom of the West and the Imperium has undergone many changes over the years. The current population of the KoW is from Norge and the Imperium. At that time, the only powerful magical resources available to the King would have been from the Imperium. It has been worn by every King of the West that followed him through Marik and Grithaniel. The ring itself is imbued with some portion of the spirit of Erek I and always knows its true wearer. The insignia is that of the Kings of the West. It also is slightly different for each king. It was lost with the fall of the King of the West, though it was never acquired or displayed by any of the bandit lords or other rulers during the dark times, so it was though lost. It is also rumored because of its connection to the family line that it carries a curse. The only King of the West to die a natural death was Erek I. Every other King have died a violent death. So, there is some question as to whether the spirit of Erek has tested each successor and found them wanting. One interesting thing about the ring is that the sigil wasn't put on any public symbol. So, using this signet ring is a sign of authenticity. A document sealed with this signet ring cannot be altered.
Fingle uses the Armillary to find Gestric. He is apparently on this plane. Donner scries on him. He appears to be in a crowd of people and is wearing a hooded robe and a turbined helm. He is wearing much loose cloth and is moving through crowds that are dressed similarly. The party's best guess is that he's in Bab-El. Borgar does the Sending to Gestric: " We see you're in Bab-El. We're unliked there. Move ten miles west of city." Gestric replies "I know. I hate it too. I know a gate here. I'm heading west"
Colin goes out to the army. They are surprised to see Colin the Deathless. Colin finds his old squire Ox. The heavy cavalry have been scattered around.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Ox:</B> Yeah, we fixed 'em. They don't bug me so much. So, what do we do when this wars over?
<B>Colin:</B> There might be another war on the horizon.
<B>Ox:</B> Oh?
<B>Colin:</B> You've heard of this place called the Imperium?
<B>Ox:</B> Yeah.
<B>Colin:</B> Grabbing the Plateau.
<B>Ox:</B> Let 'em have it.
<B>Colin:</B> Well, we plan on fixing that.
<B>Ox:</B> Holy cow.
<B>Colin:</B> We're looking for some good men.
<B>Ox:</B>
<B>Colin:</B>
<B>Ox:</B> We're going to add the Plateau to Aquitaine?
<B>Colin:</B> Not exactly.
<B>Ox:</B> I thought all the kings was dead.
<B>Ox:</B> There's somebody else you should talk to. One of elfs.
<B>Colin:</B> Why don't you introduce me to him?
<B>Elf:</B> Ox, how are you doing?
<B>Ox:</B> I'm doing pretty good. How's the leg?
<B>Elf:</B> Still works. (Sees Colin) You must be Colin. I'm Farendil.
<B>Elf:</B> I'm a kinsman of a friend of yours. I've been following stories of what you and my kinsman have been going through.
<B>Colin:</B>
<B>Elf:</B> Did you or did you not die and come back from Hades?
<B>Colin:</B> Eh. The prince arranged it.
<B>Elf:</B> But you did it.
<B>Colin:</B>
<B>Elf:</B> Your modesty is impressive. But if the tales are half as impressive. If you ever need the services of a battle priest, let me know. Things are calming down here.
<B>Colin:</B> Doesn't your kingdom need you?
<B>Elf:</B> Yes, but the need is waning. There is much work to be done here, but there is need for workers and builders.
<B>Colin:</B> Well, you'd be hooking up with the right party.
<B>Elf:</B> A word of advice, since you know Donner. I'd recommend that you get the army out of the forests as soon as possible. I hear things. The sooner the Aquitanian army leaves the forest, things may come more quickly.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
The stories that Colin hears is that the orcs were stupider than normal, but they were backed up by undead, evil magics, and other supernatural beings.
Kill'Dar takes Auric to Home so that Auric can make contact with the Wemic. The plan is to hook up with Gestric tomorrow and head to Home and have the Wemic lead the party to the portal.
The next day (Day 18 of 20) Estus casts a Divination concerning breaking the portal. The reading is a four-card reading: the King of Swords (inverted), the Star (second position), the Chariot (inverted), and the World. Estus interprets the cards as:
<UL>
<LI> There is a powerful evil warrior involved
<LI> There is aid or resolution (linking the warrior and the journey)
<LI> There is the end of a journey
<LI> And the three card set appears to impact a very large number of people
</UL>
Estus scries. Borgar sends him a message: "Land near something you can describe." Gestric replies "I don't know where I am, so why don't I land somewhere where you can see." Fingle teleports according to Estus' description, but ends up in the wrong spot. Estus casts two Auguries in succession and determines that Donner should teleport the group to Gestric. Donner does and they appear in front of him.
Gestric sees the group arrive and enters the Portable Hole (only after Fingle asks him about if he's carrying any dimensional items). Gestric speaks a word and his spiked armor disappears and normal clothing appears. He enters the mansion. Fingle teleports the group to Home. Due to the Magic Circle Against Evil in the standing stones of Home, Gestric is unable to leave the mansion. They leave him behind and go to find Auric at the Druid grove.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Donner:</B> What did you learn?
<B>Auric:</B> They know when and where it appears. If you provide a time they can provide a place.
<B>Donner:</B> How do they know where it will be?
<B>Auric:</B> (Talks to the Wemic in lion like language, then turns to Donner) Apparently it's a complex pattern that they memorize. It's difficult for them to lay out the pattern to us, but they can tell us where and how long.
<B>Donner:</B> In an hour and where we can get closest.
<B>Auric:</B> (Asks the Wemics)
<B>Old Wemic:</B> (Thinks for a while, talks to Auric)
<B>Auric:</B> All of the locations are far away and out in the open.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
The wemics tell the party that the portal's next nearby appearance will be tonight between 40-50 miles from here (brief appearance, about 10 minutes). Tomorrow, in the late afternoon, it will be 30 miles away for about a day. The Wemic describes the portal as an iron arch that arcs up 20' and 40' wide.
That evening, the group teleports to the site. Grackle spots the portal appear about 400' away. The group flies close to the portal. The ground on the other side appears to be a lake. Beyond that appears to be a rising mountain. The whole place glows with starlight. The starlight is reflected in the silvery surface and it appears to be liquid. A lot of those stars are moving around a lot. This appears to be the home of the Celestials. As they get closer, Fingle notices that the lake appears to be made of pure silver.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Fingle:</B> Hmmm...I wonder if the owner would mind me borrowing some.
<B>Gestric:</B> Uh, it's the worst possible person to steal from. (Whispers a name in Fingle's ear).
<B>Fingle:</B> I see. Well, maybe not.
<B>Donner:</B> Do we know the material to travel to this plane?
<B>Gestric:</B> Yes, it's Mithril.
<B>Donner:</B> Anyone else have a reason why we should or shouldn't go in?
<B>Gestric:</B> It's your only chance of seeing Heaven without dying first.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Estus casts Vision. This gate was created some time ago by Tenseval Taine with the advice of Chaotic beings from other planes. The materials needed to create it were created by these same Chaotic advisers. Legend says that the gate was created as intended, but there were so many tainted elements that it became unstable almost immediately. It began shifting other planes and changing locations. This is the first gate that Tenseval Taine created. It is perceived as his learning mistake. He later went on to create other planar gates without these problems, but this one in particular is referred to as Taine's Folly. It outlived him and it taunted him by its very existence. Instead, it was a constant reminder of his failure.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Fingle:</B> (Casts Summon Monster VIII. 3 Avoral Guardinals appear.) What are those?
<B>Guardinal:</B> They identify that they are Lantern Archons--petitioners of the lowest level.
<B>Donner:</B> Hey, can you see a physical appearance?
<B>Guardinal:</B> No, there is no physical appearance on this other side.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Eight lantern Archons fly up to next to the portal. They cross through and they head towards Donner. They are flying around Donner and communicate to him. Each Lantern Archon alternates speaking words in Celestial.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Celestials:</B> We only have a brief time to tell you what we have been sent to you. Our master bids us to deliver this message. What you face tomorrow is not what you think. Who you speak to is not who you think. The meaning of the encounter is even more signficant than you think. Stay true to yourself, trust no one. And do not fall for the deception.
<B>Donner:</B> You speak of the meeting with the dragons?
<B>Celestials:</B> We speak of the future.
<B>Donner:</B> You speak of the meeting with the dragons?
<B>Celestials:</B> Our master is the master of knowledge, poetry, prophecy, and song.
<B>Donner:</B> (Telepathically to party) Who is this?
<B>Fingle:</B> (Responds) Platinum dragon.
<B>Donner:</B> I thank you for your advice and foresight. If there's anything I can do to help you, let me know.
<B>Celestials:</B> Unite his children and he will be pleased. You may ask us two questions.
<B>Donner:</B> How is the Lich King best dealt with?
<B>Celestials:</B> Marshal your allies. Destroy his minions. Destroy his ability to exist.
<B>Party:</B> (Continues discussing)
<B>Celestials:</B> We must return soon.
<B>Donner:</B> Is there one in my family who works for the enemy?
<B>Celestials:</B> Yes, but not knowingly or willingly.
<B>Donner:</B> I wouldn't seek to keep you from your plane. Thank you for your message.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Gestric swings his sword and right down the middle of the opening. As it tears, the Plateau opens behind it. Shortly afterwards, the physical structure of the gate disappears.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Borgar:</B> Will you be willing to stay another day to make sure that it's destroyed?
<B>Gestric:</B> Sure.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Fingle teleports the group back to the army camp. He then teleports back to Delvondar. He goes to visit the Great Garlen and manages to buy a returnable copy of the metal Universal Solvent. The next day, Fingle teleports to the group and then takes the group to Home. That afternoon the party flies to the portal. Fingle analyzes it. Donner makes the case for destroying all of it.
Estus casts Augury for Kill'Dar casting Disintegrate on the arch structure: Weal. Kill'Dar casts Disintegrate at the top of the arch and it works fine. After some follow up analysis, it appears as though the arch is no longer magical. Fingle summons a Greater Earth Elemental and has it dig up the rest of the portal.
Gestric speaks to the Greater Earth Elemental. He asks to identify the materials in the ring. The elemental calls it Iron, Black Iron, Mithril, Chaos Silver (Pandemonium). The Black Iron is forged out of iron and forged in the fire of souls--it's a shortcut to adamantium.
Fingle guesses that in rough 10 lb ingots, there appears to be 10 ingots of Mithril, 6 ingots of Black Iron, and 6 ingots of Chaos Silver. The group stuffs the remnants of the portal into the Portable Hole and goes back to the outskirts of Home.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Donner:</B> I feel so bad that it was so anticlimactic for you.
<B>Gestric:</B> (Shrugs) I don't have a problem with easy work.
<B>Donner:</B> If you're interested in what would be more easy work for you, we could use someone with your knowledge.
<B>Fingle:</B> Know anything about dragons?
<B>Gestric:</B> Sure.
<B>Fingle:</B> Have you ceased fearing them.
<B>Gestric:</B> I respect them and get out of their way. I don't fear them because I can evade them.
<B>Donner:</B> What about travel between the planes?
<B>Gestric:</B> I can take you with me if you want to see any of the elemental planes.
<B>Donner:</B> Let me ask you this. Is there anything you can think of that you're looking for that we should let you know about?
<B>Gestric:</B> Any new permanent gates that you choose not to destroy that lead to this plane? Right now the only easy one pops up in that hellhole of that city.
<B>Fingle:</B> We can tell you where some Ravenloft portals are.
<B>Gestric:</B> That's less helpful.
<B>Donner:</B> Where is the gate you came through?
<B>Gestric:</B> It's in Bab-El.
<B>Donner:</B> You know of the Rainbow Bridge? There are powerful forces here looking for the entrance.
<B>Gestric:</B> Yeah, giants are always looking for it.
<B>Donner:</B> We're sure that the forces here are going to find it soon. They are allied with forces from Mechanus.
<B>Gestric:</B> Well, they'd better be careful. They'll turn on you in a second if you're not careful. They follow their own agenda. As for finding the Rainbow Bridge, you'd probably have better luck crossing it backwards. I'd just go to Asgard and come back the other way.
<B>Donner:</B> (To Borgar) How come you didn't think of that?
<B>Borgar:</B> I am <I>so</I> mad at myself.
<B>Gestric:</B> You know, they don't like that location being known, so you might have some trouble once you get to the other side. So while Heimdall might let you across, the Valkyries might not be so accommodating.
<B>Donner:</B> (Asks for confidentiality)
<B>Gestric:</B> Have I talked about my other clients?
<B>Donner:</B> Uh, no.
<B>Gestric:</B> (Shrugs) Policy.
<B>Gestric:</B> But if I'm hired to use that knowledge. I'll use it to my own benefit, but I won't share it.
<B>Donner:</B> Understood. Thanks for the help.
<B>Gestric:</B> If you find any other gates to the outer planes, let me know. If you need any assistance in dealing with Planar Travellers, then let me know. I'll be glad to help then.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Gestric steps off to the side and disappears (presumably Plane Shifting to an elemental plane). The group flies off to Home.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>George:</B> You've done very well. That's excellent. What are your plans now for all these amazing materials?
<B>Fingle:</B> I had in my mind the Shield Golem.
<B>George:</B> That would be one heck of a shield golem.
<B>Fingle:</B> Oh yes. But I guess I'd have to find a place to craft the body.
<B>George:</B> Did you know the dwarves have a forge under the Teeth?
<B>Fingle:</B> No, I didn't. I'll have to talk to Borgar then.
<B>Donner:</B> Would it put Home in any danger if we let the Imperium know that the portal is now gone and their protection is no longer needed?
<B>George:</B> You could do more harm than good. If the Imperium finds out that the portal made it dangerous to cross the Plateau, then they would possibly bring more military forces over.
<B>Donner:</B> So, we're going to meet the dragons tomorow.
<B>George:</B> On purpose?
<B>Donner:</B> I think you've known for a while now that my line is the line of the Kingdom of the West. (Shows George Erek's ring)
<B>George:</B> (Looks it over) This is pretty impressive. (Puts in on Donner's hand) Hmmm...
<B>Donner:</B> We were wondering if you might know anything about any arrangements with the dragons.
<B>George:</B> Well, as I remember it. The Kings of the West did have an agreement with the dragons. With the dragons on your side, it's difficult to argue over sovereignity.
The agreement was something to the effect that subjects of the kingdom would not hunt dragons or steal their treasure and dragons of the kingdom would not hunt humans or cause destruction.
There was some sort of test, prior to acension, which each new King was enthroned. It was in the nature of a trial--a test of some sort. I believe that there were at least two pretenders that were never enthroned.
<B>Donner:</B> They didn't return or they failed?
<B>George:</B> Well, they failed to take the throne because they never returned. Well, if the ring belongs to the King then the ring always returned. I wish you all the best and Home would gladly support your return to the throne if you were King of the West.
<B>Donner:</B> I would as well, but mainly for keeping out the Imperium from the west.
<B>George:</B> We have many warriors who would gladly fight the Imperium under the banner of the Kingdom of the West.
<B>Donner:</B> I appreciate the support that Home would provide.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
The Wemics tell Donner that they want metal weapons and armor in exchange for their help. They have seen gnoll movements and they have also seen Imperium troops near Kennetar. They don't like either of them. Auric says that they would need very little nudging against any war in the Imperium. Auric believes that there are about a thousand Wemics.
During the rest of the day, Grackle experiments with his boots. He notices two things: (1) that he cannot pass through living creatures and (2) that he can walk "away" from the Prime Material. Also, Grackle notices that he cannot walk through the walls of George's house.
Borgar does a Sending to the dwarves: "When Wemics show up. Make whatever armor they ask for and charge to Donner." The return message is "Will hope you explain this to us when you show again"
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Donner:</B> Assuming everything goes well, can you tell me your plans for the week. And tomorrow will be the most likely time that Siman Jed will attack you.
<B>Donner:</B> There's some concern that the longer we stay, the more it seems as though Aquitaine is moving on the elven territory. You may wish to move out most of the troops sooner I'm beginning to suspect the rumors of Aquitaine annexing the elven lands did not come from the elves.
<B>King:</B> Well, that's an important consideration. I think the more important consideration. And it will only take 2 to 4 more weeks to do some mop up.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> That's a dangerous game.
<B>King:</B> It's also a dangerous game to leave evil sorcerers, undead, and other such beings behind.
<B>Donner:</B> I'm completely confident as long as myself or my father are in charge.
<B>King:</B> I understand the risks. We've only destroyed a few key centers of power. There are still hundreds of roving undead. There are still many powerful sorcerers leading these armies for their own gains. We've cut the head off the snake, but the body still remains.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> But your Majesty, the longer you stay, the more dangerous things will get between yourself and the elves who object to your presence.
<B>King:</B> This is where my opinion comes from. What is the worst that can come between our peoples? At worst, the elves will withdrawl all support. By that time, we will have cleaned out the rest of the threats here.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Well, I think my people will still be afraid that you will attempt to take over their lands.
<B>King:</B> This is your land and your way of life. And we'll make it safe for you here. We clear out the bad elements in that time and leave.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Fingle identifies Siman Jed in the Astral Plane. The hags appear to be West of the current location. After some more discussion, they convince Donner to find out more information about the dragons and the challenge. Donner asks his father.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>King:</B> The story is that Erek I challenged a great dragon to single combat with the agreement that if the human won, the dragons would leave, and if the dragons won, the humans would leave. They ended up fighting to a standstill. Since then, they would only make an agreement with those who would do some equivalent to fightning them. That's just stories. That's just ridiculous. Some of the kings of that line that could not pass such a combat.
<B>Donner:</B> I was wondering if I might borrow the Gem of Seeing to this contest.
<B>King:</B> To go to this combat?
<B>Donner:</B> Sure.
<B>King:</B> If you need that power, I'm sure the Seledan can grant it to you.
<B>Donner:</B> Well, it was just a thought.
<B>King:</B> You need to be a bit more long term in your resource management planning.
<B>Donner:</B> How do you mean?
<B>King:</B> You should use things available at hand. Rather than borrowing a Gem in order to The point being is that it need not be put at risk.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Estus casts Divination: Beware the sons and daughters of Lorga. Estus recognizes the name as Nobility of the Imperium. He believes that Lorga is an Imperial Noble. In particular, she is one of the matriarchs of House Marvad. It is said that she is not human.
Kill'Dar talks to the Kings of the Elves.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Do you know anything about the sons and daughters of Lorga?
<B>Kings:</B> A great deal, you should be specific in your question.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> I'd like to know about the dragons' trials for the Kingdom of the West.
<B>Kings:</B> We don't know details--the kings never talked about it. We know that they were lethal. Different kings approached it differently. There wasn't any relations between bringing an entourage and being successful. It is surprising that they never talked about it. Humans always like to talk about their exploits, but the Kings of the West never talked about the trial.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Do you know anything about Lorga?
<B>Kings:</B> Lorga is extremely old, but her kind live for a very long time. She is descended from Medusa--the original cursed woman. Lorga is skilled in various magical arts. At one time, she took the shape of a dragon and seduced a dragon. Her daughters appear human or as human as their mother, but carry the characteristics of their parents. Her sons appear in all ways human, and do not carry any distinguishing marks and often hold positions of political power in the Imperium. Her daughters tend to be less official in their pursuit of power. Every once in a while, one of the sons take the shape of the ancestral parent with the powers of their mother.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Has that clan ever been against the King of the West?
<B>Kings:</B> I don't know.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> What other powers do the decendants of Lorga have?
<B>Kings:</B> Occasionally the sons breed true to the draconic heritage. When they do, they take such a shape. The daughters always carry the curse of the mother. That's part of the curse. However, the draconic blood flows in all their veins.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Estus does a Sending to Kieran: "Donner meets dragons for trial of Kingdom of West tomorrow. Need information on trials and Lorga of Imperium. Contact us if you find vital information." The response is: "Will do my best. You did say tomorrow, right?"
The group prepares and teleports to the Great Bridge at the Gap. After about two hours, the group sees from the East some flying shapes. Fingle uses the Armillary, which points East (far away). As the shapes fly closer, there appear to be four of them (all Garguantuan). The come in and then dive. As they get close, the lead one is red and behind it are two whites and another red.
As they close a bunch of fire opens, followed by frost, followed by two more breath weapons. When it clears, they are sitting about 120' away. Estus auguries for lowering the Wall of Force: Weal and Woe. Kill'Dar casts two Stoneskins and then Donner dismisses the Wall of Force.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Donner:</B> Greetings Noble dragons. In the traditions of Lord Erek, I greet you.
<B>Red Dragon:</B> You are not without power. We will wait to eat you.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
As the party waits, flying fast along the gorge are three dragons. As they come up, the sun glints off their scales. They appear to be two brass (Huge) and a copper (Gargantuan). They don't appear to be as large as the red and white dragons already here. They swoop in and land on the other side of the party. The Copper says: We are awaiting ten more.
The ground starts to shake a bit. Eventually a gargantuan claw comes up the side of the chasm and a bronze dragon comes over the edge. One of its wings appears to be badly injured. Some of its scales appears to be turning white.
Coming in from the south are two more dragons and they all appear to be blue. Some of them appear to be injured. And from the north are three dragons, two green and one black. The dragons all appear to be giving some deference for the bronze. The bronze speaks: "We still await four more. Be patient (apparently to the chromatic dragons)."
A carriage appears to be arriving. Travian recognizes the carriage. It belongs to one of the wealthier families of Hensen, but he has never met with the individuals. The carriage arrives and stops--the door opens. Two women and a man get out. They walk up to the bronze and smile to him. They close and murmur words of greeting to the dragons. The Bronze dragon whispers to them "It will be a while, there is still one more."
It totally points a different direction--it points at one of the the people who've arrived. Fingle checks for both Raevin and Arik, and the armillary points to the same group of three dragons. Eventually, one more creature shows up--it appears to be a Colossal hydra. Each of his heads appears to be about the size of a Gargantuan dragon.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Bronze Dragon:</B> I am Kalfnir. You all are here as the entourage of the Pretender. Those who are not should leave. As members of his entourage, you also must keep the secret. All that happens here stays here. Otherwise, the pact is void. Is this clear?
<B>Party:</B> (Nods in agreement)
<B>Kalfnir:</B> We are all descendants of the ancient three (names). We each have our place in the world. The ancient dragons, the spawn of Jorum are few in number, but mighty in power and wisdom. We are honoured that one such is attending today.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
As the hydra comes closer--it appears to be ridiculously large. It appears to have 18 heads, each the size of a gargantuan dragon's head.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Kalfnir:</B> You we know have met one of Jormungander's children, Golkundra. The one who comes now, Sorasya, is still known to be with us. You must show her proper respect.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
The hydra shows up and practically collapses, except for a few heads which appear to be watching.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Kalfnir:</B> As the oldest of us, it falls to me to speak for all of us. You are here to prove whether in fact you are worthy to reestablish the pact. The pact has protected us and you for years, but in the last centuries we have been free. There are those of us who believe the pact should never be reinstated, having been suspended for so long. And in fact you aren't who you claim you are perhaps the line that we spoke with is dead and we may extend our range.<BR /> You will prove to us that you are of that line and then you will prove to us that we should extend the pact. Otherwise, you will be slain and eaten.<BR /> Do you have any questions?
<B>Donner:</B> What shall the test consist of?
<B>Kalfnir:</B> First, the test of your lineage. There is a magical means of determining your right to continue your line. Do you have this proof?
<B>Donner:</B> (Takes off glove and shows ring)
<B>Kalfnir:</B> Show each of us in turn.
<B>Donner:</B> (Shows the rings. First to the hydra.)
<B>Hydra:</B> Remove the ring. Wear it. I am satisfied.
<B>Donner:</B> (Goes to the evil dragons. Repeats the task. Finally)
<B>Kalfnir:</B> It is the way where you may choose. Do you meet the challenge alone, or do you meet the challenge assisted. You must know that your opponent will make the same choice and will do the same. If you choose alone, he will be alone. If you challenge together, he will be with others. Erek challenged alone. Others chose other ways.
<B>Donner:</B> My role in this is clear. May I ask who my opponent will be?
<B>Kalfnir:</B> We do not know. Our champion will be chosen from among us.
<B>Donner:</B> I made it this far with the help of my friends. I count on them in my times of need. I choose assisted.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
The red dragons look at each other and smile...
<H2> Foes Fought </H2>