In the Temple of Lathander - Shadow War
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If there are five artifacts, we can assume they need all five.
They have the one found beneath the Rawlins, torn from our very hands.
Our expedition confirmed they were in the Cold Caves, so likely the Hoaran report was true, as it described an object similar to the one we found.
They left Oscura wiithout a fight, which means whatever they wanted they probably got.
I would wager they have no less than three artifacts. They may have all five, and are preparing whatever dark magics they need. If there are any yet remaining, we should seize them. We'd need a way to circumvent an attack like before. Someone who can stand against their powerful General long enough for others to secure it, or some mystical means of evasion.
The alternative is a direct attack. We flush them out, attack, and steal or destroy one or all of the artifacts. I do not relish the peril that would place us all in.
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Priest Janick
"Has anyone yet come to any conclusions on how we can defeat these shadowy foes? They seem to have vanished, but do not think that it means the threat has left us. Any can still sense that their evil lingers and lurks."
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((I'd come, but I'll be at work from 9-1 est. So that's a no go for me.))
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((Cant make that time, as I will be asleep. Good luck everyone!))
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//In that case I'm going to eat my dinner, stock up on potions, and wake up at nine.
_Rico Swift rallies everyone prepared to go, personally swearing each of them to the cause of thwarting the Shadovar and protecting the people of Narfell. To some it seems a hollow gesture, with no magical geas to back it up, but to Rico it matters.
"I do not doubt the honor and valor of any of you. I ask only for confirmation of what my heart knows. In return, I swear to do all I can to protect each of you in this task."
Rico is not Fadia, so once the oath is taken, he trusts everyone there and tells them to meet at the Crossroads upon the morn._
/If Rico's talked to you about going, you're invited. If you've got a well known Good PC, especially LG, you can assume an invite as well. I'll set the minimal level bar at Level 7. If in doubt, shoot me a tell./
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–EDIT: Due to lack of notice, will shift this to Sun, December 19th, 10am EST... 11 hours from posting.--
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Keeping things close to the chest, Rico talks with others about organizing the Cold Caves Trip to investigate the Hoarans claim.
//Another invite only deal, I think, but we could use a time. Whichever DM would like to run this one, shoot me a PM about when.//
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Duncan walks into the temple and begins to ask questions to the Paladins standing about.
I have decided to join you in arms against the Shadovar. Please, tell me what I can do to help. I too follow the morninglord and wish to strike down his vengance upon every souless shadow creature, untill this land is again blessed with his grace.
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We should investigate, we have discovered other things they have missed. We need to do something.
// I will go,, all depends on if I am IG when you all decide the time.
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"I've never been one to avoid a possible trap. And truth-spelling the messenger would do little. You never tell the messenger anything."
"But the Hoarans have also been attacked, and are as threatened by the Shadovar's quest as we are. They have as much to lose. I would hope that if successful, this might pave the way to an easing of tensions between our peoples. It is my hope that the offer is genuine, and that the Men of the East and West might stand together in this time."
"I will go. If it is a trap I will spring it. But it also seems like a chance to learn what our true enemy is up to, and for new beginnings."
To the messenger: "Tell your leaders a few of us will take the offer."
//I'm booked Friday from 1800-2359 EST. What about the rest of you?
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Mike Bin, who was leaning on a wall adjusting his scrolls to his bow, says:
- Traps, traps. Ambush, ambush. Blah, blah, blah. We can't be scared of every piece of information that comes our way. Besides some Hoarans have camped just outside Norwick, and showed no sign of agression.
He pauses a moment, remembering his last meeting with he Shadovar, and rubs the back of his neck.
- How about just going there, huh? We already went to several other places, I dont see why not following this lead too. The shadow people may have what they wanted from the place, but some usefull information may be found, right?
Another pause, looking around…
- Besides, I m sure if others have a better idea they can just follow another course of action. Divide and conquer, or something like that. Or they can just sit here and talk untill another clue presents itself and then begin to discuss that it may be a trap… or an ambush!
After that, the young goes back to tie his scrolls to his bow, trying to figure out how wizards do it…
(//any chance we do this tonight? Or maybe tomorrow?)
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_Hammerhand lets out a grunt and shrugs.
"Well, true. The Hoarans might as well handle this and get their hands on one of those magic artifacts or whatnot. What -would- they use it for?So what -will- we do? I'm getting tired of just standing around and talking about what we -could- do."_
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((double posted))
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I'm also still standing here. From what our scouts reported the six who appear to have been left behind were four warriors and two scouts of their own. Unless they were divine casters, or perhaps rangers I don't believe that would make the caves the place of ritual, unless those left behind are guarding or preparing.
Caution is always wise, but don't let caution err to paranoia. I will submit to truth spells if needed.
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:Hess listens and nods to Lycka, carefully considering her words.:
I understand.
I also know that both a hare and a snake have equal fear of a hawk, yet no hare would willingly accept an invitation to a snake-den.
The Hoarans have mighty warriors. Surely they, too, could send an expedition to these cold-caves. Yet they seek us to go. The same folks that they attack without provocation in the pass…
Perhaps, instead, this should be viewed as a chance to strengthen ties. Maybe the Hoarans, too, should send someone to the caves. However, 2 snakes and one hare do not help the hare's chances of surviving. Especially if the snakes are fueled by revenge.
I do not doubt that the Shadovar also plaguing the Hoarans. All I ask is that we not rush head-first into this without considering the outcomes, both positive and negative. It seems to me that this venture could easily be turned into the beginnings of a peaceful relationship should it be chosen.
:Hess bows to the armored messenger::
My apologies for referring to you as either a hare or a snake, ma'am. I am just trying to make a point.
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With a light crease on her brow, Lycka notes:
"The Children of Hoar have been under attack from the Shadovar themselves, on more than one occasion. And they stand to lose just as much as anyone else if the Shadovar fulfil their goals."
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Hess pulls a piece of mistletoe from his beard and regards it thoughtfully as he removes one of the brought red berries. Focusing on the berry he speaks.
"so, we are now ready to rush off to a potentially deadly ambush just because this messenger appears to be earnest?
"it seems to me that this would be a quick way to bottle up and extinguish many of you heroes in this room, certainly something that the Hoarans would benefit from, yes?"
"revenge is their life-force. Keep that in mind.
"is there a priest amongst us who might discern whether she speaks the truth?"
Hess smiles and nods to the armored messenger.
"I am sure you would do the same in our shoes, yes?"
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_"Right. Cold Caves it is.
Never been there before either."_
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What little colour is usually in Eluriel's face drains clear away as she echoes a phrase just spoken.
All but six.
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The short horribly scarred elf speeks up, he wears a pin on his cloak denoting him as a private in the Troff Legion, on his back he carries a large greataxe with symbols of Lathander.
"Thanks fer th' information. We'll be getting a group 't check 't out and see what th' Shadovar dug up. Any aid th' scouts could give us would be nice, but 't sounds like they didn't see them enter th' cave 't all.
Sounds like they mighta already got th' artifact, but maybe it was th' dragon this time. Either way we should check 't out."
The elven warrior known as Troff Legion gives her a last nod of thanks then turns to the rest for volunteers.
((no idea when we can run this but finals week nearing a close and I'm all done with my important ones. Whenever would be good for me.))
