Blackflame #6

[GM Mad]

Blackflame #6


The explorers have exited the tunnel system after rescuing Sherwood. Talk quickly turns to what to do about the young Rock Reptiles. Kylie and Yusef think that they should be hunted down to protect travelers, while Nariya and Sherwood believe they should be left alone. It is possible that they may not survive without their parents and that this area isolated enough to not see much traffic anyway.

Kylie decides to go back into the caves to explore the old den she found earlier in an attempt to find some treasure. Kylie casts Fly on herself and goes back into the tunnels with Rat and Yusef staying near the entrance. Sherwood and Lilia secretly track her progress through a Crystal Ball.

As she suspects, no other creatures are encountered as she re-traces the path back to the old den. This time she rummages through the trash and occasionally does find something worth keeping. She locates nearly sixty coins, three small gems, a golden ring, and a metallic vial after about half an hour of searching.

After hearing a low growl far off in the distance, Kylie flies back out of the tunnels and to the waiting others. The explorers continue onwards.


About half an hours walk from the reptiles den, Nariya finds a suitable campsite. The narrows Cliffside road continues to wind its way through the mountains, but in one area there is a small clearing beside the road that appears to have been used as a place to rest by past travelers. The area is large enough to hold a Secure Shelter and so Sherwood casts his spell.

Twenty minutes after he started, Sherwood finishes weaving his magic. A stone house, roughly 18' square appears in the rest area. The structure blends in perfectly with the mountains surrounding it. Inside there are two equal sized rooms. The first holds a large table with benches and three beds. The second room holds just three beds.

"The girls can use the private rooms while the rest of us stay in the common room for the night."

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

Here's what Kylie found: 18 CP, 21 SP, & 18 GP. The gems include a fine looking Tigereye Agate that is probably worth more than normal. The other two are just the opposite, gems that were so poorly cut that they are not as valuable as they normally would be. They are an amber and an amethyst.

The metallic vial appears to hold some type of liquid, and the golden ring has no distinguishable features to it.

It's probably a good time to update your spell lists for the day to come.

Now what?

[Nariya]

Nariya:

About half an hours walk from the reptiles den, Nariya finds a suitable campsite. The narrows Cliffside road continues to wind its way through the mountains, but in one area there is a small clearing beside the road that appears to have been used as a place to rest by past travelers. The area is large enough to hold a Secure Shelter and so Sherwood casts his spell.

Nariya will walk the perimeter once everyone appears settled in for the night. She will clear their tracks, leaving the ground untrampled. Nariya is sure Sherwood will boast of the magical protection his spell will provide, but she wants to see if they have any visitors or wandering animals that come into the campsite during the night. Nariya will check first thing in the morning if any tracks were made near them.

"The girls can use the private rooms while the rest of us stay in the common room for the night."

Nariya will chuckle upon hearing this and will reply, "You boys sleep well then." Retiring to the private room, Nariya strips down and lays her gear and weapons about her so thet are easy to reach. Then she climbs into bed, preparing to wake early.

[Kylie]

Kylie:

"Oh, I make no claim that I absolutely know for sure that no one will ever come this way. I am fairly confident that anyone who does pass by won't be someone without skill. Don't forget we crossed a gorge to reach this spot. People who live on the edge of civilization know well enough to not wander off to far anyway."

"And you're assuming that they only fed on people. As predators, they would also feed on other creatures and monsters. Such is the way of nature, the survival of the fittest. These rock reptiles could very well be keeping the populations of other monsters in check. These animals could actually be doing a service for us."

"Hmm..." Kylie ponders Sherwood's words. "You make an interesting point regarding their possible effect on the local monster population. I'm still not convinced that it is the best idea, as you have great skills and power, and yet they were able to capture you fairly easily. Nevertheless, I will bow to your judgement in this matter."

"Why thank you, lass! If only I could see in the dark like you can, then I would have shown those overgrown lizards what a halfling could do!"

"Well then, that is indeed fortunate for them," Kylie says with a smile. "I'm sure not even the young would have escaped your wrath."

Yusef smiles. He can see the glow of avarice in the young woman's eyes. "I would be happy to assist you in this way. Once you're done, we can join the others at the camp site they pick out. What say you, Rat?"

"Wait at the opening", Rat repeats as he tries to process what his young apprentice is saying. She wants to go back in there? Well, it is in an attempt to find something worth having! "Indeed, lass! I shall stay here while you pursuing your noble goal of finding treasure! Find something nice."

"Thank you," Kylie says happily as both Yusef and Rat agree to help her. "It really shouldn't take long."

"Go ahead and satisfy your curiosity, Kylie. We'll wait for you here. Just don't make me come in there to find you."

"Yes, uncle..." Kylie replies, rolling her eyes theatrically. "I'll be so fast, those lizards won't even know I'm there." Maybe.

Kylie glides quickly through the tunnels, soon finding the small den she had stumbled on before. It takes a few moments, but she digs through the accumulated garbage that seems to have served as the creatures' nesting material. Luckily, she finds some things worth keeping! She rapidly stuffs the accumulated loot into one of her Pouches, before making the return trip.

As she passes the tunnel that leads to the main cavern where they found Sherwood, Kylie toys with the idea of having a little more look around. However, she hears a dangerous growl and thinks better of the idea.

Emerging from the tunnel, Kylie grins at Yusef and Rat. "Success! I found some great stuff back there. Thanks for watching out for me. I guess we'd better catch up with Sherwood and the others, huh?"

Since the spell won't end for quite a while, Kylie will continue flying. Once they reach the campsite, she'll assure Sherwood that she is fine. Then she'll take a little time to fly around the area at a decent height to get a feel for the lay of the land. She'll also check the horizon in all directions in case there are any surprises. Eventually, she'll land outside Sherwood's new stone house. "Nice place you've got here, uncle? Come here a lot?" Kylie laughs, knowing that he just created it and that it won't last beyond tomorrow.

"The girls can use the private rooms while the rest of us stay in the common room for the night."

Nariya will chuckle upon hearing this and will reply, "You boys sleep well then." Retiring to the private room, Nariya strips down and lays her gear and weapons about her so thet are easy to reach. Then she climbs into bed, preparing to wake early.

Kylie giggles at Nariya's remark as she enters the room. Before going to bed, she pulls out the Tigereye Agate, the vial, and the ring that she found in the tunnels. Examining them carefully, she uses her innate ability in an attempt to determine if they bear any magic.
_________________________________________________________
One slight change made to spell list.

[Yusef]

Yusef:

"As am I. It would not have been pretty sight. Anyone with any sense stays well clear on an enraged halfling!"

"I will certainly keep that in mind," Yusef says with a straight face. "I like to think that I have some sense, so it would be prudent of me not to get on your bad side."

"As I told Kylie, I cannot be certain. But, I am fairly confident that not many others will take this route like we have. However, like the rest of you, I do not know what lies ahead. I doubt that we'll find any great hidden cities up in these mountains. They were heavily explored during the early days of the Kingdom and such a thing would have turned up in our records. At least not any human cities. Perhaps dwarves, but that remains to be seen."

"Very well. I know you to be a man of wisdom, Sherwood, and will not question you further in this regard."

"I am an elf", Lilia states. "We are creatures of nature and of the forest. It is unnatural to dwell in such dark and dank places. To not be able to feel the wind the breeze in your hair, the rain on your face, and the grass beneath your feet is torture to my kind. I would much rather be surrounded by living, breathing trees than dead unchanging rock. Even these mountains seem desolate, but at least we are outdoors."

"I think I understand, good lady elf. We each have a sense of our place in the world, and it can be very uncomfortable to be far outside that place. A groundhog might be as uncomfortable at the top of a tree as a fish is on land."

After Kylie has gone into the tunnels once more, Rat will whisper to Yusef. "She did say wait here, correct?"

"That is correct, my friend. So here we shall wait."

"Thank you," Kylie says happily as both Yusef and Rat agree to help her. "It really shouldn't take long."

Yusef just nods in reply and watches the young woman float off down the tunnel. As he waits, he prays to Celestian for the young woman's safety. It is not long before she returns.

Emerging from the tunnel, Kylie grins at Yusef and Rat. "Success! I found some great stuff back there. Thanks for watching out for me. I guess we'd better catch up with Sherwood and the others, huh?"

"You're welcome, Kylie. I'm glad you returned safely and were able to find what you sought."

They rejoin the others at the campsite that Nariya has selected. It seems like a nice place. Yusef is preparing to use some of his spells to set up a comfortable camp when Sherwood begins casting his spell. Not wanting to interrupt the mage, he waits. The result is far beyond anything he himself could have done. Checking out the new accomodations, Yusef is amazed.

"Wow, Sherwood! This is amazing. Your spell far exceeds what mine can do. Celestian's blessings allow me to create a nice little campsite, but this is much nicer." It occurs to him that he has no need for those particular spells at this point and that he should replace them with something more useful.

Despite Nariya's comment, Yusef suspects that he will sleep quite well once he has performed his devotions.
__________________________________________________________
Spell list to be updated shortly.

[Rat]

Rat:

"That is correct, my friend. So here we shall wait."

"That's a relief", Rat answers, "Er, I mean that's what I thought! Yes, that's it!"

Emerging from the tunnel, Kylie grins at Yusef and Rat. "Success! I found some great stuff back there. Thanks for watching out for me. I guess we'd better catch up with Sherwood and the others, huh?"

"So what did you find", Rat immediately asks, his eyes darting about in search of treasure. "Find anything good?"


Later Rat will watch wide-eyed as Sherwood creates a house out of nothing!

"A little hideaway all of our own! I like it! Let's get a fire going so that the Lass can conjure up one of her fine meals!"

[Lilia]

Lilia:

Once Kylie is within the caves, Sherwood will sit down on the mountain road and fish through his Bag of Holding. Finally, he'll pull out Crystal Ball and set it on his crossed legs. "Let's make sure she doesn't get in over her head. Lilia, would you assist me please?"

The Elf Maiden is surprised by this and yet intrigued. Just what other magical treasures does Sherwood have in that bag?

"Of course Sherwood. What is it that you require."

Sherwood concentrates and invokes the magic of the ball. The clear crystal becomes all dark.

"Lilia, I'll need your eyes to keep track of Kylie since you can see in the dark and I cannot."

Lilia nods at Sherwood's direction. "A logical course of action." She'll watch Kylie through the Crystal Ball for as long as needed.


The Elf Maiden is accustomed to the magical dwellings by now. It's too cold and probably too dangerous to sleep outdoors anyway. Before turning in, she watch as Kylie goes over what she took from the tunnels.

Kylie giggles at Nariya's remark as she enters the room. Before going to bed, she pulls out the Tigereye Agate, the vial, and the ring that she found in the tunnels. Examining them carefully, she uses her innate ability in an attempt to determine if they bear any magic.

"I can attempt to find any enchantments should you need it, Kylie."

[Sherwood]

Sherwood:

Kylie returns from her jaunt soon enough and we're on the road once more. A suitable campsite is found and even better it is large enough to hold a Hidden Lodge. After the spell is cast, Sherwood will open the door to let the others inside.

"Wow, Sherwood! This is amazing. Your spell far exceeds what mine can do. Celestian's blessings allow me to create a nice little campsite, but this is much nicer." It occurs to him that he has no need for those particular spells at this point and that he should replace them with something more useful.

"It does make traveling much easier", Sherwood aggress. "I was unaware of a create campsite spell. It does sound like a useful magic for someone frequently on the road."


"My friends, we have had a good day. We were in Threshold this morning and now high up in the mountains. We're one day closer to whatever it is this map is leading us too. If Nightmist is out there, we'll find her."

In the morning Sherwood will re-memorize his Phantom Steed spells and cast them for the group to ride upon.

"I'll summon the Phantom Steeds again in the morning. We can ride them until we come to another obstacle we cannot circumvent with them. We'll use the same riding order as this morning. Let's get some rest. Tomorrow is another day."

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

Kylie returns from her treasure hunt and the explorers continue onward. Kylie uses her Fly spell to get an overhead view of things. Apart from rugged, lonely mountains there's not much to see. The river at the bottom of the gorge you've been following continues to wind its way through the mountains. The Cliffside road seems to follow the river and gorge. Nothing out of the ordinary is seen.

Sherwood conjures his Hidden Lodge and the group relaxes for the night. Next morning the group is up with the dawn and ready to continue their trek.

Another trio of Phantom Steeds are conjured from nothingness. Mounting up, the explorers are off once more. The speed of the mounts isn't as daunting as when they left Threshold. Instead, they move at a gentle, non-threatening trot. Several obstacles are found blocking the road-- rockslides, boulders and the like-- but they are easily circumvented.

Finally in the early afternoon you come across something interesting. After rounding a bend, the road ends suddenly at a sheer drop. The gorge is considerably wider at this point and a large bridge must have spanned it here. The bridge itself is long gone, but four spans still remain like giant pillars emerging from the floor of the gorge.

At the other end of the gorge where the bridge used to connect, a stone wall has been constructed to bar passage. The wall itself is forty feet high and has been decorated with unintelligible geometric designs. A pair of large gates (15' high, 20' wide) are set into the wall where the road would have led to.

The massive gates are closed and no one seems to be around. The span the bridge used to cross is easily 200' wide. It's at least that far down to the bottom of the gorge. The gorge continues onward to your right, but there is no road going that way.


Now what?

[Kylie]

Kylie:

"You're welcome, Kylie. I'm glad you returned safely and were able to find what you sought."

"Thank you, Yusef," Kylie replies. "I don't know that I sought anything in particular. Mostly, I was just curious about what might be there. And I found out, so I guess I did."

"So what did you find", Rat immediately asks, his eyes darting about in search of treasure. "Find anything good?"

Kylie laughs. "Same old Rat," she says, tousling the halfling's hair. "Not really. I found some coins and a few gems, along with a ring and a vial. Later this evening I'll try to determine whether any of it is magical."

"My friends, we have had a good day. We were in Threshold this morning and now high up in the mountains. We're one day closer to whatever it is this map is leading us too. If Nightmist is out there, we'll find her."

"No kidding, Sherwood. My sore bottom is sufficient evidence of how far we've travelled. Hopefully, our trail will indeed lead us to Nightmist." Once they have made their plans for the next day, Kylie takes some time to pull together a decent meal for the group. They may be on the road, but as long as they have this nice Lodge to spend the night in, they might as well have a good meal, too.

"I can attempt to find any enchantments should you need it, Kylie."

Kylie smiles up at Lilia from her seat on the bed. "Well, that is what I'm trying to do right now. However, if you would like to join me, you're welcome to do so. Two people are more likely to get accurate results than one."

The next day they are mounted up once again and continue on their way. At least this time they are moving at a more comfortable pace, which is easier on their bodies. Kylie spends much of the time chatting with any who are willing to participate - particularly those with knowledge of magic or acquisitions.

Shortly after lunch, they come to another obstacle. Once again, the road crosses back over a deep ravine, and the bridge has long since crumbled to dust. Worse, there is a wall and closed gate on the far side.

Kylie turns to Sherwood. "Looks like it's time for another of your magical hops. You did keep Teleport in your arsenal, didn't you? Or are we going to have to do this the hard way?"

[Yusef]

Yusef:

"That's a relief", Rat answers, "Er, I mean that's what I thought! Yes, that's it!"

Yusef's only reply is a smile. The halfling is really quite entertaining, but Yusef has no desire to denigrate the small one. Instead, he just enjoys the company.

"Thank you, Yusef," Kylie replies. "I don't know that I sought anything in particular. Mostly, I was just curious about what might be there. And I found out, so I guess I did."

"I would say that you did indeed, Miss Lanthorn, and that makes it a good day indeed."

Soon Kylie and Rat begin chatting about what she found, so Yusef wanders away.

"It does make traveling much easier", Sherwood aggress. "I was unaware of a create campsite spell. It does sound like a useful magic for someone frequently on the road."

Yusef considers for a moment. "Our brotherhood may be one of the few that are blessed with that particular miracle by our patron. I'm not surprised that you haven't encountered it before."

Once inside, the conversation turns to plans for the morrow. It appears likely that it will be more of the same, which is fine with Yusef as the trip has been pleasant and interesting so far. And he seems to have found good companions, which make it better still. This is followed by a tasty meal prepared by Kylie.

"Thank you for the lovely meal, Kylie. I did not know you were such an accomplished cook."

A good night's sleep is followed by another pleasant day of travel. Due to the slower pace, Yusef is better able to appreciate the natural beauty of their surroundings. Not being a particularly talkative sort, Yusef mostly stays out of the conversations unless addressed specifically.

Another day, another gorge to be crossed. It is early afternoon, and they find themselves staring out across the ravine at the wall on the far side. Yusef immediately begins looking to both the left and the right for any sign of another place they might be able to cross. While he doesn't doubt that they could climb down and then up the other side, it would be a long and dangerous route to take. Hopefully, there is another option.

Kylie's question to Sherwood seems like the most obvious approach, so Yusef awaits the mage's answer.

[Nariya]

Nariya:

Waking early the next morning, Nariya goes outside to look for any tracks. She doesn't find anything notable and, satisfied, returns to gather the rest of her gear. After a morning meal, Sherwood summons up his magical steeds and we are underway once more.

The ride is peaceful until they come upon another chasm. Only the barest evidence shows a bridge existed at one time where now only pillars remain. Looking around, Nariya doesn't see any easy ways across. She wonders about the steeds and asks her question, "Could these magical steeds get down and back up this gorge without throwing us, or is it too steep?"

Otherwise, she waits to see if Sherwood has any other magical tricks up his sleeve. It gives her time to wonder about the gates on the other side and what they might contain beyond them.

[Rat]

Rat:

Kylie laughs. "Same old Rat," she says, tousling the halfling's hair. "Not really. I found some coins and a few gems, along with a ring and a vial. Later this evening I'll try to determine whether any of it is magical."

"It's better to find than find not, I always say!", the halfling says with a grin. "Magic is always nice. Useful magic is even better!"

Later Rat will rest by the fire in Sherwood's magical hideaway. As usually, he'll be near the fire warming his feet and sipping some ale.

"Thank you for the lovely meal, Kylie. I did not know you were such an accomplished cook."

"Aye, friend Yusef, that she is! I did miss that once she took up her studies of things arcane with Sherwood here and his ilk. Indeed, if she was a halfling lass, I'd marry her myself!"


Next morning, Sherwood uses his dark arts to summon the demonic steeds again. Reluctantly, Rat finds himself lifted up on back of the beast from the abyss by Yusef. At least this time, they move at a much slower pace. That is until yet another gorge to cross is found.

Some suggestions are offered, but Rat figures that Sherwood will use his dark arts to cross the gap again.

"Come on, Sherwood! Time's a waistin'! Wiggle those fingers and get us across! With a gateway as big as that, you know they've got to be lots of interesting things to find over there!"

[Lilia]

Lilia:

Kylie smiles up at Lilia from her seat on the bed. "Well, that is what I'm trying to do right now. However, if you would like to join me, you're welcome to do so. Two people are more likely to get accurate results than one."

"Of course. If we do detect magic, I can attempt to ascertain what the enchantment is. If you desire it, of course."


The next leg of the journey seems peaceful enough. The Phantom Steeds are used once more and they carry us deeper into the mountains. The next obstacle is a great gorge leading up to a walled gate.

"Perhaps these historical references that you spoke of before are wrong, Sherwood", Lilia suggests. "There certainly seems to be or at the very least, been a civilization that lived up in these mountains. This mountain road, the collapsed bridges, and that gate are indications of that."

The Elf Maiden notices the halflings enthusiasm at the prospect of exploring what lies beyond. While he, no doubt, lusts for gold and jewels, Lilia is more interested in what ancient magic might be find there.

[Sherwood]

Sherwood:

Sherwood casts Phantom Steed three more times and three more mounts are summoned for our use. Once we are ready to ride, Sherwood helps Nariya up on his horse and places her before him. Her skills in finding safe pathways will make the trip safer.

The ride passes without incident until we come to another chasm where a bridge has long since fallen. An ominous looking wall is on the other side with large gates leading into the lands beyond.

The ride is peaceful until they come upon another chasm. Only the barest evidence shows a bridge existed at one time where now only pillars remain. Looking around, Nariya doesn't see any easy ways across. She wonders about the steeds and asks her question, "Could these magical steeds get down and back up this gorge without throwing us, or is it too steep?"

"Unfortunately, no. We’re I a bit more skilled in magic, then such a thing would be possible. We could simply ride off the cliff here and across to the gate. Alas, we'll have to use other methods."

Kylie turns to Sherwood. "Looks like it's time for another of your magical hops. You did keep Teleport in your arsenal, didn't you? Or are we going to have to do this the hard way?"

"I always have a Teleport ready. But I need to remind you that the magic is keyed to your knowledge of the arrival point. I don't know what is beyond that wall, so teleporting there is a risk that could lead to death. Other means will have to be used."

"Come on, Sherwood! Time's a waistin'! Wiggle those fingers and get us across! With a gateway as big as that, you know they've got to be lots of interesting things to find over there!"

"Patience, Rat. I'm sure that you'll have plenty of time to explore whatever lies over there."

"Perhaps these historical references that you spoke of before are wrong, Sherwood", Lilia suggests. "There certainly seems to be or at the very least, been a civilization that lived up in these mountains. This mountain road, the collapsed bridges, and that gate are indications of that."

"That thought is beginning to cross my mind as well", Sherwood agrees. "Either the records I reviewed are simply wrong-- which I find hard to believe-- or the writers deliberately concealed what was really up here. If they did that, then what didn't they want others to find? I'm starting to get a bad feeling about this."


Turning to address the group, Sherwood will say, "We'll do this just like the gorge yesterday. I'll change into an eagle and carry each of you across one at a time. Nariya will go first to secure the area. We'll do some aerial reconnaissance first before landing. If it is safe, then I'll return for Yusef, Lilia, Rat, and then Kylie."

"That Phantom Steeds will have to be abandoned again. Once the magic is spent, they'll fade back into the shadows that spawned them. Once across, we'll look for a defendable place to make camp and them we'll explore what we can before night fall. Let's get moving."

Sherwood will cast Polyself and change into an eagle. After Nariya settles on his back, he'll fly across the gorge and high enough to learn the lay of the land in the immediate area. Assuming it is safe to land, Nariya will be set down just beyond the wall. Sherwood will them shuttle everyone else across. Once that is done he'll assume elfin form to keep his Polyself spell running.

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

The explorers have come to another gorge, but a large wall with gates in it stares at them from the other side. Sherwood decides to use the same strategy to cross this chasm as he did the day before. Using Polyself, he assumes the form of a giant eagle. Nariya slips on his back and Sherwood rises up into the air and flies across the gap.

Down below the eagle and his rider, a good sized valley appears nestled among the imposing mountains. It's roughly sixteen miles long and ranges from 2-4 miles wide. A small lake, some mile wide, dominates the middle of the valley. Several streams flow into and out of the lake and rivers can be noted from above. There are several areas of forest in this lost valley.

What immediately stands out is that there are numerous signs of construction. At least half a dozen small villages dot the valley on this side of the lake. Well worn roads connect these communities, however no inhabitants can be seen. There's not even signs of animal life.

The closest village is just inside the great wall with the gates. It’s a collection of twenty to thirty buildings. Most are in disrepair and some have collapsed. A few still stand and could be used, but there seems to be no signs of life down below. A road from the gateway to the valley leads through the village and out it again. It seems to head to another village some two miles away.

Sherwood lands and lets Nariya off. The pathfinder begins to explore while Sherwood goes back for his next passenger. Nariya finds no recent tracks amongst the ruined village. The architecture is the same as the road and bridges that led to this last valley. In short order, Nariya is satisfied that no one or thing calls this village home.

Sherwood begins to ferry the rest of the explorers across the chasm and into the small village on the other side of the gate. In short order, Yusef, Lilia, and Rat are across and in the village.

However, during the final trip with Kylie, Sherwood notes something far off in the distance. Two beings are just now walking out of the village down the road. (The one two miles from the village you are landing in.) They seem to be moving along at an easy gait and perhaps haven't seen you yet.

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

Seems that I forgot to post this with the previous update…

Kylie's Treasure:

Both the vial and the ring detect as magical. Both are Alteration magic. Kylie estimates that the superb Tigereye is worth 30 gold. (Or 3 times its normal value.) The Amber and Amethyst she'd estimate as being worth only 50 gold. (Or roughly half their normal value.)

Xp's have fallen been updated on the Blackflame Roster page. It will take at least 10-15 minutes for the two figures to reach the village inside the gateway.

Now what?

[Kylie]

Kylie:

"I would say that you did indeed, Miss Lanthorn, and that makes it a good day indeed."

Kylie isn't quite certain what he means by that, but it didn't sound like an insult, at least. Thus, she nods in acknowledgement and continues on.

"It's better to find than find not, I always say!", the halfling says with a grin. "Magic is always nice. Useful magic is even better!"

"Indeed, those are wise words, my dear friend."

"Thank you for the lovely meal, Kylie. I did not know you were such an accomplished cook."

"Aye, friend Yusef, that she is! I did miss that once she took up her studies of things arcane with Sherwood here and his ilk. Indeed, if she was a halfling lass, I'd marry her myself!"

Kylie give a little curtsy to the two men, then raises an eyebrow at Rat. "Were I a halfling lass, you might find that I'm more of a handful than you can handle."

"Of course. If we do detect magic, I can attempt to ascertain what the enchantment is. If you desire it, of course."

"I had considered memorizing Identify for just that reason, but I don't think we have a day to spare right now. If you have a quicker means of doing so, I'd be very grateful."

The next morning, they travel on until they come to the latest barrier to their travels.

"Come on, Sherwood! Time's a waistin'! Wiggle those fingers and get us across! With a gateway as big as that, you know they've got to be lots of interesting things to find over there!"

Rat's comment draws a giggle from Kylie.

"I always have a Teleport ready. But I need to remind you that the magic is keyed to your knowledge of the arrival point. I don't know what is beyond that wall, so teleporting there is a risk that could lead to death. Other means will have to be used."

Turning to address the group, Sherwood will say, "We'll do this just like the gorge yesterday. I'll change into an eagle and carry each of you across one at a time. Nariya will go first to secure the area. We'll do some aerial reconnaissance first before landing. If it is safe, then I'll return for Yusef, Lilia, Rat, and then Kylie."

"The Phantom Steeds will have to be abandoned again. Once the magic is spent, they'll fade back into the shadows that spawned them. Once across, we'll look for a defendable place to make camp and them we'll explore what we can before night fall. Let's get moving."

"That makes sense," Kylie says, more to herself than anyone else. The eagle may prove to be an interesting change from the griffon-form Sherwood used yesterday. She waits her turn as the others are flown across.

At last, her turn arrives. Climbing on Sherwood's back, she holds on tight as he soars up over the gorge. The view from up here is as spectacular as one might imagine. What lies beyond the wall is fascinating; there lies a valley with a lake and a number of villages. Though they all appear abandoned, there must have been quite a few people living here at one time.

This of course begs a couple of questions: Where have they gone, and why did they leave?

As Kylie is pondering these questions, Sherwood makes a discovery. Looking in the indicated direction, Kylie sees the pair walking in their direction. "It seems this valley isn't as deserted as it appears."
____________________________________________________________
For some reason, it wasn't apparent that the wall ran the entire length of the gorge on the other side. I had gotten the impression that it was wide enough to bar the end of the bridge but not excessively more than that. At least that explains why Teleport wouldn't work.

Once we know what the two magic items are, Kylie will discuss the division of spoils with the others.

[Yusef]

Yusef:

"Aye, friend Yusef, that she is! I did miss that once she took up her studies of things arcane with Sherwood here and his ilk. Indeed, if she was a halfling lass, I'd marry her myself!"

Kylie give a little curtsy to the two men, then raises an eyebrow at Rat. "Were I a halfling lass, you might find that I'm more of a handful than you can handle."

Yusef smiles at the exchange. "I suspect that would be true of most men," he says, somewhat cryptically.

"Perhaps these historical references that you spoke of before are wrong, Sherwood", Lilia suggests. "There certainly seems to be or at the very least, been a civilization that lived up in these mountains. This mountain road, the collapsed bridges, and that gate are indications of that."

"That thought is beginning to cross my mind as well", Sherwood agrees. "Either the records I reviewed are simply wrong-- which I find hard to believe-- or the writers deliberately concealed what was really up here. If they did that, then what didn't they want others to find? I'm starting to get a bad feeling about this."

This discussion particularly fascinates Yusef. They would have had to travel far to get here, as well as to conduct trade with others from here. "Why might someone have wanted to conceal what was up here? Might they simply have desired solitude for some reason, or did something happen here that someone didn't want others to know about? I think this bears investigation."

Yusef listens to Sherwood's plans. It is essentially the same as the technique he used the previous day to ferry them all across a gorge. Moments later, he is aboard the back of the giant eagle that is Sherwood and flying across. He stares out over the scene that unfolds below; clearly this area was inhabited at one time. Being second to arrive on the other side, and seeing that Nariya has already begun to scout the area, Yusef take up position at the arrival point. He keeps his senses alert for any dangers that might appear while the others are in transit. Yusef also looks at the insides and outsides of the nearest buildings as he waits, trying to get a feel for the people who lived here and the lives they led.

[Nariya]

Nariya:

The explorers have come to another gorge, but a large wall with gates in it stares at them from the other side. Sherwood decides to use the same strategy to cross this chasm as he did the day before. Using Polyself, he assumes the form of a giant eagle. Nariya slips on his back and Sherwood rises up into the air and flies across the gap.

Giant eagle flight is something Nariya believes she could get used to, easily. Of all the different animals, monsters and beasts she's been on recently, this one is her favorite.

Sherwood lands and lets Nariya off. The pathfinder begins to explore while Sherwood goes back for his next passenger. Nariya finds no recent tracks amongst the ruined village. The architecture is the same as the road and bridges that led to this last valley. In short order, Nariya is satisfied that no one or thing calls this village home.

"Looks like everyone's left," Nariya says to no one in particular considering she's alone until Sherwood can bring the others across. She will look to find any traces of the desertion. Plague, famine, war, anything that might lend to a cause for the village to stand empty.

Assuming either she spots them herself or Sherwood points out the "new arrivals" she will move silently in order to get into a position to better observe the individuals. Weapons, mannerisms and race, if possible, so that she can better guage who they might be facing.

If she isn't notified and doesn't spot them, she will continue to investigate the area until everyone is across and she can inform Sherwood of what she found, or rather didn't find.

[Rat]

Rat:

Kylie gives a little curtsy to the two men, then raises an eyebrow at Rat. "Were I a halfling lass, you might find that I'm more of a handful than you can handle."

"Too late for that, lass!", Rat says with a laugh. "You're already a handful!"


Rat isn't as shocked by Sherwood's transformation this time around as he flies people across the gorge. The Master Finder starts to get more and more excited as his turn to cross comes around. Not that he has any great desire to fly on the back of a giant bird, but what may lie across the gorge and behind the wall.

Once across and on the ground, Rat will scamper off to explore the ruined village in search of what valuables he might find.

[Lilia]

Lilia:

"I had considered memorizing Identify for just that reason, but I don't think we have a day to spare right now. If you have a quicker means of doing so, I'd be very grateful."

"Have you forgotten my innate ability to figure out what enchanted items do? The skill doesn't work all the time, but often enough to make it useful."

With Kylie's permission, Lilia will attempt to figure out what the magic items are.

"That thought is beginning to cross my mind as well", Sherwood agrees. "Either the records I reviewed are simply wrong-- which I find hard to believe-- or the writers deliberately concealed what was really up here. If they did that, then what didn't they want others to find? I'm starting to get a bad feeling about this."

This discussion particularly fascinates Yusef. They would have had to travel far to get here, as well as to conduct trade with others from here. "Why might someone have wanted to conceal what was up here? Might they simply have desired solitude for some reason, or did something happen here that someone didn't want others to know about? I think this bears investigation."

"Protection is another possibility", the Elf Maiden states. "The records could be inaccurate to either protect what lies beyond or to protect the outside world from what is there."


Once on the ground, Lilia will draw her bow and help secure the perimeter of the ruined village.

"Looks like everyone's left," Nariya says to no one in particular considering she's alone until Sherwood can bring the others across. She will look to find any traces of the desertion. Plague, famine, war, anything that might lend to a cause for the village to stand empty.

"And they left a long time ago", Lilia agrees with her fellow elf. "Stone works such as this take many years to fall into ruin. Assuming that this decay is natural, this village appears to have been deserted for centuries. Whoever lived either moved on or died out."


When she hears about visitors coming towards the ruins, Lilia will see a building that is still intact with a high vantage point so that she can cover them with her Manabow.

[Sherwood]

Sherwood:

This discussion particularly fascinates Yusef. They would have had to travel far to get here, as well as to conduct trade with others from here. "Why might someone have wanted to conceal what was up here? Might they simply have desired solitude for some reason, or did something happen here that someone didn't want others to know about? I think this bears investigation."

"I agree. Even if we weren't searching for Nightmist, this does seem odd."

"Protection is another possibility", the Elf Maiden states. "The records could be inaccurate to either protect what lies beyond or to protect the outside world from what is there."

"That is another possibility. It is not unheard of for some great evil to have been imprisoned. Fiends from the lower planes, for instance. Perhaps Nightmist functions as a sort of guardian up here."


The trip across the gorge is easy enough. While carrying his last passenger, people are noted off in the distance.

As Kylie is pondering these questions, Sherwood makes a discovery. Looking in the indicated direction, Kylie sees the pair walking in their direction. "It seems this valley isn't as deserted as it appears."

"No, it doesn't. I'm going to take this a good sign."

After considering the situation for a moment, Sherwood will say, "I'm going to set you down in the village with the others. I'll fly off again to get a better look at those two and return. We'll greet them as they approach this village. That'll give you all time to take defensive positions just in case they are hostile. Tell the others not to attack unless we are attacked first."

After dropping Kylie off, Sherwood will fly off once more. He'll take a circular route towards the two figures, check them out without appear to be checking them out, and then fly back to the others.

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:


Sherwood polymorphs into a giant eagle and carries the explorers across the gorge and the wall. Beyond the large gates lies a seemingly lost valley that appears to have been inhabited at one time. Nariya explores the ruins in order to secure the area while Rat searches for valuables.

The ruins themselves provide few clues to who dwelled there, but they do reveal other information. The people who lived here did not depart suddenly. There are only sparse remains of furniture and things such as dishes and cooking utensils are not found. The impression it gives is that the inhabitants packed up and moved on.

The inhabitants were skilled craftsman. The buildings are all more than functional and seemed to have had very intricate carvings and fancy pillars. Statues, grand archways, and meticulously carved fountains were in abundance. Unfortunately, time has erased much of this work and at some point in the past they seemed to have been smashed by someone or thing. These works of art must have been grand in their day.

No signs of habitation or any valuables can be found. Anything that was not stone has long since decayed. What stone does remain has been almost worn clean with the passage of time.

While the exploration is going on, Sherwood flies off to get a better look at the beings he spotted earlier. Nariya noticed them as well and Kylie relays that they are approaching and that defensive positions should be taken as Sherwood instructed.

Still in the form of a giant eagle, Sherwood examines the pair from high above. Thankfully the magic of the spell does enhance his own sight making it sharp much like the bird he is imitating.

Upon examination it is concluded that the pair are both half-elves, a young man and a young woman. Secondly they are both similar in looks suggesting that they might also be brother and sister. The man is 5'10" in height and the woman is 5'4". The male's skin is a tad dark, no doubt from being heavily tanned, but the woman's complexion is fair.

The man does not wear any armor, while the woman is decked out in chain mail. While neither of them is carrying weapons in their hands, they are armed. He has a bastard sword and she a longsword and a crossbow. The male is dressed in plain clothes, but does have a cloak on.

One other thing of note is that there is something dangling around the woman's neck on a silver chain. It resembles a longsword outlined against a silvery moon, with silvery filaments around all, in a nimbus.

Completing his examination, Sherwood returns to the others and defensive positions are taken.

Once the half-elves come within speaking distance, Sherwood goes forth to greet them. The pair seem surprised to see him, but make no threatening moves.

"Greetings traveler!", the male calls out excitedly. "Are you seeking sanctuary? Have you need of assistance? Oh, forgive my lack of manners. I am Talen Galandol and this is my sister, Lia."

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

Lilia fails to divine the enchantment on the two items Kylie found in the Rock Reptile caves.

For some reason, it wasn't apparent that the wall ran the entire length of the gorge on the other side. I had gotten the impression that it was wide enough to bar the end of the bridge but not excessively more than that. At least that explains why Teleport wouldn't work.

I should have been clearer. The wall was built between openings in the hills and mountains that surround the Lost Valley. There are no edges to go around as the wall merges with the rock around it.

Now what?

[Lia]

Lia

Once the half-elves come within speaking distance, Sherwood goes forth to greet them. The pair seem surprised to see him, but make no threatening moves.

"Greetings traveler!", the male calls out excitedly. "Are you seeking sanctuary? Have you need of assistance? Oh, forgive my lack of manners. I am Talen Galandol and this is my sister, Lia."

Speaking of the Adventures as well as promise that awaits her/them in the outside world, Lia is a little preoccupied to see a bearded woodsmen step from the brush. “Be careful, Talen, We do not yet know if he is friend or foe.” She cautiously and quietly tells her brother.

Turning her gaze upon the Traveler she will state, “Greetings Outlander, ”she gathers from his garb and style of dress, “If you come in peace then I bid you welcome. If you come in the name of violence, then I encourage you to reconsider; for the only thing you seek will be your own demise."

"What brings you to our land?" She asks kindly.

If the newcomer makes a move to draw his weapon, Lia will answer it in turn drawing her own blade.

Appearance:

Lia stands 5'4 and has fair lightly tanned skin. The sides of her raven black hair are pulled back and braided down the middle of her back,exposing her jade color eyes. While Adventuring the half elf wears a set of silver and black chainmail as well as an elaborate designed longsword fashioned with a gold and silver hilt. On the pommel is a silver engraved lioness' head. One other thing of note is that there is something dangling around the woman's neck on a silver chain. It resembles a longsword outlined against a silvery moon, with silvery filaments around all, in a nimbus.

[Kylie]

Kylie:

"Have you forgotten my innate ability to figure out what enchanted items do? The skill doesn't work all the time, but often enough to make it useful."

Kylie shrugs. "Not entirely, now that you mention it, but everyone I have travelled with has so many amazing abilities, I find it very difficult to keep track of them all."

Unfortunately, Lilia's ability doesn't achieve the desired result this time. "That's too bad; it would have been nice to know. Perhaps you'd care to try again tomorrow?"

Yusef smiles at the exchange. "I suspect that would be true of most men," he says, somewhat cryptically.

"Too late for that, lass!", Rat says with a laugh. "You're already a handful!"

Kylie's tinkling laughter can be heard as she walks away.

"No, it doesn't. I'm going to take this a good sign."

"At least you're optimistic..." Kylie replies.

After considering the situation for a moment, Sherwood will say, "I'm going to set you down in the village with the others. I'll fly off again to get a better look at those two and return. We'll greet them as they approach this village. That'll give you all time to take defensive positions just in case they are hostile. Tell the others not to attack unless we are attacked first.

"Okay, I'll tell them."

Once on the ground, Kylie passes the word. Then, seeing Lilia take up position on a rooftop, she looks for a house with a window facing the area where Sherwood meets the two half-elves. From inside, she can use the wall and windowsill for cover, if need be. She draws and nocks an arrow, but doesn't aim it at the newcomers.

The half-elves introduce themselves and seem friendly enough, though the female appears more reserved than the male.
___________________________________________________________
Descriptions on the Blackflame page.

[Yusef]

Yusef:

"I agree. Even if we weren't searching for Nightmist, this does seem odd."

"I begin to have doubts that we will find her here. We could be in for a long search."

"Protection is another possibility", the Elf Maiden states. "The records could be inaccurate to either protect what lies beyond or to protect the outside world from what is there."

"That is another possibility. It is not unheard of for some great evil to have been imprisoned. Fiends from the lower planes, for instance. Perhaps Nightmist functions as a sort of guardian up here."

Yusef ponders. "It seems there are many possibilities. We would do well to learn more, as it may involve the fate of Nightmist and be key to our locating her."

Yusef listens to Sherwood's instructions as presented by Kylie. He had noticed how abandoned the area looked when they flew over, and is now curious to hear of two people emerging from one of the nearby towns. Perhaps they will have information to share...

Still, there is no way to know if they mean well or ill, so they are wise to use caution. Not being particularly useful in combat from a distance, Yusef moves quietly and stealthily to hide as close to where Sherwood will meet the pair as possible.

From here, he can hear the two half-elves as the speak to Sherwood. The male seems quite friendly and open. His sister proves to be more circumspect and wary. Nevertheless, neither offers any immediate threat.

Yusef does note, however, the insignia the woman wears. Suspecting that it is the sign of a holy order, he searches his memory for the meaning of the symbol.

[Sherwood]

Sherwood:

"I begin to have doubts that we will find her here. We could be in for a long search."

"Perhaps. But as with any task, you have to start at the beginning. The information I have points to this area as her last known location."


Sherwood is a bit surprised to learn that the figures are half-elves and are related from their appearance. They seem to be dressed like adventurers and so probably have some measure of skill. At least they are not expecting trouble from their easy going appearance.

Returning to the first village, Sherwood makes sure everyone is ready and then steps forth to greet the half-elves.

"Greetings traveler!", the male calls out excitedly. "Are you seeking sanctuary? Have you need of assistance? Oh, forgive my lack of manners. I am Talen Galandol and this is my sister, Lia."

"Well met, Talen and Lia. I am Sherwood. Actually, no. We were not seeking Sanctuary nor do we need assistance. Thank you for asking."

Turning her gaze upon the Traveler she will state, “Greetings Outlander, ”she gathers from his garb and style of dress, “If you come in peace then I bid you welcome. If you come in the name of violence, then I encourage you to reconsider; for the only thing you seek will be your own demise."

"What brings you to our land?" She asks kindly.

"I can assure you, good lady, that we are peaceful. We will defend ourselves if necessary, but do not seek violence for the sake of violence. We are seeking information. A situation has arisen in the lands below these mountains. A cult once thought extinguished has resurfaced. My research indicated that an elf maiden by the name of Nightmist was instrumental in their defeat. She aided a party of adventurers and was reputedly friends with my grandfather. It was his notes that led us here. We are looking for Nightmist so that we may learn more about this cult so that they can be defeated again. Are you familiar with this Nightmist?"

"And forgive my lack of manners. My associates: Kylie Lanthorn, a half-elf such as yourselves. The elves Nariya and Lilia. The halfling finder known as Rat and Yusef, a wandering Priest of Celestian."

[Talen]

Talen:

Speaking of the Adventures as well as promise that awaits her/them in the outside world, Lia is a little preoccupied to see a bearded woodsmen step from the brush. “Be careful, Talen, We do not yet know if he is friend or foe.” She cautiously and quietly tells her brother.

"Of course, sister. Still, we shall give him and his friends the benefit of the doubt as we were taught. After all, why would they seek to do violence against us?"

Talen isn't surprised that Lia adds her own voice to the conversation nor her stating that violence would be met with a swift response. Such is their way.

"I can assure you, good lady, that we are peaceful. We will defend ourselves if necessary, but do not seek violence for the sake of violence. We are seeking information. A situation has arisen in the lands below these mountains. A cult once thought extinguished has resurfaced. My research indicated that an elf maiden by the name of Nightmist was instrumental in their defeat. She aided a party of adventurers and was reputedly friends with my grandfather. It was his notes that led us here. We are looking for Nightmist so that we may learn more about this cult so that they can be defeated again. Are you familiar with this Nightmist?"

Talen does feel a bit better when they say that they are peaceful and only seeking information. Surprisingly it’s Nightmist they are looking for! Talen exchanges a puzzled look with his sister. Could this grandfather the stranger speaks of be the one?

"Yes, we know Nightmist very well. She dwells in a small village in the western part of the valley in a place the natives call Byaxta. Would you like us to take you there?"

Talen will happily greet Sherwood's companions once they come forth.

[Lia]

Lia

"Of course, sister. Still, we shall give him and his friends the benefit of the doubt as we were taught. After all, why would they seek to do violence against us?"

“Why would the drow seek to enslaveor harm us?” she counters with an easy smile.

"Well met, Talen and Lia. I am Sherwood. Actually, no. We were not seeking Sanctuary nor do we need assistance. Thank you for asking."

“It is a pleasure.” She says kindly.

"I can assure you, good lady, that we are peaceful. We will defend ourselves if necessary, but do not seek violence for the sake of violence. We are seeking information. A situation has arisen in the lands below these mountains. A cult once thought extinguished has resurfaced. My research indicated that an elf maiden by the name of Nightmist was instrumental in their defeat. She aided a party of adventurers and was reputedly friends with my grandfather. It was his notes that led us here. We are looking for Nightmist so that we may learn more about this cult so that they can be defeated again. Are you familiar with this Nightmist?"


Talen does feel a bit better when they say that they are peaceful and only seeking information. Surprisingly it’s Nightmist they are looking for! Talen exchanges a puzzled look with his sister. Could this grandfather the stranger speaks of be the one?

"Yes, we know Nightmist very well. She dwells in a small village in the western part of the valley in a place the natives call Byaxta. Would you like us to take you there?"

Looking at Talen with an unmaskable look of surprise upon her face. “Grandfather?’ she asks to one imperticular.
Adding to what her brother has said she will say,”You could say we know her extremely well, for she is of our blood. If you wish to see her then we will show you the way.”

When the others step forward Lia will greet each with a smile and eagerly introduce herself to each in turn. "Welcome to the Lost Valley." she will state quite kindly as they are all gathered.

[Kylie]

Kylie:

Kylie listens to the conversation from her hiding place just inside a nearby window. She's a bit surprised when Sherwood quite openly describes their mission. Sure, it's direct, but sometimes being subtle is better - at least until you know something of the people you're speaking to.

Soon it is discovered that the siblings not only know Nightmist and where she is, but are related to her - or so they claim. They even offer to lead the way to her. Either this makes things very easy, or it's some kind of trap. Kylie determines to be wary and on guard, just in case.

"And forgive my lack of manners. My associates: Kylie Lanthorn, a half-elf such as yourselves. The elves Nariya and Lilia. The halfling finder known as Rat and Yusef, a wandering Priest of Celestian."

Kylie nearly faints in shock when Sherwood gives away their advantage so easily. Still, what's done is done. With no better option, Kylie glides out of the building and towards Sherwood. "Hello, Talen, Lia, I'm Kylie. It's nice to meet some other half-elves." She returns the nocked arrow to her quiver.

"So you're related to Nightmist?"

[Yusef]

Yusef:

"Perhaps. But as with any task, you have to start at the beginning. The information I have points to this area as her last known location."

"Certainly," Yusef replies. "I did not mean to suggest otherwise."

Sherwood discusses the reason for their visit with the half-elven brother and sister. It quickly becomes apparent that Yusef's concerns were unfounded, as they know where to find Nightmist and can lead them to her! This quest just became a lot easier.

When introduced, Yusef steps forward, rising from a fold in the ground no more than a few steps from Sherwood and the siblings. "A pleasure to meet you both. As you might guess, I'm dedicated to the wandering brotherhood of Celestian. Lia, I couldn't help noticing your pendant; are you by chance a follower of Eilistraee?"

Yusef gazes around. "You call this place the Lost Valley? Seems a fitting name. Certainly it is a fascinating place. I would love to learn more."

[Nariya]

Nariya:

Nariya can't believe it when Sherwood walks up and gives away the nature of our mission as well as how many are in his party! mage madness she thinks. True the pair turn out to not be hostile and rather quite friendly, but it could have gone a whole different way. Then she wonders if Sherwood knew about this the whole time. She figures she can always beat him up later if that turns out to be true.

Stepping from her hidden vantage point, she puts away her bow and strides over to the half-elves. "Greetings to you both," she offers, "I am Nariya."

Seemingly they will be taking us right over to Nightmist. The trek has turned out much different than Nariya had ever suspected. She was looking forward to more trail blazing and exploring a land no one had been in for ages.

[Lia]

Lia

As Sherwood introduces his companions they begin to move from the underbrush as well as the deserted town, She observes them one by own attempting to gauge their strengths as well as weaknesses. A well rounded group she thinks to herself as each greets her.

Kylie glides out of the building and towards Sherwood. "Hello, Talen, Lia, I'm Kylie. It's nice to meet some other half-elves." She returns the nocked arrow to her quiver.

"So you're related to Nightmist?"

“Nice to meet your acquentance.” she says as she watches the half-elf return an arrow to her quiver. Noting the skepticalism within her voice Lia overlooks it as being cautious and says, “ “By way of our mother, yes." Having not met many Half elves from outside the Valley she will ask, ”Where do you hail from?”

When introduced, Yusef steps forward, rising from a fold in the ground no more than a few steps from Sherwood and the siblings. "A pleasure to meet you both. As you might guess, I'm dedicated to the wandering brotherhood of Celestian. Lia, I couldn't help noticing your pendant; are you by chance a follower of Eilistraee?"

Yusef gazes around. "You call this place the Lost Valley? Seems a fitting name. Certainly it is a fascinating place. I would love to learn more."

“Celestian,” she adds thoughtfully,”Sadly I am not very familiar with your clergy though in time I hope to learn more of the outside worlds and its patrons.”

Surprised at the priest’s knowledge she will reply, “Yes, I am dedicated to serving the Dark Maiden. It is surprising you know of her: As she is known to few save to those of the Underdark.”
“It is home.” she says with a smile,” In time you shall learn all that you wish to of our Land. If you would like I will answer any question that you may have after you have seen Nightmist.”

A painted women comes from the underbrush and introduces herself as Nariya,Stepping from her hidden vantage point, she puts away her bow and strides over to the half-elves. "Greetings to you both," she offers, "I am Nariya."

“Greeting, I am Lia.” she says with a smile. Noticing the tattoos about her frame she can’t help but ask, “Why is it that you decorate yourself so?” indicating the tattoos across her eyes.

[Nariya]

Nariya:

“Greeting, I am Lia.” she says with a smile. Noticing the tattoos about her frame she can’t help but ask, “Why is it that you decorate yourself so?” indicating the tattoos across her eyes.

"It is considered an honor among us Sylvan elves to be decorated so," Nariya replies. It has been a long time since anyone outside of her family and friends asked her about her tattoos. "Our eldest and most honored have many more that those I wear. I am still quite young, but am blessed with the ones I have received so far."

Continuing on, Nariya adds, "The ones here over my eyes," she says while tracing the outline of one of the two arrow points that start, one from above each ear, and meet above her nose. "They are in honor of Solonor. He is the patron deity of our trackers, our pathfinders, and once I was accepted among them, they tattooed me. It is not as potent as a holy symbol in the hands of a priest, but it is said that those who receive this mark of Solonor will 'have his hand guide our arrows'."

Letting Lia take that in for a second, she will then expose both her forearms, putting them together in front of her. The tattoos on each arm form, when pressed together, an intricate pattern of various reds and oranges. "This one," she will explain, "is the history of my family. Each symbol represents a name worth remembering, back through the ages. If I someday return to my home and am judged worthy, I can have my own unique symbol added to all the tattoos that are upon the surviving members of my family. It is something worth aspiring to."

If anyone else had walked up to listen, Nariya will include them in on her explaination as well.

[Kylie]

Kylie:

“Nice to meet your acquentance.” she says as she watches the half-elf return an arrow to her quiver. Noting the skepticalism within her voice Lia overlooks it as being cautious and says, “ “By way of our mother, yes." Having not met many Half elves from outside the Valley she will ask, ”Where do you hail from?”

Kylie considers for a moment. "So, Nightmist would be your grandmother, then?

"I grew up in Elcadan, cesspool that it is. My mother was from one of the lesser clans of Alfheim."

The conversation quickly turns to Nariya's tattoos, a subject that Kylie had speculated on some herself. Kylie moves over to join the conversation, hoping to learn more about some part of her elven heritage.

"What other kinds of tattoos might someone receive?"

[Yusef]

Yusef:

“Celestian,” she adds thoughtfully,”Sadly I am not very familiar with your clergy though in time I hope to learn more of the outside worlds and its patrons.”

"I would be happy to discuss our faiths with you as time permits," Yusef replies. "I suspect we won't be spending too many days in this valley."

Surprised at the priest’s knowledge she will reply, “Yes, I am dedicated to serving the Dark Maiden. It is surprising you know of her: As she is known to few save to those of the Underdark.”

"As part of our training, we were taught to recognise the symbols of many different faiths. I know very little beyond what we were told of her being the exception to the rule of the malignancy of the dark elves. You don't appear to be of dark elf ancestry yourself; how did you happen to select that particular faith?"

“It is home.” she says with a smile,” In time you shall learn all that you wish to of our Land. If you would like I will answer any question that you may have after you have seen Nightmist.”

Yusef smiles. "I would like that very much. Thank you."

Yusef peers in closely as Nariya describes her body decoration. It seems to have a strong spiritual context. "If I may ask, Nariya, how many generations back do your lineage tattoos go?"

[Lia]

Lia

"It is considered an honor among us Sylvan elves to be decorated so," Nariya replies. It has been a long time since anyone outside of her family and friends asked her about her tattoos. "Our eldest and most honored have many more that those I wear. I am still quite young, but am blessed with the ones I have received so far."

Continuing on, Nariya adds, "The ones here over my eyes," she says while tracing the outline of one of the two arrow points that start, one from above each ear, and meet above her nose. "They are in honor of Solonor. He is the patron deity of our trackers, our pathfinders, and once I was accepted among them, they tattooed me. It is not as potent as a holy symbol in the hands of a priest, but it is said that those who receive this mark of Solonor will 'have his hand guide our arrows'."

Letting Lia take that in for a second, she will then expose both her forearms, putting them together in front of her. The tattoos on each arm form, when pressed together, an intricate pattern of various reds and oranges. "This one," she will explain, "is the history of my family. Each symbol represents a name worth remembering, back through the ages. If I someday return to my home and am judged worthy, I can have my own unique symbol added to all the tattoos that are upon the surviving members of my family. It is something worth aspiring to.”

Never has she seen such elaborate decoration upon one’s skin, yet the meaning behind them of worshipping patrons as well as ones family is a noble way of showing your respect. She finds herself liking this, Nariya.

“They are very beautiful, which is your favorite?”

Kylie considers for a moment. "So, Nightmist would be your grandmother, then?

"I grew up in Elcadan, cesspool that it is. My mother was from one of the lesser clans of Alfheim."

“That is correct, though I think of her more of a mother and mentor then my grandmother.”
Lia looks a bit surprised by Kylie’s assessment of her homeland. ”Surely Elcaden cannot be as bad as you say.” She adds with naivety in her voice.

Yusef wrote

"As part of our training, we were taught to recognise the symbols of many different faiths. I know very little beyond what we were told of her being the exception to the rule of the malignancy of the dark elves. You don't appear to be of dark elf ancestry yourself; how did you happen to select that particular faith?"

“I take more so after my father then my mother, but I do have Dark elf blood running through my veins. The choice was an easy one, Eilistraee’s teachings were taught to me from an early age. It was instilled to us to help anyone of any race and to find the good in everyone ;If it was to be found.”

“The Dark Maiden is the light beneath the dread of the earth, According to legend she was freed of any wrong doing against her father, during the uprise of the Spider Queen, though she felt her father’s punishment was worthy she stayed within the earth hoping that her example would have the drow find the good within themselves once again and return to the surface and live in peace.”
“It is a teaching that I firmly believe in.”

[Rat]

Rat:

Once he's dropped off by Sherwood, Rat scurries off to explore the village with disappointing results.

"Phooey! Nary a gold coin or gem or a piece of jewelry to be found! It's like a carcass that's been picked clean by vultures! Still, with all these once fancy statues and do-dad's, perhaps there's buried treasure to be found!"

Then comes the alarm that strangers are approaching and Rat will scurry to the highest point he can safely reach. From there, he'll advise those down below.

It turns out the strangers are a pair of friendly half-elves. When the others come out, Rat climbs down from his perch to say his greetings.

"That's Master Finder Rat, Sherwood", the halfling corrects as he steps up to the half-elves. "So why's this called the Lost Valley? Did somebody loose it?"

[Lilia]

Lilia:

Kylie shrugs. "Not entirely, now that you mention it, but everyone I have traveled with has so many amazing abilities, I find it very difficult to keep track of them all."

"Fair enough", Lilia says with her own shrug.

Unfortunately, Lilia's ability doesn't achieve the desired result this time. "That's too bad; it would have been nice to know. Perhaps you'd care to try again tomorrow?"

"It is an inexact skill to say the least. Unfortunately, I've never been able to divine the function of a magic item that I didn't get the first time around. An Identify spell will be necessary to figure out what these items do."


Lilia eyes the pair of half-elves as they arrive. They seem ordinary looking enough and not particularly dangerous. Surprisingly, Sherwood calls us out and everyone goes down to greet them.

When it comes to her turn, she'll say, "I am Lilliathelionn Allandros of Clan Grunalf. I bid you welcome."

For the most part, Lilia will remain quite and listen to all the exchanges going on around her. She had wondered about Nariya's numerous tattoos', but didn't want to broach the subject with the Sylvan Elf. Lilia will remain alert and on guard for any treachery.

Some words of the conversation do make Lilia pause. She had never heard of anyone called Eilistraee before, let along that she was a goddess of the drow and Lia admits to having dark elf blood!

"If Eilistraee is a dark elf goddess, and you have dark elf blood, and Nightmist is your mentor, does that mean that Nightmist herself is a dark elf?"

[Sherwood]

Sherwood:

Looking at Talen with an unmaskable look of surprise upon her face. "Grandfather?' she asks to one in particular.

Sherwood can't help but catch the strange exchange between the two half-elves. Why did they react such when he mentioned that his grandfather had adventured with Nightmist?

"Yes, we know Nightmist very well. She dwells in a small village in the western part of the valley in a place the natives call Byaxta. Would you like us to take you there?"

Adding to what her brother has said she will say, "You could say we know her extremely well, for she is of our blood. If you wish to see her then we will show you the way."

"Yes, please. We would like that very much. Apparently there is much more up in these mountains then we were lead to be believe."

That next statement does seem to explain a great deal and their unusual reactions Sherwood believes. If what he suspects is true, then they would be just about the right age. Kylie beats Sherwood to the question about Nightmist being their grandmother, thus confirming some of his theory.

When the others step forward Lia will greet each with a smile and eagerly introduce herself to each in turn. "Welcome to the Lost Valley." she will state quite kindly as they are all gathered.

"Thank you very much. I have to admit that I am a bit puzzled by all of this. As far as the lands below know, this area is deserted, desolate of all life. It is obvious why you call this the Lost Valley, but who used to live here? And who lives here now?"


When the subject of Nariya's tattoo's comes up, Sherwood has to add his own two cents to the subject. "I've heard tell that mages far to the west in the Land of Fate magically scribe tattoo's to their bodies as a method to store spells for later retrieval. A tattoo can be far more than simple ornamentation."


Sherwood listens as more and more details are leaned and the pieces of this puzzle start to fall into place. The evidence is right there and Lilia puts it all together: Nightmist is a drow! But she's a good drow, something that Sherwood never thought to be possible. While he's never heard of this Eilistraee before, at least Yusef has, somewhat confirming Lia's tale.

"Then this Lost Valley is a refuge? A place where those drow who do not follow the Demon Queen of Spiders can live peacefully? That could explain why the existence of this place was concealed."

This expedition had certainly taken a turn towards the unexpected!

[Talen]

Talen

"Why would the drow seek to enslave or harm us?" she counters with an easy smile.

"Not all drow, as you know well sister dear."


Talen watches in wide-eyed wonder as more strangers come forth of a variety of races and genders.

"Hello, Talen, Lia, I'm Kylie. It's nice to meet some other half-elves." She returns the nocked arrow to her quiver.

"Wow", Talen mouths as Kylie introduces herself. "You have elfin blood just like we do! We haven't meet many half-elves before so this is a unique experience. Are there many of our kind in the outside world?"

Kylie considers for a moment. "So, Nightmist would be your grandmother, then?

"Yes, she raised us as her own children after our parents were killed. She's the nicest, most kind person you're likely to ever meet." You can feel a genuine love for his grandmother in Talen's voice.

When introduced, Yusef steps forward, rising from a fold in the ground no more than a few steps from Sherwood and the siblings. "A pleasure to meet you both. As you might guess, I'm dedicated to the wandering brotherhood of Celestian. Lia, I couldn't help noticing your pendant; are you by chance a follower of Eilistraee?"

If Talen is put off by Yusef's appearance, he doesn’t show it. In fact, the same wonder from seeing Kylie applies to Yusef as well.

"I have never seen a being such as yourself", Talen states in a combination of awe and wonder. "From what land do you hail? I have not heard of Celestian before either, but I'm not particularly knowledgeable of all the human gods."

Talen is surprised that Yusef knows of the Dark Maiden, and is somewhat comforted by that thought. At least she is known beyond the Lost Valley and the Underdark.

"I was raised similar to my sister, but I have no priestly training as only females may serve the Dark Maiden. Instead I picked up some magical training from the other mages in the village. I also have the blood of the Dark Elves as our grandmother is a member of that race. Our mother was a half-elf much like ourselves. Unlike my sister, my appearance is more like our mother. A bit on the darker side than that of our human father and grandfather."

Stepping from her hidden vantage point, she puts away her bow and strides over to the half-elves. "Greetings to you both," she offers, "I am Nariya."

Yet another wonder for the eyes comes into view! Talen can't help but stare at the full blood elf with the unusual skin markings. "Hello", is about all that Talen can utter. He'll listen as she explains the reasons and the meanings for her markings.

"That's Master Finder Rat, Sherwood", the halfling corrects as he steps up to the half-elves. "So why's this called the Lost Valley? Did somebody loose it?"

Talen does a double take when the one called Rat comes forth. At first glance he thought it was a child! Instead, it's some sort of adult with furry feet in a child's body.

"I have never seen a being such as yourself before! What are you?", Talen asks in almost childlike wonder. "No, the valley is not lost. It is a refuge for those who only seek to live in peace in an otherwise dangerous world. Those dark elves who only seek to live in peace in the lands under the sun. And a place for other races who are hated and thought to be evil to lead peaceful lives."

When it comes to her turn, she'll say, "I am Lilliathelionn Allandros of Clan Grunalf. I bid you welcome."

Another elf comes forward. Talen is amazed how similar and yet how different the surface elves are compared to the Underdark elves. "And welcome to you too", Talen states. "You're appearance is very different from that of Nariya. Do you come from a different place?"

"Yes, please. We would like that very much. Apparently there is much more up in these mountains then we were lead to be believe."

"We were on our way out of the valley to get our first taste of outside life, but it can wait. We'll escort you back to the village. Come."

Talen will turn and start to walk off but will go slow enough so that everyone can follow. "It'll be dark soon and we won't be able to reach the village before nightfall. We'll have to camp along the way."

[Nariya]

Nariya:

The conversation about her tattoos has drawn in almost everyone. Nariya finds herself the center of attention, which is she isn't sure what to think of. Still, she answers everyone's questions and continues the conversation.

The conversation quickly turns to Nariya's tattoos, a subject that Kylie had speculated on some herself. Kylie moves over to join the conversation, hoping to learn more about some part of her elven heritage.

"What other kinds of tattoos might someone receive?"

"Tattoos are usually reserved for important accomplishments, deeds or elevated status within the community," Nariya will explain. "All of us have the tattoos of our family, so every Sylvan elf is decorated somewhere. The spiritual ones are quite common, and you'll see even more intricate patterns on our priests. Some of the warriors will have special wardings, meant to protect them from certain things, like evil magic for example. The elders who rule or advise will often have tattoos marking their status in the community. Heroic deeds are often immortalized on the body as well."

Yusef peers in closely as Nariya describes her body decoration. It seems to have a strong spiritual context. "If I may ask, Nariya, how many generations back do your lineage tattoos go?"

"My particular family's goes back nine generations, although many go back further to the earliest of times," Nariya reveals. "My family is not nearly as large as some, but we have a larger portion of our members having done great deeds worth remembering than many of the other families."

Never has she seen such elaborate decoration upon one’s skin, yet the meaning behind them of worshipping patrons as well as ones family is a noble way of showing your respect. She finds herself liking this, Nariya.

“They are very beautiful, which is your favorite?”

"They are both beautiful for different reasons, and equally my favorite," Nariya replies. "If I had to choose one over the other, it would be the tattoo of my family. It gives me a bond to them that transcends death. Even though I never knew most of them, I do because of their deeds emblazoned on me."

When the subject of Nariya's tattoo's comes up, Sherwood has to add his own two cents to the subject. "I've heard tell that mages far to the west in the Land of Fate magically scribe tattoo's to their bodies as a method to store spells for later retrieval. A tattoo can be far more than simple ornamentation."

It's Nariya's turn to be interested and listen to Sherwood's information. "Do they cast the spell straight from their body then?" she will ask. "Does the tattoo remain, or disappear when cast? If not, that type of mage would be almost unstoppable if he could just cast from his tattoos without end." She doesn't know much about mages beyond the basics, and knows most of them suffer from some sort of madness, but mages with unlimited spells would be scary.

Yet another wonder for the eyes comes into view! Talen can't help but stare at the full blood elf with the unusual skin markings. "Hello", is about all that Talen can utter. He'll listen as she explains the reasons and the meanings for her markings.

Nariya will smile at Talen's seeming shyness. She'll glance over at him as she talks, including him in the conversation, seeing if he will become any more relaxed.

[Lia]

Lia

A young child comes forward and soon corrects the man known as Sherwood, "That's Master Finder Rat, Sherwood", the halfling corrects as he steps up to the half-elves. "So why's this called the Lost Valley? Did somebody loose it?"

At first she does a double take with her mouth agap looking at how the chil;d is talking to an elder but then she notices the hair on its feet and realizes that this is no child at all. it soon asks a question which her brother answers the question in turn.

A golden haired elf steps forth not saying much besides her greeting which Lia soon replies in greeting as well, “Greetings, Lilliathelionn Allandros of Clan Grunalf.” Never has she heard of this clan she will ask, “This clan of which you speak, who does it consist of?” She will ask politely.

"If Eilistraee is a dark elf goddess, and you have dark elf blood, and Nightmist is your mentor, does that mean that Nightmist herself is a dark elf?"

“The Dark Maiden is not solely a goddess for good dark elves; Many other races such as orcs and goblins seek her guidance as well.” she will correct Lilia, “ Though you are correct Nightmist is of Dark elf blood.”

Sherwood wrote:
"Thank you very much. I have to admit that I am a bit puzzled by all of this. As far as the lands below know, this area is deserted, desolate of all life. It is obvious why you call this the Lost Valley, but who used to live here? And who lives here now?"

“The natives of this land are known as the Hutaaka, For a time their numbers have diminished because of Disease and famine. As for who lives her now many races call the valley home. Several orcs and goblins as well as humans that were turned away from their villages due to their Offsprings’ appearance.”

[Kylie]

Kylie:

"It is an inexact skill to say the least. Unfortunately, I've never been able to divine the function of a magic item that I didn't get the first time around. An Identify spell will be necessary to figure out what these items do."

"I didn't realize that," Kylie says, frowning. "Oh well, guess I'll just have to do it the hard way. Not sure when I'll get the time, though..."

"Phooey! Nary a gold coin or gem or a piece of jewelry to be found! It's like a carcass that's been picked clean by vultures! Still, with all these once fancy statues and do-dad's, perhaps there's buried treasure to be found!"

"Too bad a dwarven acquaintance of mine, Grondar Foehammer, isn't here; he might have been able to help you with that..." Kylie replies with a smirk.

"Wow", Talen mouths as Kylie introduces herself. "You have elfin blood just like we do! We haven't met many half-elves before so this is a unique experience. Are there many of our kind in the outside world?"

Kylie pauses to think for a moment. "Not that I have seen. I have met a few other half-elves over the years, but only a few. Since humans and elves generally live in different places, unions of the two seem to be fairly rare."

"Yes, she raised us as her own children after our parents were killed. She's the nicest, most kind person you're likely to ever meet." You can feel a genuine love for his grandmother in Talen's voice.

"I'm sorry to hear that, Talen. Losing your parents must have been terrible. I have not seen my own mother since I was a child, and do not know whether she yet lives."

Kylie finds Talen's reaction to Rat particularly amusing. She chuckles when the half-elf asks her old mentor what he is. Apparently, he's never encountered a halfling before.

Lia looks a bit surprised by Kylie’s assessment of her homeland. ”Surely Elcaden cannot be as bad as you say.” She adds with naivety in her voice.

"No. It's worse," Kylie replies, bitterness staining her voice. "The majority of the population lives in the most appalling slums, with insufficient food and barely a hovel to call home. Meanwhile, the rich live in luxury and continually find new ways to take advantage of the poor."

"Tattoos are usually reserved for important accomplishments, deeds or elevated status within the community," Nariya will explain. "All of us have the tattoos of our family, so every Sylvan elf is decorated somewhere. The spiritual ones are quite common, and you'll see even more intricate patterns on our priests. Some of the warriors will have special wardings, meant to protect them from certain things, like evil magic for example. The elders who rule or advise will often have tattoos marking their status in the community. Heroic deeds are often immortalized on the body as well."

"That's fascinating, Nariya. It would be very interesting to see more, particularly those with tattoos celebrating their deeds. Perhaps we will get the chance to meet more of your people some day."

"As part of our training, we were taught to recognise the symbols of many different faiths. I know very little beyond what we were told of her being the exception to the rule of the malignancy of the dark elves. You don't appear to be of dark elf ancestry yourself; how did you happen to select that particular faith?"

“I take more so after my father then my mother, but I do have Dark elf blood running through my veins. The choice was an easy one, Eilistraee’s teachings were taught to me from an early age. It was instilled to us to help anyone of any race and to find the good in everyone ;If it was to be found.”

"If Eilistraee is a dark elf goddess, and you have dark elf blood, and Nightmist is your mentor, does that mean that Nightmist herself is a dark elf?"

"Then this Lost Valley is a refuge? A place where those drow who do not follow the Demon Queen of Spiders can live peacefully? That could explain why the existence of this place was concealed."

"I was raised similar to my sister, but I have no priestly training as only females may serve the Dark Maiden. Instead I picked up some magical training from the other mages in the village. I also have the blood of the Dark Elves as our grandmother is a member of that race. Our mother was a half-elf much like ourselves. Unlike my sister, my appearance is more like our mother. A bit on the darker side than that of our human father and grandfather."

As the conversation continues, Kylie's eyes get bigger and bigger and her movements more frantic as her head turns this way and that to follow the speakers. She cannot believe what she's hearing!

"Dark elf?! Drow?!" Kylie can only barely avoid shrieking at the very mention of the malignancy known as drow. "You're drow?!" she asks, looking back and forth at Talen and Lia. Before they can answer, she shifts her attention to her friends, particularly Sherwood. "How can you be taking this so calmly?! They're descended from drow! From what they've said, there are drow living here! Nightmist - the elf we've been seeking - is a drow! Is there any more malignant race in the world?!" Clearly, this revelation has pushed her to the brink - of what, is uncertain.

[Lia]

Lia

As the conversation continues, Kylie's eyes get bigger and bigger and her movements more frantic as her head turns this way and that to follow the speakers. She cannot believe what she's hearing!

"Dark elf?! Drow?!" Kylie can only barely avoid shrieking at the very mention of the malignancy known as drow. "You're drow?!" she asks, looking back and forth at Talen and Lia. Before they can answer, she shifts her attention to her friends, particularly Sherwood. "How can you be taking this so calmly?! They're descended from drow! From what they've said, there are drow living here! Nightmist - the elf we've been seeking - is a drow! Is there any more malignant race in the world?!" Clearly, this revelation has pushed her to the brink - of what, is uncertain.

Hearing the Half-elf known as Kylie, barely able to keep her voice from showing her true emotions. Apparently somehow someway Lia’s race has wronged her in someway though how she is unsure. As she begins on her tirade Lia temper begins to boil though he features nor voice truly show it. Speaking in a calm tone as she can at the moment she speaks quietly to Kylie, “Ye…. “As she can’t even get the words past her lips. “Perhaps you are correct though not as a whole. The drow are a Malignant race but I am not nor is my brother or grandmother! Our race brands as untrustworthy but our deeds and words separate us from our race. Surely there are men or women of your race that are both evil and good at heart.”
A though comes to her as she considers the insult of Kylie’s words having not know Lia nor Talen for mere moments. “ You said yourself that the rich of your city ,Elacden was it not, only grow fatter and wealthier as the poor suffer from disease as well as lack of food. A fact that I find repulsive as well as Malignant, does that not mean you are malignant because of where you come from? No it does not….. It is our deeds that define us……. Not the blood that runs through our veins nor social rank! ” Those who do listen to her words will find them even and flowing till she uses the words Malignant and Elcaden; hoping that the words bore deep within Kylie to shake her from her current state.

“For what it is worth, I am sorry that harm came to you by our race; Though I hope you do not judge us all by their actions, for there is good in many unexpected places.” .

[Yusef]

Yusef:

"Yes, please. We would like that very much. Apparently there is much more up in these mountains then we were lead to be believe."

"I'll say! We certainly had no idea that there was a significant community up here."

“I take more so after my father then my mother, but I do have Dark elf blood running through my veins. The choice was an easy one, Eilistraee’s teachings were taught to me from an early age. It was instilled to us to help anyone of any race and to find the good in everyone ;If it was to be found.”

"Fascinating," Yusef murmurs to himself. "If what I have heard of dark elves is true - that they are dark skinned - then that blood must be rather diluted in both you and your brother."

“The Dark Maiden is the light beneath the dread of the earth, According to legend she was freed of any wrong doing against her father, during the uprise of the Spider Queen, though she felt her father’s punishment was worthy she stayed within the earth hoping that her example would have the drow find the good within themselves once again and return to the surface and live in peace.”
“It is a teaching that I firmly believe in.”

"That sounds to be a fine dogma," Yusef says. "Finding the good in others - and ourselves - is quite commendable. My patron, Celestian, is the lord of the moon, the stars and travelers; we seek to explore the world and aid fellow travellers. If I may be of any assistance to you in your journey through life, please let me know."

"Thank you very much. I have to admit that I am a bit puzzled by all of this. As far as the lands below know, this area is deserted, desolate of all life. It is obvious why you call this the Lost Valley, but who used to live here? And who lives here now?"

"Then this Lost Valley is a refuge? A place where those drow who do not follow the Demon Queen of Spiders can live peacefully? That could explain why the existence of this place was concealed."

“The natives of this land are known as the Hutaaka, For a time their numbers have diminished because of Disease and famine. As for who lives here now many races call the valley home. Several orcs and goblins as well as humans that were turned away from their villages due to their Offsprings’ appearance.”

Yusef ponders this interesting discussion. "Were the Hutaaka a human race, or something else? Are there survivors of the Hutaaka? Do they live in this area with you, or did they migrate elsewhere? There are even orcs and goblins living here? Peacefully? Amazing."

"My particular family's goes back nine generations, although many go back further to the earliest of times," Nariya reveals. "My family is not nearly as large as some, but we have a larger portion of our members having done great deeds worth remembering than many of the other families."

"Nine generation; that is quite a ways. Among our people, our ancestry is our name. I can quote mine all the way back to the warlord who started our particular clan, though I usually use a shorter version."

When the subject of Nariya's tattoo's comes up, Sherwood has to add his own two cents to the subject. "I've heard tell that mages far to the west in the Land of Fate magically scribe tattoo's to their bodies as a method to store spells for later retrieval. A tattoo can be far more than simple ornamentation."

It's Nariya's turn to be interested and listen to Sherwood's information. "Do they cast the spell straight from their body then?" she will ask. "Does the tattoo remain, or disappear when cast? If not, that type of mage would be almost unstoppable if he could just cast from his tattoos without end." She doesn't know much about mages beyond the basics, and knows most of them suffer from some sort of madness, but mages with unlimited spells would be scary.

Yusef nods as Sherwood speaks, as his words agree with what his mother had told him. He has no personal experience in this area, so he cannot answer Nariya's question, but is greatly curious regarding Sherwood's answer.

"I have never seen a being such as yourself", Talen states in a combination of awe and wonder. "From what land do you hail? I have not heard of Celestian before either, but I'm not particularly knowledgeable of all the human gods."

Yusef smiles. "My mother was from the land of Zakhara, what Sherwood calls the Land of Fate. My father's family has lived in Elcadan for generations. He bought my mother from slavers who had kidnapped her from her family.

"Considering your isolation here, and the nature of your community, I am not surprised that you are not familiar with Celestian. I would be happy to answer you questions you might have, now or later."

"I was raised similar to my sister, but I have no priestly training as only females may serve the Dark Maiden. Instead I picked up some magical training from the other mages in the village. I also have the blood of the Dark Elves as our grandmother is a member of that race. Our mother was a half-elf much like ourselves. Unlike my sister, my appearance is more like our mother. A bit on the darker side than that of our human father and grandfather."

"No male priests? How interesting. It seems like I may have heard that of one of the goddesses of the elves, but I don't know for sure as my knowledge in that area is limited. As for your skin, I had just assumed that you had a good tan, as you're not really any darker than I."

"Dark elf?! Drow?!" Kylie can only barely avoid shrieking at the very mention of the malignancy known as drow. "You're drow?!" she asks, looking back and forth at Talen and Lia. Before they can answer, she shifts her attention to her friends, particularly Sherwood. "How can you be taking this so calmly?! They're descended from drow! From what they've said, there are drow living here! Nightmist - the elf we've been seeking - is a drow! Is there any more malignant race in the world?!" Clearly, this revelation has pushed her to the brink - of what, is uncertain.

Hearing the Half-elf known as Kylie, barely able to keep her voice from showing her true emotions. Apparently somehow someway Lia’s race has wronged her in someway though how she is unsure. As she begins on her tirade Lia temper begins to boil though he features nor voice truly show it. Speaking in a calm tone as she can at the moment she speaks quietly to Kylie, “Ye…. “As she can’t even get the words past her lips. “Perhaps you are correct though not as a whole. The drow are a Malignant race but I am not nor is my brother or grandmother! Our race brands as untrustworthy but our deeds and words separate us from our race. Surely there are men or women of your race that are both evil and good at heart.”
A though comes to her as she considers the insult of Kylie’s words having not know Lia nor Talen for mere moments. “ You said yourself that the rich of your city, Elacaden was it not, only grow fatter and wealthier as the poor suffer from disease as well as lack of food. A fact that I find repulsive as well as Malignant, does that not mean you are malignant because of where you come from? No it does not….. It is our deeds that define us……. Not the blood that runs through our veins nor social rank! ” Those who do listen to her words will find them even and flowing till she uses the words Malignant and Elcadan; hoping that the words bore deep within Kylie to shake her from her current state.

“For what it is worth, I am sorry that harm came to you by our race; Though I hope you do not judge us all by their actions, for there is good in many unexpected places.” .

"Hey, hey! Let's settle down," Yusef says to the two half-elven women as they face off. "There is much that we don't know about one another, but there is no reason to believe that any of us mean to harm the others. There is good and bad in everyone; what matters is the choices that each of us make. Certainly I am as much an example of that as anyone.

"Sherwood has brought us here, and I believe he did so with good reason. He would not have done so if he didn't know well that Nightmist was a worthy soul, whatever her race. I believe you said, Sherwood, that your grandfather adventured with her. Surely that is cause to give her the benefit of the doubt, at the very least. Right, Kylie...?"

"We were on our way out of the valley to get our first taste of outside life, but it can wait. We'll escort you back to the village. Come."

Talen will turn and start to walk off but will go slow enough so that everyone can follow. "It'll be dark soon and we won't be able to reach the village before nightfall. We'll have to camp along the way."

"That is a good plan. Perhaps we will have more time to talk in the evening."

[Nariya]

Nariya:

Nariya isn't sure whether to find the brewing trouble between Kylie and Lia amusing or of some concern. She's had trouble with Kylie not that long ago, and it shows that the issues are with Kylie, and not neccessarily anything that Nariya herself said or did. Everything is not so black and white like it seems to appear in Kylie's mind, unless it revolves directly around the young half-elf herself of course.

Her own encounters with Drow have been, well, non-existent. So Nariya can not draw on any experiences herself. She's heard stories sure, but it seems pretty amazing that Kylie has dealt with Drow firsthand. One thing stands out that Nariya has to comment on, that Lia says, for surely it would be a tale worth sharing for all of our sakes if Drow are to be involved in this quest.

“For what it is worth, I am sorry that harm came to you by our race; Though I hope you do not judge us all by their actions, for there is good in many unexpected places.” .

"When did you encounter Drow Kylie?" Nariya asks after Lia says the comment. Turning to Sherwood, she adds, "You didn't tell us you had a great hunter of Drow with you on this trip."

[GM Mad]

Post Closed