Kendel's Play by E-Mail Turns

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=80 BGCOLOR="#000000" TEXT="#F7F7FF" bgproperties="fixed" background="11200500dvldtc.gif"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#FFCC66" FACE="Arial" ><B>The Soaring Blade</B></FONT><B>     |     </B><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Soaring Blade"><U><B>home</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id160.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Kendel Moonsun (3E)"><U>Kendel Moonsun (3E)</U></A>   |   <B>Kendel's Play by E-Mail Turns</B>   |   <A HREF="id174.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="History"><U>History</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id29.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Kendel Moonsun"><U>Kendel Moonsun</U></A></div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" width=210 BGCOLOR="#000000" TEXT="#F7F7FF" background="2d5d2c00dvldtc.gif"> <bR> </td> <td valign="top" height=400 BGCOLOR="#000000" TEXT="#F7F7FF"> <div> <B>Kendel's Play by E-Mail Turns</B></div> <div>  This section of the Soaring Blade web-site is meant to allow the players to keep up with what has been happening with thier e-mails without having to search the Egroups database. I have compiled all e-mails from the list here.</div> <div>   <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0099FF" FACE="Arial" >I am working on highlighting the player's messages in blue</FONT>. The DM's messages will be in grey. </div> <bR> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="527" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 19 ><NOBR><div> Current DM mail will be highlighted in yellow and placed in an outline. </div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <div>   Note that this is a repost of all the avalible e-mails, not written as a story. Details may be a little choppy. Hopefully everything will be understandable. If you have any questions, please e-mail me!</div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="24b6c5f0.jpg" border=0 width="108" height="95" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> Kendel Moonsun</div> <bR> <div>   kendel Moonsun's sword came down with a thundering smash, making a wound that carved his subject completely in two. The force was so freat that his weapon continued into the ground, and he pulled Mageslayer back up, sending large chunks of earth back into the air with it. Soon another cut followed, and another, until his task was nearly done.</div> <div>   The firewood was not as challenging as orcs, but Kendel imagined that the wood was made of their heads. It made the task much more enjoyable as he cut each piece of wood with a viriety of maneuvers.</div> <div>   "You cut some strange looking firewood, Moonsun," said Noe, kendel's dwarven compainion, "but I appreciate the effort. After all, you know I have this awful krick in my back. Don't you think that's enough wood for now? By the gods, we could open up a firewood business with that much."</div> <div>   Kendel stopped for a moment to look around, allowing hiself to step from his imaginary battle. Hundreds of peices of wood were scattered about, all in various sizes and shapes. Noe threw a peice that looked like a wedge of cheese into the fire.</div> <div>   Kendel came to sit by the fire, allowing himself to get close to it's warmth. He said nothing, simply sticking his sword into the ground and taking a peice of the deer that Noe had hunted and cooked. It was rough, but tasted delicious.</div> <div>   Kendel had been away from Noe for some time, as for a few weeks ago he had been helping his friends on a mission to the Great Desert, where they Soaring Blade had searched for and founf the Crown of the First Gods, a magical artifact of great power. It had the power to do anything the wearer desired, and was one of the most powerful artifacts ever created.</div> <div>   The entire adventure had actually been a gigantic trap, luring the Blade into one spot where they could be killed by the Red Wizard Sa'Zass Tam, the evil preist Fzoul, their men, and Artaylium's own son, who had changed his name to Malicor. Kendel scowled at the thought of the name. malicor had gotten in a lucky strike and beatedn him in battle. if it were not for the power of the crown, he would be dead. But Novid had used it's power, which could only be aquired once each 1000 years, to raise those that had been slain during their quest (which included Taymon, Dinian, and Kendel, and Artaylium, who was not killed but had been soundly defeated, even losing part of an arm). Malicor had left for no apparent reason (to Kendel) just when victory seemed to be his. But then again, he did not have the full events, only having been told of what had hapened after he had fallen.</div> <div>   Still, although the others had been equal matches for this "Malicor", or even less experienced, Kendel still held that the strike that had killed him was a lucky strike. None of the Blade had argued the point.</div> <div>   Not one to stay around and talk about things that diddn't matter, kendel had come back with his friends to Llorkth, then decided to head back north, to The Spine of the World, where Noe was staying with dwarven friends at Citadel Adbar. From there, they had traveled to the east of The Mines of Mirabar, to the mountains northmost of The Realms.</div> <div>   Here they had hoped to find one of the lost mines of Drakon, a legendary site that held treasure beyond imagination. Noe had been very excited to learn of a rumor that there was a large cave in the area that lead into the entrance. However, several weeks of investigation had led to nothin except cold nights and little food.</div> <div>   "We're leaving tomorrow." Kendel said bluntly.</div> <div>   "Agreed." said Noe. "These mountains are freezing, even more so than the last time I was here. Where will we go from here?"</div> <div>   "Where do you want to go?"</div> <div>   "I don't know, Mirabar is not too far from here. It's a city of mining, and humans mostly, but with many dwarves, thank the rocks. They have a real business-type purpose, but it can be a fun place at times too. they're heavy drinkers there, and we might be able to find information about your friends and what they have been up to! Or we could go pass the mines and into Ten-Towns, the cities farthest to the north in the Realms! That would be quite the adventure too. But dangerous. Either one is fine with me, just get my bones out of this mountain, lad!</div> <bR> <div> DM: What is Kendel thinking, and where will he and Noe go?</div> <div> ---------------------------------------------------------</div> <div> After talking of travel, Kendel took time to chew on a well cooked rear hind</div> <div> quarter of deer. After a few bites Kendel, unaware of noes presents beside</div> <div> him at the fire, began to think aloud. Noes eares perked as he heard</div> <div> Kendel begin to speak. </div> <bR> <div> "I have done more than any man will ever do. I am most likely the oldest</div> <div> human in the realms except those who rely on wizardry. Who am I to talk, </div> <div> my life has had its share of rebirths. At least twice, not including the</div> <div> youths potions I drink every so many years. </div> <bR> <div> I"ve watched as the red wizards of thay killed everyone in my clan as I was</div> <div> just a boy. Became champion of Waterdeep at age of 17. I was the silent</div> <div> strenth with the most glorious and respected band ever to ride togather. </div> <div> Ah!, yes the Soring Blade. Those days of past, Those are the only days my</div> <div> life had meaning. I've hunted for too many years of my life because I had</div> <div> nothing else better to do. I've killed to defend myself, yet I regret some</div> <div> was unjustifiable. I helped many people and asked for nothing. With a</div> <div> chance for Godliness I asked to be mortal. </div> <bR> <div> I know my life must come to an end. But to die as I am is not acceptable. </div> <div> I wonder, what does the future hold? would it make a difference if I knew? </div> <div> I think not. </div> <bR> <div> Those of you in the sky, you shall see me only when my last task is done. </div> <div> The one thing I can do to leave the in peace is to rid the realm of Thay,</div> <div> not just the red wizards but all evil, rouges,rapist, murderers, ruthless</div> <div> tax collectors. Many will fall off the tip of my swords. The red wizards</div> <div> know they are disliked by many. But have know idea what comes to their land</div> <div> will bring death to many more than just the wizards."</div> <bR> <div> As Kendel feels the stare of Noe. He shakes off his self trance. Noe,</div> <div> right now I dedicate the rest of my life to deminishing the populas of thay.</div> <div> Let us prepare for our conquest.</div> <bR> <div> --------------------------</div> <div>   <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#C0C0C0" FACE="Arial" >"By Claggadin's beard, man, are you talkin about us storming to Thay and killing all the wizards there? By the gods, yer daft!" Noe was storming. "I've heard some crazy ideas in my decades, but nothing like that! You remember Sa'Zass Tam? The ONE wizard from Thay that gave you, and all your friends so much trouble for years? Well I got news for you, barbarian, there's not just one more in Thay. There's... well, I don't know how many there are, but it's a jawfull, a real jawfull. I know you have this thing against wizards cause' of yer parents an' all, but that's just plain stupid.Oh, and let me not ferget that you want to kill all the villains that roam that area too!"</FONT></div> <div>   Kendel said nothing, but simply stared at Noe. He would go to Thay alone if he must. </div> <div>   "But it's daft I tell you!"</div> <div>   Again, nothing. Kendel began sharpening his swords. The mighty two-handed blades would see blood soon.</div> <div>  Noe sighed. "Let me gets me stuff together."</div> <bR> <div> to be continued....</div> <div> (the DM will continue this turn)</div> <bR> <div>   Kendel traveled with Noe across the snowy hills that came after they left the mountains. They left tracks in the deep snow, but it would not take long for the snow to fill them in as rough as the weather was. Kendel's breath looked like clouds of smoke pouring from his mouth, and Noe's beard had huge ice particles dangling back and fourth as he rode.</div> <div>   Their ice steeds made good speed. Still, it was over 1500 miles in a straight line to Thay, and they would not be taking a straight line. Instead, the travelers would have to take a route over woods, mountains, hills and swamps in a journey that would take them south and then to east, so that they would not pass into the Great Desert and so that they could travel around the Inner Seas. Noe estimated that the journey would take another 500 miles, and that they could travel about 30 miles a day on their horses. Two months to Thay for a straight ride. Add in the obstacles, and you could double that ride, barring the weather. The companions would be riding for at least four months, possibly half a year, before they reached Thay.</div> <div>   The two traveled out of the Valley of Khedrun at the end of the day, and continued on into Lurkwood. The forest's edges were used for wood by humans, but there were horrible stories of bottomless pits and quicksand within the forests. The inside was much a mystery. </div> <div>   As they traveled Noe stopped for a moment. Pointing to the south, he looked up at Kendel. His face was rigid and stern. "Aye, Kendel, to the south lies the Dungeon of Death, a place not lightly named. It's a old dwarven stronghold, cursed to take it's toll in blood from those that dare pry into it's secrets. No one knows what caused the dwarves to leave there, but it is known that there is a lava bubble of immense size there that was never completly searched through."</div> <div>   Kendel looked puzzled. "Who would want to wade through a lava bubble?"</div> <div>   Noe laughed. "No my friend. A lava bubble is the area, or in this case areas, left behind after lava cools and backflows from whence it came. There is a firemountain, what you humans call a volcano, that lies beneath the caves. I suspect it has been dead for quite some time now, but who want to take the chance?"</div> <div>   "You've got other things to worry about mates," said a voice from out of the shaded trees. "Drop your weapons and your money. You are surrounded by a hundred men!"</div> <div>   Kendel knew there were not a hundred men about. He would have smelled them fro the downwind. Instead, there was only a single scent, the scent of cooked meat. Still, a single man could pose a serious threat if he had magic or a missle weapon coated with poison.</div> <div>   Suddenly, Kendel heard the breaking of branches, and a cry of panic. A single figure came quickly from the trees, snapping several smaller timbers along the way. A battered man hit the ground in front of the two.</div> <div>   Kendel rode up to the human, who appeared to be dressed as a poor northerner. He was wrapped unevenly in wolves skins, and carried a bow, although it fell to the ground next to him. He was middle-aged, and skinny. He slowly raised up to stand, and caught Kendel's blade at his throat, it's sharpened edge pushing against the man's neck but not cutting it.</div> <div>   "Who are you?" Kendel asked, his eyes like the steel he wore.</div> <div>   "Ah, yes, um, ha, well met, stranger. I am Rolon, an archer by trade. I was just pulling a little prank there, which I am sure you will take with good humor. I am from the land of the east, from Sembia. I assure you we are a peaceful folk, and I ask you to allow me to live. After all, an archer without his bow would be much too easy for a powerful warrior such as yourself to slay. I have some fresh cooked meat back at my camp. Prehaps you and your friend would care to join me for supper?" The man flashed a huge smile that almost made Kendel laugh. Almost.</div> <div>   Noe picked up the man's weapons and inspected them. "The arrows are not poisoned, although they are well made."</div> <bR> <div> What will Kendel do/say next?</div> <bR> <div> archer by trade? Noe this man say he is an archer by trade. Your arms are</div> <div> too small to be an archer. Surly the meat you cooked was captured in traps</div> <div> not at the arrows you carry. </div> <bR> <div> I have been called a just man from time to time. So i'll make a deal.</div> <div> you have no choice but to accept. </div> <bR> <div> Noe! </div> <div> Noe looked as kendel notioned him to ride ahead.</div> <div> Noe knew this routine , he had seen kendel kill a would be theif this way. </div> <div> Noe rode ahead further than he had ever see an arrow fly. He found a log</div> <div> that had fallen off the back off a cart and stood it in the middle of the</div> <div> rode.</div> <bR> <div> Kendel then looked at the archer and said, "you go first , you hit the log</div> <div> and your life is your to live, if you miss then i'll have a chance. If I</div> <div> make it your life belongs to me. If i miss you are as free to live as any</div> <div> man in Thay. if your arrow strays towards nor or myself you would have</div> <div> wished i had already killed you." </div> <div> it is your trade and your life.</div> <div> Player note: kendel plans to win the contest if so he would make the man</div> <div> owe him his life for not killing him. kendel would then insist the archer</div> <div> accompany them to thay. nighttimes at camp kendel will teach the archer the</div> <div> tricks of being a true archer. </div> <bR> <div> However kendel will watch the man as a stranger since he is</div> <bR> <div> if the man makes the shot, well, i guess all i'll do is take his meat</div> <bR> <div> ------------------------------------------</div> <div>   Rolon seemed a bit bothered by what kendel had said, and gave out a small, nervous laugh. "Ha! That log?" He squinted. "I knew you had a sense of humor." With that, he gulped, and slowly picked up his bow from the ground.</div> <div>   Rolon checked his bow, then checked it again. He picked up an arrow and licked the tip, and tested it's weight in the string.</div> <div>   Kendel rolled his eyes. "get on with it."</div> <div>   "Well, of course, but an archer has to be ready for these things, you know? Like an eagle looking for his kill, no less. Why, I remember my grandfather used to tell us, he'd say, 'like an eagle looking for a kill, no less', that's what he'd say."</div> <div>   Noe looked at the human with an odd stare. "That's what you said."</div> <div>   "Well, it's what my gramps said too. Like an eagle -"</div> <div>   "No less," finished Kendel, his eyes narrowing. "Make the shot."</div> <div>   "Of course." Rolon took careful aim, pausing for a long time. Kendel was about to accuse the man of gaing time once again, but the man let the arrow fly. </div> <div>   He was stronger than he looked. The arrow flew through the sky as straight and easy as any bird Kendel had ever seen. It was a sight of beauty. Truth be knowm he had never sent a better shot in his life, save for the one that had struck down Fzoul Chembroyl during the Blade's very first adventures. The only problem was that Rolon missed, and he missed by a great deal. The arrow hit a tree trunk, but one off the road. </div> <div>   Kendel took the bow from the archer. He hesitated, for it had been a long time since he had ever fired a bow at anywhere close to this distance. Still, his old archer skills came back quickly. and he felt the wind that knicked Rolon's arrow from it's course. The draft had a steady beat throught the trees. Rolon had accounted for the wind, but not for it's invisible hands far out in front of them that was still coming about even as it died about them. Rolon was an archer after all. And he was a very, very good one. But Kendel was better.</div> <div>   The arrow struck home, hitting the log, although not in the dead center as Kendel would have hoped. Instead, it fell just into the left of the dead tree. Still, it was all that Kendel needed.</div> <div>   "Your life belongs to me now, theif. You will accompany me to Thay, and you will help me kill the Red Wizards."</div> <div>   "Could be worse," Rolon shrugged. "Let me pack my things. Come back with me to the tent."</div> <div>   Kenel and Noe traveled back to the one-man camp with Rolon. All in all, the archer was taking the whole thing very well, Kendel thought as he ate a delicious peice of cooked deer. It would be nice to have a decent cook about. Noe made horrible... well, everything.</div> <div> DM: You don't have to respond to this letter. The DM will continue the turn within a day or two.</div> <bR> <div> Before bedding down at Rolons camp, Kendel lets Noe and Rolon in on some</div> <div> travel plans.</div> <bR> <div> Noe, if i remember right, We will travel due south til we reach shining</div> <div> creek on to shining white. We can follow the river to yartar. I've been to</div> <div> these cities many times so we shouldn't have any problems. Then from</div> <div> westridge we will go to the stronghold of the nine. I've never been there</div> <div> but rolon may enjoy being close to corshell's home land. My friends have</div> <div> many ways of knowing many things, If he knows we are there you may meet</div> <div> him. I hope you've heard of him being an archer by trade.</div> <bR> <div> We will stop in loud water before we Llorkth. You have heard of the king</div> <div> there, yes, rolon?</div> <bR> <div>   "Oh yes," answerd Rolon, "I have heard of him. He is the elven king that rules Llorkth, caled the Dragonmaster by some. You know him personally? very impressive, Kendel."</div> <div> -----------------------------</div> <div>   Kendel and his two companions traveled from Lurkwood. To the east, they barely missed The Dungeon of Death. Kendel would normally consider such a place a great challenge, but he had another mission in mind, and decided to travel on to Shining White. </div> <div>   Shining White was a group of rocks, all solid white where the barbarians had cut their way to the chalk under the ground's surface. Kendel, Noe and Rolon reached the holy site with no encounters to speak of. Here, the barbarians worshiped their gods.</div> <div>   Kendel spoke of the barbarian religion. "Tempus, the god of battle, was said to have fathered Uthgar, and he fathered the first Uthgardt barbarian tribes. Chauntea, goddess of the earth, mothered Uthgar's children, all daughters, who served as wives to the various beast spirits. These include The Black Raven, The Black Lion, Elk, Grey Wolf, Great Worm, Griffon, Red Tiger who is also known as The Snow Cat, Sky Pony, Tree Ghost, Thunderbeast, and others such as Golden Eagle, Blue Bear, and Red Pony, who are now gone. Uthgar watches over these beasts, but he has great battles to fight, and often these beasts must fend for themselves when he is gone, much as when a pet must fight for it's survival when it's master is not present."</div> <div>   "Tempus is the father of battle, and in many ways the barbarians worship him, but Uthgar is the god of the barbarian people first. He teaches them to survive, and how to prepare for the battles that come. He whispers into Tempus' ear that he might favor us in battle if we are strong."</div> <div>   "We?" asked Rolon. "Does that mean you worship Uthgar as well?"</div> <bR> <div> DM: I am interested in what Kendel would have to say to this question, after being exposed to other gods for so many years. Has he taken the worship of Tyr, the god of Justice, after being helped by Inmamsu for so many years? Has he left his barbarian gods in favor of Tempus, the god of battle? Or does he still have faith in Uthgart? Prehaps he has a mixture of all these deties in his worship, or has he waved off religion entirely?</div> <bR> <div> Don't forget, there is a list of the "normal" gods on the Soaring Blade homepage:</div> <bR> <div> http://www.tsixroads.com/~joespitt/soaringblade.htm</div> <bR> <div> -------------------------------------</div> <div> Rolon, everyone can worship anyone they please. And so I do! In my years</div> <div> I have found that all are just in their choice of blessings. </div> <div> All know I am not as ruthless, or as eager to kill as I once was, most of</div> <div> the time anyways. I feel many gods favor me. Although it has been some</div> <div> time since I've spoken to any. But I am still alive and in manys eye I am</div> <div> unmatched in my trade, Survival! I have been blessed by the power of Tyr,</div> <div> So how can I reject him. I've been blessed by Tempus so many times, In all</div> <div> but one occasion I feel the outcome of battles have been just. Uthgar has</div> <div> made me the surviver I am. That is why I am talking today. Some gods</div> <div> forbid or dislike mortals praying to others for help. But once you step</div> <div> foot on the grounds I've battled on, you win more than a victory, you win</div> <div> the hearts, understanding, loyalty, and the blessing of many gods. I am</div> <div> fortunate by far. There is nothing I can't do, and that is by their grace.</div> <div> I have many looking over me. Therefore you, Rolon, are fortunate now, too.</div> <bR> <div> Now I will wash in the river for tomarrow we travel hard.</div> <bR> <div> Later that night Kendel prays:</div> <bR> <div> Uthgar, Thank you for getting me here today and where I'll be in the days to</div> <div> come.</div> <div> Helm, I ask you to keep me aware of my surrondings as you have in the past,</div> <div> for evil strikes cowardly.</div> <div> It has been many years Silvanus since we first met. I only ask you to be</div> <div> far as you are and allow me to relieve this realm of as much evil it may be</div> <div> to equal my death.</div> <div> Tempus you already know I am on a crusade. I am your barbarian horde see</div> <div> over my conquest of Thay.</div> <div> Tymora as I've asked for you as I've needed in the past. Now I know what I</div> <div> start I will not finish. The last I ask of you is your blessing to help me</div> <div> go further than I should.</div> <div> Lliira I know I have asked of you only in times of fun with women, drinking</div> <div> ale, and at parties. What I shall do to the people of Thay will be dark,</div> <div> possibly called evil, I ask that you give me happiness in what I do so there</div> <div> will be no regret and I that I will feel no remorse. (Kendal smiles)?!?!?!?!</div> <div> Mystra, Yes I pray to you as well tonight, Although I do not approve of</div> <div> magic in combat, I realize its dangers and power. I ask for your help as I</div> <div> can only battle magic users at blades length and only as far as the wind</div> <div> carries an arrow. Therefore I ask for your stubborness to the red wizards</div> <div> and that be a prayer you've blessed me with.</div> <div> Loviatar as little effect you have on me I gladly let you ride with me on</div> <div> the edge of my swords and tips of my arrows as I deliver them to all who</div> <div> reside in Thay.</div> <div> Talona (pause) (and more pause)</div> <div> (and more pause) let it be known throughout the realms and to all the gods</div> <div> in all the heavens and all the hells. That you are useless. And I say to</div> <div> you on this night, That I Kendel Moonsun, am the one diease you did not</div> <div> create nor can you control. I WILL BE RELEASED ONTO ALL OF THAY!</div> <div> Cyric be ready for when I reach Thay you will see more death caused by any</div> <div> one man than even you can imagine.</div> <div> Tyr, so many times you've shown compasion to my life. By your power you've</div> <div> given me life time and again. I've stood before you in the past. With your</div> <div> understanding, allow me to complete my life before I stand there again.</div> <div> Lord Ao, all I can ask is that you ensure all those I've prayed to tonight</div> <div> hear what I've said and do there part from this day forward in the last days</div> <div> of my life. </div> <bR> <div> -----------</div> <div>   "Hmmm... in what battle was the outcome unjust, Sir?" Rolon asked, obviously wondering what the barbarian was thinking of. </div> <div> ----------</div> <div>   The trio traveled onward, following the river south, on the way to Yatar. It had begun to rain, but just an amount that was barely noticable. The ground was wet and patches of ice had formed here and there. </div> <div>   Noe looked no worse the wear, although Kendel knew he was freezing. Rolon's condition was much more noticable, as he was hunched over slightly, his gloved hands tight against each other as he rode on the back of Noe's steed.</div> <div>   Up ahead, Kendel saw a man near the river's edge. He was a shaman, Kendel could tell by the tiny symbols he wore on his clothing and on jewelry about his body, one of the wild vision-seekers that traveled the north. Their kind was very rare. They too worshiped the mighty Uthgar, as well as their own secret deities. Thier religion and magics gave them visions that could not be explained. They were held in high regard by the barbarian tribes.</div> <div>   "Welcome! Said the "seeker". He waved his arms out in a gesture that Kendel thought would only be reserved for brothers or great friends. "I am Santhrous! Wait just a moment." </div> <div>   With that, the elderly man swooped his hands into the river, and came back with a fish in his hands. He looked at the group in front of him with a large grin. "Still quick, no? Ha! Yes!"</div> <div>   Santhrous waved his hand over the fish, casting some arcane ritual upon it, and then proceeded to place it in his robe pocket. If the spell perserved the fish, it did not kill it. The tail-half of the aquatic catch was still sticking out of his pocket, and squirmming wildly. "I knew you would come, one of the frozen fist! One of the sword that flies thriugh the air! Uthgar has shown me that you would come! Ha! Yes! I have a message for you, and a warning!"</div> <div>   Kendel rubbed his tounge across his teeth for a moment, mouth still closed. Finally, he stated his answer. "Speak."</div> <div>   "When you reach Yatar, there will be death! There will be a red dragon who is already and shall be your enemy! I warn you to seek instead the safety of The High Forest and it's elven king!"</div> <bR> <div> How does Kendel respond? Will he change his travel plans?</div> <div>   --------------------</div> <div> Kendell spoke, our route should change. we will remain steady on course to</div> <div> llorkth then on to thay. let us travel around yatar, ah yes only if the</div> <div> dragon was from thay should we waste our time. </div> <bR> <div> the rest of our plan shall remain the same if it is for us to meet with the</div> <div> corshall again so be it his men will let him know we are in the area. that</div> <div> would be a treat for you, archer, by trade that is.</div> <bR> <div> kendell held his reservations of the shaman. knowing never to trust anyone.</div> <div> could this man be a wizard of thay to lead to a trap? nah, what kind of</div> <div> trap would await us in the high forest? never the less kendell split the</div> <div> difference by skipping yatar and going to the southern part of the high</div> <div> forest just for passage not refuge.</div> <bR> <div> travel patern on horse back </div> <div> noe and shaman </div> <div> kendel and rolon</div> <div> if shaman does not go </div> <div> noe and rolon kendel on left side</div> <bR> <div> kendel is eager to know whats going on in yatar and hungers for battle but</div> <div> has learned to control his need for combat in the many years of travel. </div> <div> rolon, to answer your question. kendell hands him a fur hat and fur and</div> <div> wrap to use. the battle i said was unjust. there for i give it no praise</div> <div> in conversation. </div> <div> have a nice day :)</div> <div> Billy & Cherra</div> <bR> <div> -------------</div> <div> "Heh," lauged the seer, as he shaman rode on back of Noe's horse, "I doubt you will escape your destiny so easily! it can be done, but things will conspire to make you meet your fate, for good or for the worse. But you are strong in your willpower, kendel. We shall see!"</div> <div> -----------</div> <div> The group began to travel to the High Forest, home of Corshel Lander, one of the first members of the Blade. Corshel's father had been a great adventurer. </div> <div> This made Kendel think of his own father. (see below #1)</div> <div> As Kendel, Noe, and their new companions began to leave the edge of the river, a young, blonde-haired man appeared, traveling  north up the river on horseback. "Greetings! I can't beleive my own luck, running into you, Kendel the Mighty Cold Fist! I had been sent north to deliver a message to you. I thought it would take months to track you down. Here, my mission is complete." With that, the messenger handed Kendel a parchment, neatly folded and stamped. Kendel opened the letter, and read (see below, #2):</div> <div> <I>Kendel the Mighty,</I></div> <div> <I>  My name is Baron Markus of Yatar. I met you once long ago, although you probably do not remember me. Our fair city has been visited by a group of men recently that are causing some trouble. Our local guard seems to be unable to handle the problem. We have hired adventurers and mages to handle things, but they to have failed. I feel that your presence here could make these mercenaries more cautious about flaunting thier power. You might even be able to help, as I am familiar with your fighting skills. Please help us. </I></div> <div> <I>  Although I do not speak of it to most, I know of your hatred of the Red Wizards. I fear that there may be one of their kind behind the recent disturbances. I will tell you more upon your arrival. </I></div> <bR> <div> <I>Speed of the Gods to you,</I></div> <div> <I>Baron Markus</I></div> <div> Santhrous let out a loud laugh seeing the expression on Kendel's face. "Your desiny calls you, eh?"</div> <bR> <div> By the gods man! I am great but no kendel am I. Words like that will have</div> <div> him hunting me to prove so, too! Son, you should travel to water deep to</div> <div> the gem cutter or to llorkth to the king himself. they are the only two who</div> <div> can find the man your looking for. My travels take me to new hope. </div> <bR> <div> Kendel listens to nothing the man has to say and sees that he heads</div> <div> opposite.</div> <bR> <div> Noe, take the shaman on your horse, Rolan, take and lead Straten(Kendels</div> <div> steed), And attempt not to mount. He doesn't like you enough.</div> <bR> <div> Noe travel a mile ahead and wait till night fall. I will double back off</div> <div> the beaten path and follow our friend if I do not return I'll see you at the</div> <div> cities entrance.</div> <bR> <div> Kendel quickly gets the young man in his sights. Although only a little</div> <div> brush and saplings are in between them, Kendel uses the skill he rarely</div> <div> needs but learned as a young hunter in the tribe. This is to move without</div> <div> being heard while hunting for food. Kendel knows soon the young man will</div> <div> either turn to continue north on his mission or south to return to the</div> <div> Baron. </div> <bR> <div> Kendel realizes that most men would not be able to keep up with, nor catch</div> <div> up to a trotting horseback rider. Kendel remembers how he would run around</div> <div> waterdeep to prepare for a fight in the arena. and the time he leaped for</div> <div> the ground to the top of (now) new hope keep. </div> <bR> <div> Kendel smiles as he knows he hasn't lost his edge nor his abilities with his</div> <div> growing age.</div> <bR> <div> "Kendel remembers how he would run around</div> <div> waterdeep to prepare for a fight in the arena. and the time he leaped for</div> <div> the ground to the top of (now) new hope keep."</div> <bR> <div> DM: Me thinks Kendel has been in the berry wine for much too long, hahaha.</div> <div> ----------------------------------------------</div> <bR> <div>   Kendel approached the cities entrance. Yatar was a fortified city, known for it's shipbuilding. Why the Red Wizards would want to disturb this tiny town was a mystery to Kendel. </div> <div>   The rider approached the doors of the city and flashed a sign that Kendel was not able to make out, hidden by the riders back.The mighty doors creaked open, and he was in. Kendel did hear some of his speech to the captain of the guard.</div> <div>   "Found him... he said he wasn't Kendel...  had the scars...."</div> <div> -----------------------------------------------</div> <div>   Kendel waited along the side of the path, well hidden, and soon his companions arrived also. The town was dark and locked tight during the night to discourage raiders and... barbarians. </div> <div>   The group looked over the fortress. They could try to sneak in, but they could always wait until morning and simply pass. In his younger days, Kendel would have loved to watch a thief sneak over the walls and then help the rest of them in. But he had other thoguths now. If he were captured, he would be noticed by the Red Wizards.</div> <div>   There were other things to consider here at Yatar. Should Kendel investigate secretly, or announce his arrival at Yater? he wasn't sure....</div> <bR> <div> DM: What will Kendel's next move be?</div> <bR> <div> The Shaman and I will wait here.</div> <div> Noe, you and the archer go to the gate as tired traverlers.</div> <div> If for some reason you are apprehended on my behalf, take and so this</div> <div> parchment..... Kendel wrote:</div> <bR> <div> These two are here at my forecoming at the Barons request. I await their</div> <div> response.</div> <bR> <div> Kendel gave Rolan some parchment and ink. Then continued to instruct:</div> <bR> <div> The east wall only has one guard. If you can hold him quiet. Noe you</div> <div> should have some magic dust to do this. I can climb the wall there.</div> <bR> <div> If not release an arrow with your findings. I'll give you two hours to</div> <div> question at the dives and taverns. If you do not write me then I'll see you</div> <div> shortly.</div> <div> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------</div> <div>  Kendel and Santhrous (who Kendel had started referring to as "San") waited as they watched Rolon and Noe pass through the gates. They waited patiently for the hours to pass....</div> <div> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------</div> <div> The arrow that Kendel had been waiting for struck the tree close to him. A little to close. Kendel smiled. He would assume, for the archer's sake, that the close shot was an accident. </div> <div>   </div> <div> <I>K,</I></div> <div> <I>  We have made it into the city, and we have found a secure resting point. The guards will be gone for the next few minutes. </I></div> <bR> <div> <I>N</I></div> <bR> <div>   Kendel waited, and soon there was a noise and the guards at the gates ran in another direction. Noe cast a spell of some type, and the gates lifted for just a moment in perfect silence. he and Noe slipped through withoput being noticed. </div> <div>  </div> <div>   Inside the city, Kendel waited and hoped Rolon had not been captured. He had not, and the sage and himself were led to The Mighty Mead, an inn with a tavern attached to it. The place was fairly crowded, and no one noticed the four, although kendel made sure to keep his face, along with the three scars, pulled into his hood.</div> <div>   It was late at night, and Kendel was hoping that these raiders would soon come into town, but nothing of the sort happened. That was fine, however. Kendel felt he could use some sleep, which meant Noe must be exhausted. He would continue examining this town in the morning.</div> <bR> <div> DM: What would Kendel do in the morning, and does he have any plans on how to find out information, or will he just be looking around, waiting for the next attack? Will he contact the Baron?</div> <bR> <div>   <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0099FF" FACE="Courier New" >San, at daylight you find a guard and tell him of a premanition of Kendel</FONT></div> <div> coming to find the Baron. You must find him. You'll be telling him the</div> <div> truth of what comes. Rolan will wait for you at the tavern down stairs. Set</div> <div> mext to him, Tell him where the Baron is. Noe will get With rolan at that</div> <div> time so he can give me the Baron's where abouts.</div> <bR> <div> Kendel tells Noe to follow San in the morning and watch, and to give me all</div> <div> the details when you return from talking to rolan.</div> <bR> <div> Kendel ponders on how times have changed!</div> <div> Planning and sneaking for information.</div> <bR> <div> He knew the difference from years ago. From being loud and free in his</div> <div> actions to think after reacting to announce himself before knowing who to! </div> <div> Daring all that could hear him to stand and challenge.</div> <bR> <div> Kendel even fears to think maybe he doesn't have what it takes to conquer</div> <div> Thay.But,! maybe he has just realized the power of magic and knows he must</div> <div> be careful?!.</div> <bR> <div> Maybe just maybe Kendel feels his blood starting to warm, Maybe this city</div> <div> is under Thayan rule, Maybe Kendel should announce his presence. </div> <bR> <div> Kendel wiser than his younger days. knows he is fighting his emotions and</div> <div> personality of time past. What and how he should continue is what troubles</div> <div> him. </div> <bR> <div> Kendel tries to go to sleep, but unable to he dresses in a hooded fur and</div> <div> leather pants. Kendel walks down the street, mageslayer at on his hip and</div> <div> two, two-handed swords loosely strapped on his sides. Kendel starts to</div> <div> smile as he feels the fear of someone hiding.or is it that he knows if</div> <div> someone was hiding they would be in fear. </div> <bR> <div> Kendel Moonsun</div> <div> Currently traveling with:</div> <div> Noe: A dwarven warrior / mage</div> <div> Rolon: A human archer</div> <div> Santhrous: A human shaman</div> <div> Notes: Kendel is currently in the city of Yatar at the request of Baron Markus, who claims that there are raiders coming into the city and possibly Red Wizards.</div> <div> Exp from last turn: +300 (This has been added to the character)</div> <bR> <div>   Kendel wandered the streets of Yatar, not being able to sleep. He blamed the uncomfortable nature of his clothing he had to sleep in, knowing that there could be danger at any moment. But deep inside he knew there was something more keeping him out here tonight. He just wasn't sure exactly what. His thoughts swirled around the past, the future battles ahead, and his friends who now ruled kingdoms.</div> <div>   The city of Yatar was very cold at night, although Kendel had become accustomed to the bitter weather of the north from his travelsd in the area over the last few decades. He could smell the burning fires, the smoke of the many chimneys gliding into the star filled sky.</div> <div>   There were a few people about, mostly guards, but none of them seemed to interested in bothering the towering figure walking along the streets. </div> <div>   At least that was the way it seemed. Kendel walked a few more steps until he noticed something in one of the alleyways that tunneled through the small city. It was a man only in plain clothing, who had obviously been struck over the head. Kendel looked and saw the man had a pair of riding boots on. </div> <div>   Quickly turning about, Kendel noticed the guard on horseback near him had soft boots on his feet, not the kind to be riding horseback with. It did not take the barbarian long to realise that the man in the alley was a guard that had been ambused, and this man on the horse was the attacker. </div> <div>   Kendel suddenly realised that to spin to look at the man, he had revealed his scars, three large lines made from a bear attack.</div> <div>   "So it is you after all." The man sneered as he said the words. "Kendel "Coldfist" Moonsun of the Soaring Blade. TheWizard Killer. The slayer of Dragotha. I must say I am honored to meet you. I am Dalak of the Black Blades. I heard that you might find your way here and that I might have to deal with you."</div> <div>   Kendel could sense the men approaching from behind. He didn't have to look. He could hear them, smell them, <I>feel </I>them. There were six in all, about twenty feet away and closing in.</div> <div>  </div> <div> DM: What will Kendel do?</div> <bR> <div> Now I know you as well dalak! all I can say is dalak the horse thief.</div> <div> The band of the black blades will be shy six theives if they do not stop</div> <div> behind me and seven if you don't cower and leave as i take the lives of you</div> <div> companions.</div> <div> you have until now to tell them there choises and fate.</div> <bR> <div> * as per my last e-mail, kendel is weponed with mage slayer and two</div> <div> two-handed swords. sorry this reply is short but it requires a reply from</div> <div> dalak sinse the others are moving in fast.</div> <bR> <div> *If Kendel feels the men have stopped kendel will move into the street</div> <div> facing dalak and the alleycalling the others out. if they come out kendel</div> <div> will procede depending on there actions. </div> <bR> <div> *If the men continue to approach, kendel will toss mage slayer at</div> <div> dalak(only to imobalize him) and turn with a two handed sword in each hand.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> Kendel Moonsun</div> <div> Currently traveling with:</div> <div> Noe: A dwarven warrior / mage</div> <div> Rolon: A human archer</div> <div> Santhrous: A human shaman</div> <div> Notes: Kendel is currently in the city of Yatar at the request of Baron Markus, who claims that there are raiders coming into the city and possibly Red Wizards.</div> <div> Exp from last turn: +300 (This has been added to the character)</div> <div> Kendel paused, gathering his inhumanly acute senses to assess the situation. He could smell the air coming from behind him, catching the scent of the men behind him. There was a bit of... perfume in the air with them. It smelled slightly of roses. Strange for men such as these. The smell might have been expected from the leader of this group, who would have had more gold to spend on such luxuries, but not from his followers. </div> <div> The men were not hesitating, but coming closer still. Kendel expected as much. Spinning Mageslayer up and then to one finger, he allowed the mystical blade to hover on the tip of his index nail for a second. Dalak seemed impressed, raising an eyebrow. Just as quickly, Kendel threw the blade through the air, allowing it to pierce the ground inches away from Dalak's feet. Dalak parried the blade as he leapt backwards almost as quickly, although it still managed to strike where Kendel had planned. The barbarian wondered if it would have struck home if he had taken the fraction of a second that it would have required to send the weapon toward the man's heart.</div> <div> But this was not kendel's plan. He needed the blink of an eye he gained to draw the two mighty blades from his back, both nearly five feet in length. He held both swords toward the sky in a large "V" form, waiting, but not turning. Not yet.</div> <div> Kendel felt the heat of the first to approach him, but he still did not move. Instead, he stared into Dalak's eyes, petrifying the man for a moment with the intimidation that his size allowed. Dalak did not seem afraid, but cautious. He would make an interesting opponent if his fighting skill matched his willpower.</div> <div> Once Kendel sensed that a second of the six men had come into range, he spun around, crossing the blades in front of him, cutting across a huge half-circle area. The two would - be killers that were now in front of him fell into four neat pieces to the ground. Although the night did not let the eyes clearly make it out, Kendel could smell the large amount of blood that filled the streets. He finished the move by placing the blades across his chest in a huge "X" fashion.</div> <div> The others charged, as kendel knew they would. His blades moved across the field of battle, swinging faster and with more precision than any human could bring with mere strength. kendel called upon the spirits of the gods that surged through his veins; The strength of the great blue bear, the speed of the Wild Beast, and the senses of the Great Shadow. </div> <div> In mid stride, Kendel had but two opponents left. he threw one blade behind his back, spinning it like a great wheel through the air. </div> <div> Dalak reached for the fabled mageslayer. Just as his hand opened to grasp it's blade, the great two-handed sword that Kendel had flung through the darkness of the night struck it's blade, sending it back trough the night toward the gigantic barbarian. The heavy two-handed blade struck dalak with it's pommel as it tumbled forward with an archer's precision, striking him on the forehead and sending him crashing to the ground.</div> <div> Kendel looked at the two men who approached. they were large, but nothing compared to his own hulking figure. With lightning speed, he sheathed he last blade. His foes smiled and approached.</div> <div> Calmly, Kendel held out his hand, and mageslayer dropped into it, just as he had planned. Stunned, the two attackers paused, and Kendel punished their hesitation by sending them quickly into their next lives. </div> <div> Kendel turned to find Dalak has retreated. he scowled. If dalak was as good as Kendel had thought, he had seen kendel fight and must have a good idea of his fighting style. Something told him that they would meet again. </div> <div>   The attackers had little on them. Their blades were of good make, but could be purchased anywhere. There were many traders in the area. Their clothing was common. The men seemed to be of the common mercenary type in the area of the North.</div> <div>   Still, Kendel smelled the rosy air of perfume. He followed it to one of the attackers he had slain. Kendel thought for a moment, then ripped the man's shirt open to reveal a large flame tattoo on his chest. A guard of the Red Wizards. Indeed, the Red Wizards of Thay had an interest in the area, and now he had proof. Searching the man further, he found a rolled parchment in the boots he wore. </div> <div>   The parchment had no writing, but did have some curious drawings upon it. A large eye, a blue falcon, and a circle drawn in red, which Kendel recognized to be blood. Looking at the fallen man's finger, he realized by a small cut that he had written this letter himself. </div> <div>   It was obviously a code of some sort, to be delivered to someone...</div> <bR> <div> DM: Kendel could contact the Baron, try to figure out the code himself, or take some other action. What will he do?</div> <bR> <div> scrolls, scrolls scrolls!!!!  kendel thought as he grinded his teeth. all the time it took for me to learn to read and write,  they draw eyes and circles and such.  BAH!  If the wizards to be confident in their magic they would just approach me.  magic  a cowards way of life.  as daylight approached kendel returned to the inn so noe rolon and the shaman could carry out there plan as intended.  the scroll is nicly tucked away.</div> <bR> <div> Kendel Moonsun</div> <div> Currently traveling with:</div> <div> Noe: A dwarven warrior / mage</div> <div> Rolon: A human archer</div> <div> Santhrous (pronounced san-throws): A human shaman</div> <div> Notes: Kendel is currently in the city of Yatar at the request of Baron Markus, who claims that there are raiders coming into the city and possibly Red Wizards. Kendel has encountered Red Wizard guards who tried to kill him, and their leader, Rolon, after seperating from his companions. Kendel and his companions were to meet at the Thirsty Dragon, a local tavern.</div> <div>   Kendel found a scroll on one of the guards with a picture of a large eye, a blue falcon, and a red circle drawn in blood.</div> <div> Experience from last turn: +200</div> <bR> <div>   After meeting back with his friends, Kendel told them of the Red Wizard guards and the scroll. </div> <div>   "Hmmm, let me see," said Santhrous. Looking over the parchment, raised his eyebrows several times. "Yes, yes," he repeated many times. "This scroll is a code of some sort, written as a message to one of the Red Wizards. The eye seems to indicate the red Wizards need to look at some place or person, while the Blue Falcon seems to indicate that person or place. There isn't a business or person  located around here called the Blue Falcon that I know of, however. I am at a loss of what the red circle could mean."</div> <div>   Kendel's friends seemed to be at just as much a loss about the meaning of the scroll. </div> <bR> <div> DM: kendel has the options of asking questions around town in the morning about someone called the Blue Falcon, taking the scroll to a sage, or simply waiting around and keeping their eyes open. Of course, you can also take another action if you think of a better one.</div> <bR> <div> At a circled table in the back corner of the lounge, Kendel, noe, rolon and</div> <div> the shaman discuss their options.</div> <bR> <div> while listning to everyones questions and reasonings, Kendel thinks and</div> <div> compares that if he was 19 in age again with these adventurers, it would be</div> <div> like the forming af the soring blade (most likly more experienced than blade</div> <div> members at the time).</div> <bR> <div> remembering how earlier in life he would boastfuly inquire and call out and</div> <div> search for the meaning of the blue falcon.  more wiser now he knows it best</div> <div> to have a plan. </div> <bR> <div> kendell ponders for a moment longer and comes to the conclusion that he may</div> <div> be the blue falcon. facts are: </div> <div> 1. of late his adventures have all been in frozen tundra of the north (Blue)</div> <div> 2.falcons fly or soar (soring blade)</div> <div> 3.normally a circle around anything might describe entrapment or enclosure</div> <div> of what is in the circle. (as in the blue falcon)</div> <bR> <div> even though this may not be close to the message intentions kendell realizes</div> <div> he must proceed as so.</div> <bR> <div> the plan is as follows:</div> <div> 1.  being the shaman that he is, to recreate a scroll, only having the</div> <div> circle missing a section.  then to find the baron and presenting the scroll</div> <div> as found on a dead mans body and felt as though it should be delivered to</div> <div> the baron. then with his given wisdom suggest he knows this is not the</div> <div> message that the baron had expected. tell the baron he also feels a need to</div> <div> contact a great warrior.  and the shaman will explain he believes he can</div> <div> contact that warrior for they serve the same deity.</div> <div> 2.if the baron wishes the shaman to contact kendell then the following will</div> <div> proceed: shaman to go to hotel bar/lounge.  sit at unoccupied table.  write</div> <div> of the barons response, message, any other details on a scroll.  and place</div> <div> under his empty cup.  then proceed to write on another parchnment, "warrior</div> <div> come to me"  or a message from the baron pending on the suggestion of the</div> <div> baron.</div> <div> 3.  rolon is on ready and close by.  the shaman is to stand and go out side</div> <div> . the moment he stands rolan is to sit at that table enableing him to</div> <div> retrieve the scroll.  the shaman with the second parchment will the find any</div> <div> one "whocares who"  and ask them to leave the city eastward and deliver to</div> <div> the great warrior on the same road.  and give a platnum piece to do so.  </div> <div> 4.  noe has been outside all this time seeing who enters after the shaman</div> <div> all who could be suspect of following the shaman.  these are people needed</div> <div> for questioning or following ourselves as the evening progresses.</div> <div> 5.  just to throw a loop in all who observe the shaman can make a scene out</div> <div> side the bar as whoever leaves to deliever.</div> <div> 6.kendell will be in disguise in a local blacksmith shop. looking and</div> <div> conversing with the owner while waitng on rolon and noe to bring the scroll</div> <div> as the shaman performs.</div> <div> ***this is with the intension the blacksmith shop is in close range of the</div> <div> lounge. if not we will meet in a place that is close (another dive) </div> <bR> <div> Kendel Moonsun</div> <div> Currently traveling with:</div> <div> Noe: A dwarven warrior / mage</div> <div> Rolon: A human archer</div> <div> Santhrous (pronounced san-throws): A human shaman</div> <div> Notes: Kendel is currently in the city of Yatar at the request of Baron Markus, who claims that there are raiders coming into the city and possibly Red Wizards. Kendel has encountered Red Wizard guards who tried to kill him, and their leader, Rolon, after seperating from his companions. Kendel and his companions were to meet at the Thirsty Dragon, a local tavern. Four guards, led by Dalak of the Black Blades, tried to kill kendel but met thier death instead (except Dalkak, who escaped).</div> <div>   Kendel found a scroll on one of the guards with a picture of a large eye, a blue falcon, and a red circle drawn in blood.</div> <bR> <div>   Santhrous handed the scroll (a copy with the circle missing a part) to Baron Markus. "I am not sure exactly what the scroll means, Baron, but I am sure that you will need assistance if this group of Red Wizards has the help of mercenaries in the area. If you would like me to ask such a warrior for help, I know of one to the north and will summon him if you like. As we worship the same gods, I am sure that he will assist me."</div> <div>   Baron Markus looked up after studing the symbols for a long time. It did not seem that he was suprised by the change in the scroll markings. In fact, it seemed that the scroll confused him greatly. Santhrous was fairly certain that the baron was not the intended recipient of the symbols. "I suppose that we are dealing with sommething here I do not readily understand. If we are dealing with the Red Wizards, I would like the help of your friend, Kendel Moonsun, if that is the barbarian you speak of, shaman. He has killed many red Wizards in the past."</div> <div>   "Then I shall summon this man for you." With that, the shaman disappeared into the shadows and toward the Tavern of Ten Woes.</div> <div>  ----------</div> <div>   Once to the tavern, Santhrous sat at a table by himself, and wrote a note to "the great warrior" and placed it uder his cup. The barkeep looked interested. "What is that?" he asked.</div> <div>   "It will summon a mighty warrior from the road to the north, who I need to aid me. He will be the greatest warrior in the North, possibly the greatest that has ever lived. He is Kendel Moonsun; dracolich-slayer, lord barbarian, and destroyer of those who stand against him." Santhrous knew that the people in the Tavern of Ten Woes would think he was using magic, although he never claimed to be doing so. </div> <div>   "Sure he will," the barkeep snapped. "And I'ma elven princess." With that, the tavern burst into laughter.</div> <div>   Santhrous smiled. Rolon, the archer and companion to Kendel, sat nearby. As Santhrous concentrated on his "spell", Rolon kept a close eye on those around him, looking for those who would act suspiciously to the news that Kendel would be coming soon if the spell worked.</div> <div>   The Tavern of Ten Woes was chosen carefully for it's reputation. Those that came here were the type that wanted to keep thier secrets. But the right move would give one of them away.</div> <div>   Sure enough, Rolon saw a man, a human, dressed in a black cape and dark brown leather on the other side of the inn who looked seriously interested, not laughing asthe other visitors of the establishment did at the barkeep's joke. Instaead, he got up quickly and left, walking down the street toward another part of town. Rolon followed him for a while, very carefully, and saw that he entered a small warehouse at the edge of the river. There appeared to be no guard outside the building, but the man did stop at the door.</div> <div>   "Who goes there?" Someone asked from behind the door.</div> <div>   "Dalak. I carry a back blade." The man with the black cape answered.</div> <div>   "Come." With that, the heavily-fortified door opened to allow the man to enter. Apparently, there were more men coming into the city from the Black Blades. "<I>I carry a black blade</I>" seemed to be the password to enter this hideout.</div> <div>   With this information, Rolon hurried back to kendel, who was hidden at the blacksmith's shop across from the Tavern of Ten Woes. </div> <bR> <div> Kendel will investigate the building with rolon. surroundings and such. kendel will peer into any cracks and/or windows. </div> <bR> <div> Kendel Moonsun</div> <div> Currently traveling with:</div> <div> Noe: A dwarven warrior / mage</div> <div> Rolon: A human archer</div> <div> Santhrous (pronounced san-throws): A human shaman</div> <div> Notes: Kendel is currently in the city of Yatar at the request of Baron Markus, who claims that there are raiders coming into the city and possibly Red Wizards. Kendel has encountered Red Wizard guards who tried to kill him, and their leader, Rolon, after seperating from his companions. Kendel and his companions were to meet at the Thirsty Dragon, a local tavern. Four guards, led by Dalak of the Black Blades, tried to kill kendel but met thier death instead (except Dalkak, who escaped).</div> <div>   Kendel found a scroll on one of the guards with a picture of a large eye, a blue falcon, and a red circle drawn in blood.</div> <div>   Baron Markus is waiting for Santhrous to bring kendel to him. In the meantime, Kendel, Santhrous, Noe and Rolon are following a man they thought suspicious from the Tavern of Ten Woes to what appears to be a hideout...</div> <bR> <div>   Kendel made his way around the building slowly, covering his head with his cloak, not that he could not be recognized from sheer size alone. He envied Rolon for his ability to be able to blend in with a crowd. Rolon circled around the other side of the building, without even the slightest sound.</div> <div>   Kendel did not notice much; there were no obvious windows or holes to peer through to allow knowledge of what lay inside. After some time, however, he did find a small crack in the wall, just big enough to allow him to look through and see a small section of a room. Inside, he could see three men, all dressed in black. One wore a cloak, another a black suit with silver studs, and the last a black suit with black leather strappings. The three played cards and joked with one another. They were not mages, Kendel thought. He listened more closely.</div> <div>   "Well, I think they aren't as powerful as they would like to make out. If we polled our resources...."</div> <div>   "Are you daft?! They are the red Wizards, man! They have sent us the symbol of the eye, they are watching! They can hear you!"</div> <div>   "First of all, and eye that is listening? I really,... oh, forget that part. Pay attention. The wizards are watching the Falcon of Blue, you idiot, not us. The Falcon is the symbol I chose to represent the Baron. Before the night is over, the Black Blades will have killed the baron, and the red Wizards will replace him with one of thier own. Then I, Dalak, will be free to run whatever crime orginization I wish in the area, with the blessing of the wizards."</div> <div>   With that, Dalak turned to the others. "Let's go then", he smirked, and waved his hand as if to tell the others to leave. "My assassians will have completed their job soon now, and we will meet with the wizards below and tell them it is time to leave for a while. I hear that Kendel Moonsun might be about."</div> <div>   Kendel realised that there were already assassians on the way to the Baron's mansion, and might even be there already. Still, if he left this place the Red Wizards, who he knew now to be in the building in front of him, might escape, as well as Dalak. </div> <bR> <div> DM: What will kendel do next?</div> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>