Something Wicked this way Comes...

[Mr. X]

As quickly as Karazi knocks back the shot, his body convulses, as if to bring the drink right back up again... But as his head jerks up, his eyes are open, and rolled back so far that only the whites can be seen, and the reaction begins...

Energy surges through the crystalline matrix, arcing from shard to shard like lightning, to converge blasting into his chest and head, and face...

OOOOOOO EEEEEEEEEH IIIIIIIIIIIIII OOOOOOOOH

... The rumbling voices of the giants can be heard singing without...

All the while the energy courses through Karazi's body... Cracking, spitting, sizzling, and burning, convulsing horribly like a marionette on strings, dancing to the Giant's saranade...

... As quickly as it began, the event ends... Dropping the Stone-Shaper to the ground like so much gravel.

Spoiler

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Karazi, congratulations. You have successfully attuned to a second Font.

[Barthac]

Taalkar stands gaping as his brother's body lurches and twists to finally be slammed into the ground.

Brother! running to the unconscious form of his brother. Breath quivers uneasily from Karazi. Alive.

Glancing around he sees the broken bottle of rum that was so carelessly tossed from his brothers hand. It seeps into the ground, What a waste Taalkar whispers. He scratches his head, thinking. Unsure of what to do next he paces for a moment before deciding on a course of action.

He stands completely still and draws in his focus. Unlike the last time, the image is summoned very quickly. This time the mote dances in a violent storm, darting and shifting almost at random. The steps may be different but the dance seems the same.

Ending after only a few moments, Taalkar shivers in the cold air as sweat pours over his body. Reaching down he grabs a thumb-sized piece of gypsum.

DOWN THE HATCH he yells to no one in particular as he swallows the hunk of stone.

[Mr. X]

For Taalkar:

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Swallowing the chunk of rock-crystal tough, and feels not unlike what you might expect swallowing a chunk of rock-crystal to feel like.

The dizzying sensation that follows, and the sudden visual experience of being suddenly able to see the energies arcing lightning-like through the massive crystal shards is, in itself, awe inspiring...

Acutely being able to feel that power amplify, before jumping the distance between the closest shard and yourself, and blasting you to the ground, is nothing short of paralyzing.

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You have successfully attuned to a second Font.

For Karazi:
You feel the air charge with power once more, and your eyes flutter open just in time to watch a bolt of energy careen from one of the massive crystal shards into your brother's chest, and send him tumbling across the floor...

... In the distance, you can hear the giant's crooning voices fading into silence...
[/SPOILER]

For Both:
As you come to, you are suddenly aware of the powerful lines of energy that connect each Source to each other, and are aware of an additional location... An island in the Lake of Clearwater.

[LordDice]

Clutching his head in pain, light so very bright to his eyes he spies his brother waking alongside him...realizing his brother probably went through the same as him...without even waiting to see if it'd work. heh, so like him.

A wave of his hand opens a small portal showing their Home font...still wincing in pain he herds Taalkar through and they quickly end up back at the Falgen font.

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More actions to come, Spontanous Casting of Node Door using the memorized Control Tempature Spell

[LordDice]

Collapsing in a heap on one of the stone benches in the large chamber he finally relaxes before speaking up."Well brother, that went nowhere near how I expected it to go... But we made it, in one piece !"

"We can rest up in here for a day or so...Might go scavenge a bit from our former town here, I'm sure some Noraten wouldn't mind donating supplies to help our cause ..heh, What do ya think ?"

[Mr. X]

Back in the Stoneshaper home, amidst the ruins of what was the Falgen stronghold, you find yourselves safe, and at peace.

The tunnels Taalkar had previously formed have long since settled themselves, leaving you sealed off from outside interference.

[Barthac]

Taalkar leans back against the stone wall and heaves a great sigh of relief. Taking a cup and watching it magically fill he asks, So..., taking a large gulp of the weak ale, now what?

[LordDice]

"Get resupplied I guess, maybe head down south. I'm sure you felt that font well to the south as well....I wonder if I should try stopping that storm, barely any chance I suspect but it does weigh on me a bit"

"First off I'm gonna sleep for a good while, Then I'm thinking we can relieve our old "friends" of some of their gold and food. Afterwards perhaps try to Shift near Clearwater's Font and I believe you mentioned the Boy King had wanted you head just south of there in the great forest for some elves or some such.... Might be worth it just to gain his favor a bit more, at least one nation might not have us arrested on sight."

[Barthac]

Aye, I still owe that boy a horse. Taalkar settles deeper against the wall, willing another cup of ale.

How is it that the only person in the world that might support us is a human child? How did it end up this way?

Taalkar sighs and leans his head back, not waiting for a reply, as a rumbling snore begins to emanate.

[LordDice]

Seeing his brother nod off to sleep he ponders his last comment a bit before shoving his pack beneath his head.

After a good nights sleep he sees his brother waiting patiently for him to wake up "Let me sleep in did ya ? 'ppreciate it, been a long few days after all"

"I guess we'll be on our way to Clearwater or thereabouts now. I'll get the spell ready"


Awhile later he coughs lightly, getting his Taalkar's attention from the Wall of Ancestors he was reading in the meantime. "Ready ?, lets head out"

Still carrying around his nice Staff he walks to a nearby section of unengraved wall, as he comes near it a light tap of his staff causes the stone to ripple like water. "After you"

[Mr. X]

Passing your hand over the wall, the stone ripples...

Granite. Igneous rock, but not volcanic... This wall was brought here by a magma flow, gods only know how long ago, and was slow cooled into the place it now sits.

Clear Water sits in the caldera of an ancient volcano... The stones there are no doubt likewise igneous, but being volcanic, are more likely to consist primarily of basalt, pumice, and obsidian... So you are fairly certain that you are in no danger of dropping directly into another nest of giants. (A ring of wizards would actually be more likely in this case, but the thought is not really any more attractive.)

The surrounding planes, Taalkar can vouch, are rolling hills, and are probably mostly sedimentary stone, though out cropping granite shelves are not wholly uncommon.

...

From the wall in Mythril Keep, you both step easily out onto the grass some five hundred miles south. The land rises gently towards the coastal rocks eastward, towards Star Spire, while the edge of the caldera surrounding Clearwater rises more sharply from the flat(er) lands to the west.

You are some distance from the city, but within easy traveling distance.

[Mr. X]

It is but a short time before you are standing atop the crest of the caldera, looking down over the city and the lake...

... They say that at the dawn of time there was a terrible war between the heavens and the hells, and that it was that war that created and shaped this earth.

At that time, the very ground you now stand upon was an immense volcanic vent... A gate into the very pit of the Hells, choking the heavens with noxious gasses, scorching the lands with floods of burning magma, and vomiting forth legions upon legions of demonic horrors to do battle with the celestial forces above...

At the whim of the hellish barons the mountain grew ever more violent, and during a great battle over its peak, it erupted with devestating force... Spewing billions of tons molten stone and ash into the heavens, strangling the skies, and scouring clean the earth... But so terrible was the explosion that the very mountain itself was undone, collapsing in upon itself into a flaming sea of fire and molten stone that yet continued to boil as the mountain attempted to rise again...

But the heavens saw their chance and took it... The floodgates of the skies were opened, pouring down their cooling waters upon fires so hot that even the ice and snows burned...

... The event marked the end of the war... So spent were either side that neither could directly effect the earthly plane any longer...

When the smoke and ash finally cleared, a great lake sat where the mountain once stood... It's pure, crystalline waters a touch of heaven upon the earth... In its middle, a jagged volcanic spire, reaching up to the sky, testament to where the hells had fought to the very last, that, yet to this day, continues to burn...

... As you stand gazing over the downward slope, the blanketed in thick white snow, over the crystalline waters, so peaceful and colored so deep blue, the barest hint of sulfur reaches your nostrils... Far below, a thin wisp of smoke curls from the peak of the island in the Lake...

The city of Clearwater huddles within the the protective embrace of the caldera, and is a busy merchant port... Or would be, outside of winter's icy grasp. Now the city sits fairly sedate. The lake has not yet frozen completely over, but no doubt the river has, thus stymying trade by sea...

... It is the island that holds your interest, however. The seat of the Wizard's Colligate, a vent into the living earth, and, if you believe the stories, a portal unto the hellish planes... A place of immense power, no matter how you look at it.

There is no question as to why the Wizards chose it to be their stronghold... The College is a secluded sanctuary, and difficult to approach at the best of times.

The common folk of the city may know more of it.

[Mr. X]

The furthest inland point reachable from the sea, the merchant wealth of Clear Water is astounding. Many a clever pauper has made his fortune here, and just as many have lost theirs. The city surrounds the lake on all sides, and is an odd mishmash of the fabulously wealthy, and the destitute. Often, you see crude lean-to's built agains the walls of exquisite manor houses who's very roofs are plated in gold leaf.

It is the Mage's Colligate, however, that is the jewel of the city.

It is well shown that a bit of magic here and there can dramatically improve one's situations, and the merchant lords of Clear Water, not overlooking this fact, have poured out funding to the wizards and sorcerers who would live, teach, and conduct their research here, and expect only modest favors in return.

As with any trade city, there is a great deal of organized crime and political corruption... Though as near all the players are themselves corrupt, this almost has a more balancing effect on the system than might otherwise be expected. Nowadays, the Magi and the City Watch possess enough power to ensure that everyone plays nice.

[LordDice]

Turning to his brother after admiring the incredible sight of the caldera "We should make our way to the city, It'll be nice to sleep in an actual bed for a change I suspect."

"Maybe we'll be able to get a message to the Wizards College about Storm headed this way, Maybe they can stop it. For all I know they'd want to study something like that...don't really know what Wizards get up to in their time here."

Walking down the small goat path towards the town he takes the time whilst traveling to knock some of the dust and dirt off of his stony hide, as they take a break for a minute he shifts his shapestone into a washing basin and with a small magical nudge a tiny fracture opens, breaching into the worlds beyond...letting pure water fill the basin.

Cleaned up without the grime his stone plated form, interlocked with his old stone armor slightly gleams of polish once more. He glances over at Sid for a second and almost asks when Sid pulses with a sharp spike of Earthen energy, as it dissipates he looks like newly polished stone.

Glancing back over afterwards the massive elemental seems to be shifting around a bit, almost as if chuckling.

Letting his brother finish cleaning up he repacks his bag a bit, the Axe he's carried along for years finds itself packed away. Shield snugly attached to his backpack, yet still within reach he grabs onto his newly formed Stone staff...admiring it's form once more and reminding himself to re-enchant it soon.

[Barthac]

Taalkar waits patiently for his brother to clean up as he stared out across the placid surface of the lake. His focus pulled by the massive tower at the center of the caldera.

You say the font is in there? Just the place I was thinking of going, a school for finger wagglers. Do you think they offer classes in dancing around fires and reading the entrails of chickens? Thinking about the question for second, he gulps, They probably do, don't they. A school of magic. This was clearly not somewhere he would choose to go on vacation.

Shouldering his pack, he diligently follow his brother, trying hard to keep his head low.

[Mr. X]

Working your way down the inner slope of the caldera, it is not long before you are trudging through the streets of the city's outskirts.

The people you encounter are not welcoming.

At the sight of you many look sharply away, and hurry past on their way, or duck into houses and shut the doors. Others are content to gawk openly at you, and mutter slurred insults or even shout at you incoherently...

... The degree of poverty in this area is crushing... And by their vacant gazes and indirect ramblings, you would wager that a good number of the population are already well into their cups (and handling themselves poorly), or else under the effects of some drug of substance... Even the stock houses of Black Harbour offered finer living and a cleaner populace than this squalor...

...

...

Further on you make your way into a somewhat finer area of town, though you are not welcomed any more warmly... Everywhere you go, conversations stop, and people stare. Even by those obviously trying not to be impolite about it.

Periodically, you'll see a Watch patrolman catch sight of you, and all but turn tail and run...

... The reasoning for this becomes quickly apparent, as you round a corner, and are suddenly met by a column of no less than twenty fully armed and armored Watchmen...

The street quickly clears, as their captain strides forward.

"Greetings sirs." he hesitates for a moment, clearly not as certain of himself as he would like to be.

"Would you please present to me your Letters of Introduction from the College?"

[Mr. X]

For Taalkar:

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The Watchmen before you are standing in formation, and not [yet] openly hostile.

Still, as you glance around, you notice a number of crossbowmen surreptitiously taking up positions on the rooftops on either side of the street, while a somewhat conspicuous cart sits near the mouth of the street.

They're hemming you in.

Poor fools have no idea what they're up against.

You've battled Giants and survived, brought down the Worm, and slaughtered the Blighted Goblins, the undead, and the soldiers of Great Gate by the dozens.

If they try something, they won't even know what hit them.

You almost hope they do.

For Karazi:

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While the Watchmen are holding their formation, it is clear that tensions are high. In a city like this, you have little doubt that they have been called upon to deal with an out of control wizard or two, and are aware of what can happen if such people decide they do not wish to cooperate.

So it is, that you note the crossbowmen quietly moving into positions on the rooftops around you, and the presence of a cart that could easily block the path of your retreat.

As to the letter the captain requests, you can only guess. Perhaps the laws here require wizards to be sanctioned by the College?

[LordDice]

"Oh Letter Right Right" Glancing over at his brother for a second he sends a quick thought over their connection "I probably should have known about that huh"

Shrugging his shoulders a bit he looks back at the Captain "We do not actually have an introduction, My brother and I were up in the northern reaches but a day ago. A massively overcharged Storm seems to be headed this way, possibly still drawing power. We thought perhaps we could get some assistance in stopping it before it reaches this place."

"Would it be better if we waited outside town for a representative ?"

Spoiler: OOC

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I took ranks in Diplomacy for things like this ! (1d20+3)[21]

[Barthac]

Taalkar tries his best to look mean. (Not really that hard for a battle hardened, one-eyed dwarf carrying an 8 foot axe.)

Purposefully and obviously glancing up at the crossbowman taking up positions on the roof, letting everyone know he knows they are there.

That done he leans back on his heels, trying to exude a calm confidence that nothing here is a threat.

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No diplomacy here... I took intimidate!

[Mr. X]

The man blinks, muttering to himself, as he all but gawks at the statuesque stone features of your face, and the chiseled stones sliding over each other as you speak.

"Only a day... Only the Planesmage can..."

He catches himself, and clears his throat.

"Ahm, excuse me. Leaving the city shall not be necessary. Rather, I would ask that allow us to escort you to the Watchhouse, where we can get your situation sorted."

[LordDice]

"That would be perfectly acceptable, I realize dropping by uninvited like this can cause some confusion"

Glancing over at Taalkar looking about as mean as can be he says in a somewhat hushed voice "Let's not go scarin folks for no good reason, there's always enough troubles to be had without new ones"

Turning back to the Guard he comments "Sorry bout that, it's just...well, nobody likes being surrounded like that. Surely you understand it'll set some on edge"

[Mr. X]

The captain frowns, but nods, and turns back down the street, gesturing for you to follow him.

The column parts as you pass through it, the guards all watching you closely, and they fall into a protective formation around you, as you proceed through the city.

From the corner of your eye, you catch a shock of red hair disappearing down an alleyway.

-----

The walk to the Watch House is not far, and once you arrive, you are led into a receiving area.

"We'll need to take your names and statements for the record."

His eyes slide over Taalkar's axe.

"We must also require that you check your weapons into the armory."

[LordDice]

"Paperwork...always with the paperwork. I'm Karazi, He's Taalkar...the big guy in the back is Sid in a hushed voice try not to say anything about his size, he's gained a few recently...havn't the heart to tell him"

Clearing his through a bit he continues "As for some report..I'm not sure I know what you mean. There's a Big ol' Storm up north, from what I've been able to gather it's headed this way.. I mean ye no disrespect Guardsman, but I doubt paperwork'll be protecting you and yours from the coming storm"

Glancing at his staff "I JUST made this, are you kidding ? Sure you could take it....but I can literally make another one afterwards. Do you have any idea how tricky this kind of inlay is ? Frankly I'm not even sure you'll be able to touch my Brother's axe there, that thing is always sparking, I swear one night it woke me up when I rolled too close...gave me quite the shock !"

"But to be honest, I'd really rather not disarm. We're not here for trouble, but frankly it's got a way of finding us...Especially him. "

[Mr. X]

The captain frowns darkly at you.

"I am afraid I must insist. Such are the strictures of the City... So please, allow me to make one thing perfectly clear. You are not going to enter this Watch House, nor will you be allowed to move freely about my city while you are armed for war."

He gives a disgusted look at Karazi's stony exterior.

"Your personal afflictions, and supernatural talents, I cannot relieve you of... But if you wish to be viewed as law abiding visitors to this city, and not common criminals, I suggest you acquiesce to the lawfully made requests placed upon you."

[LordDice]

Turning to Taalkar before commenting under his breath "Bah, why don't we just come back after the storm...might kill off enough of these surface dwellers the rest'll be more reasonable"


Turning back to the captain he tries a diffrent tack "Bah, now you've soured my mood. I've no desire to be breakin your laws, but less to be leavin our armaments in your hands. Is it just the disarming part we're in violation of ?...Why don't we just come back in a day or so. Leave the weapons at home so to speak, Clearly under your watch we'll not be needing such here."

"Aye, just escort us from the city I suppose. Would you prefer us to come back in the way we did, or just come directly to this Watch House of yours."

[Barthac]

Taalkar rolls his eyes.

Sparky will be just fine here, laying his very large axe on the table he looks up at the man with a smile, I could take them all with my cup, if I had to, anyway. He smiles and laughs. Pulling out his cup, mostly for effect, he wills it full of ale and throws it back in one large gulp.

Or did ya want me cup, too?

[LordDice]

"Bah, whatever. You pick the oddest times to be reasonable Brother."


Tossing his staff over to a nearby guardsman "Try not to lose it"

[Barthac]

Taalkar shrugs... I still got me cup!

[Mr. X]

The Captain seems about to respond, but stops himself, and re-establishes his composure.

"Thank you. If you would follow me please."

He leads you into a back room, windowless, and bare but for a table and four chairs, and offers you a seat.

"A messenger shall be sent on your behalf, and no doubt a representative from the College shall arrive in due course."

He gives a disapproving look at Taalkar's tankard.

"I would offer you something to drink, but it appears that you have brought your own. Now, if you would excuse me, I have other work that needs doing."

So saying, he turns to leave.

Spoiler

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You are free to act.

If you would like a bit more information on the Watchhouse you just moved through, and the room you are in, you may make a Spot Check.

[LordDice]

Glancing around the room a bit he slumps down into one of the chairs. "Bah, waiting....I don't see why we can't just go up there and talk to someone"

Pulling a couple Rations out of his pack he tosses one to his brother, looking around the room while as he gnaws on it.

Spoiler: OOC

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Spot (1d20+9)[23]
Sid's Spot (1d20+10)[12]