Shadows of the Past IC 10

[Niwrad]

Upon hearing Griswold's offer to give him the tour, Archadious smiles and nods his head in eager affirmation.

Certainly, I would love a tour of the Academy. It has been a long time since I have been in a place like this with so many students and teachers of the arcane.

Lead the way.

The elf follows the abjuration master down the hall and into the Hall of the Masters. He continues to follow the man to each painting, marveling at the detail in each image and mentally keeping track of which master was which.

At the painting of Master Falanae, Archadious nods at his mention of good necromancers and he thinks back to Meic.

A friend of mine was actually a necromancy specialist, but he used the school's magic only for good. He even hated undead. Personally though, I know little about that particular field of magic, although, I have seen its effects, both beneficial and harmful.

Upon hearing Griswold's multiple references to Conner, the elf can't help but bring him up.

Sounds to me as if many of the mages here are not all that fond of the Grand Inquisitor. Quite understandable though. He seems to be quite openly hostile towards us mages.

Later, at the painting of the transmutation Master, Archadious raises an eye at his slight pause.

If you do not mind me asking, who was the former head of Transmutation here? And for what reason did he leave the Academy?

Finally, at the portrait of the original founder of the Academy, Archadious's blood turns to ice. He stares up at the painting of Head of the Ward with a mix of fear and cold hatred.
The painting itself was unnerving, almost as if Vatalis himself was there in front of him.
But to think that he had been a founder of the Academy many centuries ago. Vatalis must be many centuries old at least. Curious as to what this evil elf had done to found the Academy, and why he left, the elf inquires further on the matter.

Vatalis... The founder of Runestone Academy. What happened to him? Why was he exiled and what happened to him afterwards?

[Frendle]

Tonel bows deeply his face serious, his usual smile notably, but respectfully, absent. “My name is Tonel Carth Great Padishah, A servant of Lord Paulkon the Wind Archer.”

“No your Highness, Zyanya lives yet. We were unable to defeat her, but Lysa offered her most precious possession, her voice, to buy our lives and your daughter’s freedom. It was bravely done.” Tonel bows solemnly to Lysa the memory of his own failure fresh in his mind.

[AlanBruce]

@Archaidous: Griswold points at Mistress Alinda's portrait.

"That is precisely what Mistress Falane's perception on necromancy is, Archaidous. Granted, she has taken certain measures to… extend her lifespan and to ensure her knowledge is passed down accurately. As a Jasite, she firmly believes that Necromancy is perhaps the most misunderstood School of Magic there is. therefore, she has taken to a defiant pose in this portrait- 'accept me, she seems to say. This magic exists and it isn't going anywhere."

Upon mention of Connor and the fact many mages dislike him, Griswold nods.

"Can you blame them? Before Connor took the seat of power, we mages at Runestone had actual work beyond these walls. We weren;'t raining death and destruction from above, as he would like the populace to believe. We are the architects. Engineers. Inventors. Making life in a very crowded city that more easy for the every day citizen. The sheer amount of good we could work in Halmathan were we allowed to practice our craft without heavy taxation or the threat of incarceration is, as you most likely know, overtly bountiful. Yet, those that graduate find themselves oppressed. Feared. Hated. And so, many decide to either stay and pursue a career in teaching, or leave the city altogether, sailing or trekking to faraway lands to live as an adventurer, I would surmise."

Upon Griswold's passing mention of the former Transmutation Master at Runestone, the old abjurer goes silent.

"It is true that magic can serve a beneficial purpose, Archaidous. However, some would use the knowledge gained from these arduous practices and teachings for personal use. And most of the time, the results can be catastrophic. His name was Aloyshus Cutter, or Doctor Cutter, as he referred to himself during his descent to madness. We found what he was doing to his subjects. The city was in an uproar. Had the King himself preside the hearings. Over two hundred cases. In the end, he was banished. Exiled from the city. Nobody has heard of him since."

And then, you stare at the Founder of the very school you are going to apply.

Valtalis, Master of the Ward and arquitect himself of much grief to you and your comrades over the last few months.

"This is a sad tale, Archaidous. Grand Archmage Naruil, along with the original heads of Church in Halmathan were the ones who stopped Alubastac's reign of terror. It was only a few years afterwards, when Runestone had been founded by him and his apprentices-m wizards who would take the mantle and continue his work- that his true nature was discovered- Master Valatalis was a wizard and a sorcerer. At the time, the idea of a sorcerer leading the arcane was an insult. Unthinkable. And so, the very same group of disciples he had amassed over the years, kicked him out. Grand Archmage was booted from the City and he was never heard or seen again. Of course. That was over five hundred years ago. Even as an elf, nobody lives that long. A few centuries later, with the appearance of new forms of magic and a less fundamentalist approach, we have vindicated his name as rightful Founder."



@Tonel: The Great Padishah looks at you and at your armored body and bow.

"How can you swim with that on? And wind? I fear you won't find much wind here. We do have currents- a lot of those."

Bhadriya crosses her arms and rolls her eyes.

"Dad…"

The Padishah nods.

"Of course! I was just making conversation with those who saved my daughter! As a worried father, I have the right to know. Speaking of which… what would you like, Tonel Carth? You risked your life to safe my daughter. You three did."

"Five dad. There were five."

"Where are the other two? Are they even smaller?"

Bhadriya swims towards the padisha;'s shoulder and sits on it as he whispers to his massive ear.

"Oh! Oh… I see. Very well. Ahem! Silence in my court! Here we have the saviors of my two hundredth and sixtieth daughter, Princess Bhadriya, my tiniest pearl, who suffered under the claws of that monster Zyanya. I ask you, brave, little heroes- what would you like?"

[Niwrad]

Archadious listens to Griswolds description of Vatalis and is left confused and curious. This legendary elf, who had been instrumental in sealing Alubastac, and who had founded one of the greatest schools of arcane knowledge in the World, he sounded nothing like the Vatalis who had founded the Ward, sent assassins everywhere, performed vile magic, and kidnapped Alynnis.

Somehow, over the course of the past several hundred years, he had changed significantly.

He considers telling the old abjurer about recent encounters with the elf, but decided not to lest he antagonize and anger the man.

Making a mental note to perform further research on the topic of the founding of Hamalthan and of the Academy, Archadious turns back to Griswold.

Fascinating. I would love to do some further research on the subject of the history and founding of the Academy and Hamlthan at some point in the future. I imagine this school has a large collection of tomes and books?

Anyways, please continue with the tour

[Business Scrub]

"And I am Ke'era Tiwele, of the Vinessian empire." Ke'era says proudly as they introduce themselves.
"Apologies for remaining silent before; I wasn't aware it was so difficult for land dwelling races to speak in water."
Again she nods politely before the gargantuan Marid.

"Seeing Bhadriya contentedly at home is all the the reward I need. No family should be divided, especially at the hands of that creature."

There's a bit of pause as Ke'era thinks.
"Actually... There is one thing. I used to be a merfolk. Over my friend's and my journey through the Ossian Way, I... Died, and was brought back into this body. I don't know if there exists a magic that can return me to my former self, but I have to ask."

[AlanBruce]

@Ke'era: The Great Padishah listens to your words and goes silent.


"Vinessia… why does that name sound familiar?"

A tall marid male, dressed in white tunics which flow underwater steps forth.

"Your Greatness, Vinessia is home to Sapient Soya, a merfolk. We had dealings with the Vinessians for awhile before the attacks from Zyanya began, but they are a noble kingdom and if I recall correctly, not one of halflings…"

The Padishah looks at you and raises an eyebrow.

"So why do you say you're from Vinessia when you are a halfling? Bhadriya! Did you bring a liar to my court?"

Princess Bhadriya gulps.

"Uh… magic?"

@Archaidous: With a lot more questions burning in your mind, you follow Griswold outside the Room of Masters and ask about any tomes found in Runestone.

"We have many tomes. Much hidden lore. However, we donated a bunch of them to the Halmathan Royal Library, where one of our former diviners, Loremaster Griselda, presides under direct Royal permit. Connor wanted the books confiscated, but she waved that permit in the same manner as he. It's a stalemate, and a sour one at that, but Griselda will lend you any books you desire on whatever tiopic you might be interested in. Including Halmathan's History."

Griswold then takes you back outside as a very pretty human lady with long blonde hair and a very expensive tunic walks up to him.

"Mister Griswold! Mister Griswold! Could I, perchance… have the homework delivered… next week?"

The old abjurer shuts his eyes and smiles.

"Miss Mary Skylarios, could you perchance try not to use a Suggestion spell on me? Need I remind you that using magic outside of class and to a teacher without their explicit permission is a huge offense to the School. I will let i slide and I want that treaty on my desk. By noon tomorrow."

Mary looks at him and pouts.

"You know my father donates a lot of money to this school…just saying."

And so, mary Skylarios walks away as Griswold shakes his head.

"Young royals and their air of superiority. As you may have noticed, Runestone, like any other school, is divided- unfortunately- into cliques. I believe that's the name. For instance, Miss Skylarios is Mistres Falast's top student in the arts of enchantment. Many in her group are highly charismatic individuals who have, sadly, used their spells on young teachers in the past to get away with idle tasks- like homework."

Griswold points to several three story buildings scattered around campus.

"The student's living quarters. If you decide to enroll at Runestone, you will be given a room and a roommate, although I suspect, given who you travel with and where you were prior to arriving here that freshman accomodations would be…subpar. We can petition a special dispensation for you to commute."

Griswold then points at a group of drak haired mages, hiding under a tree and chatting to themselves. Particularly a girl with tattooed arms and face, and a black mohawk with pink highlights.

"The necromancers- or potential necromancers, should they graduate. That curious looking lady is Miss Stella Castaferni, youngest daughter of the Castaferni family. She is Mistress Falanae's top student and has quite the dark sense of humor."

A huge explosion causes the studnets to cover their ears as Griswold points towards the end of campus as smoke rises.

"And there go the evokers. Actually, we have quite a handful of warmages here as well. Headmaster Caliss takes a more hands on approach, and teaches them directly. Try not to cross their training ground. they tend to shoot first, ask questions later. More than a few curious freshmen have had to be taken to the infirmary."

Griswold then stops at what looks like a marvelous if short and legthy stone temple with a pair of glass doors.

"The Airdan Mess Hall, donated by the King himself. We have some of the best chefs in the city working here to make the best nutritious dishes for our students, focusing on brain food."

Then Griswold points at a flock of students in the air.

"Brian Fallendale, Ydalff's top student in the transmutation arts. These guys love to keep flying all day long. have had to dispel a few who passed the campus walls on several occasions. The last thing we want is Connor's Eyes in the Skies to have the perfect reason to shut down the school."

Griswold then invites you back in and walks with you to the Bursar's Office, where an old gnome and a Cuthbertine agent meet both.

"Master Sinio, this is Archaidous Mithmironel, a conjurer specialist. He would like to apply to Runestone. I believe you can take it from here? I must teach class now, Archaidous. let me know if you need anything."

Griswold leaves the office as the Cuthbertine agent walks and stands a few feet behind you, his breathing audible.

Master Sinio goes through a stack of paperwork.

"So you want to enroll here? Very well. You need to fill this application and make a three hundred and seventy five gold deposit now. Bring me your evaluation on the morrow, at sunrise."

Sinio mechanically reaches for a stack of papers and hands you a form.

Spoiler: Runestone's Admissions Form

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Name:

Race:

Gender:

Age:

Are you an arcanist? if so, what kind?

Do you specialize in any School of Magic? if so, what schools are opposed to you?

Are you a Halmathan Citizen? (If you aren't, do not fill this)

If you aren't from Halmathan, please specify where were you born and where you are currently living within the city:

Have you had formal training at any other Academy? If so, who did you mentor under?

Write a short essay detailing how you came to know of Runestone Academy and why you would want to enroll here:

What are your long term plans as an arcanist?

What is your view regarding other career paths when compared to an arcanist (a fighter, a bard, or rogue)?

Have you had previous adventuring experience? If so, please detail as much as possible the one experience that left the most lasting impression on you:

At what level of expertise would you consider yourself to be in your chosen field of magic?

You read through the questions as the Cuthbertine agent opens the door for you.

"That will be all. Thank you."

[AlanBruce]

@Ke'era: The Great and Powerful Padishah listens to your tale and then looks at Bhadriya.

"Are her words true?"

The marid nods.

"They aren't liars, dad. They sacrificed a lot to get me here."

The mighty marid looks at you and leans back in his pearl throne as the other marids watch in silence.

"A mermaid from Vinessia…"

That's when you feel something inside of you change as your body begins to grow and adjust to your clothes, as well as having your little halfling hands grow and become a lot more delicate and acquire a sea green color- a very familiar one.

"… who died, and was later brought back in another form…"

Then you watch your legs stick together as your feet transmute to a marvelous golden tipped fish tail- your own.

"… that is something I can do."

Bhadriya swims towards you, now at your own height and hands you a mirror.

It's you, Ke'era Tiwele, heiress to the Vinessian Empire, noble merfolk.

"Is that who you were before I met you?"

The padisha looks at the other two.

"Ke'era may return to her homeland with pride. No longer a halfling, a true representative of her people. But are any of you suffering from the same ailment?"

[Chimaera]

"Not the same ailment, but something similar... I was the right heir to my kingdom but my sister planned a way for me to leave my personal guards and tried to assassinate me. She did failed on killing me, but the pixies have some memory erasing special arrows. My kingdom is a hidden one: a bubble kingdom of some sort. Ancestral fey magic makes it impossible to reach it if dont know the way. She erased me the way to go back home and even my own name...", she takes a pause in the tale.

" I was taken care by gnomes and now carry their name: Silentwhisper, but in fact I dont know my name. If you could restore me the memories that were taken away from me I would be very thankful".

[Niwrad]

Archadious nods upon hearing about the Loremaster and makes a mental note to see her afterwards.

Sir, you have described much about freshmen curriculum and activities. I am curious though, are there students here who work on a more advanced level? Perhaps in more specialized areas or talent sets?

What does this school have to offer for those seeking far more advanced training?
You mentioned that the Arcane Order exists here, but how do I find them?

Spoiler

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Basically a wizard college it seems.

But are there graduate level equivalent studies?

Once they reach the end of the tour.

Thank you Master Griswold for introducing me to the Academy and giving me the tour. I hope to see you around.

Archadious says to the abjurations Master as he departs.

Then, the elf turns to Master Sinio.

Thank you Master Sinio for... the paperwork. I shall have these completed by to return morning and return them to you.

Also, Master Griswold mentioned that I could petition to live off campus. As... entertaining as I can imagine freshmen living quarters must be, I already have a nice temporary set of living quarters at the Royal Mare.

Finally, could you please direct me to where I can find the library and Loremaster Griselda?

[AlanBruce]

@Lysa: The Padishah listens to your tale and rubs his blue chin in thought.

"Ancient fey magic, you say? Memory arrows…"

The Padisha leans over and places his gigantic index and thumb against your forehad as he tugs away for a few minutes.

The pain is unbearable as you feel something being taken out of your frontal lobe.

The Great Padishah sits back on his pearl throne, clearly exhausted as a single black arrow with a tangled rose vine is held between his giant fingers.

Then, your mind clears and you can see your home. the streets. The way…

But nothing else.

"Your people's magic is strong. I have not been able to restore all your memories, but at least now you know where to go. What you do once you get there, is up to you."

@Archaidous: Griswold looks at you and then at the tall tower.

"Ah, you wish to know about our higher level studies. Those, Archaidous, will be revealed to you upon examination of your admission's sheet. The Faculty will have to review your admission and then we shall put it up to vote. You already have mine, and most likely that of Mistress Lidenbrook, but the others will have to get a say on this as well."

Once seated with Sinio and him handing you the questionnaire, you mention that you already have a place to live and whether you could commute, as Griswold had suggested.

The Cuthbertine agent clears his throat as Sinio sighs.

"Runestone can petition as specil dispensation. You must understand, mages enrolled here are to stay here. All the time, but if we go through the right legal channels, I don't see why you could not be made an exception. As for the Halmathan Royal Library, that is in downtown Halmathan. You need to take a carriage down Arling Road and then turn east, about sixty blocks or so, past the Royal Park."

[Niwrad]

Finished with the tour of the grounds, the enrollment papers in hand, and alone, the elf decided to take advantage of the peace and quiet and cast his several prepared sending spells.

Moving to a somewhat more quiet location on the campus grounds, the elf sits down and begins to cast.

First, he sends to Lady Choralis, filling her in on what happened and that the Shark had revealed her earlier ruse to Matlal.

Spoiler: to Choralis

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Made it to Hamalthan. Daphne and Callista in Vinessia. Shark knows you tricked Matlal. Be careful.

Second, he recalls Ravenna, the mysterious woman who he had met in the dreamscape, and had passed on the cryptic message to him through Timothy.

Spoiler: to Ravenna

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Have questions. Need to speak to you. Are you the Sharks captive? Can we meet in the dreamscape?

Finally, not wanting to walk sixty blocks, he decides to send to Sergio, asking him to come and take him to the downtown districts.

Spoiler: to Sergio

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This is Archadious. Hope you are doing better. Any chance you can come get me at the Academy?

[Frendle]

Tonel thinks on the events of the day, and the past months. Realizing that for the foreseeable future his new friends are in truth his new family. Mindful of Alex’s last words, and his own words accepting this responsibility.

Tonel bows deeply to the titanic Madrid, “Great Padishah, I have thought on your offer and at first I was inclined to say that your gratitude is sufficient reward, but I then thought of the one who cannot be here. As I believe Princess Bhadriya has made you aware one of our company has remained on the prime material to begin his studies at an academy of magic. However, the fifth cannot be here because he was killed in the battle. I was with him when he died, I believe in part it is my fault he was killed. My tactics in the battle might have been more wisely considered.”

Tonel fights to maintain his emotions and just manages to do so, “His last words to me were to charge me to protect the others,” Tonel indicates his friends with a gesture, “and this I swore to do, in his name.” Tonel bows a bit deeper, “If I were to ask for anything, I would ask for something to help me do this.”

“I know not what to ask for as I feel deficient in many ways to fill the role Alex, he who passed, played in our company. Perhaps you can belter determine that than I.”

[AlanBruce]

@Jak: It has been a few months since your arrival to the City of Power, Halmathan…

From the beginning, antagonism towards you had been fierce, you had to pay some coin to get smuggled in as a freak show, in order to prevent you imminent death. This city is completely intolerant of your kind. But who could blame them? The popuklace is half your height, or smaller. Most of the people here are humans, and you know damn well what humans are capable of doing when they see something they don't like.

Add to it the ruler of this city, the zealous Connor, who preaches citizen safety from high above the skies, as his face and vpoice booms through the floating mechanisms that spew black smoke into the clean sky.

Thankfully, you are nowhere near that man nor any of his zealous supporters.

For that matter, one could argue you aren't even in the city itself.

You have found refuge from ignorant and intolerant massess amongs one of the oldest and most ruined districts in Halmathan, Mercy's Abandon.

Those who have taken you in- outcasts, poor folk, and renegades, have told you the story about The Mercy, as it is colloquially known.

It wasn't always streets lined with derelict and burnt buildings, now blackened by an old fire. The Mercy was once known as St. Mary's Path of Pious Mercy, and it sponsored one of the biggest homes for homeless children in the city, paid in full by the church of Pelor. It was said that the King himself- because there was a king before Connor- used to ride through St. Mary's almost daily, making huge donations and meeting with the people to address public concerns.

That was, of course, until the fire.

Nobody knows how the fire began, but it is known it was began in the Orphanage. The fire spread wildly and burned down countless places of business and homes. Those who didn't die, fled. Those who didn't die or flee, chose to stay, having no money of their own to restart a new life.

And so, those who remained, formed their own businesses. Away from the prying eyes of the law. The place was renamed The Mercy by the locals and although one would argue that it is the poorest part of the city, tales speak of many groups meeting exclusively here to conduct businesses otherwise impossible to do in the city proper, which leads to several factions and unofficial barons having and exhorbitant amount of power here.

Not that Connor would care. The City Guard does not venture to The Mercy. The entrance to the distrcit is, as far as you've heard, being walled up, something the locals protested harshly. It wasn't until the intervention of The Church of Pelor and Ehlonna that the wall construction was partially stopped, adding to a more derelict image to the already run down district.

However, as bleak as it may seem, the people in The Mercy thrive. Communities exist here. Food is to be had- not the finest, but smoked rat and spices do grow up on you after awhile, with a tall glass of pumpkin juice, all for a copper.

The Bitter Coffee, one of the oldest pubs in The Mercy, has opened their doors far and wide to you. A myriad of people from all races and walks of life flock to the Bitter Coffee every night, where Kyle, one of the first humans that offered you a hand, is always writing up speeches to rally the people of the Mercy in an eventual march against Connor…

This march has yet to manifest.

Druids from the Royal Park flock here all the time. None care about Connor's laws regarding magic outside their hallowed grounds. Be it as a hawk, a rat, or a bat, you always find these druids savoring a good old cup of coffee as they join in with their own ideas- many which include bears and claws and Connor's throat.

However, not all are sour and embittered, you have met some genuinely good folk.

Nana Rose, is a fine example. An elderly woman who cooks every week to the people in the Mercy. Nana, as she likes to be called, is a human, but none in the Mercy recall seeing her living in this district. Chances are, Nana is in fact one of the few good people beyond the wall who actually has a heart.

And then, the heavy rain came. And with it, the monsters, who leapt around the buildings and claimed many a life.

Kyle and you and a large group of poorfolk fought valiantly and although the losses were there, the monsters vanished eventually, just as quicjk as they came, as if the ater istelf swooped them off their feet.

And then, on cue, The Eyes in the Sky regarded this as a terrorist attack and that the culp[rits were already being in the process of being apprehended.

Nana, with her slow gait, walks up to you as the sky clears and looks at the giant blimp above as she grimaces.

"A terrorist attack, huh? And who will that gracious idiot blame this time?"

[Batpope Scott]

Jak looks around at the men who he'd fought beside only moments prior, feeling the weight of his armor on his shoulders. He closes his eyes to let himself breathe, finally able to relax, before sighing at Nana's question. He starts slowly, the fatigue creeping into his voice. "If we know Connor, he's going to blame someone innocent. But will it be druids or wizards today?"

A question comes to mind, infinitely more important than his last, and he pursues the line of thought a little more swiftly. "Have we gathered the wounded? Let Connor's laws be damned, these people shouldn't die because the guard won't help us."

[AlanBruce]

@Tonel: The Great Padishah listens to your tale and goes in thought as Bhadriya sits on his gigantic shoulder.

"So you swore to protect your friends… that was his last request? And you are an archer…"

"He's also a priest, dad. A priest of Phaulkon."

The titanic marid leans forward as he looks at you and places his index on your forehead, which covers your entire head and most of your body.

"I don't have use for priests. Marids use the power of the Elemental Plane of Water to perform acts that other races may find as miraculous. But I have met priests here. Those who plane hop, like yourself, and they have demonstrated a huge amount of wisdom. Perhaps this will allow you to protect the friends you care so much about."

As the Padishah speaks, you feel a stinging pain in your mind, followed by the sound of a flood within, as walls are battered down and the water in your mind rises and becomes clean as the sun shines above it, giving you a much clearer view.

Spoiler: The Padisha's Gift

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+4 Inherent bonus to wisdom

Then, the Padishah takes your bow in one might hand and blows a gout of cold water on it as this one freezes and then cracks, revealing sea motifs.

"Yet what good is a priest without a weapon that would better help his comrades? You favor bows? I used to wield harpoons. I think they are the same."

Spoiler: Tonel's Bow

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Icy Burst

And so, the mighty Padishah sits back on his pearl throne, exhausted.

"Now, we are even. You are welcome to the pearl City and you have my gratitude for bringing back my daughter. Abdul Bari?"

The marid wearing a white tunic bows and opens a portal made of water showing Halmathan.

"This will take you back home. I hope you do not have to face Zyanya again, but if you do, I trust you will have trained a lot more to give her a run for her money. So long."

@Archaidous: You walk around the campus grounds and decide to check in on your allies, staring with Choralis.

She was here. Not but an hour ago. Didn't go too well, but I'm alive, so there's that.

Then, you contact ravenna, who takes her time to respond.

I have no more answers to give. I am being watched. The answers to yoru questions may be found in the City. Look for the Savant.

Finally, you contact Sergio, who responds cheerfully.

You are safe, Mister Mithmironel! Runestone? Give me ten...

You ask to wait outside, since chanes are Sergio won't be even alloowed to enter the Academy and sure enough, your trusty coachman shows up with a barbnd new carriage.

"The company understands that it wasn't your fault, sir. please, step right up. We should be at the Library soon enough."

Sergio takes you through the streets of Halmathan as the populace, still shaken, ask the City Guard about what happened.

You can only guess the guards are as confused as the citizens.

Then, just as you cross Glenndale Park, Sergio is stopped by a city guard as a multitude of druids and soldiers have cramped at the gates.

You can see Captain Wulfur standing next to a cuthbertine inquisitor with slick black hair and a smug smile on his face as he holds a pair of manacles in his hand.

The druids are in a riuot as the City Guard uses tower shields to repel them.

Sergio looks at the guard.

"Just passing through, officer! We have no business here."

The guard looks at you and then at Sergio.

"Not right now. Take a detour or wait until we are done here."

[AlanBruce]

@Jak: Nan looks up at your imposing frame as the rest gather the fallen and a weary old priest performs last rites.

"What will you do, Jak? Will you stay here in the Mercy, assisting the old priest, or will you take to the streets beyond the Grand Wall and tell him what's up?"

[Niwrad]

Left with Ravennas even further cryptic advice from the strange woman, the elf ponders her words, and what they could mean in the grand scheme of things.
Arrallae had mentioned a Conjucnction, and a Temple of some sort in Hamalthan. And now Ravenna had told him to seek out the Savant to find the Truth.
Perhaps his research at the library might reveal and answer or two.

Later though, when stopped by the Park, he looks out the window of the carriage.

Somewhat curious as to the presence of the Cuthbertine with the manacles, Archadious steps out of the vehicle and addresses the Captain.

It seems we meet again Captain Wulfur. What is going here? Seems as if this is beyond the normal Druid protests.

[Business Scrub]

Ke'era looks with wonder as her old body is returned to her. Such relief floods her that she is rendered nearly speechless: she had been starting to worry she was doomed as a halfling for the rest of her life.
She swims in an experimental circle, overjoyed to be a merfolk once again.

"Thank you Great Padishah. Returning home is possible once again.

Yes Bhadriya, this truly is who I am, once again."

Smiling, she watches as the others receive their boons, eventually swimming towards the portal.

"Thank you again. Bhadriya, perhaps we will get to meet again soon."

[Batpope Scott]

The old woman's words have Jak struck wordless. What will he do? This has gone on too long, certainly, and Connor is no true ruler but...

No, Nana's right. No excuses can be had.

"And to think I used to lead my people. Thank you, Nana, your wisdom is as boundless as ever." Then, more to himself than the crowd, he loudly proclaims "There was a time when mighty warriors feared the name Jak Ironfist, Knight of the Downtrodden, but I have sat idly for too long. I have long proclaimed myself a Champion of Outcasts and now I will live up to my boasting. Something must be done."

He begins to walk towards the wall, rolling his arms to stretch. He wishes no harm upon the guards, but the same could not be said the other way; these guards would have his head for being the son of an ogre.

Now, how does one convince a despot to have a change of heart?

[AlanBruce]

@Archaidous: You step out of the vehicle as Sergio tries to stop you and address Wulfur, who turns around to see you.

"Archaidous! How are you? I hope you and the others are fine… this is no normal protest, no."

The Cuthbertine looks at you and raises an eyebrow as he holds the manacles.

"Captain Wulfur! We are not here to make idle chat!"

The Cuthbertine steps up, protected by a phalanx of guards and yells at the top of his lungs.

"Lady Silvarel of the Resting Meadows! By orders of His Grace, and the City of Halmathan, we are placing you under arrest for the attack on the City!"

The druids go in an uproar as many change to black bears and the guards shudder as they form a phalanx around the cuthbertine who looks at them.

"The fact your minions would behave in this way bodes ill for your trial, Lady Silvarel! I suggest you come out peacefully. I have been allowed by His Grace to use violence if needed!"

Wulfur shakes his head as the smug scrawny inquisitor orders his men to huddle closer, lest he be attacked.

Then, the Head priestess of Ehlonna walks into view as the druids stay quiet.

She is a grugach, a wood elf, but where others you have seen are violent and dirty, Lady Silvarel composes herself rather well, with raven hair and a crown of leaves, along with a white tunic and a staff made of birch wood.

She almost looks as graceful as Arralale herself.

Silvarel looks at the druids and raises her hands.

"We must trust in the city, children! This is a mistake, and I will prove all of you are innocent. Captain Wuklfur, it is a pleasure to see you again."

then she turns at the inquisitor and smiles diplomatically.

"You are Inquisitor Dalpinian? Connor's protege? A pleasure."

Dalpinian orders his men to move aside as he approaches Silvarel.

"You are under arrest, and by Law, you must be manacled!"

Wulfur steps in front of Dalpinian, his frame towering over the inquisitor.

"She does not require manacles. I am the captain of the City Guard and I decide if someone is dangerous or not, am I clear?"

Dalpinian looks up at the half orc and steps back as Wulfure walks Silvarel to a black carriage with the emblem of the Cudgel on it.

"Please watch your head, my lady."

the druids threaten to riot as the carriage drives away, heavily escorted.

Dalpinian looks at all of them and orders the guards to push them back into the park using the twoer shields.

"Enjoy your park while it lasts, you alwless savages! Fetch me my carriage."

[Chimaera]

"Thank you very much, Great Padisha. If you ever need something from the Prime just send for us", she bows respectfully to him and then look at Bhadryia, "It's was a pleasure meeting you, sadly not the better way to meet someone... But I'm glad we managed to help you. Take care, Lady Bhadryia".

She then moves toward the portal and look at the other companions, "Let's get back to Hamalthan!"

She smiles and move gracefully, but in fact her mind was in pain.
So much memories... Of course she asked for it (literraly), but she didnt know it would be so painful to remember some bitterful things.

[Niwrad]

Archadious stands nearby, but far enough away to avoid the violence, my wanting to be caught using magic in front of the guard after all.

But when the Cuthbertine announces the reason for the arrest, Archadious cannot help but feel further angered by the zealous Inquisitor.
It seemed Conner was blaming the recent attack by Zyanya on the Druids.

He addresses both Wulfur and the Inquisitir, hoping for an answer of some sort.

I am somewhat confused. That attack on the city was by Sahuaghin. How could Lady Silvarel and the Druids of the Park have had anything to do with that? What justification does Conner have for this arrest?

This must be an misunderstanding of some sort...

[AlanBruce]

@Jak: Kyle and the others turn to look at you as you proclaim your proud and bitter heritage.

Nana Rose watches you walk towards the Great Wall as you look at a passing puddle.

You aren't a half ogre anymore. If anything, you look like a human. A very hairy human, but a human nonetheless.

Nana waves.

"You go get him!"

It doesn't take long for you to cross the derelict wall, never completed and to venture into the city proper.

A hufge sprawling metropolis of wood, stine, and metal as you make your way unnoticed by the citizens and finally reach Glenndale Royal Park.

Just in time to see the famous Lady silvarel being escorted by a half orc to a balck carriage with the Cudgel's emblem as a riot of druids clash with the City guard.

Amongst the notables, you spot an elf, dressed in scholar attire.

Last you knew, wizards weren't even allowed to walk the streets.

@Ke'era: You swim around the courtroom and test your former body.

The Padishah truly exerts tremendous power. Small wonder Zyanya coveted his daughter.

Bhadriya gives you a hug as the portal opens.

"You are welcome here anytime, Ke'era Tiwele. You may count on me and my dad and his kingdom as allies."

@Lysa: The sting of memories past hammers in your mind.

You now know how to get home, but what will you do once you get there?

@The Party except Archaidous: You bid good bye to The pearl City and the Plane of Water as you cross the portal and this one drops you in an alley.

Immediately you can hear riots in the main street as you watch a bunch of soldiers in front of the Royal Park and amongst them…


Archaidous.

[AlanBruce]

@Archaidous: You voice the truth amidst the din and chaos around you as Dalpinian turns to look at you, always well defended by his phalanx of guards.

"You are...confused? Ok, let me put it to you in layman's terms- I am the Law, and you are not. So back off! Captain! is this elf a citizen? Is he even registered?"

Wulfur turns to Dalpinian and squints his eyes, rage running through him.

"He was yesterday, and I am witness, so you can't process him for voicing an opinion."

Silvarel looks at you and smiles as she sends a short message.

It is good to see elves here who stand for each other. Please meet with Claudia in the park.

Dalpinian then looks at you.

"Sahu..what? I don't have time for consopircay theories. Take the priestess to the Palace of Justice. His Holiness will see to it that Halmathan is made safe!"

[Batpope Scott]

Jak doesn't stop to admire the change, silently nodding back to Nana with a grin as he continues on his walk.

What he sees in the park, however, provokes a stronger reaction. He jogs up to the scene, distraught at the lady's arrest. He knows better than interfering with an inquisitor directly, however, and tries to appraise the scene by questioning the third party. He approaches the wizard, fervently asking "What is going on here? Why is Lady Silvarel being arrested?"

[Frendle]

Tonel bows to the court as he steps into the vortex, “I thank you Great Padishah , I will make good use of your gifts this I promise.” And for the second time today he is drawn through a portal into another plane, and apparently into the middle of a riot. Tonel sighs, “Well, I suppose we should go see what Arch has gotten into this time.” He smiles at the others with a wink and heads toward the tall Mage.

His newly reborn bow slung over his back feels cold, but yet reassuring, almost as if it were trying to comfort him somehow. “It has to be my imagination. Some residual of the guilt I feel for Alex’s death….. and yet.” Tonel visibly shrugs the thought away. This looks to be a delicate situation at the park, and it is best not to be distracted now.

As he approaches his friend a tall human approaches him, discreetly on his guard, Tonel walks up in time to hear the man ask Arch what is going on here. Since that was the very question he was about to ask, he smiles to both and waits for the answer.

[Niwrad]

Archadious raises an eye in slight surprise as the Cuthbertine walks away. It seemed that even voicing an opinion or asking a question could land one in the depths of Conner's prisons. Something had to be done about that man.
Shaking his, head, the elf decides whether to continue on his way to the library, or whether to do as Lady Silvarel had asked and see this Claudia in the Park.

Ultimately deciding that it was time to see what was going on in the forest, he asks Sergio to wait a few more minutes, then turns to walk into the woods, but finds himself stopped by another passerby.

Giving the strangely hairy man a quick glance, Archadious describes what had happened here.

It seems Conner needed a scapegoat for the recent Sahuaghin attacks on Hamalthan. And so, in all his righteous zeal, he had decided to arrest Lady Silvarel and blame the druids of the Park.

The elf turns to give the man another glance, but is surprised to see Tonel and the others.

Tonel, I must say, that was rather quick. I kept the scrying spell up and noticed that the three of you made it to the Pearl City. How was it. I must add, you seem... different somewhat.

Anyways, I was on my way to the library downtown when I noticed this taking place. And I think now is as good a time as any to figure out why Conner is shutting down the Park.

With that, Archdious turns and approaches the entrance to the Park, hoping to find a way to bypass the rioting druids.

[AlanBruce]

@Archaidous: Amidst the chaos of the ensuing druids as the Cuthbertine carriage drives of with Lady silvarel, you turn to look at this tall and very hairy man.

A human by the looks of it, but not one to take to personal hygiene too much. He does seem strong, but so does many people you have met, so who knows.

With Dalpinian taking off in his own carriage, you watch Ke'era, lysa, and Tonel return.

And Ke'era no longer bears the form of a halfling, but that of a mermaid of Vinessia, with her usual spell to turn her fins to a pair of legs, lest she were trampled by the carriages as she wobbled across the street.

Sergio parks the carriage by the side and nods as the druids insult the city guard and gruffly retreat into the park as Wulfur disperses his own men and sideline gawkers.

"That's it! That's it! Show's over people! Go about doing… whatever you do.."

The captain of the City Guard looks up at the Eyes in the Sky.

"…and have a lawful day. I'm too old for this nonsense."

@The Party: The hairy man follows you into the Park and you see that, unlike the Fey Woods, this one has paved roads worked with much care along the twisting woods.

Large benches with ornate lamps on the side would usually see couples sitting on them or writing poetyry or even sketching the natural fauna and flora.

Not today, wiith over five hundred druids angrilly stomping around, many in bestial form.

You then stop in front of a temple made out of a hollow tree, this one bears the emblem of a unicorn over the door and a short human priestess with black hair, freckles and glasses.

"Please everyone! Stay calm! Lady silvarel will return shortly! We must trust in her!"

The druids are quick to respond.

We trust her…we don't trust Connor!

I say we fly over there and tear the temple apart!

Bathe the streets in Cuthbertine blood!

Bring back our Lady Silvarel! Kill Connor

Kill Connor!

Kill Connor!!!!

The young priestess covers her ears and winces.

"No! This isn't the way! Please stop!"

[Business Scrub]

Remembering that magic in the city is illegal, Ke'era casts a simple transmutation just as she swims through the portal to arrive on the other side with a pair of legs.

"Hello Archadious! It was an excellent tri... what happened here? I knew the druids were disagreeing with Connor's laws but... why are they being arrested?"

[Chimaera]

Upon coming back from the Plane of Water, Lysa spot Archadious and wonder.
"What's the odds? "

She then walks over to Archadious, cursing the "no fly allowed" law and Connor at each step she takes.

"What's going on?", she ask Archadious and follow him.