Shards of Knowledge: Unearthing the Signs [3.5][Eberron]

[FlamingKobold]

Shards of Knowledge
Chapter 1: Unearthing the Signs
20 Dravago 998 YK

Don, Leianna, Tycho, Lyssa and Nivane have all fit themselves into room 312 of Morgrave University’s Lister Tower. It is an odd looking group of characters in an odd looking sort of room. Obviously designed for someone half their height, the fit is tight. Amongst the books, papers, scrolls and seemingly random looking items strewn throughout the space there are a few horizontal surfaces on which to sit. Sitting down are the first two to arrive: a tall human with a slightly exotic look about her and a bow slung across her back, and a slender man with a eyepatch and an assortment of bottles and pouch attached to the belt that he wears over a dark tunic. He looks relaxed in the office and has been picking up and reading several of the scrolls that layer the benches and floor. The woman has tanned skin and auburn hair cut to shoulder length so as to not interfere with movement or vision. She has the look of an outdoorsman, with layers of leather covering her torso and a dirty green cloak about her shoulders. Everything about her is practical.

Standing between them and the empty, luxuriously wooden desk are another three, all crouching or leaning to some extent so as to fit under the five and half foot high ceiling. A human male of average height with an eyepatch and build stands closest to the desk. He is clad in simple brown leather trousers and a white cotton shirt, brown leather boots and gloves, and a brown wool hood and cowl. Next to him is a slightly shorter half-elf wearing a white shirt with poofy sleeves beneath a blue jacket, and tops it all off with a red sash with many pockets. He keeps his black hair in a short ponytail. His sword is a long basket-hilted piece, with a blade much wider than a rapier of the equivalent size. Closest to the door is a dark haired human woman with piercing blue eyes. Her pale skin is red from either the wind or sun beneath a cream-colored cloak, trousers and a pair of high walking boots.

As the long hand of the desk’s small clock ticks vertical, Selemer Glimmik opens the back door of his office where the members of this odd cast of characters are waiting. As he surveys the seen his face wears a brief look of confusion before bursting into a wide and quintessentially gnomish grin. “Hello everyone, my name is Professor Glimmik,” he says as he walks around the room, reaching up to shake everyone’s hand. “But of course, you must already know that, otherwise why would you be here? I must apologize for the space, I normally don’t have so many visitors! For your comfort I shall try to make this quick.” He sits down behind the desk and looks at them, studying each in turn for a moment before continuing.

“As you no doubt know, I am looking for several willing souls to help a poor old man too tired to travel. Now of course I know you two,” he says, pointing at the sitting man and the standing woman, “but as for the rest I would certainly appreciate an introduction. As, I am sure, would your future colleagues. However, before we get into all of those pleasantries – I do apologize for my lack of manners, but I did promise to be brief, did I not? – I want to make sure that you all understand what I ask of you.”

He pulls out a thin notebook from the shelf adjacent to his desk and flips through it before opening to a page covered in handwritten notes. “Now, let me see here… yes…” he shuts the notebook and looks back up at the party, “I believe there to be an artifact of great interest to me beneath a place called ‘Krigam’s Pass,’ about a day’s travel from Krona Peak. The pass is named for the long-dead dwarven explorer Krigam Marris, but of course that isn’t relevant now, is it? Just before the war between the daelkyr and the dwarves of the Holds, the wizard Gratis Noldrun hid his collection of artifacts in various sites of historical importance, protected by spells and traps and everything else in fairytales and rumors. Only a handful have been uncovered so far, but I have been working with several of my colleagues from the University of Korranberg and we believe that one of these sites is Krigam Pass.”

He cleans his glasses on his shirt and once more surveys the party, “I would simply like you five to go to Krigam Pass, find the entrance to wherever it is that Gratis hid his treasures, bypass his tricks and traps and find whatever is hidden there. The University is certainly not hurting for funding and after my last article was published the grants almost wrote themselves, so you will be rewarded well for your assistance. I would be willing to pay you each 2500 gold pieces, plus an additional thousand as a travel stipend. The stipend and an initial 500 up front, and the other 2000 upon completion. I have already arranged with some of my old contacts in House Kundarak to have a guide waiting for you upon your arrival to bring you to the pass, as well as the House’s services in transporting any goods of interest from the expedition site back to Sharn. Of course, anything you find there that is not of historical significance is yours to keep. Now I’m sure that you all have many questions so feel free to ask away,” he adds as he gestures towards the group with an expectant expression.

OOC

[Amanil]

Leianna fights the urge to stand as the professor enters, having to remind herself that it will only lead to a bruised head and pride.

She'd been quiet so far, though one of the first to arrive, giving the others polite nods of acknowledgements as she sized them up, but otherwise not engaging in conversation.

There didn't seem to be a soldier amongst them - unless the swashbuckling type was some fancy nautical officer - which had her brow furrowing slightly as her eyes flicked from one individual to another. Perhaps her interest had been somewhat misplaced?

As the professor introduces himself, Leianna plays close attention to the task at hand. She reaches into the backpack at her feet to retrieve a scroll tube near the top, attempting to clear a small area on whatever surface she can find to allow her to write some notes in small, scratchy handwriting.

Seeing no one leap to offering up introductions, she figured she may as well get the ball rolling if she was to be trying to get this ragtag band to the other side of the continent and back.

"Talldorn, Leianna," she begins, with a snap to her voice. "Former military, now a bow for hire. Sir, if you are already in contact with House Kundark and the University of Korranberg, why are you not recruiting a team more local to the target? We're looking at near enough 3,000 miles to cover - the journey there alone could take months."

[hoverfrog]

Lyssa likes the gnome, she has from the moment she first met him but he did have a tendency to forget to pass on important information, "Professor, did you have a route planned out or time scales for retrieval of the artefacts? I mean, if speed is of the essence then the Lightning Rail is probably best. Do you have a map in your papers?" She looks at the mess and decides not to look through it herself.

"Oh, so sorry everyone. I'm Lyssa Farstrider, an Orien courier and the cat asleep under the chair is Olive." The room is too cramped to go around and shake hands so she settles for a wave instead. Her smile is sincere and friendly though it wavers slightly when she meets the half elf's eyes, "I know most of the local roads and I've been almost everywhere in Breland and a few places beyond. I hope that you're all fluent in the language of the Mror Holds.""

[Amanil]

The arcane train was not something Leianna relished the thought of travelling on, but Lyssa had a point in that it would cut the journey time down.

"The rail would be faster, and the travel stipend the professor mentioned would perhaps get us fare there, with the walk across Karrnath doing us some good. I gather that there is no need for us to return, and ending up in the dwarven lands at the end of the job would not be of inconvenience to myself, but it again raises the question of why a local team is not being used."

Spoiler: OOC

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Made the assumption that Vedykar to Vulyar is not connected by rail, if that's not the case I'll edit the above.

[hoverfrog]

"A Lightning Rail to Thaliost is almost 3000 miles, then we'd need to take a boat to Rekkenmark before catching the Lightning Rail again to Vedykar. That should take about five days, maybe a few more while we rest over. The longest part of the journey is the road. If we walk it will take at least ten days, less if we secure horses in Karrnath. The Lightning Rail from Vulyar to Krona Peak is an over nighter, slightly more than one day. Say three weeks for the entire trip barring complications. That will cost us..." Lyssa ran through some calculations on her fingers, "Good grief, more than 2,300 galifars each. Cheaper than having one of those dreadful airships take us the direct route. We could probably negotiate a lower fee for a group but it's still an awful lot of money. I assume that we're to return the artefacts here too so we're talking about double the cost. I hope I'm not being presumptuous in assuming that we'll be walking or riding for most of the way?"

"There are more direct routes. An Orien coach, though slower would cost no more than 400 galifars each. If we went through what is left of Cyre rather than go around it we would cut the journey almost in half. Still that's a journey of three months rather than three weeks. Half that if we have fast mounts. Less for magebred steeds. We could get there in five weeks if we push it. Only a little slower than Lightning Rail." She leans against a table but stands quickly when a pile of books threatens to topple over, "It would be easier to explain with a map."

"Leianna, I think that the Professor wants a group that he can trust rather than rough mercenaries hired through agents in a distant and foreign land. I've collected several things for him before. I assume that you have too? He trusts us. The others are no doubt known by their fine reputations and are similarly trustworthy fellows. Isn't that right, Professor?" She offered a placatory smile to the assembled eclectic group.

Spoiler: OOC

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A large, detailed map of Khorvaire

For those less versed in Eberron we're in Sharn in the bottom left hand side of the map at the hilt of the river that looks like a dagger, the Dagger River. Krona Peak is in the top right, next to Karrnath, not far from Lake Dark. Cyre is dead and is now a mist covered wasteland known as the Mournland. It is generally avoided as it is very dangerous but it is not impossible to cross it. The direct route means not crossing Aundair and Thrane. These nations aren't a problem though they each have their own quirks. We can't avoid Karrnath though. I hope everyone is okay with undead.

[esorscher]

The human in brown leather and the white shirt kneels beside the desk, his head resting on his knee until the professor enters, at which time he raises his eyes to meet their employer. He has a greatsword sheathed and longbow slung across his back, the two weapons parallel to one another. If one looks carefully at him, they might spot the gleam of mithral chain under his clothing. He listens to Leianna Talldorn and Lyssa Farstrider, and when there is a lull in their discussion, introduces himself. "I am Don. I do not speak Dwarven. We do not need to limit ourselves to one form of transport. We can purchase standard--I personally am comfortable with commoner--seats on the lightning rail to a point, say, Thaliost, cross the river, and pick up the rail again in Rekkenmark and continue to Vedykar, then purchase horses and ride the remaining way, or ride to Vulyar and continue on rail to Krona Peak. Done in this fashion, travel time will be minimized, and our travel stipends should cover our individual costs."

Spoiler: Travel costs

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http://eberronunlimited.wikidot.com/...ance-and-times
https://sites.google.com/site/eberro...transportation


Let C = cost in gold
Let M = total miles traveled by rail
A light horse and saddle costs 85g
A rowboat costs 50g, split 5 ways (10g)

Commoner class
C=.03M+85+10
C=.03(2874+650+776)+85+10
C=.03(4300)+85+10
C=224

Standard class
C=.2M+85+10
C=.2(2874+650+776)+85+10
C=.2(4300)+85+10
C=955

[Amanil]

"Not all of us have had the privilege of working in academia," Leianna responds to Lyssa's point, not entirely unsarcastically. "I have not worked with the professor before, but as you clearly have it lends me to believe my role to be more a case of 'get you there and back in one piece'."

Leianna speaks in somewhat uncertain but otherwise correct Dwarven. "I have not had to deal with dwarves this year, but I can speak their words."

Don's comment is taken with some appreciation. "I believe that Don here has perhaps the most sensible route if time and our patience are of the essence. It would seem to be a sensible use of expenses. Horses may not be necessary, but could expedite things."

She reappraises her initial opinion of Don somewhat - clearly he was a practical man. During her reassessment she catches the glint of chain, and nods knowingly to herself. Evidently there was more to the man than first met the eye.

[Kymme]

Tycho, who had been watching the proceedings with an amused glint in his eye, speaks up after Don. "I find myself agreeing with Don's plan. Simple, thrifty, and wholly effect--" His eyes widen when he realizes that he has not yet taken the good Professor's offer to introduce himself. "--but where are my manners?"

He steps back, attempting to address everyone despite the confines of the room. "My name is Tycho, scion and Storm Sentry of House Lyrandar. Pleased to make your acquaintances."

"I've but one question, Professor. To the best of your knowledge, are there any other groups seeking the treasures of Krigam’s Pass?"

[hoverfrog]

Being reminded of manners, Lyssa blushed. She'd been quite rude suggesting that they all travel first class by Lightning Rail or march across dangerous magical wastelands. She's only met these people a few minutes ago. For all she knew one of them might own a share in a galleon or something, "I'm tremendously pleased to meet you. Leianna, Don, um Tycho." She looked down when greeting the khorovar from House Lyrandar and then away at the remaining member of their group who had so far not spoken up.

[adso]

Nivane had been sitting quietly in the corner watching the somewhat awkward introductions of his new acquaintances with a look of amusement. "Hello everyone, my name is Nivane Dekker and I look forward to working with all of you. The suggested lightning rail route is almost certainly the most efficient, although I'm not sure how much I'll enjoy living in such a confined space for days on end. I have friends and former colleagues in Fairhaven and Rekkenmark if we find ourselves wishing to stay for a night." He looks around the group, then adds, "The libraries there would also give us ample opportunity to do a bit more research into both Krigam's Pass as well as, more importantly, Gratis Noldrun. Although I am familiar with the name I'd like to know a bit more about what sorts of traps and obstacles we are likely to run into. Perhaps learning more about his history would better prepare us." He has the look of a bookish man and it is apparent that this is not the first time that he has suggested a night of careful study before heading into the unknown.

[Amanil]

"Two bookworms, one slight unknown, and one veteran of some sort... and one cat." Leianna muses to herself. Her initial apprehension had definitely been alleviated somewhat by the two more martial sorts - even if the half-elf looked a little flouncy - and she'd had to escort worse groups before. One of the historians seemed road-ready, too, and the other seemed to have a handle on logistics.

Maybe they could make it to Krona Peak without dying horribly? She'd worry about Krigam Pass more once it was closer, but it would do well to be prepared. The group seemed well-connected - more-so than she - which would likely ease their passage somewhat.

"Nivane, might I ask a little as to your background? Are you also one of the professor's scholars?"

She looks to Don.

"If you don't mind me asking, Don, did you serve? If so, I wish to quickly clear any latent hostility that may be between us by virtue of our past."

[esorscher]

Don nods at the others as they are introduced, listening carefully to their plans and questions, which all seem sensible, from certain perspectives. Caution is rarely a mistake, in his opinion, and time is hardly a factor on the scale he generally frames his judgments in. At Leianna's blunt question, he pauses. I serve still, he thinks, but says instead, "I served in the Last War, yes. Did you?" It is the truth, he recalls experiences in Karrnath and Aundair, but does not volunteer that information. Even if it is not the whole truth, it is good to begin working relationships with truth.

[Amanil]

"Indeed," Leianna observes, somewhat perplexed by his relatively blunt answer; but she had asked a rather blunt question, hadn't she? Indeed, it wasn't one she herself would feel comfortable answering to complete strangers on a whim, but it seemed as if they were to work together for a time it would be best to air out any skeletons early on, so to speak, so she offered her side first.

She speaks somewhat slowly, and deliberately, eyes never leaving Don's face as she attempts to gauge a reaction one way or the other. "I fought for Aundair, but my childhood was here in Breland. It was circumstance that had me there, not allegiance, though I served loyally, as I had sworn to do so."

Spoiler: OOC

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There's obviously something Don's hiding, that knowledge is clearly OOC so I have no intention of using it. Feel free to roll some dice or something if you want a somewhat organic result of whether Leianna gets a hunch of something, or simply reveal whatever you feel to be appropriate (if anything). Leianna is not a skilled diplomat, so if Don has invested in Bluff that would likely be worth considering. I don't want to force your character in to a "big reveal" if he has a past you'd rather stayed hidden for the time being, but conversely Leianna wouldn't be keen on travelling with someone who she suspected held a grudge against Aundairian veterans.

Any characters who would have fairly significant knowledge of military history at the end of the war, it might be worth you having a roll of some sort. FlamingKobold, feel free to reveal a hint of Leianna's backstory to any who do well. Up to you, of course.

[adso]

"Well it looks like we have no shortage of combat prowess. I don't mean to offend, but I just hope that neither of you prove to be too useful on this journey," Nivane says with a chuckle. "As for me, I have not worked with Professor Glimmik before, although I have read several of his papers. I more or less do this for a living - although I would call myself more of an adventuring scholar than a treasure hunter. My last two expeditions took me to Xen'drik and I have agreed to take on this job as a bit of a break. I should hope that the Mror Holds prove to be more manageable than the abandoned ruins on the lost continent." Then he redirects his attention to the gnome and asks, "Professor, do you have any documents or books that you think would be helpful on our journey? I believe that no matter which method we take, there will be plenty of time to learn about the site's history. I must admit that the Mror Holds are not the focus of my academic pursuits, to say the least."

[esorscher]

Don nods. "Many died on both sides, and for what? The petty matter of rule. Brothers would not bow to sister, blinded by pride and prejudice. And so, a thousand thousand souls thrown into chaos. Such is the fate of the common man, to die on the whims of the noble. Yet both bleed red, so who is to say why?" He muses aloud, allowing himself a moment of public philosophical exploration before returning to the practical. "It takes courage to serve in war, regardless of who you serve." He nods at Leianna and offers her a slight smile, then looks to Glimmek for the answers to the questions his colleague has asked.

[Amanil]

"You speak in riddles uncommon of one so outwardly straightforward," Leianna notes to Don. The "answer" of sorts seems to satisfy her curiosity for now, though she would be sleeping with one eye open until a more complete story was told.

"Few want for trouble, mister Dekker, but trouble wants for all. The roads to the north have been relatively quiet as of late - I cannot speak of those east of Aundair, but most issues have been with former soldiers hungry for wealth. That's not to say all issues are man-made, and I suspect that will be doubly the case should we travel through the Mournland."

[hoverfrog]

Lyssa leapt on Leianna revelation with gusto, "Oh, you're from Aundair? I grew up in Passage. Of course I didn't participate in the Last War. House neutrality and all that. I came to Sharn about seven years ago for...um...personal reasons."

Don's response is a little unsettling, Lyssa doesn't see the need for secrecy, "It's a fortunate thing that the war is over. I'm sure that any lingering feelings about whom fought for whom can be put aside for the sake of a smooth running operation. After all most nations were allies as well as enemies at some point during the conflict."

[esorscher]

Don nods at Lyssa's sentiment. The war was over. "I would prefer to avoid the Mournland. Whatever time or expense it may save us is not worth the risk." He looks at Nivane, eager to change the subject. "You have been to Xen'drik? I am curious about what exists there. Please, share your experience."

[Amanil]

"Of a sort," Leianna responds to Lyssa. "The Aundairians don't appreciate my heritage, and the Brelish don't appreciate who I fought for, so where I'm "from" can be a touchy subject around some. You'll excuse me if I'm a little edgy around those who half-wish the war was ongoing. If we're to work together, I feel it best to get any ties that might have impact out in the open - it helps that two of our number are of the great houses, of course."

She smiles fondly at the mention of Passage. "Passage was the first city I laid eyes on - though I've never liked being in one for long, they do still have a sense of wonder about them, don't they?"

[adso]

"I too am an Aundairian hailing from a village just southwest of Passage. What an odd coincidence this is." Nivane then turns to Don and adds, "Oh, I did a bit of this, a bit of that. I'm sure we'll have plenty of time while traveling to share stories of our past, but I will say that I love the mystery of the continent and intend to return there once this job is complete. I will say that as much as a enjoy the thrill of unknown jungles, I do not see the point in attempting to cross the Mournland. While that route may be more direct the lack of rail will still lengthen our trip while putting us in needless danger."

[Kymme]

Tycho's grin never leaves his face, but one of his eyebrows does raise when Lyssa avoids his gaze. Is she not of House Orien? What reason would she have to be sheepish? He chuckles inwardly. Perhaps my charms are too much for her, eh? Having amused himself, the khoravar turns his attention back to the group's discussion... which seems to be focused on the Mournland, of all places.

"Avoiding the Mournland is a wise move. I've ventured through those curtains of fog before, and nothing lies beyond them but ruin. Taking the long route is safer, for one, but also allows one to witness all the great wonders of Khorvaire. The great cities of the five nations, the Scion's Sound, it's quite a beautiful trip." He smiles, closing his eyes in fond wistfulness. "It's a shame we won't be seeing it from the air, though."

[FlamingKobold]

Professor Glimmik sits silently, seeming to enjoy listening to the banter between his guests. "Well it certainly seems that the five of you will get along famously, that is good to see. Lyssa I understand your concern about the route but I do believe that you should be able to get to the Holds relatively quickly and comfortably with the stipend, although I will leave it to you to discuss those details. While I do not know the three of you," he says, pointing to Don, Tycho and Leianna, "I do feel much better about meeting potential colleagues in person. Additionally," he adds, wrinkling his brow, "my Korranberg colleagues were adamant about minimizing the Dwarven involvement in the expedition. I am unsure as to why, although it is possible that one of their sponsors harbors some sort of grudge. In the interest of openness, Lyssa has been assisting me with these sorts of requests as well as well as working downstairs as a librarian and translator for almost a year now. She has been exceptionally helpful and I certainly trust any group of which she is a member," he says with a smile and nod towards his assistant before turning to Nivane. "As for Nivane, he does himself a disservice by calling himself a simple artifact hunter, which conjures the image of some common thief. I happen to have read dozens of his scholarly works regarding his own adventures as well as other historical pieces and certainly believe that this task is well within his abilities. As for your request, please feel free to take with you any of the documents on that shelf as they form the core of my research on Krigam's Pass. I have already arranged for at least one duplication of each of them, and you certainly have more need of the knowledge than I."

He pauses for a moment before turning to Tycho, "I cannot imagine that anyone else would be searching in the Pass. It has been a well known historical site for centuries and I do not believe that anyone besides my colleagues and I have taken any recent interest in a possibly connection to our late friend Gratis. Not to be rude of course, but I do have to give a lecture at half past the hour so please ask me anything else you would like to know about the task and then we can work out the payment. I'm sure you would like to begin your journey in a timely fashion as well."

[hoverfrog]

"Passage is a beautiful city, one of the jewels of Khorvaire. It's so busy there though, everyone seems to be just passing through. Sharn on the other hand is a city of magnificent engineering and magical wonder. The towers, Skyway itself, even the Cogs below are amazing. It has such a history."

When Professor Glimmik manages to get a word in Lyssa snaps her fingers, "Nivane Dekker. Yes, I've read some of your papers. Didn't you uncover the Ziggurat of Teldane south of Stormreach. Your work on the meaning of the giant runes there was instrumental in opening the vault. What gave you the idea that reference to the "freeborn" actually referred to a rebel faction of elves rather than to a different group of giants?" Her enthusiasm is genuine but she stops and looks around, "Sorry, we'll have plenty of time to discuss history and academia on the journey."

She gathers up the papers and slips them into the bag at her hip. Though the scrolls and books are far too large to fit they slide in easily, not even causing a bulge. "We'll have a good read on the way. Professor, would you mind summarising your findings? What can you tell us about Gratis Noldrun?"

[Amanil]

"Professor, do you have a token or seal we can use to identify ourselves to your guide? Additionally, who are we to meet in Krona Peak?" Leianna asks, still taking some short notes. She looks around at those gathered. "Are we to form a company for this task, where we are all liable, or would you rather we operate as freemen? You'll excuse my caution, professor, I have been stung by a verbal contract before, and while I do not doubt your word as an upstanding member of society, having something more formal smoothes over any issues and, let's not forget, stops us running off with your advance."

[esorscher]

Don eyes the documents Lyssa has gathered together covetously but says nothing, letting the others ask questions. His questions can not be answered by Glimmek, only by investigation, and he is ready to go.

[FlamingKobold]

"I of course understand your concern, Leianna. Do not fret, it seems that you and the University are of one mind in your desire for extensive documentation," the gnome says as he smiles and pulls out a thick stack of papers from beneath his desk. "I believe when I counted it last time that each of your seals or signatures is required no less than 7 times throughout these contracts. I have already signed in the locations required of me, but these are the documents that you will take down across the courtyard and give to Jerron behind the counter there to get your payments. Of course, if you do not wish to return to Sharn after your task is complete the remainder of your payment can be sent to you or an account in your name in any way that you specify. It's all in the forms," he finishes, once more gesturing at the stack in front of him.

"Your guide will be Verik d'Kundarak. I've worked with him twice before and he is a good fellow. A bit young and naive with a sense of grandeur and wanderlust, but he has a good heart. The current plan is for him to meet you at the lightning rail station, although if you intend to arrive on foot or horseback I will instruct him to meet you at your preferred gate of entrance. As for how he will recognize you," at this Professor Glimmik lets loose a light chuckle, "I would have no fear. I don't believe the five of you will really blend in with the crowd in Krona Peak, to say the least. Plus he will certainly recognize Lyssa and will likely be able to recognize Nivane on sight as well."

Lyssa's question seems to be the one he had been waiting for, and upon being asked his eyes light up as he begins recounting the tales. "Gratis was the youngest son of Brekken Noldrun, who was in his own right an interesting man. Brekken was the chief of the Noldrun clan and ended up casting out Gratis when he came of age, banishing him from Noldrunhold. He ended up being taken in by Clan Toldorath. Of course, the feud between the Noldrun and Toldorath clans arose well before the Gratis's birth (which was just a half decade after Karrn ir'Wynarn conquered the Mror Holds and claimed them for Karrnath and the Kingdom of Galifar) and lasted until Noldrun's disappearance four centuries ago. There he continued in his journey of arcane discovery and his wanderlust took him across and beyond the Mror Holds. Ever since being cast out by his father it sees that he felt little connection with his heritage, befriending those of other races and lands and learning their secrets. Anyway, after he left Toldorathhold he traveled east for a time into what is now the Lhazaar Principalities, which was at that time a land of bandits and pirates ruled loosely by the sea princes. Of course this was long before the Lhazaar-Galifar war which is just one of my favorite subjects - the dynamics of the the war - not just militarily but particularly economically and socially - are just so interesting. You see, what Galifar did -" Glimmik seems to be in his element now, pursing historical tangents of interest with no regard to their relevance to Gratis or the tasks at hand. Lyssa has experienced this before and knows how difficult it is to make Glimmik stay on topic - a gnome with such a great breadth of knowledge and an even greater desire to share it to anyone willing to listen.

[esorscher]

"Thank you, Professor," Don says, interrupting the tangent. "While that is very interesting, I do have one last question to ask--do you have any idea as to what artifacts the wizard Gratis Noldrun acquired and secreted away in his lair in the Krigam Pass, or the purpose he acquired them for?" He gestures to Nivane Dekker. "I trust we will be able to tell what is historically significant and what is not, or is there something particular you are looking for, Professor?"

[FlamingKobold]

Glimmik stops mid sentence at Don's interrupted, although he does not seem irritated. "Hmm, well, that is a very good question. To be perfectly honest, I do not know. Records indicate that Gratis had the greatest collection of artifacts and tomes outside of Argonessen in his personal library before he scattered them. We have an idea of only some small portion of his belongings and no idea what specifically has been buried at Krigam's Pass, if anything. Gratis was a man who loved a good story and had a tendency to hide pieces of history in locations of significance, so if I had to take a guess I would say that this artifact would have something to do with the Mror Holds. Beyond that, I cannot say for sure, although perhaps Nivane would know more?" With this last sentence he looks questioningly at the man in the corner, obviously hoping for affirmation.

[adso]

Nivane nods to Don and the professor. "I do believe that I will be able to determine if anything we find there is of historical significance. I have been brushing up on my dwarven history in the past month or so since you sent word about this expedition. If we have any questions, the libraries of Korunda Gate should suffice for further research. Obviously the wealth of knowledge there pales in comparison that that on the Library of Korranberg or even that of Morgrave or Wynarn, but maybe that will be offset by a stronger focus on dwarven history." He shrugs before continuing, looking fairly uninterested in the conversation. "I think that when dealing with a place like Krigam's Pass it will be fairly obvious if we find anything besides rocks and dirt that it is an object of significance."

[esorscher]

Don nods, then takes the contract and begins looking it over. Though he is not well versed in law, he reads it to make sure there is no obvious mischief afoot. Assuming it looks standard, he will sign it, indicating his readiness to depart.