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May 14
The group finds that it is May 14 upon their arrival back in Highmoon. They also realize there is a lot of business to which they must attend.
- The Lost Prince, delivered to Corrigan's church for verification and reunion with his family
- Meeting with Silver Sabres - The one hunting Perazada corrupts those of her kind and turns them into Ghuls.
- Corrigan & Ellia decide to take on an apprentice. Set up a hut at the market and at the end of the day, each makes a selection.
Corrigan select a young human female by the name of Jenna. Ellia selects a halfling male by the name of Templeton.
Jenna is slightly built and of a mild disposition. Templeton on the other hand could pass as a nervous butter ball.
- Business Interests: Miniture Ballista/Hvy Crossbow, Gnomish Cart, telescope, warfored, Alchemical items, fireworks, victory torches, goblin wares.
- Dinner with Sycron. This occurs a few days afeter returning from the Northlands.
Boasts
Dinner with Sycron for the boasting portion of the last challenge. Ellia & Corrigan brought along their apprentices. Templeton scared of the thought of Sycron, Jenna intrigued. Corrigan prepares Jenna with a few training exercises, the only magic being the ability to create a mage light. The group is met at the door by an Argosexes, a create with blue skin and covered with eyes. Templeton becomes concerned because he doesn't know which eyes to look into.
The group is shown downstairs to a rough wooden door. Upon entering, the group finds Sycron sitting in his own mead hall. Corrigan introduces Jenna after Sycron welcomes them all into his home. Sycron provides Jenna with some advice on the bits and pieces of magic, they are what matters. He also gives her a piece of an elven wood charm. Ellia then introduces Templeton, who answers that he is an antiquarian in training.
Ellia: Out riddled the mad dwarves
Perazada: Killed Unglaca in single combat
Corrigan: Order of Druids, Wisdom contest with Roundstone, drank from the Well of Wisdom
Verut: Death of the Dragon
Group requests that Sycron provide a boast of his own. Sycron tells of the shadowplaces of deep earth and a vigil he keeps over an ancient flame. The flame came from the city of Varx Voular, the last city of the Night Empire, which did not actually worship Markira. The knights of Ceridwah fought their way into Varx Voular and slaughtered the residents of the city. The destruction of the city was immediately followed by a solar eclipse. The knights involved in the slaughter went blind. Sycron saved teh eternal flame of Varx Voular 300 years ago on Beltane. He has kept it alive since it came into his possession by providing it with some of his own life force.
Other work
Between dinner with Sycron and the next challenge, the group takes care of some personal items.
Ellia continues working on her manuscript concerning the trip north and the mistletoe.
Corrigan begins training Jenna, and learns that she wishes to be treated as family.
Perazada looks for answers into her dilemma of taking on the water form permanently. She finds a mystic who lived in the sands, a Blue Azarai. For the visit, Perazada brought a box of excellant baked goods. Azarai welcomes Perazada and tells her what her dual heritage actually entails. Blood of water, bound to a human form. The water has always been there. By walking as a human, the water was subdued, but not that she has accepted her divine heritage, Perazada has lost the flesh cover. She swore to divinity in front of the divine that she was ready for the mantel. God's have both power and dominion. Perazada must be ready for any challengers.
Verut continued to learn the common writing and the herbal potions.
Next Challenge
On May 16 the group heads back to Sycron's for the next challenge at the courtyard of Sycron's palace. There are now only 6 bands left with approximately 30 people total. Esteban from Ysar's Avengers believes they did extremely well. Corrigan introduces Munin and rubs in the fact that Munin's service is at the behest of Odin. Esteban is not impressed (or at least seems that he is not). Verut and Ellia both converse with members of Silver Sabres. As the bands gather, Kerrick slips into the background, almost completely unnoticed.
A hush falls over the crowd as the thundering hooves of horses approach. A grey steed approaches on 8 legs. It gallops to the diaz where Sycron dismounts. Sycron dismisses the beast which runs off into the air.
Sycron commisserates that the bands had been sent far away. The most recent challenge had bands in the Iron Hills, the southern sea, and the Northlands. A Pirate King as killed, an Orc Lord's plans quashed, and a forgotten prince returned.
The standings as of the last challenge are as follows:
| 1 | New Warriors | 38 |
| 2 | Ysar's Avengers | 36 |
| 3 | New Banner of Silver Cloud | 32 |
| 4 | Silver Sabres | 27 |
| 5 | Ceridwah's Rejects | 25 |
| 6 | Wolves of Sorenmere | 23 |
The next challenge is part of a cycle on the compass. Two more bands will be gone by the time the cycle is complete, either by their choice or by Sycron's. Wits as well as arms will be used. This challenge does not pit one team against another as the last challenge. One party affected by the challenge will be grateful while another will wish it was not complete. Three days to prepare for the challenge. The challenge is expected to take 6 weeks. After passing out letters to the individual groups, Sycron disappears.
Details
Sycron's letter to the
New Warriors starts with how impressed he is by the lost prince. It continues by stating that the Universe must remain in balance. The group is to head south to the Sand Deserts, to the Mirana Bazaar during the Festival of Ceridwah's Ascent, or Defiance Eve. At the festival, a marriage is to take place between two families. There are some not happy about the marriage. We must ensure that the parties survive to the ceremony. Sycron wil provide for transportation to the South Sands, the group will arrive within 3 days travel to the Bazaar. The group must make it to the Bazaar before the festival begins, protect both bride and groom since tradition dictates neither party may draw blood for the entire week leading up to the wedding which is to take place on the last day of the festival.
The group needs to determine the location of the Bazaar in relation to their arrival point.
The histories of both families involved.
How to navigate the desert.
Methods to protect against the heat and lack of water: clothing, magic, potions, etc.
Ghuls are an epidemic in the region and should be expected, what is the easiest way to kill them.
How to gain favor with the Djinni, who may be able to help.
What types of gifts are appropriate for the wedding.
Any local Guids available.
Ideas to get close to the wedding parties:
Bodyguard
Cultural research, stories
Trading company
Verut begins working on a fresh batch of healing potions and a potion for resisting the elements.
Perazada locates a guide from the south. A gentlemen by the name of Alzuhr Mahir, a markiri or desert ranger. He has a regular route near the bazaar. He wants 450 crown for 50 days of service. Corrigan and Perazada barter with him to 250 crowns + 100 bonus if the group makes it back in 6 weeks from departure date. He does recommend a total of 5 camels and enough water to get to the bazaar plus extra. He says the group will most likely need to take the shadow roads back to Highmoon to make the 6 week time frame.