Here is Episode 2 of what amounts to Laris’ journal. I’m still getting used to this google docs and G+. I figured…

Here is Episode 2 of what amounts to Laris’ journal. I’m still getting used to this google docs and G+. I figured I’d post them as I write them instead of the whole doc for easier access as the sessions build up. I was trying to put it out primarily from Laris’ perspective. So it may lack some details that Larry put in his. If y’all think it sucks or isn’t mildly entertaining I’ll quit posting. Otherwise I’ll continue to hack at it. Also, if there are inaccuracies or something out of whack, lemme know and I’ll correct it.

Ted

Episode 2

Later in the day, 6th of Senrilden

Rallion’s Speech. Wow. So much for staying away from the weird stuff. I don’t think that my perceptions of a normal life will return to baseline if all that he says is true. That rattlebox thing seemed to confirm what he was touting. He definitely believes the meta story surrounding the adventures he and this group have had. The stories and legends we’ve all heard pieces of mesh with what his tale reveals. I still have my doubts on the connection of dots he’s claiming. Although I haven’t heard a better explanation for those dang numbers. Even if the machinations behind the events he’s describing are a little off, it still seems like the conclusions drawn, on the outside edges of a believable reality, might be true.

After his soliloquy, there was discussion. Mainly positive toward the tale from the Montoan and Hizzouites (Hizzouans? Hizzouinines?). Elder Emeric was not so impressed. His take on the story was… significantly less than receptive. Other than being an old codger, I’m not sure why he was so adamant in his position that the information was disingenuous. Unless what Rallion postulates that he could be unknowingly influenced or in cahoots with the Dark King could be true. Of course that was poo poo’d by Emeric.

Somehow Nash knows that Emeric poisoned the good captain. Maybe it has something to do with that cap that gives him some mind talking abilities. I’m not sure how comfortable I am not being able to tell if he’s messing with my head or not. But there’s nothing for it for right now. Hopefully it’s just communication and not control or influence. Oh crap. I need to think only of good beer and food from now on and not let my thoughts idly wander. No telling how often he just meanders around checking out whoever whenever. I know I certainly would.

So much for peaceful, productive encounters however. Emeric’s doubletalking and politicking continued, with indirect accusations and an alternate presentation of the events in Rallion’s tale spun in a way to cause question. On this dissonant note, my ears perked up and alarm bells dinged in my head. His elusiveness and sidestepping on the topics of Captain Nigel’s poisoning and outside influences on the current state of affairs continued to escalate the tension and distrust. I tried to defuse things as best I could, it still came to fisticuffs, no thanks to the hotheaded Drueta. All action and little lateral thinking. She almost flat out started a war with Shem and her village with Hizzou caught in the middle. I like to think that I interfered with her dagger toss, but I think I was just lucky she didn’t hit me with it. Of course Emeric was about as bad with his forked tongue. A little Shemmite subduing by our side and a sleep spell stopped any bloodshed, but ended all constructive conversation.

Chieftain Aldith was not real happy with the turn of events and told all present as much quite directly. He ordered Captain Nigel be presented in front of the whole conference of leaders to allow Nash or Lambertus affect what cures they could on his person, despite Elder Emeric’s protestations. Cure him they did. His story, once awakened, was not in contradiction to Emeric’s version. However the rattle box was rattling away unbeknownst to the good Captain as to why. Rallion brought this to the attention of the emissaries and the Chieftan by moving the box into the sight and hearing of all. Once Nigel finished his version of his story, the Chieftan sent Nigel with us and the other parties to our separate quarters. Effectively ending any discussion of the villages uniting against the Dark King at this point.

Once out of earshot of the rest of the villagers and the other delegations, we proceeded to get the real story from Captain Nigel. Emeric had him and his first mate shanghaied.Then held his first mate hostage to ensure Nigel’s cooperation, proceeded to poison him to discredit the Montoans and ruin the conference. Nigel is very thankful for the intervention and rescue from the poison. The specific reasons why Emeric did this, we don’t know beyond speculation. Drueta heads toward us, I alert the group and let her in. Long story short, Drueta joins us and we decide to leave Hizzou headed north toward Montoa. Once out of sight if the village, we circle back toward Shem to rescue Nigel’s first mate and continue on the quest of saving the world. We travel hard and rest before the final leg of our journey to Shem.

Evening of Senrilden 7th, Morning of the 8th

After resting and continuing our travels we arrive at Shem after dark. Discussion of tactics concerning the liberation of the mate ensues ranging from a burning distraction and a semi frontal assault to going in stealthy. Much to my happiness the subtle approach was elected. Adding to my happiness, I wouldn’t be alone in the scouting. Bavmorda also has a penchant for being sneaky and we will be gathering the information needed to effect the rescue.

I ask if there is any extra equipment they may have to help a guy out and Bavmorda tosses me what they are calling the Lieutenant’s Longsword. So me and L-T are partners now. I certainly do appreciate it.

Bavmorda and I set out to scout the situation. We locate the first mate and the layout of the town. We also confirm the ship seems to be intact and manned. All goes well, taking our time and avoiding all detection. It’s refreshing to be working again with a competent partner. The past few years, having others carry out my dirty work while raking in the dough kinda got a little boring. Good thing I kept my skills up, I’ve certainly needed them the past few weeks.

Another short planning session ensues with the stealthy approach taking first position with a less than subtle backup in case Bavmorda and I run into a hiccup. The group makes its way to the path to the beach where they are to prepare the launch to carry us to Nigel’s ship. Rallion stays near to cover our escape and render aid in the event things don’t go as planned with Bavmorda and I during the recapture of the mate. We retrace our steps back into the village carrying a dark elven cloak and boots for the first mate. Bavmorda holds the slats of the window covering open enough for me to cast a sleep spell on the two guards. They fall asleep along with our quarry who is shackled to the wall. We enter the front door, locate a key to the shackles on one of the guards and extricate the mate. Bavmorda throws him over her shoulder, I cover him up with the cloak and we make our way to Rallion and the beach uneventfully. Once safely on the ship we all celebrate a little for a successful operation.

Of course, as usual, safety is a relative term. Nash recognizes the ship that dropped him off wrecked on some rocks within sight. The story from Nigel and the crew is that it is overrun with lacedons, marine ghouls I think they said…. and he wants to go search it…. See, relative safety…. So our choices are raid the ship full of undead, or go to a city on an island on the way to our destination. After discussion, it seems we are going to keep our eye on the prize and stick with the main plan of saving the world. Yippee. Better that than the demise that I CAN see assaulting a wrecked ship crawling with undead…. I think we’ll soon be setting sail away from this place. We may be heading back here with Nigel one day to collect on the goods he left under duress and clear the wrecked ship of it’s treasures and pests. That is if we save the world. If not, I reckon it won’t make much difference. Time for a nap, it’s been an deliciously uneventful evening. Eventful would be referring to fighting and bleeding.j