Session 79: "To strike or not to....." or "Manners costs nothing....."

                                                                                                          

14th day of Fellnight: Saintsday - Evening meal Castle Waterdeep

As they were all 'invited' to stay at Castle Waterdeep by the Castellan on behalf of the Open Lord, they took pleasure in their very palatial rooms, a hot bath and a change of clothes.

The group made their way down stairs to the banquet room. All the delegates were present, and the Conclave save for Tennora Hedare.

There was some time before the meal and Rhundorth approached the group. Aramil expecting an apology was taken aback when Rhundorth said:

Rhundorth: "Well young high born Half-Elf of Waterdeep, what say you, I let you take a swing at me. Your hardest punch mind. Show me what kind of a half-man you are. I wont move, take your best shot. That said mind, you must then stand still for me, blindfolded, and not to move no matter what you hear, what say you, are you brave enough for the challenge?"

Aramil: "No!"

Rhundorth: "Well, nothing much you can say to that......is there?"

Garet: "This Half-Elf will take you up on that, if I may be so bold. I fear Aramil is still smarting after the beating you gave him, however I'll not be striking you, though I can hit pretty hard, for I fear that it will be to no avail. Your reputation precedes you, Master Smith and Guardian to the Marchion of Mirabar, with your experience of combat I do not think I would dent that Mirabaran skin of yours".

Rhundorth: "Ah, a Half-Elf with manners, and a sense of humour. I freely admit we Mirabarans can be quick to anger, especially when we think we are wronged, but there's nothing like a good punch, for free, to heal disputes the Mirabaran way."

At that Garet stood where indicated. He was not surprised to see Rhundorth collect 'Mage Slayer' from Bandur. The blindfold was applied and Rhundorth again told Garet under no circumstances to move. Garet nodded and stood stock still.

Rhundorth tested 'Mage Slayer', swinging it freely in his large hands. He swung it and spun it, twisting it this way and that to the awe of the people gathered there. Then in a blur he launched into a series of moves, his speed was lightning fast, his moves accurate and his timing was perfection. The blade of 'Mage Slayer' whistled past Garets ears, his head, and all over his body as Rhundorth played his 'bladed tune' around Garet. A full 60 seconds it lasted. Well over 50 pulled strikes had been accurately swung. Not one had touched Garet, although many came within a hairs width of hitting him. He told Garet to remove the blindfold as the crowd clapped enthusiastically at Rhundorth's display. Rhundorth handed the halberd back to Bandur with a wink.

Garet: "From the applause I take it that was some display. I would love to train with you if we have time whilst in Waterdeep. Would that be possible?".

Rhundorth: "Ah, unfortunately my free time will be spent with the Conclave and then I have other duties to perform before heading back to Mirabar. 

Garet: "A great shame for I would have much to learn from a master bladesmith as yourself".

Rhundorth: "Again, you astound me with your manners, however a word of advice for your friend, get him to talk to Bandur about Dwarves, he has some mixed up ideas about how to deal with us. And have a word about how Half-Elves should conduct themselves, no offence."

Garet: "Non taken, and I will".

Rhundorth: "If he conducts himself like this in Silverymoon he wont get very far other than thrown out of the city, if he's that lucky. Elminster tells me you know Mavrithan........tell him to come see me next he's up in MIrabar, be nice to see my old friend again, but tell him if he brings that fiesty gnome, she'd better keep her hands in her pockets. I'm sure she took a dagger out of my workshop."

Garet: "I will, gladly".

With that the group, delegates and Conclave were asked to take their seats.

The chit chat around the table was restricted to minor matters as the Elminster steered conversations away from the topic of the afternoon and possible talk at the morning Conclave.

15th day of Fellnight: Marketday 

After a hearty breakfast the group were again invited to attend the Conclave. The group were asked if they had any specific information about the Elemental Cults that was not covered yesterday. Garet looked toward Aerie and she nodded her head. Aerie took off her leather bracers and unfolded her wings.

All but Elminster was surprised that a living legend stood in front of them. 

Rhundorth, Bruldenthar, Teresiel, Tennora Hedare Vajra Safhar,  Laeral Silverhand all sat astounded.

Aerie: "My name is Aerie Silverwing, I am a representative of the Avariel Elves travelling with this worthy band and fighting against the Elemental Cults. Recently I learned that my sister, Aerisi, had been captured, mutilated and cursed. Her identity taken by the Prophet of the Air Cult, who now calls herself Aerisi. My sister was able to bestow to me a stolen relic, given to her by Aerdrie Faenya."

Laeral Silverhand: "and your sister?"

Aerie: "Dead".

Aerie carefully unwrapped the package she had brought with her and laid her longsword on the table, it deflected some of the emotion that was building up in her, remembering her sister.

Elminster: "May I?"

Aerie: "Of course".

Elminster looked at the blade both sides and simply stated in Primordial:

He then translated:

Elminster: "Hakarmaskannar Takal – Dragon Watcher - a gift from the goddess Aerdrie Faenya 'Watch the sky - Watch the Air - Give warning when they are near'."

Aerie was astounded that Elminster could read Primordial.

Elminster: "This is a sword forged near the beginning of time. As you become more used to it you will feel the power extend. At present the range of the sword is perhaps 2 to 300 feet. In time this could be miles!"

He handed the sword back to Aerie and whispered in Primordial:

Elminster: "Take good care of this treasure for you have been given a great responsibility Choisen of Aerdrie Faenya."

Both Karion and Anor commented on their visit to Red Larch on their way to Bargewright. They had come across some information about a group of leaders from Red Larch calling themselves Believers and their having meetings with a shady character called Larrach, a possible Cult member.

Tennora Hedare then informed the Conclave that the Harpers had received a message that a certain Endrith Vallivoe, merchant or Red Larch, had in his possession a magnificently illustrated Dwarven Book. This information was again confirmed by Karion and Anor. Bruldenthar confirmed he was short one manuscript, which was very important, and it did contain some very ornate and magnificent illustrations.

Bruldenthar: "Some of the information I have gleaned from my tomes, quite kindly returned to me by Aramil, was the following:

1. Since the fall of Tyr-Besil, the Old Dwarf Kingdom, many people have tried to find the lost city.

2. There were rumours that the Drow had succeeded and had tapped into a source of Elemental Power.

3. At times over the decades many groups have tried and failed to clear the ruins of Tyr-Besil. But those that were the most successful built 4 fortresses that are rumoured to be over entrances into Try-Besil.

4. The 4 fortresses were called, Riverguard, Scarlet Moon, Feathergale Spire and Sacred Stone.

5. I believe Feathergale Spire is controlled or was controlled by Waterdhavian aerial-mount specialists and self styled Feathergale Knights."

The meeting then started to discuss the collapse of the talks to reform the SIlver Marches Alliance. Rhundorth stated quite openly that the Silver Marches Alliance or Luruar collapsed in 1482 when the 3 main Dwarven Cities of Mithral Hall, Citadel Feldbar and Citadel Adbar, left the alliance after the surface population of Sundabar was wiped out in a Drow and Orc attack and no assistance was sent from Silverymoon, Mirabar or Everlund.

Mirabar remains loyal to the alliance as does Everlund. The Argent Legion, under command of the High Marshall, Methrammar Aerasume; comprises the Silverymoon Field army and the Army of the Vale (Everlund), commanded by Kayl Moorwalker, that although could still muster considerable forces was much depleted from its former glory.

Teresiel stated that the Enclave at Silverymoon was an attempt to bring back into the Silver Marches Alliance the Dwarf cities of Mithral Hall, Citadel Adbar and Feldbar, it failed.

The Conclave broke up for a midday meal. Elminster informed the group that they had given the Conclave much to think about but should use their remaining time wisely and offered that Red Larch might offer some of the answers they were after.

The group thanked Elminster and the Conclave. They asked the Castellan to purchase suitable mounts for them whilst the group went off and bought what they required for their journey to Red Larch.

16th day of Fellnight: Moonday 

The group arose early, ate a hearty breakfast and left as soon as they could taking the Long Road, north out of Waterdeep towards Amphail. There first stop would be the small hamlet of Rassalantar, half way to Amphail.