Registered: Nov 2002
Location: Castle Gobs
03-10-2003 13:53

Vori, Larhana settlement

Tarsellis: "That was good work! Here, 1500 gold for those skulls. Our fishing spot should be safe now for a while at least."
Vilx: "Sir, if I may be so bold, is it not true that there are dragons in these parts? Would they make good bounty?"
Tarsellis: "Oh my. You slay a few Qallupilluit and immediately think yourself almighty. But we Snowelves do not seek out any Dragons, and they stay on the coast and leave us alone, and that's how we like it. If you prefer another point of view, hire that Dragonheart fellow. He knows where to find them, and lost would-be heroes under his guard before in the hunt.
Good to have known you."

Regran: "Right. Let's ask the innkeeper to send for him, and have a nice supper. After a good night's sleep we can do some business and raise the remainder of that dragon hunter's fee with your enchanting skills, Arturchix."
Arturchix: "That sounds good enough to me."
DaveO: "Hear, hear. Would that trail up from the beach lead to a dragon cave, I wonder? Not that I want to go up there during the night. Tomorrow we'll have the answer."
Nicolai: "Sigh. Are we ever going to find Lord Markham this way?"

__________________
If you have no feet, don't walk on fire.

Registered: Jan 2003
Location:
03-11-2003 14:30

The supergubber decide to go while the night lingers, just to see if any surprises wait for them in the starred sky of Vori.

DaveO: Look! That is the trail i spoke about, let's follow it and hope some Wyrm is waiting for us.

Vilx: ...along with his treasure, you mean, he,he.

Regran: I wonder...

ShaoMa:-rash and sudden- Enough wonderings! Keep moving guys, go, go, go.

Arturchix runs in the distance...

DaveO: Wait! Huph, huph...<sigh> Not everyone can walk naked around here!!!

Registered: Nov 2002
Location: Castle Gobs
03-11-2003 16:25

Vori, Green Dragon cave

With the sun low above the ocean water, our friends are hurrying up the trail while the tide is about to overflood the beach below. They heed not the deep fall they could make from any misstep, nor the sounds of many feet that always seem to come from just around the next bend.

Until they DO come from just around the next bend.

Amazed, in the fading light, the adventurers arrive on a plateau and set eyes on a horde of smallish Goblins that totally block the entrance to a cave - a Dragon Cave? - behind them. The Goblins all turn at once to face the interruption of their daily chores and stand silent, staring at our heroes and obviously feeling uncomfortable. Gems turn yellow.


by The Hobbit Guy

"Cave Goblins", whispers Regran.
"There's a lot of them", murmurs Nicolai.

Then they notice a single Green Goblin standing on a ledge near the cave entrance. It notices them, too.

The Green Goblin: "Wadda are we losssst?"
Arturchix: "We come looking for a Dragon."
The Green Goblin: "Thisss da place. We're lookinggg afffter. Tending. She greennn, I live. Feassst on her color to mine eyes I does."
DaveO: "Could you all move to the side please?"
The Green Goblin: "Ohhhnooooo. You not go in. Dragon she musste breed. Soon, she lay egg."
Arturchix: "Come on. We don't want to hurt you."
Vilx: "Maybe we can trade?"
The Green Goblin: "Trade, uhuh? Me my brethern we seek rainbow, longtime. Pesky White Goblin do not wants uss there, is hidden. We cannot finds. For rainbow, we no longer needs dragon for true colors. No rainbow, you not pass. Sorry."

__________________
If you have no feet, don't walk on fire.

Registered: Jan 2003
Location:
03-12-2003 21:44

Rainbow goblins, whorshipper of green dragons, in a snow-white land. Vori reveals more surprises at each step. Casting his beacon spell, ShaoMa returns the heroes to Larhana, were they find a good inn and pay for one big confortable room. Tomorrow they would head to Volee.

Nicolai: I am content that you finally decided to go to Volee! We have to find Lord Markham. He also has a house in Tatalia! That land is full of trolls and...

Vilx: Could you please SHUT UP! We are trying to sleep in here.

Regran: What are you two bragging about? Don't you see we are in this room to have good, sound sleep! And you two keep talking, telling stories, about trolls, granmothers, whatever, you know what, i say...

Arturchix: - to himself- Krohn! Send something to make those people stop.

DaveO: ZzzzzzzRRRRONORRROCCCZzzzzzzRRROROONNCZzzzzzz

Arturchix: - to himself again Ahhhhhhhhhh!

Registered: Nov 2002
Location: Castle Gobs
03-13-2003 14:34

Vori, on the road to Volee

The following morning, it is not 'rise and shine' as usual. For the first time since their arrival on this strange world, the adventurers have a sense of purpose.

Today they will travel to Volee, the capital of those beautiful Snowelves! Forgotten are the dreams of dragon hunting with old hunters, the sorrows of the Merfolk, and their empty purses. Magnificent happenings are on the horizon. The Council of Grey wants them! They could go to the Palace, and the Cheese Factory (says Nicolai, and somehow DaveO got very interested), and maybe even find Lord Markham there or at least hear of his whereabouts.

Merrily they once more cross the landbridge, the sound of the Waterfall as powerful as before. One last look at the lake, and then they arrive at the road sign, and choose south.

Soon, the road shows signs of other travellers. Footprints, hoofprints, tracks of wagon wheels even, show in the snow. On both sides of the road the trees are scarce, and they can see a long way ahead.

As usual it is Regran who sees it first. They are gaining fast on what appears to be a lone wanderer, who is walking with some effort. As our heroes don't exactly move in stealth, the wanderer hears them too. An old, bearded fellow turns around and waits for them to catch up.

"Good afternoon", he says, "my name is Viesis, judge extraordinary. Are you ging to Volee? So am I, returning. Forgive me if my feet don't carry me that fast, but these days I have to accept work anywhere I can, even if it takes me far away from the capital."

You have just met your second advisor. As a Judge, he must know many things about the affairs of people of importance, and apparently he lives in Volee. This looks like a good opportunity to get some valuable information. Maybe even to make a friend.

__________________
If you have no feet, don't walk on fire.

Registered: Jan 2003
Location:
03-13-2003 19:41

Regran: Judge, could you help us please, we have many a question to ask of you. What can you tell us about Lord Markham?

Registered: Nov 2002
Location: Latvia, Valmiera
03-14-2003 09:59

Viesis: Ahh, Lord Markham? I used to work with him. Quite a busy man, I must say. And not very nice when speaking with the lower class. But when it comes to dealings, he is a master of the subject.

Suddenly he realises he's talking to strangers.

But wait, who might you be? I have some more information where to find him but I won't tell it to people whose names I don't know.

__________________
How much wood could a woodchuck chop if a woodchuck could chop wood?

Registered: Jan 2003
Location:
03-14-2003 13:02

Arturchix: Let me introduce ourselves. I am the Shaolin Master, Arturchix. The strong one with pointed ears is DaveO, a paladin. Quietly walking right there is Vilx, a professional, err... specialized mercenary. The first one to talk to you is Regran, the Outspoken, a ranger. Last but not least, Prince Nicolai is the young man who brought us here.

Regran: What he means is that we are not from Vori, Judge. In fact we came from a far away land, called Chedian. Prince Nicolai is the one who can explain all taht to you, if need be.

Vilx: -to DaveO, quietly- Are we not revealing too much.

DaveO: Be calm, my friend. I feel this Judge shall be helpfull in our quests.

Registered: Nov 2002
Location: Latvia, Valmiera
03-15-2003 10:30

Viesis: - listens and memorizes all the information - I see. So about the location? Lord Markham can be found at the Eastern Docks in Volee. You can't miss the house.

Now that we have got ourselves acquainted, is there something else you would like to know? - gives the group a grandfatherly smile -

__________________
How much wood could a woodchuck chop if a woodchuck could chop wood?

Registered: Nov 2002
Location: Sealand
03-15-2003 12:11

Vilx: (carefully)How it can be that judge extraordinaire like you, mister, we found wandering on countryside but not in your house or office? Please, your honesty, tell us why it seems you are looking for job? Havent any criminals, any misunderstandings and squabble in Volee, heh?
As for "special mercenary" it is enough to meet your kind in towns; not expected to find one in forest.
And, if we started to talk, have you any knowledge about people of great importance here in Volee; prince Nicolai whether doesn't know or doesn't want to tell us more then some words about that merchantman Markham. Who, for example, are members of Grey Council and what power this council have? Are there some kings or Jarls in Volee longhouse? Who rules this land?

__________________
vilx

Registered: Nov 2002
Location: Latvia, Valmiera
03-15-2003 12:35

Viesis: - makes a looong sigh - Yes, I am currently jobless. I just resigned from my office at the School of Judges in the city of Volee, because of a conflict with the rest of the staff. But I don't want to talk about it right now. Yeah, I had some good times sentencing the pirates that Lord Markham brought in. But now it's over. - raises his eyebrow - You did know that he had problems with pirates, didn't you?

Anyway, Vilx, we don't mind Assasins much here. Don't deny it, I have seen the likes of you before. More than I would like to.

Council of Grey? Yes, I've heard of them. They own a building in Volee. They are the authority on the old Vori magic, which I don't want to have anything to do with, as I deal only with worldly affairs.

- thinks for a moment - You might visit Judge Grey, he is the head of the School. Actually he and Lord Markham are the two people with the greatest importance in the city of Volee.

__________________
How much wood could a woodchuck chop if a woodchuck could chop wood?

Registered: Jan 2003
Location:
03-18-2003 00:08

Regran: Your honesty -silently- (is that it Vilx?), how can we find you again if need be? Are you interested in accompaning us, if you have not more important matters to attend?

Registered: Nov 2002
Location: Latvia, Valmiera
03-18-2003 10:24

Viesis: Unfourtunately I am not as fast and strong as I was in my youth, so I can accompany you only until we reach Vori. But don't worry, you can always visit me in my home in Volee - gives the adress -, but you can also send me letters if you're not around. So shall we go? We can talk while walking, and I'm getting cold when standing still for such long time.

__________________
How much wood could a woodchuck chop if a woodchuck could chop wood?

Registered: Jan 2003
Location:
03-18-2003 12:19

Small talk, but fruitfull. The supergubbers and Judge Viesis keep walking to Volee. Do the road holds any danger?

Arturchix: Your honesty, do the Council receives foreigners or only under jurisdiction?

Registered: Nov 2002
Location: Latvia, Valmiera
03-18-2003 12:26

Viesis: I am not informed about this, so unfourtunately I can't help you. Why don't you ask the Council members? That is, when you meet them.

__________________
How much wood could a woodchuck chop if a woodchuck could chop wood?

Registered: Nov 2002
Location: Castle Gobs
03-18-2003 13:54

For a long time, the road to Volee was gradually going downhill, until the last stretch that sloped ever so slightly upward, annoyingly preventing the party from seeing ahead.
But now, while the adventurers are continuing their conversation with the old judge, they finally get rewarded for their long hike with a wide panorama.


by Michael Bozenicar (cut)

Viesis: "Ah, home is near! Over yonder bridge with the guardhouse and then to the gates."
Arturchix: "A walled city, on Vori?"
Viesis: "And a wise decision that was, too, for the Minotaurs never dared to attack Volee. The canal is actually going all the way 'round the city, providing further protection."
DaveO: "Your honor, can you tell us something about the layout of the city? It looks mighty big."
Vieses: "Ah, yes. The central part is still much like the Snowelves have always built of old, with shops in the middle of a ring of good quality houses. There is a nice park on the north side there, with a fountain, and of course Volee's famous relic, the Sword-in-ice. The south side has the Thieves Guild and the Merchant's House.
The west part of town is the castle area, where one finds the Palace, the Council of Grey and the best teachers and magics. The east part is more mundane and crowded, with many ordinary dwellings, most of the taverns, lower teachers and the Gymnasium. That is also where the School of Judges can be found. I'm sorry to say that it is right next to the Cheese Factory. Oh well."
Vilx: "Where is the snow?"
Regran: "In Larhana they have the hot springs, is it something like that?"
Viesis: "Some feeding the bay, yes, but I'm sure that magic is involved as well. Still, come wintertime even the city itself can't hold back the snow."
Nicolai: "The bay, that is where I arrived. There wasn't much sea traffic as I remember."
Viesis: "Pirates. But we nearly got all of them now."

__________________
If you have no feet, don't walk on fire.

Registered: Jan 2003
Location:
03-19-2003 14:34

Although the city has many interesting locations to explore, the supergubbers head to Lord Markhans place.

Vilx: Your honesty, one more question, is there any ruler of Vori itself. A supreme autorithy perhaps?

Registered: Nov 2002
Location: Castle Gobs
03-19-2003 15:29

Volee, Merchant's House

It is about tea-time when our adventurers enter the Snowelf capital. Following the judge's directions, they head for the middle section of the city, then straight to the Merchant's House which is also Lord Markham's residence when he is present.

On their way, they notice all kinds of interesting shops, such as: Kazandar's, the Blacksmith; Ladyhawke's Robes and Gear; the House of Herbs; and Yasira Incantations.

At the Merchant's House, to Nicolai's great disappointment, the heroes learn that Lord Markham is not in the city. A young lady at the front desk explains:

"I'm sorry. Lord Markham has urgent business elsewhere. If you want to speak with him, you need to follow the road east from the city all the way to the end, past the Silver Mines, to the docks that give access to the Shoals. It's quite a trip from here, but that is where his ship is at the moment. He is loading cargo to set up shop on an exotic island or something."

Nicolai: "Poof. All this way for nothing."
Arturchix: "Come now, Nicolai. There is plenty to do here. We should at least go to the Council of Grey and hear what they have to say."
Regran: "And while we're here, let's explore the city."
Vilx: "Finding a good tavern would be nice, maybe we can pick up some gossip."
DaveO: "I think we should go to the Palace, too. That judge said that there is a Snowelf ruler of sorts. A King Sil, wasn't it?"

__________________
If you have no feet, don't walk on fire.

Registered: Jan 2003
Location:
03-21-2003 11:11

Council of Grey, what the misterious conclave had to offer? The four Chedians head there to discover.

Registered: Nov 2002
Location: Castle Gobs
03-21-2003 16:15

Volee, Council of Grey

As the adventurers enter the Castle area of the city, they cannot help wondering once again about the strangeness of the Vori Snowelves. Getting used to the faces is one thing, but this castle is weird. Resting on four Towers, serving as pillars, the main body of the castle is actually high up in the air, with the Palace underneath.

The Council of Grey appears to have its office in one of the Towers. The entrance holds a small lounge, with some bookcases and chairs, a fireplace, and the beginning of a spiralling staircase. On the mantlepeace, there is a bust of Ishtar, the goddess of chaos.

When Nicolai looks at the person sitting at a small table in the lounge, he is startled. The Wizard, who looks so very familiar to him, stands up to greet the party.

Athlenius: "You have arrived, and still in good health I am happy to see. I am Athlenius, the older brother of Falagar."
Arturchix: "We are honored. High up north, we found a note that you were expecting us."
Athlenius: "Then all went well, we sent a message to Conan to look for you. I hope he is fine?"
Vilx (blushing): "Er, yes, sir, er ... Conan was, er, ... alright when we left him."

The Wizard seems not to notice the embarassment.

Athlenius: "Good, good. You have a difficult task ahead of you. I can only hope that you're ready. Hmmmm ...."
Regran: "Should we go and see the Council now? Are they upstairs?"
Athlenius: "All in good time. It is rare that outsiders should gain knowledge of the old magic, but such is the Prophecy."

Nicolai looks uneasy, fumbling his shirt. The Wizard continues.

Athlenius: "Still, you need to prove yourself worthy."
DaveO: "Tell us, great Wizard, what must we do?"
Athlenius: "Ahem. I'm not sure I should ask this of you. Well then, west of the city you will find a building in disarray. It used to be the Grand Temple of the Stars, where we had our library and teachers. But it was taken by the Minotaurs in the war. Their only accomplishment, fortunately, but bad enough as it is. We were barely able to save our books and scrolls. Since then, they call it their Cathedral of Eep. They will not leave and maintain the building badly.
We want it back, but the King seems not to care much, so a group of adventurers is just what we need. Remove the Minotaurs from our Temple and you have proven yourself. That by itself will not give you the support of the Council, mind you, but it is a necessary start. When you're done, come back here and I will give you further instructions."

__________________
If you have no feet, don't walk on fire.