Chat log started at 8.5.2006 / 18:26:54
The boat trip was long and arduous. The Swordcoast has had one of it's worst years for violent storms,
many of which seemed to occur wherever your ship went. This was compounded by the fact that half of the ships crew and
passangers were inflicted with some sort of plague. The Sea of swords took many lives during the month long travel from
Waterdeep to Hemel but you managed to survive. Kelemvor had decided that it was not your time.
When you sailed into port at Hemel, the boat as well as the passangers were all quarantined. It took
close to 2 extra weeks before they deemed you and the other passengers free of any plague.
Here you stand now, in the port authority of the Hemel City Docks. The clerk at the desk hands you your
meager gear and motions for you to pass through the long narrow archway that leads to the bustling city of Hemel.
You walk down the dimly lit corridor and out into the street of Hemel. All manners of people of all
races walk hurridly around each other. Some street merchants try to push their goods on the many people, while pan handlers
beg for a copper piece or two. The city of Hemel is a stark contrast to the quiet village of Rushing Springs.
Barian: looks around blinking. He looks for someone who looks like a guard or official
you look around and see lots of differnt people. One man stands out from the rest. He is armoured and
has a crest on his smock. He could be a guard
Barian Approaches the guard
Barian: Good Day sir, May I bother you for directions?
guard: of course. fresh off the boat, are we?
Barian (smiles): Yes, it was quite the journey. Do you happen to know where the Church of Kelemvor is
located in Hemel?
guard: Oh, yes of course.
guard points east
guard: do you see that big castle there?
Barian: Yes
guard: just head straight for that. the church of Kelemvor is directly across from it.
guard: If you end up outside the city walls, then you've gone too far
Barian (smiles and bows slighlty): Thank you kind sir, May your days be long and your passing
peaceful
guard (bows): likewise to you. Enjoy your stay in Hemel.
Barian Heads east towards the Big Castle
You walk through the streets of Hemel, passing numerous businesses
You finally make your way to the front entrance to the towering castle. Across from it is the
church.
Barian Enters the church
You make your way into the church. the church is a large building but it is rather simple. Not many
ornamation.
You are approached by a young man were the garb of a cleric.
Kirkland: Goodday, sir. I am Kirkland. How may I be of service?
Barian (bows): Greetings Kirkland. I am Brother Barian from Shadow Castle near Mithral Hall
Kirkland: You have travelled a great distance to find your way here in Hemel. What brings you this
far, Brother?
Barian: I have travelled to your fine city to spread the word of Kelemvor and to search for old friends
of my parents
Kirkland: We are always looking for fellow men of the cloth to help spread the word.
Kirkland: I am not sure how we may help you in your other task however.
Barian: A roof while I search is all I would ask of you
Kirkland: Certainly, Brother Barian... You will be provided with all you need while you stay here with
us. You are our honored guest.
Kirkland smiles and bows slightly.
Barian (smiles and returns the bow): Thank you kindly. May I ask who is the head of this church? I
should announce myself to him.
Kirkland: A wise decision, Barian. follow me.
Kirkland leads you down a side hall.
You are taken into a nicer looking chamber. It is still fairly simple in terms of its ornamations but
it does stand out
Kirkland: Please, wait here. I will see if the Vicor is available.
Barian: Thank You
Kirkland walks behind a curtain and into another room.
Barian waits patiently
you wait for a few minutes before Kirkland returns. An older gentleman is with him, dressed in
ceremonial robe.
Barian bows
Barian: Greetings Vicar, I am Brother Barian, Of Shadow Castle
Felitoram: I am pleased to meet you Barian. My name is Felitoram. I understand that you have
travelled a great distance to be with us here in Hemel.
Barian (smiles and nods): Yes, it was a long journey, but it will be worth it in the end
Felitoram: We have been busy serving those in mourning for their loss. The ship that came into port
but 2 weeks ago suffered from the plague. It has been a trying time for many.
Barian (nods solemnly): It was indeed. I helped many to Kelemvor's judgement over the last few
weeks
Felitoram: While you are welcome to stay with us for any time you require, we ask that you help those
who require it in the name of Kelemvor.
Barian: Of course Vicar, I'm at your service when needed.
Felitoram smiles broadly and places his hand on your shoulder
Barian Smiles as well
Felitoram: please, let Kirkland show you to your room. If you need anything else, then please, don't
hesitate to ask.
Barian: Certainly Sir, Thank you for you hospitality, and remember that I am here to serve
Kirkland: Brother Barian, please... follow me.
Barian bows and exits after Kirkland
Kirkland leads you to another wing of the church. The hall way is made of grey stone and the doors are
made of plain wood. He leads you to the end of a long hallway lined with doors. He stops at one and opens it. He beacons
for you to enter.
Barian enters the room
Barian: Thank you Kirkland, you have been most helpful
Kirkland: you are welcome. make yourself comfortable. Supper is served at 6. You are welcome to join
us if you wish
Barian: Thank you. I shall endeavour to be there...
Barian (motions for Kirkland): Wait
Kirkland (stops): yes?
Barian: Where is a place in this town where I might find an adventurer?
Barian: I fear that I may be out of my element in this search
Kirkland: There are numerous places that you could look, I suppose...
Kirkland: One of the better places would be the Adventurer's Inn. It is located just outside the city
wall in the south west cornor.
Barian (smiles and clasps his hands): Excellent! I shall begin there. Is there perchance a Mage's
Guild or Hall of some type?
Kirkland: The Guild of Arcane Lore is not too far from here. It is just down the street to the south
and a little to the west. Right by the South east gate.
Barian: Thank You Kirkland. You have been most helpful. I truly appreciate it
Kirkland: of course! Be safe out in the city of Hemel. It can be dangerous, especially for
visitors.
Barian (laughs): The Silver Marches are also a very dangerous place, but thank you for your concern. I
will be wary
Kirkland: Now if you'll excuse me, I must attend to my duties.
Barian: Of course
Kirkland exits briskly.
Barian puts down his pack and goes to the wash basin to clean his face and hands before heading
out
You clean your face and hands in the water provided.
Barian heads out of the temple and turns to the south. He is looking for the Guild of Arcane
Lore
You follow Kirkland's directions to the Guild of Arcane Lore. You walk down the crowded cobblestone
streets with the sun cresting overhead. A cool breeze blows wisps of clouds overhead, making it not so warm.
With a few turns at some intersections, you see the gate off in the distance. To the right is a
building that could only be the guild.
Barian Approach the building
The building is made of large, red stones and mortor, tall, thin windows with a wooden grid frame is
over top. Moss and ivy grow halfway up the side of the building and a bronze plated sign reading "Guild of Arcane Lore" is
attached over the large oak doors.
Barian Knocks on the front door
You wait a few brief moments after you knock on the door. A small slit on the door slides open.
Curious... you didn't see it there before. You see on the other side a pair of blue eyes with big bushy black eyebrows over
top.
Voice at Door: Membership card, please.
Barian (smiles politely): I'm afraid that I don't have one. I'm looking for a wizard.
Voice at Door (glares): yeeess... This is not a directory for people to find wizards. It's a
guild.
Barian (grits teeth): I understand that sir, however, I'm looking for one of your members. Her name is
Serah.
Voice at Door: I'm afraid that you will have to come back later... after you have a membership card.
Good day.
The slit closes with a click!
Barian knocks on door
the slit reappears, revealing the same glaring eyes.
Barian (smiles widely): Greetings, I am looking to join your fine Guild
Voice at Door: are you a wizard?
Voice at Door: Do you have any interest in the working of the arcane?
Voice at Door: Do you even HAVE a family member who once was a wizard!?
Barian (frowns): Not as such, but my Lord Kelemvor does grant me the ability to utilize
magic.
Voice at Door: I'm afraid that won't suffice. There is a temple of Kelemvor near by. I suggest you
try there.
Barian: I do have an interest in learning the ways of Arcane Magic. I also have an aunt, named Serah
who was a wizard.
Voice at Door looks suspiciously at you
Voice at Door: What, specifically, interests you about the arcane?
Barian: As I know how the Divine works, I wish to see how it differs from the Arcane. Through knowing
both sides of the Magic of this world, I may be able to better understand the life of it's beings... and their
deaths
Voice at Door nods slowly.
Voice at Door: Membership costs 500 gps. However, an exame is required before memberships are
granted.
Barian: I suppose I shall return when I have the money for the Membership. Do you know where I could
find a wizard who would teach me?
Barian: Perhaps my aunt Serah?
Barian puts on his best sad eyes
Voice at Door (said slowly): Dear sir... The guild is not really a school... You can certainly learn
from other members, but you must have something worth while to contribute to the other members. You should ask your aunt to
teach you. It seems like a wise choice.
Barian (hopefully): Thank you, I shall ask her. Might I ask you to point me in her direction? I am
new in town and don't really have my bearings yet.
Voice at Door (said quickly and impatiently): The guild does not give out such information. Be on your
way, and a fine day to you SIR!
The slit on the door is slammed shut.
Barian turns and walks away from the building
Barian (to himself): Now, to find the Adventurer's Inn I suppose...
Barian heads towards the Soutwest Gate and the Adventurer's Inn
You go through the large gated archway in the city wall. The dirt roads outside the wall aren't as well
kept as those inside but it is obvious that they have seen alot of use. Kitty cornor to you is a large, multi-storied
building. It seems like the building has been through many renovations and additions as the back part of the building has a
sort of hap-hazzard design as if someone just started attaching various sized building onto the back. The building looks to
be very busy as you see many people coming and going from the front door. The path leading to the door is well worn and
muddy. A wooden sign swings in the wind and written in common it say Adventurer's Inn. A chipped and weathered painting of a
swordsman is beneath the writing.
Barian heads into the Inn and takes a moment to get his bearings and look around
Inside the Inn, you see a large open area coverd with round wooden tables and chairs. A wood stair case
curls up the wall to a higher deck with more tables and chairs. You see various booths lining the side wall, and on the back
wall, underneath the upper deck, is the bar. Beside the bar is a hall leading off somewhere else within the haphazzardly
built structure. The place isn't packed but it is close. You see all sorts of people inside, and most of them appear to be
seasoned adventurers.
Barian heads to the bar and motions for the barkeep
Barkeep Nods
Barkeep: what will it be, friend?
Barian Mead, please
Barkeep Grabs a wooden mug and poors some mead
Barkeep: 8 coppers
Barian Gives the Barkeep a silver
Barian: Thank You.
Barkeep: Find yourself a seat if you like.
Barian looks around to see what seems to be open for seats
The bottom level of the bar seems to be quite full. There are a few empty seats, but they are with
other customers
Barian scans the room to look for a half-elf. Looking for someone who may be Talanthion, the Half-Elf
Ranger
You don't see anyone fitting any description like that.
Barian chooses a stool at the bar and has a seat.
Barian listens and waits to see if there is a way to get an 'in' to a conversation
You sit down and the barkeep is holding a conversation with another fellow. The man is clearly a
warrior of some sort.
Delamore: ...So I went up to the goblin and told him to unhand the lass or it would be is
life!
Barkeep: What did he do?
Delamore: The stupid thing tried to go for his sword. I cut his ear off and he let the girl go. He
went running into the forest.
Barkeep (laughs): we'll have to keep an eye out for a one eared goblin.
Delamore: Well, I'm sure that some ranger or hunter will come along and find that scum trying something
else like that. I'm sure I won't get a second shot at him.
Barkeep: Another Ale, Delamore?
Delamore: You bet. Keep em' coming!
Barian (smiles and motions for the barkeep): Please, allow me
Barian puts a silver on the bar
Barkeep: heh heh! Looks like you have an audience, Delamore!
Barkeep Poors another drink and hands it to the warrior.
Barian (nods apologetically): I was captured by your story
Delamore Turns to face you.
Delamore: Well, It's just a typical day in my life.
Barian (bows his head): Greetings, I am Brother Barian
Delamore extends hand
Barian: grasps the offered hand
Delamore: please to meet you. Delamore's me' name.
Barian: The honour is mine.
Delamore: so are you some sort of priest? brother?
Barian (smiles): yes, I spread the word of Kelemvor
Barian: points to his holy symbol
Delamore looks at symbol with a bit of a nervous glance.
Delamore: Well, don't go spreading the news of death to me, I beg your pardon. I hope to live a long
life of adventuring
Barian: Death is not to be feared, it comes for us all. In understanding it we can accept it. But I
did not buy you a drink so that I could preach to you
Barian: laughs
Delamore (chuckles): whats so funny?
Barian: Are there many problems in the woods about these parts?
Delamore: well, sure... There has been a huge increase in the goblin raiders. The little buggers are
getting braver and braver everyday!
Delamore: You not from these parts, are ya?
Barian (nods): It is true? It shows then? I'm from Shadow Castle, a temple near Mithral
Hall.
Delamore: Well, I'm not as well travelled as you, Brother. Where in the blazes is that?
Barkeep Laughs at Delamore.
Barian: It is in the North. The Silver Marches region.
Delamore (Tries to look like he knows what you are talking about): Oh... yeah. The Silver
Marches.
Barian (changes the subject): So are there no rangers here abouts? To protect the woods from the
goblins?
Barkeep: Well, there spread out pretty thin. It doesn't seem that many people are looking to take up
that profession these days.
Barian: That is too bad. Do you know a ranger named Talanthion? He is a Half-Elf that I heard was
from around these parts
Barkeep looks skyward in a thinking fashion
Barkeep: you know, there are so many people who come and go through here, it's tough for me to
remember.
Delamore: Yeah, and I've only been adventuring for a little over a year myself.
Delamore smiles sheepishly.
Barian (Smiles at Delamore in understanding): I've only just recently taken up the wandering lifestyle
myself. I spent most of my years, ministering in Shadow Caslte
Barkeep: Ya know, if your looking for someone around these parts, Dotty and Bruno are the ones to ask.
They've been adventuring for longer than I care to count.
Barkeep scans the bar.
Barkeep: HEY! BRUNO!
Bruno (Rumbling voice): What?!?
The voice comes from upstairs.
Barkeep: Head on up stairs... Bruno is up there. He'll probably be able to help. He's the biggest guy
up there. you can't miss him
Barian (smiles): That is most helpful. Thank You (Throws 2 more silver on the bar) For your
trouble.
Barkeep: much obliged
Barian: May both of your days be long, and your deaths peaceful
Barian stands
Delamore looks at barkeep nervously and shifts in his seat
Barian: It was good to meet you Delamore (claps him on the shoulder)
Delamore: uh, thanks.
Barkeep: take care!
Barian smiles and heads upstairs
You push your way through the crowd that seems to be visiting on the stair case rather than at tables.
You get up top and see another large section filled with tables, although it is still smaller than downstairs. your
attention is drawn to a table in the middle. The biggest half-orc you've ever seen sits with a large crowd around him. He
laughs at the antics of a small gnome to his left that is trying to guzzle a ale twice the size of his head.
Barian: heads towards the large Half-Orc
You get close to him but there doesn't seem to be any available seats at his table.
Barian: Excuse me, Are you Bruno?
Bruno Draws his attention away from the gnome, his smile fades.
Bruno: who are you?
Barian (bows slightly): I am Brother Barian, I am looking for some people, and the barkeep mentioned
that you were the best person to ask around these parts. You and Dotty
Bruno licks lips as he thinks
Barian: May I buy you a drink?
Bruno: I ain't going to argue with that!
Barian: Excellent (motions for a serving girl.)
A serving girl steps past some other patrons and waits to take your order
Barian: Ale Bruno?
Bruno: That will be fine
waitress: and you?
Barian: the same
she leaves downstairs to get your drinks.
Barian: tries to move around the table somewhat to where Bruno is sitting
Bruno: So... Barian, was it? What did you want to know. Ol' Bruno knows plenty of people.
Barian: Well I'm looking for a couple of people. A Half-Elf Ranger named Talanthion, and a Wizardess
who goes by Serah. Do either of those names sound familiar?
Bruno Scratches the scraggly hair on the top of his head.
Bruno: Serah??? That name seems to jog a bit of the old memory...
Bruno: What about her?
the serving girl returns with your drinks.
waitress: that's 8 copper please
Barian gives her a silver
Barian: thanks
waitress: thankyou!
Barian: If it helps, they adventured around here about 20-25 years ago witha cleric of Lathander named
Drusilla, and a Fighter by the name of Julius
Bruno: hmmmm.... that don't sound right...
Bruno looks over shoulder
Bruno: Hey, Dotty... Do you remember that one wizardress named Serah?
He shouts across the room
You see a small halfling woman run over and plop herself up on the chair with the gnome who is now
lying his head on the table.
Bruno: Hey, Rickard, get out of the chair... Let the man sit down.
A man sitting across from Bruno stands up and offers his chair
Barian (nods and smiles): Thank You (sits)
Dotty: Aye, I remember hearing something about it her, but that was close to 10 years ago.
Barian (nods to Dotty): Yes? What do you remember of her?
Dotty puts finger to chin
Dotty: If I remember correctly, she was partners with some Half-elf ranger... They had been doing tons
of work here in the Duchy of Hemel. Made quite a name for themselves back in the day, too if I remember correctly. Anyhow,
they started doing some work exclusively for one of the noble houses here in Hemel. Hey, Bruno.. What was the name of the
noble house Serah and the ranger worked for?
Bruno puts hands up and shrugs shoulders
Dotty: I don't know what the name of the house was... But I'm pretty sure that it was absorbed into
some other noble house which happens every now and again. Last thing that I remember was that Serah went missing. Some rumors
that I heard was that her ranger friend ended up murdering her. They say he was bought by the opposing noble house. When
Serah starting sniffing around where she didn't belong, they told him to kill her. Like I said before, they're just rumors.
Take them anyway you like.
Barian (with a look of concern): You have no recollection of the House name though?
Barian: or what happened to the ranger?
shakes head with disappointment.
Dotty: I don't rightly know... He just disappeared after that.
Barian (sighs): Well thank you. That is something at least. I know that they were here. I shall
continue my search. If you think of anything else, could you send word to the Temple of Kelemvor?
Dotty: Oh, sure... Did you know them or something?
Barian: Not I, my parents... They were mentioned in my parent's journal. I am seeking them out to
learn of my heritage.
Dotty gives a sad look
Dotty: Well I hope that it works out for the best.
Barian (smiles somewhat sadly): Thank you, I'm sure that it will.
Barian: stands and bows
Bruno raises mug in farewell to you
Barian: I must be going. Thank you for your help. The blessings of Kelemvore on you both. May your
days be long and your deaths peaceful. (nods and heads for the stairs)
as you head for the stair, you feel a hand on your shoulder
Barian turns
You see an older man with brown hair, grey at the temples.
Barian: Greetings sir, May I help you?
Nalis: My apologies, sir, but I couldn't help but to overhear your conversation with the halforc and
halfling.
Nalis: My name is Nalis. May I have a word with you?
Barian (nods): certainly
Nalis: The rumors that you just heard are nothing more than just that. The truth is that the
wizardress, Serah, was killed 10 years ago. Both of them were working for the Noble house of Rookwood.
Barian (nods): What was it that they were doing?
Nalis: Rookwood... the house that they worked for was in a feud with the Noble House Drasney.
Nalis: The nobles here in the city of Hemel have a lot of sneaking about behind each others backs. Each
noble house owns various businesses and so there is always one noble house buying out anothers property. A few of the Noble
houses even use theives and other undesirables to do their dirty work.
Nalis (leans in and speaks Quietly): It just so happens that the Drasney houshold is one of the
dirtiest houses out there. They'll do just about whatever it takes to get what they want.
Nalis: If you have time to hear there tale, I'll gladly share it. But not here.
Barian (nods): Of course. Lead on.
Nalis Walks down the stairs, looking about nervously.
Barian follows, trying to see if anyone is looking at Nalis leaving
Nalis walks out the front door and heads towards the side of the Inn where there is some trees and is
well hidden from the street.
Barian follows Nalis. Tries to see if he can see anyone else in that area. Has the feeling that a
trap may be lurking here
You scan the area and are feel fairly certain that no one is lurking in the cover of the
trees.
Barian follows Nalis into the trees
Nalis: This should be a safe place to talk.
Nalis: The way Serah and Tanlanthion's story goes is that both were hired by the Rookwood family as
mercenaries. It might be worth you time to go to the mercenaries guild over by Nickels alley. 10 years ago, the Rookwood
family were pretty wealthy. They were a merchant family and owned a handful of businesses. They were also one of the more
honest families to boot. Anyways, the Drasney clan wanted to buy out the Rookwood's of most of their assets. The rookwoods
said no, and they were able to back it up if they wanted to. They had a lot of seasoned mercanaries in their employment and
two of the best were Serah and Tanlanthion When some of House Drasney's hired goons started harrassing the family, things got
serious. The streets ran with blood. It was a war between House Rookwood and House Drasney. The fighting was done descrietly,
but there was evidence left behind that it had occured. Drasney stooped so low that assassinations started to be a concern
for Rookwood; even the entire city. Anyone associated with house Rookwood were putting themselves at risk. House Rookwood was
more honrable than that and didn't hire assassins. Don't get me wrong. They got their hands dirty but it was just different.
Barian nods as if to say, go on
Nalis: This is where things get a little fuzzy. No one is 100% certain of what happened, but Serah did
end up disappearing. Many believed that Tanlanthion was hired to murder her because Serah had found some important
information out. Others say that Serah was paid a large amount of gold to leave the Duchies to keep her silent. Everyone has
there version, but no one knows for sure. The only thing that is for certain is that Tanlanthion went into hiding. Who he was
hiding from, no one knows for sure, but chances are good that he is out there somewhere... And he is probably one of the only
people left who knows the truth about Serah.
Campaign saved.
Barian (nods): You sound as if you know the truth? Do you know where Talanthion is to be
found?
Nalis: Alas, I do not. He has been missing for a long time, and I'm afraid that those who wanted to
find him have given up long ago. His memory faded with their search.
Barian: Please forgive my questioning, but how did you come by this information? And why are you so
afraid of being heard? If their memory is gone, who is left to hear what you speak of?
Nalis: I am nothing but an old man now, but back in my day, I was part of the Noble House Drasney. The
house is still powerful to this day and are very watchful of all things within this city. There are spies
everywhere.
Barian: and why give me this information... They were your enemies
Nalis: I forsake the House. It pains me to speak of it...
Nalis Looks visibly upset
Barian (nods with understanding and puts a hand on his shoulder): Be well Old one, I did not mean to
distress you. Thank you for this information
Nalis: You are kind... Allow me to say just this... House Drasney took my loved ones from me. They
almost took my life. I am happy with what I have now.. but I sympathize with your plight.
Barian: Thank you. The blessings of Kelemvor be on you, May your life be long, and your death
peaceful old one
Nalis smiles meekly
Barian turns to leave the trees
Barian: heads back to the Temple
You arrive back at the temple. When you get there, Kirkland approahes you.
Kirkland: Ah, Barian... We were waiting for your return. While you were away we recieved a very
important message. It came from the town of Cambe. You see, the Baron of the town of Cambe requests our presance in his
town. His wife has been suffering a terrible illness that may take her life. He would like a cleric of Kelemvor to come and
prepare her and the family for what's to come. We would like you to be that cleric.