Krynn - Silvanesti (Day One, Part Four)

At Onfroithalas' question, Shadow looks the elf in the eye, “I am indeed a Wizard and I am from my own Tower of Wizardry, although it may not be as High as one of yours. I have not seen them yet and will refrain from commenting further until I have.” He taps his staff once again to turn off the Light. “And I guess you were not listening to the Drow’s story, allow me to speak once again as to who we are and where we come from. We are travelers from another Prime Material Plane and we are somehow lost. We keep ending up in other worlds and having to solves their problems before being unceremoniously dumped into another world. Thus here we are. Where is here by the way?”

Ra’ziir arches an eyebrow as the elf bellows, and says “And just like that, the Welcoming Party comes to an end…”

Grotto sits unsteadily, his mind sent spinning by the loss of his connection to his god, Hanseath. "No magic! I will have to get to brewing when time allows! I will keep us stocked with potions to try to offset this lack of magic!" Grotto says to the group as he takes inventory of his alchemic lab.

Then, Grotto stops in his tracks and his head whips around to Raz and Onfroithalas. "How am I able to comprehend what they said?!" Grotto thinks to himself. He looks to Cedron, Niklas, and Arthur who are close by and whispers in amazement, "Did you hear? Did you understand? The only elvish I know is, "Yes, I'll have another!" How is it I understood them speaking elvish!?"

Grotto leans in towards Nik and Arthur and utters an ancient phrase from a long ago.

Grotto says to them, "Hakuna Matata!" He pauses to gauge there reaction then says, "Tell me, did you understand? What did I say to you?"

Arthur looks at Grotto "You said 'Hakuna Matata' but I don't know what that means. So, we can understand the words but not necessarily their meanings?"

Niklas, on the other hand, replies, "What a wonderful phrase! It means no worries for the rest of your days. It comes from Aesop's Islands though. The Grasshopper who wouldn't get ready for winter by gathering food would say it whenever he was asked about his laziness."

“High Protector, correct?” Ra’ziir queries rhetorically. “We only know that we fell asleep in the realm of Asgard, and awoke here… with you bellowing at us like some unhinged matron haggling at market over the price of beets!” The Elfemental, allows his irritation to peak through only slightly.

He takes a breath, then “We know not how we arrived behind your defenses, but perhaps you should interview those you say found us… I think that a logical place to start, as our memories of from where we came have been shared.”

"I have interviewed those who found you and inspected the area along with members of House Magus. Aside from a strange circle nearly five paces across and filled with overlapping geometric designs, we found nothing," Onfroithalas replies. "Given the state you were found in, I thought that a visit to the scene may jog your memory."

The Elfemental, having donned his gear, throws aside his cloak revealing the various spell pouches and scrolls he carries. “This brings us back around to the question, why, pray tell, should one be required to wear robes in order to use magic? I’ve not worn robes since I was but a youngling, well over a century hence.”

Lorraine sighs, "I can tell you on the way. For now, let us all go and see your circle. I am interested in learning more about all of you."

The group is led outside, emerging from a two-story whitewashed building. Carved filigree adorns the corners and eaves. The ornate designs in the woodwork flow naturally into each other, creating a sense of cohesion. A small garden plot along one side of the building is tended by two elves in gray tunics. They wear dark green trousers with leather pads sewn into the knees and carry small trowels, shears, and tiny rakes. Lorraine gives them a small wave which they return before returning to their work. She smiles, "We grow most of our own medicines; comfrey, ginger, mint, feverfew, sage, and lavender in the garden," she pauses and her smile grows wider, "with the benefit of having extra seasonings for the kitchen!"

While she speaks a dozen elves, also clad in the dark blue jackets of the House Protector fall in, forming a loose ring around the party and its two escorts. With a nod from Onfroithalas, they begin to walk. The avenue is broad enough for three wagons to pass abreast and paved with stones fitted closely enough as to appear nearly seamless. Manicured lawns in front of beautiful homes line both sides of the street. The road winds gracefully back and forth between expansive homes. The elegant shops of elven artisans are in ample supply. Glittering fountains and statues of elves and monsters stand in parks filled with families dining together on blankets while bands play achingly beautiful songs on harps and flutes. Every so often, a wall, several miles distant can be seen through gaps between buildings. Every blade of grass, each individual leaf is perfectly positioned to catch the eye of passersby.

Some of those passersby approach the group. Each time a warrior from the ring of escorts will stop and speak with the other elves. Many look worried at first but a few words from the House Protector seems to put them at ease and they return to their tasks. One elf however, pushes through the ring and approaches Onfroithalas directly. The soldier bows his head slightly, "Lord Varitan Wyndi, how may I help you today?"

Lord Wyndi, a slightly older elf with his black hair pulled back in a ponytail, clears his throat, "With a straight answer, General. My wife has heard distressing rumors at court about these so-called 'Dragonarmies'. Is there any reason to be concerned?" His eyes flick to the party members, taking them in one by on.

"I can assure you, Lord Wyndi, there is no war in Silvanesti."

Wyndi scowls, "See that it remains that way. I would hate to have to bring this matter before King Lorac. May you and your... entourage enjoy the rest of the afternoon."

By the time the group walks to the city wall, close to two hours have passed and Lorraine has explained the origin of the Brotherhood of High Sorcery and its origin to the group. During the Second Dragon War, elves and metallic dragons fought against the rampages of chromatic dragons and their minions. Battles raged for decades until three powerful sorcerers, in a desperate gambit opened a rift that began swallowing the wyrms, dragging them down into the earth. The spell ran out of their control, causing earthquakes, tidal waves, and volcanic eruptions. The three gods of magic, Solinari, Lunitari, and Nuitari, had to step in and seal the rift but thousands of people had died. These gods took to three sorcerers and trained them, directing them to form a brotherhood that would be responsible for training mortals how to control and channel magic properly. Wizards who operate outside of the Brotherhood are generally considered threats.

The party and its escorts pass through the gate at the north end of the city. About a mile from the gate, they come upon a circle in the ground, some 20' across, scorched into the rock. Geometric designs fill the circle and the entire area smells of "cooked earth."

A vision washes over the party members. Odin stands beside a figure wielding a massive sword and wearing a two-horned helm. "Sending you home would be tantamount to executing you myself. This way, hopefully, you may learn how to survive the trials that await you. Good luck. Heimdall, open the Bifrost."

- - - - - 

• Arthur: 100% health

• Cedron: 100% health

• Chronosaj: 100% health

• Drax: 100% health

• Grotto: 100% health

• Knives: 100%

• Kysek: 100% health

• Niklas: 100% health

• Raven: 100% health

• Ra’ziir: 100% health

• Romulus: 100% health

• Shadow: 100% health