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[Xeen] Compendium I -November 1995
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	Thai moved closer towards the man who remained motionless 
upon his cold metal cot, while Jarred stood guard at his cell door. A
caring, nurturing power fought to expose itself as her eyes grew
accustomed to the quality of light the tiny cell afforded. The man
before her was a wreck. He definitely would survive his injuries,
but she could now see the sadness in his pale expression that told
the story of a man unaccustomed to cruelty.
	Once more she whispered his name, "Strawberry..."
	He stirred and opened his one eye that had not been totally
disfigured. He tried his best to be the gentleman he was obvious
bred to be. But body and mind soon faltered and he began to ramble
on much the way a drunken fool will go on about affairs that have
no place in present circumstance. Then he passed out. It was
useless. Strawberry would have to be escorted from the church's
dungeon on a stretcher...or, better yet. 
	Quietly, she summoned Jarred to her side and he met her
without a sound. In the dark she conveyed her scheme almost without
the necessity of a spoken vocabulary, for the two had become soul
mates. Words were a mere toy.
	Separating, Thai left to join the others of the church for the
coming cleansing of Smith. [Obviously a ways back]. Jarred, jaunted
back to safety with Strawberry in tow.

		***            ***            ***

Strawberry remained in stasis for many a day as his body
recuperated from its injuries. When he woke, he found a tiny green
crystal laid upon his chest amongst his curly strawberry colored
chest hairs. With slow deliberate movement, he gingerly clasped the
green object with one hand and found it was held by a leather
necklace. A gift! 'Why and how did this come to me?' he wondered.
Staring at the thing, he fell back to sleep. 
          
Many a day passed with Strawberry in this state. Food and water had
to be brought and fed as if he were a vegetable. Some thought it to
be a waste of time, but those closest to Thai knew it to be her
wish, even though she her self was experiencing a similar
disadvantage.
          
One day, for no apparent reason, for the sun did not shine any
brighter and the air was no fresher, Strawberry was found sitting
upright in his bed, smile and all. "Good morning!" he said to the
first person he saw.
--Dave Smart
	Thai smiled widely from the door and waved.
	::Hello Strawberry. I hoped you'd awaken before I had to 
leave. How are you feeling?::
	The words formed in his mind, Strawberry realized, coming 
through the green crystal. She wore one too under her dark blue 
peasant dress and black bodice.
--Phaedra Whitlock

No sooner had she peered into his room, then she was gone (Thai).
Her sweet voice resounded in his mind. Strange...he had not noticed
her lips move. Ahhh those lips! Subtle, soft, the most perfect
blend of red and pink that favored the softest of rose petals.
Then he shook his head. Back to his query -she did not move those
lips of lips, yet she bid him hello. "Mind's playing tricks on me
again," he said aloud in the solitude of his tiny chamber. "By the
way...how in the world in Ifreann, did I get myself *here*?" With
his left hand he slapped the side of his face in befuddlement,
causing a spark of pain that at least reminded him why he was bed
ridden. Ouch!
          
Jarrad was the next visitor. His visit was not as brief and he used
the spoken word. He introduced himself and Strawberry did his best
to reciprocate the gentleman. Pleasantries aside, Jarrad began to
bring Strawberry up to date on how he got there and why. His
question was now answered. The green crystal was her means of
communicating to him. He now felt charmed to possess such a gift.
Also in conversation the plan to go forth into the future to seek
the sword of Xeen, was brought up. 
          
With a shudder, it was clearly drawn to Strawberry's mind why he
was here. "Yikes...they think because they found me a prisoner of
the church, that I will not rest till I see the Redeemer dead!" He
opened his mouth to explain to Jarrad his true nature and cause,
but the man spoke rapidly and unceasing. He had a lot to say, no
doubt! Strawberry closed his trap in resignation and sat out the
rest of Jarrad's report. However, Strawberry's alarm did not go
unchecked by his story teller. Jarrad felt, but kept well hidden
the pang of disappointment. It concluded with the statement: "We
leave tomorrow! Are you with us?"
          
Jarrad waited patiently for an answer. None came to quick in the
coming. Finally the silence was broken by a great roar. It would
seam as though Strawberry's insatiable appetite had return from the
dead. "Ah...may I give you an answer after I have a bite to eat?"
          
Jarrad frowned. This was no simple request he had given to
Strawberry to take lightly, but the man had been through a lot and
for some reason or another, Thai thought him important. "Yes, yes.
Of course, I'll have someone bring you in something-"
          
"No, no," interrupted Strawberry. "I'll come to the mess and eat
with the others. It was about time I got of my sorry glutamous-
maximus and met everyone." That statement made, he attempted to
rise and faltered in the attempt. Still holding his look of
discontentment, Jarred grabbed the man's arm and helped him to his
feet.
          
The two made it to the camp mess and Strawberry finally met the
rest of the motley crew. 
          
Nodding and smiling he greets the others. His cheerful old self
grows in strength with every 'hello' and 'how are you' or 'glad to
see you well'. For he was well. Most of his bruises, cuts and
abrasions had all but disappeared. The remnants of two black eyes
were all that reminded those who saw him, that he had been brutally
beaten. In another light, he would have seamed comical, like a
clown painted to resemble a raccoon.
--Dave Smart

At this point Dryctor, having finished his morning devotions, entered the 
room. He notice that Thai was filling Draca in of some spell so he went 
and sat near the man at the other end of the table.

"We have not had a chance to talk before this, My name is Dryctor Ben Rei 
of the Gray Elves of Sanctum. I was glad to hear you had fully recovered 
from the church's 'kind treatment' and would be coming with us."
--Barron C. Featherston

Strawberry sat busily eating his curds and whey at a solitary end of 
the same table. He managed to spy Thai as she sat with the two. Again,
he could hear her voice without seeing her lips move and remembered
the gift he now possessed under his thick cotton shirt. He bid her
a pleasant good morning.
    
He watched (between gulps of his food -he reminded himself to complement
the cook before he left) Thai as she made subtle movements with her head and
limbs and smiled at her companions, and he could not help but fall in love. 
Not the love that perhaps Jarrad held for her (for he noticed his looks of
admiration for Thai as well), but rather a love of form and magic. She had
a way with her that put all that was beautiful in humanity into one frame. 
It was this growing and unexpected admiration for her that made him decide
that he would follow her to the ends of Ifreann or any other world or 
time for that matter.
  
When she left her two companions, Strawberry moved towards Jarrad and
spoke as if it were a simple matter of accepting a persons query on
whether more coffee was required, "yes...I will go with all of you on 
the quest to find the sword of Xeen." Then without waiting a response,
he made for his room to ready himself for the journey. 
  
He had realized in one look in Thai's direction, that he had no true purpose 
left in the Ifreann of today. He would either be hunted or shunned for 
reasons beyond his scope. His place now was with these new friends on this 
new adventure.
 --Dave Smart

	Once she 'felt' Sylphein's transition to the other plane, Draca 
took to the air, scanning for Jarrad.  He was in one of the rooms in the 
Inn proper, and seemed to be preoccupied with something, so she 'knocked' 
politely at the forefront of his mind.  Once he had acknowledged her, she 
sent the following message. 

	*I have the 'package' to deliver tonight, but still plan to assist 
you if I may.  I will be at your disposal in approximately six to eight 
hours.*

	She contacted Dralen, letting him know that she was on her way, 
and trying not to betray the degree of exhaustion she felt.  She was 
somewhat less than successful in that regard, but felt confident in her 
ability to reach the others.

	When she arrived, she took a few minutes to play her harp and 
collect her energy, then summoned the pieces of Smith's body from their 
storage.  They still required purification, for she had not had any 
opportunity to do so while under the watchful eyes at the Church.  There 
was still some residual charge in her 'crutch' from the casting, and she 
hoped it would suffice.  Much of the energy required would still be hers, 
however, and she would need to rest quite a bit once she let herself wind 
down.

	Concentrating on the heart and brain, she quickly felt the taint 
of the necromancy, and worked at removing it.  As the life drained from 
her into the organs, it soon became evident that her reserves were 
insufficient and that she would be unable to completely remove the 
magical taint.  The physical poison was far simpler, and for this she 
used the stored energy.

	That done, she signaled to the others, and explained the 
situation.  *I can do no more.  There remains a trace of the dark magic 
that I lack the strength to remove.  The toxin that killed him has been 
removed, and the Rite can now be conducted.  I fear that I will be unable 
to take part, for I can bear no more of the Necromantic taint in my 
current physical state.  I wish you all well, and, Jade, find as safe a 
nest as you can in these uncertain times.  I must leave now, for I have 
yet another obligation.*

	She got wearily to her feet, and let Dralen know that she was 
likely going to travel into the future, and that she knew not how their 
link would be affected.

	As she faded into invisibility, she flew off to the lake shore, 
where she found a green crystal, and some instructions.  The others had 
begun their journey a few hours ahead of her, but she caught up with them 
at the castle.  There she spent much of the night playing, trying to rest 
as fully as she could, then slept, not knowing quite what to expect on 
the morrow.
--Margaret Tayti

It was time.

Thai made certain everyone had a green crystal before she 
let Jarrad Jaunt her out of the inn to the lake shore.

The others appeared with them and quickly began the casting 
before their presence was detected by Proctor John.

Within minutes the water became cloudy, and then transparent.

Sounds faded to a dull roar around them, then at the bottom 
of the lake they could see the stone platform on the other side of 
the gate.

Thai smiled at Jarrad and nodded. This was the place, then 
stepped through. Others came through behind them until with a roar 
the gate closed and was gone.

Far away over the jungle, huge birds swooped lazily, but no 
demons appeared to apprehend her.

Thai grinned in relief and turned back to the others.

::The next gate is below, in the temple.:: She pointed down 
the stepped face of the pyramid at a flat area jutting from the side 
a long way down.

Shifting her backpack to rest squarely, she stepped down to 
the next level leaving the others to make their own descent down the 
crumbling face of the ancient structure.

Within the hour the party had opened the next gate and 
crossed over into her home plane where Proctor John couldn't reach them.

She shivered in the cold, having just left the tropical 
regions of Ifreann, and led the others inside out of the wind.

[Admin: This is the castle in her dream in the ritual, and the one 
she used to go home in the post where she got the spell].
--Phaedra Whitlock

Jarrad recognized the castle, and while the building looked pretty stark 
and run down, its .. aura .. for lack of a better word was very 
inviting. It was a safe place to be.
--Paul Khangure

As they filed down a wide, curving stone stair she glanced back 
at the others.

::This place is safe. Few travel through here, and fewer 
still interfere with other travelers. We can spend the night or 
continue on.::

For the first time Thai wondered what the future looked like.

Had the Dark One come? Or had Iou'Jaras or some other deity beat 
him to it. Shal'jien perhaps?

It didn't matter. She looked around at the familiar 
crumbling stones of the fortress fondly while awaiting a reply.
--Phaedra Whitlock

Jarrad looked at Thai, judging her strength. :: Let us spend the night 
here. We do not want to arrive, exhausted. ::
--Paul Khangure

Thai smiled at him.

::I agree, but didn't want to suggest it. Without using 
words of power casting takes more energy from the caster then normal.::

She led the way through several rooms and up a flight of 
stairs to emerge on a balcony affair overlooking the main banquet hall. 

Above a row of high windows let in late afternoon light. 

To each side of the hall, like the arms of a 'U', were 
doors, the first that had been seen in one piece in the fortress.

::This one's mine,:: she said stopping before one door. ::The 
others are unoccupied or we'd have been greeted by now. Courtesy 
dictates that those present greet newcomers when the bells ring, 
and that we replace what we use for the next people.::

That said, Thai opened her door and showed Jarrad the room.

It was the room from her dream state, identical down to the 
star of Astarte scratched into the stone behind the door.
--Phaedra Whitlock

In the morning Thai passed the time waiting for the others by replenishing 
the wood they'd used the night before to heat their rooms.
--Phaedra Whitlock

	She noted with faint surprise that Draca had not bothered to make 
use of it, and, indeed, seemed to have enjoyed the chill breeze; for 
there was a definite draft coming from under her door. 
--Margaret Tayti

	A light, fluffy snow was falling outside and by the time she 
returned to the hall her cheeks and nose were red with cold.
	She shook snow from her fur cloak and stamped her boots to 
dislodge lingering flakes.
	Draca and Jarrad were both present, so she joined them at the 
table and explained the final spell to Draca.
	Thai didn't mention it, and neither did Draca, that if one 
did not return the other would be able to return the remaining 
party members to their own time.
	Thai's gloved hand squeezed Jarrad's lightly.
--Phaedra Whitlock

	Draca understood fully the implications of Thai's careful 
instruction, and decided to do her utmost to ensure that all those who 
left returned intact.  

	Once that discussion was over, she took the opportunity to 
examine those others who would be sharing this journey, and noted with 
some trepidation that there was a dragon present.  She rose to her feet, 
sending a mental note to Jarrad.

	*I know that you have an understanding of what I am, and that 
Dryctor has seen me in my true form briefly, but I feel that all those 
with whom I travel should be aware of it.  Thai may not have seen me in 
her mind yesterday, so please pay close attention to her reactions.*

	With that, the air behind her shimmered briefly, and her golden 
wings were made visible to all.  Using her crutch, she made her way 
across the room until she stood before Strawberry, and clawed the 
draconic Sigil of Greeting into the air.
--Margaret Tayti

	Thai had started to eat breakfast of jerky and biscuits from 
her pack at the high table, watching the others idly, but mostly 
basking in the peace of the fortress.
	A golden glow at the other end of the table caught her eyes.
	Golden wings appeared in the middle of Draca's back, and 
after the initial shock, Thai simply slumped forward on her arms to 
watch with sadness that such could never be hers.
	A rueful grin curved her lips. I knew it, but I didn't think 
she'd be gold.
	Breakfast forgotten Thai watched the fragile seeming wings 
wistfully.
--Phaedra Whitlock

Jarrad watched Thai, but knew there wouldn't be a problem. He also 
admired Draca's wings, but didn't think being a dragon was all 
privileges. 

::Dragons are beautiful are they not?::

The thought would be heard by Draca as well, reassuring her that all was 
well.
--Paul Khangure

	Draca noted Thai's reaction out of the corner of her eye.  Good, 
the transition hadn't bothered her. Still uncertain of Strawberry's 
response, she risked sending:  *I will explain how I received them later.  
As I stated when first we spoke, I _was_ born fully human, and have been 
as you see me for less than a month.*
--Margaret Tayti

Strawberry simply stared in awe as the winged woman approached. He 
admired her as one does watching a butterfly escape its cocoon. Her wings 
werebreath taking. He wished secretly to caress them. When she finally 
met him and performed the Sigil, he merely blinked awkwardly. For him, 
the Sigil should have meant something, but in this moment, it was as if he 
had listened to someone speak his tongue and yet he could not understand 
the spoken word. Finally he smiled with a slight blush. And then she was 
gone.
--Dave Smart

	Draca was surprised by his lack of reaction, and concerned, for he 
seemed puzzled at her behavior.  She was certain that he was hatched on 
Ifreann, for he didn't have the 'feel' of the otherworldly drakes she had 
recently encountered, so why... Her instincts as a healer took over, and 
she recognized his reaction as that of an amnesiac.  She would have to 
handle this carefully, and try not to push too hard, for it would be unwise 
to have him remember too much too fast, given the uncertain nature of their 
quest.
	She returned to her breakfast, lost in thought...
--Margaret Tayti

	An hour later the travelers crossed through into the future 
and looked around them.
	A blasted landscape that was once a forest spread around 
them in every direction.
	Thai turned to look behind her, then pushed the hood of her 
cloak off and threw the rest over her shoulder out of the way to 
reveal a crystal on a necklace.
	Cupping the crystal in her hands she gazed into its depths 
for a few minutes then looked up.
	::Eldarion is that way, in the heart of the wasteland.:: She 
took a deep breath, shaken. ::He's in Daventry.::
--Phaedra Whitlock

Draca was not pleased by the damage she saw when they passed into 
the 'new' locale.  Although not a druid, she was attuned by her very 
nature to all forms of life, and this ill treatment of the planet's face was 
nothing short of unspeakable.

Even had she been at the peak of her strength, it would have 
taken her months, if not years, to heal the blasted landscape.  She wept 
inwardly for it, and vowed that she would try to find a way to prevent 
it, if such a thing were possible.
--Margaret Tayti

"Thai, remind me not to use the travel agent who booked this tour" 
Dryctor said with a sly grin on his face "It looks like we may have some 
problem finding Inn's to spend the night in"
--Barron C. Featherston   

Strawberry shuddered at the bleakness of what lay before him. One of the 
last to step through, he simply gasped and held his tongue until the horrid
image of the place could sink in. A tear weld in the corner of one of his
eyes. It was horrible. He knew where he was and he knew of the legendary
beauty that Tyntangial (sp) held. It was all gone now and he wept.
  
"E...Eldarion?" he said, testing the name on his tongue. "Where did I here
that name before?"
--Dave Smart

	With her hair pushed back, Thai's ears, inherited from her 
gray elven father, were easily apparent.
	::Eldarion is an elf lord, of the House Elessidel.:: Her mental 
voice betrayed her distress at what she saw around her. ::He is the 
one who told us about the Swords, and the Curse that accompanies them, 
and indirectly started me on this search. The holders fight each other 
until there is one sword left, and that sword is the personification of 
the dragon-demon Xeen who had died.::

Eldarion? He was the male elf that was rescued Along with the baron on
the night of the first cleansing wasn't he? I thought he was on our side?"
--Barron C. Featherston      

A flash of light went off within Strawberry's head. The scene of the 
day he had been captured rushed through his mind like a tidal wave. Within
that flash of a light bulb, his minds eye pictured the Elessidel character,
Thai had described. Then he simply nodded at Dryctor, confirming his belief
in his story.
--Dave Smart      

She looked around her. "Eldarion's sword is what my crystal 
is keyed to, but he'd never have done this."

She felt a sense of loss that the noble captain had fallen 
victim to the curse he'd warned Jarrad of. Which had he lost first? 
His life or his soul?

::We'd best be moving. Jarrad, magic use might be detected 
by the Sword but your psionics might not. Would it be too much 
trouble to take us part of the way?::
--Phaedra Whitlock

::I would need an image from someone who knows the way. If I tried using 
the crystal, we would end up right in front of him. That may not be wise 
at all.

Also, I haven't tried with a group this large before.::
--Paul Khangure

"Don't forget you have my alien magic as well, it would be just as 
undetectable to Xeen as it was to both you and PJ, I have a mass teleport 
spell but I would need to 'know' the destination in advance. as I am not 
of this world I have no idea what this area used to look like nor what 
any destination may appear as in this time. If Jarrad has a way to 
'FarSee' and can pass me the image of the location I can 'port us all 
without risk of detection"
--Barron C. Featherston

Thai considered that. "That's true, Thank you Dryctor. I suggest you 
memorize this location. Despite appearances, it IS a gateway, and 
the spell we will leave by requires one."
--Phaedra Whitlock

I have already memorized this spot. I figured we might need to bolt back 
here with the sword FAST.
--Barron C. Featherston

::I cannot farsee, I would need an image from someones mind. AN image 
that would not have changed in a hundred years of ... disaster.::
--Paul Khangure

::We'd best make camp at some point as well. Strawberry, Draca, 
Jarrad, how much experience do each of you have traveling and 
camping out?::
--Phaedra Whitlock

Enough to do well. Hunting is unlikely to prove fruitful, but I have 
experience in camping rough.
--Paul Khangure

Draca, who remained in her true form (to minimize strain, for she 
was still feeling the effects of all the casting she had done the 
previous night), smiled, and sent:  *I lived in the mountains of the 
northern reaches all my life.  I have no real need of shelter, and can 
fly, so there should be no delay due to my infirmity.  If you would 
prefer that I travel on foot, I may slow you down somewhat, but not too 
badly, for the ground is level, and any unevenness easily visible.*
--Margaret Tayti

Embarrassed by his lack of knowledge of the outdoormens' life and survival
skills, he simply shrugged uselessly when Thai's eyes came about his way. 
"I'm afraid I've never camped in the open like this before. I've always
slept under the comfort of a solid roof supported by no less than 4 walls."
--Dave Smart

"Dryctor? We'll need food and lots of it for Strawberry, and 
hunting does not look promising. I've heard there is a priest spell 
that would provide, but I'm not certain. Is there?"
--Phaedra Whitlock

"-Ahhh...Don't worry about me and my stomach," Strawberry began to
interrupt in a light voice, that was droned out by Dryctor's speech. 
"We'll be just fine..."
  --Dave Smart

"Yes there is, I can create a fairly large amount of 'food' and water, it 
may not taste the greatest (think army k-rations)"
 --Barron C. Featherston

*Strawberry is not the only one who will require a fair amount of 
food.  I severely overtaxed myself yesterday, and will likely eat three 
to five times the amount that a human fighter would.  I am no longer 
blessed with the human capacity for getting by on limited sustenance.*
--Margaret Tayti

Ah! This bit of news made the tall slender man feel a little less
self-conscious about his appetite. It also made his mind connect with the
fact that he seamed to have a kin-ship to this Draca woman. He first felt it
at the camp when she made the Sigil before him and now, with the knowledge
of her ravenous appetite matching his. "Hmmmm," thought Strawberry as he 
listened to the others explain their strengths and weaknesses to Thai. " Must 
investigate this feeling further."
--Dave Smart

"I suppose now is a good time to see what skills everyone has."

"I'm a mage of course, specializing in fire and combat 
magics. Some Divination and non-combat Conjuration, I could provide 
us shelter and horses easily, but I think that'd be a bad idea."

"I'm a fair cook, healer, and herbalist among other things."
--Phaedra Whitlock

*And I am a healer by nature, able to reattach the souls of the 
recent dead, if they are willing, and many lesser tasks.  I have also 
studied the magic of Dragons all my life, and am capable of casting 
numerous spells, rites, and wards.  However, I cannot and _will not_ 
engage in active combat, for such behavior runs counter to my nature.  I 
will protect those around me where I can, but nothing more, unless there 
is no other way.*
--Margaret Tayti

"I am ... was a general in a large army. I have experience in training 
and directing troops and horses. As part of that, I have the various 
outdoor survival skills that are essential. Psionics are my main talent, 
they have saved me on many an occasion, and caused trouble on several 
more, but I would not trade them.
--Paul Khangure

"Well as most know, I am a cleric, that means I can heal almost any wounds 
and most diseases. I can even, if conditions are right, and My lord 
allows, Raise the dead but only once a day so try not to have 2 people 
die on the same day ok? I am also a skilled mage, and like Thai, I know 
a few combat spells as well as also being adept with fire magic as Thai 
learned (sly grin) 
--Barron C. Featherston

Thai grinned back.
--Phaedra Whitlock

I have also studied the long sword under the best sword masters in the 
taejack valley. Since coming to this world I seem to have picked up 
a few Mind mage tricks but I am not very skilled in their use so try not 
to use them too much. I can also 'see' whatever my familiar here 
(indicates the falcon on his shoulder) sees if I concentrate so we can 
have Falk'r scout ahead for us."
--Barron C. Featherston

Thai looked with interest upon the bird. She'd raised and trained 
falcons herself for traveling and hunting, but hadn't brought any 
with her when following Niki to Ifreann.

::Dryctor, Jarrad, if Falk'r scouted ahead, could you see the image 
in his mind and Jarrad take us there?::

::How many feasibly can you take Jarrad, and how draining is it?::

::If you don't think it's feasible then I'll do it.::
--Phaedra Whitlock

::It depends on a few factors. If I do a vertigo free Jaunt, I could 
probably take the whole party about 100 miles, but it would leave me 
unable to use psionics for about seven hours. 80 miles would leave me psi 
less for 2 hours.

If I use a jaunt, which will have a vertigo problem, we can get about 
200 miles, and leave me able to recuperate within 2 hours, or 250 miles 
and take seven hours to recuperate.

I would still be able to travel, but psionics would be beyond me.
Perhaps a combination, each of us who are able, transporting as far as safe?::
--Paul Khangure

"I can use Falk'r as a beacon to target a teleport spell but Falk'r can't 
range too far away and still send back a good image. at the most I could 
hop us 1 to 2 day's journey at a time. My mass teleport would easily 
handle up to 10 people with horses or 20 without horses. I can memorize up 
to 3 teleports a day so we could move 6 days at a time via magic and one 
by normal means. Would that be helpful?

Also I neglected a few Assets when listing abilities, i have a few magic 
items that could prove useful. I have a set of rings I obtained from a 
lich, after our band laid it to rest, which all radiate strong magic. So 
far I have only found the use for 1 as I have not had time to study the 
rest. It is that ring that let me penetrate the church on numerous 
occasions without detection. I can cast the same set of spells as the 
ring holds but mine only last a few hours and the invisibility part is 
dispelled when you attack or are attacked by someone or something. I call 
the combination of misdirection and invisibility spells a 'cloak'. I can 
cloak up to 5 people a day but I will have to forgo any fireball or 
lightning bolt spells, or I can have 5 of each of those spells. Lastly I 
have an amulet that I obtained shortly after arriving on this world that 
can put out a major globe of invulnerability with a 10 foot radius once a 
day. However it uses magic of this realm so would be detectable."
--Barron C. Featherston

Now Strawberry was beginning to feel a little inadequate to say the least.
Draca and Dryctor were capable of great healing powers, Jarrad possessed
equally strong magics and fighting skills and Thai possessed the most
daunting thing of all: her beauty and inner strength (never mind her great
skills as a mage). When it was Strawberry's turn to discuss his inability's,
he ummed and ahhed, then finally began at the gently prodding by Thai, not
to be shy (mentally).
      
"Well," began a soft spoken Strawberry. "I have a talent for diplomacy and
a great-"
      
Saved by the bell as it were, Strawberry was interrupted by a great
commotion caused by the intrusion of inquisitors.
--Dave Smart
  
From out of nowhere there is a flash, and an intricate golden orb is
dropped amidst the group.  Smoke issues forth, and though it is somewhat
choking to Thai, Jarrad, Dryctor and ?, it has the affect of putting
Draca, and strangely enough, Strawberry, on the ground and rendering
them unconscious.  With her last coherent gasp, Draca blurts out -
"Dragonsbane....."
--Johny Enright

...she then dropped to the ground, feigning unconsciousness.  She 
could feel the effects of the smoke, for it muddled her thoughts and 
slowed her reactions, but that portion of her metabolism and immune 
system which was still somewhat human was able to process the 'toxin',  
rendering it less effective...  

She concentrated on that, speeding the process, and tried to listen  
to the goings-on, in order to react when the time came.

"I guess this is for the best anyway", she thought "for now I need 
never worry about this particular problem occurring again."  

She now noticed that her crutch had automatically grabbed her wrist as 
she fell, the way it did when she flew.  (Anyone trying to grab it won't 
be able to... the carved claws that form the fork now appear to have 
been carved of a single piece of wood, and they grip so closely that there 
is no way that it can be removed.)
--Margaret Tayti

Suddenly, there are flashes all around.  Surrounding the group are a
score of men in the black and silver cloaks of the Inquisitors of the
Church of the Redeemer.  Each holds what appears to be the flame or
lightning batons that the Inquisitor officers of the past wielded.  A
few brandish rune encrusted crossbows, whose magic is so strong that they
actually glow.  They have the group dead to rights.  They could either
go peacefully, or a massacre would occur (No jaunting occurs due to the
surprise, and for the sake of the storyline ;-).
--Johny Enright

Thai held onto the crystal in her hand, knowing she could escape, but to 
where?

Hatred spilled forth from her mind although she tried not to broadcast it
through said crystal.

Then looking at the too familiar uniforms she started to become afraid. 
--Phaedra Whitlock

There is a final flash, and the leader of the Inquisitors appears.  With
a wave of her hand, all in the group are immobilized, frozen in place.
Though they cannot move, they can still think and speak.  The woman throws
back her cloak (except for the hood), revealing the uniform of the High 
Inquisitor.  But the uniform has been altered to accentuate her form.  The 
curves are quite noticeable, and any normal man would want to get to know 
her better.  She walks up to the group and as she does so, pulls back the 
cowl of her cloak.  Bright, red hair cascades out.  She is quite beautiful, 
except for a scar which trails up an otherwise perfect, high cheekbone, and 
ends beneath a black eye patch.  She pulls the rest of her hair from her 
cloak, and pushes it backwards, revealing...

Thai is the first to blurt it out "By my soul!  ...she's an elf!!!"
--Johny Enright

Thai slumped in place at this revelation. The Redeemer had truly one,
converting the elves over en masse. Now she understood what had 
happened to Tynntangial.
--Phaedra Whitlock

The woman smiled at this, and nodded.  The other Inquisitor's pulled back
their hoods, and opened their cloaks.  Some wore the uniforms of the Church
of the Redeemer underneath, but others wore uniforms that Thai and Jarrad
remembered from a firelit night in the past...The uniform of a Legentor of
Tynntangial.  Most of the Inquisitors were also elves!

The High Inquisitor looked them all over, thinking.  She walked up to Thai,
and pointed a finger "You, I remember from long ago.  A night where you
were a central figure in an attempt to immolate some who were very dear to 
me.  I must say you have not changed much in all these years.  The rest of 
you, I do not have recollection of"  With a sweep of her cloak, the High 
Inquisitor turned, and moved back to her original position.

"I am High Inquisitor Zephillia Elessidel, and in the name of Proctor 
Benedict, and the prayed for Redemption, you are all under arrest.  For 
your own protection, and for questioning, I ask you to come freely, and
of your own will."  she announced.
--Johny Enright

Now Thai was confused. Still, she knew her duty to her people and managed to
be polite. She owed them all that much for leading them into this trap. With
luck Jarrad would be able to rescue them, it would make her feel better.

She tossed her hair back arrogantly and assumed the slightly smiling, cold
demeanor zeph remembered of the Deaconess Thai.

::I congratulate you elfling, and since I have no choice, I surrender. These
are mercenaries and scouts I hired to assist me, but arrest them if you
like. Tell me, what do you intend to do with me and how did Proctor John
find us?::
--Phaedra Whitlock

Jarrad's eyes darted towards Thai's at her announcement, before his mind 
worked out what she was planning. Then his mind began to register the 
impact of her words.

In a private sending to Thai, Jarrad said

::Something has definitely changed here. She remembers you as 
attempting to immolate her friends. Not redeem or cleanse, but immolate.
IF she were a high inquisitor of the church we know, she would not say 
that. And Proctor Benedict? We need to investigate this. I wonder if 
Semareth converted the whole church in some way.::
--Paul Khangure

The woman was speaking directly into her mind.  So she returned in kind.  The
first thing she did was laugh, then ::Your Proctor John has been dead nearly
eighty years now.  Taken by my cousin, Eldarion, in the final battle of the
Dark War.  Don't get all haughty with me, missy.  His name invokes no mercy
from me.  He is just a memory from long ago, before the nightmare began!::
The High Inquisitor's face had turned very grave.
--Johny Enright

Mind to mind as they were, Zeph sensed Thai's unguarded, blank confusion at 
the statement that Proctor John was dead, then dawning realization that 
Jarrad was right, this elf did not sound like one converted.

Confused, Thai started to frame a question but then...
--Phaedra Whitlock

From beyond the ravaged forest came an unholy screech, which caused all
of the Inquisitors to become agitated, including the High Inquisitor.
She whispered a single word "Dardt...." and seemed to turn ashen faced.
--Johny Enright

Dryctor looked startled when he heard the cry "Corellon! That sounds like 
a Darteg'nt Tracker! Free me woman I have a way to stop it if it attacks!"
"Thai, Jarrad, The spell I need to cast will leave me weak as a newborn for 
6 hours. It's a spell called mageflame that was developed during the 
Drow Wars specifically to deal with the trackers, they are immune to all 
other know forms of magic Mageflame merges Clerical and Magic energies 
together. the flame feeds off magic."
--Barron C. Featherston

The High Inquisitor looked puzzled for a moment, then said  "Corellon 
Larethian?  His worship has been long gone from this world...elf-kin!
You must not be from around here then.  I have no idea what a Darteg'nt 
Tracker is, but *that*..." she gestured to the shadow in the sky "...is
the close servant of the Dragon-demon himself.  His *name* is Dardt, and
he is the greatest, most evil dragon on the face of Ifreann!  I do not
know of this spell you speak, but I tell you true, I do not wish to stay 
here and find out if it can take down the great dragon!" 
--Johny Enright

"Come!  There is no time!  We must be away to a place of safety!" She
shouted, walking into the center of the group and picking up the golden
censer, which was now bereft of the all too precious dragonsbane.  She
made a complicated gesture with her hand, and the group could move again.

In the distance, a shadow crossed the sky, and a heavy sheet of flame
issued forth from the shadow.  A distant point was quickly consumed
by a hellish blaze.  The shadow was moving in their direction!
--Johny Enright

Thai was more confused each time Zeph spoke. She shook it off and acted 
when the opportunity arose.
--Phaedra Whitlock

Zeph was absolutely freaking out.  Dardt was coming!  She had to get her
people, and her 'guests', out of here as quickly as possible.
--Johny Enright

Thai realized she could move.

The shadow darkness was growing larger, but she still could 
not make out details. It didn't matter.

She turned on Zephillia and immediately cast a blazing portal 
beneath the High Inquisitor who had so kindly walked into their midst.

It expanded in a blink of an eye to a diameter of ten feet, 
glowing like a star in the gathering darkness.

::Jarrad, everyone, jump in!::

She grabbed for Zephillia's arm to take the elf with her and 
simultaneously "pulled" on the green crystals to bring them and their 
owners along too.

::Strawberry!::
--Phaedra Whitlock

Draca was about to grab Strawberry and carry him through, but her 
reflexes were still somewhat slowed.  Before she had time to react, 
Jarrad was already lifting him, so she gathered her strength, choosing to 
wait until most of the others were through before moving.
--Margaret Tayti

Jarrad reacted instantaneously, using telekinesis to lift Strawberry, and 
send him through the portal. Draca posed a different problem, she had 
slumped, wings outspread. She was heavy.

Using his telekinesis, he gently folded her wings half way, enough to fit 
her through the portal, then lifted. 
--Paul Khangure

Realizing what Jarrad intended to do, Draca sent a slightly fuzzy *Thanks, 
but I can manage...* and, folding her wings completely, dove through.
--Margaret Tayti

'Noooo!, my people!' Zeph thought.  she immediately 'tapped' the line of
magecraft her abductor was trying to use.  She only had time to do one of 
two things.  She could either change the destination from that which Thai
was attempting, or she could 'tag' her people, and pull them along to 
wherever it was Thai was trying to take her.  For the sake of her soldiers,
she chose the latter, and 'tagged' all of them.
--Johny Enright

As the crystal drew her in, Jarrad quickly scanned, and seeing everyone 
else making their way towards the portal, ran towards it, and the 
inquisitors who were recovering from their startlement.

Several of them fired at the portal. Jarrad managed to reflect most of the 
bolts, but three entered the portal, and a fourth seemed to lodge itself in 
Jarrad's right leg.

Jarrad staggered a little, then threw himself through the portal.
--Paul Khangure

Right behind Jarrad, each of the Inquisitors were pulled into the portal 
before it could close.  As the last one passed through, the portal closed,
and a micro-second later the area which they had occupied was engulfed in
a torrent of flame from the gaping maw of the great dragon Dardt.
--Johny Enright



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           "There must be no tears, no goodbyes, no regrets.
            Just go forward in all your beliefs, and prove to
            me that I am not mistaken in mine." -- W. Hartnell
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