From gemini@deathstar.org Sat Feb 10 20:41 CST 1996 Return-Path: Received: from maniac.deathstar.org by runner.utsa.edu (5.0/SMI-SVR4) id AA24318; Sat, 10 Feb 1996 20:41:01 -0600 Received: (from gemini@localhost) by maniac.deathstar.org (8.6.12/MANIAC) id VAA20860; Sat, 10 Feb 1996 21:37:30 -0500 Date: Sat, 10 Feb 1996 21:37:30 -0500 (EST) From: Phaedra Whitlock To: Dave Womack Subject: [Xeen] Compendium 3 (fwd) Message-Id: Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII Content-Length: 37898 Status: O ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Sun, 21 Jan 1996 11:31:35 -0500 (EST) From: Phaedra Whitlock To: gemini@deathstar.org Subject: [Xeen] Compendium 3 ********************************** [Xeen] Compendium 3 -December 1995 ********************************** At the sight of Semareth half-collapsed in their midst Cari nearly rushed to him, but she kept her presence of mind enough not to dump Zephyr, who she could tell was not moving well. She had begun to figure out the young man meant well, and so did not deserve her anger. She did the only thing she could do, and leaned him gently against the horse he had fallen so violently from. Actually they both had, to be honest. Though, as to explaining Zephyr's actions, she was afraid she had little grasp of his full motivations. At least not enough to turn Semareth's anger, if that was what he was feeling. At the moment, explanations looked to be the least of the problems. She had to work at keeping her relief in some semblance of restraint as she made her way over, knelt beside Semareth, and said, "Lord Semareth. Have you been injured?" Not knowing what had happened to him in the last four days she had no idea if he had prior damage, or if it was just the shock of this arrival that was affecting him. --Cathy Mosley Semareth turned his head to see who had spoken, and was surprised to see Cari there, her shining eyes filled with questions, no doubt. He tried to smile, but a twinge of pain in his ribs turned it into an awkward grimace. "Not at all, child. I will be fine in a second." --Nick Takayama And no matter how good her control was it wasn't enough to completely keep her relieve hidden from her thoughts - so great had been her dread that another who was important in her life had fallen to the Redeemer. --Cathy Mosley Semareth turned as Draca approached him. Cari silenced her mind touch to Semareth as Draca approached. Here again was another of Thai's rogue mageguard, one of those who had been lucky enough to escape the hunt. She had seen the woman in passing, but did not remember her having such fine and beautiful wings sprouting from her back. --Cathy Mosley As she worked on Strawberry, Draca sensed the arrival of ...some dark force... It was unlike anything she had yet encountered, for it seemed to be attempting to drain the very life out of its surroundings. She continued her ministrations, using some of her remaining energy to speed Strawberry's metabolism. When he woke, just moments later, he looked across in the direction of the force she had sensed, and seemingly remembered something, for he got up, and tried to hide behind the elven cleric... She dragged herself to her feet, exhausted and starving, and headed over to the new arrival, leaning far more heavily upon her crutch than usual. As she approached Semareth, she recognized him as the Inquisitor who had watched her from across the courtyard on several occasions. The closer she drew, the more she noticed that her ribs were aching... presumably sharing his injuries... --Margaret Tayti Semareth saw Draca heal the others, and as she neared him, he merely waved his hand at her. "I do not wish to be healed". His ribs hurt, but it was survivable. --Nick Takayama His hand seemed to be the source of the life drain... best to address that now, so that she knew where she stood. Taking up her wax tablet, she wrote: "It is not the pain in your chest that has brought me to your side. There is something far more important that we must discuss. May I contact you telepathically? --Margaret Tayti Semareth nodded. His head was clear enough for him to block out everything but the language aspects to her. Clearing a space in his thoughts, he waited. --Nick Takayama He felt a gentle, polite 'knock' at the front of his mind, then she began. [It's against her code of ethics to probe, even with permission, unless there's a healing involved...] --Margaret Tayti Indicating his gloved hand, she sent *It is _that_ which concerns me, and I would ask three things of you...* --Margaret Tayti When Draca indicated his left hand, Semareth blinked, and withdrew the hand quickly to his side, hiding beneath his cloak. --Nick Takayama Noting his reaction, she allowed herself an inward chuckle of bemusement, and sent: *No, it's not that obvious, I am simply attuned to all life around me, and its constant drain brought it to my attention... I am a healer by nature, and cannot avoid noticing such things.* --Margaret Tayti *Does Thai know about it?* --Margaret Tayti ++What does it matter if Thai knows?++, he replied, then added, ++Yes, she does. It is of no concern of hers, I am sure.++ --Nick Takayama *I merely asked on the off-chance that you decide to join us on this venture. I thought that our leader would want to know of the presence of such an artifact, but wanted your permission to discuss it further... You realize that it is more hindrance than asset... not to mention being {anathema} and {repugnant} to one such as myself. [The words in {} are sent in dragon, but her meaning is fairly clear nonetheless...] --Margaret Tayti *Do you know what limitations it has?* --Margaret Tayti Semareth paused before replying. ++I have not attempted to _experiment_ with it, thoughtspeaker. Would you have tried it out on everything you saw?++ --Nick Takayama There was a notable chill to her next words... *I am a _Healer_, High Inquisitor, and would never even dream of accepting such a thing. Were it offered to me, I would do everything within my power to destroy it. (chides herself, then, apologetically) But you know nothing of me, my upbringing, or my ways... so I will overlook the insult. In truth, I am somewhat relieved that you do _not_ relish or enjoy its ownership.* --Margaret Tayti *And, most importantly, What ethical strictures do you follow that bear upon and govern its use?* --Margaret Tayti Sighing, Semareth answered. ++Its _use_ is against nature. I do not use it for any reason. If I did so intentionally, if my god did not strike me down, I would implore him to do so.++ he looked her in the eye for one solid moment before sitting with his back against the wall. He seemed to be trying to listen for something. --Nick Takayama *It gladdens me to hear that you dislike it nearly as much as do I. Judging by your tone, I would hazard a guess that your personal deity is not our 'friend' the Redeemer...* She swayed briefly, and her stomach growled its protest. *...but now is perhaps not the time to discuss religion. I must go now, for I have just removed the taint of Dragonsbane from my system, courtesy of our pointy-eared friends over there, and need to replenish my reserves.* *Before I leave, I offer you freedom from _that_. There is an ancient draconic spell that was designed for the destruction of artifacts of magic, including animated creatures and their ilk. I used a variation of it the morning of my departure from the church... I cast a small-scale Pyre spell upon the mageguard who was first to fall from the plague... It consumes that which it surrounds it so completely that there are no remains. As to your hand, I can use my innate skills to replace it...* *I implore you to take all the time you need to decide... Pray, meditate, do anything that will help you to clear your mind. ...And wait at least a day or two, for I am unwilling to undertake such a major task given my current exhaustion. I thank you for your time, and your honesty...* With that, she turned, and hobbled slowly and painfully toward the kitchens... --Margaret Tayti When Draca had left, Semareth slumped back against the wall. Why did people always think magic was the easiest way out of situations? He nearly laughed at the thought. He could not hear Sh'al in his mind right now, but he was sure that if he let magic be used to remove his 'hand', that Sh'al would kill him outright. Not a tempting idea. The draconic magic that Draca had offered to use on him was not inviting at all. Through a haze, he managed to remember a verse from the writings of Sh'aljien... He whispered it softly, chanting... "...when the darkness comes, so shall the people fall. The earth will spew forth foul vermin to consume the flesh of living beings, and the skies shall rain fire. Death and oblivion will come slowly, and the dragons will rage across the sky, burning all reality before them..." With the last words, he opened his eyes, and their irises were black as void. --Nick Takayama Cari was not so presumptuous as to listen in on Lord Semareth's conversation with the winged mageguard, but she did see the woman indicate Semareth's hand and him tuck it beneath his cloak. Part of her wanted to tell the woman to at least let Semareth a chance to recuperate from the jaunt, but another part of her could understand why the woman was concerned. Perhaps the woman had seen him use it in the dungeon battle, just as she had. She didn't remember this stranger in the battle, but the chaos blurred many faces. She also realized that neither the group Thai had assembled, nor the Inquisitor Elves, had reason to trust either Semareth or her. She watched with concern as Semareth leaned back against the wall. He was hurt, and something else . . . something she had no right to probe. Faintly she could feel his pain, and knew he was concentrating on some other concern. She wondered even at that knowledge. She looked up at Draca from where she knelt at Semareth's side, and wondered if the woman was satisfied with whatever answer he had given her. Gently Cari sent ::Lord Semareth, forgive my intrusion, but are we joining them on their quest?:: Though she was still very concerned about him, Thai's and Jarrad's words about a weapon against the Proctor had struck a chord, and try as she might to dampen her eagerness, it was still there. --Cathy Mosley Semareth did not look over, instead feigning interest in the ceiling. ++ We will journey with them for awhile, child, though I do not think they can possibly succeed. My interest in this, however, is something else.++ He left it at that. --Nick Takayama ::Are we to aid them?:: Cari added, knowing that now was not the time to question what was concerning Lord Semareth, ::Do I have your permission to lend what skills I have?:: The barest of smiles touched her lips. ::Even without my powers to mask my presence I am a reasonable scout - I am small and quiet. And I have some first aid skills . . .:: This led her close to the topic Cari wanted to discuss. She shifted so that she could study the room they were in and sent ::Lord Semareth, you seem to be in some discomfort. I know it is forbidden for us to make use of magical healing, but there are more mundane ways of dealing with injuries. Which I would advise making use of - for this party may face considerable danger.:: Her tone, while still respectful, took on a more determined tone. ::And it would be ill-advised to start off in a wounded condition.:: Cari had heard stories amongst the Church denizens of Semareth's remarkable ability to take damage and come out whole. She had even witnessed some of this feat during his battle with the Ogre Grym. But Cari had no desire to take chances. --Cathy Mosley Semareth looked down, and examined his ribs, poking at them gently with his fingers. He winced a few times, then looked up at Cari. ++I have but one sore rib, which may or may not be broken. I think it is not so bad that I shall not recover. Do not worry yourself.++ He looked back at the rest of the group, and frowned slightly. ++As for whether or not we shall aid them, I do not think so. I wish to travel with them for some time, but I will let them choose their own fates. If it makes you feel any better, assist in whatever way you see fit, but I warn you against becoming too attached to their success.++ --Nick Takayama She looked up as Thai and Zephillia returned and the Elven Inquisitors came to attention, but she continued to send to Semareth. ::Thank you, Lord Semareth for your permission to lend assistance. . . It would be dishonest for me to say that I had no interest in their cause - I have battled for a long time in the name of resistance. But as for becoming too attached to their success - I have also seen too many failures of plans. Or even if they succeed - the ramifications have to be dealt with.:: She sighed, and kept to herself her hopes for this quest. She also hoped that Lord Semareth was correct in his assessment of his injuries. --Cathy Mosley Thai and Zephillia had been gone a while, and Jarrad's psionics couldn't reach them. The walls seemed to shield very effectively. Rather than showing his frustration, Jarrad wandered around the room, from person to person, giving a word of encouragement here, a smile or quip there. Just to boost the general level of morale. Stopping near Draca, just after she had finished talking with Semareth, he queried privately, ::Is Strawberry draconic? The dragonsbane affected him and there is that small tattoo on his head. Does he know he is draconic?:: --Paul Khangure *Yes, Strawberry is indeed a Drake... but, to the best of my knowledge, suffers from amnesia of some sort. He seems unaware of his nature, so I have taken what pains I could to keep from betraying too much. The last thing we need right now is for one of our number to have some sort of 'breakdown'. I will do what I can, when the time is right... I did not know of his condition myself before this morning, when he failed to recognize the Sigil of Greeting... (sways tiredly, then catches her balance by unfurling her wings a bit... hope there isn't anyone directly behind her...) If you'll excuse me, I fear I will need to raid the kitchens... The effort required to heal myself has left me ...somewhat unsteady..* --Margaret Tayti Turning to Cari, he said "I haven't seen you since a rescue a long time ago. You look well. They brainwashed you did they?" His tone was neutral, one of just making conversation. He nodded at Semareth when he said "they", taunting Semareth, who didn't know about their meeting in the church. He gave Cari a surreptitious wink, letting her in on the game. Appearances had to be kept up. --Paul Khangure Cari looked up from her thoughts and gave him Jarrad a warning look. She had her own share of bumps and bruises from this extraordinary jaunt, and Zephyr's wild ride. It all added up to a beating headache to boot. Along with four days of worrying at Semareth's disappearance into the Proctor's office and the fact that something was now bothering Semareth. She turned her green eyes on Jarrad, and sent ::Jarrad, do you have a suicide wish? Now isn't the time to goad him.:: She sighed; a tired sound. Then shivered, as it she started to realize that the tower was cold and her cotton tunic and breeches weren't much against chill. --Cathy Mosley After her reply, Jarrad continued around, and tried to strike up a conversation with one of Zephillia's elven guards. The guards were slightly uneasy, although they covered it well. Jarrad recognized the body language from when he commanded his father's armies. He also recognized the look in their eyes. One of "I don't think we can win but we won't go down with out a fight." Wanting a little information, Jarrad decided that the direct approach would probably work best. "So, why haven't you killed this dragon yet? Too afraid to go to its lair?" --Paul Khangure The guard balked, then reddened as much as his elven flesh allowed possible. --Dave Smart Jarrad concealed the smile that wanted to display itself on his face, at the way the guards back stiffened, and a tinge of anger entered his eyes. He awaited the reply with interest, wondering what they had tried and what hadn't worked against Xeen. --Paul Khangure Cari listened to Jarrad's conversation with the Elven guards, and decided, "He does have a suicide wish. Or blood loss has done something to his brain." She shook her head, with tired amusement - Jarrad definitely liked to live on the edge. --Cathy Mosley Feeling an urge to strike the obnoxious warrior before him, the elf decided to restrain himself instead (due to the knowledge that his commander was nearby). Legolas merely cleared his throat and answered the question. "If you mean the Dragon Dardt, we have attempted to slay the beast on several occasions and unfortunately we have failed. Failed miserably in fact. And at the cost of many a brave brother." The elf suddenly took on a distressed look as if recalling a horrid nightmare or the loss of something important. Perhaps both. "You pose the question as if it were a mere insect that is causing us an annoyance. Nothing could be further from the truth. The Dragon Dardt was once just a tiny and harmless pocket dragon...a pet to Eldarion Ellesidel. That is until the once respected and adored Legentor slew the last remaining warrior possessing one of the cursed swords of Xeen. With the curse taking full hold, he went mad and rushed off to challenge the Dragon-Xeen itself and won (of course). With evil magics and mind he set forth to rule/destroy Ifreann. One of his first perverted acts was to corrupt his pet's true nature and distort its reality to suit his own desire. The monster that now scorches the planet with its breath is that long ago tiny pocket Dragon, now as large a two sea- whales. (huge sigh) Except for the few of us (meaning inquisitors of a lawful-good version of the Redeemer's church) who remain to oppose his wrath, there is nothing left of this world that is either good or peaceful." Straining slightly to keep his emotions in check, he continued with his story, staring back at Jarrad with cold dark eyes. The temperature of the room mysteriously dropped yet a few more degrees. "And of it's lair (the soldier cocked an eye brow challengingly) it is but a matter of time before we discover its location. And when we find it...so will we find the dreaded re-incarnate of the Dragon-Xeen, Eldarion. *Afraid*. Only a fool would not feel fear upon visiting it!" --Dave Smart Jarrad listened as the elf continued his tirade of misfortune against Dardt and the losses they had taken, presumably a close relation of Legolas by the emotion that replaced the anger briefly, Jarrad interjected a question about Dragonsbane, whether it had been tried, and with what success. They had not even tracked the beast to its lair. Either they were extremely inefficient, or this Dardt would pose a more interesting challenge than it had first seemed. --Paul Khangure "-Yes, yes it has!" came back Legolas. "Unfortunately it failed as we had in overcoming the monster. It would seem as though Eldarion has encased his pet in some sort of protective shield. It would be a waste of time to try it again, never mind a waste of lives." "Ah, so you tried it only in a smoke form. You did not make a poultice out of it to poison arrows with? Or have you not archers with the skill to hit a vulnerable region? You should be able to get an arrow into its mouth, if an eye is too small a target." The retort was irresistible. No elf he had known could pass up a slur on their archery skills. --Paul Khangure Legolas was about to take the bait, but suddenly the talking inquisitor straightened and took his eyes from Jarrad to about face. In walked Thai, followed by Zeph who was in the process of tying a necklace around her neck. A glittering green crystal hung from its end. "Attention!" barked Legolas. "About face!" All the elven inquisitors stood at attention. --Dave Smart Jarrad had a quip about the elven guards' fear poised on his tongue, when Thai and Zephillia re-entered, and then Zephyr arrived. --Paul Khangure Zephyr returned from his walk, hand still on his hilt. His keen eyes were everywhere. No matter how far he went, or what he did, there seemed to be an elven church guard somewhere near by. He bent to check the flooring, there was a guard leaning a couple of feet away. He examined the walls, another two were talking just within sight. Zephyr knew that they were following him, and he was curious as to what Thai and this lady, Zephillia, were hashing out. The group were going to need all the help they could get, and the help of these elves would be greatly appreciated. As he returned, splitting several of the guards to get by, he saw Jarrad talking to Cari. He knew that Jarrad and Semareth probably weren't the best of friends, and chuckled at Jarrad's courage. In a way, he and Jarrad were allot alike, Zephyr walking around defiantly in front of the elven guards, and Jarrad confronting what was once an enemy. Both of them walked like peacocks displaying their plumage. But despite all the hidden distrust and illusion of friendship that was definitely there, they all had to come together as a team to conquer the united foe that they all faced. At this point, Zephyr saw Thai returning with Zeph. He walked up to Jarrad, "My friend, it is good to see you on your feet again. How are you feeling?" --Joe Christl "I am fine" replied Jarrad, limping a little to keep up the appearances of a wound. A little stiff, but nothing that should stop me doing anything major. A wince quickly appeared then disappeared from his face when he balanced on his bandaged leg. "How well are you? Was your trip arduous? You mustn't have had much warning at all" Pointedly ignoring the elves who had now turned to face Zephillia and were standing at attention, Jarrad winked at Thai. Obviously, by the presence of a crystal around Zephillia's neck, a deal had been made. This should be interesting, he mused to himself. --Paul Raj Khangure Thai took in the general atmosphere of the room, cold, and looked to Jarrad for a report. Before he could respond an important looking Inquisitor began to exert his authority. --Phaedra Whitlock "*Quiet* dogs!" sounded another inquisitor (highest ranked officer below Zeph) in a tone that clearly displayed his irritation at the lack of respect and discipline by the others. "Show your respect to the high inquisitor by closing your traps and standing at your best attention." --Dave Smart "I'll thank you to remember that WE are not part of your church, and your 'high inquisitor' is just another elf to us. your protocols do not affect us, we shall stand as we wish and talk if we desire to!" --Barron C. Featherston Semareth made a point of standing slowly, and not drawing his sword. His dark eyes smoldered at the inquisitor. He let his cloak slip back enough to display the badge which declared him High Inquisitor, glinting silvery from darkness. Then he folded his arms and looked down at them all with the barest hint of a smile forming mockingly on his lips. --Nick Takayama Jarrad lounged casually against the stone wall, his cloak thrown back to make drawing his sword easy. At first glance, he seemed totally relaxed and unaware, but those with battle experience recognized the poise as one of a wolf, ready to pounce at any instant. --Paul Khangure Jarrad didn't even smile, although the urge to laugh was there. Semareth stood gracefully, and assumed a position of comfortable superiority. His cloak had slipped back to reveal his High Inquisitor's badge. Jarrad had to admit, that even with them generally opposing each other, he liked a couple of the mans actions. But his liking definitely stopped short of crucifying disbelievers, Something that Semareth had on occasion taken great ... pleasure ... in doing. There was no way Jarrad would like a man who could enjoy that. --Paul Khangure Jarrad's bravado did not go unchecked by Zeph. Nor Semareth's badge. It would seem as though she had an evil twin. She kept a chuckle at bay. --Dave Smart Tension filled the room immediately and the elves prepared themselves for hand to hand, but Zeph gave her 1st a look that could stop a comet. Her men returned to their erect positions and waited their orders. --Dave Smart Thai shivered and pulled her cloak tighter, searching among her friends and the elves for Dryctor. Not immediately seeing him in the crowd she shrugged and crossed the room to the huge fireplace dominating part of one wall. --Phaedra Whitlock Dryctor was just then stepping out from a shadowy alcove where he had been waiting and watching, Having his ire aroused by the rude inquisitor. After Zeph's silent rebuke of the man Dryctor settled down a bit and started to move closer to Thai & Zeph. To Zeph he said "I would like to ask you abut the worship of Corellon and how it came to be replaced with the Redeemer when we have time later" --Barron C. Featherston "It would be my pleasure," responded Zeph. "Perhaps we can speak later." --Dave Smart He then waited to see what Thai & Zeph had to say. --Barron C. Featherston Whether or not Strawberry and Draca required warmth as lizards did, the mammals present certainly did. Tossing a log onto the grate she concentrated briefly while Zephillia began her explanations. The log caught fire and began to burn merrily, providing some much needed warmth in the room. Thai fed the flames slowly until she had a roaring fire going, then turned around to survey the others' reactions to Zeph's speech. --Phaedra Whitlock Cari's attention was focused on Zephillia, waiting for what this High Inquisitor had to say about their situation. But when the fire began to crackle in the fireplace Cari was momentarily distracted by the welcome warmth. --Cathy Mosley His eyes surveyed the whole room, watching as Thai banked a fire, and judging the varying reactions to Zephillia's speech. It was interesting to note those who paid more attention to Zephillia rather than the fire, or the elven guards, standing at attention, but all around the room. --Joe Christl? With a nod from Thai, Zeph took a step towards the center of the room. She cleared her throat and began her presentation. "I wish we had all met under less cantankerous circumstances, but it would seem as though our world -*our time*, has little room for pleasantries. Thai and I have spoken and have reached an amicable agreement." Zeph looked in Thai's direction then at the strangers that filled the room and then finally her own men. "I hope we all can." --Dave Smart Jarrad glanced briefly at Legolas, then chuckled to himself. He would have to be a little more subtle in his provocations to direct the elves anger towards the goal of their quest. Much more challenging and worthwhile than extracting a little information. --Paul Raj Khangure Utilizing her best diplomatic skills she went on about the history of Ifreann and Tynntangial since the advent of the original church of the redeemer. Putting a long story into a short understandable context was were she excelled. Within minutes the entire room was briefed on all matters that concerned their quest. They now understood that although she and her troops wore the costume of the church they were not of the same breed as what could be said of the church Inquisitors of the past. They learnt of the devastation of the planet courtesy of Eldarion and his cruel minions, including the terrifying Dragon, Dardt. Finally, she ended by explaining in some detail the curse of the sword Xeen and its ultimate effect on her cousin. It was obvious that the world would be a better place without its existence. The horrible stories of death and destruction she told touched every man, woman and dragon in the room. A tear fell from Strawberry's eye. He could not help but weep for the misfortunes of the children of the future. Was there no hope? --Dave Smart >From the next room, where she had settled to feast on a couple deer haunches and some rabbit she'd found in cold storage, (she consumed them raw) Draca half-listened to the goings-on. She smiled inwardly at Jarrad's attempts at baiting the elf, then listened carefully to Zeph's tale... As the impromptu 'history lesson' was coming to a close, she disposed of the bones of the rabbit and first haunch, then entered the room, still munching away at the second. To anyone who cared to notice, she appeared to be feeling somewhat improved. Some of the information felt familiar to her, for she had learned a little of Xeen in her studies of Draconic history as a child. She glanced around the room, where a cheery fire now burned. Jarrad leaned on one wall, Dryctor stood defiantly staring at one of Zeph's Inquisitors, and the others were mostly where she had last seen them... She hobbled to a cool corner, and sat down on a stool, noting the disdainful looks from several of their point-eared 'captors' as she continued to tear gobbets of (obviously) uncooked meat from the deer haunch... These she blithely ignored, using as her excuse Thai's address. --Margaret Tayti With her back to the fire Thai's face was in shadow. Only her eyes, glowing and green, were clearly visible as she examined each person for clues to their hearts. The elves knew the history Zephillia recounted, had lived and suffered through it to a man. Zeph was not the only one to have been marked by the struggle, first against the Dark One then the threat that had emerged from within. With the death of Joreen Eldarion had gone mad. He and the elven and human forces had destroyed the armies of the Dark One, but then had come to Daventry reports of a great destructive force heading for the capital. It was Eldarion come to claim the throne for his own. Zeph barely mentioned the events of those days, relating only that a great number of elves had fled to the other continent and she with them at Elanna's orders. Eldarion had taken Daventry and Tynntangial and remade it into the barren wasteland it was today. The refugees found the Church of the Redeemer disorganized and the populace in turmoil. Out of the chaos had come new Proctors devoted to a new order. It was this church that Zephillia served as High Inquisitor. A Church Redeemed and now seeking to end the threat from her cousin. Thai listened carefully to Zephillia's warnings of the Sword itself, knowing that if they managed to take the Sword but only succeeded in unleashing that evil sooner upon the world, that all this would have been for nothing. As it was, only by succeeding could they ensure this future never came to pass. --Phaedra Whitlock Draca was concerned about the sword's powers, but kept silent, vowing to destroy it utterly if things got out of hand, even if it meant her death... Such a dread artifact could not be permitted to exist uncontrolled, or before its proper time.. [She knows that her actions would have no bearing on the existing lesser Swords, or upon the eventual re-emergence through them of the final, complete artifact...] --Margaret Tayti Once the history lesson was over, Thai joined Zeph's side. "I do not expect you (meaning our little group ;) to follow me as your leader -Thai has that responsibility -I have my own soldiers to worry about. What we both hope for," she again eyed Thai. "Is that we can join into a respectable allegiance and as a united front, put an end to the terror that defiles our world." --Dave Smart It sounded good, but a quick survey of the room showed three different parties. Semareth had the honour of being the smallest, The elves just outnumbering the remaining party members. While it was probable the elves would hold to an alliance, it was extremely unlikely that Semareth would even commit to one. The thug was here for his own business, and probably calssifed himself as an observer. It would be extremely interesting to see how long he travelled with this party. Cari was a different matter. Jarrad could see her torn between two loyalties. One to the salvation of many, via seeking out the sword and slaying Proctor John, and the other, a more recent loyalty, to Semareth, who seemed to have pursuaded her of his imaginary good half. --Paul Raj Khangure She took a step back, joined her number one and waited for Thai's contribution. --Dave Smart Jarrad awaited Thai's speech with interest. Crowd control was one of her many talents. --Paul Raj Khangure When Semareth stood, so had Cari, but she had faded to the background, something she was used to doing; for her being inconspicuous had always meant survival. She focused her attention on Zephillia and what the woman had to say. As she heard the list of horrors that Eldarion and the Sword of Xeen had wrought her stomach churned. Was there in truth no hope? Deep in her heart she still hated the Redeemer's true followers, though not the ones who had been taken in by the lies. And here stood Zephillia and her Inquisitors, who were all that stood for good in this future. And one of the people so many had risked their lives for in a massive rescue attempt was now an ultimate evil. Was there ever any freedom from the web of despair? The only glimmer Cari saw was that if Thai, or one within in this group, used the Sword of Xeen did kill the Proctor, then the pattern that led to this future would be broken. For it would not have been Eldarion that did the deed. But what of the Sword then? The ramifications began to intensify her headache, and Cari decided that all she could do was worry about the reality at hand. She looked up at Semareth, and noted the casual challenge of his stance. She was glad that he did not want to hinder the quest, though his attitude was pessimistic of its chances. But she wondered how long it was before someone from either group returned the challenge. Since Lord Semareth had not openly committed them to this quest, they would still be considered suspect, and he would be considered dangerous. --Cathy Mosley ::You have all heard what the High Inquisitor has to say. I detected no hesitation or deception from her as we spoke mind -to-mind on the ramparts. The attack was an accident and the misunderstanding has been rectified. I believe that she can help us, and possibly this new church as well, and we can help them.:: ::I also understand that such a degree of trust cannot be easy for considering what the Proctors have done to us all. Anyone who wishes, this is your final chance to back out. I cannot yet send you home to Montfort, but you will be safe here in any case and there are other portals, other mages who can cast the spells.:: --Phaedra Whitlock Scoffing at the idea, Semareth shifted his cloak back around his shoulders. Badge-showing was over. His eyes cloaked themselves in darkness deeper than shadows. --Nick Takayama Jarrad glanced around the room. Most of the party seemed committed to the bitter end. In fact, Semareth and Cari were the only two he had any doubts about. Semareth still stood there, apparently at ease, his black eyes not missing anything however. --Paul Khangure ::Zephyr, Semareth, you need not come but you heard what the High Inquisitor had to say. The people of Montfort will survive and Proctor John will die by Eldarion's hand in the final battle, thirty years from when we left, but in those 30 years he will cause great suffering and the High Inquisitors barren future is the result.:: --Phaedra Whitlock Zephyr had heard what he needed to hear, and he believed that Thai knew this already. What he has been told by Dryctor many months past, and from him being in Proctor John's Church undercover, and Thai and him talking in her room, there was no turning back on this. The history of his people, the Kaijit, being repressed and tortured for centuries past would not let him make another decision otherwise. --Joe Christl Herein lay the only potential cause for a changed decision on her part, for she did not trust Semareth fully, and felt somewhat obligated to keep a close watch on his 'hand'. Nonetheless, she knew that there was a greater cause to which she had pledged her word, and so she would follow this path to its end... --Margaret Tayti There was a pause here for a moment, yet Jarrad sensed that Thai was still conversing with someone. Most probably Semareth. --Paul Khangure To Semareth alone she sent, ::Semareth, I know you believe you can reform the Church, turn it to the path of your god, but it cannot happen while Proctor John exists. He turned on me, he can as easily turn on you in the next 30 years and then your church will never come about. Do what you feel you must, but if you feel your path lies with ours I would be glad to work with you once more.:: --Phaedra Whitlock Semareth nodded to her, and looked away quickly. He would travel with them, observe, and protect Cari, who he knew would wish to go along. Something was wrong, here, in this other place. --Nick Takayama Semareth nodded at her private words to him just before his eyes went dark again. With his backing she could relax slightly and did so. There was still the question of how well he would work with the group after having worked alone for so long, with only Sh'aljien to give him orders. His body language so far was not helpful, but then Jarrad, Zephyr and Dryctor had all been displaying alpha-male characteristics when she had returned with Zephillia. --Phaedra Whitlock Thai turned to the last figure, a slight girl at Semareth's side. ::Child, I know not who you are but you too are welcome to join us. Be aware of the dangers you will face in such an enterprise before you decide. Whatever your choice we will respect it.:: ::When each of you have decided, I will be with the High Inquisitor.:: --Phaedra Whitlock