Chapter 9: Strange Sirens Call
Copyright © 2001 by the players of Emerald Sphere of Sighs.

From: Hrissu hi Metumel [2000-09-21 14:13:16]
Subject: Ohe!
Hrissu looks up from his digging.
"Ohe! Comrades! There are workmen and city guardsmen who seek our rescue down below. The Ssu are slain."

From: Chúrisan Sóruna [2000-09-21 17:15:44]
Subject: relieved
"Ah that is good news! Ssrivan, have you made any progress on your mysterious treasure?"

From: Ssrivan hiTlokhar [2000-09-21 19:25:22]
Subject: The Treasure Box
"I continue my investigations--they will be finished shortly. It is a most interesting container here"

He continues to investigate the pillar to see what it was that was designed to be so carefully stored inside it. Such an exquisite trapped contraption was definitely not for some trivial item of personal jewelry or a favorite carving. He continues to pore over the pillar and its surroundings with all senses (to include the sorcerous ones) extended to ferret out the final details of the container and its contents (assuming any remain). He is taking his usual extreme care, as it would not do for some final trap to spring and cause irreparable damage to him or his companions.

From: Neshkriuma hiKharsama [2000-09-21 23:05:35]
Subject: How much further...?
"I must say," says Nesh,"that my curiosity is piqued despite my earlier fears. Still, it has been an eventfull morning and I am MORE than ready to get out of this attic."

From: Ssrivan hiTlokhar [2000-09-23 14:44:12]
Subject: Finally! An answer.
Ssrivan works his way into the core of the pillar and finally lets loose a sigh of satisfaction. "Found it!" He removes the last of the blades blocking his way and the group can see that he seems to be occupied with the contents of a crevice in the column. Whatever it is seems to have the complete attention of the locksmith. He seems to be somehow quite pleased with himself as he works--the pleasure of a craftsman deep in the art of his craft.

From: Game Master [2000-09-25 13:25:16]
Subject: Did some one ask for more light?
Ssrivan is lost in joyous thought as he examines his possible treasure trove. Adzul and Churisan have involved themselves with the removal of the tethered discs. Hrissu has scratched himself a hole in the floor/ceiling large enough for him peer through and has reported his findings to the group. Neshkriuma and Deshnah sit and watch the goings on as Neshkriuma tries and help your ailing comrade. Deshnah, through green lips and tearing eyes coughs out the phrase " Ummm, I would not do that, I think". You see him pointing to Hrissu who, being so intent on peering through the hole, has left the rafters sturdiness and has placed all his weight on the plaster ceiling.

Hrissu lifts himself to his hands and knees and looks at Deshnah with a quizzical expression. "Sorry"? he inquires. Deshnah points again to the ceiling that Hrissu is kneeling upon and makes a dropping gesture. At that moment, the light being cast upon Hrissus face, through the small slit he has made, begins to grow. Jagged cracks of yellow illuminate the underside of Hrissu's body and the look on his face changes from quizzical to concern as his eyes grow large with panic. He lifts a hand to reach for a joist but it is too late. His hips and back half of his body disappear in an instant as he falls through the plaster. You watch as his arms flail around reaching for some purchase. The dagger in his right hand finds a home in the joist's side, and for the briefest of moments you think he may have just saved himself a fall. Unfortunately, he is unable to keep his grip, and all he has accomplished by hanging on to the dirk is to give himself a nice rotation as he falls. The attic is awash with the light from the hallway below and the tinkling sounds of plaster and the thud of Hrissu hitting the floor. Neshkriuma crawls over to the gaping maw which has just consumed Hrissu and looks down 20 feet to the pile below.

"Well, he's moaning so I would say he's still alive and breathing, but he sure didn't land on his feet", Neshkriuma says shaking his head.

With Orun kneeling next to him, Hrissu calls out, in a rather strained voice, "Would one of you be so kind as to bring my dirk with you on the way down. Oh,.... I would suggest using a rope perhaps". Hrissu then is helped to a seated position by a chuckling Orun.

From: Neshkriuma hiKharsama [2000-09-25 23:33:43]
Subject: time for breakfast
"Well," Nesh says, suppressing a wry chuckle, "I'm sure Lord Dra would approve of how stoic are his young servants. I see no point in remaining here any longer to keep the rats company." He them looks about for a rope to descend to the main level.

From: Adzul hiOgeado [2000-09-26 08:28:14]
Subject: Hello down there
Adzul sets the blade on the ground for the moment and goes to check on the noble Ssrivan. If he is concious I will ask if he needs help and what he sees.

From: Hrissu hi Metumel [2000-09-27 10:32:42]
Subject: Thanks
"Good people, I thank you for your concern. Our hosts have come to our aid and our situation is, for the moment, resolved." He looks to one of the guards. "Have our attackers fled then?"

From: Game Master [2000-09-27 16:05:10]
Subject: What next????
Orun helps Hrissu to his feet as he speaks to you and through the hole he made you can see the black robed figure of Dlarumei walk up behind the two. Her black wooden mask peeks out from under her hood as she peers up at the rest of the party still up in the attic.Your attention is quickly and acutely drawn to where Ssrivan is working on the pillar. You here a sharp snap, Ssrivan softly saying "uh oh", followed by a very strong command.

"HIT THE DIRT BROTHERS!!!!!!!!!! DUUUUCCCCKK!!!!!!!!"

Ssrivan hits the deck as do the rest of you. Just as you pile onto the planking, or wherever you find a low, flat place, you here the launch of hundreds of needle like steel pins and cringe as they pass just over head and spread throughout the attic.

As you look up you can see them stuck everywhere. Some in the posts and joists and some on the plaster of the ceiling where they had been deflected off of the slate roof tiles. You glance back at Ssrivan with a look of annoyance and thank the gods that none of you seem to be hit. Ssrivan shrugs his shoulders and says, "It's a really old locking mechanism. It misfired. I am sure that this is the last surprise we have to worry about".

After a brief moment you hear another click and watch as a drawer slides out of the side of the pillar. It is a long narrow drawer, more like a tall slot about 5 inches wide and several feet tall. When it pops open you can see the top of an object within.

From: Chúrisan Sóruna [2000-09-27 19:38:13]
Subject: a cry
"NO!" Chúrisan shouts. At first you think he might be talking to you, but you quickly see that he is looking elsewhere. He's still down, staring at something ahead of him, with his hand outstretched towards it. As you look more carefully, you can see that it's one of the ringblades, detached now from the cord that bound it to the pillar. In the dim light you can see that it is giving off a soft blue glow. "No." he says again, hoarsely, and his arm spasms and trembles as it stretches toward the ring. "Adz...Nesh...help? It's, they're ... calling me."

From: Game Master [2000-09-29 14:15:44]
Subject: quick view
You hear the cries of Churisan and you turn to see him prone on the ground with his hand outstretched towards the blue glowing disc. Before you can even think about moving you watch, helplessly, as the disc slides across the floor to meet with Chúrisan's hand. His hand clasps the disc tightly and you watch as the soft blue glow turns to brilliant blue and envelopes Churisan. First his hand, you can see him try and fight against the forces being put upon him. Then it moves up to his elbow and he continues to struggle. Still struggling his shoulder starts glowing blue, then his head and after that his entire body is shrouded in a brilliant blue light. At that point he goes limp rolling over on his back, still breathing but not moving. He seems to relax and fall into a deep sleep. It is at that moment that you notice that Adzul has also fallen and is unconscious, shrouded in a green light also with a disc in his hand.

From: Hrissu hi Metumel [2000-10-05 11:29:26]
Subject: What can I do?
Hrissu peers up through the broken ceiling. "Gracious comrades, is all well?"

From: Ssrivan hiTlokhar [2000-10-10 15:09:14]
Subject: Objects and Unconscious Brethren
"Hmmm. It appears our prize takes offense at being brought into the light."

Ssrivan then takes a careful look at the top of the object within the slot, attempting to determine how best to remove it. He is also looking for any futher accesses which might release his companions from the ensorcellment of the blades. Note his Spell has not yet expired, so whatever energy pulled his companions in should have been visible to him. He is also scanning the slot for further potential traps.

"Ah, it is refreshing to work one's way through a deliciously trapped container. This definitely makes the trip worthwhile!"

"Hrissu, you might be careful, as it seems the leftover discs have an affinity for people. They turn colors nicely--apparently in response to their allegiance to the gods, but I cannot be sure of that yet."

With that, Ssrivan returns to his work.

From: Hrissu hi Metumel [2000-10-10 17:15:15]
Subject: Don't worry.
Hrissu cries up through the broken ceiling. "Do not worry for me, noble locksmith. It seems unlikely that the blades will reach us down here. I am sure that our host will want to hear all about our experiences of the attack. Let us not keep these good people waiting too long."

From: Neshkriuma hiKharsama [2000-10-20 14:47:08]
Subject: hell's attic
"Orun," Neshkriuma cries down into the room below, "two of our number have become incapacitated by sorcery. We need help to lower them down to you. Do you know anything of these enchanted ringblades?"

From: Game Master [2000-10-20 15:58:42]
Subject: A way out.....
Neshkriuma grabs hold of the rope as it is tossed up to you for the second time. He quickly pulls up an ample amount and ties the one end off to the nearest large support post. At his signal three lean warriors scurry up the rope to where you are in the attic. One each heads to Adzul, Churisan and Ssrivan. The ones arriving at Adzul and Churisan kneel and examine the two prone men while the third stops short of Ssrivan seeming startled by the massive object appearing from out of nowhere. He then reaches out a hand in an effort to capture Ssrivan's attention. By this time three other warriors have made it into the attic and the exodus begins. First Churisan and Adzul are lowered down out of the attic and then Deshnah is helped down. Neshkriuma leaves Ssrivan, rather reluctantly, with the warriors in deep discussion and descends the rope himself. Once down on the hallway floor again Orun and Dlarumei guide you to a room. It seems to be Deshnah's room and it looks rather untouched. Adzul and Churisan are stretched out on the bed while Deshnah find the top of a chest to sit on and then slump against the wall. All of your party except Ssrivan and Kúnur are present. Here Orun and Dlarumei take turns explaining what has happened and what is going on.

"It appears", Dlarumei starts, "That one of our parties members has removed something of great worth from Jakalla and the temple of the Flame god there. It is of little concern to us as rumor also has it that this item belonged to this party member first and that it had been removed from its place of honor and taken to Jakalla to start with. This, of course, is an event which means little to our quest other than the fact that it adds another element to be avoided. We are already planing on traveling in disguise and so this will not add to the burden of our plans as they have been established thus far. The priests of the flame god are very upset and want the item and its liberator's head returned to Jakalla immediately. After looking into this affair we feel that they are more interested in revenge than anything else. It seems that our friend, who could be any one of you at this moment and we are *not* asking for a confession in any fashion, managed to break into the most high chambers of their mighty temple. Avoided and/or killed a very large number of temple guards, worked his way through several traps and then evaded the priests and guards for several days *inside* their own temple. After which he managed to slide his way back up north and into our company without being caught, noticed or even spotted. This is a quality individual and one that we are pleased to have counted in our midst".

"Their attack was a very well financed and supported venture", Orun continues. "They enlisted the aid of the Ssu and they bought many confidences, some of which have been discovered even within our own walls! You will recognize them at the gates as their heads adorn pikes set atop the fortifications. The Ssu were instrumental in supplying some very powerful magic to aid the Priests of the Flame god in their venture. Remember, this is very fertile land here and magic is amplified because of that factor. The fact that the Flame gods Temple is located directly across plaza from these apartments also helped in the attack. You will notice that Temple being dismantled this morning and removed to the furthest end of the plaza. Most of the local worshipers and Priests of the Flame god located here in Monru knew nothing of this plan and will not be held accountable. Yet their Temple will be moved, and their actions suspect for a considerable amount of time. Darmkula and his brother will be contemplating the restitutions to be paid to Vrodlan's Clan and family. Even though your journey has not started and he was not officially in their employ, he was in their care and hospitality, and therefore they feel obligated to make restorations. Your Brother Kúnur was not here as he had been sent earlier this evening to Sarku City to help make arrangements for your passage through that area when the time comes. As far as the ring blades, Neshkriuma, I know noting of them, but I am sure that Darmkula will know something of them. We will have to wait until he arrives".

At that moment several dark robed, silver masked, priests of the prince of the blue room entered the apartment. They glided over to where Adzul and Chúrisan lay and started investigating their conditions. They light a few candles and begin burning some incense before the start chanting......

From: Hrissu hi Metumel [2000-10-23 23:38:08]
Subject: Great Googly hiMoogly!
Hrissu listens intently to Orun's words, shaking his head as though in disbelief.

"Noble Orun, this cannot be! The Ssu are the implacable foes of man. No one enlists their aid. What could it mean that humans and Ssu are allied, when the songs of five thousand years tell us that "there shall be no peace until Man or the Foes of Man shall be no more."

From: Game Master [2000-10-27 15:07:55]
Subject: shock wave 2.0
"Hrissu" Orun responds, "I know what it is that speak about, and I would agree with you that this is a most peculiar situation. I have no knowledge of how this agreement was reached or who made it or the offers that it would take to create such an alliance, but the proof stands, or lays, before us. You are correct to be skeptical and your feelings are wise and well formed yet all that you see here speaks volumes to the contrary. I do not believe that the end times are at hand, dear friend, yet there is something that is most definitely a foot".

You see the priests in black pack up and depart without a sound. You can see that they have been of no help to your comrades who lie on the bed. As you sit and contemplate what has happened over the past hour you notice both Chúrisan and Adzul stir and start to wake.

From: Adzul hiOgeado [2000-10-29 05:42:26]
Subject: Good Morning
Adzul opens his eyes and looks around. Then asks "My friends how long have I been sleeping and how has our situation changed? I will tell you of what happened to me but I suspect this is not the time except to say that I am allright and the disk is not a threat despite what you have seen."

From: Chúrisan Sóruna [2000-10-31 15:22:04]
Subject: Awake
Chúrisan also awakens. "Ssrivan, the rod is a great danger!" he says suddenly. Then he blinks and looks around, in somewhat of a daze. Adzul's words finally sink in, and Chúrisan nods "Yes, I am also well, and have had many visions. This (he hefts the ring of metal) is not an immediate danger. Are the Ssu vanquished? What of Deshnah? Is he well?"

From: Neshkriuma hiKharsama [2000-11-01 17:18:16]
Subject: "Feel'n allright..."
"It seems we all are well," Neshkriuma says, "though I suspect little Deshnah will conduct himself with a bit more moderation in the future." Nesh produces some odd looking plant material from his pouch and offers it to the little brown guy (LBG). "This should help. What of you?" he asks Churisan. "We feared for you and Adzul both."

From: Chúrisan Sóruna [2000-11-02 16:57:47]
Subject: danger
"Thank you, noble warrior" Chúrisan responds to Neshkriuma, "I am well. These blades (again he gestures to the ring blade still in his hand) have some power to them. Excuse me now, I must speak to Ssrivan." He gets up carefully, and walks out so he can shout up through the hole in the ceiling. "Locksmith! I have had a vision! Within the chamber is a bone rod, tipped with a ruby. It is powerful magic, but extremely dangerous and unlikely to be cooperative or usable. Please use great caution! This prize may not be worth the risk!"

From: Hrissu hi Metumel [2000-11-03 10:43:36]
Subject: Ah.
Hrissu looks down at his hands, then back to Orun, then down at his feet. He begins to chuckle, then laughs outright. "At hand... a foot..."
He laughs so hard tears stream down the cheeks of his now red face.
"A foot! Ha!"

From: Game Master [2000-11-06 10:36:56]
Subject: Orun
Orun looks at Hrissu with a slightly amused expression. " I am glad that I can bring you such pleasure after the morning that you have spent" he says with a wry smile. "I can guarantee you at least one thing, the rest of the day will surly lack for excitement after this mornings adventure". He then looks to Adzul to insure that he is well.

From: Game Master [2000-11-06 13:26:19]
Subject: Dlarumei
Dlarumei follows Churisan as he makes his way to the hole in the ceiling and calls up his warnings.

"You said a staff made of Bone with a Ruby set at its head"? She asks almost as a second thought. You can tell her voice is filled with concern and you watch as she almost leaps to the rope still dangling from Hrissu's opening. You continue to watch as she bounds up the rope with little effort, the rope, itself, barley shows that she has been there. Her black robed person slips over the edge of the opening and is gone.

From: Neshkriuma hiKharsama [2000-11-07 09:21:46]
Subject: enough already.
"Noble Churisan," Neshkriuma says, "what is the nature of this staff?" He seems even more concerned now than previously, if that is possible. He looks about the room as though appraising possible avenues of either fight or flight.

From: Chúrisan Sóruna [2000-11-09 22:42:05]
Subject: Bad Magic
"I, ah...saw, yes I saw a demon bound within a gem on the end of the rod. A cruel creature that grants some small power to the holder of the thing, but eventually consumes him and seeks another to carry the object. And one such as Ssrivan is not suitable to the demon, who looks for more simple power in his bearers." He looks around. "Speaking of powerlessness, has anyone tended to Deshnah? Is he here?"

From: Game Master [2000-11-11 14:03:47]
Subject: The attic
Moments after Dlarumei disappears beyond your view and Churisans words of warning you hear a cry of utter pain. The voice is easily recognized as Ssrivan's and your hearts sink as you listen to his agony. As quickly as the screams started, they end and the only sound that emanates from the attic is a low, soft humming, reminiscent of temple chants.

From: Ssrivan hiTlokhar [2000-11-12 09:23:16]
Subject: Understatements
Cry of pain would be a GROSS understatement here--more like an extended bellow of extreme anguish.

:)

From: Chúrisan Sóruna [2000-11-12 16:59:41]
Subject: aid?
"Ssrivan! Dlarumei! What happened up there?!" Chúrisan doesn't wait for answer, but drops the ring blade and swarms up the rope and into the attic as fast as he can. Once he gets his shoulders through the hole, he'll draw his dagger with one hand and haul himself up onto a beam with the other.

From: Game Master [2000-11-13 12:08:37]
Subject: Up there? Again?
The rest of you watch as Chúrisan tosses down the ring blade and Swarms....lumbers up the rope. His recent ordeal has taken a bit more out of him than his mind is willing to admit to himself. As he crests the ceilings hole and his body starts to rise up into the attic, you watch with amazement as the ring blade stands on its edge, starts spinning, and then rockets up through the hole. You can no longer see the blade, but you notice Chúrisan pause for a brief moment and then continue up into the attic, where he too, disappears beyond your view.

From: Chúrisan Sóruna [2000-11-14 22:03:39]
Subject: ...and down again
Chúrisan pauses for a moment, then calls down to Adzul and whomever else is below: "Ssrivan is burned, but there are priests up here helping Dlarumei to tend him. I cannot help with that, and am too tired to help bring him down. Look out below." And with that he drops back down, slowing his fall with the rope. He walks slowly down the hall towards the central room with the fountain (see archive chpt 3), drinks, sits, and drinks again. The round blade follows him out of the hole. He picks it up when he lands in the hallway, and takes it with him to the fountain.

From: Game Master [2000-11-27 17:58:18]
Subject: ahhh morning, at last...
The warmth of the sun strikes your face as you watch it rise above the temple across from your balcony. The people of Monru waste no time and you watch with curious joy as workmen start the job of tearing down the temple. The priests and worshipers are being escorted to the location of their "new, less prominate," temple which will be assembled at some future date.

Your group stands silent for quite some time, basking in the quiet, calm morning sun. The signs of battle having been removed and cleaned away. Earlier you had noticed that Churisan had taken great pains to insure that Vrodlan's remains were kept intact and that *all* of his possessions were assembled into one space and guarded. Ssrivan has been lowered from the attic and carried away to a place where he can be looked after with greater care. Orun, who had spoken briefly with Dlarumei, has assured you that Ssrivan will be returned shortly and in a much more animated fashion. For the moment the party members sit, stand or lean against the wall, absorbing warmth from the sun and drawing deep breaths of crisp, silent morning air.

After a long quiet spell the silence is broken by the sound of trays being carried onto the balcony laden with all manner of breakfast delicacies. You notice that the standard morning beverage has been replaced with an alternate liquid which does not contain cinnamon. The rational behind this is clear upon some thought. The copper trays are set on up on three legged tables which stand at about waist high. The servants fill several vessels with a hot tea-like beverage and offer it to each of you. The beverage is smooth and sweet but with a nice little morning kick. The pastries, sweets, meats and cheeses are all very flavorful and of a wonderfully delicate quality. You know that once you are on the road you will not be eating items of this quality for a long time. During this time Orun mentions to the party that if you have any additional items to be added, or you would like to make sure that what you have ordered can be supplied to you, you need make your desires know to him as soon as possible. For as soon as Ssrivan is able to travel, under his own power or not, the party is heading out.

From: Neshkriuma hiKharsama [2000-11-28 10:16:19]
Subject: Stocking up
"Good Orun", Neshkriuma says around monsterously inappropriate mouthfulls of food, "perhaps you could find someone to replenish my supply of healing herbs."

From: Chúrisan Sóruna [2000-11-28 11:18:18]
Subject: Preparations
"Orun, when is Ssrivan expected to be ready to travel? His injuries seemed severe. What has happened to the item he was attempting to remove? I would like to inspect our guards, and oversee the packing of equipment and tools. If time allows, it would be wise to organize some decoy parties, to be sent on other routes to confound our enemies. Last night's attack shows that they are very highly motivated." He pauses, eats and drinks a little, then looks around at his new companions. "I am not the one who has so greatly enraged the Flame-priests. I would like to know which of you is. If I am to travel with and help protect a target, I believe I am entitled to know who it is. Dlarumei told an interesting story -- I would prefer to hear it first hand."

From: Hrissu hi Metumel [2000-11-28 11:41:50]
Subject: Not in front of the Servants!
Hrissu motions for his compatriots to come nearer, out of earshot of the servants, the workmen, and others.

"Noble friends. I have found something amongst the wreckage. This stone was with one of our attackers. Along with this piece of paper:

*shows a scrap of parchment with a symbol on it*.

I had forgotten in all the confusion. My contrite apologies."

From: Game Master [2000-11-28 18:46:48]
Subject: here we go.
"Healing herbs for Neshkriuma", Orun commands to a servant. "Help him find what it is that he desires in herbs and make sure that he receives an ample supply. If this morning is any indication as to what we are up against, we'll be needing plenty".

Orun then turns to Churisan and and those around him saying, "Ssrivan will be ready to travel when we leave. Preparations are being made so that if we must portage him along for a while, he will be able to recover in that fashion. But we do have a narrow window of opportunity for our departure, and thusly, are unable to wait. As for the item, it remains where it was found, in its holder. There are several scholars and priests looking into the items history now and we will try to decide what must be done with it before any harm comes to any one else".

Orun then directs his words to Churisan, and with a slight bow continues, "You are most welcome to inspect the guards and oversee the packing of the equipment and tools. I would feel much more at ease with someone having your experience in charge of that aspect of our trip. You will be given full authority over caravans well being and road worthiness, organize it as you see fit". Orun then stuffs another pastrie in his large mouth, smiles that full mouth smile and sips from his cup to wash it all down.

Hrissu motions for the group to congregate with him and produces two, very interesting objects. The stone is quite exquisite and its value, some of you estimate as, "a lot"! The small segment of parchment, actually just a corner of a parchment you notice, has a symbol on it. A circle with two parallel lines running through it. You also notice that two of the edges of the parchment are burned.

From: Adzul hiOgeado [2000-11-29 05:55:32]
Subject: I examine the stone
"If I might examine the stone, I am from a jewleers clan and may be able to discover something more." I will also cast perception of the energies on the stone and paper.

From: Hrissu hi Metumel [2000-11-29 10:04:32]
Subject: Handing it over.
Hrissu passes the stone to Adzul. He speaks softly. "Noble Priest, from my care into yours. Find out what you can, this was highly prized and might be a key to our difficulties."

From: Chúrisan Sóruna [2000-11-30 16:12:02]
Subject: errands
Chúrisan looks curiously at the stone and symbol. Then he gets up, and says "Friends, I must tend to business at my clanhouse. I will return later to inspect the guards and caravan."

From: Adzul hiOgeado [2000-12-05 06:03:09]
Subject: how odd
The gem is obviously of great beauty, however it must be exceedily rare for I have never seen or heard of this particular stone, yet if it existed in sufficient quantity for them to know about it I am sure this stone would be coveted by the temples of Lord Ksarul and Lady Avanthe for its lovely blue color as fire opals are by the followers of Lord Vimuhlah. As far as I can tell it is not enchanted.

The paper had is a piece of some kind of instruction and the symbol is one of recognition, a personal cypher perhaps. That is all I know.

From: Neshkriuma hiKharsama [2000-12-05 09:45:18]
Subject: gemology 101
"It is a pretty thing," Neshkriuma says, stretching out his hand. "May I"?

From: Neshkriuma hiKharsama [2000-12-05 14:24:54]
Subject: Away we go...
"Yes, a pretty thing indeed", Nesh says, handing the stone back after a cursory examination, "though what its purpose might be I wouldn't hazard a guess. But now I too must be off to make preparations for our journey". He turns from the group and goes to collect his gear.

From: Game Master [2000-12-07 18:40:38]
Subject: Onward???
You watch as Churisan and Neshkriuma pack up and start to head off to collect and inspect. The rest of you stand around and finish your lovely breakfast. After that you will............???

[OOC-In order to continue I would like to have each of you post as to what it is that you are doing to prepare yourself. If you need to private post me now would be a good time to do so. Other than that let us get this entertainment on the fairway :) ]

From: Hrissu hi Metumel [2000-12-11 14:59:14]
Subject: Preparations
Hrissu tucks the stone and paper back into his robes.

"Anyway, keep these things in mind as we travel. One never knows what could be useful and when."

He then promptly forgets about them and wanders back to his room, whistling a little tune.

After gaining access to his things, a spare robe, a bedroll, a knife, a stick for walking, and a bowl for eating, Hrissu is ready to travel.