In reply to Zuriel Silendril (msg # 11):

"The Master was more of an herbalist and alchemist than anything, though he did have a few interesting spells up his sleeve.  The barrier was one of them.  I don't know whether he was a druid in the traditional sense of the word or not -- nor does it much matter.  He was certainly devoted to the circle's cause, one way or another."

Her eyes fall at this.

"A great man, the Master was.  It's a pity that he died so suddenly."

In reply to Zuriel Silendril (msg # 11):

Keef leans forward and half-shouts across the fire, It was a great battle, a GREAT battle, I know all about it!

When nobody looks terribly interested in another of Keef's physical renditions, he turns to Lyriel.

So... evil is evil... Keef turns that over in his head a few times.  Evil tools should be put to fire and evil men to grave? Like Rufus the Pure told Sir Greenheart?
This message was last edited by the player at 20:08, Tue 15 Oct 2013.

Boreas, listening to Cassie and Zuriel, is startled by Keef's outburst.  He turns to the boy.

Well, generally yes.  But that's difficult to say.  Sometimes good things can be used to do evil and evil to do good.  Nonetheless, trying to put an evil thing to good use results in corruption more often than not.  I recall a tale of a magical ring of great power... but the details are foggy.

Still, especially in the case of evil men and women, it is important to remember the possibility of redemption.

But it has been a long day.  We should get some rest to prepare ourselves for tomorrow, which promises to be just as long.  We will need to set watch, and Zuriel, you should ask your book something.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:22, Tue 15 Oct 2013.

Zuriel turns his attention to Keef. "Actually Keef, I would like to hear more about this battle. It seems particularly relevant. What do you know of the Defilers and Wildheart? That name has been coming up an awful lot lately. The elven spirits mentioned it at the windy bridge. I'd like to learn more. And as for evil artifacts, and evil men, don't rush to send any to an early grave. Both items and people can be redeemed for good. Sometimes, the greatest allies to the forces of good are former enemies who change their ways."

Zuriel turns to regard Cassie meaningfully at that last sentence.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:29, Tue 15 Oct 2013.

Boreas scratches his beard.  Yes, Keef.  That could be good to know, and interesting too.  Could you elaborate?

Essentially Keef, it is best to leave evil tools alone. But Zuriel does make a good point that sometimes evil people can become good again, so it is good to at least try if you have the opportunity. She looks in the direction of Cassie. At any rate, yes let us hear your story Keef.

Thank you for at least telling us what you know, Cassie.  I think that under different circumstances, we could have been friends.  That might still be the case, but I'm not so quick to believe in the power of redemption as those two Maeve says, jerking a thumb at the devotees of Tassada. A lack of religion breeds cynicism, I suppose.

She settles down to hear what Keef has to say.

The paladin nods in agreement. "That is a good point of clarification, Lyriel. Cleansing and repurposing evil tools is tricky work, and dangerous even when handled by expert artificers. And until such a tool is cleansed, using it almost always ends in tragedy. But please continue, I'm very interested in what you have to say."

In reply to Maeve (msg # 18):

Keef looks around, at first confused as to why everyone is looking at him.  He then launches into his story with his whole body:

Well, Veilspire... totally evil, the biggest, blackest meanest of them all.  He had his defilers, like-minded men and others who followed him seeking to reshape the forests.  It was hard, you know?  Remaking things.  But he was so evil, so dedicated, nothing would stop him, see?  First he used trees and animals, but then when that didn't work he started to use people!Keef wiggles his fingers to indicate menace.  He begins to pace as he talks, to alternate between raised and lowered voice and to act out each part of the story.

People didn't want to be part of his experiments, so Veilspire had his minions snatch people from the paths and farms and stuff; mostly at night, mostly... the people were too scared to go after him... that is until Wildheart.... I guess Sir Greenheart wasnt' around... so Wildheart was brave and he lead his troops into the darkest forests.  He had many heroes with him, and Veilspire had many huge terrible minions, so when they met up the battle was epic!

Keef grabs up his waster and dances about, feigning battle.

The battle was long and hard, many were killed.  Veilspire fought with unending determination and spite, Wildheart with equal distain and dedication.  Monsters Veilspire sent, traps and magical tricks.  Wildheart called on the power of the very forest!  Swords, fire, countless charges, redoublements and counters... swordfights by moonlight, duels at dawn.... finally all were wounded, fled or dead save Wildheart and Veilspire.  They were evenly matched, and neither could hold up his weapon.  Veilspire lied and said that it was HE who was in the right, that it wasn't he who'd killed Wildheart's son, but Wildheart himself through his own hubris.  Well, that hurt Wildheart more than anything else, and while he paused Veilspire stabbed him with a posoned dagger, up under the armor so nobody could see.  Wildheart was so angry he cut down Veilspire and a whole copse of evil trees in one swing.

Keef pauses, panting.

...and as Veilspire fell and choked on his own blood, he said 'Wildheart, we are brothers'.... not literally, just figuratively you see... but though he had won that made Wildheart think.  He left the forest and the people cheered because the woods were safe again, right?  But Wildheart never forgot what it had cost him.

Keef collapses beside the fire.  He draws his knees up before him.

The staff is evil... I can tell... but I think it might be able to do some good... at least I hope we can...
This message was last edited by the player at 22:35, Tue 15 Oct 2013.

In reply to Keef (msg # 20):

Then I can't see how this could possibly make things worse.

Sir Giles reaches over and places the crown of thorns upon Keef's brow.

When you're playing hero Keef, always look the part.

Sir Giles musses the boy's hair, pauses, and allows an unusually solemn look to paint itself on his face.

Heroism, like beauty, is regretably in the eye of the beholder, and one day, one man's hero, is another man's enemy, and then, the first man's enemy too.

The problem with basing on your life on the axioms required of faiths such as those held by Lyriel and Zuriel, or even Boreas, is that axioms and faith are absolutes. They require your full and unwavering belief.

As you adventure and you live your life, and life lives back at you, things will happen along the way. Some magical and amazing, some terrifying and unforgivable. And they will ALL happen.

Being a hero, living your life, is about adapting to the world around you and living your life in a way that makes you happy. Having faith, to be good in the allegorical sense, is required to live your life as Lyriel and I suppose Zuriel does.

Having a divine presence who told Sir Giles how to live his life was never in the cards for Sir Giles.

So I took up heroism. And I started by doing good. I helped people. I was the person of legend. I really did [insert heroic deed here] and I almost died performing [equally amazing and 100% true heroic deed here]. But being a hero, being GOOD, is dangerous! Evil people HATE when you try to foil their plans, and the people, after a while, take you for granted.

They expect you to save them, like it's your job. Your job somehow became risking your life for a bunch of peasants who are too afraid to do anything themselves. Now you have to save them because they don't know how to take care of themselves!

You've made them weak in your altruistic righteousness.

Formulate your own conclusions about how you will live your life as you will Keef, but if you take nothing away from your time with Sir Giles Thistleworth, hero of legend, take away this:

No good deed goes unpunished, and to all debts their are collectors.

Sir Giles sighs.

Men begin so many acts of their lives with noble intentions- Few finish with them.

A sober Sir Giles wanders off with Shep a distance from the group, a dramatic ending to a surprising soliloquy from the oft quick worded and sarcastic hero.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:57, Tue 15 Oct 2013.

Zuriel arches an eyebrow at Giles' introspection. "That poor man. I wonder what happened to him to make him so jaded. The thing is Keef, you can't confuse being a 'hero' in Giles' sense of the word with doing what is right. If the good deeds you accomplish are done simply for the sake of fame or accolades, then it isn't heroism at all. True heroism is living your life in such a way that you put others before yourself and risk yourself for their behalf, regardless of who is there to see it, for no other reason than it is right."

Zuriel sighs. "And contrary to what Giles seems to think, the definition of "right" comes from within, not without. Axioms and faith are not chains that bind you, they are guiding lights to help you determine for yourself what is truly good and right. The bottom line is only *you* can decide what is good and right. Although it never hurts to look to others for guidance from time to time. Anyhow, thank you for your story Keef. I quite enjoyed hearing it.

[OOC: After we are done telling tales, I recommend we set watch and get some sleep. I propose myself for first watch, Maeve and Lyriel for second, and Boreas for third, with Keef sleeping or joining whomever he wishes. Also, Cassie should be gagged overnight.]
This message was last edited by the player at 01:43, Wed 16 Oct 2013.

Lyriel watches in horror as Giles places the crown on Keef's head, clenching her fists she tries to quickly regain her composure. Keef following up on our discussion earlier about evil things, Zuriel has said that the crown Giles just put on your head is infact evil; I think perhaps it is best if you were to remove it. There is no telling what evil it could do.

All of this philosophy is well and good, but even heroes need to sleep.  I propose that's what we do now. It's been a long and interesting day.

[OOC: Watch order is fine, but Maeve & Lyriel should share first watch just because that's our 'usual' order in so much as one exists and I see no need to muddle it up]

In reply to Maeve (msg # 24):

Keef makes as if to remove the crown but hesitates.

I don't think it comes off...I'll try to figure that out...I think you've all given me a lot to think about.  Being a hero isn't simple.

Keef, clearly psychologocally drained, collapses in a heap on his bag and is soon snoring soundly.

Chubbs snoozes nearby, waking up intermittently to support each watch.

Keef, you've got a gift for storytelling!  I never would've known.  I must confess I was caught up for a moment there.  But Zuriel and Lyriel are right.  Best not mess with more evil things than we need to.  Please, place the crown aside.  If we are to use it, let another of us share the burden of all these evil tools.

I have to say, though, that you're wrong about the staff.  It will never do good.  But you might do some good, with or without it.

[OOC]Watch order as suggested by Maeve fine by me.[/OOC]

In reply to Boreas Highwind (msg # 26):

Zuriel nods and makes his bedding ready for sleep.

(OOC: Standard watch order is fine)

Zuriel finishes writing in his book at the beginning of his watch. He waits briefly for the ink to dry before closing the book and stowing it in his pack as the kettle begins to steam. He pours himself a cup of tea, pausing when he notices Cassandra looking at him with her startlingly blue eyes, Chomper curled up on her lap and coming as close to purring as a wolverine can. He gets out a second cup and pours a measure of tea into it as well before settling down next to her. He puts the tea in her bound hands, and undoes the gag so it hangs around her neck like a neckerchief.

"Can't sleep?" he asks in a quiet tone.

"Bound, as a prisoner?" she replies softly.  "Could you?"

Zuriel smiles wistfully. "No, I suppose not. Though you do have the benefit of this one." He gestures at Chomper. "He looks rather cuddly."

Zuriel sighs. "I will admit, you are something of an enigma to me. At the temple, they teach us that evil is to be fought under all circumstances and given quarter in none. I took that lesson with a heaping spoonful of salt. The real world has proven much more complex. Still, even with that in mind you are not at all what I expected."

The paladin turns to regard her fully after a sip of tea. "I've fought and killed evil men and women before. Bandits, mostly. People who took what they wanted and didn't care the harm they caused others. Those types of people are easy to understand, and easy to put down. You, you're different. You have a darkness in you, yet you genuinely care for Chomper, and your dedication to your cause does not seem to be about personal gain or enrichment."

Zuriel's brow furrows. "Whatever happened in your life to set you down your path, I think..." he continues carefully, "...that there is goodness in you still. That's why I couldn't strike you down. That's why when "Sir" Giles took it upon himself to execute you, I refused to let you pass."

"I'll admit I was as surprised to find myself alive as I was to find an arrow lodged in my neck," Cassie repiles evenly.  "I'm sure there is good in me - it has never left!  The work I do is vital, and the obstacles vast. But just because something may not be achievable doesn't mean it shouldn't be attempted."

She smiles at Chomper as he kicks his legs in his sleep, perhaps dreaming of some grand chase.

"But I have a bit of a dilemma now," she continues sadly.  "As the last of the circle, I'm expected to recruit. To do otherwise would incur Veilspire's wrath.  But once we unlock the secrets of the Vault, there will be no reason to remain here. Our work will go on without us here. A new hub will be needed, and I do not know half of what the Master did to make this operation so successful."

She sighs glumly.  "Perhaps Veilspire will tell me what to do next once I sleep."

"Tell me about Veilspire and the Master, and your service to them. I know the how, but I don't know the why. Why is it you feel that returning nature to its original state is worth the untold death and destruction it would cause? What is it that convinced you to take up Veilspire's work?"

"The world needs to be the way it was intended to be. No matter how much life the forest now holds, it is not the right kind of life.  Does the Flame not make the same argument about Lo'driel? Would you and your peers not jump at the chance to raze it to the ground, expunge its people, and repopulate it 'properly'?"

Cassie shrugs again.

"I took up Veilspire's cause because it makes sense. Because Nature should not exist in orderly rows of trees planted by the logging companies, but everywhere and all around us.  This land was marshland once, and gods willing, it will become such once more."

Zuriel nods.

"You make a valid point about Lo'driel. However, please keep in mind that the philosophy of the ends justifying the means can be intoxicating. If you focus on attaining a given goal at any costs, you may find yourself turning into somebody you're not in your zeal to realize that goal. For example, Lo'driel is illegally inhabited. But it is nonetheless inhabited, including by women and children. If the Flame were to tomorrow raze the city to the ground, kill most of the population, and turn the rest out into the countryside destitute, they would be worse than the Drynnian squatters they claim superiority over. The end might be just, but the means so abominable that it would forever tarnish everything the Flame stands for. Better, I think, to strive for a goal the right way than to focus on accomplishing it at the cost of who you are, and who you're meant to be. Even if it means ultimately failing."

Zuriel sighs. "It's as I told Keef earlier tonight. Ultimately, each person must decide what is right for his or herself. Seeking guidance from others is good and wise, but don't let anybody tell you what to believe. Not me, not Giles, not the Master, not Veilspire. You. Cassandra. You make that choice."

He finishes pointing a finger at her. She turns to look at him and her necklace glints in the firelight. Zuriel frowns.

"And make sure that when you make that decision, it truly is your own. I worry about Keef and the Everstaff. It has a control over him I find concerning. He is not himself, and he's had the staff less than a day. I would wager a small fortune that your necklace is having a similar effect on you."

He smiles. "I think in your heart you know what is right. And if you are ever in doubt, strive to be the person Chomper thinks you are."

"You're right in one sense, Flamebringer: we must all decide what is right.  We all have truths, though yours are not the same as mine.  Does that make one more correct than the other?"

Her eyelids droop, and she catches herself from slouching.

"It seems sleep is threatening to find me at last.  Perhaps we can continue this conversation another time."

Zuriel nods and gently redoes the gag. "I'm sorry it has to be this way. I wish that we had met under different circumstances. Sleep well, or at least as well as can be expected." He contemplates for a moment, then extends his glowing palm.

[Lay on Hands: 3]

"Hopefully that will provide some comfort."

Zuriel stands up and walks to the other side of the fire as Cassie's eyes grow heavy. He sits down and settles in for the rest of his watch. Light from the dying embers of the fire flickers in his amber eyes as he stares off into the gloom, lost in his thoughts.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:58, Wed 16 Oct 2013.

In reply to Zuriel Silendril (msg # 27):

The night passes rather uneventfully for those on guard duty, though Shep does snore a bit in his sleep.  Those asleep, however, experience the strangest dreams:

[Private to Maeve: You dream that you are a turtle, so burdened by your heavy, iron shell that you can barely move.  A shadow passes over you -- an bird of prey? -- and you struggle to outrun it, despite knowing it to be impossible.]

[Private to Boreas Highwind: An strange, misshapen creature lurks in the shadows.  It seems to be missing a good number of organs and limbs, but a single emerald eye pieces the darkness as you observe it.  Pain and anguish fill your mind as it warbles a mournful series of words you cannot comprehend, and iron bars appear to obstruct your vision of it.  Try though you might, the bars will not bend.]

[Private to Giles Thistleworth: A half-starved, mangy wolfhound sits beneath a dying willow tree set upon a small hill by a stream.  A small pile of stones has been heaped next to a recent grave that lays nearby, still fresh with piled soil. Laid upon this grave is an item you recognize: your trusty bow, stuck upright into the sod like a stake.  If not for the familiar name etched on the bow itself, there would be nothing at all to mark the owner of this sad, neglected tomb.]

[Private to Zuriel Silendril: A malnourished, tattered man you recognize to be yourself is bound in the public stockade just beyond the Temple of Tassada in Hae'driel.  Stripped of all dignity save a torn pair of breeches, your head and wrists hang limply in shame.  Children and adults alike take great pains to steer clear of you, many jeering and throwing pebbles or rotten vegetables.  A delegation of paladins passes by, en route to the temple, led by your father -- who doesn't bother to glance in your direction.  From the shadows of the Temple's foyer, a tearful Lyriel averts her eyes and slips away.]

[Private to Keef: You are standing before the Empress's throne in the Grand Hall of Tris, being presented with the Empire's highest honor.  Heralds and bards take turns relating tales of your daring deeds to all gathered, to much hooting and hollering and general applause.  Chubbs stands by your side, wearing his little paper hat and a small medal that was fashioned for him in recognition of his role in all of this.  You yourself are wearing a set of glittering, bejeweled armor, with the Everstaff strapped across your back and the crown of thorns upon your brow.  At the apex of the applause, the Empress removes her diadem and offers it to you.  Accepting this gift, you turn to face your adoring public, and take your seat upon the throne.]

[Private to Lyriel Vesper: You see the pale figure of your brother walking toward you, hands outstretched.  As you run to greet him, a crossbow bolt pierces him from behind, its source unseen.  A second and then a third rip through his body, and his eyes widen in surprise as he falls to the ground.  A shadowy crossbowman approaches the fallen paladin, and though little can be made out about his features, one part of his wardrobe stands out, even in your blurry sight: an emerald green tabbard.]

The third watch now completed, the P.A.R.T.Y. awakens to greet the unseen dawn feeling refreshed -- and more than a little perturbed at the visions that haunted their sleeping hours.

[Crossroads]
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:41, Wed 16 Oct 2013.

Maeve looks suspiciously at the bag of tea leaves from which they brewed the previous night's delicious beverages.

I am never drinking this right before bed ever again.

In reply to Maeve (msg # 29):

I had no tea and was greeted by a sadly familiar dream, which based on your tone and response, was at least similar in nature to your own.

Should we really be surprised that fitful sleep finds us as we wander deeper into the treasures of an evil tomb so artfully sealed?

I suppose not.  Drat!  I had really hoped that it was the tea.  I don't like the idea of this place working its way into my head.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:34, Wed 16 Oct 2013.

Lyriel wakes with a start tears forming in her eyes, she quickly brushes them away, still feeling the old familiar ache in her heart.

That was simply the most horrid dream I have ever had; I think it has something to do with this place we're in. The quicker we get this over with the better.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:56, Wed 16 Oct 2013.

In reply to Lyriel Vesper (msg # 32):

Showing no signs of the solemn introspection which marked your last interaction with Giles:

A phrase I'm somewhat unaccustomed to hearing from a lady such as yourself, but I agree with the sentiment. Are we all sufficiently refreshed to press on?

Zuriel shakes his head as if to clear away dark thoughts, rubbing his wrists absently and scowling at Giles' crass turn of phrase. "Agreed, this place seeps into my marrow. We should be underway. First though, I'd like to identify some of our magical items, if Master Keef is willing and able?"

The paladin opens his book while waiting for a very groggy Keef to rouse himself. He reads the page, and then walks over to show it to Boreas.

[Private to Boreas Highwind:

That living being breathes no more / broken, buried by the shore
Of Glen'dinel, the wild stream / which feeds the woodlands' elven king
Solace, seeker, worry not / his spirit thrives, though body rots
And living thoughts he yet retains / your goal lies East, toward his remains]

As Boreas reads, Zuriel takes notes on a scrap of parchment.

"As far as pressing onward, I feel that doing so in the present circumstances would be unwise. Cassie is still grievously wounded, and would be unlikely to survive the trials of the vault were we to explore immediately. Instead, I propose we take a brief detour. The Book of Answers has given us the location of somebody who knows more of Veilspire, and presumably this place. With that wisdom, we can make a better decision on what to ultimately do with Cassie, how to handle the Everstaff situation, and hopefully the nature of the wards in place in the vault. Furthermore, it allows us additional opportunities to magically identify our items, again provided that Keef is able and willing. Does anybody know how far the stream of Glen'dinnel is from here?"
This message was last edited by the player at 15:36, Wed 16 Oct 2013.

Boreas awakens, rubbing his eye.

Probably time to move on then.  Zuriel, what did the book say?

Shaking his head to clear it of whatever was bothering him, Boreas stands up and begins gathering his caltrops.

That seems like a wise plan Zuriel. I for one would feel a thousand times better were we more prepared.

Lyriel begins gathering her belongings and waits to see what the others have to say.