"I see. The king does indeed know where to find your key, but no other does."

"What do I know of the Lufeinians, gods, and religion. You ask questions that scholars spend lifetimes discussing, but alright."

The following is paraphrased from what Arnir describes.

The Lufeinians were, and potentially still are, a race of people resembling humans. There are many theories describing why they had longer lives or seemed to be more magically apt than the humans of this day. It is agreed by most that they were descended from the first humans, and that their culture had existed and developed since the gods themselves first left the planet.

Their society was extremely well-developed. They were masters of magic and machine. The dwarves deep in their workshops and the most masterful elven wizards can, at best, only make sense of some of what remains of their craft.

Perhaps more so, they were masters of travel. Not only are there rumors they could use magic to instantly travel large distances at will, they had massive flying devices. Though their major settlements were on the northern continent, their influence spanned the world. They took special interest in the relics of the gods and of races and empires before theirs, which is where the Temple comes in.

Its purpose, as far as Arnir knows, is some sort of focal point of some kind. It was built there for a reason. It was apparently constructed on the ruins of some even older structure built by people other than the Lufeinians, but who and when is probably impossible to know now.

The eight crystals? Everyone knows, or should know, of the eight gifts of the gods. Four of which no longer reside on this plane with us, due to mortal foolishness. Of the four that remain, they are the lifeblood of the planet. If any one of them were to cease to be, the world would be irrevocably changed. If more than one were lost, the planet would not be recognizable. Indeed, the loss of two of the remaining crystals might pervert the world beyond habitation.

Arnir poses the question and suggestion that if the world operates now with only four of the elements manifested fully, what a possibly terrifyingly wonderful place it may have been in the early ages with all of them present.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:01, Thu 07 July 2011.

It is now very early Firesday morning, around 12:15am.

The meeting in the captain's cabin ends after Arnir's explanation.

The mood is solemn as everyone returns to their schedules with the expectation of reaching the elven port around noon the next day. The next morning, everyone is awake and fairly well-rested as land comes into view.

As the ship nears the shoreline, everyone can make out a long string of ports and piers. There are quite a few elven ships docked, with two more in defensive positions. Arnir suggests flying the Cornelian flag. He removes a very ornate arrow from one of his quivers and holds it at the ready.

Arnir mentions, "One shot is normal. If we get a second then we turn around."

As if on cue, a distant cannon blast can be heard followed by a huge splash about 400 yards away from the MARY. Arnir draws his bow, and fires the arrow nearly directly upward. It ascends to a respectable height, then explodes in a vivid red that is quite visible even during the day. The color fades from red to orange and into yellow as it falls. It would be quite a sight at night.

"When we dock, please allow me to speak. I'll see that you four are given a room in one of our best establishments near the castle entrance. No offense intended, but it may be best that your crew and marines stay aboard." Arnir nods at GERY after saying this.

The MARY draws closer to the docks and is escorted in by three much smaller craft. They don't appear to have any cannon, but each has several, several elves on deck wearing black robes.

Mooring lines are thrown on-board as the ship approaches the docks. The sailors uneasily tie them on, though perhaps loosely than normal. Arnir stands on the side of the vessel and is nearly immediately recognized. Several minutes later a ramp is extended to the ship and eight mounted and armored elven are waiting in the road near the dock.

A man in long light green and blue robes walks out of a fortified cannon placement and makes his way to the side of the ship. He yells, in elven, "[Two Sentences]"

Arnir responds in Common, "Good to see you as well, and thank you. Please provide a safe harbor for this vessel and her crew. The four beside me are in command, and will accompany me to the city, and will remain ashore an indeterminate amount of time."

The elf on the docks returns, this time in Common, "Of course. Let us finish our shouting. Bring our visitors to register their fine craft before heading inland."

Arnir extends an arm toward the ramp with a slight bow to the four of you. The man that was yelling at the docks walks back into the sturdy structure holding several cannon.

Do you take the ship's key with you? Do you have any instructions for those left aboard? Are you taking anything with you, such as VIL's corpse? What of his possessions?
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:42, Sat 09 July 2011.

Identify results:

As the night went on, DAI and ZEIG DAI one, and ZEIG two, but it doesn't really matter, identified these items.

Staff of the Deep. ???gp
+1/+1 Quarterstaff
-Once per week, it can be used to release the AoE verison of Water II as a Standard action. The staff must be held and pointed in the correct direction and a command word be given.
Caster Level 5th, DC 14
-A Use Magic Device check, DC 25, allows the user to only partially expend the staff's power allowing it to be used up to two extra times per week.
-When held underwater, the staff automatically emits a bright light, illuminating everything clearly within 30' of itself in nearly any condition of water. Shadowy illumination is shed out from 60 to 600 feet, depending on the water's clarity. This light never pierces the water's surface, and anyone looking down from above the surface is unable to perceive the light or its effects.


Earring of Extended Breath. ???gp
This earring allows you to resist the effects of suffocation for twice as long before Constitution checks are required.


Shark Leather Armor +2. (normal sale value, can't look it up currently. base + 150gp mwk + 4000gp from +2)
Fitted for a sahuagin. Requires 1/5th of the armor's brace price to be refitted for non-monstrous humanoid use.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:01, Sat 09 July 2011.

Jack looks at Gery, "Like he said, try to keep the men from clashing with the locals. Keep your guards up though." Jack sidles up to the elf guide. "Arnir, would anyone here be able to resurrect our companion?"

I might have a use for the quarterstaff, but not likely. None of the other items appeal (With my ridiculous Con and inability to wear armor), so you can decide amongst yourselves what goes where.

Arnir responds as if he'd nearly forgotten about VIL's death, "Oh, yes. We have clinics just as Cornelia does. If you'd like to be taken to one before continuing to the castle it is no trouble."

DAI tapped JACK's shoulder,  while speaking low and referring to the deck where juts below were a coupld other wrapped bodies.

"What of the...sailors and marines? If nothing else, showing their lives are worth bringing back may be good for morale."

DAI did not much care one way or the other, and thought the expense may be greater then merely hiring new hands, but these men were friends and family to some of their remaining crew.

"I think we should have our fallen crew members resurrected, as well." the halfling chimes it.

DAI directst he crew to load the bodies onto a couple carts, put the identified magic items into the captain's quarters which, is to be locked. He then summons up 2 chocobo using his arcanist's gloves on both of them, then has the carts tied to them.

With these preperations made, he leaves them with the ship, saying it may be best for them to not stray for now....and that they will be back ASAP, DAI would vote for leaving the key in their posession, in case of emergency need for movement.

DAI summons two chocobos on the docks. 14 hours.

GERY asks if they will need both carts, as one would easily carry both of the deceased men even if they were spaced over two feet apart.

One of the carts is assembled and hoisted onto the docks and one of the chocobos is attached.

Arnir, having looked impatient since after the last skirmish with the sahuagin, continues to do so, though he says nothing.

DAI has them tie a cart to one of the Chocobo then, then climbs atop the second, looking content with finally getting to ride one of his birds around like the stupid animal it is.

OOC: DAI has this thing about asserting his dominance over feathered creatures, you see...

DUNN salutes as the four of you descend down the ramp. GERY is left in possession of the key, and your crew expects the return of the four, hopefully six, of you as soon as you have concluded your business in Elfheim.

If any of you would like to conceal any of this information for any reason, let me know and we can re-address this. I just couldn't see a reason why you might want to so I moved along.

Arnir escorts you into the fortified and heavily armed customs office. The elf that had previously spoken to you is standing inside with a large book on top of a tall desk.

He asks for the number of hands on board your vessel, to which one of you replies 32, possibly 34 after you return from a clinic.

He asks if you're carrying any known fugitives or criminals, whether it be from Cornelia, Elfheim, or otherwise. None of you are aware of a situation to the contrary, so one of you replies that you are not.

He asks about the purpose of your stay, for which he is given the response, "Diplomatic visit on behalf of the Cornelian crown."

He asks how long you will be staying in Elfhim, but this time Arnir steps forward. "As I said, An indeterminate amount of time will be sufficient." The elf at the table looks up, obviously bothered, and writes in his book while starring at Arnir.

"Alright. Welcome to Elfheim, Cornelians, and of course my good halfling you as well. We require that you return to this office before you depart." It is clear that the elf has no love for humans, to say the least, and whether or not he does not feel this way about LOGG, or at least dislikes him less, is not clear.

You're all shown back outside. Arnir mounts up on an extremely stately looking Blue chocobo that is brought to him. The armored and mounted elves that were waiting ashore surround the party, with Arnir at the front. "Let us be off, then. Do not let our escort put you off guard. It is common practice." Sense Motive. If you don't have at least a +1 bonus, do not attempt this. Knowledge(Local) could very much apply here, as well as in MANY other situations, though the DC's will not usually be trivial. The guards look forward the entire time and say nothing. They ride far enough away as to not make you feel like prisoners, but close enough to make you feel just slightly boxed in.

DAI's chocobo rides beside the chocobo pulling the cart. JACK, LOGG, and ZEIG walk beside the cart behind him. LOGG feels exceptionally short surrounded by tall humans and a tall cart directly next to him, with even taller chocobos lifting tall elves off of the ground in a ring past that.

The walk to Elfheim takes about three hours. Arnir is receptive to conversation, though you get the sense that the armored elves are not.

The road is paved with extremely smooth slabs. The cart easily proceeds down its length. Knowledge(Arch. & Eng.) and/or Knowledge(History) You all pass several caravans of various sizes. There is a troop of marching elven marines carrying packs with a cart full of supplies behind them. There are many carts containing lumber and various covered wagons whose contents are not apparent. The road is every bit as busy as the road to Cornelia's docks.

Pausing for a little while to give other people a chance to catch up and possibly say/do anything. ( And I have to cut the damn yard =/ )
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:02, Sat 09 July 2011.

14:03, Today: DAI rolled 20 using 1d20+7. know(history).
14:03, Today: DAI rolled 13 using 1d20+2. sense motive.

GM Edit Skill Check Result-
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:22, Sat 09 July 2011.

The party continues on southward toward the city. Feel free to roll any of these checks retroactively, or if you want to ask a simple question or the like of Arnir that's fine, too.

The road continues until it encounters a gigantic, tiled courtyard. There are patterns of trees lining the edges, with many types of wildlife around them. In the center lies what looks to be a rendition of a pond with many, many fish, turtles, and other creatures inside of it. Heading directly across the tall walls of Elfheim are visible. Sticking up above and behind them are what must be the tops of huge and ancient trees.

A giant forest spans off into the distance to either side of the walls. All in all, Elfheim looks, at least from this point of view, every bit as large as Cornelia. Elves with longbows can be seen patrolling along the top of the gatehouse and out onto the tops of the walls.

"I'm going to make a fairly safe assumption that this is probably the first time to Elfheim for most or all of you," says Arnir. "Our laws are similar to yours. Please don't cause any trouble, as you will likely be regarded as my guests." He pauses for a very short moment, "And of course you are. I believe you said you'd like to stop by a clinic for your two companions here, so onward we go."

A horn sounds as your convoy approaches the gates. Instead of the small openings currently only wide enough for one chocobo to pass through, the entire set of three heavy steel portcullises are raised halfway so that you may all enter in the same formation you've been holding since the docks. Even at half-open they are ten feet above your heads, more for LOGG. Surprisingly, the sound of machinery during this movement cannot be heard, nor can it once inside the city as they begin to close behind you.

The first impression you all might get from Elfheim is that its less dense than Cornelia. Almost every building has some sort of small to medium-sized yard about it or in front of it. There are trees, trees everywhere. They range from gigantic to simply very, very large. The buildings are a mixture of about 2/3 from stone and the rest from lumber. The style of the buildings is also noticeably different.

The main through-way into town leads directly to the castle it seems and much like in Cornelia, never tapers until it reaches it. Unlike Cornelia, there apparently is a full-fledged river running through the center of Elfheim, as several large bridges can be seen, including on this road.

Six of the guards break away at the gate, but Arnir and two others remain. He continues to be relatively silent unless spoken to. Many elves are walking about, and almost all of them give the group a careful, scrutinizing glare. Several frown.

After about a ten minute walk, you arrive at what Arnir indicates as the clinic. It is a larger building and the door is standing open. "I'll wait for you out here. Please return as soon as you have gotten the arrangements made, as I would like to arrive in the king's presence within the hour. Please tell them that I am outside if they'd wish to confirm anything, though I doubt it will be necessary."
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:22, Sun 10 July 2011.

23:42, Today: ZEIG rolled 20 using 1d20+9. know (history).
23:42, Today: ZEIG rolled 23 using 1d20+4. sense motive.

GM Edit Skill Check Result-
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:16, Sun 10 July 2011.

Jack nods, then walks into the clinic.

Zeig thanks Arnir and heads inside as well.

The interior of the clinic looks exotic at first, until you realize all the same structures are present. There are several side rooms that can be seen through open doors along the edges of the large, circular central room. There are some of the same statues that are present in Cornelia's oldest clinic. The main feature of the building is a giant tree that is growing up from the center of the room and through the ceiling. Many thick branches split away from the mighty trunk and go through the walls. There is a large staircase that spirals up to what must be a second floor that uses these branches as support

After the group of you stands around for a slightly uncomfortable amount of time, an elf walks down the stairs. She stops when head descends low enough to see you. As she starts speaking, it's clear she is sort of uncomfortable with the language. "Hello. Ah-hm. May we help you?"

She doesn't move from her position after speaking, and soon after another man and woman join her on the stairwell, their attentions probably caught by the unfamiliar sound of Common echoing through their ancient structure.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:44, Sun 10 July 2011.

DAI addresses the Elf woman in her own tongue.

[Elven Words]

DAI seemed to dislike taking the initiative for speaking but...thought it might make things a little easier on them to hear it all in a language they knew well.

Jack stands back, surprised.

She responds in Elven, "[One Sentence]"

She and her companions begin to descend the stairs. The two women enter one of the side rooms while the man stays in the center part of the room before the tree. He looks as if he is waiting.

DAI nods, before turning toward the door, and asking JACK to help him bring VIL and the marine inside.

JACK, DAI, and ZEIG all carry one of the bodies into the clinic. The elf waiting inside directs them to the room with the two waiting female clinicians. One of the two responds, "[Three Sentences]Please bring the second into the room adjacent to this one. Our fee is 1,000gp per person to cover the cost of the ceremony. And of course, there is no guarantee on these sort of things, though human souls are generally willing and able to return to their bodies."

DAI translates the woman's words for JACK and ZEIG as the woman speaks. All three of you then bring in the other body.

After inspecting the marine's remains more closely, "Due to the damage, his process will take more time. It will be 2,500gp to attempt to bring them both back to us. We can begin immediately. And it is no trouble to speak in your Common for us, though it has been some time."
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:35, Mon 11 July 2011.

DAI looked somewhat uncomfortable.

"Got it...hope I didn't offend."


OOC: So, deduct from party funds?

01:42, Today: ZEIG rolled 8 using 1d20+4. sense motive.
Whelp, never mind.

Zeig bows to the clinician.

"Thank you, you are too kind."

Trusting that his friends have been left in good hands, Zeig steps outside to where Arnir was waiting.

I vote party funds.