Krackor spent the day of the festival in ponderous thought.  He had a desire to write of the Bronze Mask but how?  So when they finally arrived at Glen and went to The Dark Door Inn, he went to his room and wrote.  He made 4 copies, one for outside the Tavern and one for Inside (if the Captain agreed with their postings.  One for his friend, Corym and one for himself to go into his Temple when it was finished.

He wrote from the heart and he wrote with joy, he then went to the Tavern owner, asked for a Table for Ale and Food for ALL to be put outside and one inside, then paid the bill and gave the poem to his Captain as he left his room after changing out of his adventuring clothes.

Corym, tonight we celebrate our return with the changing of the year.

"An Ode to the Company

There was a Dwarf of stout demeanor
he hung about with Elves and seen a
lot of monsters in his wake
the lot of them dead, this be not fake

The lands he saw changed from Summer to Snow
the white it shone without blood flow
yet he returned with the company all gloriously new
to Glen, a new home and a Temple to do

To make his stand for the Vigilant Host
to hold his arm steady and escort a ghost
to build a stronghold that none can break in
the hearts of the Dwarves, Halflings, Elves and Gnomes for a win

He returned fresh from adventure and woe
his return heralds the loss of friends to go
the riches brought back with the Company strong
His temple, their home, what could go wrong

To his Lord the estate that purchased had been
those ahead of them spend and prepared yet unseen
to make stronger and peaceful and long standing it should
a beckon of hope and a home for the Good

So Glen was the place of Krackor the Spriteful
his cheer and his smiles, all so insightful
Corym and Karilla and Kitheras and Sirenya and Elo
Kora to make the Company fellow

Dreams of the Ancients Exploration Company, all
Returning the treasures from that which did fall
the fate of the Company now rests with the Dwarf
as old members leave and new members come forth

So jolly be all on this Midwinters night
the year carries forward the sounds of delight
the tales that are told as the festival plays
each to their own and their own on they ways

So welcome the new year and welcome old friends
welcome the new and shared hearts which they lends
come one and come all as the party goes to song
Krackor Steelfist does welcome the throng

Stand fast and be hearty be joyous and true
Krackor will welcome not just him, her or you
he sets out a table at The Dark Door to see
What it brings forth and what it sets free"

As written by Krackor Steelfist, Barackor and Lord Protector of the Vigilant Host
Midwinters night, 1360, year of the Turret
Dancing and celebrating until the morning of 1361, year of the Maidens
This message was last edited by the player at 21:29, Tue 10 Aug 2021.

"Well played Master Steelfist." says Sirenya, quite tearful at hearing it. "Though I have to say that it's a sad day for me to leave you."

Earlier, entering Glen

Not wanting to cause a scene with dwarves, who are infamously unforgiving of necromancy, Talindra and Kora stay outside Glen. They head off the road, keeping out of sight, and the rest of you promise to bring them in out of the cold as quickly as possible.

It was a wise decision, because as you descend into the ravine that hides the true depth of the village of Glen, the fading sunlight is replaced by the light of many cunningly-wrought lanterns, which hang from posts along the edge of the road and from the buildings along the bottom. It makes twilight a well-lit, cheery affair, and the steep road safe to travel, but Talindra would stand out like an ogre at a halfling family reunion.

After discussing possible approaches along the way back, the group had decided that the best approach would be to get the Forgepriest on your side. The high priest of Moradin doesn’t rule Glen, but he does wield considerable moral influence. If he could be reconciled to Talindra, he could likely sway the rest of the village as well.

Unfortunately, when you knock on the building that leads down to the smithy and temple of Moradin, you’re told in no uncertain terms by a young acolyte that the Forgepriest may not be disturbed. Krackor draws him aside, and after a bit of muttering, the acolyte agrees that the Forgepriest often likes to take his evenfeast at the Dark Door, and that if the group went there he would meet them after his duties were complete.

And true enough, after the initial round of drinks have been cleared away and the Dark Door’s staff have brought out a rich evenfeast for you, the door opens and an older dwarf steps inside. His brown beard is shot through with gray, and he has the thickest arms of anyone you’ve ever met. In his clothes he looks just like any other smith you’ve seen, but there’s a silver plated war hammer thrust through his belt, and a smaller warhammer treated with blueshine hangs from around his neck on a golden chain.

He looks around, spots Krackor, and comes straight over. ”I am High Forgesmith Lynar Boldenbar. Ye were looking for me?”
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:34, Thu 12 Aug 2021.

Krackor was enjoying the feast he had paid for and when the Forge Priest came in, Krackor stood to attention, backed his clenched fist against his chest just below his holy symbol and gave a salutation.

Bless the All-Father, well met once more High Forgemaster Lynar Boldenbar, although our meeting previously was very short;  I am Barakor Krackor Steelfist, Lord Protector of the Vigilant Host, may he walk well beside his father.

Krackor waits a moment before continuing, getting the measure of the broad and proud Dwarven Priest of Glen.

We return from our adventures, we asked our companions that returned early to visit you and make enquiries.  He steps sideways for no other reason than to allow the other to see passed him taller self and to gesture to his family.  May I introduce you to The Dreams of the Ancients Exploration Company.  He then indicates each member in turn, going from Karilla, Kitheras, Elofindar, Sirenya and then This is Corym Ildroun, our current Captain.  He then bows and takes an additional step back and sideways so as to effectively give Corym the floor.

Kitheras notes the entrance of their awaited guest and mentally assembles a repertoire of songs that will be designed to favorably influence the outcome of this interaction.  Additionally, it should interfere with people trying to overhear the conversation.



The save is at -2

The sight of the road-worn captain is in sharp contrast with the refinement of his words. "High Forgemaster Lynar, I'm honored that you would meet with us.  Your community has been welcoming to us, and we have benefited from the relationships that we have formed here.  We hope that we may come to be of service to this community in time so that the scales may be balanced between us. Further, I must apologize for meeting you so attired.  I have seldom been so sore or disheveled since my first lessons in stone-cutting. Your station deserves more, but our need is great."

"You are familiar with the fact that we have had opportunity to rescue some unfortunates during our antiquities research as some of those have recently brought you some packages from our explorations on their way home. There is one more traveling with us now of whom it could be said we rescued each other.  Talindra had been caught in a dark and lonely place in the power of a profane curse for some time.  The curse had rendered her insubstantial and mad. We were able to heal her madness, and she was able to offer us shelter and information that aided us in our expeditions--saving our lives and enabling us to save the lives of others.  Krackor, our loyal friend and partner, and an accomplished priest of the Fire Eyes can testify to her character and the fact that her curse is contained to herself."

"I have sworn to see Talindra restored if it is possible, and I am not an elf that holds either his debts or his oaths lightly.  We believe that Neldor the Sage who is settled among your people may have the ability to effect this restoration.  Further, we believe that we have acquired an item adequate to exchange for this service.  But Neldor is a scholar and not one to embrace danger, so we knew that we would have to bring Talindra to him rather than the reverse. But the maiden's cursed form may be unsettling to the people of Glen.  It would hardly be good manners for we as guests to abuse their hospitality by bringing into their midst such an unsettling apparition!

"What we hope is that you, whose deep wisdom understands both that aid must be rendered to the innocent and that common folk are strongly affected by appearances, would help us to bring Talindra into Glen discreetly.  Thereupon we could complete our examination of the items acquired and conduct our affairs with the sage accordingly.

"If we are unable to see the dark magic undone, we know how and where to take Talindra so that she can live out her days peacefully and come to accept her new situation, you may be assured.

"She and my apprentice are encamped in the wilderness sufficiently far away from Glen to prevent chance encounters and await word of what may yet be accomplished."

Lynar listens to first Krackor and then Corym with quiet intensity. He does not speak through the entire recitation, and is completely still aside from his right hand which slowly strokes part of his beard. When Corym finishes, he nods and says gravely, "You are not the first to come out of Myth Drannor speaking of curses. Though most times, they are on items or places, not people. What is the nature of her curse, and how certain are you that it is contained within her?"

"You've asked a straightforward question, and I must give an honest reply."

"For ten days now, we have slept in Talindra's redoubt while she watched over us. She helped us thwart her onetime companion--Lianthorn--whose curse had consumed her completely to the point that she struck out at any she encountered.  For hours I've labored by her side while we both deciphered ancient magic texts.  My apprentice  16 year old human apprentice stayed with her alone for days while our party ventured out.  If she posed any danger consciously or not, there was more than enough time for it to manifest."

Corym takes a breath.

"What we know of the curse is a sensitive matter.  I perceive, though, if I withhold or dissemble that you will only press further. And I already know that I will not deceive you who are my host, and whom I aspire to call neighbor.

"When we found her she was in a windowless room, in the tower of a magical professor--weeping. She was incorporeal and out of her mind. We tried to stabilize her mood and talk to her, but she was withdrawing and starting to go feral. I possessed at that time a potion that restored sanity and with her permission anointed her head with it.  Since that time she has been an amiable companion if somewhat distressed by her condition.

"She has no memory of what befell her. Her most recent memory was of laboring in her master's tower trying to advance her scholarship.  To her it is only a tenday since she last drew breath, but in reality it has been 700 years. What dark energy must have rolled out from the Planar Lords of the Army of Darkness to shatter her mortality and reverse the polarities of her Energy and leave her weeping in the darkness without even a memory of it. She is beyond the help of priests. Only an archwizard with a mastery of reality can hope to unmake this evil and restore the innocent maiden within. We believe our cause is both righteous and harmless. If we succeed a great evil will be unmade and a valuable link to our people's shared history--yours and mine--will be preserved."
This message was last edited by the player at 11:54, Sun 15 Aug 2021.

Lynar's hand paused its beard stroking. "Do I understand you aright? She is a survivor of Myth Drannor? Not a raider, or a charlatan, but a true citizen of the City of Beauty? No wonder your tongue wags at such length about her." After a moment, Lynar nods. "Such a one is deserving of our help. Go and bring her here, to me. Hammer of War Volar will accompany you, to prevent the over-zealous from taking regrettable action."

At the sound of his name, a younger dwarf pokes his head into the tavern. Spotting you, he nods, then ducks outside again.

Corym's eyes light with joy.  "You have ground that will be safe for her to occupy?  I was just going to confine her to a room here until we are able to treat with Neldor. Volar knows the route?"

Kitheras smiled and clenched his fist in victory.  This meant a lot to Corym.  He was happy for his companion. As much as it would make sense for the ranger to fetch the women from he wilderness, Kitheras knew at this was a labor that Corym would refuse to delegate. "I'll watch over matters here and continue my concert.  It would likely be best for Krackor to accompany? Another bearded face to lend legitimacy."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:32, Sun 15 Aug 2021.

In reply to Kitheras Sunblade (msg # 935):

This I can do on the Winterfest, it is only fitting to carry out such a guard in honour of the Bronze Mask.
When I return, the Salute shall begin.
Krackor immediately went to his room, adjusted his armour and weapons, attached shield to arm and put his helmet back on, it is rarely off, but their arrival needed to be separate to the Salute, and since arrival has occurred, he can incorporate the guard duty escort into his ritual.

Presumably the Forgemaster answers in the affirmative.



Corym clapped his old friend on the back, "Thank you, friend.  Let's see this charge through." 

Kitheras touched base with the rest of the party letting them know what business he was to be about, and commended them to speak with either the recently arrived for the soon-to-be departing. They head out again into the winter air to rendezvous with Volar.

Lynar nods. "There's a house that's been vacant on the southern wall since the family headed to Cormyr at Midsummer. She can stay there, out of sight, for now. After I meet her."

When the two of you step outside, you are met immediately by Volar, the Hammer of War that had poked his head inside earlier. The door is flanked on the other side by a second, who also looks to be an underpriest of Moradin. Volar nods to you both, and together you head back up the steep incline. The winter winds have picked up as night fell, and the swirl snow around you as emerge from the protection of the stone walls.

It takes you longer to find Kora and Talindra than you expected. You saw the direction they headed off, and you didn't think either of them would have wandered far or tried to evade you. Then Kora calls your name, you step a little closer, and you understand why you were having trouble.

Talindra has shrouded one entire side of a hill with an illusion, making it appear empty. Her magic also blocks the sight of a rock that is radiating the heat of a lively campfire. Kora is standing close by it, keeping herself cheery and warm, and it should have blazed in your infravision like the fire it's replacing. Instead, it was completely hidden until you passed the boundary of the magic.

Talindra gives Volar a very precise bow. You can tell she's making an effort to appear normal; her feet are firmly planted on the ground and her eyes are focused. It's only if you look closely that you notice that her feet aren't actually bending the grass. "Warm fires and stout stones, Master Dwarf," Talindra says, in Dwarven.

Volar bows back, but glances to the two of you rather than address Talindra directly.

Corym, a bit overwrought at this plan coming together, gives Kora a hug at seeing her again. "Keep learning from this one, and I'll be your apprentice before long!"  He regards Talindra warmly, but maintains his distance knowing the penalty for contact.

"Talindra, this is Volar, a Hammer of War.  He serves the Forgemaster for this settlement.  They've heard our tale and our sympathetic to our aims of investigating your restoration.  The Forgemaster wishes to meet with you and if he approves he has a house on the outskirts of town where you can stay while we continue to decipher the scroll that I believe Neldor will be interested in. Volar will guide us to the rendezvous."

Talindra nods. "I would be pleased to meet with the Forgemaster. Please, lead on."

"I will, my lady," Volar says, bowing again. He cocks his head, inspecting her with an open frankness. "You hid this place. Can you also hide yourself? Until the Forgemaster passes judgement and is able to speak with our people, it would be... easier."

Talindra laughs mirthlessly. "You need not beat around the brambles with me. I remember Battlemaster Steelire's rants against the abomination that is the undead. I didn't disagree with him, which I find darkly amusing at the moment. But if you trust me to disappear and reappear in peace, then yes, I can do so."

She waves a hand, and the heat from the rocks disappears. Then she whispers something to herself and her translucent form disappears entirely. "Lead on, Hammer of War."

Corym marvels at the wordless spell. "I may have to ask for a few lessons myself, Talindra."

"You're planning on leaving us too? What are you looking to do?"

((I'm engaging multiple people in conversation, but I intend for them all to be separate so that everyone has a way to participate. Hopefully this will work out to highlight his bardic side and make him realize the part of a social dervish.  I realize that this'll muck the timeline up for the next couple of hours, but any good time I've ever had at a bar ended with a mucked up timeline of events.))

At a quiet time in the evening, Kitheras approaches Karilla with a reflective expression on his face. "We'll be parting soon, I know.  Our last conversation was less-than-ideal.  I don't really want to leave things that way. I think I was a little too honest with my feelings, and we're too newly acquainted for that to have been appropriate. I hope you'll forgive my social ineptitude."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:38, Tue 17 Aug 2021.

"Quite honestly. My heart is in tatters after the last few weeks of hiding. I'm of a mind to simply recover for a moment and collect my wits. Perhaps I'll spend some time relaxing and working on our shared spell." says Sirenya. "For now, some time out is needed. I can only maintain a jovial spirit for so long in such adversity." replies the gnome.

Kitheras returns with more drinks.

"I'm curious, Tarron--where did you serve? Corym and I served separately in the Tomb Guard helping to cleanse the newly claimed Greycloak Hills.  You didn't get those scars practicing the Bladesong in a monastery with wizened masters."

Kitheras frowns.  Tactically, Sirenya was quite a valuable asset and her joyous demeanor eased the burden for all. "Will you quit the Company then or remain on as a silent partner?  I haven't gone over the Charter, but Corym has an eye for design and he tried to explain to me how ones shares in the Company can appreciate in value even if you're not actively traveling with us.  As a Glen-bound asset and researcher, you could still provide and receive quite a bit of value." He takes a drink and gives a wink, "Allegedly."

Kitheras inserts himself between Karilla and Kali. "You'll pardon me, madame.  Our Captain teased you with and offer of dancing, and then walked out with a pair of bearded dwarves--one on each arm.  He's an elf of unusual tastes, but I couldn't have imagined that one. I think it must fall to me to take up his part."  The noble elf with lordly bearing and a saucy mouth sweeps a bow and offers his hand, "Shall we?"

In reply to Kitheras Sunblade (msg # 946):

"All earned at Silverymoon in 1235. Do you recall the hordes of orcs spilling out from the Spine of the World? You could say I earned my stripes in those skirmishes and wars. The scars, well lets just say they are a reminder of my failures rather than my victories." replies Tarron.

He takes a long sip of his wine and looks deep into the glass. "There have been many tales written about those, and none that I care to regail you with."

Kitheras bows his head.  He recalled breaching of the walls of Silverymoon, and the blood that soaked the earth.  He hadn't been there, but knew many that had. "Our forms may be perfect, but our practice seldom is.  The life of a millennia is not dimmed by the failing of a moment. I know your measure if you are one who is willing to risk life for the freedom of the North and for a people that are not your own. I am honored to share your table."

He raises a cup somberly, "May the defeat of Khallos Shieldsunder assuage the losses endured to bring him down."