In reply to Fithelos (msg # 7):

"We will help you through situations in which your own abilities are lacking.  My brothers abilities are well suited for most any battle.  I, however, may be able to assist with knowledge at times.  A rejected request will not reset the hourglass, so you need not worry about losing a charge."

Balance waves his hand to the side and a map, seemingly made of light, unravels. See Game Map

"Britannia is a land unknown to most outside of the island nation, which is the way they prefer it.  Because of this, your journey will start at the remote Shrine of Sacrifice in the northeast, and end when you have retrieved an eye of a dragon from Dungeon Destard in the south.  Whether your path is direct, or takes you to other parts of the island nation is up to you.  You will not be able to travel out of Britannia during that time."

The map rolls itself up, turns into a point of light, which then floats into your hand, disappearing.  As it disappears into your hand, you hear "mappa mundi".  You understand this is the command to bring the map into, and out of, existence.

In reply to Titan of Balance (msg # 8):

"And what can you tell me of your brothers? How am I to address them should I require their aid?"

In reply to Fithelos (msg # 9):

"Your request will be the only way to communicate with us.  We will decide who helps based on your request."

In reply to Titan of Balance (msg # 10):

"Do you need me to leave now, or can I rest for the evening?" The former monk doesn't give Balance a chance to respond. "You know what? I prefer traveling under the stars...or clouds...the shroud of darkness. This way was it?" he points to the Northeast before heading in the direction if his first task.

In reply to Fithelos (msg # 11):

"As eager as you may be to get started, I don't think you will find the Shrine on an island whose whereabouts are unknown by walking in a random direction."

Another flick of the wrist and a new door unravels in front of you.  The door opens and in front of you is a bleeding shrine. http://www.uoguide.com/images/...Sacrifice_shrine.jpg

Assuming your enter, since you were already on your way before he opened the portal...

As you step through, you see nothing but forest, but can hear a river to your west, and the faint tides of the ocean to your east.  As the portal closes, you hear Balance speak one last time, "May your choices always be true."

The shrine, though it constantly runs with blood, is surrounded by life.  The clearing for the shrine is covered in flowers.  You hear the birds and the bugs singing all around.

Roll Survival.

In reply to Twiz (msg # 13):

07:27, Today: Fithelos rolled 8 using 1d20+2.  Survival.

After taking in the beautiful scenery, Fithelos goes to first patch of flowers next to the alter and picks one of the flowers to examine it.




OOC: Fithelos wasn't heading in a random direction. He was heading Northeast, where Balance said he needed to go first before heading south.


This message was last edited by the player at 12:36, Tue 26 Mar 2019.

In reply to Fithelos (msg # 14):

but he obviously wasn't paying attention when Balance showed him a map of an island he had never seen before and said its location was unknown.


Though there is nothing particularly special about the flower, it is surprising to see it growing here. It's the type of flower you would expect to have daily care to bloom in a noble's garden, but there obviously isn't anyone tending the soil here.

In reply to Twiz (msg # 15):

OOC: Ah wait. I know why I'm confused. I looked at the game map before I made my first post and assumed I was already fairly close to where I needed to be...and then when he offered the map, I was thinking it was a map to where I was...sorry about that. Don't think I passed the survival check.

Fithelos will pluck a flower from the ground, slide the stem into his outer robes and then head South.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:00, Tue 26 Mar 2019.

In reply to Fithelos (msg # 16):

Since you have the map, can you give me a better idea of your route? Even if it's like a screenshot you draw on with your finger, it will be better than me trying to guess and forcing you somewhere you didn't plan to go.

The DC for the survival check was 12.  I'll start saying that when I call for the roll. 

Leaving the clearing and the shrine, you immediately feel a cool wind. Between how far north you are, and the ocean to one side, it makes sense. You're more surprised you didn't feel it before.

In reply to Twiz (msg # 17):

As Fithelos walks--he will take out the map and try to get his bearings as to where he is--

OOC: Fithelos would like to travel to Vesper. From there he would attempt to travel by boat South of Britain, where he would travel inland to Destard.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:48, Tue 26 Mar 2019.

In reply to Fithelos (msg # 18):

You arrive mid-afternoon at the north side of Vesper where there are two islands on the mainland, all of the rest you see are sitting on man-made miniature islands connected by short bridges.  From your point of view, there is a single dock with a few small fishing vessels.  The "islets" you can see, have a fair amount of people walking around or handling daily business.

You are currently just northeast of the two buildings, unable to see exactly what they are, but are most likely local shops.

In reply to Twiz (msg # 19):

"Hopefully 20 gold will go further than it does in Amn," Fithelos says to himself as he starts toward the nearest building (or person). He favors his right leg as he approaches the city, showing only a slight limp as he presses forward.

In reply to Fithelos (msg # 20):

When you get between the two buildings, you see the signs for the The Adventurers Supplies (east building) and the The Spinning Wheel (west,  clothier).
Just past The Spinning Wheel is a bridge into the rest of the town.
http://www.venus.gen.tr/ultima/maps/vesper.gif

In reply to Twiz (msg # 21):

Fithelos will head for the Adventurer's Supplies.

In reply to Fithelos (msg # 22):

The Adventurer's Supplies is well stocked. Foods, reagents, an assortment of tools and kits, weapons, armor... Most anything except clothing.
Behind the counter, an elf is stocking the smaller, easier to pocket items, such as small potions. When you walk in, she says, "Welcome. Let me know if there is anything I can help you with." though she doesn't turn around.

In reply to Twiz (msg # 23):

OOC: Is she hot?

Fithelos will study her backside for a moment, assessing any kind of threat she may pose. "Actually I am in need of traveling supplies--a bag with reinforced straps, at least a hundred feet of eight weave rope, a couple torches, a small bell, fishing line, a spyglass, waterskin, chalk, caltrops, rations...and a walking stick that won't snap on me the moment I put it to rigorous use. Also, if you could direct me to the swiftest path to the harbor I'd be most obliged."

Fithelos counts the various items on his fingers. "And do you have anything extremely flammable? Something more volatile than lamp oil. Preferably in a vial..."

She's average for an elf, but elves are considered a beautiful race.
What are you wearing?

In reply to Twiz (msg # 25):

Fithelos is currently wearing leather boots, loose, worn pants held up with a rope belt, a plain gray, long sleeved long shirt (stops above the knee) and a loose-fitting, heavily-patched robe.

In reply to Fithelos (msg # 26):

The woman looks at you, gives a fake smile and states, "You are aware that these things will cost actual money. We don't barter here."

In reply to Twiz (msg # 27):

Fithelos looks confused. "Obviously. Does it look like I came equipped to barter?" to emphasize his point he holds up his arms and turns around in a circle. "I've got next to nothing. That's why I came here! To make several purchases!"

He pauses, looking at his clothes. And then as if noticing his appearance for the first time he peers up at the Elven female in shock. "You think...oh...hahahahahahaa..." Fithelos laughs at his predicament. "I assure you I can pay." He takes the small pouch hanging from the side of his belt and shakes it. (Which he doesn't make any sound, Fithelos purposely has the coins mixed with sand so they won't make that 'clinking' sound). "Bah," he opens the top and pours out a small pile of sand. Using his fingers as a sieve, he lets the particles fall through onto the floor and eventually a few gold pieces are revealed.

"See!" he exclaims. "I have money, oh flawless one! My appearance is but a deception!"
The former monk composes himself then and lowers his voice. "I don't get out often. My apologies. I would like to purchase some of your wares, Lady...?"

OOC: Fithelos has 20 gold, total.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:07, Wed 27 Mar 2019.

In reply to Fithelos (msg # 28):

With the smile gone...
"Your look is a deception? Who are you trying to deceive? And what, pray tell, are these?“ she says after picking up a coin. "I'm not sure what sewer you found these in, but you'll have to exchange your gold at the bank before you can do business at any of the shops here."
She looks over to a closed door and yells, "Sesinde, sweetheart, can you come here?"

A drow steps or if the back room, "Yes dear?"

"Can you finish helping out guest here. I'm afraid he is beyond what I can provide?" without waiting for a response, she had to the back room, while Sesinde walks up to you, see your gold and frowns.
"I haven't seen anyone from Faerûn in a long time. I'm assuming this wasn't a planned trip or you'd be a bit more prepared. So what sent you here?"

In reply to Twiz (msg # 29):

Upon seeing the Drow, Fithelos leaps back on instinct and crouches into a low battle stance. When the she-elf questions who he needs a deceive, Fithelos' eyes dart from her to the Drow and back again several times.

When he realizes he's not going to be attacked, (at least not right away) Fithelos straightens but keeps his distance. In response to the Dark Elf's question: "Traveling here was indeed not on my list of things to accomplish this...year. I figured I'd be traveling somewhere within Aber-Toril...which...I have obviously made a grievous error." He clears his throat. "I will...be taking my leave,"

He goes to the door, avoiding eye contact with the Drow. "The lady has a lovely store," he says as he passes.

When outside and out of earshot from the shop, he breathes a sigh of relief. Memories of the Underdark attempt to invade his thoughts, but he pushes them aside as he has done so many times before. He studies his gold pouch. "Gold is no good here? What do they use, beads?" he shakes his head and looks for the first non-Drow to ask where the bank is.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:16, Wed 27 Mar 2019.

In reply to Fithelos (msg # 30):



Sesinde: "I can help you get what you need.  If you wander around here too long, people are going to realize you're an outsider.  A lot of them won't be as nice as me.  I've been through this.  I can get you in touch with people that will help you, your clothes, basic expectations, coin, but you have to promise to leave Vesper by the morning.  Britain is lovely, Trinsic is wealthy... you may even fit in in Nujel'm."


If you continue out, Sesinde will wish you luck in a sarcastic tone.  If you continue to leave, you can enter the clothier to find someone, or go to the first islet.  Though there will be plenty of people to talk to, you'll see the sign on the largest building (blue roof, upside-down 'L') is labeled "The Mint of Vesper" with a picture of a stack of coins.

In reply to Twiz (msg # 31):

Fithelos stops at the sarcastic remark. "Wish me luck?" he asks, if somewhat with a hint of anger in his voice. "And why would a Drow aid a surface dweller? You can change worlds or dimensions or wherever in the Nine Hells I am," he points at the Dark Elf and whispers, "I know of your kind, Sesinde. Intimately.
"I spent years in the Underdark avoiding your people. The children of Lolth butchered my companions, murdered those who gave me shelter and summoned the Demon that..."

The warlock stops talking. "One never forgets their time in the World Below." Fithelos goes to lean against the nearest wall. "I've known you less than ten minutes, but I've known the Drow most my life," He smirks. "Trust is not simply given. How do I know you and your enchantress didn't set up at the edge of the city to ensnare travelers from afar? How do I know she's not a Dark Elf, or that you'll keep your word?
"No. As convienent as it would be, I cannot trust you, Drow."

OOC: I trust him, Fithelos does not.