Dragons of Despair, Chapter 1: The Tower of High Sorcery
Location: The Forest of Wayreth, somewhere
Date: Manthus, Early Afternoon, 25th Reorxmont 351 AC

Polished silver and gold arches loomed above the companions, the gate's metal twisting in ornate patterns that reflected the ethereal moonlight.  A courtyard of dust and stone could be seen through the bars.  Overgrown weeds creeped through cracks and crevices.  There was no one
in sight, yet the companions felt like someone was watching their every movement.

Just before Valik went to place his hand on the gates, they swung open, allowing the companions to step into the courtyard beyond.  Taking a breath and steeling themselves beneath the shadow of the Tower of High Sorcery, there was a sense of crossing a threshold -- the last step before it was too late to turn back.

When they took their first steps beyond the gates, four connected mage towers rose into the night sky.  The wall around the towers formed an equilateral triangle decorated with a moon pass through the phases, from empty to full and back again.  Each wall depicted one moon -- one Silver, one red, and third moon -- in black -- which simply didn't exist.  The towers themselves were crafted from black stone and etched with glowing stained glass and arcane runes.  The two tallest towers leaned precariously, looking as though they could topple over at any moment.

Between the companions and the Tower of Wayreth waited a dusty, unspectacular-looking courtyard.

OOC: What would you like to do?
This message was last updated by the GM at 10:58, Thu 22 June 2023.

Ayrron smiled as they came to the gates, and when they opened, he was not surprised in the least The kender stepped in and sighed. "Nice to be back...." he muttered.

He looked around, and shrugged. "HELLO!" he called. "We have some questions for a master please?"

Valik flinched back, surprised by Ayrron's shout. It seemed like a place of reverence, yet here was a former student shouting up at the towers from the front gate. "This is the right place? There is no one here."

Valik looked around for sings of...anything, really; fairly convinced that he did not belong in this place.

"Oh, they hear us all right, Valik." Making a flourish with her cloak, she started walking towards the tower with the red moon. "Come, maybe my master, Don Henrique Fuenten, is present. He might not know what we are dealing with, but he's the father I never had. I trust him."
This message was lightly edited by the player at 01:30, Fri 23 June 2023.

Ayrron smiled at the obvious jump in Aelina's step - she was truely happy she was home. In truth, Ayrron was glad, if only to see his own mentor, the grumpy but smart gnome. "I know what you mean - I'd like to see Master Ormorn, but the staff may be more your master's wheelhous....,Ormorn is more crafting magical items."

Aelina's footsteps echoed against the stone, leaving imprints in the dust.  The feeling of being watched intensified, the sensation prickling up the companions' backs, and they all turned around quickly.  A nervous half-elven woman wringing her hands, a ratty apprentice robe wrapped around her mousy form stood in the courtyard.

"H-Hello! I'm sorry if I startled you. I was just..."  Her words tripped over each other in their quickness, her voice vibrating with anxiety.  "Well, I've been waiting here for a while to take my Test, and I was starting to think I was the only one here, so I was beginning to doubt if I was even in the right place.  But then you showed up, so maybe you too are all mages here to take--" she took a deep breath in, her voice lowering to a conspiratorial whisper, "--the Test of High Sorcery?"

Before you can even answer, she looked you all up and down, her hands now coming to press to her cheeks in embarrassment.  "What am I talking about, of course you're here for the Test.  I mean, even if some of you are rather oddly dre--  I mean some of you don't look like mages.  I'm sorry.  I get nervous when I speak.  I mean, of course you can wear whatever you like for your Test.  An you must be here for the Test.  Otherwise, you wouldn't have made it through Wayreth Forest."

Letting out a sigh, she collected herself and stuck out her hand.  "I'm Kyrian.  It's nice to meet another group of mage hopefuls here.  You are all here for the Test, right?  It's been pretty scary waiting here alone.  Honestly, it's terrifying to think about the Test, too.  I'm worried that I’m going to fail and die, or maybe I'll say the wrong thing, and they'll kick me out -- or maybe I'm not even supposed to be here in the first place and me trying to be a mage is all just a big mistake!"

Kyrian sheepishly clapped her hands over her mouth and went silent for a moment, before she spoke again slowly through her cupped fingers.  "Sorry. I ramble a lot when I'm nervous.  I'm just so uncertain about what's waiting in the Tower, you know?  I get anxious just thinking about it."

Ayrron walked in and felt the presence behind, and turned to see the half elven woman. The kender smiled as she spoke, his arms crossed. When done, he smiled and tapped her arm. "My dear....your very nervous, aren't you?'

He looked at Aelina and lost his smile, but then back again. "Some of us have had some training here - myself and mistress Aelina here. My other two fellows Vallan and Valik are actually warriors and not here for the test. And mistress goldmoon..." He looked at her, unsure how to approach the topic, but recovered quickly.

"...we are actually here to see the masters on a urgent matter, so not for the test - but i wish you all the luck this world has." He looked at her, his smile fading. "A piece of advice - do not overthink things or it will make you nervous. That happens and you will lose your focus. You are here for a reason - no person comes here without the approval of the council so the recognize you have skills."

He places a comforting hand in hers. "If you are here now, you were meant to be here. Do not question that, or your path. You will either pass and become what you have dreamed, or not. You can not dwell on what has yet to happen. Just calm down, focus and you will do well."

Vailin remained silent throughout the exchange.  He had commanded platoons, engaged in complex tactical maneuvers, but this whole place was out of his element and he felt unprepared.  He felt both alarmed and reassured of the mention of a test.  While he didn't understand magic, it sounded promising if aspiring wizards were held to certain standards and were assessed accordingly.  Given Arryon's seeming flippance he had viewed wizards of undisciplined folk with unspeakable power.  A dangerous mix.

The talk of masters was good.  Senior wizened folk who could provide counsel on this staff would be most welcome.

Kyrian scratched the back of her head, disappoint washing over her face.  Then her expression changed and her eyes sparkled with a new admiration. "You really seem to know what you're doing.  I'm only taking the Test because magic is the only thing I'm okay at and because my parents and grandparents were magi as well."  She looked at the companions, eagerly leaning in.  "Can you tell me what gives you so much confidence? I-I mean, there has to be something that motivates you, right?"

Ayrron looked at the woman with a smile. "My race tends towards confidence, but ultimatly you need to find something your passionate about - that way even though your learning, it doesn't feel that way. Take me - i love making things.....so many ideas in my head sometimes it hurts. But being able to get those ideas into reality is what drives me to learm. I have a vision of a companion that is more than just a machine, but also has some sentience of its own. someone who will walk or fight by me because it wants to."

Ayrron's explanations to Kyrian where as good as she could ever give, maybe even better, but the nervousness of the lad struck a cord in the bard. She approached them and smiled. My small friend is right, confidence and passion are the key. I started my training here as a wizard, because I didn't want to go back to where I came from. I'm an half-elf you see, neither races would ever want me in their ranks. But the Tower is my home and although I am a failed wizard, I discovered who I really am. I am a singer and entertainer, and magic is in my blood, just as it is in yours. You can do this, if you believe in yourself. And maybe ballads will be sung of your accomplishments one day, and I will sing them for the masses! Oh this is so exciting, I need to sing for you now!" With her customary flourish, she moved her lute to her hands and started strumming.


In a realm of magic, where dreams take flight,
There's a young apprentice, Kyrian shining bright.
With a wand in hand and a heart full of zeal,
She's about to face a test, but nerves she can't conceal.

Oh, the ancient scrolls and spells so vast,
Whisper tales of challenges that lie in her path.
But deep within her spirit, a flicker burns so strong,
With determination, she knows she'll prove them wrong.

Kyrian, the apprentice, oh, don't you fear,
You'll conquer the unknown, the doubt will disappear.
In your soul, the magic flows, let it guide you through,
Embrace your power, for the test is meant for you.

As the moonlit sky blankets the enchanted land,
Kyrian's thoughts weave spells, intricate and grand.
She ponders incantations, the lessons she has learned,
Wishing for the wisdom that her mentors have discerned.

But doubt creeps in like shadows, whispers in her ear,
What if she falters, what if failure's near?
Yet deep inside, a voice whispers, "You are strong,
Unleash your magic, Kyrian, and prove them wrong."

Kyrian, the apprentice, oh, don't you fear,
You'll conquer the unknown, the doubt will disappear.
In your soul, the magic flows, let it guide you through,
Embrace your power, for the test is meant for you.

With each step forward, courage starts to bloom,
Kyrian embraces bravery, dispels the gloom.
The hallways echo with anticipation's hum,
As she approaches the test, her heart begins to drum.

Oh, the ancient scrolls and spells so vast,
Whisper tales of challenges that lie in her path.
But deep within her spirit, a fire burns so bright,
With determination, she'll vanquish every fright.

Kyrian, the apprentice, oh, don't you fear,
You'll conquer the unknown, the doubt will disappear.
In your soul, the magic flows, let it guide you through,
Embrace your power, for the test is meant for you.

Through swirling tempests and enchanted lore,
Kyrian finds her rhythm, her spirit starts to soar.
With wand in hand and heart held high, she takes a stand,
For in this test, she'll shine, a wizard in command.


With that final note, she dipped in a bow, like she had sung this improvisation in front of a full inn, before coming back up, cheeks red and with sparkling eyes. "And that is my magic!"

<OOC>ChatGPT strikes again! I guess Aelina gives one inspiration to the NPC that way, hopefully it won't screw her up lol
This message was last edited by the player at 16:57, Sat 24 June 2023.

Ayrron stood by as Aelina sung her song both to and about the young woman and smiled. It had been a long time since he had heard the woman in such fine form, and crossed his arms with a huge grin as she finished. With three mighty claps, he shook his head. “Show off” he whispered to her with a gleam in his eye.

He then looked at the woman. “You see…you do not lack the talent or skill, else you would not be here. You falter with your confidence. Believe and you will find the strength. Magic is in everything. Word, spells,…”. He indicated Aelina.  “…songs, even creations.” He pulled out the small, unfinished creation of his working. “Life is magic, make of your life what you want, and you will find your magic.”

Aelina laughed and whispered back to Ayrron "Always, that's what I do." She got her lute back in it's carrying position in her back and smiled to Kyrian. "Now, I think you should follow the instructions that were given to you for your test, and we will get out of your way. It is your day to shine, and we are interrupting it. We still need to find our masters, to ask counsel. Good luck!"

She bowed to the apprentice, flourishing her red cape, and signaled her companions to accompany her to the nearest tower.

Kyrian frowned, patting Aelina on the shoulder with soft empathy.  "That sounds really rough.  I mean, sometimes I wish I didn’t have to think about all the times in the past that people laughed at me, or pushed me around, or said I was silly for wanting to be a mage..."

The large wooden door of the foretower creaked open on its own, inviting you all to step inside. Kyrian looked at you and smiled hesitantly.  "Guess we should go in?"

Ayrron smiled at the woman and indicated to the door. "Ladies first."

He looked at Aelina and winked with a cheeky smile, letting Aelina, Goldmoon and Kyrian go first.

Vailin had listened with detatched interest to the exchange with Kyrian.  Normally the young warrior would have been quite interested to hear about the magical trials young wizards engaged him, but matters were too important for him to focus.

"I trust these masters of your can tell us something of use.  We need answers about the staff."

Valik suddenly came to the realization that if people all across the lands were looking for the staff, then bringing it to powerful wizards that they had no hope of defeating was probably the worst decision they could have possibly made. He could only hope that the wizards were not after the staff for themselves.

With apprehension clawing gashes in his spirit, Valik followed.

As the companions as you entered the Tower of High Sorcery, they were greeted by two solemn mages in red robes, their eyes keen but silent in their assessment.  A group of other people -- apprentices by their dress -- stood assembled in the large entrance antechamber, some sitting in quiet meditation while others chat quietly amongst themselves.

A wealthy-looking human man looked over at Kyrian and snickered to his three companions.  Kyrian bowed her head, looking away as the man appraised her openly, his hands in the pockets of his luxurious and well-groomed clothes.

"Looks like they'll let anyone take the test these days," he sneered, eyes fixed on Kyrian.  The half-elf woman tried to shrink away and hide the group.  "Little mice who don't know what they're doing should go home and hide in their little holes.  The Test of Sorcery is for real magic users only. You'll be ripped to shreds."

Kyrian tried to speak but only managed to squeak and blush in shame.

Ayrron had seen bullies many times in his life - coming to the human residence he had dealt with them many times aimed at him. Luckily he had the confidence to ignore them and turn it in his favor.

...she however didn't.

Ayrron felt anger boiling up, but hid it with a smile. Looking at the man he spoke. "Just ignore him Kyrian......unlike some who got in from their father's coin purse, you got in on pure talent."

He looked at the men and his snickering posse. "You ever heard the story of the lion and the mouse boy?" The kender began walking up towards him. "the lion, most feared animal in the jungle, who ruled over all was found by a mouse - kind and humble. The mouse asked to be friends, but the prideful lion turned him away. He ruled over all, and all animals scoffed at the mouse."

"Then one day the lion found himself trapped in a net. None of teh animals dared to help him as he pleaded for help, for fear of the hunter. But the mouse.....that meek, kind and brave mouse came and chewed the rope. She didn't have to, but did for one reason - it was her nature."


The kender looked smugly at the boy. "You know what happened then? The lion and the mouse became best of friends. Those who mocked her now knew her strength. And the lion recognized loyalty and kindness."

He looked at Kyrian, then back. "She may be a mouse to you, but her heart and spirit is as large as a lion." He crossed his arms. "Good looks and daddy's money will get you so far. Kyrian will get further, and when she does, i'll be proud to stand by that mouse." he pointed at the half elf.

---

<OOC: Ayrron Rolled 15 using 1d20+1 - Intimidation check >
This message was last edited by the player at 09:01, Mon 26 June 2023.

The man's face reddens with rage, his fists balled up tightly.  Before he could takes a swing, one
of the red-robed mages stepped in.  "No fighting between Applicants.  The Tower is sacred neutral ground," he said sternly.  "Break this on pain of exile from the Tower forever, stripped of your magic."

The man -- obviously another Applicant -- becomes flustered, scowling at Ayrron fiercely.  "You’ll regret this!  Hear my name -- Dorian Ariantal!" he declared as he
strodes away.   "It will be the last name you hear."

Everyone else was staring at the companions now.  Eager to escape the intense stares, Kyrian clutched at Ayroon's hand and started pulling him into another room -- a dining hall by the looks of it.

The second of the red-robed figures gestured to the doors.  "Applicants and guests, please make your way to the dining hall.  Food and rest will be provided."