Myn gives up on the market for the moment and also wanders to the arcanithingy.

Michael, Sureiya, and Myn manage to wander into the Arcanimus and join with Sariel and Torinn as Elayne begins to explain the situation, "The ritual itself... well, it is ready. However, we are still formulating a plan of action."

Halvangh nods sagely, crossing his arms and not looking at anyone in particular. "Indeed, it is as I thought. Attempting to locate someone cross-plane with very little information to go on is impossible. We cannot use a ritual to simply pinpoint the Fell King's location."

"However, there is a way to find him, and with the help of lord Halvangh, I believe we can accomplish this," Mardoc explains, gesturing with an arm to the map. "The ritual we have devised will allow us to track the flows of power within the elemental leylines that run beneath our world and even into other planes."

"Mardoc's knowledge of the elemental leylines has allowed us to locate their strongest point in our world, here," Halvangh says as he points to the place on the map where the Spine of the World is marked. "We will need to perform the ritual there."

Elayne gestures with one hand, waving it before her face for a moment, before adding, "It won't be that simple, however. Triangulating the flow of power into the Shadowfell will require tapping into the leyline at several points. I was hoping we could count on your assistance in this regard."

>>6183
"And you need us to secure these leylines?"

"And you will have our support, Sir Halvang. What can we do to help with this ritual?"

Elayne procures a tube made for holding scrolls, and elaborates, "Well, I have devised a different sort of ritual that will place a sort of 'beacon' on the elemental leyline, allowing us to connect that point of the leyline to our primary site in the Spine of the World. Ideally, this ritual should be cast on the leyline's strongest point here," the eladrin points to the other marked area, near the Deep Maw.

"So here's how I see it," Mardoc announces, "Elayne, me, and lord Halvangh go to the Spine of the World and prepare the area for the ritual. We need another group to head for our secondary objective, and cast the other part of the ritual there. From that point, we should be able to locate a third spot where we can cast another part of the ritual, and that'll do it. With three points set up on this plane, we can start to trace the flow of energy into the Shadowfell."

"Tha spot on tha map," Urist interjects, "Is tha location o' a dwarven settlement fro' tha pre-Spellplague era--one o' tha ole fortress-cities of Ammarindar. Name was Koganusân. If we're lucky, a stepping disk in tha fortress may still be functional, and we can save ye a load o' travel time."

"Of course, the site is certainly now probably overrun with danger, given it is near an elemental leyline," Halvangh points out. "Still, if we wish to locate the Fell King, this is a good place to start"

"Hmmm, so our job would be to escort some people from the arcanimus to Koganusân. Is that correct?"

Elayne shakes her head. "Actually, we're a bit short on personnel right now. We're doing our best to support the Flaming Fist in the wake of the recent disaster... but while we are short in personnel, we have plenty of supplies. Right now, I am having some of my best mages work on a magical item that should assist you in locating the strongest point in the leyline, from which you can use a scroll with the proper ritual printed on it." The eladrin indicates the tube she is holding, "The ritual works best if at least five people participate in the casting, six being optimal, though only one person able to master and perform rituals is necessary. The others need only perform basic concentration-based tasks to focus their wills on the leyline."

"I understand, yeah the situation seems to be difficult, but worry not if that's the case I think our Eladrin is quite good with rituals.
Anyways, what should we expect from this travel? Have you get any report from sightings in the area?"

>>6189
... 'our' Eladrin? Sariel fights back the urge to put that half-beast in its place, merely leveling her gaze with Elayne instead.

"Before that, however, I would ask how much time we have before we must depart." Sariel points at the rest of her group. "If I am to travel with them again, I would want to invest some equipment with magic power."

"Though this is a time sensitive matter, I am not intending to press you to leave before you are prepared," Elayne explains. "Take the time you need. Should you be willing to take on this mission, we will prepare for your departure tomorrow or the day thereafter. In the meantime, I have had a reward for your services prepared. As mentioned earlier, we have a goodly amount of supplies available--in particular, the Flaming Fist has turned over a large amount of residuum that they obtained in their brief expedition in the Shadowfell to us. We are willing to accept two of your magical items--each--in exchange for the same amount of residuum it would take to enchant such items. In addition, I have arranged a small monetary compensation for each of you."

"That's perfect. I need to get rid of this old cloak, I think I will acept your generous offer."

>>6201
"If you don't mind me asking, is there anything that any of us can do for you in the meantime? I would like to make myself useful to you and help with whatever I can to bring down the Fell King."

Sariel eyes the armour she's presently wearing, at least until she can find time to resize the robes...

"That sounds like a solid offer."

"If you do not wish to take advantage of this opportunity now, we'll be happy to offer again later. However, we cannot offer exchanges for items that are too expensive, so please keep that in mind," Elayne cautions. She looks at Torinn, and response to his question, saying, "Perhaps you should ask the Flaming Fist. I would imagine they will have lots to do."

At this point, it seems that Mardoc and Halvangh have returned to examining the texts they have gathered. The eladrin wizard explains, "Well, your monetary reward is waiting for you at the secretary's desk near the entrance. Ask Molbin for them, he's waiting for you. We'll also make sure that the shaman gets the reward too."

Any exchanges or purchases you wish to make should be noted now, via IC or OOC posts.

"Well, I think I will take the offer. Where I should go?"
Exchange bastard luckblade for 680 gp in reagents, also exchange cloak of resistance for 520 gp in reagents.

Torinn nods, "I'll see if they have anything I can help with." He mentally goes over his inventory and decides that he can't think of anything to give away, or anything he wishes to purchase.

Sureiya exchanges two of his magical items and receives 1200 worth of residuum in return.

Torinn heads to the Flaming Fist, and finds that they could use an extra hand in their patrols. In particular, the outer districts could use another person, as the noble districts are still under tight watch for assassination attempts.

Sariel presents the arcanicum with her old shockweave armour, expecting monies.

"Quite a residuum hoarder, Sureiya," she mentions to the half-orc. "I'd be more than willing to lift some off of you and invest your weaponry for you."

>>6242
"A patrol, huh? How nostalgic," Torinn muses, thinking back to his time in the Lance Defenders. And if the nobles are under watch, then somebody has to keep an eye out for the common folk. They deserve protection, too!

With that in mind, Torinn volunteers for the patrols.

"A Patrol? Doesn't sound bad."
"That's good. I really need a new blade, and I would like a pair of boots, like the ones you did to Michael."
Saying this, Sureiya give to Sariel 840gp residium worth for the blade, and 520gp worth of residium for the boots. Also he left her another 100gp as a tip for her work.
"You see, I have never really liked wizards, from where I come some bastards use their arcane power to control the weak and the poor. However you seem to be different. I could stay here and bother you while you work, but I think joining the patrol is a wiser choice."

>>6289
Sariel frowns. "Then, are you sure you should not be watching me to ensure I don't add a curse to your arms?"

>>6290
Sureiya become serious as he heard the word "curse", he probably doesn't think in pretty things every time he remember that word. However he change his gaze to a more calm one, and reply.
"A curse? ... if I irritated you in the past travel then allow me to apologize.
About staying ... well I doubt I could see notice if you were doing something ill to the equipment even if I was in front of you during the whole process.
However I will ask you to don't joke with such a thing. If you have no desire to work for a half scum as me I will search for someone else."

... '3'

"Geez, I'll do it, I'll do it. Don't worry," Sariel mutters, while preparing rituals to get started... right there in the Arcanimus. "It's not like I'd profit from any of my allies dying. I'll be done in a few hours, so go do something else in the mean time."

need know what to enchant with etc

"Alright, I will leave it in your hands, I'll go join Torinn in the patrol.
Oh, and about the sword. I was looking for something that would allow me to hit hard my enemies but staying easy to use.
And thank you again."

The spirit companion drags the drowsy-looking shaman to the group upstairs, book still in hand... There seems to be a trade of sorts happening.

I'll trade in goggles of aura sight (1000 gp) and then line up with the others for item enchants.

Bernkastel exchanges her goggles (they do nothing) for 1000 residuum, and Sariel prepares to enchant Sureiya some more weaponry in the Arcanimus. Elayne is happy to arrange some space for the mage to go to work.

Torinn and Sureiya are sent to assist an elven sentry on his patrols of the lower class areas of the city. All seems quiet on the patrol; apparently even the general populace is scared to go out much with the current situation in the city.

While patroling, Sureiya will try to get more information about the situation. Explaining about his job if it's needed to get some trust.

From what Sureiya can gather from the townsfolk, it seems that people have been warned to keep off the streets as much as possible for the next week or so, because there is a high risk of a foreign incursion that could get out of hand. The details are sketchy from the mouth of the common people, though you'd guess the Flaming Fist has issued a warning to the people about possible reprisals from the Shadowfell.

Uninterested in the tradefest, Myn goes to inquire about the monetary portion of the reward at the secretary's desk.

Each of the group, on their own time, finds their way to receive 200 gold pieces in a small carrying pouch offered to them by the shardmind named Molbin, working behind a small desk a short distance from the entrance.

Sureiya and Torinn continue their patrols, and Sariel works at enchanting magical items. The rest of the party has their own tasks to attend to: Myn needs to visit the market, and Bernkastel needs to figure out what magical items would best aid her new field of study. Michael has something important to discuss with the duke.

The shaman points out several magic items from the book to Sariel, requesting similar enchantments.

Also a tip in the form of a magic amulet.

Give Sariel Amulet of Physical Resolve +1, and request:

>Tactician's Armor +1 on scale armor (1000 gp)
>Chieftain's Weapon +1 on a short spear (680 gp)
>Bracers of Mental Might (1800 gp)

I should have enough for this etc. Also spend 2 gp on two mundane whips.

Less than pleased with the feeble sum, Myn wanders back to the market, browsing for a new set of bracers.

Search market for bracers of the perfect shot.

Bernkastel adds her items to Sariel's enchanting task, and Myn finds a set of bracers of the perfect shot (level 3) for 727 gold pieces.

The day is passing quickly. Michael heads towards the ducal palace, intending to tell him of his plan, and encounters Sureiya and Torinn on the way. Perhaps it'd be better to go as a group?

Sariel sighs at the increase of her workload, but dutifully works at it as she does recognise she offered to before.

And besides, the pay's reasonable for such elementary work.

During her studies, Bernkastel is able to locate stratagems that date back to the Tuigan wars of 1359-1360. In particular, she begins to study the military strategies of Azoun IV of the Purple Dragon Knights.

Sureiya and Michael enter the ducal palace, and are quickly granted an audience with the grand duke in his throne chamber.

Meanwhile, on his patrol, Torinn encounters, of all people, Sid. The gnome approaches Torinn eagerly, and asks, "Hey, I recognize you! So! How'd ya like my S.S. Carpgristle 5000 treat ya out there? Bet she ran like a dream, eh?"

>>6330
Torinn is rather surprised to see Sid on the streets, much less here in Baldur's Gate. Thinking back, he recalls something about him working for the Arcanimus... So that's what he was doing here. He greets the gnome all friendly-like, "You mean the craft you lent us? It was a huge asset to have a ship that could steer itself." Torinn says, "Though funnily enough it seemed to shut down whenever it encountered something like... An elemental leyline. That might actually be a good thing."

"But I must ask, what are you doing out in the streets?"

>>6330
"Greetings again, Grand Duke. I have a proposal which you might like to hear about this whole Fell King situation based on the information I've been given from the Flaming Fist and what my allies discussed with you yesterday."

"I see," the grand duke replies to Michael. "I would like to hear this proposal, then. You adventurers are the ones who have faced the Fell King the most often, and I trust you know best how to deal with him."

Meanwhile, Sid replies to Torinn's inquiry as well, "Why, I was just on my way back to the Arcanimus. Was out gettin' some books on engineering from the craftsman's guild, ya know! But ya say an elemental leyline shut down the craft's function? Curious, most curious." Sid puts a hand to his chin and scratches it thoughtfully. "I suppose the spells weren't as fool-proof as I thought. Well, thanks for the information! It'll help me in the design of the Starlight Invincible Delver!"

After a moment, Sid looks back up at the dragonborn and addresses him in a more casual tone, "Oh, right! Did your mission go well, then? Meetin' with the orcs and all?"

>>6338
"Well, it's more a proposal I thought up and discussed a little with my companions, to be honest. First off, I haven't been entirely forthcoming with who I am, though it isn't of much circumstance anyway. I hail from the East Rift, from a family of not too high noble standing, but enough to at least be of some influence.

Anyway, with the whole attack on the Fell King going as it went, and your forces not really able to afford another venture through the portal, and the suggestion of a small strike force going after the Fell King, I thought it would be best to offer some assistance if I can manage to rally some.

To be more precise, gathering some allies from the East Rift, the surrounding areas, and anyone willing to rally to the cause, to draw his attention away from the strike force with our gathered army or forces. It also possibly grants us an opportunity to recover those possibly still alive beyond the portal."

"They did agree to pledge their support," Torinn answers, "One of them is helping us out at the Arcanimus, as a matter of fact."

"Rei ya su" stay silent,waiting for the Duke answer.
"Geez, this surely sound as a nice plan, but fighting without Mike will be surely tough."

The duke's eyes widen briefly at Michael's suggestion. It is a moment before he regains his composure, nodding and saying, "Indeed, if we had the forces for a frontal assault on the forces of the Fell King at a later date, when we are more prepared to contend with him, that would be a mighty boon to our cause. You have my thanks, and the thanks of Baldur's Gate, for even attempting such a thing."

After a brief hesitation, Prestor turns his attention to the half-orc and addresses his concern, "Hm, if you need a strong mercenary arm to aid you, I might be able to arrange something. A situation just arose that might be useful in that regard. I'll let you know the details later. I do not believe I'll be able to find as capable a leader as Michael Silversteel, but if it's a strong warrior you need, there may be something I can do."

"Interestin', interestin'" the gnome replies to Torinn, nodding his head briskly. "Whelp, if you ever need ole Sid's expertise on something, give me a hollar, ya hear?"

>>6342
"Mmhmm, will do," Torinn replies, "And it was nice talking to you again, Sid. I should get back to my patrol now, though," he says, surveying the area for anything out of place, "Even off the job, I want to do my part to help out."

"We might need an extra guy, yes. But will you be able to get someone soon? I don't think we have a lot of spare time."

>>6342

Michael nods, inwardly finding it surprising it went off so well, before saying,"I'm glad I could be of some assistance, Grand Duke."

"I have something in mind. You should rest for now, by tomorrow I'll have the proper arrangements prepared. I appreciate your continued service to the cause of Baldur's Gate, and I'll do my best to see to it that you continue to receive repayment," Prestor explains. With that matter settled, Sureiaya and Michael are sent off from the palace.

Sid nods at the dragonborn and bows, then continues his trip to the Arcanimus.

The group assembles later in the evening at the Helm and Cloak, discovering that more rooms have been arranged for them, as well as meals and baths. Now is the time to decide if they want to discuss any plans or other things with each other, or make any last-minute arrangements, as the duke has implied that you will be given a new task in the morning.

After Torinn finishes his shift, he pays one final visit to the Arcanimus. There he seeks out Elayne and presents the weapon that he received for work on the caravan and says, "I wish to take advantage of the offer you gave and trade this in, and buy a fair amount of residuum on top of that."

With that concluded, he meets up with everyone else at the Helm and Cloak, having worked up a fair appetite from going on patrol. When the opportunity presents itself, he pulls out a small satchel of residuum powder and the Vigilant Blade he had enchanted before, asking of Sariel, "I know you've been busy doing this all day, but could you do one last enchantment for me? I'd like a stronger weapon that can weaken my enemies so they won't cause us as much trouble." On top of that, he pays a small tip in the form of a few arcana reagents.

Trade in Farbond Spellblade for 520gp in residuum
Purchase 440gp of residuum (462 gold)
Ask Sariel to enchant Vigiliant Blade into Sacrificial Weapon +2, hand over 960gp of residuum plus 50 gp in arcana reagents

Also trade in cloak of distortion and buy a plain longsword for enchantment

Sariel glares briefly, then with a sigh and inaudible mumble sets to work. No rest for the wicked.

>>6371
New thread!