Merry Christmas!!!!

Lars and the royalty of Modron

  Marcus shook his head vigoursly, "No, no my friend. I cannot in good conscience allow you to present yourself to the court without proper attire. I know you love your sharkskin but this calls for something more... More refined." The Gish merchant stroked his beard in thought. "Lars, I'm calling in the experts!"

  A few hours later and the combined talents of reknown halfling Haberdasher Poncey Stitchenhose and the barbering skills of the girls from The Squirming Knuckle reveal :

Fancy Lars

  "Yes!" exclaims Marcus leaping from his pillow, "Now you are ready to be received by the court of modron!"

  It had taken many weeks, patience and a few greased palms to finally get an audience with the King of Modron. However, Lars found that once inside the Castle itself there were still more hurdles to overcome. He waited for an hour in a small sitting room with only a stern faced guard and a cup of wine for company. At last he was ushered into a sparsely furnished foyer and met Drawlin the Kings Chamberlain.

  "So you are the one known to the dockworkers and sailors as 'The Shark'," Drawlin slowly circled Lars taking his measure of him. " I know you as Lars the honest, a title used in the streets and a song or two as well. You arrived here from the eastern village of Eros where you and your fellows escaped the predations of a tribe of Man-beasts." The Chamberlain bid Lars to a pair of chairs near a window. "You and your compatriots took advantage of the local legends and a fortuitous sea-tremor to lay your foundation of the "Sea-Queen" adventure. A story I quite enjoy myself." Drawlin leans in toward Lars and speaks softly, " I have been able to verify certain aspects of your tales. It has been a long time since the land has had "Heroes" if you will. The city could benefit from having Heroes of its own in these times. Your gift for the King has passed inspection, the Captain of the Guard approves as do I of your other gifts. In a few minutes you will be introduced to the King, you will present your gift to him, he will respond in kind. You will accept the Kings thanks and we shall be in touch."

  Drawlin stood and turned quickly as he met two aides, spoke quickly to each then disappeared through another door. Lars took a deep breath........ it was about to begin.

  The doors opened to the main audience chamber and a page motioned for Lars to enter, he was followed by a pair of footmen carrying the chest he brought for the King. Another footman spoke aloud to the room.
"Now presenting, Lars of Eros, Trader, Bard, Slayer of the Roglaroon Devil, and founding member of the Adventuring band the Heroes of Eros."

  The nobles whispered to each other as Lars entered striding confidently along the red

King Anoethin and Drawlin

carpet to the designated spot about 20 feet before the King. Anoethin listened as Drawlin spoke in the Kings ear, his eyes never leaving the approaching petitioner. The footman deposited the chest to right of Lars and stepped back a few feet behind the adventurer.

  "King Anoethin, I hereby present myself to you and your honored court on behalf of the Heroes of Eros. We have traveled far and encountered many dangers since our journey began. Evils plague the land and a darkness creeps into the light of our world. So my friends and I have answered the call of the Gods themselves to stem this black tide. Our endeavors have seen the destruction of Man-beasts that would have resurrected the foul twins of Chaos Felan and his brother Molan. We battled the Undead and locked them away in the depths of the blighted Tegal Manor, as well as rooting out a cult of worshipers of the tentacled One! The Emerald Enchanter has been slain at no small risk to our band. We answered the call of the Mer-peoples ancient Queen who was cursed to living death by a foul demon. The giant hammerhead called The Devil of Roglaroon shall trouble your waters no more. We do what we must not only at the behest of the Gods but to bring light to the darkness, to give hope where it has faded, to lay to rest the souls of those who have been defiled. King Anoethin, I present this chest laden with the treasures we have taken back from the forces of darkness, who stole them from the people of our lands."

 Lars knelt beside the chest and opened the lid revealing it's dazzling contents. Gold, silver and copper coins were a bed for varied gems of all sizes and colors, 2 fine vases, 3 solid gold eggs and assorted other bits. Lars picked up a velvet bundle and opened it revealing  finely jeweled scabbard holding a long sword of exquisite make, its golden hilt catching the light of the sun. "This sword I present to you as a token of our fealty to you and the people of Modron."

  A footman took the offered sword and handed it to the King. Anoethin drew the blade with the skill of a man who knows how to use a sword. He placed it back in the jeweled scabbard and then stepped towards Lars.

 "The people of Modron thank you most graciously Lars of Eros, as do I. Your gift is greatly appreciated. Not since the time of the Tharbrian Kings has Modron had Heroes to call her own." The King stepped down off the dias so he was directly in front of Lars who still knelt beside the chest. "But now our city and its people need fear no more! The Gods have delivered to us Champions, those we can rely upon in times of need, those who can aid us when all seems lost!" The nobles, guildmasters, priests and commoners who could crowd the audience chamber clapped and chittered in excitement. "On behalf of the people of Modron, we accept the honor the Gods have given us this day and by my authority as King I decree that from this day forward The Heroes of Eros shall be the Champions of the people of Modron as well as my own!" a great cheer erupted from the gathered crowd.

  Drawlin moved up and handed the King a scroll. "Rise Lars of Eros," Anoethin unrolled the parchment and read aloud for all to hear, " You shall be known henceforth as Count Lars, Kings Champion Adventurer & Hero. The Spire of Shadankin and the land within half a mile shall be yours. Yourself and the rest of the Heroes of Eros shall have the honor and respect due to those who now serve officially as our rightfully appointed Champions, and we look forward to a brighter future with you all at our side!"

  Bowing low, Lars turns and leaves the audience chamber. "Count Lars of the Spire." he said to himself smiling.

[GM]
   All current members of the party now have an effective Social Level of 10 as Gentlemen; while Lars has a 10 as a Noble, when in or around the immediate vicinity of Modron. This can become helpful when dealing with merchants, looking for certain items or even in legal situations. Look for more about Social Level in the House Rules Page.

Tarek and the Gods

  Tarek had never really placed much faith in the Gods, he would invoke Corrno now and again, after all he was mortal and tricked the Gods to become like them. If ever there was a scam to look up too, that was it. However in his time with the Tyrrian and the others he had seen that Sally and Beavis had both been successful in channeling the powers of those beings.

  The demise of Tyrrian as well as his other friends; Beavis, Garrote and the newly met Randi and Erwyn; at the hand of one of their own was almost prophetic. Tarek never liked all that wierd magic Alexander kept clinging to and now the blood on the Wizard's hands was all the proof he needed.

  If not for the strange dwarven Journal of Woe which had appeared in the hands of Erwyn's brother only moments after the slaughter, Tarek would never have known what happened to the small party that disappeared during breakfast a week ago.

  Taking a deep breath the thief entered the Great Temple to the Gods in Modron. A statue of Sashu dominated the center of the chamber. The four corners of the temple were devoted to the following dieties in turn; Umannah, Mesha, Trameron and Modron. The walls of the inner temple were lined with small alcoves where shrines to other various dieties were ensconced. Standing before the blind God of Justice and Beggars Tarek felt a bit foolish, but no one else was around so he spoke aloud.

  "Sashu, I come before you to ask nay, to beg that you find it in your power to return the bodies of my comrades. They were led unwittingly to a foul betrayal by one of our own who we... well everyone but me, really trusted. They are beyond my ability to retrieve them, as they were struck down outside our world in a place known as the Tomb of the Colossus. Sashu, you were worshipped more by my friend and brother Tyrrian than me. I have never really been given to calling upon the gods; more to cursing them I suppose, especially Corrno. I wouldn't ask if I thought I could accomplish this myself, but I know I cannot."

  Sighing heavily Tarek's gaze wanders about the temple, " I need your aid Sashu, bring my brother and the others back here so I can at the least put them to rest." Walking to one of the alcoves dedicated to Losborst, Tarek points at the marble goblet. "Losborst, your power has aided us in the past, and Beavis was a boon follower of yours. I have never asked much of the Gods before, but I ask now!"

  "Sashu, Losborst, Mesha, Corrno, Mabont, hear me now and grant me this favor!" Tareks cry echoes in the temple hall. The touch of a hand on his shoulder causes him to turn quickly facing an unheard visitor.

  A blind beggar had placed his hand on Tarek's shoulder to steady himself. "You have called and I've come. "Tarek looked into the filmy eyes of the man and felt himself slip away........

   A pattern like unto a chessboard made up the floor upon which Tarek now found himself standing. Squares of alternating black and white marble seemed to stretch off a hundred feet all around him. The sky was hazy and grey like a thick fog. As the thief peered into the swirling mists five figures approached from the gloom, as they neared he realized each was over a hundred feet tall and he recognized them from their effigies in the temple.

  Sashu, Losborst, Mesha, Corrno and Mabont surrounded Tarek. His breath sucked out of him at the sight of them. Sashu was the first to speak, his voice echoing in Tareks brain.

  "I heed you Tarek of Eros, and find you not so much worthy as I do your brother/friend. However Corrno and Mabont have sided with you and bid me hither. Losborst as well as Mesha are known to the surviving Heroes of Eros and have investment in your cause."

  Kneeling so as to be closer to Tarek, the Patron God of Thieves winks and speaks aloud, "You owe Mabont and myself for this. "

  A loud belch draws Tareks attention to Losborst as the God settles to the ground in a cross legged position. "Sezrekan pushes his luck too far! The Balance Blade is no toy for him or his lackeys to wield wily-nily. I will aid Sashu in your request and in bringing home those who were lost to you. I will enact my own price from them, as Sashu and I would see you given the chance for justice."

  "I stand neither for or against what transpires here," Mesha says as her hair fades from autumn red to raven black, " my faithful has walked with you since the begining of your journey, and she will continue with you as the whims of change see fit. You have entered autumn before the long winter Tarek, there is much more change to come for you and your friends."

  Sashu speaking aloud now says, "Mabont has shown us all the events that transpired, we all agree to use our power to not only return your friends to the Prime World but also to restore life to those who wish to return from the beyond. In so doing each of them will have a price to be paid, as well as this quest we bestow upon you and those who return."

  Each of the gods was then enveloped in a shimmering aura and disappeared and the mists cleared affording Tarek a view that twisted his brain.

 The God Ark hovering above him made the mortal realize how insignificant he could be to the Gods and as the pinpoint of light grew to blinding proportions Tarek dropped to the floor hands covering his head. He felt the swirling sensation begin to overtake him as it had in the Temple and Tarek faded from consciousness once more.

[GM] So, Tarek has called upon the Gods. He invoked the names multiple times and was answered. For his efforts the Characters that were killed by Alexander have been given the Choice to return to life upon the mortal world if they so chose. The choice is for the Owner of those characters to make.

1) If you choose LIFE: the character awakes in the Temple of the Gods in Modron. You owe a Debt to your Primary chosen God to called in at a later time. Each character has also gained a 1 point increase in their Luck ability from Corrno, God of Thieves. You must also go on a quest that has been determined by the Five Gods in the never-ending battle of Law Vs. Chaos.

2) If you choose Death: the character will go to the afterlife and be quite happy. This PC could be contacted again by Speak with Dead spells or other supernatural means. He may also choose to become a ghost and haunt the place where he died.

The characters that are eligible for these choices are: Tyrrian, Beavis, Garrotte, Randi, & Erwyn. You can post your characters answer in the comments or notify me directly.

** Tyrrian has chosen LIFE! He has been tasked with a debt to Sashu, increased his Luck by 1 point and will be learning just what this Quest of the 5 Gods will be!

** Brother Beavis has chosen LIFE! He owes a favor to Losborst, increased his Luck by 1 point and will be learning just what the Quest of the 5 Gods will be!

** Garrote Denslinger has chosen LIFE! He owes a favor to Mesha, increased his Luck by 1 point and will be learning just what the Quest of the 5 Gods will be!

** Erwyn Rockclimber has chosen LIFE! He owes a favor to Losborst, increased his Luck by 1 point and will be learning just what the Quest of the 5 Gods will be!

Cleaning house with Lars & Calis.

  While Sally is away investigating the rumors of a wild beast in Seastrand, Lars takes it upon himself to organize a small expedition back to the Spire of Shadankin. He and Calis visit Dose Dode an inquire about hiring the services of a group of ordinary gentlemen for the job.

The Spire

   Returning to the spire is simple enough as it is just a half mile down the beach, and the group makes the walk there well before lunch. Entering the the place itself is also quite easy and Lars can see that no one else has attempted entry since he was last here. The first hurdle to be crossed however was the turtle shell bridge. Two shells are now missing from the ten that spanned the chasm and a safe way to cross had to be set up. The magic is clearly fading.

   Once the chasm was crossed the gentlemen were split into teams to begin cleaning while Lars and Calis descend the stairs to the lagoon scouting out any lingering fish-men or other new occupants that may need to be ushered out. Finding naught but dried fish-men guts and their rotting foodstuffs the companions stepped out into the lagoon to be confronted with a sight neither of them were truly prepared for.

  The grotto where the climactic battle against the giant hammerhead shark had taken place had indeed been claimed by new inhabitants. The lagoon itself was clear as glass and a new living giant clam claimed the central spot of the aquatic garden, schools of multi-colored fish swam through the virtual forest of sea-fans and coral that bewildered the eyes of the dumbfounded adventurers.

"I can scarcely believe it!" exclaimed Lars, " Who or what could have done this in so short a time?"

"Our answer, I believe would lie with them." Calis nodded to the base of the steps which led into the lagoon.

Lars smiled and brushed his hair back as he dropped to one knee, "Greetings Ladies, I am Lars slayer of the hammerhead, and this is my friend Calis."

  "We know your name and the deeds of your fellows, the Sea-King has told us what you did for our ancestor. We all thank you and your friends for that as well as removing the Fish-men from this abode. We have long missed our garden since they came and forced us out." The mermaids giggle and whisper to one another while shooting glances at the men.

  A different mermaid swims forward speaking, "If you look to live above as Shadankin did in his time here we would ask only that you let us keep our garden and we will aid you as we can," slowly pulling herself up on the lowest step and gazing directly at Lars she continues, " and we could perhaps swim together and hear how you defeated Devil the hammerhead...." just as Lars was within a breath of her she dips back into the water as the others laugh.

  "Seems a fair bargain to me." said Calis as he touched Lars on the shoulder, "Perhaps you should not be so close to the water."

"We need to get those jelly-suits back here pronto!" says Lars as he winks at Calis.

[GM]
  The spire has been cleaned and made usable. It is a small place, but could serve well as a retreat for rest and recuperation. No more than four characters could stay there at any given time. Supplies will need to be delivered from the city to keep it livable.

Until the magic turtle shells can be replaced or a bridge built to span the chasm, a block and tackle elevator has been put in place to facilitate movement to the lower level without harm.

Both Lars & Calis have earned 1 xp point for this endeavor.