Umber

Kuhlefaran, restless cleric of Fharlanghn interested in neither weddings nor economic forecasts, departs on a mission. (af, dj, tad)

As Kuhlefaran packs to set off on Marial’s errands, the party says goodbye.

Jake: Ah Kuhlefaran, your aid has been invaluable during our last adventure, and I thank you for it. I can understand how the fire within you drives you on to more adventure. Still, Magnus’ fire burns more fiercely and I feel a responsibility to help him find a way of dousing it. Having to rely unconditionally on another, even if it be a friend, must grate on a person’s self-esteem.

I consider you a friend and wish you luck, if you don’t mind Olidammara looking your way once in a while, on your new adventures. Should you find yourself in trouble, contact me, and if you ever run across anything that could provide me with more or less permanent darkvision, please let me know. Something along the lines of those ingenious goggles we found on Gulthias would be ideal. I’m not interested in something that will change me more, for instance a spell that will change my finely sculptured head into that of an orc, as my form already draws more attention than someone with my inclinations cares for.

Magnus: Thank you, Kuhlefaran, for your assistance. We couldn’t have done it without you. You had better get going before our tender-hearted rogue starts crying. Be safe!

If you see any very large, very magical swords (not the veritable toothpicks I wield now) send me word at the Glitterhame. If you ever need help, send word, and I will assist however I may.

Bane: I too will sorely miss you, Kuhlefaran. Perhaps you did not mean to travel with us for so long, but clearly powerful forces brought us together to defeat the fiend Gulthias. Your assistance, and moreover your friendship, was greatly welcome in our latest trials. Take this package [one carefully wrapped block of Incense of Meditation] from Tomar and Meepo, and remember us well. Should you ever have need of me, you need only call. I am indebted to you for the lives of my friends. I will provide you with a list of things I desire should you encounter them in your travels. Safe roads to you my friend and may Fharlanghn smile upon your journey. Should you tire of travel, you will always be welcome with us in Blasingdell.

And you, Marial, are welcome to travel with us to Blasingdell. While I cannot speak for the rest of my companions, I will assist you in the tasks you have laid out, in solving the mystery of Jallarzi Sallavarian. They say the mighty mage Ray walked the path of neutrality, before his fall into the depths of hell. They call him the Traitor. I have walked this same path, and at every turn evil has beckoned me with offers of power, both with force and guile. Could it be that it is better to step off the fence before one is pushed? Perhaps the world needs more of hero’s good, to fight the ever growing evil. I may not be such a man yet, but the path is worthy of walking. I will help you Marial, for I believe the answers I seek may be found with you.

However, there is one concern I have that I must speak of now. I had forgotten in that foul and wretched Spire, but after I had rejected the offer from Gulthias, I sense a benevolent Presence nearby, and just before it faded, a flash of brilliant blue. From what I understand, a blue-robed magic user also fought in the spire. A blue box with blue gemstones on the side with an impression of a key was found in the tower of Jallarzi. The description of Alf matches that of Tenser, a mage who customarily wore blue robes. Finally, a spell book dropped by the blue-robed mage, imprinted with the letter “T” on the cover, and containing only Tenser’s spells.

Given this information, and Gulthias’ two-week old letter containing the code that Psydney broke,

    T keep secured gate aligned 3M

could it be that someone (the assassin Ren Taylor?) has secured Tenser’s keep (with the help of this key) and lies in wait 2.5 months hence in ambush for his return? I may be mistaken and the evidence circumstantial, however I believe we are already deeply involved in this mystery of Jallarzi Sallavarian.

On a more amusing subject, I wonder if that drunkard dwarf monk has been killed by his clan yet. Actually, I am a bit more curious if he has the balls to crash Haissha’s wedding. After all, one must wonder if his incessant need to drink and die didn’t drive her from the adventuring path. We will likely see anon.