Umber

Umber

Of Peasants and Politics

April 28th, 2005

The psions’ plot to destroy Hommlet is foiled from Furyondy; Ammitai endures another trial in his quest for the Helm of the Purple Plume.

The geopolitical lesson concluded, Hadrack sat up and shifted closer to Sir Geoffrey and Brin again. “So what was this Sir Borch doing ordering you to Forestguard in the first place?” he asked. “He has no direct jurisdiction over you, and certainly no business sending knights of Dunthrane to Furyondian outposts.”
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In the Giants’ Den

April 28th, 2005

Curbing Ludan and Fozzy’s inclination to slaughter every frost giant in sight, the party searches for clues in their quest to liberate a powerful, but bound, nature spirit. (af)

After pillaging the Jarl’s treasure cache, you turn your attention to the areas sealed behind the Prismatic Wall.  Waiting the 2 hours necessary before the wall comes down is irritating, especially with the knowledge that the grey-cloaked individual is still at large.  Eventually, the wall comes down, and the door to the northern chamber opens slowly.  A huge figure steps gingerly out into the room, which you recognize as a cloud giant.  He is dressed in well-cured furs and hides, and has a sheathed great sword on his back.  Much golden jewelry is in evidence on him.
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Political Science

April 27th, 2005

Geoffrey explains the politics of the Flaeness to Brin as she puzzles over the ties between Furyondy and Veluna.

“Where would you like me to begin?” Geoffrey asked Brin, as Hadrack appeared settled in for an afternoon’s siesta.

“Oh, I don’t really know,” she confessed. “I barely know anything about anything. Sir Borch mentioned Furyondy, Ratik, and something about Knurl I think – oh, and the North Kingdom? I’ve heard of them all, but as to where they are relative to one another and why they’re important – it was all a jumble to me.”

The paladin nodded sympathetically. “All right, then. First, the geography. Let’s see – yes, this will do.”

Geoffrey reached over and plucked Hadrack’s hunting knife from his belt. The ranger’s eyes flew open when he heard the sound of metal scratching against rock. “Hey!” he cried out in protest.
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Best Laid Plans

April 26th, 2005

After disposing of two of the three items planted by T’lar’s psions in Hommlet, the adventurers mull over how to deal with a compromised Pelorite priest and his much-loved but deadly tapestry.

After clearing up the mystery of Forestguard, the adventurers felt the need to further hone their skills and separated for training. Brin was about a week into her studies at the mausoleum in Greyhawk when she received a reply to a message she’d sent via a quick but relatively standard messenger. Please do, was all it said. She requested and received a day’s leave from her work, and early in the morning of that day, after picturing in her mind a certain hearth in a certain inn in a certain forest, cast a spell of recall and found herself standing in Hadrack’s private rooms. The ranger was reading by the fire, awaiting her. “I wondered how you’d arrive.”
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A Fairy Tale

April 25th, 2005

Callie learns a trick of psions fighting psions. (sab)

In a relaxed moment you sit down to perform your customary meditative practice. You have just settled in when your hand twitches slightly, and you reflexively begin to reach for your pack. Quickly you pull your hand back, and there is no resistance. Out of curiosity, you cautiously put yourself in the same frame of mind and watch, fascinated, as you reach for your pack, and open it. You pull out a piece of parchment, a pen and ink, and your tinderbox. The same soft compulsion drives you to ink your pen, and begin drawing.
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The Reach of the Enemy

April 24th, 2005

Mysterious and unfriendly forces swirl about Hommlet; the adventurers grow concerned when they discover a strange merchant has sold unique items to strategic individuals there.

It was a little after ten o’clock at night by the time the adventurers finished speaking with Canoness Y’Deh and smuggled Genevive and the rest of Arda’s captives into the church. Brin had planned to nap for an hour before beginning her prayers, but Willie had other ideas. “You aren’t going to talk to Hadrack?”

“I’m very tired.”

“You’re still afraid,” he said in a tone of mild accusation.
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Corwin’s New Mentor

April 23rd, 2005

Corwin travels to Rastor to meet a new mentor, to find something he didn’t expect. (af, sab)

One day during the adventurers’ lengthy rest after defeating Moloch and restoring the multiverse, Corwin received a message from his old teacher in Rastor: A new master with skills that I believe well-suited to you has joined the Assembly. If you are interested, you should return there at your earliest convenience.
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Coming Home

April 22nd, 2005

For the first time in seventeen years, the Blasingdell children take time to rest.

Outside of Blasingdell one early morning, an older man and an adolescent boy traveled with a well-worn wagon and a well-kept horse, just another trader and his assistant on their way to ply their wares. “Stop looking as if your eyes are going to pop out of your sockets,” the man scolded. “It makes you conspicuous.”
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Weasel and Cat

April 21st, 2005

Glim-gar’s final gifts to Brin and Vayel. (sab)

Something small, furry, and warm climbs quickly from beneath the boot into Brin’s sleeve. Instinctively she knows that it is an old friend, one which she has missed for many years. But no – not her friend, but Svengali’s…
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Endgame Again, Part III: Blastir’s Fruit

April 20th, 2005

The damaged World Seed attracts an unwelcome amount of attention. 

An uncomfortable silence lingered in Hadrack’s private rooms at the Three Feathers Inn. Hanen was relieved that Brin had missed the momentary change in Klavicus’ hand. Hadrack, however, had not. But before he could utter a word, Psydney said, It is all right.

That, he replied harshly into her mind, was a demon claw. What have you allowed into my inn?  “Erenil,” he said aloud, “could you and Brin refresh the tea? Perhaps bring a little food for our guests?”
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