Blaine

Rule of Three thread for Blaine and his characters.

“Here are those herbs you asked for.”

“Oh, thank you Xune, where would I be without you?”

“Probably back in Silverymoon, along with myself and Dende.”

C’nedra smiles and thinks about it for a moment, “True, but this place is growing on me,” she says with a smile, “not too bad.”

Xune smiles back in agreement, yes, this city of Rock Hammer had turned out better than expected. Especially after hearing all of the rumors about how small towns in the frontier often have a zero tolerance policy towards certain races. But Rock Hammer was different. As legend tells, the place was built on racial indifference.

Xune sighs, “Do you really think this is what Sehanine has in store for you?”

C’nedra smiles, “Yes, yes I do. I feel like I can make a difference here. In Silverymoon, I was one priestess of many. Here, I am the sole representative of the aspect of Sehanine at the church of Selune, for all of the Republic of Rock Hammer.”

Xune smiles again, it is good to see her close friend so happy.

“What about you, Xune?”

“What about me?” snaps Xune, “We are happy here.”

“No. What do you think Sehanine has in store for you?” asks a pressing C’nedra.

Xune pauses for a moment trying to think of something.

“You have successfully escorted me here, you have helped around the church, but what of you and your purpose? How will you best serve Sehanine?”

Xune stammers for a moment, hating to be caught off-guard for anything, even a simple question.

C’nedra places a comforting hand on Xune’s shoulder, much like how she would calm the nerves of church followers in times of need. “You have a gift,” she says as she glances down at Xune’s exotic weapon.

“Have you ever thought of striking out into the unknown? Fighting for the cause of Sehanine and her glory?”

"C'nedra... I have a confession to make. I have not been completely honest with you about why I wished to accompany you here to Rock Hammer. Our friendship means so much to me and I would truly offer my assistance if you ever had a need, but...I had other motivations as well." Xune breathed a long sigh and reached for C'nedra's hand.

C'nedra remained silent but attentive and gave Xune's hand an encouraging squeeze. She had learned from here years in the priesthood that sometimes it was best to just let person take their time when revealing something from their hearts.

Xune continued after the short pause, "Well...I'll start with what you already know. My last name is D'Arqdae, but that was not the family name of my great-great-grandmother. She and a handful of others fled the Underdark a bit more than 100 years ago. They fled political and religious persecution fueled by the well known intolerance of the Drow. After many days of travel, leaving them poor and broken, they found refuge in Silverymoon among other followers of Sehanine. Though the Drow were welcomed and cared for by their fellows in faith, other groups and members of the larger Silverymoon community showed much fear and prejudice with their arrival. This slowly passed over time, but singular events of racism and discrimination still occur, as you know… I am sorry, I don’t mean to bore you with things you are already familiar. It’s just…I really want to make sure you understand…”

C’nedra again squeezed Xune’s hand added a small smile.

“So…well, you may be wondering why I mentioned my last name so specifically a moment ago. The D’Arqdae name was carried by pure blooded elves until the Drow of the Sehanine faith came to Silverymoon. At that time, there were only a few members of the D’Arqdae line that lived in or regularly traveled through the city. Xune, my great-great-grandmother, met a member of the line under terrible circumstances…

"She was on an errand for the church and was accosted by a small group of city folk. They barred her entrance into one of the merchant shops that was frequented by many others from the church. Their volatile language and aggressive behavior drew a crowd, but she stood her ground, patiently waiting to continue her business. Before the situation became any worse, a well accounted elf separated from the crowd and greeted her politely and took her arm as if to escort her on her way. But instead of guiding her away from the scene, he elegantly steered her around the few true racists and onlookers right into the shop. The shock and bewilderment of the citizens was equally matched by Xune’s surprise. Xune thanked the elf and was answered with an offer to escort her for the rest of her errands… This was the beginning. She saw him infrequently because of his adventuring, but a deep bond slowly grew. On one return to Silverymoon, they shared many blissful weeks and talk of bonding under the blessing of the church was discussed. He had other commitments and before anything could be truly settled, he again left with promises to return. When Xune gave her passionate farewell, neither she nor her lover was aware she was with child…

“My great-great-grandmother’s lover never returned, but in their shared grief and love for his child, the D’Arqdae family accepted Xune and her child as blood kin. There was never much fan fair or gossip about what happened. It pretty much stayed with in the church and family. She told me this story about her lover and our family when I was young, before her passing. Her lover’s name was Bastion D’Arqdae.”

C’nedra waited for her to say more, but only saw Xune looking at her for some sort of recognition. C’nedra looked away for a brief moment. The name did sound familiar, but that could just be because of its shared association with her close friend. C’nedra sheepishly returned her gaze to Xune and said, “I’m sorry…the name seems familiar, but…”

Xune let her friend’s words hang in the air for a good ten seconds before answering the unasked question. “Bastion D’Arqdae was one of the founders of Rock Hammer. Guided by Amyria, follower of Bahamut, and the Order of the Platinum Shield, Bastion D’Arqdae was slain by the Dragon Chillreaver in the Battle over the Seed of Winter.” Xune again went silent and slowly saw her friend’s expression change as things started to fall into place. “I decided to come to Rock Hammer to protect you, but also to discover more about my ancestor, the greatest love of my namesake. I pray for Sehanine to guide me in honoring her and my family as a D’Arqdae returns to Rock Hammer after more than 100 years…I believe I am here to glorify Sehanine as an avenging protector of the vision my ancestor and his companions started. My friend, I am truly sorry for not sharing my inner passions and anxieties with you sooner.”

With tears in her eyes, C’nedra drew Xune close into a sisterly hug and they both prayed to the holy moon goddess Sehanine.

C’nedra smiles and holds Xune’s hands, “Thank you for sharing,” she gasps as she has remembered something, “Oh, I have something to show you!”

The priestess of Sehanine excitedly darts across the room to fetch a paper from her desk, smiling broadly she hands it to Xune, “I think you should sign up for this!”

Xune takes a deep breath, wondering what her best friend has in store for her.



A confused looks crosses Xune’s face, “But…I don’t know any-“

“Look at the bottom!” shouts an animated C’nedra.

Xune frowns a bit. Adventure with strangers? Xune had lived an entire life trusting only a select few who have proven themselves worthy, now I’m supposed to work with strangers?

Sensing her trepidation C’nedra interrupts, “I heard that a dwarf by the name of Baern Coldforge is going to join. His great-great-grandfather was Kregnok Coldforge, who legends tells, adventured with Bastion D’Arqdae and knew him quite well. What do you think?”

"Well, this certainly isn't something that Dende would want to be a part of... This contest may be a sign of Sehanine's encouragement and approval for the path I have started... I shall meet this heir of Coldforge and take his measure. My ancestor found strength and companionship in the name Coldforge. I may find the same... We haven't been here long, but do you know anyone from the family or maybe someone who could make an introduction?"

“Sadly, I don’t know anyone from the Coldforge clan,” C’nedra says with disappointment, “and…well, the contest is tomorrow morning.”

Xune shakes her head, things are happening too fast.

“I know,” says the reassuring C’nedra, “things don’t always happen the way we would like them. But consider the bond you will form with him along with your other allies over time.”

Xune thinks about it for a moment, her friend’s words are true once again.

C’nedra smiles, “Then it is settled! You should make sure you are fully prepared for your big day tomorrow. If you need any coin to purchase equipment just let me know, I would be happy to invest in your adventuring career before you get too terribly rich from saving kingdoms and the like!”

The two women share a good laugh over this.

“But seriously,” says C’nedra as she brings the mood back down, “rumor has it that they have hauled in monsters from the Nether Mountains in secret for the contestants to battle in the morning.”

Xune takes a step back, startled to hear the news, “Is it true? What are they?”

C’nedra nods, “Goblins. And one of them is huge.”


DM – Ok, unless you have anything else for this prologue I think we are pretty much ready for the start on the campaign on the 27th! Good luck!

Yea, it was just part of the conversation. I know that starting with 300 gp wasn't enough to buy anything too terribly cool at the start, but it is more designed to give you a nice heads start on your first purchase. Maybe after a couple of minor quests.

:-) As I figured. Looking forward to next weekend!!

Ok, Ready, Set, Start Rolling!

For your new level!

You should be gaining a new feat and a utility power and each one requires 6 successes each to acquire (for a total of 12). It's a d20 roll and the DC is 11. You get a +4 bonus to all of your rolls since you'll be working with your trainer, C'nedra. You get to make three rolls per D&D day so start rolling and let me know how many days it takes for you to get 12 successes. Also, post up what you'd like to do with the rest of this two week burnoff to level up.

It took Xune 6 days to atain her new abilities (after 12 successes...I even had a natural 20 on day 3). For the rest of that time She would spend some time meditating and praying to Sehanine, investigating the Believer's Guild a bit more (to see how she may fit in and how it may benefit her), and take some time to inquire further of Ce'Nedra about the member of the church who was robbed and the item taken.

So, it took Logan two days and Baern three days to level up, so I decided to make this a one week burnoff. Logan only gained a feat so he didn’t have a lot of rolls, and Wil…well, his rolls looked suspicious. And I know that guy can’t roll dice at all when we play. Anyways, I have a little details of what you did in your spare time.

You learned a little of the structure of the Believer’s Guild and it is much like the other guilds around town (League of Fighters, and the Arcane Academy are good example). There are 10 ranks in the guild and currently you are at the bottom rung with the title of “Novice”. As you do more work for the Church of Sehanine, you’ll move up, gain benefits and what not.

C’Nedra fills you in a little of the upcoming mission. “It’s the skull you want to know about, isn’t it? Well, me and the other Selune sisters were planning on studying it, to learn more of its great necromantic powers. I have not been told where it came from, our how we obtained it, just that it was taken from one of our followers as he was headed here with it. I must admit, I’m a little nervous about having it here in town. I guess we were going to study it elsewhere, so as not to have such a foul and evil thing here in the temples.”

During the down time, Xune will work with Ce'Nedra to understand the reason for the church's interest in the skull. She will push Ce'Nedra to give some good answers to why she is toying with something so dangerous. She will also set her khopesh down for the week to share some quality time with Dende...not focusing on personal or group goals.

Ce'Nedra pulls you aside, out of ear shot of everyone else in the temple.

"We are on the verge of something great," she says with excitement, "something that could change the future of the word."

"Do you know what some herbalists believe makes a good natural antidote for snake venom? They actually use the snake venom itself as part of the cure for its terrible poison. That is what myself and a few of the other Selune priests are working on. We are working against necromancy by using and understanding necromatic relics. True, it is dangerous work, but think of the outcome! You've have probably heard of divine infused battle standards that give off waves of radiant powers that weakens undead, well thing of that but city wide! Who knows, maybe even to cover all of Faerun one day."

Dende is quite pleased to see you be able to spend some time with him. You get the sense that he is getting a little antsy to do something, perhaps adventure like you have at some point in the future.

Xune struggled a bit with axquiring her new ability, since it involved teleportation. She was able to traing and gain her new power in 5 days.

Coolio, anything else you want to do with those last two days?

During any free time, Xune would spend time with Dende. Recognizing the itch that appears to be growing in him, Xune will talk about her experiences with The Brigade. Express to him how the efforts of a focused group will always be stronger than an individual standing alone. She will praise his healing abilities as a true gift that could help many, especially when combined with the varied skills of others. Xune will also comfort him regarding any hesitance he may have because of his pacifist sensibilities. In fact, Xune will make clear how his ideals could help lead many situations toward peaceful outcomes instead of violent ones. Xune will encourage him to expand his faithful daily routine to include explorations in the city and inqueries with the Believer's Guild.

Leveling up from 3rd to 4th level

• The DC for each roll is 13
  
  
• You get a +4 bonus for working with a trainer
  
  
• You need six success for your new feat
  
  
• You need eight success for each ability score going up
  

If you want to sell magical equipment you may do so at 50% exchange rate.

Xune completed her training in an exhausting 11 days. She also had 2 natural 20's in the process (1 on day 2 and the 2nd on day 7).

Dende appreciates your words and seems more and more eager to venture forth into the world for himself. In fact he has already been taking a more active role in the community.

“I’ve been assisting our brothers and sisters over at the Temple of Torm lately. They have begun daily prayers at their temple and at the town center at midday for the safe and quick return of High Priest Troy Percival as he attacks the Temple of Bane outpost high in the mountains. I believe a good relationship between all of the temples here in Rock Hammer is beneficial to our beliefs and everyone here.”

"It is truly wonderful to see you taking such an active roll in the community that is our new home. As each day goes by, I know we are meant to be here...together."

**blushes**

You are in the Temple of Selune, chatting with C’nedra. She has expressed her appreciation for Dende and his studies. “There is something special about that one. He understands concepts of healing that most high priests can’t comprehend.”

C’nedra excuses herself to go into the containment vault that houses some of the evil and necrotic items you have brought back. In the meantime you relax in her office and doze off to sleep.

You snap to about a half-a-second before the screams start from the streets. Quickly you dart out of the temple and see Rock Hammer under attack.

The skies seem filled with small, white flying creatures, and unmistakable chill washes over the valley. Some of the creatures are on the streets as citizen run to cover. One of these beasts, a white dragon wyrmling, steps in front of you and the two of you are locked in a one-on-one battle.

…to be continued…(on Sunday!)

Holy Crap!
I was planning on spending my down time on catching up with Ce'Nedra, in fact. I wanted to see if the Brigade's efforts in attaining the dark items bore fruit for the church and the community. She would also spend as much time with Dende as was possible. And again...
I new it was coming, but Holy Crap!!

Now that you finally have some downtime in Rock Hammer you go to spend some time with C’Nedra. As you enter the Greatrock Ward you see High Lady Kadaline Willow (Waukeen), Sister Emesha (Torm), and Luckmistress Calrissa Lupkas (Tymora) walking together.

“Hello ladies, have a blessed day!” you say with a friendly wave.

Instead of a warm reception you are met with glares and hushed words between the three of them. What the hell? Everything was fine just yesterday.

Confused you enter the Temple of Selune, “Strangest thing happened just now, I was walking over here-“

“Not now, Xune, we have more pressing news.”

C’Nedra looks worried, as she reads over a document, “This came in this last night. It is a call for help out of Sundabar. A handful of merchant’s children were kidnapped by the People of the Black Blood.”

Your muscles tense up when you hear that name. The People of the Black Blood are a group of lycanthropes who worship the beastlord Malar. They commonly kidnap humans to perform bloody rituals to honor their god.

C’Nedra places a calm hand on you, “I know, I feel the same. But here is where it gets interesting. The merchants have put together a ransom.”

“A ransom?!?” you interject, “What are werewolves going to want with gold?”

C’Nedra nods, “That’s what I thought, but the People of the Black Blood have agreed to meet with the merchants at their camp in the Eastern Glimmerwoods (about 100 miles north of Sundabar), and they will grant the negotiators sage passage.”

You are about to question why, when C’Nedra finishes your thought. “The People of the Black Blood hold honor very highly, no harm will come to the negotiators. And I know your next question, why negotiate? They are just going to sacrifice these children. What I find more interesting is the fact that the People of the Black Blood asked that you, Xune, act as negotiator on behalf of the merchants of Sundabar.”

Your heart nearly stops, Me?!? What in the world is going on?!?

“It gets more interesting,” says C’Nedra as she holds up one of the Sending Stones, “I spoke to Dende this morning.”

You heard the other day that Logan, through some weird series of events, met with Carlos in the Underdark and received a sending stone from him. “Wait,” you ask, “How did you get it from Logan?”

Smiling, C’Nedra explains, “Easy. Go to Nok & Nak’s, wait for Logan to pass out, grab stone.”

Hmmm, makes sense.

“Dende informed me that the Six Fingers rescued a man named Gidas Silverstar.”

You ask, “Any relation to Elin’qa Silverstar, that we heard was captured in Everlund?”

“Yes, his wife. Gidas’s tale is interesting. He and his wife, both followers of Selune, were captured by the tiefling named Torment in Everlund. When Torment found them to be lacking as sacrifices, he planned to sell the two of them to a group called the Bloodreavers; hobgoblins from the Underdark who were raiding the surface for slaves. However, a group of lycanthropes interceded and purchased Elin’qa. They said they knew this is exactly the type of…incentive they needed to draw Xune to them.”

“What?!? Me?!? By name?!?”

“It makes sense, in a way. Xune, you have a reputation that is growing through the region. When someone wants to prove themselves, they often seek out the most well-known individual in the area to challenge them. That person, at least for the People of the Black Blood, is you.”