Miniquest "Hope Blooms Eternal" EL3 [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTimePost
MitzaVolchenko

05-26-06, 04:25 PM
This is a quest for Lantash the Ancient who is seeking entrance into the CEF. If you are not bluemage55 or myself, please do not post here until teh quest is complete.

Week 1:

Used:
Rewards:
MitzaVolchenko

05-26-06, 04:28 PM
LANTASH THE ANCIENT
http://www.geocities.com/cbyerspace/magicpages/29.jpg

Venerable True Neutral Male Human
Medium Humanoid [Human], Height 5'0", Weight 124lbs
ECL 3 (Clr of True Neutrality 3)
Experience: 3,500
Next Level: 6,000
Ability Scores:
STR 2 [-4] (8, -6age)
DEX 2 [-4] (8, -6 age)
CON 2 [-4] (8, -6 age)
INT 19 [+4] (16, +3 age)
WIS 21 [+5] (18, +3 age)
CHA 19 [+4] (16, +3 age)

Hit Points : 5 [3d8-12 HD] [17 (Cle) – 12 Con]
AC 6 [-4 Dex] , Touch 6, Flat 6
Initiative : -4
BAB/Grap : -2/-2 [+2 Bab, -4 Str]
Speed 30 ft. [30ft. base speed]

Saves:
Fort -1 [+3 Cleric, -4 Con]
Ref -3 [+1 Cleric, -4 Dex]
Will +8 +3 Cleric, +5 Wis

Attacks:
Sickle:…….......................-2 melee, 1d6-4 (20/x2)
Spiked Gauntlet:................-2 melee, 1d4-4 (20/x2)
Dagger:………..................-2 ranged, 1d6-4 (19-20/x2)

Feats:
Skill Focus (Concentration) [human]
Skill Focus (Use Psionic Device) (1st)
Skill Focus (Listen) (3rd)


Racial Abilities: Human
+1 skill point/lvl
1st level bonus feat

Class Abilities: Cleric
Weapon and Armor Proficiencies: All Simple weapons, all armor types and all shields (except tower)
Domain: Magic (Use spell completion as wizard of half cleric level [1st])
Domain: Luck (Good Fortune 1/day)
Turn Undead (7/day)
Spontaneous Casting of Cure Wounds spells


Skills (42 points Cleric)
+6 Concentration [7 cleric -4 Con +3 feat]
+4 Diplomacy [0 ranks +4 Cha]
-4 Hide [0 ranks -4 Dex]
-4 Jump [0 ranks -4 Str]
+11 Knowledge (Planes) [7 cleric +4 Int]
+8 Listen [7 cleric +5 Wis]
-4 Move Silently [0 ranks -4 Dex]
+14 Profession (Sage) [7 cleric +5 Wis +2 circumstance]
+7 Psicraft [3.5 cleric +4 Int]
-4 Ride [0 ranks -4 Dex]
+8 Spot [7 cleric +5 Wis]
+3 Tumble [0 ranks -4 Dex]
+10 Use Psionic Device [3.5 cleric +4 Cha +3 feat]

Speaks Common, Celestial, Abyssal, Infernal, Auran
Speak Language [1 + 4 int] [5 total languages]

Spells Prepared: [4/4+1/2+1]
0: [DC 15] Resistance x2, Virtue x2
1: [DC 16] Entropic Shield (domain), Sanctuary, [s]Sanctuary, Sanctuary, Sanctuary
2: [DC 17] Aid (domain), Spiritual Weapon x2

Equipment :
Weapon: Sickle [2 lb.] [6 gp]
Weapon: Cold Iron Dagger [1 lb.] [4 gp]
Weapon: Silvered Spiked Gauntlet [1 lb.] [25 gp]
Wand: Magic Missile (CL: 1st) (50/50) [-] [750 gp]
Wand: Cure Light Wounds (CL: 1st) (50/50) [-] [750 gp]
Wand: Summon Monster I (CL: 1st) (49/50) [-] [750 gp]
Misc: Monk’s Outfit [-] [Free]
Misc: Holy Symbol, Wooden (scale of the Balance) [-] [1 gp]
Misc: Spell Component Pouch [2 lbs.] [5gp]
Total Equipment [6 lbs] [1841 gp]

Scrolls and Tattoos: [CL] (Gold)
Arcane Scroll: Mage Armor [1] (25) [x3]
Arcane Scroll: Shield [1] (25) [x3]
Divine Scroll: Obscuring Mist [1] (25)
Divine Scroll: Protection from Chaos [1] (25)
Divine Scroll: Protection from Evil [1] (25)
Divine Scroll: Protection from Good [1] (25)
Divine Scroll: Protection from Law [1] (25)
Divine Scroll: Shield of Faith [1] (25]
Tattoo: Vigor [1] (50] [x3]
[Total Value [450gp]

Miscellaneous Statistics:
Encumbrance: 0-6 (light), 7-13 lbs. (medium), 14-20 lbs. (heavy)
Weight carried: 6 lbs.

Equipment in the Catacombs :
Misc: Masterwork Lore Books (Profession [Sage] Tool)
334 gp
Total Value [384 gp]

Allies and Equipment :
Scale, carrying: [150gp]
Lantash with Equipment [130 lbs.]
Saddle, Military [25 lbs.] [10gp]
Saddlebags [8 lbs.] [4 gp]
Bit and Bridle [1 lb.] [2gp]
Total Carried By Scale [164 lbs.] [175gp]

Total Treasure: 3000gp


Scale
Race: Light Warhorse
Large Animal
True Neutral

Statistics:
STR…….16 (+3)
DEX........13 (+1)
CON…...17 (+3)
INT…….02 (-4)
WIS……13 (+1)
CHA.......06 (-2)

Hit Points: ...... …22 (3d8+9 HD)
Bab/Grp: …… …+2/+9
Movement: …. …60 ft.
Initiative: …… …+1
Armor Class: ...…14 (touch 10, flat 13, both 9) +4 natural, +1 dex, -1 size

Saves:
Fort +6
Ref +4
Will+2

Feats: Endurance, Run
Skills: Listen +4, Spot +4
Racial: Low-light vision, Scent
Tricks: Attack, Come, Defend, Down, Guard, Heel

Attacks:
Full attack: 2 Hooves and 1 Bite
Hoof: +4 melee, 1d4+3 (20/x2)
Bite: -1 melee, 1d3+1 (20/x2)

Encumbrance:
Light load: 230 lb. or less; Medium load: 231-460 lb; Heavy load: 461-690 lb.



Untold ages ago, Lantash was a mighty servant of the balance who fought to bring stability to the region of Gladius. In the days after he succeeded and the Nimbus was established, Lantash took to the catacombs beneath the city, falling into a deep slumber until the time when he would be needed again. With the destruction of a large part of the Nimbus, Lantash was awakened from his rest, but was horrified to find that the long sleep, coupled with the damage to the Nimbus (in which he had vested a considerable amount of his own life energy). had left his ghaele eladrin body shriveled to that of an aging human. Having discovered that it was the Harvester who was responsible for the disturbance, he seeks now only to regain his strength and destroy the Seraph of Death. With his aged human body, Lantash knows that his only chance will be to acquire a means to regain his angelic form, and fights with all his will (for there is little left but his will) to earn the necessary wealth in the arena.


Buffs and Prefight actions:
Begin mounted on Scale.

Fights results:
Fight 01 - (Lose ) vs (Ten Vermond) - +300 Exp, +300gp


Wand of Summon Monster I (1 charge)
MitzaVolchenko

05-26-06, 04:31 PM
Welcome to the Celestial Expeditionary Forces, Master Lantash! We are honored that you want to join our order and we will reserve a room for you as soon as we have expanded our base. Which is in about 2 weeks from now on. You can use the time to get acquainted with our Warriors of Light, our ethics and codes, and our goals. Talk to the others around here as often as you wish.

We have an old tradition though. Anyone who wants to join our ranks has to pass a test. A mission or quest where you will have to accomplish something for our order. For a wise man such as you I have something special in mind.

You see, our base is expanding and with greater responsibility comes the need to protect ourselves from evil machinations of other guilds. The Marble Castle, our base, is mainly protected by our Warriors of Light and our soldiers but I am about to add magical wards to that list. As you can see here, I have begun with a mystical symbol inlayed into the ground that should protect us from outside teleport and scying spells. However, I am still missing one important material component which is very rare and difficult to get. It is one of the legendary black lotus blossoms that I need. My divinations have revealed that there is one growing on the highest peak of the Dragor Mounds.

Your task is to travel there and retrieve one but beware! Even at this time of the year, the dragor mounds can be cold and dangerous, and they are home to viscious predators. Rumors say that there is an old brass dragon roaming in the region who gives a riddle to everyone who wants something from his region. If that is true, then a wise man such as you is our best chance to get that important blossom.

I wish you good luck, Master Lantash.

@bluemage: You have to do a miniquest (EL = your ECL) to join. The task is written above. If you bring the blossom you will be a member as soon as we have room (we expand in 2 weeks). Don't forget to set up the correct title line on your sheet for next wednesday! If you have questions, ask away.

You have my deepest gratitude High Priest Ratrani. I will travel to the Dragor Mounds immediately, and I should return soon. May the Balance protect you and see you safely till next we meet.

@Guildmaster: Could you tell me how do I go about finding a questlord? Sorry, it's my first quest so I'm rather noob. :embarrass

Ready when you are.
bluemage55

05-26-06, 06:22 PM
Ready for the next hour and a half or so, then I have to get on a train for several hours.

Lantash leaves the CEF guildhall and travels to the stable, where his loyal steed Scale is being kept. He takes the time to carefully ready himself, meticulously checking to make sure his wands and scrolls are in place, and mentally reviewing the spells he has prepared. He mounts Scale and rides out to the city gates and searches for a guard that might point out the way to the Dragor Mounds.
MitzaVolchenko

05-27-06, 12:14 PM
The guard greets you with a hearty smile and wave. After listening to your request, she sketches a map of the area on the cobblestones with a charcoal stick.
"You'll want to be watching out there. Been some strange stuff going out that way for the last fair piece of time. One of those arcane types was running some kind of experiment out there, and we haven't seen him since."

You may refer to the map linked in the Intro
bluemage55

05-27-06, 11:00 PM
You have my thanks, child.

Lantash plots a route that cuts across the Plains of Naestitya to Fort Tipese, and then following the Dragor River to the Dragor Mounds. It would be safer to follow the road along the cities to the south, but Lantash's aged body would probably protest the much longer roundabout path. In any case, Lantash is protected by the Balance, and has little to fear from most bandits or stray monsters.

As he travels, Lantash keeps in mind the words of the guard and keeps his keen eyes and ears open (the character sheet should say +12 for both Listen and Spot, disregard the +8 typo) for any disturbances.
MitzaVolchenko

05-29-06, 07:07 PM
The journey is strangely quiet and Lantash is a bundle of aches and pains by the time he reaches his destination. Of course the blessed flower couldn't grow at the foot of mounds in neat beds...that would be too easy!

He sees a narrow path, paved with white granite leading in a spiral around the mound. The way looks well kept and appears to be solid and sound. Squinting into the gathering dusk, Lantash sees what looks like a marble pavilion two or three rounds of the Mound up.

As he begins to ascend the path he finds the walk easier as if something is making the aches of age lessen. Scale perks up almost immediately upon setting foot on the granite and together they make their way around and around the mound.

Approaching what he took for a pavilion from below, Lantash finds himself staring across a flattened area at the remains of some sort of large shelled creature, long dead. from the gorund level under the immense back there is an odd violet glow emanating.
bluemage55

05-29-06, 08:39 PM
Lantash remembers both that the lotus blossom he requires is found at the highest peak of the Mounds, and not here, so the glow is probably not from the material component he needs. He remembers also that there have been strange magical experiments of late, and draws a scroll of mage armor before guiding Scale to approach the area carefully, eyes scanning all around for any hint of danger.
MitzaVolchenko

05-29-06, 09:23 PM
Scale snorts and prances as the giant shell blots out the sky. As Lantash gets closer he sees that the glow is pulsing slightly. He steps closer alert for any sign of danger and finally peers into a shallow hole. Laying in the hole is what appears to be a miniature angel. She is smaller even than the pixies that Lantash is familiar with. She seems to be awake and in great pain but makes no sound as she lays still, letting off the violet glow. She meets Lantash's eyes with a pleading look as if begging him to help her, but when she opens her mouth no sound escapes.
bluemage55

05-29-06, 09:35 PM
Experience has taught Lantash well, and the word "TRAP!!!!" rings out in his mind. Still, he cannot simply leave her there. Considering his options, Lantash puts away his scroll and draws forth his summoning wand, summoning a celestial monkey and directing it to pick her up and hold her so that Lantash might examine her. If it is a trap, he thinks, better a summoned creature than himself.
MitzaVolchenko

05-30-06, 12:40 AM
As the monkey touches her it goes almost limp and obeys the command to present her, holding her very gently up for examination cupped in its palms.

Bending closely over the tiny creature, Lantash watches her lips moving as he tries to figure out what is wrong with her and what she is saying. He thinks that she is trying to say lotus.
bluemage55

05-30-06, 01:18 AM
Lantash realizes that the creature is either magically afflicted to be silent, or has had its vocal cords injured in some way. Lacking the strength to dispel a magical affliction, Lantash draws his wand of healing and attempts to cure her, lifting her from the monkey's grasp before it disappears and the end of its summoned lifespan.
MitzaVolchenko

05-30-06, 01:28 AM
The healing of the wand seems to perk her up a bit and soothe a bit of the pain, but she remains unable to rise or speak. She continues to try to indicate something which you believe is the word lotus.
bluemage55

05-30-06, 06:40 AM
"Lotus? What about a lotus? Are you speaking of the legendary black lotus that grows at the peaks of this mountain?" Lantash tries his best to communicate with and understand the stricken creature, pressing his considerable intelligence and wisdom to the task.

(Make whatever Int/Wis/Cha checks that are necessary to attempt to glean some understanding if Lantash remains unable to understand).
Caterane

06-16-06, 08:46 AM
Being an old sage, Lantash had a profound knowledge about all kinds of things and the rest is written in books. The creature was unknown to him but it had a good aura around it. Although there wasn't any obvious wound, it was clear that something greatly pained the creature, and the longer he remained in its prescence, two things became more and more facts: firstly, the creature spells the word "black lotus" over and over again, and secondaly, it endures great pain despite Lantash's healing efforts.

It was still a long way up to the top, and if he wanted to return during the daylight hours, it was time to travel on.

[I'll take over, bluemage. Let's try to post as often as possible to make this a cool quest.]
bluemage55

06-17-06, 01:49 AM
Lantash tucks the little fey in his pack carefully and continues up the mound, urging Scale to move at a brisk pace but remains alert for danger.
Caterane

06-17-06, 09:23 AM
The journey is long and painful. Lantash has to rest often to not get fatigued; his days as a young jumper are definately over. What did Enzoul have in mind when he sent him on such a perilious journey? For the younger newcomers, this path would not have been as much of a problem. Lantash also knew that he was completely helpless against a well-planned ambush up here in the mountains. Still, much of his concern was also with the little wounded fey who seemed to sleep in his bag.

The Dragor Mounds were a series of mountains that were rumored to hold many natural riches. Some dwarves are known to mine here but overall, the more savage species call these highs their home. Still, Lantash was on a mission for the CEF and it was an important one. The High Priest of the CEF has made clear that there will soon be a war coming in Gladius and that the Marble Castle must be prepared to deal with assaults from evil guilds. The Black Lotus - as the main component of Enzoul's ritual - would protect the CEF for years to come from all magical assaults, and only the foolish ones would dare to attack the mighty castle without magic! Thus, the fate of the CEF hinged on Lantash the Ancient. Such thoughts crossed the sage's mind during his travels.

After some hours, Lantash saw another plateau up ahead and strangely enough, there was again this pulsing light he saw some miles earlier. He quickly covered the last part of the stony path and stood at the edge of the plateau.

The plateau was about 150ft wide and blocked on the one side by a natural rock wall and on the other side by a deep fall to the bottom of the mountain. The wind was strong in this altitude but what caught Lantash's attention was a huge statue at the end of the plateau holding a plate infront of it. The plate was filled with earth and some exotic flowers; and the most beautiful of all was - the Black Lotus!

The statue was decorated with 4 signs which Lantash immideately recognized as the symbols for the four elements: water, fire, earth and air. The statue was flanked by three smaller statues who stood in a guardian pose. The left one was shaped like a current of air, the right one was a statue of a burning fire on legs, and the one in the center was resembling a solid rock with appendages. Unfortunately, all three of them seemed to be able to move, and even more unfortunately, they moved into Lantash's direction.


Knowledge identifies them as a small Earth, Fire, and Air Elemental.

Initiative:
Lantash (20-4) = 16
Air Guardian: 27
Fire Guardian: 9
Earth Guardian: 2

Please use the Invisible Castle Roller with the name HopeBlossom (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?u=HopeBlossom).

The Air Elemental doesn't move. Your turn!

http://www.caterane.de/CoCo/Ablage/Quest-HopeBlossom-Plateau1.jpg
bluemage55

06-17-06, 11:42 AM
The verbal components of a sanctuary spell forms quickly in Lantash's mind, but he holds back the short-lived spell until the guardians come closer. Lantash activates a tattoo of vigor and draws forth his wand of magic missile.
Caterane

06-18-06, 05:29 AM
While Lantash drew his wand he spotted a thin line inlaid in the natural floor. A closer inspection showed that they resemble some symbols, arcane maybe but Lantash couldn't tell as he had no knowledge about spellcraft or things arcane.

The guardians didn't move a limb.

[Spot 17+8 = 25]

[@bluemage: you can post more than one action in advance so that we can proceed faster]
bluemage55

06-18-06, 06:02 AM
Lantash believes that crossing the line might trigger the guardians into attack mode. Lantash casts spiritual weapon for a warhammer (+9 attack, 1d8+1/x3), directing it to attack the air elemental.

If the air elemental begins moving towards him, Lantash will cast sanctuary and fire magic missiles until the air elemental drops.

If the air elemental drops, Lantash will target the earth elemental, and then the fire elemental.

If the earth elemental or fire elemental begin moving towards him, Lantash will use a fire-and-retreat pattern to remain out of melee. With Scale's superior speed, the earth and fire elementals are essentially helpless once their air elemental ally is down (shoot-and-run, and double-moving away when necessary).
Caterane

06-18-06, 08:53 AM
Lantash begins to chant a prayer and is rewarded with a hovering spectral longsword which immideately approaches the air elemental and strikes down [Att: 21; Dam: 7].

In reaction, the elemental begin to move and leave their platforms to intercept Lantash. However, only the air elemental is fast enough to reach him in the same round.

Round 2:
The spiritual weapon attacks the air guardian again but misses the agile flyer [Att: 11]. Lantash 5ft steps back and casts sanctuary in hope the air elemental will stop its attacks [Will: 13] and indeed, it cannot breach Lantash's protection. The fire and earth guardian advance on Lantash.

Lantash: 10/5 hp; [1/4 SL], mounted, vigor [5], spiritual weapon (2/3), sanctuary (1/3)
Air Guard: 2/9 hp
Fire Guard: 9/9 hp
Earth Guard: 11/11 hp

http://www.caterane.de/CoCo/Ablage/Quest-HopeBlossom-Plateau2.jpg

@Bluemage: Please note that the fire elemental is as fast as you are and in no way can you escape that one on that map. Also, Sanctuary drops the moment you attack which happens next round with the spiritual weapon so I am not sure what you intention was when casting it a round before you attack. Anyway, you're the boss.

Round 3:
Lantash finds himself surrounded by the air and fire guardian with the earth guardian in a position to charge so he decides to take the risk of AoO's to move to a better position [Air Will: 4] [Fire Will: 3] and miraculously, the sanctuary spell wards the guardians off. The Spiritual Weapon attacks the air guardian once again [Att: 12] but misses before it vanishes. Worse even, the sanctuary spell dissipates upon the weapon's attack. Lantash draws his wand of magic missiles and fires once on the wounded air guardian [2 dam] which blows the guardian into nothing but smoke.

The slow but powerful Earth Guardian has real problems to get into melee with the rider but the Fire Guardian can easily charge the old man. It burst forward with incredible speed and almost knocks the priest from the saddle [Att:13; Dam:3].

Lantash: 7/5 hp; [1/4 SL], mounted, vigor [2], spiritual weapon (3/3)
Air Guard: 0/9 hp; disabled
Fire Guard: 9/9 hp; charged
Earth Guard: 11/11 hp

http://www.caterane.de/CoCo/Ablage/Quest-HopeBlossom-Plateau3.jpg

Round 4:
Lantash withdraws from the fire elemental and maneuvers towards the big statue where he can block charges. The elementals follow.

Round 5:
Lantash fires off a magic missile at the fast fire guardian [5 dam] and single rides away. The Earth elemental follows slowly but the fire elemental can close in.

Lantash: 7/5 hp; [1/4 SL], mounted, vigor [2]
Air Guard: 0/9 hp; disabled
Fire Guard: 4/9 hp
Earth Guard: 11/11 hp

http://www.caterane.de/CoCo/Ablage/Quest-HopeBlossom-Plateau4.jpg

Round 6:
Lantash shoots a magic missile [3 dam] and moves away but this time the fire elemental can base him again.

Lantash: 7/5 hp; [1/4 SL], mounted, vigor [2]
Air Guard: 0/9 hp; disabled
Fire Guard: 1/9 hp
Earth Guard: 11/11 hp

Round 7:
Lantash rides away and suffers a AoO [Att:10; Dam:2] but is also able to destroy the fire guardian with a magic missile [2 dam]. The helpless earth guardian is no threat for the fast rider...

Lantash: 5/5 hp; [1/4 SL], mounted
Air Guard: 0/9 hp; disabled
Fire Guard: 0/9 hp; disabled
Earth Guard: 11/11 hp

Follow-up MM damage on Earth Guardian: 2+2+2+3+3 = 12 damage

Used: 9 charges of Magic Missile wand, tattoo of vigor [1], scroll of mage armor

The Way to the Lotus is free...
bluemage55

06-18-06, 05:52 PM
Lantash grins in triump and moes to the Lotus to claim his prize. He brings forth the little fey to see what her reaction is.

@Caterane From what I infer from the spell descriptions, spritual weapon is the equivalent of summoning forth a monster and isn't directly attacking, which is what would deactivate the ward. Please correct me on this issue if I am incorrect (as I may quite well be).

Also, the small fire elemental has a speed of 50 ft., while Scale has a speed of 60 ft. Once the air elemental is down, Scale can double move away each turn (while the fire elemental is following him) until enough space has been created so that Lantash can fire a magic missle, move away, and end up over 100 ft. away.

Neither of these would have have affected the fight, however, so there is no need to rerun it. Still, I would like to be informed if my reasoning is wrong so that I can avoid mistakes in the future. Many thanks!
Caterane

06-19-06, 05:03 AM
Lantash approaches the big statue with the stone plate. Inside, he saw some of the most beautiful flowers he had ever seen even though he had no knowledge about plants. He recognized the lotus though from the picture Enzoul showed him but he would have guessed the correct one anyway. A marvelous perfect flower with black blossoms grew on the plate. Lantash picked it up, waited a few seconds for any countermeasures to go off - after all, there was no water guardian - then relaxed.

When he brought the lotus closer to the fey, its eyes widened as if it would see food for the first time in a month. It inhaled the strong odor of the plant and savored its scent. Apparently, this gave her some limited speech capability back. "P...p..pp...lease....t.t...t..the llll...o..t..u..s. I.....ddd...d..ie.".

His eyes confirmed what the fey said. It looked very ill and in bad shape as if it wouldn't survive another night. Unfortunately, Lantash had no knowledge about the creatures of nature so he couldn't tell for sure but it was without doubt the lotus that could provide the cure. On the other hand, there was the CEF which needed the lotus too and Enzoul had made clear how important this component was for his ritual.

Lantash put a hand on his chin for this was a tough decision to make.


Spiritual Weapon is an attack, heck, it even uses your own Bab and your wisdom just like any attack uses bab + ability. There are other spells who are much less obviously recognizable as an attack (evards tentacles, area silence) but still stop sanctuary. It is different from summon monster in that the SM spell creates a completely independent creature. A spell that uses your bab even is definately subject to disrupting sanctuary.

As for the speed, keep in mind that you are not running away from the elemental in an always straight line but are on a small battlefield. You have to keep on the outer rim of the map to gain the most out of your movement; the elemental would just have to approach from the center and make intercept courses. Its much narrowed circle gives it a relatively faster movement even though your speed is listed as 10 ft faster. Even 20ft more movement would have been difficult. Fortunately for you, the elemental had only Intelligence 4 and that's how I played it. But keep it in mind (even in the big arena, I'll get you with 50 vs 60 speed without problems). Anyway, let's roleplay the quest to an end. You haven't completed the mission yet.
bluemage55

06-19-06, 07:02 AM
Lantash considers the philosophical question posed before him, and swiftly concludes what must be done. Lantash realizes that in order to fulfill his obligations to the CEF, he must do complete his quest according to what Enzoul himself would want done, not simply obeying orders blindly. Enzoul is most certainly a good man, and he would never begrudge an innocent sentient creature its life for a component that could be found later via additional divinations. Lantash does whatever is necessary to help the hurt fey and is willing to accept Enzoul's judgement however it may fall, although Lantash feels that he has guessed Enzoul's intent correctly. If Enzoul does demand it, Lantash will simply undertake the same quest again or another quest entirely. With little hesitation, he helps the little fey to breathe in the scent and eat if she so desires.

@Caterane: Thanks for the heads up on both rulings.
Caterane

06-19-06, 09:08 AM
Lantash begins to feed the prescious lotus to the tiny fey creature which seemed to improve in health with each bite. It took some more minutes during which the sage stood guard before the fey could stand on its own feet again. Her eyes clearly showed the gratitude she held for the human.

"You saved my life, big fey without wings!" she spoke out in delight but became sad the next moment when she realized that there's little she can give. "I am just a poor lonely creature and there is little I can give you besides my thanks." - "Do not worry, little fey; I gladly did it and seeing you fly again is more reward than I could ask for." the sage answered. Lantash sat down for a few moments for he could use the rest time before the long descent, and he had a nice interlocutor here anyway. The fey's name was Ingwer and she was a lonely exotic type of fey that lived here on the Dragor Mounds. She didn't know anything about another lotus which saddened her so Lantash let it drop. After the short chat, it was time to part ways. "I have to go back to the CEF now, you know, the order I told you about. I am sure Master Enzoul knows where another lotus can be found, do not worry." and with these words, Lantash turned around.

Before he disappeared from the plateau, the little fey called after him "I hope to see you again, Fey without wings Lantash." and with a last wave of his arm, Lantash descended the mountain.

The journey was as long and hard downward because he had to deal with steep slopes and dangerous rock formations while looking for possible ambush sites. Still, he made it totally exhausted to the bottom of the mound. From there, it was only a few days back to Gladius. Still a lot of time to think about the consequences. He had failed in this important mission. Lord Enzoul had made clear how much hinged on this lotus - many lives were now in jeopardy. Lantash also knew that the black lotus was so rare that findign even one was a huge thing. It was entirely possible that the CEF would now see many casulties in the coming war. He tried to say the same thing all over again: it was the right decision and Enzoul would understand.

Finally, Lantash arrived at the gates of the Marble Castle. The guards at the entrance helped him from his horse and assisted him. "Master Lantash" the guard sergeant said "I have orders to escort you to Lord Ratrani's office immideately" and Lantash just nodded. It was a only a short walk to the office but for the sage, it seemed like an eternity. And then, the door opened.

Inside the room was Enzoul Ratrani sitting behind his heavy oaken desk like always but there was also a man in fine clothing sitting infront of the desk, probably a new applicant as warrior of light - something Lantash wanted to become and where he failed. "Lord Enzoul" Lantash began "I see you are in a meeting. I will wait outside until you're finished.". "No, dear Lantash, please come in. I've been waiting for you.". Lantash then began to tell the tale of his adventure and he almost fainted when he came to the part with the lotus. Enzoul though seemed to be very pleased.

"You have brought honor to the CEF, Lantash. Such deeds are what I expect from a Warrior of Light, not to follow orders blindly when the situation changes. There is of course the need for a certain combat prowess which you mastered when you defeated the three guardians. But more importantly is that you are also a good man here" he said and pointed at his heart. "The CEF is glad to have such a fine Warrior of Light in its ranks". Enzoul retrieved a badge from his desk, walked over to the sage and fastened it on his robes. "This is our banner. It has certain magical powers which you will soon find out more about. The most important one is that it teleports you here into the savety of the Nimbus just before would make your last breath in a dangerous situation and you know that you cannot really die within these walls. Bear it with pride for aeons of celestial time is tied to that name."

http://www.caterane.de/CoCo/CEF/CEF-Banner-Tax15.jpg

While Lantash was proudly examining the CEF badge, Enzoul continued. "Here's also someone you might want to say hello". The man in fine clothes stood up and walked to Lantash. "Hello fey without wings Lantash." :) the man said "I told you we would meet again.".

Lantash's eyes widened "Ingwer? You? But...". "Actually, my name is Ingweratobraxx but friends like you may call me Ingwer.I have read your thoughts long before you met me and I was curious as to how you would react, especially considering the importance of your mission. Your kind heart made me curious for the organization you told me about, and thus, here I am. Nice people here."

After a moment, Ingweratobraxx had to leave and both Enzoul and Lantash accompanied him outside. Here, another miracle happened. The beautiful human began to transform, to grow, wings appeared and within seconds, a majestic bronze dragon stood before them, leaving Lantash with his mouth open. Of course! The missing water guardian!

The two humans waved their hands when the dragon took to the sky. *And don't worry about the lotus* sent as a telepathic message was the last thing Lantash heard from him. Enzoul and Lantash stood there for some additional moments. "You have made a fine new ally for yourself and for the CEF. Ingweratobraxx has agreed to assist us whenever we need his help. You will see him again, no doubt."

The sage sighed in delight and put his hands into the pockets of his robe. And he felt something. It was soft, and wet...he quickly drew it out and it was ...a Black Lotus Blossom! Enzoul just watched him amused, padded him on the shoulder, and walked back into the castle.

Lantash wondered if Enzoul had planned all that from the beginning on...
Caterane

06-19-06, 09:11 AM
Lantash has completed the quest to join the CEF.

He gains 675 XP and 675 GP (25% ally penalty)

Please see this post on how to use the CEF badge.
bluemage55

06-20-06, 05:54 PM
Thanks for QLing Caterane!