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Post by homeskillet on Jun 24, 2007 10:13:33 GMT -5
" I bought Fox's home. It will be our home location in Garrotten, where we will be available to take work. If I am going to assist in championing this town, I need a base of operations, yes?" Stone smiles," As for work, Halfhelm, Your mine is exquaintic and it reminds me of home. Since I was so dishonorable to your mine at first I would like to offer my Earthmaster skills to your mining efforts. We are preparing to take on a job for the Baron, once everything is in order, but once we are done I would like to spend time within your mines, helping you with your mining duties and getting back to a feeling only in memory now. Can we come to an agreement?" Stone takes a spoonful of porridge finishing the bowel. He takes a gulp of water while he awaits Halfhelm's answer.
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Post by Game Master on Jun 26, 2007 3:34:09 GMT -5
The old dwarf scratched his beard in thought. "Hmmm, if you want to piddle around in my mine I won't argue but I think it would be a waste of your time. However...what about that mineral finding stuff I hear you Earth wizards can do? I won't ask you to do anything against your honor like locate more gold deposits or anything but, I must admit if you could help my miners figure out where to dig for more iron....even if it was just a general direction to head in that would save us a lot of time and effort, not to mention money. What do you say to that?" He finished with a long pull on his mug and slammed it to the table top for emphasis.
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Post by homeskillet on Jun 26, 2007 10:09:33 GMT -5
" That would be fine," Stone wondered about just where his honor would be in a situation like that. He would feel happy to help Halfhelm to all ends if it helped, but was it dishonorable to just hand the iron or gold over to him? " With my disciplines, I could make digging easier for you too. I would just like to spend time there to be closer to the Earth." Stone takes another drink of his water," When can I come by to fix your door?"
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Post by Game Master on Jun 26, 2007 13:42:55 GMT -5
"When ever you feel you can make the journey. I have a wagon train headed up there for an ore shipment first thing in the morning. You can hitch a ride with the teamsters if you wish. You'ed be stuck up there for the loading though. Probably most of the day."
"I could use that time to clean up your new cabin Stone." Briggs slipped in. Its packed with furs that need to be sold. Heck they will more then make up for the price of the cabin if I can find a buyer."
"My uncle would be more than happy to buy them if you don't mind less then full price. Jhessil won't be able to move them till Late fall when it cools off but he has a huge storage wharehouse." Tull commented between bites and sips."
"I wouldn't mind a new fur to make a coat for winter. The one I have is pretty thin." Mason added.
"Winter cold. Thinking ahead." Sull comented while pointing to Mason with a wooden spoon. "Sull only have what on back. No room for more."
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Post by homeskillet on Jun 26, 2007 21:04:06 GMT -5
"Could you make a coat for Sull too, Mason?" Stone inquired," I am sure he would like something nice for winter and maybe you can show how to make one." Stone leans back and looks upon his friends and smiles. Tull catches this and smiles to," What Stone?" Tull asks. " Oh nothing Tull," Stone answers," It just seems that things are going pretty well for us. We have a new home, Halfhelm hear will allow me to aid him, Briggs has returned to the fold, fit to help us, we have furs to use and sell and you can help us unload them. Now I just have to see Gardrex the Great for tea. Mason, should I have them warm some water? Is it about time to make my way to the Nexus Point?"
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Post by Game Master on Jun 27, 2007 16:39:18 GMT -5
"Sure thing. I'll fetch Ruby. Oh and You'll be going to see Gardrax alone. He only sees one person at a time so the rest of us would have to wait outside. We'll go take a look at this cabin of yours and sift through the furs instead. Just meet us there when your through." Mason stood to go.
With that lunch was pretty much over. The hot water was brought by Ruby in a nice little iron kettle, complete with handle and lid. Halfhelm departed for the Barons Castle. Stone agreed to meet his Teamsters in front of the Smithey at sun rise.
Stones bill for lunch was pricey, but fair considering he was paying for Halfhelms as well. Leaving 20 gold plus another two for the lovely Ruby, Stone was amazed how much gold he had remaining. A quick count told him that Fox's old Cabin had only cost him 110 crowns. The Earth Master headed over to the Nexus Point to meet the mysterious Alchemist, Gardrax.
Aikos leg throbbed with pain at first but the walk seemed to work out some of the stiffness. His left hand was so weak he had to hold the kettle in his right. Figuring it was best to go in front of a mighty wizard unarmed he left his Naginata in Masons care.
Once at the door of the Nexus Point he was met by the ever present Troll doorman. "Good timing." he proclaimed in a guttural voice. "Follow me." the brute motioned with a taloned finger and escorted the easterner down a long corridor, up two flights of stairs (discomforting by itself considering the building was obviously only one story from the outside). down another impossibly long hallway passed dozens of doors and finally into a vast library.
The room was immense. Three stories tall, Three full walls were lined with books and huge windows took up the entire far wall. In the very center of that wall was a double set of glass doors opening out onto a terrace. If Stone were to walk out onto the terrace he would be overlooking a beach and the Eastern sea. It looked so much like his home country his heart skipped a beat. Before he could contemplate it any further a scratchy, jovial, old voice came to him from up above.
"Hello there!"
Aiko tracked the voice to the third story balcony. A smallish old man stood there with an arm full of tomes. "Do have a seat. I'll be down in a moment."
Aiko was so impressed by his surroundings that it took a half second to register that the elderly fellow, most likely Gardrax was speaking his native tongue of the East. Not wanting to disappoint he immediately began looking for a place to sit. His eyes gravitated to the small 4 person square table set with beautifully decorated, delicate china, mini silver utensils and an elaborate tea set, set for two. Everything was perfect except it was missing the kettle. With a smile of sheer wonder Aiko set the kettle he brought from the Griffin and placed it upon the china tray. As soon as he let go, the ugly yet practical, black, iron kettle transformed before his very eyes into a china tea kettle perfectly matching the set, complete with little blue flower pattern. He looked up to find the diminutive man standing not three feet from him smiling warmly. There was no sign of the books he was carrying and it seemed impossible for him to have gotten down here so quickly.
Gardrax the Great was only five feet tall. His back was curved and he rested both hands on a gnarled walking stick. He wore a red and gold kimono as many easterners often did in the olden days. They were considered unfashionable these days but one could still find elders wearing them proudly. Gardrax appeared both Ancient and youthful simultaneously. His almond shaped eyes were pools of blackness and very young looking. His skin was wrinkled but clear of spots or blemishes common among the old. Like most easterners his skin was olive brown and his hair was thin. He did sport a long, wispy, silver beard and mustache, again, stylishly popular before Aiko was born. His long silver hair was tied back with a leather thong into a topknot reserved for the wealthy or royal lines. He had rings on every finger but none were extravagant. Soft Velvet slippers peaked out from his Kimono
"So, the Hero of Garrotten blesses me with his presence."
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Post by homeskillet on Jun 28, 2007 22:01:16 GMT -5
Stone smiles," I am no hero," Stone said in his native tongue humbly," I didn't do anything any other concerned human wouldn't do. There was a child in trouble and I came to her rescue. I see you have prepared everything and here I wanted to surprise you with my hospitality." Stone grinned wider. " As you already know, I am Stone and I happened upon your beautiful town in my travels and now..." Stone pauses. His smile fades away as he thinks of home.
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Post by Game Master on Jun 29, 2007 2:20:37 GMT -5
Gardrax raised his cane, pointing at the window and its view of the Eastern Sea. "You miss it don't you. The Temple of Stone." It was not a question. "I my self am a FireMaster of the Temple of Flame. I still try and wear red when I can." Gardrax smiled widely. "Come lets have tea before it is cold. Is it still tradition for the guest to serve the host?" he asked as he hobbled slowly over to the table and sat himself. Aiko nodded in the affirmative. "Good. I like mine with honey and cream if you will. I'm glad to see some customs have not changed in our home country.
Aiko reviewed the tradition of serving tea in his mind. A quarter turn of the hosts glass. Poor the hot water three quarters full. Steep for thirty seconds, remove tea and add one spoon of honey. Last came the cream. He poured it as well till the cup was full. Only then did he prepare his own, the same as the hosts as per the custom. When in another's home, drink as he drinks. That was the custom. Sitting himself opposite his host, Aiko took the required ten minutes of reflection time (also part of the custom) to enjoy the view while sipping his tea. It was considered rude to begin talking about any subject until the host deemed it was time. Exactly ten minutes later Gardrax spoke. "You know, Stone. While you may not consider your self a hero and in fact you very well may not be one yet, the people of Garrotten have latched on to the idea. I doubt they will be so willing to let it go. Do you know what people are saying about you? Besides the hero of Garrotten, you have titles such as The Fox Hunter, The Child Protector, and The Lords Avenger. Weather you like it or not, you will always be seen as this towns hero. I don't expect you to embrace it, but you should except it. It soots you. You saved a young girls life and the others involved chose to give you the credit as well as the burden. I believe you will rise to the occasion. There is a great evil as well as a great menace threatening this town and you will be integral to its survival. Can you embrace that young EarthMaster?"
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Post by homeskillet on Jun 30, 2007 20:38:25 GMT -5
"Child Protector," Stone says quietly, remembering,"Master Gardrax, have you ever heard of the children of the Earth?" Stone asks wondering if the Master Bo's rambling were more... universal.
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Post by Game Master on Jul 3, 2007 13:53:09 GMT -5
Gardrax curled the fingers of his left hand and stroked his wispy beard absent mindedly. "It is a temple of Stone teaching is it not? We of the Temple of Flame have a similar teaching I believe. The Flames of Life represent humanity and it is our duty to make sure they are never snuffed out or consumed by our fire. If we FireMasters burn to brightly or to large we endanger engulfing the Flames of life making them disappear forever. Is your teaching along the same line?"
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Post by homeskillet on Jul 4, 2007 9:53:19 GMT -5
" I am unsure," Stone admitted," It was taught to me in brief by a Master who was... broken. He explained that man and his brothers were products of the Earth and it is for them that we learn the ways of the art. It is our duty to protect the children. I am staying here. We have bought Fox's house and will use it as a base of operation for the people of the town. I will try to help in any way." Stone shifted and took another sip of his tea. The blend was perfect." This is very good, a perfect blend," Stone complimented," Do you mis the East?"
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Post by Game Master on Jul 4, 2007 23:49:09 GMT -5
"As much as any place I suppose. I traveled for many years when I was younger. I have portals like this one," Gardrax waved to the window that looked out to the East, "to the Western Empire, the Land of the South Winds, Bizantium to the North as well as dozens of others. When I miss a place or become home sick I spend time in those rooms. Sometimes I even venture forth to visit old friends or a particular Inn that I fancied." Gardrax finished his cup of tea and set it back upon its plate. "Now, if I may have a look at the artifact you carry around your neck I will tell you all I can about it." Gardrax raised from his seat and took the medallion in his hand once Stone removed it from his neck.
"All I know is it is of great power and I must protect it from a creature that wishes to posses it." Stone added helpfully.
Gardrax cupped the circular, mettle disk in his hands and murmured an incantation. Magical energy crackled through the air making the hairs on Aiko's neck stand up. "It has two properties. One minor and one greater." The wizened old Alchemist looked at Aiko with a most serious expression. "I like you Stone, but business is business. It will cost one hundred Timiro Crowns for me to identify the two properties and decode any activation words or phrases. Is this acceptable to you?"
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Post by homeskillet on Jul 5, 2007 0:49:30 GMT -5
" Of course," Stone answered," I was hoping to become your friend before I bothered you with business, but the fee is right."
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Post by Game Master on Jul 5, 2007 1:03:17 GMT -5
Gardrax smiled broadly. "No discounts....even for friends." He winked and chuckled. The experimentations on the medallion took well over an hour. 99.99% of which was beyond Aiko's grasp of magic. When the scrying process was over Gardrax handed the medallion back to Stone.
"That disk is one of the most unique pieces I have ever seen. The Amulet actually has a third property I at first did not detect. First it is Indestructible. Save throwing it down the mouth of a volcano it can not be harmed. The second ability is always active. It will offer you constant protection from Circles/Wards magic(+2 constant). The most intriguing aspect is the greater power. The wearer, namely you may Metamorphosis into a Great Horned Dragon daily for 1 hour for every time used. This is cumulative so on the fifth use you may stay a dragon for five hours. Please understand that you are in fact a true dragon in every way. However this amulet is also considered cursed though many would not think so. Every time the Metamorphosis is used there is a cumulative 1% chance that the transformation will be permanent. Stone the Earth Master will cease to exist and Stone the Great Horned Dragon will forever more roam the world. I can see why it is sought after. There must be many a person wishing to become a dragon forever. The power word to activate the metamorphasis is Ractar-lo. I would be willing to purchase such a rare item if you wished to be released from its burden."
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Post by homeskillet on Jul 8, 2007 17:11:10 GMT -5
"No", Stone stated," Even though I am sure it would be safe here, there is a Dragon Wolf who wishes to covet it. I will be guardian over the medallion so no one may abuse it's power. I came today to pay my respects and not do business, but I am glad I know what it is and further understand why the beast tried to kill us for it. It wants to be a dragon." Stone finished his tea. "The way you make your tea is perfection, Thank you."
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