For those not able to make the event in the Landing:
[Wehnimer's, Boatyard]
This promontory, formed of rocks and sand partially covered by weathered wooden docks, extends a short distance into the river. Workmen hustle from task to task, repairing and refurbishing the sailing vessels that are moored here. One crew mans a dinghy moving to and from a refurbished frigate which lies at anchor just offshore, awaiting a new cargo as well as a new lease on life. The sand-covered riverbank beach stretches to the south. You also see the Fromer disk, the Elrer disk, the fiery red Atanamir disk, a lighthearted mountain spirit that is flying around, the Jodia disk, the Mumbwen disk, the Roelaren disk, a pudgy frosting-covered dormouse, the Tippinari disk, the Aruzenthal disk, the Kheya disk, the Petru disk, the Obstruct disk, the Arstine disk, a bat-eared shadowy fennec that is sleeping, a sleek pale golden wildcat, a small stone shrine with a polished ironwood plaque on it, a narrow crack in the ground at the base of the tree and a flowering linden tree.
Also here: Lady Luxelle, Lady Cathlin, Demianna, Firfriend, High Lord Certain, Atanamir, Gharn, Turon, Lorekeeper Maags, Jeafwsian, Fromer, Jandria, Kizalia, Brendigan, Hazado, Amminar, High Lady Jodia, Mumbwen, High Lady Roelaren, Ghrimslin, Jemiquist, Lorekeeper Archales, Ineum, Tippinari, Aruzenthal, Gefty, Lorekeeper Rowmi, Cruxophim, Kheya, Malykodrell, Obstruct, Vexate, Lorekeeper Aurien, Mister Jensun, Lorekeeper Farsia, Lorekeeper Alifair, Sentral
Obvious paths: south, west
Lorekeeper Rohese just arrived.
Rohese smiles.
Aurien stands up.
Maags giggles.
Farsia smiles at Rohese.
Alifair says, "So you're all aware, the cottage to get your piece for today is on South Ring Road."
Aurien bows to Rohese.
Straightening her back, Rohese gives a formal, low curtsy. She inclines her head as well, giving a brief nod.
Kheya applauds.
Speaking to Alifair, Archales says, "As always you are a veritable oracle of necessary information."
A fat squirrel runs up the side of the linden tree, only to lose its footing and fall to the ground in an undignified heap.
Cruxophim gazes in amusement at a flowering linden tree.
Jemiquist chuckles.
Rohese folds her hands.
Alifair says, "Alright, we're nearly ready."
Rohese purses her mouth, pondering a flowering linden tree. The expression on her face speaks volumes.
Aurien leans against a flowering linden tree.
Jensun squeals.
Archales fidgets excitedly, rubbing his hands together.
Maags bounces around happily.
Your ears tingle, and you sense that something wonderous might be happening over in the boatyard.
Archales says, "My ears are practically tingling in anticipation."
Alifair says, "We're going to visit someplace that hasn’t been seen in a while."
Alifair says, "Again, don't forget tomorrow on Teras."
Alifair says, "With that, I'm going to turn you over to the Lovely Lady Rohese."
Rohese makes a discreet shushing sound!
Alifair grins slowly.
Cruxophim inclines his ear, listening intently.
Maags giggles to herself.
Rohese softly says, "Forgive me, I speak quietly."
Rohese wrinkles her nose.
Rohese nervously says, "Good afternoon."
Rohese clears her throat.
Rohese quietly introduces, "My name is Rohese and I am a Lorekeeper from Silverwood Manor."
Rohese softly continues, "I'm here today to speak of the banaltra; to ensure no one forgets those dark days and the bravery of the adventurers who lost their lives defending their town."
Rohese pulls her pelisse about her body, the mauve velvet falling in soft folds.
Roelaren nods.
Archales nods.
Rohese recites solemnly:
"Beneath a tree that grows too fast
Gather the few, gather the few.
Follow the root to the distant past.
The beast pursue, the beast pursue."
A barely audible whisper joins the sound of the leaves rustling overhead and seems to repeat the words, "gather the few..." "...the beast pursue."
Rohese gazes thoughtfully at a flowering linden tree.
Rohese reaches out and touches a flowering linden tree.
Alifair tilts her head up.
Speaking deeply in Elven to Rohese, Thaluhar says, "A pleasure to see one of such lineage educating this group."
Thaluhar nods.
Rohese smiles at Thaluhar.
Rohese reflectively says, "We are standing beneath the branches of this beautiful linden tree. Today it is filled with the sound of birdsong but, in the year 5100, it was the home of something far more sinister."
Jensun fidgets nervously, beads of sweat forming on his brow.
Rohese sheepishly adds, "But I'm getting ahead of myself. If you are interested in hearing more, gather close and join me in the shade of tree."
Luxelle rubs a flowering linden tree.
Maags's knees begin to shake.
The sound of creaking deep within the heart of the tree sets off a flurry of activity in the leafy canopy overhead. Startled birds take flight as the trunk seems to writhe in discomfiture. With a cloud of dust and rush of warm stale air, the crack at the base of the tree suddenly widens.
Rohese smiles quietly to herself.
Luxelle blinks.
Rohese brushes her fingers lightly against a flowering linden tree.
Roelaren reaches out and touches a flowering linden tree.
Rohese softly exclaims, "Well, let's step inside, shall we!"
Rohese points at a narrow crack in the ground at the base of the tree.
Lorekeeper Rohese's group just went through a narrow crack in the ground at the base of the tree.
[Linden Tree, Roots]
The thick roots of the linden tree intertwine to form a sort of canopy. Worms and grubs wriggle deeper into the dirt and centipedes scurry under stones and root ends. Loose dirt seeps down from above. The smell of fresh, rich soil pervades the area. A large, jagged stone leans against two of the larger roots. You also see the Aruzenthal disk, a pudgy frosting-covered dormouse, the fiery red Atanamir disk, the Obstruct disk, the Kheya disk, the Thaluhar disk, the Roelaren disk, the Astru disk, the Fromer disk, the Tippinari disk, the Jodia disk and a narrow crack high in the wall between the roots. Also here: Jemiquist, Forzak, Keeper Astru, Wynzyghen, Chancellor Kaldonis, Great Lord Thaluhar, Lady Luxelle, Lady Cathlin, Demianna, Atanamir, Lorekeeper Maags, Jeafwsian, Fromer, Jandria, Kizalia, Brendigan, Hazado, Amminar, High Lady Jodia, High Lady Roelaren, Ghrimslin, Lorekeeper Archales, Ineum, Tippinari, Aruzenthal, Gefty, Cruxophim, Kheya, Malykodrell, Obstruct, Vexate, Lorekeeper Aurien, Mister Jensun, Lorekeeper Farsia, Lorekeeper Alifair, Lorekeeper Sentral, Lorekeeper Rohese, Lorekeeper Rowmi, Roblar
Obvious exits: none
Roelaren gazes in wonder at her surroundings.
Speaking in Elven, Thaluhar deeply says, "Surprised I did not bump my head.. magic must be present here."
Roblar takes a deep breath.
Goldstr just came through a narrow crack high in the wall between the roots.
Roblar deeply says, "Smells like, death."
Roblar deeply says, "Still."
Roblar grunts.
Goldstr says, "Memorys here."
Rohese tremulously begins, "It began with the chanting."
Sentral gasps.
The distant sound of laughter and children at play can be heard outside.
Archales inclines his ear, listening intently.
Roblar glances out.
Alifair bites her lip.
Mumbwen cringes.
Rohese softly continues, "Children in towns across Elanthia started to behave oddly; playing quite happily one moment only to stop whatever they were doing to chant obscure poetry."
Rohese closes her eyes for a moment.
Rohese recites quietly:
"Sunny morning, sunny day.
The children go outside to play.
Day so pretty, sky so blue
Mom and dad so proud of you
Something happen to your head.
Something come and kill you dead."
Astru frowns.
Luxelle's jaw drops.
Maags blinks.
Rohese lets out a long, contemplative breath.
Rohese softly comments, "Many who witnessed it said their faces were expressionless; their eyes blank and voices monotone. When their ordeal was over, the poor little mites had no memory of the words they had chanted."
Roelaren's jaw drops.
Rohese nods slowly.
Rohese sadly notes, "Some also spoke of the children dropping dead at their feet and their bodies disappearing in an explosion of dirt and gravel."
Goldstr nods.
The indistinct noise of rumbling and grating far below mingles with the creaking of the tree overhead.
Rohese bites her lip.
Goldstr says, "Banaltra."
Rowmi frowns.
Rohese's face turns slightly pale.
Rohese ominously says, "It wasn't long after that the banaltra started to appear. Hideous to behold, the beasts surfaced here in Wehnimer's Landing and also in Solhaven, Kharam Dzu and River's Rest."
Rohese points at Goldstr.
Alifair winces.
Forzak blinks.
Rohese fearfully explains, "White, grey and black in hue, they were strangely humanoid but unnaturally tall and lean. Their skin was knobbled and ridged, more like shell than flesh. But most gruesome of all, was their seven thin pointy fingers on each hand that ended in spiny claws. These they used to impale their targets."
Goldstr nods at Rohese.
Rohese shudders.
The shadows cast by spindly roots dangling overhead appear claw-like against the muddy walls as they're stirred by the gentle afternoon breeze.
Jandria glances at some large roots.
Rohese gazes fearfully at her surroundings.
Thaluhar growls ferociously!
Rohese sadly adds, "And it wasn't just the children who were affected by the chants; the elderly and magically minded began to succumb too. Slack-jawed and stunned, banaltra would launch from the ground beneath their feet to claim their helpless victims."
Rohese closes her eyes for a moment.
Rohese recites monotonously:
"What's wrong with baby? She looks so still.
The white one comes and eats its fill.
What's wrong with grandad? Screams and moans.
The white one comes and cracks his bones.
What's wrong with momma, what's wrong with son?
The black one comes, eats everyone."
Alifair shudders.
Goldstr shudders.
Speaking in Elven, Thaluhar deeply says, "Such monstrosities should not be allowed to exist."
Cruxophim gazes with interest at his surroundings.
Rohese breathes very slowly and looks much calmer.
Roelaren shudders.
Cruxophim wistfully remarks, "Ahhh, just like the playful games of my youth."
Cruxophim adopts an agreeable expression.
Sentral gasps.
Rohese softly says, "Word of the atrocities spread and it wasn't long before Sylvan Lorekeepers arrived with tales of a horror dating back several millennia."
Astru shivers.
Rohese softly reports, "History records the names of the Lorekeepers as Fionar, Dramar, Motharan and Lynvaile."
Rohese softly continues, "Each had come to share their research with the populace: they suspected that beneath Elanith's major centers dwelt a giant insect they named the feithidmor."
Rohese softly explains, "The life-cycle of this beast spanned hundreds, if not thousands, of years but when it was time to arise and feed, several things happened."
Rohese quietly adds, "Banaltra would surface to seek out sustenance for it."
Rohese glances down.
Rohese recites monotonously:
"Danger, danger underfoot
Kiss the child goodbye.
Gammy, gammy, gammy's gone
Wonder wonder why.
Nobody here?
They all disappear!"
Luxelle shifts her weight.
Cruxophim flashes a toothy grin.
Rohese tremulously says, "Once at full strength, the feithidmor would awaken fully and ascend to the town, making a horrible noise that would send everyone into a fugue state so it could feed on the stunned and senseless bodies."
Roelaren takes a deep breath.
Rohese presses a hand to her chest, inhaling and exhaling slowly.
Rohese tearfully continues, "They told of how those that survived would come to and have no memory of what had happened but over time, they had gathered evidence in the form of rapidly growing linden saplings and clues in the rhymes heard from the young and old."
Goldstr exclaims, "Lord Kai bless Drizzdt!"
The tree branches rattle outside as they sway on a gentle breeze.
Astru frowns.
Rohese glances out.
Rohese softly muses, "How many of our history books are filled with stories of quakes, floods and disease: could these disasters in fact be attributed to the feithidmor?"
Wynzyghen cracks his knuckles!
Cruxophim sways back and forth.
Jemiquist rubs his chin thoughtfully.
Rohese solemnly continues, "Anyway, plans were formulated and the Lorekeepers determined to send teams of adventurers into the lair to slay the feithidmor while all its banaltra were above ground preparing for the final feeding."
Rohese softly queries, "But where was the lair and how to reach the beast in time?"
Rohese furrows her brow.
Alifair furrows her brow.
Roblar smiles at Goldstr.
Rohese recites monotonously:
"Where do they go, the taken ones?
Away from the sun, away from the sun.
Where do they take the sweetest fruit?
Find the root, find the root.
Where do they go, the old and slow?
Down below, down below."
Jeafwsian glances around the room.
Goldstr points down.
A clump of dirt becomes dislodged from the overhanging roots and falls to the ground. It breaks apart on impact sending a dozen centipedes scurrying for cover.
Rohese squeals.
Alifair tilts her head up.
Cruxophim gazes with interest at Rohese.
Roelaren glances down.
Farsia begins chuckling at Rohese!
Maags raises her arms defensively in front of her face and ducks behind them.
Cruxophim glances down.
Rohese dusts herself off.
Cruxophim makes a purring sound.
Fromer grins slowly.
Archales runs a hand over his kidskin jacket, cleaning off the surface.
Terrant dusts Areigha off.
Aruzenthal shifts his weight.
Speaking in Elven, Thaluhar deeply says, "The Sylvan are an astute people. Is not surprising their Loremasters discerned such."
Thaluhar nods.
Jandria shifts her weight.
Terrant dusts himself off.
Rohese recites monotonously:
"Find a blade that's known no blood.
And cut the wood, soft and light.
Find the plant that heals the head.
Gather the blooms, bonny and bright.
Fetch the water that burns so nice.
Bring the vat to hold the soup.
Fire it all with the purest flame
To make the wand that saves the group."
(Cruxophim reaches down to pluck at one of the scurrying centipedes, but it's too quick.)
Cruxophim holds up two fingers and slowly pinches them together until they are almost touching.
Rohese looks at Cruxophim blankly, at a loss to express herself.
Rohese softly explains, "With the linden trees now fully grown and in flower, it was clear that the time for action was upon them. Its yellow blossoms were gathered and a branch severed by the cut of a new knife. Others came prepared with aloeas stem and the purity of a life-keep flask."
Rohese softly continues, "The Lorekeepers brought all their alchemical skills to bear and a magical baton was created that could ward off the devastating sound of the feithidmor to protect the brave adventurers venturing into its lair."
Mumbwen gazes with awe at his surroundings.
Cruxophim cowers away from Rohese.
Rohese winks at Cruxophim.
Rohese solemnly says, "Their journey was hard; several sacrificed themselves in the furtherance of the quest as they ventured deep into the bowels of the earth. Not forgetting the many souls still battling with the banaltra above."
Raising her hands before her, Areigha quickly backpedals away from Rohese.
Cruxophim flashes Rohese a toothy grin.
Ghrimslin nods slowly.
Rohese smiles at Areigha.
Rohese places a hand over her heart.
Rohese breathlessly says, "Overcoming rockslides and perilous drops, poison fumes and pouring sands, the adventurers finally made it to the nest."
Rohese wipes the sweat from her brow.
Rohese disgustedly remarks, "Survivors reported that the beast was hideous to behold: its large insect-like body was protected by black chitinous armor, made shiny by a coating of oily beads of liquid. A fat, fleshy neck could be seen through a tiny chink. Still feeding on its latest victims, gobbets of flesh hung from its long pincers."
Cruxophim gazes with interest at Rohese.
Thaluhar growls ferociously!
Jandria wrinkles her nose.
Areigha softly says, "Eewww."
Sentral gasps.
Maags wrinkles her nose.
Rohese nods in agreement.
Cruxophim gives Rohese a disturbingly dreamy look.
Fromer ponders.
Roelaren gags.
Areigha turns an inquisitive ear toward Rohese.
Jensun wrinkles his nose.
Speaking softly to Cruxophim, Rohese exclaims, "You're really enjoying this, aren't you!"
Cruxophim enthusiastically nods his agreement, causing several strands of raven-black hair to fall around his face.
Farsia looks thoughtfully at Rohese.
Rohese sadly continues, "Unable to destroy it in time, they watched in horror as it burrowed its way to the surface to bring chaos and bloodshed to the already battle-weary townsfolk."
Goldstr grins at Cruxophim.
Maags whispers something to Cruxophim.
Maags takes a few steps back.
Speaking fondly to Rohese, Cruxophim says, "It's a good story so far."
Rohese relievedly adds, "But, in the end, bravery and perseverance prevailed, the feithidmor and banaltra were destroyed."
Roelaren's face turns slightly pale.
Cruxophim hangs his head and glances at Rohese with sad eyes.
Rohese fans herself.
Astru grins at Rohese.
Luxelle gazes hopefully at Rohese.
Archales nods approvingly.
Speaking to Cruxophim, Goldstr says, "An verra true."
Goldstr nods.
Archales turns an inquisitive ear toward Rohese.
Speaking deeply in Elven to Cruxophim, Thaluhar says, "A story based in history. Lives were lost. Your enjoyment should be the least of your concerns."
Rohese respectfully concludes, "Outside is a plaque that honors their actions so I ask you all to step outside with me now to remember them."
Maags shudders.
Thaluhar sighs.
A shaft of pale golden sunlight infiltrates the crack in the tree and illuminates the cramped space.
Areigha softly says, "I just read that."
Rohese points at a narrow crack high in the wall between the roots.
Aruzenthal shifts his weight.
Areigha glances out.
Wynzyghen pokes his finger at some large roots.
Lorekeeper Rohese's group just went through a narrow crack high in the wall between the roots.
[Wehnimer's, Boatyard]
This promontory, formed of rocks and sand partially covered by weathered wooden docks, extends a short distance into the river. Workmen hustle from task to task, repairing and refurbishing the sailing vessels that are moored here. One crew mans a dinghy moving to and from a refurbished frigate which lies at anchor just offshore, awaiting a new cargo as well as a new lease on life. The sand-covered riverbank beach stretches to the south. You also see the Mumbwen disk, a roly-poly flamepoint sand kitten, a lighthearted mountain spirit that is flying around, a bat-eared shadowy fennec that is sleeping, a sleek pale golden wildcat, a small stone shrine with a polished ironwood plaque on it, a narrow crack in the ground at the base of the tree and a flowering linden tree.
Also here: Jemiquist, Forzak, Keeper Astru, Wynzyghen, Chancellor Kaldonis, Great Lord Thaluhar, Lady Luxelle, Lady Cathlin, Demianna, Lorekeeper Maags, Jeafwsian, Fromer, Jandria, Kizalia, Brendigan, Hazado, Amminar, High Lady Jodia, High Lady Roelaren, Ghrimslin, Lorekeeper Archales, Ineum, Tippinari, Aruzenthal, Gefty, Cruxophim, Kheya, Malykodrell, Obstruct, Vexate, Lorekeeper Aurien, Mister Jensun, Lorekeeper Farsia, Lorekeeper Alifair, Lorekeeper Sentral, Lorekeeper Rowmi, Roblar, Goldstr, Areigha, Lorekeeper Alasatia, Lorekeeper Rohese, Mumbwen
Obvious paths: south, west
A pudgy frosting-covered dormouse scurries into the room.
Rohese gazes thoughtfully at a polished ironwood plaque on a small stone shrine.
Maags fans herself.
Aruzenthal dusts himself off.
The pudgy dormouse suddenly sits down and bites furiously at its fur before straightening and scratching vigorously.
Occasional yellow blossoms fall from the tree branches, swirling on the warm breeze and carried out of sight.
Rohese smiles.
Goldstr bows.
Ghrimslin glances at a flowering linden tree.
Archales hums an old tune.
Luxelle nods to a polished ironwood plaque.
Rohese gratefully exclaims, "Thank you all for coming and don't forget to collect a memento of your visit to the Linden Tree from the cottage, along with the case to store them in!"
Amminar kneels down.
Amminar continues to beseech the gods for mercy and guidance.
Speaking offhandedly in Elven to Thaluhar, Cruxophim remarks, "'Twas long before I arrived to these parts."
<<Lots of cheering and applauding>>
Speaking deeply in Elven to Cruxophim, Thaluhar says, "And your lack of compassion or history is not surprising."
Cruxophim places his hands on his hips and eyes Thaluhar with a skeptical look.
Speaking amusedly to Rohese, Fromer says, "Thank you for an amusing story of harrowing times."
Speaking deeply in Elven to Rohese, Thaluhar says, "A pleasure m'Lady. Thank you for sharing such history with us."
Cruxophim gazes in amusement at Thaluhar.
Rohese smiles.
Thaluhar glances at Cruxophim.
Alifair exclaims, "Gather your piece today for the cottage moves to Teras tomorrow!"
Goldstr says, "Was Lord Drizzdt finally kilt da Feith."
Maags grins at Goldstr.
Speaking to Rohese, Kheya says, "Thank you for taking time to come tell us a story today."
Speaking to Goldstr, Maags asks, "Yous were there!?"
Speaking to Rohese, Luxelle says, "Thank you ever so much m'Lady. This is quite the Wonder, indeed."
Cruxophim glances at a narrow crack in the ground at the base of the tree.
Cruxophim stares at a narrow crack in the ground at the base of the tree expectantly, as if waiting for something.
Speaking to Rohese, Maags says, "That was a fabulous retellling My Lady. Almost felt as if I were there."
A large robin lands noisily amongst the branches of the tree and begins harvesting some of the smaller twigs and leaves for its nest.
Rohese softly says, "You are all very welcome. I'm just happy to be able to share their story and keep their memory alive."
Rohese gazes thoughtfully at a polished ironwood plaque on a small stone shrine.
Rohese reaches out and touches a polished ironwood plaque on a small stone shrine.
A slight scratching noise makes you look up at the linden tree. Peering back at you is a small chipmunk, studying you with a quiet intensity.
>l shrine
The shrine is simply constructed of grey and brown stones that look to have been dug up from the ground nearby. An engraved ironwood plaque is mounted above a roughly carved niche in the front of the shrine.
>look at plaque
You see nothing unusual.
There appears to be something written on it.
>read plaque
In the Common language, it reads:
Fearless in battle, tireless in your quest for knowledge and selfless in your desire to defend the weak, you stood together as one to protect this city against the feithidmor. With knowledge as your weapon and your faith in each other as your shield, you set out to succeed where all others failed. Through your countless hours, dedication, blood and tears, you also became the first to break the feithidmor's cycle and save this city. History shall remember your courage and your feats, honorable heroes.
Speaking hopefully to Rohese, Cruxophim ventures, "Do you think there's more o' those things down there? If you dig deep enough?"
Cruxophim glances down.
Alifair shifts her weight.
Speaking softly to Cruxophim, Rohese exclaims, "Let's hope not!"
Rohese presses a hand to her chest, inhaling and exhaling slowly.
Alifair says, "I hope not."
Cruxophim gazes down hopefully.
Alifair mutters under her breath.
Cruxophim stamps his feet.
Cruxophim inclines his ear, listening intently.
Cruxophim puffs out his chest and stomps around proudly.
Speaking fretfully to Cruxophim, Rohese exclaims, "Don't do that!"
Rohese glances down.
Cruxophim hangs his head and glances at Rohese with sad eyes.
Cruxophim flutters his wings before they droop tiredly.
Jensun says, "Imma go wander around and see if I can find one of them banana things."
Jensun nods sagely.
Cruxophim nods sagely at Jensun.
Alifair flashes a quick grin.
Alifair says, "Let us know if you do."
Alifair clears her throat.
Jensun says, "I'm sure you'll hear the screams."
Jensun says, "This will do the trick I'm sure."
Jensun waves a mithril dagger around.
Raising his hands before him, Cruxophim quickly backpedals away from Jensun.
Jensun nods at Cruxophim.
Jensun says, "Them bananas won't know what peeled em."
Speaking appreciatively to Rohese, Rowmi says, "Thank you for telling the story. It is important we remember."
Cruxophim nods sagely at Jensun.
Rohese gratefully says, "Again, thank you all."
>>You slay me woman! ~ Wyrom
http://gsguide.wikia.com/wiki/Rohese
