The minstrel was tall and well-built. He had a developed moustache, although not so developed as Sahlmanplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSahlman El Musafir
Sahlman's hair is blue-black and graying. His skin is dark and weathered. A huge handle-bar mustache sweeps down to cover much of his lower face, and Sahl is always careful to keep it properly groomed. He is generally very particular about his clothing, equipment and appearance. Sahlman wears the desert robes of his homeland, with headgear that blocks out the sun and hangs over his neck. He wears light trousers and high hard boots, and when his robes are wet, the hard links o…'s, and the beginnings of a beard. The man wore baggy pants, and a loose vest. There were numerous places where he could have been hiding a small dagger or knife, and Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon
Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style. Ziedon's garb is of a well-to-do townsman. He normally wears a thin, off-white shirt with eleven pairs of wooden knobs and strings in the front with a brown and green band of cloth was laid across his sh… could even imagine a sword being concealed in the man's excessive clothing23plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAppeared or occurred in:
: The Minstrel's Song
Kay listened, enraptured, to the man's singing and playing. It reminded her of the songs of her homeland. She found the man attractive, and wished she could get his attention. Kay's heart went to her throat as the minstrel sat next to her. His presence, even his clean, male odor went to her head..
Forgolon is a popular and highly skilled minstrel in Maelbourgplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigMaelbourg
[This map is obviously missing a lot. There aren't huge open spaces in Maelbourg.]
Maelbourg is a walled town in the Barony of Huerten, with a population of approximately six thousand. Its primary exports are textiles, wool and coal, the last of which it acquires from deposits in the nearby hills. The land on which the town sits was added to maelbourg index. He is also a formidable opponent in combat23plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAppeared or occurred in:
: The Minstrel's Song
Kay listened, enraptured, to the man's singing and playing. It reminded her of the songs of her homeland. She found the man attractive, and wished she could get his attention. Kay's heart went to her throat as the minstrel sat next to her. His presence, even his clean, male odor went to her head.. In fact, he seems to be good at everything, or at least he takes pains to make people around him believe that is the case.
Forgolon has a great many allies, a large amount of personal wealth, and seems to have his hands in everything.
He used to work for Townsman Ulan23plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAppeared or occurred in:
: The Minstrel's Song
Kay listened, enraptured, to the man's singing and playing. It reminded her of the songs of her homeland. She found the man attractive, and wished she could get his attention. Kay's heart went to her throat as the minstrel sat next to her. His presence, even his clean, male odor went to her head. whom he helped raise to power. When Galgeweplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigGalgewe
Last updated 2012-10-26
This could afford to be a little longer, for such an important NPC...
Description
A short, stocky man with a balding head of curly, fiery red hair entered the room. His dull blue robes matched his eyes, and the sheath of a short sword hung from his waist. took over29plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAppeared or occurred in:
: The Message
Kreemon left Korisca at the bathhouse and took a short walk back to the marketplace. The market was not crowded, but it was not empty either. There were many people about, entering and leaving shops, examining the few booths that lined the main road, or just standing and talking to friends. A group of children was playing a game Kreemon did not recognize. Every time a horseman, those few that there were, came by, the children grabbed a few dozen trinkets from the road and ran to the side.,31plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAppeared or occurred in:
: The Last Night in Maelbourg
Ziedon spoke up again, eagerly changing the conversation. “We need to leave immediately.”
“I agree, Sir Mage,” Ardith said. “I do not like the feel of this town, nor of the townsman we have met. Let us provision ourselves from the innkeeper, and be on our way., things seemed uncertain for him. Galgeweplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigGalgewe
Last updated 2012-10-26
This could afford to be a little longer, for such an important NPC...
Description
A short, stocky man with a balding head of curly, fiery red hair entered the room. His dull blue robes matched his eyes, and the sheath of a short sword hung from his waist. acknowledged that the man was useful to Ulan, but didn't think Forgolon was all that important himself 116plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigReferenced in:
: The State of Maelbourg
An hour or so after the tailor left, a messenger arrived with an unsigned letter from Galgewe: I will not be able to visit you myself tonight due to prior engagements, so I will answer some of your questions here. Please destroy this message when you have comitted it to memory. If you forget, its ink is designed to fade within a day or two.
You asked for descriptions of the major players in town, so here they are. The number following each name is an indication of power and influence. There a….
When Sahlmanplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSahlman El Musafir
Sahlman's hair is blue-black and graying. His skin is dark and weathered. A huge handle-bar mustache sweeps down to cover much of his lower face, and Sahl is always careful to keep it properly groomed. He is generally very particular about his clothing, equipment and appearance. Sahlman wears the desert robes of his homeland, with headgear that blocks out the sun and hangs over his neck. He wears light trousers and high hard boots, and when his robes are wet, the hard links o… visited Maelbourgplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigMaelbourg
[This map is obviously missing a lot. There aren't huge open spaces in Maelbourg.]
Maelbourg is a walled town in the Barony of Huerten, with a population of approximately six thousand. Its primary exports are textiles, wool and coal, the last of which it acquires from deposits in the nearby hills. The land on which the town sits was added to maelbourg index66plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAppeared or occurred in:
: Sahlman's Adventure: A Farmer's Trap
Sahlman rose before dawn, more than ready to get moving. Snow had stopped accumulating shortly after dusk, so there was only half an inch on the ground, not even enough to scrape up for drinking water.
Sahl was on his way within fifteen minutes, eager to move again. All three horses had survived the night, but they had to be walked for hours before their legs had fully thawed. The morning remained cold, but the snow was melting by noon, and it became much easier to travel despite the dampness …,67plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAppeared or occurred in:
: Sahlman's Adventure: The state of Maelbourg
Half a mile from the perimeter of Maelbourg, Sahlman turned to Forgolon. “This is dangerous work. We must talk now. I tell you, what I want is for my friends to be free and not work for bad men. This is all I want. You tell me now. Who is lord of Maelbourg now? Who put my friends in jail? Why they in jail? What you want from me?, he found that Forgolon had been devastated by the party's actions. “You see, I've always been a lucky man. I transformed from a nobody into one of the most powerful men in Maelbourgplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigMaelbourg
[This map is obviously missing a lot. There aren't huge open spaces in Maelbourg.]
Maelbourg is a walled town in the Barony of Huerten, with a population of approximately six thousand. Its primary exports are textiles, wool and coal, the last of which it acquires from deposits in the nearby hills. The land on which the town sits was added to maelbourg index in only five years, and very few realized I was anything more than a wandering minstrel. My power was dependant on a particular townsman, but I had plenty of time left before he would be in any trouble, and plans for working my way up still further. Then, one day, a horrible piece of luck came my way. A group of the most mismatched travelers that ever was came and deposed that townsman, who then vanished into the wilderness. This in itself was bearable, since I have always been able to accommodate change, but then that same group, safely out of Maelbourgplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigMaelbourg
[This map is obviously missing a lot. There aren't huge open spaces in Maelbourg.]
Maelbourg is a walled town in the Barony of Huerten, with a population of approximately six thousand. Its primary exports are textiles, wool and coal, the last of which it acquires from deposits in the nearby hills. The land on which the town sits was added to maelbourg index, sent in one of the replacement's own soldiers to start a rebellion against his master, a rebellion, I might add, that has come quite a way towards success66plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAppeared or occurred in:
: Sahlman's Adventure: A Farmer's Trap
Sahlman rose before dawn, more than ready to get moving. Snow had stopped accumulating shortly after dusk, so there was only half an inch on the ground, not even enough to scrape up for drinking water.
Sahl was on his way within fifteen minutes, eager to move again. All three horses had survived the night, but they had to be walked for hours before their legs had fully thawed. The morning remained cold, but the snow was melting by noon, and it became much easier to travel despite the dampness ….” However, he seemed to have things together, and had no qualms about insulting Townsman Batarelplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigTownsman Batarel
Description
Ol' butterball was a slightly chubby man in his sixties whose fleshy face made him look much fatter than he was. It didn't help that his overworked horse seemed to sink in its middle, or that his drooping eyes made every word and movement look slow and tired. or his associate Silnquostplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigGuildmaster Gal Silnquost
Description
A man in his forties, tall, at least while seated, who had a full head of graying hair. He was of unspectacular appearance, but his voice made up for it. Townsman Silnquost was as tall as Ziedon, an unusual thing in Huerten. Like most townsmen, he was equipped with an ornate dagger that bore the insignia of his guild on its hilt. He also wore a sword, and, though it was difficult to tell through the elaborate clothing, there might have been a little extra …, one of the most powerful men in Maelbourgplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigMaelbourg
[This map is obviously missing a lot. There aren't huge open spaces in Maelbourg.]
Maelbourg is a walled town in the Barony of Huerten, with a population of approximately six thousand. Its primary exports are textiles, wool and coal, the last of which it acquires from deposits in the nearby hills. The land on which the town sits was added to maelbourg index. Clearly, Forgolon wasn't as lost as he seemed.
By the time Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon
Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style. Ziedon's garb is of a well-to-do townsman. He normally wears a thin, off-white shirt with eleven pairs of wooden knobs and strings in the front with a brown and green band of cloth was laid across his sh… came to Maelbourgplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigMaelbourg
[This map is obviously missing a lot. There aren't huge open spaces in Maelbourg.]
Maelbourg is a walled town in the Barony of Huerten, with a population of approximately six thousand. Its primary exports are textiles, wool and coal, the last of which it acquires from deposits in the nearby hills. The land on which the town sits was added to maelbourg index, just a few days later, it was clear that Forgolon was doing pretty well for himself, or at least was taking steps to recover. He hired Hebabelt Forester to find Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon
Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style. Ziedon's garb is of a well-to-do townsman. He normally wears a thin, off-white shirt with eleven pairs of wooden knobs and strings in the front with a brown and green band of cloth was laid across his sh…, after hearing about the way Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon
Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style. Ziedon's garb is of a well-to-do townsman. He normally wears a thin, off-white shirt with eleven pairs of wooden knobs and strings in the front with a brown and green band of cloth was laid across his sh… rescued Ulan112plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAppeared or occurred in:
: Hebabelt Forester
His horse was untouched and had been treated well, and the new saddle was still leaning against the wall. Ziedon mounted, and rode until he just out of sight of the west gate, then dismounted. Wearing his old robes and equipped with his staff, Ziedon led his horse towards the gate. (Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon
Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style. Ziedon's garb is of a well-to-do townsman. He normally wears a thin, off-white shirt with eleven pairs of wooden knobs and strings in the front with a brown and green band of cloth was laid across his sh… was able to convince people to divulge secrets using magic). He wanted Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon
Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style. Ziedon's garb is of a well-to-do townsman. He normally wears a thin, off-white shirt with eleven pairs of wooden knobs and strings in the front with a brown and green band of cloth was laid across his sh… to help sabatoge Galgeweplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigGalgewe
Last updated 2012-10-26
This could afford to be a little longer, for such an important NPC...
Description
A short, stocky man with a balding head of curly, fiery red hair entered the room. His dull blue robes matched his eyes, and the sheath of a short sword hung from his waist.'s power over Ulan's holdings112plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAppeared or occurred in:
: Hebabelt Forester
His horse was untouched and had been treated well, and the new saddle was still leaning against the wall. Ziedon mounted, and rode until he just out of sight of the west gate, then dismounted. Wearing his old robes and equipped with his staff, Ziedon led his horse towards the gate..
Forgolon finally approached Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon
Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style. Ziedon's garb is of a well-to-do townsman. He normally wears a thin, off-white shirt with eleven pairs of wooden knobs and strings in the front with a brown and green band of cloth was laid across his sh…121plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAppeared or occurred in:
: A Rap on the Shutters
Late in the night, Ziedon was woken by a rap on his shutters. Thinking it was the wind, he dozed off, but the fourth time it happened, he got up and separated them. The bird stumbled a bit and landed on the outside window sill, peering in. A moment later, there was a knock on his door., and offered to support Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon
Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style. Ziedon's garb is of a well-to-do townsman. He normally wears a thin, off-white shirt with eleven pairs of wooden knobs and strings in the front with a brown and green band of cloth was laid across his sh…'s rise to power. However, Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon
Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style. Ziedon's garb is of a well-to-do townsman. He normally wears a thin, off-white shirt with eleven pairs of wooden knobs and strings in the front with a brown and green band of cloth was laid across his sh…'s murder of Galgeweplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigGalgewe
Last updated 2012-10-26
This could afford to be a little longer, for such an important NPC...
Description
A short, stocky man with a balding head of curly, fiery red hair entered the room. His dull blue robes matched his eyes, and the sheath of a short sword hung from his waist. and capture by Silnquostplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigGuildmaster Gal Silnquost
Description
A man in his forties, tall, at least while seated, who had a full head of graying hair. He was of unspectacular appearance, but his voice made up for it. Townsman Silnquost was as tall as Ziedon, an unusual thing in Huerten. Like most townsmen, he was equipped with an ornate dagger that bore the insignia of his guild on its hilt. He also wore a sword, and, though it was difficult to tell through the elaborate clothing, there might have been a little extra … made things difficult. Forgolon convinced Kreemon and Koriscaplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigKorisca Valym
Korisca would be a beautiful woman if she bathed regularly. Most of the time, her face is soot-covered and her hands are grimy. Her blue eyes stand out as the only colorful feature of her face. Her blond hair is full of dirt and ragged, and is never combed neatly. Even after bathing, which never cleans her completely, she seems to draw the dirt back onto her skin within hours. Korisca is slim and light-footed. She wears a good cloak and breaches, soft boots and a vest. Two knife s… to rescue Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon
Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style. Ziedon's garb is of a well-to-do townsman. He normally wears a thin, off-white shirt with eleven pairs of wooden knobs and strings in the front with a brown and green band of cloth was laid across his sh… from Townsman Silnquostplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigGuildmaster Gal Silnquost
Description
A man in his forties, tall, at least while seated, who had a full head of graying hair. He was of unspectacular appearance, but his voice made up for it. Townsman Silnquost was as tall as Ziedon, an unusual thing in Huerten. Like most townsmen, he was equipped with an ornate dagger that bore the insignia of his guild on its hilt. He also wore a sword, and, though it was difficult to tell through the elaborate clothing, there might have been a little extra … so that their plans could continue131plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAppeared or occurred in:
: The Shortest Path
It was the second night since they'd left the city. Fallen trees and broken segments of road had become common sights during the past days, showing that whatever had happened was more widespread than it had seemed initially. There were even a few cracks in the ground, though nothing nearly so vast as the great rift outside of Huerten. Just half a dozen feet or so deep, most of them.,132plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAppeared or occurred in:
: Springing Ziedon
Maelbourg was well known for being a musical town, but Forgolon was a level above the rest. His mandolin never played a sour note. His fingers never missed a beat. And his voice was so flawlessly controlled, filling the crowded room so expertly, that even tonedeaf.
Forgolon has agreed to be a front-man for Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon
Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style. Ziedon's garb is of a well-to-do townsman. He normally wears a thin, off-white shirt with eleven pairs of wooden knobs and strings in the front with a brown and green band of cloth was laid across his sh…'s political aspirations in return for magic lessons134plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAppeared or occurred in:
: Korisca's Claim to Townsmanship
In the morning, Ziedon gave Korisca some money. “I am famished,” he said. “Would you please be a dear and go get us something warm and filling to eat? You could also see if there are any rumors about last night, or any news. In the meantime, I need to review some of my notes. Please do not disturb me.. Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon
Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style. Ziedon's garb is of a well-to-do townsman. He normally wears a thin, off-white shirt with eleven pairs of wooden knobs and strings in the front with a brown and green band of cloth was laid across his sh… has made sure that Forgolon learns slowly, and has fed him some misinformation. For example, he tells him that the Charm Person spell takes five minutes to cast, so that Forgolon wouldn't suspect Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon
Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style. Ziedon's garb is of a well-to-do townsman. He normally wears a thin, off-white shirt with eleven pairs of wooden knobs and strings in the front with a brown and green band of cloth was laid across his sh… of casting it on him.
Good dialogue samples: Turn 121plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_big: A Rap on the Shutters
Late in the night, Ziedon was woken by a rap on his shutters. Thinking it was the wind, he dozed off, but the fourth time it happened, he got up and separated them. The bird stumbled a bit and landed on the outside window sill, peering in. A moment later, there was a knock on his door..
Forgolon appeared in these turns: 22plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAppeared or occurred in:
: Nothing Gained
Before going to sleep, Ardith invited Kay to join her in prayer to Andritha. The two women prayed together in their room for a few minutes, and then made up their cots with blankets and went to sleep.
In the morning, they came down to the common room and had some bread, cheese, and a hot, sweet drink the bartender offered them that smelled faintly of alcohol.Jackol Worsen,23plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAppeared or occurred in:
: The Minstrel's Song
Kay listened, enraptured, to the man's singing and playing. It reminded her of the songs of her homeland. She found the man attractive, and wished she could get his attention. Kay's heart went to her throat as the minstrel sat next to her. His presence, even his clean, male odor went to her head.,28plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAppeared or occurred in:
: Townsman Ulan
Korisca stood up and looked at Kreemon. “I suppose I should go take this ... bath, and get new clothes, but I don't know where such places are.”
“Well, I know where the bath house is and can escort you there if you wish. As for clothes ... the market place probably would the best bet. You might even find someone with a cart of second hand clothing you could sort through to see if anything would fit you. I've found a few good bargains doing that. You do have to be careful though. They, the cloth…,29plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAppeared or occurred in:
: The Message
Kreemon left Korisca at the bathhouse and took a short walk back to the marketplace. The market was not crowded, but it was not empty either. There were many people about, entering and leaving shops, examining the few booths that lined the main road, or just standing and talking to friends. A group of children was playing a game Kreemon did not recognize. Every time a horseman, those few that there were, came by, the children grabbed a few dozen trinkets from the road and ran to the side.,66plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAppeared or occurred in:
: Sahlman's Adventure: A Farmer's Trap
Sahlman rose before dawn, more than ready to get moving. Snow had stopped accumulating shortly after dusk, so there was only half an inch on the ground, not even enough to scrape up for drinking water.
Sahl was on his way within fifteen minutes, eager to move again. All three horses had survived the night, but they had to be walked for hours before their legs had fully thawed. The morning remained cold, but the snow was melting by noon, and it became much easier to travel despite the dampness …,67plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAppeared or occurred in:
: Sahlman's Adventure: The state of Maelbourg
Half a mile from the perimeter of Maelbourg, Sahlman turned to Forgolon. “This is dangerous work. We must talk now. I tell you, what I want is for my friends to be free and not work for bad men. This is all I want. You tell me now. Who is lord of Maelbourg now? Who put my friends in jail? Why they in jail? What you want from me?,112plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAppeared or occurred in:
: Hebabelt Forester
His horse was untouched and had been treated well, and the new saddle was still leaning against the wall. Ziedon mounted, and rode until he just out of sight of the west gate, then dismounted. Wearing his old robes and equipped with his staff, Ziedon led his horse towards the gate.,121plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAppeared or occurred in:
: A Rap on the Shutters
Late in the night, Ziedon was woken by a rap on his shutters. Thinking it was the wind, he dozed off, but the fourth time it happened, he got up and separated them. The bird stumbled a bit and landed on the outside window sill, peering in. A moment later, there was a knock on his door.,130plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAppeared or occurred in:
: A Changing Year
As soon as Kreemon left Rheideielle's house, a sense of peace washed over him. It was good to feel the open air, even if the make-up gave it a greasy feel.
The morning snow had become a heavy heat, which by evening, had given way to a thickening fog. This was both good and bad for Kreemon's chances of getting out that night. He'd be harder to recognize through the fog, but there would be fewer people coming and going, so the guards would be more alert.,131plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAppeared or occurred in:
: The Shortest Path
It was the second night since they'd left the city. Fallen trees and broken segments of road had become common sights during the past days, showing that whatever had happened was more widespread than it had seemed initially. There were even a few cracks in the ground, though nothing nearly so vast as the great rift outside of Huerten. Just half a dozen feet or so deep, most of them.,132plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAppeared or occurred in:
: Springing Ziedon
Maelbourg was well known for being a musical town, but Forgolon was a level above the rest. His mandolin never played a sour note. His fingers never missed a beat. And his voice was so flawlessly controlled, filling the crowded room so expertly, that even tonedeaf,134plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAppeared or occurred in:
: Korisca's Claim to Townsmanship
In the morning, Ziedon gave Korisca some money. “I am famished,” he said. “Would you please be a dear and go get us something warm and filling to eat? You could also see if there are any rumors about last night, or any news. In the meantime, I need to review some of my notes. Please do not disturb me.,135plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAppeared or occurred in:
: The Northern Gate
After Forgolon left, Ziedon called Tah'iera to him. Within moments, the strange bird landed on the window sill. “Please follow the man who just left,” Ziedon said. “Let me know where he goes.”
After Tah'iera flew off, Ziedon said, “Korisca, Kreemon. I don't know how long this transition period is going to take. I would very much like to get my necklace back from,140plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAppeared or occurred in:
: Interrogating a Spy
When the man faded back into visibility next to him, Ziedon took his belt pouch and looked inside. There were only a few coins, which made sense given the man's common appearance. There was nothing to indicate who he was or where he was from.
Ziedon tied the man's hands behind his back, tied his feet together, and gagged him with a strip of cloth from his shirt. Then he searched his body thoroughly, even to the point of looking in his shoes and under his shirt. Other than a dagger that looked …,143plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAppeared or occurred in:
: The Song of Destruction
Kreemon woke up hurting all over. He lifted himself slowly, only realizing he was lying on a table top when his motion unbalanced the makeshift stretcher, twisting it out of Ziedon's sore and tired hands, and sending it crashing to the ground. Kreemon rolled a couple times on the ground before colliding with the filthy wall of the alley. Weak from his many wounds, he lifted himself carefully on the palms of his hands, and saw
Forgolon was mentioned but did not appear in these turns: 24plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigReferenced in:
: The Lost Scroll
Sahlman was furious to the point of distraction over losing the fight, over his soiled garments, and over allowing his weapons to be lost, even temporarily. If that had happened in the desert, he would have been dead. He could not quite comprehend why he was still alive, nor why his plans failed so dreadfully. He was unable to sit and listen to,32plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigReferenced in:
: Departure
Ziedon was woken by Sahlman a few hours before dawn. As Sahl arranged himself comfortably on his blanket to sleep through the last watch, Ziedon quietly claimed a corner of the room and sat down.
Ziedon watched over everyone in silence, his eyes frequently returning to the still form of the thief. 'How easy it would be,' he thought, but each time he lowered his hands to boost himself off the floor, he shook his head. 'No, it is too soon.',33plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigReferenced in:
: Another Approach
'Not good. No, not good at all,' thought Sahlman as he scrambled for readiness. For a split second, visions flashed before Sahl's eyes: cloaked raiders materializing out of the frigid darkness to tear through a peaceful bedouin camp, black blood bubbling pink and frothy in the wake of his scimitar, screams and wails of despair from the friends and relatives, from the wives and children, of those not strong enough to hold on to that most precious of treasures,34plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigReferenced in:
: The Townsman's Dilemma
The only emotion Sahlman could solidly identify at that moment was confusion. Perhaps if he had been paying more attention to Ulan, instead of checking all around for Forgolon Deepthroat, he might have been able to better assay what was going on. As it was, nothing was as it seemed, or nothing seemed as it was, one of the two. Either way, Sahl was left shaking his head. He had to look around at the groveling Ulan, just to make doubly certain that it was he, indeed, who was doing the begging. It …,112plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigReferenced in:
: Hebabelt Forester
His horse was untouched and had been treated well, and the new saddle was still leaning against the wall. Ziedon mounted, and rode until he just out of sight of the west gate, then dismounted. Wearing his old robes and equipped with his staff, Ziedon led his horse towards the gate.,114plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigReferenced in:
: Townsman Galgewe
“So Ziedon, I see you caused Townsman Ulfendol quite a bit of trouble.” When Ziedon opened his eyes, he saw Galgewe, standing tall, hands clasped behind his back. It was a bit hard to make out his features. When Ziedon opened his eyes wider and shook out the blur of sleep, he saw the reason. He was in a jail cell, securely locked, with metal bars reaching to the ceiling, and attached at their base to a half-wall of stone.,116plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigReferenced in:
: The State of Maelbourg
An hour or so after the tailor left, a messenger arrived with an unsigned letter from Galgewe: I will not be able to visit you myself tonight due to prior engagements, so I will answer some of your questions here. Please destroy this message when you have comitted it to memory. If you forget, its ink is designed to fade within a day or two.
You asked for descriptions of the major players in town, so here they are. The number following each name is an indication of power and influence. There a…,118plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigReferenced in:
: Ulan's Allies and Balban's Enemies
Ferenz's tavern had nothing like the lush accomodations of the Purple Raven. Leaving his escort outside, Ziedon entered a dusty, low- ceilinged room much wider than it was deep. While the poorest laborers of Maelbourg couldn't afford tavern food, the men assembled for lunch today were not much better off.,120plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigReferenced in:
: Velirra Dufowl, a Bad Omen
As they walked to the tavern, Ziedon felt an inexplicable tinge of nervousness, as if he was being followed. He looked back frequently, but could see nothing out of the ordinary. Then, just outside the tavern, a wave of fear washed over him. He stopped, unsure whether to hide or run, and then it passed.,122plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigReferenced in:
: Hewlard and Duddan
“You called me.”
Ziedon rolled over in his bed, ignoring the dream.
“You called me. Why?”
He was tired. How much sleep could he have gotten? Three hours? Four?
“You called me. Why?”
Ziedon opened his eyes a crack. The sun had risen only recently, and it was cold. The bird was perched on the highest shelf above the desk, staring at him with interest. It was also squawking annoyingly.,133plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigReferenced in:
: The Disappearing Trick
“Ziedon,” Kreemon said, “It is us. Korisca and Kreemon.” He chuckled. “We have come to rescue you.”
“Hi, Ziedon,” Korisca said. Strangely enough, she seemed perfectly calm in the presence of the man she'd feared for weeks.
Kreemon glanced at the desk before refocusing his attention on the door.,136plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigReferenced in:
: Desecrating the House
In the morning, Ziedon woke up to an icy breeze -- again -- and lashed out. “Who keeps opening that damned window? I was freezing all night long.”
Kreemon stood up and stretched. “Sorry. I like the fresh air.”
“Well bloody hell. I am not going to be much use to anyone if I catch a cold, now am I? And what about,139plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigReferenced in:
: The Transformation
Ziedon woke once again to a stiff breeze. He had fallen asleep sitting up, but now he was lying on the hard floor, his cloak wrapped tightly around him. He glared at the open window, working life back into his fingers. The sooner they could get to that boarding house, the better. Kreemon could have the room without the fireplace. Let him freeze as much as he wanted.,144plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigReferenced in:
: Gathering Support
The day got worse and worse for Ziedon. The volume of the chant became louder, until at times it was almost impossible to concentrate. It would then soften, but never as much as the last time. Ziedon felt he was running out of time to deal with this problem, and given how the last fight with the priests went, he would probably need help, and a good plan. He had just decided that, when the chanting reached a crescendo more powerful than any before it.,145plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigReferenced in:
: Kreemon's Mob
“We'll drop you off at the boarding house and then go to Silnquost's guild house.” Kreemon chuckled, remembering how he started his current trip to Maelbourg. “I think we know how to get there.”
Kreemon and Korisca escorted Ziedon back to the boarding house, and then headed to the public guild house where,146plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigReferenced in:
: Confronting the Sign
While Kreemon stirred up the crowds of Maelbourg, Ziedon lay in bed, tied down, repeating over and over to himself that it was all a bluff. The music in his head, the rapid slipping away of his magical knowledge, it was just a trick. The mages from Forgolon's song were driven mad by the song and its effects, and either committed suicide or attacked the priests, which was just another form of suicide.,149plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigReferenced in:
: Spreading Rumors
It was late morning when Ziedon came out of the dream. The sun was showing through the clouds, and the muddy streets were slowly becoming navigable again, despite the occasional drizzle. Kreemon and Korisca knew that the next day at midnight, the earth would open up outside of Huerten
Forgolon was originally introduced as “Forgolon Deepthroat.” At the time, I honestly didn't know that “Deepthroat” had a sexual connotation. Since I found that out, he's simply been known as Forgolon. :)