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Adventures in Eberron> Chapter 32 posted 08-08-05>
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<blockquote data-quote="skullsmurfer" data-source="post: 2322707" data-attributes="member: 17151"><p><strong>Plans, Chapter 6</strong></p><p></p><p>► Plans, Chapter 6</p><p></p><p> Paragon watched Theodyl sleep. It amazes the war-forged that anything ever gets done with all the sleeping flesh people do. It has been just over seven hours, Paragon is bored and so is the beer stein. The war-forged gathered a few marbles from a pouch on his belt and lined them up. He very carefully brought his thumb and index finger together, just like Theodyl had taught him. The pressure built and with a loud tap the marble sped across the table and hit Theodyl in the head. Nothing. Paragon tried again. Nothing. The beer stein made a suggestion. Paragon started to laugh.</p><p> </p><p> <strong>“To arms, to arms, the line is breached!”</strong></p><p> </p><p> Theodyl rose up out of his chair drawing his sword with one hand and forming a spell with the other. He turned, blinking but not seeing anything. The spell fizzled and vanished painfully from his mind. He turned again, cursed, and then promptly emptied his stomach.</p><p></p><p> “A mighty warrior he be...ha!” the beer stein laughed.</p><p></p><p> “Well, at least he drew his weapon.” the war-forged mused.</p><p></p><p> “Shaddup, mah head aches,” Theodyl tried to speak through the foul taste in his mouth, “have ye no respect for the dying?”</p><p></p><p> “We are bored.” The beer stein answered.</p><p></p><p> “Are ye done sleeping?” Paragon asked.</p><p> </p><p> Theodyl took a seat and had a look around. They are back at the Gorgon's Eye, under the basement. He can smell the sewers. Paragon started to explain everything as Theodyl opened his kit and tried to freshen up.</p><p></p><p> The dockside security boys got antsy about something just after he passed out. The war-forged made a quick exit through the sewer access ways and dragged him out to a safer place. He doesn't think their presence was noticed, however.</p><p></p><p> Theodyl nodded and shrugged. He dropped an herbal packet into the beer stein. He poured in some water and then used a cantrip to heat the mixture.</p><p></p><p> “Hey! That's not beer!” The outraged beer stein complained.</p><p></p><p> Theodyl then produced a wooden bowl and unwrapped a wide spoon made out of green glass. He tapped the spoon against the bowl and then started to stir. An odd mist formed around the utensil. It grew thicker and thicker. Within a few moments, the bowl was brimming with hot, steaming mush. Theodyl frowned at the pale gray substance. A handful of dried fruit from his kit added some flavor. He ate greedily, sipping tea from the unhappy beer stein and humming an old battle hymn. He would make them wait, a just vengeance.</p><p></p><p> “Well?” Paragon asked as Theodyl repacked his kit.</p><p></p><p> “I want beer.” The beer stein cut in morosely.</p><p></p><p> “I have an idea.” Theodyl said with a smile. “What if the manuscript isn't all that important? What if that nasty little file about dragons is the prize and the manuscript is just a bit of honey to keep a city full of bears looking the other way?”</p><p></p><p> “Hag spit.” Paragon cursed.</p><p></p><p> “We have been handed a poisoned arrow my friends.” Theodyl continued.</p><p></p><p> “The manuscript is important because giant artifacts are driving technology and technology is power even if there isn't a war. What if the dragons are using that to keep the powers-that-be running about while they eliminate two threats to their intelligence efforts?”</p><p></p><p> “Explain.” Paragon demanded.</p><p></p><p> “The dragons want the file, not the manuscript. They also want to get rid of whomever is running the operation. We are bait in a trap. In fact, with all those swords pointed at our throats, the most obvious choice is to turn to the dragons for help...”</p><p></p><p> “What if you are just paranoid? What if the gnomes want to bait some, so called dragon agents; stirring the Pot, as you would say, for a similar reason.” Paragon made a stirring motion with his finger. “The Zilargo Trust is supposedly the biggest nest of spies in the world. It would be a sound strategy to draw out other players. Do you really intend to turn to the dragons?” Paragon let his voice go hollow at the end.</p><p></p><p> “No. The easy way is for losers, and besides it would be a trap. If it doesn't cost me my life, it will cost me my freedom. I don't see the gnomes doing this, it is brilliant, but it lacks a certain subtlety. There is a sense of arrogance here, gnomes are not arrogant. Besides, I have other options.” (Paragon is acting strangely. What gives?)</p><p></p><p> “Go on, I want to hear about them.” Paragon motioned with his hand.</p><p></p><p> “I am a bastard. My mother raised me in a whorehouse in Cyre. One day when I returned from my errands, I found the house in flames. There were no survivors. I was barely 10, I lived in the alleys, made friends with the street urchins. About two years later, I tried to snatch a man's purse. He caught me, he tried to use magic on me and somehow, I resisted. He thought it was funny, so he took me with him.” Theodyl closed his eyes and pictured his words as he spoke. “The man's name was Stargazer. He was a wizard. He kept me as his servant for a long time before he found a use for me. I thought he was mad. He would play tricks on me and made me play with puzzles. He would test my memory constantly with limericks, numbers, and endless lists. He nurtured my curiosity, encouraged me to think, taught me to live every moment of my life. He started teaching me tricks like walking silently and picking pockets. He taught me how to read and write; how to read people and guess their motives. When he heard me singing, he arranged for lessons. All along he was teaching, shaping me. It was the most fun I ever had. He took me adventuring, challenging all my skills. One day he asked me if I wanted to be his apprentice....”</p><p></p><p> “I know all this!” Paragon protested.</p><p></p><p> “Did you know that he was a rogue dragon? Do you know that he found out who my father is? Do you know that the same stinking dragon slinkers that killed him want to finish me as well?” Theodyl's eyes lit up and magical power crackled at his fingertips. </p><p></p><p> “My apologies, please continue.” Paragon said about as softly as his voice allowed, making a two handed calming motion. Theodyl has never been calm about family business, the war-forged feels the same about his creator.</p><p> </p><p> “He had visitors one day, I heard them arguing. They threatened Stargazer; I heard them call me a pet; a liability as I reached adulthood. They called me an animal. They called him an exile. They said they would take me if he didn't send me away.” Theodyl looked up, he sighed. “He mentioned that he had arranged for a boarding school and an apprenticeship with a Master Inquisitive in from Cyre. He said that my time with him was over. It was all true.” Theodyl stared a the floor for a moment and then continued. “I was sent away with a letter of introduction and a heavy bound sheaf of scrolls carrying all sorts of advice. I never saw him again, but he always managed to help me out of one jam or another.”</p><p></p><p> “My real father is an elf, pure blooded, and he works for one of the Houses. I also have a map leading to Stargazer's various, hideouts. He owned a lot of real estate and rarely stayed anywhere for long. No one knows this but me. We have a contact, and possibly, a few hiding places that our enemies don't know about. There is also the House of Shadow.”</p><p></p><p> “Bah, double dealing meat-bags! The House of Shadow played all sides during the war. How many of our brothers died because of their spies?" Paragon pounded his fists into the table and shook his head. "Alright, so what is your plan, exactly?” </p><p> </p><p> “So did the gnomes, the Houses and the Dragons! They all wanted power. No one is really all that trustworthy when it comes to that game. At least with House of Shadow we can trust their contact. She likes money and she likes to trade in hot commodities. The potential for mayhem and profit will keep her honest.” Theodyl tried to explain. </p><p></p><p> “Harrumph, you are talking about that actress friend of yours. I still don't understand how you pick your lovers. Flesh people lose the ability to think critically when it comes to choosing mates, I learned that in the Cannith training halls. Even with all those books you showed to me, it makes absolutely no sense. But enough, you still haven't told me about your plan.” Paragon tapped his finger against the table.</p><p></p><p> “First, we get the gnome, then we get his wife. After that we deliver the war-forged to the Silver Flame. Somehow, while they are killing each other, we set up a meet with our so-called dragon friends or try to contact my father at House Lyrandar. Either way we have to leave Sharn. It is going to be close, and we are going to have to improvise. Chances are we will die before we regret it, but we will not go easy.” Theodyl raised his hand like the bronze cast portraits of the kings of Galifar.</p><p> </p><p> The war-forged frowned beneath its composite plates. Theodyl makes his joints ache. He can't tell just how much of this Theodyl just made up at the spur of the moment and how much was an actual plan. Even with the benefits of military training, the half-elf is still a slave to his whims. A fine weapon, if properly supervised. </p><p></p><p> “Huzzah, huzzah! Let's drink on it!” the beer stein cheered.</p><p></p><p> “Harrumph, you drive me crazy. I even thought you were failing for a moment. I am with you Lieutenant, and so are my Lads. But, if there isn't a good fight, we shall have words. That is my promise.” Paragon said.</p><p></p><p> “Thank you, Sergeant.” Theodyl answered. To Paragon, rank denotes family and respect. He will not disappoint his brother.</p><p></p><p> “Do we drink now?” The beer stein cut in.</p><p></p><p> “Yeah, sure, let's go. We will have to have Thersyl killed at the Watch first, though.”</p><p></p><p> Paragon didn't like the idea. Theodyl had to very quickly explain that it wouldn't be a real murder. It seems the war-forged is keen on recruiting the changelings into his club. The beer stein actually laughed as Theodyl hung from Paragon's fist and explained the rest of his plan. The Devil is in the details, and since war-forged tend to take things literally it is best to explain things very carefully. Paragon made a few suggestions. Theodyl will not soon forget that lesson.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="skullsmurfer, post: 2322707, member: 17151"] [b]Plans, Chapter 6[/b] ► Plans, Chapter 6 Paragon watched Theodyl sleep. It amazes the war-forged that anything ever gets done with all the sleeping flesh people do. It has been just over seven hours, Paragon is bored and so is the beer stein. The war-forged gathered a few marbles from a pouch on his belt and lined them up. He very carefully brought his thumb and index finger together, just like Theodyl had taught him. The pressure built and with a loud tap the marble sped across the table and hit Theodyl in the head. Nothing. Paragon tried again. Nothing. The beer stein made a suggestion. Paragon started to laugh. [B]“To arms, to arms, the line is breached!”[/B] Theodyl rose up out of his chair drawing his sword with one hand and forming a spell with the other. He turned, blinking but not seeing anything. The spell fizzled and vanished painfully from his mind. He turned again, cursed, and then promptly emptied his stomach. “A mighty warrior he be...ha!” the beer stein laughed. “Well, at least he drew his weapon.” the war-forged mused. “Shaddup, mah head aches,” Theodyl tried to speak through the foul taste in his mouth, “have ye no respect for the dying?” “We are bored.” The beer stein answered. “Are ye done sleeping?” Paragon asked. Theodyl took a seat and had a look around. They are back at the Gorgon's Eye, under the basement. He can smell the sewers. Paragon started to explain everything as Theodyl opened his kit and tried to freshen up. The dockside security boys got antsy about something just after he passed out. The war-forged made a quick exit through the sewer access ways and dragged him out to a safer place. He doesn't think their presence was noticed, however. Theodyl nodded and shrugged. He dropped an herbal packet into the beer stein. He poured in some water and then used a cantrip to heat the mixture. “Hey! That's not beer!” The outraged beer stein complained. Theodyl then produced a wooden bowl and unwrapped a wide spoon made out of green glass. He tapped the spoon against the bowl and then started to stir. An odd mist formed around the utensil. It grew thicker and thicker. Within a few moments, the bowl was brimming with hot, steaming mush. Theodyl frowned at the pale gray substance. A handful of dried fruit from his kit added some flavor. He ate greedily, sipping tea from the unhappy beer stein and humming an old battle hymn. He would make them wait, a just vengeance. “Well?” Paragon asked as Theodyl repacked his kit. “I want beer.” The beer stein cut in morosely. “I have an idea.” Theodyl said with a smile. “What if the manuscript isn't all that important? What if that nasty little file about dragons is the prize and the manuscript is just a bit of honey to keep a city full of bears looking the other way?” “Hag spit.” Paragon cursed. “We have been handed a poisoned arrow my friends.” Theodyl continued. “The manuscript is important because giant artifacts are driving technology and technology is power even if there isn't a war. What if the dragons are using that to keep the powers-that-be running about while they eliminate two threats to their intelligence efforts?” “Explain.” Paragon demanded. “The dragons want the file, not the manuscript. They also want to get rid of whomever is running the operation. We are bait in a trap. In fact, with all those swords pointed at our throats, the most obvious choice is to turn to the dragons for help...” “What if you are just paranoid? What if the gnomes want to bait some, so called dragon agents; stirring the Pot, as you would say, for a similar reason.” Paragon made a stirring motion with his finger. “The Zilargo Trust is supposedly the biggest nest of spies in the world. It would be a sound strategy to draw out other players. Do you really intend to turn to the dragons?” Paragon let his voice go hollow at the end. “No. The easy way is for losers, and besides it would be a trap. If it doesn't cost me my life, it will cost me my freedom. I don't see the gnomes doing this, it is brilliant, but it lacks a certain subtlety. There is a sense of arrogance here, gnomes are not arrogant. Besides, I have other options.” (Paragon is acting strangely. What gives?) “Go on, I want to hear about them.” Paragon motioned with his hand. “I am a bastard. My mother raised me in a whorehouse in Cyre. One day when I returned from my errands, I found the house in flames. There were no survivors. I was barely 10, I lived in the alleys, made friends with the street urchins. About two years later, I tried to snatch a man's purse. He caught me, he tried to use magic on me and somehow, I resisted. He thought it was funny, so he took me with him.” Theodyl closed his eyes and pictured his words as he spoke. “The man's name was Stargazer. He was a wizard. He kept me as his servant for a long time before he found a use for me. I thought he was mad. He would play tricks on me and made me play with puzzles. He would test my memory constantly with limericks, numbers, and endless lists. He nurtured my curiosity, encouraged me to think, taught me to live every moment of my life. He started teaching me tricks like walking silently and picking pockets. He taught me how to read and write; how to read people and guess their motives. When he heard me singing, he arranged for lessons. All along he was teaching, shaping me. It was the most fun I ever had. He took me adventuring, challenging all my skills. One day he asked me if I wanted to be his apprentice....” “I know all this!” Paragon protested. “Did you know that he was a rogue dragon? Do you know that he found out who my father is? Do you know that the same stinking dragon slinkers that killed him want to finish me as well?” Theodyl's eyes lit up and magical power crackled at his fingertips. “My apologies, please continue.” Paragon said about as softly as his voice allowed, making a two handed calming motion. Theodyl has never been calm about family business, the war-forged feels the same about his creator. “He had visitors one day, I heard them arguing. They threatened Stargazer; I heard them call me a pet; a liability as I reached adulthood. They called me an animal. They called him an exile. They said they would take me if he didn't send me away.” Theodyl looked up, he sighed. “He mentioned that he had arranged for a boarding school and an apprenticeship with a Master Inquisitive in from Cyre. He said that my time with him was over. It was all true.” Theodyl stared a the floor for a moment and then continued. “I was sent away with a letter of introduction and a heavy bound sheaf of scrolls carrying all sorts of advice. I never saw him again, but he always managed to help me out of one jam or another.” “My real father is an elf, pure blooded, and he works for one of the Houses. I also have a map leading to Stargazer's various, hideouts. He owned a lot of real estate and rarely stayed anywhere for long. No one knows this but me. We have a contact, and possibly, a few hiding places that our enemies don't know about. There is also the House of Shadow.” “Bah, double dealing meat-bags! The House of Shadow played all sides during the war. How many of our brothers died because of their spies?" Paragon pounded his fists into the table and shook his head. "Alright, so what is your plan, exactly?” “So did the gnomes, the Houses and the Dragons! They all wanted power. No one is really all that trustworthy when it comes to that game. At least with House of Shadow we can trust their contact. She likes money and she likes to trade in hot commodities. The potential for mayhem and profit will keep her honest.” Theodyl tried to explain. “Harrumph, you are talking about that actress friend of yours. I still don't understand how you pick your lovers. Flesh people lose the ability to think critically when it comes to choosing mates, I learned that in the Cannith training halls. Even with all those books you showed to me, it makes absolutely no sense. But enough, you still haven't told me about your plan.” Paragon tapped his finger against the table. “First, we get the gnome, then we get his wife. After that we deliver the war-forged to the Silver Flame. Somehow, while they are killing each other, we set up a meet with our so-called dragon friends or try to contact my father at House Lyrandar. Either way we have to leave Sharn. It is going to be close, and we are going to have to improvise. Chances are we will die before we regret it, but we will not go easy.” Theodyl raised his hand like the bronze cast portraits of the kings of Galifar. The war-forged frowned beneath its composite plates. Theodyl makes his joints ache. He can't tell just how much of this Theodyl just made up at the spur of the moment and how much was an actual plan. Even with the benefits of military training, the half-elf is still a slave to his whims. A fine weapon, if properly supervised. “Huzzah, huzzah! Let's drink on it!” the beer stein cheered. “Harrumph, you drive me crazy. I even thought you were failing for a moment. I am with you Lieutenant, and so are my Lads. But, if there isn't a good fight, we shall have words. That is my promise.” Paragon said. “Thank you, Sergeant.” Theodyl answered. To Paragon, rank denotes family and respect. He will not disappoint his brother. “Do we drink now?” The beer stein cut in. “Yeah, sure, let's go. We will have to have Thersyl killed at the Watch first, though.” Paragon didn't like the idea. Theodyl had to very quickly explain that it wouldn't be a real murder. It seems the war-forged is keen on recruiting the changelings into his club. The beer stein actually laughed as Theodyl hung from Paragon's fist and explained the rest of his plan. The Devil is in the details, and since war-forged tend to take things literally it is best to explain things very carefully. Paragon made a few suggestions. Theodyl will not soon forget that lesson. [/QUOTE]
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