Lothor watched the stuff getting split up and, as his earlier ruminations indicated, wanted nothing to do with the books. Having the word "cursed" thrown around made him nervous.

when Roan made his comment about taking the potions of healing he spoke up. "I would appreciate one of those as well. Lets spread them out so that more than one person can deal with healing." (Assuming this is agreed to as implied in the earlier post)

As he received the couple of items he had asked for - the healing potion, the blood-red potions of turn-to-stone and the ring of the ear he place them in his pouches. Healing potions were always valuable. He was a lot less sure about the blood-red stuff. He didn't think he ever wanted to make use of it. But who knew? Was hacking someone to pieces really better than turning them into stone? Was it odd that he felt this was so? As for the ring of the ear, he wouldn't wear it all of the time, as his other rings seemed to be of more immediate use. But it could be swapped out or loaned out if needed. So for now it sat in his pouch.

Ulthok had at first been delighted that the party had collected so much treasure. The rogue in him had never forgone the thrill of finding new items of wealth or magic. To discover the potential of those items had almost been as thrilling as the find. The old Ulthok would have lay claim out of want and greed but time had tempered him a bit and survival of the party now seemed most important. Though some of the items he chose were just for the fun of them, as the dice and fork, the others should provide him with tools of aid. The books had always concerned him, coming from a library in an evil castle, but the loot seemed to be a returning of plunder to its original intent to protect good. So when the conversation turned to a warning that items may well be cursed his heart fell.

"Aye.. you may well be correct that some of these are cursed or produced by evil for evil."

In all his trainings there had never been a way taught to detect a curse on an item. So the mage decided to not tryout his items now and perhaps invoke a taint that need not add to their troubles. He carefully wrapped and placed them in his pouch of holding to be further study another time.

When the party had finished those items not claimed were returned to the bag of holding, they could not be left behind for who knows use.

This done Ulthok made plans with Peri for their travels to come and leaving a light foot print on the past.

With the various found or scavenged items Identified it did not take long for each of the seven members to pick and chose between them Though one or more items were desired by more then one party member the choice of where the item went and to whom was settled with out disagreement. However the conversations quickly turned to the possibility of some of said items being cursed and how to find out. Unfortunately none of the parties spell casters had a way to discover if any items held such other then to put it on.

The books also were a matter of concern after some inspection it became clear that at least two of them, the Tome of Necronomicon Ex-Mortis and the Tome of Naturom Demonto were quite evil in nature and to open them would be foolish. While the other tomes, the Tome of The Planes, Tome of Golems, Tome of Clear Thought, and Tome of Quickness of Action though powerful magic were usable by any in the party.

However it was the last Tome, that of Immoral Sanity, that was of the most concern as no mention of it did Alyia find in the castles small but extensive library. It gave off no feeling of evil or magic and seemed as if a normal tome. After both Cor and Sirene had left and returned, Cor quicker, a thing impossible for a such sturdy and muscled Dwarf without the help of magic, and Sirene smarter and able to remember more spells

With the coming of a third morning it was time for the party to seek out Allanan and hopefully gain from him a way to return home. As they moved out into the courtyard they were met by the Librarian and the same three dragons and their riders.

"My apologies to the seven of you but I was unable to locate the Lady I was to send with you as a guide. Instead I have decided to help you get to where you need to be quicker. The riders behind me led once more by the War Wizard Baptist will fly you halfway then leave you on your own to use those potions of flying as you see fit." A look from Baptist and a shake of his head in your direction and to the Librarian and he and his men climbed atop the steeds and readied them for travel.

"Good luck I hope you find the Lord Allanan and he helps you return to your time"

A last look to you and a farewell given, the Librarian turned and walked back into the castle proper. With his departure no more waiting was necessary so the seven member party strapped down and ready found themselves once more traveling by air.

TWO DAYS LATER

The journey by dragon had been uneventful and with their departure on this third day of travel the party found themselves once more seven alone. After a short breakfast and loading of gear the consumption of the potions of flying began. With slight deviations to throw off anyone following they made good time and within another three days they arrived at a place so unchanged by the next 1200 years. As they landed on the same ledge and before the same door they had entered to gain the sword, the first thing they noticed as different was the door stood halfway opened. Though no one seemed to be around at present it was clear someone had recently been so as a tracks showing travel into and out were evident.

Suddenly without warning powerful magic flared around them and all but Rayne and Lothor found themselves held, A robed figure appearing as if from out of thin air coming fast towards both of them from the shadows of the ledge...............

(Ok post for this week is up. As the post states all but Rayne are held by a very very strong Mass Hold spell. Spellcasters you have never felt magic this strong before, easily 24th, 25th in LvL. Ok next post, next Sunday the 6th)
Post edited 09/03/2015

As they flew towards their destination Lothor contemplated how the meeting with the great mage might go. Supposedly he was quite impressive, and Lothor had no difficulty believing this. But they were a group of 7 swooping in on a supposedly secret location. And it didn't take a genius to see that they were a fairly impressive lot in their own right. Not the mages equal individually, but enough to be seen as a threat. In fact, it seemed likely that anyone approaching this location would be seen as a threat. He didn't relish the idea of an arch-mage viewing him as a threat. He smiled a bit as he pictured the group flying in bearing signs saying "We come in Peace!" That probably wouldn't work...

How did one tell a paranoid (He was assuming here, but he would paranoid were he hiding a weapon of ultimate evil and people swooped in on him, so the assumption seemed valid.) arch-mage that their intentions were honest? He didn't know, all he knew was that he would need to be cautious and on the look-out when they arrived. But not so much on the lookout that he looked hostile . . .

And so he landed with the group in front of the door. As the others examined things and determined that someone was around, Lothor attempted to keep a lookout.

*Adapted to fit not being held by the spell*

As the magic surged around the party, even Lothor could tell it was powerful, a fact confirmed by the lack of movement by everyone in the party except himself and Rayne. He was not surprised to see the robed figure stride forward toward them - he was fairly certain he knew who had cast the spell. He was thankful for the magic ring that had kept him free, but wondered if he might not be safer in the spells embrace. He didn't think the mage would want to kill them outright if he didn't have to do so. He might not welcome their presence and might, in the end, do something bad to preserve his secret, but it seemed unlikely that he would do so without finding out more about the group. If nothing else, they had a secret the mage would desire - how did they know the swords location? But such protections might only hold if they were seen as no threat. He thought briefly about pretending to be held, but it seemed extremely unlikely to work. Trying to fool an arch-mage seemed like an unwise move.

But it was important to not be seen as a threat. And so, even as he saw Rayne speaking and acting similarly, Lothor acted in a way that went against every grain in his warriors body. He went to one knee. He raised his empty hands in front of him.

In truth, he did not completely give up the fight. He knew exactly where both his rabbits foot of luck and his axes of throwing were located and was ready to grab them if needed. He was sure it would be of no use if he did so, but if the mage acted he refused to leave Rayne without any backup. But the best help he could offer right now was to add to the image of peace.

He couldn't help thinking, should've brought the "We come in peace" sign . . .

The flight was quick, much faster than walking, and uneventful. Rayne kept her bow ready out of habit. It was an old habit from when she was a pegasus rider. Though, she supposed that she technically had yet to get that job. Ah the joys of time travel. Rayne felt the nagging worry that they may have done something to change the future, but she knew they had tried to make as little impact as possible. Hopefully, there would be nothing noticeably different.

As the landed Rayne hopped off the dragon she was riding, and scanned the area. For now, things seemed clear. After they dismounted, the drank their potions of flight, and flew the rest of the way to the cave.

As they landed, Rayne scanned the area. So far, so good. No one greeted, or attacked any of them. So far, so good. There were definite tracks heading both into and out of the cave. Maybe they were too...

Before Rayne could finish that thought, there was a surge of magic. Though it did not seem to harm anyone, it seemed to hold everyone, except her and Lothor, in place. A robed figure appeared out of the shadows, and walked quickly towards her and Lothor. Though Rayne held her bow, she did not knock and arrow or aim it. Was it Allanan? If it was, she had to defuse the situation quickly. After all, this sword was Karza's weapon, and had great, if sinister, power.

She held up her right hand in front of her, and said, "Allanan, we are not here to take the sword. We merely want to get back to our own time. We were battling Karza's second army when we somehow got sent back in time" She hoped that this would at least get some suspicion off of them, even if it did sound a bit insane. If the robed figure came to close, Rayne would take a couple of steps backwards. Lothor was a better melee combatant than she was. If this was Allanan, there probably wouldn't be much they could do in fight if he chose to attack.

Alyia came back to the barracks exhausted an frustrated over not finding much in the library. Xin had reminded her that the books had come from the future so finding reference in the past for them held little hope. Alyia curled up in the pallet bed with a sigh an quickly fell into a deep sleep.

Alyia groaned as the morning light pricked at her closed eyelids, giving in to the growing din of daily movement.

Alyia arose gathering her stuff after a quick dash to the mess gathered with the rest of the party in the courtyard. Greeted by the Librarian with the same three dragons & riders that had brought them to the keep.

Alyia half listened as the Librarian spoke instead found herself fascinated with the ridding tack adorning the dragons an their shining scales.

the journey by dragon was uneventful. though Alyia found herself plagued by a reacquiring fear of heights. often forgetting lost in thought then realizing how height they flew glimpsing fleeting glimpses of the terrain below between the clouds.

Alyia was glad each night to be back on the ground. once they took the potions of flying Alyia had to admit the reassurance of the dragon beneath her flying was a tad comforting then out right flying alone. Alyia concentrated on the party members in front of her as they flew trying to block out the passing land beneath her.

the magic that gripped them as they stood on the ledge outcropping made Alyia queasy to the point of wanting to wretch. Unable to move as a form appeared drawn from the veiled shadows covering the ledge.

watching as Lothor took a knee an offered empty hands as Rayne quickly offered their current circumstance. Alyia fought the mix of rage at her muted helplessness an illness at the sheer power of the mage's magic.

The party did little planning before leaving but Cor and Ulthok seemed to sense what needed to done. With the offer of the dragons Ulthok let Cor direct the flight so that they would not leave a clear trail. When the Dragon flight had left the started on the potions so they could travel the last leg in secret. Uthok and Peri found themselves as if herding cats as the some of the party members became comfortable and practiced at flight. Whether it was this or just the anticipation of being able to get back to their own time but they did not proceed with their usual caution. Cor the Ulthok directed the group right the cave enterance instead of landing near and scouting it first. Arriving and finding the passage door open should have been a sign but as they observed the foot prints going in and out the force of great magic ensnared them. A mass hold spell was cast over them and they were rendered near helpless. A robed figure appearing as if from out of thin air coming fast towards both of them from the shadows of the ledge. By the strength of the magic Ulthok had to assume it was Allanan, if one of the Shadow Wraiths had found this spot then their future would not have happened and they would not be here now.

As Ulthok stood bound he heard Rayne ,who appeared free of the hold, "Allanan, we are not here to take the sword. We merely want to get back to our own time. We were battling Karza's second army when we somehow got sent back in time." Elven kind always seemed to be blunt.

"Great gogglie mogglie girl," Ulthok thought."Let's just jump right to it before we even know for sure who this is. It isn't like he has an upper hand on us or anything." Straining Ulthok tried to give the robed figure one of his best cherib smiles, but nothing moved.

As the wind rushed through her hair, Siréne gave a joyful cry. She loved flight. It gave back to her, for a time, the freedom she had known in Faerie. That joy stayed with her, even as they sped with urgent haste to the mountain and the sword. It was there she first joined this misfit band of heroes. Of those whom had met her there, only two remained. It was a cruel poetry that brought them here once again. How many more would fall?

The tension was thick enough to cut with a knife as they gathered before an all too familiar doorway. So strange that it looked the same 1200 years into the past. Odd the details the mind fixates on in hard times. Her eyes brushed past the footprints on the ledge and simply focused on the sameness of the door. It was during her contemplation of that very sameness that she felt the familiar crackle of enchantment.

Siréne's fey senses recognized the familiar magic, and her body moved to react but with no avail. That single moment of distraction had been enough, so the magic held her still as surely as the others. She railed against the curse with all of her being. Yet, her effort was for naught. Though such magics should not have been able to hold her, she stood there immobile. The wild terror of a caged animal filled her eyes and though she knew her efforts futile, Siréne continued to fight.

A sudden movement caught her eye, and she watched helplessly as a hooded figure approached from the shadows.


((OOC: Will update this with back-post info this week. Just working out some details))

As the robed figure quickly moved forward as if too attack. both Rayne and Lothor made no aggressive moves. Instead Rayne quickly called to him using his name.

"Allanan, we are not here to take the sword. We merely want to get back to our own time. We were battling Karza's second army when we somehow got sent back in time"

With this statement the robed figure came to a stop standing for a moment staring at Rayne unmoving. Slowly pulling the hood of the robe back he gazed at Rayne and Lothor and spared a glance towards the rest of the party.

The party could see standing before them a rather young looking brown haired male human with some graying of the hair at the side of his temples and in his close cropped beard. Eyes alight, the color of blue ice, looked as if reading your emotions much like the Librianian had done in Drimmen Dreeve. Looking only at Lothor and Rayne he spoke to both with a hard edge to his voice.

"Explain quickly and make me believe or this ledge will become your finally resting place along with your companions"


(DM post: Ok short post. Nomad, Sadaar, up to you to convince him what your saying is true. Now I want you to actually write it out and not just say something like "Rayne/Lothor after relaxing proceed to explain the past few days events hoping to be believed" I want to read it, convince me, the DM, what your saying is true. Once the two of you have posted I'll put up another post soon afterwards. As for the rest of you, those that are still held you need not post unless you want to as not much you ladies and guys can do at the moment. Other then that next post next Sunday or when Nomad and Sir Sadaar post.)

Lothor stood slowly - he was old enough that his knees hurt more than he liked to admit. Veteran was the complementary term.

Lothor was not used to talking for his life. Yet he would give it his all. From the beginning he had believed the spell-caster must be Allanan. When he had taken a knee he had gambled not just his own life, but the lives of everyone in the party. The man's response, while still without a name, added credence to that belief, for both Rayne and Lothor yet lived. At least for a little while.

As he stood Lothor did not need to consider how much to say and how much to keep hidden. He had pondered the nature of time travel as he flew towards the sword's hiding place. He knew others in the party were smarter than he, so he was frequently willing to be guided by their wisdom. But in this their grave concern seemed excessive. He understood, or at least he thought he did, the need to avoid "changing the future." But if they weren't supposed to be in the past and could ruin things just by being here, it was already much too late. They had already done things. They had saved a life. They had altered lives, conversations, meals, the distribution of goods, and the paths of dragons. And that was just the start. They had even paraded around a race that didn't even exist yet and now intended to alter that behavior of perhaps the most important figure in history. In this context, what did it mean to "change history?" Not that they should seek to change it. No, that might be unwise. They could try to avoid changing things too much. But it didn't seem to warrant the near panic he sensed in his companions. They were here. It was too late to change that. History had allowed their presence in the past. The best thing to do would be to NOT be here. Anything that got them out of this time would almost certainly have a smaller impact than their continued presence - even just the presence of their gear and corpses. And it wasn't as if his companions were experts in time travel - if they were, things would be much easier. No, they seemed to be guessing as much as he.

These thoughts did not cross his mind as he stood, for he had already worked his way down this path of thought previously. Having already reached the conclusion that the primary concern was help, as he stood the thought that crossed his mind was a simple one - tell Allanan as much as you had to in order to gain his assistance. If he had to spill every bean in his pod it would be worth it. Hide nothing, conceal nothing. The mage would likely know anyway.

And so the big warrior stood and spoke.

"Allanan. We are not of this time. Have you ever seen such as this Halfling?" Here he indicated the little Ulthok. "His is of a race that does not yet exist here. How would we have known where to come? How would we know what is here? What you do?" Here the big warrior paused, to take a breath. "We have made no threatening moves. We arrived in the open, not in secret. Both Rayne and I have offered no resistance. We are no threat."

He paused for breath. "No threat at all. We come asking aid. We also fight Karza. You know he is not dead. You destroyed his physical form, but not him. He came back. You must know this is possible. We were opposing him. Somehow, at a critical juncture, we were catapulted back to Drimmen Dreve - a name that is legend in our time. We need to return. We don't know what happened. We don't know how the battle goes. We do know we were in the middle of a critical quest. Karza must be stopped in our time as you stopped him now, here." Lothor breathed deep again and continued.

"Look at me. I am a warrior. Getting back to my own time is beyond me. My companions are more skilled than I in many things, yet not in this. We come to the one who might be able to help us. We come to someone who would do what needs to be done to stop Karza. We come to one who opposes chaos. We cannot do this on our own. We need your help. We need you to aid in the fight against Karza once more. Please. Not for us, for everyone in the future. Is it in your power to help us return? Will you help us?"

Explain quickly and make me believe or this ledge will become your finally resting place along with your companions"
Allanan had not blasted Rayne and Lothor over the ledge, so that was a good start. He was defending the weapon of Karza, so keeping it out of anyone's hands was probably his main goal. Especially anyone in league with Karza.

Lothor spoke first. He quickly explained their situation, and their situation. Rayne decided to try and prevent them from seeming like assassins. She added to Lothor's argument," If we were assassins, or people trying to take the sword, why would we have been as easy to capture as we were? We have put up no resistance, nor have we tried to escape. If Karza or his minions did know where you were hiding the sword, wouldn't they send minions who would at least stand a chance against you?"

Rayne paused for a moment. She didn't want to change the past, as that could have major consequences for the future. He did vanish though... perhaps that was something they did? "From when we come from, we know of one person who can pick up the Steel Maiden: Althena. We are part of her bodyguard." Gesturing towards the frozen Ulthok and Cor Rayne finished with, "These two have fought by her side the longest. They can confirm what I have told you."

"Explain quickly and make me believe or this ledge will become your finally resting place along with your companions"
"Allanan. We are not of this time. Have you ever seen such as this Halfling?" Here he indicated the little Ulthok. "His is of a race that does not yet exist here. How would we have known where to come? How would we know what is here? What you do?" Here the big warrior paused, to take a breath. "We have made no threatening moves. We arrived in the open, not in secret. Both Rayne and I have offered no resistance. We are no threat."

Lothor paused for breath. "No threat at all. We come asking aid. We also fight Karza. You know he is not dead. You destroyed his physical form, but not him. He came back. You must know this is possible. We were opposing him. Somehow, at a critical juncture, we were catapulted back to Drimmen Deeve - a name that is legend in our time. We need to return. We don't know what happened. We don't know how the battle goes. We do know we were in the middle of a critical quest. Karza must be stopped in our time as you stopped him now, here." Lothor breathed deep again and continued.

"Look at me. I am a warrior. Getting back to my own time is beyond me. My companions are more skilled than I in many things, yet not in this. We come to the one who might be able to help us. We come to someone who would do what needs to be done to stop Karza. We come to one who opposes chaos. We cannot do this on our own. We need your help. We need you to aid in the fight against Karza once more. Please. Not for us, for everyone in the future. Is it in your power to help us return? Will you help us?"

Lothor having spoke first. quickly explaining their situation. Rayne decided to try and prevent them from seeming like assassins. She added to Lothor's argument,

" If we were assassins, or people trying to take the sword, why would we have been as easy to capture as we were? We have put up no resistance, nor have we tried to escape. If Karza or his minions did know where you were hiding the sword, wouldn't they send minions who would at least stand a chance against you?"

Rayne paused for a moment. She didn't want to change the past, as that could have major consequences for the future. He did vanish though... perhaps that was something they did? "From when we come from, we know of one person who can pick up the Steel Maiden: Althena. We are part of her bodyguard." Gesturing towards the frozen Ulthok and Cor Rayne finished with, "These two have fought by her side the longest. They can confirm what I have told you."

The two free members of the party having had their say waited for the robed figure's next action. Would he believe them or attack, the tenseness of the moment turning the air cold as ice. Then slowly as having made a decision the man lowered the hood of the robe revealing his face.

"I am Allanan, you say my daughter yet lives in your time? No child of mine has yet to be born." With a wave of his hand the rest of the party found themselves free. Turning to them all, his eyes zeroing in on Ulthok and Cor.

"Quickly tell me of this future you came from and its history, from this time to yours"

(DM OOC: Ok an early post from me with a lil twist. Ok next post next Sunday the 20th and I hope you all have a great NFL day, except any Cleveland Browns fans. GO COWBOYS!! Sorry had to say that)

With the hold spell dropped, Cor moved forward. "Aye lad, ye have a daughter. Or ye will have a daughter. This time travel makes things a bit confusing. She was with us when we found the very sword ye now hide. Our quest was ta destroy the thing for evil took a firm hold on the land. Some here believe we should nae do things ta change the future. Me, I believe we already have done enough ta make any talk of such mute. We donna know if good or evil has won in our time for we were magically sent here. If we can destroy the sword now and avoid the rise of evil I say it is a chance we take."

When Lothor saw Allanan lower his hood and release the other members of the party he breathed a sigh of relief. While the arch-mage hadn't agreed to do anything yet, it at least appeared that they would get to tell their story. And that was the beginning they needed. Now what he would do - return them to their own time or help to destroy the sword - was yet to be seen.

Lothor wasn't even sure what he wanted him to do. Which option was best? He didn't know, although he agreed with Cor's general sentiment. But for now it seemed that his role as spokesman for the party was over. He allowed Cor and Ulthok to take over.

Lothor and Rayne had their say and the figure had not killed them..yet. The man lowered his hood and spoke, "I am Allanan, you say my daughter yet lives in your time? No child of mine has yet to be born." Reacting to what Rayne had said he looked to Cor and Ulthok. "Quickly tell me of this future you came from and its history, from this time to yours"
As the hold spell released them Cor started the reply. "Aye lad, ye have a daughter. Or ye will have a daughter. This time travel makes things a bit confusing. She was with us when we found the very sword ye now hide. Our quest was ta destroy the thing for evil took a firm hold on the land. Some here believe we should nae do things ta change the future. Me, I believe we already have done enough ta make any talk of such mute. We donna know if good or evil has won in our time for we were magically sent here. If we can destroy the sword now and avoid the rise of evil I say it is a chance we take."
Ulthok lowered his own hood, dropped the pretense of the cherub look. With a dark appearance of seriousness, "You want to know what happens for the next 1200 years?,,..What you need to know is that because of you Trilogy thrived in relative peace,.The absents of the Iron Maiden seems to have severely reduce the strength and threat of Karza,. If that evil thing ever were to return to his hands then the death and sacrifice done here would be wasted."

He may have been pushing his luck but, "If the sword had been destroyed then Karza may have lost all that power he poured in it and may never have been able to raise his army again,but then maybe one his minions, the shadow wraiths, would have raised the army,.At any rate, that army has been raised, it is spreading over Trilogy and we need to return,..As for your daughter..well we don't know how or when that happened. ,and how you spread your seed is known only to you,. So if you don't destroy the sword be sure to complete the challenges you are building in the mountain, only the true in purpose assisted by your heir will be able reach their goal. But even then only your word will allow her to survive."

The small mage was prepared to meet his fate, he only hoped it would be a good fate. Peri could sense her companion's worry and concern. She too knew this could go badly but she was proud of friend and gave him a quick kiss of encouragement on his ear.