The Windspell Adventurers' Guild - Forum RP

[Steve]

Caed Wynter-Rose arrives at the Blade & Stars Inn, on Windspell street, in Baldur's Gate—namesake to the adventurers guild he stands in as a member, promoter, guide.

This day, arriving late in the afternoon, he has two parcels under his arms, and, a pleasing smile upon his face. As he enters the Inn, he catches the eye of Hesper, the innkeeper, and Hesper sees Caed with these two parcels, and they both share a nod, in recognition, of what is to come...as it would seem to any others, within the main hall.

Walking calmly to near the hearth, that region of the Blade & Stars where the Windspells so regularly hold congress, he pauses near the mantle, placing one parcel on the mantle, and the other, he slowly begins to unwrap. It takes not long for him to set free a small sculpture, an upright left hand made of shining silver, the lower wrist fading into a subtle base that appears carved to represent rippling clouds, and the hand itself, palm out and up with the fingers together.

He carefully places it upon the mantle of the hearth, admiring its position and stature in the light. He adjusts its angle once, before satisfied.

Caed takes the second parcel, unwraps it from the light binding in cloth, to then place another hand sculpture, next to the first. It is as well, a left hand, more noticeably human than the first, and different in that it appears to be carved from stone, unclear what type, but with an interesting blue reflection, a nimbus of sorts, that almost glows enough to create a hazy blue background behind it. The hand is with closed fingers, except the index finger, that points skyward.

Two lefts hands, oddly, stand next to each other upon the mantle, and the one that has placed them there, stands before them in silence, in clearly visible admiration. In time, it would seem he is pleased with the arrangement, but remains standing before the two idols, finally crossing his arms, as if waiting.

It is at this very moment that the front door of the Blade & Stars opens, bringing forth a runner of deliveries, who quickly scans the room until finding the profile of Caed's face before the hearth, and with haste, brings to Caed a third parcel. With a fair thanks, Caed receives the parcel and sends the runner off again, slowly beginning another round of unwrapping some small object in slightly large size than the other two that have come before—the object finally unwrapped, it catches light and is clearly a gauntlet, made of polished steel.

Caed approaches the mantle close, and with care, pushes the silver hand to the left a few marks, and the stone hand with raised finger, he slides to the right, making just enough room, to between the other two, deposit a third object, a left-hand war gauntlet with palm open and out, displaying therein a carved and color-stained, staring eye with a blue pupil, in outline.

Three left hands, lined up in short, tall, short order, each clearly displayed in a triadic meaning...that remains to be defined, other than in symbolic abstraction, in this moment and place, in time.

With some moments past, from a pouch upon his waistbelt, Caed Wynter-Rose pulls a number of stocky, round candles to place near the three hands, and lights the wicks.

He has, in slight gestures, created what can only be reasoned to be an altar. "Manus Triune....," he exclaims.

Caed takes a seat upon the bench in front of the hearth, and relaxes back into the cushion, crossing one leg over the other...and for a time, stares deeply in to the fire burning brightly there.

[Steve]

A contingent of White Order Knights were encountered by the Windspells, near the Friendly Arm Inn. The Knights stated firmly—though without fact—many things regarding the Horde of Pol, and the Lich named Polvich. All was linked...yet separate entities, both with sinister goals.

The Windspells felt neither better informed, nor secure in truth. Thus, they set out to retrace steps where last they encountered tangible fact of their own senses.

The Cave of Hags was again housing greater ghouls and other minions of an Undead nature, however...the previous Undead controllers were not residing there anymore. That seemed...a positive case, to the Windspells.

But other caves presented themselves to the group now exploring further within the Cloakwood. Perhaps...the Undead had simply sought out another hideaway....

Encountering many beasts of the legendary minotaur race, the Windspells searched diligently through the constructed maze. There, they found something that reminded them of one of the Five Secrets of Polvich...the Portal.

Though solid in construction, this portal did not seem activated...yet. The Windspells made good note of their exploration of the maze of minotaurs...would they perceive or acquire further information, regarding the Undead controlling priests, or the Horde of Pol.

[Tsidkenu]

A woman wearing highly polished and detailed armour entered the Friendly Arm Inn with a notice in hand, proceeding straight to Bentley and asking him if he knew the whereabouts of a fellow named Caed or his apparent accomplice Garlic. She showed Bentley the notice she had, a warning about entering the Cloakwood due to the abnormal presence of worgs and hill giants with an addendum to seek out 'Caed' & 'Garlic' at the Friendly Arm Inn. She further asked if Bentley knew who had written it or where they could be found at the Inn. She gave her name as one Pryat Mae yr Machshikhah yi Calim, a priestess in the Watcher's service.

[Steve]

As the woman in full and polished armor of great detail speaks with Bentley, Caed Wynter-Rose, the self-described Windspell Knight of the Manus Triune, descends the stairs form the upper floor of rooms.

Bentley has but to notice this, jab a thumb in the air in Caed's direction, and take his leave knowing he has once again, done his job as Host with the utmost of skill and...luck.

Caed notices the woman, and seeing in her hand a parchment, his curiosity lures him to her position at the bar, for...he was so recently involved in a parchments placement within the Friendly Arm.

"Good knight...for this must be your profession...do you come seeking more information regarding what has besieged the Cloakwood? I am Caed Wynter-Rose, of the Windspell Adventurers' Guild, and yes...my companion Garlic did place those notices here and there, for...we felt it necessary to warn the population, that dire beasts of demon eyes and hound-like form, were infesting the Cloakwood. I myself, nearly lost my life, save not for Garlic and his abilities in the Art."

After a short monologue, Caed takes a breath, and speaks again to the woman: "Please tell me what brings you bearing this notice, and...are you willing to lend your skills to the cause of whatever Evil grows within those woods?"

[Tsidkenu]

"That seems to be the pressing question on everyone's lips at the present, yes," she replied as she analysed the fellow's appearance, attire and mannerisms as he conversed. "I did scour much of the forest for clues, but I have been searching for trustworthy eyewitnesses to give a detailed account of what transpired therein before I press my investigation further."

She paused to hear his reply, leaving the question of lending her specific aid to the Windspell Adventuring Company entirely unanswered. For now.

[Steve]

She paused to hear his reply...

"Careful planning always defeats rushed actions in the end," replies Caed. "Come, let us sit for a moment, and I can speak more clearly of what was experienced."

Caed takes a chair nearby, and speaks in short: "What clues are you expecting to find, good knight? Have you taken your watch after finding the written words of Garlic, or...perhaps, you have arrived to investigate further upon other rumors? Nonetheless, what the Windspells have learned, and have seen with our own eyes, and have fought against with our own blades, is that two forces seem to have descended upon the Sword Coast, both perhaps manifesting within the Cloakwood itself.

It has been stated by another order of knights, the White Order, that the two forces are Cultists under Polvich—though we know not if they seek to bring Polvich to life, or simply unravel the Secrets attributed to Polvich—and the Horde of Pol, which is a banner that is recruiting certain individuals that wish to gain through destructive acts against the people of the Sword Coast.

There is more to say, good knight...but...*Caed looks around, carefully*...I have learned that not all ears and eyes that frequent the Friendly Arm, are not...for vigilance. Instead, for violence. It has been rumored that a rise of palemasters that have powers to walk among us undetected, and...it is only through promise and aid to the defense of the people, that any of use should trust one another."

Caed looks the knight over, not judging, but obviously showing caution.

"I seek a calm and caution with the actions of the Windspells...but I fear that inaction, as well, allows these evil powers to grow...."

Caed waits for the good knight's response.

[Tsidkenu]

"All my knowledge of these cultists comes from hearsay alone. I hope you understand the importance with which I undertake acquiring information directly from the source and from eyewitnesses when it might prove too dangerous for me to seek out a source of evil directly. While I did sweep the Cloakwood and found the snow there most unseasonable, based on reports of the typical inclement weather, without an eyewitness account of what actually transpired I am only able to base my conclusions upon mere assumption, a very dangerous foundation at the best of times," she replied, taking a brief pause before continuing.

"This is the first I have heard of this 'White Order' in association with the Horde of Pol, although clear intelligence is lacking on both accounts. The more accurate the report, the better basis I have to assess their relative dangers to the common folk, pilgrims and travellers upon the Trade Way, my primary charges at the current time, although I am aware that the threat level is already critical with several caravans having been assailed with significant, and indeed gruesome, loss of life."

"Thus, while I may not be able to directly assist you and your adventurers at this time, being bound by my present duties to my church, I am willing to attempt to render indirect assistance by requesting Everwatch intervention if the other local forces remain disinterested. So much depends on what I know, and can know, about these matters. The more the better, obviously, because like yourself I have little intention of wading into a potential conflict unprepared and unaware."

((sorry for the delay, been a really busy week))

[Steve]

"... I have little intention of wading into a potential conflict unprepared and unaware."

Caed Wynter-Rose listens to the knightly woman speak, giving her his patience and attention. Thoughtful for a few silent seconds after she finished, he comes to a response.

"My good knight...you know me not, but it was my earliest studies in the clergy, under the most devote to the Vigilant One...and those lessons have remained, in my desire to know they enemy, through the wisdom of patience, insight and...well, some may say observation and care is not action, and I too have seen my inner faith challenged, to remain ever vigilant yet ride the winds of Fate...how to be both the guard and the protector, but also the guide...."

Caed almost gets lost in his words, but recovers himself quick enough, avoiding the debate of dogma.

"But perhaps...I shall be as clear as I can, to you, as such an eye witness, that I may sway you own energies and any force that you may represent.

The White Order present themselves as knights following the light-filled ways set as faith by a Pieter the White. They act and speak to preserve his work...but they seem to conduct themselves as the guardians against the darkness, that which may be either or both of the Horde of Pol, and the Lich Polvich, be it him directly or his rising cultists.

The White Order though...who do they answer to, and from where do they come? I know not, as they themselves seem more conditioned to speak than to listen and answer, from the curious and those that are in need to know more.

I can also say with you in certainty, that in these few weeks that I have given attention to the areas surrounding the Friend Arm, and attention given by all the members of the Windspell Adventurers' Guild, it would seem the influence of darkness is spreading within the Cloakwood...and nothing we have done has abated it, nor gained insight into avenues to change that shift.

I myself, with my own eyes, have seen strange yet tangible changes. For one, we have seen the Cave of Hags be both what it is, and further, a center of activity for cultists raising the dead. I have seen even further west, that of the woods that is home to disagreeable trees and spiders of instant movements, also become the haunt of vampires. This is not normal occurrence for a wood.

And the last even of note, that which my fellows Garlic the Gnome and Castyls the Faithful also witnessed, was to be attacked by a great host of dire wolves, led by an giant of extreme means and strength, such an event that I suffered a near death and, to this day, remain haunted myself over the visions I did see while unconscious. For days, now, that I still live, I thank whatever and all Gods that grant Garlic the powers to have saved my soul from a final fate of eternal suffering....."

The good knight may see in Caed's countenance a sincere worry of these "visions" he now mentions.

"As I have been told, if it were not for a few masked beings that spoke of a Master '...not in need of these corpses, at least now...., I might not be able to be here to speak with you, this day. It is all confusing and wicked, I must say."

"If you deem in necessary, good knight, to collect all that my empower your actions, I ask you now to further your investigations by seeking out my colleagues in the Windspells, such as Garlic, Castyl and also the one called Gon, for all can be witness to my witness, and double down on the truths I do now speak.

And moreso, I say look to find one priestess named Charisa of House Flomeigne, and one Aeric of Oghma, both whom themselves seem to have acquired pieces to the puzzle, to say, for lack of better words. There is also a wild eyed fighter whom has recently made great inquiry into the machinations of Polvich, and he too, may have pieces to the puzzle.

If you are the one that may bring a clearer picture to bear, I can only support you in any way, as I can.

For now...this is all I can openly say to you. Perhaps...there is more, but I will end now for I have entrusted some who are willing but shy to be open about their knowledge in these matters...and I must find the will to protect them, as they may be the only ones who can acquire more knowledge, in the ways that I myself, am uncomfortable to do.

So please, good knight...tell me that we shall share in this great work to a clearer path of action, and...that we shall do this with a haste, because I do not imagine that either force, that of the Horde of Pol nor the cultists of Polvich, sit and wait for us to act or not...no, I fear they develop further as we speak, and soon—if we are not prepared in defense, at the least—we shall see their unholy researches bear fruit...a terrible day to be witnessed on the Sword Coast."

[Tsidkenu]

"You have my sincerest thanks for the several leads you have given me here, and your forwardness," she replied with her usual militaristic nod. "Both Charisa Flomeigne and Aeric are names I am recently acquainted with so I shall endeavour to double check that avenue of inquiry. I shall make a report to my superiors in the church and see if we cannot redeploy a few additional knights from the front lines in the Tethyrian civil war. That may take some time, however, given the priority of that conflict, but I will try to mobilise whatever forces the Bishou sees fit to give me. Thank you again, and we will be in contact soon."

She clapped her heels together, slapping her breastplate with an open right palm in Helmite salute, pausing a moment in case there was any final words to be said as she looked ready to depart once more.

[Steve]

Caed Wynter-Rose, Windspell Knight of the Manus Triune, is seen packing his gear and taking to the Tradeway road, heading north. He is alone—no other companions, be they Windspell Adventurers or not, accompany him...perhaps upon his way a traveler or two might match paths, but it is not now, as he stamps earth, leaving the Friendly Arm Inn behind.

His travelers' pouch is large, such that he must be taking with him things of importance, enough to trudge with a weight and burden upon his shoulders. But the strength this knight has earned keeps him steady on the road, and with sure hand upon the hilt of his family blade—should any accost him, he is at the ready.

In some time, as it would seem, he would arrive again back at Baldur's Gate...and further to reside again at the shelter for the Windspells, that being the Blade & Stars Inn.

[Steve]

"Tis not a better place, that I can imagine returning too...," says Caed Wynter-Rose, Windspell knight of the Manus Triune, for all that might hear, as he steps into the Blade & Stars Inn, the de facto residence of the Windspell Adventurers' Guild, where a glowing warmth hangs in the air, along with the sweet smell of fresh bread, most likely being prepared for the evening meals delivered to the rooms of current residents.

With a wide smile, Caed stomps dust from the road from his boots, and scrapes the soles against the welcoming rug, before closing the door solidly behind him. As he enters further within the Inn, Caed catches the eyes of Hesper, the friend and sometimes city "guide" to the Windspells, as the guild has made attempts—with successes and failures—to establish and grow within the Gate, having taken one of its streets for a namesake. Hesper, cool and wise with years of time seeing the brave and foolish come and go through his doors, reacts to Caed with a consistency that is both comforting and cold, but such shall it be.

"A warm drink, my friend, please....," requests Caed, looking to offer greater connection with the innkeep through his chosen words, "as finally, the winds are turning cold, as the autumn has finally taken hold upon the land."

After clearing the bar, Caed makes his way to the hearth, facing directly the shrine that he has build upon the shelf above the fireplace. With eyes upon the three gauntlets poised and presented there, he gives a slight bow of respect. Perhaps...even a few whispers in prayer escape barely moving lips, though it may be just shadows made upon his face from the flames.

Caed retreats a few steps to the bench facing the fireplace, and reclines into it with a sigh of comfort. Soon, a warmed cider is left on the side table near him, and Caed, though alone in the area often occupied by the Windspells, he face shows a dedicated mind...perhaps he has returned from his latest travel to Beregost with knowledge of importance, that which keeps him in company, though now acting on his own.

[Steve]

A fortnight past, the Windspell Adventurers' Guild were seen within the Friendly Arm Inn, practically interrogating Bentley, over the "haunting" that Bentley adamantly spoke of with the Inn...and blamed some Hooded Elf over...at least, complained A LOT.

So the Windspells questioned and probed Bentley, and loudly—others in the Inn soon came to over hear what was being discussed.

It would seem that the Windspells believe Bentley or the Friendly Arm, carries a secret which is, for lack of better description, like a magnet to the evil and undead forces under guidance by the infamous Polvich.

Bentley was coy in his answers...which only fueled some of the Windspells direct and unsatisfied manner within the conversation.

Notes were taken....

[Steve]

The door to the Blade & Stars flings open, with a wind gust preceding the armored man who enters. Hesper stands at this post, staring and without moving—is it a long stare in silence upon an appearing face not seen in nearly five years, or....

The armored man approaches Hesper, and without any extra introduction or even proper greeting—almost with stern possession guiding the arrival—the armored man asks: "Do you still have the ledger?"

A large tome is provided to the man and and placed on the desktop. Leaning over in concentration, the armored man writes out a few simple words. It is signed by the name Caed Wynter-Rose. Hesper observes this, but seems to only react in blinks of semi-disbelief. This...Caed...then nods with more recognition and even breaks a slight smile to Hesper, closing the ledge and passing it slightly back across the countertop toward the bartender.





Caed moves to the center of the main room, and sits his fully armored self onto one of the chairs near the fireplace, orienting toward the main entry door to the Blade & Stars.

He seems to then do nothing more but stare, and wait.

[Steve]

Between the Past and the Present....Chapter I

Starring: Caed Wynter-Rose and Garlic Rana

Special Guests: Declan Nash and Sane Fensen

It is within the deep summer month of the Highsun, the year 1358 DR, to be known as the Year of Shadows, that a renewed journey nearly matching the first ever taken by the Windspells, commences. It is by far more solemn, as only two travel together at this moment, each burdened by the weight of the failing Weave, in their respective way.

This initial step is marked by the duo's quest for information, with a detour fulfilling such desire by one Declan Nash, bringing the Windspells into the Biblioteca, for a time, for moment of research. Though what was first sought in books was soon found in social interaction, and the two Windspells were better directed on their way towards the great edifice named Candlekeep.

The journey south along the Tradeway was marked by a stop-over at the Friendly Arm Inn, where a "man of nature" guided the duo further south, giving free advice that was no cost to the naturalist.

Upon final arrival at Candlekeep, even before rest, the Windspells introduce themselves to a man very much seeming like a gate-keeper of sorts, requesting of this Gorion for an audience with one named Edelgarde, who has been twice recommended as a great scribe and they that may hold many truths...solutions to puzzles that now drive the Windspells onward in the present time.

They await their moment of reception.

[Steve]

Between the Past and the Present....Chapter II

Starring: Caed Wynter-Rose and Garlic Rana

Special Guests: Scribe Edelgarde and Apprentice William

A meeting is granted with the Scribe Edelgarde. Polite and curious to the Windspell's visit and sense of urgency, she makes them comfortable and at ease within the Inn of Candlekeep.

The discussion is immediate and in-depth—patrons of the Inn likely curious and amused by the words spoken amongst the three. For there are words spoken often, aloud and with poignancy that easily are picked up by others about: Tablets of Fate...balance...Mystra...Weave...chaos...Limbo...Slaadi...dreams...the ethereal...magic...the High One....

The conversation is later expanded when an apprentice of the Scribe joins the meeting for a time, where possible new connections are made among the Windspells.

After some hours, and after a book is gifted to the Scribe causing new wonder in the reception, the four part ways. For the Scribe, there was a journey to be made. For the apprentice...a choice to travel as well, for a meeting again with the Windspells. For the Windpsell duo Caed and Garlic...their expressions shown a determination, a concentration to continue what has been recently started: a new adventure.

The duo soon depart Candlekeep for a return journey back to Baldur's Gate.