The Windspell Adventurers' Guild - Forum RP

[Steve]

Caed offers his version of things, to Babura.

"The Windspells have made effort and action to acquire these Coins, the Seven Sons...not at first at our own will, but it would be that the first of the Coins found us."

Caed pats his clothing pockets a few times, as if searching for something. Sooner than later, he seems to feel that which calms his movements.

"As I was saying, at first I contemplated that the Coin was a talisman to deliver us Windspells to great treasure. But as it turns out, the Coin delivered us to another Coin, then in the adventures between then and now, other threads have led us to even more Coins. I ask you, priestess...when does Chance turn to become Fate?"

Caed looks at the priestess Babura with seriousness, then takes a view of any fellow Windspells that are present in the Friendly Arm, with them, possibly at this moment.

"It is like you say: I can neither willingly relinquish the Coin—for it has a mind of its own—nor can we Windspells seem to stop acquiring more of them. So, but what choice do we have, but to either bring the Brothers together, in order that we may find what happens? But as things have gone so far...everyone just seems to want to take the Coins, from us! And if not that, I suspect there is little done to consider their deeper value...that which we Windspells are certain of, as higher faithful leaders have spoken words that give us care in this quest. Or worse...we see unhindered desires form...that may place the Coins in evil hands."

"That what I am sure about, is that I have spoken the open truth about all things having to do with the Seven Sons, such that we Windspells may ride the wind and let it take you wherever it blows."

[burbles]

By the way she listened, she'd thought of the same at first: that the coin might be a lead to something valuable, but before she could ask of anything specific about those coins' locations, Caed had asked his own question, a rather philosophical one, but it was not wasted on the woman (which might be or might have been a priestess at some point realy).
"Depends on what you believe to be your choice in the matter: you don't choose your fate as it unfolds, while chance can be yours for the taking." - she answered as if she tought of such a question long time ago, - "But as you do or don't take it, that too becomes your fate and you might wonder if there realy was a chance in the first place."
"I can't say if Coin was your fate, though, for the divine can do that to a person. Or it can be made to change hands untill it finds the right one. So, it might have been a chance for you."
She reflected on Caed's remark, before replying:
"It's rarely said by lowly priests, but the greatest fortunes are gained by riding the wave - the same which brings greatest destruction - as it does that to some, it elevates some. If coins are neither good, nor evil, you'd better not be taking sides as well."

[Steve]

Caed seems to heed the woman's words. "Perhaps...you are right. Though taking sides is irrelevant, since sides have yet to be taken...as far as I know."

"I think I will get some fresh air...."

Caed makes his way out to the courtyard, and takes a seat in the area of the flower gardens.

[Steve]

Having returned to the Inn interior, Caed Wynter-Rose spends time squaring up his dues with Bentley, for the days long stay, of recent past.

Either with fellow Windspells or with any other persons he has been in contact with within the Friendly Arm—those that might still be within the bar room, that is—he engages them verbally on the following:

"A number of signs, and attempts to persuade us Windspells, have crossed our free path. Each has crossed our path with some attempt at gaining luck, or we did gain luck, or our luck was gambled, or luck was proposed to not last much longer—you may see the pattern here, as I do offer it, and now, believe in it.

What I am saying is that, time has delayed us here—be it our luck, again—for I am making a decision to bring what Coins I can to the Lady's Hall in Baldur's Gate, where I believe we may present these Seven Sons, and there, we shall submit them to Fate...and either we gain that which we have sought, or...not. Perhaps...we shall improvise a prayer, to be: 'Each relic Coin offered to the Lady returns tenfold in ....?'"

Having thanked Bentley and closed his debts, he engages once more:

"The Coast Way is not short, between here and there. Much could sway our path—that too, being our luck, or a failing of such. Forces beyond our control may guide us...or deter us."

Caed finishes with his line of dogma, often phrased in appropriate moments:

"Ride the wind and let it take you wherever it blows."

[burbles]

"A waste." - Babura said to herself, not trying to convince coinbearers, - "You chose to give up your chance. A course to gain nothing, at best."
A look of spite had crossed her face, when she thought about Caed's plan, she pursed her lips.
"You think you know which Lady do those coins serve?" - the priestess threw at him, - "You can be certain to regret if you guessed wrong!"

[Steve]

Caed hears those near-spiteful words, as he moved very slowly on his way. It gives him the Time to respond.

"Woman, priestess or no...I took well into mind your earlier words, to weigh upon my own thoughts as to what use these Coins are to me, to us, to what seems simmering upon the Coast.

There are two things I am very certain over. The first is that these Coins are blessed in favor under Tymora. You would be fooling yourself, if you hold belief 'tis otherwise.

The second is that, like the Jade Eight, the Windspell Adventurers' Guild does not sit idle, furthermore like this Coin, we have our own mind as to when and where to profit.

Thus, given that you now know what directs my actions, do you come to offer us something of greater importance than what I foresee can be granted us by the high priest of the Lady's Hall? Show us different, or show us a true sign of your wisdom.

Otherwise, I feel the warm wind uplifting at my back, and my feet now feel like clouds in need to sail the skies.

Or perhaps...you wish to come along with us, in your way, to open our path wider, as it progresses? Do that, or do not hinder us...for it would be your mistake, to make."

The sterness that Caed expresses in his words seems to well from a source of deep experience, of having learned through environment or upbringing, a way to talk upon others...which maybe is not done consciously.

[burbles]

With acidic look on more mentions of Tymora and her blessings, she said, after listening to Caed, as she calmed down:
"An offer? Of course..." - she responded as it was the most obvious thing, - "The coins themselves will lead you to greater rewards, than even high temple may offer. That, if you intend to ride the winds of fortune, or the coins aren't themselves mean to get to that temple... A shame if it is a simple delivery task. I'd join you if you intend to use those coins for their benefits, whatever it may be."
"If you mean to simply deliver those wonders to the temple, I'd rather see them destroyed." - she added calmly and rather sweet, - "But I catch in your words that you hope to gain something more, than compensation from temple's coffers or their blessing? Oh, and don't think that Beshaba can't use a blessed item and turn it into a curse for it's bearer - if she puts her heart into it, she would. Stating your alegiance to Tymora's cause is a good way to make sure she does."

[Vermilion]

Elspeth pipes up, as though she'd been there all along,
"The lady Babura has a point, and indeed speaks a lot of sense. I for one would hesitate in handling these obviously valuable coins to those gambling priests. I say there is little difference between a blessing of good luck and a curse of bad luck, only the tone of the delivery.

Let us join with Babura to find a benefit from the coins that suits us, not some undeserving acolytes in their hall of dice games and chance tricks."

She then takes a step back to the bar with a thoughtful expression.

[Steve]

Caed halts his progress to listen to Elspeth's response. That does generate one from Caed.

"Perhaps...you mean to say that there is little difference between a curse of good luck, and a blessing of bad luck, my dear Elspeth?"

Caed crosses his arms, now dealing with a new situation.

"Have you come to side with this priestess, Elspeth? In such a way that any actions of the Windspells would benefit her? Tis has been, from the start, that these Coins were to guide us to adventure and reward—that was my belief, as well as, desire. And for some time, they did exactly that...as long as we Windspells get on the move, not idle, and as our movements reached farther realms, did we acquire more Coins.

Thus...be it Barbura, or a Tymoran, or the High Priest of the Lady's Hall, it is within our right to request a fair trade for these Coins, even if that trade is made in good faith, with a gift given.

I have stated my own willingness to directly trade these Coins, as well as given the Jaded Eight every option to freely leave my possession, though It remains upon my person, with regularity. I would even go to say should I toss it into the sea, it would appear in a short time again, in my trousers, soaking them with sea water residue!

To return to my point, it is thus: if none can perform in a way that suits the mission of the Windspells, then...is it not equally proper to gamble within the divine house of luck?"

[Vermilion]

"Well then... to side assumes there are sides to take at all, dearest Caed. Are we not all, how would you say it, riding the winds of fate?" She is being a little condescending here, a frown creasing her face for a moment. Yet a few seconds later, she has relented, her usual lightness returning to her tone.

"But perhaps there is another way? These coins are coveted by many, it is true. Why not advertise the fact we seem to rid ourselves of them...for the right price? We have seen first hand the greed of the adventuring class for magical items unique and weird. Let us indulge them, and make a fine profit doing so."

[burbles]

I say there is little difference between a blessing of good luck and a curse of bad luck, only the tone of the delivery.

"Perhaps...you mean to say that there is little difference between a curse of good luck, and a blessing of bad luck, my dear Elspeth?"

That exchange brought a little laughter from the priestess, which she covered with a ladylike gesture. For a moment it could appear as it was an echo to another, evil presence.

"A trade, well, I can only offer to share in this adventure, I don't have another for you instead." - she shrugged, - "Or you can try my abilities on those coins, when all are found. I guess you are destined to gather them. And I am interested in unusual treasure, like you mentioned earlier, and would hate to see your quest interrupted prematurely."

[Steve]

"Tis truer than true, priestess, that it is the quest, that concerns me. I feel the hands of the Gods meddling in our Fate, and as such, they did put the Windspells upon this path...surely, to not follow the winds as they lead us forward, would be an insult to...all of them, involved."

Caed turns up a slight smile on his face.

"So tis not just one Faith, that I yearn to unconsciously insult...."

Turning to Elspeth, with a more seriousness:

"Els...I am concerned, certainly and deeply, that to let the deeper quest go via a trade made by the highest bidder, does us the least amount of good. If the Gods look down upon us, and have truly steered our fledgling Adventurers' Guild towards this quest...tis not just the ill will of Lady of Misfortune, that I worry over...."

[Steve]

With some fervor in his step, Caed Wynter-Rose enters the Friendly Arm Inn proper, and quickly orders two ales, not in succession, but at once.

He is obviously milling over something in his thoughts. Sooner or later, having found one of his fellow Windspells in the bar room, he pours out his recent experiences...out loud, there, in the public space of the Inn.

"Blast if I did not make a mistake wandering out the gates of this Inn, my friends. For no sooner did I do this, that I was beset upon by that mad man with flaming eyes...this being, that also has acquired a number of the Seven Sons.

Twas a long and difficult encounter, to say the least.

The short tale is, that is would seem he would offer me some card of possibly powers, in trade for a Coin. But I told him straight, that I was intending to bring these Coins we have acquired to the Temple of Lady Luck in Baldur's Gate, and furthermore, that I believe neither we, nor He, have rights to truly possess them.

That only led to his infuriated response!

But at this point, between the growling from him and the constant pull upon me to hand him a Coin, I did try and make a plea, to him, to accompany us to the Lady Luck house, and together, perhaps, we may all have some answers revealed to us...answers I begin to think would bring us greater reward, than anything else.

But this mad man did not agree, instead...he found a way to directly accuse me of greediness, in withholding the Coins from him! Enough! I had had his share of madness to the fullest, and made to depart his company.

Yet then...he caught up to me, and flashed his anger. I cautiously moved back...for some have mentioned his madness comes with great power! And as I moved backward, he pressed again upon me! And though I had caution flooding every sense of my being, I did what I must, and pushed him from my path, with great force.

The madman seemed to finally understand I would not be deterred! But as I finally gained entry to the safer grounds of the Friendly Arm, the madman did jump and growl and whimper all in succession, as I did cross the drawbridge.

He is relentless, as is his madness.

And thus, I say to you all: we must be ware. For this madman seems to wish to possess the Coins for his self, and not make any effort to pass the Coins onward, to see if their submission to more attuned, divine sources, will reward not only us, but unravel knowledge which may link the pieces we have acquired, upon this quest.

And with this wariness, it may suit us to find one we can employ that has the strength in magic to transport us in a direct instance to the Gate, and not...that we tread upon the Tradeway, with such a mad man about, now obviously seeking to fulfill his own greed!"

Caed pours out his mind, almost rambling through it. But once he is finished, he takes a drink, and seems to find some new calmness.

But only for a minute, until he burst forth with:

"And then...I was accused by the guards as resembling some manner of wanted person, a Bad Barston Billings! Do I look like a Barston to any of you?!?"

It would seem that generally, the situation—and all further situations—are getting under Caed's skin.

[burbles]

Windspells were not very eager to hire the priestess, but at least she is to hear the continuation of the story. From how it unfolds, Caed has a problem.
Still very much annoyed by his attitude of handing the coins to the temple, Babura noted that the madman was also in possession of a few coins!
"He does offend both sides, doesn't he!" - the priestess commented to herself on Caed's selfless cause for Good, - "Should I try another lecture?"
That would take a suspension of greed first. And of pride. Or maybe she could do with just one.

"Don't you need all the coins?" - she asked after Caed had a few drinks, - "Look, I may not have a temple, but only because I haven't found a vacant one this far from home... Meaning, you don't have to go to the Gate to hand the coins over."
Babura looked at him expectedly. Being a fair judge of people's hearts she could see the quest is taking it's toll on Caed's nerves already (anybody could).
She might say that instant transportation magic is not usualy among granted powers, if deity is not a patron of travel anyway. But even if she had a written spell and was willing to use it, that won't be in her best interest, right?

That last bit of Caed's story actualy made her smile with anticipation.
"You sure you are not him?" - she said not trying to hide it, - "That may be because of the coins. Wait while it get even better."

//still kinda available for recruitment and partying

[Steve]

"All the Coins should be given, together, to the banner under which they were forged," responds Caed openly to the priestess.

"No luck is better than poor luck, if you ask me. Is it in your power to even the playing field? That too, is an advantage to the Windspells...since it would appear at least one being of pure madness, is preparing to bar the path."

Caed seems to notice the priestess noticing his exhaustion.

"The more the Coins are attempted to be possessed, the more madness that seems to manifest in the air...of that, I have become certain. If you, priestess, can bring your powers to equal out luck that appears to swing from high to low by the day...then I personally, will compensate your time and effort, if you accompany the Windspells...for a time."

/// same-as-usual Friday 20:00 GMT+0 time, for Windspell action (and particularly, on this Quest back to the Gate.