Brief Recap: Last turn, Ghotu captured Bibi in her panther form with his Net of Entrapment. Bronk and Blade were stopped from fighting by Fyona and Bardock. Mog healed Dirty Pete, while Humphrey made a new friend--the sailor in the crow's nest Arthur.

Resume the Quest

Silence, stillness, darkness covers each member of the party. Though they are aware of themselves (but not each other), time does not pass. They are outside of time. Blade gets a strange feeling, reminiscent of when he was crushed in the Tomb of Horrors and brought back by the Efreet. Ghotu too feels a strange familiarity, as if he has traversed this realm many times.

The silence is broken by a pounding in their heads. Just as they feel their skulls will burst, a deafening BOOM announces the arrival of the Wurld again.

Humphrey, Bibi, Mog, ghotu, Blade, and Bronk find themselves impossibly back in King Snurre's hall, beneath the mountains at Top of the Wurld. They have been here before. Though disoriented, each of them recognizes this chamber--blue and lavender lights swirl about amongst the fire giants and githyanki who do battle here.

Thag has just entered. Everything is exactly the same as it was when they left, they all instinctively realize--all except for one thing: Bibi, now shivering from the remnants of Thae-Rune Ibn's Ice Storm, stands holding in her hands a strange device that she did not have last time the party was here--Egmund's Time Machine. The scepter-like item glows in her hands, and she sees in its top the dark stone that has been the object of her quest for many years now. As she looks at it, it drops from the Time Machine and plunks in a bit of snow at Bibi's feet.

Thae-Rune Ibn also appears disoriented, having just completed his conjuring spell. Still standing on the dais at the northwhat can only be the most vile Githyanki

curses ever uttered on this plane of existence. He flies straight up into the air, howling in his magically amplified voice through the purple and blue mists, "WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!"

Just then, a glowing red orb appears in the middle of the room. The orb grows from the size of a grapefruit to the size of a large portal. Through the red orb steps what must be the object of Thae- Rune Ibn's summoning. A massive demon, easily nine feet tall with leathery wings, horns, and fangs dripping acidic saliva, steps through the portal. The portal then winks out of existence.

"SLAY THEM ALL!" commands Thae-Rune Ibn. The demon moves to obey.

Gazing quickly about the room Blade sees no sign of Fyona, and wonders what has become of her. Wherever she is it can't be as bad as this situation. Blade pulls the hood up on his cloak and vanishes from site. He makes his wake quickly towards Bibi who is far from the rest of the group and relatively unprotected. "Do what need s to be done with taht Stone so we can end this quickly." Blade says to her once he is near her position. "I'll protect you as best I can. " Blade arms himself with his Giant Slayer sword in the hopes that it has gotten over it's moodiness (If not, then I'll spend a plot point to regain it's bonuses).

Bibi quickly snatches up the stone and places it into her locket. This time it's a perfect fit. She sees the other stone begin to glow. She then removes the most powerful white stone. Squeezing it tight she says "Thae-Rune Ibn" not allowing her focus to leave him.

He stands silently and invisibly next to Bibi waiting to attack any unsuspecting opponenets who come nearby (Backstab) 'Now we find out once and for all who is more powerful...Fate or blind Luck.' he thinks to himself. He then says quietly to the sword, "You now have the unique oppurtunity to perform your function in life--slaying giants, with the added bonus of being wielded by the greatest swordsman in the Wurld. So I ask you now to let bygones be bygones, and I'll do the same, so taht together, we can change the course of history and become the stuff of legends."

The Giantslayer does not respond at first, but soon Blade feels a familiar and mild sensation in his swordarm as the weapon alerts him once again to the enemies nearby--one of the sword's powers. Quickly, the weapon comes back fully "online" and Blade can once again feel its lust for giantblood. But the lust is not assertive; it desires only to serve Blade's wishes.

Meanwhile...

Fyona finds herself on a cold stone floor. She is disoriented at first, but quickly remembers the events at Galay and the Time Machine. She looks around, and realizes she is in her slave quarters in the Fire Giant Hall, adjacent to Thae-Rune Ibn's chambers. She checks her weapons--she is wearing what she had on in Galay, not her slaves' toga--and exits the room to the hall.

Once in the hall, she hears the sounds of fighting to her right, toward the Temple Chamber. She knows from the stories told by Bronk and Bardock around the campfires on their journeys that the Temple is where the company confronted Eclavdra and Thae-Rune Ibn for the Obsidian Stone. Checking the hall for errant Githyanki guards, Fyona dashes to the Temple. [It will take her one round to get there.]

She is consumed by the thought of having her throat cut again in less then an hour.

Meanwhile...

Buce Tyrlan suddenly finds himself sitting cross-legged on the floor, eating the leg of a pheasant. He stops chewing, gaping at what has just happened. Before the rest of the Company arrived at Egmund's room in the Keep, Egmund had been explaining to Bruce, King Ozrik, and Nepal the mage that the company was returning with the Obsidian Stone, which would allow them to use the Time Machine to travel back in time and prevent the war from ever having taken place.

To be honest, Bruce had thought the old mage was loony when he described this plan. Time Travel? He had never heard such absurdities. Not even the most powerful mages could travel though time. Some said it was impossible, that if a person went back in time then the same object (that person) would exist at two places in the same instant--an impossibility.

Bruce's guest asks, "Sir, are you alright? You look as if you have seen the face of a ghost."

Bruce looks at Pasha Naril's dark face with its hooked nose, and tries to recover, wondering what day it is. . .

Following is the conversation for divvying up treasure. Please post your input here. It is separate from the rest of this turn's post.]

________________

Humphrey says, "I think the treasure that goes best with each of our profession's would be the best way to divide it. I lay claim to the following: The crown and Scepter, which are already in my possession, the scroll with the Magic User Spells, and the Bag of Holding, which will serve as my component case. I shall also take the Book of Vile Darkness, to study, unless," speaking to Mog, "A Book of Vile Darkness would suit your needs better." "As for the money, I suggest we split it down the middle."

[DM NOTE: The Boccob's blessed book is only for magic users, highly coveted as a travelling spell book--it is empty and you record spells therein. The Book of Vile Darkness is only for evil clerics. The manual of Golems can be used by either mages of clerics. I have added notes to the treasure list to indicate restricted class use.]

Mog says, "Mog must destroy the Book of Vile Darkness. It is evil, and can not be used by mages, good or evil. Only evil clerics may gain from it."

Mog continues: "As for the money, why not divide that last, giving more to those who take less magic?"

Bibi agrees "I have little use for money."

"Very well, you can have the Book of Vile Darkness. I shall take the Boccob's Blessed Book and the Manual of Golems then. As for the gold, I will agree to divvying it up based on magic."

Mog asks Humphrey, "What of the crown and scepter you have? Are they magic? What do they do?"

Humphrey replies, "They are magical, though the dweomor will require further study to discern. I was considering them in the divvying of treasure. I don't mean to sound as if I am entitled to each of these treasures. I am simply trying to accomodate our various professions. If you think you would have need of the Bag of Holding or perhaps Boccob's Blessed Book, then by all means, I shall relinquish any TENTATIVE claim I have lain. Let others speak on what they want, if that be the way of divvying treasure. Once again I am the villianous and untrustworthy one!" Humphrey is getting increasingly irritated with the manner in which all the party reacts to him, especially after all he has done.

Mog appears confused and slightly taken aback. "Mog only asked what Humphrey has learned of the Crown and Scepter from the tomb. Why does Humphrey react so?" Mog is suspicious now.

Very quietly Bibi says "I would like to have one of the emeralds. They are very beautiful. The smaller one would be more than enough."

[can we say the were two emerald one worth 30,000gp and the other 20,000gp]

"I think you should take the staff of curing as well, Bibi. You will need its magic as your destiny becomes more clear." says Humphrey.

__________

One instant, the company had been in combat with Thae-Rune Ibn in Egmund's chambers, at the Mages Guild in Galay. Bibi placed the Obsidian Stone in Egmund's time machine, and...

...the smell of brimstone assaulted their noses, and the strange blue and lavender lights swirled about them. They stood in the hall of the fire giant king, in the temple where the Githyanki intended to summon their goddess, the dark queen. Egmund's device had taken them hundreds of miles to the north, and may months into the past.

They oriented themselves. Thag had just led his group of fire giants into the temple, and Thae-Rune Ibn flew overhead, preparing a spell.

Ghotu immediately notices that the pouch containing Bibi's horse is once again around his neck.

Blade pulled up the hood of his cloak up prepared to backstab one of the giants, after cajoling his sword to be friends again and help him slay giants.

He takes out two giants with the sword and causes two more to run away in terror after they recognoze the sword as a Giantslayer. Then he is mind blasted by a Githyanki which causes hime to panic though Mog casts a spell which calms him and heals him back to full health.

Ghotu, seeing Thag, hurled a Javelin of Giant Slaying at him. The weapon pierced Thag's left eye, impaling his skull and sending him straight to whatever hell awaits fire giants who betray their kind.

Bibi used one of her amulet's stones to cast a storm of fire on the northern half of the room. Though the spell did not appear to affect Thae-Rune Ibn, several of his gith knights died under Bibi's flames.

Humphrey cast Ice Storm on Thae-Rune Ibn, but again, the Wrathgiver's amulet absorbed any damage he might have taken.

Meanwhile, Bronk and Bardock squared off with the approaching nycademon. They flanked the great beast, and one swipe of Bronk's Extremely Magical Halberd decapitates it.

Mog cast Magic Missile, frying one of the gith knights. Blade's backstab nearly dispatched another, mortally wounding it.

Then Thae-Rune Ibn unleashed a Meteor Swarm upon the party (and many giants and gith who were also in the area of effect). The spell damaged everyone, but killed none of the adventurers.

Bronk, seeing the nycademon's body still standing and the head blinking at him from where it sat on the floor, realized the demon was anything but slain. He then invented the game of golf, swinging his halberd like a club and bellowing "Look out a'FOOOORE!" The demon's head flew across the room, to land with a splat. The demon's body staggered about, searching vainly for its head.

The combat continued, with the party getting the better of their enemies, who were badly damaged by the Meteor Swarm. Bibi used one of her stones, but there appeared to be no immediate effect. Fyona entered the room.

Blade shouts to Fyona "Tecnically this is love at first site."

Then Thae-Rune Ibn cast Reverse Gravity, sending the entire party falling to the ceiling. Bibi used her boots to catch Blade, and Ghotu used his net to keep himself from falling, leaving himself dangling from the floor where his net had caught a mount for the massive iron brazier, which fell and dumped burning coals all over the ceiling.

The entire mountain then began to shake.

[Keith falls asleep]

Thae-Rune Ibn then disappeard, and though Ghotu thought he caught a glimpse of the Wrathgiver, he could not attack, suspended as he was. Mog then cast an Ice Wall up the side of the room, allowing the party to scramble out.

The company then made their way out of the mountain, as an earthquake struck. The entire complex collapsed in on itself, burying the body of the nycademon. Bronk carried its head out with him, in a leather

[Keith wakes up]

sack.

Once the party is a safe distance from the crumbling mountain Bibi asks Ghotu for her horse. She once again returns him to his normal size. She then uses call animal the gather some of the fleeing horses for the rest of the group to ride.

[Guys, I apologize for this summary, I know I have left things out. Please feel free to add your own actions that I have missed.

* * *

The party then journeyed southward, off the Top of the Wurld. It took them days to escape the mountains, and weeks before they neared civilized lands at the northernmost edge of the Northern Kingdom. On their way, they encountered a band of orc wargriders. They greeted Krulek, who led the orcs. All the orcs remembered Bibi, who had lived with them as a slave in the hill giant steading.

They eventually reached Thedrickstand Keep. They note the armaments the King has set in motion, to meet the possible gith invastion-- an invasion that will not happen this time around.

After another couple of weeks on the road, the company finally makes their way to King Ozrik's castle in Heklamar...

Treasure List: This is the treasure from the Tomb of Horrors which we have not yet divided up. Humphrey as possession of the Crown and Scepter we found, and Bardock has another gold crown we found. The rest of the treasure is in Mog's Haversack of Holding. Since we didn't ever have a chance to fully identify all the magic items, let's say we didn't divvy up until we got to Heklamar. If there are objectiosn to this, let me know. The cursed items were identified as such, and unless someone wants them for some reason, they will be destroyed.

Necklace, blue quartz: 10x1000 gp
jade coffer, 5000 gp
278 pp
29x10 gp gems
scroll, 7 MU spells--Mage
50 cp, sp, ep, gp, pp
bag of holding (250 lbs)
gold crown and scepter--Mage (In Humphrey's possession)
gold crown (in Bronk's possession)
97x10 gp gems
10,000 gp peridot
50,000 gp emerald
100,000 gp opal
potions: clairvoyance, animal control, giant str, invulnerability,
undead control
boccobs blessed book--Mage
manual of gainful exercise
book of vile darkness--Cleric (evil)
manual of golems-Mage or Cleric
1 ring of the ram
1 rod of lordly might--Fighter
1 staff of curing--Cleric/Druid
dust of appearance
pearl of sirines
2 cursed swords
1 cursed spear

Telegaming Summary (continued)

* * *

King Ozrik, who is one of the few people on the Wurld who has memory of the original timeline, prepares a festival in the company's honor. As they arrive, they are greeted by the entire population of Heklamar, who, though they don't understand the reason for such surprise festivities, nonetheless appreciates it and participates with zeal.

That evening the party dines with the King in his private chambers. The King thanks them for all they have done--nothing short of saving the world from utter domination by an alien species. The King asks the company what they will do with the Obsidian Stone, and with Egmund's Time Machine.

When the king asks about the stone Bibi tries to appear calm as she looks to Mog and then around to the rest of the group but avoiding Humphrey. She had told everyone that she would prefer that no one be told that she was in possession of the stone but she also knew that that was going to be difficult if not impossible.

"I think they should both be destroyed. They've been nothing but trouble, especially the Stone. But that is the way of magic, it generally does more harm than good. Of course the Stone is Bibi's by ancestral right so what happens to it is up to her in my opinion." says Blade.

"I would suggest, sire that the Kingdom remain in possession of the Time Machine, as it is a powerful and deadly weapon, with the potential to remake what we have undone. Indeed, I would say it ought to be destroyed, though that is no easy matter and I will have to study on it. As for the stone, well, if you are willing to assign this young lady here a full compliment of armed guards, surely Thae Rune Ibn will not come for it, at least until he finds her alone. But mark my words, sire, he will come for it again, if it is of use to him. However, that too will require further study on my part and the part of the King's wizards."

[DM NOTE: The Northern Kingdom has no wizards, and King Ozrik has no wizard advisors. Remember, there is strong magic-phobia in the Northlands, stemming from the oppressive Magocracy's conquest several decades ago.]

King Ozrik answers, "This is troubling indeed. Why would Thae-Rune Ibn still need the Stone?"

Mog answers, "Sire, we learned from a githyanki codex that their goddess may be summoned when the stars are in proper alignment. Thae- Rune Ibn has missed this opportunity, for the stars are no longer in alignment. None of us knows when next the stars will be properly aligned. Mog will study the skies and the codex to learn this. Such study will take time."

"So the threat from the githyanki is not finished?" asks the King.

"No," answers Mog.

King Ozrik, even more disturbed now, goes on: "Judging from your words, Blade, I take it Bibi carries stone now? Is that wise? Though I respect you Bibi and your brave deeds, how can you hope to prevent Thae-Rune Ibn from taking the stone from you by force? This seems extremely risky to me, given what we have all witnessed--a full-scale githyanki invasion. Why do you, youngest of this group, carry the stone?"

[DM NOTE: If I remember correctly, King Ozrik does NOT know about Bibi's affliction. If I am wrong about this, and we already told him, please someone correct me. Otherwise, I proceed on this assumption.]

[The King continues:] "As for the time machine, I would be happy to keep it safe, if that is your wish. Though when I spoke to Egmund, in our short visit to Galay which I suppose never happened in this time, he seemed quite proud of it. Might he not want it back? He also mentioned he doubted it would work without the Obisdian Stone to power it."

Bibi "Your majesty we just arrive from our encounter with Thae-Rune Ibn and I have been caring the stone the entire time. I will not try to convince you that the stone will be absolutely safe with me. For, I don't believe that we will be safe from the threat of the gith until he has been destroyed nor do I think that anyone who carries this stone could ever be safe. If it were possible I would be in pursuit of Thae-Rune Ibn right know. But unfortunately I don't believe that any of us have any idea were to look. That is why we must give Mog time to study the codex and I must have time pray. It has been far to long sense I have spoken with my totem and without a doubt I need guidance. My ancestors kept the stone safe for hundreds of years and I do not intend to turn it over to the mages whom I believe are responsible for it ending up in the hand of the gith. As for the time machine I think it is to dangerous to keep around. I would propose that it be destroyed as soon as posable. It is simply to much of a risk for Egmund or anyone else to have it when it could be used to undo everything we have just accomplished. I am also concerned that it creates yet another and possibly the most threatening reason someone would desire the obsidian stone."

"Humphrey is curious, my liege," Humphreys says to the King, "as to how the young lady could Blame the mages for the loss of the stone, when she said herself it had been in the hands of her family for generations. Would that not mean it was your ancestors who lost it?"

Mog, ever suspicious of the mage's intentions, answers Humphrey's accusation, saying, "It was a mage who stole the stone from her people, as well you know, and it ended up in the hands of the mages guild. Do you blame the victim for the acts of the thief?"

Humphrey continues: "M'lord, I propose to you that you allow the Druid to keep the stone, but that she be assigned a royal escort to offer, um, some semblance of protection should the Dark one return. I shall offer her my own wards and protections as well, if she would agree." Humphrey turns and bows slightly to Bibi when he says this, a slight smile crossing his faces.

Mog again speaks: "Great King, sending an escort of armed men with Bibi would do more to attract Thae-Rune Ibn's attention than to protect her. Mog will journey with Bibi, into the wilderness, where no words of our location will spread to githyanki ears."

Humphrey, always suspicious of Mog's motives, and curious as to why the other never question them, addresses Mog directly. "And what of those in this room who know of her whereabouts? I count eight of us here at least. Thae Rune Ibn can be bested when we are together, but alone? Do you think you alone can protect her? Do you count arrogance as a virtue in your religion, dear cleric?"

None of you trusted me throughout the quest, and perhaps with good reason, for I did not always reveal my motives. My own arrogance perhaps. But all of you, and you sire, trust this. Thae Rune Ibn will be back! Perhaps at least, to calm an old wizards paranoia, you might assign one of your royal knights, or a champion to accompany her. Then, I am sure if they are assailed, Mog could handle Thae Rune Ibn while the champion handled whatever demons he might unleash." He turns to look toward Bardock as he mentions demons, wondering how he will convince the foolish Rasheman that a demon's head is not to be trifled, but must be contained. "This at least would give her the opportunity to escape, if she were assaulted."

The King is troubled by the available options. He thinks for a few moments, then says, "I will not hold you, Bibi, nor will I wrest the Stone from you. Such is the way of our enemies. But realize, child, the heavy doom you carry. Do not forget what we alone have seen: the full might of githyanki conquest. Though the rest of the Wurld is thankfully ignorant of...of that past, we must not forget it. But I sense in you, Bibi, something special. I pray this choice will not bring us to harm.

"And I doubt any of my soldiers will be able to follow the two of you, given how you travel," he says referring to Mog and Bibi.

Ghotu thinks, one can follow them if he knows where they are going.

To honor the company members, some of whom had been on the quest longer than others, the King says, To Ghotu Graver, I grant you title of Knight of the Kingdom." Ghotu kneels as the King knights him. "And I give you lordship over the lands of ____." Ghotu and the others recognize the name, they are lands in the southern part of the Kingdom. A fine horsebreeders farm is also Ghotu's, part of his estate.

The King also grants title and land to Bronk, naming him Knight of the Kingdom, and giving him control of the lands adjacent to Ghotu's. Bardock is offered the chance to be an officer in King Ozrik's military.

Humphrey is also granted land and title. His lands, the farthest from Heklamar, are the closest to the Magocracy, farther west than Ghotu's and Bronk's lands. "Egmund has told me that you are wrongly accused of crimes in Galay. I have sent emissaries to speak with the Guild, to attempt to convince them of your innocence. I don't know how successful they will be. We shall see."

Blade is also granted land and title. Everyone's lands are on the southern coastline that extends from Heklamar to the Endless Seas to the west.

"I certainly appreciate the honor your majesty but I am afraid that I am not Knight material. I respectfully request instead that the land you were prepared to give me be used to house a temple devoted to my goddess Tyche, the Lady Luck. Blade doesn't inform the king that such "temples" frequently are nothing more than gambling parlors and frequently host sporting spectacles that all can wager on.

The King grants Blade's request, saying, "I will allow any priest of Tyche to found the temple you ask for, though I don't know where such a priest can be found."

"There are several in Vulvania where the Lady is one of the more popular dieties. I can send word taht the King is looking for a new gamb...er.. I mean temple to be built in the kingdom." says Blade. "I'm sure many of the Ladys' high priests will be eager to spread the influence of our deity in these parts. I know I certainly do my share."

The King smiles wryly and says, "Vulvania, eh? I've spent my share of time there, in my greener years. I'm sure the Kingdom would benefit from their...ministrations."

Blade continues, "Also I've been thinking of starting a fencing academy near one of teh larger cities in the Kingdom with Fyona as my partner. That is , assuming she is interested. She is nearly my equal in mattters of swordplay and together we could train many fine swordsmen, and swordwomen, to help better defend teh Kingdom...On the condition that they could afford to pay for such valuable knowledge of course."

THe King answers, "You may start your fencing academy here in Heklamar, where you will doubtless get the most exposure and best students for a fencing academy. I hereby grant you license to run the academy."

Fyona is not given lands, but King Ozrik says, "Though you were not one of the original quest members, I offer you this dwoemered cloak. May it serve you well." He gives her a Cloak of Phasing.

To Bibi, King Ozrik says, "Young druid, I give you authority to found a temple of your cult in the forests north of Thedrickstand Keep, near where your ally Krulek dwells with his orcs." He will finance the building of the temple as well.

Bibi "It would be my honor, but if I may I would ask you for one more thing. I have not spoken with my Shaman for many year. If you could spare someone to find him and ask him to see me. His name is Azriel (the dark shaman is rumored to be half dark elf) but I am unsure of his location. He may still be in my home land but I suspect that with the uprising that was afoot when I left that he may well have also fled"

King Ozrik answers, "Easily done. I will inform my scouts. Will your tribe be friendly to them or hostile?"

"They a fearful of outsiders but generally not aggressive. I would suggest that they don't mention me to anyone."

The King is curious, and asks, "Are you not welcome among your own people? This is not the first I have heard to suggest this. You seem to bear a secret, young druid. I will not press you to tell me. But I will do as you ask, and send scouts to discover the location of this Azriel. What should my scouts tell him when they find him?"

It seems that is was been so long since she last saw Azriel that she is unsure what message to send. After a long pause during which Bibi stairs at the floor "Tell him his lost child has been found."

All the company members are made knights, even those not given lands.

Ghotu, noticing Mog did not receive any gift from the King, says, "What of Mog? Does he not deserve reward as well?"

The King says, "Of course. But I can't give him lands, for no humans would accept an orc collecting their taxes, even indirectly. Gold he doesn't need, you all have acquired some wealth in the past year. I have little magic to offer, and none that Mog would need. However, I do make you knight, and you will have a place of respect in my Throne Hall whenever you desire it."

Mog bows and says, "Mog needs no rewards, but thanks the King. Mog greatly values the King's patronage and friendship."

[You guys can add details to this, or post your replies to King Ozrik. If you refuse his offer, or have a counter offer, post it.]

After several days recuperating in Heklamar, the company departs. They each head their own way, vowing to meet again in one year, back in Heklamar, at the Starlight Tavern. Mog goes with Bibi, wherever she goes, if she will have his company. He warns her, "Thae-Rune Ibn still lives, and will doubtless try for the Stone at some point. Remember, the Codex of Goil-Ward Adz told us that the Dark Queen can be summoned when the stars are properly aligned. We must study the Codex and the skies to find when this may be."

Blade says his farewells to everyone

"Be safe girl and don't try to grow up too fast. It's over-rated." he says to Bibi.

Bibi goes to Blade and hugs him "I will miss you very much." Having Blade around has always made Bibi feel like she wasn't the only child.

"Keep an eye on her Mog," he says to the shaman "she attracts trouble like a magnet."

"Sir Knight." he says with a bow and a salute to Ghotu, "It has been a honor to serve with you."

As Blade approaches his longtime companion, Bronk rushes forward and gives him a crushing bearhug. "Try not to become too respectable, SIR Bronk. and don't expect me to salute you either. A Rasheman Knight?" he laughs incredulously. "Ridiculous."

He eyes Humphrey suspicioously. "If we're lucky we'll never see each other again. But if we do, I'm sure it will be under some equally dire circumstances. Let's hope the Lady smiles favorably on us."

Humphrey says, "The lady never stops smiling Blade, even as she crushes you between slabs of stone. You can be assured we shall meet again. Every end is a beginning. This is ours, you can count on it."

Bibi also finishes her good-byes.

"Bronk I forgive you for trying to take my life. I hope you can forgive me for my lack of control. I don't intend to ever burden anyone with that again."

"And Bardock I hold no ill feeling toward you for he is your brother. I'm sure the two of you will have great times till we meet again. Please prey that I do as well."

"Ghotu you have been my confidant, perhaps unwilling at time but I have great respect for your honesty and I will not to forget your wisdom. I would be very pleased if you would care for Azrakenez for me for a short wile. I'm sure he would enjoy some time to be a horse again instead of a mouse and he could provide you with some new strong blood for your brood."

"Mog will you come with me now. I would like to see the place where the temple is to be built." (if he agrees)

[Mog agrees.]

"Good-bye Humphrey." Bibi then turn into a falcon and flies out the window and waits for Mog.

Mog turns into a crow and joins her.

Right before Bibi turns into a Falcon, Humphrey says, "What! No words of how you will miss me? How much of a confidant I have been, or even how I relinquished one of the greatest powers on earth to a you child, simply to stop you from throwing another fit? You may save your goodbyes, in any event. Our work together is far from done. Have you forgotten that you are the one? I am truly sure of it now, as only the One would accept the offer of a King and ask for more." Humphrey lets out a hearty, almost grandfatherly laugh. "I shall be watching you all, be assured. Our time together is not gone. Bardock, when that demons turns on you I shall arrive to rest its head back to the plains of hell! All without any of your trust!" He makes a rather dramatic, flowery motion with his robes, and POOF! Humphrey dissappears.

"What an incredible ass." Blade states matter of factly, and begins heading for the stables.

On his way to the stables he sees Fyona, who had yet to give him an answer about the fencing academy. "Have you made a desicion yet? I'm off to the South for a few weeks; I have to return a sword I borrowed from someone. After that I guess I'll start up the fencing school. I would certainly enjoy the pleasure of your comapany on my journey, as well as having you as a partner at the academy. Someone as skilled and beautiful as yourself would no doubt attract hordes of male students."

Fyona "You said as partner, right."

"Of course, but not in any conventional sense of the word. I propose that we make things a bit more dramatic and befitting of our station in life. At the end of every week we shall have duel, non-lethal of corse, to determine who wins the profits for that week. That way we each have a vested interest in improving our swordplay. We will be pushing each other to improve. To not make it total folly for either of us, I do think we should have a caveat that one partner can never earn less than 25% of the total profit for the month. That way if I won 3 of 4 duels in a row, we could simply call off the 4th duel and you'd take the earnings for the fourth week.

Naturally, any lost earnings for each week could still be won back at the poker table. Assuming you lost the duel and felt Luck could manifest herself in some other manner. I've seen your swordplay and have no doubt you could earn a meager profit based on our duels, but your cardplay is unknown to me. I must warn you, my skill at gambling is even more inpressive than my swordsmanship."

Fyona "I don't need a safty net...do you."

"Of course not my dear, don't forget how you are talking to. I just didn't want to leave you penniless is all." Blade says with a devlish smile "I am joking of course, but I shall take your reply to mean that you are agreeable to the terms? Or do you wish to have 4 duels a month regardsless of teh outcome of the prior three? In effect getting rid of teh saftey net you spoke of? Either way is fine with me."

Fyona "I choose to take my changes. You see I do not rely on any false notions of luck, only on my skill and I feel certain that I will not go hungry"

"Suit yourself, it's your stomach that will be growling when you have no money for food." He says mounting his horse. "We must be on our way, assuming you plan to accompany me to the South. It is a long ride and I'd like to take care of my business there as quickly as possible so as to avoid any further unpleasantries."

[Regardless of Fyona's reply, this is where Blade leaves and returns the Dragonslayer to Bruce's abode.]

[DM NOTE: This ending was RETCONNED (RETroactively made CONtinuous) so that we all left to stay one final night at an Inn in Heklamar (NO NOT THE CASTLE!).]

[Please post what you do in the interim. You can develop your new holdings, spend some of our money, study, train, research, whatever. Everyone gains two levels, and I haven't done the bookkeeping for that yet. We also need to distribute treasure, but I am at work and don't have the list with me. I will post the treasure tonight and we can divvy up.]

Posting Instructions:I will get a battle map up tonight, so you can all see where you are in the room. We all have our equipment and other items just as we did in Egmund's room in Galay, as the Githyanki invaded, just before Bibi caused the Time Machine to activate by putting the Stone in it. You all remember your pasts, the whole timeline we have played out over the past several months. In other words, they have full memory. Hit points, spells, everything is as it was last turn, NOT as it was in Turn 34.

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