Sapphire:Sessions:20170701

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At the "flue", Stonemover suggests shaping a spiral stairway out of stone, but Shawna says not until the caverns below have been thoroughly explored and analyzed. The trap is disarmed. Stonemover notes that the cavern with the glowing crystals was "swapped" with another location.

The group passes through the gate to Sapphire, where Trace and Rory await. Rory and some of his more responsible kids are waiting to transport their goods. Shawna takes Stonemover to meet Ironsinger; the dwarves hit it off very well. Chalker gives Ambassador Frederick 50 gold.

Trace places the crystals for the new destination, and fourteen people pass through the gate to Dolyena. (Ahn-Lee and Branamin remain in Sapphire for now.) Chalker had purchaced the property some two-and-a-half months ago, and a good bit of construction has been done on what once were ruins. This is located in the dukedom of Sanoram, fifteen miles from the capital, Frill, a city of 10,000. Awaiting the group is a delegation headed by Crown Prince Melcro and his son and heir, Seman. They have brought carriages and horses for their guests.

That evening they are guests at the manor of elderly Duke Sanoram. That night, Chalker dreams of walking into swirling waters, which his subconscious interprets as political shifts. In the morning Shawna takes him aside and warns him of external threats. She is suspicious of one of the royal couriers, a 30-year-old man named Tam. Chalker reads Tam's aura: Intense, strong-willed and disciplined, but jealous and vengeful. There are no influences from demons or the First Chosen.

In Tam's belt pouch is a stone that enhances his aura. Writing in his journey book, Chalker asks Shawna to remove that stone; she visualizes it, then teleports it into her hand. In appearance it is a polished river rock. It has been enchanted by a master archmage; so strong is the impression he has left that Shawna knows he is human, about 100 years old, powerful, and malicious.

Separated from the stone, Tam's aura has changed. His strong will is reduced. His jealousy definitely feeds his vengeance. The 'organized chaos' in his soul would make him a good candidate to be an acolyte of Asseraah.

Chalker chats up Relinda, asking her how she's doing. She expresses curiosity about the world. Chalker: "I have to watch you because you're 'more'." Relinda: "I understand. I'm a master mage from a previous age. I have done much research into spells, even created new ones. My specialties are mind and body improvement." Chalker: "I might have an opening, something mutually beneficial.... Does it bother you, not being 'nobility' here?" Relinda: "No, it doesn't. I know I can make my own living, perhaps by training mages." Chalker: "Dolyena is not a big enough playground for you."

Chalker approaches Tam and another courier, Sal, and makes conversation. Casually he says, "As a courier, you have to worry about people casting spells on you." Tam becomes visibly nervous; there's a facial tic and a bead of sweat on his lip. His replies to Chalker are either outright lies or shaded truth.

Shawna's Seeker spell reveals that the archmage is 1400 miles to the east. A quick journey book exchange with Rory confirms that this is in a bay south of the Calventine Empire, 200 miles SSE of Ridell, so the archmage is probably aboard a ship.

Chalker brings up two entities that have been pursuing him, Rinaldo Canana and Pandemonium Dagger Guild [PDG]. Shawna remarks dryly, "They hold grudges a long time." Chalker reminds Shawna that the first four jasper icons had been in the possession of a ship captain who belonged to PDG.

The next day is a Temple Day; after brief observances in the morning, the travelers set out again. After lunch Chalker approaches the four couriers, Tam, Sal, Finn, and Clay. Tam reacts strongly to Chalker's mention of PDG, but he tries to cover up his nervousness by saying he only knows of them through overhearing tavern talk. Chalker says casually, "There's a 1000g price on my head." Tam: "But you'd have to be an idiot to try to claim it." Chalker: "Idiots are a dime a dozen."