Mashanie Fearshald

[*hunvagy]

Journey to the East

The portal flared up, as I got near enough, with the key in hand. One final look back, a smile, and I disappeared into it's depths. On the other side, I almost ran into a stacked shelf of potteries. Damn, never did check where it leads to. Stumbled on a few other trinkets, seems I landed in the basement of some shop. Slowly made my way upstairs, surveying the surrounding. Seemed like some shop for cutlery, vases, pots and such. And then a devilish idea came to my mind.

I spent the whole night working.. I guess the Cagers on the other side will be quite surprised, finding a big heap of china on the street. Oh well, there will be people who'll want it. I chuckled, as I cleaned out the place. Wondered how much it'll cost when the owner comes to check in the morning.

I sneaked away before dawn, with hood on my horns and tail tucked away, after Farg told me how the people of Kara-tur loathe outsiders. Got me a nice room in the inn, and went to sleep with an evil grin on my face.

The city was already bustling with people when I awoke. Someone knocked on my door, a servant, bringing breakfast. Heh, was a bit unusual, having made it for ourselves for so long now. I ate at the table, staring out the window onto the marketplace. I saw all kinds of people there, some native, some from the West. I even spotted a Waterdhavian. Funny, maybe Fargul has been here so long, and things have changed. I packed my stuff, and decided to check on my sorry victim.

I arrived at the scene of "crime" to see quite a lot of people being annoyed and clueless. Guards securing the perimeter, a middle aged man sitting on a little stool, on the verge of a mental breakdown, crying a river and cursing the gods in his native language. Good thing Mir reminded me of that spell to speak all languages, this way I could understand what he was saying. Apparently, they had no idea how this could have happened, there was no indication of entry from the outside (I laughed at that.. with a lock that primitive, I could have replaced it all in a 20 minutes) and haven't had the foggiest where such an amount of goods could have disappeared to. (Heh.. Bag of Holding and a dumping site in Sigil.. )

I took a round in the marketplace, to check out the competition. There were quite a few magic item sellers, with outrageous prices and shallow items. Why my own gear could have earned me almost a million here. I smirked, and slinked back to see what the investigation had turned up. The guards were gone, and so were the bystanders, only the owner hadn't moved, still cursing and crying on that little stool. I had this nagging feeling in my gut, but hushed it away, and stepped up to him. We chatted long, asked him what happened, had to use all my wits to stay in the role and show as much compassion as possible. Then he asked what an outsider like me is doing here, why the interest. So I whipped up a tale of loss and sorrow, how I had to leave my old country, leaving shop wife and kids behind, because of some evil thieves who ransacked my livelihood and made me almost pennyless. Wife left me for another, and I left the country with the last of my money to make a new start somewhere far away. He asked what I want to do, and I told of my dream to start my business again, selling arms and armor to the needy. I must say, was the best performance I ever delivered. Soon a deal was struck, the old man was compensated for the loss I incured on him, and i was the owner of a shop for 10k jinx.

Good day I must say.

Hey, beautiful

Had a nice start, and secured a place for our little plan. The portal leads to the basement, can you believe it? Hope all is well on your side, can begin to trade soon, just a matter of securing the permits and stuff. Will write again soon. I saw a few interesting characters today, and heard some rumors that are worth to check into.

[*hunvagy]

Journey to the East, Part II

Gah.. bureaucracy at it's best. Spent three hours standing in line for a selling permit. Then some old fart nudged me, and my hood fell off. Had fun spending almost another hour explaining that I'm not some Oni trying to corrupt and massacre the women and the children. All at blade's point I might add. Good thing I really am from this plane, after a little trivia of what's what in western Toril, they finally seemed to believe me. Though the secretary behind his desk eyes me suspiciously the whole time, while I was applying. Then they asked me where my wares are. Opened my bag, took out a few of the things I kept around as electrifier fodder, and their eyes widened. I smirked contempt, leaving a minor trinket as a "gift" with the one in charge. Greasing palms always helps.

Actually, thanks to that little incident, and word spreading around about me being a Planetouched fiendling, by the time I got back to open shop, a little crowd already gathered. I chuckled, as I cut through the people, to disappear in the shop. On my way there, I spotted two of them, who obviously didn't came to buy. One of them was a thief, that I'm sure of. That was fast. The other one, a hardened man, in light armor and rapiers, seemed like an adventurer. Then I noticed something odd about him. He had an amulet, that I had seen somewhere. A simple stone, in it's insides swirling darkness. My smile widened, and I nodded to him as I walked past. First serious customer, it seems.

Turned out most of them only came to see the fiendling, and ask questions about far away places. Just wait until you meet my love, people. I complied, and asked them to return a bit later. Not for free of course, I decided to make a little money on the side, so 600 gold entry for tonight's "fairy tale" session. Ten said yes.. not bad money.

The adventurer was next up, then I noticed someone was missing. The thief, of course. Asked the man for a bit of his time, and slinked to the back of the shop. That guy had the nerve trying to get into my cellar in broad daylight. When I crept up to him, he was fiddling with the new lock I had in place. I grinned, and asked my little friend to give him a scare. The shadow slid to his side, emerging out of the shades of the afternoon sun on the wall, its spectral hands sliding around his throat. Then it whispered "That is a very bad idea, you dimwitted amateur". Never seen anyone scream that loud. I laughed heartily, as he looked around, gathering his tools in a hurry, then running like hell. By the paleness on his face I gathered that my friend drained a bit of his life force. No matter, that'll teach him.

When I returned, the adventurer looked at me with his dark brown eyes, appraised me for a minute, then nodded with a smile. He introduced himself as Karan Zoidre, freelancing entrepreneur. I had the urge to laugh, giving him my name and occupation. He smiled in turn, seeing as we both dabbled in the same. He was looking for a Headband of Intellect, and as I had literally the whole set, I provided. He payed with a smile, handing me a small bag of gems and a small case. I curiously opened it, to appraise the worth, and gasped at the sight. Inside was a dagger, with silver and steel hilt, and a translucent blade. I touched it, and the cold feel or steel is what I felt. I looked at him, he grinned, only uttering a single word: Nephelium. A gift he said, for one like minded, then turned and walked out without another word.

I sait in my shop, admiring the dagger, and as my fingers run through the hilt, I felt a little mechanism under my fingers. I pressed the button well hidden in the intricate depiction of a kraken, and the bottom of the dagger slid open, revealing a little parchment. I unrolled it, and read the writing that was on it. I was written in the rogue language, and I smiled.

To all those seeking the farthest reaches of adventure and fame:

You my friend, seem to be capable enough to what a few fellow adventurers are wanting to do. If you think you are ready for the unknown, seek us out at midnight in the Blazing Dragon Inn. If not, enjoy this weapon, knowing you missed the adventure of a lifetime.

Couldn't ponder for long, as my audience arrived. I worked for that 6000 gold I collected for them with interest. Retold the tale of us venturing into the Abyss, seeing the Tana'ri fall to the dozens by an unknown illness, and how the party that was there countered the assault of the Baatezu, retreating back to the portal, and standing ground on both sides of it. Most just sat there captivated, and when I got to the part where our Serene Lady herself stepped up to intervene, I saw some gasp in delight. They made me promise to find time on other days as well, and I nodded in agreement.

It was getting late, the appointed time approaching. I closed up shop, placed the wards, and asked my shadow to stand guard. Then I went to the cellar, and stepped through the portal. I found myself a trustworthy errand boy, and after the exchange of a few jink, I handed him a little package, to deliver it to a tangerine haired Tiefer who goes by the name of Mir. Also told him that should this package not arrive, he'd be spending the rest of his days upside down over a lava lake in Abyss.

To my dearest Mir

Finally received the permit for selling the items. Things are going very well I think, and you'd love the place. They seem to adore Fiendlings, can't wait them to meet you, if I had this much impact, you'll be sure to break a few hearts. Already dispatched a nosy rogue and met a quite interesting fellow. I'd say our little plan will work out just fine. I'll keep in touch and send word if something arises. Keep safe love, and enjoy the little present that I sent with this letter. I'm sure you'll recognize it and understand the meaning.

Mash


//The letter is bound to the case of the Nephelium dagger, the whole thing wrapped in black silk

After I returned, my shadow told me how one guy tried to get in shop, and got a nasty reminder after stepping into the warding glyph. I think I am making a point here, and the incursions will stop. I smiled, left the shop to be guarded by the shadow, then went out to find the Blazing Dragon Inn.

Jink earned: 31000 gold

[*hunvagy]

Journey to the East, Part III

I arrived on time at the Inn, that was appointed by this mysterious invitation. Stepped in, took a look around. Seemed normal enough, with the usual crowd gathered, locals drinking away their plight, a few guards who thought their shift should end earlier, a few adventurers looming around with the obvious intent of making a stop here. Even saw a hin and a dwarf duking it out with dice. With a few minutes left still, I ordered myself an ale, and found a tad more silent table, with good overlook of the place.

Almost got to the bottom of my tankard, when a little company appeared from the stairs, coming down into the main hall of the inn. Led by Karan, they were four all together. The second one was a gnome, by the looks of it one of the crazy engineer, dressed in light shades of brown and red, with a belt of tools. The third one a sturdy half orc, an enormous two handed axe strapped to his back, clad in heavy armor. The final one was a slender man, dressed in a robe, a book in hand. As they arrived, the man with the looks of an arcanist went with the half orc to secure a table, while the gnome hit the counter. Karan stood at the bottom of the stairs, slowly appraising the folk that has gathered at the establishment. His eyes fell on me, and he nodded in approval. I waited for them to all sit by a table, then pushed myself up from my chair, and walked over to them. The other three appraised me silently, when I tossed the small note on their table. Karan spoke first "Sit."

Captain Karan Zoidre, as it turned out, was a Jammer himself, and the other three the most trusted of his crew. Thrond, master-of-arms, the half orc, Strin Bottleblower, the ships mechanic, and Astren Handrick, the helm navigator. He was making a stop here, and looking for fresh members, when he stumbled upon my shop, and heard of my interesting origin. He was already informed, that a mysterious outsider was asking about Spelljammer, so he put the pieces together. At least interesting is how he put it. He appraised me while standing in line, and when buying that headband, he just wanted to see how I react to the dagger he added to the payment. And me being here, he deducted I wanted something. So he asked me bluntly, and I, to the best of my knowledge gave him an answer. Strin nodded in approval, when he heard of the plans I hatched with Mir, and even the orc shoved a small grin. "A nice dream", he exclaimed, "but for things like that, you'll need money flowing like a river." I nodded to that. "So, here's my proposition. You come with us on our next trip tomorrow, and I show you the ropes. Even help you earn a few bits to that grand plan of yours." I smiled in turn, and simply said yes. "Good, glad we got this over quickly. Come with us then, let me show you where you are needed in the morning."

We left the inn, crossed a great many streets, until we arrived at the dock district. Leaving all the ships behind, we walked to one of the farthest situated ones. The number painted on the side of the service buildings read 69. Next to it stood a ship. It was half submerged in water, half afloat. "The Tempests Fury" he exclaimed with pride. "My joy and everything"



I stood in awe in front, glaring up at the huge construction, and the four of them stood around me, with smiles on their faces at my reaction. "A true wanderer, this one" Thrond exclaimed with a grin "Ya kin see in his eyes he already is somewhere far away." I nodded, eyes still on the ship "I went to the Lady's Ward every day, just to have a glimpse on the ships stationed there" Karan looked at me "So, a Cager, then. That explains a great many things. Mayhap we shouldn't wait until morning, then. You have a lot to explain" he winked with a smile, grabbing me at my shoulder, and walking me in the direction of the boarding planks. The guards saluted, and let us pass without a word. I could hear the half orc grumble with them about loose uniforms, as we disappeared into the bowels of the ship.

It was huge. Bigger then any seafaring vessel I ever entered. We climbed four decks just to reach the captain's cabin. Strin left us on the first deck, disappearing in the direction of the engine room, and the mage took of to his own quarters as well. Thrond stood in the entrance, after we entered the cabin, and closed the door. Karan showed me to a chair, sat in his one on the opposite side. Between us a huge wooden desk, filled with charts and books. His room was a sight to behold indeed. Various trinkets from places I couldn't even fathom, were everywhere. A luxurious bed, a nightstand carved from duskwood, interwoven with intricate silver and gold linings, a candelabra carved from a single crystal.. and many other things. He looked at me, with a glint of a smile, and asked me to tell of my days in Sigil. He fiddled with the amulet around his neck "Been a while since my last visit." So I obliged, and began to recall my days...

[*hunvagy]

Journey to the East, Part IV: Into the stars!

Didn't know how much time had passed, with the two of us sitting, sipping some wine, and me recalling all that has transpired since that day I fell through the portal into Sigil. Karan took all in with interest, and the further I got, the more relaxed he became, soon looking at me like someone he would call a friend. He interrupted a few times, asking how things have changed since his visit there, asking me if Khazeet still owned the bar, small things. When I finished, he nodded, and a wide smile settled on his face. "Well, seems indeed I chose the right one to tag along." He extended his hand, and I took it, giving a firm shake "Welcome aboard the Tempests Fury, Mash" He then told me how to get to one of the empty quarters, and told me that I'd know when the time to go would come. I nodded, and exited his cabin.

Thrond was still standing guard in the door, but when I emerged, he nodded at me "Seem ye made a good impression on da Cap'n" He decided to escort me through the ships bowels, but not to watch me, but to give me some more directions. We stopped for some time at the galley, where I met the ships cook, a burly halfling, who even at this time, was busy preparing meals for the crew. As the heavenly scent of fresh food reached me, I realized I haven't eaten a bite the whole day, and my stomach responded switfly. Thrond let out a hearty chuckle in turn, and soon the both of us were sitting at one of the long tables of the galley, with portions of fresh stew that could satisfy even an ogre. I wolfed down the meal with delight, and the half orc did the same. We only talked briefly, asked him how he got on with the crew, but he only gave me a vague outline, it seemed he owed Karan his life, and Gruumsh would have kicked his ass if he hadn't come to his servitude. But as the years went buy, he gradually came accustomed to the life with them, and decided to stay, even after the captain released him from his life debt.

He walked with me to the quarters. On the way there I inspected his armor, and asked him, if he'd be wanting a new one. He looked at me, and waited, until I got the suit of half plate out of my bag of holding. He stared a long moment at it, then slowly showed a wide fangy grin, and nodded. We started from 60000, but he was a good haggler, pointing out that no one else would run around with a sum like that, so we finally stopped at 52000. Not a bad deal either, so I shook his hand, exchanged the items, and the barter was complete. I entered the cabin designated for me, only took a fleeting look at the sorroundings, warded the door out of habit, then crashed onto the bed to fall asleep.

I awoke to the voice of Karan resounding in my room, informing all of the impending take off, and naming a few who he'd like on the main bridge. The list included me as well, so I jumped out of bed and hurried to the corridor, just to find myself totally disoriented, as some thirty man rushed past me, all heading to their stations. Then someone tapped at my waist, and I saw Strin standing next to me. He smiled, and told me he'd escort me to the bridge, lest I find myself in some undesirable place. First that would be unwise, second Karan doesn't tolerate tardiness. I nodded, and went along. We climbed to the top of the ship, and entered a big room, fit for some fifteen men. It was plated with glass windows on all sides, and as I gazed out, I could see the hulking mass of the ship beneath us, and the dock all around. It was already late morning outside, and I could see dock workers hurrying around, some lugging crates to the Tempest, others to the different ships anchored around us.
"Good of you two to join us" Karan smirked "I was just about to lift off without the two of you, and assign you to clean up duty as punishment." He then nodded to Astren, who got in position in the middle of the room, in a strange contraption. "That's the helm" Strin whispered to me "Now you gonna see why we pay that scrawny mage" he added chuckling.

He didn't seem to do much but concentrate, but I felt a ripple run through the hull of the ship, as it shook. Karan relayed some more orders, unfastening the anchoring ropes and raising the main anchor, and the vessel suddenly gained momentum. I was taken aback by the initial blast, only being able to stay on my feet because of my training. The others laughed at my reaction, then Thrond pointed me to the windows. My heart skpped, as I saw the city below us getting smaller at a steady pace. The vessel was in the air now. I stared out the window, and saw the lands beneath my feet drifting farther away, and some good 15 minutes later, the whole landmass of eastern Toril streched beneath my feet. It took another our till we reached the height the navigator intended. For the first time in my life, I was utterly speechless. Outside the window Toril was before my eyes. A huge, spherical shape, that seemed to hung in the infinite nothing of darkness. It had a blueish hue, and upon it's surface, the darker blue of water bodies was scarred and broken with greenish masses of land. "That one there" Strin pointed to a longish mass "Would be your beloved Sword Coast" I nodded, still in awe, holding my breath, as I took in the sight. "Looks like we made him speech impedimented" Astren chuckled "But no worries friend, most react for the first time like you"

I stared at the sight for quite some time, and didn't even feel that Astren started moving the ship away from the planet. Only after a good two hours I saw that Toril gradually shrunk, as we drifted away from it's planetary sphere. I turned my back on the windows for now, and stared at my crewmates. "So, where to?" I asked. Karan in turn just grinned. "You'll soon see my friend. And for the time being, practice your swordsmanship. We might need it soon."

Jinx earned: 52000 gold

[*hunvagy]

Journey to the East, Part V: Wanderers of Realmspace

Our first stop was a huge planet. As I gazed out the window of the Tempest, and saw it nearing from the west, my eyes tried to gain focus on it's sheer size. The whole thing looked like one huge cloud of swirling gas, pressed into the shape of a sphere. As I turned back to my crewmates, Strin offered me explanation.

Coliar
Coliar is the second planet in the Realmspace system. Although the planet is a gas giant, hundreds of islands, both earth and water, swirl through its atmosphere, in their own smaller orbits around the planet's axis.

"It'll take at least two hours to get in range, Mash" Karan explained. "Until we arrive, go with Thrond and check on the cargo." I nodded and followed the half orc down to the lower decks. He went through a few corridors and stairs, and everywhere we ment, we met other crew members, going about their duties, like it was on any other ship, not one hanging in the middle of nothing, held only alive by a bubble of air around us.

The cargo hold was huge. If I strained my eyes, I could see the other wall, but just barely. Inside I saw crate upon crate packed in neat cubes, and held down by restraining ropes. The workers, having nothing to do for the time being, were having a break, playing dice in a the corners. To my inquiry of what our cargo is, Thrond just shrugged. "Loads o' weapons an' armor for the lizards" As I must have made a stupid face, he cared to elaborate, that the lizardmen and aaracokra of the planet are at war since quite long, and they have been supplying former with equipment.

We went over the inventory, and by the time we finished, Karan gave the word for landing. Thrond told me to stay close by, while he gathered his men, and we formed the escort for the crates. The hold workers packed some 40 crates onto magically held aloft platforms, for easier transport. We stood around them, to look around. The Tempest thumped lightly, as it drifted to the landing platform, and the ships bowels opened up before me. The sight was pretty breathtaking. We were standing on a wide iron platform, hovering above the huge blueish swirling gas cloud, that was the planet. I could see a huge number of islands floating around, a big one directly below us. The way there was a set of stairs and elevated roads.

We began marching, and by the time we arrived at the ascent, Karan joined up with us. He led the team, we behind him sorrounding the crates and the operators of the moving platfroms. I think we were somewhere half way, when a shreek was heard, and a group of flying monsters appeared from the east. The creatures I've never seen before swooped down, and in their hands I saw weapons and shields.

http://genebauer.name/d&dstuff/races/aaracokra2.jpg

"Defend the cargo!" Thrond thundered, as the Aaracokra landed around us, and jumped at us with swords and spears. A fierce battle ensued, but the assailants seemed to be no match for the hardened crew of the Tempest. A small group however, managed to fight themselves forward to one of the crates, and after slaying the operators, they begun pushing it over the railing down into the big emptiness below us. I dodged my current enemies, darted their and killed the ones trying to sink our precious cargo. But the platform was already halfway over the "road" and began to slip. Without a second thought, I activated the ring on my fingers, and cried out the command word aloud. The iron railing winced under the weight of my new form, as the Iron Golem I turned into grabbed after the crate, stopping it from slipping into the depths. A few of the assailants jumped me, but most their weapons slipped on my new body with a harmless clang.

Soon the battle was over, and the aaracokra all dead. I stood by the crate I rescued, the power of my ring wearing of, and shrinking back to the one I normally am. Karan nodded with a smile "Yup, chose the right one. Don't think I forget" Then nudged me back into position, to continue our way to the lizardman city.

The captain made the deal, I sold two greatswords on the side, and we returned to the ship, with new crates he acquired here. When I asked, he just smiled "Skystones, nice stuff" I nodded, getting used to his interesting way, and resumed my post as the guardian of the haul. We got back to the Tempest safely, the winged beasts haven't mounted another attack.

Once we were inside, Thrond took me and his men for a hearty meal, and an ample round of mead. "We have lotsa time" he said "The next one is a wee bit farther away."

Jinx earned: 32000 gold

[*hunvagy]

Journey to the East, Part VI:Pilot Training

Strin awoke me, knocking on the door to my cabin. We were still far from our destination, but he said there was something he wanted to show me. I followed him, and soon we found ourselves outside, on the main deck of the Tempest. I gazed around, but only saw the darkness around us. But then I saw where he was taking me. Parked on the deck was a smaller craft. Could have been some 30 feet long, looked like a small ship. He grinned as we stood next to it, patting it with care. "This is my beauty, the Lightning"



He nudged me aboard, and I saw it had place for two. The small canopy we climbed in had a hatch made of glass, the we slid down to enclose us inside the craft. He took the first seat, I the second. The engines came alive beneath us, I heard a mechanical noise, and a loud howling noise, as the ship jumped up from the main deck. "Just staying inside the empyrean bubble of the Tempest. This one doesn't have a spelljamming helm yet, don't wanna get lost" he exclaimed, and flew clear of the tempest. He did a few rounds showing me the ship from every side imaginable, and the first minutes I spent getting used to the movements in all directions imaginable. We passed the underside of it upside down, I'm sure he wanted to test if I get nauseous, but tough luck there, had felt worse when my seafaring ship back then flew into the skies because of the freakish wave.

"Wanna try?" The question came abruptly in mid flight. I blinked, not sure if he was serious, but he grinned and asked again. I nodded, and he started explaining how to make this contraption work. I listened intently, trying to memorize everything he relayed to me. In the end he added "Don't worry, if something is about to go wrong, I can take over." I sighed, and grabbed the control stick.

What can I say? It was like trying to nudge a mean horse doing what you want, while it runs at maximum speed against a brick wall, and you lost your whip. I took me half an hour just to get used to the fact that this ship doesn't just move left and right, but up and down respectively, and that it does these maneuvers at almost my whim. No more waiting for minutes to come around. As I moved the stick, the ship reacted immediately. Though it first only rolled to the side I pointed it at, then had to apply a backward nudge, to turn the engines and make the small Jammer change direction. But soon the worry and frustration was overcome by the feeling of euphoria and genuine fun, and I tried more and more daring things with the vessel.

Strin just smiled on the front seat, seeing what I make his precious Lightning to do. Once I even made him gasp, as I went over the Tempest, then pointing the nose down, darting through between the sails of the huge ship, changing direction in mid air, and exiting in a looping on the other side. Truth be told, I closed my eyes during that last part, because I was sure I miscalculated, but luckily we only barely scraped the fabric of the sails. Then the voice of Astren was heard "Ok, who's the wiseguy? Strin, if that's you, I'm gonna strangle you with your own bowstring!" We both laughed, and decided to call it a day, returning to the ships main deck.

Zaran was there, along with Thrond. As we climbed out of the cockpit, he glanced at Strin, who nodded. He then turned to me, and gave me another one of his appraising looks. "So, already aspiring for something more then just cargo hauling duty?" "It is fun Zaran. And more exciting then most things I've ever done" "I know lad, I know just too well. Now come on, we have plans to make, and I think you've earned the right to be with us."

[*hunvagy]

Journey to the East, Part VII:Cities of Rock and Spelljammer docks

We were standing around Karans table, discussing the next steps to take. We would first make a brief respite in the asteroid fields of Garden, to sell half the cargo there, and schedule some maintenance on the Tempest, then push forward to the last step of the journey. As I understood it, we would be leaving the Sphere of Realmspace behind, and aim for the one that also holds Krynn in it's sphere. There was some other talk amongst them, but didn't understand a word, they used a language unknown to me.

I spent most time on the upper deck, eying Garden as it drifted closer. It really was a string of rocks in space, varied sizes from diminutive to incredibly large. I spotted other vessels in the distance, but none were really keen on making contact with us ti seemed. We were heading to a big rock, the others called Bral. I strained my eyes, to discover anything, but it was until a bit later, when we closed in on it, that I could dis certain it's features. It was a city built onto its surface, stretching from one end to the other. The whole rock rotated slowly around it's on axis, but the magics they used and the air bubble around it kept everything in place. It even had vegetation. I smiled, as we set for landing, eyes on the city, as it gradually became larger and larger. The Tempest was heading for a dock, on the side of the asteroid.



The ship safely parked in a hangar carved onto the surface of the planetoid itself, the crew once again began to haul the cargo from the hold to the docks. Strin took Astren with him, to organize the maintenance, Thrond and Karan took me, to close the sale on the Skystones. As we exited the hangar, we headed upwards on a set of rocky stairs, to arrive at the surface of Bral. When I looked up, I could see the stars slowly turning around us. The other two grinned at me, then notioned to follow them. We strode down the wide road from the hangars to the outskirts of the city. As we came near, loud music and noises reached my ear. Seemed the Inns and taverns were full of Jammers, all who were celebrating a successful run, or their fallen comrades. The Captain led us to one of this joints, called the "Kraken's Eye". We stepped in, to find our buyer.

The Inn was just like any other on Faerun or any other plane. Chock full with different people of different races, all sitting side by side, enjoying drinks or the wenches. Karan made short work of some of the ladies trying to offer their services to us, to Thronds dismay, I might add, but work comes first. We headed to the back, where a bunch of separate boxes awaited the more needy customers. It was in one of these boxes, that we met our contact person. I blinked, as my eyes fell upon the Beholder floating next to the table. Karan and Thrond nodded, so I did the same. The monster glanced at us with all his eyes, and an eerie noise came from his mouth "Welcome, Karan Zoidre. I think we have business to discuss"

The negotiations went pretty smooth, though truth be told the beholder was creeping me out. Thrond was not that calm either, I could see his hands wandering to his axe from time to time. The captain however, was calmness personified, as he continued to haggle for the Skystones in a low and respectful voice. The numbers changing people made my head hurt. Then the deal was struck, and four crates of Skystones were sold for the hefty sum of 4 million. Payment awaits us at the docks, where the crates will change owners, it was said. The beholder then floated away, and we sat there in silence for a while. Thrond grumbled something about a drink well earned, and as Zaran nodded, he left us as well. "How about you, Mash?" he asked me "A drink, or something more interesting perhaps?" I chose the latter, and I was not disappointed.

We returned to the hangar, but instead of heading to the ship, he showed me another passageway, that led deeper into the rock. There I saw something reminding me of a wharf. He explained, that this is a dry dock for Spelljammers, but also where the Tempest was built. "You want a ship, right? No better place to start then this." I smiled, and nodded, as he ventured with me to the wharf. There I met an elderly Gith, who turned out to be the creator of Karans ship. He asked why Karan has come, and he in turn pushed me forward. I layed out the plans I had, immediate and long winded, and he hummed a few times "The small one, no problem. Can do in three days. The other however... " he appraised me long and hard "You sure about that one?" I nodded. "Very well then, if Karan is the one bringing you here, you must be worth something. If you have the complete plans, I can whips up the costs for ya, and give an estimate on production as well. But to the other one then.. what ye want would come to 285000 coins. How much you have at hand?" Half, I answered, and frowned. But then Zaran interrupted "Not so fast laddie, you forgetting your payment for the trip. And saving my precious cargo." He then nudged the Gith to the side, talking with him for a long time. When they returned, a wry grin was on Karans face, and the Gith looked at me. "Pay, and construction shall begin. By the time you are back from your trip with Karan here, it shall be ready. Any ideas on how it should look?" I nodded, and pointed to one of the ships awaiting assembly.



"Very well, we shall begin assembling your Jammer." Then he walked away, gathering the other workers around him, explaining what needs to be done. I looked at Zaran, who just grinned and slapped his hand on my shoulder "I am in your debt" I said, and he just winked with a smile "Not yet you aren't. This trip ain't over yet."

On our way back we stopped at an armor shop. I was looking up the inventory, when my eyes fell on something. "Is that what I think it is?" He nodded "Ay, seems that way. Ye fancy? But it's not for men" I chuckled "It is just perfect." I entered the shop, and after carefuly negotiations, i exchanged my bracers of the blinding speed for the light armor I saw in the showcase. It had a dim reddish hue, was translucent otherwise. I grinned as I packed it in my bag. What a nice present this will make.

We returned to the ship a while later, and decided to stay for a few more hours, to get the crew some rest and restock on provisions. Then the Tempest lifted itself from the dock. I stared out the window of the helm, seeing the place of my ship to be shrinking out of view. Then I turned around, and asked. "So, where exactly next?"
"Krynn laddie, Krynn." Astren sighed, and worked his magic again. The Tempest Fury accelerated, and after a few more moves from our mage, switched to it's maximum travelling speed. "It's called ultra cruising speed" Strin whispered "Was expensive as hells, but we don't get stuck for weeks on the ship this way." I asked how long, and he shrugged. "Two days tops. This old lady is one of the fastest in Realmspace. I built half of it, I should know" He grinned.

So.. two days... I smiled, thinking about my return, and the presents I bring with me. And I was totally oblivious of the dangers that were lurking in front of us, in the vastness of space...

[*hunvagy]

Journey to the East, Part VII: The Dragonfleet

I awoke to the constant ringing of the bells on board, along with a huge shaking of the hull. I jumped out of bed, began to gather my equipment. Karans word resounded in the air "We are under attack! All hands prepare to repel boarders! Move it men, get your asses on the deck, we have a few unwelcomed visitors!" I darted out of my room, and mixed in with the floating mass of armed sailors heading topside.

As I burst out the main door and arrived on the top deck, I had to stop and gasp at the sight. Alongside us I spotted two other ships. One on the left, shaped like a huge and majestic red dragon, and one on the right, in the image of a black dragon. The hull shook again, and I could faintly see the ballista projectile that hit us in the side. Then the sound of roaring thunder, the Tempest replied with a full broadside of her cannons. The flaming ammunition hit the red dragon ship on it's side, And I could see how something over there burst into flames.

There was something moving in the space between the two ships. I strained my eyes, and could see the silhouettes of dragons, as they came near. On their backs riders, figures clad in armor, wielding swords and shields. The boarding party had arrived. The first one, a red dragon, as big as Animus, landed on our decks, and her rider jumped down, looking at the sailors with drawn weapons. I spotted Thrond, as he slowly approached, donning his new armor, his mighty axe in hand. The dragon extended it's aura, and I saw a few of our men take a step back, hands shaking from Dragonfear. I grinned at and idea I suddenly had, and molded into the shadow of the main helm. I took a look around, calculating something, then I concentrated on the powers my constant companion gave me.

For a moment, I was surrounded by the darkness, and a mass of moving shadows. They looked at me, their red eyes burning a hole in my body, but did not approach. Of course not, by now they knew me only too well. I imagined my point of arrival, and leapt forward. "Not more then 200 feet" The warning of my shadow companion resounded in my head, and I sighed in relief as I felt I was in the material plane again. I gazed about, and almost gave my self away with a victorious snicker. I was standing in the shadow of the red wyrm. I could see the next wave arriving, so I had to act fast. Without a sound, I crept up on the armored figure, who was staring at Thrond. He opened his mouth "In the name of Takhisis and the Dragonfleet, your ship is..." I found the opening in his breastplate, shoving both my blades with all my might into his body. One even came out next to his shoulder piece, somewhere around his neck. "That'll be quite enough of that, you moron" I whispered to him, as he drew his last breath.

Both our people and the dragon was quite surprised at the turn of events. I glanced at Thrond and shouted "Now, get the darned wyrm before the next one arrives!" And I pushed the lifeless body of the knight to the side, to do the same. The dragon glanced at me, and opened his mouth, before I had the chance to disappear from his sights. Instinctively, I jumped, and managed to evade his breath of fiery doom with a sommersault. I saw from the corner of my eye, that Thrond has finally gotten himself into a frenzy, imparting the same to the crew standing next to him, and began his attack on the beast. The dragon had to direct his attention to the half-orc, and a painful reminder in the form of a huge axe cleaving into its belly. I landed near its body, only to have to jump again, as it tried to sweep me away with the tail. I didn't stay long to find out if it could do that again, and ran up its side, wounding it as I ran along on multiple points on its body. Thrond and me came to attack it's head at the same time. I sank my rapiers into its eye sockets, and as the lizard thundered in pain and raised its head to shake me off, the mighty axe cleaved the head from the body. I stood next to Thrond, panting, he still in trance, with body and weapon covered in dragons blood, waiting for the next attacker.

Two more managed to land, but this time we didn't gave them the opportunity to retaliate. I worked the riders, and the master-of-arms took care of the wyrms. By the time we done away with the third wave, Strin appeared, with a few ballistas and archers, and kept the next ones at bay. The red dragon ship was aflame, breaking into smaller parts after continuous barrage from the Tempest. Seemed the black dragon ship lost its interest in us, and withdrew from the scene. We could see a straggler dragonrider escaping as well. The crew cheered as they vanished from sight, and I felt Thronds massive hands on my shoulder. He was exhausted, but gave me a fangy grin "Well done Mash, dinnae know yous so dangerous"

The victory was celebrated with song and booze, and I gathered another interesting present to bring home. I stashed the dragon head in my bags, and smirked.

[*hunvagy]

Journey to the East, Part VIII:The Knights of Krynnspace

We all agreed on one thing. Given the things that transpired, it wouldn't be the most prudent of actions to land on Krynn. So Karan had a backup plan, and we were about to set that one in motion.

The Tempest had just passed Chislev, when the man from the crow's nest reported to have seen another Jammer moving at half speeds in the distance. One of the mages shot up an intricate set of flares, that flew right across the air bubble of the ship, painting the dark sky around us red and green. In the distance, the ship responded with a set of yellow and red flares. "We asked for a meeting, and they agreed" I was given the translation by Strin. I nodded, and asked what else there was for me to do. "For the time being? Rest laddie, it's still an hour away."

The ship pulled us slowly next to ours. It was a bit smaller then the tempest, fashioned in the form of a seafaring vessel of Toril, a galleon. It was colored silver, on the side the image of an armor clad man, claymore in hand, with long white mane for hair, and blue eyes. Paladine, as I was told, one of the good deities of Krynn. The ship belong to the armada of the Knights of Krynnspace, the spacefaring cousins of the Knights of Solamnia. The galleon fastened itself to the broadside of the Tempest with a set of grappling hooks, and it drifted close, up to a distance of a few feet. It synchronized its movement with our ship.

Then a group of people appeared on the upper deck, all humans. Led by a man in shining armor, with the Image of a Moon painted on the breastplate. He was accompanied by three others, two bearing the mark of the Sun, and one the mark of the Stars. A group of crewman brought a boarding plank, and set it down, so the four could cross to our ship. The welcoming comitte was Karan, Thrond, and me. The leader of the Solamnian group came over first, giving Karan a firm handshake "Been a long time Karan Zoidre. The Knights of the Stars welcome you in Krynnspace once again." He introduced himself as Damien Proudblood, and gave us all the same greeting as he did to Karan. Once he removed his helmet, a man in his mid thirties was what I saw, with radiant blue eyes and golden hair. A proud and large beard coverd his chin, probably some status symbol in these parts. He gave the impression of an honorable and kind man, and his words only strengthened my belief in that.

Karan invited him and his companions to our mess hall, well we had a pleasant conversation with wine and some pastries. Damien asked about the current events in Realmspace, what Karan had been up to since his last visit. He frowned when our captain reported his run in with the Dragonfleet. "Takhisis is restless once again, it seems we will have more work in short" He thanked us for sinking that one ship, and expressed his relief that the Tempest withstood the attack with minimal damage. He even offered us a respite in the docks of the Knights, and free repairs, but Karan politely denied, saying that he needed to get back to Realmspace on short notice. We then got to the business part of the deal, and after short negotiations, it was decided, that the rest of the Skystones would be handed over to Damien, for the price of 2 million and twelve crates of Ysgardian Red wine. The deal was sealed by a firm handshake, and we all headed back out, to oversee the transfer of the goods.

I stood at the upper deck, and watched the Galleon of the Knights drift into the distance. I suddenly felt a presence, and Karan was standing next to me. He smiled, studying me intently again. "Seems you took a liking to the great unknown, Mash." I nodded, and said my thanks on inviting me along. "Don't sweat it laddie, you were the right man for the job. Now, let's get you back to Sigil, shall we?" I smiled, and followed him back into the depths of the ship.

The Tempest's Fury turned in place, and began accelerating out of the Krynnspace system, heading back into Realmspace, back to the asteroid, where my ship awaited me. I went to sleep with a smile on my face, with the knowledge of and adventure well done.

[*hunvagy]

Journey to the East: Finale

Mash was standing in the docks of Bral, with the old Gith, Strin and Karan by his side. He just finished sorting out the bags of gems and coins, and handed it over to the shipbuilder. The old man smiled, and handed him the activation rune for the cockpit.
- Though you might like some insurance that no one steals this beauty - he smirked. - Let them try, and will get a pretty painful reminder to never steal something built by the Githyanki.
- Thank you - he nodded.
- That's one nice ship you got there - said Strin, studying the vessel carefully.
- Thanks, tried to make something that'll actually be useful - he answered.
- But you know, there's one little bit missing - Karan replied, going over the blueprints.
- There is? - Mash looked at him a bit dumbfounded.
- Yes, laddie, you forgot something. But I think I can help there.
After saying this, he notioned Strin to himself, whispering something to him in a low voice. The gnome grinned, then hurried away to the other side of the dock. Mash followed him with his eyes, then turned back to the ship, his eyes inspecting every inch of it. The form was perfect, the workmanship flawless. All that was missing was a name. He stood there, pondering for a while.
- Hm. How bout the Looming Shade?
Karan chuckled and nodded.
- Seems about right laddie, is as sneaky and dangerous as its owner. So - he raised his blade to the ship - The Loomin' Shade just joined the Spelljammer fleet.
Strin came back, with a device in his hands, and hurried past them, to the Gith engineer, to talk with him. Mash watched them without a clue of what they were up to. The Gith nodded, and Strin walked up to Mash.
- I'm gonna need the keys - he pointed to the runes he still had in hands.
- What for?
- You'll see, just trust your flight instructor - he grinned in return.

- * - * - * -

- And now it's ready - Strin exclaimed, after spending nearly an hour tinkering inside the ship.
- And what exactly is ready? - Mash asked.
- You got your own portal generator now - Karan replied instead of the gnome - Which you graciously forgot. Or how else were you going to take your baby back to Sigil?
He stared at both of them, and after a long moment, facepalmed. Right they all were, he forgot in the joy of having the money for the vessel to think about getting it back to where he lives.
- I.. thank you.
- No need laddie, ain't the best one, only works once a week, but should get you started. Now.. I suggest you make your farewells to my crew, and get your ass on board. I'm going with you.
- But how are you going to get back?
- I'll show when the time is right.

- * - * - * -

The nightly darkness of Karasuthra was torn apart by the flaring up of a portal in the sky. A dark mass slipped through it, hovering in the air after exiting. The portal slowly closed behind it, leaving to trace of it's existence at all.

Mash made the vessel descend, looking for the spot he wanted to land. Karan was sitting on the back seat, currently taking up the place of the helm navigator. He also looked outside.
- What are we looking for again? - he asked, eyes strained to peer into the dark
- A house - he answered - Should show, the roof usually glimmers in the air here.
- A house? - Karan asked back - You seriously are telling me that you built here a house somewhere.. in the middle of beastlands?
- Why not, it is a serene place. - Mash answered with a smile - And believe me, nothing here can be more dangerous then me.
- Ay, that's true laddie - he chuckled. - Oh wait, I see something, there - pointed to the west, and Mash saw it as well. It was their shack, reflecting the light of the moon as it stood in the middle of the Karasuthran night.

- * - * - * -

- So.. what now? - Karan asked, as they stood next to the ship, as it hovered some 3 feet above ground next to the house.
- Now.. we wait. - Mash smiled, taking out a bottle from his bag, with the remainder of that precious wine he was given after the drinking contest.
- Well, I do have a few days until the Tempest is repaired, but would like to leave a bit earlier. - Karan nodded, eyeing the bottle with interest.
- Don't worry, she'll come around sooner then that. I know her.
- She? Laddie, I think you have a few things to explain to me, ay?
- Guess so - Mash uncorked the bottle - So then, take a sip, and let me talk...

The shadow slinked his way through the streets of Sigil, to find the one he was ordered to. If he had been human, he surely would have laughed.