Dimmerdale

Meanwhile, Ishkabibble, finally recovered from her bout of 'Drow Disease', was released from the police infirmary. She arrived at the trade delegation's rooms to find them empty and (apparently) unguarded. She took advantage of the opportunity to go through their rooms. She found that Trudolf Elfwise was a singularly bad poet, and that they were prepared for heavy duty magical battle. She took a magical snuff box, just on general principles.

Bland, who had been dozing in the closet, heard someone rummaging around, so he positioned himself outside the door to the suite. Ishkabibble heard mysterious sounds outside the window, and watched as a strange half elf, half something else entered through a hole which had not previously been in the wall. Considering her options, she offered a 60-40 split, but was refused. The intruder wished only to leave a note, which read as follows:

"I've found the person I'm looking for, I've already paid you for passage, I never want to see you again."

The strange woman left through her portable hole. Ishkabibble left through the front door, and quickly straightened things out with Bland.

When the maid came to turn down the beds, Bland attempted to frisk her, and she froze him down. Then made a date for the following evening.

The trade delegation and the Praetors returned. Trudolf became frantic upon finding that his dust was missing, but was quickly silenced by Piotor. The two of them had a hurried discussion in private, which Ishkabibble made certain to overhear. The 'dust of rooting' had been stolen, and Trudolf's 'girlfriend' had left a note.

In the morning, the Kommissar left, ostensibly to report, and returned with a captive gnome. Then she went to get orders. She was told that the 'someone' who she had been warned of was heading towards Dimmerdale from Atanar, and would come from the South - he would have to pass near to the dwelling of a lich, and, perhaps, the two could be inspired to fight...

Hiro went to the temple of Loki, to get further information and advice. His first attempt at an Augury was enough to know that his god wished to advise him, but required a more substantial sacrifice. He tried again, with two goats and two ravens, and was rewarded by a personal visit from his god... He was told that the lone Elf who threatened Dimmerdale was one Olorn, son of one of the Elonoyn, which made him a minor demigod. He also wore the Ring of Kings, which would allow him to store and cast an unlimited number of spells, time stop being his favorite, and he very likely could wipe out Dimmerdale. Loki disliked this idea, although it would likely start an all out war between the Drow and the Gray Elves, because if Charnella's worshippers were destroyed, Lolth would control a sixth of the Abyss. Hiro left the altar, with Raven feathers braided in his hair, and instructed the High Priest that now would be a very good time to start a pilgrimage elsewhere...

The party hastily made plans to leave, with Dagobert grumbling that in three more levels he would actually be able to cast a time travel spell. Bland suggested that they adventure until he had reached that point, then travel back in time and attempt the mission.

As the party left, Bland took the first opportunity to duck out. Much to his surprise, he found himself - a richer self - who convinced him to rejoin the others.

"When the Queen is out of ideas, and doesn't know what to do, remind her of that conversation. When she tells you you're crazy, give her this..."

To be continued...