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- Chapter 21: A Multi-Coloured Magic Portal - But what is behind it? -
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The party leave the area where the pile of treasure was found, dating
back to ages past ....


(Silver:)
Leaving the cave, Silver will look over to Tatiana. If Tatiana is not
still seething with pent-up emotions, Silver will say "The ring you're
wearing, 'Ana. It seemed very precious to you when you first saw it.
What is the story behind it ?"

(Tatiana:)
When Silver asked about the ring she was currently wearing, she said
"Oh yes, this ring is very significant!  It was worn by all the
Core-War Heroes !" "But I'll leave that story for later, as right now
I'd like to just get out of this cavern"

(DM:)
You back track to the chamber where you rested and the crystal wall is
located. From there on you take a right, and traverse the treacherous
rocks under water again (remember your dex-checks).

(Falrun:)
Assuming the general consensus is to continue with exploring the
caves, Falrun will lead the party back down the corridor they entered
the cave through, into the cavern with the crystal, down the right
hand passage, through the water, (I made my dex check) and he will
continue down what would now be the right hand passage or also known
as the unexplored tunnel at the juncture.

He will have his rope ready in a lasso on his belt in case we run into
something else that can't be harmed by normal weapons.

(Silver:)
Nearing the watery area, Silver again pulls a piece of cork from her
satchel, and holding it firmly, embraces Tatiana, Keilan, Shade and
Kaeyar, intoning the words

	"Mielikki, Help your children
	 Who stumble and fall
	 With their faltering steps
	 Walk as firmly as only You know how"

and casting the crumbled cork on the ground, walks slowly across the
water to catch up with Falrun.

OOC: Water Walk again. Will last for 10 turns on each of us.

(Tatiana:)
She caught up to Silver in time to receive the walk on water spell.
Smiling weakly, she said "Thank you."

(DM:)
Then you reach the spot where you guys took a right, and another
option to the left (now your right) was not yet explored. With a
cautious Falrun up ahead, you proceed down that tunnel. After some 50
meters of tramping through the underground, you reach another
'intersection', with choices to take a left or a right. Both tunnels
look the same to you.  Just further gaping mouths of uneven rock,
swallowing your light sources.

(Arlon:)
OOC: Flip a coin, it doesn't matter to me.  Go Left young elf :)

(Dithion:)
Dithion stops and says, "Which way to go?  I care not myself." He
waits for everyone to decide.

(Silver:)
When the party are together at the new choice of tunnels, Silver will
say "You know, Falrun was right when we entered these tunnels. Someone
could explore this all with much more speed by transforming into a
creature more suited to this environment."

OOC: She's not offering to do this, by the way. The thought of going
     off on her own, well .... (shudder) ....

(Falrun:)
Falrun will keep with the original idea of sticking to the right while
exploring these tunnels. Falrun leads the party down the right tunnel.

(DM:)
You guys hang right at the 'intersection' and come upon a cave similar
to the one where the Margoyle was hanging out, though somewhat larger.
You carefully scan the surrounds, and find nothing. There are no
further entrances or tunnels. As you enter the remaining unknown
tunnel, after some 34 meters more, you again stumble upon an
intersection, with tunnels leading off to the right and to the left.
Shade with his underground knowledge has a feeling that all the 'left'
turns combined made you guys almost come back full circle to the
original entrance into the unknown. However, in keeping with the 'keep
to the right' strategy not to get lost, you take the right tunnel for
now. The tunnel is long and, to your surprise, dry.

(Silver:)
Silver walks along the dry tunnel, close to Tatiana and Arlon.  "You
know, I have heard little of these Core Wars you talk of. Perhaps you
could weave me the tale of it, 'Ana."  Pausing slightly, she
continues, curiously "So this one ring was worn by *all* the Heroes of
this War. How many Heroes were there ? And why are they called
Heroes ?"

(DM:)
After more than 120 meters of almost straight traveling, the tunnel
stops at a dead end.  However, the end seems to be quite
interesting.....

You see a wall before you. A 'man'-made wall. It is constructed of
crystal blocks (ranging from greenish blue to reddish in colour. They
are slightly translucent, though cloudy so you cannot see what is on
the other side. The type of crystal is NOT the same as that which
incarcerated the Ant-Man), set in metal 'mortar'. You are not certain,
but the metal appears to be an alchemical mix of lead and mithral.
Those with sorcerous backgrounds among you recognize the mix as having
magical purposes, though you do not know precisely which one it serves
here. The crystal blocks are all engraved with a spidery script, and
those among you who know Thorass (ancient Human. like our Latin or
Greek), recognize the characters, though not all the words.

You think it is some kind of spell preserving the wall, from the few
words you manage to decipher. The style is definitely old. Pre/during
Core-War.

(Silver:)
Coming closer to the new wall, reflected glints of colour catch her
eyes. "How strange !  Just like the faceted eye of an insect, each
block giving a different view of the world. I will contemplate this
for a moment ..." and sits down on the tunnel floor.

She brings out the small velvet pouch, and with great reverence
unwraps the carved animal stick-like figurines. One by one, she will
"juggle" them through her long, pale fingers, tossing them into the
air to somersault and land just in front of her. As the last one
lands, she studies their pattern, and says

       "My Goddess of Care,
	I seek a small measure 
        From the Ocean of Your knowledge,
        Should we seek what lies beyond ?"

OOC: Augury. Any result ?

OOC: No guessing what Dithion's answer would be ...

Finally, she will gather the figurines and wrap them carefully once
more in their velvet pouch, rising to join the others at the wall.

(Arlon:)
Arlon will want to hear the result of Silvers augury.  He seems a
little hesitant to move on without Silver's response. "Has your
goddess given you an answer ? This may sound a bit strange; but a door
of this construct may be designed moreso to keep something in than to
keep others out."

(DM:)
Silver casts an Augury, and she gets the following answer ....  
"When the wall is breached, much pain and sorrow will be released."

(Falrun:)
Falrun approaches the wall with caution and examines the wall for
traps, a secret door, and then tries to decipher what he can from the
runes on the wall (read languages).

(Shade:)
The bard looks at the wall, then he turns to his friends "Can anyone
of you tell me if these runes radiate evil? I'd like to try to
interpret them (OOC: read languages 45%) but I won't be glad to
trigger a curse."

(Silver:)
Standing after studying the intricate patterns formed by her ivory
animal figurines, Silver approaches Shade and Falrun, smiles warmly
and says "I may be able to ..." and then closes her eyes, saying

	"Mielikki, Balancer of all Things,
	 Allow me the means to see 
	 That which defies Your balance,
	 That which overbalances Your scales"

And then looks all around the walls, crystal blocks, passage, etc.

OOC: Detect Evil/Good. Any result ?

(DM:)
On the Det good/evil, you get a neutral reading for the wall, and the
beyond is blocked by the wall.

(Silver:)
Shaking her head in wonder, Silver says to Shade "It's no good, I
still get a thrill when I realize that She is listening to me.
Especially down here ...."

(Shade:)
"Well, step away a little anyway, these may still be explosive runes
or similar.  Since we know not, there is no good in taking chances all
together."

When they back off a little I'll try to read the runes.

(DM:)
Shade and Falrun set to deciphering the scriptures, and they talk
among themselves, arguing on what they think some of the words mean.
All in all they do not decipher it very well. They DO realize now that
the words are indeed some kind of spell, a binding upholding the wall,
as well as to strengthen the wall's property of warding off magical
spells.

(Arlon:)
OOC: Does Arlon recall anything like this wall or 'mortar' from his
     learnings?

(DM:)
Arlon does have a limited knowledge of such walls. He realizes that
the mortar mix used is also used by mages who want to shield rooms
against such spells as scrying and teleportation etc., though the use
of the particular crystal stones, he does not really comprehend, save
that he would guess it will somehow either add another property to the
wall or strengthen it's existing ones.

(Tatiana:)
Tatiana thought a little bit about the result from Silver's Augury,
then spoke up. "That doesn't really help us does it?  It could mean we
are doing a great service by rescuing someone in pain and deep sorrow.
Or it could mean we do more harm than good by releasing an evil so
great that sorrow and pain follow in its wake?"

(Silver:)
Silver smiles, "That is all part of the beauty of the Augury."

(Tatiana:)
"I'd open it. For some reason I got the feeling we'd be rescuing."

(Silver:)
"I agree, in part, with Tatiana. I feel that the wall should be
breached, even if it is serving as a prison for some evil power."

"There is something behind that wall, that is for sure. And though the
thought of keeping it trapped within for even a short time longer
pains me, I would say that we should return to consult with those
above. There may be some historical records in the settlement which
might give us a clue."

"I would like to return," at this, Silver looks at the dark tunnel and
smiles ironically, "when the wall is breached. But for now, we have
spent far longer down in these tunnels than I care for. My counsel is
for caution, and for careful consideration before we attempt to
destroy what has been here for millennia."

Holding Dithion's arm, she says to him "I know how painful it must be
for you to walk away from such a thing, but be assured, none of us
will return here without you." She pauses to look around "Will we ?"

"Let's finish looking around the rest of the tunnels, and report back
to Mindak. Even though it is the middle of the night."

OOC: Has anyone got the bones we found in the treasure pile, or have
     they been left behind ? I would assume that one of us (at least
     Kaeyar) would have brought all the rest of the stuff along.

(DM:)
Okay, yes Kaeyar took the jewelry that was lying among the bones
(since you guys forgot), but he did not bring the bones themselves (he
is not a necromancer, you know :) ).

(Tatiana:)
OOC: Tatiana would have discouraged disturbing the bones too much.

(Arlon:)
Arlon doesn't like the answer from Silver's augury - he has a bad
feeling about it. He says "This is looking more and more like a
prison; designed to hold a powerful and evil entity.  I would rather
we leave this to others, I don't like the sound of the 'pain and
suffering' part.  There could be several ways to interpret the answer;
but I wouldn't want to take the chance. Lets check out the (hopefully)
final fork and make our report."

Arlon's voice is not his usual calmness, he is thinking the worst
about this wall - as in those 3 daemons were child's play in comparison
to what is beyond.  Maybe it's just being underground for so long :(.

(Shade:)
The bard shivers slightly "From what Falrun and myself could
understand of these runes, and, above all, from Silver's augury, my
suggestion is: let's keep the wall intact and say what we have been
able to find out to the town's major powers" - he pauses a moment,
than he adds thoughtfully - "we may even get back later and see what's
beyond but I suggest we ask for a big reward to deal with this problem
ourselves."

(Falrun:)
Upon consideration of the circumstances, Falrun says, "I think we
should go back to town and resupply ourselves before finding out what
is behind these walls.  Maybe some of us who are without magical
weapons will be able to procure some and be better able to handle
whatever may be behind the wall."

"If Tatiana is correct, we have no choice but to come back and
investigate the wall, but let us do it when we are better equipped."

(Keilan:)
After various decipherings of the wall: "Tatiana, I have to agree with
Shade and Arlon.  I have seen more evil here than good.  Tearing down
that wall, assuming we could, would be better after someone who can
fathom its whole meaning has had a chance to examine it.  There's not
many things that could remain alive for all these years behind that
wall save more daemons and their ilk."

(Arlon:)
"Lets leave it be for now, we can come back later - after we rest and
heal some more, get needed supplies and do some consulting.  I would
rather we were at full strength before we would even try breaking the
seal - if it is possible for us (a tone of doubt here). "

"Lets check the rest of the tunnels, and back to the open air - Falrun
will you lead us on."

(Shade:)
"Ok Arlon, let's go. I'll come with you Falrun"

(Tatiana:)

"Come to think about it, Many of the Core-War magicians worked on
creating bigger nastier magical constructs to battle the enemy.  Maybe
we should leave it alone till we get better counsel.  A few more days
out of 2000 years is nothing." "Let's finish this cavern and report"

* Thanks a lot! * Tuft's thought came abruptly and the feel of them
was of irritation.

* What's the matter? * she thought back with concern.

* What's the matter she asks!  What's the matter! The matter is
Mendahl the wizard has no doors or windows for me to go into his
tower! * * I flew around for about 30 minutes looking for some way to
make contact.  All that for the loss of a tasty mouse! *

* Ooops, Sorry!  I didn't think he'd be so cloistered *

* Well before it gets too early I'm looking for that mouse that got
away!  Or a friend of his at least.  So don't bother me! *

Tatiana seemed distracted with thought as the party headed out to
explore the rest of the cavern.

(Silver:)
The party seem to be moving away back down the dry corridor, Falrun
leading once again.  Silver waits for a few to pass her, all the while
frowning at the multi-coloured wall.

As we turn to go, Silver will smile at Tatiana and then link arms with
her, looking at the ring once more.

(Tatiana:)
Tatiana smiled back warmly and accepted the arm of friendship.

(Silver:)
"This really is beautiful, 'Ana.  You must have been thrilled at
finding it here. The pattern of stones is very intricate, similar in
some ways to the larger patterns of stone circles I am more familiar
with."

(Tatiana:)
"Hmm, I hadn't noticed the stones similarity to anything else.  But
then I'm not observant sometimes.  I'm mentally flying a kite
sometimes" she said with a giggle.  Although you can see how a casual
observer would conclude she was an empty headed bard, the sharp glint
of intelligence that glistened in her eyes told you it was more of an
act than reality.

(Silver:)
Silver smiles at this, shaking her head a little. She is starting to
understand more of Tatiana's ways, seeing what lies beneath.

"Did these Heroes have much of a tradition of beauty ?  Or does the
pattern have some other significance ?"

(Tatiana:)
"I don't think the Heroes really had time for a tradition of Beauty.
It was an awful time back then.  The Heroes really were struggling to
preserve the remnant of civilization as the Empire collapsed."

"This ring is characteristic of ones worn by the Heroes, but I'm sure
that all had their own rings and this one is unique for the hero that
we found in the ante-chamber back there."

"I'll have to tell you more over a camp fire.  It really needs the
proper setting to be told."

(Silver:)
"Oh, of course. It's just that talking as we walk takes my mind off
where we are. Silly really, I love the absolute quiet of a forest
glade, yet the quiet down here disturbs me."  Tatiana would feel a
little shudder run through Silver at this point.

(Tatiana:)
She patted Silvers arm in reassurance.  "We're almost out of here"

OOC: I'd like to save this conversation for when we get out of the
     cavern.

(Silver:)
OOC: Looking forward to it, Joe !

Further along the tunnels, she will say "I'm sorry to be so negative
about the wand that was found back there, 'Ana. It's just that both
Dithion and I have known people to become corrupted by power. Even
those who had been thought of as wise."

(Tatiana:)
"Ohh no.  I didn't mind that at all!  I think your fears are fully
justified.  The best of intentions are often misguided in the end.  I
wasn't offended by anything you said about the wand. It's what Dithion
implied about me as he said it, that upset me so much."

"He wasn't expressing an opinion.  He was being condescending and
insulting me personally for my beliefs."

She shrugged, "Ah that's water under the bridge.  It's in Dithion's
hands now"

(Silver:)
"Still, if Mendahl can study the wand, and perhaps - as Shade said -
create some sort of defense from it's power, then my fears will be
groundless." A pause, and then, in a concerned tone "But I worry so."

(Tatiana:)
"I would think you a fool if you didn't.  I look to you as the
guardian of balance.  And respect you immensely because you do a good
job at it."

(Silver:)
"Thanks, 'Ana. That means a *lot* to me" Silver says earnestly.

(Arlon:)
Arlon, being near Silver and Tatiana, heard Silver's reactions and
further thoughts on the wand. He says to her "Actually Silver, several
of us already have the means to defend ourselves from the effects of
this wand, although I believe only I and Dithion have access to it at
this time.  It is a spell of the 4th rank, the only drawback it has is
that it is a stationary field."

(Silver:)
"Really ? I have so little knowledge of your powers, Arlon. Dithion
has helped me to understand magick and its attraction, but as to what
you can do, what limits you have ...  well, perhaps you could tell me
more around a fire, later."

(Arlon:)
"I would be glad to discuss such things with you, I hope there is a
good supply of fire wood around :).  Magic can have a powerful
attraction, and the reasons can vary.  This attraction can also be
dangerous; but we can talk later.  I would like to have a brisk walk
once we're out of here, all this sneaking can get one stiff."

(Silver:)
Silver raises an eyebrow at this, but says nothing.

(Arlon:)
"We all need to keep watch out for power lust, it can be so subtle at
times.  Another great bonus about friends, they can see it where you
might not."

(Silver:)
Silver peers ahead to see how far Falrun has got, and whether all this
talking at the back of the party is spoiling his attempts at stealth.

(DM:)
Okay, you all agree not to breach the wall yet, and head on.  As this
was a dead end, you backtrack this tunnel, and take the last
unexplored entrance, of which Shade thought it might lead back to your
starting point.  It shows that the drow knows his way in the underdark
well, for indeed, as you travel through the unexplored tunnel, you
suddenly come along the place where you guys entered. In the right
side of the wall, are the loose stones with which the dwarves closed
the tunnels behind you.

You knock, presumably gently at first, but you hear nothing from
behind the stones. You realize that it is still very early (or late),
about 1AM. You begin banging louder, and when Dithion's club and
Kaeyar's mace hit the stones, you hear something fall behind the
stones. It sounds like a dwarven body that had been sleeping leaning
against the wall, suddenly startled awake :).

(Arlon:)
Arlon will give a chuckle at this.

(DM:)
Muffled shouts and talking in dwarven can be heard (Hey, come here,
help me open this ***damn wall here!)

(Tatiana:)
Even though she couldn't understand what was being said, Tatiana was a
trained observer of human behavior.  By the tone of the dwarves talk,
she knew that all was fine in the world outside and the dwarves had
fallen asleep.

(DM:)
Soon the stones are being cleared away. You can see the red-yellow
flickering light from their torches greet you.

(Tatiana:)
"Ahh what a welcome sight, I'm looking forward to some fresh air
again"

(DM:)
Once you are well on your way, helping clearing the last few stone
blocks, Mindak comes 'running' (more like jogging) huffing and
puffing, to see how things went.

(DM/Mindak:)
"Ah, ye are still all alive I see. Nothing bad down there?"

(Arlon:)
Arlon is ready and willing to give info, he is kind of pushy in
situations like this and will speak almost before Mindak finishes, he
will be moving forward to meet Mindak.  This may be as animated as
Arlon gets - he will be fairly dramatic as he talks, like he is
telling a story more than just giving info.

"Weelll... I wouldn't say that.  There are several strange things in
there, we also had to do battle with a Margoyle.  The left branch of
the tunnel had the most interesting find; but it is one that could
hold great danger, it is difficult to tell.  It has the signs of
powerful magic, magic that may have only been seen over 2000 years
ago.  I think it would be best if we could have Mendahl's counsel on
these matters.  All things we found would be of interest to him.  It
may not be what you wanted to hear; but I think it would be best to
hold off any work in there for at least another day - until Mendahl
sees these wonders.  I can be ready to see him first thing this
morning, he has counseled me before.  Shall we be off back to town.
(more of a statement than a question)"

Arlon will pause to give Mindak a chance to reply.

(Silver:)
As Arlon speaks, Silver will try to edge her way forward, to be one of
the first out of the tunnels. She won't be interested in talking to
Mindak, until we are on the way out of the mines. As they walk through
the tunnels, Silver will ask Mindak "The offer of armour you made ...
I have found that I dislike metal armour intensely. Are you able to
supply something equivalent to what I have ?" she points to her
leather armour which has been torn badly. "I would forego the offer of
a weapon if you could supply yet another suit of equal quality ...."

(Arlon:)
Since Arlon doesn't need metal armor or weapons, he will ask first
Tatiana then Shade if they need something, then I would ask Mindak for
that.  If neither has a request then if anyone else needs something
then Arlon can ask for that.

(Tatiana:)
OOC: Items that Tatiana is interested in is Chain mail to replace the
     one torn up by the demon and 6 daggers.  The only other item she
     is really interested in is the magical longsword that was for
     sale.  But she a little short on funds right now.  She hasn't
     been picking up the bracelets and stuff either.  So as far as I
     can tell she hasn't gotten any extra funding for her activity.

She does have two magical items that aren't be used.  nor can I see
them ever being used.  Could perhaps a trade be set up for a magical
long sword?  Gloves of missile snaring and slippers of spider
climbing.  Too cool magic items but never likely to get to use them.

(DM:)
Tatiana, you can exchange those items either for one sword +2 and a
dagger +1 or two swords +1, your choice.



And so the party, some worse off than others, emerge from the tunnels
into a relatively quiet night ....

(Falrun:)
Once we have gotten out of the tunnels, Falrun will mention, "Now that
we are going to have a chance at some decent rest, could somebody
please spend some healing on me before replenishing their supply of
spells?  I'm not hurt too badly, just this gash on my chest.  (down
around 13hp.)"

(Arlon:)
"Well Falrun, you wanted to be reminded to thank me for being a
gallant hero for running off, etc." - He says seriously and then
breaks into a chuckle. "You are indeed a very skilled and discerning
fellow."

OOC: Arlon is referring to Falrun's statement back when we saw the
     ant-man.

(Falrun:)
"Thank you, Arlon.  By the way, have you been able to discover
anything special about that trident that cost us so much to procure?"

(Arlon:)
"No, not much, it is truly an artifact of some kind though - that is
really all I have learned. It is one of the things I want to discuss
with Mendahl."



Others emerge from the confines of the tunnels ...

(Dithion:)
When the way is opened out of the underground caverns, Dithion moves
past the talking dwarves and out toward the surface.  Once out, he
turns to the rest of the group and says, "Until later."  He walks off
into town.

(Silver:)
As she emerges from the confines of the mine entrance, she will
breathe deeply, stretch luxuriously, then sigh in a very satisfied
way.

She will whisper to Tatiana, or whoever is near to her "Carry on, I
must fly. Don't worry, I will catch up with you later". Then she will
walk behind something near (a wagon, some rocks, or anything out of
sight of the majority of onlookers). Those who may be watching will
then see a silver owl flying out, heading over inland.



Arlon turns to Tatiana as they stand outside the mines ....

(Arlon:)
"Tatiana, would you accompany me when I go see Mendahl, there may be
several things that you find of interest.  You may be cut off from
Tuft for awhile though, if Mendahl has protections up - which I
suspect he does."

(Tatiana:)
Her eyes lit up with excitement.  The light cast off by the dwarves
sputtering torches was more than enough to show Tatiana perk up at the
suggestion.

"Why yes. I haven't really met him yet anyways.  And I wouldn't worry
about Tuft.  He's a big bird and can handle himself pretty well
without me."

* I heard that! *

A smirk crossed Tatiana face. * I thought you were looking for mice? *

* I already nabbed the little whisker *

* Silver's out flying around.  why don't you try to find her? *

* REALLY?!?  She's a babe! *

* Knock it off!  She's a friend! *

* Yeah but the flight feathers on her, riffle just so when she flies *

Tatiana rolled her eyes and continued the conversation with Arlon.
"Sorry about that. Tuft was getting vulgar"

"It's really quite late in the evening.  I'm usually up at this hour,
but that was when there was some night life to enjoy.  When do you
think Mendahl will be accepting company?"

(Arlon:)
"Probably at daybreak, he would be resting or busy with other things
at this time.  So first thing after the sun comes up and we have eaten
we will go see him."



And later, the party start to find out more about the treasure they
found in the mines.  Most of this is handled "OOC:" by the players,
not characters, as there was not enough time before the Christmas
break ....

(DM:)
Kaeyar will be nice enuff (hope Jeremy doesn't kill me for this :) )
to share the wealth from the jewelry from the Mage's corpse giving
each another 500gp to play with.  What the party got from the most
recent adventure (before going to see Mendahl) is ....
	281 gp's each (Mindak - includes bonus)
	500 gp's each (mages jewelry)
 total: 781 gp's each (281 gp's if took spells)
  plus: 1 weapon (3 daggers) and Bronze chain or leather armor.
  plus: the gems from the daemons

(Silver:)
When told about how much treasure they had each been allocated, Silver
laughs gently, saying "I am afraid that I need only a fraction of that
for replacing some minor material components, and for buying some
changes of clothes. I am sure that someone else would benefit from
using it. Or perhaps ..." she pauses for a moment "... we might use it
to construct a place to live nearby. I need a garden of sorts, and I
doubt that the Commons is the best place to live, if we have a
choice."

(Tatiana:)
OOC: I'm not keeping track of the money very closely.  I was told I
     could afford a +2 longsword and a +1 dagger.  So I'll take them,
     and assume my chain mail is repairable.  I'll also assume I have
     about 20 gp left after I buy 6 more normal daggers.

(Arlon:)
On the subject of buying and selling things, Arlon will sell off the
rest of the necklaces and bracelets he has (8 of each), I forget what
the going rate is - I probably have it somewhere; Whisper is that info
readily available to you?  After I find out how much currency I have,
I can figure out what I want to purchase.

(Silver:)
OOC: Actions that Silver attempts during the next few hours are ...
After Silver flies off as an owl, she will head inland and fly far and
wide over the forest canopy, and along the coast, just soaring around
and reveling in the freedom.  On the way back to Dark Haven, she will
look for any particularly nice forest glades nearby the village, and
remember their locations. Also, if she meets up with Tuft at all
during the flight, she will try very hard to get to know him better.

(DM:)
You find a forest glade, about one and a half's day walking straight
land inwards from the village. That is half a day's outside the safe
zone....

(Silver:)
OOC: She will, during the current day attempt to contact the more
     powerful druid, and ask him about Tier's staff.

(DM:)
Silver, you manage to get ahold of the 'top druid' around here, an old
geezer, who gladly explains the staff to you, as long as you are
willing to listen to all his tall tales :), telling you that it has
three levels of harm, as you already figure out, draining a charge per
level (ie highest harm drains 3), and the healings are wounds,
insanity/diseases and blindness, for one charge per thing (it is a
staff of curing combined with a staff of striking basically)

(Silver:)
OOC: She will also buy some new clothes after locating the waitress
     who was looking after the seedlings, and check on their health.

Silver gladly accepts a new suit of leather armour from Mindak. 

OOC: The current suit of armour she has is studded with bone, which I
     presume will be the case with the new suit. I also need to know
     the cost of repairing the damage to the current suit (currently
     down 1 step of A/C)