Max removes the ring * wow I not sure thank you for the water* he takes a
drink

Max realizes that the ring doesn't come off his finger. He tries hard to remove it but it remains stubborn and doesn't budge.

The barkeep gets more water for the dark elf as he looks at the faintly glowing ring with curiousity. "If anyone should know of such items then it would be Criani the Green Dragon's Inn owner. She is a old veteran of adventures," he says handing Max the mug of water.

Thank you barkeep I shall talk to her when I get a chance.

Criani is at the bar wiping down the goblets so they are sparkling, when out of the corner of her eye she notices something glowing. She sees Max sitting at a table looking in consternation at his hand. He doesn't quite appear to be his same ole self, so she walks over to check on him. To her surprise she sees the magical ring on his finger and she becomes quite concerned. She takes Max's hand and looks closely at the glowing ring. It is the ring that was designed by the evil arch mage named I****ar. She becomes very alarmed at this point.

"Max! How did you come by this ring? Why is it on your finger?!?!

I bought it from a stranger today and now it wont come off. what can you tell me about such things. Can you help me please

"This ring was made by an evil mage! It causes the wearer to become weak! It takes your strength and gives it to the creator I****ar! It can only be removed by a master magician, but I truly cannot think the wizard's name right now. I shall do everything I can to help you, but you must reserve your strength. The longer you wear it, the weaker you shall become. Hmmmm... Let me think on this a moment!"

Criani wanders over to the bar, deep in thought. She must find a way to help her dear friend quickly!

thank you criani

Max leans back in his chair and goes into a trance to conserve his
strength

*onumorid comes down from his room where he has been in trance. He looks around the room and sees his fellow drow max, who doesn't look well. Very pale for a drow.*

"Max what is wrong you do not look well."

*realizing max has gone into trance Onumorid goes to the bar*

"Barkeep may I have a brew?"

Criani suddenly remembers the name of the wizard who can help Max.

She quickly walks over to Max to tell him.

"Max." She waves her hand in front of his face to ascertain if he is in a trance or if he is too weak to answer. "I recall the wizards name! It is Eststan the Gray! He will be able to help for a certain price. The only problem is that he won't be returning to town until 15th day of the Fall era. That is still afar in the ditance considering the weakness that plagues you. Is there anything I can get for you to make you more comfortable? Are you by chance, thirsty?"

The Goblin's Brew is served as the barkeep looks worried at the dark elf in a trance at a nearby table. He then looks at Onumorid and looks at him in a worried expression.

"Why, yes! Yes, you may. Coming right up, my friend." She glances worriedly at Max before going to get a brew for Onumorid. As she brings it to him, she leans over and whispers, "What shall we do for him, until such time that Eststan the Gray returns to town?"

"I hope you are thirsty, Onumorid, becuz it looks like you have received two brews tonite," Criani says with a small laugh.

"I'm not sure if there's much we can do for him. The best thing to do might be to let him rest and make him as comfortable as possible. I hope he can make it until Eststan the Gray arrives."

"Yes I am thirsty. Training took more out of me than I thought it would."

"I hope so too, my friend. I hope so too..."

"That is wonderful that Barbus has opened The Academy for all who care to really put their effort into learning the knowledge that he has to impart."

"Yes, Both him and his assistant are very wise. I highly recommend the academy. I am better prepared for all that life will throw my way during my adventures"