Wicked Eidolon IC

[Levyathyn]

Throne Room, Stormfront Castle, Realm of Kaal, 328:Fire, 12:8

"Hold the line! HOLD THE LINE!" He yells, and men follow. His voice carries over the clash of swords, the screaming of men, the sounds of wet meat being carved for one gigantic dinner. Commander Isenhal slams forward with his shield, crushing the invader. "Give them everything you've got!" He screams as his sword bites through the thing's neck, severing the head with a sound like wind whipping through curtains. Behind it, as it's body clatters down the steps, two more rise in it's place. His sword sings as it parries and strikes, and beside him, his men hold the line.

King Valen bellows from behind them all as more of the objects break the line. Turning, Isenhal is momentarily distracted. Valen stands gleaming, replete in his full armor, a huge mace clutched in hand. Nodding, Isenhal returns to battle. With another howl, Valen swings his mace a second time. The horror is crushed roughly and hewn backwards. Lashing out with his leg, Valen kicks another, then swings again. Ahead of him, his men loyally fight for him. Taking a breath, he holds his mace sideways and charges the line. The sight of the stairway horrifies him; The wide, flat stairs of the throne room are host to a horde of vivisect corpses, each one a whirling mass of blades, bolts, and stitches. For every one that falls, more rise in it's place until they can no longer move, and then more climb over them.

Pushing several down the stairs end over end, Valen mounts the defense beside Commander Isenhal. "We may yet pull through the night, old friend." He says. Nodding, silent, Isenhal lashes out with his shield and severs the arm of one of the things. The blade, still spinning around on it's crank, tumbles down the stairwell as the creature swings with it's other arm. Valen blocks the attack and delivers a righteous blow with his fist, smashing the monstrosity in the face. Far behind the walking contraptions, the floor shimmers. Valen can see the ceiling in it, and as each creature appears, white lights dance around the far end of the room. And there, beside the field of energy, it's creator; The fiend wore a hood and robe, typical of the outcast mages. Gritting his teeth, Valen pointed with his cudgel.

"There." He says. "I can reach him and end this." With a gasp, Isenhal grabs his shoulder.

"No, my liege. The men need you!" He says furiously.

"They need you, Rogard. They'll allways need you. My daughter, needs you." He says, cleaving one of the things apart. "Besides; What would your father say, if he caught you giving orders to a king?" With a hearty laugh, Valen kicks out again, sending one of the corpses flying, and then he makes his charge. His mace swings left, then right, like some siege engine, and a siege engine's work it does. Say what you will about them, but they weren't made to stand against a king.

Smashing through the ranks of armies, Valen hears the cry from behind him as one of the men is killed. "Go with peace, friend." He mutters. His mace swings down, then to the left, then he kicks, then right, then left, right, up, left, down, then he smashes one in the face with the pommel, and again, and then a third time. It falls, and behind it stands the man responsible. "We banished your kind a long time ago. Now it's time I enforce that law personally." If anyone else had said it, it would have sounded trite, like forced bravery. But Valen meant it, and the mage knew it.

"You were all lucky then. That won't happen again, not in my lifetime." The thing says. It's voice is hateful, and corrupted, and old. The it draws back the hood, and Valen gasps. "Ah, you recognize me now." He says, pausing as vicious, phlegm-filled coughs rattle his body. "The pictures in the history books do me justice, then." The he raises a hand, and the room is sundered by a brilliant flash of emerald lightning. King Valen stands, weak, his mace raised, but a second bolt tears it from his grasp and sends him tumbling.

"You really should have listened to Arcturus. Magic isn't evil, but in the wrong hands..." The man draws his hood back up and laughs, a vile sound full of despair. Then he touches Valen's face, and the two disappear.

Behind the wave of dead, the room flickers once more, and then the portal disappears. With it are it's baneful creator and King Valen. Yelling obscenities to hide the tears on his cheeks, Isenhal lashes out viciously with his sword.

"Take the fight to them, men! Our King has succeeded!" Screaming in rage, Isenhal shoves and stabs, his men rallying to his call. The ranks thin, and thin further; The men on the line are wounded, and bleeding, and by now, they've noticed their missing king. Seven lay dead, five still stand, and the rest fall, wounded or possibly dying. Isenhal deflects it's last, pitiful attack, then stabs it in the center of it's body. The thing whirrs on for a few moments more, then dies. Dropping it, he falls to his knees, his shield clattering against the ground.

"My king..."

Laboratory, Mantrose Tower, Realm of Kaal, 328:Fire, 17:8

Outside, the stars twinkle, the wind blows...it's raining.

---

The room is large, and msotly empty. The ceiling tapers down, forming the round space into the inside of some otherworldly shell. The floors glitter like gold in some places, surrounded by creamy marble and white ivory furnishing. The spiral ceiling twists to a point and hosts dozens of small, brilliantly lit windows, the most beautiful one of which rests at the top of the cone. The ethereal design casts surreal shadows around the tower. Ash whirls around, and around, swirling prettily like dandelion seeds. Around you are more than a dozen strangers; Unfamiliar faces and clothing all gathered together, like some absurd world fair. Beneath your feet, a large circle is emblazoned in a raised platform of stone. The circle is inscribed with runes, sigils, and shapes, all solid bronze; Some of them still glow. In the center of the room, a large, circular display is arranged with crystals of various sizes, shapes, and colors, none of them longer than a foot.

Around the room, various mechanical appliances, unidentifiable inventions, and rattling gizmos sit, meticulous pieced together and often in a state of serious disrepair. Tables are set up against many of the walls, the plain wood clashing terribly with the pristine and elegant design. The noise of these machines is a constant, unnerving ticking sound; The aimless crash and clatter of gears, cogwheels, metronomes, and clockwork insrtuments. Staring at you, eyes wide, in the middle of everything, is an older man; His face is mildly scarred, and what beard he keeps is just as dirty and white as seagull. His sharp eyes are menacing and a clear blue. His robes are good quality, but very plain. He wears a simple black smock over a grey, short-sleeved workshirt. Around his waist, a white silk rope is tied.

"What...is this?" He says. His voice is incredulous as his hands raise, shaking. "What is this?!" He asks again. His voice is high and petulant, but it resonates with confience.

"I ask for an army and they send me this? This is worse, so much worse! Some of you aren't even human!" He makes a sound of pure frustration. "My apprentices died for this! They're swirling around us as we speak!"

Around you, you begin to notice that he's right; This is no army. There's some crab monster, a few soldiers, some small lizard creature, even a tree. You have to assume that the apprentices he speaks of are now made of ash. And no one seems to know what the hell is going on besides this man; You're not the only one who's realized this. A man steps forward, his heavy armor clattering against the floor.

"Just what the hell's going on here, sorceror?!" He asks. His head is cut close, military style, and he wields a longsword, pointing it at the man. "Give me one good reason I shouldn't cut you down where you stand." Shaking his head, the 'sorceror' turns and sweeps his hands across one of his tables, sending junk and scrap clanking all over the floor. He slams both of his hands down on the table, hard, and screams some bestial noise.

"Don't you understand, this was our best hope? This was our last hope!" He says. For a moment, he's quiet. Then, he takes a deep breath and turns to you. He leans forward and places his hands on the central display.

"I...apologize. Please, do not be afraid. But none of you are from this world. This planet is dying, and I had hoped to pull an army from the Æther that would save us all. Instead I get a flock of plebians and a gaggle of monsters. And now there's no one left to save." He says. Finished, he sits heavily on a wooden chair and slumps, cradling his face in his hands as he stares at a blue set of architectural manuscripts.

[Lord_Asmodeus]

Marius the Shark

Marius holds the gasping mans throat tightly in his hand, and as the thief makes another weak attempt to stab him he smashes his head into his attackers'. The world was still spinning madly around him and he realized he was losing blood from his gut wounds, he began to drain some of the mans lifeforce from him with his hand clasped around his throat, speeding the already quickened healing process of his supernatural body. The man slumped into unconciousness, or death Marius didn't care which, just as the world began to take focus once more. He felt soreness from his stomach but nothing like the sharp pain of having stab wounds.

Standing and quickly checking himself to make sure all his equipment was where it should be, and making sure he had none of the tell-tale signs of having been stabbed several times, Marius responds to the sorcerers anguished tale in a voice laden with a grim calm. "So, what you're telling me is that your plan to summon an army to your defense has failed, and we have been ripped from our own worlds here to help save a dead world? What of us, will we all die because you couldn't work your spells correctly?"

[RJ45]

In that moment, Amber had felt a heat so intense that not even she could bear it - for such a heat to exist was nothing short of incredible. A sensation far worse than the moments every couple weeks where her entire body would combust as the curse took over her. Instead, when she slowly brought herself up off of the floor from her kneeling position, she was already growling with fury. Pain instilled the need to fight - rather, her existance had always instilled that feeling, but now more than ever. She spectated her surroundings, confused by the people, the building, and all of the gadgets around her. Nothing around her resembled the building she was previously around.

The worried, older man barked nonsensical words to the group of them. Amber was attempting to make something out of it all - but several sentences struck her harder than the others. He mentioned that this was no longer her world. She was the target of a summoning spell. The room might have shook ever slightly as Amber stomped forward from her previous spot on the ritual circle. It was no mere step - she was aggressively heading towards this older man, knocking through anyone that might have been inbetween the two. With her normal arm, she would seek to rip him from his chair and lift him to her eye level.

"Send me back. Or else. Your apprentices did you well - you summoned something far, far worse than an army. That doesn't mean you can command her." She would stand there, raising her other arm as if she were cracking her charred knuckles, ready to tear him to pieces. "So, where is the exit? Tell me how to leave."

[Dorizzit]

Ark Tamaeus

The third of the new arrivals to rise is one of the less unusual, at least at first glance. A human, likely a soldier or a mercenary judging by his garb, which consists of travel stained clothing and well cared for leather armor. A longsword is strapped to his back in a sheath, the magnificently worked hilt emerging behind his head from the long blue cloak he wears. Under normal circumstances, he might have been handsome, but almost every inch of his visible skin is covered with barely healed injuries of varying intensity, ranging from minute scratches to deep gouges, or even simple bruises. He has one black eye, although it isn't swollen.

As he stands, Ark Tamaeus staggers a bit, wobbling backwards a few steps and then balancing himself by leaning forward. With a practiced motion, he reaches up to one of his shoulders and rams it with his hand, fixing the dislocated limb. The movement brings a grunt of discomfort, but it is clear that he has a very high level of tolerance for pain. He looks at each of the others who had been summoned, revealing piercing, knowledgeable blue eyes. Finally, he turns to look at the sorcerer who had summoned them all in the first place, fixing him with a keen, piercing stare.

"I would also like to know what is to become of us."

[Crafty Cultist]

Arazoc

One of those gathered, Arazoc quickly recovers his composure and familiarizes himself with his new surroundings. His eyes watches those gathered in a way normal eyes cannot. It takes great power to pull beings through the Æther in such a manner, and he gazes upon the auras of those present, checking that they have made the journey without bringing inhabitants of the spirit world with them. He senses unusual energies from many of those aassembled, but nothing from the realm of spirits. His concerns put to rest, Arazoc turns his attention to the one who performed the ritual.

"The magics required to pull beings between worlds are dangerous to use. I can't imagine what would lead you to take such reckless measures, but the circumstances must be dire"

[Devixer]

Wolfgang felt a sickly fear as he tried to come to his senses. Why had those people wanted to see his healing so bad? They weren't members of the Shade, and they obviously weren't with Jeson out of friendship. He had been about to tell them to bring him someone ailing when he felt some sort of pain in his abdomen. Had Mick poisoned his drink? No, of course not. He and Mick hadn't known each other long, but Mick was just an honest, hard-working fellow. Not some cutthroat like Wolfgang. He'd have to explain everything to Mick now. His gift, his story, all those heists, all those stings, all those secrets, would have to be spilled. He cursed Jeson in his mind, and then revoked it. The guard was simple-minded, but a good man. And ever since Wolfgang had healed the man's arm, the two had been friends. Well, it was all over now. He leaned on the nearby wall to steady himself. He waited for the blows that never came. Slowly, he opened his eyes, expecting to see the bar and all those angry faces.

Wait, where was he? These weren't the same people. Where was Mick? Where was everyone else? He still had all his equipment with him, though, which made that a good sign. His eyes got adjusted to the brightness, and he found a strange sight in front of him. Was that a tree? There had to be some rime or reason to this. Only a few questions were answered when the old sorcerer spoke. Apparently, he was not in his world anymore. They called for an army, and they got these people instead. He tried his best to straighten himself, and looked the old man in the eye. Fear was in that look. Uncertainty, as well. Now he was a little curious. He spoke, finding his voice a little weaker than usual.

"Wait a minute. Why is this world dying? How is it dying? What could be so dangerous for you to want an army?"

[SuperMuldoon]

Cecil Duskgarden

The world just seemed to fade back in. Cecil's head was swimming as he struggled to maintain his balance. I'm standing... Slowly his surroundings came into focus, and instead of three of everything there became two and then finally one. He felt weak, almost as if it was all he could do to remain standing. There were other figures around him, and they were saying things. Cecil tried to listen but he couldn't focus as he was noticing how hot it was in the room. His first thoughts were if the bite he received earlier that night had gotten infected. Before he could finish thinking of all the ways he could treat a fever and infection, he looked down at his coat and realized that wasn't necessary. No wonder it's so warm... Cecil's eyes went wide, and in that instant he forgot about how weak he felt. "I'M ON FIRE!!!" he exclaimed loudly to the strangers in the room. Coat aflame near his waist and beginning to panic, he took off his hat and began slapping at the fire, trying to put it out. "SOMEONE HELP ME OUT HERE!!!" he yelled, looking around at the room, pleadingly.

[Averagedog]

Wendell "The Cloaked Cat"

Wendell felt like his entire body was being contorted, reshaped, stretched, crushed, sucked, spat, growing, shrinking, cold, hot, solidifying, and melting all at the same moment. He closed his eyes and concentrated on the image of his human body as hard as he could as he tumbled around in no space. Finally a sensation of gravity and landing brought him back to his senses, but his stomach did not agree.

He found himself standing hunched over in a room that can only be described as a mad man's laboratory in his mind. He quickly recalled perusing one such place a while ago when he was commissioned to figure out a mystery involving an apothecary and missing villagers. But this didn't matter to him, what mattered was the present and the present came knocking...in the form of bile rising up his throat.

In one fluid motion, he stepped to the side, and emptied the contents of his stomach onto..... a flaming man.

"Blearrrrrrrgh"

He started to dry heave then choke making strangled choking sounds like a cat trying to get rid of a hairball.

Incidentally, the thick soup and several jugs of water he drank to keep cool in the more or less hospitable holding cell was enough to put out the man at the heart of the conflagration of his clothing.

Done, and still not comprehending whom he dispelled his sickness on He stood up straight revealing his incredibly wiry and skinny frame and sharp features.

Bandoliers of daggers hung from his shoulders over his strange loose like black leather armor secured by scraps of soft cloth that were tied in knots that would give way to pressure from the inside. He wore strange boots that exposed his callussed toes and lower feet and fingerless thick black gloves over his equally callused hands. His hair was long, black and worn in a tight pony tail. His ears were slightly pointed with two earring son on his right ear. His eyes were green and semed to be more narrower than a normal human. His flattish nose and his tannish skin gave him a more exotic look. On his belt were two very long curved blades.... kind of like shortswords but appeared to be fangs.

[SuperMuldoon]

Cecil Duskgarden

Cecil stood stark still for a moment, blinking in disbelief. Looking down at his coat, still smoking and now covered with a rather disgusting substance, he then looked up at his savior. "I...eh...thank you..." he managed to say, stuttering. The sudden exertion of running around trying to put out the fire came up on him all at once and threatened to overwhelm him again. Staggering for a moment, he slowly sat down on the floor and removed his coat and tried to wipe some of the mess off, pouting slightly. He checked the coat and found Miles to be in a pocket on the opposite side of the fire. I wonder if he is feeling the same aftereffects of whatever just occured that I am...

While cleaning, he looked around the room, with his mind not preoccupied with being on fire. A very, diverse lot of beings were arrayed in a circular pattern around an elderly fellow who was yelling about wanting an army and this being their last hope. The others were asking questions of him, and a lady with a rock arm and leg was stomping towards him rather menacingly. Cecil decided to take this time to observe...and try to get this stain out of his coat.

[Crafty Cultist]

Arazoc

Seeing that the sorcerer who summoned them is to preoccupied to answer his questions, Arazoc calmly aproaches the rather angry and partially petrified woman who has just grabbed the only man who knows whats going on. "There is no exit. This ritual took a great toll and there is no longer enough here to pay for a second journey. Azaroc stops right behind Amber. "We should work to understand our situation. It may be difficult to return from whence we came, but if we act rashly, we may lose what few opportunities there are"

[Averagedog]

Wendell "The Cloaked Cat"

Sniffing and coughing to clear his throat, Wendell finally took a good look around and almost jumped out of his boots, eyes wide. He quickly composed himself though steeling his gaze and expression. He turned to look at the man he hacked on and his expression softened.

"Here, take this coin and find a good launder....condolences for your ruined clothing."

Wendell flipped a coin from a hidden coinpurse, instead of gold however, it was made of steel. This time he didn't show his surprise on his face and waited patiently to learn more of his fate in this strange room.

He was rather intersted in why he was summoned here, and figured it was yet another chance to help a person in need. The mention of a dying world kind of ran through one ear and out the other. The crazy sorcerer probably meant that he was in another land, Other worlds cannot possibly exist. That is just.... well..... loony!

[Levyathyn]

All

The sorceror grows weary of the endless noise, and stands. "Fine, fine...have it your way." He says, as he walks near to those assembled. He points first at the stone woman. "You do it, then, if it makes you feel better. I'll even let you," He adds, sarcastically. "but know that I am your last hope of getting to whatever home you crawled out of." He pauses, and a look of weariness passes over his face. "It's just as well. Soon enough, all of your worlds will be in just as much danger." He stands, and begins pacing.

"My name is Ferion Montrose, and I am the last of my kind." A few in the audience wear surprised looks for a moment, before he angrily shakes his head and waves his hnd to the side. "No, no, no. Not the last human, the last magic-user. In fact," He says pointing to a few of the gathered individuals, "none in these lands have used what you call 'arcane' magic in more then seventeen centuries. In that time, we have learned to use technology as our magic. There are men like myself..." He stops for a moment, then continues pacing and talking. "There were men like myself trained to unleash the magic potential of items. We are called artificers. Unfortunately, someone managed to find the spot that the mages were banished to. An artificer, it seems. Once the mages had him, or possibly her, they tortured him. Or, possibly her. And with the information they gained, they learned how to escape their prison." He says, heaving a sigh.

"Our arrogance may have cost everyone, everywhere, everything. From their prison in..." He covers this detail with a cough. "From their prison, they are able to access almost any civilied world in existence. We did not...forsee this." He says. For a few minutes, the crowd is quiet. "I'm sorry, but I cannot send you home. Just yet," He adds hastily. "just yet. All of my materials, and all of my apprentices, haha, were burned up and consumed in the casting. I will need more of each if I am to send you back. In the meantime, I can at least warn you of the danger." He says theatrically. Once the fire starts in his eyes, he becomes happier, more energized; Apparently, he loves to explain things to strangers.

He whips a black velvet sheet off of the wall, showing you meaningless diagrams. "Our enemies have more time than us. In what it takes for a single day to pass here, in the...in their prison, a month may have gone by. This gives them an advantage, as they had more than one of our years to prepare. Their attacks have sequentially gotten worse. They're using salvaged corpses and harnessing the power of crystal device engines to power them." He pulls a second, red sheet off of a table. On the table is a corpse; It's arms have been replaced with machines. One of them is a semi-circular blade attached to a pivot mount. The other is a metal rod with an attached chain and flail. As you watch, Montrose pulls the head of the thing off and shows you the horrible neck. He points to a small...thing. "The mages have replaced their spines with crystal rods, allowing them to conduct and power the artifact energy they imbue each with. The only way these things can be stopped is by severing the spinal cord. Or rather, where it used to be." He says.

"Now, I'll let you all free, but you have to play nice. Give me a few days, maybe a week, and I can muster the supplies necessary to send you all home." He says. For a moment, everyone's quiet, then a young lad of no more than 16 steps forward. "What do you mean, 'free'?" Smiling, Montrose motions for the boy. "Come here, I'll show you." Before a few of the quicker individuals can stop him, he does, and smacks into a charged wall of force. "Aaaah,hahahahahahaaaaa...never gets old." Montrose says before pulling a switch. The stone platform lowers, and the bronze symbols fade with an audible hum. "There were more of us..." Montrose says, as he returns to his table. "We had the whole world, and we fought over it like children. And now, what? We have three cities. Maybe less by tomorrow." Shaking his head, he waves you out the door. "Go, then. Lead your lives, or run away, or what have you. There's no need to help us. Just, try not to give the guards trouble. They'll take you to see the...the king. And then you're free to go. Just be back within a week." Sighing, Montrose unrolls a blue scroll and starts writing.

Cecil
You find that what ingredients you had already gathered for your ritual have been consumed by the fire. Which they seem to have started.

Luckily, Miles survived, even if he is a little shaken.

Amber
You don't know what it is, but seeing this Montrose so depressed...it's pathetic, but...you feel the urge to help him. You shrug it off, figure that the trip here took a few ounces off stone off of your heart, and ignore it.

Arazoc
Tal'crei, though silent for a while, comes forward and begins conversing with you. Interesting. Is all he says.
If he never talked to your mind before, he does now. If he has before, he does so again, and will quite a bit. Feel free to use it as often as you want, and I will use it from time to time as well.

[Gunther]

Boddypen Rockdigger was not a kobold to be trifled with. As such, when he exited from the portal, the one-eyed Kobold felt the immediate urge to latch onto the face of the nearest person and simply start clawing. When the vertigo sensation overtook him, however, he went to one knee, letting out a short yip. Running a forked tongue over his teeth, the tiny reptilian attempted to rise up, twirling a bone-handled balisong in his right hand as he did so. Staggering left and right slightly, he eventually found his footing.

The wizard's revelation hardly mattered to him. He was Dread Commando Boddypen Rockdigger, formerly serving under Chieftain Eyerender's warband. He would fight on any field, in any war, in any plane, so long as there was a single kobold left in the universe left to protect from the vagaries of human influence. His only regret had been that he had not had a chance to murder the humans that had ambushed him with his dying breath. Adjusting his eye patch, the small reptilian walked forward, the dried foliage in his undercoat sashaying with each clicking footstep. His clawed toenails didn't exactly mesh with the floor of the castle, but he didn't quite care. Pausing to look at the human, he spoke plainly and loud enough to be heard.

"You want this war won? Fine. Where do you need me?" He asked, keeping his words short, clear, and full of intent. Humans always wanted something from him and his kind. If they needed a warrior, all the better- for the moment, Boddypen was going to take out his aggression towards humans on whoever these fleshy things were fighting. After he finished them off, he would see about what this world had in the way of Kobolds.

It brought him a faint smile to think of being the first of his kind on-planet. If he could get the mage to bring over a nice breeder...well, things might not be as bad as they looked.

[Lord_Asmodeus]

Marius the Shark

Nudging the thief with his foot as the "Artificer" spoke, he snorted derisively at the magic-users words. For whatever reason his people had imprisoned the arcane magic users, and now they were paying for their mistakes. Presumably the magisters would reconquer the land and then lay waste to other worlds, possibly his own. Not that this was really Marius' concern. It would be a pity to lose his network of contacts, informants, and criminal associates, among others, but these could be rebuilt. Adjusting the cloak that hung over his armless shoulder, he shrugged. If you and your king are willing to pay, I will fight for you. If not, I'll wait until you can send me home."

[RJ45]

She somehow managed the patience to listen to his story. He wasn't the only magician here. Amber would be perfectly content with using her 'magic' to transform him into a pile of body parts. Her arm and aggressive stance drooped as she rolled her eyes - if he was, in fact, the only way that she would return home, then that made him immune to her. "Two weeks. Have it prepared before that time." She wanted to put pressure on him to make that his goal. Unfortunately, she could only do so in the form of more threats.

However, she realized just the situation she was in. She was transported to another world. That could mean that this civilization had different weapons and armors that were far superior to that she had ever known of before. She would return here, but not before stealing some of the best this world had to offer. Her quest to find her target would have to wait - and although she would not stop searching for him, even on this planet, her quest of vengeance would take her primary interests. After all, she would only be here for less than two weeks, she assumed.

"Yes. Let us see this king. Clearly, if we can walk straight to him, he must either have nothing more interesting to attend to, or a magician must have notified him that he would be stealing people from their homes, disregarding their future entirely. I want to see how he feels about this." She began towards the door, thumping about with every footstep. "That is, unless anyone here has something better to do." A smile crossed her face as she began looking across those others that were among her company. "Tree?" she asked of Autumn. "Dinner?" she asked of Kra'Kragk. "Monster?" she asked of Boddypen. "Everything else?" She continued to smile. It was fun to call them these names - and she had an even better reason to. "While we're on this little journey, you can introduce yourselves. Or don't."

[MrEdwardNigma]

Kra'Kragk
As the crablike monstrosity teleported into the room it was poised to deliver the finishing blow to something, or someone. His enormous sword came bearing down, but instead of finding earth, flesh and bone it cleaved into stone and bronze.
"You fought bravely, but you are outmatched, human" it spat. Then it did something akin to blinking with it's beady black eyes, hidden somewhere in the pantser on his head. It took a moment to adjust. The dogs strapped to his hulking form in wooden cages were howling.

As they quietened down Kra'Kragk listened to the artificer's tale. So, it was an army he needed, and instead he'd summoned this bunch of humans. Kra'Kragk took a second glance. Human as most of them might be, they also appeared warriors, some tougher than others. Before he'd reached the end of this pensive mood, the only question he'd have wanted to ask was answered: is there a way back home, to his clan.

"If you wanted an army human, you have it. I will rend your foes to a meaty paste for the honour of my goddess. The kobold and the invalid seem willing to come along, however much use they will be. You just prepare your ritual and make sure I can return home once I have shed all of the blood of your enemies"

At this point one of the humans (she seemed vaguely human at least) felt it was appropriate to refer to him as dinner. His head rapidly twisted in her direction and he snarled "Make your puns as you please human, but my own dinner last night was very much human in nature! Your people are below mine on the foodchain!"

[Averagedog]

The information was all very practical and useful to Wendell as he listened his mind sharpening while his body grew less and less disoriented to a manageable level. He didn't believe that this artificer was the last of his"kind" in the least. If there is one wizard, there will always be 12.... like cockroaches. He didn't feel the need to refute the wizard however. Seeing the King would give him a job, most likely a well paying one. He needs it, especially since most of his recent wealth was "confiscated" by the guards. Only his emergency pouch wasn't taken in the way of his wealth, especially his ring. He couldn't lose that ring at all costs, not even if it cost him his life.

Wendell thought the golem monstrosity was very interesting. He noted that the only vulnerable places on such a thing was on the spine or removing the head totally assuming that the "spine" extended all the way into the "head" of the construct. He looked down at his daggers, and knew they were not long enough to severe the spine from the front of the golem short of stabbing the things through the neck or face. Howl and his sister blade would have to do.

Wendell was taken out of his reverie when another human, that looked to be partially made out of rocks, and the large crab like sentient made rather rude comments about the diminutive kobold standing nearby.

He turned to the woman and said, his voice half sounding like a growl, They are not monsters..... or dinner. They are sentient creatures like you or I, containing a soul, like you or I. Humans are just as capable of being monsters that you may think of, but, I am willing to come with you to see this king of theirs. I am in need of coin and this wizard appears to need help."

[SuperMuldoon]

Cecil Duskgarden

Cecil accepted the steel coin from the stranger who had helped...extinguish the fire that had unfortunately started on him. Cecil had discovered that his own currency, what little remained, had turned to steel as well. Probably some aftereffects of the spell that brought them here.

Miles, shaken from the traumatic events, scurries from a coat pocket and climbs up one of Cecil's arms, and nudges his way under the tophat perched on Cecil's head, peaking out every so often.

Having gotten a fair amount of the grime off his coat, Cecil puts it on again. As it comes to rest, something feels slightly off. He looks down at where the fire started and noticed his components were now just a black spot on the inside of the coat. "They're...it's all...gone..." Cecil says, franticly patting himself down to see if any components had survived, but to no avail. "I'm going to have to start all over again..." he says to himself, sighs, and then straightens his coat and hat, trying to look as presentable as he can, considering the circumstances. Edging away from the rather heated conversation between the rock armed woman and the crustacean, Cecil moves to talk to the sorceror who brought them here.

"Uh...hello sir." he begins, clearing his throat. "As a fellow member of higher learning establishments, I was wondering if you would allow me some time to examine the specimen you have on the table over there." Cecil indicates the undead with the saw arms. "Also...due to the method of my arrival, I have lost some important belongings. I can prepare a list and would be grateful if you could tell me if any can be found on this world..." Cecil trails off, waiting for a response.

[Dorizzit]

Ark Tamaeus

Ark folds his arms over his chest as the wizard speaks, his face totally unreadable as he listens to the Artificer's tale of this world's plight. He remains silent immediately afterwords, thinking about his own situation and the implications that this has for the multiverse. He is still finding it incredible that there are so many different worlds, but he had been on the receiving end of a terrestrial summoning spell before and it was nothing like what he had just experienced. Finally, he turns to look around the others who had been summoned, watching their behavior and trying to determine more about them. He makes no attempt to hide his observation.

[MrEdwardNigma]

Kra'Kragk


He turned to the woman and said, his voice half sounding like a growl, They are not monsters..... or dinner. They are sentient creatures like you or I, containing a soul, like you or I. Humans are just as capable of being monsters that you may think of, but, I am willing to come with you to see this king of theirs. I am in need of coin and this wizard appears to need help."
The crustacean calms down.
"Thank you, human, the sentiment is appreciated. My people call me Kra'Kragk"
The name is spoken in Kra'Kragk's native language and sounds like rocks grinding together.
"In your tongue I believe it means the crusher"
He sheathes his enormous blade and extends his gargantuous right hand to Wendell.

[Gunther]

The kobold just looked at the human's belligerence. He had dealt with worse than being called a monster. Twirling the balisong's bite hand around, he opened and collapsed the knife several times as he waited for the artificer to continue. "If you think I'm a monster, wait until we get to fighting." He stated, eventually re-attaching the knife to the hard bone sheath of dwarf bone. Hands dancing along his belt, he unlatched the quiver along his waist, the flap coming up to reveal a series of solid silver arrows with feathered hafts. Nodding to himself that everything seemed to be in order, he waited for further information.

[Crafty Cultist]

Arazoc

Arazoc looks calmly at the bickering caused by the woman of stone. Her aura seems to burn with hatred, like that of a demon. With tempers starting to subside, Arazoc decides to speak up.

"We should introduce ourselves. We seem to be together in this situation, so we might as well be civil about it. I am Arazoc. I am a practitioner of magics and guide to spirits"

[RJ45]

The kobold replied to her. She had a small laugh, enjoying that response. "That's what I want to hear." The odd-faced man, Wendell, told her his beliefs. "I have a soul? That's new." She noted the names of the others, and devoted a brief moment to thinking if she should call them by that name. Over half of the people in the room looked like they would be entertaining to fight - although that would only be proven with time.

"I am Amber. I was ripped from my planet before I could get revenge against a nation that had wronged me. Because of this wizard and his selfish desires, I won't be able to bore a bloody path through the thousands that need to die. Not this week. Instead, this Ferion would have me slaughter these toys that die when I break their spines. Maybe i'll do that, since I can't do anything else this week. It would be good practice, although less fun. Still, it depends on how the king feels about all of this."

[Bryn]

Autumn
After her head had cleared, Autumn had been rather too fascinated by the magical apparatus in front of her to comment on the unfolding situation. Truly remarkable - she had never even considered that method, but there it was, elegant and effective.

Also, apparently, entirely beside the point. Autumn steps forward, her first movement since her arrival, to loom over the undead thing on the table. Also over Cecil. She carefully lowers her branches to avoid disturbing any mechanisms attached to the ceiling.

"Hello!" she says. People reacted better to talking trees than silently moving ones. Better introduce herself, too. "Autumn. Tree. You can see that. I am a wizard.". That ought to do it.

Now, important matters.

"Souls. An interesting question. Not one most people care about. I tried to look into it myself but what I found... well, it's very inconclusive! To be sure, there are quite a lot rituals and tricks which strongly imply that souls, in some fashion, exist, but -"

[OOC: somebody cut her off.]

[SuperMuldoon]

Cecil Duskgarden

Cecil pauses conversing with the sorceror when a shadow falls over him. Turning, he sees a rather large tree standing over him which then begins to introduce itself. So many strange things! he thinks, curiosity taking hold.

Cecil turns to face the tree, Autumn, as it had named itself. "Wow, a talking Fraxinus! And one that is also a wizard!" Cecil exclaims, moving close to Autumns trunk and inspecting it, running his hands over the bark. He begins to reach up to a branch to inspect the leaves when he realizes that he is being rather impolite. Slightly flustered, he composes himself and extends a hand. "Pleasure to make your acquaintance Autumn. I am Cecil Duskgarden, doctor, scholar...and I guess now I can add adventurer to that list as well." Cecil says, and then looks at his hand, then back to Autumn (with no hands) looking slightly embarassed.

[Bryn]

Autumn
Autumn is a little taken aback by Cecil's examination, but she extends a branch to shake hands with him.

"It is good to meet you." she says. "I'm sorry. This is all very strange, and the empirical question of souls is rather more comfortable ground than the fate of kingdoms and the evident hazards of imprisoning wizards."

[Averagedog]

Wendell "The Cloaked Cat"

Wendell grips the offered claw and shakes easily, his grip matching the crustaceans own.

"Nice to meet you, The Crusher"


Wendell looked around to see most of the others introducing themselves to each other listening to the names intently trying to commit them to memory.

Everyone thus far is telling whom they are as if their identities shouldn't be hidden. I suppose I should reveal just what I am so there are no surprises later. I doubt I will be run out of this city considering the present company.

Done making his decision, Wendell waited until most of the others were finished introducing themselves before he started talking firmly so everyone could hear.

"Hello, I am named Wendell. I am an adventurer that is skilled in going into places where I don't belong, disabling traps, procuring objects I may or may not have a right to, and an adept thrower and marksman."

Wendell pauses for a bit, then continues melodramatically though he isn't aware he is being melodramatic but saying this with all seriousness.

"I am also, not exactly human like several here that are present. I am a therianthrope, sometimes called lycanthrope by the people of the land I dwell in, but I am a tiger one if you can all understand."

As if answering questions that a random person just asked him he continued,

"Yes I can shift whenever I want, Yes I do have a full animal form in addition to my hybrid one, No I am not compelled to dance under the full moon and consume human flesh to fill some depraved beast like desire, though I am forced to change somewhat under the light of the full moon."

As an afterthought he added,

"No I don't lose my powers under the new moon or when the clouds shroud it. If you don't believe me, I can demonstrate if you all would like..."

Wendell fell silent kind of shocked with himself. He almost never gushes his secrets like the way he just did. But these were extenuating circumstances and telling these people the truth of him might lead to better chances of his personal survival.

[Levyathyn]

All

Montrose waits for some kind of answer, or for everyone to leave. Once again, he seems lost in thought.


"You want this war won? Fine. Where do you need me?"

Nodding, the artificer smiles. "I'd like you in front of me, certainly. If our soldiers were more willing, we might not have needed an army." He says as he retreats to his table.

The one armed man steps forward and speaks.

"If you and your king are willing to pay, I will fight for you. If not, I'll wait until you can send me home."

Montrose stands to address this concern, them seems flustered by it. "Payment? You wish payment? Don't you understand our kings are all dead, all but one?" One of the crowd, a formerly quiet man in dark blue and black ceremonial robes, steps forward and speaks. His hair is black and his eyes blue, continuing the trend. When he speaks, it is quietly and with confidence. "Yes, we understand. But some us still have kings where we come from, and some of us...may not be rather liked when they return. Money is always helpful in trade for services rendered." Montrose shakes his head and buries it in his palms.

"No, no, no...you fools! Our kings are dead, and you believe they brought their riches with them?" The statement and it's implications cause even the pernicious stone woman to pause. "Our kingdoms lay dead with no one to claim them, and you speak of riches? Wealth beyond even your mecenary measures are sitting in dusty vaults wiaiting to be had. Why do think the king had me perform such dangerous magic, the first sanctioned sorcery in our realm since the time of Water."


"Two weeks. Have it prepared before that time."

Nodding, the artificer notices her stone limbs, seemingly for the first time. "You're part golem, aren't you? I daresay, I've never imagined such a thing." Quieter, he seems to study her for a moment while preparing a scroll and taking notes. "You must be quite formidable indeed." He says, and she shoots him a look of disgust.


"If you wanted an army human, you have it. I will rend your foes to a meaty paste for the honour of my goddess. The kobold and the invalid seem willing to come along, however much use they will be. You just prepare your ritual and make sure I can return home once I have shed all of the blood of your enemies"


"Yes. Let us see this king." She says, ignoring the conversation.


"Clearly, if we can walk straight to him, he must either have nothing more interesting to attend to, or a magician must have notified him that he would be stealing people from their homes, disregarding their future entirely. I want to see how he feels about this."

"Tree?" she asked of Autumn. "Dinner?" she asked of Kra'Kragk. "Monster?" she asked of Boddypen. "Everything else?" She continued to smile. It was fun to call them these names - and she had an even better reason to. "While we're on this little journey, you can introduce yourselves. Or don't."


"Make your puns as you please human, but my own dinner last night was very much human in nature! Your people are below mine on the foodchain!"

Shaking his head, the artificer takes a deep breath, as if preparing to explain things to a child. "Whatever life you had before, I apologize sincerely that my dying world had to get in the way of it. I'll work night and day on your little problem, don't concern yourself with the last of my species holding off against endless horrors that grow in strength every month and will eventually consume all worlds, no, that's no problem for you, never you mind." He says cruelly. Turning around, he presents her his back, a target she consideres taking a shot at. "In the meantime, if you wish, I can try and finish your transformation for you." He says. "I don't know whether you were a statue and you're becoming a person or whether you were a person and were becoming some kind of golem, but we invented golems in Kaal before we discovered the horse; I think I can manage for you." He adds, much calmer.

"As for you," Montrose adds, pointing to the crabman. "Thank you. However humans feel about you from where you hail, your help will make you a hero here. And the same offer stands for the rest of you. If you help us, you can stay for as long as you want. Have your own kingdom, make a life here." Montrose shrugs as if it matters not to him. "We're asking for you to save everything of ourse. We're not expecting charity." He says, as one of the humans approaches him.


"Uh...hello sir." he begins, clearing his throat. "As a fellow member of higher learning establishments, I was wondering if you would allow me some time to examine the specimen you have on the table over there." Cecil indicates the undead with the saw arms. "Also...due to the method of my arrival, I have lost some important belongings. I can prepare a list and would be grateful if you could tell me if any can be found on this world..." Cecil trails off, waiting for a response.

Beside him, the black-and-blue robed man from earlier also steps forward. in the background, some of the gathered men and women seem to be conversing and bickering.


"I, too, am a learned man of magic. I do not know how your king will feel about my presence, but Iw ill help you for as long as I am able. The freedom alone is worth the price of admission."

Montrose stands and shaakes both of your hands. "It's good to see civility. From some of your reactions, I imagine that I did not pick a very good time to alter your...well, let's just say alter you." He takes Cecil's list and sets it on his table. "I'll look it over." He pauses for a moment, listening in on a couple of the people present. Then, shrugging, he takes a seat.

"Oh, yes, feel free to look at the body." He adds to Cecil.

[Levyathyn]

Wendell "The Cloaked Cat"
...

As an afterthought he added,

"No I don't lose my powers under the new moon or when the clouds shroud it. If you don't believe me, I can demonstrate if you all would like..."

Wendell fell silent kind of shocked with himself. He almost never gushes his secrets like the way he just did. But these were extenuating circumstances and telling these people the truth of him might lead to better chances of his personal survival.

Standing nearby, the young man stares, his mouth agape. For a few moments, he does nothing at all, then he pokes you with a finger. "You're...you're a tiger?!"

[MrEdwardNigma]

The crabman shook the weretiger's hand. Kra'Kragk's grip was tight, but he took care not to clench too hard. Wendell however seemed to be trying to match his grip. It was a powerful grip, the crab had to admit, but there wasn't really any competing with a Krodan masterhand.

"Please, it's Kra'Kragk. The translation was a courtesy. I don't like my name mangled. Pleased to meet you, Wendell"


"As for you," Montrose adds, pointing to the crabman. "Thank you. However humans feel about you from where you hail, your help will make you a hero here"
"That is exactly what I'm hoping for"


"And the same offer stands for the rest of you. If you help us, you can stay for as long as you want. Have your own kingdom, make a life here." Montrose shrugs as if it matters not to him.
The crab shook his head.
"No, my return home is urgent. As soon as this problem is taken care of I expect to go back. I would greatly appreciate if you could expedite my return by sending me straight home, instead of the location you picked me up at"
The crab made a small respectful bow.
"Now, if someone could direct me to the nearest large body of water?"

[RJ45]

The artificer felt a need to justify himself. "You should be grateful. You've caused me more trouble than these breakable toys that you're fighting - it's a miracle that I don't choose to finish off this little kingdom and everyone in it. Fortunately for you, I have more important things to attend to. Rid yourself of the thoughts of tampering with my body. It won't do you any good. Concentrate on the two weeks I mentioned." She leaned against a wall, thinking nothing of what she said, paying no regards to the fate of the kingdom or its people. It was hard to believe that someone so cold could exist. The only thing that had her restrained was the fact that he was the only way home. The only way.

"Great. A cat." she smirked, giving a glance to Wendell. She listened to Kra'kragk - he had the same objective as her. "Good, Dinner. I thought I was the only one who had a problem with leaving behind their world. It seems everyone is getting all warmed up here, even going on little journeys to find unimportant trinkets while they're at it." She shot a glance to Cecil.

[Levyathyn]

Amber

A man steps forward, towards the golem lady, his hands raised to show peace. He was, again, the mage from before, his black and blue robes quality, tied with a gold sash. "I mean you no harm, but you must assume that each and every individual here is as powerful as you claim to be. And there are more of us." He says calmly. "I mean you no threat," He continues, adding a bow, "But I will not see this man harmed while he is my only way home."

Once more, the armored knight steps forward and speaks for the first time in a while. "No, the...creature is right. We've been kidnapped, in case you haven't realized. I know we can't go home immediately, but I say that while we're here, this sorceror," He adds, spitting the word out harshly, "has no right to boss us around. I demand to see the king immediately."

Standing up angrily, Montrose thrusts his finger into the swordsman's face. "For the record, I am not a sorceror." He says before returning to his seat.

[MrEdwardNigma]

She listened to Kra'kragk - he had the same objective as her. "Good, Dinner. I thought I was the only one who had a problem with leaving behind their world. It seems everyone is getting all warmed up here, even going on little journeys to find unimportant trinkets while they're at it." She shot a glance to Cecil.
The Krodan hissed.
"You'll show some respect, human, or I'll beat it into you. You may be part rock, but I'll reduce you to rubble with one pinch. My people are great warriors, human, and I am the very greatest of them. It'll do you good to keep your tongue"
These words were spoken with great hate. One of the crustacean's hands moved to his blade.
"So sit back if you must, while we take care of this little rodent infestation, but do not mock me, for you have not earned the right"

[Averagedog]

Wendell "The Cloaked Cat"


Standing nearby, the young man stares, his mouth agape. For a few moments, he does nothing at all, then he pokes you with a finger. "You're...you're a tiger?!"


"In a manner of speaking, yes"

Wendell was about to demonstrate a little to the young man when he heard Amber speak.



"Great. A cat." she smirked, giving a glance to Wendell. She listened to Kra'kragk - he had the same objective as her. "Good, Dinner. I thought I was the only one who had a problem with leaving behind their world. It seems everyone is getting all warmed up here, even going on little journeys to find unimportant trinkets while they're at it." She shot a glance to Cecil.

Wendell turned to stare at her as a sudden anger boiled within as he shot her a glare. But before he could come up with a comeback that would scold her for her lack of respect to everyone else in the room.


The Krodan hissed.
"You'll show some respect, human, or I'll beat it into you. You may be part rock, but I'll reduce you to rubble with one pinch. My people are great warriors, human, and I am the very greatest of them. It'll do you good to keep your tongue"
One of the crustacean's hands moved to his blade.
"So sit back if you must, while we take care of this little rodent infestation, but do not mock me, for you have not earned the right"

Wendell sighed, then let the air escape through his mouth.

I think I can grow to like Kra'Kragk, he thought with a smile.

Another man spoke up about his discontent followed by a knight that rebuked Montrose.
"Look" He said interrupting the two men from harassing Montrose We have all been taken from some far off land, some of us here have urgent business that they needed to attend to, but given the tensions, I say we find answers from the last king remaining....now. We can make plans to stay together or go exploring off on our own then.

[RJ45]

"I've given him twice the amount of time he asked for. If he can't do it by then, then he has no worth to me, and I will just have to tear a path through those mechanical toys until I find something that understands me. After all, if they cross worlds so easily, it should not be so difficult for them to send me home." There were countless holes in her theory, but it was an uneducated concept. She would not retract her threat because a blue-robed man told her to.

"I suppose we should see the king - but honestly, what will it do? What is he king of? A unwealthy country on the verge of collapse? Doesn't that put him in the same shoes as a noble, or even worse?" She tapped her foot. "If anything, I'm tired of talking about all of this. Let's see where we're stranded. Let's see this world. I grow weary of this... chamber."

Kra'kragk spoke up against her. She stomped towards him, until there was no further than two feet between them. "Oooh. I think I would enjoy that." She didn't bear an expression of anger. She was happy. She was -excited- by this. "Well? I'm waiting. I thought you had some 'respect' to teach me." The fire that trailed up her arm grew bigger with her excitement as she stood still and waited. Evidently she would not be the first to attack - even so, in an already overcrowded room, the fight between them would involve everyone as there simply was not enough room for the two to 'enjoy' their activities.

[MrEdwardNigma]

Kra'kragk spoke up against her. She stomped towards him, until there was no further than two feet between them. "Oooh. I think I would enjoy that." She didn't bear an expression of anger. She was happy. She was -excited- by this. "Well? I'm waiting. I thought you had some 'respect' to teach me." The fire that trailed up her arm grew bigger with her excitement.
She was about halfway through that last sentence when the huge blade came bearing down on her with ridiculous speed. The crab wasn't one for puns or battles on the morale level, so he just shut up during a fight and killed whatever he was engaging. The cages on his huge frame rattled and the creatures within howled and hissed, scratching at the wood.

Whether the blade came down on Amber or not it would cleave straight through most of the slab of stone in front of Kra'Kragk, and quite probably whatever was in the way, as if it were butter. For a split second or so, this might leave the blade stuck in the stone, but the crab could easily lift it out and make a second attack.

[Levyathyn]

Thunder scrapes dust from the walls and trembles the foundations of the tower as Kra'Kragk and Amber are torn apart. A flash of light like a second, pure white sun glows for a moment, then Montrose slowly lowers to the floor. His hand trembles, clutching a crystal staff flickering with accrued light.

"Make no mistake." He says, quiet and low. "Our king is the last standing because he is the best and the wealthiest. Well, he was. Our king died days ago, and has been replaced by his general. For a time, Valen was all that was left because the other nations of Kaal refused to listen, and one by one, their kings fell. Despite his own wealth, what could he do then? There are no mercenaries to hire, no adventurers to call, no allies to trust." He adds. His eyes flicker with lightning and smoke seeps from his mouth as he speaks. "I used sorcery, and technology, and I used Destiny magic. Whoever it brought to me is, for some reason or another, supposed to be here. And that includes all of you. So make do the best you can, I'll send you home as soon as possible." He slams his staff tip-down into the marble floor, though it does not shatter. Instead, the distant edge of the floor slides off, revealing a bronze circle.

"Take the elevator on your way down, and try not to cause trouble for the king. He still has enough men to put you down, and I could do without his insolent messengers exclaiming to me his displeasure at my choice of help." He says. Turning, he sits once more at his desk, the plans of artifacts stretched out in front of him.

[Gunther]

The Kobold simply shook his head as the woman taunted the group. He wasn't brought here to put down some wild, psychotic she-devil. He had a very simple task to be put towards, and staring at the magical monstrosity on the table, he drew the crossbow around his waist. Unhooking a cartridge for the wind-up weapon, he racked a barbed bolt into the weapon.

It had brought him through many wars untouched, and for those where he had been hurt, he had never left the field without it in hand. Not that it had a particular sentimental value to him: Attachments to equipment could get a Kobold killed just as much as walking in the open during an ambush on a human caravan.

"Rockdigger. Dread Commando." He introduced himself as, before stepping into the elevator device.

[RJ45]

Amber could see the blade. She didn't bother dodging at all - not that she could, for she was too heavy to move out of the way. Her expression didn't change. As a matter of fact, it looked like she was waiting for it, for some odd reason.

Before being hit with such an incredibly heavy blade, the flash of light knocked them away from eachother. A loud scraping noise could be heard as Amber's leg beared against the floor, causing a loud screech. Pulling herself up off the floor, she turned her attention to Montrose. He had to be responsible for that... the thing that peaks her interest is his mention of destiny. Perhaps he was here. Very unlikely, but there was only one way to find out - to leave this place.

"It's a shame. Let's finish this later, where there won't be... lightning, to get in our way." She began towards the elevator, keeping Kra'kragk in her sight. Without interruption, she would step inside the elevator, hopefully not breaking it by the act of standing in it. She wasn't too familiar with this... technology.

[Levyathyn]

The robed wizard smiles. "Dread commando. Interesting. My name is Nios, and I am the Archmagister Second of the Iskan Order of Mages. Seventh Circle, ice practicioner." He says, throwing in a bow for politeness. "I can honestly say it has been an experience meeting you all."

The nearby knight clutches his sword tighter. "Great. Another sorceror." He says, shaking his head.

[MrEdwardNigma]

Kra'Kragk

The crabman grudgingly sheathed his blade. In his culture, it was considered a grave insult to interrupt a battle for honour, but he understood this old man was ignorant to the wise ways of his people and forgave the insult. Still, he couldn't help but feel sleighted.
"In case you hadn't noticed, artificer, she is not exactly planning to help you. She'll gut you if you don't prepare her way home, which, admittedly, I would too, and she'll work with your enemy if she can get a benefit out of it. Your mercy is wasted on her"

He looked at the dead body of the mugger Marius had taken care of earlier.
"Besides, if you need all of us to make your little plan work it looks like you're out of luck. One of you weak humans has croaked already. You've got to watch them all the time, or they'll die on you, eh?"

He turned his attention away from the undesirables and to the others introducing themselves. He liked the polite attitude of the mage.
"Pleasure meeting you, Rockdigger, Nios"

[Averagedog]

Wendell

Wendell was about to use his supernatural abilities to shift in an instant then run underneath the blade to stop the blow with his strength when the lightning suddenly struck and flashed. When the light subsided he found himself hugging a crystal far up in the air with all his limbs.

He must have jumped up there by instinct to escape from the unexpected threat.

Embarassed, Wendel dropped down and landed on his feet easily even though he fell for more than 15 feet. With a look of disappointment to the proud Kra'Kragk for being goaded by Amber to fight on her terms, He walked into the elevator after Nios and the Knight.

What magic do you perform Nios?" Wendell inquired, eager to escape from all this hostility.

[RJ45]

"Ah, Dinner. How polite to tell him that I am such a fiend, only to include that you'd do the same to him. I am without a doubt that you, too, would work with them if it delivers you home. There's no need to lie about it." She was growing an appreciation for this creature. They were similar in a lot of things, and he was perhaps the only one brave enough to strike her. Unfortunately their fight to the death would have to wait, especially until she investigated this world for something. Something important. "If what he said is true about... 'destiny magic' - then anyone who is in desperate need to return home may find something here that would help them in that world. It's a possibility."

She remained quiet after stating that, thinking it through. She could not comprehend the fates of others, but she could analyze her own. Of course, it could have been a lie to keep her here. In either case, she leaned on the inside of the elevator. Fate. Destiny. Helping this country. What benefits could it possibly win her?

[Lord_Asmodeus]

Marius the Shark

Marius shot a grim sneer at the Artificer. "If money is truly so worthless to you in these days, it will do little harm to pay me in addition to whatever loot I can haul back from these ventures. I fight for money, not charity, and I've never trusted the concept of loot as sole pay, too many ways for it to get wrong, to lose everything you've gained."

He turned his attention to the rest of the group, and after the dust had settled from the half-golem and the crabman's little scuffle, as Kra'Kragk mentioned the mugger Marius smirked "I doubt he was part of the plan, just some thief who sought to take advantage when I was momentarily incapacitated by the summoning spell. And he might not be dead." He reached down and grabbed the mans knife, placing it somewhere beneath the cape that draped his side, momentarily revealing his lack of his left arm.

he followed the rest of the group, introducing himself as he entered. "Since everyone else is being honest I might as well follow suit. I am known as Marius the Shark, I am a mercenary, and a Dhampyr."

[Devixer]

Wolfgang was about to speak, saying that all this fighting was very pointless, when his intent was done for him. "Well, that's convenient. We really don't want things to get violent, after all." He turned to the rest of the group, who seemed to be introducing each other. Was he the only one with secrets worth keeping? "I'm called Wolfgang. That's all any of you need to know." He doubted they felt the same way.

He headed for the elevator, without any further words. He checked his person for all his equipment. His sword and knife were there. As were his lockpicks. His money was... gone. Now that was very strange. He'd have to figure out why that was. But that was for another time.

[Dorizzit]

Thunder scrapes dust from the walls and trembles the foundations of the tower as Kra'Kragk and Amber are torn apart. A flash of light like a second, pure white sun glows for a moment, then Montrose slowly lowers to the floor. His hand trembles, clutching a crystal staff flickering with accrued light.

"Make no mistake." He says, quiet and low. "Our king is the last standing because he is the best and the wealthiest. Well, he was. Our king died days ago, and has been replaced by his general. For a time, Valen was all that was left because the other nations of Kaal refused to listen, and one by one, their kings fell. Despite his own wealth, what could he do then? There are no mercenaries to hire, no adventurers to call, no allies to trust." He adds. His eyes flicker with lightning and smoke seeps from his mouth as he speaks. "I used sorcery, and technology, and I used Destiny magic. Whoever it brought to me is, for some reason or another, supposed to be here. And that includes all of you. So make do the best you can, I'll send you home as soon as possible." He slams his staff tip-down into the marble floor, though it does not shatter. Instead, the distant edge of the floor slides off, revealing a bronze circle.

"Take the elevator on your way down, and try not to cause trouble for the king. He still has enough men to put you down, and I could do without his insolent messengers exclaiming to me his displeasure at my choice of help." He says. Turning, he sits once more at his desk, the plans of artifacts stretched out in front of him.

Ark Tamaeus

Ark watches dispassionately as Kra'Kragk and Amber are thrown apart by Montrose's powerful magic, continuing to observe without participation. This situation was looking worse and worse, as the other travelers were proving to be hot-headed, contentious, or incompetent, at least at first glance. Not the best company when trapped on a foreign world. He looks around at the others.

Still, it's better not to rush to conclusions. I don't exactly look intimidating.

He bows to Montrose and then enters the elevator, standing near the edge.

[MrEdwardNigma]

"Ah, Dinner. How polite to tell him that I am such a fiend, only to include that you'd do the same to him. I am without a doubt that you, too, would work with them if it delivers you home. There's no need to lie about it."
Kra'Kragk winced at the mention of the name. It wasn't so much the moniker that bothered him, but the fact that she got away with trying to insult him.
"I am nothing if not honest, woman. I will defend these people with my blade and save their world. There need not even be a reward. Even for my return home a deal with the enemy is too big a price to pay"

He wondered if this really was true. Getting back to his people after saving this world was the most important thing. Then again, he could not ally himself with evil. Should he do that, he would be forever unworthy in the eyes of his goddess, and worse, his own. These people needed saving just as much as his own. He would just have to rely on it there'd be some way out. At least it appeared the artificer could defend himself.


Marius the Shark

He turned his attention to the rest of the group, and after the dust had settled from the half-golem and the crabman's little scuffle, as Kra'Kragk mentioned the mugger Marius smirked "I doubt he was part of the plan, just some thief who sought to take advantage when I was momentarily incapacitated by the summoning spell. And he might not be dead."
Kra'Kragk snorted.
"It's called destiny magic for a reason, human, everything's part of the plan if you choose to believe in it. I was taking a human apart as I got teleported, but he did not come with me. I choose to think that's significant, that or the whole thing is bogus, and I'm being denied my kill for no reason"

[Levyathyn]

Shaking his head and rubbing his temples, Montrose sighs heavily. "Well, it seems I'll get no work done tonight regardless." He says.


"In case you hadn't noticed, artificer, she is not exactly planning to help you. She'll gut you if you don't prepare her way home, which, admittedly, I would too, and she'll work with your enemy if she can get a benefit out of it. Your mercy is wasted on her"

He looked at the dead body of the mugger Marius had taken care of earlier.
"Besides, if you need all of us to make your little plan work it looks like you're out of luck. One of you weak humans has croaked already. You've got to watch them all the time, or they'll die on you, eh?"

"I don't need anyone, I suppose. As I said, destiny is at work here. If he isn't dead he soon shall be, and I am unconcerned."


"If money is truly so worthless to you in these days, it will do little harm to pay me in addition to whatever loot I can haul back from these ventures. I fight for money, not charity, and I've never trusted the concept of loot as sole pay, too many ways for it to get wrong, to lose everything you've gained."

"On the contrary, as the sole remaining King of Kaal, it all belongs to Isenhal and the city of Davenir. This 'loot' as you call will be your pay, and all I am authorized to offer you. You'll have see King Isenhal for additional expenses."


"I doubt he was part of the plan, just some thief who sought to take advantage when I was momentarily incapacitated by the summoning spell. And he might not be dead."

"If that is the case, then he does not belong here, and I do not wish him to interfere." Without looking up from his work, Montrose lifts his staff and gently taps it on the ground. A bronze symbol etched near the fallen thief glows bright red, then white, and the man's body is instantly incinerated. "I do not know what a 'Dhampyr' is. Return sometime, so we may discuss it, if you would. I might be able to help you in certain ways you would not be averse to."

Growling at the burnt corpse of the thief, the knight sheathes his sword. "That was murder without even a court. When this is over, you shall be tried for your crimes, wizard." He says. "My name is Sir Gilmore, knight of Ondarius. I will do what is right, but not for you."

Nodding, Montrose ignores him. "Rest assured, you will all be payed. If you don't believe me, then enjoy your trip through Davenir. From what I understand of your cultures thus far, you may be in for a surprise."

EDIT:

Montrose throws a glance at Ark, and tries to remember if the swordsman had spoken the entire time or not. Shrugging, he returns to his work, drawing a metal pencil and sketching some lines on paper.

[Bryn]

Autumn
Autumn watched the near-fight with some concern. She had never encountered a crab-person or a half-golem, and was glad to see at the end of it they were unharmed.

She makes her way to the elevator, surreptitiously levitating a promising piece of apparatus and stowing it inside a hole in her trunk. To distract from this, she turns to Marius.

"It is good to meet you, Marius. What exactly is a Dhampyr?"

[Lord_Asmodeus]

Marius the Shark

As he heard Mentrose Marius simply shook his head. He'd take the matter up with the king. Turning to the sapient tree he raised an eyebrow inquisitively. He'd met talking trees before, but folks always knew what a dhampyr was, even if they had at first mistaken him for a half-elf as many were want to do. "A dhampyr is a vampiric half-blood, either through birth or some other means. I was born a half-vampire."

[Bryn]

Autumn
Autumn considers this. "I have heard of vampires, although as far as I know, nobody had ever seen one. Until now, I was certain that they - you - were mythical! Remarkable. Would you be offended if I made some notes?"

[Lord_Asmodeus]

Marius the Shark

The mercenary shrugs, his facial expression not changing. "I don't mind, if you want to take notes feel free to. Where I come from vampires, while not exactly common, are far from myth."

[Crafty Cultist]

Arazoc

Arazoc watches the conversation as it eventually leads to conflict. The natures of Marius and Wendell do not suprise him. Marius has an aura to dark to be human, while Wendell's aura contains a feral aspect. The fight between Amber and Kra'kragh doesn't suprise him either. Kra'kragh's aura has the barbs of one who rufuses to back down and Ambers very soul seems to be on fire.

Getting on the elevator, Arazoc turns to the one who remained silent. He looked human, but his aura seemed different somehow. he decided to enquire "You are... human, aren't you?"

[Dorizzit]

Ark Tamaeus

Ark turns to look at Arazoc at the magic user's prompting. He looks over Arazoc for a second, clearly sizing him up with the skill of an experienced and skilled warrior. This takes only an instant, then his serious expression is replaced by a faint smile. He then nods once.

"Indeed, I am a human, a humble mercenary, no less."

He bows theatrically before the spirit guide, sweeping his cloak out behind him.

"Ark Tamaeus, at your service."

[Crafty Cultist]

Arazoc

Arazoc responds to Ark "Pleased to meet you Ark. You seem a reasonable sort, what do you make of this situation"

Tal'crei's voice speaks to Arazoc within his mind "He's hiding something and you know it. Maybe he'll show his true colors if his life is threatened. Just use my power and all your questions will be answered"

Arazoc shows no outward acknowledgement of this suggestion, remaining calm and collected. You are a demon Tal'crei. While I may draw on your power through our pact, I do not trust you. We both know I'm not so follish as to follow you're advice

[Levyathyn]

A small, red crystal mounted on Montrose's desk flares with light intermittenly for a few seconds. Glaring at it, he turns and looks from person to person. "Hmm..." He says, before slipping the crystal out of it's spot and slipping it into his robe somewhere.

Wendell

The man raises his eyebrows as he listens. "Though I have advanced to Second Circle in all basic forms of the Art, my main area of study is Dhor'im, the realm of frost magic." He holds out his hand, palm up, and you see a tattoo inscribed of concentric circles and simple runes. "My final indoctrination into the Seventh Circle of Dhor'im infused the spirit of ice into my person. I am now, at least partly, an Elemental." He adds. "I heard tell that you were a--" He says, closing his eyes for a moment. "Therianthrope? That is indeed interesting. Did you learn this through study, or was it introduced by birth, or maybe a third party?"

[Dorizzit]

Ark Tamaeus

Ark thinks for a minute, considering his answer before responding.

"I don't really know what to think. I've never been in a situation like this before."

He shrugs indifferently.

"Right now, I'm just planning to hang back, let others do the talking, and go with the flow until I know what I want to do."

He pauses before continuing.

"So...Arazoc, right? What do you think of all this?"

[Crafty Cultist]

Arazoc

Arazoc closes his eyes in for a few seconds, then opens them and responds

"There are powerful forces at work here, and the balance of our various worlds seems to be at risk. We should act to stop this imbalance, but should be mindful of our methods. We don't want to make things worse"

[Dorizzit]

Ark Tamaeus

Ark makes a wordless, neutral noise to Arazoc's statement. After a few seconds, he asks a second question.

"So, you said you're a Spirit Guide, right? What does that entail?"

[Averagedog]

" He adds. "I heard tell that you were a--" He says, closing his eyes for a moment. "Therianthrope? That is indeed interesting. Did you learn this through study, or was it introduced by birth, or maybe a third party?"


Wendell

"Interesting. Most mages from my land are sorcerers of terrible designs and disposition, seeking to control baronial thrones secretly and using acts of magical subterfuge to enact warfare on their rivals. I have of course heard of several different orders, but yours sounds unlike the others I have come to know."

He paused for a moment as if considering what he should tell then said,

"I was born one I suppose, though the powers within me were locked away somehow until a certain day when I was 16 where I went on a mindless rampage in the slave camp, devoured some slave guards and a few slaves *sigh*. The Beast inside of me took over and when the carnage was all over, its presence has never left me since then. "

[Crafty Cultist]

Arazoc

Arazoc ponders for a moment before answering "The mortal world is a world of flesh and stone, metal and bone. You know this world and live in it. but what most don't realize is that there is another realm alongsode this. The spirit world is a world of emotion and memory, faith and knowledge. For most, this alternate world is impossible to find, except by taking a wrong turn where the boundary is weak."

Arazoc pauses for a second, then continues "I however can see into this world and perform rituals that allow me to interact with its inhabitants. There are many ways I can call upon them for aid, but there are many dangerous beings within their world, and precautions must be taken to ward against their influence"

[Bryn]

Autumn
Autumn's leaves start to rustle, and a number of her branches move in a complicated pattern. A thin strip of bark tears itself away from her trunk, whereupon it is transformed in midair into a rough sheet of paper and a mass of fibres which drift to the floor. Tiny lines grow on the paper, swiftly constructing a detailed sketch of the room from Autumn's point of view. By this point, all her branches are involved.

As she is doing this, Autumn faces Arazoc.

"What you describe is remarkable!" It occurs to her that she's overusing that word, but, honestly, the situation warrants it. "How do you go about interacting with this spirit world? Can anyone do it?"

[Levyathyn]

Wendell

Nodding Nios simply accepts this story. "We all have our Beasts, my companion. And we must all master them."

When Arazoc starts to speak, Nios listens. "Interesting." He says. "My Order is not allowed to practice the black and white magics of spirit. Instead, qualified tasmasters handle limited facilities of these mages. I have never met one."

[SuperMuldoon]

Cecil Duskgarden

Cecil listens intently to Arazoc's words, still standing in the shade of Autumn's branches, taking in as much detail as he can. There is so much going on around him that he can hardly focus, his thirst for knowledge pulling his attention every which way. He pulls out one of his small notebooks and a pen and begins to write and sketch what is going on around him - and what people are saying. "Ahem...Arazoc was it? I have heard a few things in my passing studies about this 'spirit world' as you call it. I would be grateful if you could go into more detail...a first hand account would be most informative." Cecil says, and then realizes he hasn't introduced himself to those surrounding him (well, except for Autumn). "Oh, apologies for not introducing myself first. Sometimes I get a little carried away...I am Cecil, Cecil Duskgarden."

[RJ45]

Amber stood in the elevator idly. Thinking. As much as she thought about, she could only make theories about the world around her. 'Destiny' - she had never truly believed in such silly things, not once in her life. With all of the discussion of how run-down the kingdom was, her curiosity was also peaked. How did this city look? If the artificer had to turn to such desperate measures, the city could fall in a matter of a week - couldn't it? Part of her wanted to reassure herself that there was nothing here worth mentioning, that it was an accident and unfortunate circumstance that brought her away from the real world she was attending.

She grew tired of thinking over all of it. Instead, she shot a glance to that... that tree. Autumn. It was conjuring paper. That act in itself gave her an interesting idea. "Tree. Give me an apple." Amber might be a monstrosity to the others - but she still required food. Moreso she wanted to know if the tree was capable of doing it.

Everything had changed so suddenly. It was hard to believe that this wasn't a dream - or, rather, a nightmare. Time was passing. The others could live for years to come. The same could not be said for Amber.

[Devixer]

Wolfgang listened to the other conversations with a small amount of interest, even if it looked like he was tired (and he was, to some degree.) He couldn't help but wonder why everyone was telling their life stories. Except for that Ark fellow. Wolfgang had the most interest in Ark. The man was very good at hiding his emotions. With the exception of one moment of seriousness, the swordsman was unreadable. He'd never encountered someone like that before. The other people varied in diffiulty. The easiest to read was the part-golem woman, Amber.


Speaking of which, he now heard her demanding an apple from the tree - no, Autumn. Wolfgang chuckled in his mind. Even if Autumn had apples to conjure, would she really give them to Amber. He took a quick gander at her facial expression. Contempt. Curiosity. A very alliterative face. He sighed a bit, rolling his eyes. Why was he in this mess? He was little more than a thief who could heal. What could he do?

[Crafty Cultist]

Arazoc

Though unsure as to how to sumarize an entire world, Arazoc turns to Cecil and tries his best.

"The spirit world is a world representing the mental aspect of existence. The basic foundation of the spirit world is the memory of the physical world- that is to say it is as we collectively remember it. However minor variations from various memories make the world warped and far larger than ours. When a person dies, their awareness and conciousness pass over to the spirit world, dwelling alongside concepts and legends given life by belief. While beings in our world are made of flesh, blood and bone, spirit beings are conposed of memory, emotion, and knoledge. In short the spirit world is a collection of thoughts from our world, coalecsing into a world that can sustain itself through its own awareness"

Arazoc turns to Autumn "As for attuning ones self to the spirit world I am not entirely sure on a method. I just wandered through the boundary by chance.. and I guess I never completely left"

[MrEdwardNigma]

"I don't need anyone, I suppose. As I said, destiny is at work here. If he isn't dead he soon shall be, and I am unconcerned."
"So, bogus then" Kra'Kragk spoke, "Good to know it won't matter a bit to te universe when I splash the human's innards on a stone slab and let her blood drain into the sea to honour my goddess. You know, as soon as we have a moment of spare time, as I'll honour your request to keep your tower clean"

"You should wonder though, human, at your hospitality. You drag me here against my will from across the planes and demand I save your people from terrible extinction. I agree to put my life on the line despite good reasons not to like you and you thank me by not allowing me to defend my honour when it is sleighted? Pfuh, humans"
The crustacean shook his head in dissapointment at the artificer and then joined the others on the elevator.

[Bryn]

"Tree. Give me an apple."
Autumn blinks, but her face registers no offence. "Amber, right? I'm afraid I'm not an apple tree."

Amber would know that, of course. She had best stop stating the obvious. "Perhaps I misunderstood you! I'm afraid I've never tried magical fruit-making, so the results might not be entirely satisfactory." As Autumn speaks, the surface is shaved off a nearby floorboard. The thin film of wood rolls into a ball, roughly the size of an apple, and then transforms swiftly into something yellow. The substance vaguely resembles the flesh of a dessicated apple.

[SuperMuldoon]

Cecil Duskgarden

Cecil scribbles furiously as he takes down notes on what Arazoc describes to him, nodding all the while. When he finishes, Cecil speaks. "Thank you for your description, most informative indeed. I realize that now might not be the best time for such a in depth conversation as I would have liked, but again, thank you for indulging my curiosity. I will have to ask you more about it when time permits." Cecil now looks up from his book and realizes that he is now crammed in the elevator with everyone else. Must have followed Autumn without realizing it...still not used to the idea of a tree moving around! Truly fascinating indeed! Cecil takes this time to get a close up look at those around him.


"Tree. Give me an apple."

Cecil, still standing near Autumn, turns to regard the rock-woman. From his casual observations since he's arrived, Cecil noted that she seemed rather hostile...But those rock arms...how can they contain that magma without incinerating the flesh of the rest of the body? Cecil idly opens his book again and starts to sketch her, making notes and theories about how her rock form is sustained.

[RJ45]

"...Huh." Her theory didn't work. She wasn't upset - what, was she supposed to threaten Autumn because she wasn't an apple tree? Soon enough, one of the floorboards is shaven and transformed into something that resembled an apple. Probably would taste strange, Amber figured. "Good attempt." she nodded. Unfortunately it didn't do anything for her appetite - but, of course, this pretend-king that they were to meet would have the grandest feast she had ever seen. Certainly. In Amber's honor.

Allowing herself to delve into an imaginary feast, she finds herself brought back to reality by Cecil. She couldn't help but peek over into that book - only to find a sketch of her. Exploitable. A very, very exploitable situation. "Didn't you ever learn your manners? It's improper to wonder about the body of a lady - and even worse that you would draw her for your own secret enjoyment. Disgusting. It seems that a terrible, lecherous pervert has been pulled across the worlds." She acted taken aback by this, as if Cecil's reputation had been tarnished with that single action. The truth, however, was that she was neither pure enough nor sincerely cared for these things.

Kra'kragk joined them in the elevator. Amber was far from deaf, and heard his little speech. "Such a twisted sense of honor - I'm going to enjoy watching you die. Maybe I won't even roast your insides - maybe i'll just throw the meat to the sea, to show your god just how useless and nonexistent it truly is. Might keep one of those small animals you haul around, though. Could make a good pet." Amber sat back in the crowded elevator. There was a good fight to be had later on in the day - it would definitely be something to look forward to.

[Lord_Asmodeus]

Marius the Shark

Marius, who had to this point remained silent and uninterested since his last comment, turned to Amber, a cold heartless look in his gore colored eyes. "If you want to throw your life away I won't stand in your way, but if you jeopardize my survival by attempting to reduce the number of allies I may have on this foolhardy venture, I will kill you. I am not threatening you. I'm not making an empty promise. I just want you to realize, if you make yourself an obstruction to my survival, I will remove you." This said, Marius turns from Amber, ignoring whatever caustic remarks she may make about him while they waited to move on to speak to the king. Marius was no fool however, he kept his senses on full alert, awaiting Amber's potentially violent response, his one hand resting on the pommel of the dagger hidden in his cloak. His axe would do little good in confined spaces.

[SuperMuldoon]

"Didn't you ever learn your manners? It's improper to wonder about the body of a lady - and even worse that you would draw her for your own secret enjoyment. Disgusting. It seems that a terrible, lecherous pervert has been pulled across the worlds."

Cecil chuckles slightly, drawn out of his own little world by Amber's accusations. "I assure you Ms., my intentions are far from lecherous!" he says, blushing slightly despite himself. "Here, take a look!" Cecil says, showing her what he's sketched already. What is drawn is a full body sketch, and then two detailed close ups of the rock arm and leg. Little arrows are pointing to various parts with scribbled notes and theories. "Your arm and leg...naturally occuring? Or is it magical in nature? My first thoughts were magical, as the magma contained in your arm would be up to 1300 degrees Celcius, and that temperature being so close to your flesh body would result in catastrophic burns that would likely result in your death...so with some form of magic from your native plane, it might seal the heat off protecting you, or made you supernaturally resistant to heat of that magnitude. Perhaps even there is magma contained throughout your body, a substitute for blood perhaps? However, another theory comes to mind is that perhaps this is a natural feature from your world, where it could be quite common. It is possible that your body has evolved in a symbiotic way with the rock and magma. I'm sure there are survival benefits that come along with those features..." Cecils continues, excitedly gushing his theories, now oblivious to the fact that Amber had just chastised him before.

[RJ45]

"Hahaha." she had a short, quieter laugh. "You -are- threatening me. Don't lie. Come at me, then." She seemed like she was to do something to him for the briefest of moments, but Cecil shoved the picture in her face. With her more human arm she started viewing it. Detailed. He spouted non-stop information. Non-stop theories. Words she had never heard before - 'celcius'. "That's, hmm... a very good drawing, yes. Why, if I ever need something drawn, you will be the first I go to." She handed the book back to him. He asked a thousand questions of her - she didn't respond to them. It wasn't any of his concerns how her body reacted - that, and Amber didn't quite know entirely as well. She had her own theories, survived with her body, and had few complaints. He had a useful ability - the ability to analyze. It would have its own use when it came to killing those things. With her small chat with Cecil left behind, she turned back to Marius... but she had no more to say. She most certainly wasn't going to be afraid of something as insignificant as death.

[SuperMuldoon]

"That's, hmm... a very good drawing, yes. Why, if I ever need something drawn, you will be the first I go to."

"Well...thank you..." Cecil says, running out of steam. It was apparent that he would get nothing further from Amber at this time. He nodded at her and scribbled a few final notes in his book. Feeling tired, he sighed and leaned up against Autumn, and the thoughts about his task and the work that was lost came flooding back. I wonder if I help save this world...as crazy as that sounds, if they can reward me enough to at least get back to where I was...and I was still so far... Lost in thought, he almost didn't feel the movement from the top of his head as Miles scurried out from under his hat and began climbing up Autumn, skittering around her branches.

"Geez...Miles that tree is sentient! You can't just climb on whoever you want! Come back down here!" he says up to Miles...though he still doubted if the undead mouse could understand him in any meaningful capacity... He looks back at Autumn and apologizes, "Sorry about that...he won't do anything bad, I think it's just instinct for him..."

[Averagedog]

Wendell

Wendell was feeling claustrophobic, He wasn't normally afraid of enclosed spaces, in fact he relished the idea of living quietly as a hermit in a remote magical wood in some cave or something that he could make comfortable. But in this case, packed in an elevator with a colorful pallete of personalities, he felt like the walls were closing in on him...making him dizzy....disoriented. Wendell shook his head vigorously righting the turning world before bile could start rising in his throat again.

In an effort to distract himself from the walls, he turned to Cecil and asked him the first thing that came to his mind.

"Do you have any idea where we are....Cecil is it? A teleportation spell of this magnitude probably threw us far across the world.

((Wendell is in denial of the fact that he is on a different world))

[SuperMuldoon]

Wendell


"Do you have any idea where we are....Cecil is it? A teleportation spell of this magnitude probably threw us far across the world.

Craning his neck to try and find where in Autumn's branches Miles has gotten to, Cecil feels a presence approach. "Ah, hello...oh, if it isn't my savior from burning to death! I am sorry if I sounded terse before, I had just watched my life's task reduced to ashes, however I am truly grateful to you for putting out the blaze on my person, even if it wasn't the most pleasant of experiences." Cecil says, smiling. "Now as for where we are...it is possible that maybe this is your world, however judging from all that has transpired so far, I have a strong inclination that this is not the world I am from. There are things I have not encountered before, even in books or ancient texts...also the artificer or sorceror or whatever he wants to be called who summoned us all here made it seem like we were all pulled from different worlds. If I were to hypothesize...which I guess I am doing right now...I would say this is not your home planet."

[Crafty Cultist]

Arazoc

Arazoc turns to Cecil. He seems like a good man, though a little overinquisitive, so Arazoc decides to help him in his search for knoledge "Whatever Amber did to take that form, I doubt it was worth it. I see more than most, and to my eyes her very soul is burning." Arazoc looks deep into Amber's eyes "I don't know your reasons, but I doubt they are worth turning your soul to ash"

[Bryn]

Autumn
Autumn isn't too bothered - whenever she stands still for too long, she tends to aquire squirrels. She lifts Miles out of her branches and hovers him in front of her face.

"This is quite an unusual mouse. I assume you made him this way?" A hole opens in her bark and a magnifying lens flies out, moving around to examine different parts of the mouse.

[SuperMuldoon]

Cecil Duskgarden


Arazoc

"Whatever Amber did to take that form, I doubt it was worth it. I see more than most, and to my eyes her very soul is burning."

Cecil nods, and takes his notebook back out and adds in the new information. "Sounds like this is strong evidence for my magical/mystical theory...though what you say opens up more lines of questioning perhaps persued at a later time. I thank you, Arazoc." Cecil says, also making a note that Arazoc's ability may proove very useful.


Autumn
"This is quite an unusual mouse. I assume you made him this way?"

"Well, I guess you can say that. He was always a mouse, so I didn't make him one of those...he was more a test subject, as harsh as that sounds. Though he is more then just an experiment to me...I guess you can say he is the physical embodiment of my hope...and only true companion on my journey so far."

[RJ45]

Amber looked to Arazoc. She wasn't concerned - if anything, she was happy about it. "It was MORE than worth it. With this form - with this body, I have been able to do that which normal humans cannot even dream of. You don't know what terrors I have overcome, what evils I have vanquished with this body. I have escaped certain death and have been granted a second chance to kill those that have wronged me." She was becoming louder about it, proud of what she had become. This was no affliction to her. "If the price of such a grand creation is a soul, then I never needed it to begin with. I will be stronger without one." She relaxed herself. There was but one problem with her fate - a problem she would never mention to others. "Once I find him... I will become immortal."

There were all sorts of beings within the room, but among all of them, only one could truly bear the title of 'monster' or 'demon'

[Averagedog]

Wendell

Wendell doubted the accuracy of Cecil's last statement and was truly relieved when the man seemed to be distracted by the antics of the mouse and the words from Azaroc.

He then listened to Amber intently, trying to remember if he has heard of her before, but of course, he knew nothing. He shrugged, the world was large and vast, afterall, he never knew of this conglomeration of falling or dead kingdoms.


"If the price of such a grand creation is a soul, then I never needed it to begin with. I will be stronger without one." She relaxed herself. There was but one problem with her fate - a problem she would never mention to others. "Once I find him... I will become immortal."

"Nothing is worth the cost of your own soul, without it you are little more than a cold ruthless uncaring machine. Your feelings make you strong, like your anger," Wendell piped up, "Also, I doubt it is possible to achieve true immortality. Everything on this world will eventually come to dust, and we pass on to wherever our souls go next."

[Bryn]

Autumn
Autumn adjusts the refractive properties of the lens to get a closer look at the mouse. "Well, I admit, it's one of the better reanimations that I've seen, though my knowledge in the field is limited. What are you hoping for, Cecil?"

She'll get around to talking to Wendell about the soul thing later.

[SuperMuldoon]

Autumn
"Well, I admit, it's one of the better reanimations that I've seen, though my knowledge in the field is limited. What are you hoping for, Cecil?"

"Well thank you, he was my first attempt, actually. As for what I'm hoping for...well I think I've said too much already..." Cecil says, shying away from the question.

[Levyathyn]

All

The knight, the young lad, and a previously unnoticed savage cowering in the corner of the tower all remain behind.

With the rest of you on the bronze disc, the space becomes very limited. Everyone is touching at least a part of the ash tree's bark, and more than a few of you become quite uncomfortable in such a small space with a large crab, at least two dead entities, god knows what collected materials, and someone who is permanently on fire. Sighing, Montrose glances up from his work. "You, ummm...vampire. Please, come speak with me while the others ride first. Also, you...tiger. And you, quiet man. I wish to have a brief word with each of you." He says. If anyone denies his request, he shrugs it off, but a few must step off of the platform so it may fit into the cylindrical tube leading down without anyone losing a limb. "Whenever the rest of you are ready, there is a small metal switch at the base of the elevator. Press it once with your foot. Once outside, you should meet Sergeant Trask. If one of you would inform him as to the situation, he will help you. ask for a trolley; It'll be faster than walking."

He stands from his work, and as the crowd gathered on the solid metal platform re-arranges itself, and a few step off, he retrieves a small, red crystal from his pocket and holds it to his eye. "Interesting. Arazoc...if that's correct, I will need to speak with you, as well."

[Lord_Asmodeus]

Marius the Shark

Marius' grim frown deepens. He had hoped to speak with the King about his terms, but there would be time for that. For him anyway. Nodding he steps away from the group and heads to the Artificer "What do you wish to speak with me about?"

[Averagedog]

Wendell

Wendell followed close behind Marius, and waited, his face an emotionless mask hiding his trepidation.

[Levyathyn]

Marius and Wendell

Nodding his appreciation to both of you, Montrose retrieves a scroll from his workbelt and unrolls it. Glancing at it for posterity, he shows it to you. On it is a finite, pencil sketch of a mechanical left arm. The arm is averagely muscular and finely jointed; Much finer than that of any golem you've seen, and even some statues. "It's early work, but I can change it as you desire. My first guess tells me it would be stronger than your other arm, but I can't be sure unless I do some tests."

"If you're interested in it, I'll need you to answer some questions about your physical specifications."

[Lord_Asmodeus]

Marius the Shark

Marius looked at the plan for awhile "I suppose it's worth a try, though I'll tell you you're not the first one to try and replace my arm, and if it works it won't be the first time. I've made it this long with one arm most of the way, and I've nothing to lose if it fails." Marius did not make it at all clear how far he'd "made it" without his arm. It could have been years, it could have been decades. It could have been centuries.

[MrEdwardNigma]

Arazoc

Arazoc turns to Cecil. He seems like a good man, though a little overinquisitive, so Arazoc decides to help him in his search for knoledge "Whatever Amber did to take that form, I doubt it was worth it. I see more than most, and to my eyes her very soul is burning." Arazoc looks deep into Amber's eyes "I don't know your reasons, but I doubt they are worth turning your soul to ash"
The crab shifted uncomfortably, trying to keep his huge blade from tangling in the ash tree's branches, or worse, cutting through them.
"Let her soul burn" he said grimly, "Anyone this foolish has earned it. We've been here for mere moments and already she has managed to make enemies with half the group. Where I come from, anyone shunned by the clan is doomed to fail"

He thought about this statement and it seemed to stir him. It was oddly applicable to his own situation, but he shrugged off the idea and continued with his train of thought.
"For the purposes of this trip I suppose you all are something akin to a clan, though a rather... dysfunctional one. One claw can sink a ship, but a dozen can hold off the fleet, as my people say. Even if we disband our colourful little troupe and I have to seek out the bane of these people by myself, just one of us could be enough to make the human hold her tongue forever. I am confident in my own skill as a warrior, and Marius at least proves his worth over her by being wiser"

The crab took some niblets of cheese from a small pouch he was carrying and started feeding the mice he kept on smaller cages on his belt, as well as offering a piece to Miles.

"I respect your urge for strength, rockarmed one, as your race so direly lacks it, but there are certain things one should never turn one's back on. The gods are one such thing. You speak ill of my goddess, the great mistress of the seas, but you yourself are godless. Soulless. What is left to fight for then?"

He shrugged.
"No matter, there is no talking to you. We will clinch on the field of battle, and you will meet your swift end at the tip of my blade. I cannot imagine you being any help toward our common goal anyway"

[Averagedog]

Wendell

Wendell sidles to the side of the two and takes a look for himself at the schematic. Of course he didn't understand any of the things that were scrawled there, but a sudden thought occurred to him.

"What will this proposed arm be made out of?"

[Devixer]

Wolfgang looked at everyone else on the disc. Most of the people there were nuetral to him. Amber, not so much. He didn't really like her. Far too volatile. Never really considered situations. Bragged about things that a sane person should neve put themselves through. Out of all the people, he probably had the most respect and curiosity toward the crab. Keeping this in mind, he was near enough to him to speak. "Kra'Kragk, was it? You shall have to tell me more about your people sometime. When we are less crowded in."

[Levyathyn]

Kra'Kragk

Nios rubs his chin. "I wonder about your Goddess." He says to Kra'Kragk. "Forgive me, if I offend, but have you...heard her? Or felt her, since you came here? I don't know how religion works on your world, however. Where I come from, our Aspects, as we call them, remain mostly independent. Their time as mortal has left, and so they refrain from intervening in our affairs."

"And yes, I would also like to hear more of your people and your world, Kra'Kragk. You sound like a proud, noble species."

As everyone shifts into place on the elevator, he taps the button with his foot. Just before it goes down, the young boy runs over and slips onto the platform.

If someone did or didn't get off, just post this in your next update

Marius and Wendell

Montrose shrugs. "Well, then I will do my best. At the very least, it'll cost nothing to try. I'll try and have a prototype ready tomorrow." He says, then proceeds to ask his questions.

Answer these if you wish, how you wish. Just putting them out there all at once for expediency.

"You said you were a vampire...this is a mythical creature, which is dead, and feeds on the blood of the living, correct?"

"Does your heart beat?"

"Do you age?"

"Do you survive exposure to sunlight?"

"Can you change your shape?"

"Is your body able to tolerate very low temperatures for long periods of time without undue damage?"

After all is said and done, he rolls up his notes and thanks you for your time by handing you a silver coin. "I appreciate your candor. You may leave whenever you wish. To answer this man's question, it will be crafted from steel, bronze, and a few other components, depending on the final composition needed to power the device."

Once his examinations of Marius are finished, Montrose approaches Wendell.

"I had a few questions for you, as well, if you cred to answer them." he says.

[Averagedog]

Wendell

"Ask away Artificer. There isn't many that would ask me personal questions, and at this time, I feel that parting with this information may lead to my continued survival In this far off land." Wendell said. He was sure that the artificer meant no harm so he felt fine with whatever the wizard asked or had to say.

[Dorizzit]

All

The knight, the young lad, and a previously unnoticed savage cowering in the corner of the tower all remain behind.

With the rest of you on the bronze disc, the space becomes very limited. Everyone is touching at least a part of the ash tree's bark, and more than a few of you become quite uncomfortable in such a small space with a large crab, at least two dead entities, god knows what collected materials, and someone who is permanently on fire. Sighing, Montrose glances up from his work. "You, ummm...vampire. Please, come speak with me while the others ride first. Also, you...tiger. And you, quiet man. I wish to have a brief word with each of you." He says. If anyone denies his request, he shrugs it off, but a few must step off of the platform so it may fit into the cylindrical tube leading down without anyone losing a limb. "Whenever the rest of you are ready, there is a small metal switch at the base of the elevator. Press it once with your foot. Once outside, you should meet Sergeant Trask. If one of you would inform him as to the situation, he will help you. ask for a trolley; It'll be faster than walking."

He stands from his work, and as the crowd gathered on the solid metal platform re-arranges itself, and a few step off, he retrieves a small, red crystal from his pocket and holds it to his eye. "Interesting. Arazoc...if that's correct, I will need to speak with you, as well."

Ark Tamaeus

Assuming that "quiet man" is referring to him, Ark hops off the elevator, his expression as unreadable as ever. He walks slowly over to Montrose, standing a bit back and allowing the others who were called to finish their conversations before stepping forward.

[Lord_Asmodeus]

Marius the Shark

Marius nods curtly to the Artificer's decision to make the arm. To his questions he answers curtly, answering the questions but not going into much detail.

"I am a half-vampire, I am alive and while I can drink blood to gain strength and potency, I can just as easily survive on the same food as humans.

My heart does beat, for I am alive.

I was born a half-vampire and aged for a time, but when my powers reached a certain point I stopped aging.

Direct sunlight dampens some of my powers, but otherwise I suffer no ill effects.

So far I can become mist, and at some point I will be able to become a wolf or a flock of bats.

I am more able to survive low temperatures than many humans, but I was born in fairly Northern climbs."

The questions answered Marius catches the coin and stores it, he nods as the Artificer speaks of the possible materials used. When the Artificer seeks to question Wendell he decides to stay until the Were leaves as well. Might as well learn about some of his companions if the Artificer were going to ask them anyway.

[RJ45]

"Quite contradictory... to speak so highly of working as a group while you're trying to convince others to abandon a part of that group. All of this because you got upset because I called you a -name-. No, Dinner. I'm lead to believe that you never had honor to begin with." She seemed relaxed about all of this - as usual. Amber was a confusing woman. "Yeah. There is no more point in words. We're going to work together to get home - because that's where we both belong, and you know it. That goes for anyone else that needs to go home. If you're still upset by the time we're done with the king, maybe we can afford a nice stroll down to the seaside."

In the meanwhile, Amber was mystified. What kind of sorcery was this? They were in some kind of moving vessel operated by that odd fixture on the floor. She couldn't figure it out. It definitely was beyond the workings of her world - so were the golems that the kingdom had been fighting. It was an even better reason for her to investigate this world. Amber didn't speak her interest, but she, too, was interested in the tale of this crustacean. It would kill the time between the movement of this odd contraption and their actual journey to the king by... 'trolley'

The moment the elevator would come to its destination, Amber would shuffle out of it, rather intrigued by what this world actually looked like. It was war-torn, without mages, and covered with odd technology - she couldn't imagine it, which is why she was so interested.

[Levyathyn]

Marius and Wendell

"You said you were a vampire...this is a mythical creature, which is dead, and feeds on the blood of the living, correct?"


"I am a half-vampire, I am alive and while I can drink blood to gain strength and potency, I can just as easily survive on the same food as humans.

"Interesting. I did not know such a mixture was possible. Then, does your heart beat?"


"My heart does beat, for I am alive."

"Hmm. Do you age?"


"I was born a half-vampire and aged for a time, but when my powers reached a certain point I stopped aging."

"Do you survive exposure to sunlight?"


"Direct sunlight dampens some of my powers, but otherwise I suffer no ill effects."

"Can you change your shape?"


"So far I can become mist, and at some point I will be able to become a wolf or a flock of bats."

"A flock of bats? I had no idea progression was so linear among such a creature. All right, finally, is your body able to tolerate very low temperatures for long periods of time without undue damage?"


"I am more able to survive low temperatures than many humans, but I was born in fairly Northern climbs."

Finally finished, he nods, and jots down a few more notes. After handing you the coin, he says, "I should very much like to hear more about your origins sometime, but such questions would be idle curiosity, nothing more. Feel free to ignore them, when they come." He says, before moving onto Wendell.

"You used the word therianthrope earlier. I assume this means someone who is both tiger and human?" He says. After he gets his answer, he nods, and proceeds to question you and take notes, much as before.

"Is your tiger shape one full animal, or a mixture of human and animal traits?"

"Do you maintain full control of your animal forms?"

"Do you change form yourself, or is there a specific time when you change, or maybe an external trigger, such as a full moon?"

"What happens to all of your equipment when you change?"

His process is thorough, and he jots notes constantly. When finished, he flicks you a silver coin as well. "I may be able to help you, as well, if you so desire. Return tomorrow, with Marius, if you both do not wish to avoid each other's company."

This done, he examines Ark. Once more, he retrieves the red crystal and passes it over all three of you. "Hmm." He says, before pulling out a small contraption. Holding it aloft in front of his face, he flicks a dial and a small, red lens pops out of the device. He holds it to his eye for a moment, looks at the lot of you, then flicks it quickly to a blue lens, and repeats.

He does this a number of times further, switching to lenses of various colors and even shapes, before asking his questions. "You are not quite human, but I can not discern why. Would you mind answering my questions? I'm afraid that without knowing more about you, there's nothing I can do for you. Ergo, this is simply more curiosity. Feel free not to answer." He says calmly.

[Averagedog]

Marius and Wendell
Finally finished, he nods, and jots down a few more notes. After handing you the coin, he says, "I should very much like to hear more about your origins sometime, but such questions would be idle curiosity, nothing more. Feel free to ignore them, when they come." He says, before moving onto Wendell.

"You used the word therianthrope earlier. I assume this means someone who is both tiger and human?" He says. After he gets his answer, he nods, and proceeds to question you and take notes, much as before.


"The word, Therianthrope encompasses all beings that have the ability to transform into one specific creature,. These beings, from what I know, contain the soul of that creature, which is in itself an animal. They possess strong animalistic strength and speed, and can regenerate their flesh and limbs over times, which is hastened during night hours and further empowered under the light of the full moon. I know not how the soul of an animal is capable of having sentient thought. but usually these creatures do not contain supernatural swiftness or senses other than their ability to transform. I however have proven different"


Marius and Wendell
"Is your tiger shape one full animal, or a mixture of human and animal traits?"

"Therianthropes have the ability to transform into a hybrid form, a desired mixture between animal and their base form, and a full animal form. Again, I am different...."


Marius and Wendell
"Do you maintain full control of your animal forms?"

"Most of the time"


Marius and Wendell
"Do you change form yourself, or is there a specific time when you change, or maybe an external trigger, such as a full moon?"


"I can change whenever I wish, though on the night of the full moon, I am forced to change to at least my hybrid form."


Marius and Wendell
"What happens to all of your equipment when you change?"

"Curiously, in my Hybrid form, my items generally do not meld into my body and disappear. In my animal form, all my equipment other than what I mentally decide to exclude melds into my body and becomes non existent until I shift back. I have found that magical items will always increase or shrink in size to fit my changing forms."

Wendell pauses waiting for the artificer to catch up in his notes, then says,

"Lastly, I am going to explain how I am different than the normal Therianthrope. Unlike most, I possess a supernatural speed and strength. that grows stronger when I am in hybrid form, and even stronger in my animal form. In Animal form, I also possess the ability to increase or decrease my mass from the size of a house cat to the size of a dire animal of my species. On the subject of my soul, I have contemplated the issue a lot over the past years of my freedom from slavery, and with the help of my father and mentor I have discovered that my soul is split nearly in two. Like I said Therianthropse have the souls of animals. I have found that my soul is both the soul of a normal sentient creature tied in with the soul of the tiger. We are both the same person, yet we are not. We believe this anomaly was caused by the suppression of my powers until the day I gained freedom from my incarceration as a slave. But nevertheless, this other part of me is the source of my supernatural strength and speed and other abilities that are not a part of a normal therianthrope. We have concluded that if the soul of the tiger was to be torn from me, I would die a most horrible death. If the soul of the tiger overwhelms me, we surmise that I will become the passive spirit and it the dominant one. If my part of the soul was to be torn from me, we believe that my body would become that of a normal therianthrope and would attempt to live naturally in the wild. The Beast does not have a voice I know of, nor do I know of it's designs if it is capable of thinking of them. the more frequently and more demanding I draw upon my powers, my mental concentration weakens. I don't know the limits of my strength, for once I slammed through a castle wall while in my animal form, nor of my speed, but I know I could have stopped the scuffle between Amber and Kragh'kak the same way your lightning did in less than a few seconds. I have found that he more strongly I expend my supernatural strength, the more I lose "Myself" for a time. I become more....feral, less able to form rational thoughts and decisions. I also burn a large amount of energy. After every very taxing battle, my appetite immediately becomes ravenous and my body screams for nutrients to refill spent energy stores. I have indeed passed out several times when experimenting with how far I can take things"


Marius and Wendell
His process is thorough, and he jots notes constantly. When finished, he flicks you a silver coin as well. "I may be able to help you, as well, if you so desire. Return tomorrow, with Marius, if you both do not wish to avoid each other's company."


"I will do so" Wendell gives a polite bow, then steps to the side to allow any others clear room to get to the artificer while the rest waited for the elevator.

As if remembering something very important, Wendel, still grasping the silver coin said, "One more thing, Silver does make me vulnerable, but only where it contacts me. If I am wounded by silvered weapons, my regeneration abilities are very slowed and my ability to control my forms are also severely diminished. If I was in my human form, I would almost always be forced to shift into my full animal form if I was grievously wounded. As you can see, just holding the metal doesn't make me severely weak."

[Levyathyn]

Arazoc, Ark, Marius, and Wendell

"...[muttering]...[muttering]...several...times." He says, as he finishes writing. "Interesting indeed." That said, he jots down a small list and hands Wendell the finished form. On it is a list of items, written in an incomprehensible language. "Give this to the king, when you meet him. These are the materials I do not have supplies of, and I will need them tomorrow morning." He says. He then thanks you and hands you the coin. Standing, he points to the one known as Arazoc. Drawing his crystal staff, he reaches out and gingerly taps him on the left arm and left leg. With a shrill sound, solid gold bands appear around each limb, binding him in place. Before anyone can react, the artifice, oddly, places two fingers on Arazoc's neck then calmly proceeds to count.

"You are..." He says, reaching a total in his math. "...a demon. Explain, please, or I shall leave you bound thusly." He crosses his legs and reclaims his chair, pen at the ready.

EDIT: OOC, Wendell
Realized the coin was silver...does that do anything?

[Crafty Cultist]

Arazoc

Arazoc looks startled as the bands constrict him. Upon hearing Montoose's observation he looks wary and answers. "No I am not. I have however, formed a pact with a demonic spirit by the name of Tal"crei. he is probably what you sense"

Arazoc continues, feeling a more detailed ezplination would help "Tal'crei is a demon of the spirit world. The spirit world is a world of the mind, including demons from the deepest recesses of our psyches. I do not know which thoughts lead to his creation, but he is a being composed of hatred, predatory instict and pure terror. My pact with him is for when I am forced into combat; I surrender my mercy and to draw on the power of a nightmare. He aids me in battle in exchange for the chance to spread fear and death, for the more he is hated and feared, the more powerful he becomes"

Looking Montoose straight in the eyes, Arazoc continues "I have not fallen into corruption. I mantain my own will and know better than to trust a demon, for if I draw to heavily on this power I know it will consume me. I have faced a nightmare and stood my ground so I ask you to release me. I do not wish for conflict but if you continue to threaten me then I will defend myself."

"You will see my fear. You will share my nightmare."

[Gunther]

Rockdigger's Surprise

The kobold, hearing the word "Demon", reacted in a manner suiting his kobold status. He had let the others bicker as they wished- at the mention of demons, however, he did not flinch. Drawing the cold iron gladii from his hip, he led the crossbow dangle around his waist on its leather strap. Glaring at the demon with one eye, he disregarded the others. Instead, he pressed his foot down on the switch mentioned for the elevator. He was certainly not willing to face demonic creatures for what little he was likely to earn here!

[MrEdwardNigma]

Kra'Kragk

Out of all the people, he probably had the most respect and curiosity toward the crab. Keeping this in mind, he was near enough to him to speak. "Kra'Kragk, was it? You shall have to tell me more about your people sometime. When we are less crowded in."
"I have forgotten your name, but you pronounce my name well for one of your species, human"


Nios rubs his chin. "I wonder about your Goddess." He says to Kra'Kragk. "Forgive me, if I offend, but have you...heard her? Or felt her, since you came here? I don't know how religion works on your world, however. Where I come from, our Aspects, as we call them, remain mostly independent. Their time as mortal has left, and so they refrain from intervening in our affairs."

"And yes, I would also like to hear more of your people and your world, Kra'Kragk. You sound like a proud, noble species."
The Krodan made a small bow, as much as he could manage without bumping his hulking form into the ash tree in the confined space of the elevator.
"I will gladly share with you both the ways of my people, when the time allows"

"As for my goddess, I do not feel insulted. The intent was good, which is what some people-", he glared at Amber, "-fail to understand is the point. I am not a hotheaded creature. Pure anger blinds the focus of the warrior, but a warrior must still feel fire in his heart to fight to his maximum potential, and I do feel strongly about my honour. It is an important value amongst my people. I understand the weaker races attach less value to it"

Again he gazed upon Amber. Honour clearly mattered little to her, and he doubted there was any fire in her apart from the literal kind. Venom, perhaps. The concept of a soulless creature seemed odd to the crab. A contradictio in terminis, though such terms were probably alien to the crustacean. Something is either a creature, a living thing, in which case it has a soul, or an object. A living creature bereft of soul was thusly an object. A moving, thinking one, granted, but an object nonetheless.

This is why her actions puzzled him. She seemed, what was the word... bitchy. Hardly a quality one would expect from an object, except if it were a facade to hide some kind of tactic. But why antagonise him? She was made partly out of rock, it was a sport among his people to crush rocks, the end result seemed obvious. Perhaps a deathwish, not unusual for one forced to live without a soul, but she could have simply thrown herself down the tower were that the case. Perhaps she wished to keep her companions at a distance, to keep them from getting to know her. Perhaps she had something to hide, perhaps she did not wish to ahve others share in her misery.

That, or maybe she was simply foolish enough to believe she could blind Kra'Kragk with the wool of anger and thusly increase her chances of overcoming him. Also a possibility, he did not believe foolishness beyond her.

"But back to your question" the Krodan finally spoke, "Your understanding of Herress, my goddess, seems to be lacking. She does not speak to us, in a common sense, and we do feel her, but perhaps not in the way you mean. We feel her in the beating of her hearts, the blood flowing through our bodies, the tears we shed for our fallen comrades. I am alive, I feel alive, and thusly I know my lady has not abandoned me. In a more different sense she is the waters that feed us, and the tide that moves us. She is both us, and the world about us. The concept of a world without her is incomprehensible"

This reminded Kra'Kragk of the sacrifice he'd need to make before sundown. He would have to ask directions for the nearest large body of water downstairs, as the artificer had simply ignored the question, too busy investigating the anatomy of his guest and preventing Kra'Kragk from defending his honour.

"The humans in my homeworld do not honour her, yet she does not punish them, beyond favouring my people over theirs. They are heretics, but Herress is not a vengeful goddess, all may live in her lap, the Krodan are simply her most devout followers. In this world, I suppose that makes me her sole protegee, as I doubt there are more of my kind to be found"

[Levyathyn]

Arazoc, Ark, Marius and Wendell

Montrose finishes writing once more, then nods. "Very well." He says. "I will do as you ask, but not because of your threat, which I believe shows more of your demonic side than you would admit. I will let you free because you seem willing to help." Without any warning, the magical bonds disappear. He extends his hand out, allowing the necklace to dangle freely in front of you. "I would ask that you wear this around your neck in plain sight. It will glow if your demonic presence should show through, allowing others to be aware of this control. It is the least I could do, considering that you are to share a room with my king." He says, morosely. "Do not fear my threats, either. If your condition is as you say, then they are not levelled at you, but this Tal'crei. As for mercy, it is overrated."

Kra'Kragk

Nios nods slowly, as if chewing the words in his mind. "Interesting enough. I suppose it shares more in common with the vestigial gods of my own people. In the towers, I hear talk of the everyday man, the mundane. These people are the ones we protect with our magic, though I have never met one. Their god or gods, as rumor has it, are much as you described." He says. "For us magisters, however, things are different. When an archmagister reaches a certain level of power, he is allowed to ascend. Certain rituals are performed, rituals I know nothing of, and the mage is awakened as an Aspect. These Aspects rule our lives as godkings, each presiding over an element. I have never met Aius, the Shard Aspect of Dhor'im ice magic, but I live by his whims."

"I wonder if Herress knows you represent her on another world, and what she would desire from you. In fact, now that the question arises, I wonder how Aius would have me act." Suddenly, he raises a hand to his face and examines the blood on his hand. He wipes his nose on the sleeve of his robe and rubs his temple. Glancing over at Amber, standing alone in the elevator, he bows politely to her. "Pardon my ignorance, but does that cause you pain?" He asks, pointing to her constant flame.

[Crafty Cultist]

Arazoc

Arazoc rubs his wrists upon his release, then takes the amulet and fastens it round his neck. "My apologies for my attitude. I don't deal well with sudden confinement. Rest assured I shall use Tal'crei's power only when conflict is inevitable."

[Levyathyn]

Arazoc, Ark, Marius and Wendell

Montrose studies your face once more, then nods simply. "As long as it is you who uses the demon, and not the other way around. Thank you for this concession." He says simply. "If you wish it,y ou may drop in sometime as well, and we can discuss this Tal'crei and any number of ways in which I may be of your service in his confinement." Taking a deep breath, Montrose then returns to his seat. "Very well, I have done all I can for now. If you still wish not to speak," He says, indicating Ark, "then you are free to go with the others."

[Dorizzit]

He does this a number of times further, switching to lenses of various colors and even shapes, before asking his questions. "You are not quite human, but I can not discern why. Would you mind answering my questions? I'm afraid that without knowing more about you, there's nothing I can do for you. Ergo, this is simply more curiosity. Feel free not to answer." He says calmly.

Ark Tamaeus

Ark is not unwilling to speak, but he remains silent until everyone else has been questioned, watching and listening. His stance, posture, and expression are more relaxed now, but anyone with significant experience in reading people would still only be able to read enough to know that they weren't reading anything useful. When everyone has finished talking with Montrose, Ark finally steps forward to speak to him. He scratches the back of his head nonchalantly, then shrugs, his customary half-smile now adorning his face.

"Who knows? My home plane is a realm of constant, unending war. Natural resources are extremely limited, with the exception of a few extremely rich areas scattered around, which are won and lost by various factions over time. Because of our limits with the natural, magic is quite common and, I believe, at least, that it is highly advanced. I have been a warrior most of my adult life, and I've been affected by more spells than I can count, blasts of flame or ice, magic that has closed wounds or increased vitality, or simply raw waves of magical energy released by the destruction of certain enchantments or devices. There is always a certain degree of unpredictability, after all, and I wouldn't be surprised to find out that somewhere along the line I had been altered in some way."

Technically speaking, every word of his monologue was true. As he speaks, he seems to take a lax view of the situation, imparting the information without care. It would be almost impossible to tell that he had not been as forthcoming as possible about the situation. After a pause, he speaks again.

"Is that all?"

[Levyathyn]

Ark

Montrose stares for a while, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "Very well. I can detect no outright danger, and no reason to doubt your words. Thank you for satisfying my curiosity." He says, nodding to himself. As the group leaves, however, he asks one more question. "Soldier, may I examine your weapon?" He asks to Ark.

[Dorizzit]

Ark

Montrose stares for a while, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "Very well. I can detect no outright danger, and no reason to doubt your words. Thank you for satisfying my curiosity." He says, nodding to himself. As the group leaves, however, he asks one more question. "Soldier, may I examine your weapon?" He asks to Ark.

Ark shrugs and unclasps his cloak, then pulls the sheathed sword and its belt over his head and tosses it carelessly to Montrose. As he re-clasps his cloak, he speaks once again, this time not looking at Montrose.

"There you go. Don't bother trying to draw the blade; only I can do that, and for reasons I don't feel like elaborating on right now I will not. I hope your examination is not hindered overmuch."

Mystically speaking, the sheath is enchanted with a powerful locking mechanism on its contents, keyed to a designated owner (in this case, Ark). The sword, however, is extremely powerful and has a diverse and complex web of enchantments laid upon it.

[Levyathyn]

Ark

Montrose catches the sheath and carefully, reverentially examines it. He wordlessly spins the case in hand, examines the hilt and grip, then reacquires his examination tool. After subjecting it to some study, he nods to himself. "Someday, we shall have to discuss this blade and it's origins. For all intents, I believe it specifically has the feel of an artificer blade. If given some time, I am sure I could divulge it's secrets, and perhaps more. Nevertheless," He says, "It is an impressive and powerful weapon. Do let me know if it behaves strangely in the coming days." Handing you the sword, he steps to his central pedestal and begins mixing components together in various phials.

[Dorizzit]

Ark

"Someday, we shall have to discuss this blade and it's origins."

Ark shows no real reaction to this, keeping his face neutral.

"Perhaps."

"It is an impressive and powerful weapon. Do let me know if it behaves strangely in the coming days."

"I will. Thank you."

Taking back the blade, Ark once again goes through the clearly practiced motion of reattaching to his back as it was before. Straightening it, he turns back to the others who had been held back by Montrose.

"We should probably get going if we want to catch up with the others."

[MrEdwardNigma]

Kra'KragkNios nods slowly, as if chewing the words in his mind. "Interesting enough. I suppose it shares more in common with the vestigial gods of my own people. In the towers, I hear talk of the everyday man, the mundane. These people are the ones we protect with our magic, though I have never met one. Their god or gods, as rumor has it, are much as you described." He says. "For us magisters, however, things are different. When an archmagister reaches a certain level of power, he is allowed to ascend. Certain rituals are performed, rituals I know nothing of, and the mage is awakened as an Aspect. These Aspects rule our lives as godkings, each presiding over an element. I have never met Aius, the Shard Aspect of Dhor'im ice magic, but I live by his whims."

"I wonder if Herress knows you represent her on another world, and what she would desire from you. In fact, now that the question arises, I wonder how Aius would have me act."
"Your comparison of my goddess to the idols your footfolk worship hardly does her justice, equally little as your comparison to your own Aspects. I respect your views, but personally I could never honour something that is in origin a mere mortal, and certainly not a human. I need not even wonder if my goddess knows of my presence. She knows of my every action, for she lives inside me just as much as she inhabits the very waters in this world. I dare venture she flows even through your veins, granting your every move, unaware as you might be"

The crab impatiently tapped his foot. This elevator ride was taking incredible long, and he was hardly comfortable, due to his bulk pressing into most of the other travellers in the shaft. Furthermore, the company was hardly agreeable. Here even more than on his homeworld he missed his kin, for only a Krodan could truly understand Herress' might. The humans on his world were equally ignorant, but at least they knew of the might the Krodan had been granted by her favour.

"As for what she wishes" he continued, aware that the human clearly had not grasped the essence, despite his best attempts, "My lady is not some master who asks me to serve her. She, in a way, serves all of us. I make daily sacrifices to her, but this is a matter of choice, not some task she has put upon us. It is a matter of honour"

A lot of things were a matter of honour for the Krodan people, but this was perhaps the most important one. Kra'Kragk had already picked out the sacrifice he was going to make that night earlier today, a vagabond dog he caught in the stable he had rested in during the night. However, the idea now appealed to him to catch something local to slice apart in Herress' honour. It seemed fitting. Should it be a matter of pressing time however, the vagabond would still be suitable.

[Bryn]

Autumn
Autumn turns to Krodan, taking care not to hit anyone with a stray branch. "My people once worshipped all sorts of things, and they wrote all sorts of things about them... but I could never determine just how they knew. Do you mind if I ask how you know all these things about your goddess, Kra'Kragk?" Autumn's pronunciation is wrong, but in a completely different way to everyone elses' incorrect pronunciation.

[Averagedog]

Wendell

Wendell nods in agreement feeling that it wasn't his place to pry into someone else's valuable personal belongings. He gripped the coin and the list in one of his palms and quickly secreted them in a hidden inner pocket. rolling the coin skillfully across his knuckles absentmindedly.

He walks to the elevator and waits for it to come back up.

When the others gather near the area, he asks aloud to no one in particular,

"Why do you think only we were called to talk to Montrose? There were several others that were either as interesting or more so than us."

[MrEdwardNigma]

Autumn
Autumn turns to Krodan, taking care not to hit anyone with a stray branch. "My people once worshipped all sorts of things, and they wrote all sorts of things about them... but I could never determine just how they knew. Do you mind if I ask how you know all these things about your goddess, Kra'Kragk?" Autumn's pronunciation is wrong, but in a completely different way to everyone elses' incorrect pronunciation.
Kra'Kragk used to cringe at the incorrect pronunciation of any word in his language by other beings, but his time among humans had taught him patience and understanding as far as such matters were concerned.

"Each Krodan, as my people are called, is born with Herress in his heart. We do not live by some book an ancient scribed in rock for his descendants to take at face value, but are certain of her simply by design. This trait was once described to me by a rather uncharacteristic human as likely to be inherited from the fact that we have for aeons lived so closely to her bossom. This, according to him, explained why the average human could not feel her love. I did not have the heart to tell him most of my kin feel it is because of the humans' inferior design"

[Dorizzit]

Ark Tamaeus

Ark is now standing easily, at the edge of where the elevator will reemerge. He isn't looking at anyone in the group, instead looking down at the shaft in front of him. Perhaps surprisingly, he decides to share his insight with Wendell.

"There are two things I noticed. One, we are all human, or close to it. He may have decided that a satisfying study of an entirely different species couldn't be done in the limited time we had. Alternatively, it could be because each of us posed a potential threat that wasn't immediately obvious. You're a closeted cat, that guy-" He points a thumb at Marius. "-is a Dhampyr, and Arazoc has his little demon buddy."

[Crafty Cultist]

Arazoc

Arazoc responds to Arks comment. "Tal'crei is not my "Buddy as you put it. He is a nightmare, a primal fear, and the only reason he grants me power is that I impressed him when me met""

[Bryn]

Autumn
Autumn looks skeptical, but she nods. "Thank you, Kra'Kragk. Would you mind if I observe your sacrifice later? I am interested to know how the practice is carried out."

[Lord_Asmodeus]

Marius the Shark

Marius nodded along with Arks assessment as he walked with the rest of the group called away. "Indeed. He's likely already decided to keep a close eye on the stone hearted woman, and she likely wouldn't have stayed if he asked, but we are potential threats for supernatural reasons, unlike the powerful Kra'Kragk or the tree, we are not only supernatural, but beings potentially known for the dangers we pose. Though, in this, you seem to be a bit out of place... Ark, right? Must be some powerful magics that get tossed around if the residual effects could cause worry about how much of a potential threat you are."

[Averagedog]

Wendell

"I see" Wendell said as he shakes his head in agreement. An obvious train of thought occurs to him, "What about you then? It is obvious you are purely a human, otherwise Montrose would have said something about it. Perhaps your weapon is a secret doomsday device? Or one of those weapons of legacy and prophecy that has the power to shape the world under a new cause?"

Wendell decided that it was hard to trust Ark, mainly because the man shared very little in comparison to just about everyone except for the Kobold. But Ark seemed to have redeeming qualitites...just hidden.

His eyes flashed briefly as another dizzy spell came over him. He gripped the stone wall harshly accidentally cracking a piece before it passed and dissappeared. For a moment, he thought he felt his ears extend outward and grow fur, but with renewed vigor, he mentally forced the change to revert.

[Devixer]

Wolfgang nodded when Kra'Kragk complimented his pronounciation. "It's good to hear that. I often am a little shaky when it comes to foreign names. And to remind you, my name is Wolfgang." He listened to the Krodan's talking about his goddess with a decent level of interest. "While I may confess to not being a particularly spiritual person, I do hold respect for a race that is born with a sense of pride and honor. It leads to a far better persona to... er... others." He didn't really have room to talk, though, since he had spent years as an active thief, and had never left the Shade anyway.

[Levyathyn]

All/Elevator

The elevator descends smoothly, almost entirely silent in operation. On either side of the smooth, cylindrical shaft, a matched double pairing of electrum pipes carry the electric charge neeed to power the device. The perfectly weighted and balanced bronze platform carries the weight with ease, and a few of it's current riders question it's maximum speed and weight limits.

Nios contemplates this for a moment. "I suppose I should have seen that coming. I assure you, I meant no disrespect to your goddess. Faiths are quite different no matter who they belong to, and I should have considered this before speaking." He says, bowing politely to you as best as he can in the tight space. "I should tell you that your argument seems quite how most view their own religions. My own people, human though they may be, undoubtedly worship gods in similar ways. Where you sacrifice animals, shedding blood in honor of your goddess, it's possible the people of my realm may sacrifice certain behaviors or symbolic items, for much the same reason. I'm sure their priests would debate the matter with you, had they the time. And yet, surely everyone who worships a god must consider that theirs is not the only one. Perhaps your goddess, in disguise, appears to my own people, and people everywhere." Nios shrugs. "I will never understand, since, as you put it, my own idols have ascended from the ranks of my brothers. I suppose it must be so; Where I come from, the divine may not touch the arcane, and so on. And since the mortal gods provide no eyes to keep on our kind, we must make our own. All I know is that the Aspects are no longer human. They do not age, they do not shed mortal blood, and their powers are beyond even my experienced ken. While in the tower of Dhor'im, I can feel Aius guiding me. He learns what I learn; My research is his. If I am in the wrong, he guides me to the correct path or punishes me. Every spell I cast flows from his veins through mine, and the energy I expend makes him stronger. It is all I know of religion."

After a surprisingly lengthy trip, the elevator emerges into what appears to be a lobby. The furnishings are comfortable, designed for long waits before appointments, and a pair of large wooden doors taper to a point at the top. Two guards stand at the door, and both look rather surprised themselves. A few windows look out into the city, though they are quite small. One of the guardssteps forwards. "Uhm, hello. I wasn't expecting so many visitors. Follow me, I'll take you to Sergeant Trask. The group follows him as he knocks four times on the door. It swings open with speed, for such a large door. Outside, you step into a brilliantly lit park. Dark, even grass grows around perfectly layed cobblestones arranged in organically curving paths; The one leading away from the tower passes between two imposing, wrought iron fences, one on either side. A press of around twenty guards is present, most of them standing in front of a small crowd of slightly awed civilians. Behind them, the park stretches further away, a weaving pathway broken up by the appearanc of manicured trees, small ponds, quaint stone bridges, and numerous steel lamp-posts fitted with electric lights. It's almost like a paradise.*

As the warm, evening air blows past, you gaze around you; Overhead, a small, white, brilliant full moon stares back; Some of you may find this moon familiar. Behind it, higher in the night sky, a rust-red half-moon hangs as well. The cityscape is visible all around the park; Towers taller than you can imagine, stretching off farther than you would believe. Shorter buildings are visible between some of the taller ones, and each is somehow adorned with sculptures on the corners. Behind you, Montrose's tower itself is taller than almost any building you've seen, coming in at around eighteen stories. Warm lights decorate it's surface, the round shell of the building is sculpted in a serpentine coil pattern all the way to the top. As you stare around in wonder, a gruff man approaches. His eye is patched over with a white bandage, recently added, and he wears both armor and a weapon. His plate is unfamiliar in design; Thin metal armor seems to be bolted in place between two layers of specially prepared wood. The whole thing is colored a mixture of red and grey, in the manner of a uniform, and a small cache of insignia and ribbons hangs over his heart. His sword is sheathed on his back; The large blade is a straight-edged triangle, tapering to a sharp point rounded at the tip for structural integrity. Instead of a standard hilt, the blade is mounted on a pair of horizontal rings over a lengthy grip.

He reaches out to each and every one of you, in turn, to shake hands. "Greetings, distant strangers. I apologize for the lack of reception, but I, much like Montrose, believed the army would be arriving outside of the city." He says. Once he's finished shaking whoever's hand he's given, he bows formally, tucking a hand into his torso. "My name is Ormond Trask, First Sergeant of the Davenarn Armed Forces. Firstly, I apologize for being so informal, but it is an honor to meet you. Please, make yourselves comfortable while I call a trolley for you." Behind him, the crowd starts to react; Instead of horror or fear, they start to murmur excitedly amongst one another. The citizens seem mostly composed of higher class ladies, with a few nobbish men thrown in for good measure. Among them, some more 'plain' men and women are present; Their clothes look neither dirty nor cheap, but they offer far less flash and frill. They start to cheer quietly.

* = OOC; Cecil Duskgarden
I imagined Cecil coming from a slightly grim, somewhat heavy version of a medieval, pre-industrial England. He would have seen some such devices, but never towers as tall, or this many lamp-posts, and never this bright. Correct?

Arazoc, Ark, Marius and Wendell

The elevator platform begins it's journey back up. Montrose notices the savage in the corner seemingly for the first time. The brute man seems almost primitive; His hulking form wields a huge axe that appears to be made out of black glass**. His face is mostly human, relatively intelligent, and watchful. Though he may appear to be cowering, his axe never wavers and his eyes stay thin slits. Standing Montrose approaches the man. "What seems to be your problem?" He asks, as neutral and monotone as ever. Instead of answering, the man waits until Montrose approaches, then grunts something indecipherable. "Interesting." The man grunts again, then speaks. "Anoma." He says. "Anoma ba tien darm."

Thoughtfully, Montrose rubs his chin. In the distant corner, waiting to ride the elevator with the more normal group of individuals, the knight speaks. "I don't understand, how are all of us speaking the same language?" He asks. Montrose, walking past him to a chest in the corner, shrugs. "I suppose it's part of the magic. To be honest, I hadn't given it much thought. Destiny magic is powerful, and not to be trifled with in most circumstances. You," He says, shooting the knight a glance, "wouldn't understand." With an "Ah," Montrose closes the chest and holds up a pair of smal wooden boxes. He walks over towards the runed platform on which the barbarian stands, and sets one on the ground. He slides it over to the man and motions towards it.

The man does nothing. Opening his own box, Montrose pulls out a small, coin-shped disc. It appears to be pearl, or ivory, or some unknown mineral. With a hearty breath, Montrose takes it in his mouth and swallows. "See? Fine." He says. The barbarian turns his head to the side in surprise. "Friend." Montrose continues, pointing to himself. "Friend." reluctantly, the barbarian hangs the huge, double-headed axe on his belt and lifts the box. Gingerly, he removes the smooth, white token and swallows it whole. A sudden bout of choking and gasping, and he draws his axe quickly. "What have you done?" he asks angrily. "Sorry, I made it so we could speak." Taking deep, ragged breaths, the barbarian nods. "Wizard, then?" He asks. Montrose just nods. The barbarian clenches his fists, but does nothing. In the other far corner, behind everyone, the young man speaks up again. "That's...awesome!" With a slight shudder, the elevator returns.

**OOC
A society that knows anything about volcanoes would recognize obsidian.

OOC
Sorry, this obviously took a long time to post. ^_^

[RJ45]

The elevator had come to a stop. The entire time, Amber had watched on in awe. She could not understand how this device worked - not in the least. Were there men lowering them from a rope? Was this some kind of sorcery? She would find out - the moment those doors opened, she would escape that crowded elevator. They were talking of 'gods' and 'sacrifices' - it disgusted her. As she went to move, she noticed how... heavy her arm and leg had become. Of course, the human body had its limits - which she had clearly been exceeding for quite some time. She thought nothing of it. Bearing an incredible weight was both a physical and mental thing she had been doing for years - by now, she found herself immune.

What she could not find herself resistant to was the... indescribable environment around her. The tower from which they emerged was easily as tall, if not taller, than any castle she had ever seen. There were many buildings like it that she could see all around. How was it done? She ignored the guards. She ignored her company. For the moment, she could only wander forward into that park. It was a force that she could not explain - her legs moved on her own. There were magical... wisps, trapped in lanterns? They were bright, but did not resemble fire.

It was a wondrous world... soon enough, she could hear cheering. Noise. Groups of people. She turned her attention to them - it was obvious. They were the heroes that were to save this land. It was expected of them - and of Amber - to do something to make their lives easier. On one hand, she felt disgust. Weak, pathetic people who would rely on 'heroes' deserve a very painful death indeed. Somehow, she also felt another force - they wanted her to do something. Something she was good at. Something that others had punished her for in unspeakable ways. There was a certain power in that. A power that she wanted to grasp... but that was for another time.

Speechless. Amber remained a curious spectator, looking in every which way. She would wander around that park for the briefest moment, allowing herself to be mystified. Oddly enough, she found herself at peace for but a moment. It reminded her of a time where her life was not so violent. Days that seemed ancient - as if they almost had never existed.

[Dorizzit]

Arazoc

Arazoc responds to Arks comment. "Tal'crei is not my "Buddy as you put it. He is a nightmare, a primal fear, and the only reason he grants me power is that I impressed him when me met""

Ark shakes his head.

"Relax, I didn't mean anything with the comment."


Marius the Shark

Marius nodded along with Arks assessment as he walked with the rest of the group called away. "Indeed. He's likely already decided to keep a close eye on the stone hearted woman, and she likely wouldn't have stayed if he asked, but we are potential threats for supernatural reasons, unlike the powerful Kra'Kragk or the tree, we are not only supernatural, but beings potentially known for the dangers we pose. Though, in this, you seem to be a bit out of place... Ark, right? Must be some powerful magics that get tossed around if the residual effects could cause worry about how much of a potential threat you are."

Wendell

"I see" Wendell said as he shakes his head in agreement. An obvious train of thought occurs to him, "What about you then? It is obvious you are purely a human, otherwise Montrose would have said something about it. Perhaps your weapon is a secret doomsday device? Or one of those weapons of legacy and prophecy that has the power to shape the world under a new cause?"

Wendell decided that it was hard to trust Ark, mainly because the man shared very little in comparison to just about everyone except for the Kobold. But Ark seemed to have redeeming qualitites...just hidden.

His eyes flashed briefly as another dizzy spell came over him. He gripped the stone wall harshly accidentally cracking a piece before it passed and dissappeared. For a moment, he thought he felt his ears extend outward and grow fur, but with renewed vigor, he mentally forced the change to revert.

Ark stretches languidly, acting unconcerned by the others' suspicions.

"As I said to Montrose, magic is powerful and used frequently in my world, particularly around soldiers. Apparently I've been altered in some small way. Really. Do I look like a threat?"

He indicates the numerous wounds covering his body. He then pauses.

"Alright, maybe not the best question. But, you don't have anything to worry about from me. And as for you-" He looks at Wendell. "-I assure you that there are no prophesies or legends associated with this blade." He reaches one hand over his shoulder and taps the hilt.

"Anyway, elevator's back. Let's get going."

He steps onto the returned platform.

[Bryn]

Autumn
Autumn was considering how she could improve her ability to pronounce Krodan words when the elevator finally reached the bottom. She didn't find the elevator itself particularly remarkable. The city, on the other hand, was quite remarkable.

Someone else can talk to First Sergeant Trask. Autumn stops to paint a picture of the city, using all her branches to transmute an image as quickly as she can, pausing only to shake the First Sergeant's hand when he reaches her.

[Crafty Cultist]

"Relax, I didn't mean anything with the comment."

Arazoc joins Ark on the platform and replies "I seem to be appearing more confrontational than I really am recently. I take no offence at your comments, I was simply trying to assure you that I am not foolish enough to trust a demon"

Arazoc looks at ark with the look of a man trying to work out the answer to a puzzle "When I saw you, I knew your aura was not that of an ordinary human. I don't know what magical effects your body has been subjected to, but whatever you have experienced seems far greater than what most humans experience in their entire lives"

[Dorizzit]

Ark Tamaeus

Ark half smiles, an expression which, it appears, is quite common for him.

"That's good. As for my 'experience,' as you put it, I've been a fighter almost my entire life in a world of constant war and powerful magic. I have seen many great and terrible things in my time. Having your life on the line so much really makes the important parts stand out, y'know?"

[Lord_Asmodeus]

Marius the Shark

Marius shrugs slightly at Arks nonchalance. "I hope you realize that, whether you speak the truth or not, now that interest in you has been raised, the more you try and pass it off as nothing the more people will want to know the 'truth', whether or not what you've said so far is the extent of it. I'm not saying you're a liar, but whether you speak truth or not, the less you act like it's a big deal, the more likely it will seem like one to inquisitive parties." Of which Marius was one, but he would be more surreptitious if he could. If Ark turned out to be more than he let on, so be it, but Marius wasn't here to find out the past lives of his comrades. Just like any group of mercenaries, there were all sorts of characters. Some admitted the full truth of their pasts, others reveled in what they are and what they were, some keep to themselves in mystery, still others revealed their paths like a deeply regretted confession, people dealt with their pasts differently, and it wasn't usually helpful to try and push someone to reveal more than they were willing. But, it was also important to build a bond with your allies to be, no matter how superficial. Which it usually was, very. "So, you are a mercenary then? Whether you wish to reveal the full extent of your past or not, assuming there is more to reveal, perhaps we could swap war stories some time."

[Devixer]

Wolfgang looked with good suspicion at the crowds who seemed to be excited at this group's arrival. just what was so special about their showing up? He looked at as many of the faces as he could. Relief. Joy. Even a bit of awe. Why? He also looked at everyone's wealth levels. Man, the other Shade members would get euphoria just looking at them. Wolfgang was feeling a little stirred as well. So much wealth for him to grab for himself. And from the appearances of all the buildings and their heights, many places to both run to and hide in.

What took a good amount of his attention now, though, was this Trask. Mainly, in the bandage over his eye. He needed help, and it didn't seem that anyone was able to provide it. Wolfgang, though, could. "Trask, correct? How recent is that wound of yours?"

[Levyathyn]

Wolfgang

Momentarily taken aback, Trask shrugs. "Why...two days ago, when...when King Valen fell. I was in the castle, fighting off the most recent wave with the others. Why do you ask?" He says.

[Dorizzit]

Marius the Shark

Marius shrugs slightly at Arks nonchalance. "I hope you realize that, whether you speak the truth or not, now that interest in you has been raised, the more you try and pass it off as nothing the more people will want to know the 'truth', whether or not what you've said so far is the extent of it. I'm not saying you're a liar, but whether you speak truth or not, the less you act like it's a big deal, the more likely it will seem like one to inquisitive parties." Of which Marius was one, but he would be more surreptitious if he could. If Ark turned out to be more than he let on, so be it, but Marius wasn't here to find out the past lives of his comrades. Just like any group of mercenaries, there were all sorts of characters. Some admitted the full truth of their pasts, others reveled in what they are and what they were, some keep to themselves in mystery, still others revealed their paths like a deeply regretted confession, people dealt with their pasts differently, and it wasn't usually helpful to try and push someone to reveal more than they were willing.

Ark Tamaeus

Ark chuckles at Marius' words. He doesn't seem particularly perturbed, or even interested in the conversation.

"Perhaps. Perhaps not."

[Devixer]

Wolfgang closed his eyes, mulling the anecdote Trask had just given him. Two days ago... the flesh would've only slightly decayed, especially if it had been bandaged since its inflicting. It could definitely be healed. He doubted that it would even take that long. With this in mind, he said simply, "Take the bandage off. Trust me here."

[Levyathyn]

Wolfgang

Shrugging, Trask nods, mollified. Slowly, he unravels the wound, baring a grimly mangled eye and a deep cut running almost straight up and down. Though bandaged, the wound was quite deep, and blood had seeped into the cloth. "I'm afraid it's rather bad." He says.

[Devixer]

Wolfgang looked at the wound on Trask's eye. It wasn't as bad as he thought it might have been. The wound had been cleaned, at least. And it wasn't even close to the worst wound he had healed. Jeson's arm was at least twice as bad as this. He steadily walked up to Trask, readying his little gift. "Please hold still, it'll make this easier for me." Without any further warning, he placed his hand on Trask's injury and concentrated the now-familiar healing energy into the area. there was no tell-tale aura, it just looked like he was covering the wound. But behind Wolfgang's hand, he was fairly sure that the blood vessels were sealing, the flesh was repairing itself, and the eyeball was regenerating. They might even be able to prevent a scar.

After about two and a half minutes, Wolfgang stopped with this action. He felt even more fatigued now, and was struggling a bit to hold himself up. "Now that's strange."

[Levyathyn]

Wolfgang

Trask rubs the area carefully. "Well, that's much better. Thank you, sir." He says respectfully.

[Dorizzit]

Once everyone is on the lift, Ark will press down on the activator panel with his foot.

[Devixer]

"Uh, don't mention it..." Wolfgang felt very tired all of a sudden. Was it because he tried to completely heal Trask's eye? Strange. That hadn't happened since he first started healing others. Kaye it was the new world and all. Nonetheless, he really felt like he could use some shut-eye right now. He moved in a sluggish pace, and speech was rapidly becoming more and more difficult just because of the fatigue.*

[RJ45]

Amber had wandered off. Not very far - she had merely been enjoying the park. It invoked an important question: was this real? Was this all part of a very vivid dream? As much as she wanted to believe that was true, it was not. She knew - she wouldn't be so conscious of the weight of her body otherwise. She shot a glance over the group of civilians once more. Peasants. With that, her usual emotions returned, and she dragged herself back to the others. There was a semi-king to meet, terms to discuss, and... well, one way or another, she would be exploring this world in finer detail.

The odd man who hadn't explained himself - Wolfgang - was tending to the man with the eye wound. It was a curious thing, but she wasn't about to ask him about it. She figured he wouldn't say anything anyways. With that, she would wait for the trolley - whatever it was. It wasn't an 'elevator', so she assumed they weren't the same contraption.

[MrEdwardNigma]

Kra'Kragk
"Herress touches us all, arcane or not -"the Krodan began, but just then the elevator halted and they were led outside, where Kra'Kragk was rendered speechless. It wasn't so much the odd landscape that perturbed him but the sky. It was night. He was pretty sure it had been late afternoon when he was so violently stolen from his homeworld, and he doubted the elevator trip had taken quite that long, leading to the conclusion that there was some sort of timezone difference. A very unfortunate one, considering he had planned to make his sacrifice before sundown.

As Trask grabbed his hand to shake it and was about to move on to the next person, the Krodan clenched (though not in any hurtful manner) and held on.
"Wait, human. I need directions to the nearest large body of water. This is important. Your trolley can wait, or take me there, whichever is fastest. Is the seaside anywhere near here? Otherwise a lake might do, a river, a sewersystem or even a well? Please, think, this matters to me"

Later on he would compliment the human known as Wolfgang on his healing capabilities, stating that bringing life back to what is dead is a valuable gift indeed, and that he wasn't quite useless despite his human heritage. Now, however, much like a drug addict looking to score, the crab only had one thing on his mind.

[SuperMuldoon]

Cecil Duskgarden

@LevyathynYep, thats pretty much exactly where I pictured him as I got further and further into making the character!

Cecil followed along with the group, looking around at the surroudings. This place had many things that reminded him of home...but here they were on such a different scale. Montrose's tower was the largest building he had ever seen by far...how he wanted to learn the secrets of its construction! Cecil closes his eyes for a moment, feeling the warm breeze wash over his face and takes a deep breath. "Ahhhh...its so clean and fresh here!" he says, feeling slightly rejuvinated from the earlier teleportation ordeal.

Cecil almosted walked into Wolfgang when the group was stopped by a rather large warrior man named Trask. After introductions, Cecil was going to ask about the wound but Wolfgang had beaten him to it. Cecil stood close by and watched the man heal Trask's wound simply by touching him. "Amazing!" Cecil exclaimed when the procedure was finished. "But it seems to have taken a lot out of you!" he says, as he reaches to steady the wobbly Wolfgang. "I did not realize that you had such powerful healing arts! I am a doctor myself, actually...though my methods are slightly more mundane. I would have had to either find a suitable replacement eye, or grow a brand new one to replace it...and you did what takes months or years of work in mere minutes!" Cecil reaches into his coat and pulls out a vial and a few ingredients. Mixing them together, he creates a liquid that is slightly green in color. "Here, drink this, it should help the dizziness until you can get a good nights rest...which honestly the way things are going, we may not be able to enjoy for a little while." Cecil says, offering the vial to Wolfgang.

[Bryn]

Autumn
Autumn is staring at her painting. Rather than being a detailed portrayal of all the wonders surrounding her as intended, it was an indecipherable smudge. Bemused, she destroys the paper and follows everyone else.

[Averagedog]

Wendell

Wendell gets on the elevator last, and was generally satisfied with Ark's response. Some people, like the way he was when he first learned he was a Were-Tiger, like to keep all their secrets wrapped up in several layers of intrigue for a variety of reasons. Wendell could respect that as long as the secret wasn't something that could kill one at any moment. Wendell went to the elevator mechanism and pressed the down button after waiting for everyone that needed to enter get in.

As the Elevator started to lower slowly, Wendell yawned cavernously, reached for a special pouch from his pack where he produced a carving knife and a block of wood, then started carving quickly and efficiently.

[Devixer]

Wolfgang inexplicably felt someone supporting his unsteady weight, and heard someone - Cecil, he thought the man was called- praising his abilities. He groaned. Back home, a lot of people had called his aptitude at healing others a "miracle." He had quickly gotten annoyed with this adoration. He was born with this ability, and had repeatedly gotten confused when someone showered praise on him after being healed. That's why this Trask was somebody to be respected. Nothing more than thanks. Perhaps this kind of thing was routine in this world.

Cecil then forced some sort of container in his hand. It had a green liquid, which put Wolfgang off a little bit. What if this "doctor" wanted to poison him? But then again, they had just met. What kind of motive would he have to try and kill the thief? Eventually, he decided to just down the contents. Instantly, he felt like he could steady himself, walk, and maybe talk coherently. "That's... that's just it. A wound that... small? Usually I can get it done in a few seconds. And it's not so... so... so draining." Wolfgang found himself really wishing to find a good bed soon.

[Bryn]

Autumn
Autumn approaches them, just in time to catch Wolfgang's words. She opens her mouth to speak and, somehow, stumbles forwards, narrowly missing them with her outermost branches. "I'm sorry!" she says, completely confused.

[Levyathyn]

Outside

"Incredible..." Trask mutters, feeling the scar tissue. His eyes was fine, but his face would never be the same. Fortunately, scars are an easier burden to bear than blindness. Shaking his head in wonder, he approaches the nearest light post when pounced on once more by Kra'Kragk.


"Wait, human. I need directions to the nearest large body of water. This is important. Your trolley can wait, or take me there, whichever is fastest. Is the seaside anywhere near here? Otherwise a lake might do, a river, a sewersystem or even a well? Please, think, this matters to me."

Surprised, Trask can only kind of stumble over words for a moment. "Oh, um...nearest waterway? Of any kind?" He asks. "Well, we've got the Lahna River near here. It runs through the whole city. Otherwise, we've got a full sewer system, dozens of ponds right here in the park. Or you can take a quick ride to the coastline. Pick your pleasure, and I'll get you there." He says. "Of course, the King wants to meet you all, but you are from another world, I'm sure he'll understand."

Meanwhile, the crowd of citizens grows more and more excited. A woman pushes through the line then adjusts her blue dress. She dusts herself off and straightens her beautiful blonde hair before approaching the nearest person, Cecil. "Hello." She says, all smiles. "My name is Jillian Aur-Gelad, and I work for the city. Would you mind answering some questions?" She asks, her notepad hanging open and ready to use.

Elevator

Once all of you are on-board, Ark presses the steel button with a foot. The young man, understandably torn, glances at Montrose. Montrose shrugs and tilts his head to the elevator, and the youth excitedly joins you just as it drops below the lip of the floor. Sir Gilmore anxiously wipes the blade of his sword using the tail edge of his tunic before sheathing the fine weapon. His armor is bright and clean. His chestplate, worn over simple clothes. His shield is unadorned, his brown hair short but unhelmeted. A blue cape hangs from his shoulders.

Once you reach the bottom, and the door opens, you are greeted by a lobby.


After a surprisingly lengthy trip, the elevator emerges into what appears to be a lobby. The furnishings are comfortable, designed for long waits before appointments, and a pair of large wooden doors taper to a point at the top. Two guards stand at the door, and both look rather surprised themselves. A few windows look out into the city, though they are quite small. One of the guardssteps forwards. "Uhm, hello. I wasn't expecting so many visitors. Follow me, I'll take you to Sergeant Trask. The group follows him as he knocks four times on the door. It swings open with speed, for such a large door. Outside, you step into a brilliantly lit park. Dark, even grass grows around perfectly layed cobblestones arranged in organically curving paths; The one leading away from the tower passes between two imposing, wrought iron fences, one on either side. A press of around twenty guards is present, most of them standing in front of a small crowd of slightly awed civilians. Behind them, the park stretches further away, a weaving pathway broken up by the appearanc of manicured trees, small ponds, quaint stone bridges, and numerous steel lamp-posts fitted with electric lights. It's almost like a paradise.

As the warm, evening air blows past, you gaze around you; Overhead, a small, white, brilliant full moon stares back; Some of you may find this moon familiar. Behind it, higher in the night sky, a rust-red half-moon hangs as well. The cityscape is visible all around the park; Towers taller than you can imagine, stretching off farther than you would believe. Shorter buildings are visible between some of the taller ones, and each is somehow adorned with sculptures on the corners. Behind you, Montrose's tower itself is taller than almost any building you've seen, coming in at around eighteen stories. Warm lights decorate it's surface, the round shell of the building is sculpted in a serpentine coil pattern all the way to the top.

You emerge into this scene, with the nearby crowd cheering as a couple dozen guards hold them back. Trask converses nearby with Kra'Kragk. His plate is unfamiliar in design; Thin metal armor seems to be bolted in place between two layers of specially prepared wood. The whole thing is colored a mixture of red and grey, in the manner of a uniform, and a small cache of insignia and ribbons hangs over his heart. His sword is sheathed on his back; The large blade is a straight-edged triangle, tapering to a sharp point rounded at the tip for structural integrity. Instead of a standard hilt, the blade is mounted on a pair of horizontal rings over a lengthy grip. Some mysterious and lovely lady is busy writing words down at Cecil. The crowd notices all of you, and as a result, they get louder. They look at you with hope in their eyes, and the feeling is rather overpowering.

OOC -
Sorry to use a repeat, but I know you read it at the time and it's quite a lot to re-type.

[Crafty Cultist]

Arazoc

Arazoc places his hands together and bows slightly to the assembled crowd. He then moves to speak with the nearest unoccupied guard

"Excuse me. I have heard the basics of the conflict we were brought here to stop, but I wish to learn more. Could you direct me to the king? Or if he is busy, to a place where these creatures were fought?"

[Levyathyn]

All

The guard turns to Arazoc and bows. "Yes sir. Sorry for the delay." He says promptly, then he walks to the light post near the front of the gated tower and presses a button on it. The light post changes from a bright white light to a burnt orange color instantly. From nearby, the sound of a clang calls out, as if in response.

[Dorizzit]

Ark Tamaeus

Ark grins and bows theatrically to the cheering crowd, sweeping his cloak out behind him so that it waves dramatically. He realizes that they remind him a bit of the glory days. The realization sobers him, and he once again becomes withdrawn, standing straighter and his face going into his unreadable half-smile. He goes to stand near Arazoc, having heard his request to the guard.

[SuperMuldoon]

Cecil Duskgarden



"Hello." She says, all smiles. "My name is Jillian Aur-Gelad, and I work for the city. Would you mind answering some questions?"


Cecil is caught slightly by surprise by the woman. He tips his hat in greeting. "Cecil Duskgarden, at your service. I would be happy to answer your questions...though I fear that newly arrived as I am, I may have more questions myself than answers."

[Lord_Asmodeus]

Marius the Shark

Marius begins to follow the others. He was looking forward to see the King, so they could work out the terms of his employ. Though he did not trust the ability to carry a great amount of loot and to safely transport it hither and yon, he would have taken a contract for a chance at such vast wealth, although dubiously. However, he would not let that stop him perhaps cutting a better deal. He would argue for the best mercenary contract he could get, as it always wiser to aim for a higher price than that which you will willingly accept. Most merchants, tradesmen, and mercenaries knew this, as many that deal with such transactions are, or else they would be poor, or out of business.

As for the crowd, Marius is used to attentive crowds both as a positive and negative sign. This one was little different. Another nation whose best hope lay in the mercenaries they could acquire to help defend them from an implacable, and often far more powerful foe.

[Averagedog]

Wendell
Wendell finished carving his chunk of wood into the rough shape of a lion's head and shoulders when the second group nearly reached the bottom. He hurriedly put his carving and his carving knife in their respective containers and picked up the wood shavings in his hands and promptly ate them, coughing a little as they went down his throat hard.

He followed the rest out to the roaring crowds, which sounded like thousands of cymbals and rolling waves crashing all at once to him constantly because of his sensitive hearing and tried to smile and play the part of a beleaguered people's savior. Inside his mind was roiling with trepidation and a little fear. Surely they, the mercenaries couldn't be the most powerful hope for these people? On his world, Wendell was only a minor adventurer of repute, not even heard of outside of his region, only the people of equally small and unheard of towns and villages called for his aid and his activities in small baronies only made widespread news because of the connections those barons had outside of their lands.

At that moment, Wendell felt sick once again as the sudden realization that the entire nation depended on him and the people he just saw in that tower alone for their salvation.

[MrEdwardNigma]

Outside
Shaking his head in wonder, he approaches the nearest light post when pounced on once more by Kra'Kragk.

Surprised, Trask can only kind of stumble over words for a moment. "Oh, um...nearest waterway? Of any kind?" He asks. "Well, we've got the Lahna River near here. It runs through the whole city. Otherwise, we've got a full sewer system, dozens of ponds right here in the park. Or you can take a quick ride to the coastline. Pick your pleasure, and I'll get you there." He says. "Of course, the King wants to meet you all, but you are from another world, I'm sure he'll understand."
Kra'Kragk thought about this for a moment.
"I suppose the river will do for now, though I would like to visit your coast at a later date. Show me the way"

The crab was anxious to complete his sacrifice. The last time he was late it was during a human raid on the Krodan settlement. The raid went rather poorly and resulted in the loss of some good friends of Kra'Kragk, as well as some of the humans getting away. He later found some of them while wandering the countryside. They did not get off well. He now felt all guilty parties besides himself had been punished for the drama.

[Levyathyn]

Kra'Kragk

"Well," Trask says, "it appears the trolley is on it's way. We'll ride with the others; The castle is on the way to the river. Afterwards, it'll be just a short trip, sir." He says, smiling. "Ah, and here it comes now."

All

With another clang, a large trolley rolls up, slowing as it reaches the crowd. Calmer now, the crowd of enthusiastic civilians parts to allow it past. The machine rolls forward under some kind of power; It's a long cart, made mostly of metal and lacquered wooden planks. The wheels, two on each side in both the front and the back, turn independently as it curves in front of the tower's gates. It seems to follow a line of metal buried partially into the cobblestone walkway; This trail doesn't penetrate every section of the wooded park, but it does go through the main areas and, as far as anyone can tell, the rest of the city. The open-air trolley is covered with a stylishly built wooden roof, with arched windows at every row of seats. The seats themselves appear comfortable, with two to a row on either side of a middle waylkway; There are around sixteen rows. At the very back of the trolley, a man stands in a wooden booth operating the machinery behind this contraption. Though there are some civilians riding the trolley, they all start to murmur quietly when they pull in front of the tower. At the sight of the gathered heroes, they all disembark as one, leaving it mostly empty.

"All right," Trask says as he steps to the front of the lot of you. "Everyone please step on-board, and we'll set off for the castle straightaway." That said, he bows and motions for the rest of you to get on first.

[Bryn]

Autumn
Autumn squeezes her branches together and just about manages to fit under the roof. As she moves down its length, her branches rattle off the roof, tearing away leaves which leave a trail on the floor. When she reaches the wooden booth, she stops, and sweeps the leaves off the trolley. They seem to be moving more slowly than she'd expect. She puts more of her branches into the effort.

When this is done, she turns to the trolley driver. "Please, tell me about this trolley. How does it work?"

[RJ45]

Amber steps inside the trolley - at first, she is careful. Not knowing the nature of such devices, it wouldn't be surprising if she broke it by merely stepping on it. Alas, it holds her weight, and with that she makes her way to the very front of the trolley. With any luck, she could see even more of the amazing world around her. Finding her own seat, she gave the slightest of attention to the tree and others - why were they so interested in the details of this world? Couldn't they just enjoy what was before them?

Even at her seat, Amber wouldn't sit. She would stand as close to the windows as possible, at least until it started moving. This was supposed to be faster than walking - but how much faster? She would take the trolley the first time to experience it - the times after that, she would definitely walk.

[Averagedog]

Wendell

Trask's command to get onto the Trolley snapped Wendell out of his funk and he readily complied after a few of his future compatriots walked in first. He assisted Autumn in removing fallen leaves from the trolley before finding a seat and staring curiously around the confines of the vehicle. He assumed this device traveled by using magic of some sort, but he couldn't fathom how it got the wheels to move at a synchronized and constant pace, so he gave up and was happy to take a little catnap during the ride.

[Crafty Cultist]

Arazoc

Arazoc stepped onto the trolley without hesitation. It was different from any other trasport he had ever seen, but he didn't bother pondering its mechanisms. There were more important matters to attend to, so the fact that it would take them to their location was sufficient infomation for now. he took a seat and focused his attention on Ark. His aura was different from a normal human, but still human nonetheless. Whatever could he be?

[Lord_Asmodeus]

Marius the Shark

Marius watched as the trolley came. He was silently impressed by the city and it's many wonders, he had seen a great many wondrous things, but he had not often seen such things, especially in the cities of humans and other "mortal" peoples. The vast cities of the magi were in many ways greater, but they were some of the greatest wonders of his world, constantly maintained by powerful sorcerers of all kinds, this was just another city on this world, even if a large one. Boarding the trolley, he wondered if he could perhaps bring back some of this worlds technology as part of his pay. A great many would pay a high price for access to some of the technology here, even such things as the elevators and this trolley.

[Dorizzit]

Ark Tamaeus

Ark looks with unveiled interest at the trolley as it arrives. This world was much different from his own, at least technologically. He waits for a few others to get on first, making sure there isn't anything special he will have to do on it. After being satisfied that it has no hidden features, he saunters over and hops on, then strides to one of the back seats and sits down.

[Devixer]

Wolfgang

Wolfgang stumbled onto the trolley after a few others. He wasn't really paying attention to the nice appearances of the vehicle or the sights of the surrounding world, as he was still very fatigued, even with the concoction Cecil had given him. At least he could walk unassissted, he supposed. He found the nearest completely open row that wasn't ignored by his tunnel vision, and crashed down into both the seats, stretching out. He looked up for a second and saw that... rock-woman whose name eluded him at the moment. Nonetheless, he mentally groaned. Had he walked that far? Now she'd probably yell at him for being near her or something. And he'd just lay there, too tired to retaliate.

[RJ45]

She was busy staring out into the distant city. Some of the others were simply done being interested in it - Amber was not. Of course, she was more than aware of the... corpse behind her. The person collapsed upon her seat. How dare he do such a thing! Turning to face him, she would stare down at him. The stare he would recieve was not one containing threats or anger - but rather, position. For the briefest of moments, she would savor in those thoughts before shrugging and moving over to the adjacent seats. He collapsed upon those seats as if he was dying - Amber slouched comfortably over her own two seats, one arm folded over another. The proximity of her magma-filled arm and her seemingly human flesh arm has absolutely no effect; she must be resistant in one sense or another.

"It sure does take a lot of out of you to do absolutely nothing." she casually mentioned.

[Devixer]

Wolfgang

Wolfgang was somewhat surprised at the lack of death threats coming from this girl. He was glad that he wasn't about to be burned to a crisp. But, the insult was not so great. It wasn't nothing that he did. Did this woman know how many lives he had saved? For this purpose he decided to omit that he had later stolen their money. He wanted to come up with one of his stingers. He wanted to show this person that he was not so fragile as she might think. But, he was barely able to speak, so he decided to just tell the truth. "It... isn't usually this... bad." Which was an exaggeration. He hadn't been this exhausted from eye wounds in eight years.

[RJ45]

She could tell he was in pain. Of course, there was nothing she could do about it. Not that she would. It was odd - she had felt her own similar effects, although nothing on such a terrible level. Not yet. Of course, Amber believed herself to be tougher than any on board the trolley, so she would act as if nothing was out of the ordinary. In either case, this offered her an interesting opportunity to gain information.

"In either case, you seem hurt, so we're going to play a little game. Tell me about yourself, with a little bit more detail than your name." It wasn't a request, it was a demand. Fitting, considering who he was talking to. In the night environment, with the open trolley blowing in cold air, her arm had a brighter red glow to it. To her it was cold, but like the countless days before today, she endured it.

[MrEdwardNigma]

Kra'Kragk

"Very well, I will join the rest of the group until the castle, and will depart from them there. My presence with your lord is not needed, as I have nothing to discuss with him. I accept the job on any terms, as long as my return home is included, but you have already sworn that it was, so I need no king to confirm this. Any orders he wishes to be briefed to me he can relay through the others. I'm sure I'll find someone willing to make some notes"

With this, the crab mounted the trolley and took up a seat next to Marius after some quiet deliberation during which he unconsciously blocked the entrance of the trolley with his hulking form. The crustacean had some trouble fitting into the seats, but finally managed to make himself somewhat comfortable by unstrapping most of his cages from his body and placing his sword across his lap.

"You are a warrior of sorts" he said to Marius, "and, from what I can tell, an efficient one. I was wondering if you could do me a small favour. You wish to discuss payment with our host, so you will definitely be making the trip to the castle. However, I have other business to attend to, so I was wondering if you could ask the king what exactly he wishes from me? Tell him my services are free but I do not expect to be treated like a servant"

[Lord_Asmodeus]

Marius the Shark

As Marius entered, he stood holding onto something if he could, and sat if the option was not available. As everyone entered, he heard Kra'Kragk address him. When he had finished speaking Marius nodded. "I will ask him for you while you are indisposed. Is there anything specific you wished to ask him, or just the basics?"

[SuperMuldoon]

Cecil Duskgarden

Cecil turns from the woman briefly and watches the trolley pull up. "Ah, another wonder of this world of yours has arrived! So much more refined and elegant then the ones back home." he exclaims, and watches as his fellow adventurers begin to board the vehicle. Turning back to Jillian, "I believe I am required to ride on this fantastic device, shall we continue the interview on board, Ms. Aur-Gelad?" he says, motioning to the trolley.

[Devixer]

Wolfgang

Ah, there were the death threats. As if she expected his life story. Well, nothing doing. He wasn't so foolish as to give away all his secrets. Let everyone else do that. "Worst game... I've ever played." He had no intention of giving in to demands. He'd been tortured before by people much more intimidating than someone with a glowing arm. But, she seemed impulsive, so he'd just give the very basics. "Wolfgang. Healer. Do I win?" he asked, taking a breath between each phrase.

[Averagedog]

Wendell

Wendell suppressed a snigger at Wolfgang's response to Amber's demand as he unsuccessfully tried to keep the outward appearance of one that was probably sleeping. The snigger turned into outright laughter as he gripped his sides and leaned forwards ending in some hacking coughs. Even when he managed to suppress his laughter, his sides still shook and tears streamed from his eyes.

"That was *hehe* unexpected" He said wiping away the tears.

[RJ45]

Amber briefly turned to look at Wendell. "Cats aren't supposed to laugh." she smirked. Amber wasn't offended - it was all in good fun. Wolfgang's answer doesn't rouse her out of her seat. "Nope. Try again." Whereas she was prepared to fight the larger crustacean to the death, right now it seemed moreso that she was attempting to be social. It was unlikely that she would break his legs or body because he had a secretive personality. "It's irritating to be forced to spend time with someone that you only know as a face. We're stuck together - for the first week, at least."

[Levyathyn]

All

Nios stands to the side and patiently allows all to pass him, offering a brief, polite nod as each individual passes. Sir Gilmore roughly shoulders past the mage as he boards, picks a spot near the front, and takes his seat. Nios ignores the affront, then extends his hand to politely offer Jillian help as she boards, a move that makes her blush. She then takes a seat next to Cecil and begins her questions. "Would you mind providing your name, sir? And perhaps where you hail from?" She asks.

The kobold, Boddypen, along with Sergeant Trask, come last, with the kobold ignoring Nios' offer of help as he slips to his seat near the middle. Nios then steps on himself and casually walks over to Trask. "There is one more in the tower, but he is still in conversation with Mister Montrose." He says. Trask nods, then steps to the rear of the trolley. "To the castle, please." He asks. As the trolley sets off, the crowd cheers louder than ever, making the inside of the moving craft inaudible for a moment. Finally, the trolley pulls out into the park proper. Trask takes a seat near Kra'Kragk and turns to the crab man. "Contrary to what you were saying earlier, you are to be treated like heroes. The king understands what he has ordered; He knows you will have been ripped from your homes and your lives, and he would not have made the call unless it was absolutely necessary. And I believe that he will find you an interesting person. I'm not going to order you to meet with him, and nor will he, I believe; But if you took him up on the offer sometime, I'm sure he would enjoy meeting with you." He says.

Nios takes a seat near Amber. "I beg your forgiveness, but does always burning cause you physical pain, miss?" He asks, bowing deeply before he takes his seat. Ark realizes that the young, dirty-looking teen that somehow came with the whole group is seated next to him. The boy was quick; Probably a thief. Ark hadn't noticed him much, or even discovered his name. Then again, it didn't seem as if anyone had. His eyes are wide with wonder. "That's a cool sword, mister." He says.

-----

All around the trolley, the park flourishes and fades. The vehicle moves at a healthy clip; It seems to be set for cruise. The driver hints that faster speeds might be possible, for guests of the king, but Trask waves him off. "Let them enjoy this one ride, if you would." He says, smiling. The trolley turns right, following some unknown path, as it passes another somewhat large tower. Sticking out of the top of the building, like some kind of accident, a large tube is angled towards the stars. "That's the Royal Observatory. From there, citizens can look out to see the stars up close." After another few minutes of peaceful riding, the trolley slips out of the park and into the city proper. The wonders keep coming; The streets underfoot are paved with concrete and lined with dark, cobblestone sidewalks. Every street corner is lit, and the glittering storefronts display their wares through glass windows. The buildings are packed together, with minimal space wasted. Occasionally, the odd tall building will jut out from the ground; In the distance, more can easily be seen.

In and out of the alleys, over the streets and walkways of Davenir, hundreds of people walk. Each throws an odd look at the trolley; News of your arrival seems to have spread to many of them, as they take up the communal cheer. Every street also boasts guards, resplendant in their armor, their short, wide-bladed swords at their sides. The swords, too, are unique; Each is almost a pure rectangle, with a blade that flares out from the hilt to stop with a flat edge at the top of the blade. The air is one of quiet peace, not of a land on the cusp of survival and extinction.

As you near the impressive castle, you each realie the size of the city; To be this large and populated, this must be a city of thousands, if not tens of thousands. When Sir Gilmore asks Trask just that question, the answer is even more unexpected. "This is Davenir, the city of a million souls. Of course," he adds with a chuckle, "that was a few years ago." Ahead, the castle grows, white stone smoothly locking white stone to rise up like the gravemarker of some long lost god. Past the white, well looked-after wall, a giant plot of white steps leads up to large doors. "It was built long before the artificers came to our land, but luckily, they've made some improvements in that time. If it wasn't the mages coming back after all this time, Castle Stormfront would still be standing, unbroken."

[RJ45]

Amber sat upright, not to be polite and offer him a seat, but because her relaxed position didn't allow her to view to her hearts content. The marvelous scenery never stopped. Nios interrupted her reverie as she stared on. "No, but it causes -others- physical pain. Why? Has your overly-inquisitive nature caused -yourself- any pain recently?" Through a few subtle movements, she threatened him with that flaming mass of stone - nay, this was her ordinary way of communicating. She listened on to Trask. Having a minor explanation for this answered a few of the thousand questions she had. "A close look? Can they touch or summon the stars?" She had heard many different explanations of what stars were. Some said dreams, others said heroes or legends - but nobody ever came this close to them before.

Gigantic. This place definitely exceeded the width and height of any castle before it. At least this castle reminded her somewhat of home. "Pff. They're just mages. Behind their dancing, finger-waving and jibberish, there's nothing but soft meat. I don't see how they could have done so much damage." She was almost dismissing it entirely, as if the blame lied within the city itself rather than their attackers. Even looking at the guards with their odd swords, Amber initially came to the conclusion that the weapons they have here could be much worse than the ones on her homeland.

The peace was unsettling. For a 'war torn country' the people lacked that suspenseful fear that civilians should carry in such a stance. Curiosity. It was beginning to bother her just how much was actually within this city - at first, it amazed her, but now she is hit with the realization that she couldn't explore this entire city within a weeks time. She began to question things - perhaps she was being lied to? By Montrose?

Meanwhile, as the trolley started moving, she only felt colder.

[Levyathyn]

Amber

Nios nods politely. "Actually, it has. Nonetheless, I ask because...because I could have helped. Never mind, forget I said anything." He says, before turning back around.

At your question, Trask shakes his head. "Such is beyond my knowledge. From what I hear, stars are just like the sun, just much farther away."

At your cold statement, Trask eyes your stone arm once more. "If you ask me, you know all about the damage mages can do." He says.

[RJ45]

Amber shrugged. She didn't seem to care too much about it. Besides, her... 'blessing' was not done by one that would be called a mage. A devil. That wasn't for them to know, however, and she would keep herself quiet to spectate and learn a bit more. Fortunately, the device they were riding, just as she had pictured, was slow and inferior. Wagons driven by horses would have moved faster, she thought.

She found herself between various mixed emotions. This world was proving itself to be both greater and lesser than hers in different aspects.

[Averagedog]

Wendell

Wendell stared in complete awe at the scenery, Cecil's comeback quite forgotten. He moved next to the window and marveled at the secure structure of the buildings and the infrastructure of the roads and parks and everything else that passed by. He realized that he was in a place much grander than any place he has ever been on his continent and at that moment, this city seemed to outshine anything he has heard of the most splendorous city of his land.

[Devixer]

Wolfgang


Wolfgang was glad that Amber was finally distracted from this little "game." He looked out the window, finding much to his practical tastes. Sure, it was beautiful and expansive, but more importantly, it was crowded. Very easy to hide in one of the crowds. What interested him more was that tower. It appeared climbable. Easy to get away from guards there. But, not until he slept. And he was feeling somewhat charitable. He looked at Amber and said, "Tell you what. When I'm... less tired, I'll... answer some of your questions." Not all, but some.

[Crafty Cultist]

Arazoc

Arazoc watched the others without comment. He frowned slightly at Amber's dismissal of the mages craft, but decides that commenting on it would pointless. Anyone who found the idea of their soul burning to nothing was clearly not much for rationality

[Lord_Asmodeus]

Marius the Shark

Marius listened as Amber questioned Trask, and heard her dismissal of wizards. To not fear wizards was one thing, but one had to respect their power. "I don't know how it is in your world, but where I come from wizards and sorcerers are nothing to scoff at. Even the most untrained wields powers capable of summoning powerful energies and fearsome beasts, and as their knowledge and power grows they gain the ability to warp reality itself. A mercenary acquaintance of mine, a War Wizard, described magic to me like this. Magic is itself an essentially limitless pool of energy, which spellcasters of all kinds can tap into, and using spells they've learned or created to control and shape that power they act as living conduits to effect the world in ways beyond the simply physical or technological. A creature without wings and the strength to use them cannot fly, by nature, but with magic many wizards can. A man can create fire with skill and tools, and with some application can turn a forest, a field or a city into a blaze, but a wizard with sufficient talent and knowledge can create a raging inferno in an instant. I don't know how it works in this world, but magic is a powerful force, to be respected if not feared. And one lesson all too many have learned too late is that a wizard who feels he is in immediate danger, will not likely remain a soft squishy target for long."

[Dorizzit]

Ark realizes that the young, dirty-looking teen that somehow came with the whole group is seated next to him. The boy was quick; Probably a thief. Ark hadn't noticed him much, or even discovered his name. Then again, it didn't seem as if anyone had. His eyes are wide with wonder. "That's a cool sword, mister." He says.

Ark Tamaeus

He's fast, and good at avoiding notice. Scout? Messenger? No, probably not. He doesn't carry himself like a soldier and certainly isn't equipped like one. There is a possibility of him being a messenger, but again, his appearance, age, and possessions don't indicate that. Still, both are possibilities, despite the evidence against them. Most likely, he's a thief. But he's also a kid. Why is he talking to me? Is his statement earnest? Is he trying to size me up as a mark, maybe wanting to steal Conviction? Are his thief instincts overpowered by the wonder of being transported to a new world? Does he even have "thief instincts?"

All of these thoughts run through Ark's mind in an instant, and he weighs a large number of possible responses in his mind. He shifts a bit in his seat to better face the boy, but remains silent for several seconds as his analysis continues, inscrutable eyes sizing the boy up while his half-smile conceals the serious nature of his thoughts. Coming to a decision, he responds.

"Thank you. It is a treasured possession of mine."

He pauses for a second before continuing.

"What's your name, kid?"

[RJ45]

"I know what magic is. I'm not going to be afraid of it just because of the things it can do that aren't ordinary wounds. Plenty of people are afraid of magic - and they probably should be. Not I. What are they going to do? Burn me? Turn me to stone? I'm no more afraid of a magician than someone with a bow or javelin. If a sorcerer stands in my way, he is dead. Otherwise, he is Montrose - for now, at least." She gestured around her - to all of the buildings, electonics, devices, and other items one could only imagine in a form of paradise. "Apparently, without magic in this world, it thrived long enough to create things far grander than I've ever seen. You know, maybe every world would be better without people reading books on how they can distort reality, invoke the destruction of their own world, bring back the dead, and whatnot."

It would prove a challenge to find anything she was afraid of. "If you're afraid of some silly finger-wavers, you should rest for a week, because we're going to be doing nothing but killing magical constructs and magicians for the short while we're together."

[Lord_Asmodeus]

Marius the Shark

Marius merely shrugged, his expression unchanging. "Do as you will. Have no worry, when your mindless bravado gets your internal organs turned to melted paste, I'll make sure to chuck your lifeless corpse the rest of the way. For old times sake."

After a moment he speaks again. "I'll admit this place is indeed impressive, although I doubt with those like the Artificers about there was NO magic involved, but think about this. If this world is so powerful and so advanced without magics, imagine the 'finger wavers' that could bring ruination upon it after countless years imprisoned."

[Bryn]

Autumn
Hearing no answer from the trolley operator, who probably can't even hear her, Autumn moves down the row of seats just in time to catch Amber's questioning of the royal observatory. She decides to ignore the remark on wizards.

"Amber, I know a little about how the observatory probably works. I once had a similar device."

Autumn opens the hole in her trunk and flies her magnifying lens out. It seems heavier than usual. A momentary look of confusion crosses her face.

"We use a device like this, although a telescope that big would certainly use mirrors instead."

Autumn tries to determine if Amber looks even remotely interested in her introduction to optics. Since becoming a tree, human body language has become rather difficult to read, although tree communication has turned out to be rather more complex than she thought when she was a human.

[SuperMuldoon]

All"Would you mind providing your name, sir? And perhaps where you hail from?"

"Cecil Duskgarden, at your service. As for where I hail from, I'm a bit of a traveller, though this is quite the biggest trip I've been on so far!" he says, taking a moment to look around at the sights as the trolley passes them. "I spent most of my life in the capital city of my world, Lindhaven, the center of culture and knowledge. A bit like your city here actually, though not on quite the same scale and advancement. When I was brought to your world, I was in Genoa, a typical city, dark and grimy compared to here."

[MrEdwardNigma]

Kra'Kragk
Kra'Kragk was getting annoyed with the sluggish pace of the trolley. Normally he could endure long peroids of waiting without any issue, and he certainly was willing to endure for his people, but when it came to his daily sacrifices, he felt no time was to be wasted. In addition to this, there was no point to this ride. They were making a grand tour of the city as if they were visiting to admire it, tourists. Kra'Kragk felt that in times of war there certainly was no time for the scenic route.

In addition to this his people weren't exactly bred to appreciate the esthetics of anything. They enjoyed a landscape of rocks and waves, and certainly, there was some beauty to be found in a sunset over the wild sea, but he wasn't trained to understand culture. Beyond the fact that the towers were higher than any Krodan could stack some rocks and that their devices were mildly convenient the entire experience of the human city was lost on Kra'Kragk. He tapped his foot impatiently. This was when the operator mentioned the contraption being able to move faster and Trask gave the man a solid no.

"I believe there are more important things at hand than enjoying the scenery, human" Kra'Kragk spoke, instantly losing a dose of respect for the soldier, "A mission briefing seems vital right now, and many of us could use some rest before heading into battle, as well as perhaps time to equip ourselves. Personally, I have an even more urgent errand to run, as you well know, and I feel that making us wait to brag about your city is inconsiderate. Driver, please make this thing go faster!"

He turned to the other passengers, some of which seemed to be enjoying the tour while others were filling the time with idle chatter.
"I apologise I must cut this tour short, but I'm sure you understand we're not here for fun. We can take a look at the city later, tonight we should simply get briefed and then get some rest. If any of you wish to trade in sleep for a stroll through town that's fine by me, but right now we should move on"

[Levyathyn]

All

Trask nods to Kra'Kragk, though he does seem disappointed for some reason. "Very well, but I assure you, I had no such intent. I merely wished for you to see the city and it's inhabitants; I thought seeing what you were to help save would be nice." He says with a shrug. "Driver, pick it up. Let's get there quickly."

Trask notices Autumn's magnifying glass and nods. "Very astute; Yes, the observatory uses mirrors and angled lenses in combination. With it, one can see past the heavens and into the sky itself. I remember going there as a child, and first seeing the spinning bodies of star clusters and what our men call nebulas. It was life-changing." He says. The driver finishes with his gear-switching somewhere in the control box. With the tilt of a handle, the trolley suddenly kicks forward, more than doubling in speed. He edges the level slightly forward again, with a nod from Trask, and the scenery rushes by. Up ahead, the castle looms closer and closer.

"I believe you asked how these things work?" Trask says to Autumn. "These trollies are powered by their connection with the single metal rail embedded in the street. Their wheels are designed to roll and turn in concert to stay at set speeds and maintain contact. It's all artifact magic, like most everything here." He says. "In fact," he adds, indicating Amber, "your friend is right. None of this would have been possible without the artificers. They're more than magicians, in fact; Each is an engineer, an inventor, a craftsman...they're our legacy." He says with a little sadness. "Well, they were."

Cecil, intrigued at the conversation, misses Jillian's second question. She repeats it patiently after tapping him on the shoulder. "So is it true, will you save the city?" She asks.

The kid seems shy, and avoids the question Ark asks. "I've never seen a sword like that, mister. Do you think...do you think it's a holy weapon?" He asks.

Sir Gilmore reluctantly finds someone to talk to. He turns in his seat and finds Marius. "So, you seem very battle proven. Have you ever fought anything like these...creatures before?" He asks.

[Dorizzit]

The kid seems shy, and avoids the question Ark asks. "I've never seen a sword like that, mister. Do you think...do you think it's a holy weapon?" He asks.

Ark Tamaeus

So, he doesn't want to talk about himself. Suspicious? Or is he just shy? Pushing probably won't help. Likely he just needs to get more comfortable. Fine.

Ark shakes his head gently.

"I was present at its forging, and I have carried it since that day. It is simply a sword. A magnificent one, to be sure, but it has no religious significance."

[Averagedog]

Wendell

Wendell was getting spent the next couple minutes listening to the conversations around him Interested especially in what he learned from the words Trask spoke. He waited until Trask seemed to be finished with talking with autumn before squeezing his way past autumn to reach him.

"We are a rather odd bunch obviously, but in the history of your land, have creatures and some would say monsters like us existed? If so, what happened to them? Were they all wiped out in the coming of the most recent threat to this region?"

[SuperMuldoon]

Cecil Duskgarden


"So is it true, will you save the city?"

Cecil looks back at her, and hearing her question he gets a serious look on his face. "We were all summoned here for that task...and in order for us to return to our own worlds, we must succeed. We will save your city." he says, no longer distracted by the passing sights.

[RJ45]

"Why would you use mirrors to looks at something? It would be better to look at it directly." she notified Autumn. She stared at Autumn, not particularly caring for the magnifying glass sorcery - rather, she was paying attention because she was a tree. When a tree talks to you, there are only two things to do: listen, or seek a cleric. Amber had made her choice. Klask notified her that she was wrong. Rather than refute it, "Seems you're really asking to be destroyed when your adversary apparently built your entire city - - I wouldn't doubt that they have maps of every corner and crevice of this city, then."

The trolley began to move faster. Twice as fast. Good! Maybe like this, it could compete with something more traditional. She briefly reanalyzed the scenery to see if the change in speed made anything look different - nothing out of the usual. Turning to Marius, she had finally thought of a good enough retort. "Also, anot-"

Before she could finish her sentence, there was a hard thump against the trolley. Amber had fallen out of her seat - the thing that was most unsettling was not that fact, but the sounds that came from her. Groaning. Loud, painful groaning. The palm of her stone arm was pressed against the floor of the trolley as she wobbled about on her knee, trying to stand. Her arm grew brighter. Bright enough to be its own light source for the trolley. The painful groaning turned into one of anger as that heavy arm began to swell. It was becoming slightly larger, and the flames that used to ordinarily dwell across her arm began to roar out of it.

Jets of flame started shooting out of her arm and onto the floor, wall, her seat, and herself as her arm rocked back and forth - Amber was struggling. She was fighting amongst herself. The flames roared up across her body, covering her face with the inferno. Hair that should have burned did not. Skin that should have melted did not. Even her leg was being subjected to this change, the red cracks across its surface changing to a brighter yellow. Amber had finally managed to bear the weight of her own body, slowly standing up - but the flames had only become worse, dousing anyone and everything nearby her unwise enough to move away in a sea of fire. In her struggle to stand, she had failed, and found herself on the floor once more.

Her side of the trolley was quickly becoming completely inaccessible as the flames only grew larger, more intense, and dangerous for everyone aboard - especially Wolfgang and Nios, who had happened to be very close to her from the start.

[Bryn]

Autumn
Amber seemed pretty interested, so, with a brief nod to Trask, she starts to speak. "Well, you see, light is -"

Autumn stops speaking and takes several steps backward from the burning Amber. Uncontrolled fires are bad news for anyone. They are particularly bad news when you are a fairly dry tree. Staring into the flames, she attempts to lift anyone in harm's way out of it. A crack spreads along her branch. Heat?

Unnoticed, the magnifying lens falls to the floor and shatters.

[Crafty Cultist]

Arazoc

Seeing the flames that burn Ember's soul leak over to the physical world, Arazoc leaps to his feet and begins chanting. The tattoos on his arms begin to glow as he slowly approaches the burning woman with his arms outstreched, as if pushing a large object. Arazoc's sweats profusely, both from effort and the intense heat, and his eyes are shut tight. The fire engulfing Embers body was small compared to that which engulfed her soul. looking at her through his eyes would be like staring at the sun.

[Averagedog]

Wendell

Wendell cried out as the flames licked his back and lit his trousers on fire. He yowled in pain as he felt the flesh beneath his smoking and burning leathers sear. He reached for his belt and tore open a wineskin filled with water over his burning back and legs. Smoke was billowing everywhere stinging his eyes and his back was giving a dull thudding feeling from the burns. He suddenly realized that the trolley was afire and that there was a tree in it. Turning, he saw that pieces of Autumn was aflame. He grabbed for a branch that came close to him, presumably to pick him out of the flames and quickly but nimbly climbed to the burning sections of her frame and attempted to put out some small fires with his remaining two water skins.

[Levyathyn]

All

As the fire swirls up, reaching Nios, he unexpectedly reaches inside of it. The flames swirl around him, hissing and spitting steam as his right hand grasps Amber. Immediately, the fire leaves her. Though the trolley still swirls with gouts of flame, Amber feels instantly better. On the other hand, her arm and leg are colder than normal. Contact with Nios seems to have lifted some of the curse from her, even if temporarily; For the first time in ages she feels cold simply because of the night's breeze. As the flames lick at Wolfgang and singe the hair on his head ever-so slightly, Nios reaches out and grasps the man. A cold air sets in, though Wolfgang an feel the extreme temperature whipping around him. Grunting and sweating with the effort, Nios, muttering some incantation, struggles through to the front and exchanges cordial nods with Sir Gilmore as they pass.

Rocking on it's line, the trolley swerves to the side with the sudden yank of the controls by the foreman, who leaps out into the street as soon as possible. Sir Gilmore draws his silvered blade and bats at the fire; The glowing edge seems to have some effect on the magical-natured flame. Fighting his way through the front of the trolley, his sword and shield forcing their way through, he opens a path for the others.

[Dorizzit]

Ark Tamaeus

Ark turns his head slowly to watch as Amber explodes in flames. He remains calm; actually, it would be more accurate to say that he doesn't react at all, not moving from his seat as he watches the blaze grow ever larger. He is far enough from Amber that it puts him in no immediate danger. As Sir Gilmore begins to open a path through the flames, Ark stands up slowly, stretches, and saunters out, following in the knight's footsteps, making sure that the kid also escapes.

[RJ45]

Amber batted at Nios with her arm, not to murder but to knock him away - she wasn't aware of what was happening, and came to assume that she was under attack. It was either Nios or Arazoc, she figured. Rather than charging them down, she slowly stood from the place she had previously fell, wavering. Whatever they did, she was freezing cold in her arm, leg and shoulder - for this reason alone, she purposely moved towards the fire. Amber as the source of the flame had stopped, but she would seek to be closer to the parts of the trolley that were on fire. Her arm and leg didn't feel right. They felt foreign - as if they were ice rather than stone.

There was a hobble to her step as well - Nios had temporarily disabled her ability to walk with her non-human leg, intentional or not. Bathing in flames, Amber fixated her stare on Nios and Arazoc. Which was it? Perhaps both? Maybe it was that accursed, secretive man she knew nothing about - Ark. In either case, she was very vulnerable and even shivered slightly, despite standing in flames.

[Lord_Asmodeus]

Marius the Shark

Marius stands, about to follow the Knight whose question he never got to answer, when he noticed Amber stumbling toward the fire at the back of the trolley. Sparing not a moment to consider he leapt for her, grabbing her arm. "Come on, stone or no stone, your flesh will likely burn as easily as ours." Not waiting for her to react he quickly hefts her off of her feet, easily lifting her wholesale off the ground and on to his back, her heavy stone limbs not seeming to slow him down at all. He had no time for her childish and overly defensive attitude. Casting a quick look to the rest he shouts in a commanding voice "Come on, I don't know how this trolley works but I'm guessing it can burn as easily as anything else, and I don't want to be here when this part gets even worse than it has." That said, he began to follow Gilmore.

[Levyathyn]

All

Trask, assuring he can help whoever is near him, yells loud enough for all to hear. "Get clear! The artifact magic is not stable enough for fire!"

Nios reluctantly frees Amber from his grasp, and watches as the half-vampire tries to drag her away, only to turn back as the last of the trolley's occupants clear the rear of the craft. Slinging his hand in an arc, palm out, he sprays a fine, light blue mist that freezes instantly, putting out the flames to some extent. His fist then closes, shattering and melting the ice where it hit. He does this a second time, all the while backing towards the front of the vehicle.

[Devixer]

Wolfgang

While Wolfgang was probably the slowest to react, he was definitely one of the faster ones when his hair was singed. He was way too close to Amber, which meant that he needed to move now. He put up the hood of his cloak, taking advantage of both Nios' help and his own adrenalin to clamber over the back of the seat he was at. He got into the now clear passageways and walked out of the trolley at a brisk pace.

[RJ45]

Considering she weighed more than the average man, she was surprised to find herself being hoisted by the one-armed... creature. Carried, even. Despite being within such proximity, her flesh was not scalded and her hair was not burnt. Her body was hot to the touch, but nothing so hot that it would damage him. They were leaving the trolley.

It was then that Amber found herself outside. Her lip quivered. "Ffff..." she seemed to hiss. "Freezing." Her arm and leg were not glowing - they were their usual charred black color, but with very dim magmatic veins in the sides. Amber sat on one knee, still incapable of using her leg for a short moment - all the while, her gaze switched between Arazoc and Nios. Either of them could have done it - it was a matter of coming to conclusions. Shivering, she would say nothing else, spectating the flaming trolley.

It was the perfect setup. They could accuse her of trying to kill them, and do away with her here. She would say nothing. She -could- say nothing.

[Lord_Asmodeus]

Marius the Shark

Once they were safely outside the Trolley, Marius lowered Amber to the ground, making sure she didn't topple over. He watched the trolley burn for a moment, and then an odd look came onto his face. He cast about, as if listening for something, and in a time a small owl swooped down from somewhere and landed on his arm. His face betrayed a look of displeasure. That had not been the intended effect. "I don't know about the rest of you, but something seems to have affected my abilities. I feel weaker and slower than I have since... some time ago, and my ability to commune with the beasts of the night is dampened. Unless creatures of the night are essentially extinct in this city, there should have been more. Owls, bats, rats, something. I haven't expended much energy towards it yet, but even in a wasteland I get more of a reaction than this."

[Crafty Cultist]

Arazoc

Having escapes the burning trolley, Arazoc falls to his knees, panting. He is drenched with sweat, both from the heat and from exuastion. He looks to Marius "I feel the same. Just then, holding back the fires from with Amber's soul was far more draining than usual. Our abilities have weakened from our journey between worlds. I hope this is only a temporary setback"

[Dorizzit]

Ark Tamaeus

Ark takes interest in Marius' assertion. He walks over and listens for a few seconds before making a sweeping motion with his hands, indicating the numerous wounds covering his body.

"I didn't have these before I was transported. They're all old wounds that have...I'm sorry, had long since closed."

[SuperMuldoon]

Cecil Duskgarden

Cecil turned to note that the trolley was now on fire, and Amber was seemingly the cause. As everyone starts evacuating the trolley, Cecil makes sure Jillian get's to safety and escorts her off. "Are you alright, Ms. Aur-Gelad?" he says, making sure she didn't get burned and if so, applies some treatment. When she is ok, he turns to the rest of the group, opening his coat and making sure he has the neccessary components ready to make a burn salve. "Everyone get out ok? Anyone hurt?" Cecil says. He pays special attention to Autumn, as she is a tree, and trees and fire do not mix. He also looks down to Amber, wondering what he could possibly do to comfort her. "Amber, are you going to be alright? I've noticed that after that expenditure of energy your rock extremities have lost quite a bit of heat...your physiology is still completely alien to me, but would it help to perhaps reintroduce some heat into your arm and leg?"

[Crafty Cultist]

Arazoc

Hearing Cecil's inquiry, Arazoc explains his actions. Better to resolve this quickly. The magic I used was to force the power she was chanelling back where it came from. If it was my spell that caused her to lose strength, the effect should disperse quickly now that the situation has passed. If this weakness was caused by Nios or both our magics resonating however, then I have no idea about the duration or solution to this mishap

[RJ45]

After a brief moment, she felt herself becoming better. Slightly. Enough to move, albeit in pain. She moved straight towards Arazoc. Fortunately, her right arm was not yet on fire. With both arms, she would grab him and, if nothing would intervene, pick him up by his sides and bring her to her own level. "I don't know what kind of soul-artisan you think you are, but you're going to stop whatever it is you're trying to contain." She would stare him in the eyes - there was a touch of anger in them.

She would shove him away, perhaps knocking him over if he weren't ready for it. "That has only happened a handful of times before - and all three times, a mage or warlock was responsible. If I knew any better, I would say that between Nios and Arazoc, one or both of them just tried to manipulate me." A tiny flame began to trail up the side of Amber's arm. She was recovering, but it would take a while before she was properly heated.

She groaned. Anger. It was her usual emotion. Shaking her head in disappointment, she contemplated walking on her own to that castle. She considered Marius' theory, but in the end found it a better explanation to blame Arazoc or Nios.

[Devixer]

Wolfgang

Wolfgang came close to sighing. He wanted to be the arbitor in this sort of thing. After all, of this entire dysfunctional group, he and Arc seemed to tie for most able to control their outbursts. Unlike Amber, of course. He decided to try and calm her down, coming a little closer to her and saying, "I don't know how it is in your world, but I doubt that jumping to hasty conclusions will work here. Try and be rational about this."

[Lord_Asmodeus]

Marius the Shark

Marius watched as Ambers anger and bravado returned as did the flames in her arm, slowly but surely. "I think it's easy to blame a magic user without blaming either of them" he indicated the party members indicated by Amber "We got here with magic, powerful magic. No matter his protestations of being a sorcerer, the 'Artificer' is still working with magic, and his spell seems to be affecting us all."

[RJ45]

Amber took a breath and straightened herself, as if she were going to charismatically explain to Marius why he was wrong. Unfortunately, in her simple judgment, she had overlooked that possibility entirely. It made sense - Wolfgang was suffering from his healing abilities, and a few others as well. Even though she knew she might be wrong, she couldn't bring herself to admit it to others, and she most certainly couldn't apologize. Instead, she folded her arms across her chest and stared at Marius, as if with that gaze alone she could prove herself right.

Her attention was broken from him as there was still a more interesting spectacle at hand - the ground-carriage device was aflame. It was a beautiful sight. Burning things had always given her a twisted pleasure.

[MrEdwardNigma]

Kra'Kragk

The fire hadn't alarmed Kra'Kragk very much. With his scales, he could easily take some flames, and the humans seemed to be handling themselves fine. In no time, everyone had fled the trolley. He was more worried about the cause of the flames. Despite Amber's difficult behaviour at first, it now seemed to be her intention to join the group. If this sort of thing would happen in full battle, she'd pose a risk to everyone.

As theories were being hurled around as to who were to blame for this, the crustacean thought in silence, standing at the back of the group. Many of the others had complained about a decrease in their powers upon arrival. A logical assertion would be that transport had done ill to their powers, but Kra'Kragk himself had experienced no such troubles. He was still at full strength. One way to explain this would be by way of his goddess. Herress could have protected the sole Krodan of the group from the cancerous effect of the magic. However, there were two flaws with this theory. The first was him being late with a sacrifice. To receive such protection from his lady on a day like this would be odd. The second was that he wasn't quite the only one who seemed unaffected. The kobold, for instance, seemed to be fine.

So the crustacean, though slow of thought, managed to formulate a second theory.


Marius the Shark

Marius watched as Ambers anger and bravado returned as did the flames in her arm, slowly but surely. "I think it's easy to blame a magic user without blaming either of them" he indicated the party members indicated by Amber "We got here with magic, powerful magic. No matter his protestations of being a sorcerer, the 'Artificer' is still working with magic, and his spell seems to be affecting us all."

"That is not true. I'm not having any trouble, and neither is the knight, or the small scaly one. Not all of us are weakened. I think there's something that unites those who do suffer. Magic. The healer is affected, as well as the tree, and you Marius, who possesses strength not natural for a human, and other powers surely. No-one's going to tell me there's no magic involved with miss fireworks either"

"That guy who's barely talked during the entire trip must have some stuff going on as well. The Krodan though are a thoroughly unmagical people. No need for fancy tricks when you can pulverize a man with a pinch. I think when the artificer summoned you your magic energy interfered with his. Or, more accurately, the other way around. It's a good thing I didn't kill rockarm over there where she stood in the tower. Hardly honourable to kill one when they're weak. Weaker than usual, I mean"

[RJ45]

Amber questioned what a firework was. It sounded like a labyrinth that would be at the base of a volcano. "Why, Dinner. What a coincidence - the oven is already heated." Without a doubt she was talking about their flame-enveloped previous transport. "Without Montrose around this time, I can finish killing you." He was right. She was weaker - especially now, as she exhausted the heat within herself, effectively making herself heavier with a body that wouldn't respond to the best of its ability. Amber would force her body to submit to her will.

She shrugged. "But, if you're one for so much honor, then go ahead and wait until later. Do keep in mind that what I did to the trolley was an accident. It'll be a -lot- worse when I mean it." Somehow, a clash had been avoided from the elevator to here. She began to flex her stone arm repeatedly - it would be ready enough for an immediate battle, so she believed. So she was forced, as she wouldn't be turning away from a battle.

The theory was entirely discarded to her. Even if it was true, it was a condition she would have to live with for another week, and there wasn't anything she could do. "Besides, I'm a little interested to see what feast the king has prepared for us, and it would be disappointing if I was full before I got there."

[Bryn]

[OOC: This game moves very fast when I'm asleep!]
Autumn
Seeing that everyone is clear of the flames, Autumn stands as close as she dares and starts transmuting the burning material into water. Instead of transforming instantly into columns of water, however, the metal posts and remaining wood forms small holes which trickle tiny amounts of water onto the flame, making little difference. Confused and afraid, Autumn retreats from the flames back towards the rest of the party. She is covered in soot and a long crack extends along one of her branches.

"So that's why..." She shouldn't talk to herself. Of course, the other question remains. "I think Kra'Kragk is very likely to be right. Are any magic-users unaffected by... whatever effect this is? Also, is there anyone without access to magic who is affected?"

[SuperMuldoon]

Cecil Duskgarden



"I think Kra'Kragk is very likely to be right. Are any magic-users unaffected by... whatever effect this is? Also, is there anyone without access to magic who is affected?"

"Well, I myself feel okay, maybe just some slight after effects from the teleportation. However I have no innate magical ability or power. When I arrived though, my...ritual components, of which some were highly magical in nature, had burst into flame. The result of which I'm sure you all remember. It does seem that due to either the teleportation or the very environment we now find ourselves in, our native magic is not behaving as it should be. I think it would be best to limit the use of such abilities until after we find out what is causing the instabilities." Cecil says, concerned.

As an aside, Cecil say to Autumn, "I noticed you took some damage from the fire...Does that cause you pain?" Cecil indicates the large crack on one of Autumn's branches.

[MrEdwardNigma]

Kra'Kragk

"Whatever, human" he said to Amber, "Your threats don't phase me. I'll let you live long enough to patch yourself up, unless you insist on fighting now, in which case I suggest we proceed to an area where it's less likely for bystanders to get hurt"

With that he turned his back on the group.

"Now that the trolley has been destroyed I think I'll just continue by foot. Trask, if you could have someone show me the way to the river? We'll all meet up later at whatever inn we'll be staying at"

[Bryn]

Autumn

Cecil
"I noticed you took some damage from the fire...Does that cause you pain?"
Autumn smiles slightly. "Surprisingly, no. Apparently trees do not react to damage in the same way as animals. I must investigate this!" She stares at the crack, and her smile disappears. "This could get a lot worse if I move it around too much. Does anyone some rope or cloth so I can bind it until we deal with the magic problem?"

[MrEdwardNigma]

Kra'Kragk

Autumn

Autumn smiles slightly. "Surprisingly, no. Apparently trees do not react to damage in the same way as animals. I must investigate this!" She stares at the crack, and her smile disappears. "This could get a lot worse if I move it around too much. Does anyone some rope or cloth so I can bind it until we deal with the magic problem?"
The Krodan turns back to the group.

"Certainly, I have it a-plenty"
He unwraps a long piece of rope and helps the tree by binding it around her tightly. The force with which he ties it is remarkable.
"There. Now I need to be off. Assuming Trask can send someone with me to the river that person can show me the way back to you. Otherwise I suggest we agree on where we'll be staying and I'll find it by myself later tonight"

[Lord_Asmodeus]

Marius the Shark

Marius begins whispering to the owl, nodding his head and issuing quiet commands. After a moment the owl hops off of his arm and begins circling Kra'Kragk. "The owl will show you the way to the river if you wish. If you ask it, it will also direct you to other natural places, though I wouldn't count on it to know one building from another, though it may be able to lead you to Castle, but I wouldn't count on it too much. I don't know how long my control will last, given the current situation. It should last till the river though."

[Levyathyn]

All

Trask shakes his head at the burning trolley. "Well, I--" He says, before a small section of the trolley's underworks explode loudly. Luckily, no one remains inside or near enough to be hurt. Taking a deep breath and coughing some smoke out, Trask tries again. "Well, I've never seen that before. You're certainly powerful." He says. Nios, breathing heavily, wipes blood from his face with scorched hands. His tattoos seem to be burnt, and his nose is bleeding profusely. "Come, Kra'Kragk." Trask says, getting the pronunciation mostly right. "I'll take you myself, but the owl can tag along if it wants to. First, though, I have to cordon this scene for the night patrol." Guardsmen are already approaching, ready to act if need be. Trask starts barking orders to them, and he slams a button on the nearest light post. The orange light flares on, and a second button makes it flash rather brightly. Guardsmen immediately start unhooking reels of material from each light post and stringing it to the next, forming a sealed-off square around the fire.

Nios steps to Amber and bows. "I apologize. My intention was simply to help. Everything I touch grows cold." He says, with more than a hint of regret. Extending his hands, he takes a breath, and you start to feel warmth flood your body again. The cold flows straight to him, and his palm tattoos glow with energy as it courses into his hands. Your arm sparks, then catches flame as usual, and your leg runs through with thick, magmic veins. For the moment, you feel warmer than usual; It's an intensely intimate feeling, one that reminds you of some unknown, unfamiliar good times in your life that you must have missed out on. It lasts for just a few seconds. Taking slow, shallow breaths, Nios, seemingly in better shape, approaches the fire crew and starts putting out more of the inferno.

Sir Gilmore ignores most of the scene. "I feel fine. The crab must be right about the magic. I'm assuming, of course, that you don't regularly torch every object and place you visit." He says to Amber. Behind Ark, the young man peeks out at the scene. He says nothing. Once some more men come to the scene and start helping with the fire, Trask begins walking towards the castle. "All right, let's go. No sense waiting around for the crowd to show up. Oh, and you--with the one arm. I don't know about owls," He says, watching the one that's busy hopping around the street, "but I can personally attest to the number of rats and bats in a city of this size." He adds with a chuckle.

Jillian Aur-Gelad seems winded; Soot blackens her pretty, kept face, her nice clothes, and even her notepad. She steadfastly refuses to give in, though flustered, and begins her questions again. "Thank you." She says. "I've never been in a situation like that. You seemed capable;" She mentioned to Cecil, once more all business, "what is it you did in Lindhaven?" She asks. The driver of the trolley, finally catching his wits, seems more surprised than angry at anyone. Moments after slipping outside of the cordoned area, he meets reporters, and recounts his story.

[Bryn]

Autumn
Autumn inspects the binding critically. "Excellent. Thank you, Kra'Kragk." - but the Krodan is already leaving. Autumn's pronunciation is improving. Not there yet, but much better.

She turns to Amber. "Did you - or anyone else, I suppose - notice anything strange before the incident?" she asks. "If it happens again, it would be useful to have warning."

[SuperMuldoon]

Cecil Duskgarden



"I've never been in a situation like that. You seemed capable; what is it you did in Lindhaven?"

Brushing some of the soot off himself, Cecil takes a moment before answering. "Well, Lindhaven is the center of culture and knowledge where I come from. A rather spectacular city, rather similar to here, though not on such a grand scale...and missing some of the more extraordinary features." he says, indicating the street lights that change color at the push of a button. "My time there was spent at the Great Library, learning. I am quite knowledgeable in many subjects, though if I were to have an occupation, I would think it would be doctor, though I dabble in engineering as well."

[RJ45]

The second Nios went to touch her, she batted his hands away. "You just said that whatever you touch grows cold. What makes you think touching me is going to help?!" She was already angry enough that Kra'Kragk was able to mock her at the moment. She would have taken her anger out on him, but... "You're obviously bloodied from that trolley incident, because for whatever reason you tried to put it out. Just get to the castle." Even after that, she watches him return to putting out the fire. She didn't understand - nay, she would never understand these people. "These mages just think they can touch whoever they want, because they're magical."

She turned to Autumn. "I'm surrounded by buildings bigger than castles, incapable of continuing my own goals, talking to a tree and making friends with races and people that shouldn't exist just after pulling ourselves from a burning land vessel, all on a quest to talk to a king because we are supposed to be HEROES. Tree, what part of this is ORDINARY?!" She had to vent her frustrations.

"Forget it. I'm going to that castle." She stopped talking to the lot of them and immediately started uphill. At the heart of it all, it wasn't her trolley, so she wouldn't mourn its loss. Everything and everyone else bothered her. She needed to be alone for a while. With all of her might, she began to anger her way up the hill. "Just one week." she whispered to herself.

[Crafty Cultist]

Arazoc

After taking a moment to catch his breath, Arazoc begins heading towards the castle. The weakening of his magics troubled him. He couldn't be sure whst caused it, but he believed it was a side effect of the travel between worlds. A different world meant a different spirit world, and he was now out of tune with the basis of his magic. Tal'crei had endured the journey, maybe even become stronger. A new world means new fear, and Tal'crei had probably absorbed a great deal of it.

Arazoc sighed as he walked. This could be troublesome.

[Bryn]

Autumn
"I should've expected that." Autumn frowns. She heads to the castle.

[MrEdwardNigma]

Kra'Kragk

"Thank you, Marius, Trask. I will see you all later tonight. Let's go"

Led by the owl and Trask the warrior made his way to the river. Once there he would descend to the water level and find some sort of rock suitable for a sacrifice. If there was no land right by the river (that is, if the shores were elevated) he would find something large and wooden and jump down into the river with it after unstrapping the animals from his body. He would then allow the owl to land on his outstretched hand, snatch it, and push it up to the rock, or floating wooden object. Whichever sort of makeshift altar he could find.

"I am pleased I could find some local wildlife for this sacrifice. I need to make ammends to my goddess for being late" he said to Trask, at which point he would slice open the bird with one of his razorsharp fingers. The service was actually quite simple. The Krodan were not a people for complicated ceremonies. It consisted of cutting open some sort of sacrifice, a still living one (this was vital), and letting its lifeblood slowly drain into the water.

[Devixer]

Wolfgang

Wolfgang keeps his hood up, not wishing to talk to anyone right now. He put a hand on the lockpicks behind his cloak, and walked in the direction of the castle that Trask had pointed out. Whatever little desire he had to actually speak with the king was now gone. He just wanted to have an opportunity to sleep right now.

[Bryn]

Autumn
Autumn looks towards the castle, considering following the others up to it... but she has a fine opportunity here to learn about the ways of the Krodan. Of course, he wouldn't mind. This was for knowledge. Autumn sets off after Kra'Kragk.

She reaches the river moments after him. Slowing down, tries to find her magnifying lens to get a closer look. Nowhere. Well, if she just moves a little closer...

Autumn slips on the wet mud and falls in the river upstream of Kra'Kragk just as he kills the owl.

[Levyathyn]

OOC - RJ45
For clarification, Nios doesn't touch you a second time. He absorbs the cold energy off of you and returns you to normal. I apologize for not making this qualification beforehand.

All

Some youthful guard slips in and salutes all of you after the last of the fire is finally put out. "I'm here to escort you to the castle." The guard says nonchalantly as two younger men join him. "It's nothing personal, nor does Trask believe you need the assistance, but there may be citizens waiting to harangue you with adulation. If you'll follow me." He says. Nios rubs dark circles from his eyes, dried blood lined under his nose as he heaves a difficult breath. Sir Gilmore sheathes his sword, a glance of disgust shot at Amber as he passes by. Rushing ahead, the young guard catches the attention of the tree and explains his message. Nonplussed, the tree-wizard thanks him and continues after the crab. Shrugging, the guard leads you down the road, his men spread around to keep the passers-by at a healthy distance. It's not a long walk, but it does make the scene more illustrious. The paved road beneath your feet is smooth and unbroken; Gilded and bronzed pipes and furnishments line the streets; Signs proclaiming business names, operating hours, and vastly embellished aadvertisements hang from bars or sit spread in front of establishments. The city is beautiful at night, as bright, pure light glistens from everything.

The castle draws near, and Sir Gilmore poses an interesting question. "How was your former king killed, if I may ask?" Nodding stiffly, the guard's eyes harden; He tells of the event like he was there, and he may have been. "King Valen was in the throne room of the castle, with a retinue. We hadn't expected anything, so we left him a small detachment. The vile sorcerors magicked their way in, and he died in direct combat with their lord, and in doing so, saved the rest of us, including King Isenhal, Valen's Commander in Arms and successor to the throne by marriage. He died a hero." Nodding, Gilmore rubs his chin. "Couldn't they attack again?" He asks. "Going into the throne room a second time?" He asks, suddenly worried. "No sir." Comes the response. He seems sheepish, but tries to explain. "I...I heard tell that the issue was resolved. I know not how, but Isenhal and his men, including some of the top scholars and researchers in what's left of out land; He even pulled some of Montrose's enchanters from civic duty. I don't know what they did, but they've been making a lot of changes around the city." Nodding as if satisfied, Gilmore remains silent.

Ahead, the castle is within stonesthrow, and is even more impressive. The scale of the castle is such that it seemed much closer; The castle, though wide and thick, is taller than many of the towers nearby, and it's own circular, stonework towers are solid-looking and high-reaching. Up a large set of wide, central steps, two lareg doors stand; Nothing fancy here. The same bright metal is in evidence across a hefty, stone double set of doors; The quare doorframe is easily ten feet by ten. Eight guards stand here, with the tips of arrows barely visible from slits and crossways set over the door itself. The guards at the front wear heavier armor, and each wields a large, steel poleaxe steadfastly. You approach as a group, and more than a few of you draw impressed stares from the guards. Still, none of the crack form until the guard speaks. "Corporal Lyons, here with the Outsiders to see the king." With a simple nod, the lead guard pulls a chain, and the doors open surprisingly fast to reveal a well-furnished main room. "Please, wait right here sirs and madam. I will go inform the King's men of your arrival." He says, bowing hastily before he retreats into a hallway to the left.

The room is not lavishly furnished; For a King, the decorations are impressivle demure. Stonework flooring in the shape of an inverse gemstone leads to, instead of a point, a large hallway, lined with more heavy guardsmen. Hallways angle off to either side, and two more set off straight left and right. Circular stairways set in the rear of the room, on either side of the massive entryway, lead, presumably, up to further floors and rooms*. The main entrance, leading straight ahead, is lined in thick red carpet that reaches the sides of the hallway straight ahead. The whole area is well-lit with more artifact lights. Above, the ceiling here leads to a circular, second floor balcony, crafted of marble, just under a domed roof. The inner part of the dome is painted beautifully, depicting a bright, cloudy sky and a dozen or so soldiers, each mounted on a winged horse, flying with lances in hand. The room extends fifty feet straight ahead until it hits the hallway, and about sixty across from right to left. The domed ceiling above is a bit wider than that, and hanging from this is an exquisite chandelier.

Kra'Kragk

Trask nods. "Not my kind of thing, but I understand. I suppose if religion was big here, we'd be the same way. Would you mind--" He asks, before turning around, hand on his weapon. "Expecting company?" He asks casually, as some kind of...sound occurs nearby.

[Crafty Cultist]

Arazoc

Arazoc turns to one of the guards escorting them and asks "Are we headed toward the throne room where the king's last battle took place? Because if so, I may be able to divine something from the location"

[RJ45]

"How absolutely fitting. A king dies for his country and is immediately replaced, and only a handful of people seem to care. The citizens certainly are too busy cheering for people they don't know." Nios had done something very strange to her. In a confusion about how she had felt about it, she abandoned him and focused on the goal at hand. A couple of stray thoughts about him swirled around, but she deemed it some byproduct of cross-world travel.

Amber grew weary. The noises, the... bright advertisements, the formations they took to get there. It annoyed her to no end. The fire within her body had healed in the course of the walk. She felt better, although still a bit off from her normal situation. "I'm tired of these royal... escorts. They serve no purpose." Amber wouldn't wait for the youthful guard to get done notifying the king of their arrival, and she wouldn't be intimidated by poleaxes and unmounted knights. She would move forward, with or without their approval.

The castles interior was disappointing. Rather, Amber's opinion had grown sour, since this unfamiliar world's initial appeal had been far from lost. She wanted to tear this place apart. It was too artful for her taste. Her heavy leg stomped against the ground time and time again as she hurriedly made her way forward. This society wanted to demand things of her, and at the seat of it all was this replacement king.

[MrEdwardNigma]

Kra'Kragk

Trask nods. "Not my kind of thing, but I understand. I suppose if religion was big here, we'd be the same way. Would you mind--" He asks, before turning around, hand on his weapon. "Expecting company?" He asks casually, as some kind of...sound occurs nearby.

Kra'Kragk looks up from the flat piece of rock he made his sacrifice on. It is clear from grooves in the sides of the rock it was probably used in the past to shore boats or rafts, but now it makes for a good altar. The owl's wings are still slightly twitching.

"No. Is it so unusual for movement to occur by your riverside at night?"

Alarmed by Trask's reaction, the crustacean lowers himself into the water and swims to where he heard the splash. While a somewhat sluggish walker on land, the Krodan turns out to move at top speeds through the water. He darts to a huge piece of floating wood. A tree.

"Autumn" Kra'Kragk said. He heaved her out of the water without a problem and joined her on the shore.
"It's just Autumn, commander Trask" he yelled over to the soldier.
"What are you doing here?"

[Bryn]

Autumn
Autumn's eyes are shut, but they open when Kra'Kragk pulls her out of the water. What just happened? She stared at the crab person for several seconds before coming to her senses.

"I wished -" Her mouth is full of water. Unexpectedly, she can speak anyway. Out of habit, Autumn coughs. "I wished to observe your ritual. I hope I haven't disturbed it, Kra'Kragk." This comes out without any sign of emotion, as if she is reading from a formal document. "Thank you for pulling me out of the water. I am not sure what happened. This is the first time I have ever fallen."

[Averagedog]

((The following was the easiest way Wendell could be doing stuff and not interact with anyone during the events in which I am absent.))

Wendell

Wendell still clung to Autumn even though a branch came by to help him down. Most of the fires on Autumn were down to cinders and everyone was well away from the incident site of the burning trolley. Wendell listened to everyone's various responses to the crash and the theories of Amber's Malady, But Kra'Kragk's theory of adverse effects on magic users and mages struck a chord with him. Wendell realized that he started feeling sick only after the transportation and was about to say something when a great weariness overtook him where he then fell asleep in Autumn's branches, still hugging one of the larger branches tightly.

Quiet and conveniently forgotten by most of the other members of the group, Wendell slept and dreamed. He Dreamed the same dream he would always dream when his mental defenses and physical ones were weakened over an extended period of time, he dreamed he was being hunted by a large predator. He found himself in a thick jungle with trees towering over him and foliage making site very very tough. unconciously, Wendell relied on feline senses to find his way safely through the jungle while attempting to evade whatever it was that followed him. He walked on all fours as a quadopedal beast unaware that he was slowly changing mentally into his tiger form. As he changed more and more, he became increasingly aware of his changes, but was unable to mentally will himself back to his human form. He watched as the last of his humanity disappeared and his clothes melded with the increasing fur patterns covering his shrinking body. He was growing smaller and smaller, smaller than he should have been. Soon he was scrambling on his small legs, the size of a house cat. He felt the hot breathe of something large and vast on his back as he jumped over small branches, and under gaps from fallen logs. The dream at this point, since he realized it was in fact a dream has lasted much much longer than it did previously. He realized he should have woken up by now, but he didn't.

He heard a voice. "I am the Tiger and you are a part of me. Why do you resist me when we are one? No matter, I will simply hunt you like the Prey you act like. You cannot keep running forever....."

"Who says I'm running? I wish to survive and to do that, I will resist oblivion. That is a part of nature for any beast."

"Heh.... Well said, but that doesn't change the inevitable. There will be a reckoning between you and I, and when that happens, we will become whole. It may not be now, or the near future, but I will always be watching, and ready to take what is rightfully mine"

Wendell turned and saw a Ghostly white and gray tiger that was much larger than his house cat sized form. As he watched a large paw with razor sharp claws bear down on him. He felt water splash his entire body and the entire world shifted.

Wendell woke up underwater, still clinging to the treebranch, only he was still a domestic cat sized tiger and he breathed in some water out of reflex. Not sure which was was up Wendell was about to panic, but instead steeled his mind to observe his surroundings. Before he could come up with a way to escape the predicament, the branch he was on rose out of the water completely as Kra'Kragk pulled Autumn from the river. Immediately, Wendell's body went into spasms as he rid his body of the water that invaded his lungs. He decided the best thing to do was the keep clinging miserably and silently to Autumn and hope no one notices his embarrassing state and avoid being sacrificed by the very person that saved him.

[SuperMuldoon]

Cecil Duskgarden

"Such impressive architecture!" Cecil says, as he cranes his neck upwards to look at the dome. "Marvelous painting...do the knights and their winged steeds have any cultural significance?" he says, interest piqued.

OOC:
Is Jillian the reporter still with us? If so, I'll ask the question to her...if not I guess it's just a general question to the guards escorting us.

[Dorizzit]

Ark Tamaeus

Ark remains quiet as the group is lead into the castle, and whistles softly as they enter the large room. He looks around at the architecture and decorations appreciatively, then focuses his attention on whatever happens next.

[MrEdwardNigma]

Kra'Kragk
"Glad to be of assistance. Perhaps your wound or the travel across dimensions has weakened you, allowing you to slip? Whatever the case might be, it would have been wiser to stick with us instead of tailing us. Had you fallen alone and knocked your head or something-" -he paused and looked at her doubtfully- "-if your anatomy even works like that- you might have fallen unconscious and been transported for miles along the river"

He walked her back to the site of the sacrifice where he strapped his animal cages back to his body.

"I would not have minded another spectator, though I question the wisdom of joining me instead of the others. Us Krodan are a religious people, but not in the way the humans are. Humans focus extensively on their rules, with what knife to make a sacrifice, who is ritually considered clean and may observe, or cleaner and may make the sacrifice, what is to be sacrificed, what formulas or incantations they must mutter while performing them... Humans are all candles and insence and fireworks. If you expected to see a show I must disappoint you, the Krodan are not like that"

He took one more look at the owl, which had quietly bled to death, and then adressed Trask.

"It seems the tree can use some substenance and rest, human. I would be grateful if you could lead us to our quarters"

He would accept any proposal Trask made as long as Autumn agreed as well. He had already been demanding enough. They set off for whatever goal they decided upon and Kra'Kragk continued talking.

"For the Krodan the sacrifice is not some way of making the deity obey your whim. Herress helps us regardless. It is a voluntary act, and therefore does not need the fancy extras of a ritual. Just the sacrifice will do. For the Krodan, the way you do it comes second to doing it, as it should be"

It was at this point the crustacean noticed the cat. He grinned.

"You seem to have picked up some local wildlife, miss Autumn. If you could hand the creature over that would save me quite some time"

He then opened up one of the yet unoccupied cages and held it out for Autumn to place the cat in.

[Averagedog]

Wendell

Wendell's eyes widened then he jumped down to the ground and mentally willed himself to change. A pale and blue luminous glow appeared around him then seemed to swirl continuously faster and faster until Wendell's tiny body started to grow at an exponential rate. He grew to the size of a normal tiger then he jumped to stand on two legs, bone cracking and creaking, muscles stretching and lengthening. His armor, clothes, and other belongings seemed to appear out of the misty glow around him then magically secure itself onto his body. His long black hair grew from his head as the rest of his body shifted and became humanoid in shape though the deadliness of his bite did not diminish in the least. Once his face became capable of facial expression once again, he smiled.

"I don't thiiiiiiink I would fit in therrrrre Kra'Kragk." Wendell said, stumbling over the inflection of the second sylable of Kra'Kragk's name and slurring a few words unintentionally. He brought up one finger, as if to say "One moment" and brought his hands to his protruding face. with a jerk, and a loud crack, he said, "Sorry, my jaw was rather stiff."

Standing before Kra'Kragk, Autumn and General Trask stood Wendell at a Monstrous height near seven feet tall with rippling body builder muscles underneath his black leather armor that seemed to grow to fit him perfectly. His other items remained the same size and looked small and puny compared to his new presence. His body underneath his armor and clothes is covered by an orange and black tiger pelt with a long tail waving lazily behind him. His hair grew longer than it was in his human form and is no longer constrained by the twine he used to secure his pony tail. His eyes contain a much more feral look, but is recognizable compared to the rest of his body, which looked nothing like the skinny human that everyone witnessed before. He stands on the toes of his now animalistic feet which protruded from his open ended leather boots with a supernatural grace.

"I doubt that you are, but please don't be intimidated by my size or strength." Wendell said to everyone around. "It is me, Wendell. I had to shift to this form from the small shape I was in, or else the energy it would have taken to go all the way back probably would have made me faint again. The sickness I have been experiencing after coming here is really hampering my ability to control." Wendell's stomach started growling angrily. He kept his face carefully impassive and nonthreatening, though inside he was cursing himself for not having the resources to shift all the way back.

[Devixer]

Wolfgang

Still uninterested in any conversation, Wolfgang followed the rest of the group into the castle. His eyes shifted to each of the new presences, and he wondered how he might slip past undetected. Call it old habits.

[Bryn]

Autumn
The surprise of seeing a tiger jump out of her branches, then turn into a person and address the group, finally allows Autumn to properly wake up from the effects of her involuntary swim.

"Wendell? That effect is remarkable!" "Remarkable" again. Better stop repeating the same word. It did seem appropriate, though. "It would be extremely useful if I could observe transformation of living creatures. Would you allow me to, at some point, carry out some experiments?"

Autumn turns back to Kra'Kragk. "I admit I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. For a variety of reasons, people where I lived have given up on religions of all sorts. Indeed, most are forbidden."

[Levyathyn]

Autumn, Kra'Kragk, and Wendell


"No. Is it so unusual for movement to occur by your riverside at night?"

"Not uncommon, but one can never be cautious."


Events...


"I admit I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. For a variety of reasons, people where I lived have given up on relgions of all sorts. Indeed, most are forbidden."

Trask nods. "It's much the same here. Though not forbidden, most religion is forgotten, and lost with time. I suppose machines haven't made life easy on our faith-minded." He says. Quickly, he regains his composure. "Very well, I will bring you to any facility in the city you desire. I know Montrose has some open rooms at his tower, if anyone here wants to stay there."

Everyone Else


"How absolutely fitting. A king dies for his country and is immediately replaced, and only a handful of people seem to care. The citizens certainly are too busy cheering for people they don't know."

Jillian Aur-Gelad shakes her head at this. "On the contrary, King Valen was the most beloved of our rulers in centuries. An entire day was lost in mourning for him, but any more than that and we risk being overrun. Don't be fooled by our peaceful city; As we speak, men fight and die outside the city walls. The people cheer because they believe you can help. They don't have gods anymore, and for most of them, the death of Valen was nothing less than the end of an age of peace."


"Such impressive architecture!" Cecil says, as he cranes his neck upwards to look at the dome. "Marvelous painting...do the knights and their winged steeds have any cultural significance?"

Jillian nods. "Those are the Knights Vigilant. They're mounted on pagasii, which are flying horses. The creatures are beautiful, and they make an effective fighting force. They're numbers have increased in the recent wartime." She says, smiling. Like most people of this city, the sight of white knights riding high fills her with hope.

After a short time, the soldier returns, emissaaries in tow. "The king will see you now." He says. To his right, a wizened if elderly man nods his assent. "Indeed." He says, his voice tinted with age. "Let us have a look at you. I'm sure you have many questions. My name is Rebus Cane, please, if you would be so kind, follow me." He says. His face is joyful, if stressed, but he seems genuinely pleased at your arrival.

[RJ45]

"A lie. The people are ruled by gods, be it they accept it or not. If they have no gods to know by name... then, from henceforth, they shall believe in me. Begin construction of my place of worship immediate...ly. Oh, wait a moment. They already do worship me. That was far easier than I thought it would be." She skeptically glanced to Jillian as she continued forward. "Why, I am most impressed. A whole day for someone who slaved his entire life away to service his people. I wonder how many seconds were spent on the kings before him."

If not one fool, another. Rebus Cane insists on telling them the obvious and hindering her with his unimportant words. "I see you've had to gather your little arrangement of people so that you could escort us so we could talk to the king about things that matter. I do have a question, yes: are you done wasting our time? I have a war to wage, with or without your little army. Evidently the war is not so pressing that you have time to gather and show off your people-dolls to your replacement king." She would follow after. The art and rich castle scenery was making her more bitter than ever.

[Devixer]

Wolfgang

Taking a deep breath and counting to ten, Wolfgang realized the futility of responding to Amber's rants. He simply kept his hood up and quickened his pace, saying, "Lead the way, Cane. Can ewe try and keep this meeting to a short length? Because, with the obvious unity of this group, others might get testy."

[Lord_Asmodeus]

Marius the Shark

Marius follows along, like Wolfgang he ignores Ambers ranting in the knowledge of how futile disagreement would be. Instead, he poses his own question to the King. "Montrose or whatever his name was, told me that you were the man to talk to about payment. He was surprised that I asked, but I am a mercenary. There is very little I will do for free."

[Levyathyn]

Everyone Else

"I apologize for the delay." Cain says, looking at Amber with scorn. "But rest assured, I am not the king. He refuses to leave the throne room until it has been completely revamped. He believes there may still be danger from it." He adds, leading you down the main hallway with his more usual candor.

[Crafty Cultist]

Arazoc

Arazoc continues to follow Cain. If the throne room was the location of a desperate battle, then an imprint would be left on the spirit world. Getting in contact with the spirits of those who fell in battle could help him attune himself to the spirit world of this dimension. Arazoc didn't like this weakness he had felt when he used his sealing magic earlier, and was determined to regain his strength

[RJ45]

"Brilliant. If they want to kill him, he's waiting for it. Now I understand why this country is in such peril." Amber was unimpressed. Was she supposed to hold higher regards for him because he was, theoretically, directly in danger? No. It was nothing more than a man playing a game of pretend with himself. She sighed, believed she was more than right and continued forward, expecting the false king to waste her time.

[SuperMuldoon]

Cecil Duskgarden

"Pegasus Knights you say? The pegasus is simply a creature of myth where I am from...I would very much enjoy seeing them in person! Though it would be better to meet them when the situation wasn't so dire...I'm sure they are fighting around the clock." Cecils says, initial excitement fading after he realizes that the riders and their magnificent mounts were fighting and dying right outside the city.

He nods at Cain and continues to follow the group, but sends a disapproving look Amber's way after her bitter comments. He sighs and shakes his head, and resumes looking at the rooms they pass through on their way to the king.

[MrEdwardNigma]

Kra'Kragk
The crab had been silent for a while. The cat turning into an enormous version of Wendell had shocked him somewhat. Not that he was that big or impressive to Kra'Kragk, as the tiger had anticipated. The crab himself stood two heads over the average human, so Wendell's size was not all that special to him. Seeing what looked like a colourful housecat morph into a person however was somewhat surprising. Kra'Kragk shut the wooden cage again, perhaps dissapointed.

"I am going to have to get used to travelling with you creatures"

He said this both referring to Wendell and the tree, though Amber for example would also definitely qualify as someone he would have to get used to travelling with, even if it wouldn't have been for her stingy personality.

When Wendell adressed his sickness Kra'Kragk decided to get back to business. Since both his otherwordly companions were affected by the transportation they had gone through, it would be up to him to take care of them. He turned to Trask.

"We will travel back to the artificer's tower tonight. It has the advantage of a free stay and Montrose might be the closest thing to a doctor for this magical illness. If we mention it to him, he might be able to help. For now though, we've just taken a long ride away from the tower, and a hike back would be exhausting for some of us. While we're in town anyways we might want to enjoy the local food and drink. Take us to your best affordable inn, Trask, I could eat a horse"

He wasn't kidding, he'd eaten horses in the past.

[Bryn]

Autumn

Trask nods. "It's much the same here. Though not forbidden, most religion is forgotten, and lost with time. I suppose machines haven't made life easy on our faith-minded."
Autumn looks surprised at this. "Your people simply gave up religion? I am impressed! For us, it was a lot more bloody, to say the least. I understand that the alternative would be far worse, although I've learned that my people's conception of religion is quite different to that in other lands. Still. We have good reasons for banning religion."


"Very well, I will bring you to any facility in the city you desire. I know Montrose has some open rooms at his tower, if anyone here wants to stay there."
"I would be very happy to revisit the tower. I'll stay with you to see an inn, in any case."

Autumn follows the group as they make their way away from the river bank, turning back to Wendell. "I should mention a few things. The experiments I want to conduct will need to be repeated a lot of times if my results are to be rigorous, and I may need to take samples... that is, ah, bits of you... but I promise I won't cause any sort of permanent injury! Still, I'm confident that with enough investigation I could find out how to copy your transformation on other creatures... and if I find that it's impossible, that will be an amazing result too! My teacher's theory unifying the magical disciplines will be completely obsolete, which means..." Autumn trails off into incoherency, staring into space.

[Averagedog]

Wendell

To Kra'krak
"It is still the first day we are here, I don't think we need Montrose to take a look at us yet.... like a doctor looking at horses perhaps, but my stomach agrees with your sentiment of food..... immediately..."

After walking for a while, Autumn started to ramble about doing experiments on him. While he wasn't surprised that an inquisitive would want to know more about his powers, he found that he enjoyed the extra attention.

"Do all the tests you need, my body regenerates and could even regenerate lost limbs given time.....well I'm not a lycanthrope, I am something.....different. my abilities do not originate from a curse they were simply a part of me from birth."

[Levyathyn]

OOC
For the game's purposes, let's assume that while waiting, Kra'Kragk, Wendell, and Autumn (plus Trask) are found by guards searching for them. The party in the castle waits long enough for everyone to get reunited.

Normally, I wouldn't railroad things up like this, but 1) This is going to be some important information, and 2) It gives some of you great things to complain about.

Castle Stormfront

The advisor leads you through the double doors, while Jillian and a few other civilians remain behind. and into the main room of the castle, which is quite surprising. Hundreds fill the hall, but there remains space for many, many more. Straight ahead, a wide staircase fills the gigantic floor, rising up more then fourty steps to mount the rear of the room. The vacant thrones sit empty; The king, as identified by his crown, is nearby, barking orders calmly. Men and women sweep the floor, each guarded by no less than ten men. Soldiers line the walls, mill about the floor, and relax in the corner; Some of them have the hard-edged swords of a footsoldier, while others boast the long, two-handed blades of a seasoned warrior. Many have crossbows; The quad-armed contraptions are drawn and ready. The armor and weapons gleam in the brilliant light shining in through a high ring of multi-colored, led-stained glass depicting scenes of battle more than two stories up. In this room, the weapons glow brilliantly; One is drawn to notice that they suffer no stains, cuts, dings, or abrasions; They seem almost unused.

In the very center of the room, by the thrones above, and lining the walls in spaces are huge golems. Each is no shorter than eight feet tall; Most are built in a manner that would, were they alive, be considered muscular. They are startlingly agile contraptions made of bronze, steel, and wood, Clockwork men as impressive as they are steadfast. Many are armed with axes the size of a horse, or swords wider and longer than a man. A number of them wield large siege ballistae, cocked and ready, aimed at the ceiling. It is an impressive force. You are led to the king and the young lady at his side; Presumably the queen. Wearily, he accepts your hands, bearing the roughest of your grips with a grunt and a hearty smile. You like him almost immediately; Reluctantly, for some of you. Nonetheless, he wears the armor and weapon of a warrior king, and he wears them well. His dark hair is a little messy; It seems at some point over the past few days, one or more of his attendants tried to fix it, but he doesn't seem to care at all. His face is lightly scarred, but his green eyes are vibrant with life and care.

His wife, at his side, smiles warmly at you. Her blonde hair is tied roughly back, her attire casual at the moment. She, too, wears fine chainmail and a dagger at her side, as well as a well-crafted recurve on her back, replete with arrows crafted from a light, springy wood. "Hello, everyone." He says. "Once again, Monstrose does me the discredit of keeping me ill informed. I can see, now, that you are not an army. I apologize, then; It must have been a terrible experience, being ripped from your home worlds. My name is Rogard." He adds, rubbing his temple. He sighs, and motions you to join him up the stairs, at the thrones. He walks and talks with you, indicating the room around him and gesturing like a soldier. "I assure you, we wouldn't have resorted to such desperate measures unless we needed to. And our need was, and still is a great one. I'm sure Montrose has informed ou of the details of our dire situation; At least, in a minimalist regard. Allow me to fill in the blanks, if you would." He says, taking a seat in his throne. The chair seems uncomfortable to him, as he shifts restlessly. Nonetheless, he collapses off of his feet as if the rest is much needed.

"Centuries ago, there were no artificers. The wizards ruled this land, and all other magics were outlawed. It was during this time in our history that the gods left us. True believers were persecuted and killed, or used in terrible rituals until their bodies were rended apart from the magicks involved. The less faithful that remained, the less the gods heeded their call. Eventually, there was no heed, and no call. There was to be a rebellion, of course; I'll skip ahead a bit at this point. We won. The artificers took foreign technology and brought it back discreetely, and with it, they could cast magic that wasn't dependant on mortal lifeforce. This was the turning point, and after our victory, the artificers cast the mages out of our lands for what we believed would be forever." He says. Sir Gilmore bows his head, then politely raises a question. "What do you mean by mortal lifeforce?" He asks. "I'm sorry, but I have no experience with magic or it's casting where I come from."

"Before their fall, the mages concluded that this world's magic was perverted by some force or energy. They could get no farther before we struck. Every spell or incantation woven here demands a life tribute from the caster. For some weaker magics, blood freely given is enough. For the spells with the power to change the world, people were consumed in the casting. It's unfortunate, but the spell that brought you here was one such spell. Montrose was picked for the casting, since he is the most powerful of our living artificers; Some of his apprentices and warders volunteered for the tribute." Nodding as if satisfied, Sir Gilmore shakes his head in disgust at this new information. "As you can tell by the state of affairs," Isenhal continues, "our efforts were mostly unsuccessful."

"The artificers used all the magic they could weave to enchant a large mirror. Such magic is lost to time, but the mirror was used to cast the mages into a dimension of endless wandering. Afterwards, the mirror was broken, both magically and physically. Nonetheless, they are no returning. Montrose may not have mentioned this, but time goes faster on their end, somehow. We know this because recent studies have centered on using similar portals to travel to other dimensions. Somehow, the mages acquired one or more of our artificers and learned their secrets. Our first thought was that these men had simply wandered to far, and were lost to us. After the first attacks, our minds changed. Valen, like myself and Montrose, refused to believe this was the cause of the attacks. Strategically, it seemed more like the mages were waiting for this to happen; That they could have struck at anytime." He says. "We still don't know if this is the case."

"Nonetheless, you're here now, and you're probably not happy about it. I'm asking for your alleigance; Nothing permanent, but any help you could give my people in their time of need would be appreciated." He says, his face serious and tight. "Speaking of appreciation, you won't be doing this for free. I represent one of the last nations on this world; The wealth of the entire surface world is mine. Our land is in ruin, in places, and there lives no one in these lands to rebuild them. You've already seen this city and it's people; They need you. They think you're heroes. In effect, I'm asking you to save my world; In return, I'll give you what you ask. Name your prices, and if your worth is proven, I will pay them."

[Dorizzit]

Ark Tamaeus

Ark looks around at the throne room as they are lead into it. After a life as long as his, it takes much to impress him, but the forces arrayed within the room, and the room itself, manage to do so, taking into account the harshness of the times. He considers allowing his favorable impression to be shown in his body language. Some of the others seem to be getting suspicious of him, and allowing some more human behavior might prove effective at throwing them off the scent. On the other hand, suddenly becoming totally open would likely be even more suspicious. Ultimately, he decides against it and maintains his rigid control, keeping himself totally unreadable.

Between reaching this conclusion and approaching the throne, he checks to see if the kid is still following him.

As the group approaches the king, Ark's initial impression of the man is positive; he seems to be competent, honest, and genuinely concerned for the fate of his people. When he clasps hands with the king, he does so in a way that, in his world, indicates respect for the recipient, most commonly a warrior. He is also glad to see the new king uncomfortable in his throne; he was yet to meet a good king who sat easily on one of the weighty chairs. He takes a position near the front of the group as Isenhal begins his explanation of events.

Ark hears with grim acceptance and some disgust the price that magic costs in this world. In his own world, such blood magic existed, but it was considered taboo by almost the entire world; even the most vicious of tyrants rare considered its use. In his eyes, the mages have gone from evil to complete monsters for their use of such tainted power. The rest of the dialogue is heard with interest, but it has little emotional value to him. When Isenhal finally ends his speech with his plea for help, Ark, rather uncharacteristically, speaks first.

"You have my help."

[Levyathyn]

Ark

Your quick glance reveals that the kid is, indeed, missing again. You never saw him leave, but he doesn't seem to be here.