Taking Back Dra-Duum [D&D 3.5 Gesalt] [IC]

[Psymple]

Taking Dra-Duum.

Welcome to the Boar & Battle-axe! The Dwarves carved it out of the rock and brew the beer, the Gnomes furnished and decorated it and the Halflings do all the cooking!

Eventually on your travels you will all find yourselves in this pub, its the hub of Doll Quellar and the only social gathering point in Dwarvern lands where the dominant language isnt Orcish.

Its not large or lavish but if push comes to shove the entire hundred plus population of Doll Quellar can all cram themselves in and the past year they have only ever drunk the pipes dry once.

Upon arrival in Doll Quellar all adventurers will be given a set of guidelines they must follow whilst living in Mirror Altiuiri's Lair:

1) All those capable of fighting must sign up for patrol duties whilst a resident.
2) All those capable of casting must use all their spells per day to create food/water/heal or any other spell that will benefit the community.
3) Residents must do nothing to disturb the anti-detection spells or draw the attention of hostile forces.
4) All Residents are to avoid inconveniencing Mirror Altiuiri in anyway whilst he does not dislike company he prefers to be the one to initiate it.

You are all given a room, it too was: Carved into the rocks by dwarves and furnished by gnomes.

[only1doug]

Rhalic signs up for patrol duties and lists his available spells, not expecting any of them to be found useful to the community.

He slides up to the bar and orders a meal and a drink "ale & pie please, and don't stint on the pie..."

[thethird]

"I am going to see the wizard, the wonderful wizard of..." ...trademark infringement. Bella walks singing happily, merrily, nicely, happily, I said that already. Well, let's say that she was singing tunelessly, when she arrived the Boar & Battle Axe.

Inside was nice, hot, dry, and bubbleish instead of wet, soggy and boring. Bella went in without doubt, approaching the bar and looking cheerfully intrigued at those tending the local.

"Bella Bugman reporting for duty. I guess, I suppose, I imagine. I don't like fighting, though I like roofs and comfy beds. Aaaand I'm no good at healing or patching people up, but I can be pretty shiny when it comes to divining information."

She walks away to come back a moment later.

"Do you have cheesecake? I like cheesecake."

[Psymple]

A few minutes after ordering Rhalic is served a pie and a quarter by a friendly gnome.
He replies to the gnome, in gnome,
Glittergold's luck is with you, it was pie last night and there is plenty of left overs. I will just go grab your ale, enjoy your food kin.
Returning from the bar with a large tankard of ale the gnome address's Bella, also in gnome.
No cheese cake sorry, we can do you a cheese board with meats... or an iced cake but why would you want a cake with cheese in?

He pulls a chair out next to the other gnome.
You two are new around here, you come far?

[Saskia]

Though clad in a simple green tunic and brown trousers, the gray elf Sabina is quite an impressive sight with her long legs, pale gold hair, and eyes like bright amethysts. She sits at a table in a corner from which she can clearly see the bar, the patrons, and the entrance. Behind her chair in the corner a backpack of deep red leather and burlap sits, with a large axe with a matching red leather blade sheath propped against the wall above it. From her belt a rapier hangs with a bright red ruby set in the hilt.

Before her on the table are splayed three books, vellum, and an inkwell. She looks up periodically from her studying and writing to gesture oddly with her hands, perhaps practicing some wizardry or other. Other times she simply looks around the bar. Elsewhere on the table a second pen busily scribes away a lengthy list of spells on weighed-down sheets of parchment; it was simply easier that way than trying to sound off the spells and their effects from her spellbook and memory for registration.

After the sickeningly saccharin woman declares herself as capable of "divining information" to the barman, Sabina keeps an eye on her; she had seen drunken diviners "accidentally" get into more bar brawls than all but the most belligerent humans and wasn't keen on anybody disturbing what fragile peace might be found in the area.

[only1doug]

Rhalic laughs softly before replying in gnomish, "nigh on a thousand miles today..."

He takes a sip of his ale before continuing, "the lads and I were beating down this necromancer and he jumped himself back away from us, well I was sure he was going to escape but then he started monologueing...."

Another sip of ale passes his lips, "I'm not kidding you, I thought he was going to get clean away and then he starts jabbering on, Evil will always triumph, yadda yadda, good can never prevail, yadda yadda, not even dwarven strongholds are safe, blah blah, Dra-Duum has fallen, yadda yadda."

Rhalic pauses for a quick bite of pie before carrying on "well I was so taken aback that I almost missed my backstab, almost I say and it was just as well I didn't miss as sure enough he had an escape spell readied, well I stole his ability to teleport and once the lads and I had finished him off I made my excuses and used his teleport to bring me home."

As Rhalic finishes his story he turns his attention to his pie, neatly isolating a forkfull at a time and somehow capturing all the gravy with his fork as he eats, leaving a nearly spotless plate when he is finished.

[thethird]

Bella makes a sad face and then forces a smile on her face looking at the gnome.

"I might come from farther than I thought. I come from a land were cheesy cakes are considered a delicacy. The cheese board will do though. It is nice to change from pretzels. Wanna trade?"

She puts a hand in her cloak and pulls a salty, crunchy, chunky pretzel and gives it to the bartender. Then she thinks that perhaps bartenders at that establishment don't like that their visitants bring food from outside. But, whatever, it was in the cloak all along. It's MAGIC!

OOC: I like quite a lot travel cloak (one of my favorite magic items).

[Psymple]

The gnome nods, shakes his head and looks surprised in all the right places.
Looking between the two gnomes both talking to him at the same time and seemingly ignoring each other.

He shakes his head in confusion, presuming that they do not know each other after all. Aslong as they have no complaints sitting at the same table he doesn't bother to mention anything.

I will bring your order right over.
He trots over behind the bar leaving the two gnomes sat at the table together.
He will return in about ten minutes with a chopping board covered with a selection of cheeses and meats.

---

A dwarf, presumably the man in charge of the Boar and Battle-axe, comes over to where Sabina is sitting, he cautiously attempts to speak to her in dwarvern.
Ahem, excuse me do you speak Dwarvern?
As she looks up seemingly able to understand him he continues.
Could I get you a drink or anything to eat miss?

By the way he is acting its apparent he probably hasn't seen an elf in a considerable time.

[only1doug]

Rhallic has another sip of beer and looks over at the lady who is sharing his table, "So, did I hear correctly, Bella the Divine is it? My name is Rhallic... Rhalic Sliebor."

[Saskia]

Oh, uh, please, yes, Sabina says in a clear contralto, somewhat surprised at the dwarven man's presence. Apparently she hadn't been paying quite as much attention to her surroundings as she seemed, though she appears unphased by his discomfort. A stout cider shandy, if it pleases you, she says warmly a moment later.

[Psymple]

The dwarf man smiles,
Didn't mean to disturb you miss, just didn't want you to feel too uncomfortable, if anyone give you any trouble about being an Elf you just tell me.
He does a little bow

I will go get you that drink
And goes off to get the drink.

[thethird]

Bella its her pretzel since its out better get to eat it before it cools. Then he passes a piece to his new companion.

"Bella the Red actually, or Bella Bugman, or just Bella. Pleasure to meet you Mr. Sliebor. Do you like pretzels?"

She takes another swing to her cloak and produces a flask of pale ale from which she takes a sip.

"Pa made this cloak for me 'fore leaving, useful cloak it is."

She says Pa and the first cloak in dwarvish, almost without thinking. Leaving the flask back at the cloak she looks once again to Mr. Sliebor.

"Sooo... where are you from?"

[only1doug]

Rhalic smiles, "oh, just call me Rhalic..."

"I'm From Dra Duum, grew up there anyway, spent the last 10 years adventuring, going further and further afield... I only recently heard that my home had been taken... most upsetting that was, most upsetting"

Rhalic pauses and takes a bit of the pretzel he'd been given, "most kind by the way, most kind."

"a most useful cloak, I think I may have heard of it's like... a travel cloak is it not?"

"as I understand it it will give you food and drink as well as shelter and keep the worst of the weather off... Perhaps I should look into aquiring one, once I have a little more capital..."

"but then again perhaps not, I have been considering purchasing a cloak of resistance, to better weather the enemy spellcasters you understand"

Rhallic laughs and washes the pretzel crumbs down with his ale, "but what of you, where are you from Bella?"
Rhalic substitutes the last You to Dwarvish and watches to see Bella's response.

[only1doug]

The Dwarf returns to Sabina's table with a mug of Cider Shandy.

"your shandy miss, if you need anything else just let me know."

[thethird]

"Ahum, Rhalic than, then."

Bella ponders his questions while tasting the cheese and meat. Her face wrinkles when she bites a piece of strong cheese, discarding it for one that looks much softer. Yep, that one was better. Bella's tongue wasn't suited for strong tastes.

"On the cloak. I heard that spellcasters from late, have discovered ways to add and improve the abilities of magical items such as this. I know some of that although I never focused in creating stuffs, if I wanted that I would've been an Artificer or a Master like my Pa."

She takes another sip, and takes a mental note, "Thou shalt not break the fourth wall", something that she had learned at the introduction of divination 101, divination and you. She had skipped most of her classes though, and even if she had divined them and thus passed them, she might have missed something. Like why the hell would anyone count walls.

"On where I come... I'm from here and there. Well, not here specifically. Pa raised me by the road. We would sell Beer, true Bugman's beer, the best beer in all dwarvenhood. It should be nice to have a home, and sad to have it taken. Pa had a home once, a brewery, but goblins took it. Since then Pa roams and sells and brews. Wouldn't you know of the Bad Mood Orcs? I heard that they were one of the tribes taking Dra Druum."

She isn't really paying attention to the change in languages, although she keeps saying Pa in dwarvish. Bugman is clearly a given name, and it even sounds human.

[only1doug]

Rhalic grimaces slightly, "Alas my knowledge of Orcs is limited to the arrangement of their internal organs, the better for disrupting their function you understand."

"Aye, the crafting of items is perhaps best left to those who specialise in but I think you are right, My Gloves have three seperate enchantments stacked one upon the other so I'm sure similar things could be done with a cloak."

"well I'm back now and this set of Orcs had best watch out for I'll not be truly happy until they have been evicted from my home and it is ours again..."

"...Still, it will be a lot of work evicting them, so I've be joined tomorrows scouting party, to get a feel for the lay of the land, start gathering allies and such."

Rhalic drinks a great quaff of his ale, "but that is business for tomorrow, for tonight I am closer to home than I have been for many a year and in the company of my kinfolk", Rhalic waves an arm, encompassing the entire bar, Gnomes and dwarves alike, frowning slightly as he spots an elf tucked away in a corner, then saying in Elven, "no offense intended madam."

[Saskia]

Sabina thanks the barman, and closes her books and gathers her papers when Bella mentions her father's beer. None taken. All life is kin. Like it or not, even the foulest orcs are are our cousins. That's why they're our responsibility. She places her books in her pack, and takes it and her axe, as well as her drink, and takes another seat Bella's table. Pardon, but you said Bugman's, yes? She continues, gesturing animatedly. My father loved it. Incidentally, if you add a few drops as a component to a magic circle spell it'll hedge out rainwater. It doesn't protect against evil or such in that case, but it does keep you dry even in terrible storms. I've never found anything that replicates the effect, even other beers. It actually makes long treks much more tolerable when the inevitable rains don't soak you to the soul. Perhaps something to consider for the sales pitch, she finishes with a wink and a smile.

[TwelvePointFive]

The door is slams open. An extremely muscled, short shape stands in the doorway. He is covered in scales of a red and green tint from head to toe. He wears a kilt, a war-gauntlet on his right hand, a draconic grin, and carries a large ax. "And I'm back in the doll-house!" the person rumbles loudly. His dwarven has savage ring to it, something that puts one in mind of a purring cat. A very large purring cat. Hragol walks up to the bar and slams five platinum coins onto the counter. Although it is solid stone, it still manages to make an audiable groan. "That should cover tonight! Be a good lad and get me a pint of your finest, will ya?!" without waiting for a response, he walks off to a table, sits down, and starts running a claw along a crack in the stone. "Ahh, those were good times" he rumbles to himself.

[Techwarrior]

Equally as bizarre, but much less abrupt and jarring, a warforged steps into the bar behind this draconic dwarven strongman. The mechanical creature is covered in light, faintly blue plates of a strange alloy. Someone skilled in the ways of metal would recognize it as Gith-work, but any others who looked upon the plating would only recognize the archaic, almost ceremonial air to the mithral plates protecting the warforged. The creature carries no obvious weapons, but carries a dusty tan satchel on his back.

The construct moves with the studied grace of one who knows how to deal a blow, and how to take one. It's eye sockets flick around the room, taking in everyone quickly and making snap judgments about their capabilities.

Tome moves off to a dark corner, finding a table for himself, and listens to the conversations going on. The strongman could be useful, but would need to be tempered. Everyone else would have to be watched carefully.

[Saskia]

Sabina smiles to the warforged as it enters before looking it over curiously, preferring to make eye contact, or at least acknowledge its sentience before assessing its construction.

[thethird]

The dwarvish barman caresses its bear looking at the scaly, rocky fellow. He takes the coin feigning to be unimpressed, he has dealt with adventurers in the past and he knows how much they like to expend. After a moment behind the bar he brings a flask containing a dark beer, almost black, really thick and topped with creamy white bubbles. He also carries a small glass of what appears to be a strong spirit, for even if it is clear as water the air seems to refract and shift around it.

The barman takes the small glass and drops it in the pint, the beer is almost undisturbed but it soon starts to change color to a reddish bright brown.

-Prost.

After serving the dwarf half dragon he goes towards the warforged and looks him with expert eye, examining its crafting.

-Could I get you anything?

[thethird]

Bella listens to Sabina with earnest interest. And although at first she smiles she makes a slight sad face when the elf mentions the possibility of a sales pinch.

"Since Pa lost the brewery it's been hard to create beer. Many dwarven communities have offered to host him, but it would mean producing for them, and humans don't have all the equipment necessary for a Bugman's. So its been complicated, we were on the road most of the time, renting a brewery at some city, and when the government would learn that we were producing true Bugman's the interest would raise quite a bit..."

Then she sees the beer that the dwarf is pouring to the half dragon at the bar.

"That's a Bugman's III!" She seems sincerely impressed "It's been decades since I saw one those are from before Pa lost the brewery."

She looks at her purse, checking if she can afford a bottle, to keep it and bring it back to his father. But after telling how valuable it would be she doubts it. After a moment another idea crosses her mind and she looks back at Sabina.

"You were using beer as a spell component? Why would you even try that? Beer is for drinking."

[TwelvePointFive]

He took a rather catious sip of the mug. Small tendrils of smoke seeped out of his nostrils. "This'll put some strength back in my bones! Thank you, lad!" He raised his mug to the barman. "How wonderful it feels to be young again! Used to be I'd topple over after just a single one of these!" He started drinking with gutso. After a while, he looked around the bar.
As he noticed the construct that had entered, his eyes popped wide open, and he sat there staring for a moment. His brow furrowed, and he appeared to be deep in thought. "Hmm." Hragol was sure he knew the golem, but he was unable to place it. He walked over to the table where it had sat down, bringing his beverage. "Hey, I think I've seen you before! 'You ever spend time down in the underdark?!"

[only1doug]

"Well, if they serve your pa's brew here then i shall have to try one..."

Rhalic looks to the bartender, flashes a coin when the man looks his way then calls out, "three of those over here please, they look good."

He smiles at his table companions, "I'm assuming you'd each like one?"

[Saskia]

Sabina looks at Rhalic, then her half-full mug of lovely shandy. With a shrug she says Why not? and downs the remainder of her drink in surprisingly efficient and classless form.

Well, like I said, my dad loved it, and rather unlike my kin he was fascinated by humans' adaptability and strove to match it. She pauses and shrugs lightly. That meant also having a practical use for everything he carried, she continues. He could never find a use for that beer though, so my sister and I worked out its chemical properties. Being an abjuration specialist like my father it was easier for me to find where it or some component of it might fit in simple abjurant formulae to create some useful effect.

Her smile leaves her lips and she looks down after a moment. I'm sorry about the brewery. I know it must be hard once your family's livelihood has been taken away. How far away is it?

[thethird]

The barman serves the beer and takes the money with a grin.

----

Bella looks at the drink, then at Rhalic, then again at the beer, at Sabina and at Rhalic, and once again back at the beer. For a moment she reaches into her cloak, almost tempted to produce a flask from her to store the drink and keep it.

"Thanks..."

Finally she decides to take the glass and sips it slowly, savoring the taste with delight and calmness. After a really short taste she looks back to the elf.

"I'm not really sure where the brewery is anymore, Pa lost it before he adopted me. And well, I am not really even sure where am I. I've never been good with maps or charts. At the moment I would just like to hunt some orcs in Dra-Druum and payback a blood debt."

Sipping the drink again, with almost reverence she adds.

"And what about you Sabina? Why are you here?"

[only1doug]

Rhallic sips delicately at the rich reddish brown brew before him, watching the reactions of his current companions.

One eyebrow raises in understated suprise at the quality of the beer, "I see that you weren't overstating the charms of this dark beast, an excellent brew, my compliments to your father".

[Saskia]

Sabina runs her finger along the rim of the mug before taking a drink, and nods to Rhalic. Turning back to Bella she says I've got a debt to collect from the orcs as well. She looks around somewhat hesitantly and continues, It's no great secret that my people opted to preserve their own hides rather than aid their perennial allies during the their hour of need. Even my brother, a warrior-priest of Corellon of quite some renown, saw fit to return home rather than perform his holy duty of guarding civilized people from orcs.

Sabina sighs heavily and idly traces the rim of her mug with her finger again. My father was different, though. He was working on something rather delicate during the siege. He was sparse on detail with me, but he believed it was more important than Dra Duum, that it would shift the balance of power against the orcs for good, and in a way the orcish spellcasters couldn't replicate even if they discovered his spellbooks. Said the fortress could be retaken, but that his research could not be replicated, and frankly I believe him. Once he was done though he finally left his lab, and kissed my mother and me goodbye, and teleported off to Dra Duum, just like that. A few months later we got wind of a rumor that he had been captured by an orcish sorcerer with soul-trapping magic, and long story short, it took me a while to get here but I'm either going to save the citadel and my father, or I'm going to save the citadel and kill the unlucky sorcerer in a very unpleasant manner. She takes a draught from her mug and sighs, rejuvenating her small, peaceful smile.

[Techwarrior]

Sabina smiles to the warforged as it enters before looking it over curiously, preferring to make eye contact, or at least acknowledge its sentience before assessing its construction.

Tome gives a responsive nod, accepting her curiosity graciously.

The warforged watched the barman with impassive eyes as the man made his way across the bar. Tome was used to the confusion towards Tome's appearance, make, and needs.

"Just a space where I might attain some semblance of peace and quiet to attend to my more private affairs."

The female who had made such bold eye contact with him had now caught his ear as well. Unusual for one of flesh, especially an Elf. Gnomes had always held his attention best, the tinkers they were. This one didn't have Tome's attention from knowledge though. She had something important to Tome: Dra-Duum in her thoughts, and the will to attempt its retaking.

I think I like this one.

The warforged thought all of this as it stepped up and subtly moved across the bar, pausing only to give the barman a gold piece and tell him, "Your best, if you will."

When it came to the Elf's table its voicebox rumbled, an imitation of one clearing their throat. its voice, when it spoke, was like the deep hum of a large machine idling, and was completely dispassionate.

"That sounds like quite the task you've taken responsibility for. I hope you wouldn't be overly opposed to another coming along? I am called Tome, before the City was Taken, I took care of the maintenance of the entire City. If we were to pool our resources together, we would stand a much better chance than if we were forced to attempt such a burden alone.

[Saskia]

Knowledgeable assistance would please me beyond measure, Tome. Sabina, she says by way of introduction and holds out her hand daintily. Can you hold yourself in a fight?

[Techwarrior]

Tome takes Sabina's hand in its own, matching her strength carefully so as not to crush her hand.

"If I were not, t'would be improper for me to suggest myself as a compatriot, no?"

Tome pulls up a sturdy chair and sits.

"I am skilled in a number of esoteric arts and sciences. One such art translates to "The Art of Strikes" in this tongue. I know many others though. Dra-Duum was a highly cultured place. I would see my home restored."

[only1doug]

Rhalic's eyes turn firece, "so it is you!"

"Last time I met you I was impressed, inspired even, a defender of the city you called yourself then? How has it come to pass then, that my home is fallen and yet you still stand?"

Barely pausing for breath, not giving Tome a chance to respond, "I'm sure you don't recall me, I was but a child then, but your dedication inspired me to become the Gnome I am today and now I find that you Fled Dra-Duum rather than stand and defend it as you claimed was your charge!"

"Well, machine, Why should you be allowed a part of the cleansing of Dra Duum, you who fled it without a backward glance? No, I shall not hear..."

[only1doug]

Several of the nearby dwarves look over at the commotion and one of them strides over and interrupts Rhalic while he is mid speech, "Stay your tougue. You have no idea what you're talking about!"

He waits a second for the angry gnome to cease his ranting, "Lord Tome is a hero. He is the one who secured the evacuation routes, through the sewers and held them enabling at least some to flee."

"The stream of Evacuee's stopped but no Orcs followed, and we all feared that lord Tome was lost. Recently our patrols have become bolder and we investigated the sewers that were the evacuation routes, they were all collapsed but we tunneled back in, ready to bring them back down if needed."

The dwarf pauses and wets his throat from his pint, "Well, I was helping clear the way and I can tell you; We found the reason the Orcs had stopped, a pile of their corpses surrounding a broken warforged, we gathered his parts and me alongside other spellcasters were able to restore Lord Tome to full function."

"And now that you know that Lord Tome is a Hero, I hope you'll moderate your language. And know, that if you disparage him again you'll face my wrath."

"and mine"

"mine too"

a rumble of agreement fills the room as nigh on every dwarf and gnome there agrees.

[only1doug]

Rhalic's jaw drops and he listens in stunned silence to the tales of Tomes heroism.

"I'm sorry Lord Tome, I beg your pardon for my arrogant assumptions, please forgive me."
Rhalic seems relieved to be proven wrong, pleased perhaps that his childhood influence is proven to be a hero and not the coward he had feared him to be.

[Techwarrior]

The warforged raises its hands in the dwarven gesture for peace, and rumbles to grab their attention.

"Peace, friends. The man was unenlightened, as was I and each of you for a time. I am comfortable in the notion that each of you had your moment where you doubted my steadfastness. This man has has his, and passed it. Let us welcome him kindly, and forgive him his minor transgression."

As the crowd goes back to their drinks, Tome turns to Rhalic eyes dark.

"Rhalic, you say? Ah, I remember you now. I found you nipping around in the ventilation ducts. You know, I never did tell your mother you were playing in the ducts. I still don't know how she discovered your hobby. Did she send you away? I always wondered why I quit finding you playing in the city. As before, I'd really prefer you not refer to me as Lord, particularly of the City fallen. I never liked that particular appellation."

[only1doug]

a palpatable look of relief crosses Rhalics face, "Well Lo... Tome, I was grounded for a month or two, then I had a lot of studies to catch up on and then, well as you can guess a growing boy's attention turns to other matters..."

Rhalic reddens slightly, "not that my mother was any better pleased with that sort of trouble I can assure you, well with one thing and another I was never able to continue my explorations of the cities substructure."

Rhalic takes another refreshing draught of the fine beer, "Then I was fully grown and able to do as I pleased, well adventure and exploration were on my mind and not of old Dra-Duum, the world was my Shellfish and I set out to explore it, righting wrongs as I went."

Rhalics face falls, losing its cheerful expression, "Then news reached me of the fall of Dra-Duum and returned immediately, I arrived back only yesterday. Many of my childhood friends are among those assumed dead, I can only be grateful that my parents had already left Dra Duum before the invasion ocurred."

[Saskia]

During the excitement, Sabina had calmly placed her hand on her sword's hilt, unsure of whether the conflict would sort itself out or if she might have to pacify the situation. She really didn't want to pacify the situation.

When the potential powder keg was disarmed, she returned to her drink in relief. The last thing she wanted was to turn her abilities against anybody simply out of misunderstanding.

What about you, big guy? she asks the large scaly dwarflike creature. Did you come looking for revenge, too? You don't get that size without crushing a lot of skulls.

[Techwarrior]

"Rhalic, and forgive me if I do speak in error, should you not be concerned with the danger inherent in this task? Are you sure you comprehend the full merit of these orcs? I speak out of the experience of one who has felt their steel pierce mine. Should you not at least discuss this idea with your mother? You say she is still on the mortal coil. I would contact her for you, if you cannot yourself. Does she even know that you yet live?"


Tome's speech pattern becomes slightly faster. Though his words are worried, his voice is still passionless.

[only1doug]

Rhalic smiles in genuine amusement, "Tome, for these past 10 years I have been an explorer and adventurer. I have fought Orcs and Goblins, Giants and Trolls, Dragonkin and Aberrations. My mother resigned herself long ago to the high likelyhood of my death in battle."

Rhalic sips his drink, "My mother.... Does not support my choice of lifestyle and does not wish to hear from me, well, "until you have given up all this foolishness" were her words..."

"Give up adventurin", Rhalic laughs gently, "perhaps I'll consider it when time takes it toll on me, but for now I'd sooner give up breathing... Um, no offense intended there, sorry"

[TwelvePointFive]

"Aye! 'Been cracking the skulls of elven bastards and worse down in the tunnels since before you were born!" He regards the pointed ears and angled features of the woman adressing him. "Not your kind of elf, of course! Them dark ones, with the white hair. Sodding nusiances, they are." He nods to himself, and drains his mug in one long drink, before he leans in over the table. His breath smells strongly of ale and liquor. "I came here to find people who'd help me liberate The Citadel again. Never thought I'd see it fall to orcs, of all things!"

[Saskia]

Sabina smiles broadly at the scaly dwarf and raises her mug to him in salute before taking a drink. Don't worry, no offense taken. The drow are scarcely worthy of being called elvenkind, she says, her mannerisms markedly more loose than before. Probably contact buzz more than anything else, having had little actual alcohol, but she seems much more at ease anyway. But I'm here mostly for the same reason, as is Tome here, and it sounds like Rhalic's in for some action too, yeah Rhalic? she continues, indicating her newfound friends in turn.

[only1doug]

Rhalic looks up at the elf towering above him, "indeed, my purpose here is to reclaim Dra-Duum from its current infestation and i'll certainly welcome skilled assistance in that endevour."

"I make that five of us then," Rhalic nods at his fellow gnome, "Bella here has also expressed interest in retaking Dra-Duum"

[thethird]

After finishing her beer Bella looks around, it seems that the warforged and the stony-dracony-dwarfy-dwarf has joined them. Company is fun. And she might be slightly tipsy.

Bella looks at them and tries to catch up with the conversation.

"I'm not only interested in claiming back Dra-Duum. Retaking the city would be nice, but I am more interested in paying a debt to some orcs."

Her beer finished she can not take another drink.

"The guild of Roads and Paths pays its debts with interest."

[Psymple]

The dwarf from earlier returns to the table.

Another round for the retakers of Dra-Duum?
He chuckles haughtily, as though you were a group of adolescents
discussing the slaying of dragons.
The last Madman, the cities defender, the adopted daughter of Bugman, Young Rhalic the trouble maker... and an elf...

He laughs some more
This one is on the Dragon, hes been trying to get a group of fools to attempt retaking Dra-Duum since we got here!

It begins to dawn on the group just how crazy the idea is:
yet looking around at everyone at the table they feel their spirits
raise.
Each of them now seem to be assessing each other: everyone seems
capable, they all have conviction in their eyes...

Perhaps they should pay their host a visit.

[Saskia]

Well, if he's been looking for fools maybe I should just be off without his blessing, Sabina says, amused at the unusual prospect of somebody not taking her seriously. Hell, I'm the gray elf, I thought I was supposed to be the conceited bitch! Tell this dragon I want to have a word with him, 'cause you give me a month, tops, and that keep is as good as ours!

[Psymple]

The dwarf stops grinning.

In broken elvish he says
Pardon me, I meant no offence

He smiles and returns to dwarvern
Think carefully before you act friends, our Draconic Host has tried countless times to get me to charge those cursed halls.

Turning he grabs your empties and walks across to the bar to refill them.

*He is still in earshot for any more questions and seems to be keeping his eye on your table more than on what he is doing*

[Techwarrior]

Tome thinks on the titles given to each of them. It wasn't hard to decide to whom each belonged, though Tome felt that the barman would have been more respectful towards the group gathered at the table.

"Sir, with all due respect. How would one acquire this Dragon's blessing. Any aid we can acquire in this endeavor would be greatly appreciated. We see not your run-of-the-mill adventurers, I mean fools; we do not undertake this task lightly.


Tome reflects on what its programming tells it about this dragon. In Dra-Duum, there must have been something on it. Dragons are rare, magical, mysterious, and often arcane creatures with great impact on an area's history.
Knowledge (Arcana) [roll0]
Knowledge (History) [roll1]
Knowledge (Local) [roll2]

[only1doug]

Rhalic glances around the table at the resolved expressions on the faces of his fellow 'fools', "you may tell the dragon that you have found a team of volunteers to attempt the retaking of Dra-Duum."

"Perhaps he can offer us some advice before we begin our reclaimation efforts?"

[Psymple]

Tome:
**Depending on how long some of you have been in Doll Quellar you may know some of this as well**

Tome himself has met the dragon on a few occasions being knowledgeable about many things, especially Dra-Duum, Mirror Altiuiri asked for his company during his stay in Doll Quellar.

Personal:
In his opinion Mirror Altiuiri's is modest, atleast for a Dragon, and despite seeing himself as more important than those he protects he still holds an amount of respect for the younger races that most dragons would not.

Local/history:
It is well known that if not for Mirror Altiuiri the surrounding area would have fallen to the Orcs and that the Gnome, Dwarf and Halfling races would be almost if not entirely extinct.

It is well known he lives in the larger and vaster caverns of his lair whilst Doll Quellar is only a small corner of it.


History:
You know that Mirror Altiuiri was very inactive in the local area during that last few centuries and was either hibernating or overseas until the last few decades.

Arcane/more personal:
Tome knows that for a Dragon of his age he seems to have a rudimentary grasp on magic except in the arts of divination and he himself is a devout and fervent follower of Bahamut.

The dwarf shrugs his wide shoulders as he places the tankards of Bugman's back down on the table.
Who you think I am, his secretary?
He scratches his head
He hasn't been very social this year, I refused to go with the last raiding party... they all got slaughtered.

The dwarf shakes his head slowly and runs his hands through his beard.
If you have your heart set on it, go see him...
Just be careful.

**This dwarf seems very familiar to all of you who lived in Dra-Duum but none of you can quite place who he is he does, however, seem to be a very capable fighter but it is obvious he has not seen any action in a few years**

[thethird]

Free beer, good beer, tasty beer.

Bella drinks the new beer happily. After finishing it she looks around.

"I'm no fool. I like beer though. Beer is tasty. Let's see the Dragon. Does the dragon have wings? I like wings."

She gets up and starts to make sure that all her equipment is in person patting the pockets and checking the compartments.

"Oh!... I mean chicken wings. Never tried dragon wings, probably not a good idea to start now."

[TwelvePointFive]

"Made me travel nearly a thousand miles just to get to my farther, that one did! Just because he thought I wasn't worthy of..." Hragol scratches his scaly chin. "What's-his-name... Bahamut!" He exclaims. He then proceeds to mumble something about overgrown, condescending lizards and dolls.

[Saskia]

Wrenched back to sobriety by the dwarf's attempt at elven in his apology (a benefit of elation brought on by environment rather than induced by chemical), Sabina considers his words. Taking her pack and axe as she stands, she says with conviction in her voice You may believe it to be a fool's errand, but I do not. It is my duty to rescue my father, to restore the honor of the elven people, and to end the reign of the orcish hosts in civilized lands. I am not some simple gloryhound and these are not responsibilities that I take lightly. Now if you will excuse me, I am off to consult with this dragon regarding the retaking of your home.

With that, she walks out the door with a stately stride to meet with the dragon.

[only1doug]

Without any hesitation Rhalic follows his new elven friend.

[Techwarrior]

Tome holds up a hand when Sabina stands to leave.

"Hold compatriots. Rash action and hasty words are improper when consulting with a Dragon. Even Mirror Altiuiri has his draconic pride. If we are to meet with him, as I have several times in the past, we should present ourselves properly. We need to apply for the proper appointment, and we must act respectfully. Dragons are easy to offend, and make powerful enemies. His wrath is not one we should invoke."

[TwelvePointFive]

"Yes, let's go lick some scaly tail." Hragol stands up, hafts his battleaxe over his left shoulder, and stomps off, appearing disgruntled.

[Psymple]

The group find themselves stood outside the Boar & Battle-axe
Sabina, Rhalic, Bella and Hragol having stood and left together and Tome following them.

As the group stand outside the Bar they find themselves in the large plaza:
upwards a very wide earth tunnel leads to the surface, down it leads deeper into the earth. Stretching off in all directions are tunnels for accommodation and storage.

It is outside the door Tome, having caught up with the group, makes his objections to simply barging in on the Dragon unannounced.

[Saskia]

Sabina stops at Tome's words, though it is obvious that it takes a supreme act of will to do so; every muscle in her body tenses as she turns back to Tome and speaks. Fine. It galls me to the core, but I'll play Pretty Princess Mirror's game. They won't destroy your precious city, so we can take as long as we want. Fine. Whatever. If that's all you care about then so be it. Just remember that every day wasted is a day cretinous orcs might be consuming my father in his entirety to create some vile magical trinket, and if Mirror's corpulent ego so irrevocably destroys my father, the dragon's head will be next for my trophy wall. She offers a heavy sigh, and politely motions for Tome, having made her point. Lead on.

[thethird]

Tome's idea sounds wise. Maybe they can offer some beer to the Dragon. Everything is better with beer....

Bella looks at the warforged with earnest interest.

-I'm Bella Bugman. Nice to meet you. My experience with dragons is rather limited, my father brews a beer called Dragon's Breath but even if it is really spicy I fear that it is not the same. What do you propose?

[only1doug]

"so... how do you make an appointment to speak to the dragon without speaking to the dragon...?"

Rhalic looks to Tome, "does he have a social secretary?"

[Psymple]

As you all stand outside the Boar & Battle-axe a few patrons bustle in and out of the door, some mumbling comments as to why such a strange group are stood in the way but none are particularly aggressive mostly just confused.

Yeah I posted in the wrong thread, meant to post in the OOC soooo this is just a fluff place holder for my mistake! :D

[Techwarrior]

"We actually do nothing."

Tome pauses, letting its statement sink in.

"This is a Dragon. Mirror Altiuiri is a great diviner. He will notice that we have spoken of him, and should he wish to exchange pleasantries with us, he will contact us. We should begin our preparations for our retaking of the city. We must plan this well."

And then, almost as an afterthought.

"Likely with a Sending."

[Saskia]

Sabina nods, her face placid. You're right. I'm going to track down some dry rations, I doubt hunting in an underground city will yield much benefit.

[TwelvePointFive]

"If one awaits the leasure of a dragon, one should be prepared to wait a sodding long time!" Hragol rumbles, visibly impatient, if not altogether displeased with the situation. "'Sides, I've nowhere near spent those coins yet." With that, Hragol turns around and walks back into the bar, yelling for more beer.

[thethird]

Bella feels a bit down because the warforged seems to propose to do boring stuff. Waiting is not her thing. She starts to do something and then remembers that she cannot actually cast omen of peril, that makes her sad.

-So... we do nothing, nothing is boring, can we drink beer instead? It is more fun.

Then she sees that Sabine is leaving for rations and tells her.

-Whatever you get I'm a bit tired of pretzels, anything else would be nice. Although I don't like apricots, they are stupid.

Then she looks at Mr Shiny, or Tome, or whatever his name is.

-Okay, do nothing, that sounds something like I can actually do, but yeah, boooooring. What do you need to retake the city? Does it have a door? We might need a key. If you know what I mean.

[Saskia]

Finding the conversation trite, Sabina walks back into the bar.

Good sir, she says to the barkeeper,my compatriots and I will need field provisions as wild game within the city during our forays seems unlikely. What can you offer?

[Dunkoro]

The dwarf defending Tome earlier approaches you:
I've tinkered for quite some time, but I've reached a decission now. I fear such an occasion might not happen again in my lifetime and thus I've decided to aid you in your quest. It has been too long that our mighty fortress is in the hands of these filthy orcs. I have yet to see it with my own eyes, but I've heard a lot of wonderful stories about its former might. Could you possibly accept me into your company?

Oh, and where are my manners?! I'm Dirk Magnus, pleased to meet you.

[only1doug]

"Hello Dirk, I'm Rhalic...", a confused look crosses Rhalic's face, "you say you haven't been to Dra-Duum before? A few moments ago ago you spoke as if you had been there during the evacuation?"

"regardless, you are right, five years in Orcish hands is far too long a time, we cannot allow five more..."

[Techwarrior]

Tome spins to Rhalic, eyes glowing brightly. Its voice switches to a higher, faster register, though it is still lower than any humanoid's.

"Five years?! Tell me this is not so Rhalic. It cannot be so long lost. A few months maybe, but five years? How badly were we defeated?

The libraries, the machines, the City... Lost. This MUST be resolved. Every moment spent is another moment for them to break the codes.

[only1doug]

Rhalic looks at Tome and speaks gently, "Well, I have spent most of the last ten years travelling further and further afield so I don't know precisely..."

Rhalics voice gains in pitch and fervour as he continues, "But yes, that is the timescale i was informed of, five long years Dra-Duum has been sitting under Orcish rule, Five years since the invasion drove out the Dwarves and allowed the filth to fester in our home, Five years while I galivanted and played at 'adventuring' all the while my home was...", Rhalic stops, realising he was starting to shout.

[Psymple]

The Barman gives the Elf a funny look:
So you made up your mind, huh, stubborn as a dwarf you are...
He shrugs his shoulders and checks his inventory list.
Round here I suppose that's a complement.

I will arrange food for you before you leave and can give you all I can spare friend,
The word friend is in elvish, he seems sincere, despite his earlier remarks.
It is customary for dwarves to take their pigs on suicide missions, they double as food once they get slain... but few still follow traditions anymore.

[Saskia]

Thank you, sir, Sabina says mildly, and turns to leave.

Reuniting with the group she glances at Rhalic. Good to hear I'm not the only one making a fool of myself. Almost as if it is physically painful, her eyes dart between Tome and some invisible subject flitting around. Quickly and softly she says I apologize for earlier. If we'll have to wait anyway, I'm going to get some rest.

Without waiting for a response, she leaves for her room to lay down until called.

[thethird]

"Pigs also makes fine mounts. Pa used to say. To climb a mountain you need a big Ram, to pull a cart nothing better than a donkey. But there isn't anything tastier, meatier and harder than a big ol' Pig."

Bella says behind Sabine, bored she had followed the elf.

"Are those pigs well trained? With rears and equipment? We might want to get some, it will probably faster than traveling on foot. A dwarvish breed wartrained boar is a fine mount indeed."

[Psymple]

The dwarf leans forward over the bar, he had not noticed the tiny gnome was there.
He smiles widely as though talking to a small child.

I am sure a Boar would carry you much faster than those little legs of yours, if you would like to, I could let you come and pick the mounts yourself...
His tone is slightly condescending but still warm and jovial.

---

Sabina makes her way back to her room, she finds the door ajar.
Inside she can hear heavy breathing and her nostrils fill with the strong smell of sulfur.

---

Hragol, now on his second flagon of ale, finds himself stood at the bar next to an old dwarf.

I remember you now...
His voice sounds like a a distant breeze echoing through black halls.
You are one of the Madmen, your lot came in here two years ago... the day this place was established... the siege on the citadel, how did it go?

[only1doug]

"we can pick our own mounts you say? Most generous of you, but we should probably rest first, while we wait for Mirror to contact us."
Rhalic yawns a little, "goodnight all, I'm off to bed."

[Saskia]

Drawing her rapier, Sabina incants two short spells, warding her against attack. Moving quickly she kicks the door open and steps inside, her stance defensive and prepared to counter any fell magic.

Casting shield, protection from evil, then readying a standard action to cast dispel magic to counter a spell if appropriate. AC 24 (10+6 dex+5 shield +3 deflection vs. evil). If necessary, spellcraft [roll0].

[Dunkoro]

Yeah, I suppose going to sleep is a good idea. Good night to you all.
After these words he went to his room to get a full night's sleep.

[TwelvePointFive]

Hragol looks at the old dwarf, and empties his flagon thoughtfully. "The siege It was a day of glory. But it was also a day of defeat. Of sadness. And for me, of shame." his eyes glaze over, and he appears see something else entirely than the homely inn. "All surviving Madmen had gathered, the light of our torches reflected in the steel of our armor, so that it looked like a great sea of flames, spilling through the tunnels of the underdark. It was a force that would'ave made any deep-elf tremble, and we thought ourselves assured in our victory." Hragol pauses, accepts another flagon, and drinks deeply.
"Not that it would've mattered of course! We were the Madmen under the mountains, and we attacked wether we thought the odds favorable or not!" The dwarf slurrs a little towards the end.
"We fell upon the orcs in the city, and for a while we fought bravely, our horde advancing. But some would fall, and for every orc we killed, another three took their place. I was struck down by a, hmm... spell, and lost the ability to... err, whatchsitcalled, move. When I could walk again, the others had moved on. Ai tried to find them, but at one point, I came to a place where I could ssee all the orcsh." Hragol hangs his head. "There were so many... I think I stood there for ages, until I turned around and fled. Then I came here, a disgrace to all of me kin.
But no longer! Soon, me and my new friends shall do what a even score of the finest berserkers could not! We will free our Citadel from the orcish grasp, and I shall be worthy of calling meself a Madman once more!" Hragol appears to be straining to get his speech out the way he intends to, but it did indeed sound coherent. He sits down with a heavy sigh.

[Psymple]

Rhalic makes his way back to her room, he finds the door ajar.
Inside he can hear heavy breathing and his nostrils fill with the strong smell of sulfur.

---

Dirk makes his way back to her room, he finds the door ajar.
Inside he can hear heavy breathing and his nostrils fill with the strong smell of sulfur.

---

Sabina kicks the door open, it hits the wall with a thud.

Sabina
As she steps inside she sees a small metallic reptile, it hisses defensively at her sudden entrance.

--

The old dwarf listens to Hragol's story, his face saddened towards the end.
He shrugs his shoulders unable to make judgement:
At least you're alive.

[TwelvePointFive]

"We schwore that din' matter!" Hragol almost fell off the bench he was sitting on. He looked around, dazedly. "Oh, it is not the time for sutch fhoughts. Nightsh are for drinkin' and schleepin' and... other shtufch! I tchink it' time I do tha' now!" Drunkedly, Hragol got up and staggered up the stairs, and into his room, not even noticing the smell of sulphur, all the while humming an old battlemarch of his youth.

I hope it is ok to assume that there's something in my bedroom.

[only1doug]

Rhalic walks confidently into his room and greets his visitor, "hello, i'm Rhalic, as i'm sure you already knew..."

[Saskia]

Sabina stares at the creature for a moment. Satisfied that it is not hostile, she lowers her weapon and demands of it Who are you?

[Psymple]

Taking in the creature Sabina realises it is a, albeit very small, silver dragon.
It hops into the air and hovers:

It speaks in Dwarvern

I am Mirror Ternocki, son of Mirror Altiuiri, my father wishes to speak with you.
It pauses its head turning to observe her.
That is ok?

---

As Rhalic enters the room a small Silver Dragon sits atop his desk.

It speaks in Gnomish

Pleased to meet you Rhalic I am Mirror Trekis, son of Mirror Altiuiri.
It seems to smile through its fangs
My father told me whom you are and asked for me to escort you to him.

---

Hragol falls through his door and lands drunkenly on his bed.
An angry screeching can be heard from underneath himself and his bed suddenly erupts into flames around him.

[Saskia]

Sabina sighs heavily and sheathes her weapon. Apologies, young wyrm. she replies in dwarven, but continues in draconic. One does not survive a life as dangerous as mine without a penchant for paranoia.

A shade of guilt passes her, realizing the bitter irony that her threat, idle as it was, would involve leaving children fatherless. It was not the sort of statement civilized people ought to make anyway.

She bows graciously and says with a soft voice Please, I would be thrilled to meet your father, young one.

[Psymple]

The young wyrm swaps to its native tongue.

You speak Draconic well for an elf, I have not yet learnt elven, excuse my ignorance.
Mirror Ternocki, translating into Mirror Breath, hovers over towards the door.
Ladies first

[Saskia]

Thank you. I'm impressed by your mastery of more than just one language at your age. A fine young man, your father must be proud, Sabina says in draconic, and walks gracefully through the door. From there she follows the dragon.

[Dunkoro]

Dirk very carefully enters his room, observing his surroundings, looking for the sourse of sulfur.


[roll0]

[only1doug]

Rhalic replies in gnomish, "A pleasure to meet you Mirror Trekis, I would be pleased to accompany you, please lead on."

[thethird]

Bella giggles.

"Sure let me know where the animals are and I will choose one fluffy and cuddly for me and myself."

[Psymple]

Thank you. I'm impressed by your mastery of more than just one language at your age. A fine young man, your father must be proud, Sabina says in draconic, and walks gracefully through the door. From there she follows the dragon.

Despite my young age I am still a Dragon, I also speak gnomish.
Following through the door he leads back to the plaza, there waiting is Rhalic also alongside another young wyrm.

---

A pleasure,
The young Dragon leads the way outside of his room and back to the plaza.
I sense one of my brothers close, with one of your companions, we shall journey together.

---

Dirk enters the room, as he quietly opens the door and tentatively sneaks inside a streak of copper flashes past his face from above: accompanied by a loud.

Boo!

---

The dwarf smiles
I thought you might, well... follow me lass.

He lifts up a section of the bar, before realising she is small enough to simply walk under it, then waves an arm for her to come through.

Leading he takes a small set of stairs down to the underneath of the Boar & Battle-Axe, through a large larder, storage rooms and into a large pig pen.
The room is fenced off in the middle, with a mud pit holding between 30 and 40 very large boards it sticks of pig and waste.

So here are our beauties!
The dwarf is almost shouting over the noise of the pigs.

[Dunkoro]

What... What was that?!
He then proceeds to look in the direction he heard the sound from.

[thethird]

Bella looks at the pigs and makes a surprised face. Those animals are pigs? Pa always said that they were noble animals and good to hug and nice and fluffy and tasty... those seemed dirty and stinky and pinky.

She looks at the dwarf.

"Do they always smell so strongly? I wouldn't be able to sneak around with them... orcs gonna smell them miles away"

[Psymple]

Dirk spots a tiny spec of copper on his bed, focusing he notices it is a tiny copper dragon. It rolls around on its back laughing whilst spouting tiny clouds of smoke from its nostrils.

It giggles in gnomish.

Did I scare ya?

---

The dwarf claps his hand on her shoulder:
That's the smell of war kiddo!

Believe me when you are riding your war-hog at a pack of orcs, dwarvern lance in hand, the last thing they will be thinking about is how they smell.

[Techwarrior]

Tome goes back inside after the others departed, watching the patrons from the corner, scribbling occasionally in a notebook.

[Psymple]

Some time passes: looking down at his notebook to write something Tome notices something strange: Inside his notebook are words written in a familiar handwriting.

Will you be so kind as to pay me another visit Tome?
We have things to discuss.

Tome is filled with an understanding that anything he writes will be readable to Mirror Altiuiri.

[Dunkoro]

Dirk responded in Draconic:
Naah, what made you think that? On a serious note though, I suppose you have something to tell me?

[thethird]

Bella smirks and makes a blade appear in one of her hands, making it disappear in the next second, almost as if it wasn't ever there.

"That might be true, but... nobody expects the gnomish quickrazor."

She approaches one the animals, big enough for her to ride and looks at it in the eye. Dissatisfied she checks another one, and a third one before settling in front of one who has a spark of tamed instincts and intelligence in its eyes. She moves her hand towards her cloak and then offers the animal a pretzel. While it is eating she whistles quietly, soon a raven appears from below her cloak. Her companion had been quiet the whole time.

"Fharlanghn guide me in my travels, provide me in my quarrels"

After finishing her incantation, Bella feels the guidance of the dweller of the horizon, and before the inspiration fades out she head butts the pig, teaching the animal who is in charge.

Once she has done her little demonstration, she adds another enchantment.

"Shiny, sparkly, nice-y!"

Soon the animal is clean, and even if the room still stinks the beast won't alert the green skins.

Guidance of the avatar casted.

Handle animal: 1d20+20+2+2 (stout, the raven companion is aiding)
Prestidigation casted to clean the pig

[Psymple]

The boar she chose has thick red'y brown fur and a white streak runs down its back, compared to the rest it is very small but still easily large enough for her to ride. She headbutts it and it snorts back pushing her with its snout in a playful manner.

The dwarf grabs a saddle from the wall to match your new boar.
You seem to have a talent for animals, though I am not sure if that technique of yours would have worked on some of the larger ones.
He laughs a haughty laugh.

---

No? I didn't scare ya...
The tiny dragon rolls onto its feel its mouth wide in suprise.
Yes, I was told to tell you to come see my father.

He leaps into the air and begins flying.
Race ya?
With that the tiny dragon shoots out the door its wings beating as hard as they can.

[Dunkoro]

Identifying the dragon.
[roll0]
It's basically only a formality.

Knowing that he has no chance to outrun the dragon, Dirk decided to slowly follow him, seemingly as if he didn't care about it.

[only1doug]

"Ah, hello Sabina... it seems that our appointment with Mirror Altiuiri will be tonight... this is Mirror Trekis, my guide. Mirror Trekis, this is Sabina, an elf with deadly purpose within Dra-Duum."

Rhalic looks expectantly at Sabina after introducing her to his Dragon-guide.

[Techwarrior]

Tome curses under his breath in several different languages.

I'm going to have to rewrite this entire page, front and back.

In a slow deliberate scrawl, Tome writes.

Of course, let me know when and where. I'll try to squeeze you in. I've a busy week with the repairs to the City to be made.

Tome chuckled to itself at the joke between them. Mirror Altiuiri ruined a page in Tome's notes, and Tome pretended it was too busy for an appointment.

Just like old times.

[Saskia]

Hello, Rhalic. Pleased to meet you, young Trekis, she says with a bow, and continues Rhalic, this is Mirror Ternocki, and Ternocki, Rhalic.

[Psymple]

Dirk:
You identify it as a Copper dragon, approximately 4-5 years of age

As the Sabina and Rhalic make their introductions the tiny Copper dragon whizzes past, he arcs and dives through the air around the group and you spot Dirk enter into the plaza following him.

Both the young silver dragons roll their eyes and shake their heads at their brother as he approaches.

Father says we should respect his jovial attitude to life
Trekis adresses Dirk.
Mirror Trekis, my brothers Mirror Ternocki and Mirror Riyit.
Please follow us into my fathers lair.

With that the two silver dragons wyrms continue down the tunnel deeper into the lair following whizzing tiny copper dragon.

---

The handwriting replies:
If you make it outside quickly, I imagine one of your fellow companions will be being escorted by my sons and you can tag along.

The text hesitates, un-writes itself and then replies again:
The gnome named Bella, she is not where I perceived she would be.
Can you bring her along with you, I am sure your remember the way to my home.

[thethird]

Bella caresses the boar with a smile in her face, she gives it a soft kiss.

"Pa used to say that you don't need a big mount, you need a smart one."

She takes the saddle and puts it over the pig, making sure it fits the animal properly, not to tightly but fit enough to not move too much.

"Does it have a name?"

[Dunkoro]

Dirk follows their guides without saying a word.

[Psymple]

He shrugs again.
No one claimed him yet, hes a little bit small for the dwarves and gnomes don't usually take them...

He looks a little ashamed
So.... no.

[thethird]

"Then I'll name him"

She smiles and pets the Boar while thinking of a name.

"Well, it's red and has a nice white strip. So... let's call him Bacon, Bacon is good. Isn't it Bacon?"

She pets Bacon some more while repeating the name slowly, trying to get the Boar to get used to it.

"How much... will it be? I don't have a lot of coins left after investing in equipment for the upcoming expedition. I am sorry I fear I cannot offer you more than a hundred gold pieces, and that would mean that I have nothing for myself."

[TwelvePointFive]

Hragol flies up from his bed, and nearly jumps all the way out of the room in fright, halfway grasping for his axe, before he realizes what lays before him. "Whatsh thish about!? Why are you in me bed!" He half-shouts. Draconic was never meant to be spoken by drunk half-dwarf.

[only1doug]

Rhalic follows the dragons.

[Techwarrior]

Tome calls one of the waitresses over.

"A companion of mine, an almost child-like gnome woman, just went behind the bar with the innkeep: I believe to look at swines. Would you be so kind as to make sure that she comes back to the front of the inn presently, or if not, at least allow me to do so? Her presence has been requested before Mirror Altiuiri."

Tome hands the server a gold piece. In response to the dragon, he scrawls again.

If the server accepts, Tome thanks them and goes to wait outside, informing them that that is where Tome will be.

You're a lucky one Altiuri, I'm free for the next few hours, but only because I was working on my book. I'll make sure the girl comes with.

[Psymple]

The waitress nods as Tome speaks to her and replies.
Just a moment I will go and find them.

Bacon! Lets just hope hes got a few more years in him before that name becomes painfully ironic.
The dwarf laughs awkwardly as the waitress peeks her head in the door.
That tome fellow wishes this young lady to accompany him to see Emmay
Now?

She nods
With convenient haste

The dwarf looks at Bella
If you want to see to that I can make sure Bacon is moved to a new accommodation, wouldn't want him getting smell again would ya?

---

The party of three dragon wyrms, an elf, a gnome and a dwarf continue down the passage together.

It grows darker and the light sources grow fewer and fewer; mostly magical touches placed at irregular intervals.

Huge gouges are clearly visible along the walls as though something of immense size had attempting to squeeze down the gargantuan tunnel.

Further ahead you can see a very brightly lit area

[thethird]

Tome? Who is Tome?

Bella nods to the dwarf, grateful for the mount and goes towards the bar. Once there she looks at the shiny warforged.

"Are you Tome, then?"

[Techwarrior]

"That is the appellation you were introduced to me with, yes. The Dragon wishes to see us and attempted to contact us individually, just like I predicted. You were not quite where anyone expected though, so your collection was placed in my charge child."

[thethird]

Bella raises an eyebrow, almost ready to mention that she is in fact 60 years old, and probably much older than her appearance might indicate to a human, but Mr. Shiny isn't a human. And it lived in a dwarf city, with gnomes around, well, perhaps he isn't as attentive as it seemed.

Of course, being underestimated sometimes had its own advantages so Bella changes her smirk for a full smile.

"Being where people expect can be dangerous."

She raises one of her hands and Stout the small raven appears there, she whispers to the animal to fly over them, just in case something unexpected happens.

"Let's go see that dragon then."

[Psymple]

Bella and Tome set off behind the others, reaching the plaza they see them in the distance down the long tunnel to their host's lair.

The rest of the party reach the well lit area slightly ahead of Bella and Tome: however when they do catch up the others are still dumb-found with awe.
None of you have ever seen an underground room so large, even in the grandest of under dark palaces and cities.

The most striking aspect is the ceiling: thousands of mirrors cover the ceiling each enchanted to scry the skies above the dragons lair giving the effect of having no ceiling at all.

Along the walls are other mirrors these ones scrying other locations around the lair and in the very center of the rear wall is a huge mirror, in the center stands Dra-Duum.

The walls themselves are polished stone, presumably done by magic or the aid of the dwarves, and hold statues of a number of strange figures:
A man in a show mans costume with a beautiful assistant.
An old man and his wife.
Two stone giants having a rock throwing contest.
All of them are couples...

Finally the group look towards the center of the room:
embedded into the floor is a pit of gold, it presumably contains millions of gold coins, either side stand two carved statues of Dragons, their necks and claws entwined in an embrace.

---

Chapter One: A Dragon's Tail.

It starts as a tinkling sound of coins, building into an avalanche of metal as the Dragon lifts its self out of the golden pit. Its head swings forwards on its long neck to look at the group, some of its teeth stand taller than members of the party and it becomes apparent as to where the scratch makes in the tunnel came from.

It coils its body, using its feet to claw at the treasure like a cat making itself comfy, and settles down on its belly with its head and neck arched into the air like a colossal swan.

It speaks in Dwarvern.

I am glad you could make it, I will use this language for those whom do not speak Draconic, please sit.

A distance in-front of the party are a large number of chairs, a table and an unknown board game, you all feel compelled to take a seat but he does not ask again if you do not.

I am Mirror Altiuiri, son of Mirror Gix and this is my home...
I have asked you here because I wish to aid you to re-take your home, Dra-Duum. Obveously there are stipulations to my assistance, the dwarven stronghold is of grave concern to myself and for the information I give you I will expect you to seek answers to some of my own questions.

The dragon pauses, eyes the group, and then continues.
Occasionally as he speaks his eyes flicker to his children, now playing inside the lair: the silver dragons reading and re-enacting historical battles and speeches or scenes from literacy whilst the copper dragon asks them riddles and attempts to trick them.

When your castle was taken myself and my lairess had just completed constructing this nest for our eggs: it was then we saw the red dragon streak across the sky over Dra-Duum, a horde of orcs beneath its wings.
Maddened and strengthened by her maturnal fury their mother believed herself strong enough to assist our once allies when no others would. She knew the dragon to be Charirixen, the dragon we had been stalking and believed this was the best opportunity to destroy her.

He lowers his head in sorrow, a huge gash scar becoming visible atop his head, the sight prompting you to spot a thousand other war wounds littering his body.

I request you discover what has become of my lairess and discover whether Charirixen still lairs inside Dra-Duum, in return I will answer any questions you have.

[Saskia]

I am certain you've happened upon the idea yourself, Sabina says loudly, unsure of whether the dragon's hearing has been compromised by centuries of conflict, But if we happen upon this beast Charirixen we may be forced to destroy her or die. Surely though, you would prefer to engage the monster in glorious combat yourself, yes? She knew his mate was probably dead, or worse, and this had not slipped Altiuiri's mind, but even so, directly stating that he may have desire for vengeance his partner's fate would still be quite presumptuous, and certainly insensitive. Even the most powerful among dragonkind were not above offense and heartache caused by thoughtless words.

[Psymple]

Were late!
A tiny copper wyrm wiggles out from the flaming bed flapping infront of the drunk things face.
Follow me!

It sets off flapping out the door, the door ajar, the bed still on fire.
A wave of Déjà vu hits Hragol.

---

The Dragon glares at the elf, the first to speak, he ponders how old she might be... she speaks to him as-though she thinks she knows what he is thinking, arrogance in the face of a dragon, interesting.

And leave this bastion of humanity without a guardian?
Under my roof the last clutch of dwarves, gnomes and halflings brace behind my wings against the crushing weight of orcs.

When our children are old enough to care for themselves, both draconic and humanoid, then I will be free to join glorious combat.
His voice is almost sickening, Sabina feels like a young girl being told by her parents that eating her vegetables is more important than eating sweets.
He looks down his long snout at her
Glorious combat is for orcs, if they die in combat they lose a few years of life, i would expect an elf to know better...
He furrows his wings,
anyway this is besides the point.

Charirixen is approximately three hundred years old.
To those with knowledge of dragons confusion sets in: Mirror Altiuiri is quite clearly a couple of decades away from becoming a Great Wyrm his partner, judging by the statue, is not much smaller than him and for a copper dragon that means she is probably of a similar age.

In such a case Charirixen would have been no match for her.
Yet in her relatively short life she has fought tirelessly to make a name for herself: she started off as a mercenary for hire during the War of Necromancers in the southern lands, more recently she had cults in all major human cities to the north and would have ceased the throne if we had not intervened.

... and now she is fighting along side the largest orcish horde seen in over half a millennium.

To think that your party could take her on in single combat is foolish, however, knowledge is something that can be won and perhaps with such knowledge we can defeat her.

[thethird]

Bella rounds her mouth as her jaw drops. She looks at the dragon from head to toe, moving her eyes slowly. She isn't familiar with the big liza... dragons. She had never actually seen one before. She has heard so many stories about them... Do they breath fire? Asking Mr. Scaly if he can breath fire would probably be rude though. Actually calling it Mr. Scaly is probably rude too.

Yeah... what was it name. Altiuri. Trying to formulate a question politely makes her head ache, but she is definitely going to give it a try in draconic, pushing her knowledge of the language.

"Ah... Mr Altiuri, sir..." She tries to start again "Well... you seem to be well versed in divination, all those mirrors, a neat job I might say, awesomely fine indeed... I have a small knack for divination myself and certainly you are more powerful than I am, wouldn't magic suffice to determine whether ehhh Charixien is there or not? Still your offer of intel and help is much appreciated. What I guess I am trying to say is... What exactly would you need us to do?"

Then she looks at the small copperific dragon who seems to be running late. She entertains herself contemplating the grace of its flight.

[TwelvePointFive]

Hragol stumbles after the tiny dragon. All that flapping is making him rather nauseous. As he enters the lair, he takes a proper look at the copper dragon.
"Hey, you remind me of someone!" Hragol thinks for a moment. "Ye look just me farther! Just, smaller-ish. And you talk less!" He pauses. "Right ye are, thanks fer' leadin' me here!"He walks up to the table, places his axe on it, miscalculating the distance slightly. A clang resounds, as he puts it down with more force than was strictly neccesary. He sits down, and puts his feet up, scattering pieces everywhere. "So where's the big shot!?"He finally looks up, and appears rather startled to be practically snout to foot with the gigantic dragon.

[Psymple]

The dragon looks flattered by the gnomes naivety, almost blushing as he listens to her speak.
Just as he is about to respond to her, he notices his forth child enter and remembers the last person he had invited to this gathering.

As the half dragon drunkenly spills into his lair he shakes his head slowly.
Speaking to him in Draconic.

You never cease to disappoint me Hagrol, how many years has it been now?
This is how you treat yourself, a temple to the platinum dragon, despoiled in a drunken stupor.
He snorts, lightning crackling out of his nostrils.
Pick up that which you have cast upon my floor and return it to its original place.
Then sit upright, feet on the floor and be quite. If that is not too difficult for you.

He bows his head to the rest of the group in an apologetic fashion.

He replies to her in dwarvern for the benefit of his guests:
Excuse me,

Miss Bugman, feel free to call me Altiuri, as you may well know the dwarves are very particular when it comes to privacy... dragons even more so... Dra-Duum has so many wards and veils on it that any specific or accurate visions inside are all but useless.

That is why I need you to go inside and have a look around the old fashioned way.

He smiles a wide grin, bearing a maw of huge teeth.

Perhaps when you return you can tutor my children in gnomish, in return they could help you perfect your Draconic.

[only1doug]

Rhalic is awed by the dragons lair and yet Alturi's physical presence is even more overwhelming.

"I will agree to your bargain Mirror Alturi, yet at this moment I cannot think of any suitable questions...."

[Dunkoro]

Dirk manages to overcome his awe at this point. He sees this magnificent lair of a powerful and ancient dragon and yet it's himself who's being asked a favour?
I... I'm flattered, as propably are all my companions that you ask us a favour o great dragon. We will do anything in our power to do your bidding, especially since our objectives are mutual. We can not possibly defeat the dragon lying in Dra-Duum on our own, so only with your help can we retrieve it.
But I have a question; When inside the Citadel itself, would Divination magic yield any results, or it's blocked not only from the outside, but from the inside as well? Or is it one of the things we're to discover?
And I would also be extremely grateful if I could learn anything about the Magic arts when we return, if that would not be a waste of your time.

[Psymple]

He bows his long neck once again at Rhalic once he is done in an expression of acknowledgement and thanks.

Before turning to Dirk.
Please Altiuri will do just fine, however, an astute question.
I am in the belief that the walls of the castle famously out of runic adamantium alloy, as well as other various wards and veils, are what is blocking my divination.
He stops and stares at the sky for a moment in his ceiling of mirrors.

This may interfier with any attempt to divine outside of the castle whilst inside, but should not hinder any attempts to divine within... Unless some of the internal walls are also shielded in the same way.

He shrugs his long neck.

I obviously cant tell you, however, Tome may know more on the internal details of Dra-Duum. As for tuition, we shall see.

[thethird]

Bella seems a bit less dumbfounded, she didn't know how to interact with a dragon, but if Altuiri says it is safe to use its name so be it.

"So... does the blockade work both ways? I mean, once we are inside we lose contact with the exterior? If we find areas were it isn't blocked we would be able to communicate faster and disregarding distance. If those areas do in fact exist, I am sure that you, Altiuri, have already divined them. The orcs aren't stupid, they took the city after all so I doubt that they use most of those areas to avoid being spied. Do any zone like that exist? It might give us an area to rest, or to ask for advice."

After that the gnome shrinks a little, asking some of the possessions of the dragon might be beyond the point.

"If that is the case... could I borrow one of your mirrors? It would be a magnificent scrying focus, and we could use it to initiate contact."

There are other questions between her ears, but some of them would be more suited to the members of the expedition that actually resided in the lost city, as the dragon pointed out.

"Two more things, inquiries, matters, doubts... I mean, questions. Have the Black Mood Orcs been spotted on Dra Duum? I heard rumors and I have a personal debt of sorts to pay back. And... would it be possible to be teleported to the outskirts of the city? I don't mind walking, but it would be faster and less dangerous."

Then her face brightens.

"Ah! Wouldn't any of you have a scroll of fabricate? That adamantium alloy seems really valuable and we might be able to bring some back for our host hoard."

... and for ourselves.

[Psymple]

More astute questions young one.

One would imagine that it is blocked both ways and also blocks most forms of teleportation, as to non-blocked locations...

He looks towards Tome, his eyes glazing over for a fraction of a second.

Perhaps the bell tower, it is the only part of the citadel that comes to mind...
The ramparts and battlements are all sealed, it as well as the entire surrounding area are certainly warded to detect teleportation and doing so to the tower would surely be suicide. Doing so to the foothills would at best-case forewarn them of your arrival in the area.

I dont believe the dwarven people would be too fond of me taking their fortress to pieces to fill my hoard young one.
One of the Silver dragons stops what it is doing and picks up a miniature version of the mirrors seen on the ceiling, it becomes apparent they have a telepathic link of some kind, he hands it to Bella.
I believe this will be adequate for your scrying purposes.

[only1doug]

"Many of the Orcish Hordes are besiging the human cities now, Do you have any idea of the numbers of Orcs remaining within Dra-Duum?"

[Psymple]

The dragon tilts its head slightly, thoughtfully.

Hundreds...
It is assumed the orc population has mostly relocated to the deserted dwarvern cities inside the mountains, hundreds of thousands of orcs are assumed to be living in your old homes... Along with war trolls, mountain giants and various other monsters they have drawn into their ranks.

The dragon smiles.

It is probably best you do not spend too long inside the citadel, or atleast try not to bring the entire army down on your heads whilst you are inside there.

[Saskia]

Assumed? Sabina asks, dumbstruck. You have no reliable scouts' reports?

[Psymple]

The dragon smiles at the elf's dismay.

The only scout reports are by our own patrols, which barely extend beyond the hills, and those I have received from the humans generals...
He sighs

Theirs are accurate but, only of front line camps... no scouts sent to the mountains have made it back alive.
Those figures are based on solid mathematics using the figures we have available to extrapolate a reasonable assumption, however, still just an assumption.

[Techwarrior]

Tome has been silent, listening to the proceedings attentively to assess the others as well as it could. Upon hearing of the lack of intelligence on the citadel, Tome is disgruntled.

Hmph. Such inaccurate figures are intolerable. I suggest we scout the area as soon as possible. I should be able to scout it most thoroughly myself once we get to the Citadel: illusions are one of my fortes. I should be able to render myself undetectable for long enough to explore the area, and exit quickly and safely. Alternatively, I can disguise the lot of us as orcs for this purpose, though that is much riskier, especially as a quick escape would be all but impossible."

[Psymple]

The dragon smiles at Tome as he speaks, a clear indication of some level of report.

The foothills would assuredly be crawling with orcs, however, I see no reason why you should not scout out the surrounding area on your journey to Dra-Duum.
The dragon smiles a wide grin, cocky, perhaps cheeky.
After all you dont live forever, no point wasting time scouting and then returning home only to head straight back out again to the same place.

[Techwarrior]

Tone stands proudly in the middle of the group, radiating confidence. Its having an enjoyable time conversing with Altiuiri again.

"Ah, but I had every intention of reporting to you without retreat, via a sequence of Sendings. Mortals have something to fear after their death after all. They need all the intelligence they can get if the mortals are to face the orc armies after we secure the Citadel and survive.

[Saskia]

Precisely, Tome. As a rule I avoid playing chess with dragons, Altiuri, Sabina says, placing a hand on her hip. Especially when I don't know how many pieces they have. I have a duty to my father and to the dwarven people, and to everybody else who my people let down when they fled, and I've come too far to die because orcs were better informed. Crossing her arms, she continues If I were human, perhaps I would agree that time is too short to spend on caution. However, I was not born with such handicaps. If we are to take on a vastly superior force with a handful of specialists, we would be foolish to risk our lives with limited knowledge of the enemy "because we aren't immortal".

[Psymple]

The dragon shrugs.

Have your own way, however, knowing whether there are a few hundred orcs or a few thousand will make little diference. Whilst we are unable to best either number in single combat the prescription will remain the same: caution, haste and precision.

Now, do you have any further questions?

[thethird]

Bella takes the mirror with a thankful nod and puts it carefully in her haversack.

"Yep. One last question. Wouldn't you have a map of the city? I am more than willing to trust Tome's memory, their kind are built for it, but we might get separated or something might impede us to contact. Also a map is pretty neat and useful."

[Psymple]

The dragon smiles a wide grin, standing awkwardly he lazily waves a hand in the direction of Bella's new mirror:

Silver lines begin to appear to draw themselves upon her mirror, slowly forming the recognizable shapes of rooms and corridors.

It will be complete faster once I can fully concentrate on the task, it fairly vague in detail but should be more than enough for you to go on.
He smiles proudly returning to his swan-like position.
My incantation will allow you to view and hide the map at will and change the size and rotation of the map.

[Techwarrior]

"To whom should we report our findings? If it is not you, I will need to meet them in person."

[Psymple]

This is not the days of Generals and armies Tome.
There is no legion of dwarves, their generals waiting on reconnaissance so they may draw up battle plans.

The only people who may care for your report are the humans and I seriously doubt they could use it for much more than blue sky thinking.

The dragon shuffles and brings his head down lower:

Now, I believe it is time for you all to be getting on your way friends,
good luck and stay safe.
His mind seems to be occupied by something else.
He turns his head to the drunken dragonkin.
Even you Hagrol.

[thethird]

"Thanks!"

Bella smiles and looks at the mirror intrigued by the magic taking place in it. She looks to the party gathered and packs the crystal at her backpack.

"So shall we start, or what?"

[only1doug]

"Thank you Mirror Alturi,"

Rhalic bows to the dragon and leaves the lair, making one last aside to his new colleagues, "I suggest we retire for the night and meet again in the tavern in the morning, to discuss our plans before we set out."

[thethird]

Agreeing with the cheerful-fat-gnome Bella makes haste, she is going to be sleeping under her cloak for uncountable nights to come, and she would love a comfy bed night before the wilderness.

[Techwarrior]

"Very well. I will reconvene with the rest of you at breakfast. Mirror Altiuiri,"
In draconic:
"Until we meet again."

Tome pauses a moment, then makes its way back to the front room of the tavern. It finds its corner again, and goes back to writing, watching the events in the room.

[Psymple]

The dragon wishes all of them well as they leave, bowing his long neck to each in turn.

---

Bella upon returning to her room discovers the door empty and the same strong smell of sulfur. Entering to check she discovers nothing had been taken or moved but something had definitely been in her room.

[thethird]

Bella prestidigitates the smell away and goes to sleep.

[TwelvePointFive]

Silly old dragon. Hragol has found the evening entirely too long, and is all too happy to go back to bed. This he does singing dwarwen battlesongs the whole way.

[Psymple]

The night passes slowly for Tome: the Boar & Battle-axe eventually emptied leaving just the Warfarged and it's book.
As the sun rolls over the land outside a commotion sturs in the bowls of the Party's temporary home.

A scouting party has arrived back from the outskirts of the Mountains and they bring news of the Orcs numbers swelling towards the human cities fire through a forest.
They bring news of a fresh throng of orcs, estimated a few thousand strong, marching north towards the front line and a ranger among them claims the birds themselves speak of routing and deserting ammong the human armies as the orcs breached one of the cities fortified walls and began ransacking it from the inside out.

[TwelvePointFive]

Hragol stretched, threw off his blankets, sat up on the bed, and scratched his belly. It was good being young again, although he did miss his claws. Hearing his stomach rumble audiably, he threw on his kilt and gauntlet, and lumbered down the stairs to see if there were any breakfeast to be had. As he saw Tome, he nodded in greeting "'Morning. Ready for some glorious adventure? Just like in the good ol' days."

[only1doug]

Rhalic arises and greets the new day with a smile, "time to return to Dra-Duum", he says to himself.

After getting dressed he goes to find breakfast in the Tavern, "A hearty breakfast please, can't explore on an empty stomach."

"Good morning Tome, Good morning... Um... Sorry, I never did catch your name, I'm Rhalic."

Rhalic offers his habd in friendship to the copper-scaled Dwarf.

[Techwarrior]

"I don't have 'good old days' of adventuring, Hragol. Seems to me adventurers are little more than mercenary gold and thrill seekers, to give the most lenient of description.

When Tome sees Rhalic approach, he continues, even more vigorously, gesturing in acknowledgment.

"Take Rhalic for instance, he grew up in the city, born to a modest mother. A tinker, if I recall correctly. Now, that fun-loving tinker's son is out running about after tales of derring-do and heroics while his home was conquered by orcs. If he had been home, studying under me as was offered, perhaps the City would have been defended well enough, what with the magic I taught and the mechanics his mother did. I'm sure he woods been a much bigger boon to the defense than I. He's a creative one. Fate is a cruel mistress though, so perhaps this was foretold. I expect Rhalic has developed his own talents though and that we will all be crucial In it's retaking."

As he talks, Tome puts the leather-bound tome in his bag. Anybody paying attention to that action would see it's title. Humanity and the Surprises in its Finding

[only1doug]

Rhalic pretends not to be upset by Tome's comments and continues to chat normally (Bluff check [roll0]),"Indeed, had I stayed home I could of died uselessly in the defense, the boy I was before I left would not have lasted long against an Orc Horde."

Rhalic laughs lightly, "Guilty as charged, an Adventurers life for me, seeking Fame and Fortune, gaining Wine, Women and Song!"

"And Indeed, my hard-won adventuring skills will be an advantage when exploring the Deeper ways of Dra-Duum.

[Techwarrior]

Sense Motive: [roll0]

[Saskia]

Sabina had again been pouring over her books, refreshing her memory on dealings with orcs and determining what magic might be most useful. She had been listening idly though, and had to suppress a chuckle at Tome's idea of what constitutes an "adventurer". She would certainly be counted among their ranks by any standard reckoning, but it was never gold or glory she sought, and the dangers she faced were far from her idea of a good time. Still, he was constructed by dwarves and spent the entirety of his conscious time among them, so she could hardly feel resentment for an ignorant comment. Dwarves were like squirrels, after all: Unless it proved absolutely necessary, it seemed they never strayed more than a few miles from the place of their birth. Obviously, then, Tome's understanding was skewed and he would simply have to see that he was wrong. If he was anything like any dwarf she had ever met, being told he was wrong would doubtfully prove effective, and it was hardly worth the effort to start an argument with a comrade.

Still, allowing her fellow to wallow in ignorance was just as bad, in her eyes, as telling a lie herself. That is hardly an accurate representation of my profession, Tome. Thrillseekers die early, and goldhounds usually look for a line of work with a lower chance of getting eaten by ogres. She looks up from her books and looks between Tome and her other compatriots, Having been an adventurer for many years now I can tell you with full sincerity that I have met only a handful of such folk that fit your description. Most of us are without a home, having been destroyed by orcs or other monstrosities, or having been outcast by our societies. Shaking her head, she adds Particularly since the orcs really started to push out. Most who have stayed and taken up the hard life of a roaming sword-for-hire are simply trying to survive, or more nobly, to reclaim their homes. Either way, many of them have greater courage and grit than the finest dwarven warrior-priests or the most foolhardy human knights. They are not a lot to be disparaged by categorizing them as base animals simply seeking a rush or a pile of coins.

[Techwarrior]

Tome winces mechanically at Rhalic's words.

"Rhalic, I did not mean to offend. I was just pointing to an example. To my understanding, you abandoned certain duties to undertake the life you did. Had you stayed, you might have died the innefectual death you suggest, but I do not think so. I think you would be just as great the man you are now, possibly the man who gave Dra-Duum what defence it needed to survive this orc onslaught. To be honest, I have only heard rumor and hearsay of the war. Besides, now that we are gathered, we should prove quite efficacious at the dispatching of orcs and the re-taking of our home."

Tome's head swivels as its face glows into a sly grin. It senses a debate with Sabina, and debate is something Tome accepts wholeheartedly. Not much else gives the challenge of convincing, or being convinced by, someone of high intellect differently than their accepted postulates.

"How many of those thrillseekers who 'die quickly' would you say factors into the idea of adventurers? Their numbers? I don't doubt their courage or grit, merely the effectiveness with which the majority put themselves to their tasks. One cannot take an effective sample by examining the best of adventuers, which examining the comrades of an elite force tasked with scouting and infiltrating a heavily fortified enemy citadel would be. That would be like saying that someone who has mastered some of the higher valences of magics, whether arcane or divine, is typical of their group. It simply isn't so. As you said yourself, many die at the end of an ogre's sword or a kobold's trap."

Then, in an offhand manner, Tome jokes.

"Besides, what exactly does seperate an elf from a bird, or a dwarf from a mole? Each of you are living, breathing creatures with a desire to live, need for a home, and a fiercely competitive nature."

[Saskia]

Sabina smiles and retorts Well, I suppose if you're calling lions and bears seekers of thrill and coin in the same manner you call adventures those things, we have no disagreement conceptually, but I would question your linguistic understanding. She closes and stacks her books and directs her attention more fully toward Tome. A dangerous life by necessity empowers the strong and kills the stupid. Most of those who die do so at a young age, when they feel they know the world in its entirety. Arrogance and lack of preparation are punished more harshly by the rigors of constant threats than it is in the general populace. As such, even the few who might fit the description of a thrillseeker or goldhound can not rightly be characterized that way because if they survive they're obviously something far more complex than a creature of base lust for status and comfort. If you question our effectiveness, to counter that status I would simply point to Dra-Duum.

At this point, it is obvious that Sabina quite thoroughly enjoys being challenged. She leans forward toward tome in her chair, her eyes dilating and her speech becoming progressively faster, though apparently her lips still have trouble keeping up with her brain. Loathe as I am to admit it, marauding orc nomads live much closer to the adventurer's life than the dwarves ever have, and despite centuries of preparation and training of even low-ranking dwarven warriors, the citadel fell. You could then argue numbers, but dwarves fight with tenacity and cunning that the orcs do not generally possess, and use terrain and construction to their advantage, situations where orcish invaders are simply not capable of matching the advantage with sheer numbers alone. It is impossible to drown a dwarven stronghold in numbers, or the goblins would have done so long ago. Narrow corridors and limited approaches, I'm sure you understand, are a favored construction tactic of the dwarves for just that reason: To mitigate numerical advantages against them, often fighting three or four men to a rank, and even with those advantages, the vast superiority and versatility of dwarven spellcasters, and multitudinous others the dwarves were driven out. How, then, could you question the effectiveness of a lifestyle drowning in danger, when it necessarily forces those who survive to be able to adapt to ever changing circumstances? My travels have taken me quite far across two continents. I've met the stupid, the thrillseekers, and the gold-chasers, and the ones who are not killed by their stupidity are rare. I'm not simply stating that the company I keep in this moment is a representative sample, nor am I claiming that "data" is the plural of "anecdote". I'm simply saying that it's an unfair characterization to include the corpses of the deceased foolish in your judgment of a demographic increasing in number every day purely out of necessity, making an already diverse group even less homogeneous. To fairly say that you would have to make the same judgment against any race as a whole, since as I said goldhounds and thrillseekers tend to get killed in the adventurer's life or find better ways to get their fix, so their numbers are generally lower among adventurers than in the general populace, and saying that they were traits that apply across the board would render the comment so broad as to be meaningless. With that, Sabina tilts her head toward Tome expectantly.

[Dunkoro]

I'd love to join your discussion of philosophical nature, but I'm afraid it has to wait until we're under way, because I prefer travelling while there is still sun over the horison.

After turning to the rest of company:
So, is everybody ready to set off? The sooner we start travelling the sooner we reach our destination.

[only1doug]

"yes, but if it wouldn't delay us too much, I'd still like to know everyones names?"

"Also, I need to arrange a mount."

[thethird]

Bella sleeps like a lot. She's been absorbing the rest like a dry sponge. When she rises it's pretty late, and probably everyone is already up. With a yawn she leaves her bed, and gets her hand into her cloak drawing a flask of pale ale to start drinking. With it she walks into the common room searching for her new adventuring party, luckily they haven't left her behind.

"I'm Bella "the Red" Bugman." She says when the names are asked once again "Call me Bella. And I am ready"

Or mostly, her pack was still unpacked, Bacon was probably ready or as ready as it was going to be, and her food was secured. Only if her hair would behave...

[Psymple]

The dwarvern barman from early waves to Bella as she enters, he had made sure she knew where Bacon was and that the entire party had been assigned pigs for the journey.

Bella knows where all your mounts are chaps, and you have a spare pig for any miscellaneous supplies you need hauling.

[thethird]

Bella nods to the dwarf, she pretty surely knows where Bacon and its friends are.

"Whenever you are ready, I am ready then." She says looking at the party. Then she turns back, almost leaving before adresing them again. "Any of you is an spellcaster by the way? We might want to diversify our selection, or perhaps use a teleport or something to give us a head start

[Dunkoro]

I'm a Wizard all right. If anybody would like to discuss spells to prepare, come here, and let's compare our spellbooks.

Then Dirk proceeds to open his spellbook to be seen by his comrades.
Avilable Here (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=519395) in the additional information tab.

[TwelvePointFive]

Hragol harrumphed. "We weren't pointless adventurers. We had a purpose, we were the Madmen under the Mountains! You of all people should have heard of us, Tome." As his companions started poring over their spellbooks, Hragol lumbered off into the middle of the inn, and started practicing. It felt good to work the alcoholic residue out of his body.
Preparing
Flashing Sun
Counter Charge
Baffling Defense
Feigned Opening
Strike of the Broken Shield
Entering the Step of the Wind Stance

[thethird]

Oh sure, sharing spells, the advantages of adventuring with a party of spellcasters. Neat. I take my old spell book, well, spell book is perhaps a fancy word for it. It's only a collection of colored formulas, as the daughter of a brewer I'm used to preparing mixtures and of course my collection of spells play with gradations of sorcery and mixtures of gizmos with a spoonful of talent. It also doubled as a coloring book for the long days of boredom, and a sketch note for maps and stuff.

"Yeah let's compare some fancy wizardry spells... Also I advocate for going through the aqueducts, you can see them in the map that Mirror gave us. Tome do you have any idea where it would be a good entrance? We might want to teleport close to that."

[Saskia]

Replacing one of her books in her bandolier, Sabina opens the other two in front of her. She was not a fan of being told that an interesting discussion was impractical, but she could hardly argue the point when it was true.

She nods to Bella and Dirk, and motions to Tome. Fantastic ideas. For myself, abjurations are my area of expertise, so naturally I have a a heavy specialization in protective spells, dispelling, and counterspelling, and my protective spells last much longer than those of most abjurers. I can shut down enemy spellcasters quite effectively as a result. Accordingly, ensuring that no spells get through that are too dangerous requires a lot of attention, so I'll be unable to do much else if and when we encounter any opposing magi in direct confrontation. Enchantments and necromancy are not within my grasp, with very few exceptions learned through a separate arcane discipline, through which I can also spontaneously dispel. Very useful, incidentally. Other than that, I am an adept alchemist and I can make almost any alchemical substance anybody might require, and magic aside I still know how to disassemble almost anything with just my sword or my axe.

[only1doug]

Rhalic listens with interest to the discussion of spell preperations, "all of my spells are spontaneously cast or, ahem, 'borrowed' from others."
"I prefer to flank my enemies in combat but can stand alone if required. I am an excellent trapfinder and disabler but have no talent for sneaking up on my foes."
"I agree that the Aqueducts seems a logical place to attempt entry to Dra-Duum"

[thethird]

Bella gives a look at the other spellbooks.

"Oh, well, I can probably flank enemies with you, although I tend to dance on their feet. Spellswise I have a knack for divining stuff, although I like to focus my abilities on changing myself or the field of battle when possible."

[only1doug]

My spells are almost exclusively combat orientated, either impeding or damaging my enemies or enhancing my own combat prowess.

I can borrow spells from others and cast them as if I were that person, or use the spell energy to cast my own spells. In combat I can take spells from enemy spellcasters or even take over their ongoing spell effects or energy resistances. With sufficient luck I can take the energy from spells cast upon me and retain even that for reuse.

see Rhalics spell list, on his character sheet (http://pifro.com/pro/view.php?id=8905)

[only1doug]

Rhallic looks around, and seeing Tome temporarily unoccupied starts to discuss the approaches to Dra-Duum.

"So, as I see it our best approach is through the Aqueducts, I hope that working together we can bypass the traps, do you know any specifics of the traps we will encounter?"