Shadows of the Past IC 1

[AlanBruce]

"Fire, Water, Air, and Earth
Shadow and Light, may you forever sleep
Most dire secret we must keep"


Chapter I: From All Walks of Life

It has been a long time for all of you...

An unfair trial for arts unknown.

A box opened, wrath unleashed.

A world traveled, a thousand faces.

A path chosen, against all odds.

A clan's history written in stone and blood.

A mind wrapped under a million locks with no key in sight.

A unlikely partner, of scales and fright.

Yet all these events are now in the past. Time does have a tendency to heal, to close old wounds. To soothe away the past's maladies and usher forth a gentle caress called Second Chances. With the coming fall and the inevitable winter, that may just be the case.

The Pilgrim and the Crown

Alex and Kara, the road along the Imperial Highway has been long and slow. Although on horseback, the normally quick route to the Duchy of Justcrown would've been a mere few days.

This pilgrimage has reduced travel to a crawl.

Both had heard the tales since as far away as Halmathan, but alluded them to some drunk bard at Cassandra's spinning a tale for Bishop to let him get away with that extra mug of ale.

The pilgrims along the road voice their opinions loud and clear as entire families walk beside your mount. It clear by the tone of their voice. The accent and jargon they use, that this flock comes from different corners of the continent. It would seem that not only Cassandra's has heard about this.

They all wear white robes with a crude yellow unicorn stitched on the chest.


"The goddess is real, I tell you! She is said to be an incarnation of Ehlonna, in the flesh, down in Oerth!"

Another one turns to his fellow pilgrim.

"Wrong, I'm afraid. It is Pelor...he"

"Pelor is not a woman, care to explain that?"

"If you will allow, me yes. It is Pelor, he has assumed a woman's form...for some reason. The will of the gods is unfathomable. The point is that she is here. We shall be bathed in Light and Truth!"

Another polgrim, an elder woman, looks to the arguing group.

"I think it is a new goddess. One who has answered our prayers and decided to awaken."

The tall walls of the dutchy welcome you again. It seems like forever since you and Kara trained at the Cuthbertine Temple. yet this time, it is not training that has brought you, but something far more mundane.

You watch the pilgrims amassing at the gates as the guards begin lining them up.


All travelers must fill this form. I'll pass them around! Stand in line!

You look at the letter again.

Father Anderson,

Allow me to thank you once again for representing me at my cousin's Autumn Ball. The man makes it a habit of hosting this event every year, but, unlike previous ones, this one has been a most difficult season for me.

I understand you are traveling with a partner. I have enclosed a permission, signed by me, to allow your partner to be your date representing my family name.

Please send my regards to the duke and tell him that I am regretting already my absence.

Cordially Yours,

Lord Henrik Pottsdorff

Justice Long Overdue

@Aradia: The cold autumn wind blows your silver white hair as you walk past a group of pilgrims towards a large walled city.

Given your attire, many have thought you to be one of their own.

Questions about a goddess and unity and peace on Oerth have bored you to the verge of tears. You produce the letter again, read at least a hundred times over and crumpled and nearly falling apart.

My dear Aradia,

I hope this letter finds you well. The Unrelenting Justice has, sadly disbanded, but I have tried, along with Erelin to keep in touch with our brothers in arms.

Gregory is doing well. he has decided to travel to Al' Akkbar, in the south, amidst the Sea of Sands. He mentioned something about an old threat there and wanted to investigate further before calling on us.

The problem, my friend, lies with Domir. I have tried to locate him, but his whereabouts have been unknown to me, until recently.

Domir is a prisoner, Aradia. Before his disappearance, he was talking about returning to his homeland. Something about a King of Stone or whatnot. Who was I to stop him, right?

Yet I have checked with his clansmen and he has not been there. And i has been a few months already.

I suspect he is in Justcrown, a Dutchy south to the Free City, not too far from Uldra. Look for a man. Tarith Spellbane. He should know. Or know someone who does.

Please Aradia. Check on Domir. I will do the best I can to contact Gregory and see if we can get the group together again. Until then, my dear friend, may Bahamut bless our paths.

Yours fraternally,

Alandria

You spot in front of the gate a large group of pilgrims and the guards lining everyone up.

One of them approaches you and seeing you mostly in white, passes a form.

"Pilgrim, by order of his Excellency, please state your business in this form and then wait in line to pay the entrance fee."

You shrug as you take the form, which has basic fill out sheets as name, profession, expected time of stay.

Then you turn to see above the many hooded heads a man in armor riding a beautiful steed. A woman leans on his back atop the horse and is covered in a cloak. Unlike the pilgrims, she doesn't wear white.

Fury's End

@Archadious: It has been an uneasy year for you. Never once has the reverie been able to be a pleasant one- Ferrin's fall. Even Ianaor's demise. All at the hands of the fiendish Babu.

Then the Pain Alahart wrought.

It would seem tragedy has befallen you, like a cruel god of ill fortune, sitting atop your head and pulling at your ears.

That's when the reverie one night showed you a way.

It was Ferrin, just as you remember him.

Go to Justcrown, Archadious. Go meet Silas Spencer, an old acquaintance of mine. Ask him about the Wandering Minstrel, he may shed light on how to end him...

Your time in Justcrown has been fair. The Autumn Ball is approaching in about a week, or so the lcoals claim. You have rented a room from a rotund yet gentle old man called Otis, proud proprietor of the Foaming Wench. Also, the only inn in the dutchy. And a fine one indeed. With three stories of rooms, you have paid a meager amount for a lone room and even room service, as your meals are brought to you.

There has been some talk amongst the patrons about a group of interesting individuals coming to town. In fact, one said individual- the Siren, is said to be performing at The foaming wench tonight- one of Pottsdorrf's new baubles, or so they say.

Faith in a Box

@Meic: The autumn winds carry a strong gust towards the balcony in the Tower of the Archmagi in the Free City as Lord Draen Skylarios, with his scrawny frame, slight hunch, balding head and hawk like nose uses his cane to move around the balcony as he addresses the sky above.

On a table lies a small box made of velvet and golden clasps.

"You are a Jasite, are you not, Mister Rohdri? High Priestess Karynn has spoken volumes of your dedication to the Ruby Sorceress. Within that box lies a testament to your faith, Mister Rohdri. It is the fabled Mask of Wee Jas. said to have been delivered from Acheron itself by the Stern Lady. Needless to say, the box is not to be opened. I have been told you are a very pious man. You are a very pious man, aren't you...Meic?"

Lord Draen keeps looking at the sky as he talks to you.

"You have been selected from a very elite few to delver this box and its most valuable content to Hi excellency Duke Pottsdorff in the Duchy of Justcrown. Transportation will be provided, of course, so you need not worry."

Draen walks up to you as his shadow covers your frame and his eyes fix on you, the sound of his one on the stone floor being the only witnesses.

"Show your piety, Mister Rhodri. Do not open the box. Just deliver it."

Draen takes a few steps back and smiles.

"I can trust you, I hope?"



Bittersweet Freedom

@Luthon: The cell bars close behind you as the jailer looks at you with a smile.

"Berries and fey wine. That is what you asked for, right? I'll have your meal sent in by the morrow. Enjoy it."

As you inspect your cell, you find that, not only have you been deprived of all your worldly possessions, but that this trial was unfair. The elven courts at Enstad were reputed for following Seldarine law- a just one.

Not here, it would seem.

You look out the small square window, barred, of course and wonder hoe on Oerth did you manage to end i this situation.

How on Oerth indeed, Luthon.

A female voice interrupts your train of thought as you realize you are not alone in this cell.

From the shadows, a corner of this damp cell, a figure makes itself known to you.

She looks elven, but clearly not a inmate. This woman is geared in light attire. As far as you can tell, unarmed, wearing but a breastplate decorated in leaf motifs. A dark green cloak hangs on her shoulders. Yet the most striking feature is that her face is covered in a mask. A wooden mask with ancient symbols carved on its surface. The eye sockets allow you to glimpse at a faint amber color beneath. Her hair long and unkept. The color of autumn. By her features and body, you could, at a guess, ascertain she is an elf.

"Tell me, Lúthon Esgalwathon, is it fair what has been done to you? Do you believe in second chances?"


A Rotten Foot

@Hevrok: It has been a long ballad in stone and blood for you.

The Eternal Circle has taught you well in the path of nature. To worship the land itself- no, not worship. To aid it, and be aided in return, has been a most enlightening experience in these past twenty five years.

Parigaurd has, of course, attempted to bring you back. Tales of a new king has risen in the Underdark. A throne of stone and crown as old as the ballads hammered in Moradin's Forge.

Yet, to return to the deoths of the earth is not an easy a task. Not with everything you have witnessed.

And so, after so many years, you find yourself in the trade outpost of Hammerbruk. The Elders of the Eternal Circle have asked you to aid one known as Ainharil, the Grey Druid. The outpost is small- at most, eight buildings and no defensive wall. The great shadow cast by the Giant Shield mountain range envelops this grey town in perpetual shadow.

The many crows that have made Hammerbruk a home watch you from their roosting spots on top of the buildings.

Not too far from the town you can see a large grey dome, much in the shape of an igloo, with a chute ever spewing smoke out of it.

These lands where said to be once ruled by the Bhazakun. A tribe of proud stone giants who later disappeared. Hammerbruk was raised from the ground by enterprising gnomes and, at one time, it was a hub for trade.

Few caravans go through it now.

You are staying at the Pale Horse Inn. The establishment is old and grey. The colors muted. Gerard, the proprietor, an old human with a wiry frame and a twitchy mustache runs the place.

Gerard cleans an old rotten bar as he serves himself a drink of foul smelling ale.

"Ainharil? yes. The grey druid. She was last seen here ...let's see. A year ago? Yes, that sounds about right. If she is around, look to the ground and sky. That is if she isn't hiding amongst the crows. You could always ask Kannoth. He is the last...surviving member of the Bhazakun. A sculptor who resides in that grey dome towards the Jottun Pass Valley."

[dantiesilva]

through our contact we had made with the tribes in the deep forests we had found the next clue to unlocking Kara's past, and although Alex had been to Justcrown a few times it had never taken him this long. A simple trip had turned into one of the longest journeys he could remember. Even the rides through the Crystalmist mountains and all the dangers that presided there seemed small in comparison to this long journey to a simple place that had been only a few miles away from where they had currently been.

All this talk of a goddess had caught my curiosity at first, but after hearing all the arguing about it I had come to the conclusion that this pilgrimage was more a burden then anything else. After all no goddess ever stood in one place. The world was there playground, so why would someone who was suppose to be as powerful as these people claimed to be stay so near to Justcrown. I had had this discussion with Kara quite a few times over our trip and valued her views on this situation very much as it was a different view of the world. Though not by any means innocent, it was as close to innocent as I could keep the world to her. Not even allowing any man to lay with her. Sure I had been called a hypocrite by many, but the name did not harm me in any way. After all in a way we all were as during one time or another we all lied.

Even a few days back when I had tried correcting a group who had been sowing the mark of Ehlonna on their robes, explaining that she, though a very powerful and great goddess, could not possibly do all the miracles they had claimed for they were in the powers of Pelors that those pilgrims had spoken of. But even now as Justcrown was finally in sight after many days they still could not agree on a single thing. All of them bickering about this or that. It was saddening that they could not all just agree on one thing and be peaceful, though he knew a few women in the crowd that had had restless nights with him in their beds. Always to return to his Kara though. His beautiful, precious Kara. Nor the sun nor the moon could compare to the beauty he saw in her, yet she would never know besides in her dreams when he whispered to her, when none were around and she was sound asleep.

All these things Alexander Anderson though about as he felt the familiar feeling of Kara's arms wrapped around him as they rode towards the gate upon there steed. Kara's pet drake they had rescued over 5 years ago by there side. It had been just as long to since they had last been in Justcrown. At the time the place was a lot less crowded and not as many travelers seemed to be about the road. I half wished bishop had beaten the old bard's head in for telling the tale, look at all the grief it had caused all of them. Kara, we are almost there ma Komitama. No more laying on the ground for you. Only the best for you I promise. After all your cooking is what keeps me so fit and in good health when we are on the road, it is only fair I spoil you. Alex says as he wraps one of his large hands around hers, turning his head back slightly so he could look at her as he spoke.

As the pilgrims begin to line up I turn back around to see the guards handing out papers saying that all travelers have to fill them out. Riding Shadowfax to the guards, I give a salute to the man that seems to be in charge. Such formalities....If only we were in my homeland. Kara would love it there. Good day kind guardsmen. I am here on orders to deliver a message to the duke from his brother in Halmathan. If you could please lead me there it would be most appreciated. I say to the guards not wanting to fill out paperwork that was useless as I was not one of the pilgrims.

Diplomacy for the guards to bring him to the dukes home so he can deliver the letter without filling out the paperwork [roll0] PS Aradia you can play up your looks to get Alex to say you are with him if you would like that is.

[Amidus Drexel]

Faith in a Box

"As you say it, so it shall be done."

Meic bows slightly, and Gryz shuffles about for a few seconds, readjusting his perch on Meic's shoulder.

"Where do I go to meet this transportation? And how should I identify myself to the Duke?"

[Niwrad]

alright, time to figure out this die roller. Now I can't recall if one can performed untrained knowledge checks. I don't actually have any ranks in knowledge local, so if not, than ignore that one.

Despite the clamor outside of the locals preparing for the Autumn Ball and going about their daily business, Archadious remains within his quarters, a fortress of gloom, and contemplates his strange vision.
He attempts to recall back to his studies, his readings, and whatever bits of gossip he overheard from the locals of the 3 names he heard.

In his vision, the apparition of his deceased master had mentioned two names: a former colleague by the name of Silas Spencer, and a strange figure named the Wandering Minstrel. First, Archadious attempts to recall any words Ferrin might have mentioned about either of the two, or any bits of knowledge he had read somewhere in a book.
And finally, he attempts to piece together whatever bits of gossip he had picked from the locals about both Silas and the strange performer, the Siren.

Knowledge Arcana: [roll0]
Knowledge History: [roll1]
Knowledge Local: [roll2]

Edit* Nice! Natural 20 on first roll.

Edit*(again) Two natural 20s... :smallbiggrin:

[Business Scrub]

Aradia pushes a lock of hair out of her way, looking at the huge walls of the city as she approaches. She folds the letter up carefully, putting it back carefully in the pocket of fine travelling robes. Tarith Spellbane... What do you know about Domir? And why -- She's pulled out of her thoughts by a man pushing a piece of paper at her. She scowls a bit at being called a pilgrim.
"No, I'm not a pilgrim! I'm just looking for..." But she looks around, and he's already gone. She sighs. Walking with the group, she brushes up against a huge man on a horse and the woman he's riding with. Absentmindedly to herself and to the horse she says,
"Nevermind. These religious fanatics, huh? All too eager to tell you what's right and wrong and get you thinking like they do." Her breath curls in front of her in a fog. She crumples up the form and stuffs it in her pocket next to the note.

[dantiesilva]

As I had been talking to the guard I noticed a woman in her early twenties bump into me, and though not of extraordinary beauty like some of the others I had bedded she did have a certain appeal to her with her pure white hair and large green eyes. As she speaks I watch as the air seems to fog in front of her mouth as if it were an icy winter day, which is odd as it was still Autumn, but besides that she seemed perfectly normal down to her voice. By whatever could you mean by that my dear beauty? As Religion is not as bad as they make it seem to be. As for fanatics.... I say turning my head around and looking over the crowed, I will have to agree with you. Even back where I in Hamalathan word has spread of this lady they speak of. Some goddess or whatnot. I say turning back to face her. Names Farther Alexander Anderson, and this here is Kara. don't worry though she dose not talk much. I say giving full introductions. And if I may be so bold as to ask what happens to be the reason you are here? Not many come to Justcrown for sightseeing, well until recently. the Duke and churches must be in an uproar right now. I say remembering well my time here all those years ago.

[Sliver]

Kara sat on top of the horse, leaning her cheek on Alex's back as she wrapped her hands around her knight. When he was teaching her how to ride, such closeness flustered her and made it harder to learn, but with time, it stopped being a big deal. Considering how close they slept at night due to the cold of nature, how could it stay a big deal?

Kara was still uncomfortable with all those pilgrims around them, so she didn't share as many words with Alex as he did with her. As she tried to occupy her mind, memories of a talk she had with Alex when they were with the tribes floated to her consciousness. He was going to get tattooed so the tribes see him as one of theirs. He was doing it for her. She tried to convince him that it doesn't matter, that he doesn't need to stain his body for her. That she didn't need her memories and was happy just to be with him. That last part, she didn't say. She couldn't. Some part of her didn't want to regain her memories. She was afraid that once she regains those memories, Alex will see her as fixed and then he'll go away to his next conquest.

Shaking her head to force her to move to different thoughts, Kara's mind was directed to their talk about this goddess. Alex had his doubts. Kara wasn't really sure what to think. She didn't know much about religion as all the lessons Alex had, she was busy chasing butterflies in her mind. But she did know about arcane creatures, so it wasn't supposed to be too different? She thought that beings of power need company from time to time. They need weaker beings to serve them because they feel they are too good to do menial work. She also thought that if it's a new god, like some of the pilgrims thought, that she might be doing public appearances to gather worshipers so that her power increases further. On the other hand, it could all be a trap. A powerful being seeking to entrap and corrupt the souls and bodies of those who innocently came to it's worship. Kara didn't like that thought, but it seems like that is the thought she always ended up with whenever they talked about a strong being.

Leaning down, Kara reached out to pet their third party member, Melody the Drake. "It will be alright, girl. We won't be in such company for longer..." She whispered in draconic.

As the papers are passed and Alex addresses a stranger, Kara attempts to disappear by digging herself into his back. But then Alex speaks to another stranger. Kara frowned after taking a glance at the woman. Another one for Alex to put his stamp on, no doubt. Then he had the nerve to introduce her as the one who doesn't talk much. Sure, it was correct, but was that how he talks about her with all his flimsy partners?! She could not let it pass in silence.

Well, she couldn't say anything about it, either. She didn't know this woman. How can one talk to a stranger unless there is dire need? She still couldn't figure out the mystery and Alex seemed to have this superpower... Well, everybody but her seemed to have this superpower, but still...

Kara poked Alex sharply in the ribs.

[Business Scrub]

She looks at Alex, as if noticing him there for the first time.My dear beauty? Well that's a pleasant change from the dry pious talk. She takes note of his huge build. Not the weak, weeping, mewling kind of religious man either.
She pats his horse a bit before saying "Aradia Ferran, of the Unrelenting Justice." She hesitates for a moment, as if weighing that statement. She gives this Kara woman a look, trying to decide on her relation to him. Sister? No. Something else. He looks like the kind of man that always has women following him...
"I'd be interested to hear what she says when she does then. And I have no problem with religion, Alex. Just the men who wield it like a club. I'm looking for a friend: I was told a man in this city knew where he was. And you? You two don't look like you're here to see the sights either." She gives the drake a tiny bow: more formality than she's shown to either of them. Switching effortlessly into Draconic, she speaks to it though mostly ironically, "Sorry, you three."

[Sliver]

Kara turned quickly to look at Aradia addressing her precious Melody in draconic, giving the woman a view of her orange-red glowing eyes. She knew the language! Now Kara won't be able to talk to Melody in front of this woman... She had to go!

Realizing that she made eye contact with the stranger, Kara's face turned crimson and she buried her face deep into Alex's travel cloak.

[AlanBruce]

@Meic: This takes place three days before everyone but Archadious is in Justcrown.

Gryz caws at Lord Draen as he walks up to you, causing the old noble to raise an eyebrow,

"Your familiar, I presume? I have seen my fair share of such creatures. A raven, is it not? They say the link one shares with such animals is divine, to say the least. As for transportation, A caravan awaits you outside the Free City. It shouldn't be a long trip, Muster Rohdri. And it will be save. Once you arrive at the gates, show them this."

Draen hands you a sealed envelope as he once again looks at the sky, speaking as he does so.

"Within is my explicit permission for you to deliver the box at the duke's palazzo. Say my name and present the document. Remember, this is a a trial of trust. I am counting on you to deliver what is contained within and without peeking."

Gryz caws at the frail man again as this one turns his back to you.

"Time is of the essence, Mister Rhodri. I will be seeing you at the Autumn Ball. As presenter of the gift contained within, you will be invited to his palazzo for the Grand Celebration. I will see you soon."

The caravan is, as promised by Lord Dren, well protected. It takes you a few days through the imperial highway to reach the Duchy of Justcrown.

Along the way, it is inevitable to see a rather large procession of pilgrims headed in your direction.

"Pilgrims, sir. Something about a goddess. We shouldn't worry about them. Please relax. We'll be in Justcrown soon."

The coachman whips the horses as the carriage, heavily escorted, makes its way through the masses of people.

Once at the great gate, you can see that the congregation has gotten thicker.

A guard walks up to the coachman.

"State your name and business."

The coachman points inside the carriage.

"I only drive. Ask the envoy within."

The guard walks up to you and knocks on the door.

"By orders of his Excellency! All visitors are to present themselves at the gate!"

@Archadious: As the meal sent in by Otis cools in your table, you look out the window and absorb the scenery.

People really take this Autumn Ball seriously here. The streets have chords running along from building to building wrapped in autumn leaves. Vendors sell wreathes to the many travelers and pilgrims you have seen spilling into the duchy. The cobblestone streets are bereft of horses, given a new law to allow the tremendous amount of people to walk by unhindered and prevent an accident.

As far as the duchy goes, this is what you know.

Justcrown is ruled by the Pottsdorff family. The duke is rarely seen, leaving his many officials to run the daily chores of keeping the city safe. The town is divided into three districts: The Merchant District, which includes a few less than reoutable smiths. The Temple District, which houses the Chapel of Pelor and the Fortress of Cuthbert. You have not seen the heads of church, but know their names rather well from Otis: Kind Father Wilhem, servant of the Shining One and stern Mother Mathilda of the Cudgel. One welcomes the weary and injured. The other makes sure the laws are executed swiftly.

Regarding Silas Spencer, he is the town's wizard. there are many others who practice the craft, but all are said to have trained in his school. Silas' School of Sorcery. A catchy name, but inaccurate. Silas is no sorcerer. He is a wizard through and through and from what they say, a rather gifted one.

Regarding those that inhabit the duchy without a more reputable name, there is Tarith and his Ravens, a small group of... talented individuals. It has been said that, although Mother Mathilda has tried to prosecute the Ravens and Tarith many times, their leader has a silver tongue and has been able to avoid the gallows in at least ten separate instances.

Regarding the Siren, however, there is no leads as to who this person might be.

That0s when a knock is heard at your door.

Sir! This is Otis! I came by to pick your plate, if you have finished. Also, we are having a special guest tonight at the Wench. You might want to come down and enjoy the show.


@Alex: The guard looks at you and Kara on horseback and bows.

"my apologies. We have had so many people coming in lately. What with the Autumn Festival around the corner and these pilgrims. Of course! You are welcome to come in, but..."

The guard eyes your horse and the drake.

"The streets are crowded. We have reliable stables for the horse. The dragon, however...well. He could be a hazard in the city. I am afraid I cannot let it in."

@Aradia: You look at the man on his high horse and the woman behind him. Then, you decide to shift your view to a more interesting member of their entourage.

The drake bows and responds in draconic.

"A pleasure to meet you. I am called Melody. Do not be put off by my companions. They are good people. Kara is a magnificent cook, are you not, Kara?"

Kara gives you a glare and you can see something about her stare. Something not normal, to say the least. perhaps a spell? Her eyes give off the faintest glow before subsiding.

Her expression isn't the friendliest either.

The guard looks at your exchanging pleasantries with the man on the horse.

"Are you with them?"

@Kara. Alex feels it. He doesn't break down or fall from his horse, but a low grunt indicates the message was clear. Who was this woman, with the ice cold hair? And, worse yet, why was Melody talking to her? Too many people, too much sound. yes, your travels have taken you many paces with Alex. and yes, the man is a lecher, but to court a pilgrim? By the gods! Unthinkable.

Melody whispers back to you.

"Kara, I like this one. Can she tag along? I feel...I don't know. I feel good around her. She has a spark. I can feel an ancient call from her."

[Niwrad]

Abruptly brought out of his gloomy recollections and back to reality by Otis's sudden knocking, his curiosity has been aroused, and he decides that this "strange" entertainer might be worth seeing.
With this in mind, he grabs the silverware from his meal and opens the door.
"Thank you Otis, I've decided that I will go see this performer. Maybe it might distract me from my sorrows." He follows Otis back to the main room. As the two descend the flight of stairs, Archadious speaks up again,
"Otis, you've been most kind to me these past few days, thank you for your kindness. I do have one more request, if you could be so kind as to direct me to the location of Silas' School of Sorcery, that would be greatly appreciated."

[Sliver]

Kara's head darted at Melody and her eyes went wide at her request. How could she ask something like that of her? She spun back and slid closer to Alex. Unless this woman tells Alex what Melody said, he won't know... It could be the last they see of her...

But Melody was still young... How could they not let her inside? Too much happened at the same time...

[AlanBruce]

@Archadious: You open the door and Otis takes the silverware from you.

"It may be a tad cold outside, sir, but you will have a good time here, trust me! A lot of good folk at the Wench. Plus, the duke has sent his personal jewel du jour to entertain this humble home tonight."

When asked about Silas' school, Otis laughs.

"The magic school? Yes! But it's late now. He probably has closed for the day. You can find his school in merchant District. Look for the colored smoke and explosions."

As you descend the stairs following Otis, you can see the tables are indeed filled with travelers and pilgrims alike.

One table has a group of children, given your age sitting there.

One is a youth with light armor. He is sipping from a glass of wine and his face is partially hooded. You can see a dagger on his belt.

The others at his table are three boys and a girl. The girl is particularly fetching, for a human. All four of them wear light armor and black cloaks. One of them, a tad taller and huskier than the others, has a greatsword leaning against him on his chair.

The older man in the group motions at you.

"That would be Tarith Spellbane, sir. He saw you recluse yourself in the room a few days ago and has showed much interest. Why don't you join him?"

Then, your eyes dart across the room and see a large table with four city guards standing around, clearly not enjoying the scenery by their face.

Two men tune a lute and a fiddle, dressed in purple cloaks and big ostentatious hats with yellow feathers.

Then, you see a most beautiful woman sitting at the head of the table. She looks elven, with long autumn red hair and a very expensive dark blue cloak around her shoulders. She looks unarmed and laughs as one of the patrons buys her a drinks. The elf wears a fine silk dress, leaving little to the imagination.

Know. Nature if you want to ID her.

"That's Pottsdorff's new jewel. said to be the main show at his Grand Autumn Ball at his palazzo. Of course, us common folk are not invited, but the city still gets to celebrate the festival. Apparently, the duke has allowed Mistress Siren to come mingle with us. She told me she'd be performing tonight."

The man in a hood and his companions bring a chair as the tall one with the greatsword gestures for you to take a seat.

the man in the hood nods from his seated position.

"This is supposed to be a time of merriment, yet you have been indoors all this time. You might find it rude, but I make it a habit of knowing what goes on at the Wench. I'm Tarith Spellbane, who do I have the pleasure of meeting?"

@Kara: The guard walks up yo you and motions at Melody.

"Miss, is that animal with you? I saw you ...talking to it. We cannot allow monsters in town. Please understand."

melody looks at the guard and hisses, while looking at you.

"Is he serious?"

[Niwrad]

Archadious stares at the beautiful elf maiden, lost in thought, attempting to recall anything he might know about her.

Knowledge nature check 1d20+6

Upon hearing Tarith's introduction, Archadious turns to face him.
"The pleasure is mine Tarith. You may call me Archadious. I'm assuming you must be here to watch the Siren perform too."

He then gestures towards the others in Tarith's group.
"Who are your associates?"

Either I typed something wrong for the roller, (which I don't think I did), or there's something wrong with the forum roller.

[Niwrad]

Knowledge check nature: [roll0]

[dantiesilva]

I know if you edit a post or similar it dose that so that could be the problem, though I am not entirely sure myself as the code looks correct.

As I spoke to the new woman I could feel Kara digging into me, trying to hide like normal, but that soon changed to a sharp pain in my side from a sharp poke to the ribs. I got the message all right as I took a deep breath in, no calling her the silent one. Got it, he replied by squeezing her hand that was still wrapped around him softly.

As this is going on I listen to the stranger below us patting ShadowFax's side as she introduces herself to us.Aradia Ferran, of the unrelenting Justice. Never have heard of the group though, do they happen to be a branch of the crudgel? I ask her as I admire her beauty and wounder how much entertainment she would bring. Looking for a friend are you, hope he dose not owe any debts or run on the wrong side of the law as mother Matilda dose not take kindly to one, and well the underground is not to kind to the other. I trained here under her banner for a few years and know this place around if you need any help finding this man just let me know. As for our purpose here, it was merely the next stop along the road. No real reason. Alex says not telling her why they had really come there as it was not his story. That is when he almost bursts into laughter as he hears a few familiar words spoken that he has heard Kara say to melody. Is it just me that dose not speak to dragon kind then. And here I thought it was a useless language at the time. No offense Melody, you are the most beautiful dragon I have ever seen. Alex says quickly to not offend the dragon though saying it was in common he doubted she understood.

As he was thinking this he felt Kara's face once more bury into his travel clock, poor girl, must have been upset someone could speak to melody and so looking to my new found friend I asked Ms. Ferran I must ask you to please not speak to Melody, its nothing personal, just Kara and I raised her from an egg and Kara is very protective of her. At least until Kara is trusting of you. Perhaps we could meet somewhere tonight and talk? Alex said before turning to the guards and saying you were with him.

As the guards tell me they have a stable for ShadowFax I shake my head. No stable anywhere is good enough for a creature of the uper planes my friend. As for melody, she will be no danger I promise. She is very well behaved, and I would not want to be you if this letter did not get to the duke because I could not get inside the city because you could not accommodate my traveling companions. I say looking at the guard directly, refusing to enter withouht Melody, she was not just some wild animal, she was a very big part of his family and he would refuse to see her treated in such a way even if he did not understand her most of the time. That is when Alex watches one of the guards walk over to Kara and call Melody a monster. A small flame begins to light in his eyes as he looks at the guard. You will address ME when you speak to anyone with me, unless they speak to you first. And if you ever call melody a monster again you will be seeing a real monster. Now by the name of the churches of Pelor, Kord, Heironus, St. Cruburt, and Bobboc along with the royal seal of the Postdorf line in Hamalanthan I demand you step aside and have an escort for me and my guests to the palace. I say my voice raising ever so slightly as I went, though trying to be diplomatic these people were getting on my nerves, never mind the pilgrims he had to make do with on his long travel here so he did not take advantage of Kara.

[roll0] diplomacy

[sparky9042]

Bittersweet Freedom

Lúthon sighs, glancing across the chamber at the mysterious figure. Such a disturbance in a prison should alarm any rational person, Lúthon included, and ordinarily he would react with, or at any rate conceal, some degree of surprise to find a visitor having apparently broken into his cell.

Today, however, all the tired, downtrodden elf can muster is a confused glance upwards. "Who..." Lúthon's ability to care about most things has been entirely sapped, given the outcome of today's trial. Still, he finds the strength to engage the strange elf in the cell. "Do I believe..." Lúthon ponders the question being asked of him for a moment, and responds, "...I do not know at this point what I believe in. What I am more interested in at this juncture, however, is what is the case. So, in response to your inquiry, I shall make one of my own: are you offering me a second chance?"

[AlanBruce]

@Archadious: You take the seat offered by Tarith and look across the room.

The Foaming wench is filled with patrons tonight. Otis has taken great care to place big candles on each table with a wreath badly etched into the wax, in the spirit of the coming Autumn Festival. You can see regular folk, a few pilgrims and of course the Siren across the room, surrounded by the duke's guards.

She is definitely elven: The fine features, the ears....but there is something else. Something you cannot quite put your finger on.

"I live here. Have been for quite some time. Otis gives us a room and we protect him and the Wench."

Tarith breaks your train of thought as you focus your attention on the man and his band of ravens.

"I must admit, she is quite the eye candy, but don't be mesmerized, Archadious. She belongs to Pottsdorff now."

At your inquiry regarding his associates, Tarith gestures towards the only woman in the group. A young beauty with shoulder length blonde hair.

"Cecile. Her sharp blade is matched only by a much sharper mind."

He then looks at another young boy with red hair and and gaunt complexion.

"Bill. You will never see more deft hands in all of Justcrown."

Tarith then looks at another boy with black hair and blue eyes and a slightly better build that Bill. This one smiles and nods.

"Oliver of the silver tongue. He could sell this town to any fool willing to hear his pitch for a minute."

Finally, Tarith turns to the biggest boy in the group. This one is busy stuffing his face with a leg of mutton as his eyes dart nervously to Tarith and then you, swallowing quickly and smiling as you notice some mutton sauce on his face.

"And Basil, the brains behind the muscle...or was it the other way around?"

The ravens laugh as Tarith pats the boy in the back.

"Whenever a job requires some extra oomph or some idiot comes in looking for trouble, Basil is the one I can always rely on."

Tarith serves you a glass of wine.

"How familiar are you with these pilgrimages, Archadious?"

@Aradia, Alex & Kara: Melody looks at the young soldier and hisses as Alexander berates him and makes it quite clear that all of them will be passing through the gates, drake and steed included.

The young guard places his hand on the hilt of his sword when an older guard holds his hand from doing so and looks up at Kara, then turning to Alex.

"I remember you. From the Cuthbertine Temple."

The older guard turns to his younger officer.

"Boy, you don't want to do that. Sir, ladies. Welcome to Justcrown. A guard will escort you to the Palazzo."

The gates are opened for the four of you and you get a better view of Justcrown as the many travelers and pilgrims argue behind about filling forms and paying to get in.

The city is quaint, if crowded, even with dusk upon you.

Cobblestone streets and sandwiched two story houses with tall chimney stacks make up the majority of the buildings as you enter. Lamps have been hung on thick chord crossing the streets above your heads, giving off ample illumination.

After about twenty thirty minutes you reach Temple District. Two buildings are of worth here.

One is a chapel with a large courtyard and white picket fence. A large cherry tree sheds its leaves next to it and all of you can see a large sun disc on the door- the church of pelor.

Prayer can be heard inside, as the neophytes get ready to go to bed.

A few blocks down, to your right, you see a fortress with a green banner on each side of a closed portcullis.

The symbol of the Cudgel has been stitched on the banners and you can see two guards standing at attention as some military training can be heard beyond the thick stone wall. No doubt last training for the day.

After another twenty minutes at a calm pace, you enter the Noble's District. The homes are similar to the ones hen you first came in- each house is sandwiched together, but the facade of each house is a lot more lavish. You can see lights being lit inside many of the homes as you ride by.

At long last, you reach a large wall and a gate. The symbol on the gate is the Pottsdorff family crest- The Hippogriff.

The guard that escorted you gives all of you a formal salute and turns his attention to the gate.

"The duke's palazzo is beyond the gate, sir. I hope you enjoy your stay."

A couple of guards walk up to wearing the royal crest on their breastplate. Upon showing them the letter one of them opens the gates and allows the three of you inside.

A long road stretches a thousand feet towards a two story manor with twelve windows on the front. Six above and six below. A fountain midway made of marble and with a hippogriff on top continually gushes water as a neat row of poplar trees watch you ride towards the manor.

About a dozen guards can be seen patrolling the gardens and you can see at least two bowmen on the roof.

Once at the door, Alex again presents the invitation to a guard who reads it briefly.

"Please wait here."

A few minutes pass and the door opens again, but it is not the guard who greets you, but a tall scrawny man with a balding head and a hawk like nose. The man uses a cane for support and wears black noble attire.

"His excellency is busy now. I am Lord Draen Skylarios and on behalf of the duke, I accept this letter and thank you for bringing it. I am certain the local inn will accommodate you rather well."

@Kara: Melody looks at Lord Draen and hides behind you, trying her best to hide her figure behind Alexander's steed.

And then she whispers in draconic

"He smells funny..."

@Luthon: The woman rests against the cold cell wall and crosses her arms.

"Am I offering you a second chance? Who am I to give that? I am asking if you believe in them, and you have responded. A better question might be: Can I get you out, and why?"

The woman walks towards you and takes out a small pouch. She empties the contents on the floor with care, so that they may not make noise and alert the guards.

Your belongings.

"Alexander Anderson. That's a man you need to find because, I suspect, he will be in need of your help very soon. And you, Luthon, may need his in return."

The woman takes out a small oval stone. Perfectly polished, you can see the name Alexander Anderson etched in swirling gold colors on the surface.

"It will take you to him. All you need to do is place the stone to your forehead and focus on his name. Be warned, he travels with a woman you best not rile. Once with him, he will surely suspect. Tell him you have spoken to Myriam and that she has given you a way to see him. Tell him... tell him the Minstrel is already in Justcrown."

Myriam looks at you and places her hand on your shoulder. You cannot see her face, but the eyes alone express tremendous sadness.

"You are being given what I was not, Luthon. Do with it as your conscience dictates."

Myriam walks towards the shadows and disappears, leaving you alone with your gear and a glowing stone.

[Sliver]

Kara loosens her grip around Alex as they enter with Melody besides them, but the many people and the closeness of the strange woman, and the interest Melody took in her, leave her quite uncomfortable. Kara kept mostly to herself, not caring much for the familiar urban sights. Alex's idea of spoiling her was a fluffy bed and food cooked by sweaty men in closed, steaming rooms... She didn't share the idea of a good night's sleep. She much rather have a tent at the outdoors, far from other people who seem to be curious about her eyes, or about Melody, or about those ghostly arms that sometimes appear just so Kara doesn't scream in pain and frustration and why do they always have more questions?! Kara breathed deeply as her memories of people started to annoy her.

As they reach the manor and Melody notes the lord's scent, Kara sniffs the air herself, trying to determine if there was indeed something odd.

[Business Scrub]

Aradia finds herself rather swept up by the commotion and the evening's travel. Unfamiliar with the city, she finds herself following Alex, Kara, and Melody as they are the only ones she knows here, even if she doesn't actually know any of them. This Alex person has a way of getting what he wants though, she thinks after the incident at the gate, I could use him. Especially if this man proves harder to find than I thought. Kara though... has problems.
The group moves into the fancy courtyard area, and Aradia looks around, fairly impressed with the opulence. After Lord Draen dismisses them, she speaks to Alex with a bit of an amused expression, "There's a lot you're not telling me, isn't there? Hundreds of churchfolk coming into the city, but you just stroll into the Duke's manor." She takes another glance at the huge building. What am I even doing here? I might as well go to the inn though. I can stir up questions about this Tarith fellow.

[Niwrad]

With his recent drunken nights in mind, Archadious accepted the glass of wine with a quiet thanks. But he waits to intake any until he sees Tarith sip from a glass with wine from the same bottle, (it's better to be safe than sorry).
As he glances at wine glass, he makes a mental note to himself to consume less alcohol in the future.

As he listens to Tariths question, he attempts to recall what he knows or has heard about the pilgrimages.
Knowledge (untrained local or religion) [roll0]
Knowledge History [roll1]

After a moment of attempted recollection, he replies, "I can't say I really know anything about these pilgrimages. I have never been a very religious individual. Although now that you mention it, I am a little curious now. Why do you ask?"

[Amidus Drexel]

Meic opens the door to speak with the guard.

"Meic Rhodri, at your service. I'm delivering a box to the duke. Lord Draen Skylarios sends his greetings."

Meic presents the envelope.

"Also, I was wondering. What's with all of these pilgrims? I understand Justcrown is busy for the Autumn Ball, but I didn't think quite this many people were interested in the celebration."

[sparky9042]

Lúthon grips the stone gently between his fingers, contemplating his choices. Given his gear, he could attempt a traditional breakout, if this stone turned out to be a dud or a trap. But why even take that risk? Escaping could be just as fraught with danger as using the stone to get out, and there would be no reason for Myriam to lie to or entrap him. Whoever and wherever this Alexander Anderson is, he's sure to be far away from Celene, and that has to be a better option than being stuck in prison. Unless, of course, this Anderson is in fact dragon or some horrible servant of Iuz, but that's highly improbable. Lúthon packs up his gear and prepares to place the stone to his forehead, but before he leaves, he may as well make sure this stone doesn't contain any magic he wouldn't expect...

Cast Detect Magic, focus on the stone for 3 rounds.
Spellcraft for Detect Magic: [roll0]
Sense Motive on Myriam: [roll1]

[AlanBruce]

@Kara: As Lord Draen Skylarios closes the door and leaves, you take a look at Melody and exchange glances.

It's lavender. An odd scent for a man like him. Lavender is used primarily as a scent for candles and as perfume used by some women.

Yet why was his breath smelling of it?

@Meic: Amidst the crowd of people outside the gates, the guards manage to open it quickly enough for your carriage to enter.

As the sun sets and the skies turn to a bright purple, you turn to look at your cargo.

The box is big, but not that big. If it were a mask, as Lord Skylarios said, it would be for someone with a very small face.

By the time the carriage arrives at the duke's palazzo, the stars are alight in the sky. You are introduced by a guard who goes inside and asks you to wait at the front door.

A few minutes later, a beautiful elven woman with auburn hair and the finest features you have seen in elvenkind greets you at the door. She wears a purple robe with tufts of black fur around the neck, exposing some generous cleavage.

It is quite evident this elf maiden is wearing either nothing or very little beneath her robe.

The woman looks at you as she leans on the door frame and raises an eyebrow. Then she smiles as she notices the box.

"So it is here! Draen kept his word. You must be the Meic Rhodri. I'm Siren, the duke's star at his Autumn Ball and I believe this is for you."

Siren produces a pouch with some coins in it.

30gp

"A small token of my appreciation, Meic. You don't mind if I call you Meic, do you?"

Siren takes the box and opens the lid just a tad, before closing it. She then calls a guard.

"Place the duke's artifact in the safe room, now."

The guard bows to her and takes the box away.

Siren then gets close to you and places her hands on your shoulders, smiling lasciviously.

"My oh my... what a big handsome courier Draen fetched this time. I would invite you in, but the duke is very, very tired. He did mention that the mask bearer was cordially invited to the Autumn Ball. You may even bring a date, Meic."

At the mention of the pilgrimage and why so much commotion, you can see Siren's smile turn to a tight lipped frown.

"It is clearly the ignorant masses blindly following some harlot. Some little tramp with delusions of grandeur. A fraud, no doubt. You aren't a part of the ignorant masses, I hope?"

Siren's expression on this matter has been most emphatic, as is evidenced by her eyes.

Something about those eyes. Something hidden beneath.

The elven woman smiles again and winks at you.

"There should be a room in the Foaming Wench. Tell them you have been sent by the duke. Here, use this."

Siren scribbles a note and hands it to you.

"That should give you sufficient clout. Besides, I may be stopping by and performing for the good folk. See you around!"

The door slams and a guard points to the carriage.

"It will take you to one more destination, sir. Where to?"

Directing the man to the Foaming Wench, you have just stepped down when a young boy in a cloak walks past you and trips, almost knocking you over.

Roll a Spot

"My apologies, good man! Clumsy me. I'm on my way now."

The boy whistles a tune and turns around the corner.

Once inside the Tavern, you see a few patrons have gathered for the evening meals and drinks. A rotuns man greets you with an apron and carrying at least five plates in his hand.

"Be right with you, sir!"

The man expertly serves the patrins their food and cleans his hands on the apron.

"Welcome to the Wench! I'm Otis, barkeep and owner. Looking for a room? It's a busy season."

@Aradia: You leave the palazzo's door, since Lord Draen never even allowed you inside and head for the Foaming Wench.

The streets are less crowded now at night. Guards light the lanterns on the street and you can hear music down the street. As Alexander and Kara ride beside you with Melody by their side, you look at both. Indeed, there is a bond there, and it would seem unbreakable. Like the one the Unrelenting Justice vowed so long ago.

And then thoughts on Domir...where is that old dwarf. What could've happened to him?

A block away you see a tall building with a large wooden sign and a statue of a busty woman in wood looking down over the archway to the door.


The Foaming Wench

@Luthon: Why you? You are about to be hanged, for petty crimes, no less. How did this...Myriam come inside the cell unnoticed by the very tight security?

You hold the stone in your hands and focus for a few seconds.

The tremendous power that surges through your mind is incalculable. Myriam was not lying in that regard at least. This stone has the properties of Conjuration magic at a scale never before seen or sensed by you.

Gearing up, you take a look at the name that waves over the polished stone.

Alexander Anderson.

Your choices being the gallows or the unknown, you place the stone on your forehead and focus on the name.

Nothing, that's odd...

Then, the entire cell begins to shake, as if a tremor where about to bring the entire building down.

Yet it is not the place that is being unmade. It is you.

Flying through the skies at impossible speeds, you leave the Court of Enstad and indeed the kingdom itself as it becomes a pigment of color in the distance. The sheer velocity at which you are propelled makes your jaw hurt. At any moment, the intense pressure will break your body through space time.

Has Myriam been sent as an assassin?

You see various countrysides below you. A blur of green and blue and yellow. Then you see what appears to be a mountainous region. A valley. As your body propels towards it, a terrible force from the valley swats you away as the spell redirects you back west. You then see something.

Lights in the distance.

A wall.

People.

Rooftops. Cobblestone streets.

A man on horseback and two maybe three more...

@Archadious: Tarith smiles and takes a sip.

"Nervous? I do not blame you. Otis' selection of wines is terrible. Now, about the pilgrimages. I know there is a group going into the woods beyond this town. Nobody goes there- the Fey Woods, it is called. And the Fey rule it. Word has come to me of someone profiteering from this so called 'goddess' and is making a lot of money. I would go, but I have some business to attend first. I heard you know some magic, as do I, but I'm guessing your skills in the arcane are better than what I can bring to the table. I need magic to counter magic. If you're interested, take a group to the entrance of the Fey Woods. That's where I heard the racketeering is going on. Deal with whoever is behind this and bring me the profit. You'll get a nice cut of course. Think about it."

@Aradia, Kara & Alex: As the Wench comes into view, a star in the sky shines bright.

Too bright.

But it isn't a star.

With a tremendous impact, Alex is knocked off his horse, bringing Kara down with him over the cobblestone streets.

Melody roars and bares her fangs, but then tilts her head sideways as the dust clears.

There's an elf on top of Alexander, semi conscious.

[Amidus Drexel]

Meic accepts the pouch, nods, and smiles. "Yes, you may call me Meic."

He has to suppress the urge to laugh when Siren calls him big and handsome, but ultimately manages to keep his composure. "I'll be sure to attend, my lady."

"Nay, madam; I was merely curious. I'll make sure to keep an eye out for this 'harlot'."

Meic reads the note, then folds it carefully and puts it in one of his pockets.

Spot: [roll0] (this counts the +2 from Gryz being nearby)
"Hey, watch where you're going, young man." Meic brushes off his shoulders (prompting Gryz to shuffle about once again), and then enters the tavern.

(to Otis) "Aye, I suppose I'll take a room." He smiles. "I suppose business has been good, what with all of these pilgrims."

[Niwrad]

Archadious sips the glass of wine. He then furrows his brow in contemplation for a moment before answering.

Let me get this straight, You think that this "goddess" causing these "pilgrimages" or whoever is behind this "goddess" is guilty of racketeering, making a profit off it, and is hiding out in the Fey Wood?
His tone is neither skeptical nor astonished, but merely one of inquisitiveness.

As he speaks, from the corner of his eyes, he glimpses several new patrons walk into the tavern, including a young man dressed in a black hooded cloak, but his mind is too preoccupied with Tarith's offer to think much about these new patrons.

If this is the case, then I would be willing to go determine the truth behind all this. But tell, me, what are some of the supposed "miracles" that this goddess has "performed"? I have spent much of the time here hiding in the solitude of my room and I have not heard much about this "goddess".

[AlanBruce]

@Meic: Siren smiles as you mention the word harlot in regards to this supposed goddess.

"Well said, Meic. I am looking forward to seeing you in a few days."

As Siren is about to close the door, she turns to look at you.

"Draen mentioned you are a wizard, yes? And of course, with a familiar to boot..."

Siren whistles to Gryz, who caws back and flies to the carriage.

"Familiars... never could understand them. And I have seen my fair share. Anyway, on to my request, Meic Rhodri. The duke wishes to enact the ancient battle of Hommlet. A recreation of how his great great great ancestor valiantly battled against the Mad Tyrant Garlock. A tale now forgotten...except by the duke. Two actors will be required: One to play the duke's ancestor, Sir Vadislav Pottsdorff, a knight in shining armor and all that jazz..."

Siren rolls her eyes and waves the notion away with her hand.

Then her eyes gleam as she smiles.

"The other part is of the Mad Tyrant. A powerful caster of ancient times. The duel will be scripted, of course, but their should be enough arcane display to wow the duke's guests. Be a dear and find me two actors? Who knows. Perhaps you could play the part."

Gryz awaits on top of the carriage and looks on at the palazzo before cawing once more and getting inside with you.

At the Wench, Otis reads the note.

"Oh, my. The duke himself has authorized this. Of course, sir. Please follow me."

Otis leads you to the bar where he takes out a big heavy book.

"Please write your name down here and the number of days you'll be staying here. I believe I have the room just for you."

At the mention of the pilgrims, Otis serves himself a mug of ale.

"You'd think, but no. The coin comes from the regular travelers. Who want to participate in the Autumn Festival. The pilgrims barely have coin. Some have enough to eat a meal here and then go camp outside town or, worse even, on the streets."

As Otis explains this to you, you happen to see someone you hadn't seen in awhile.

Could it be? And with such company.

Unless your eyes deceive you, that's Archaidous.

Otis closes the book after all the information has been jotted down.

"Your keys, fine sir. Third floor. Fourth door on the right."

@Archaidous: Tarith laughs.

"No, I do not believe in this goddess at all. Nobody goes into those woods- and with good reason. The fey are not to be trifled with in any event. I do believe in coin. And I believe someone is making it and not me or my ravens. Worse yet, someone is using Raven turf- which by extension is the outskirts of Justcrown to make money and not even share their gains. See the problem? As to what miracles this goddes has done, let's see..."

Tarith turns around , looking for nobody in particular. He then spots a family of pilgrims having a meal, all wearing their white cloaks and badly stitched unicorns.

"Excuse me, fie sir. Sorry to bother you. Care to tell us what the goddess has done lately?"

The family turns around to look at Tarith and swallow as their father speaks.

"Well, she is said to be a goddeess of light and life. Of pure wisdom and love and.."

Tarith interrupts him.

"And when did you see her spreading all this love, good man? Was it yesterday, when the guards were filing your family at the gates. Oh, I know. It was this afternoon, when Pottsdorff raised traveler taxes, right?"

The man looks at him and his face goes red as his daughters look up at him.

"Papa, what is that man saying?"

The man looks at Tarith and shakes his head.

"Not a damn thing that makes sense, girl. Keep eating."

Tarith takes a sip as one of the Ravens comes in and hands him something underneath the table.

"See? There is no goddess, It's some scam that began who knows where. And someone's making money out of it. You and I can as well, but for that, I suspect I'll need magic."

[Niwrad]

Well I suppose I wouldn't have any objection to going to investigate the Fey Woods and I would if it weren't for the fact that I don't actually have a "group" to take. And based on what you appear to be suggesting about the area, I highly doubt that I would last long on my own, regardless of my arcane talents. So I apologize Mr. Spellbane, but I lack the manpower, and I am not foolhardy enough to venture there alone.

With that, he downs the last of his wine glass and waits for a response.

OOC: cue Meic...

[Business Scrub]

Aradia stumbles backwards. The explosion, or whatever it was, took her completely by surprise. "Holy Hell!" she shouts in Draconic. As the dust settles, she absentmindedly speaks to Melody, "Easy... easy."
She helps the elf to his feet. Seeing his injured state, she concentrates for a moment, her hands glowing white with energy. If he looks conscious enough to speak, she switches to formal Elven saying, "Are you alright? What was that?"

Aradia heals him for 1 point, just in case he's dying from the teleport.

[Amidus Drexel]

(to Siren) "I'm no actor myself, but if I see any that fit the part, I'll send them your way."

Meic takes the keys, thanks Otis, and then walks over towards Archadious.

"Is that you, Archadious? Remember me? We took boring class on conjuration with Professor Torethen together." He grins. "How have you been?"

[AlanBruce]

@Archadious: Tarith looks below the table cloth at was given to him, then looks up to you.

"I see... I must admit I cannot blame you. Without enough man power, going into those woods would indeed be suicidal. I may have to wait it out. The Autumn Festival will be in a week, so by then, the large amounts of people will have dwindled. At that point, I will track down whoever is behind this and get my cut...one way or another."

Tarith smiles as he looks down below the table line at what was given to him.

"It would seem Lady Luck opens another door for fine entrepreneurs like us, Archaidous. Tell me, are you interested in doing some work for me? Not outside the city. An inside job. safer, and with my Ravens."

@Aradia: Alexander's horse nearly goes down with the tremendous impact. As the dust settles, you see Kara has suffered the worst brunt as the armored Alex lies on top of her, stunned.

Melody walks up to Kara and nips at her hood, trying to get her out of the floor and from such crushing weight.

The elf mutters a name as your magic heals any wounds he may have.



"M...M..Myriam..."

[AlanBruce]

@Meic: Siren smiles.

"We all have to play our part, Meic. Think about it. Good night"

@Archaidous: As Tarith smiles and is about to offer you a new proposal, You feel a tap on the shoulder and a familiar voice.

Meic Rhodri.

Tarith raises and eyebrow as Basil goes for his sword. Tarith shakes his head and the boy keeps his hand on the hilt.

"I believe this was a private conversation, Archaidous. Care to tell me who your wizard friend is? I thought you said you had no one. A bad start when we spill out the lies so quickly, elf."

[Niwrad]

As he is about to respond to Tarith, Archadious hears someone call his name from behind him. He turns to meet this new speaker, which he quickly recognizes as the necromancer adept he befriended while briefly studying under Professor Torethen. Slowly, his stoic expression turns into a smile, and he replies.

Boring! If I recall, I'm pretty sure I kicked your *** in that class.
He laughs and upon hearing Tarith's accusations, he quickly responds.
I apologize for the interruption Tarith. I do indeed not have anyone. This is merely an old colleague of mine, but we have not met in several years, and this meeting was purely coincidental, I assure you.

He then turns towards Meic again and with a warm greeting, he says.
It's been too long Meic my friend, but of course I remember you, and unfortunately this past year has not been kind to me. About a year ago, my home, the Ironwood Tower was completely destroyed by a powerful fiend. I was the only survivor. My master Ferrin and all his other apprentices perished. I managed to find solace with a group of adventures seeking lost artifacts, but alas, that too was doomed to end in tragedy. Last week, we stumbled upon the layer of a red dragon, which took us by surprise and slew everyone but me.

I've spent the last few days attempting to drown my sorrows with drink, and only now am I beginning to regret that course of action.

As he speaks, his laugh slowly becomes more somber and he begins to stare off into the distance as he recounts his tale. But then his face immediately lights up into a grin again.
And what about you Meic? I hope the recent years have been far kinder to you than they have to me.

[Amidus Drexel]

Meic laughs. "If I remember correctly, that's because I mostly used his class to study for my illusion tests. Those were hard. You were always better than me in making something from nothing, though. I only learned a handful of spells in that class.

His face pales when hearing of Ferrin's fate. "That's horrible! He will be greatly missed."

"I'm sorry about your friends, but I'm glad you made it out alive. I wouldn't want to take on any kind of dragon, much less a powerful red." He pauses for a second. "I've been alright. Gill and I had an adventuring party with a few people he knew, but we ran afoul of a corrupt priest of Boccob. He killed our scout, Chaz. At least the guy got a proper burial."

Meic shakes his head, then turns to Tarith. "I don't know who you are, but I assure you, I mean no harm. I haven't spoken with Archadious in years - it's mere coincidence that both of us are here at the same time." He extends his hand. "Whom do I have the pleasure of meeting?"

[Business Scrub]

Aradia turns around to see the huge cleric crushing the much smaller Kara. Oh for the love of...
She pulls Kara out from under Alex, not even trying to move the seven foot man.
Still in Elven to the new person, she says, "No, there's no Myriam here. Why don't you tell me your name?"

Strength check to pull Kara out of necessary: [roll0]

[AlanBruce]

@Meic: After exchanging pleasantries and tales of terror from a mere week's past, Tarith shakes your hand and nods to Basil to fetch you a chair.

"I'm Tarith Spellbane. I had just gotten acquainted with your college friend. So you're a wizard as well? What brings you here to Justcrown? Unless you are here for the Autumn Festival only."

[Amidus Drexel]

Meic sits down. Gryz hops onto the table, and Meic strokes his feathers while he talks.

"I am indeed a wizard. I don't do any flashy magic like Archadious, but the two of us are about as far along in the art. Did you need another mage for something?"

"I was sent as a courier of sorts for Lord Draen. He sent me with a religious artifact for the duke. To tell you the truth, Draen seemed somewhat insistent that I not look inside the box, but... I suppose he was just concerned for the safety of it."

"Well, I've been invited to the ball by at least two or three people now." Meic chuckles. "I certainly intend to go, at the very least because I'm expected to be there. It isn't what I came for, though."

[Niwrad]

Archadious listens to the two exchange pleasantries, then to Meic, he says.

Tarith and I were just discussing a proposal he had for me. Now if you don't object to me detailing Meic about it...

If Tarith doesn't object, Archadious will attempt to explain to Meic how Tarith has asked him to investigate the Fey Woods.

Tarith believes that someone is hiding in Fey Woods and using the guise of the "goddess" for racketeering purposes. He has asked me to go investigate.
Now, I know you seem to rather popular around here, what with three invites to the ball, but if you could spare the time, I don't suppose you would be willing to assist me in this endeavor? I'd be more than happy to split the profits with you of course.

On a side note, what does Archadious know of the Fey Woods? He's gonna try to recall what history he might have read or heard about it.
knowledge history: [roll0]


EDIT* I guess Archadious waits until after their conversation below is finished

[AlanBruce]

@Meic: Tarith and his entourage listen to your tale on the arts with much interest.

A young girl with blonde hair in the group gets up and points at Gryz.

"That's a familiar, right? Fascinating. They have a shared bond with their master and the abilities to share spells and..."

Tarith chuckles.

"This is Cecile. She loves anything related to magic. The other three fine folk with me are Bill, Oliver, and Basil."

Gryz hops towards Cecile and caws as the young Raven smiles and puts a piece of meat on the table while looking at you.

"Is it ok? He can eat meat?"

Basil, with his grip on the sword now gone, looks at the Gryz with much interest.

"It's a wizard?"

Cecile shakes her head.

"No, you dum dum. He's a familiar. The crow and Meic are bonded and they can share spells and cast."

Basil takes a last bite from his mutton.

"So...he can cast. So it's a wizard."

Tarith takes a sip from his wine and smiles as he shakes his head. Cecile sits back down and sighs.

"Yes, Basil...he's a wizard."

Tarith takes out a folded piece of paper.

"Skylarios? Draen Skylarios? Now where has that man been hiding? It's been what, a month?"

Oliver nods.

"Just about, T. We tried paying a visit to his home last time, but security was tight."

Tarith looks at you and smiles as he turns his attention towards the other side of the room, where Siren is enjoying a drink with her escort, the duke´s personal guard.

"Interesting, Draen resurfaces from the dead somehow and now this Siren makes an appearance. An artifact you say? Care to sahre? This may have dropped from you earlier."

Tarith slides the folded paper towards you.

I have secured the mask, sire. As per your request. The temple of the Ruby Sorceress asked an arm and a leg for it, but it is here. I can guarantee you your Autumn Ball will be the likes nobody in Justcrown has ever attended to before. Whether the Ruby Mask of Wee Jas actually grants power, I would not know, nor would the Jasites tell. It is, however a piece of exquisite craftsmanship. Its value alone well worth the city itself, if I do say so myself. I am to understand you will take precautions regarding the Continental Thief?

A pleasure doing business with you,

Draen Skylarios


@Archadious: "Go ahead, Archadious. Just remember: the less people know, the more profit to one's pocket."

You try and recall what you know of the Fey Woods.

A very ancient forest. It is not know exactly when the forest came to be, but during the Hextorite occupation, which lasted well into half a millenia, the forest already stood tall. It was said that no one who ever went in ever came out. Be it because the fey in the forest took them or they chose to stay. At any rate, it can be theorized that mighty fey magic and more lingers within the primeval roots and canopy of the Fey Woods.

[Amidus Drexel]

Meic grins. "Not so much 'popular' as caught up with nobility. Once you meet one or two, they try to get you to meet all of them. It's as much a political game as it is a social one."

"I'm certainly interested, and I've heard talk from other people that think the 'goddess' is a sham. Will it just be the two of us? I'm a bit leery of walking into a dangerous place like that - I'd feel much more comfortable with a warrior of some sort to protect us." He glances at Tarith.

Gryz eyes the meat, and then quickly eats it before Meic has a chance to say anything. He speaks in a rough, squawky voice. "You shouldn't have cooked it. Always tastes better raw." He then walks back across the table to Meic.

"He was dead? I hadn't heard that." Meic takes the note and reads it. "Well, that certainly puts a new spin on things. Is there anything you can tell me about Daern? I'm not sure if I really know as much as I think I do." He gestures to the letter.

[AlanBruce]

@Meic: Tarith nods.

"The nobles here are the same way. I attended the duke's gran ball last year for some petty play of his. And Draen? No, we assumed he was dead. We have seen no activity in his house for such a long time and it's not like us poor folk get told of the passing of a noble snake like him. A petty man, really. Adviser to the duke, whom I couldn't care less as long as he doesn't get in my business."

Tarith signals at the end of the letter.

"This part worries me. This...Continental Thief. You wouldn't know anything about it? With so many new faces and a supposed artifact around, this Autumn Ball could be a competition of sorts. May have to get an invite to the Ball, after all."

At the mention of warriors to the fey woods and looking at Tarith, Spellbane laughs.

"I may know my way around a blade, but a warrior? No, sorry. I deal with sneaking, not tanking. And preferably in this city, where I can sneak rather well."

[Niwrad]

Well, if we can find a warrior to accompany us, then I would be more than willing to investigate these woods, and I believe Meic feels likewise.
As for this mystery relating to the Duke, it certainly sounds intriguing. My curiosity has definitely been piqued.

Oh, and what did Archadious remember from his knowledge history check:


On a side note, what does Archadious know of the Fey Woods? He's gonna try to recall what history he might have read or heard about it.
knowledge history: (1d20+16)[27]

[AlanBruce]

@Archadious: "Go ahead, Archadious. Just remember: the less people know, the more profit to one's pocket."

You try and recall what you know of the Fey Woods.

A very ancient forest. It is not known exactly when the forest came to be, but during the Hextorite occupation, which lasted well into half a millenia, the forest already stood tall. It was said that no one who ever went in ever came out. Be it because the fey in the forest took them or they chose to stay. At any rate, it can be theorized that mighty fey magic and more lingers within the primeval roots and canopy of the Fey Woods.

[AlanBruce]

@Archadious: Tarith nods.

"Well, I can have a group investigate Draen's House. The old snake may have left something of importance there. The house isn't too far, being in Justcrown. As for the Fey Woods, if you can find some muscle, I can provide a brief map of the immediate area. Mind you, it may not be accurate. Those woods are enchanted, and the paths are likely to twist and change in order to confuse intruders. At any rate, any of these jobs should be done tomorrow, since going to the woods at night is just blatantly foolish and checking on Draen's House now does not bode to well if he's around."

[Amidus Drexel]

"I can't say I know anything about this thief. I think, in light of what you've told me and what's in this letter, it's best that I go to the ball anyway. My absence will likely arouse more suspicion than anything I might say there."

He stops for a second. "Have either of you been invited? Another pair of eyes and ears wouldn't hurt, if we're on the lookout for a thief. Either way, is there anything you want me to keep an eye out for while I'm there?"

"I'm pretty sure Draen plans on attending the ball. If you want to check on his house without him knowing, that might be a good time to look."

[Niwrad]

Very well, if you can find me some muscle, then i (and hopefully Meic) will investigate the woods.
And Meic, no, i cant say that ive had the pleasure of receiving an invitation. I have spent the last few days in my room and haven't had the pleasure of meeting any nobles or politicians. But if do get one, I won't be sayin no. It certainly appears as if you could use another spellcaster.

[Sliver]

Kara frowned as she realized the man smelled more feminine than she ever did, but as she began theorizing, a falling man had her distracted. "Eeep!" She squeaked as she failed to dodge and he crashed into Alex, taking down both of them.

As she regains her senses, she sees Aradia approaching to pull her out. She quickly pulls her hands out from under Alex and frantically waves them, trying to indicate that she would rather Aradia approach someone else. After making herself clear, Kara lifts Alex from her, quite capable of lifting the man with his armor and equipment, and stands up. After giving him a few weak slaps and making sure he regains his senses, Kara motions to Melody who begins licking the horned cleric awake.

Kara looks quite surprised and intrigued when Myriam's name is brought up by the man. Why would Myriam send orbital strikes on them?

[Business Scrub]

Aradia rolls her eyes at being waved away, and returns to the elf, eager to hear what happened.

Wow, I just figured stuff out. I kept accidentally looking at Clover, in Sliver's signature, and for some reason just assumed that was Kara. :smalltongue:
I was thinking, 'how in the heck can a person with 7 strength easily lift a 250 pound man and his armor and equipment?? And why the heck is she 6 levels higher than us?'
It would probably help if I looked at the right sheet, huh.

[AlanBruce]

@Meic: Tarith pours himself another glass as his eyes wander again towards Siren in the end of the room, always surrounded by the duke's guards.

"I have tried gathering information on her, since she came here. But so far, nothing. I had heard she was going to give a performance tonight at the Wench, reason why I chose to come down and see of she slips something. Maybe a caster, but can0't be certain yet. And yes, going to the Ball would be a good idea, especially if you were the one to deliver the mask, no? It would draw suspicion to yourself if this Continental Thief were to make away with it..."

At the mention of an invitation, Tarith smiles.

"I haven't this year, but I can get one done for any of you, provided you are my ears and eyes in there."

Regarding checking on Draen's house, Tarith looks at you.

"I could, yes, but I have some business I need to run. I could use some arcanists to check it. The Ravens will provide everything else. Like I said earlier to Archadious- an easy job. Also, the reason why doing it during the Ball would be a bad idea, since you at least must be present."

@Archadious: Tarith looks at the Siren.

"She seems friendly...so far. Perhaps you could convince her to get you one? Pottsdorff loves unique things to show off. Reason why that elf is in town. But perhaps, if you can appeal to her good graces, she might hand you one. I have heard the fat bastard hasn't left the palazzo since her arrival and she runs the place. Alternatively, I can probably have one forged for you."

@Aradia: Melody looks at you through her reptilian eyes as she shakes her head as you reach out for Kara.

Alex groans under the impact, but seems unfazed as Shadowfax walks up to him and licks his face, in an attempt to wake him up. Then, you watch shy little Kara do the unthinkable.

@Kara: Demonstrating an impressive feat of strength, you lift the armored man with ease, as Alex, still stunned is shunted to the side.

You realize the impact did leave a slight indentation of your body on the cobblestone street, as a few cracks demonstrate.

Getting up and dusting yourself off, you look at this elf from the skies.

Why Myriam? How is she related to this elf. And who is he?

[Niwrad]

Archadious stares across the room at the Siren. Then he looks down and gives a slight grin.
I suppose I could try talking to her after her performance, but I'm not sure how successful I'd be in getting an invite. I'm not really a very charming person and convincing people to do things isn't really my strong suit. I'd probably have more success if you could get me one. He says, turning towards Tarith.

[AlanBruce]

@Archadious: Tarith and his Ravens look at you and all, at the same time take a drink.

"Yes...there's that. I can get you a..duplicate. It won't be free. I believe it's fair you are aware of this beforehand. The penalty for forging an invitation to Pottsdorff's Autumn Ball can be punishable by death. A big risk must be taken. Risks cost money."

[Niwrad]

Archadious furrows his brows in contemplation for a moment.
Isn't that a tad harsh. And if by duplicate you are implying that I would have to impersonate another guest, I suppose that could be done. Depending on the length of the ball I can change and maintain my appearance easily enough, but as I mentioned before, convincing people isn't exactly my strong suit, so if too many people start talking to me, my cover might get blown.

He pauses to think for a moment. Suddenly his face lights up as an idea reaches his mind.
A party of this size must need servants, correct? Any possibility that I could infiltrate the ball by posing as a servant? That way, I could draw less attention to myself while still being able to keep an eye on things.

[dantiesilva]

As teh young guard places his hand on the hilt of his sword Alexanders body seems to change, from once being completely open and friendly to one ready to defend what was his, not even going for his greatsword strapped to Shadowfax, knowing full and well he could simply lift the man up and toss him threw the skies if he so wished. Just then he watches an older guard place his hand on the mans, stopping him from drawing the sword, and though my body relaxes, I am by no means showing them any chance to attack. Yes a few years back we were here studying under Mother Matilda. Alex said to the man as he then welcomed us to Justcrown and told us we would have an escort to the Plazzo. Tell the young one if he dose so again he better be ready to meet me in the training area at Mother Matilda's. I do not care how long he has been standing dealing with this, Alexander says indicating the pilgrims, but against a messenger to the duke,. That is very close to treason. and with that I continue on my way with Kara riding behind me on Shadowfax, Melody to our left, and the beautiful and lovely Aradia to our left.

Once inside the city and the gates close once more I dismount from Shadowfax before helping Kara do the same. Thank you Shadowfax for helping us along our journey. Go and rest now in the heavens and run alongside your subjects, Noble king of horses. Alex says to shadowfax in celestial, dismissing his mount back to the heavens it had come from to enjoy a good rest and relaxation. Once done he looked to Kara and lifted his arm up in case she wished to hide beneath his cloak while they walked the very crowed streets, knowing full and well on how she felt about them. While I did so I held out my hand to Aradia offering to be her escort to the Plazoo while Melody stayed close to Kara. An odd sight it would have been to any walking down the streets that day as the sun was beginning to set.

It is not long before we get into temple district, seeing the cherry tree shedding its leaves at the church of Pelor and hearing the distinct sounds of training going on from the opposites side where the church of the cudgel stood Dantie let lose a spell into the air over the temple of pelor, a simple one, but it was a message letting them know one of their flock had come to the city. He then saluted the two armed guards showing them as well that he was here and a member of there church. Though he would have done more if he had the time, but they had a schedule to keep and he planned on doing so. After all he did want to have a bit of fun tonight.

Not long after that Alex and company find themselves at the Dukes and although there were a few pleasantries he would have rather had all in all he was satisfied with how events turned out. You mean the Foaming Wench right my Lord? If so could I have something written allowing me your permission to stay there until after the ball? After all I am a mere simple traveler and messenger and do not carry much coin on me. Alex says to the man with the cane and hooked nose not paying much attention to Kara and Melody talking to each other at such an odd time.

As they are walking away from the Dukes Alex turns his head to Aradia as she makes a very observant comment. Well I could explain it all to you tonight if you wish? Two separate rooms perhaps, one for you to rest in, and for you to ask me all the questions you wish, and the other for myself Kara, and Melody. Alex says raising an eyebrow to her trying his charm once more on her.

Diplomacy check [roll0]
Charisma check [roll1]

As they are walking to the foaming wench, all in a relitive good mood from what he can Tell, Alexander looks up into the sky and is almost blinded by the bright star in the sky. Soon though he watches as the star seems to get closer, and before he can realize what has happened he is being hit with the force of a battering ram into the chest knocking him clean off his feet and taking Kara down with him. Trying to shake himself out of his stunned state he is happy when Kara helps him up. Thank you Kara. Alexander whispers to her before drawing his sword and looking to the man who was left in the dust, a crater where the three of them had just landed. Who are you and why did you just attack us? Alex said before hearing the name Myriam and quickly putting his sword away and healing the mans wounds as best he can at this time.

Using lay on hands to mass effect 7x X i do not remember what x is though.

[AlanBruce]

@Archadious: Tarith nods and looks at his fellow Ravens, who look at you with approval.

"That's a very good idea. Oliver, you have a cousin working at the manor for staff, right. What's his name?"

"Ewan. He's been working at the palazzo for three years already, but they have so many servants that Pottsdorff likely doesn't even know who he is. I can talk to him and ask him to take the night off and place a replacement. Of course, he'll have to be paid for that night, since he won't be working. I think he mentioned a gold for that night, since they're up all day and night getting the Ball organized. I'll talk to him and if he gets offered twice that, he'll have his uniform sent here. Of course, the coin will have to come from the man with the idea and he'll have to be there during the days prior to the Ball to be trained on how to serve the guests. That should give Archadious enough time to snoop around. The call is yours, of course."

Tarith takes another sip from his wine.

"Ok, that's one end tied up. Are you and Meic in for the Skylarios job?"

@Alexander: The young guard is pale with fright as you address him and accuse him of treason.

The older guard steps up.

"He's green, sir. He didn't know any better. Please, come in. Justcrown welcomes you."

Once at the door to the palazzo, Draen Skylarios looks at the letter and then looks at those gathered with you.

"You do realize, Father Anderson, that you are allowed to bring one date. Regarding housing, the Foaming Wench should provide a room for the duke's representative from Halmathan. Show them this letter."

Draen produces a sealed envelope with a hot wax seal.

"It should give you a room for the week until the day after the Ball. I am sure a man of your reputation and station will not want to tarry around longer than needed. And now, if you'll excuse me, I have to attend to his Excellency. Enjoy your stay in Justcrown, Father Anderson."

Draen looks at you, Aradia, Melody, and finally sets eyes on shy little Kara.

"Remember...one date per guest. Formal attire...and no pets."

And he closes the door.

With Shadowfax back in Elysium, galloping the plains of Amoria, you decide to take the trek on foot to the Foaming Wench, when you are impacted by a comet turned elf.

The elf is frail, compared to you, but looks aptly geared, if barely conscious, despite the tremendous impact that had Kara leave a dent on the ground.

The elf can barely mention the name Myriam before Aradia uses her innate powers to heal some of the wounds he may have incurred.

Having fallen from the sky in this manner may arise suspicion, should any zealous types be watching. Perhaps a quiet table at the Wench, a hot meal, and a cold ale will loosen this man's tongue.

[dantiesilva]

As Draen Skylarios mentions at the obvious he looks at the two lovely ladies accompanying him. I am very well aware of that my lord, and as the Duke had given it to me and Kara here, Alex says gesturing to Kara it is only fair that she be the one to accompany me. But are you saying there are no openings left for nobles out of town? Do you even know who this good woman is with me? Alex asks him, never once saying a lie as he had never called the woman a noble.

As the letter is handed to him and kind words are exchanged Alexander bows his head I must agree, they do never let me stay still now do they. Then again a messengers job is never done. Alex says bowing to the lord getting ready to leave on good terms when he mentions no pets....This city was really getting on his nerves with this pet thing. Melody was no pet, she was a very intelligent creature. And just as he was about to say something the door shut in his face. I swear if one more person calls Melody a pet I may have to put them in a cage with a "pet". Alex mumbles under his breath as he pats her head.

Turning towards Aradia Alex asks Any chance you will be able to get your hands on your own invite if you plan on going? If not I am sure I can find a way. Alex says kindly to her.

Hefting the elf who had crashed into me from the skies onto my shoulder I carry him the rest of the way to the Foaming wench where I look for the girls who used to work there about 5 years ago when I had been here with Kara. finding none of them I turn to the bar keeper. What happened to the, entertainment? I remember there being a few years ago. wondering if they had all retired.

[Amidus Drexel]

"Many thanks for that; should I need another one, I'll know who to ask." Meic grins. "On that note, I was told I could bring a... 'date'. I don't have anyone in mind, but if any female associates of yours would like to get in and investigate themselves, they could easily enter with me. I personally don't care if they do or not - it's up to them."

"I suppose I'm in. I'd rather not do anything illegal, though. A run-in with the guards would end poorly, I think. What exactly is it you want us to do?"

[Niwrad]

Archadious nods as he follows along. And when Meic mentions his "date" opportunity. He chuckles and says.

Well I suppose there's also a third option, one where I would disguise myself as a female and go as Meic's "date". But frankly that would involve quite a bit of awkwardness on my part. So I think I'll go with the second option.

As for the Skylarios job, I certainly wouldn't mind investigating that either.

So that leaves three different "missions" Archadious summarizes.

Infiltrating the ball, sneaking into Draens estate, and investigating the Fey Woods (which Meic and I would be willing to do if we could find some muscle). What sort of time-frame would you suggest for these three agendas? I understand disguising myself as one of the servants will require a day or two of training first, and as for investigating the forest, you desired it to be completed within the week.

basically he is asking in what order they should be attempted.

[sparky9042]

Lúthon falls, not near this mysterious Anderson as he was expecting, but rather, evidently, on him.

"...My...Myriam..."

The elf looks at the armored man and his companions, one of whom, a white-haired woman, addresses him in his native tongue. Continuing in Elvish, he says, "My name is Lúthon Esgalwathon. I am grateful for the healing."

Turning to the rest of the group, the armored man, the woman next to him, and the seemingly out-of-place dragon licking him, Lúthon begins, addressing the armored man, "Alexander Anderson, I presume? I encountered an elf calling herself Myriam, who was responsible for my arrival here. I do wonder why it had to involve a direct impact... Anyway, I was instructed to inform you that the Minstrel is already in Justcrown."

[dantiesilva]

Thats two people who have told me that today it would seem. Alexander says helping the elf up before adding, Yes I would be the one known as Alexander Anderson, but why would Myriam send you when she was suppose to meet me here? Did she say anything else? Alexander asked him not worrying to much about introductions as he led them all towards the foaming wench.

[sparky9042]

"All she told me was that she sent me here and that I was to deliver that message to you. I do not know why she would send myself in her place."

[dantiesilva]

As the elf tells him what he did not want to hear Alex opens the door to the Foaming wench and quickly pulls Kara close to him when he sees the large groups of people. Heading over to the bar he quickly pulls out a letter and hands it to Ottis before adding, I will also need a second room for my business partners. Just for the night for now though. Alex says wanting to get Kara out of the crowd quick. holding up his hand to the others to take a seat and wait for him.

[AlanBruce]

@Meic: Tarith looks at Cecile, who nods.

"Cecile can be your date, if you'd like. She's very good at hiding and slipping away in large crowds. That way, eyes are on you, never on the date. Nobody suspects the girl."

Cecile glances at Tarith.

"...which is a terrible mistake on their part."

Regarding the illegality of going to the Skylarios estate, Tarith laughs along with the Ravens.

"You are worried you will be going into his estate illegally? The place has been abandoned for almost a month. As far as I'm concerned, it's good for grabs, since I have seen no one move in. Have any of you?"

All the Ravens look at you and smile.

"Nope, not a soul."

@Archadious: Tarith raises an eyebrow.

"A mission? Heroes go on missions. We are just lending a helping hand. A helping hand that could, potentially, happen to drop a nice pouch of gold in the right pockets. As for the order, well, let's look at it this way:

The Autumn Ball is in a week, so you can choose if you want to speak to Oliver's cousin and get in the estate beforehand as a servant.

The Scam business in the Woods can be taken care of after the Autumn Ball, so as to reduce pilgrim casualties, should a fight break up. Again, I will not be sending any Ravens there, so that's you and Meic. I can provide a rough map, nothing more.

The Skylarios...investigation should be taken care of before the Ball. I will be sending my Ravens to assist you there."

@Kara: Melody places her horned head beneath your hand and speaks to you in draconic.

"A strange town this one, Kara. Are people always like that? That guy in particular... hmmph!"

@Luthon: As the tall armored man,his silent cloaked woman, the lady in frost hair and the baby dragon help you up, Alexander decides to head for the inn. You do not know who these people are, but at this point, a simple bonk on the head against a metal breastplate is far better than the agony of suffocation by a noose.

They ought to do..for now, at least.

@Aradia: A strange day and even stranger night. Was it wise traveling with these people? Sure, you had spent years living with a dragon- the most dangerous creature on Oerth, but never was he bombarded head on by an elf from the sky.

Alex seems friendly...too friendly.

And then there's Kara. Shy mute Kara who will only speak to the hatchling drake.

You wonder what Domir would have to say about this. He always did have a comment or two or even six to make.

@Alex: The smell of food and ale wafts down the street from the lit door of the Foaming Wench. Holding Kara close to you, you step in.

@The Party, except Meic & Archadious: The Foaming Wench. An unusual and some would say offensive name- suggesting a woman with rabies. However,as you look at the cylindrical interior and the three stories filled with autumnal decorations and hanging lanterns shedding green, blue and red light on the patrons below. You can tell the owner had these lanterns painted to produce such an effect. Each table has a candle on it to give off normal illumination. A stage has been set empty to the far left corner of the first floor, as soon as you enter. Two stools have been placed there, but no one is playing any music yet.

As for the patrons, you see of all kinds.

A few wearing the white tunics from the gate hours earlier having a meal and other silently praying before eating. In contrast, a group of hard working men spend their day's pay with a few ales a mere three feet away as they play a game of dice. A group of travelers, much like yourself, have placed their backpacks beside them as they go over a map of who knows what while one, a wizard, goes over something about goblins or rats in a cellar.

To your right, you spot a larger table. This one has seven people sitting at it. Four of them wear black cloaks and their hoods have been pulled back, revealing them to be young kids. An older one, compared to both, wears a breastplate and a hood as he sips a glass of wine. he does not dress in black and, by the way the other four sit around him, he might be a mentor of sorts.

Two other folk sit with these cloaked figures.

One is an elf. Luthon, this one does not seem familiar to you, but it is evident by the mannerisms and features that he is a grey elf, No doubt an arcanist of some sort, given his robes.

Another man sits by the elf and discusses with the youths in cloaks. This one looks human, and pale. Dressed much like the elf next to him, but with a crow on his shoulder.

Then your attention goes to the left side of the room, opposite the large table of cloaks and robes.

A wall of guards stand around a perimeter and you can see a most beautiful elven woman with Autumn red hair and fair skin sitting behind them and talking to a couple of humans dressed in cloaks and funny hats, too big for their heads and with an even bigger feather jutting out from the center. Both men pour drinks for the elven lady who wears leather plants, furred boots and loose robes colored violet with a black tree entwining itself around the fabric.

The elven woman raise her hand, causing one of the men with her to go silent as, in fact, the entire inn goes silent as the five of you walk in.

Kara holds on so tight to Alexander's arm, at any moment, the pelorite is going to end amputated. She hides her hooded face against Alex's metal chest as he pushes through the pain and walks towards the bar.

Melody trails at their side as the patrons watch in fear and in hushed whispers voice their opinions.

A dragon. That's a bloody dragon!

Hush, you fool! What if it decides to breathe fire on us!

Since when does Otis allow monsters in here?

Baby, come around the table and sit next to papa, ok?

As soon as you walk in, Aradia, some of the patrons smile and nod. The concept of the man sized dragon earlier has been assuaged by your presence.

A drunk guard, tugs at your sleeve.

"Lady Winter! Care for a drink to warm the spirits?"

His fellow guard bows to you and pulls him back.

"Apologies, madam. He just got a big raise today. He meant no offense."

@Alex: Otis looks at you and your group and raises an eyebrow. He has seen you before...but where?

"You were a regular here, were you not? Welcome to the Wench. I'm Otis, barkeep and owner. You have a letter from Sir Draen? Let us see...uhuh..yes. Well. I can give you a room for two according to the instructions here, his Excellency will pay for that room. I can give you an extra room at 5 gold a night. I am pressed with guests as it is."

Otis looks at the drake and then at the crowd.

"It's ok, folks! Part of the show. Part of the show! It won't bite!"

Otis then looks at you, sweat running down his bald head.

"Please...no trouble here, ok? Here, sign this book and the number of days you'll be staying. I can get you a room in the third floor. It would seem the duke has many representatives here tonight. A young fellow has also come here with a paid room by his Excellency."

@Archadious & Meic: As you discuss plans for the coming week, the crowd goes silent as a man in shining armor walks into the room. A woman walks next to him, covered in robes and a hood, clearly afraid...of what, one can only guess.

An elf walks a few steps behind, wearing a light chain shirt. Grey elf, Archadious.

A woman with frost white hair walks beside him before being stopped by a drunken guard.

Last, but definitely not least, a dragon, the size of a man walks in with them. Wingless, with a big set of horns.

Know. Arcana to know what it is.

"Well, I had no idea Pottsdorff hired a circus as well. The continental thief, perhaps?"

Tarith takes another sip of his wine.

[Business Scrub]

Aradia can't help but smirk as the inn goes silent. Understandably, she had already grown quite used to Melody's presence and the crowds reaction amused her. "What, no fanfare?" she says sarcastically to the drinkers' silence.
The drunk guard pulls her aside. "None taken my friend." she shrugs to the friend, as he explains. She claps the drunk man on his shoulder, adding, "Just enjoy the raise, I've got someone to meet."
Aradia makes her way over to the bar, unconcerned where the others went, and flags the barkeep down. "Something strong if you wouldn't mind, my friend: firewine or the like. It's been one of those days." She puts a few coins on the table and smiles at the man. "Maybe you could help me, too. I'm new to town, and I'm sure a man like you knows all the local folk. I'm looking for a fellow named Tarith Spellbane."
She raises a voice at the end a bit, so the people nearby might hear the name too.
[roll0] Diplomacy or Gather info, whichever is appropriate.

[AlanBruce]

@Aradia: The patrons look at you and then at Melody.

Bravo! What an entrance! And with a being of legends, no less. Listen to the lady, good people!

The voice is from the female elf behind the wall of guards. The woman begins clapping and soon, most of the patrons join in.

The elven woman, of extreme beauty, follow you and your group with her eyes as you make your way to the bar.

A young barkeep walks up to you.

"Firewine, coming up!"

The barkeep pours the deep red wine which swirls with an inner flame as he takes the coin.

"Tarith Spellbane? Hmmm...hold on a second."

As Alex and the rest make room arrangements, the barkeep leaves for the large table with cloaked men.

@Archadious & Meic: tarith leans in and looks at both of you.

"Well? What's the final say. Are you in or not?"

At that moment, a barkeep excuses himself and walks up to Tarith, whispering in his ear.

"I see. Is she armed?"

"No weapons I could see, no."

"I saw her come in with that group. Only her."

@Aradia: The barkeep returns and motions to the table.

"He's waiting for you. Alone."

[Niwrad]

As Tarith, Meic, and Archadious continue their discussion, Archadious nods his head in understanding and agreement.
Suddenly their conversation is interrupted when a large group of patrons enters the tavern. First in strides a mountain of a man, clad in shining armor. Pressed against this knight is a woman in a large hooded cloak. Archadious reasons she must be attempting to conceal herself or draw less attention to herself.
Following closely behind the knight are two more figures, a fair woman with frost-white hair who's very breath seemed to chill the air around her, and a grey elf, similar to himself dressed in light armor. Archadious felt content seeing another grey elf so far from their homeland. He wondered what had brought this elf here.
He was about to turn back when the final member entered the tavern, and Archadious's eyes opened wide in shock. Upon seeing the dragon he immediately did two things. First, he attempted to figure out what manner of dragon this particular individual appeared to be.

Knowledge Arcana check: [roll0]

Second, he prepared to cast one of the many arcane incantations that he had taken the time to memorize this morning. He had not been expecting to fight, but a good wizard is always prepared. Upon Otis's assurances to the guests that the dragon was peaceful and would not harm anyone, Archadious slowly sat back down. He eyed the dragon for a little longer, watching as the little group spoke with Otis. Finally, he was brought back to the discussion by Tarith's latest question.

I'm in. It's about time I moved on and did something rather than mope around.

[Niwrad]

Knowledge Arcana: (again) [roll0]

[AlanBruce]

@Archadious: Tarith serves you a glass of wine.

"Good man! So, we have an understanding. Now, which...situation would you like to check on first? The Autumn Ball will have to wait for another six days, so there's time, unless you want to go in as a servant before that. The Fey Woods, as I stated earlier, will not get my direct support or that of my Ravens, but I can provide a map. Then there's the Skylarios house. In that regard, I believe the Ravens can help you rather well."

You watch the colorful group come in and closely observe the draconic creature that walks beside them.

This is a Horned Felldrake. Said to have been breathed to life by Bahamut himself ages ago to help the very first elves against an invasion from the abyss.

Unlike typical dragons, felldrakes do not share all the abilities that those creatures of legend are rightfully feared for. They are, however, noble, good hearted, and this variation in particular can ram opponents with the tremendous set of horns on its head.

Perhaps, given it's nature, it is a servant to the grey elf you saw come in.

[Niwrad]

Upon realizing that this particular dragon is a noble reptile known as a Horned Drake, Atchadious is able to relax once more.

Archadious leans in a little closer to Tarith to give his reply.
I believe Meic and I could be ready to go investigate Skylarios's estate on the morrow. When would be most appropriate time? Morning? Dusk? Evening? Should we wait until some event Draen is sure to be in? Or does the time matter since you claim the place is abandoned?

[AlanBruce]

@Archadious: Your years at the Academy have paid off. The creature in the tavern should not be a threat.

The ones he travels with, however...

Tarith nods in approval.

"A good choice. The Skylarios house is in the Upper District, where the nobles reside. The house isn't as big and impressive as the duke's palazzo, but it should contain a wealth of information..amongst other things that entrepreneurs like you, Meic, and myself could use."

Tarith taps his glass lightly, causing the wine to swirl for a few seconds.

"Dusk, yes. Dusk would be a better time. Most of the guards will be here drinking and the few on patrol aren't as sharp. I know two guards patrol the street there after sundown, but I trust you could evade them with ease? Once inside, find any information that can be used against him."

Tarith looks at the Ravens.

"So...who wants to go?"

Cecile looks at you and Meic and smiles.

"I'll go. It don't get a chance to be around wizards. Silas being an exception, but the man charges too much for his lessons."

Tarith looks at you.

"She's really into the arcane arts. You'd be surprised. I'll need someone else."

"Can't let my sister go with two strangers."

Basil looks at Tarith for approval."

Bill frowns and you can see him getting tense at these decisions.

"Bill, Basil can take care of her. She'll be safe and can take care of herself even. She won't get caught."

Tarith pours the young raven a glass.

"Tomorrow, then, at sundown. Meet here and ask Otis for me. Then we can get ready. Now, please. Let us leave business talk and enjoy the evening. I heard that elf is going to put up a show soon."

[Business Scrub]

He's here? Well damn, that was easier than I thought. But I didn't think he'd be expecting me.
Carrying the glass, she brushes past people to the table where this man apparently sits. By luck her timing is good, and arrives a moment after their conversation ends. "Gentlemen" she nods to them and takes a sip, the wine filling her with heat and perhaps a bit of confidence. "Might one of you be the illustrious Tarith Spellbane?"

[dantiesilva]

As Alex got closer to the Foaming Wench memories of late nights come back to him of awful food, and even worse drinks. In all the lands he had traveled since leaving the sea of sands he had not once tasted such atrocious things in his life. Even the scraps at the great bazaars seemed to be made with magic when compared to the things you would find at the place. If not for the young red head at the time who I used to sneak out of the Pelorite temple every now and again to show the outside world to I would have not even have come to the place back in the day, for the place to still be standing was a feat of its own. With luck at least the rooms had improved, Alex says to himself as he leads Kara and the others into the normally busy tavern. Especially around this time of year, when the duke threw his grand ball.

As Alex enters the once run down place known as the Foaming wench he is a bit taken aback by how well it looks inside. The last time he was here it was no where close to looking this good, and now...Alex was completely caught up in the colors dancing around the room as he entered, looking at the placement of each table and then to the stage. There would be a performance tonight he could tell just by looking at the two stools, and he would be interrupting more then likely if he had it his way, showing them the true meaning of culture. He would have to get Kara to there room first though.

As I look around the patrons I notice everything that should be there, those for the ball, the pilgrims, the local thieves...wait the thieves are in the open? Alexander said to himself almost saying it out loud as he looked at the group of seven people sitting at a table. He had heard in some cities that the guilds ran the city, but in this one it seemed very clear they owned this tavern which meant he would be sleeping with all his belongings very close to him tonight in case someone thought they would get lucky.

On the left side of the room I see a wall of guards and insistently my attention is peeked as I make my way to the bar. And when it reveals the rare ruby gem sitting in the center Alex can not help put smile at his luck these past few days. And the outfit she was wearing...He would have to take out his formal clothes when he got Kara ready in the room,Alex told himself as he was preparing his plan of attack on the guards to get through. Acting like a drunk he could tell would not work, but perhaps as a performer it would.

Trying to ignore all the drunks who could not help themselves Alex leads Kara to the bar, making sure to stop anyone from lieing a single hand on her. Eventually we make it to the bar where the same barkeeper I remember is still working there. Why yes Ottis I once was a regular here, about 76-7 years ago give or take. Seems you have done a lot of changes since last I came by this area. Hope the food has gotten better. Alexander says half teasing. And I will only need the other room for 1 night I think. Could you give me the keys to the room that has been paid for by the Duke though and show us the way. I need to get ready for the celebration that seems to be going on here tonight, and my friend is very tired today. Alexander says speaking about Kara as he waits to be either handed over the keys or shown to the room. As for trouble Ottis that all depends on if they are drunk or not and how touchy they get. I can not control a woman who feels like she has been wronged. Alex says to him taking of his helmet for the first time to reveal his tanned face which has a very distinct beard that gives away that he comes from across the sea. As for another paid for with a room, perhaps you could introduce them to me later so I can meet the Dukes guests. After all this performance should be a killer if that rare ruby is performing. Alexander finishes waiting to be led on his way.

[sparky9042]

Lúthon understands what the drake says to the cloaked woman, apparently named Kara, but for the time being conceals his own knowledge of the language.

Upon entering the bar, Lúthon decides to scan the room again to see if there's anything unusual he missed on his first glance.

Spot: [roll0]

He doesn't exactly know anyone here, and so far his track record with first impressions in... wherever he is, he's still not exactly sure, haven't gone too well. Better to follow Anderson around for now.

[Amidus Drexel]

Meic looks over his shoulder at the newcomers. "A knight, an elf, two women, and a dragon, huh? Interesting company we have tonight."

"I suppose I'm in, if the house is abandoned as you said."

He smiles and turns to Cecile. "I don't know how much you'll learn from the two of us, but I won't begrudge the company."

Meic leans back in his chair and looks at the lady with the white hair, and Gryz caws at her, then hops back on the table.

[AlanBruce]

@Aradia: You take a gulp from the firewine and this one burns your throat as it goes down, then smoothly settles in, granting you a certain degree of confidence to approach the table of cloaks.

The robed men look up from their chairs at you and nod as the other cloaked youths give you a straight face and the biggest one in the group gets up and motions for you to take his seat.

The older of the cloaked children gestures for you to take a sit.

"Illustrious....now that is one title I haven't heard before. Tell me, dear. What brings you here? And what business would you like with Tarith Spellbane?"

@Alex: The Wench has definitely changed. You remember the slop they used to make here. Perhaps the duke's good graces and patronage, given the Autumn Ball have given this place a sound capital injection.

Otis watches you fill in the book and closes it, producing a key.

"Why yes, sir. Your room is on the third floor. That's where I keep the biggest rooms, so you and your companions should have ample rest. It's the fourth room to the right. Incidentally yes! There is a noble guest here too."

Otis signals with his head towards a table where Aradia is sitting, with the rogues.

"A scholar, I believe. Brought in a note from the duke as well. I would show you the way up, but as you can see, I am a tad busy. Would you mind going up there yourself? You can't get lost."

Takin Kara and Melody following behind, you reach the third floor and try the key on the thick wooden door.

Otis wasn't lying.

This room is fitted with a large armoire to put your belonging in. Two large beds, ten feet away from each other should grant you restful sleep. A candle has been lit in a table between both beds, giving off a light ambience. An oval window, big enough for a small person, stands to the right. The night wind howls against the window pane.

Melody darts past you and jumps on one of the beds, which creaks under her weight. The dragon turns around a few times before finally laying her horned head on the pillows and closing one eye as the other follows you placing Kara on the other bed.

You place Kara gently on the empty bed and she shoves a little, getting accostumed to the new mattress. As you watch Melody getting comfortable, you decide what best course of action to take when you come back upstairs.

@Luthon: Ever wary to see any suspecting individuals, you keen your senses and try and notice anything out of place.

Although nothing strange yet and with Alexander gone upstairs with Kara and Melody, you see one of the guards escorting the elven maiden point at you and beckon you to the table.

@Meic: Cecile looks positively excited about this job. She has always wanted to converse with a wizard. Now she had the chance to so with two and with varied viewpoints in magic.

"Don't fall yourself short, Meic! I may not be a wizard...yet. I will, but I have read the stories. Wizards can do anything, can't they? I know there are limits, but what they can do during their time to shine..."

Cecile sighs and takes a sip from her glass.

"What I wouldn't give to learn at least a few tricks without having to read them from scrolls..."

[Niwrad]

As he listens to Cecile complain about the reading, Archadious smiles and says,

Oh I beg to differ. I think the reading is the best part. When I first started learning about forty years ago, I would spend hours pouring over ancient texts and crumpled scrolls. I think reading is one of the best ways to learn.

[sparky9042]

Lúthon walks over to the guard somewhat slowly, curious as to why he's being called over. With Anderson apparently handling his own business, Lúthon may as well see what this is about.

"Greetings. You appear to have requested my presence?"

[Amidus Drexel]

"Agreed. Scrolls are fun to decipher the hard way, rather than with magic, and a good book can teach you as much or more than another wizard." Meic adds under his breath. "Especially some of the professors I had."

"Of course, a good education is both in study and in practice. Magic is an art; one that takes both natural talent, education, and persistence to master." He sighs. "I've got a long way to go."

He smirks and turns back to Cecile. "Wizards may be able to do anything, but they have to know what 'anything' they'll be facing ahead of time. A good wizard knows what to expect and prepares accordingly. A wise wizard is even prepared for things they don't expect."

[Business Scrub]

"I'm looking for a dwarf." She sits comfortably at they seat they offer. "A chatty, happy guy by the name of Domir Thenuin. Apparently Taric knows something about him."
She looks them over, trying to size up these people.

[roll0] Sense Motive

To tell things about them: do they look shifty, evil, good?
As well as their description: age, race, strength, etc.

EDIT: well then... :smalltongue:

[Niwrad]

To you we probably all seem like honest, trustworthy, noble, strict, law-abiding citizens :smallbiggrin:

[AlanBruce]

@Luthon: The guard sizes you up and down as you state that he would've requested your presence.

"Now now, thug number one. Let the elf pass."

The guard turns around and smiles stupidly at the elf.

"Of course, Mistress Siren."

The table is long, but few are seated.

Across the table, a velvet divan covered in furs greets you.

Almost lying hiorizontally is the beautiful elf in a black robe and leather pants. Her fur boots have been placed comfortably on the edge of the table, allowing you a better look at her legs.

On the opposite ends of the table, left and right, you see two men of frail build dressed as court jesters with oversized hats and green feathers. One tunes a lute, while another cleans a set of pan pipes.

The elven maiden looks at you and looks at an empty chair and speaks to you in a very refined elven accent.

"Sit down, marara. I do not bite. This is after all, a season of celebration, is it not? Tell me your name, traveler. This little hamlet has so few things to offer in the way of the senses that an elven face is welcome. I would've asked the one across the room, but he seems...busy."

Marara, elven for child

One of the bards is about to pour himself a drink when The Siren looks at him and raises an eyebrow.

The bard pours a glass for you as he addresses Siren.

"My apologies, madam. How rude of me."

Siren laughs.

"He's Ugg. The other over there is Lee. Have a drink with me. I so desire a good conversation and these two have bored me to no end. What is it you do?"

@Archadious: As the woman with frost hair sits beside you, cecile hears your comments on reading arcane tomes.

"I like books. Don't get me wrong, but the whole mathematical formula and extensive treaties just put me to sleep. I tried reading one of Silas' books once, on loan. Couldn't get past chapter I: cantrips. I like magic, but I like to weild it faster, you know. Through instinct. Like T does."

Tarith looks at Cecile and takes a sip of wine.

"I may have some knowledge of the arcane, Miss Candybran, but it isn't something I can teach, dear. Maybe one day you'll be able to master your own path of magic. Although, truth be told, you ability to read those scrolls amazes me already."

@Meic: Cecile turns her attention to you.

"I haven't been out of Justcrown yet. The city is...large enough to have a good time and make a decent living."

Basil snorts a chuckle.

Cecile looks at him and shakes her head.

"Anyways... I have read and heard about wizards delving deep into dungeons, fighting things that I can only dream about..."

Cecile swirls her glass as she looks at the wine lap on the cup's walls.

"If only one day I got to explore the wilds..."

@Aradia: You and the elf would probably contrast with the table. The wizard with the raven would fit rather well, seeing as all have dark cloaks on them. Not the sort that would cut your throat instantly, but the kind of crowd where you'd like your coin purse tugged in a place where the sun may never shine.

Tarith rubs his chin in thought.

"You see...that's already an oxymoron. Dwarves aren't happy. Much less chatty. And before you say you know them, so do I. Who was that gruff captain? sergeant"

"Lieutenant, T. He was lieutenant of the 47th batallion. Gustav. He mentioned his group had been under attack outside Justcrown."

Tarith nods to Oliver, ever quickly to dispense the information.

"What can I say? My family is good, is it not? Of course, we may have more information regarding this Domir and Gustav, who may or may not be tied together..."

Tarith sips his glass again.

"But information does not come cheap...much less free."

[Niwrad]

At Cecile's mention of traveling the wilds, Archadious's face takes a grave turn.

Be careful what you wish for. The wilderness is a dangerous place. You could easily find you and your friends dead within a week if you're not careful. However I will admit, adventuring is a quick way to learn magic. My magical expertise has increased at a faster rate these last several months of exploring the wilds than it ever did in over 40 years of studying books in a tower.
Regardless, it is however, still good to build a solid foundation, by reading.

He takes another sip of wine and continues to lecture about magic to the young spellcasting wannabe.

As for innate magic, there are those who possess an innate ability for spellcraft. They are known as sorcerers. Without the ned for much studying, sorcerers can perform similar magic to that of a wizard, but much less versatile. If a wizard is like a finely crafted elven blade, a sorcerer is like a wooden hammer.
Unfortunately, this ability often reveals itself at an early age and thus it is most unlikely that you will find yourself with sorcerer talents.

But I'm sure if you look hard enough and are determined, you will find a way. I am confident that there are ways to achieve magic without need of excessive studying. In fact, I once met a rather mischievous elf who specialized in trickery magic, the kind that would surely benefit people in a profession such as yours. He claimed he was not a sorcerer, and he repeatedly assured me that he had spent almost little to no time reading.

He pauses for a moment, but then continues, not quite done with his lecture.

And then of course, there are those who gain spell casting by becoming champions of the Gods, but I really don't see you as a particularly religious person.

sorry sorcerer fans. I just couldn't help throwing in that reference :smallbiggrin:
I don't actually have anything against sorcerers.

Oh, and in the 3rd paragraph, Archadious is referring to a beguiler he once met.

[Amidus Drexel]

Meic chuckles. "If cantrips bored you, you should see the formulae for dimension door. I've got four pages of formulaic notation in my spellbook just for that spell alone. I imagine Archadious finds the spell a bit easier to prepare than I do, but conjuration is his specialty."

After Archadious finishes his short lecture, Meic says, "It sounds like you'd be interested in sorcery, miss Cecile. There's much less study involved. Some wizards may scoff at the undisciplined approach sorcerers take to magic, but personally I'm a bit envious that they have no need to pour over tomes for several years to master spellcasting, even if sorcerers only learn a handful of spells."

He turns to Tarith and Aradia, and says, "He's right about dwarves, you know. Every one that I've met has been gruff and reserved. He pauses, then grins. The only one I ever saw close to what you might call jovial had just beaten an entire tavern in a drinking competition."

[AlanBruce]

@Archadious: You voice your opinion on the perils of the outside, yet how rewarding it can, since it aids tremendously in the accumulation of knowledge. In your case, the arcane. However, remind young Miss Candybran that at first, it is best to stick to tomes.

Bill starts to nod and looks at Tarith.

"It's been nice meeting you Archadious, Meic. I'll be in bed, Cecile. Meet me there when you're done talking magic."

Bill walks over to Cecile and she raises her chin to him, which he kisses.

"Good night, everyone."

Tarith nods as Basil and Oliver wave good-bye.

Cecile looks glum at the explanation.

"So... perhaps books aren't the way for me then. T, how do you manage?"

Tarith gives her a smug smile.

"I just wish for it, Cecile. Mind you, you can't be wishing for it all day..."

Tarith looks at you and Meic.

"Unless you can find people willing to share."

@Meic: Cecile's eyes open wide at the emntion of dimension door.

"That's interplanar hopping, right? I saw Silas pull that trick once at his school. He wasn't able to move much after he did, but wow! He was in the roof, atop a chimney stack in the blink of an eye!"

Cecile looks at tarith.

"You know what, T? These two are alright. I think I'll take it to arcane studies after this mission."

Tarith looks at Cecile and smiles.

"Not a mission, Cecile... an inquiry wiith potential lucrative results. And yes, Meic. I have yet to meet a dwarf that could muster a smile or take a prank. I have, however, seen them drink a houseful of ale in one sitting. The belch afterwards will haunt me for years."

[Niwrad]

Okay then, I guess Archadious was listening to that conversation too.

Archadious can't help but overhear Tarith's discussion with this strange white-haired lady. Suddenly, another idea springs to his mind, and he leans over to Tarith.

I couldn't help but hear your conversation and I know it may not be my place, but perhaps you could recruit her to help us investigate the woods. This lady appears to be rather experienced and seems to be acquainted with that armored individual we saw earlier. I'm sure they could both be of help in that particular task. Perhaps you could include that as part of your negotiations?
Just a suggestion.

[AlanBruce]

@Aradia: You watch the elf lean over and mention something to Tarith.

The man gives you a serious look.

"That armored man. Who is he? And what about the girl and the other elf. The one over there?"

Tarith points to Luthon, conversing with the guarded elf maiden.

[dantiesilva]

To all who need an image to go with for his outfit think this picture but a lot more cleaned up and in the colors I have said instead.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BNvTDKccDxY/Tpn_F_3Y6GI/AAAAAAAADdg/f8gwKxfZXBA/s1600/aladin+wallpapers.jpg

Eagle tattoo on right arm http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-get/I0000LrcD._V13rs/s/650/650/Egyptian-Tattoo-GOR-66761-09-copy.jpg

Wolf tattoo on left pectoral http://fc09.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2011/182/2/2/wolf_tattoo_sketch_by_121642-d3jqlon.jpg

As Alex gets up into the room he smiles as Melody claims her bed. Now just don't go wrecking it Melody, I don't have the money to buy a brand new one, and he may make you sleep outside if you do. Alex says in common to her as he gets Kara settled. Once finished he takes of his suit of fullplate armor and places it in his bag of holding, standing bear for a few minutes as he digs around for his nobles attire from his homeland.

Once found he quickly touches up his beard making sure it comes to a point at the end before getting changed into his attire. The first thing he puts on are his silk bottoms that are very airy and breath extremely well as they are made for the desert environment. Next comes his golden and black vest that shows of all of his arms including the very distinct tattoo of an eagle with its wings wrapped around his right arm. And depending on how his vest swayed the other tribal tattoo could become visible of a wolf leaving a forest.

Once dressed and ready to go he made his way down the stairs, making sure to lock the door behind him so no one could disturb Kara. When he arrived he sat down at the bar and waited to see what would happened next.

[AlanBruce]

@Alex: Melody watches you as the moonlight bathes her blue scaly hide on the bed. The felldrake yawns and watches you with a raised eyebrow as you begin changing your attire. Once that is done, you go down to the Foaming Wench.

@The Party: Alex comes down the stairs, far nimbler now without his heavy armor.

That attire, it certainly is not from these lands.

He wears a tan colored outfit, very airy.

Know. Geography if anyone wants to know.

A bold tatoo of an eagle can be seen in his exposed left arm, brimming with muscle. As he descends at a light pace down the wooden stairs, his shirt opens slightly and you can swear you see a wolf tatooed on his chest.

@Alex: As soon as you come down, the tavern fixes their eyes on you. These are cold regions, and you are most unusually dressed. The patrons stare like absent minded fools before returning to their meals and drinks.

Otis walks up to you and bows.

"I had hardly recognized you, sir. What with all the armor. Please, take a seat."

@Aradia, Archadious & Meic: Basil crosses his arms as Alex comes down. Oliver sizes him up, and Cecile raises an eyebrow.

Tarith smiles.

"So there's a man beneath the tin can, after all."

@Luthon: Siren raise sher hand to interrupt you from whatever youw ere about to say.

"That man, over there. He came with you, did he not? care to bring him over?"

[sparky9042]

"My name is Lúthon Esgalwathon. What is it I do, you ask?" Lúthon looks at, then slowly takes a slight sip of the drink placed in front of him, just enough to taste what's been offered. "The answer depends. What is it you want me to tell you I do? Do you wish to hear of my talents with the arcane? If so, I am a skilled arcanist capable of weaving deft illusions and enchantments whenever they are needed. Or do my nonmagical skills intrigue you? I can manipulate people expertly, I can infiltrate places, sneak around... Of course, I have made the observation that applying my arcane talents facilitates those tasks. It would probably be simpler for me to list some of the things I cannot do: lift heavy objects, wear huge chunks of metal, and swing gigantic swords, axes, or, gods forbid, one of those insane spiked chains around. It remains mysterious even to me how those spiked chain wielders do not impale themselves upon their own weapon sometimes. At any rate, I have been rambling long enough, and you have an answer to your query."

At this point, before Lúthon can continue, his conversation partner interrupts him, she asks him to call over Anderson.

"Alexander Anderson! Would you care to join us over at this table?"

[dantiesilva]

As Melody's blue scales shimmer in the moonlight he can not help but tell her how beautiful the moon looks on her. Don't you think so Kara? Alex says as he is getting changed. HE was comfortable with Kara and did not ever worry about her after sleeping so close for seven years, plus in his mind he enjoyed these moments, always trying to catch her reaction. But she was always to hard for him to read.

As I walk down the stairs I watch as all eyes turn towards me, it was a good thing I had left Kara upstairs as this would have been a situation she would not have wanted to be in he was sure. With the grace of a crane he seemed to glide over to the bar and was welcomed by Ottis. Ahh but life is not always about who is the best in battle, but who is the best at living, and I enjoy life my friend. Alex says to Ottis as he takes a seat at the bar, ignoring all the stairs I would be getting right now. I did not stare at them when I saw there odd customs and I in turn would not give them the gratification of seeing me flustered as this did not bother me at all.

Just then as I was about to test the food here for the first time in five years I heard a voice call me directly by name, and knowing very few people knew it I turned to see the elf who had hit me like a meteor calling me over. With the grace of any of my people I made my way over, swerving this way and that, as if being carried on the wind until I arrived at the table, completely dancing pass the guards as they looked at me confused. Why yes how may I help you. you never did say your name after hitting your head. good thing I was there to stop your fall now isn't it. Alex says before turning to the charming Ruby he had noticed when he first walked in the door. Bowing as he took her hand in his as if it were a delicate flower kissing it he said looking up her arm to her eyes, What a rare ruby you must be in this small little place. I can not believe you are from here such beauty and perfection. Not a single flaw, Alexander trails of as he says the last word, looking seductively into her eyes. My name is Alexander Anderson, but you can call me whatever you want my fair ruby. In all my travels I have not seen such perfection you know. Shall you be performing tonight? Alex asks trying to flatter her with his words.

Alan do not know how you want to play this, I will roll a diplomacy check and you can do what you feel is appropriate. 1d20+20

Also his graceful moves, Perform (Dance) 1d20+11 for him dancing threw the crowd and around the guards to the seating area.

[Niwrad]

Archadious listens as the other elf calls out to the strange man.

So now we know his name, Alexander Anderson.
he muses

[AlanBruce]

@Luthon: Siren raises an eyebrow as you mention your many talents, taking a sip from her wine.

"An arcanist, I see. And one that can travel in light armor, no less. And did you sneaking around? So you are quite the talented one, Luthon Esgalwathon."

Siren looks at you and you notice the shadow cast on the table by the candle and the glases dances slightly before assuming their normal position.

"There are many with talents in this town these days, it would seem. Perhaps I could have some use for your talents. Nothing major, of course, but the pay is decent."

@Alex: You have barely hit the bar when Luthon calls you over towards the elven woman and her retinue of guards.

[Amidus Drexel]

"Maybe, maybe not. I won't lie to you; wizardry is a lot of work. But among mortals like you and me, it's the closest we'll ever be to to understanding the fabric of the multiverse. The formulas are rules and instructions for shaping raw arcane energy into a tangible effect." Meic leans back in his chair and smiles. "It takes patience, but I assure you, it's well worth the effort. If you've got the head for it, you might be able to get an apprenticeship."

At the mention of "sharing", Meic gives a skeptical look to Tarith, then turns back to Cecile. "Maybe, when there's time. I promise I won't bore you with a lecture on formulae if I do, though."

"Dimension door is, of sorts. I won't go into the minutiae of it, but all teleportation magic briefly touches on the astral plane, before shifting the caster and anything they brought with them to his destination. It's impressive, and not easy to do; I've only recently learned the spell."

He glances at Archadious. "Alexander, huh? It's a start, at least."

[dantiesilva]

This is all a repost from my edit, well besides the rolls as they were in an edit

Just then as I was about to test the food here for the first time in five years I heard a voice call me directly by name, and knowing very few people knew it I turned to see the elf who had hit me like a meteor calling me over. With the grace of any of my people I made my way over, swerving this way and that, as if being carried on the wind until I arrived at the table, completely dancing pass the guards as they looked at me confused. Why yes how may I help you. you never did say your name after hitting your head. good thing I was there to stop your fall now isn't it. Alex says before turning to the charming Ruby he had noticed when he first walked in the door. Bowing as he took her hand in his as if it were a delicate flower kissing it he said looking up her arm to her eyes, What a rare ruby you must be in this small little place. I can not believe you are from here such beauty and perfection. Not a single flaw, Alexander trails of as he says the last word, looking seductively into her eyes. My name is Alexander Anderson, but you can call me whatever you want my fair ruby. In all my travels I have not seen such perfection you know. Shall you be performing tonight? Alex asks trying to flatter her with his words.

Alan do not know how you want to play this, I will roll a diplomacy check and you can do what you feel is appropriate. [roll0]

Also his graceful moves, Perform (Dance) [roll1] for him dancing threw the crowd and around the guards to the seating area.

[AlanBruce]

@Meic & Archadious: Cecile finishes her glass and nods.

"I am looking forward to more talk on the arcane.."

DShe covers her mouth as she yawns.

"But now it's time for me to get to bed. Basil, coming too?"

Basil gets up and you se he is rather tall for such a young boy.

"See you tomorrow, guys."

Oliver stays with tarith as both look at Alex being called by the other elf.

"Anderson...Anderson... where have I heard that name?"

Tarith leans back on his chair and goes to take a sip, only to realize his glass is empty.

"Hmmm... and the Siren has already caught his attention. I need to think about some stuff. Aradia, dear, meet tomorrow morning here, that we may discuss the information given. I leave you in very capable hands. Meic, srchadious. Tomorrow at dusk?"

Tarith and Oliver leave as Tarith turns to look at Alexander.

[Niwrad]

Archadious nods his head in a parting gesture.
Until then.
Glad that he has been brought back out of his state of misery.

Turning to Meic he says,

Well I don't know about you Meic, but certainly wish to see this Siren perform. So I think I'll hang around for a bit.

He then turns towards the other woman, Aradia.

Greetings, my name is Archadious, conjurer transmuter adept. And if Meic doesn't mind (and this here is my friend Meix, necromancer extraordinaire.) Who might you be and what brings you to this place?

[Business Scrub]

Aradia rolls her eyes at Alex's grandstand through the inn, and his flirtation with the women. To Meic and Archadious she says absentmindedly says, "That man, I tell you. He walks and talks like a saint, but acts like a lecher. I don't know what all these ladies see in him."
She takes another drink.
"Pleased to meet you two, the name's Aradia. A necromancer huh?" She gives Meic a sly smile, "That must be an exciting lifestyle, to say the least."

[Amidus Drexel]

Meic's eyes widen, and he glares at Archadious for a moment before regaining his composure. "Keep it down, will you? I'd rather not be falsely accused of black magic my first day in the city." He turns back to Aradia, clearly a bit worried, and hastily says, "I don't go around animating the dead, if that's what you're thinking."

[Business Scrub]

Aradia laughs at his frantic worry: a relaxed, easy laugh. "You mean you don't go to litchyards at night pulling ghosts out of their graves? She says sarcastically and a bit sympathetically, as if she hadn't judged him."Relax my friend, you're secret's safe with me."
She takes a larger drink before answering Archadious's original question. "I guess you could say I'm from the Crystalmist mountains. I'm an adventurer. Or used to be, anyway: my party's a bit broken up. I guess that's why I'm here, looking for an old friend."
She turns her attention to the crowd. "Whose this Siren lady I've been hearing about all night? Is she the reason you men are here?"

Presence Aura, and diplomacy to be a bit more accepted at the table.[roll0]

[Sliver]

Kara looks around the busy tavern as Melody attracts a lot of attention. There were so many people, and the thieves... And so many ladies, that would sure keep Alex busy. Will she even see him after they settle in a room?

Finding herself in the room and placed on the bed like a little girl, Kara looks away from Alex as he mentions Melody's beauty. "Be careful, Sir Anderson. That's how half dragons come into the world."

After he leaves, Kara looks at Melody with sudden sadness. "That's what I can expect now, right? He'll take up this girl with us and I'll just be a burden... How could I compete? She can talk, she isn't broken... He can sleep with her..."

"That's not true, Kara!" Melody jumps to her defense. "Tell him how you feel, he feels the same!"

Kara shook her head. "He feels nothing but protectiveness towards me...

"Kara..." Melody whispered, not sure what to tell the girl.

"Forget it, let's work on your instincts. You've been lazying about your hunting. What did you notice in the tavern?" Kara changed topics.

"Well, there were lots of smells... The food's better. The thieves are in the open."

Kara nodded. "That's their base of operation... They must have invested some time and gold in it. Wise... Attracting more customers would bring more coin and information..."

"Do you think they might know about you?"

Kara shook her head. "They might know about me from my visit, but not anything important. They would need to have information from Halmathan for that. They seem capable to run this den of thieves, but I doubt they have the resources to run a whole network.

"So what is the plan?"

"I guess we wait." Kara shrugged. "Alex has a plan... We'll find something that will help me, fix up my memories and then... We'll part ways." Kara began to tear up as she laid in her bed.

[dantiesilva]

As Kara has such an odd outburst Alexander looks at her concerned. Kara you and I both know Melody is like a daughter to me, I would never sleep with her n that manner. Is everything ok with you? Alex asked worried about her.

[Sliver]

"It's just a joke..." Kara smiles before looking away, embarrassed.

[dantiesilva]

As Kara explains it was a joke Alex looks confused as she looks away embarrassed. Are you sure you do not want to come with me Kara and where the outfit I had custom made for you in my homeland and sent here? Alex asks wondering why she never had tried it on in front of him. We could dance the night away you and I. Alex adds in as he puts on his last articale of clothing getting ready to head to the door.

[Sliver]

Kara shook her head. "No, I rather not... There are... A lot of people... And you should talk to that elf that fell for you. He might be better now. Perhaps he just hit his head and doesn't remember that Myriam told him more... Go ahead, have fun with that cold girl..."

[AlanBruce]

@Alex: the patrons watch as you weave through the tables and dance your way through the guards.

These duck and gasp as you move through the tables in a manner they have never seen before.

Such nimbleness, expertise.

Freeform.

As you approach the table where Luthon and the Siren are, one of the guards looks at you forwining and reaches out his gauntleted hand.

"now, wait a minute! Where do you think you're...huh?"

You smile at the guard and duck beneath his arm as you slide between him and his partner and deftly grab a chair next to a very surprised Luthon.

Siren remains calm on her fur divan as she watches the ineptitude of the guards at trying to hold you down. The two bards with her stare, open mouthed as you evade Pottsdorff's finest.

The guard turns around and is about to place his hand on you when The Siren interjects.

"Thug number three, is it? Put your hand back. I suspect that if this man was able to evade your arm, he may just as likely take it as a souvenir, isn't that right..."

Siren takes a sip from her glass as she closes her amber eyes on you.


"...Alexander Anderson?"

As you call Siren a ruby, the elf laughs flirtatiously.

"You must be trouble, Alex Anderson. You must be big trouble."

Siren downs her drink and flits her eyebrows as she plays with her red autumnal hair.

"Whatever will a defensless little elf maiden do when attacked by a force so tremendous. So mighty..."

Siren, in a sudden leap and impressive acrobatic skills, places one hand on the table and hoists her body across it, closing her legs and cutting the air like a swift blade as she lands between you and Luthon.

Immediately she goes up to your ear and you can smell that scent. That perfume. Nothing like it. It is almost...divine.

Siren presses her lips at the tip of your ear as she runs her finger around your wolf tattoo.

"What say we have some fun? You, the silent one you came with and the shaman girl? We could even have the elf watch. Maybe join in the fun as well..."

"Ahem, Mistress? It is time for your performance." The bard at the table starts getting up as well as his colleague.

Siren looks at them as she digs her nails in your chest, right around your heart.

"No rest for the wicked. Come on Ugg, Lee. I have a little dance I have remembered that I'm sure will enchant this audience."

@Luthon: Siren plays with your hair as she walks to the stage.

"Do not leave, marara. I have a proposal for you."

@The Party: Siren walks up to stage and tosses her cloak to Otis who cathes it, almost stumbling.

Beneath her cloak you see golden silk straps that cover breasts and which mesh with her leather pants rather well.

Siren stands on the stage and looks at everyone as the bards look at her instruments ready.

"People of Justcrown! I am honored to be your guest at this Autumn Festival! Rest assured that, although my visit has been brief, you have managed to steal my heart!"

She then looks at Alex.

"This is a song from the Grand City of Bellaqua, Imperial Port to the Grand Empire of Al'Akkbar. This is for you."

Siren looks at her bards.

"Begin!" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BctHtv_5yLM)

The lights atop the ceiling begin to dim on tehir own as the sghadows on the tables cast by the candles begin to dance, following Siren's expert moves. The grace in which she performs every movement of her perfectly outlined body.

At moments, she shuts her eyes and it would seem the music has taken over her body entirely as you watch black rose petals rain on the tavern, landing gently on patrons and table wood floor alike, before disappearing in a gust of shadows.

Her bewitching stare as she addresses every single man and woman in the Foaming Wench. Otis holds on to her cloak and his jaw drops, unable to move an inch of where he stands as the Siren moves sinously as a desert snake.

As the light regain their strength on the lanterns above, the musicians stop playing and Siren stops in mid dance as her red hair falls on her face, allowing a single amber eye to pierce the souls of every single living being in that tavern.

Something is definitely different with this elf, that's for sure.

As the music stops, the guards move towards the stage as a rowdy thunderclap of applause fills the foaming wench, accompanied by whistles and promises of eternal love to the Siren of Justcrown. To Potssdorff's own Ruby.

"I can take this now, handsome."

Siren takes the cloak from Otis and place sit back on.

"And bring me some fresh water, will you? A dance like that leaves me utterly parched!"

Otis blinks for a few seconds and darts for the bar to fetch her a pitcher of the coldest water available.

@Luthon & Alex: Siren lays back down on her divan and laughs.

"Oh my! What came over me, right? Now, on to business, shall we?"

[AlanBruce]

@Kara: As the door slams shut behind Alex, you turn your attention to Melody on the other bed.

"explaining that you are broken and the others aren't, you exchange ideas with the only other person you could ever rapprot, Melody.

Then, a strange music begins to sound from the bottom floor. Strong enough to reach your ears. No doubt some foreign performer.

At the mention of parting ways, a voice can be heard by the window.

"Too bad. You two actually make a good couple."

You and Melody turn their atention to the oval window, which is opened.

Sitting on the edge of the window, you see a halfling. This one is dressed in light leather armor and a dark blue cloak. His head is bald, except for a stark white mohawk. His eyes as blue as the summer sky.

[Sliver]

Kara eyes go wide as she looks at the intruder with shook and fear.

"Who are you?" Demands Kara with a hiss.

If the man doesn't react to draconic, Kara raises from the bed and stands on it in a defensive stance. "Wh.. Who?!" She barely manages.

[AlanBruce]

@Kara: The halfling chuckles as you and Melody hiss at him.

Responding in draconic, the halfling stands on one foot at the edge of the oval window and a light breeze brushes his white mohawk to the side.

"Fear not, lady. I am no foe. I am...what is it I am called now...ahh yes. They call me the Continental Thief. But please, call me Bandobras. Thief is such a derogatory title."

Bandobras lands inside the room as Melody gets up from the bed and snarls at him.

Bandobras looks at the felldrake and squints his eyes at her.

"You aren't a foe either, from what I can tell, dragon."

[Niwrad]

The performance Archadious has came to see is finally being performed.
Archadious had just begun a conversation with the strange lady when all of a sudden they were disturbed by a flurry of activity in the corner by the Siren. In a display of acrobatics, she flips across the table. A few moments later, she begins her performance.
The performance Archadious had heard much about. He watched as she danced, spinning and weaving, twisting and turning, and quickly enthralling the audience. Archadious found himself staring wide-eyed with fascination.

But suddenly, a moment of clear thought returned to him, and realized that there was definitely something unusual about her movements, something magical...
Struggling to keep his head clear, the young wizard closely observes the beautiful dancer.

Spell craft: [roll0] (add 2 if its conjuration, and subtract 5 if its enchantment (which it probably is))

Edit* well that was bad, now someone who doesn't have enchantment as a banned school should try it

[AlanBruce]

@Archadious: As you watch Otis dumbfounded by the Siren's exotic dance from the far reaches of Oerth, youw atch a rain of shadowy petals befall everyone before disappearing.

This is a mixture of spells, done by her dancing, no doubt. One hand, there is an enchantment effect that has fallen on most of the patrons, if not all. This ability is commonly associated with bards, and to be able to fascinate an entire tavern, a bard with much skill.

As for the falling petals, that is a massive version of silent image, pepered with shadow magic.

[Sliver]

Kara relaxes a bit, knowing that she won't have to speak, but she still remains in a defensive stance.

Melody, on the other hand, was in an unfamiliar situation. Now Kara depends on her for communication, with Alex froliking downstairs.

"What is it that you seek here, Bandobras?" Melody asked, playing it safe. "How do you know of us?"

[Niwrad]

Upon the realization that this is indeed an enchantment, Archadious remembers the dispel magic he memorized this morning, hoping he wouldn't have to use it. Although he wondered he his magic would even to be able to end the Red-heads encaptivating magic.
He looks for the Siren's bodyguards and other companions, wondering if they too have been held captive by the fascinating performance.
He also looks around to make sure that nobody is taking advantage of the people in their enthralled state and doing anything less than lawful.

Just in case this needs a spot check
Spot: [roll0]

[AlanBruce]

@Kara: Bandobras looks at Melody and then at a patch of bed.

"Do you mind?"

Melody looks at the halfling and this one jumps on the bed, resting his head against the wooden frame.

"I know a few people. here and there. Wherever the winds of travel take me, dear. You and Alex, however, have traveled a fair share. Same as the ones below at the Wench. How do I know this, you ask? Well, I'm a traveler too. Perhaps we have crossed paths and you do not remember?"

Bandobras listens to the tune being played below and shakes his head.

"So, she's at it again. Tell the lecher priest to watch where his hands go. In this case, he might just become an amputee."

Bandobras hops to the window from his prone position and a gust of wind washes his mohawk to the side as he fixes his deep blue eyes on you.

"Be mindful, Kara. There is more than one mask at play here. And although futile in my request... try not to tell the man. I know he'll listen to you without needing back up. Take care."

Bandobras jumps out the window, but you never hear a thud below.

@Archadious: You sense that this Siren is more than meets the eye. Darting your eyes around, you do see some of the patrons enthralled by her music. Difficult to say because of the sheer performance skills or because of the magic that emenates from her.

Fortunately for you, the only rogues in the tavern that you are aware of, The Ravens, have left the premises, so you can only hope nobody gets robbed during her show.

[Niwrad]

After assuring himself that for now the Siren is not using her magic for any nefarious purpose and is just using it to entertain the audience. He relaxes his mind again and enjoys the show.

[AlanBruce]

@Archaidous: As the Siren ends her dance and before she rejoins Alexander and the other grey elf, she looks at you from across the room, noticing that Meic is with you, she winks and gestures with her head for you and those at the table with you to join her.

[Niwrad]

Archadiois turns to Meic.

It appears that our exotic performer desires our company.

Not wishing to annoy or anger the skilled performer, he makes his way over to her table.

i must say, that was quite the performance. It certainly enraptured the minds of most if not all if the audience.

[Sliver]

Kara sighed in relief as the halfling left the room and vanished outside. "What was that about?" She asked herself.

"No idea..." Melody replied, trying to fill the silence. "What will you tell Alex?"

Kara shook her head. "I don't know..."

[AlanBruce]

@The Party: At Siren's request from across the room, Archadious asks that you join her.

The guards, of course stand in your way.

"Enough! Thugs, move away and you two. The performance is over. Let the travelers get some chairs."

One of the bards gets up and looks at the Siren.

"But mistress, the duke will want you back at the palazzo..."

Siren gives the feeble bard a menacing glare and then smiles kindly.

"Then be a dear and get the carriage ready. You can go with him too."

The bards bow to all of you and leave as the guards go with them, leaving all of you at the table with the Siren.

@Archaidous: Siren drinks the glass of water brought by Otis and she smiles at you.

"I'm glad you enjoyed it. And who might you be? You seem to be in stunning company."

She says this as she eyes Meic.

@Meic: "Did you find the room comfortable? I must say,I haven't stayed here, but they say Otis keeps a fair share of nicely fitted rooms."

Gryz caws at the elven dancer as she whistels back in kind, smiling.

She then glances at Aradia.

@Aradia: Such beautiful hair, darling! Is it natural color, or do you use Winter's Caress? I once tried an extract, but alas, my hair turned pink for a week!"

@Luthon: Siren takes another long drink of water.

"So... I was going to discuss business. Perhaps you are familiar with the Duke's Autumn Ball? I told Meic Rhodri- the gentleman with the crow, about a performance. I am still waiting for one to announce his part, but I will need another. Care to fill them in, Meic?"

@Alex: Siren looks at your chest, where her nail marks are beginning to recede.

"No pain, no gain. Right?"

[dantiesilva]

Now I wish I had stayed up a bit later alan. Your posts like always enthral the mind as well as Siren and her dancing, in truth as I am getting ready to write this I am having a hard time not having Alex get up and join her in the dance, but I will take it as he knows its a solo to make it easier on me.

@Kara As Alex hears Kara tell him she rather not go down there and that their had been to many people Alex nods his head in understanding. I promise I wont be to late. And I will try to get as much as I can out of the elf that way we can start piecing together this mystery. Alex says kindly to her, waiting to see if she will reply before leaving the room.

The Foaming Wench

As Alex gets to the table a smile comes across his face as the guards tell him to stop. I do not believe I can do that today as I have been summoned by someone much more powerful then any of you. Alex says as he is weaving in and out around them until he finds an opening in between the guard he was speaking with and one besides him and slips in between. And just as quickly as my dance began it ended as I sat down. Though I was surprised when Siren told the guard I could just as easily take his arm as easily as I had evade it. Though you are right in the fact I could my lady I see no reason for me to. After all he is only doing his job of protecting you. Isn't that right. Alex says to the guard, not bothering to turn around to look at him, so great is her beauty.

I am no trouble at all, but you are such a rare gem, any man would be a fool to pass you by and not think the same. Though if you wish for me to be trouble I can be. Alex says with a sly smile as he looks at the fair elf with red hair. Such beauty seemed otherworldly to him. And as he is thinking this he watches as she herself dose a feat no mere performer could do, the skill and timing behind it were impressive. And her smell as she landed besides him, oh her smell, like he was in the presence of a goddess of love, ready to take all he could give her.

As Siren describes a very desirable situation Alex looks at her with pure passion in his eyes and says, Though the idea sounds so beautiful coming from your lips, I do not think I could handle more then you. Even if you had a twin could I not handle more. Alex whispers back as he gently places his arm around her if she allowed him to.

Just as he was sure he was about to get lucky the bards that were once sitting besides her tell her it is time to perform and a small smile escapes his lips as he thinks of many performances he would not mind doing with her. As her nails that were once gliding over his bare skin dig in around his heart as she hears the bards Alex can not help but notice that she may be one of those woman who enjoyed pain. Taking a gamble he let his mouth go to her ear and whispered into it, I can not wait to see what you have in store for the crowd, but please come back quickly. I will miss your beauty if you are gone to long. Alex says the last part as he nibbles at her earlobe before removing his head with a smile trying to gauge if he had been correct in his assumption.

Sense motives [roll0] To see if she enjoyed the pain that came from his nibble

Alex looks on in wounder as her robe is removed to reveal traditional clothing from the Jade empire of performers. Though the pants are not right, on her it all seems to go rather stunningly. And with her words, and how she looks at him he can tell it would be a joyous night as she had a very good teacher.

It dose not take long for Alex to be wrapped up in his culture and if not for it being a solo dance he would have gone up on stage and joined her himself. So instead he sat there enjoying the magic she was creating as she danced around like she had come from the sands and the dance was natural to her. Each sway and swerve were spot on, never missing a beat of the song and soon he began to wounder how long it had taken her to learn the dance as she did not look that old to him.

As the dance comes to an end and Sirean lays back down on her divan, hr laugh filling the air Alex can not help but applaud her. Not a single women in all of my nations empire could have done that better my lady, and yet you are so young to have mastered it to such a degree. You truly are a gift beyond a sliver of a doubt. Alex says to her seductively as he looks to the spot near her feet still open, as if asking if he could go sit with her.

If you consider that pain my dear you have never meet a follower of Kord in a bedroom. Alex says with a sly smile, they enjoy to dominate the room, and have a very strong stamina, that seems endless. I would know. Alex says, not explaining how he knows, letting her make her own assumptions.

[Business Scrub]

Aradia is fascinated by the dance live everyone, but unlike the boys, more from the physical skill than the sex appeal. Archadious and Meic get up and signal her over. She takes a quick look at the crowd at that table. A couple people she didn't know, Meic and Archadious, and... Eeuuuuuuugh, Alex and the flirt. She finishes her drink. Oh, this is going to be great, I get to watch their game all night long.
She stops at the bar again quickly for another drink. With it in hand, she puts on a cheery face and heads over to the table.
At least this woman was polite as well. "Quite natural, if you'd believe it. Thank you, miss..?" she raises a question at the end, expecting a name. "And that was quite the performance, but I'm sure you're getting that left and right."

[sparky9042]

As Alexander joins them and asks for his name, Lúthon replies, Oh, of course. Pardon me for forgetting to introduce myself more formally after our, er... meeting earlier today, I had only told my name to the woman in the white you were with, who addressed me in my native tongue. My name is Lúthon Esgalwathon. I hope this introduction proceeds more smoothly than our first.

As the elven woman apparently known as the Siren rises up and dances, Lúthon recognizes some form of magic in her dance.

Spellcraft: [roll0]

After the performance, when the crowd of strangers and the woman who healed him earlier are at the table, Lúthon responds to the Siren's business proposal. I am afraid I do not know who this Duke is or anything about his ball. I also am no musician, if that is the kind of performance you require, though I can always put on a show with magic if necessity arises.

[Amidus Drexel]

Meic slowly calms down as he talks, eventually returning to being as relaxed as he was earlier. "No, robbing graves is disrespectful to the dead. I'll have no part in it. And thank you for keeping it quiet."

He grins, then says, "Oddly enough, I found an old friend of mine here completely by coincidence. Maybe you'll have the same luck!"

"Technically, yes, although only because she recommended the Wench to me when we met earlier today. I'm only here in Justcrown to deliver a package for the duke... and apparently also to go to the Autumn..." He trails off as the show starts, and turns his chair to face the stage.

After the Siren finishes, he gets up to turn his chair back towards the table, then notices Archadious has already begun walking over towards the Siren and another group of people. Meic rolls his eyes, pushes his chair in at the table, and follows. Gryz jumps up off the table and flies over to his shoulder.

"I haven't had the chance to see it yet, madam. I was caught up conversing with an old friend-" he nods at Archadious, "-and his company. Stellar performance, by the way."

Gryz rasps, "Raven", then caws at Siren.

Meic blushes slightly. "Oh, pardon Gryz. He's a bit particular on that point."

"You want me to explain it? I think you know more of it than I do..." He looks up, gathers his thoughts, then continues.

"The performance is a reenactment of the ancient battle of Hommlet. The duke is a direct descendant of the warrior that defeated Mad Tyrant Garlock. It's not particularly well-known outside of his family, but it is his celebration, I suppose. She needs an actor to play the duke's ancestor, Sir Vadislav Pottsdorff, a virtuous knight; and the Mad Tyrant, an evil wizard." Meic turns to Siren and raises an eyebrow. "That's it, right?"

[Niwrad]

The battle of Hommlet? Hmm....
Archadious mumbles to himself for a moment, trying to recall what he has read about that particular event.

knowledge history: [roll0]

[dantiesilva]

It is perfectly all right Lúthon Esgalwathon, and as for it going more smoothly then the other, we shall see. I bought a room for you and Ms. Aradia to share if it is ok with the two of you. If not one of you will need to get your own room is all. Alex says not taking his eyes of Siren for a moment as he speaks, completely wrapped up by her beauty.

@ The party

As the other man with a letter from the Duke joins the table they are sitting at as well as Aradia and another Wizard Alex bows his head at the two he has not meet yet. Alexander Anderson, pleasure to meet the two of you. He says from his seat still making it clear to Siren she is the center of his world at this time and his focus.

[Business Scrub]

Addressing Meic, Aradia asks, "A play? Is that what this Autumn Ball is all about? I can't say I've even heard of it until today."

[AlanBruce]

@Alex: As you flirt with Siren before her show, the elven maiden looks at her guards as these look at you with much contempt.

"The duke and his protocols...always trying to keep little old me shielded from harm."

As you nibble her ear, her grip on your chest tightens.

A very powerful grip for such a lithe elf. The Siren smiles as she whispers to you are ear again, promptly before jumping on stage.

"You are trouble, Alexander Anderson. I will have to keep my eye on you from now on. Now if you'll excuse me. I have senses to arouse."

@Luthon: As the lights dim and Siren dances on stage, you do notice that there is a slight enchantment magic emanating from her moves, as well as a minor illusion. Perhaps a skilled performer, possibly a bard who has honed her trade rather well in entertainment.

@Alex: When Siren returns to lay on her divan and Otis brings her water, she raises an eyebrow and laughs at your courting.

"Darling...I am one of a kind!"

@Aradia: Watching the men flock to this woman is, to be expected. Men have such weakness for the opposite sex. And when this one flaunts her attributes in such a way, it is inevitable that the weaker mind would rise like cattle from their chairs to join her.

Seeing however, as you do not wish to be left out, you join them as well, if only to gather some more information and make some talk with this Siren.

"Natural color? I know of one other who has her hair that way naturally, but in her case it's...seasonal. As for my name? I am performer, dear. We do not reveal our names, mundane titles they are. I'd rather go by my artistic name, Siren. A siren captivates an audience, does she not? It enraptures their minds and their souls. I would like to believe I do that as well."

She then looks t you and smiles smugly.

"And what is your name, love?"

@Luthon at the mention of not being a musician, but skilled at magic, Siren smiles.

"A magic user is what is required. Ideally, someone with a flashy repertoire. You mentioned illusions, yes? All someone needs is a creative mind and the right skill. After that, it's just a matter of weighing down your coin purse and bowing to thunderous applause."

At the mention of not knowing the duke, Siren rolls her eyes and chuckles.

"Who does? In this small duchy, he may be a big shot, but out there, he's but a very small fish. Still, the man pays good money and he does spend so much time preparing his precious Autumn Ball, so why not do it?"

@Alex: Siren pauses after speaking to Luthon and looks at you as her eyes shift under the candle light from amber to deep azure.

She then pats the fur covered divan and asks you to sit by her side.

"So...what of the woman you came in with? Why is she not down here with us?"

@Archadious: As Meic mentions the Battle of Hommlet, you try and remember...

That was an old battle. It took place over a thousand years ago. The area still exists, but it has changed. Back then, it was the site of a tremendous battle between the armies of an old cult and a band of heroes who managed to raise an army to oppose it. The details of those involved and what was at stake is blurry, but it has been speculated by historians that, had the Battle of Hommlet been lost, Oerth would not be as it is today.

@Meic: Siren nods and smiles.

"You are so clever, Meic Rhodri! I could just put you in my pouch and carry you around. Indeed, it is but a small reenactment. There will be a stage and a short play. All scripted, of course. sadly, there are no actors yet to play both parts."

As Gryz caws at Siren, the elven maiden whistles back at him.

"Now, now...aren't familiars touchy creatures, huh?"

@Aradia: Siren laughs at the mention of the Autumn Ball being only a play.

"It sure sounds that way, no? There is some lore regarding that. It so happens that Justcrown was once under Hextorite control. That was a long time ago, however. When the Free City and the City of Power, Halmathan, decided to join forces, it was late Autumn. The battle was quick. The body count almost endless. The smell of sulfur and brimstone as the forces collided against each other..."

Siren drifts off, as if remembering these events in stark detail.

"..and so, the good guys won. The Pottsdorff family was given a stronghold here, given the tremendous economic back up they gave for the war effort, as well as a title. Ever since, the Dutchy of Justcrown has been ruled by a Pottsdorff. Never contested and backed by two kingdoms."

@The Party: Siren looks at all of you and raises an eyebrow.

"I know a few here are invited to the ball. Meic Rhodri, proud mask bearer, have you found a date? And I know the tanned dervish next to me is also a royal guest. None of you have been invited? Pity."

[Niwrad]

For a moment, as the rest of the group converses with the enchanting performer, Archadious is lost in his own musings, trying to recall what he knows about the battle.

Quite an epic battle. Had the battle been lost, Oerth would not be the same.

Then suddenly, he realizes several people here including the Siren and the flirtatious Alexander do not know his name.

My apologies, I have not introduced myself. My name is Archadious, conjurer extraordinaire. And you are right my lady, I lack an invitation to the ball, but I have heard much about it and would love to attend if I had the chance. I don't suppose you might be willing to help me obtain an invitation? As one elf to another? I could provide magical assistance, maybe even for your show.
The performance also sounds rather interesting. I would be willing to play the part of the evil wizard, but he was probably a human so I don't think I'd be suitable for the part. But Meic here on the other hand...

He smiles
(and since we all seem to be having 3 different conversations at once)

He turns to Alexander

You don't seem to be from around here, what brings you to this fair city? And how do you happen to be in the company of a drake? That's not something one sees very often.

[sparky9042]

"The man himself pays well, I can draw in additional money from the audience, and the work is my specialty. This sounds well within my capacity, Lúthon replies, "so consider me interested in this opportunity. I would, of course, desire more detail on the precise nature of the task ahead, but that can wait until a later time."

At the later mention of invitations, Lúthon adds, I, too, lack an invitation to the ball, though I presume my employment at the event would render that a mere technicality?"

[AlanBruce]

@Archadious: Siren smiles.

"A conjurer? And an extraordinaire one at that! Well, aren't I one lucky girl. Surrounded by such talent. Meic is a wizard, as are you. As for the villain part in the play, I wouldn't worry. There will be props given, so your face will most likely be behind a mask of sorts."

@Luthon: Siren smiles at you and winks.

"Well said, darling! So that would be Archadious and you as the performers...I assume you have some knack for the theatrical?"

@Aradia: Siren turns to you and takes sip from her water.

"So we have two, no... three wizards, and this mountain of a man beside me whom I can only suspect must be some dervish. What about you, dear? What can you do? Perhaps I can get you an invite if you show me some talent."

[dantiesilva]

A small grin comes across Alexs face as the guards stare at him in contempt. Oh I am sure not even twice this many men could keep you safe were I to want to pluck you away. If only you wished it I could take you away in my arms. Alex says not caring what the guards think, he had made fools of them once and he could do so again. And the ix of pain and pleasure he could feel that she enjoyed so much only fueled him on. She was like a Kord woman all right, Alex said to himself as her nails dug in deeper as he nibbled on his ear. Had there not been company around he was sure he would have heard and felt something much different. Until later? He whispers into her ear as he slowly makes his way down to her neck and gives one small love bite, never once moving from her grip, or turning his face from her eyes. I am anything you want me to be, and you are already arousing the sense, it is why your guards are so mad. Alex says teasingly as she goes onto the stage and performs.

Later when the dance has ended and she has had her water Alex is happy to see her call him over to sit by her and with the grace of a dancer from the grand city makes his way over to her. Slithering like a serpent, is the best way to describe his moments, as he crosses the small area until he his sitting down on the small area she has allowed him. As she begins asking him questions about Kara Alexs mind seems to wake up a bit as he answers, though not much as he looks down to her legs and begins to massage them. She was tired from our journey here is all. I am sure in the morning though she will be up and about. Alex says with a kind smile at her, as he continues on his work unless she shows him a reason he should stop.

As his mind is enthralled by Siren hanging in on every word she says it is the wizard who next draws his attention. I am not from around here you are correct. I am actually from across the sea. Alex says not feeling like explaining himself at this time. I could be the knight if you wished it my rare ruby. You have already seen my skills and these two wizards would not know how to handle a sword like me. Alex says in almost a whisper so no one outside the table could hear.

[Business Scrub]

Aradia feels the groups eyes on her at Siren's question.
Me? I'm not a performer. Not like her anyway. Still, being in a play, in a fancy gala? That would be thrilling.
The firewine had been doing it's job, and Aradia's nerves slipped away: she was more than a little eager to impress the new companions. "Well, I can sing..." There's a silence to see if she'll follow up that statement. "Oh all right." She finishes the rest of her drink, and get's the band's attention as they finish their song. "Let's see if the band can follow this one." She sets the melody with her empty cup as the band joins in. She starts so that the group can here, but a verse in and full of confidence, she sings (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmSbXsFE3l8) so the whole inn can hear.

Perform (singing) - [roll0]

[Amidus Drexel]

"I have indeed, madam. What attire is expected for the ball? I'm afraid I don't have much aside from these robes." Meic gestures at his clothing.

He glances at Archadious, then back to Siren. "I think I lack the force of personality required for a strong performance. You'd be better off with one of the others here."

Gryz caws once more, then settles down and preens his feathers.

[AlanBruce]

@Aradia: You look left and right at your new found partners and then at Siren who looks at you, awaiting a response.

As you take center stage, you begin singing and playing with a few drums left in a corner. The catchy tune fills the room as the patrons join in the singing.

It is inevitable for you to remember Inzeri. perhaps a song for him, in his cruel memory.


Siren claps as she stands up.

"Bravo! I knew you had some skill, darling! I see no reason why not to have you sing during the entrance to the Ball!"

@Meic: Siren raises an eyebrow.

"is that all you have? Hmmm...how droll. Well, the attire is formal. It is a royal ball. I am certain a man with your skill can find some coin until then. You will be not only representing the Duke's Ancestor, but also unveiling his prized possession."

@Alex: Siren is caught off guard, in a very long time as her elven ears twitch slightly and she looks down at her leg as your hand massages it.

Siren smiles wickedly as she leans closer to you and runs her hand down your chest, ignoring the rest, whispering to your ear.

"You know what they say about love, Alex?"

And then, you feel a tremendous surge of pain as her hand deftly and expertly clutches your chest. A momentary pause in your heart makes you giddy as the entire room spins and blurs in black and white.

Seconds later, you are fine again, if slightly winded.

Siren kisses you on the cheek.

"....it hurts."

@The Party: The Siren gets up as the guards stand at attention.

"Well, loves. It has been a pleasure getting to know all of you. Archadious, Luthon. I will have your names written down as the performers for the Autumn ball. You each may bring one date, if so desired. Stop by early during the day of the Ball for a quick rehearsal."

The Siren struts her stuff as she walks away before turning to look at the Wench and all assembled, blowing them a kiss.

"Good night, Justcrown. Sleep tight!"

The patrons cheer and hoot as the elven maiden leaves with the duke's guards, leaving you alone at the table.

[dantiesilva]

As Alex watches Siren he notices her ears twitch as she is caught by surprise, but the enjoyment on her face says it all for him and so he continues what he is doing as she leans closer to him and runs her hand down his chest. As she gets closer to him Alex wraps his large arms around her small frame, continuing to massage her, only now on her back as her fingers rake against his chest near his heart. Next he knows he feels a pain in his chest and then the signs that he had enjoyed himself to much as his heart seems to skip a beat, though he is sure he did not enjoy himself that much.

As the kiss comes to his check he accepts it before adding to her. Only if that is what your lover enjoys does it hurt. And I can promise you whatever you like. Gentle, Alex says running his hand down her back ever so slightly, stopping at her hips, Or rough like a tiger in the jungle looking for its next meal. Alex says as his arms playfully wrap around her strongly as he pulls her in once more and nibbles on her neck for a few seconds. The choice is always yours. he says with a devilish grin as he enjoys her scent as he slowly pulls away from her as she leaves the Foaming wench for the night.

[Niwrad]

Yawning, Archadious stands up.

Well, it was nice meeting you all, but its late and I should get back to my room. See you all at the ball.

With that, he nods farewell to the other people at the table. He departs and returns to his room to rest for the evening.

[AlanBruce]

@Alex: Your large frame pulls in the slender Siren and she offers no resistance as you nibble on her neck.

"You are trouble, Alexander Anderson. I sensed that from the very beginning. Whatever shall I do with you? And a wench is gentle. I am no wench. I am The Siren."


*********

Once outside the Wench, Siren gets in her carriage.

"Coachman! Back to the palazzo! And step on it!"

Siren takes out a round stone and looks at it, focusing some energies into her mind...

Hello, Siren.

Siren's meditation is interrupted as a shadow inside the carriage makes itself known.

Draen Skylarios watches coldly as the elf maiden gets startled.

"Ahh!...Oh, it's you."

Draen looks out the window as the carriage moves on.

"What did you find out?"

"Well, there's two mages, a conjuere and the other one with the raven..."

"It's a crow."

"Whatever. A third wears armor and uses illusions. There's a woman there as well. A bard, maybe. She can sing...adequately well. Then there's Alex Anderson..."

Siren sighs and giggles as Draen looks at her with a raised eyebrow.

"What about Alexander Anderson...and is that a love mark in your neck? You idiot! The duke will not like this. At all."

Siren looks at Draen and smiles smugly.

"That hideous swine will believe whatever I tell hi to believe. You ought to know that."

Draen looks up the sky from his window.

"Anyone else? what about him..."

Siren shrugs.

"A woman and her pet drake, harmless and non descript. What do you mean him. He's here?"

Draen looks at her and shakes his head.

"I believe he might be. Stop pulling these fool's chains. We have a job to do."

[dantiesilva]

Well then why do you not show me what a Siren can do tonight. I am sure I can meet you wherever you wish me to be. Alex whispers into her ear, knowing full and well she is enjoying herself.

After Siren has left he looks to those still at the table. I believe this is where we part ways. If anyone needs a room tonight it is on me. Just ask Ottis to give you the key to the other room I rented for the night. I am off for now. Alex says disappearing from sight.

It does not take Alex long to make it back up to his room on the third floor and unlock it. Letting himself in. Kara you missed a grand performance, by quite a few people. I wish you could have been there. Alex says as he gets undressed and ready for bed.

[Sliver]

Kara looks up from the bed as she hears the familiar heavy steps getting closer. She smiles at Alex as he enters. "I heard... Must have been quite a show... You look... Sweaty." She observed. "That's a new scent... It's different... Nice, but... What's this one's name?"

Melody raised her head, looking at Kara expectantly. "Alex... I..." Kara tried to decide what to say. "Huh, I'm not really sure how to say it... Just... Be careful, alright? I have a bad feeling, but I can't really explain... I'm just afraid that if you go about it as you normally do, it could end poorly... Not everything is what it seems to be, you know?" Kara seems a bit lost. "I'm sorry, I don't know... I can't explain it, so please... Don't pressure like usually..." As she says it, she seems to curl up under the sheets.

"How... How's the elf doing?"

[Business Scrub]

Feeling good from the performance, she tries to get Meic on board with the Ball. Apparently I signed myself up for this. I'd rather know a lot of the people there.
Before the Siren leaves, she says to him, "I'll bet there's a place for you. Anyone can act or dance, but the secrets of magic are mysterious to most."
Alex leaves, and she mutters to herself, "I actually do need a room..." She claims the extra room from the innkeeper, as well as asks a bath to be drawn in the morning. As long as a member of their group stays at the table, she'll remain to talk, but if everyone leaves, Aradia will simply head to her room for the night. After the evening's events, she makes a mental note to get up early the next morning to meet with Tarith.

[dantiesilva]

As Kara looks up at him from the bed Alex can not help but see the angel that she seems so intent on always trying to hide. It was indeed, and I was not the performer Kara, as for the scent. Her name is Siren. The girl surrounded by all the guards. She will be playing at the ball for the duke and wanted to please his subjects it seems. Alex says kindly to her as he finishes undressing before turning around as he puts his clothes in their bag of holding.

As KAra shows signs of worry for him Alex nods his head as he gets into bed besides her. You know I always listen to your advise Kara. Alex says cuddling up to her and wrapping his arm around her as he dose so. Call it whatever you want, but I trust you with my life Kara and no one else. Alex says softly to her as he tries to get comfortable with her. As for the elf, he seems better. Was at the table as well. A few people were actually. Alex says to her, not turning on his charms.

[Sliver]

To place your life in my hands, you must be a fool... No, the last few years, you have placed your calling, your duty, in my hands. Kara thought as she shifted closer to Alex.

"Were they nice, the people?" Kara asked, hoping that if she knows a bit about them, she might be a bit more comfortable if they meet again... "Can you tell me about them?" She asked as she feeling his warmth as she placed her hand on his chest.

"Is everything alright? Your breathing is heavier than usual... And your chest, it has a mark..." Kara asked, worried.

[dantiesilva]

As Kara shifted closer to Alex he could not help but let out a sigh, what was he going to do. He could not fight his feelings for her forever. Eventually he would get tired of other woman, or she would grow to hate him. Then he would no longer have her or this closeness anymore with her. Alex thought to himself as he breathed in the unique scent that was all Kara. No magic could copy it, and no one could mimic it, he had grown used to her and knew her instantly when he went to sleep. She was always the one for him, though telling her was a different matter. She would think he was using her like he did all the other woman, and what if she found out about his child in Veluna. what would she think of him then? There was a reason he had not gone close to the city in so long of a time, though he constantly wrote letters and sent money.

They seemed nice enough KAra, I did not get much time alone with them so I can not be sure. Tomorrow if you wish I can spend time with them before I come up to sleep with the most amazing woman in all the world so that I can tell you more. Alex says sweetly to her, not using his charms like he did on all his little flings but talking to Kara as if she were his equal. From what I have gathered so far three of them seem to use magic, though what kinds I have no idea. And the woman with white hair can sing really well. Besides that though I am not sure of much. Alex says as she placed her hand on his chest, not rough like Siren had, but a loving tender hand. He enjoyed this much more. Though he could deal with being rough when he had to be he enjoyed it all the more when he could be soft and sweet instead. Using his free hand he took hers into it and held it to his chest as he kissed her on the forehead.

As her hands seems to find the marks left by Siren and feels his heartbeat abnormal he looks at her calmly trying to reassure her. I am fine Kara I promise, just when I see things from my homeland, it makes me wish I was there and had heard from my farther. It has been a while since I received a letter from him and I am starting to get worried, even Ahmet has not sent me a letter. Though his were always erratic. Alex says trying not to worry her. As long as you are with me I will always be fine Kara. Alex says sleepily as he begins to close his eyes for the night.

As he slept Alexs mind was filled with dreams of Kara and him together and though they were all happy they soon came to an end as his homeland came into view and the dancers began to dance to the music of his homeland. What could this mean he wondered as he dreamt holding Kara close to him.

[AlanBruce]

@Archadious: Excusing yourself from the table, you walk up to your room in the second floor.

As you get in bed and prepare for the Reverie, you can only hope that the thoughts conjured this night involve dancing and laughing, not the grim events transpired less than a month ago.

@Meic: You go up to your room and watch Alex use his key on his own room, which is adjacent to yours. Nodding good night to the Don Juan, you enter your own room.

Siren may have been right about the attire. As you check your belongings. This is a formal event, and you will be having two duties- to perform and to unveil the Mask of Wee Jas.

As Gryz flies to the windowsill and shuts his eyes, you climb in bed and try and document mentally everything you are to do in the upcoming week. Hopefully, it won't be too difficult.

@Luthon & Aradia: Confident that Alex has paid a room, you ask Otis for your keys.

The barkeep places a single key on the bar.

"Master Anderson paid for one room and, sadly, the inn is booked. You two don't mind sharing a room, I hope?"

@Kara: You feel the low marks on Alex's chest.

No doubt that woman.

Why had Alex brought you here, and during this time? So many people. He knows you don't like to be around people, and so boisterous. But you must calm your frenzy. It has rarely proved well.

As Melody snores soundly on the opposite bed, you smile as you watch the drake sleeping soundly, without a care.

Soon, the large man at your side relaxes his grip and he too begins breathing deeply, sound asleep.

As the moonlight washes into through the oval window, you stare out hoping to see something. Someone.

What did he mean?

And with that thought, your eyes too grow heavy and you fall into dark slumber.

[sparky9042]

Lúthon follows the goings-on around him with some interest, noting Anderson's apparent womanizing resulting in the Siren using some sort of magic on him.

Spellcraft: [roll0]

He later notes the white-haired woman who healed him earlier retrieving the key Anderson mentioned after the Siren's departure, and joins her. "I would not mind sharing a room, ...Aradia, I believe? Mr. Anderson had discussed this likely eventuality with me earlier."

[AlanBruce]

@Luthon: Not one to trust any of the people with you just yet and having sensed some magic on display less than an hour ago, you focus your attention on Alex as he climbs up the stairs.

There is magic on him. Some spell affects him. What, however, you cannot tell.

Maybe he never behaves like that and was under the Siren's spell?

[Amidus Drexel]

Before he goes to sleep, Meic locks his door, closes and latches his window, and casts alarm to warn him if anyone enters the room while he's sleeping.

Satisfied that the room is secure, he lays down in the bed, and drifts off to sleep... I'm going to have to get some fancy clothes, aren't I? I certainly hope I'll have another occasion to use them.

[Business Scrub]

She glances at the elf that appeared in front of them earlier. At the time she really hadn't thought too much of him, simply assuming their paths wouldn't cross again. But now... as he approaches the bar she reconsiders. There could certainly have been worse looking people to suddenly appear.
"Neither would I, I suppose. I don't believe I've caught your name." She offers her hand to shake. "Funny, it seems like fate's trying really hard to put us on the same path. I hope you're feeling better from earlier?"

[sparky9042]

"Lúthon Esgalwathon. And yes, I am. As I recall, you were the one who healed me after my unfortunate collision? Allow me to again express my gratitude. I do not know whether most people would think to heal a stranger who fell out of the atmosphere at high velocity rather than flee, or worse, attack the poor soul." Lúthon extends his hand to hers and shakes it.

[Business Scrub]

Oh jeeze, right. I almost forgot I healed him. That's awfully embarrassing. I should have made him recover on his own... Well, I really just made sure he wasn't going to die. That's not so bad, right?
In her head, Aradia battles with some twisted morals: Inzeri taught her again and again that it's better to let the weak simply fend for themselves or die, but she had slipped up and accidentally felt bad for the elf at the time.
She tries to let none of it show as she shook his hand.
"Don't mention it. Please. So what brought you here so... haphazardly?"

[AlanBruce]

@Meic: You walk up to the oval window in your room and look out to the streets.

Empty and quiet. And to think there was so much noise but a few hours ago.

You close the window, latch it and traces a sigil around the room. This one glows in a white light before disappearing. You know the effect will linger for many hours, enough to warn you should Tarith, his Ravens, or anyone else decide to pay you an unwanted visit.


@Luthon & Aradia: I will assume you reached a friendly compromise as to who kept the bed.

With everything quiet at the Wench and the drinks weighing heavy, both fall into deep slumber, hopeful not to wake up with a hangover after some many firewine drinks.

The next day...

@Alex: You can hearthe birds chirping outside as the rose colored sky signals the coming of a new day.

Doing your best not to wake Kara, you get out of bed and place your holy symbol on as you kneel in front of the window, hopeful to catch the first rays of the sun and begin your daily prayer to Pelor.

Melody lazily opens her eye and watches you what you have been doing for months already and grunts as she shuffles around, attempting to avoid the light waking her up so early.

@Kara: You open your eyes after a sound sleep to Alex already placing his gauntlets on. For such a large man, he has managed not to wake you during his morning prayer and suiting up in such heavy armor.

Melody jumps on the bed and wags her tail as the bed creaks, ready to burst under both weights.

The three of you come down to the first floor, where Otis is cleaning up the last table from last night.

"Good morning fine sir, lady..."

Otis stops as he turns his head sideways trying to determine how to address Melody.

The felldrake turns her head sideways too in a questioning manner.

"...madam? It's madam, right?"

Otis gestures to a table and pulls a chair for Kara.

"We have biscuits, eggs, sausage, fruit and fresh goat milk. Be back in a second."

Otis goes behind the bar and to the kitchen. Minutes later, he comes out with three large steaming plates, placing all three on the table.

"Eat up! With this cold front coming in, you'll need your strength!"

Melody doesn't wait for an invitation and digs in, nearly gobbling the plate in the process.

Once breakfast is done, the three of you decide to visit the Pelorite Chapel.

Sure enough, the citizens have already began filling the streets and doing their daily chores.

It is inevitable to draw stares as Melody walks beside you, but after spotting the elder guard from the day before, he assures the people not to be afraid.

"Good morning to both of you...the three of you. I take it all will go well today? You know, because of the dragon. I'd rather not have an incident."

You finally reach Temple District and spot the lovely white Pelorite Chapel.

The sun's rays reflect upon the grand solar disc hung on the tallest steeple as the young neophytes clad in white and wearing wreaths in the spirit of Autumn Festival march silently inside as an elderly priest with a long white bears and too frail to wear armor raises his hand at both of you.

This is Father Wilhelm, head of the pelorite order in Justcrown and known to be a most benevolent and noble soul.

A young neophyte walks in before turning her head to look at the three of you.

Rosalind, Wilhelm's most pious neophyte. Lovely Rosalind of the red hair. Or as Alex once called her- The Unconquered Rose.

Wilhelm leads his flock isnide and walks up to the three of you, shaking Alex's hand.

"By the Shining One! It sure is good to see you again, Alex! And Kara, how have you been?"

Wilhelm bows to Melody.

"You found a new companion, I see. Please, come inside. Morning mass is about to begin. What brings you back to Justcrown?"

@Aradia: The stench of stinky boots wakes you up as you open your eyes and realize Luthon's body on the floor with his leg propped up on the bed. His boot facing you stalwartly.

Showing the grey elf aside, you clean yourself well away from the grey elf's eyes and head downstairs.

You cannot see Alex, Kara or Melody, but you do see some patrons already at their tables, having breakfast.

Tarith sits alone at a table and gestures for you to take a seat.

"Good morning, Aradia. care for some breakfast? Otis!"

Otis come sin with a large plate filled with fruit, eggs, biscuits, gravy and a pitcher of orange juice.

"Freshly squeezed, Tarith. Just like you like it. Did you sleep well, miss?"

Tarith pours you a glass of orange juice and breaks some bread before dunking it in the gravy.

"So....Domir. You are still looking for him, I assume?"

@Archadious: You have heard some steps coming down from outside, but have not bothered to check if it's someone you met last night or another patron.

As you close your book, the scent of hot food wafts in.

The drinks last night and no food have indeed opened your appetite. You wander downstairs where you spot Aradia seated with Tarith at a table and a few patrons. Otis raises an eyebrow, clearly confused.

"Not having your meal in the room today, sir?"

@Meic: Gryz caws as you close your own book, having refreshed your spells for the day. The evening went without a hitch. Your spell did not wake you up, so that means nobody tried sneaking in.

You wash yourself and go downstairs, noticing that no noise comes from Alex´s room.

Maybe he sleeps in.

Once downstairs, you take a good look around the mess hall.

Aradia is talking to Tarith at a table. Several Patrons are at their tables having breakfast and you spot Archaidous talking to Otis not too far.

@Luthon: Half asleep and having taken over the bed now that Aradia is gone, you lazily get up, since Otis apparently never bothered to place curtains.

You clear your head as you douse it with a wash bin and your eyes sparkle with inner arcane power.

You're ready to go. No heavy reading for you.

Downstairs you see Aradia seated with a man you were never introduced to, but who was talking to the two wizards last night extensively. Meic, the wizard with the crow is already downstairs headed towards the conjurer, Archadious.

Your stomach does grumble a bit, and the scents here are most inviting.

[sparky9042]

"It's... Lúthon pauses, trying to figure out which details exactly to leave out. "something of a strange story, but an elf named Myriam sent me to Alexander Anderson and deliver a message to him. She also mentioned that we may find each others' assistance useful. Why she chose me, I do not yet know, but I am beginning to suspect the Duke's Ball may have some part to play in all of this. Why she is not here, I also do not know, and cannot speculate further there. I am, however, quite... indebted to Myriam for her part in sending me here, no matter the outcome of future events." At that, Lúthon decides to stop speaking about himself. "Now, I've had something of what one might call a long day, and am looking forward to a relaxing trance. If there is a shortage of proper bedding in the room, you are welcome to it, a floor at an inn is more comfortable than what I was expecting tonight."

[Niwrad]

Archadious awakens, and contemplates his latest set of dreams. For the first time in several days, they are not dreary and gloomy but instead are full of song and laughter.

Cheerfully, he descends into the common room, looking for a bite to eat.

In response to Otis's question he smiles.
Oh, I think I've had quite enough of that. It's time I move on from my sad thoughts. Although I must say Otis, that last night's performance really helped, thank you for help.

With that said, he orders a steaming plate of eggs and bacon, and sits in the corner. Quietly enjoying being among the presence of so many other people.
He begins to contemplate what tonights job might entail.

He eventually notices Tarith in one corner, speaking to the fair human female he met last night, Aradia. He chows down the rest of his food and begins to make his way over.

[AlanBruce]

@Archadious: Otis nods and brings you a generous serving of bacon and eggs.

As you wolf it down, you spot Aradia talking to Tarith not too far.

Having finished your breakfast, you decide to join them.

That's when Oliver, one of Tarith's Ravens pops up beside you, seemingly out of nowhere.

"Good morning, Archadious. Did you sleep well? I'll have to ask you to wait a few minutes. T is having a private talk with Miss Aradia. You understand, right?"

[Amidus Drexel]

As he prepares his spells, Meic ponders the task at hand, rejecting several possible combinations of prepared spells until finally deciding on one he likes. Before he leaves his room, he makes a mental note of the furnishings the Wench provided, and locks his door on the way out.

He orders his food, then finds a table away from the crowd to eat breakfast in peace. Gryz snags a few pieces of meat from his plate, provoking a quiet outburst from the somewhat sleepy wizard. "Damned hungry raven, get your own plate of food. I was going to eat those!"

The bird caws triumphantly, then flies up and sits on Meic's head.

Hrm... I may as well look for a tailor today, while I've got the time... I wonder if Tarith knows any that'll give me a good deal. It seems like he's busy right now, though...

[Niwrad]

Oh that's all right, totally understandable. I just wanted to let Mr. Spellband know that I will no longer be needing that ball servant undercover. I have joined the Siren inassistingthr performances with my magical talents. Would you mind telling him that? Thanks.

With that, he nods farewell to the young thief, and he departs the inn for the first time in several days.

He decides to take a morning stroll around the city. In particular, he walks past the Skylarius manor, casually attempting to determine where around the building the various windows and doors lay.

[Business Scrub]

Ugh, isn't that just the best way to wake up... Ah well, he did give up the bed so I won't hold his foul feet against him.
Aradia heads downstairs and helps herself to the breakfast, eager to get started on the new day. She greets Tarith and takes a seat next to him. Sighing jokingly, she says, "Tragically, he did not appear in the middle of the night, so yes."

[AlanBruce]

@Aradia: Tarith nods with a smile.

"True, very true. Ok, Aradia. I can give you the dwarf's whereabouts, but first, I need you to tell me..."

Tarith looks at Meic having breakfast in a corner with his raven on is head and Archadious talking to Oliver.

"Who are those people you came in with? The tattooed man...Anderson. The woman he was with, and the elf. Information for information."

@Meic: You watch Archadious have a brief conversation with Oliver a few feet away from Tarith and Aradia's table and then he leaves the Wench.

Inquiring about a good tailor, you ask Otis.

"Well, sir. that would be Miranda's, in the Market District. A quaint shoppe she has. The woman is a magician with the thread and needle, or so I've been told. I would hurry and place your order with her. With the Sutumn festival a few days away and if you're planning on going to the duke's Ball, she must be up to her neck in orders."

@Archadious: Oliver raises an eyebrow.

"You goy a job from the Siren? To perform at the palazzo?"

Oliver looks at your for a few seconds, then nods.

"Ok, I'll let Tarith know. You're still in for the evening meeting, I hope?"

You leave The Wench and hit the streets, intent on checking the Skylarios home.

That's when a child, about ten years old and quite rotund bumps into you.

The kid wears apprentic robes, much like the ones you wore in your first year at The Academy. The boy looks up to you and smiles, then freaks out, then nervously smiles again.

"Y.y..you're a wizard!"

[Business Scrub]

Aradia shrugs. "Sounds fair to me. Kara and Luthon are the other two, but I don't think the elf really knows them. What do you want to know about them?"

[AlanBruce]

@Aradia: Tarith takes a drink from his OJ.

"Everything you know. I see a lot of strange faces around in one night. Not a good sign in my line of business. In fact, what do you do? None of you look like the average run of the mill journeyman."

[Business Scrub]

"Let's see... 'Father Alexander Anderson', he likes to call himself. Apparently a cleric of Pelor, but he doesn't act too much like it: he was hitting on that Siren girl just about all night. Then again what guy here wasn't?" She thinks on the events of the night. "He has some sort of in with the Duke, probably all of the guards here as well. He walked right into his manor to deliver some letter, apparently. I could go on, but... I'm too worried where my Domir is."

[AlanBruce]

@Aradia: Tarith leans back on his chair.

"I knew it! A pelorite. Well, could be worse. Could be a Cuthbertine. Very well, Aradia, this is what I know about Domir."

Tarith leans forward towards the table and pours himself some more OJ.

"I spoke to him, briefly. He was with a company of dwarves headed to some big dwarven city. The name eludes me. A few days later, the leader of the group Domir was in, Gustav, a lieutenant comes back asking for help. I called him to the table, since I remembered him from a few days back."

Tarith looks around.

"He tells me his group was ambushed. Captured. He said they were taken to the Fortress of Ironhelm. An old relic from the days of the Hextorite occupation. The Fortress lies half a day north from Justcrown. All you have to do is leave through the main gates, where you came in and take the Imperial Highway a few miles, then turn right. Ironhelm Fortress lies atop a hill and was said to be heavily guarded back in the day. Of course, it now abandoned...or was abandoned."

Tarith then goes grim.

"I asked him who did this. If he saw the face of his captor. He told me his company was taken by the Devil himself. A man who calls himself The Champion, Sir Kalyn Ironhelm."

[Business Scrub]

"Hmmm..." Aradia takes a bite of eggs. "So be it. What do you know of this Champion, anything?"

[AlanBruce]

@Aradia: Tarith rubs his chin in thought.

"He's a hextorite, from what Gustav told me. The kind that are overly zealous to their god, so probably a cleric or a warrior, or maybe both. Gustav did mention he had the Fort very well defended and highly trained ogres."

[Business Scrub]

"Ogres huh? Well that's nothing I haven't dealt with before. I think I'll pay this champion a visit then, let him know what I think of his god, and taking my friends." Aradia's frustration at the Champion begins to show, her breath chilling the air around them. She stabs the last bit of sausage and gives a short snarl.

[AlanBruce]

@Aradaia: Tarith watches you stab the last bit of sausage and wolf it down as your draconic ancestry manifests in a snarl.

"Easy, lady. Easy. The Champion is far away from Justcrown's jurisdiction. Gustav couldn't get help from the Cuthbertines, pelorites, or even the duke. This man took down a garrison of dwarves and I've seen those guys when they're together- they're a tough lot. You aren't thinking about going there alone, are you?"

[dantiesilva]

Day 2 Early morning

It was just before the sun had risen in the sky when Alex rolled out of bed with Kara. The birds had awoken him from his very pleasant dreams, and as he got out of bed he did all he could to not wake Kara. These precious moments before the sun rose he enjoyed just staring at her as he prayed to pelor. Most of the days to have the strength to help defend her.

Slowly and quietly Alex makes his way to the window and kneels praying before the open window at the sun that is just starting to rise in the sky. Oh great gods and goddess of Oreath please help Kara and myself on this day find the one known as the Minstrel that both my former mentor, and the fey Myriam have sent me in search of. And give me the strength to not only protect Kara from others but from my own desires as well. Give me the strength to be her champion as well as the champion to all those who need my help. And all your names I pray. Alex says mentally as to not disturb Kara as she sleeps. Every now and then I can hear Melody in the background grunting as she tries to sleep in and stay out of the suns rays.

About an hour later Alex looks to the bed where he can see Kara beginning to stir from her slumber. Good morning Kara, did you sleep well? Alex asks as he pulls on his left gauntlet, as he had already gotten the rest of the armor on, though not very easily as he was trying to be quite for her.

It is not long before Melody like the child she is goes running over to Kara and my bed and adds her weight onto that of Kara that is already weighing down the bed. Melody, come on and get down, I told you I don't want to buy a new bed. I swear if I have to sleep outside in a tent because you want to keep on breaking things we are going to have a problem. Alex says to her in common as if the language meant anything to her.

As everyone finishes getting ready and packin up all personal items from the room the group makes there way downstairs where he sees very few people sitting down after such a late night. Though Ottis is up and already cooking. Yes Ottis she is a madam, its ok. She wont cause any problems for you as long as she has food in her stomach. Alex says as they all sit down at a table and eat. Ottis I must say the cooking has gotten much better since the last time I was here. Was beginning to get worried about this place going under on my travels. You must have a really good business partner. Alex says as he eats his food.

It dose not take long for the three to finish breakfast, a mere half hour and with all Melody ate, that was a feat on its own, before they were outside and on their way to temple district to formally allow the churches to know he was in the city. On his way to the church of Pelor Alex heard the guard from yesterday talking to him and looking over towards the guard he patted Melody on the shoulders. Don't worry Ottis fed her well this morning. Alex says in a joking manner as he continues on his way, having small talk with Kara the whole way about anything he could get her to tell him about.

After a half hour of alking Alex is happy to see the walls of the church of Pelor with the Solar disk above the door frame. Slowly and with the dignity of a priest he walks in and goes directly to farther Wilhelm. It is good to see you as well high farther, we have been well. Alex says as he watches Rosalind pass by them, It seems Rosalind has grown up very much since my last visit here, perhaps if there is time after mass we could discuss a few things? Alex asked Farther Wilhelm as he followed the man to the pews.

[Sliver]

The Night before

Kara nodded as Alex told her little of the others.

These marks are not from homesickness... They are from a woman... Kara thought to herself, but couldn't call out Alex on it.

Slowly, she too had fallen asleep.

Morning

Kara woke up, immediately aware of her surrounding. With their nights in the wilderness, and the fact that their room didn't feel too safe after their visitor, Kara did not let her guard down too much... Not even within Alex's arms. She looked at him with a smile before she leaped up from the bed and helped him put on his armor, while Melody was trying to wrestle her down for her morning exercise. She easily overpowered the drake and put on her own armor, ready for whatever Alex planned for the day. Except the people involved.

"Is sleeping in a tent with me so bad?" Kara faked insult. "The stars are bright, and strangers rarely burst out in drunken singing..."

As Otis attempted to find the correct way to address Melody, she replied the way Kara taught her. "Pliso." It seemed to amuse Kara.

Pliso, master in draconic.

Kara eats some biscuits and drinks from the milk, but it takes a bit of time for her to ignore the growing breakfast crowd and finish eating. She made sure to sniff the air, trying to discern the seasoning of Alex's food and see from his reaction if it's to his liking or not.

As they entered the church, Kara seemed to ease up a bit. Father Wilhelm and Rosalind weren't strangers... But it was still a bit unsettling when Wilhelm had directed a question at her. Kara gulped, before mustering the courage. "Fine..." She said and even offered a shy and friendly wave before her face turned crimson red and she buried herself under Alex's cloak.

[Amidus Drexel]

When Meic finishes his meal, he stands up, causing Gryz to fly off of his head and re-settle on his shoulder.

"Thank you, Otis. I think I'll head there now, actually." He leaves the Wench, and begins walking towards the Market District.

[Business Scrub]

"No, of course not..." Not anymore... Aradia thinks back to last night. Were they good enough friends for her to ask yet? What possible reason could those strangers have to help her? It was a longshot, but still, they were the only people here she could even remotely call friends... She gets up and speaks to Otis. "Otis! Those those four people I met last night, at the table with the Siren. Do you know where they went off to? Alex, Meic, Luthon and... Archadious, I think it was."

Unless of course any of them are still in the Wench at this time.

[dantiesilva]

As Kara acted insulted as she asked him if sleeping in a tent was so bad Alex shock his head at her. No but then the stars distract me from actually sleeping and I want to stay up talking to you the whole night. Which is not good for either of us. Alex said as Kara helped him put on his armor.

As Alex eats the food it is clear by his face that it is a big improvement from where the cooking used to be here, though still not his favorite food, the eggs were missing something, the bacon was a bit to burnt, and the bread had no taste to it. But it was all still better then before when he used to eat there. And so he swallowed it down with no problem.

When they arrived at the church Alex was extremely happy to see Kara talking to Farther Wilhelm, even if it was only a few words. It meant progress was being made at least.

[Niwrad]

Turning to speak to the chubby boy in apprentice robes, Archadious chuckles and says,

Thats right, Archadious, conjurer extraordinaire, at your service. And who might you be young sir?

Discreetly, he checks to make sure his possessions are still on his person.

[sparky9042]

Lúthon orders some bread, eggs, fruits, and tea, then sits in a corner by himself watching the other patrons while eating slowly. Breakfast meats aren't quite to his taste, they usually leave his stomach a tad uneasy, and it'd be better not to take a chance on them here at a strange inn in a strange town. He realizes at some point he's going to need to find out what exactly there is around here, but in the meanwhile he observes the patrons eating and leaving while he idly finishes his tea.

Listen to hear his name: [roll0]

[AlanBruce]

@Aradia: Tarith shrugs.

"That's he information I have. I am counting on you to deliver the favor when you learn more on father Anderson and that girl, Kara."

Tarith gets up and bows before calling Oliver to his side as both exit the Wench.

You then approach Otios and ask the whereabouts of any of those that acme in with you last night and those met at the Wench.

"Well, let's see. Father Andreson left with lady Kara and Pliso....yes, that's what she told me her name was, the dragon. They were the first to come down for breakfast and took off. Maybe they went to see the duke or do some shopping, or well, he is a priest, maybe at one of the temples?"

When asked about Meic and Archadious, Otis shrugs.

"They went their separate ways. You missed them, actually. Master Archadious was about to approach you, but he was stopped midway by Oliver. I saw him leave the Wench, but where to, I do not know. He left alone, However. Master Meic asked about a good tailor. I suggested he go to Miranda's. Her shoppe isn't too far away from here, in the Market District. If uyou wish to meet him, I can give you directions on how to get there."

Regarding Luthon, Otis points to a table not far away.

"I thought you'd be having breakfast with your roommate. He's been relatively quiet."

@Archadious: The young apprentice smiles as you mention you're a conjurer.

"Master Archadious...please! It is a conjurer we need! There was an...accident at Master Silas's School. No time to explain, please, sir. You must help the school. Will you lend aid?"

@Meic: Gryz keeps relatively quiet as you walk down the busy streets of Justcrown.

A quaint little town- A bunch of chimney stacks dot the cityscape. Toll pointy roofs create a repetitive pattern of shapes and tile colors as the lanterns, now unlit, hang silently above your heads several feet above. You notice many have taken the time to sell their wares- whether at a regular shop or mounting a kiosk.

A man has set up a shop with a badly painted sign showing a profile of a woman- or what you believe to be a woman with yellow chalk used for hair and green scribbles for a wreath. the man has an assortment of autumn wreathes on display.

"Feel the Spirit of the Autumn Fest! Don the fabled wreaths of Ehlonna! Worn by the lady of the forest herself when she walked these lands. These wreaths are a blessing and a boon, I tell you! A silver a wreath!"

You then ask for directions to Miranda's, being told to walk a few blocks down and take a left.

That's when you walk past a most curious building.

It's a small mansion, two stories high. Sandwiched between a grocer and a butcher shop. The Building is taller than it is wide, and is three stories high, like the wench, but unlike Otis' establishment, it doesn't seem built to house many people.

The roofs are tall and pointy. A weather vane at the top of the roof shows a cockatrice steel sheet, now old and rusty. The windows to this house are shut tight and no noise can be heard inside.

A sign above a fancy door marked with an arcane symbol of a book and a feather quill reads.


Silas' School of Sorcery

You may roll a know. Local, Arcana and Religion

You may also roll a Listen

@Luthon: As you finish your tea your ears pick up your name amidst the quite patrons taking in their fist meal for the day.

It's Aradia, and she's talking to Otis as the barkeep points at you.

@Kara: Wilhelm smiles, glad you have opened up, if only a little. Knowing better than to place a hand on you, seeing how frail he is and how easily he could be broken, the head Pelorite bows and gestures at the door.

"Service is about to begin. Please make yourselves at home."

Melody is not one to wait for an invitation as she walks in nonchallantly behind the old priest.

Before you can enter, you can hear the gasps of the neophytes assembles followed by a Shhhh from Wilhelm.

@Alex: You walk in after Melody and Wilhelm and see the small chappel has been almost filled with young neophytes.

This year, the flock has been healthy and strong it would see,. Wilhelm may be no kordite, but his strength in conviction is just as strong as that of the holy wrestlers of Veluna.

Rosalind, kneeling in one of the pews, her hands in prayer and her hood covering her head, turns to look at you as she silently recites the old scripture.

You notice she wears her hood up even inside. This is a rare and old tradition. usually reserved to those priests or priestesses that have taken vows of celibacy.

Wilhelm goes to the pulpit and addresses the flock.

"We are blessed today to have among us a great and honorable man who serves the Shining one. Strength tempered with Virtue. Virtue embellished in Compassion. Compassion bathed in Love. Today we have Father Alexander Anderson and although he is not a resident of Justcrown, his travels throughout Oerth have granted him much wisdom. Please take your time after mass to get to know him."

As mass begins, You find Kara looking down at the floor. Not too sure if she is praying or just bored.

Melody stands by Kara's side and utters not a single hiss, although she does return any stares offered by the Neophytes.

Once mass has ended, Wilhelm dismisses the flock and this one goes either to the front of the temple or to the courtyard in the back.

Wilhelm approaches you as Rosalind bows a few feet from you, Kara, and Melody.

"It is an honor seeing you again, Father Anderson, Mistress Kara. Father Wilhelm, may I be excused? I wish to review the old testaments in my room."

Wilhelm raises an eyebrow.

"But it's such a nice day out, child. Would you rather not go out and play?"

Rosalind bows again.

"I must read the scriptures and get closer to the righteous path, father Wilhelm, if you please."

Wilhelm raises his hands.

"Go upstairs and study, child. Pelor wants his flock knowledgeable as well."

He turns to Alex with a raised eyebrow as he uses a walking stick to go lead you to the courtyard behind the chapel.

"Whatever you told that girl when you came here, Alex? She might as well be a Cuthbertine. Mathilda would love to have her in armor."

[Amidus Drexel]

Meic stops and looks at the building. So, this is the local wizard's school.

I've only got arcana, so here goes...

K. Arcana: [roll0] (+20 if it's necromancy, +13 if it's evocation or enchantment)

Listen: [roll1] (includes the +2 from Gryz being nearby)

Can Gryz make a listen check too? (not that his is any better than Meic's) [roll2]

[AlanBruce]

@Meic: You take a look at the symbol on the door.

Although having been mentioned at the Academy briefly as a reference, that is the symbol of Delleb, the Oeridian god of Reason, Intellect, and Study.

Since you never really took much interest into the religious aspect of the arcane, you can only gather as much, but, given the title of the building, it would make sense to have his symbol there.

You walk up to the door and ponder at the sign above, when you hear some vials breaking inside, upstairs and on the first floor as well. The door has been warded, so as to not let anything out.

Thankfully, the people outside are oblivious to what is happening inside or they are, but assume it's another crazy magic experiment.

[Business Scrub]

"Directions would be wonderful, thank you." Once Otis tells her and she commits them to memory, Aradia whips around and walks to the table where Luthon is sitting. "Luthon! My friend." She sits down across from him. I don't know him too well though, what would appeal to him? "Fancy an adventure today?"

[Niwrad]

Archadious double takes for a moment upon hearing the name Silas, remembering his original reason for coming to this town.

"Certainly. I'd be happy to help."
Archadious agreed, knowing only too well the dangers of magical accidents.

"Lead the way."
He continued, ready to follow the apprentice.

[sparky9042]

Lúthon takes another sip of his tea as Aradia sits down across from him. "An adventure? Of what sort? I did not have anything to do today, other than getting my bearings in this town."

[AlanBruce]

@Archadious: The rotund apprentice in the arcane sweats heavily as he rushes his speed down the streets.

"I'm Edward, master Archadious, pleased to meet you. I was tasked with finding a wizard at the inn, since many do travel there during this time. I was certainly lucky to find you walking down the street!"

After about twenty minutes of hurried pace and with Edward's face as red as a berry, you stop at a most peculiar building.

It's a small mansion, two stories high. Sandwiched between a grocer and a butcher shop. The Building is taller than it is wide, and is three stories high, like the wench, but unlike Otis' establishment, it doesn't seem built to house many people.

The roofs are tall and pointy. A weather vane at the top of the roof shows a cockatrice steel sheet, now old and rusty. The windows to this house are shut tight and no noise can be heard inside.

A sign above a fancy door marked with an arcane symbol of a book and a feather quill reads.


Silas' School of Sorcery

"Gimme a minute. Not used to running this much."

Edward almost keels over as he leans against the school's wall. The redness of his face beginning to recede.

That's when you catch sight of Meic and Gryz, both rather close to the door, very attentive as to what may be going on..

Like Meic, you can roll Listen, Arcana & Religion

[Niwrad]

Knowledge Arcana: [roll0]

Listen: [roll1]

(No ranks in knowledge religion)

Panting and breathing heavily after his long run, Archadious sees Meic standing in front of the entrance to the school and shouts a greeting.

Meic, good thing you are here. Apparently there's been some sort of accident inside. I'm sure whatever it is, we could use your help too.

Turning back to the apprentice, Archadious begins to inquire the nature of the accident.

Well Edward, you are in luck, you have found not one but two wizards. Now before we enter, could you please inform us of the situation?

[AlanBruce]

@Meic & Archadious: Edward composes himself and walks towards both while looking at the school.

"Master Silas..he was, well he was teaching some of the basics to us when someone decided to try the experimental wands he's been crafting. The wand was, well, experimental and it released some creatures in the school. They are all over the house, from the bottom to the top floor. Master Silas, in haste, didn't take a scroll to teleport us out, but took one to envelop the class and himself, a powerful evocation."

Edward gulps as he walks towards the door.

"The school is constantly warded in case of mishaps such as these. The creatures cannot escape, but they haven't returned back from where they came. I do not know how long Master Silas' spell will last, but if it ends with the creatures around them...well."

Edward looks positively concerned as he places his hand on the doorknob.

"Master Silas and the other students are in the training room. Take your first left and you can't miss it- big black sphere. Please let me know when you're ready so I can open the door."

[Niwrad]

Upon hearing about the summoning gone wrong, Archadious's brow furrows with concern. He had not prepared an excess of combat spells this morning, and he did not relish the thought of fighting outsiders in close quarters.

Turning back to Edward, Archadious asks,

What sort of creatures?

[AlanBruce]

@Archadious: Edward takes his hand off the doorknob and looks at the symbol of Delleb on the door.

"Well, the wand released a bunch of creatures from both the upper and lower realms. I believe I saw a saurian with small horns on its head speed up to the second floor. Then there's a pack of golden furred monkeys, about twelve of them. Three black as coal wolves and two man sized fire pillars.

The saurian went upstairs, chasing two of the monkeys. The other monkeys should be downstairs in the Training room. The wolves were prowling around the Training Room , but then I saw them head for the shop. I do not know where the fire pillars went to."

@Meic & Archadious: Know. the Planes to ID what Edward is talking about.

[Niwrad]

Upon hearing that the creatures were merely animals and elementals, Archadious gave an inward sigh of relief.
He takes a quick moment to cast shield on himself and walks up to the door.
Pausing right in front of the door, he turns to Meic and says,

Whenever you are ready Meic.

[Business Scrub]

"An important one." Her expression becomes serious. "I came to this town seeking an old friend. It seems I've found him, captured by some despicable priest of Hexor and his ogre guards nearby. I'm leaving to save him soon, and I'm looking for a brave party to join me."

[AlanBruce]

@Aradia & Luthon: As both discuss the possibility of an adventure, a boy about ten comes in wearing a rather large hat and feather. A cape trails off behind him with the Justcrown Seal- the hippogriff.

Otis walks up to the boy and both exchange words as Otis points to your table.

The child walks up to both and bows dramantically as he places a letter in front of Aradia.

"Mistress Siren would like to see you in regards to your performance at the Autumn Ball."

@Luthon: The child looks at you.

"A carriage can take both of you to the palazzo, but she insists it be done quickly."

[Amidus Drexel]

As Meic listens to Edward's story, he loads his crossbow and pulls out a polished black stick and slips it into his belt. He casts shield, and says, "Very well, then. Open it, and stand back. We wouldn't want you to get hurt."

"Oh, and tell the guards. They'll probably want to know about it, should there be any more trouble."

[sparky9042]

"In that case I would be willing to provide you my services. I can cast a variety of enchantments and illusions, and am also quite capable of infiltration. You may find my services useful. I should make you aware, however, that I am currently scheduled to perform at the Duke's Autumn Ball in... about 5 days, was it?"

Lúthon turns to the messenger. "Ah, and speaking of the Ball... Very well. I will be ready in a moment." Lúthon quickly downs the rest of his tea, grabs his haversack, and pockets the one remaining orange on his plate.

[Niwrad]

"Thats right, if you see any guards, appraise them of the situation and ask them to come help."

Turning to Meic, he grimaces and says:

"Alright Meic, we're going in."

Archadious pulls out his own weapon, an elven longbow that seems to crackle and spark with energy. He pulls an arrow from his quiver and nocks it before pushing open the door and entering the school.

[dantiesilva]

As I am walking in behind Melody and High Farther Wilhelm I can hear the gasp of the young flock as they see Melody for the first time. They have probably never even heard of such a creature yet, never mind who made them. Alex thought to himself as he looked over the flock that seemed both healthy and strong. High Farther I must say this flock seems bigger then before. Your skills of persuasion never cease to amaze me. Alex says before taking a seat in the Pews.

As Alex looks around at all those in the Pews he notices Rosalind apart from the others with her hood in in the old ways of the scriptures. It was so odd seeing the youth like this, especially after there last meetings. Why was she following the scriptures so strongly he wondered as Wilhelm's speech brought him out of his thoughts. Thank you High farther for such kind words, though I can not say I am a wise man, for if I was I would have stayed in my home land. Alex's laughs trying to make a joke. To anyone who has questions that they do not feel comfortable talking to our great High Farther about you can come see me during this week I should be inside the city and will address any question I can with an open mind, and the experience my travels have given me. I ask though that you do not crowd around myself and my friends. We are not used to big crowds all talking at once, though I promise we will get to all questions. and with that mass begins and we all listen to the words of Pelor.

As Mass ends and all the other students flock to the winds I am surprised to see Rosalind still inside and standing by us. Her voice now a woman's though still as soft and gentle as I remember it so long ago. It is good to see you as well Sister Rosalind, I see you are following the old ways. I hope you are not waiting for a handsome knight to come save you, as they are never what they appear to be. Alex says to her warmly as he takes her hand and kisses it. You were always the brightest of those I had meet here Rosalind, but why do you hide yourself away and not enjoy the day? Alex is then disappointed as Roslaind runs off upstairs as Wilhelm allows her to go. I can promise yo this much, what I told her is the exact opposite of what she is doing now. She is not even living life, merely existing. Do you mind if I go talk to her? Alex says worried about Rosalind and if something may have happened to her while he was away that could have done this to her.

[Business Scrub]

"He's really quite near by, it probably wouldn't take more than a day."
Aradia is clearly annoyed at the child's interruption. Now?! We're busy! Uuuugh, fine. Well I can't go alone, and it doesn't look like I can persuade Luthon from skipping this. I just hope the others will be there so I can ask them too. Antsy, she agrees. Anything to speed it along. "Sure. The quicker the better." She grabs her pack of equipment, and tosses it unceremoniously into the carriage.

[AlanBruce]

@Archaidous & Meic: Edward stands at attention and turns the doorknob.

"I will, sirs. Master Silas asked me to find a fellow wizard first. If the Cuthbertines were to get word of this, the school would be closed, but I will find a guard, don't you worry."

Edward opens the door and gestures inside.

"Good luck."

The door slams behind you and you can hear Edwards walking away in the street.

Both, with crossbows loaded, check your immediate surroundings.

This is a lobby, You can see a painting hanging on the wall to the left. It shows a man in his early twenties smiling kindly at the viewer. he wears purple robes and dark brown hair slicked back, a rather fetching persona. Behind the portrait, you can see a a tower in the distance and a park.

The painting is crooked on the wall and you can see a bits of glass on the ground and odd liquids on the wall. To your left, you see a door, as well as another to your right and one to the front- This lobby is octagonal and has a magnificent carpet embroidered with arcane signs.

Hello? Is someone out there? We're here? Training Room. Be careful!

The voice comes from beyond the left door.

@Alex & Kara: Rosalind bows as she holds on to one of the ancient texts.

"The pleasure has been all mine, Father Anderson. Now if you'll excuse me..."

Rosalind is as cheery as a funeral as she goes up to her room.

Wilhelm walks with the three of you to a lovely courtyard with a summoning circle laid in stone on the ground, partially covered in fallen leaves.

"I know you meant well, Alex. But consider: you are a far off raveled man. You have been to many places. Rosalind and many of the flock here will most likely never leave Justcrown. They get overwhelmed easily by tales of your exploits in Veluna, was it? She told me she was considering paladinhood, serving under St. Catherine, one of Pelor's chosen. A valiant Knight known for her passion in battle and her untouched virtue."

Wilhelm looks at the summoning circle and frowns as he, with much pain kneels down and scatters some of the leaves.

"If you wish to speak to her, go ahead. Just be mindful. she has taken to studying in her room for hours each day."

@Kara: As Alex leaves, melody moves closer to you as Wilhelm watches his flock in the courtyard.

"So tell me, dear. Is he still up to his old antics. Are you taking good care of him?"

@Alex: You walk as silently as you can up the stairs to the neophyte rooms and stop in front of Rosalind's room.

A gentle knock is followed by a quick response.

Who is it?

@Luthon & Aradia: You both get in the carriage and this one reaches the palazzo in about thirty minutes.

the gates open wide and Luthon, you can see that this place is huge. Not as big as the elven houses on Enstad, but for mortal make, quite the household with the lined poplar trees and the two storied mansion with tall windows on each floor and countless guards patrolling the neatly trimmed garden and those standing with bows on the roof.

Both notice the early skeletal structure of a stage being built outside.

The carriage stops and the child comes out and opens the door for you.

"Mistress Siren will meet you shortly."

You find yourself finally inside the house.

A huge stair case goes up and splits in tow smaller ones, one going left, the other right. At the rest point between the stairs, you see a gigantic painting of a slender man with a golden breastplate and a flaming sword held high. he rides a beautiful white horse.

A long bech with velvelt linings sits by the stairs for guests to wait. you can see a hallway yo your left that goes deeper into the first floor. Paintings of Justcrown and busts of hippgriff heads in marble and onyx adorn the lobby. To your right, another hallway with a medium sized door and a set of double doors with the entire ducky chiseled on the surface.

[Niwrad]

Remembering Edward's mention that the students were in the first room on the left, Archadious motions to Meic.

I suggest that we rendezvous with Silas and the apprentices. If you want, you can stay by the entrance of the room and make sure none of the conjured creatures comes this way.

Staying alert, Archadious makes his way over to the door on the left and enters the room.

[Amidus Drexel]

Meic nods at Archadious. "Good idea."

He follows the elf, glances inside the training room, then turns his attention to the lobby. His eyes shift from door to door, making sure not to spend too long before looking at a single entryway another time.

Meic
Spot: [roll0]
Listen: [roll1]

Gryz
Spot: [roll2]
Listen: [roll3]

[dantiesilva]

As Rosalind's demeanor dose not seem to change Alex can not help but grow worried, what had happened to her in the last 5 years to make her like this he wondered. I mean no disrespect High Farther, but these students of yours choose there paths and how they can best serve Pelor it is not by my hand that they choose to stay here. Nor was it by my hand Rosalind became the way she is. There is no life in her any more. Even St. Catherine has more emotions then Rosalind dose now, and I used to think she was a s tick in the mud. Alex says not to happy at all, you can hear the pain in his voice even talking about Rosalind in this manner. Kara I will be back shortly. Alex says taking off to find Rosalind.

A young friend who is worried about his closet thing to family on this side of the world. Alex says kindly to her waiting for her to allow him in.

[AlanBruce]

Meic: You walk up to the door where Archaidous entered, the Training Room.

The room across the door to the Training Room has the sound of broken vials and something tearing paper.

@Archaidous: You open the door to the Training Room and walk inside.

This room is big. About 50ft. wide by 30ft. long and twenty feet tall. You can see that Silas designed this room for magical purposes, hence, no windows to the outside, so no one may see the magic being practiced.

You see the floor is cluttered with a shelf tossed on the floor and a multitude of bottles and vials crashed on the ground. A dummy in the far end of a man in armor has several scorch marks.

The ceiling have small hoops, used probably to test summons of lower power to obey their masters.

On the ground, taking a 10 foot diameter space in the middle of the room, you see a pitch black sphere. An elderly voice comes from it.

Spellcraft to ID sphere, using penalty for evocation, if you banned that school.

"I see Edward found some help. I would come out of this sphere and greet you, friend, but I do have a group of quite terrified students with me and a bunch of hungry summons who will, for reasons that I cannot comprehend, not leave...why won't summons leave? Incidentally, be so kind to look up there and watch the monkeys."

Indeed, you look up and see scattered on the hoops that hang from the ceiling.

Nine monkeys. Most have silver fur, others dirty yellow. All have blue eyes and white fangs. All of them hold pieces of broken glass. Three of them have actual vials in their hands.

Each monkey is 3ft away from the next, filling up most of the ceiling as they screech at you and prepare to fling.


Initiative at this time.

@Alex: Light steps are heard on the other side as Rosalind opens the door and bows.

"Father Anderson! Why would you be here? This is only a neophyte's quarters."

Rosalind walks back to her desk and sits down.

You see her room is spotless, yet very bare. A table by a semi opened window serves as her medium of study. You can see that she has been actively reading on the Virtues of the Morning Star.

Rosalind smiles faintly.

"I am sure a man of your renown would have more interesting things to say to someone as important as Father Wilhelm."

[Niwrad]

Archadious glances up at the monkeys.

"Now wait a minute, aren't these celestial monkeys? Why would celestial monkeys be attacking us?"

He glances around the room for some sort of cover.

(If there aren't any objects or structures in the room that would make good cover, Archadious will retreat out of the room and use the door as cover)

As for initiative:

Initiative: [roll0]

EDIT* "Facepalm"

Stats:
Hit Points: 41 AC: 18

[dantiesilva]

As Rosalind opens the door and bows Alexander helps her up from her bow. Are we not more then student and mentor that you bow each time you see me Rosalind? As for what I am doing here that is a much simpler question. I am here because of you, you have me worried Rosalind. Why are you not enjoying all that life has to offer you, even Pelor's blessing of the light you seem to shun. Alex says softly to hr, not to hurt her feelings but to let her see what he has witnessed.

As I enter her room and shut the door I look around noticing how bare it is. Not even a single personal belonging Rosalind, this is not your room, it is just a room. Tell me what makes this your room. Alex says looking over her shoulder to the text she is reading and trying to remember what he knows about it.

Religion [roll0]

From where I am standing I do not see Farther Wilhelm, nor do I see anyone else for that matter. Not even the sick and the hungry who are in constant need of our help. From what it looks like you have exiled yourself from the world and have given up on life. Why is that? Alex says, picking up her chair and turning it away from the desk and book before putting it with her in it, back down on the ground.

[Amidus Drexel]

Meic says, over his shoulder, "Archadious, can you get that by yourself, or do you need help? There's something across the hall."

[AlanBruce]

@Archadious: The monkeys jump from hoop to hoop, they have clearly gained the upper hand as they screech deafeningly.

"Indeed, they are celestial, alright. But their extended use of their stay here and the fact that three of their pack has been probably turned into lunch right now have driven them into a frenzy. Do be careful, whoever you are, they like flinging things. Quite the flingy type."

Indeed, the monkeys howl in a high pitch as one tosses a vial of grey liquid at you.

The vial explodes and you watch a sticky substance anchor you to the ground and some to the doorknob.

A messy tanglefoot bag.

DC 15 Reflex or become entangled. (http://www.dandwiki.com/wiki/SRD:Tanglefoot_Bag)

Another monkey howls as he holds on to one of the hoops by the tail and uses momentum to balance its weightless body forward, propelling a vial with red liquid at you.

That little cute furball has tossed alchemist fire! (http://www.dandwiki.com/wiki/SRD:Alchemist%27s_Fire)


3 points of fire damage on direct hit, Reflex DC 15 to avoid further damage of 3 fire

The other seven monkeys hoot and holler as they fling pieces of sharp glass at you. Most miss their mark, but a few hit, and rather well, actually.

8 points total from 3 hits

Silas watches the monkeys as they land on the sphere and jump up and down, confident in their victory.

"Yes...most annoying. Please be careful."

[Niwrad]

Reflex save vs Entanglement:
Reflex save vs Alchemist Fire: [roll1]

As the monkeys rain their fire of broken glass and alchemist fire, Archadious is able to avoid most of it, but unfortunately not all of it. He succeds in avoiding the tanglefoot bag but grimaces when he is struck by several shards of glass, and yelps when burned by the alchemist fire.

He rushes out if the room and takes cover behind the door, using it as cover against the monkeys on the ceiling.

"And I thought the monkeys would be the easy part."

He then turns to Meic, and says:

"Well I think that's the first time I've been delivered a beating by monkeys. There are about 9 celestial monkeys in the rafters up there, armed with shards of glass and various substances.
Although they may be likely to calm down at some point, especially if we can find them something to eat."

He hollers to the individual in the globe and shouts:

"We'll be backt."

(Also, Spellcraft: [roll]1d20+17 just outa curiosity)

[Amidus Drexel]

At the sound of glass breaking, Meic turns around and enters the training room.

"I should probably see exactly what you've gotten yourself into, anyway... A horde of glass-throwing celestial monkeys. Great."

He sighs. "Technically, this isn't the most ridiculous situation I've been in, but it's pretty damn close. Archadious, there's something across the hall that's probably more deserving of our attention than these, unless you really want to shoot down a bunch of angry holy monkeys."

Initiative: [roll0]
HP: 46, AC 17

[AlanBruce]

@Archadious: You watch one of the monkeys fling the vial and this one explodes on the door, coating it with a sticky membrane.

Ducking the grey vial, you then get hit square in the chest and your robes catch on a red adhesive that begins to burn.

You remember a classic warning tale from your younger years.

When in fire, stop, drop and roll!

And that is exactly what you so as some shards of glass crash on the ground near you. Other, on you.

That's a full round action


The monkeys seems to be getting a hoot out of this.

Silas' voice comes from within the sphere.

"Are you alright? I wish I could help, but I must concentrate on this spell and the monkeys aren't making things any easier."

@Alex: As you walk by Rosalind's desk, you see a chapter on the Morning star.

Pelor's Morning Star. One of the more known myths in the pelorite scriptures. It was said that the Morning Star was a warrior of such fervor, such compassion and piety, that it attracted Pelor himself. The Morning Star is said to have been either Pelor's mightiest warrior or his consort.

The details get very sketchy, since all this happened during the time of Myth.

Rosalind sits on the edge of her bed and listens to you attentively.

"Father Anderson...it's. It's not what you think. I must serve the church. I want to be a pillar of Strength. Father Wilhelm is aging. He won't be able to attend the Ball. He's sick, Alex. And it's not magic that can cure him, it's the natural passage of time. I have to be ready to take his place."

@Meic: You walk in and the find Archadious rolling on the ground on glass shards.

A voice comes from isnide the sphere.

"Ohh! Another fellow arcanist! I'd shake your hand, but I am currently...well. You can see where I am."

The monkeys watch you and look at each other as they smile and grin as each produces a second vial of ink. Deep dark blue ink. The one used for scribing scrolls.

"By Delleb's beard! Not those! They are very expensive!!!"

You beat their initiative.

Meic

9 monkeys

Archaidous

[sparky9042]

While waiting for the Siren, Lúthon decides to take a stroll around the room and see if there's anything he missed on his first impression of the place.

Search: [roll0]
Spot: [roll1]
Listen: [roll2]

[Niwrad]

Okay then, didn't see that post.

He will run out of the room and do that stuff after he puts out the fire. Unless of course the monkeys throw more stuff at him.

Shouting to Meic:

This is rather embarrassing. If simply for honors sake, is much rather fight some wolves.

I don't suppose you have a fireball memorized?

[dantiesilva]

As I look at the texts she has been reading and then to her excuse she has made to me I raise an eyebrow at her, as if asking if that was the best she had. Then why the scriptures on the Morning Star? No one has heard or even spoken of her in so many years, the time of Myth was long ago after all Rosalind. Alex says sitting on the bed besides her. As for you trying to be ready when Farther Wilhelm passes on from this world, as you said it is a natural course of things, but to not live your life because of it is both cruel to him, as well as to yourself. Even spending time in the courtyard reading and learning with him would do you better then in this room. Alex says warmly to her placing out his hand. Why don't you come sit with us Rosalind and enjoy the beautiful sun our lord has given us on this day with Farther Wilhelm so that you can learn from his wisdom how to lead the church when he is gone. Alex says kindly hoping she would listen to reason.

Diplomacy to go outside with the others and do so more often [roll0]

[Sliver]

Kara looked at Alex as he went of chasing another girl.

"The man mounted more ladies than horses, I'd say." Melody remarked and Kara stifles a bitter laugh as she nods to Wilhelm, poorly disguising the sadness in her eyes.

[AlanBruce]

@Archaidous: The man inside the globe watches you leave the room.

"It's ok. I thought the monkeys would be the easy part too, really. Be aware that they are summons. If you have any spells memorized to clear the monkeys out, like an abjuration, that would be much better than using an evocation. There is much here I'd like to preserve intact."

You look at the spell Silas has used.

It's an evocation spell. Used mainly to trap people inside, but it is also used in combat to utterly protect yourself. Only very powerful magic can get through it.

This is a Resilient Sphere.

@Luthon: You leave Aradia on the bench and take a stroll of the lobby.

Indeed, the place is rather grand and heavily ornamented. The duke has spared no money making his palazzo as elegant as possible.

You walk past the double doors with the expert craftmanship of the city in bas relief and notice that they are sliding doors.

You then hear something beyond the door.

Something is being hauled. Something heavy.

@Aradia & Luthon: "I hope I didn't make you wait too long."

Siren comes down the main stairs as two guards follow her carrying a heavy pedestal, about the size of a man.

"place it here, on the rest spot beneath the domed window. It will be a perfect spot."

The guards are nearly breaking their backs as they place the column on the rest between stairs and bow before going back up to the second floor.

Siren is wearing a tight silk dress in black with a leaf motif in copper that runs around the the whole dress. Her hair has been tied in a pony tail and you can see very expensive earrings shaped like tears in onyx.

The elf maiden gracefully descends and looks at both, raising an eyebrow at Luthon as he leaves the set of double doors.

"And here I asked for one. And now I get two, splendid. Shall we go to the garden? We need to go over the course of the Ball's events."

@Alex: Rosalind smiles and takes your hand.

"I know what you're trying to do, Alex. I love Father Wilhelm. He's like a true father to me. It was him who raised me as an orphan and without him, well... I have nothing else but the teachings of Pelor."

Rosalind walks towards the door, taking the book with her.

"Might as well spend time with my mentor as much as possible, no? You win this round, Father Anderson."

Rosalind smiles and walks ahead of you to the courtyard.

@Kara: Melody looks up at you with an intrigued look as Wilhelm chuckles.

"So he's still spreading the teachings...in his own way. Alex always was a man of sensations. Of the now. An unconventional approach to our faith, but he is kind and caring. You know this more than I, even. And you know he would lay his life for you."

At that moment, you watch Rosalind come out to the courtyard holding her book while Alex walks a few feet away, with a triumphant smile.

"And it would seem he works miracles as well, dear."

[dantiesilva]

As Rosalind admits defeat a smile works on Alex's lips. And how did I win my dear? I believe it is you who has won as you are doing both things you enjoy now instead of only one. While I get to sit and watch you bury your head in books. Dose not sound like I won to me, after all I hear no fun in that sentence. Alex says as they both make there way to where he had left the others.

As Alex and Rosalind come walking outside he is amused to hear that Farther Wilhelm had so little faith in him. Oh come now, I do not bed everyone to get my way, I am a medicine man. all Rosalind needed was to be talked to, something I think YOU two should sit down and do some time soon. Alex says empathizing the you as he goes over to sit by Kara wrapping his arm around her. Did I miss much? Alex asks her softly so only she can hear.

Normally I would roll a sense motives here but me and Sliver have something in effect in replace to that.

[AlanBruce]

@Alex: Rosalind lets a smile show. A genuine one.

"I heard you referred to me as the Unconquered Rose, Father Anderson?"

Rosalind walks up to you and presses the holy text against her chest with her arms.

"It shall remained Unconquered, remember that. Let's go outside."

Once in the courtyard, Rosalind bows to Wilhelm as he places his hand on her shoulder.

"My dear Rosalind. We will have ample time to talk and debate, and theorize. My time from this earthly coil has not yet unwinded fully."

Wilhelm takes a seat on a bench in the court yard with much effort as Rosalind aids him.. He then looks at you and Kara as he motions his cane around the grand summoning circle, partially covered by autumn leaves.

"It is providence you have come, Ale. In my youth, I would've valiantly left this town to do what has befallen upon me, but as you can see, I am old. And my body isn't as strong as a few winters ago."

"Father, they don't need to know. I have trained. I have read the scripts. I can do it." Rosalind looks at him as she places her hand on his arm.

Wilhelm shakes his head.

"Your will and knowledge are true, Rosalind, but you lack field experience. something Alexander and Kara...and their proud draconic companion have in droves."

Wilhelm watches the other neophytes relaxing in the courtyard and a smile draws on his wrinkled face.

"Ignorance is a Bliss, that's what they say, no? Rosalind, help me up. We need to go inside."

Rosalind helps Wilhelm into the chapel and goes up to the pulpit, where he asks Rosalind for the book she holds.

"Alex, Kara... you are aware that Pelor sends his servants from time to time into our Realm, do you not? There is one servant. One that was supposed to come here...but something went wrong."

Rosalind bows her head in respect and grief.

"Lord Cassiel, he is called. One of Pelor's most noble servants. An exemplar of goodness. He appeared in a dream to Rosalind a few days ago. In agony, asking for help. Alexander, an Astral Deva has been captured. It is our duty as pelorites to release him, but none here are ready for such a task. And I know, Rosalind, you will object to my ruling, but I cannot endanger you. This is a task Alex and Kara can do."

Wilhelm's eyes set upon you with much seriousness.

"We do not know who took Lord Cassiel, but we know where- The Cainen Pass east of here. It is an old site once dedicated to fell deities, now forgotten. It is a days travel by horse. Please, Alex. Help us release Cassiel... because should he fall, I would never be able to forgive myself."

[Business Scrub]

Aradia wanders around the grounds close to Luthon before the Siren arrives, taken aback by the grandeur. She whistles softly saying, "Someone sure has a lot of money to throw around."
The elven lady arrives. "Sure, why don't we." she's quick to agree, eager to move things along. If Luthon takes too long to follow, she'll grab his arm and lightly pull him along. Along the way, she tries to tell changes in the Siren's demeanor from last night. Is she perpetually as over the top as last night, or was it just an act for the Foaming Wench?

Sense Motive: [roll0]

Edit: Aradia, come on girl. I guess sense motive isn't her thing. :smallsigh:

[dantiesilva]

Seems the sensing of the motives is Alexanders job XD sadly it is a 1 time only skill unless you have reason to believe they are under a spell or against a bluff check

As a genuine smile comes across Rosalinds face Alexander is truly happy, Oh did you hear me say that now. Well I must speak more softly then or else all my secrets will be given away. Alex says softly to her, not seductively like he would to others, but as if he were telling her a secret. It may stay unconquered by me my dear but I can promise that you will find someone who will indeed have you be there wife. Alex says as he walks with her towards the courtyard.

Once in the courtyard though Alex can sense something is amiss and as Rosalind looks to Farther Wilhelm saying that we do not need to know about it I look to him. Pelor has brought me here for a reason Farther Wilhelm, tell me what has happened. Alex says sitting down and listening to the events told to him. When all is silent he gets up and begins to pace. From what I have read farther capturing a astra deva is no easy matter, for any creature. It is a good thing you did not let Rosalind go alone. But she may have a point, her studies of the creatures of the outer planes may prove most useful if we are to save Lord Cassiel from whatever is holding him where he is. And it will get her the field work she will need to have as a leader of this church when you are gone. I can not see anyone safer then me and Kara to take this mission, and with Melody as well. Rosalind should be safe, though she would need a horse. Alex says before turning to her. If you come with us under no circumstance are you to disobey either Kara or my own orders, if we say run, you run and do not turn back. Is that understood? Can you follow your orders even if they mean death to others? Alex asks her making sure she is ready for such a task.

[Sliver]

Kara listens as Alex lists his terms and nods her agreement. "I'll help... Melody, too..." Kara says, pushing herself.

Melody seems to sniff at Rosalind, testing for Alex's scent, but Kara gives her a stern look and she stops.

[sparky9042]

While waiting for the Siren, Lúthon notices that the double doors are in fact sliding doors, and hears something heavy moved beyond them. "Hmm...interesting." He pauses to ostensibly observe the double doors, in fact placing a scrying beacon just on the other side.

Bluff to pretend he's interested in the picture/doors: [roll0]
Lúthon casts Clairvoyance, placing the scrying beacon on the other side so he can see what's going on on the other side of the doors.

When the Siren suggests the garden as the locale for the meeting, Lúthon replies, "Lead the way, then."

[dantiesilva]

With everything set besides Wilhelm's approval Alex gets up and calls out to ShadowFax awaiting his majestic mount from the heavens to come. We are all waiting on you now High Farther, do you trust your student enough to try field work near where she must protect when she is to lead the flock? Or will you handicap her by making her not aware of the dangers of the outside world? Alex says looking to Kara before putting his rm around her waist tenderly, If it were not for Kara I would be dead, so why not intrust Rosalind in our capable hands? Alex says as he sees the golden glow of shadowfax making his way into this world.

[Amidus Drexel]

Archadious says, "Don't worry about them. I've got this," and casts an area dispel magic on the monkeys. (when it gets to his turn - I doubt the monkeys will incapacitate him before that)

Dispel Checks:
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]
[roll4]
[roll5]
[roll6]
[roll7]
[roll8]


Meic nods and runs over to the room across the hall where he heard noises from earlier.

[Sliver]

Kara lets out a surprised yelp as Alex places his hand on her waist. She could never get accustomed to Alex's need to show... Well, she wasn't sure exactly what it was, although she was aware some would call it affection, but Kara didn't think that was that, in public. It was as strange as talking in public. She did her best to not squirm away from his touch as he talked.

"If it weren't for me, you'd have a different life... And you wouldn't have been in life-threatening situations as often..." Kara thought to herself as Alex mentioned owing his life to her.

[AlanBruce]

@Alex & Kara: Rosalind looks to Father Wilhelm.

"I am ready, father. I have been reading the scriptures and I believe I can lend much aid in this matter."

Wilhelm sighs as he places his old hand on the books.

"Alex, Kara. I am trusting you with Rosalind. Please keep her safe. Child, go suit up. I will have a horse for you."

Rosalind bows and you can see she is somewhat excited about this.

"Give me five minutes, please."

After five minutes, a loud clanking sound can be heard from the floor above as Rosalind comes down wearing a fullplate, a heavy shield and a mace strapped to her belt. A backpack is at her back.

"I do not know what we'll find there, Alex, but I am confident the three...four of us can save Lord Cassiel. Shall we?"

Wilhelm walks with you outside the Chapel, where a horse has been tied to a post.

"This is yours, Rosalind. Take good care of it. Cainnen's Pass is West of Justcrown, down the Imperial Highway and then take a detour through the wilderness. If you leave now, you should arrive there by nightfall."

Wilhelm goes quiet for a few seconds.

"And Rosalind, you listen and pay heed to anything Alex says. He knows his ways around these situations. Same as Kara. May Pelor bless all of you."

@Luthon: You look at the large sliding wooden double doors and focus for a few seconds.

An image in your mind forms inside the room.

This is a library and it is also lavishly decorated with portraits and many shelves filled with books.

However, that isn't the source of the sound.

Something big, square and covered in a tarp is being hauled underground, through a door, a trap door. How is this trapdoor opened or closed, you cannot tell, nor can you tell what is beneath that tarp. You see a pair of guards pushing the box down the trapdoor at a slope.

As Siren looks at you, she smiles and nods.

"It is some work, isn't it?"


Roll a Sense Motive

@Aradia & Luthon: Siren leads you out to the Garden, where the servants are busy working on the stage.

"There is where the Battle of Hommlet will be reenacted- well not the whole battle, just the duel. Luthon, you will play the part of the Mad Tyrant. For that, I would like to see some of your craft at work. A demonstration. Something to wow the crowd, since the duke wants this to be as dramatic as possible."


Both Aradia and Luthon may roll a spot check here

Siren walks to Aradia and takes your hand, guiding you down the path with the Poplar trees and stopping at a pedestal set ten feet high between two trees.

That is where you will sing as the guests arrive. I must also ask, are you a bard? You sang so well last night, but your clothing suggests otherwise."

@Archadious: after dropping and rolling, you watch Meic head for the opposite door and then get up and walk back in to the Training Room and face the monkeys.

These are already with ink vials in hand, standing on the resilient sphere and hoot and holler as they hurl the vials at you, jumping from side to side.

The vials fly at you and smash on the wall behind you. Of the nine thrown, four hit you square in the chest. One even hits you in the face, leaving it jet black, as well as your robes.

8 damage total

"Noooo! Those inks were priceless! Stupid monkeys!"

The monkeys laugh and roll over the sphere as you clean off some of the ink on your robes.

You then rolls your sleeves and look at all nine of them. A very serious look on your face as the monkeys turn their heads sideways in a quizzical manner.

After a quick gesture and ancient words, you bathe the monkeys in a green glow as nine cages pop behind each. The monkeys look at the cages and screech as they try to get away, but the cages seem to trap them all...except three.

The three remainder monkeys watch their comrades disappear from this plane of existence and look at you, visibly frightened.

@Meic: You hear some commotion in the Training Room and can only hope Archadious has dealt with the threat.

You then place your hand on the doorknob to a door that reads


Shop

Roll Listen

[Amidus Drexel]

The Shop
Listen checks

Meic: [roll0]

Gryz: [roll1]

[AlanBruce]

@Meic: You and Gryz lean against the door and listen for any sounds.

A single low growl can be heard a mere ten feet away.

[Amidus Drexel]

Here goes nothing.

Meic draws the wand from his belt and forcefully says, "Riktiga syfte!" His eyes briefly glaze over, and he opens the door, leveling his crossbow at what waits on the other side...

Casting true strike from the wand.

[AlanBruce]

@Meic: You intone the arcane words with strength and conviction. Clear enough to activate your wand, that you may never miss.

You then open the door.

This room is smaller than the training room. It is 30 ft. wide by 20ft. long with a 10ft. ceiling. A counter stretches to the left all the way, leaving 10ft. behind it for Silas to maneuver around the tall shelves lined with trinkets, vials, and wands.

Then you see them.

Three wolves, extremely feral looking and with a fur as black as night itself, just as Edward described them. The animals smell of sulfur and their eyes are red hot coals. Two are five feet away from you, on either side, snarling. The third is ten feet away right in front of you.

The wolves howl and move in.

Initiative:

Wolf1 [roll0] to your left, 5 ft. away

Wolf2 [roll1] to your right, 5ft. away

Wolf 3 [roll2] 10 feet ahead

@Archadious: The three remaining monkeys look at each other and then at you and jump off the sphere and hide amidst the clutter in the training room, scattering in different directions.

Monkey1 Hide [roll3]

Monkey2 Hide [roll4]

Monkey3 Hide [roll5]

"Do be careful, please! There were some wands lying around and those pesky monkeys are quite curious..."

[sparky9042]

Sense Motive: [roll0]
Spot: [roll1]
"Yes...yes, it is." Lúthon follows the Siren and Aradia outside, and after his role is explained, replies, "That seems acceptable. How is this for a demonstration?"

Lúthon casts Legion of Sentinels.
Suddenly, a small group of illusory soldiers appears before the three of them, and at Lúthon's command begin briefly drilling.

[AlanBruce]

@Luthon: You walk out to the garden and notice there is a round indentation on the ground, partially covered by grass, about twenty feet away from the makeshift stage.

The indentation is made of stone and has a ten foot diameter, as if it were for omething to be placed on it.

You then focus your mind and conjure forth a small army that begins drilling in place as you toss a small pewter figurine of a warrior at the ground.

The ghostly warriors form ranks and look quite menacing.

Siren walks up to them and walks a few feet from each, as a general studying them.

"This is phenomenal, Luthon! So you are quite talented with illusions, I see. This will serve as great entertainment for the play. Remember: If you are playing the part of the villain, you will need to be menacing yourself. Ad lib if necessary. The props provided will aid in your appearance at the play, but this! Oh yes! This is very good!"

Siren calls for a servant to bring a table and chairs. She invites you to take a seat.

"So, Luthon...who will play the part of the valiant hero? Will it be Meic? He does seem rather fit for the task, but.... we need some more panache, if you know what I mean."

[AlanBruce]

@Alex & Kara: You reach the North Gate to Justcrown and Rosalind looks at the three of you from her horse.

"I have never been out of Justcrown in my life, Alex. I trust you know your way around here? And Kara, it is a pleasure finally getting to travel with you. Perhaps we can change Father Alexander's ways?"

Rosalind chuckles as she waves the guard so this one opens the gate, then turns to look at both of you.

"Try not to speed too much, though. This is, sadly, my first time on a horse."

[Amidus Drexel]

Archadious nocks an arrow in his bow, and scans the room for the monkeys.

Spot:

If he sees any with a wand, he'll shoot those, otherwise just have him shoot the one he can see the best.

To-hit: [roll1]
Damage: 1d8+1d6+1 (the 1d6 is electricity, in case the monkeys have resistance or immunity to it)

HP 22/41, AC 18


-------------
Next round:

Meic takes a step back and hurriedly shouts, "Klingan av blod!", causing blood to spring from his wrists and slather itself on the crossbow bolt. He fires at the wolf farthest from him, and reloads.

I'm taking a 5ft step back and casting Blade of Blood (a swift action), taking 5 points of damage to give me a total of 3d6 damage on the attack.

To hit: [roll2]
Damage: [roll]1d8+3d6

HP: 41/46, AC 17

[AlanBruce]

@Meic: The pain is intense as a rivulet of blood flows from an open wound in your hand and coats your bolt.

This one fires at one of the wolves and the animal's howl of pain is interrupted as it disappears in acrid smoke, back to the Lower planes.

The other two waste no time. They move in and you can see their fangs glow in crimson saliva.

W1: move in and bite, using smite good [roll0] damage [roll1] plus trip [roll2]

W2: move in and bite using flanking benefits, using smite good [roll3] damage [roll4] plus trip [roll5]

@Archaidous: Those pesky little monkeys...where are they.

Then, it happens...

One howls 30ft. away from you to the left and tosses an empty vial at you.

M1: ranged attack, [roll6] damage [roll7]

Another pops up on top of a fallen shelf 20 ft. away and jumps up and down as it hurls a red vial, alchemist fire.

M2: ranged touch [roll8] damage [roll9] fire, DC 15 to avoid further burn as a full round action.

Teehee heee...

Then, you see him. The third monkey and apparently their leader, given the silver crest on his head. This one as the end of the room, 30 ft. away and holds a wand curled up in his tail.

The monkey grins as he shakes the wand around...

but nothing comes out.

The monkey is furious. Why can't he use it?

"Of course...silly monkey! It takes years to master the fine art of wand crafting! Let alone usage!"

[dantiesilva]

Inside the temple of Pelor

After convincing Wilhelm that it would be best for Rosalind if she had skills both in the field as well as behind a table Alex is happy to see Rosalind take off to go get ready. I have not once not brought back those who have come with me in anything less then top shape. She will be fine as long as she listens. Alex says kindly to Farther Wilhelm trying to reassure the old man that everything would be fine.

As Alex hears the tell tale signs of someone wearing fullplate for the first time and being way to eager a smile comes across his face. though he never had such a loud sounding armor when he was growing up in the sea of sands it still did make a lot of noise when his blade would bounce off of it. Things were different now though, he was more experienced, and as Rosalind came around the corner Alex looked at her as if he was any student of Kord. Do you want the enemy to hear you coming? Less eagerness. Make sure each step you take has a meaning to it, if you rush you will make a mistake and more then likely get hurt in the process. Alex says trying to sound like a teacher and not his normal self.

At the gates to Justcrown

By the time we made it to the city gates it was already mid day, the original plans I had made to track down this Minstrel had to be put on hold as duty called. Turning to look at my other companions, Kara on the back of Shadowfax with me. Melody on our right hand side, and Rosalind and her steed on our left a smile crossed my face. Yes Rosalind I know my way around her, and I hope you will know what we are dealing with when we get there so we know how to best handle whatever has taken Lord Cassial. Alex says ignoring her answer to Kara as if it were a ridiculous notion. Don't worry we wont go to fast, but we still need to have a good speed if we are to get close enough that by nightfall we can be there. With even more luck we can be back before the sun is high in the sky. Alex says starting at a slow pace until Rosalind has gotten the hang of it before taking a more appropriate speed.

[Amidus Drexel]

Archadious casts solid fog, centered 15ft away from himself towards the monkey with the wand.
Prevents all ranged attacks (except for magic rays), so that should keep the monkeys off of him for a bit. He can take the fire damage, but probably not another barrage of glass and alchemical items.

Archadious is caught inside it, but next the edge of the cloud, and the monkey with the wand is 15ft inside the 20ft radius area. If it catches any of the others, so much the better.

HP 15/41, AC 18
--------------------
Top of next round:

As the first wolf bites him, black tendrils of energy burst from its body and reinvigorate Meic. He grits his teeth and tries to cast another warding spell.

The first wolf takes [roll0] damage from retributive vampiric touch, and Meic gains that much in temp. HP.

Trip checks (Dex)
1st: [roll1]
2nd: [roll2]

Regardless of whether he is tripped or not, Meic does not move, and will attempt to defensively cast greater mage armor, DC 19
Concentration: [roll3]

HP 33/41 + 12 tempHP, AC 17 (or 23, if the spell succeeds)


Edit: I guess ignore my action for Archadious, then, if Niwrad is back. (unless he wants it to stand.)

[Business Scrub]

Aradia feels a bit uncomfortable taking the Siren's hand. After all, she's not the biggest fan of the woman, but she tries not to let it show.
"Of course. Of a sort." she lies, idly wondering what's wrong with her clothing. In truth she had never considered herself a bard, but it was exciting to consider. "Seems like a good spot."
She is impressed with Luthon's illusion, and her eyes widen when the soldiers appear. Wow, that is... actually really impressive Luthian. Are you some sort of wizard then?


Presence Aura up, so no bonus to spot [roll0]
but +2 to bluff [roll1]
Edit: wow...

[Niwrad]

(OOC: hooray for WiFi almost everywhere!
Also, Archadious will use one if his 6 daily uses of abrupt jaunt to avoid the alchemist fire)

Smiling, Archadious calmly aims his bow at the leader, he pulls the arrow back, and releases it, letting it fly towards the silver-crested monkey.

To hit:
Damage: [roll]1d8+1 + 1d6 lightning damage

Out of the corners of his eyes, he attempts to pinpoint the locations of the other monkeys.

Spot check: [roll1]

hit points: 22/41 ac: 18 abrupt jaunts: 5/6

[Niwrad]

Damage: [roll0] + [roll1] lightning damage

Edit* That's just sad

[AlanBruce]

@Archadious: You get another cut from a glass shard and then watch from the corner of your eye as one of those damned holy monkeys hurls a vial of red liquid at you.

Not wanting to stop drop and roll again, you force Time and Space itself to propel yourself ten feet away as you smile smugly and watch the red ooze flame on the floor before extinguishing.

You can hear the comments from within the sphere.

"He moved so fast, teacher! How did he do it?"

Silas chuckles.

"Oh no, Carl. He didn't move. We all did for a fraction of a second, and then the wizard returned time to its proper place. It takes stalwart dedication to the arts of Conjuration."

"That rhymed, teacher."

"Shut up and watch the battle, Carl. This is still class time."

You look at the head monkey who failed to activate the wand and shut one eye while aiming your bow.

The monkey's eyes widen as the arrows porpels itself through teh air and strikes him.

With an arrow in the chest, same size as him, the monkey laughs at the damage incurred, just to grimace as he realizes that his time in this Reality is up.

Before it can use some obscene gesture with his finger, the alpha monkey disappears in a cloud of golden dust.

The two remaining monkeys hoot and holler and rush into the discarded piles, attempting to hide.

M1 [roll0]

M2 [roll1]


@Aradia: Uncomfortable to have this elf hold your hand through the duke's gardens, you play along as she shpows you where you will be playing.

Siren smiles as she raises an eyebrow at the mention that you are indeed, a bard.

"You certainly are, darling. You certainly are. Care to join us for some tea? Luthon and you are more than welcome. The duke will sadly not be joining us. He has many royal matters to attend, but you and Luthon are more than welcome."

@Alex & Kara: Rosalind has a hard time riding a horse. as stated earlier, she never has before.

The animal makes her jolt up and down as she pulls on the reins.

"Alex! How d..d..d..d.do you manage? This is getting me dizzy."

After about an hour, Rosalind catches the basics of horse riding. Never one to wade into battle on horseback, she can at least manage to trot with the hrose at a leisurely pace.

Regarding your question about what enemies they would face, Rosalind looks forward in silence.

"I do not know yet, alex. I saw Lord Cassiel in much pain. It could be anything...or anyone. It does make you wonder- who would attempt something as vile as trapping a servant of the heavens?"

[dantiesilva]

Alex can not help but smirk at Rosalind as she tries to ride her horse, bouncing up and down the whole time. Well my dear I could show you but that would be breaking a few vows, some believe it or not I rather you keep intact. Alex says along the road, always keeping an eye out for trouble, even though he knew between Kara and melody it would not get within a mile of them without those two knowing.

Who indeed Rosalind, who indeed. Alex says trying to think of what eyes would say at a time like this, and seeing as they had nothing but time on there hand he pulled out the book known as the Divine spark of humanity and began to read from it hoping it could shine some light on the situation.

[AlanBruce]

@Meic: As one of the fiendish wolves bits on your leg, you hit the ground, not before having a surge of negative energy wash over the beast.

The wolf, still holding on to your leg, releases a faint whimper as his body disappears in a cloud of sulfur, being sent back to the Infernal realms.

You then, prone, shut your eyes and call forth a massive shield of force to envelop you body. Hopefully, even in your downed state, the remaining wolf will not be able to get a good bite at you.

Remaining wolf [roll0] bite [roll1]

[Niwrad]

Smiling in satisfaction after gaining some sort of retribution against the infernally annoying celestial primates, Archadious quickly nocks a second arrow.

Of the two monkeys remaining, one of them succeeded in eluding Archadious's sharp vision, but the other was not so lucky.
In the blink of an eye, his arrow had been launched towards the unfortunate monkey.

Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1] + [roll2] lightning damage

(ooc: I'm tired of fighting monkeys, Archadious will abrupt jaunt away from whatever the last , monkey throws at him and will retaliate with his own arrow.

Attack: [roll3]
Damage: [roll4] + [roll5] lightning damage

unless of course Archadious fails to hit the first monkey...)

hit points: 22/41 ac: 18 abrupt jaunt: 4/6

[Amidus Drexel]

Meic stands up, steps back, and fires at the wolf.

"Go back to hell, fiend."
Eh, I'm willing to eat an AoO for standing up, as I don't think it's going to hit me. Even if it manages to trip me, I don't have any penalty to shoot at it, so... here goes.

To hit: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

----
If it hits me, trip check (Dex): [roll2]

[AlanBruce]

@Archadious: You fire an arrow at the monkey that you can see.

The little golden firball shocks with electricity before exploding into ana dorable puff of golden sprinkles.

The last monkey comes out of hiding as you nock a second arrow. You can see it holds another grey vial.

Just you and the monkey, exchanging glances.

With a holler and a hoot, the monkey runs a few paces and tosses the grey vial at you.

Once more, pulling time and space, you diodge the sticky substance on the ground and fire your own arrow.

The monkey, fatally hit, pulls on the hair of his head in frustration as it too explodes in a glowing cloud of glitter.

It was a difficult battle. Many lives were lost- or at least returned home, but amisdst the wreckage of a once proud arcane training room, you stand triumphant, with no bodies to account for, but a dark sphere as your witness.

Claps can be heard from inside.

"Bravo! Well done, sir. Now, I would love to lift the spell here, but I am afraid there are still more of those accursed summons running around. Care to clean up the place? Be mindful of the deinonychus- he's the one that got the monkeys in a riot after he chased three of their pack upstairs. although, in retrospect, nobody ate anyone- they are just summons. Still, please continue with your amazing work and let me know when you and your fellow colleague are done."

@Kara & Alex: The sun sets, leaving a purple sky before a few stars alight it as you turn off the Imperial Highway and into the wilderness.

"What's wrong? easy, easy."

Rosalind's steed will not go any further as she dismounts and ties her to a nearby tree.

"Well, I guess I'm walking. Whatever spooked the horse must be the cause of Lord Cassiel's imprisonment. Shall we?"

As the four of you tread on through a beaten path lined with deadc trees, you can see remnants of structures, now long forgotten.

"Cainnen's Pass...it used to be a center for evil, alex. Before Justcrown came to be, they said this place was a hub for summoning...of the worse kind. Said to have been dedicated to a duke of Hell itself. Its name now gladly forgotten."

You walk about half an hour more as the sky is now starlit and look at the broken archway to an old temple.

Two statues of fiends mark each side, now covered in leaves and moss. An old wooden door, barely holding by its hinges allows a cold wind to issue forth.

"Let us see how bad this is."

Rosalind hold on to her holy symbol and peers through the veil.

"Can't feel anything just yet, but juts to make sure..."

Rosalind washes her body in godlen radiance as this one dissipates.

Protection from Evil

She then turns to look at both of you.

"Whenever you're ready."

[AlanBruce]

@Meic: You get up and move a prudent distance away as the last wolfe tries to get you back down.

AoO: [roll0] damage [roll1] plus trip [roll2]

You fire your bolt at the wolf and hit is square in the muzzle.

The beats yips in pain but is not down yet.

It then moves in.

Bite [roll3] damage [roll4] plus trip [roll5]

[Amidus Drexel]

Meic narrows his eyes, and shouts, "Archadious, if you're finished with those monkeys, I could use a bit of help."

He steps back, reloads his crossbow, and fires it at the wolf.
5fting back to avoid any more AoOs.

To Hit: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[Niwrad]

Sighing in relief as the last of the accursed monkeys is gone, Archadious slings his bow across his back and picks up the wand that the monkey had attempted to use.
Voicing his question to the individual within the globe, Archadious inquires:

"What is this a wand of? Would it prove helpful against some of the other conjurations?"

As he speaks, Archadious also takes a moment to cast Cats Grace upon himself to increase his reflexes and agility.

[dantiesilva]

As the sun begins to set I look to my companions, behind us on the imperial highway are still pilgrims trying to get to Justcrown, and before us the open wilderness. To a long forgotten temple it would seem.

Soon though Alex looks over to Rosalind who seems to be having more trouble then before and sees her steed will not go any farther. It is ok Rosalind we can walk from here. Alex says letting Kara get down first before climbing down as well. Thank you Shadowfax for the ride, Go back and rest now. Alex says kindly patting him on the head before watching his friend leave. Once gone they continue on the beaten path.

As the temple comes into view and Rosalind stops Alex begins placing up his spells while talking to her. Rosalind, this is a seek and rescue mission, but that does not mean you are to rush in ahead of myself or Kara. We will try and clear you a path to Lord Cassial, when we tell you to run as fast as you can to get to him, and not a minute sooner. Alex says as he grows twice in size. If things are looking bad and we tell you to run, run. Do not worry about us we will find our own way out, but we need to know you are safe and to do that I need your word you will run back to your horse, and ride back to Justcrown if we tell you to. Alex says finishing off his last spell.

Persisting Divine favor, Shield of faith, Lesser visage of the deity, MAgic vestment.

[AlanBruce]

@Meic: The bolt goes through the wolve's eye as black ichor drops on the floor, which vanishes along the creature back to the Infernal realms.

@Archaidous: Silas goes quite and then responds.

"Well, that is a magic missile wand. It is used commonly for basics, teaching students how to combine evocation and abjuration together."

[Niwrad]

Archadious chuckles and responds:

"Well, then I'm glad that monkey failed to use it successfully. But I think I can deal with other creatures without it."

He turns back towards the sphere and says:

"Meic and I will deal with the rest. Stay here until one of us returns."

With that said, he exits the training room and begins to look for Meic. Grimacing as he picks shards of broken glass out of his cuts and lacerations.

"Meic? Where are you? I've gotten rid of the monkeys, I never knew they could be such a pain."

[Business Scrub]

These distractions continue to shorten Aradia's fuse. Still attempting to be polite, she begins to tug Luthon away. "As wonderful as I'm sure that would be, Luthon and I were making plans for today. I have a pressing task that unfortunately cannot wait, and I was hoping Luthon could join me."

Diplomacy just to end on a decent note with Siren, and not seem rude leaving. (Or specifically to improve her relation, cause the bluff didn't go too well. :smalltongue:) [roll0]

[AlanBruce]

@Archaidous: "Are you sure you don't want to use the wand? It might come in handy against the remaining creatures, but you have shown remarkable talent. There are three more areas in this school- the classrooms, the boiler in the basement and my personal study upstairs. Please be careful- and thorough."

@Alex & Kara: rosalind looks at both of you with a stern face.

"I get it, Alex. I will run like a damsel in distress if the big bad monsters show up...sorry. Diddn't mean to come off that way. It's just that... I feel bad for Father Wilhelm and all those pilgrims. I will follow your lead."

Rosalind takes a few steps back as you prop open the old wooden door.

A set of old stone steps lead down about 80ft. Depictions of ancient evils on the walls are barely visible as a faint light can be observed below.

@Aradia & Luthon: Siren has barely sat on the chair when you tug at the elf to leave.

"Leaving already? But it's such a nice sunset.:

Indeed, your time walking around the gardens and talking with siren have passed time immensely.

The Siren smiles.

"There should be a carriage waiting for you outside. You are still staying at the inn, yes? Please let me know tomorrow if you have a second actor for the play."

Siren gets up and walks back isnide the palazzo.

A guard walks up to both and points to the end of the poplar tree path, where an open gate and a carriage awaits.

"Have a good evening,"

[Sliver]

As Kara leaps off the horse, her demeanor seems to change. She walks a bit ahead of Alex as he explains the dangers to Rosalind once again, while she sniffs the air and examines their surroundings, checking for anything that would indicate a possible ambush or passage of creatures, trying to discern the threat.

"From here on, talk only when necessary and in hushed tones. Keep your distance somewhat behind me. I'm not a master of stealth, but your armor will make us a target from miles away. Rosalind, any spells you have useful for combat? To strengthen us or perhaps summon support?"

Turning to Melody, she changes to draconic. Keep alongside Rosalind. She isn't experienced, and... Keep watch, call out if you notice anything."

Kara's rolls:
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll=survival]1d20+12] + Scent, Track
Darkvision

Melody's rolls:
[roll2]
[roll3]
Scent

[dantiesilva]

As KAra gets into her normal routine before battle Alex falls in line, this was one of those times Alex did not argue with her, and after letting her go 20ft ahead of him and Rosalind he began to follow, keeping a constant distance so that she would be safe for the most part. With Greatsword in hand Alex prepared to cast a spell to grant him the strength of a bull if anything went wrong.

That was when he noticed something odd, Kara had not only spoken to Rosalind, but for her safety as well. Being caught off guard by such an act Alex had to stop himself from falling down the stairs as he came back tot he real world, and slowed down. All the while in my mind wondering why Kara had not only spoken to Rosalind, but actually spoke to her like she was me, and had a real conversation.

Preparing to cast Bull's strength if Kara singles for me to, or melody.

[AlanBruce]

@Kara: You scout ahead of Rosalind, Alex and Melody.

Sniffing in the air around the old ruins, you try and catch something with your acute senses.

Hide: [roll0]

[roll1]

[roll2]

[roll3]

[roll4]

Something catches your eye, but way above, on top of the ruins. It is difficult to say what it is, but it maages to disappear from sight.

It did look small, however.

Rosalind holds on to her holy symbol.

"I do, but it will have to wait if we find combat. I have one now that can help us all. Gather around , please."

Rosalind intones asilent chant to pleor and awhite radiance falls on everyone as the sound of a stream can be heard in the distance and the scent of roses washes the immediate area.

"This will give us a measure of protection against the ones who captured Lord Cassiel."

Bless

[sparky9042]

Upon being asked who his opposite for the play is, Lúthon responds, "I believe so, either him or Archadious. I was not aware of any other volunteers." Turning to Aradia, he continues, "Not a wizard, no, though I am skilled with the arcane in my own way nonetheless."

Later, when leaving, Lúthon follows Aradia, then responds to the Siren. "Yes, I believe we will both be staying there. Thank you for the carriage. I do intend to inform you as soon as I become aware of the identity of my counterpart."

[AlanBruce]

@Aradia & Luthon: It's a beautiful sunset over Justcrown as the carriage rides through the cobblestone streets and you watch the many pilgrims and travelers from far and wide filling the streets.

The carriage makes a right turn.

"Sorry, sirs! I don't want to run over all these fine folk. We'll take a shortcut."

As the carriage goes through a different path, you notice the vehicle starting to move awkwardly as the coachman stops the horses.

"I swear... sirs! Would you mind helping me here? This wheel came loose!"