The Necromancer's Pact VIII: The Rising Tide

[Dr._Bob]

The captain ignores Fizahn's attempts at banter. He and the other members of his troop escort your party into the Iron Lord's keep. The Rashemi are serious and solemn. You pass down a long stone passageway under several raised portcullises. The walls are perforated at regular intervals with arrow slits. Grates in the arched ceiling above would allow pitch or burning oil to be poured down on any invaders.

The passageway opens into a large vaulted hall. Torches and braziers provide flickering light, though the hall is too large to illuminate completely. The ceiling remains cloaked in shadow. Supporting pillars and arches disappear into the darkness above, creating the illusion that you have walked into a stone forest.

Seated across from you, at the far end of the hall, is a large man seated on an enormous iron throne. The man wears heavy furs over his shoulders. A simple golden circlet worn low over his brow is his only sign of office. A gigantic battleaxe leans against the throne within easy reach.

An honor guard of six equally enormous berserkers stand on either side of the throne. The twelve of them stand at attention with hands folded over the pommel of their greatswords, placed pointdown in front of them.

To either side of the great hall are formations of Rashemi berserkers, representatives of the great lodges of Rashemen. Tryntha notes their insignia - Snow Tiger, Ettercap, Wolf, Ice Troll, Owlbear, and others. There appear to be hundreds of warriors assembled here.

Although it is the middle of the night, the Rashemi stand formally at attention before their huhrong. No one speaks or fidgets. The chamber is unnaturally silent except for the crackling of the torches.

Tryntha is the only Rashemi female in the room as best you can tell.

...

The Rashemi wolf captain drops to one knee before the huhrong. His men kneel as well. Without speaking, the captain and his men move off to the side and take up positions among the assembled mass of the other berserkers.

The Iron Lord or huhrong is handsome and clean-shaven giving him a youthful appearance, though his face is creased with wrinkles. His hair is jet black and tied back under his golden circlet. He leans forward eyeing your group intently. Though his shoulders are covered by a fur cape, his massive hands and muscular forearms hint at great physical strength. His blue eyes sparkle by firelight, suggesting great intelligence and wisdom.

He holds a scroll in his left hand.

"Greetings, daughter of Rashemen,"

"And welcome, strangers." The Iron Lord moves easily between the Rashemi dialect and the common tongue.

"What brings you to Immilmar?" He asks the question casually as if discussing the weather, but the formality of this audience and the assembled crowd of berserkers tell you that he is well aware that your arrival signals events of great significance ...

[Koji]

Khazrael

Khazrael remains quiet, waiting instead for someone else to speak up. He keeps his feet planted well apart from each other, and his arms hang loosely at his sides, giving him a very casual look despite the grim and formal nature of the proceedings.

His bright blue gaze dances across the barbarians present, and he wonders for the first time whether these men are truly ready to face the approaching army. He briefly mulls over the stories he's heard of all-powerful witches ruling this frozen land, and begins to internally question their current absence.

[barawn]

Damian

The hairs on the back of his neck prickle as his nerves continue to get worse as the party enters the heavily guarded keep. His eyes continually scan above them, his breathing quickening.

When they enter the large audience room, Damian lets himself drift to the back of the party, his eyes constantly glancing behind them. It's not that easy to blend in when your party consists of people mainly shorter than you.

He flips the collar up on his jacket, lowering his eyes to attempt to keep his face relatively hidden. Meeting with powerful men was not out of the ordinary for him in the least. Meeting with powerful men outside of a back alley, or their own private quarters, or even the public anonymity of a bar tavern - that was out of the ordinary.

Just feels wrong, like this. Like I'm an upstanding member of society or something.

[Diarmuid]

Tryntha

wow, missed a lot while out of touch. sorry all, death in the family kept me away for a bit

Tryntha followed along in a daze after the display of carnage and death. Her exertion and the emotional drain weighed heavily on her and she was barely able to follow the fast banter of the strange gnome, whose arrival she had missed, and yet more companions of the others brought together by the avalanche.

She tried to find a suitable break in the conversation to offer introductions and see if the Callos gentleman needed any additional healing to his arm, but the pace of the talking did not lend itself to such an interruption.

At the urging of the captain, she moved with the others through the arch into the chambers of her land's lord.

At the display of loyalty and his greeting, she remembered herself and the place among her people she strove for and pushed her emotions aside. Dropping into a deep curtsy before the Iron Lord, she rose with all the strength she could muster and addressed him,

"Lord of Iron, blessed are we who stand before you. I am called Tryntha Nomthor, a sister of healing. It is with great need that these visitors,"

She stresses her term for referring to those behind her, making it clear the difference between the term the Iron Lord used,

"are gathered before you. Through deeds, most have shown their character to be benevolent and caring. They bring word of a great danger that even now bares down on our lands. I present to you, Aeroz."

Wishing she knew more of the man to offer by way of introduction, Tryntha steps aside makes room for Aeroz to stand forward and address the Iron Lord.

[Darius]

Tanner Gondsman

Tanner stands next to Tryntha and smiles and nods at her after she is through with the introduction. The look conveys a non-verbal 'good job' sentiment. Tanner then turns to look at Aeroz and awaits his tale.

[Frojoe21]

Aeroz

Upon his introduction to the Iron Lord, Aeroz's shoulders tense up. He wasn't a diplomat. At best he was a conman, a swindler. Still, there was too much at stake for him to screw up.

"Um...your Iron Lordship..." Stupid! You're stupid Aeroz! Don't address him like it "I come with a request from the Queen of Hlondeth."

Aeroz swallows the lump forming in his throat. "The Queen wishes to form an alliance between your two peoples in order to fend of the threat of Sethra the Necromancer's army."

[Erikkin]

Fizahn:

Fizahn bows before the Iron Lord once he sees him. After he finishes his bow, he imitates the Iron Lord's retainers and stands at attention to Aeroz. He soon groans inwardly as Aeroz begins speaking. No stuttering! Come on Aeroz. I can't secretly tell him anything. Why didn't he ever learn the superior tongue of the gnomes. He needs to be smooth. At least he's not acting like the queen is superior. He can't be belligerent, which is why I can't talk. I do have a tendency to be condescending to the inferior races. Oh well. I'm here cheering for you Aeroz, but it's silent cheering. Get used to it. He tries as hard as he can to remain motionless and not fidget, but is considerably worse at it than the Rashemi. His facial features are caught up in a storm of emotion and constantly change. Fear. Nervousness. Impatience. Horror. Anxiety. Confusion. Terror. Agitation. Concern. Apprehensiveness. Restlessness. Dread.

[Kevka Palazzo]

Faluil

The wood elf had seem some impressive gathering halls in his day. Namely most of Silverymoon. This did not lessen the effect that this great hall had on him. The forest aesthetic did much to put him at ease, and he visibly relaxed before noticing the scowls on many barbarians' faces.

They do not like us here. We are strangers. Best not to act out, best to show utmost respect, etc..., etc...

He adopted a stance more befitting a grand hall, arms at his sides, chin up, back straight and chest out, but only to display confidence, not arrogance.

What would Melrya say if she saw me in such a place? It has been so long since I saw her...Best not to dwell on that. Eyes forward, eyes forward, eyes forward...

He dropped into a typical Myth Drannor bow when they reached the foot of the Iron Lord's throne. He took to one knee and spread his arms forward, palms facing up. Then he returned to silent observation. But his mind had begun turning after the one called Aeroz announced his desires. And his Queen's desires.

The Iron Lord and the Queen of Hlondeth. Alliances. Silverymoon. Yes! That is it! I need to get to Silverymoon. The greatest mages of the age are gathered there...well I am fairly certain they are. I have not seen much outside of...Cormanthor. I should discuss the prospect with my companions soon.

[Naleh]

Retay

The barbarian continues to grin at his new title for some time, but the throne room puts a stop to that.

Retay takes up position beside Tryntha, on the other side from Tanner, and tries to stand straight and still. So many people... The Iron Lord himself... I'm probably the most obvious member of the group... Got to look serious... Must make a good impression...

Hang on, what's this 'Hlondeth' Aeroz is talking about?

[Matticus]

Grynde

At the sight of the formiddable axe near the Iron Lord, his eyebrows raise up to his fringe and he whistles in his mind. He makes no noise, however, remembering how the rest of the group would probably gut him if he said anything in a situation as serious as this.
Humans. Such showoffs. He could've met us without being so damn intimidating.

[Dr._Bob]

The Iron Lord raises an eyebrow at Aeroz's brief statement.

"An alliance? A handful of ghouls hardly makes an army. What makes the Serpent Queen think that we require any assistance at all?"

The Iron Lord raises his voice as he says this, and his gaze sweeps across your group as he speaks as if challenging any of you to answer.

In response, the assembled berserkers shout out and stamp their feet in unison three times, raising their weapons to the ceiling. The entire floor literally trembles.

The Iron Lord raises his hand, silencing them, then goes on to speak in a quieter voice.

"And in any case, the Vilhon Reach lies on the other side of the Sea of Fallen Stars. What possible aid does the Serpent Queen offer from beyond the setting sun?"

[Koji]

Khazrael

Miserable stuck-up jackass...

Khazrael's lip curls defiantly and he loses his composure momentarily. He cannot restrain himself from speaking, but makes an honest attempt to at least be logical about it. He meets the Iron Lord's gaze directly as he speaks.

"You've already lost one fort and all of its defenders. Doesn't it trouble you that no one saw the enemy approaching? Sethra didn't send those ghouls because they were all he had. He sent them because they were all he needed. Why put your people at risk if you don't need to?"

"As close as Thesk, we encountered more than a hundred of the walking dead. They came from nowhere and destroyed an entire village--one that had no military capability, then simply disappeared. Those of us who got out very narrowly escaped with our lives. What will you do when your villages start disappearing, and there is no enemy to fight?"

[Erikkin]

Fizahn:

Fizahn looks slightly downcast. This is going to be hard. He looks at Aeroz and raises a finger. "One. You need to mention the witch who paid Achkby." A second finger is raised. "Two. You need to mention the unholy alliance with the Tanar'ri." He brings up a third finger. "Three. Praise their power and strength. Right now." He raises a fourth finger. "Four. Make sure they know that the ghouls were just a scouting party meant to annihilate us before we warned them." He finishes off his first hand with his thumb. "Five. Mention what an advantage it would be to have a second front against Sethra opened by the serpent queen. Sethra would have to split up his forces because of the attacks on both sides." Fizahn drops his hand and looks at Aeroz intently. And for Garl's sake Aeroz, don't screw up.

[barawn]

Damian

Damn. Stay hidden, and watch this enterprise fall apart, or reveal myself here. First is safer for me in the short term, and it keeps the opportunity of employment in Immilmar open. Second is probably safer for me in the long term. A sigh escapes him. I hate these decisions. Oh well, I've already fallen in with this lot, and Rashemen doesn't seem like it would be as rife with opportunity as I was led to believe.

Damian steps forward through the group just before Fizahn gives advice to Aeroz, putting a hand on Khazrael's shoulder, speaking with a strong voice, and folding his collar down as he strides forward. "Your Lordship - please forgive my brash companion. He nearly froze to death in our travels here, and I believe it has left his tongue quite sharp. But he speaks from worry and fear, not from anger or criticism."

"I cannot speak for the facts as well as the others here, but I can tell you that my other companion," and he nods to Aeroz, "has far more to explain. The situation is dire. Nations have fallen, standing alone, believing in their own might. Has a nation ever fallen for being too prepared?"

"I pray thee, let my friend explain the situation. Immilmar is not the first city to face this threat - and the others bear the scars for not being forewarned."

With a nod to Aeroz, Damian steps back among the rest of the group, standing behind and to one side of Retay.

[Darius]

Tanner Gondsman

Tanner watches in exasperation as one by one several party members speak up when the group decided that the one native person would introduce the chosen speaker. Tanner thinks to himself as he stands stoically, Perhaps I am on the wrong side when these whom I travel with say they will do one thing but then do the opposite. Even Grynde is managing to hold his tongue. Not, you, too, Damian. Please, Gond, help resolve this situation successfully.

[namo]

Adalmar

A shuffle of feet can be heard from the back of the group, then Adalmar hesitantly steps forward. He is mindful to stay behind Aeroz, because he wouldn't want to usurp the position of speaker inadvertently. His bow is deep but awkward.

"My Lord" he begins in Rashemen to indicate his familiarity with that language - "I have a simple story for you. With my own eyes, I have seen Drow and Demons sweeping through the Great Dale. I was a Ranger of Lethyr, but I fear the Rangers are no more.

And I fear this army will not stop at your doorstep."

The whole speech is said with some stuttering - he can't seem to rekindle the flame with which he addressed the berserkers when the group first encountered them.

If the Lord does not have questions for him, he retreats rapidly to the back of the group.
There, he takes a moment to breathe, and his shoulders slump. His message has been passed, and with it, a great burden has been lifted from his mind. He has done what he could - not much, in all honesty - and now he can only pray that the Lord will answer the call, be it out of reason or out of mercy.

[Matticus]

Grynde

His eyebrows take a permanent resting place higher up his forehead than usual, glancing first at the axe, then approvingly at Khazrael, then at Damian too, and he watches Fizahn talking to Aeroz with a smirk besides. He is still uncharacteristicly quiet.
Oh, he's refusing us now? Self-righteous pillow-biter...

[kuja.girl]

Tiriel

Tiriel tries to conceal her frustration at how their audience was going. This what not at all what she had envisioned. Sharing a look with Anika, Tiriel raises an eyebrow in question, so when do we pull out the mask and explain that there was a demon impersonating on of their witches? Oh and it hired us to get Sethra the kris?

[Dr._Bob]

"Let them come then. We shall be ready for them," the Iron Lord says with confidence, responding to Damian.

"Whatever element of surprise they might have once had has now been squandered. We are ready to defend our land, as we have done time and time again. We will fight the enemy on the water, among the trees, or even beneath the earth should it become necessary."

His eyes turn toward Adalmar. "Ranger, I am saddened to hear your words. You and your fellow refugees are welcome here. The Forest of Lethyr may have fallen, but I assure you that you will be safe here in Rashemen."

Turning back to Aeroz, the Iron Lord asks again, "So, elf, what exactly does the Serpent Queen want from Rashemen? Surely this necromancer poses no threat to Hlondeth or the Vilhon Reach. Her interest in the affairs of the East therefore puzzles me."

"As long as this necromancer stays on his side of the Lakes, he is neither my concern, nor hers as best I can tell."

[Frojoe21]

Aeroz

This was getting harder than Aeroz had imagined it to be. However, the alliance needed to be made. Aeroz straightens his back and assumes an assertive voice, one he hadn't used in a while.

"Your lordship. What do men with power want? More power. The necromancer Sethra has in his possession an artifact that can raise legions of undead. The army has started to lay siege to Hlondeth and the Vilhon Reach. Hlondeth has been weakened. Who do you think he will be coming for next? As your forces lay untouched, you have the ability to turn the tide of this war. Perhaps even save the region. If the Serpent queen can get her hands on that artifact...well, needless to say it would be a great asset to fending off the army."

[Naleh]

Retay

Despite his best efforts, Retay is growing agitated. I've heard a lot about this army from the others, but Aeroz puts it in an entirely different perspective... The Vilholn Reach, I'm sure I've heard of that from some traveller or another, I really must pay more attention to those people. So Hlondeth is there? Gods, the army is in Hlondeth and Cormanthor and Rashemen? This is worse than I could ever have imagined...

[Dr._Bob]

The Iron Lord frowns.

"Hlondeth lies countless leagues away, across Lake Ashane, all of Thesk, and the entire Sea of Fallen Stars. What concern is it of mine should the Emerald City fall?"

He leans farther forward, speaking more softly.

"Furthermore, if this artifact is as powerful as you suggest, why would I want such a thing to fall into the Serpent Queen's hands? It is bad enough that the thing has fallen into a necromancer's hands. Why should Rashemi blood be spilled to simply transfer the item from one abomination's hands into another's?"

He leans back in his throne and gazes at your group, perhaps looking for a more persuasive argument for his involvement in what he clearly sees as an alien affair.

[Erikkin]

Fizahn:

Fizahn's look cycle changes slightly to incorporate annoyance. His voice once more enters it's generally used sarcastic tones. "Yes, Aeroz. Thank you so much for listening carefully to all my suggestions and using them all to devastating effect. I am so glad that the Rashemen are allied with us now, and we can retire to a life of luxury. Look Aeroz, this man is a king. King! He's not going to listen to you just because you are using a deep gruff voice that is similar to an older brother. You need to convince him that he will benefit greatly from all this! Just give me a second." Fizahn looks at the king and swallows nervously. "Garl please don't let me doom us all." He takes a tiny step up and tries to force all the nervousness and fear out of his voice. "As I have not been personally approached by the serpent queen or nay of her vassals to forge an alliance, I would just like to point out that allying with her does not necessarily mean she will obtain the artifact. Furthermore, even if she does get it, she has no designs on your lands, being across the sea and everything, but Sethra obviously wants to conquer them. I believe that this has been indicated by the ghouls conquering one of your outposts. Also, I would like to say that yes, it will be necessary to combat Sethra underground. I know for a fact that his ghoul armies happen to be using the Underdark as passageways. They also don't need to rest while marching, unlike your soldiers who will eventually need to rest, I'm sure that they are strong enough to go many days without rest, but they will need to some time. His forces also increase with each of your brave and powerful warriors that he slays. The situation is much more dangerous than you believe it to be. I hope that goes over well. Did I throw in enough compliments? I probably could have thrown in more...

[Koji]

Khazrael

He gives a nod to Fizahn, and elaborates.

"You mentioned that Sethra had lost the element of surprise--I don't think he ever expected to have it. He knows that we are working against him, and he knows that we are in this area. I'm sure that he knew we'd be coming here. The fact that he didn't even see fit to stop us should indicate the confidence with which he approaches."

A slow grin spreads across his face as he changes tactics, appealing instead to the barbarians' attitudes toward conflict.

"Besides, isn't the best victory one in which you face a foe who thinks himself more powerful than you? Isn't one of the greatest thrills of battle to see the sneer of pride wiped from his face as you overwhelm him and drive him into the ground? Sethra hasn't stopped us because he believes we don't need to be stopped. He is counting on the fact that you will not work with the Serpent Queen. He's walking on thin ice, and it would take little more than a simple treaty to shatter it right under his feet."

[Matticus]

Grynde

His mouth opens slightly, but then he thinks better of it and stays silent.
Oh yes, an argument well made by Khazrael. Didn't they just say there were a lot of ghouls? More than enough to wipe out this Hlondeth and all these rashy men. They've got no hope either way. I just hope we get to rest soon.

[Dr._Bob]

The Iron Lord rubs his chin thoughtfully then smiles. His teeth are straight and white.

"Gnome and ... man-bird, you may have some good points buried within your attempts at glib flattery. But a few dozen ghouls do not an invading army make."

He holds up the scroll that had been taken from Aeroz, Elthan, and Callos.

"This scroll confirms at least some of your and the elf's words. Hlondeth is under siege by advance forces of the Army of Darkness, and the Serpent Queen believes that you may be able to deliver the key to saving her city, if Rashemen aids you."

"If the threat is as dire as you claim, then Rashemen must act, but before I commit the forces of my fyrra I will require proof that this necromancer of whom you speak truly threatens my people."

[namo]

Adalmar

He was disappointed by the (too) measured reaction of the Lord to his words. Sure, he hadn't asked directly for help, but he has no clue if he was entitled to speak for the whole of the Great Dale, and the ruler was smart enough to understand the implicit plea for help...

Then he realizes he was obsessing about the army in the Dale and forgot an element of great importance. He whispers to the closest person to him - which happen to be Tiriel : "The vampires ! We forgot about them !"

Trying to getting you to speak, kuja :smalltongue:

[blackfox]

Anika

Anika steps forward and bows deeply to the Iron Lord. "Your Lordship, I believe I may have the proof you require. While in Hlondeth, I and my two companions were hired by an elegant, mysterious masked woman. I can only assume she was Rashemi, as she had the same manner and accent of speech as Your Lordship's people. We were to retrieve the evil artifact known as the Kris of Sethra from a Thayan envoy also in Hlondeth. This Kris When we had acquired the artifact, we were to travel to Telflamm and wait until we were contacted there. We successfully gained the Kris and guarded it until we reached Telflamm. Along the way, chance brought Sheyra, one of the two last surviving heirs of Sarloc, ancient enemy of Sethra, to me and my companions. She was a refugee from the war in Mulhorand, and had managed to escape those who would abduct her and hold her for ransom. Although she and I eventually parted ways, we met again in Telflamm, after an arduous journey through the Underdark, where we were forced to travel by that same war between Mulhorand and Unther. In Telflamm, in Sheyra's home, we were contacted by a masked woman, but not the same one as before unless I miss my guess. When she removed her mask, she was the twin of Sheyra. Thinking she was a friend of our previous employer, we left the Kris with her, to be stored in her protective vaults. In return she gave us her mask and orders to go to a Rashemi hathran named 'Lady Yhelbruna,' who I assume was our previous employer. We were told to go to Your Lordship, and that Your Lordship would lead us to 'Lady Yhelbruna.' It was a grave mistake indeed, to have left the Kris with Sheyra, for it was not until we were well upon our way to Rashemen that we discovered that Sheyra had been possessed by the evil necromancer Sarloc, who had used his necromantic magic to store his soul in a fire opal before he died, and when his prison was opened, he transferred his soul into a living man, taking possession of the man's body and forcing the man's mind into the opal. He continued in this manner, abandoning one body and possessing another, until he came upon Sheyra. When he possessed her, he knew that she was the last descendent of his mortal enemy and believed his victory was assured. Sethra's undead minions, raised by his Kris, pursued us all the way to Your Lordship's esteemed country; we faced--and fled--vampires, armies of walking skeletons and corpses, ghouls, and even people that seemed human, but cast no shadow. We barely escaped with our lives by running away. Some of us, including one of my companions, did not even keep their lives.

"Sethra's army is extensive and powerful, and includes human (or not-so-human) magic-users as well as hordes upon hordes of undead. He has already conquered many well-defended cities, among them the elven city of Myth Drannor. Hlondeth, too, may soon fall. Sethra himself can invade a person's body and absorb their memories, to act as that person without detection, until a better host comes along. He might already have destroyed Sheyra and her twin, Sarloc's heirs, so as to make his victory complete for himself--victory in eventually conquering all of Faerun, and victory in finally destroying the last remnants of Sarloc's influence."

(OOC: Holy crap, long speech. Anika probably hasn't said this many words in a row in years. :smalleek: )

[Dr._Bob]

Anika's outburst is stunning to most of you, mostly because the reserved mistress-of-disguise has hardly ever spoken more than two or three words at a time for as long as you have known her. Lissa's eyes are as round as saucers and her mouth dangles open in amazement.

Anika's speech has an even more electric effect on the Iron Lord however. He sits upright, clenching his large hands into fists on the arms of his massive throne.

"The mask you speak of. Do you have it?"

When Anika produces the mask and hands it to a retainer who in turn passes it to the Iron Lord, the entire chamber erupts into angry shouts. The cries echo and are amplified by the arched vaults of the chamber, creating a deafening roar. Fists and weapons are raised, calling for blood.

"SILENCE!!!!"

The Iron Lord is on his feet, the Hlondethi scroll in one hand, the porcelain mask in the other.

Instantly, the several hundred assembled fyrra and their captains fall silent and drop to one knee.

"Send word to the Citadel and assemble the armies of the North. In three days, we go to war!"

On bended knee, the berserkers shout as one, "HUHRONG!" striking the shafts of their weapons on the floor. Once again, the room trembles.

Without another word, the Iron Lord sweeps out of the chamber, trailed by his honor guard.

The other Rashemi file out through various archways along the periphery of the chamber.

The Rashemi captain is again by your side. His manner has changed subtly. The tone of his voice remains firm, but is much more respectful. For the first time, he introduces himself.

"I am Sigurd Sigurdsson. Please come with me. You must be hungry and tired."

...

You are led to a dining hall. Long tables run the length of the hall. Colorful banners hang from the rafters.

A simple but hearty meal has been laid out for you - bread, cheese, cold meats, and wine.

Sigurd taps one of the bottles of wine. "Jhuild," he says with a smile and a wink towards Tryntha.

He then leaves you to eat and converse.

[King_of_GRiffins]

Elthan

Elthan does not put much of anything on his plate, in fact nothing at all, the thought of being silent throughout the proceedings enough to loss his appetite if the regret brought up from Tiriels words was not enough to already do so. There didn't seem as if there was much he could do to gain their forgiveness.

Observing the small amount of wine in cup, he looks down as he speaks, avoiding the gaze of his companions. "As weakly as that began, it ended rather well. That was.. very well done Anika," he says giving a quick glance to her before looking back at his cup again. "Callos, perhaps now would be a good time to take out those rings and examine them. Prozen mentioned each had some additional function."

[barawn]

Damian

When the furor breaks out at after Anika presents the mask, Damian instinctively ducks low behind Retay, his hand reaching to the scroll in his belt. He relaxes when the Rashemi file out of the room, but he still endeavors to keep insignificant.

He browses around and picks some of the food to eat, and then goes over to Aeroz. "Don't feel frustrated. You tried. I did try to warn that the Iron Lord would not want to believe what you were saying. At least it worked out for the best."

[kuja.girl]

Tiriel

Tiriel is surprised by her friend's long speech and proud as well. Anika's explanation was much better than anything she could have done. Tiriel can't help but sadly remember the events that have lead up to this place and the companions and friends that have perished along the way. When you break it down, all it took was getting a porcelain mask into the hands of the Iron Lord with a good explanation. I wonder what the mask, and the woman who wore it, means to them. Something important obviously.
Once the captain Sigurd, leaves Tiriel turns to Anika and hugs her in a rare show of affection and joy. "We did it! Now there's at least some hope."
ooc: cheesy post :P

[Naleh]

Retay

Retay watches Anika speak her piece in mild surprise, but is even more bewildered by the reaction. He instinctively reaches for the axe on his back, but stops short of drawing it.

As the Iron Lord sweeps out, Retay says, "Well... That was effective."

...

The barbarian sits down and tears into the food, eating like a starving animal. "Mmph... Vewy effeckive," he says through a mouthful of bread.

[blackfox]

Anika

Anika seems as surprised at her speech as everyone else is. She absently thanks Retay and Elthan, and heads over to the food on the table. She stacks a few slices of meat and cheese between two slices of bread and carries her food over to watch Callos examine the rings. "These rings must be magical if Elthan wants you to look at them; what are they supposed to do?"

A second question occurs to her, and she calls over to Tryntha. "Tryntha, why is the mask I had so important to the Iron Lord? I know nothing of Rashemi culture..."

[Kevka Palazzo]

Faluil

The wood elf, not having known Anika for very long in any of her aliases, was only somewhat surprised by her speech. What interested him, however, was the mask that held so much stock in Rashemi culture. He was about to ask Tryntha before Anika opened her mouth what significance it held, but held his tongue and helped himself to a piece of meat while waiting for her response.

[Erikkin]

Fizahn:

Fizahn smirks a little when the Iron Lord says his suggestion had merit, but his face looked glum aside from the self-confident smirk. This is not going according to plan. He shrugs as Anika steps up. "I gave it a try, you might as well." His jaw drops as she begins her long speech. She doesn't talk that much! I talk that much. It tries to drop further when the Iron Lord responds so quickly and passionately. "Well, we can't all have show-stopping trump card masks like that." He goes to eat dinner and sits next to Callos. He eats an extremely large quantity of food for someone of his size. His ears perk up and a roguish grin crosses his face as he hears Elthan mention 'rings' to Callos. "What's he talking about Callos? Perhaps a way to leave this place rich and prosperous, or at least less poor?"

[Koji]

Khazrael

Between tearing into the meat like an animal and guzzling copious amounts of wine, Khazrael has little room for words.

Oh, sweet nectar of life, how I've missed you!

[Matticus]

Grynde

He helps himself to the food, and tucks in with surprisingly good table manners. He ignores the others for the most part, focusing his attention on the wine and meat before him. But when they mention rings, he stiffens a little.
Rings? He swallows his mouthful.
Pray tell, good sirs, what rings be these? he says oddly politely.

[Naleh]

Retay

Retay starts, spilling wine down his front, and turns to stare (in between bites) at Grynde in bewildered silence.

This just gets stranger and stranger...

[namo]

Adalmar

Bewildered, he lets the clamor wash over him. He will certainly have to reevaluate his opinion of the quiet Katrina/Anika.

...

In between hearty bites of one of the best meals he's had in month, he tries his hand at the guessing game.

"Hathrans are part of the backbone of Rashemen. Healers," he nods at Tryntha "seers...

But for that tale to cause such an uproar... I can only imagine she must have been someone very important." Shrugging, he defers to Tryntha, wondering whether or not she will confirm his thoughts.

He generously pours wine for all his neighbours - he seems in a better mood than you've ever seen him. He's not overly interested in the rings.

[Darius]

Tanner Gondsman

Tanner continues to keep silent, praying to Gond for intervention. It grows more difficult when each member of the group continues to chime in, unwarranted. That is until Anika speaks. With the fervor instilled by the many-faced one, Tanner's will manages to keep him from whipping into a frenzy like the Rashemi, for he understands the significance of the mask all too well.

"Praise the Maker," Tanner says after the verdict is given by the Iron Lord.

After thanking Sigurd in his native tongue, Tanner waits for everyone to be seated before sitting himself. He breaks bread and wine with the others, listening intently to each of them. When the question of the mask and the Hathran is queried, Tanner adds, "The Hathran - or Witches of Rasheman as they are more commonly known - are powerful spellcasters. It is said that they are tied so closely to their homeland, that no force may best them when they are on their native soil. When the Sisters travel outside Rasheman, it is then when the ritualistic mask is worn to conceal their faces." Tanner chews for a moment in thought then considers, "Although I am no expert, I have heard talk of a group of Rashemi that are like night to the Hathran's day. They, too, wear masks, but unlike the Hathran, they deal with dark spirits. Either way, the mask presented does not bode well for the current situation."

Tanner washes down his food with a sip of the potent wine, "Now that we are safe...for the moment at least, what are everyone's plans? Granted, some of us may be conscripted into the service of the Iron Lord to perform some quest, but what is it each of you would like to do in the near future besides eat, rest, and identify rings?"

[Koji]

Khazrael

Khazrael slumps low in blissful repose, full for the first time in weeks and feeling the pleasant effects of a good amount of wine for the first time in much, much longer. He considers Tanner's question for a moment.

"Depends on how much time we get before we're called to action again. There's no way I'm gonna miss out on a chance to put a stop to Sethra and his allies if I can...especially his allies. Until then, I just want to cool my heels and pick up some new gear. I'm not exactly chilly, but people look at you funny when you walk in out of a frozen wasteland without so much as a shirt on your back."

He gives his wine a sip and furrows his brow.

"Thanks for pullin' our asses out of the fire, Anika. I was running out of ideas and starting to think he wasn't gonna listen to reason."

[Callos_DeTerran]

Callos

The necromancer just sort of shifted to the background as the others went to speak to the Iron Lord, it probably was for the best anyway since he was not the most...polite of individuals. But he did, rather courteously at that, turn down the hathran woman's invitation to examine his arm to try and heal it more.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

At the hearty feast Callos dug in with more then a little bit of relish. Breads and meats disappeared down his gullet with a startling ferocity but it didn't last too long either and soon enough he was leaning back in his chair with a content smile on his face, though a startled look came to his face when Elthan spoke up about the rings.

...Note to self, Elthan does not equal discrete...

So with a sigh he pulled himself more up right and looked around the table slowly as if to gauge everyone's reaction to the news of rings and takes note of them. Especially Grynde and Fizahn whom he glared at before growling out in a distinctly Lumpy-like fashion. "Keep your hands on the table Fizahn, I know how curious you gnomes can get and you wouldn't want to find something...unpleasant because it got the best of you."

Warning given, he sighed once more and reached to pull out the case he had carried from Hlondeth and set it on the table in front of himself. "Look, I really don't mean to give any offense but I've had too much experience with being betrayed since the Underdark so forgive me if I'm a bit paranoid. We were given a set of rings in Hlondeth that should repel Sethra's influence if he tries to possess the wearer and also holds another unknown ability as well. These could be a huge boon but with Sethra's habit of sleeping among us or of various people running off and getting killed or leaving, I don't think I can just hand these out not until I have seen someone's determination to see things through and that your...not unclean. That said, whats the harm in showing them? Please don't approach and make me edgy though, like I said it's nothing personal."

Pulling out the rings and opening the case.

[Koji]

Khazrael

Khazrael immediately mistakes Callos's meaning when he uses the word "unclean."

"Hrmph! you can keep 'em! How can we trust that they're even any good?"

[kuja.girl]

Tiriel

Tiriel joins the "feast," steadily making her way through generous portions of everything.
Rings. Rings, what rings? We should be trying to relax while we have the chance. But as much as she'd like to relax and ignore the building talk, Tiriel pays attention to the conversation at the other end of the table.

"Watch it Callos. Some of us have been in this longer than you have. So don't push it. Unless I read your intentions wrong, this isn't about who's better, or 'clean' or whatever. It's about who's personally willing to go face Sethra and his minions. And I don't think I need to reiterate my intentions to you."

ooc: "unclean" my foot! lol

[Erikkin]

Fizahn:

Fizahn assumes an expression of innocence. "Why Callos, you know I'd never do a thing like that! You're just typecasting anyway. Gnomes aren't all that inquisitive. Tell him Lissa." Fizahn waves his hands at Callos before carefully setting them on the table a good distance from the rings. He scowls as Callos mentions people running off, and he becomes immediately defensive. "You can't fault me for running off like that! We were in the Underdark, and it's dark and... ummm... under. Just like the name says! Plus there were fishy-men and grabbing stalactites! And it was big! And did I mention dark? Plus the screaming for help that could have easily been a gnome in trouble!"

[barawn]

Damian

Damian winces visibly when Tanner mentions "conscription." "This is why I hate wars with morals. I'm sure this will offend some here, but I don't risk my life for anyone for free."

He sighs. "Still, unless I miss my guess, the situation is more complicated than 'what are we going to do.' From our little speeches in there, it sounds like Rashemen is surrounded - the wastes on one side, and an encroaching army on another. Much as I would love the luxury of walking away if no one hires me, I think I'd be putting my life in just as much risk that way as well."

When Callos displays the rings, Damian looks over to him. "Callos, I know you haven't known me very long, and I can imagine that your opinion of someone whose loyalty is bought may be low - but let me explain one thing. Once I'm hired, my loyalty is absolute until my employment ends or my employer dies. Period. I could easily offer you references, although verifying them may be difficult given the current turmoil."

"And I'm built to make other people go away - quietly, or loudly. This isn't me being cocky. This is what I do. I eliminate threats. I don't doubt that Sethra is a powerful enemy - not in the least! - but I can guarantee that your chances would be improved with me along. I can hold my own against beasts such as we have faced - and those here can attest to that - but especially against a wielder of magic is where I come into my own."

[blackfox]

Anika

Anika glances over at Khazrael. "Whatever reaction I was expecting, it wasn't that. The point I meant to make was that Sethra's army could overpowerand already had overpowered some of the most powerful magically defended cities given enough time and that Sethra himself could possess people without others knowing he was there..." She looks back to Callos and his case of unidentified rings. "Mind if I watch?"

[Dr._Bob]

Tryntha wisely abstains from drinking the undiluted jhuild though several of the rest of you help yourselves to both the wine and the simple but savory food.

Those of you who imbibe the "firewine" soon find yourselves feeling quite inebriated after only the first goblet. Heat rushes to your faces (as well as other parts of your body) as your blood rises. Simultaneously, a pleasing numbness spreads to your limbs. The effect is quite heady, especially for those of you unaccustomed to this Rashemi brew.

Perhaps the jhuild also has an aphrodisiac effect as well, because soon Lissa and Achkby are off canoodling in a dark corner, and Desmona begins edging her chair closer to Tanner's, smoothing her hair back with her hands and lightly resting her hand on his shoulder as she talks and giggles.

...

Attempting to ignore the increasingly boisterous laughter from the more drunken members of the party, Callos pulls out a flat wooden case, lays it on the table and opens it gently.

The inside of the box is lined in green velvet. The case has been divided into nine sections (three by three). Seven rings lie in the case.

You notice an extremely gaudy, jewel encrusted ring on Callos' fourth finger of his one unwrapped hand. Elthan also wears a ring, though his is a simple copper band.

The other seven rings have the following appearance:

1. A black iron octagon
2. A cloisonne ring
3. A brass ring that appears to be a snake swallowing its tail
4. A gold band with three inset rubies
5. A leather loop tied in a square knot
6. A white gold ring with an inset black pearl
7. A ring of silver filigree in the shape of a dragonfly

All of the rings are magical and emit a strong aura of abjuration. There are also more subtle auras that can be detected though not clearly identified ...

[Koji]

Khazrael

Despite his earlier declaration of wanting little to do with the rings, Khazrael leans forward and eyes them greedily, perhaps fueled by the drink.

The silver dragonfly ring catches his eye, and a smile reaches for his wine-pinked cheeks.

"So all they do is keep Sethra out, or...?"

[Matticus]

Grynde

He looks at the brass snake, and giggles. That snakey's stupider than me he says, slurring his words a little. 'f'it weren't metal, it'd eat isself...

[namo]

Adalmar

Before he can indulge in the firewine, Tanner's question silences him for a while. He suddenly realizes he has never given any thought to what would happen after the warning was delivered. Focused like an arrow on Rashemen, he had somehow expected that the Dale's problems would be 'magically' resolved by his mighty cousins. He knows now it will not be so. Armies of undead, a necromancer and vampires, the so-called Baneson... If the Light is to shine again on his forest, every able man - and woman - will be needed.

He still has a choice : follow his companion's quest, or enroll in the Rashemen militia - his blood ties would see to him been accepted -, or return to his forest, protect the nearby towns and act as a spy until the liberation comes. His heart and his soul cannot agree on that decision.

So, full of candor, he directs his question at Tiriel and Anika, who suddenly seem the true core of the group : "How ? How do you mean to take on that necromancer that foiled you in the past when his power was at its lowest ?"

"If there is a way I can truly help you to banish Sethra, then this is what I wish to do. It just seems like an unreach... a very hard goal."

[King_of_GRiffins]

Elthan

Elthan lowers his gaze upon Grynde, the half-elf already in low regard, more so now for getting drunk (though not greatly lowered, as it seemed unavoidable for anyone with a full glass in this hall) and for not knowing what to Elthan was a simple symbol.

"That, my inebriated acquaintance, is an Ouroboros. The snake is eating itself, but can never finish; it is an impossibility. Hence it will keep eating itself forever. It represents the cyclic nature of things, or unity in that the snake is a complete construct now."

[Darius]

Tanner Gondsman


Perhaps the jhuild also has an aphrodisiac effect as well, because soon Lissa and Achkby are off canoodling in a dark corner, and Desmona begins edging her chair closer to Tanner's, smoothing her hair back with her hands and lightly resting her hand on his shoulder as she talks and giggles.


Tanner continues to eat to make sure his stomache is full and only takes small sips of the jhuild - having made the same mistake with the firewine that Grynde and the others had done when he first came to Rasheman. He finds it difficult to concentrate with Dez's advances towards him. Although flattering, Tanner is not one to take advantage of another individual. He likes Dez, and if under different circumstances, he would most likely act otherwise. However, Tanner merely flirts a bit politely with Desmona, but does not act upon any thing other than listening to the other's and watching the unveiling of the rings.

He is understanding of Damian's response. As a now former businessman, Tanner understands the business of the blade. Tanner has worked with mercenaries before, and Tanner has sold leather armors to undoubtedly evil men to be used for nefarious reasons. He would be a hypocrite if he were to judge Damian. However, Tanner is a bit disappointed in the response from the man he was really beginning to like, for he thought higher of Damian. Sighing and looking at Desmona as she gazes into Tanner's eyes and then to the covetous Callos and his rings and speech of the 'unclean', he thinks to himself, "I guess it is human nature."

After listening to the Callos' explanation of the rings, Tanner looks around the table (and in the corner of the room) and takes a mental head count. He counts fifteen since he includes himself and excludes Grynde. "It seems we are in a quandary, for there are nine rings and fifteen pairs of hands. If these rings insure protection from domination by this Sethra, then it would be prudent to have those that choose to stop him directly wear them. The problem lies in what should the rest do? Since I did not have a hand in acquiring the rings, I shall not try to sway Callos or any other member of the original group in how I believe this situation should be handled."

[Diarmuid]

Tryntha

The Rashemi woman bit her lip and gathered her skirts into her fists nervously as she watched the audience with the Iron Lord slipping away from the group. Perhaps she had been wrong about these people. She did not feel comfortable discussing these matters based solely on the stories provided by the others, and these new people who knew the rest seemed to have even more, recent information.

As Anika spoke up, her hope once again rose. She knew the Iron Lord had only the safety of Rasheman in his heart, but she had learned their inward way of thinking was not always the best. There was a big world outside their borders, and like it or not, the happenings out there could and would impact their corner of the land.

At the appearance of the mask and the talk of a Hathran, Tryntha's attention become focused.


[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]


The breath she had been unconcsiously holding is released at the reaction of the Iron Lord, though she is concerned with the expedience of his decision. Anything that could move him to act so abruptly must be dire indeed.

She followed the group to the dining hall and thanked Sigurd graciously for their service. She beckoned him to bring any of his men who had been injured during their journey to her and she would tend them as best she could. At the smile and wink regarding the wine, a slight knowing inclination of her head was all a response she gave.

The smells and sights of the food reminded her of the hard travelling and flavorless food they had eaten for the last days. She also partook generously of the food, but steered clear of the potent firewine. She knew she would need her wits about her in time, and wanted them to be at their full faculty.

"I have some suspicions regarding the mask, but I would like to think on the further and perhaps consult with some of my sisters. Anika...I must commend you. I feared that the Lord's help grew further and further away, but you were able to bring him back to the path. Well done."

Raising her glass of water, she offered a traditional Rashameni salute to the other woman.

When Callos began talking and brought out the rings, Tryntha remembered something she had meant to do earlier.

"Callos, you mentioned earlier that your arm had been injured and you had tended it yourself. No offense intended, but I would probably be better suited to tending the wound. Would you like me to take a look for you?"

[kuja.girl]

Tiriel

Tiriel watches the antics of her sloshed compaions with amusment, glad that she stopped drinking the wine after a few sips. Her attention is called back to those still in command of their senses by Adalmar's question and Callos opening the ring box.

Tiriel frowns at Adalamar's words. She knows that what lays ahead was hard, almost impossible, and deadly. And yet, she'd spent the better part of a year* faced with the same circumstances and she was still in one piece.
"I'm not going to deny that we've taken on what seems an impossiple job. Even though we turned over the Kris to Sethra in ignorance, Anika and I both feel some responsibility, and guilt, for what happened.
"Now that the East has been warned, the necromancer has to be dealt with. He's not the only one causing trouble, but if Sethra is taken out, well. That'd throw their plan entirely to hell.
And I still have some unfinished business with a certain vampire."

Tiriel glances at the rings. Some display very fine work while others seem less refined. She doesn't really know anything about gems, but the cloisonne one catches her eye before she looks up to see how Callos will deal with this second offer of help. What the hell did he do, and why won't he let the cleric see it?

[* ooc: I think it's been @ least a year in game since Tiriel, Katrine and Si'rene stole the kris]

[Erikkin]

Fizahn:

Fizahn ignorantly drinks the jhuild. Due to his short stature and gross underestimation of the taller gnome-oids watered down drinks, he is quickly drunk. He looks at Tryntha as she offers Callos healing and looks at Callos's arm. "I'm sure it's fine. Callosish a very smart invidshooul. He knows magicy. I'm shure he knows medishin-ing." He once more raises his glass to his lips and drinks some more jhuild. He sets his glass down hard and looks at Elthan. "Thash good stuff. More stronger than I thot. Shudent drinkit. Gotshtuh keep yurwitsaboutchoo. Grynde dun worry. He ain't gotno witsh ta begin wif."

[namo]

And I still have some unfinished business with a certain vampire."

"Me too." interjects Adalmar firmly, thinking back on his deserted birth town.

Then he relaxes ; the worried creases on his face disappear as he takes a sip of jhuild. He smiles across the table at Fizahn.

So it'll be stumbling blindly in the dark... Well, that's what I did in the Underdark, and I survived, if barely.

[Callos_DeTerran]

Callos

Being patient was a virtue and Callos was happy for a healthy supply of the stuff as a barrage of questions and accusations made against his person in looks and actual words. He was about to open his mouth to respond to Khaz's abrupt decline of the rings when Tiriel spoke up about an idle thing he had mentioned.

"I think we need a common definition of the word 'unclean' here, I mean someone with the taint of Sethra embedded into them. Not some other form of taint inside of them, otherwise Elthan probably wouldn't have one or even myself." He said with a tired sigh and shake of his head as his mind moved unto what the scruffy looking man flirting with the woman was saying. "There does seem to be a problem with less rings then there are people and taking someone unprotected into battle with Sethra is just begging for him to escape and swap bodies once more, but as far as I know theres no reason we can't replicate the...blocking properties into other rings with the proper craftsman. As for the special abilities of each ring...I have no idea what each one does and I haven't had any time at all to study them. Just got them after all. And you shouldn't jump to conclusions about me pointing fingers Fizahn, I was referring to those already passed on from this group, not you specifically."

Narrowed eyes gazed around the table as more and more people began to peer at the rings and they kept darting around swiftly to ensure that nobody would be trying to swipe one away from the box when he wasn't looking. Of course he had every reason to trust some of them but like he had said...he had been gone for a time and he had no way of knowing what had transpired since then. Though it was curious that he gave an understanding look at Damian and a nod of his head, he knew how the mercenary system worked...not that he had any money to pay the guy but he knew there was supposed to be honor inherit to the whole process though if he was the wrong type he might just take any offered money and run off with it.

Then a somewhat...irate glance over at the woman offering to take a look at his arm and gave a disgruntled groan. Pesky inquisitive nature. Fine fine, I'll let you take a look at it later in private, but try not to tamper too much. There are some very fine and delicate workings there that I don't want disturbed but I understand the need for an...expierenced healer to make sure it hasn't gotten infected...I thought it was just fine since it stopped bleeding...you are expeirenced...right?" He questioned a bit uneasily as he took the mug of fire wine and looked down at it with a wary eye. Just what did they put in this stuff? Well...best to drink his fill later once the important matters had been completed but he took a hearty sip to see how it tasted.

[Kevka Palazzo]

Faluil

Faluil considered himself a connoisseur of strange liquors, having been a traveler for nearly half a century. In his time he had come to learn that drinking them before you knew what they did to you was foolish and stupid. So he refrained from touching the firewine but made a mental note to get some before he left.

Perhaps when this business is settled I can find Melrya and we can have a little meal with the stuff. He paused, then winced. Best not get too far ahead of myself. I have to help these people. Dirty necromancers.

He stayed quiet while everyone bickered about the rings and the human mage's character, merely stealing a quick sip from a glass of the wine. Then the mage mentioned his "delicate" arm and a red flag raised itself in his mind.

A note was quickly formed and filed into the back of his mind to be wary of this one, At this rate I will be distrustful of everyone, hmm?.

He spoke, then.

"New friends...I want you to know that I volunteer my services to this cause, this Necromancer Hunt. But in the interest of trust, I should tell you that my reasons are not vengeance for my home of Myth Drannor. I want to do this for the good of Faerun. That and I believe necromancers to be a blight and a threat to good."

[Dr._Bob]

Tiriel tries to recall how long it has been since that fateful trip to Hlondeth. She and her companions had spent so much time on the run through the Underdark that she realizes that she isn't quite sure exactly what the date is anymore.

During a lull in the conversation, she leans over towards the Rashemi healer. "May I ask you a question? When is it exactly right now?"

If Tryntha finds the question odd, she does not let it show on her face. "The claws of cold are ending and we are about to enter the sunsets ..."

Tiriel has to translate Tryntha's colloquial description into the usual Harptosian months.

Our journey began in Eleint, and we celebrated Highharvestide in Velprintalar. Somewhere in the Underdark we lost Marpenoth, Uktar, and Nightal. I think we surfaced sometime in Hammer, and seem to have spent Alturiak on road ... and now here we are, about to start Ches. Amazing. Spring will be here soon.




OOC: The campaign began in "September" of 713, and we are about to enter "March" of 714.

[Naleh]

Retay

Retay's cheeks are pink, but with so much muscle to absorb the jhuild, he still has his wits. Well, some of them.

"Haha! Cann'bal snake!" he laughs boisterously. "Tha's worth its weight in brass, at least... Wait, it is brass."

As the conversation turns, he grows more solemn. His words are still slurred, but he seems to know what he's saying as he declares, "You may no' know me well, bu' believe me when I say dis: 'slong as you oppose the necromancer, I'll follow you t'the end."

I will let it happen to noone else... Oooh, shiny.

[Matticus]

Grynde

He downs an entire cupful of the wine in one, spilling quite a bit - His impeccable manners have gone to hell - Then refills his vessel.
Hey he pesters, Hey, likkle man, Fizzy, yeh, yoo. He seems to struggle with himself for a moment, obviously thinking, before he continues. I wouldn't really've cut choo in two. Mebbe jus' one an' a half... Or three....But you shaid not nice shtuff. And people who shay mean shtuff get beated by me he punches the air twice, before promptly falling sideways off his seat.
I'm fine! Gerroffme! he struggles with nothing for a moment, before giving up and sitting back down.
He glances lopsidedly at Elthan. Inbreditatted ackwhat? That'd better not've bin mean...

[Frojoe21]

Aeroz

Taking a few casual sips of the jhuild every once in a while, Aeroz surveys the new additions to the group. At every stop this little party of theirs seemed to grow. It may even turn itself into an army if this keeps up. However, on the thought of the new members came memories of the loss of old ones. However, this wasn't a time for moping.

He drinks more of the firewine, and finds himself a little more inebriated then he first expected. Aeroz hadn't been talkative through most of the journey. Perhaps the events that passed since that night at that tavern - what was it again? The Black Bat or something? - had passed.

As the alcohol coursed through his system, a song from a long time ago comes to his head.


From evening to morning
and morning to evening
I wanna drink
something stronger than a man
From evening to morning
and morning to evening
I wanna drink
cause that's what I am

Unaware that he is doing it, he begins humming the tune, even making the occasional mumble that sounds like a lyric.

[Diarmuid]

Tryntha

Tryntha had been sitting on the edge of her chair, leaning towards Callos when she made her request. Warmth and sincerity had been painted across her face.

At his response, a quick look of sadness and disappointment is replaced by a calm contentment as Tryntha settles back in her chair, and responded in a flat, deflated voice,

"I have been trained in many of the healing arts, both mundane and magical. If you require further assurances of my skill, you should be able to get first-hand accountings of my healing from some of your companions who were unfortunate enough to be caught in the avalanche with my caravan."

Her head sagging onto her shoulders a bit, she continues in a softer tone,

"In case it is not obvious to you from my accent and my attire, these are my homelands. My Lord has decreed that Rasheman will summon its warriors to beat back this horde. I will go as he decrees, but I would help you nonetheless, for it is the right thing to do. But...even were it not the right thing to do...I would seek to bring peace to the spirit of my fallen sister-to-be whose mask you have brought back to our lands. For this our people owe you a debt of gratitude, and I would take it upon myself to repay this debt to you. Along with my training in the healing arts, I also can channel energies that are quite potent in fighting the undead. Perhaps these powers will be useful in dealing with the minions of a potent necromancer."

[kuja.girl]

Tiriel

Tiriel had been harboring an idea in the back of her mind ever since they'd emerged from their most recent foray into the Underdark. She wasn't sure if they'd be able to take Lissa back with them since no one knew if the vampire's "homing beacon" had worn off. Sure, the mark had left, but it hadn't been visible in the first place. Traveling back into the mess they'd just left was bad enough, bringing something that shouted, "here we are!" was just stupid.
Having watching Lissa and Ackhby drunkenly wander off had convince Tiriel that leaving Lissa, and Ackhby, behind might not be such a bad idea. If two people had found happiness in the mess, then they should have a chance to enjoy it together.

"We'd be honored to have you join us, if the Iron Lord agrees, Tryntha. We'll need the help and support of someone with your skills."

[Koji]

Khazrael

As the evening passes, Khazrael grows more and more relaxed. He finally seems like he's in his element. He jokes and tells amusing stories of his youth in Marsember, and his eyes shine with a light that had started to go out in the weeks spent in the frozen snow. He occasionally moves from seat to seat in order to talk to everyone, but seems to stick fairly close to Tiriel and Anika.

At length, he returns the discussion to the rings.

"So Callos, how about we give these rings a try? I'll volunteer to be the guinea pig if I can use the silver bug one. I bet they do something besides just keeping necromancers at bay."

[Darius]

Tanner Gondsman

Tanner watches and listens to the other conversations but does little to join them. He seems to be deep in thought. Strange, he thinks to himself, although an outsider to Rasheman, my home has become here. But now, with all of my possessions gone, my business will no longer function. It seems I am faced with the ogre's choice...die quickly or die slowly. I have proven useful to this group, but Tryntha has shown herself to be capable. What it boils down to is this, Gond, where (other than you) do my loyalties lie? Are they to myself? my business? or these people? Although there is promise among them, he looks at Damian, it always seems to be tainted in one fashion or another. Tanner looks at the rings and eventually to Grynde. Gond, I leave it to you. You have molded me and have tempered my soul; my fate is in your hands.

[barawn]

Damian

The casual atmosphere brewing as the alcohol seeps into the others' brains seems somewhat to set Damian on edge, and he tends to hug more towards the walls. Brooding, almost. His offer to Callos - and somewhat to the others - was simple, yet he still had a nagging feeling they wouldn't take him up on it. Ethics. Beh.

This was a problem. The encroaching army meant there was no easy escape. The ensuing war would mean there would be little call for his services outside of the war itself. The Iron Lord was far too proud to ever stoop to offering payment.

There was a bigger problem surfacing, however. Tanner's frown hinted at that. These were decent people - well, for the most part; Grynde could be tossed from a cliff with little distinction, and no one seems to particularly like Elthan. They believed in the importance of their mission. He... wouldn't want to betray them.

But what did they expect from him? Who did they think he was? He never presented himself as anything other than what he was: for sale. Did they expect him to care about this country? About this world? Did they even know what this world thought of him?

He stole a glance over to Khazrael. Both outcasts. But Khazrael seemed to care. Why? What did he care if these nations fell?

There it was again. That nagging feeling that something was wrong with him because of the way he was.

Beh again. Oh well. Worry about it later. "Hey, Fizahn," he calls over to the drunken gnome. "You never said whether or not you'd teach me gnome. You sound too drunk to lie to me now, and you're probably more than willing to give away some of the more colorful bits."

[Erikkin]

Fizahn:

Fizahn looks at Damian as the spellthief addresses him. He blinks a few times as the other man's words slowly work their way through his muddled head. A broad grin splits his face as the words finally make sense to him. "Oh yah, yah, I'll teachya the best langidge. It takesh times though. I'll teashchsh ondaway to Shethrash housey." He pauses for a second before releasing a string of gnomish curses. "Thos're the good bitsh though."

[Callos_DeTerran]

Callos

Perhaps I was a bit sharp with her... Callos thought to himself as he viewed the disappointed look on her face and rubbed his good hand across the stubble on his cheeks and chin. What to do about it was...simple enough to figure out...if the girl was older...among other things...hmmm...maybe it wasn't so simple.

"I'm sorry if I'm testy but a lot of work has gone into what I've done and...inexperienced tampering could ruin all of it, and what I've done is not something I want to repeat. I've seen many a 'healer' whos methods are on par with a village butcher so I'm a little leery about clerics I don't entirely know yet." Callos said a bit sheepishly as he took another forkful thoughtfully and swallowed before opening his mouth to speak again, something most people would argue is what got him into these situations in the first place. "Please, I had nothing to do with the negotiations or bringing the mask here so you really don't owe me personally anything. In fact I may owe you since I feel we may have been able to prevent her unfortunate demise. If you don't mind, may I ask what deity do you give praise to? Most healers who can also deter the undead have some connection to the divine and I find the subject of religion to be fascinating."

Then he paused to look over towards Faluil to give a slow and, purposefully, creepy smile. The only other time he had done that was to try and freak out a town guard when he had been in a particularly playful mood. "We necromancers have to know what source to tap into and how best to utilize it. Being a blight of Faerun isn't easy after all."

That may have been too much...

"Listen, don't think all necromancers are out to slaughter villages or destroy all that is wholesome. Some of us are fighting to prove that theres other use for such energies and spells after all. And Khaz...I would but I don't quite know how to activate the rings. Not yet anyway."

[Koji]

Khazrael

Khazrael sticks out his tongue at Callos's dismissal. "How are you supposed to learn if you don't give it a try?"

[blackfox]

Anika

Anika, for once, is more talkative than usual. "Khazrael, I've heard of some magical rings or bracers or other enchanted stuff that's cursed, so that when someone puts it on, it makes them weak or stupid or clumsy, and they can't take it off. Callos' contact seems to need him though, so that's unlikely. But what if the ring could shoot fireballs at people? You wouldn't want to set that off accidentally in here."

[Koji]

Khazrael

Khazrael gives a sigh and pouts. "Oh, alright. It's just that the anticipation is killing me."

He grins.

"That's a complete lie. I just like the bug ring is all. I guess we can wait...is there a way to use, like, magic to see what exactly they do?"

[Dr._Bob]

Khazrael hovers above the box of rings, his nose less than an inch from the filigree dragonfly.

"It looks like something is written on the inside of the ring," he observes.

Elthan takes off the plain copper band he had slipped on in Hlondeth. There is a word inscribed inside his ring in draconic - sjach, which means "shadow".

Callos works the ornate, gem encrusted ring off of his finger and finds the word, levethix, or "wizard".

"Did you choose the rings, or did the rings choose you?" giggles Desmona before slumping forward, her forehead striking the table with alarming force, almost knocking over her half-empty goblet of jhuild.

[barawn]

Damian

Damian walks over to Khazrael and Callos when they begin glancing over the rings. "That depends. Identifying magic items can be expensive, plus with that many, you'd pretty much need a few days to kill. Much as you're enthusiastic about it, though, Khazrael, I can help, too. I've got a knack for getting magic items to work even when they're not supposed to. Magic seems to like me more than others. No clue why."

"Maybe we should see what the others read, though. Nine, though? There were only three of you who arrived. Did you let them know about the others in your party?"

[Dr._Bob]

Aeroz shrugs. "We had a spy among us. The inspector knew all about us without our having to say a word, though I daresay he doesn't know about you."

Tiriel is drawn to the cloisonne ring, while Elthan, Grynde and Retay eyeball the copper snake. Khazrael finally picks up the silver dragonfly. It is light in his hand.

Off in a corner, Elthan puts the copper ring back on and whispers "sjach" to himself. He is immediately cloaked in shadowy darkness. Whispering the command word again, he terminates the effect. The half-elf returns to the table.

[Darius]

Tanner Gondsman

After witnessing Desmona pass out, Tanner says to Tiriel, "Tiriel, would you mind assisting Desmona to a room where she may rest more comfortably?" He helps her up and inspects Dez's forehead to make sure no healing is required.

Tanner will then get up and walk past Damian and Fizahn and say gruffly, "Just so you know, Damian, the going rate for language tutoring in gnomish is one gold a word. Perhaps some bartering contract could be made to trade your services for Fizahn's language?" Tanner gives a knowing look at Fizahn before moving on.

He will then take the opportunity to approach Sigurd or some other Rashemi in the area and inquire about getting a weapon or two and a buckler or light shield having lost everything and only having a club for a weapon. After which, Tanner will return to his shop to start the close-up process.

[Callos_DeTerran]

Callos

Hmm...looks like a command word to me...is it voice-activated or can it be done with thought alone?

Curiousty was beginning to flourish in his mind once more as he turned his attention to the jewel encrusted ring and began to idly turn it around and around on his finger. Looking around for a...relatively open and unpopulated area (Or the ceiling if theres an opening to the sky) Callos pointed his ringed hand at the spot and muttered softly.

"Levethix"

[barawn]

Damian

Damian frowns slightly as Tanner passes. Smart-alec cleric. "That's all right. I'll just let him keep that bolt, and we'll call it even."

"Nine..." The word drifts as he looks around the room, counting. "That seems right - assuming Fizahn got excluded for being presumed dead."

[kuja.girl]

Tiriel

Tiriel draws her attention away from the box to glance at the passed out form of Desmona. "I would but I don't know where to put her Tanner. And besides, she's not doing any harm here. We might as well leave her until we know where to go. I don't think drunk guests are our host's highest priority right now."

Tiriel glances at Callos and raises an eyebrow as she reaches for the cloisonne ring, waiting to see if he'll stop her. When he doesn't she examines it, curious as to what exactly it may do.

[Koji]

Khazrael

Khazrael picks up the ring and slips it on his hand. He admires it for a moment before slipping it off and reading the word along the inside. Fascinated by the possibility of being conferred with some power, he resolves to test the ring out immediately.

[Erikkin]

Fizahn:

"Well ahm na dead, am I?" Fizahn says to Damian with a laugh. "I'll justtake Ackbee's. He proven he'sh a gnomelover." Fizahn slurs out before reaching over and reaching for the white gold ring with the black pearl. He examines it a second before pocketing it. "I'm gonna goeshtobed now. Takeiteasyeverybuddy." Fizahn stumbles out of the room and asks the nearest person where his quarters are. At least, that's what the person assumes he asked.

[blackfox]

Anika

Anika glares at Elthan in annoyance. "I want the ring you have. Do you know how useful that would be to me?" Anika hastily palms the ring Fizahn had reached for and scans the inside for a word.

[namo]

Adalmar

Belatedly realizing one of the rings may have been intended for him, he looks thoughtfully over the remaining ones. He reaches out hesitantly at first, then suddenly with more deliberation, to grasp the leather loop. Stop second-guessing yourself ! There will always be time to put it back if...

Diligently imitating the others, he looks for inscriptions on the ring (if he can't read the word, he'll request Callos' assistance), then to tries put it on.
"If we can't get them to work, we could politely ask the Hathrans to analyze them for us."

[Dr._Bob]

Callos steps back away from the table, then points his finger towards a clerestory window up above, and speaks the command word. The five multicolored gems sparkle in the lamplight. Nothing else happens.

Meanwhile, Tiriel chooses the cloisonne ring, admiring its fine workmanship. The design is intricate with bone white, blood red, and celadon green sections. Etched inside the ring is the draconic word, ixen.

Khazrael can't wait any longer. "Austrat!" he calls out. Immediately, the dragonfly's wings begin to vibrate. Khazrael, too, begins to vibrate until his outline becomes blurry and indistinct.

Anika looks jealous after seeing the effects of Khazrael's and Elthan's rings. She is just about to reach for the white gold ring with the black pearl when Fizahn reaches for it.

Determined not to lose out for a third time, Anika swipes the ring out from under Fizahn's hand. Hardly noticing, the gnome instead pockets the gold ring with the three inset rubies.

Smiling to herself, Anika inspects the black pearl ring. "Virlym" is inscribed inside.

Not to be left ringless, Adalmar takes the leather loop. Embossed inside the knotted string - "Osvith."

Left unclaimed are the iron octagon and the brass snake.

[Frojoe21]

Aeroz

"Hey...hey...the rings...I want one...stupid Prozen...taking mah sword..."

Moving towards where the rings are located, Aeroz snatches the iron octagon and examines it closely.

[barawn]

Damian

Damian laughs at Anika's frustration at Elthan's ring choice. "How useful it would be? Anika, you can already pretty much disappear without a trace even if someone was staring right at you! You should be asking for Tiriel to have it. She's the one who tends to stand out a bit on occasion."

"Callos, you might want to try casting a spell or having a spell cast on you. The ring says wizard. It probably has something to do with spells."

[King_of_GRiffins]

Elthan Moonshadow

Elthan seems more than a bit perplexed with how to answer Anika's question, keeping his mouth open as if to speak before having the question answered for him. With a short sigh of relief, he adds, "Damian (it is Damian, right?), is correct. You already can become invisible at your own will, so it would be redundant if you were to wear it. I would like to continue wearing it; It... has part of my name on it," he says, realizing just how silly a reason that was. He stutters a bit before claiming a better reason to cover up the previous, "Besides, if I could go invisible, I might... Be able to sneak around and provide you with some... arcane support?"

Shortly after speaking, Elthan regains his calm. Why was he humbling himself for her? He barely talked to her previously, she was not that intimidating, and he had no reason to flatter her by holding back some of his words. It didn't quite make sense, but he ignores it and breaks his own silence by clearing his throat.

"If you require, I can give you the proper pronunciation and translation of the draconic scribe on the ring. It might be a simpler method to discovering their purpose than trying to activate what could be potentially harmful to bystanders."

[Matticus]

Grynde

Screw this he thinks, and reaches out for the brass snake ring, snatching at it quickly, with one hand readied to stop anyone trying to prevent him from taking it.
"I want the shtoopid shnake..."

[namo]

Adalmar

He is very tempted to accept Elthan's offer, but he could never bring himself to ask something of the murd... half-elf.

So, he takes a few (unsteady) steps away and extending his forearms in front of him, palms upwards, he pronounces "Osvith", then remembers to try and imitate the draconic accent : "Oss-vith".

Only later does it occur to him that he condoned a certain partition of the group simply by picking up a ring...

[Naleh]

Retay

The barbarian sits back, letting the others worry about the rings for now. There were only nine, so Retay didn't expect anyone would let him keep one. Perhaps, he thinks, still somewhat drunk, when I help to chase down this 'Sarthra', they'll decide I deserve one... Besides-- "Hey!" he says, as Grynde snatches the last ring. "Dat's no' feryou! Dey're ferdese udder people, no' ferrus caravanners!"

[barawn]

Damian

Damian glares at Grynde when he reaches for the ring, but does not move toward him - instead, he speaks in a calm voice. "That's theft, you know. And you happen to be surrounded by the local law enforcement. I'd suggest giving it back and letting them decide what to do with it. Otherwise we'll have to enlist their aid. And you can imagine how they'd feel about someone stealing from their honored guests."

He sighs. "Besides, Grynde. You wouldn't be able to keep it. Several of us here would easily be able to take it without you ever noticing, and if worst came to worst, Khazrael could simply cast a spell on you again. Or we'd just have Retay chop your hand off."

Idiot. Anger people when they're drunk. That's always a good idea.

[Callos_DeTerran]

Callos

"It'd be very ill-advised for my to simply start throwing spells around willy-nilly in here to see what the ring does considering that most of my dweomers are destructive or detrimental in nature, not to mention some require I be aiming at a living target to even see an effect." Callos sighed regretfully as he spun the ornate ring around on his finger and looked back down to the table...

...Just in time to see Grynde reaching for the brass snake. Sure he was drunk...maybe it was just a cover though and he wasn't going to take chances. "You'll stop your hand, or I'm going to use you as a experiment for my own ring and I don't want to cause a ruckus in here. You want to try this again, later when we're in private and no one can stop us, then be my guest and we'll see who has the ring then but for now return to your seat. I only have one way of subduing you non-lethally and nobody wants to see an out-of-shape necromancer attempt beating a drunk person until he passes out, agreed?" He said in a friendly tone of voice, forcibly shutting the box and moving it just out of Grynde's easy reach. If the half-elf kept reaching for it though, then it meant he wasn't going to be deterred so easily from his course. To lighten the mood some, he glances over at Tiriel and asked politely "What does yours say?"

[kuja.girl]

Tiriel

"No clue. It's just a bunch of squiggles to me. Here, you read it." She says handing Callos the ring and giving Grynde a disgusted glance.

(ooc: stupid Draconic has it's own alphabet.)

[blackfox]

Anika

Anika answers Elthan without looking at him: "I can't hide in the shadows in broad daylight, Elthan. Callos, what does the inscription on this ring mean?"

[Darius]

Tanner Gondsman

Since no one said anything to stop him (or to him for that matter), Tanner leaves.

[Matticus]

Grynde

Immune to the glares of others in his current state, he stares indignantly at Callos, as if he'd done nothing wrong.
But I want the shnake!

[Dr._Bob]

Tanner looks a bit miffed as he stomps out of the dining hall. Ever since the avalanche he has not received even the most basic courtesy and respect, much less the deference and awe a warrior-priest of his stature deserves.

He is escorted to a guest room. His attendant assures him that weapons, armor, and gear will be provided in the morning.

...

Tryntha whispers a prayer to Bhalla as tensions rise as Grynde provokes the other party members. Tempers flare, fueled by the jhuild. Staying out of the argument for the moment, the Rashemi healer tends to Desmona, easing her onto a fur lying near one of the hearths.

...

The rings and their current possessors are as follows:

Simple copper band (Elthan) - sjach - "shadow"
Ornate ring with five gems (Callos) - levithix - "wizard"
Cloisonne ring (Tiriel) - ixen - "fire"
Silver filigree dragonfly (Khazrael) - austrat - "fly"
White gold ring with black pearl (Anika) virlym - "thief"
Gold ring with three inset rubies (Fizahn) - ?
Leather loop (Adalmar) - osvith - "flee"
Iron octagon (Aeroz) - vargach - "battle"
Brass snake (Grynde) - ?

Callos shares this information with those who are not familiar with the draconic alphabet or phonetics. Elthan is also willing to translate, but the half-elf is given the cold shoulder by most of his former companions.

...

As soon as Adalmar utters his ring's command word, everyone begins to move with unnatural slowness. Even Callos' eyeblinks seem to last for seconds at a time, and it is hard for the ranger to understand the slowed, deepened speech of his angry companions as they turn on Grynde nearby. Worried, Adalmar speaks the command word again, and everything returns to normal.

"Well?" asks Callos. "Did anything happen?"

[kuja.girl]

Tiriel

Tiriel looks at the ring thoughtfully as she takes it back from Callos and slips it over her right ring finger. "Looks like I got one of the ones that shouldn't be tested inside." She glances Grynde, noticing that he'd managed to take the snake ring. She doesn't want to usurp Callos, but the half-elf should not have been allowed to take the ring, much less before the command word had been examined.

Tiriel walks over to Damian and speaks in a soft voice. "Do you think you could get that ring back from Grynde? The last thing we need is for the smart ass to start causing trouble.
"Um. I can pay you if you'd like."

[barawn]

Damian

Damian walks over and stands near Callos, continuing to address Grynde. "I want all of your gold, too, but that doesn't give me the right to take it. It's their ring. It's their right to decide who gets it. Don't be an idiot. Although somehow I doubt waking up in a prison cell after drinking too much is uncommon for you, you don't want to experience it here."

"Just... think, Grynde. You couldn't hold on to an entire gnome with brute force. You're not going to be able to hold onto that ring. Plus," and he gesticulates somewhat exaggeratedly towards Retay, "he's huge! Do you really want to tick off the huge guy with an axe?! When he's drunk?"

"I mean, seriously. If you really want the ring, at least wait until morning when everyone's sober to take it."

[Matticus]

Grynde

Grynde stands still, trying to comprehend what Damian said.
The gnome wash wearing a jacket...I don't fink thish ring ish. You have a point, though he looks towards Retay Mmkay. Take yer shilly ring. But at leasht tell me what it shays. He holds the ring out for Damian to take, standing rather shakily on account of the alchohol.

[barawn]

Damian

"On my honor. I'll tell you." Damian quickly grabs the ring when Grynde holds it out. He briefly holds it up and glances at the inscription on the inside before handing it back to Callos.

Looking over to Tiriel, his eyes open a bit when she says "pay." "I wouldn't ask for payment for something like that, considering I had no intention of putting myself in harm's way. But I appreciate the offer. And if you want to discuss further employment, I'd be more than willing to listen. But I'm not sure how much you've had to drink, and I only negotiate with sober clients."

"... Also, as a point of interest for the future, it seems that the easiest way to deal with Grynde is to threaten him with a very large axe."

[namo]

Adalmar

He blinks a few times. "You were all... you were..." He struggles to find the right words. "You all slowed down. I don't know, or maybe I became faster than time... somehow..." He's aware he's not making much sense, but the jhuild has started to cloud his mind. He still takes one sip more.

He did see Tanner exit the room, his dissatisfaction plain. Briefly excusing himself from the company, he catches the priest before he retires for the night. There the alcohol comes in handy, loosing his tongue.
"Listen, it's not that we don't value you. We do - at least, I do. It's just... You won't hear compliments from those people, nor will they invite you. They're strong and proud, or perhaps too distrustful, or perhaps too disenchanted. Or a mix of those...

And what they... we have been through... The Underdark..." - he shudders, briefly - "I guess what I'm saying... is don't judge too fast... And that goes either way..." Lissa's cold cold eyes appear in his vision, she's ready to murder Elthan on the spot - again. "Anyway, good luck."

If the priest doesn't answer, he purposefully stumbles* back to the main hall, taking deep breaths to try and clear his head.

* Not sure if that's possible !

[Naleh]

Retay, aforementioned 'huge guy with axe'

Retay looks taken aback at Damian. Then, ever so slowly, his face splits into a wide grin.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm big, an' I got annaxe! I'm der wormslayer, an' I could be der Grynde-slayer if yer touch udder people's wings!" He looks quite pleased with himself. He drains another goblet if jhuild.

A few moments later, with surprising grace, he slides off his chair and crashes to the floor. He follows up with a resounding snore.

[Dr._Bob]

Damian takes the brass snake ring and careful not to wear it, reads the inscription aloud - darastrix - "dragon".

Lissa and Achkby, who are now peeping over the edge of the table, climb up on chairs to get a better look at the ring.

"Well, there are two of us and only one ring. I suppose that we could share it."

"..."

"Fine. You can have it."

"Thanks, sweetie!" Lissa gives Achkby a surreptitious squeeze, causing the halfling's cheeks to redden even more.

As Lissa reaches for the ring, it comes to life, biting her in the finger.

"Baravar!" Lissa exclaims, sticking her bleeding finger into her mouth. "It doesn't like me!" The ring drops to the table, rolling to a stop in front of Grynde.

Achkby, suddenly more sober, leans his elbows on the table and eyeballs the ring carefully. He reaches slowly for the ring. The snake removes its tail from its mouth and hisses in warning, before placing its tail back into its mouth.

"Umm. I think the ring has made its choice," Achkby concludes.

...

Those who have passed out are gently carried to guest rooms by Rashemi retainers.

Anika is promised as much oil as she would like. You are all offered your choice of any Rashemi weapons and armor. Simple but warm clothing is waiting for you in your rooms along with sturdy furs for outdoor wear. More importantly, tubs full of hot mineral water for bathing and a firm but comfortable mattress awaits each of you.

You will have a private audience with the Iron Lord tomorrow evening. The day will otherwise be yours to rest and relax.



OOC: You may select any mundane gear and any masterwork weapons and armor listed in the SRD. New adventurers clothing and Rashemi cold weather gear are also provided for you. You have a day for any research or exploration of the city or familiar acquisition.

[blackfox]

Anika

Anika grins when Callos reads off the inscription on her ring. "This could be interesting... I'll have to figure out what it does tomorrow." She slides the ring over her left ring finger and goes up to her room.

The next morning, Anika makes some simple purchases--a few flasks of oil and a torch. She had been caught too many times by creatures whose wounds would heal in seconds if not seared by fire, and her everburning torch provided neither true flame or any real heat.

After acquiring her oil, she goes out into the city in search of a temple to Selune, or at least one to Lathander or some other deity friendly to her patron goddess.

(OOC: Buying 4 flasks of oil and a torch. I've deducted 5sp from my character sheet and added the ring, the oil and the torch.)

[Erikkin]

Fizahn:

Fizahn takes a bath before he goes to sleep. He can be heard drunkenly singing in Gnomish what can only be concluded are extremely naughty songs. After he is clean, he walks to his quarters and haphazardly throws his stuff everywhere.

In the morning he gets up and the drink has obviously taken its toll. He slowly gets out of his bed holding his head like it's going to explode. I wasn't supposed to drink this much. I was only supposed to drink a little bit. Then, I would pretend that I was insanely drunk the rest of the night. At least I'm clean. He looks around his bed and notices the new clothes. Hey, I've got new clothes also. Great! Ow. Thinking too loudly. Creeping over to his old clothes, he dons his chain shirt and begins emptying the pockets of his jacket.

His brow furrows in confusion as he comes across the ring. There were the rings... Callos had them... This one was in the box... How did I end up with it? How drunk was I last night? I don't know, maybe I passed out. Shrugging, he looks at the ring. Well, I guess it's mine now. He brings the ring close to his eye and begins to examine it in detail. I'll go talk to Callos.

Fizahn creeps slowly out of his room, still holding his head in one hand. His other hand clutches the ring. He moves slowly until he ends up at Callos's room. He knocks on the door once, but decides that he can't stand that sound again and just lets himself in. "Hey- oh ow. Not talking that loud. Callos, I think I ended up with one of those rings. You wouldn't happen to know what it does, would you?" He holds up the ring for Callos.

[King_of_GRiffins]

Elthan

Elthan monitors the group quietly as he deduces that they are intentionally avoiding him as they did before. He gives a short sigh before dismissing himself early from the group and heading down a random hallway. Adalmar sees him on his way back to the hall, but Elthan seems to disappear when he turns around to look again.

Invisibly, he lurks around the castle thinking to himself. They had decided to to spare his life, despite what he had done, but in a sense it seemed they considered him already dead; They didn't have to kill him now.

Maybe it would have been better if they had...

He could seek forgiveness; doing so was one of the foremost thoughts in his mind. Though if he tried, would they even listen now? It seemed impossible to earn it from them. Elthan had the patience of an elf; Perhaps it would only take time?

Who trusts him right now? Callos for certain, in the same way he trusted Djital; Like a brother. Aeroz didn't seem to hold much against him, or so he was able to gather when they were separated from the group. Maybe that was simply because we were busy trying to find a way back? Adalmar seemed to be a calm, understanding person; It would not be hard to reconcile with him, but that would not count very much towards forgiveness from the group.

Perhaps he was going about this the wrong way; Instead of trying to regain the trust of the group as a whole, were they would strongly oppose him, it would be easier to reconcile with each of them personally.

A yawn, emanating from nowhere to anyone happening to eye whatever part of the castle he was in, breaks up his thoughts. I'll wait until tomorrow, he decides, and heads off to bed.

-------

The next morning, Elthan goes around to pick up some equipment, noticing Anika picking up a few flask. Cautiosly, he approaches her with a few spears in his arms.

"Good morning, Anika," he says, leaving much space while he quickly draws up another phrase; He hasn't done much small talk. "How... Are you feeling today?"

[Callos_DeTerran]

Callos

You've got to be kidding me... Was the only dumbfounded thought he could think of as he watched the ring effectively...chose who was going to be the one to wear it. And from the looks of it the little metal snake may just attack him if he tried to put it back in the box until it changed it's mind. A twitch of his eyebrows later and he was rising up from the table to be escorted towards his room.

And the oh so wonderful gifts that lay within..

_________________________________________

When Callos woke up he was surrounded by sweet sweet warmth. Bleary eyes blinked and squinted as he lifted a wet hand to rub the sleep from his eyes. Figures, he had fallen asleep in the hot mineral water but he certainly wasn't going to be the one to regret doing it either since for the first time...in...a long long time he had been able to sleep without any nightmares what so ever. Peaceful...restful...Restful enough he was clad only in towels wrapped up all around him like a mummy as he sat at the table in his room and studied his spellbook, shivering like a leaf in the wind.

Figures. He'd spent so long in the damn water that the room felt dead cold! Page changed to another one and his eyes pored over the words and scrawling script as he sighed...and heard his door open. Blinking, he turned to see Fizahn walking into his room and ask about the ring he had chosen.

Rude gnome. Lesson one in human manners, knock before barging into irate mage's room.

BANG!

"What? I didn't hear you.With a somewhat mischevious smile Callos 'set' his spell book down on the table and motioned for Fizahn to come closer. "Just come over here so I can take a look at it and we'll see what I can tell you about that little doodaad, hmm?"

Heh. I remember Djital used to do things like this to me if I ever drank myself into a stupor and know I know why...it's kinda fun!

Once he's done talking to Fizahn, Callos is going to go out and get 2 masterwork clubs, more ink and parchment, a spyglass, refill his spell component pouch and pick up another one (spares are good). After that he'll see about selling the gem of brightness.

[Erikkin]

Fizahn:

Fizahn jumps when Callos slams his spellbook shut. He cowers in fear as Callos yells at him. He quietly creeps over to Callos's table. He looks down at the floor and mutters something to himself while holding the ring out to Callos. "I did knock... once. There's no need to be sadistic."

[Matticus]

Grynde

He picks up the snake with a smug grin plastered across his features.
Shee? My shnakey. Hello, shnakey!
Surprisingly, he manages to stagger to his own room with only a little assistance.
_________________________________________

His eyes snap open and take in his room. Shortly thereafter, he gives an almighty groan and clutches his head with both hands. Something jabs into his skull, and he looks at it - The brass snake. Only dimly remembering how he got this, he staggers upright, taking his hands off his head just long enough to place the ring on the third finger of his left hand.

He puts on new clothing and goes back down to his be. Lying on his side and being as silent as he can, he examines the snake more closely, and reads the inscription on the inside, but is unable to make head nor tail of it.
Right...Well...Time to go shopping...So to speak...

He stands up, doing his best to ignore his headache and leave the room to find a good bow and some arrows.

OOC: I'll put the longbow in later today...Or tonight...Or tomorrow, whichever applies...Timezones are confusing...

[Koji]

Khazrael

Seeing the bed nearly brings a tear to Khazrael's eye. He slips into the water and scrubs himself clean before collapsing into the most restful sleep he's had in ages.

His dreams that night are disturbing and violent. He sits in the throne of the Iron Lord as Immilmar burns. At one side of his throne kneels Tiriel, her wings ravaged and destroyed. Locusts devour the fields, and nightmarish creatures run through the streets at night.

Undrek'Thoz lies in ruins. The drow flirted with destruction, and it was given to them. Lyth'eril sits chained in the courtyard, cursed to endure the sun her people so envy.

He wakes with a shout and lies shaking in his bed. The sun has already begun to crest over the horizon.

He steadies himself and lies still for more than an hour before getting dressed and stepping outside.

[Naleh]

Retay

Slowly, he becomes aware of his pounding head...

"Nngh..." he declares, sitting up slowly. He tries to remember how he got here.

Well, there was the meeting with the Iron Lord, of course... And then... I made a pledge to hunt the necromancer, I remember that... And... Something about jewelery...

Giving up, Retay moves gingerly off the bed (which barely fits him), and moves around, gathering his clothes. He is surprised to find new clothes alongside his own. What's this? Did I go shopping last night? But his purse seems as full as before. He shakes his head, but stops quickly as the motion makes his headache worse.
_________________________________________

A while later, when he has recovered a little, Retay ventures out. He first sells his battleaxe and shortbow at the local markets, replacing them with a morningstar and longbow from the offered equipment. He then returns to their quarters, wondering how everyone else is passing the time until their private audience.

{{OOC: I believe it's 201gp 2sp 5cp for the sale of the masterwork composite shortbow (strength +2) and 155gp for the masterwork battleaxe}}

[kuja.girl]

Tiriel

Tiriel watches in dumb amazement as the brass ring bites Lissa. She looks down at her ring to confirm, that no, her's isn't doing anything other than sitting on her finger. Watching the drunk half-elf pick the ring back up without trouble Tiriel fights off her initial wave of anger and picks up a mug of the local brew that seems so intoxicating. She takes a long swallow.
Well, that decides it. That one at least is coming with us. Don't know if he wanted too, but he's stuck now. she thinks.

"I'm not drunk. Yet. After watching that, though I just might be soon." Tiriel replies to Damian. "Morning would be better anyhow, there's still a lot of things to figure out."[hr] Once shown to her room Tiriel decides that sleep can wait - the idea of a bath, the first in many many days, is much more enticing.[hr] Tiriel wakes up, dresses in a clean set of clothes, and decides to find some food. As she walks down the hallway she hears the muffled sounds of Callos shouting. Stopping at his door, she hesitates, trying to decide if she really wants to know what was happening in there.

[barawn]

Damian

Damian is the one of the last to leave for the evening, though after the bizarre return of the ring to Grynde, he mostly stays to himself, quiet.

-----

In the morning, he walks out of his room early, and is caught by the sound of screams from Callos's room. He quickily heads over there, and sees Fizahn questioning - and being tortured by - Callos. As if it were the most normal thing in the world, he slips in and looks to the necromancer. "Callos - try switching rings with Fizahn - or give it to me to try. We should check to see if Grynde's ring is unique in being 'bonded' to him. I've got a feeling that there may be more to these rings than meets the eye. If you can't get rid of them, they may have been given to you to track you as well as aid you."

[Erikkin]

Fizahn:

Fizahn shrinks down even more as Damian comes in. "That's a good idea. Just don't talk so loud. Wait... Grynde got a ring? Who- ow! Who let that murderous fool have a ring? I should take it back when I'm feeling up to it." Fizahn stops speaking for a second, but then furrows his brow in concentration. "How much did I miss last night? I kinda don't remember anything past... Past... Hmmm... Something about a cannibalistic snake. It's all sorta jumbled."

[blackfox]

Anika

In a blur of speed, Anika draws her dagger from behind her belt and allows the two other knives up her sleeves to slide forward into her hands. She begins to juggle the three blades adeptly, not even looking at them but staring straight at Elthan. As suddenly as she began, Anika stops juggling, throwing her belt dagger especially high, and catching and sheathing the two other knives up her sleeves. As the dagger falls downward, she catches the hilt and begins twirling it between her fingers. She points her closed left fist towards Elthan and says, "Virlym."

[King_of_GRiffins]

Elthan

Elthan watches the juggling with quite some curiosity, leaning on his pile of spears a bit as Anika finishes her display. "That is... quite impressive. I wonder how long it took to learn that, but, what do you mean by that? Do you mean that you feel prepared, or are you still upset that my ring makes me invisible?"

[Callos_DeTerran]

Callos

"Hehe, maybe you shouldn't have drank so much if you couldn't handle the hangover. You can try some of my hangover cures later if you feel like your up to i...."

His words were abruptly cut off when Damian came into his room as well and blinked before his eyes narrowed, especially after he caught sight of Tiriel out in the hallway as well. "Why do I have this awful feeling I shall be getting no peace and quiet this morning? As to your quandry, do you truly believe that to be such a wise idea considering the violent reaction the serpent ring had to someone just trying to pick it up? Actually putting on a different ring, if they are bonded, may be more harmful or even fatal."

With a sigh he sat back down at the table and flipped open his spell book once more and for a long moment it looked as if he was just going to ignore the man and gnome and continue studying his spells before shaking his head. "Considering what I saw of the man who gave us the rings I wouldn't be surprised if they did track us, but it's not something we can avoid. If they do as promised in their other areas then I'm perfectly willing to have Prozen be able to keep an eye on me. And Fizahn nobody gave Grynde a ring, it chose him and it became obvious when Lissa tried to put it on and it bit her."

Feeling he had...sufficiently addressed the problems they had presented to him, he looked out the open door way to Tiriel and raised his voice some. "So what can I help you with? As comfortable as it is to sit in damp towels I'd like to get dressed soon and finish my studies. We do have a private audience today and I'd like to be presentable so unless your going to shave me and dress me, I'd like to hurry things up some."

[Darius]

Adalmar

He did see Tanner exit the room, his dissatisfaction plain. Briefly excusing himself from the company, he catches the priest before he retires for the night. There the alcohol comes in handy, loosing his tongue.
"Listen, it's not that we don't value you. We do - at least, I do. It's just... You won't hear compliments from those people, nor will they invite you. They're strong and proud, or perhaps too distrustful, or perhaps too disenchanted. Or a mix of those...

And what they... we have been through... The Underdark..." - he shudders, briefly - "I guess what I'm saying... is don't judge too fast... And that goes either way..." Lissa's cold cold eyes appear in his vision, she's ready to murder Elthan on the spot - again. "Anyway, good luck."

If the priest doesn't answer, he purposefully stumbles* back to the main hall, taking deep breaths to try and clear his head.

* Not sure if that's possible !


Tanner Gondsman

"I appreciate what you are saying, Adalmar; however, why would I want to remain with a group of individuals who refuse to act as a group? Especially when these individuals are even less welcoming and appreciative than the Rashemi have show you before they were swayed? The Rashemi and your friends are cut of the same cloth, but at least the Rashemi fits me better.

As for judging too hastily, I haven't done so. However, I have made all the efforts I choose to, and I am not going to haggle for a position among your friends when I can be useful here - moreso because the Rashemi value an outsider like me for my skills, abilities, and talents. In fact, this is more than what I have been shown this past week. So, I find it difficult to not compare the two groups.

I am going to rest and wait until our audience with the Iron Lord before I determine what I will do. Until then, rest well."

[barawn]

Damian

"Honestly, it's probably worth the risk. The rings are too useful to limit to one person unless it's required. Spells and magic have a tendency to roll off of me - although... now that I've apparently regained my senses, yeah, I'm not really about to offer myself as a guinea pig without being under contract."

He grins slightly as Callos complains regarding his condition. "Sorry, I didn't realize that you had been interrupted. Though, considering Fizahn was in here, I should've expected it. Speaking of Grynde, though. I believe I can handle him. I've known quite a few types very like him. You're never going to be able to get him to not act rashly, though. It's in his makeup."

[kuja.girl]

Tiriel

Tiriel had been about to move on, after noticing that Callos seemed to be having a conversation albeit, a loud one, when Damian came and opened the door and started talking to Callos. Tiriel missed most of what Damian and Fizahn said because her attention was drawn to the pissed off look on the wizard's face. She did however hear everything he said.

Turning red, she turns around and leaves, making a rude gesture that indicates exactly what she thinks about Callos, his morning attitude, and his mother.

[Koji]

Khazrael

Khazrael stands in the open, arms spread wide. He turns his face to the sky and feels a stirring within. He wraps his arms around his chest and nearly keels over as the pain grows rather intense. With a spray of bright red blood and a few cast-off feathers, a pair of sable feathered wings burst from beneath the V-shaped scar along his upper back.

Tears stream from Khazrael's face as he tastes flight once more. He dips and swirls through the air, laughing like a madman.

Before long, he feels the magic fade. His wings begin to dissolve into a cloud of swirling black feathers, and he gradually floats to the ground. He sits down and gazes at the sky in near-disbelief before heading off to pick up some supplies.

((OOC: Grabbing a new traveler's outfit and some rations. I'll figure it out in a bit.))

[Callos_DeTerran]

Callos

"It's...alright, I'm just not used to people running to me for information on things this early in the morning. If you can't guess I'm not a morning person." Callos said dryly as he finally shut the spell book and pushed it to the side away from him so the temptation to blow them off and just study his spells wouldn't be there.

"Maybe you can't. I can get him to change pretty easy, I mean with a couple of mystic words I can barbeque him with some nice seasonings thrown on. Eventually I might be able to change him into something useful...like a chicken or a sheep...Oh you mean his ways, yeah he'll probably never change but that won't stop me from trying...or messing with him. Irriatable people are so fun." The getting on in years necromancer looked on in interest as Tiriel made her gesture at him and a wide wolfish smile came to his face as she stalked away from the three adventurers in his room. "For example..."

Rising up from his chair the necromancer walked silently after the angel woman while reaching underneath of the wrappings for his 'bad' arm and fiddling with something. Once he had Tiriel in sight his grin only widened as something clacked and creaked as he pulled it out from underneath of the wrappings.

"Hey Shiny! Think fast!"

Without any further thought he lobbed the object he had picked out at the woman and hoped she would react on instinct and simply catch what he had thrown...and she did. What he had thrown was hard and smooth, having many different parts to it that somehow managed to stay together despite nothing actually connecting them together.

There, sitting in her hands, were the red tinged bones of a human hand. As if to confirm what he had done Callos held up his 'bad' arm and let the towel slip down over the edge of his ulna bone, which was quite exposed to the air and quite the same color as the ones in her hand.

"I don't have explicit gestures to give me a hand but I make do with what I have. Can I have that back now?" The forty winter old necromancer said, openly chuckling as he stayed firmly were he was and continued to wave the stump of a forelimb at her.

[namo]

Adalmar

He doesn't know whether to laugh or cry. "Gondsman, you're... you are a lot more like 'my friends' than you even know."

"Even so, choose your own path. It's the only truth for a man." He sounds strangely grandiloquent.

But he's also frustrated. A rant is what I get for coming to him ? Bah ! He turns his back and with a "And that's about it. G'night !" walks back to the hall, his swaying a bit exaggerated.

...

His companions leave the hall one by one. He contemplates the inside of his empty cup for a while. Then he gets up, and leaves the room, in search for a tree. The nearest grove is likely to be outside the palace, so he'll content himself with the nearest tree (in a courtyard ?) that he can find. Sitting below the tree, he meditates, prays to Mielikki and requests spells that will help him find a new companion. Kir is not forgotten, but there isn't much he can do for the hawk now.

His sleep is mostly resting, but for one nightmare, involving blood dripping from the leaves of the tree, the moon crushed under hooves of fire and the earth swallowing his town until it reaches the Underdark...

...

He wakes up early - he didn't get enough sleep but the meditation won't be too straining - and after asking a few questions of the palace staff, goes off to explore nearby caves.

He is looking for the Dire Bats that sometimes make their homes there.

Asking for Detect Animals, Charm Animals and Speak with Animals. I'm up for doing the meditation/bonding in 'summary mode', but I can roleplay more of it if you want.

[barawn]

Damian

Damian looks over to Fizahn as Callos's grotesque 'danse macabre' comedy plays out. "Is it common for your friends to throw severed limbs at each other?"

[Naleh]

Retay

Retay comes down the corridor just in time to see Callos' gruesome display. "What in all the..." he begins, until something clicks.

Quietly, the barbarian takes his greataxe from his back (he never goes anywhere without it) and advances, fire burning in his eyes. When he gets within earshot, he says, his voice quivering, "Give me one good reason I should not kill you right now, lich."

[barawn]

Damian

Damian sighs, and smoothly steps in front of Callos when Retay approaches, not even giving Callos a chance to respond. "Because he's not a lich, Retay. Trust me. I'd know. Come on. Walk with me down to the room where we got fed yesterday, and I'll explain it all to you."

"You need to have your morning coffee before you kill someone anyway. We have to hurry, I've heard they've got some amazing sweet rolls out, and I think I saw the demon boy going to pocket them."

"Keep that axe handy, though, we might want to try pulling a Callos to see if we can use Grynde's ring with just his hand."

Damian quickly strides toward Retay and guides him away, back towards the gathering hall from the previous day...

hoping beyond hope that it was still accessible.

[Naleh]

Retay

It is a mark of his trust that Retay allows the smaller man to lead him away - with many a glare and a snarl. If looks could kill, it would be time to break out the diamond dust.

((assuming the gathering hall is open))
Retay thumps down in a chair, and leans his axe carefully beside him.

"So?" he demands. "He's a mage, and he's a skeleton." Retay spits on the floor at his own feet. "Looks like a lich to me, or a necromancer at the least. Explain to me how he deserves to live."

[Matticus]

Grynde

After finding a good bow and a piles of arrows, he returns the things to his handy backpack, and then checks the edge of his swords. He holds his ring up to a blade, admiring the contrast of the two, but only for a moment, plagued as he is by his hangover.

With much pained groaning, he stands up and goes to seek out Elthan to ask him why nobody much likes him, and to (try) and find out what his own ring says.

[Erikkin]

Fizahn:

"I was doing just fine with my hangover until some vile necromancer started torturing me.

"No. Typically we just throw dead bodies at vicious oozes. That hand thing's a new one." Fizahn shrugs as Damian intervenes between Callos and Retay. Things are just getting more hectic. Food sounds good though. He starts walking after Damian and Retay, but stops when he gets to Tiriel. "He's not a morning person. Don't feel too hard on yourself, I just learned it too. You might not want to crush that hand. It's possible he needs it." Fizahn gives Tiriel a painful little smile before heading towards where he believes food to be.

[kuja.girl]

Tiriel

Tiriel spends a moment looking at what Callos had tossed her. A skeletal hand. Right. Well it wasn't that long ago that she'd taken down quite a few skeletons herself. But this was obviously different. This seems to be what's left of Callos' hand, which is a pretty disgusting concept.

It's the sight of Callos waving his stump and laughing that throws her over the edge.

Taking a step back, Tiriel winds up and throws the hand at Callos' face as hard as she can. The sound it makes when it hits gives her some satisfaction, but not nearly enough.

"What the HELL is wrong with you?!" She screams at him.

[ooc:Tiriel isn't holding back when she throws the hand. She very much wants it to leave a mark - that said, I have no idea what kind of damage it would do.]

[Darius]

Adalmar

He doesn't know whether to laugh or cry. "Gondsman, you're... you are a lot more like 'my friends' than you even know."

"Even so, choose your own path. It's the only truth for a man." He sounds strangely grandiloquent.



Tanner Gondsman

Tanner listens to Adalmar with piercing eyes. He replies, "That may be true, but you, Adalmar, are not like them. Why then do you travel with them? What is the truth behind your path?"

[barawn]

Damian

"He's not a lich, Retay. He's a necromancer. He's actually said so already. You were probably too drunk last night for it to register. And before you cast judgment on him for that, necromancy is just magic. It's just a tool. Don't judge him so quickly, not when he has companions that clearly don't."

He sighs and glances down at the axe resting beside Retay. "If I were to judge you by the tool you use, I'd call you an executioner. One who kills children for no crime other than taking a loaf of abandoned bread. But you don't see me placing a dagger at your throat."

"Besides, as I pointed out to Grynde last night, you're in civilization right now, and Callos is an honored guest. Killing, last I checked, is illegal in most areas of the world, and you don't strike me as the type to handle imprisonment well. Remember, the axes the Rashemi had were bigger than yours."

[Matticus]

Grynde

Hearing loud voices, he changes direction and heads to the source in time to see a hand fly through the air and hit Callos. His mouth hangs open in shock for a moment, and then he closes it.
I'm not still drunk? That just happened? Holy crap, how'd you end up without your hand!? OW. he winces, clutching his head, but then looks back up towards Callos, a little impressed. Nonetheless he walks on, muttering to himself as he does so.
Daratain? Darasgeyn. No...Daras...T.....E.....Darastr? Darastricks? Darastrix? That sounds about right... Or maybe not...

[Naleh]

Retay

"So it's perfectly acceptable for you that he goes out and raises hordes of undead?" he demands. "That he disturbs the rest of our ancestors for his own personal gain, that he turns the dead against the living, that he uses our own peoples' bodies to conquer and enslave us? You don't mind that he's an evil abomination that deserves to die a slow and painful death?"

[barawn]

Damian

"Does he have hordes of undead following him around? Have you seen him disturb the rest of your ancestors? Has he tried to conquer or enslave you?" Damian's brows furrow as his voice raises in pitch, driving the point home.

"Listen to what I'm saying, Retay. You're judging him by what you have seen and heard of people who wield necromancy. If I judge you by what I've seen and heard of people who wield axes, it'd be the same thing."

"Look, I don't really care about trying to change your opinion of necromancers, or of Callos in general. But you're not out in the wilderness here. You're in a city, with laws. You're worried about Callos being a threat? Fine. Follow him, and when he actually does something evil, chop him down then without stopping to think, just like the other axe-wielding maniacs did where I grew up. But do it here, and you won't kill him. You'll just get yourself arrested, and then he'll be free to go off and do whatever he wants while you rot in a cell."

He throws his hands up in frustration and resignation. "But go ahead and do that if you want. Just make sure to tell them that I have absolutely no association with you whatsoever if you do."

[Callos_DeTerran]

Callos

Maybe I acted hastily..

Thwack!

His thoughts were interrupted by having his own hand come soaring back through the air at him to smack into his face. And rather hard at that too, though he was lucky enough to catch the appendage when it started to fall down. Light scratches showed from where he had been hit and a distinctly disgruntled look came to his worn features as he delicately placed the wrist to the bone and turned it from side to side. Soon it was moving around seemingly of it's own violation and he smiled with relief. It wasn't broken, good. Carefully wrapping the towel around the skeletal limb once more he turned his attention back to Tiriel.

"There's plenty wrong with me so you'll have to be more specific angel-kisser. In this particular case I got sick and tired of catching you staring at my arm and wondering what had happened instead of simply giving me privacy, which is all I really want right now. If theres thoughts in that head of yours besides violence then you'll know I gave you plenty of warning about what I was going to do back when we got sent elsewhere and yet you were still curious! Or maybe it was blatantly misunderstanding what I said last night and making me seem like a racist like the half-elf! Oh, wait, I have it! I just don't like you! Get this straight Shiney, I'll work with you, I'll pull your glowing behind out of the fire if need be, I may even put myself in harms way to make sure you make it since your a decent person, but that in no way means I have to or will like you or ever will. Was that simple enough or should I draw a picture for you?"

Sure it was childish. Sure he really had no real reason to toss a skeletal hand at her but he had been ornery and she had made herself a viable target too. Then again did she have to throw it back at him that hard too? It had really smarted!


OOC: Yeah sarcasm!...Yes I know I ignored Grynde but Callos is sorta busy at the moment and'll get to him later...and I know further beatings are probably on the way and accept that. :smallwink:

[Koji]

((OOC: Post moved))

[Dr._Bob]

The commotion outside (and inside) Callos' room wakes those of you who had decided to sleep in.

Several of you had awakened early and had the opportunity to visit the castle's armory. You were given your pick of any weapons and armor. No money is accepted - the equipment is a gift of the huhrong you are told. The weapons and armor are plain but of high quality. Additional gear, such as oil flasks, is provided as well when requested.

Elthan attempts to converse with Anika, only to have her test out her ring in his general direction. Nothing dramatic occurs, though as she continues to twirl a dagger between her fingers, she begins to do so in ever more intricate patterns, surprising herself with her increased dexterity. With the flick of a wrist, her dagger disappears from view, then reappears as she enjoys her augmented coordination.

Khazrael and Adalmar are eager to finish their breakfasts. Both have urgent matters to attend to outside of the keep. Before they are leave however, Grynde waltzes into the dining chamber, fingering his ring and muttering to himself.

As he does so, the ring leaps off of his finger, growing in size until, in an eyeblink, it has become a full sized brass dragon. The dragon is an adult, enormous. It rears its head back and extends its wings, as if working out a kink in its neck.

Inadvertently, the dragon crushes a heavy oak table under its foot. The dragon picks its foot up gingerly and snorts in chagrin.

The dragon steps carefully, trying to avoid smashing any more of the tables around it. The arched chamber is large enough for the dragon to stretch to its full height and wingspan. The effect is quite impressive.

The dragon blinks and looks down at Grynde. Snaking its head forward, it sniffs the half-elf appraisingly. Exhaling suddenly, the dragon shakes his head, as if repelled by a noxious odor.

In another eyeblink, the dragon has collapsed back into the form of the brass ring. The ring clatters to the ground and rolls to a stop in the center of the oak flooring.

Those in the dining hall and those who ran to the doorway upon hearing the commotion, stand amazed for a moment. Only the smell of sulfur remains to verify that a dragon had been standing in the room only a moment earlier.





OOC: Equip yourselves as you wish (with any mundane item up to masterwork quality). The items are gifts and do not need to be bought.

Khazrael, Anika and Adalmar (and anyone else) should post in the Private Conversations thread when they leave the keep on their different "missions". Each solo excursion will be dealt with separately.

You may want to resolve the Grynde ring problem first however.

[barawn]

Damian

Damian's eyes go wide when the dragon interrupts his and Retay's conversation. His two daggers fly into his grasp, and he drops into a protective crouch. When it converts back into a ring, he immediately stands up straight and looks right at Grynde, the daggers slipping smoothly back into their sheaths. All casual demeanor is gone from him, and he immediately straightens up authoritatively. "Grynde, don't move, don't touch the ring, and don't say anything unless you want to accidentally become dragon food."

[Matticus]

Grynde

Standing still, mouth open to a mind-boggling degree, he stares at the ring with a comical expression of shock on his face.
HOLY FRIGGIN' CRAP!. He looks over at Damian, a little smug, but fear in him too, not well hidden, at how the dragon had been repelled by him. No worries...I hope...
He moves towards the ring, crouchnig near it but not touching, and begins to talk to it.
Hi...Ring? I'm Grynde. Er...I don't often speak to rings...Except you're a dragon...Don't often speak to dragons, either...Do you even understand my words? Gah, I feel like an idiot. Look, er, dragon-ring he pauses here, trying to produce something to say to an inanimate object that was just very animate, and then speaks again. Look, er, you chose me. Or I chose you. I was a little, er, a lot drunk at the time. But you're the coolest ring ever. Can I pick you up?
He waits awkwardly for a response from the ring, reaching slowly and cautiously towards it with one hand, ready to pull said appendage back quickly if it snaps at him.

[Dr._Bob]

The ring hisses in warning.

[barawn]

Damian

"Grynde, I said don't say anything, and don't touch the ring! Just stand there, and shut up, until we can get some people here who can figure out what's going on without the possibility of you getting eaten. I can understand when you're stupid enough to challenge a gnome and even me, but even I cannot believe you're stupid enough to challenge a dragon."

He turns to the gnome - most likely still in shock from the dragon. "Fizahn, can you go get Callos? Quickly? And can anyone cast either a spell to identify the ring, or something to allow Grynde to understand and speak draconic?"

[Matticus]

Grynde

Please he says, emotion in his voice, What have I done wrong?
He looks at the ring for a few moments, his eyes a little watery for a second, but he blinks twice quickly and is back to his old self.
Right. Yeah. That's right, don't pick me. Judge me, eh, like all those other people did. I don't need anyone, not this lot or you or any of the other people. I don't need anybody he reassures himself, before standing up and looking at the ring in disappointment.
........It...Doesn't like me. Draconic? That's the language dragons speak? I don't know if it'd do any good... I also don't think it can do anything unless someone says Dara- Well, er, that word again. He frowns, staring wistfully down at the ring, but doing nothing more.

[Naleh]

Retay

((slightly out-of-time))
The barbarian stands to his full height, towering over Damian.

"You don't know what I've seen."

He pauses for some time, staring at the wall. When he finally opens his mouth to speak again, he is rather rudely interrupted by the sudden appearance of a large dragon.

"What the--" Retay hefts his axe, but the creature does not come near, and even this barbarian is reluctant to charge at a grown dragon.

This is well out of Retay's area of expertise, so instead he retreats into a corner and tries not to get in the way of the bustling spellcasters.

[namo]

Adalmar

Bleary-eyed, the ranger is stuffing piece after piece of sausage in his mouth when a dragon appears... Wait, a dragon !?

He swiftly rolls away from his seat and ends up in a crouch, a sausage in one hand and a fork in the other. He begins to curse his misfortune... Cr*p, no weapon. Never would've expected trouble here ! ...when the dragon disappears.

Since he had his own preoccupations, he missed most of the events of the day before surrounding the ring. Approaching Khazrael : "Uh, can you fill me in on what happened with that Grynde and that ring ?"

Koji : no need to repeat the story, just say "K fills A in"...

Darius : let's transfer the conversation to the Private Conversations thread since it's in a different time frame.

[Koji]

Khazrael

Khazrael sits in his chair, chewing on a bit of food. The display was simply too bizarre, and he does not react until Adalmar approaches him.

"Uh, it was...Grynde's ring turned into a dragon, I think..."

He completes his story with similar hesitance, not seeming to believe what he has seen.

[Erikkin]

Fizahn:

Fizahn stares in disbelief at the dragon. Brass Dragon... One of the good guys, right? Hell, I don't know. I only learned their language so I could plead for my life if necessary. He jumps a little as Damian commands him. "Callos. Yes. Good idea. Then maybe Elthan too, and Achkby, and that Tanner man, and the Rashemi lady." Fizahn quickly hurries out of the room, his hangover not forgotten, just temporarily being ignored. He runs as fast as he can up to Callos's room. He doesn't even bother to knock and just swings open the door. He blinks as he sees Tiriel with Callos, who is presumably getting dressed. "Hey, lovebirds, Grynde's ring turned into a dragon for a second, and the dragon didn't like him, and now it's a ring again, and we require magical consultation and all that."

[blackfox]

Elthan

Elthan watches the juggling with quite some curiosity, leaning on his pile of spears a bit as Anika finishes her display. "That is... quite impressive. I wonder how long it took to learn that, but, what do you mean by that? Do you mean that you feel prepared, or are you still upset that my ring makes me invisible?"

(OOC: Quoted from previous page)

Anika

While still spinning her dagger, Anika says, "Interesting. I don't know why I thought this would work on a target... After all, at least three of the other rings, yours included, worked on the wearer... and this one obviously does too. I wonder what effect this would have on my dancing and acrobatics..." She stops spinning the dagger and points it at Elthan. "Why are you here? Were you going to try to talk to me about something?"

[Darius]

Tanner Gondsman

After finishing his conversation with Adalmar, Tanner does his best to rest. He wakes early to restock his supplies and re-equip himself from the Rashemi stores. Upon his return, prays dilligently - ignoring the noise that is caused by Callos' 'guests'. Tanner then packs his gear and takes it with him as he walks breaks the night's fast in the dining hall. He is seated eating when Grynde's 'ring's' grand entrace has everyone clamoring about with awe and shock.

Immediately, Tanner's instincts kick in. He flips his table on its side to provide him with some cover and quickly ***** and loads the crossbow from behind the table. He then pops up and levels his loaded crossbow at the scene. His first instinct is to aim the weapon at Grynde, but is perplexed when Grynde is just as mystified as everyone else. Just as he is about to fire, Tanner recalls that the metallic dragons are on the side of good and will most likely not attack unless attacked themselves. He raises the crossbow so that it is pointed in the air and not at either Grynde or the dragon. Much to his amusement, Tanner can not help but like the dragon, for it seems to have made a sound judgement on Grynde. Tanner says under his breath, "I wouldn't want to eat him, either."

After it disappears in a poof, Tanner says, "Sorry about that, folks. It is force of habit that I have developed, and my reaction time has increased this past week being with you." Tanner then rights the table and benches and begins picking up his breakfast. He smiles as he does so, for the look on Grynde's face will keep him warm at night for quite some time.


Edit: Naughty word was supposed to be more than one rooster but something one would do to a weapon like the crossbow to ready it.

[barawn]

Damian

Damian looks over to Tanner as he apologizes for flipping the table over. "It's the same thing I would've done if I had been behind a table. Any ideas on a spell? I think the best idea is to try to have Grynde talk to the dragon... ring..."

A light flashes in Damian's mind. Why was he trying to have a way for Grynde speak to the ring? The headstrong half-elf had shown plenty of times that he didn't have any gift for diplomacy. So long as Grynde needed someone to translate for him, that same person could also round off Grynde's harsh edges.

"I guess we could always translate for him. That might be the best idea in any case. Grynde, can you repeat exactly what we say and the way we say it?"

[Frojoe21]

Aeroz

Unsure how he got back to his room last night, Aeroz makes his way to the armory where he peruses through the assorted weaponry, trying to find a replacement for the magical rapier that he had lost. Settling on a pair of fine crafted cutlasses two new daggers.

Walking into the eating area, Aeroz notes the surprised looks on everyones faces.

"Did I miss something?"

[Callos_DeTerran]

Callos

He could have responded, he had the time to, but the impact of what she had just said actually hit home with him hard. Callos really had been dragging down everyone else with his problems, and that made it hard to find a good witty retort to strike back with. Luckily Fizahn chose that moment to burst into the room and he blinked owlishly at the gnome before nodding.

"Alright, lets hurry before the half-elf manages to get himself eaten by his own ring." The necromancer said numbly as he turned his back to the gnome and dropped the wet towels to the floor. It didn't take very long to grab his clothes and spell book and, against his better judgement, he left his skeletal arm unwrapped. The shadowstuff shirt may obscure some of the limb from the sleeve but one could still see the skeletal appendage at the very end.

"Do you know anything else about the whole thing?"
He asked curiously as he straightened his clothes and hurried out of the room. A very very tiny part of him said to wait for Tiriel but it was outweighed by both anger and innate curiousty about just what was going on with that ring.

[Erikkin]

Fizahn:

"All I know is that Grynde was muttering to himself. The dragon appeared. It was a brass dragon, which I believe is a good dragon. I don't know much dragonlore though, I just learned the language so I could plead with any dragon about to eat me. The dragon sniffed Grynde. It didn't like him; he hadn't taken a bath in a while. It once more became the ring, and it's in the middle of the mess hall and won't let Grynde pick it up. I think that's kind of odd. Didn't you say that the ring chose him? Why would it choose him if it was just going to reject him? Anyway, people sent me to get you because you're pretty much smarter than everyone and had the rings first." Fizahn grins at Callos, and hurries into the breakfast room before him. "Everyone, may I present Callos, master of the rings. He has agreed to help you foolish children solve your pitiful little problems related to the ringbearer known as Grynde." He smiles at Callos once more. "The whole situation's getting crazy, and I felt you needed an equally crazy introduction."

[kuja.girl]

Tiriel

Tiriel's a little peeved that neither Fizahn nor Callos waited for her but under the circumstances, she kind of expected it. She manages to catch up to them by the end of Fizahn's speech.
Well at least he's dressed now. She thinks giving Callos a glance.
"Where's the ring?"

ooc: better late than never...

[Koji]

Khazrael

"Well, I speak draconic, and it didn't seem like it wanted to talk. At least it didn't kill us. Let's take it outside and try calling it again. I'll ask it what it wants."

[Matticus]

Grynde

Eyes locked on the ring, his limited capacity for thought turns to: Why.
Why would the ring suddenly change it's mind?... He ponders this for a moment, before speaking again.
It's not as if much has changed... Although it hadn't exactly met me last night...My memory is blurred. It accepted me fine before, correct? Then either I'm poisonous he gives a pained smirk or something has changed. But nothing's changed...Maybe it only likes me when I'm drunk?

[barawn]

Damian

"Khazrael, I think there's the strong possibility it either will or can only listen to the owner of the ring. I don't think the ring necessarily chose you, Grynde. Sorry to break any hopes you had there. You touched it first. Then, if I had to guess, when you summoned it, it took a... disfavor to your, shall we say, lack of moral compass." He stepped over to where Grynde was standing over the ring.

"Grynde, listen very, very carefully. Draconic's an old language. The pronunciation's very important. So try this, very calmly. Hello."

Damian (prudently) steps a few steps from the ring as Grynde prepares to butcher one of the oldest languages in front of one of its originators, towards Callos. "You wouldn't happen to be able to use a spell to identify that ring, would you?"

[Dr._Bob]

Getting down on the floor, you creep toward the ring cautiously.

Although now in the form of the brass ring, with its tail in its mouth, the dragon is still very much "awake". You can see it eyeing you and blinking. Looking very closely, you can see that it is even breathing.

It raises an eyebrow at Grynde's greeting, but does not deign to respond. It appears that now that the dragon has been "activated" (for lack of a better word), it seems to be extremely picky ...

[King_of_GRiffins]

(OOC: Quoted from previous page)

Anika

While still spinning her dagger, Anika says, "Interesting. I don't know why I thought this would work on a target... After all, at least three of the other rings, yours included, worked on the wearer... and this one obviously does too. I wonder what effect this would have on my dancing and acrobatics..." She stops spinning the dagger and points it at Elthan. "Why are you here? Were you going to try to talk to me about something?"

Elthan

She dances?, he thinks to himself, wandering off in his mind for a moment trying to grasp a picture of that. It wasn't far fetched at all that she might be able to, but there just hadn't been as many view the parties dancing abilities. Just as well, seeing some of the parties members, former and current, dance may have been partially traumatizing.

He clears his throat and points out, "I doubt a ring who's activation is 'thief' would do anything to a 'target', unless you planned to steal a bone, or maybe on organ.

"But yes, I came here to talk to you. I," he pauses for a moment, running through his head one more time what he had thought would be best to say, "I know that you said you worshiped Selune, and I thought I should perhaps say this to you first. I know that because of your worship I may have offended you the most of anyone by my actions, and, I want to apologize for that to you. There is nothing I can see that I can do to deserve your forgiveness, so I will only ask for now."

Elthan bows his head, awaiting her judgment. He swallows before finishing, his speak making many pauses, "I am sorry, Anika. It was the worst decision I could have made. I deserve to be seen as despicable in your eyes for the rest of my days, but how you see me is for you to decide."

[kuja.girl]

Tiriel

She's not sure if Callos is focused enough to be able to work past what had just happened between them, So Tiriel decides to play it safe.
"Callos or Khazrael, ask it if it'll let someone else pick it up. We don't have to touch it if it doesn't want. But we should at least get it off the floor."

[Darius]

Tiriel

"Callos or Khazrael, ask it if it'll let someone else pick it up. We don't have to touch it if it doesn't want. But we should at least get it off the floor."

Tanner Gondsman

Tanner finishes cleaning, and the cleric snorts out a laugh and says, "I doubt the most ancient and intelligent of races would care to have any of us lesser mortals touch it. We are but sand in the hourglass compared to such a magnificent creature. Our fleeting lives pale in comparison to a dragon's magnitude. I can only be thankful enough to have laid eyes upon the brilliance of this brass beauty that I will cherish to the end of my meager days. My only hope is to aspire to be as grand as such a magnificent creature. My apologies for my earlier actions."

As Tanner speaks, he slowly walks toward the dragon ring and then kneels down as a sign of humility shown to royalty. He has learned that honey, not bitters, attracts the fly.

[kuja.girl]

Tiriel

Tiriel eyes Tanner as he preforms his genuflections and represses a snort of amusement.
"Well I'm guessing that the magnificent creature doesn't much like being a ring, much less being a ring on the floor where anyone who's careless could tread on it or kick it."
Tiriel thinks back to Yix, who wasn't really a dragon, but was close...
"Wait a second, can't dragons speak other languages? I probably don't need a translator!"

[ooc: yeah, no diplomacy or knowledge skills makes Tiriel a very silly person sometimes.]

[barawn]

Damian

"I'm not sure. He - or she, for that matter - definitely speaks Draconic though. Let's find out if it will even talk to anyone else. Grynde's greeting gave at least a response."

Damian walks over to the ring, near where Tanner is prostrated and Grynde crouches. "Hello. Will you speak to others, or just the half-elf?"

[Callos_DeTerran]

Callos

"Not to be a wet blanket, but do we know for sure the dragon is actually brass? That may simply be the metal of the ring since I figure it'd be mighty hard to get a ring made out of 'red' or 'black'." Callos said flatly as he watched the Gondsman approach the ring and pay his respects. Certainly the blacksmith knew how to treat a dragon, but he just hoped it was the right sort of dragon to be doing it too.

What was it I heard once? 'Dragons are magnificent beings to observe...from a field...several realms away...actually it's best to simply observe them on tapestries and works of art.' I don't like this situation very much...

"Wyrm, you should not be cautious of us, we are...mostly good people and seek not to try and harm you. Please, tell me your name and how you came to become a ring in our possession so we can...discuss this curious state of affairs."

[blackfox]

Elthan

She dances?, he thinks to himself, wandering off in his mind for a moment trying to grasp a picture of that. It wasn't far fetched at all that she might be able to, but there just hadn't been as many view the parties dancing abilities. Just as well, seeing some of the parties members, former and current, dance may have been partially traumatizing.

He clears his throat and points out, "I doubt a ring who's activation is 'thief' would do anything to a 'target', unless you planned to steal a bone, or maybe on organ.

"But yes, I came here to talk to you. I," he pauses for a moment, running through his head one more time what he had thought would be best to say, "I know that you said you worshiped Selune, and I thought I should perhaps say this to you first. I know that because of your worship I may have offended you the most of anyone by my actions, and, I want to apologize for that to you. There is nothing I can see that I can do to deserve your forgiveness, so I will only ask for now."

Elthan bows his head, awaiting her judgment. He swallows before finishing, his speak making many pauses, "I am sorry, Anika. It was the worst decision I could have made. I deserve to be seen as despicable in your eyes for the rest of my days, but how you see me is for you to decide."

Anika

Although Anika's expression shows no hint of it, her mind is near to panic. She had intended to pray to Selune for guidance on the very issue that Callos had brought up, but she had not had a chance yet today to go into the city, on the off chance that there might be a temple to the Moonmother under another name. She had to make her decision now...

She looks up from the dagger in her right hand, which she had been unconciously spinning again. "You killed Evendur to gain power. You killed him as a sacrifice to Shar, to gain power. Perhaps if he had attacked you, say, for worshipping Shar--which is not so farfetched for a paladin, by the way, because Shar, is an evil deity of darkness, forgetfulness, and loss--it might have been excusable."

She stares Elthan in the eyes. "But you killed him for power. To gain Shar's favor. You were unprovoked, and, if I remember correctly, he was unknowing and unarmed. There is no excuse for that." Anika continues staring at Elthan until he leaves the armory.

[namo]

Adalmar

He had hoped that feeling of being outpaced by the events would remain dormant for a while... but the dragon puts that new conundrum firmly out of his league again.

Sighing, he attempts to finish his breakfast while listening to the suggestions coming from every side. Those not in draconic anyway.

[Diarmuid]

Tryntha

oops, forgot i was going away for last weekend and then was travelling to Germany on tues/wed. very very sorry all, dont want to fall out of this game.

Tryntha did not think a discussion of religion between a Rashemi "witch" and a self-proclaimed necromancer was the best idea at a table full of drunkards who were already arguing about various topics. Seeing a perfect opportunity to extricate herself from the situation, she brough the passed out girl to a guest room. Gathering her things, she went off the to enclave for the hathrans to discuss her recent experiences with her peers and superiors. She also wished to find out about their fallen sister, if possible.

The next day found her carrying a bundle under her arm and looking for Callos. Not finding him at his chambers, she wandered until she heard the commotion from the main hall and she arrived at the strange scene as it finished unfolding.

Surprise and horror alternated on her features as she gripped the bundle tightly to her chest. Her eyes were focused on Callos's hand...or lack thereof. Realising her mouth is hanging open and she is acting quite unbefitting one working her way through the hathran ranks, she gathered he composure with a few deep breaths and mildly mentioned,

"Callos, I have brought some supplies with me. I see you are busy at the moment, but I would still like to look at your wound."

The last word is said as more of a question.

She begins taking in the scene and tries to make heads or tails of why the group would end up standing around looking at the floor chatting away at what she thinks she recognises as draconic.

[Dr._Bob]

Callos, Damian and Tiriel huddle over the ring. Tanner pushes between them and kneels before the ring, much to their bemusement.

The ring does not respond to their questions, keeping its tail tightly clamped in its mouth. Its eyes, however, are open and blinking as it regards you warily.

Grynde's shoulders sag, but he tries to hide whatever degree of disappointment he might have suffered from being rejected by the ring.

When Callos and Damian reach for the ring, they too are rebuffed. Only Tiriel is able to pick up the ring and hold it on her palm.

"It seems to like you," observes Faluil, who had been observing the event from a distance along with Retay.

[Naleh]

Retay

The barbarian looks around at his partymates, confused. Why is everyone rasping and hissing? He ventures out of his corner and towards the ring on the floor, which he suddenly realises is moving.

"It's alive..." he murmurs, transfixed. Then, on a whim, he bends to pick it up.

{{I swear, I wrote this post before Dr. Bob said anything in the OOC thread.}}

EDIT: Dang, Dr. Bob beat me to it.

[barawn]

Damian

"Well, Tiriel, do you want to risk actually putting the ring on? I'm not sure if you were around when Lissa was bit by it last night. It definitely seemed to 'choose' Grynde, but it seems like the ring may have different tastes than the dragon. Or it may not have a choice."

Damian turns to Callos after his long speech in draconic yields no response. "I don't think it can talk like that in any case. Have you ever heard of a ring like this? It's new to me..." His eyes quickly scan around the room, looking... "Where's... what's his name... Elthan. He might know something as well."

[Erikkin]

Fizahn:

Fizahn watches Tiriel pick up the ring with interest. Interesting. Very interesting. He moves closer to Tiriel and the ring as Damian speaks. "Yeah. Elthan might know something. I doubt it though. It's all getting pretty complex. I say that since it seems to like Tiriel. She can summon the dragon, and we could talk to him. I also think we should pass it around and see who gets bitten. There has to be some sort of pattern. Maybe the ring doesn't like spellcasters? That's why it refused to be touched by Lissa, Achkby, and you two. Then Grynde summoned the dragon somehow, only for the dragon to realize, Grynde's a slimebucket. No offense or anything Grynde."

[King_of_GRiffins]

Anika

Although Anika's expression shows no hint of it, her mind is near to panic. She had intended to pray to Selune for guidance on the very issue that Callos had brought up, but she had not had a chance yet today to go into the city, on the off chance that there might be a temple to the Moonmother under another name. She had to make her decision now...

She looks up from the dagger in her right hand, which she had been unconciously spinning again. "You killed Evendur to gain power. You killed him as a sacrifice to Shar, to gain power. Perhaps if he had attacked you, say, for worshipping Shar--which is not so farfetched for a paladin, by the way, because Shar, is an evil deity of darkness, forgetfulness, and loss--it might have been excusable."

She stares Elthan in the eyes. "But you killed him for power. To gain Shar's favor. You were unprovoked, and, if I remember correctly, he was unknowing and unarmed. There is no excuse for that." Anika continues staring at Elthan until he leaves the armory.

Elthan

Elthan keeps his head bent down, avoiding the womans stare. "I know that very well, Anika, but that is not what I was asking. Let me make myself completely clear; I have no intention of excusing my actions either now or any time in the future to any being. I do not want to be excused, as that would mean the moral failing of anyone who would. I know full well what I have done, but there is nothing now I can do to change the fact that I killed him, or change how or why.

"All I ask, all I want to hear is that you do not hate me because of my inexcusable actions. Though I killed him, I wish I had not, and acknowledge all the faults in myself that lead to it. If you do not, then I shall leave and not press the issue again."

[kuja.girl]

Tiriel

Tiriel eyes the dragon-ring cautiously. "I don't know if it likes me or if it just hasn't bitten me yet. But I don't think it's a good idea to pass the ring around; that'd only end with more sore fingers and an irritated dragon...ring-thing.
"I guess it would be kind of hard to talk with your tail in your mouth. Hrm...."

Can the other rings switch wearers without a problem, or are they all finicky like the dragon? The best way seems to try one of the other rings first... And someone should hold onto the "spare."
Elthan is out of the question, Khazrael, Anika, Lissa and Achkby are gone, Aeroz and Adlamar are still blanks in Tiriel's mental book (not that she doesn't trust them, just that she doesn't know much about them), and Fizahn... is a gnome with a fast mouth and fast hands. The people she met in the avalanche are a mixed bag - most seem like good people, but none of them have been mixed up in this business long enough for her to trust them with what she considers a "weapon" against Sethra.

Which leaves Callos, who has proven himself a pain in the ass, as many times as he's been helpful, is devoted to getting this Sethra business over with, and is currently on Tiriel's **** list. On the plus side, Tiriel knows she could beat him in a fight with little problem.

"I think, I'm going to try to summon it. Asking the dragon what's going on seems like the best way, so hopefully it can speak after it transforms. Err... just how big is it? Should we go outside?"

Tiriel holds the dragon ring toward Callos, angeled so he can read the word inscribed inside.* "What's it say, and what's it mean?"
[*ooc: I assume it has a word in Draconic engraved on it like all the others...] looks to see if the dragon ring has a word inscribed along the inside like the others.

[blackfox]

Elthan

Elthan keeps his head bent down, avoiding the womans stare. "I know that very well, Anika, but that is not what I was asking. Let me make myself completely clear; I have no intention of excusing my actions either now or any time in the future to any being. I do not want to be excused, as that would mean the moral failing of anyone who would. I know full well what I have done, but there is nothing now I can do to change the fact that I killed him, or change how or why.

"All I ask, all I want to hear is that you do not hate me because of my inexcusable actions. Though I killed him, I wish I had not, and acknowledge all the faults in myself that lead to it. If you do not, then I shall leave and not press the issue again."

Anika

Anika frowns. "I wouldn't say I hate you so much as I distrust you. Whatever you say, your actions define what you believe, and now that you've murdered one person, it sets a precedent for you to be murdering others, which of course is a threat to everyone's safety.

"I don't want to hear anything else from you right now. Words mean nothing. Actions... mean everything. You're going to have to prove yourself--and you're going to have to do a hell of a lot to prove yourself--to regain my trust."

[Dr._Bob]

Strangely, the "living" ring doesn't seem to have anything inscribed on its "belly".

[barawn]

Damian

Damian is about to speak up when Tiriel looks to the inside of the ring, because he had seen and mentioned the word on the inside of the ring last night. He stops midway through saying a word, then regains his composure. "It said something before it was activated, Tiriel. Darastrix. Dragon. It looks like it's activated, or something, now. Possibly because someone," and he glares sidelong at Grynde, "was playing with something he didn't fully understand. You could try repeating the word yourself. Maybe that'll de-activate it."

A brief thought crosses his mind. "Or, if that doesn't work, 'ring' - ring. It would make a strange sort of sense."

[namo]

Adalmar

Moved by a sudden impulse, the ranger speaks the command word for his own ring, and in the strange, accelerated timeflow that is created, he exits the room. A few seconds later, he speaks the word again and the world readjusts itself. Might as well get used to that power.

He asks the Rashemi staff about caves and bats.

Transferring to the Private Conversations thread - I had already posted there about starting to ask around.

[Dr._Bob]

Warily, Tiriel repeats the word, mimicking Damian's intonation as precisely as possible.

The ring subtly transforms, returning to its original inert state.

Tiriel looks around the room. Who wants to try it on?

[barawn]

Damian

Damian flinches slightly as Tiriel looks at him. "Not me. I might be able to make it work - I've got a hunch as to what's going on - but the last thing I want is a dragon mad at me for fooling it into thinking I'm something I'm not. It's either your temperament or your, " and Damian coughs, trying to find a delicate word, "... heritage. You might want to have Khazrael try, though from the looks of him he might be too terrified."

Damian looks over to Callos. "Now you should see if the other rings are 'tuned' to their owners as well. If that ring is particular about who its owner is, it might be better for you to leave as a spare one of the other rings which can be more freely spread around."

[Koji]

Khazrael

"Oh no, leave me out of this. That thing looked like it wanted to take Grynde's head off!"

[kuja.girl]

Tiriel

Seeing no volunteers, Tiriel shrugs and slips the cloisonne ring off her finger and slides the dragon ring on. She hesitates a second before handing Callos the "ixen/fire" ring.
"Hold on to it for now. I guess everyone should stand back.

"Darastrix."

[Callos_DeTerran]

Callos

Bloody ring...why would Prozen give us a tempermental magical ring? It makes utterly no sense to me whatsoever." Callos mumbled to himself, eyes focused on the odd little dragon ring even as he took the fire one from Tiriel. Oddly enough he didn't feel frightened of the possibility of a dragon appearing from the ring, and didn't move away as she spoke the 'command' word for the dragon to appear.

What was the worst that could happen?

[Dr._Bob]

The dragon returns, knocking Callos to the ground inadvertently. The brass dragon picks up the necromancer gingerly between two claws, then places him off to one side. The dragon wears an expression of disgust, as one might imagine a princess might wear if forced to dispose of a dead mouse.

The dragon again rears back, extending its wings, before settling back down on its haunches, crushing another table beneath its massive bulk. It lowers its head to the ground before Tiriel, purring like a kitten.

[kuja.girl]

Tiriel

Tiriel takes an instinctive step back from the full grown dragon. Compared to this, Yix was a cute, playful, puppy. The brass dragon was very large and it's girth made Tiriel understood why the others had been reluctant to summon it again.
Is it purring? Is that normal? It doesn't seem like it's violent... otherwise it'd have smashed Callos with the table. Right?

Tiriel takes a deep breath and then addresses the dragon, "Hello. I don't know if you can understand me or not, but...I ...err we, were wondering if you could tell us who you are and..." Tiriel stops there hoping that the dragon will either respond, or that someone who knows Draconic will translate for her.

[barawn]

Damian

Damian leans over to Tiriel, and whispers. "Hello is draconic for Hello. Might start with that first, to see if it is even willing - or capable - of response." He then sidles over to Callos, with no expression of recognition that the necromancer was just tossed and repositioned like a chew toy.

"This can't be what it looks like. A portable dragon?! The other rings were useful, but this, this would just be crazy. The dragon could single-handedly take out a small army with little effort. Who was this person who you got the rings from?"

[Erikkin]

Fizahn:

Fizahn looks with awe once more at the dragon. He steps up next to Tiriel. "Come on Damian, don't you think it would just be easier to translate for her? She says, 'hello. She doesn't know if you can understand her or not, but we would like to know who you are and what a magnificent beast such as yourself is doing bound to a ring."

[Naleh]

Retay

Eventually, the barbarian ventures out from his corner, axe in hand.

Pausing only briefly to glare at Callos, he takes up position beside Tiriel. He watches the dragon warily, but as long as it is not hostile, neither is Retay.

"Are you sure the brass ones are the good ones?" he says nervously. "I'd have thought that would be the white ones..."

[barawn]

Damian

Damian rolls his eyes when Fizahn rapidly unleashes a torrent in draconic. Yes, Fizahn, it might've been easier, but I wanted to play it slow.

A bit of inspiration crosses Damian's mind, and his eyes briefly flash blue before settling back to a more normal light sky, and he looks to the dragon, studying any dweomer lingering about it. Granted, without having studied a normal dragon before, his chance at detecting anything out of the ordinary was slim.

Detect Magic, first time per day (2 left).

[King_of_GRiffins]

Anika

Anika frowns. "I wouldn't say I hate you so much as I distrust you. Whatever you say, your actions define what you believe, and now that you've murdered one person, it sets a precedent for you to be murdering others, which of course is a threat to everyone's safety.

"I don't want to hear anything else from you right now. Words mean nothing. Actions... mean everything. You're going to have to prove yourself--and you're going to have to do a hell of a lot to prove yourself--to regain my trust."

Elthan

Slowly, Elthan raises his head and meets Anikas' gaze. "In rebuttal, I tasted that wine last night, but that's no indication I'd want to drink it again at any point." he says, grinning at bit now. He bows his head once more to Anika, "But, I understand you completely. Before I leave, the last thing I will ask is that you give me enough time to regain that trust.

"I'll see you later at the audience this evening. Good-bye for now, and thank you." Turning around, Elthan leaves and begins wandering around the castle, leaving Anika to what she was doing before he arrived.

(OOC: Elthan picks up 5 Masterwork spears and various items yet to be decided upon)

[Dr._Bob]

The brass dragon looks down, head cocked to one side. It does not speak. Instead it lowers its head until it is resting on the floor. Its chin lies gently against Tiriel's foot.

Callos looks at the cloisonne ring in his hand. It doesn't seem to "mind" Tiriel's switch to a different ring. Perhaps each ring was not "bonded" to each party member after all ...

Without fanfare, Damian eyeballs the dragon, which radiates magic strongly. Whether this is due to its nature or its relationship to the ring is unclear.
...

With everyone's attention focused on the dragon, it is a while before anyone notices the newcomer. Faluil is the first to spot her. He clears his throat and nods towards the main doorway.

An armored woman in ornate plate mail and a spined shield stands with her mouth agape. A bastard sword is sheathed over her shoulder. The style of her armor and weapon suggest that she hails from Impiltur, to the north of the Sea of Fallen Stars.

Her Rashemi escorts fall back in amazement before scurrying away, no doubt to tell the Iron Lord about the magical beast crouching in one of his dining halls.

[blackfox]

Anika

Anika rolls her eyes at Elthan's retreating back and leaves the armory, intending to go out to the city. When she steps out into the courtyard, she stops short, staring at the colossal dragon taking up much of the space there. She reaches for the sword she isn't wearing before realizing the dragon wasn't any of the usual dragon colors she knew about: black, white, blue, green, or red. This, then, was one of the 'metallic dragons,' as she had heard them called. Where any of the colorful dragons were likely to eat you for accidently stumbling upon their hiding spaces, the metallic ones were likely to be amused at the antics of the poor human that discovered them and fled in panic at the sight of a dragon.

Anika moves forward slowly, out into the open, to get a better look at the magnificent dragon. When Faluil points out the newcomer, she attempts, fairly unsuccessfully, to keep an eye on the woman while still staring wide-eyed at a dragon like a country girl in a Waterdeep market.

[Erikkin]

Fizahn:

Fizahn looks at the new woman for a second. He looks at the dragon for a second before walking over to greet her. Dragon's kinda boring actually. It doesn't talk. "Hello. Long way from home, huh? he says, eying her gear. "My name's Fizahn. That dragon bothering you? It's my friend's, I guess. So, what brings you to Imilmar? If you have business in this area, I promise we'll get the dragon sorted out soon."

[Aveda]

Woman in Plate Mail

The figure in the doorway, a short, muscular woman (at least, in human terms) with dark red hair clearly needs a few seconds before everything going on in the dining hall completely sinks in. Her mouth remains open for a while before realizing that someone had been talking to her. Blinking, she shifts attention from the dragon resting at the blond woman's feet and looks down at the gnome addressing her. "Um...I, ah...hello. Fizahn, was it? My name is Gala." She struggles for a second, trying to recall what else he said to her. "Um. My business here? Well, right now I'm looking for that group of people that came here last night, the ones the whole city's been talking about. Looks like finally somebody lit a fire under that big throne of the Iron Lord." She allows herself a quick grin. "From what I understand, they have some information about that army, those hordes of drow and demons. I'd like to hear what news they bear firsthand rather than listening to the vague rumors being spread around." She adjusts the large bastard sword, settling it more comfortably between her shoulder blades. "When you plan on fighting someone, I've found it's best to know as much as you can about them beforehand." Lifting her eyes and scanning the room, Gala notices that most of the group that was talking to, or about, the dragon doesn't look Rashemi at all. "Oh." Her eyes widen, and looking down at Fizahn excitedly, she asks, "Would those people happen to be you? Wow, I hadn't heard you guys had a dragon too. How'd you get it to listen to you? You must have quite a tale to tell." She steps forward into the room a bit more and looks around at everyone before focusing back on Fizahn. "So, are the rumors true? Do you have news about this army? Where they come from, who's in charge, or what they want? I've heard so many different stories, I don't know what to believe anymore."

[Koji]

Khazrael

Khazrael flashes Gala a grin from his chair. He has relaxed somewhat, but is still a bit awestruck by the enormous dragon.

"Don't mind the dragon. He's friendly...I think."

He brushes a bit of feathery hair back from his face before continuing.

"The Army of Darkness has been tearing all over the Great Dale, last I saw. It's been a few months since I was down there, but recently they've been popping up in this area as well."

[barawn]

Damian

Damian rubs his chin thoughtfully, staring at the dragon. Something doesn't seem right here, but I can't figure it out. Spells, he thinks, I need spells. He barely even notices the newcomer, and is content to let Fizahn address her, but the disappearance of the Rashemi guard stirs him. "Tiriel, maybe you should put the dragon away, for now - before all of the Iron Lord's army rushes in here and tries to claim it. I think you should get that ring identified. I don't think it's as obvious as it seems."

He casually reaches around to the back of his belt under his jacket, and pulls out a dagger that appears new and extremely well-made, and begins twirling it, absent-mindedly. "Why did the ring bite Lissa last night, and yet it's perfectly happy with Tiriel, even though it clearly 'chose' Grynde yesterday? And why do I have a bad feeling the answer isn't something I'm going to like? Where is Lissa, anyway?"

[Diarmuid]

Tryntha

The Rashemi woman was content to bide her time waiting for a response from Callos. She could understand how a brass dragon in the dining hall could be more important than the man's skeletal arm.

Against her will she could not help but smirk at the continued bickering amongst the group. She was almost not surprised at all when the dragon laid its head down at Tiriel's feet. These were strange people indeed, and strange tidings seemed to follow them everywhere.

At the newcomers comments, Tryntha moves to stand in front of her and addresses her formally in accented common,

"Good morrow unto you Gala. I am Tryntha, an Ethran of these lands. Your presence here bespeaks a certain level of acceptance into Rashemani lands, but that does not give the freedom to besmirch the sanctity of our Iron Throne, nor it's rightful occupant."

Tryntha's expression softens from one of admonition into one of curiosity as she continues,

"I will assume that when you speak of learning of those you wish to fight...that you mean the army and not those who have brought news of said army to these lands. If you do intend the latter, then I would caution against such things while they are within the protection of the Iron Lord, and more recently the dragon. Neither are a force you would likely wish to have against you in a land that is already barely tolerant of outsiders."

Though her speech is polite, it is stern enough to get her point across that proper manners would well be used when visiting a foreign land.

When finished with her statements, she looks to Tiriel, Fizahn, and Callos and offers a slight nod before moving to sit at a nearby table where she situates herself and begins busying herself with checking the healing supplies in her bundle, though she is quite obviously keeping an eye on the scene before her.

[Dr._Bob]

Lissa looks as puzzled as Damian, and a little bit hurt as well. Like, Grynde, she had been rejected by the ring, and it is not clear why.

...

A retainer arrives and, unable to tear his eyes away from the dragon filling the dining hall, mumbles something about the Iron Lord requesting the presence of Faluil, Desmona, Lissa, and Achkby.

The four of them - elf, human, gnome, and halfling - are escorted away for an early private audience with the Iron Lord.

...

The rest of you look over the newcomer, a fighter by her looks. She is clearly a recently arrived foreigner much like most of the rest of you.

[Aveda]

Gala

Gala looks more than a little ashamed at herself when the Rashemi woman stops speaking. Standing up a bit straighter and now speaking more formally, she says, "I meant no offense, Ethran Tryntha, to you or to the sanctity of the Iron Lord. I'm lucky enough to have traveled to Immilmar with a Rashemi patrol, at least part of the way, and I am honored to call them my comrades. I'm extremely grateful for the welcome I have been given during my stay here. Especially considering I have no place else to go..." She smiles sadly until the impact of Tryntha's second statement sinks in. Frowning, and thinking back on what she said, it takes her a second to realize how she must have sounded. Surprised, she almost laughs at her own mistake before realizing that it probably wouldn't be as funny to the rest of them. "Why would I want to fight you? From what people are saying you told the Iron Lord and his Captains, we're all on the same side here." She shakes her head, and a steely glint is in her eyes as she says, "No, the only grudge I bear is against the Army of Darkness, and those that lead it. They destroyed my home, my life, and from what I've seen in my travels they weren't content at simply ravaging Impiltur." Her fists clench, and she adds, "I intend to make them pay for what they've done a thousandfold."

[Darius]

Tanner Gondsman

Tanner watches the events unfold around him. He is glad that his showing of 'proper respect' to a dragon (read: flattery) seems to have worked and only tables have suffered the wrath (and girth) of the beast. When the retainer asks the see Faluil, Desmona, Lissa, and Achkby, Tanner cannot help but wonder out loud, "It looks like the Iron Lord is asking to see representatives to discuss this matter in private - each are of the four races. This is not a coincidence in my mind, as each of these have shown to be allied with the forces of good; having emmesaries of the four would be wise should need arise."

Tanner then sees Gala standing there. He has always been intrigued by warrior-women, and this one has hair "kissed by fire" as the Rashemi say. He walks over to her and introduces himself. "Greetings, Gala. I am called Tanner Gondsman. I am not the one to ask about this information;" Tanner indicates the others around the dragon, "they are. Though I cannot speak for the entire group, your timing seems perfect. We have lost many of our number to get here. The group may be looking to fill the gaps with a warrior who works well as a team." Hearing Tryntha's rebuke on his way to meet Gala, Tanner adds, "That is unless you came here to fight us. Then, you will want to start with him," Tanner thumbs over to Grynde. "He'd be happy to oblidge," he says with a smirk.

[barawn]

Damian

(ooc: whoops, just kinda assumed Lissa wasn't there. Oh well. We'll figure that Damian just didn't see her because she was short. Fizahn can make a wise crack at it later. :smallbiggrin:)

When the retainer arrives to request Lissa, Achkby, Desmona, and Faluil, Damian's eyes grow wide, and a soft "No..." escapes him. He quickly looks over to Callos, ignoring the introductions going on around him, his eyes wide. "Callos, quickly. Let me try the ring Tiriel gave you. I have a very, very bad feeling. I'll give it back, you have my word. Trust me, if my guess is right, I don't want the ring."

[Naleh]

Retay

The barbarian seems largely unaware of the comings and goings. Still holding his axe at the ready, he alternately watches the dragon warily and glares at the middle-aged man with the skeletal hand.

[Aveda]

Gala

Gala watches the four leave the room, her brows furrowed. Shrugging, she turns to Tanner. "Hello, Tanner Gondsman. Truth be told, I hadn't given much thought to what I'd be doing after I reached Immilmar. It's been hard enough getting here in the first place." She thinks for a moment before adding with a slow grin, "But I can't think of anything I'd like better than to join your group, if you'd have me. You seem to know what you're doing, or at the very least you're better informed than your average soldier. If you guys are going after that army, like they say, I'll gladly lend my sword. It's a lot better than waiting for them to come here, and I don't work too well on my own anyhow." She looks around the room at the people who had greeted her so far: Tryntha, Tanner, Fizahn, and the man with the...feathers?...in the chair. There were quite a few more, but they were all occupied with the dragon at the moment. "But I know there's a lot of you here. I'll let you all talk it over before anything gets nailed down." She nods to Tanner, and sits down in the nearest chair, near the feathered man, to stare at the dragon. "So...how did you guys ever get a dragon? It couldn't have been easy to sneak it in with you without word getting out."

[Diarmuid]

Tryntha

Glad to have a distraction from coming to grips with the self-mutilation evident on Callos, Tryntha continues her discussion with Gala.

"The Wonderbringer's emissary is correct in that there have been many losses leading to the gathering you see before you. But..."

With a slightly reproachful look towards Tanner, she continues speaking to the woman,

"..he may have been a bit hasty in speaking for those endeavoring to charm a dragon, or whatever it is they are up to."

Letting her eyes roam the room until they settled on the sword-bearing half-elf who had caused so much tension so far, she smirked and then spoke on,

"Tanner, however...spoke complete truth when he said that one would be happy if you were looking for trouble. His blades are always his first answer. Thought I wish it were untrue...it seems this stance is becoming more and more appropriate in these dark times of ours."

Smirk gone, Tryntha turns an inquisitive stare to this newcome self-proclaimed victim of these wars, and resumes with a very serious tone,

"Thus it is that I hope you will not be too offended if I ask how it is that one recently displaced from a ravaged Implitur ended up connected with a Rashemi troupe that just happened to be headed for Immilmar where other events of no small consequence just happened to be going on."

Finished sorting through her healing bag, Tryntha rests her elbows on the table and lies her chin in her folded hands. A wisdom beyond her years shines from behind her eyes and she apparently can see nothing but the warrior-woman standing before her.


DrB, not exactly sure how to play this part out. I know a lot of my DM's dont really allow for things like SenseMotive and Bluff when dealing with other PC's, requiring these scenarios to be role-played out (which I do enjoy), but the limitations of PbP would seem less inclined for this to work properly. I'm really just trying to determine the sincerity of Gala's tale and her stated intentions. I, of course, realise she is a new PC you are bringing into the game...but in the face of an entire evening spent determining who should wear a set of 9 rings needed to keep the body-snatching BBEG out of peoples' heads...Tryntha's suspicions seem well warranted.

[roll0]

[kuja.girl]

Tiriel

Tiriel looks at the dragon both astonishment and amusement. She absentmindedly strokes it's head as she comtemplates the dragon's behavior. "It's almost like a dog; a huge dog... with big teeth and claws," she thinks to herself.
She's snapped out of her ruminations by Damain's suggestion to "put the dragon away."
"Right, that's a good idea. Darastrix?" Tiriel asks the dragon, hoping that the word for summoning also works for dismissing the dragon.

[ooc: I was going to post more but I better wait to make sure the dragon is dealt with first.]

[blackfox]

Anika

When Tiriel dismisses the dragon, Anika turns her full attention to the conversation between Gala and the others. She quietly approaches so she can listen, to get an idea of what is going on and what is being talked about before she chooses to enter the conversation herself.

[Dr._Bob]

The dragon vanishes, returning to its ring form, which clatters onto the floor once again. As before, only Tiriel is able to pick the ring back up, as if the ring has decided that Tiriel is its "owner" for now.

Damian looks concerned and asks for the cloisonne ring. Callos hands it to the spellthief and waits to see what he has in mind.

...

Meanwhile, Anika observes Tryntha confronting the newcomer from Impiltur. The Rashemi healer seems surprisingly haughty as she does so, perhaps emboldened now that she is once again among her people.

The ethran eyes Gala intensely, but can detect no guile or deception in this simple warrior.

[barawn]

Damian

Damian looks down at the ring, and takes a bit of a breath. "Don't ask me what I'm thinking. I'm not entirely sure myself. All I see is that the only person who's had a ring reject them was Lissa - and now suddenly Lissa is requested by the Iron Lord. It'd be nice to know if there was a connection." He then slips the ring on, looking to see if it rejects him at all, but not speaking the command word.

[Koji]

Khazrael

The threat of the dragon passed, Khazrael seems to lose the vaguely distant look that had masked his earlier alarm. He straightens up in his seat and adjusts his new jacket, suddenly donning a more amicable persona.

"I forgot to introduce myself. Gala, was it...? I'm Khazrael. Don't mind us if we seem a little, uh, unfocused at the moment." His eyes jump to Tryntha for a moment before he continues, "We had a tough time getting up here. We only arrived last night."

He gives an oddly charming grin, full lips parting slightly to reveal his pointed white teeth.

"So, uh...I'd love to stay and chat, but I've got some stuff to do today. Does anyone know when they're going to want us back here?"

((OOC: If nobody needs Khaz for anything, he's gonna run off and go try and get his familiar.))

[Callos_DeTerran]

Callos

And people call me paranoid...just look at this poor guy.

Callos shook his head with a bit of a disgruntled look on his face as he watched Damian. This had to be the most troublesome magic rings that he ever had the unhappiness to possess, but at least there was a new person so that not quite as many were crowding around the dragon ring and Tiriel. With a sigh he massaged his temples and went to sit at the same table that Tryntha had and sat across from her.

"Here, might as well take a look at it now. This is probably the slowest point of the day for me right now." Directing a wary eye to the newcomer to the hall, the necromancer dragged his eyes up and down her uncomfortably before shaking his head. "Well at least idealism hasn't died yet. And your about as welcome as anyone to trail along, gods above know we pick up enough of them anyway. You said your name was Gala right?"

[Darius]

Edit: Moved to OOC thread.

[Darius]

Callos

Well at least idealism hasn't died yet. And your about as welcome as anyone to trail along, gods above know we pick up enough of them anyway. You said your name was Gala right?"

Tanner Gondsman

Tanner hears Callos' statement and approaches the necromancer, "Callos, if you do not wish me to remain with you, just say the word, and I shall make my leave to go to a place where I am more appreciated." The cleric's stance and jaw is set firm. He cannot hide his eyes narrowing at Callos and the incantations to certain spells come readily to Tanner's mind.

[Aveda]

Jeez, you guys are making me work!

Gala

Gala's attention shifts from the dragon as Tryntha once again addresses her. The war's certainly got everyone on edge, she thinks, but what has she seen to make her so suspicious? She toys with the thought of giving some snappy retort about interrogations, but thinks better of it as the others introduce themselves. She may have to work with these people someday--they may as well know where she comes from. She meets Tryntha's piercing gaze and takes a deep breath.
"Well Tryntha, mine's a bit of a long story, and I've never claimed to be all that good with words. I hail from the city of Laviguer in Impiltur, which, you may have heard, was about as effective as a doormat in stopping the Army of Darkness. We had no warning; it seemed as if the drow and demons came up all around us in a matter of moments." Gala looks down and pauses. The details from the battle, if you could even call it that, were still fresh in her mind, rife with images she'd rather not describe out loud.

"I survived, as did a few others. Most of them decided to stay, to try and rebuild the city, but how would I know how to go about doing that? I've been fighting all my life. Besides, most everyone I knew had died. I had little enough to stay for. So I decided to do what I knew how to do, and go after the bastards that flattened my city. I headed East for a long time, sometimes with others, sometimes alone." Gala takes a breath and tries to summarize many events in a few short sentences.

"Usually, we came upon the next town or village too late to warn its people. Sometimes, we helped fight off bands of drow that were raiding some village or other. It gave me some hope, and I pressed on East, even when all traces of the Army seemed to disappear from the land. I got lost...many times. Lost track of time, too, till I came upon some commotion up in some mountains I was traveling through. I stumbled right in the middle of a vicious fight, a horde of ghouls attacking a patrol of Rashemi warriors. Call it the will of the gods, or fate if you must, but that's how we met. At that point I didn't even know I had entered Rashemi lands. I joined the fray and took a few of the ghouls by surprise. Together with the Rashemi warriors, the ghouls were defeated. The Rashemi, hearing my story after the fight, allowed me to join them and seek shelter at Immilmar once we reached it. And so...here I am." Gala finishes quietly with a shrug.

After a moment, she looks up and meets Tryntha's gaze. "So, do I pass? If you still question my motives and story, I'm sure my former companions will be happy to confirm..." Looking around, Gala finally realizes her escort had left the room some time ago. "Oh. Well, if you desire, you can ask about me among the Snow Tiger lodge. They'd vouch for me." Sitting back in her chair and crossing her arms, Gala waits to see the reaction her speech gets. She certainly didn't come in here prepared to tell her tale, and while usually friendly she doesn't quite feel comfortable sharing so much with so many people she barely knows. Looking at the others' faces, she sits awkwardly and waits.

[Callos_DeTerran]

Callos

"Your a little bit sensitive, aren't you? Now when did you hear the words 'I want you to leave' come out of my mouth cause I'm fairly certain I never said that or even implied it. I merely pointed out an un-opinionated observation that wherever this group seems to go, we pick up people of like mind or goals, which you seemed to take as an insult." Callos pointed out a bit wearily to the Gondsman. He had already been in too many other fights this morning and the day before to truly put forth effort in insulting the cleric, not that he truly wanted to either considering that for all he knew the man was defenseless. Of course the necromancer doubted that, but one could never be sure in this day and age.

"Now you may not know me...Tanner, thats it right? But I don't hide my intentions about things like this. If I ever wanted you to leave I'd flat out tell you, but you should also keep in mind that I don't control this group anymore then Tiriel does, or Gala for a more extreme example, and you shouldn't take my word as such. There's plenty of people I don't like but the situation demands that I work with them. I'd think the servant of Gond would be able to lay aside his pride and understand that a good plan involves utilizing every resource available to resolve the outcome. Which in this case is the spirit of an ancient necromancer allying with the Baneson. Now, as I'm to understand it, you are in fact a being with divine magical capabilities which would make you a more then useful addition. Don't let it get to your head though."

OOC: Hehe, just think of it as us getting you used to PbP with the advanced crash course.

[Naleh]

Retay

The axe-bearer suddenly looks around at Gala. As she finishes her story, he strides over to her, and it becomes clear just how large he is.

"Ghouls, you say? You encountered ghouls near here?" With an oath, he spins on the spot and buries his axe in another table. "I thought it was just one group! Rashemen won't be ready for days yet!"

[kuja.girl]

Tiriel

Tiriel retrieves the brass ring and slips it back onto her finger. Damian's advice about having it identified was a good one, but there may not be time. At least the dragon was friendly, if not verbose.

She manages to catch enough of the newcomer's, Gala's, story to put her at ease. Her story is more believable than what some of us went through to get here. And, we could use some more people that can take the front line...
"Don't mind Callos. He's always grumpy. He does have a point though, we've never had a real leader - we recently lost the closest person to that (Lumpy). So, for now, we're just a group of like-minded people that share the same goals. You're welcome to come with us Tanner, Gala, we can use all the help we can get in trying to push our way back West."

[Matticus]

Grynde

He eyes the axe-damaged table, but speaks of nothing to the barbarian. With blatant disregard for the newcomer, and the dragon, he leaves the room, to simply go for a walk.

[Darius]

Tanner Gondsman

Tanner's eyes sharpen even more as Callos speaks. He is about to reply when Tiriel speaks up. He speaks to her, "No, I won't mind Callos. I have learned that those who speak sarcastically and in a condescending manner do so in order to feel better about their own inadequacies. I will pay him no mind other than a warning that speaking with a split tongue may prove his own undoing one day."

Tanner then turns to answer Callos when he says, "I realize that you do not control this group, nor are you its leader. However, you do control what you do and say - more importantly how you say it. If you consider me 'sensitive' as you put it, then perhaps you could treat me with more respect lest your intent was to raise my ire. Then, you would be doing as you say - speaking your mind so your intentions are clear. As a worshipper of Gond, I have learned the merits of optimizing ones resources; this is not a matter of pride - this is a matter of common courtesy and respect. On one thing we do agree, there are plenty of people I don't like but at times the situation demands that I work with them."

[Erikkin]

Fizahn:

Fizahn pays brief attention to Gala's story before wandering over to Callos and Tanner. Yay. Callos offended someone else today. Wonderful. "He didn't mean it in a condescending or sarcastic way Tanner. He was just making an observation. There have been many people who travel with us when the need dictates, and then they leave when they feel it necessary. He might not have even been referring to you, Brother Gondsman. A particular memory of an irate priest of some crazy diety or another may have fueled any condescension or bitterness you may have detected in his voice. Not all the people who travel with us are likeable." Fizahn can't help but glance at Grynde's receding back as he says the last sentence.

[Diarmuid]

Tryntha

Tryntha nods along with Gala's story. [artistic license] She had heard tell of another band of warriors that had encountered undead beasts while discussing current matter with the women's circle and recalled it had indeed been the same tribe as the woman mention. [/artistic license]

As if reading the other woman's mind, she offered,

"There are enough strange things afoot that even the most obvious things cannot be taken at face value. I meant no offense, but only had the safety of my land and my people at heart. I do not wish to see a similar fate befall this place as has already too many others."

It's clear the Rashemi woman was not expecting Callos to be so cooperative with her inspection of his wound. So much so, that she completely disengaged from her discussion with Gala to concentrate on the strange man and his stranger affliction.

Unfurling her rolled up bundle, she beckons him to lay his strange appendage down upon a soft piece of leather to better examine it. Glad she is for the distraction as the bickering breaks out again amongst those gathered. After Tanner's most recent comments, she does not wait to see if Callos will offer a retort, but instead applies a fairly vicious pinch to the flesh at the juncture where it meets the exposed bone of his forearm. When he looks to her, her eyes are full of mock apology and she murmurs a soft,

"Will you please hold still so I may finish?"

Over the course of about 20 minutes, she casts various spells detecting for magic, evil, disease, curse, poison, and the general level of the man's health. She tests a smattering of healing spells to see what reaction, if any they will have. She asks many questions about the wound (does it itch, have there been any odd colors/odors, felt any dizziness, etc etc etc), but tries her best to respect his privacy and skirts the issue of how and/or why this was done. Her touch is firm, but gentle, and her demeanor remains strong and professional as it had while she dealt with Gala.


Not really sure what is exactly appropriate in this scenario. I'm assuming Callos is a pale master or something, but am unsure what level of knowledge (if any) Tryntha would have of such cases.

Here's a bunch of rolls, apply any as you deem appropriate.

[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]
[roll4]
[roll5]



In the end, she reports that while appearances would hold contrary, the arm appears healthy. Tryntha is unable to mask all of the concern and surprise from her voice while discussing it with Callos.

She also mixes a small amount of paste into a small vial and hands them, along with some prepared leaves and wrappings to Callos. She instructs him to apply some of the paste to be covered with the leaves, and then wrapped if the area where bone leaves flesh should begin to have a short list of symptoms. She also cautions against allowing the bone to be in too much direct sunlight, as the rays can bleach the bone, causing it to lose strength and become more brittle.

While putting away her healing supplies, she mentions aloud to no one in particular,

"If this enemy is indead such a powerful necromancer...then it would be helpful indeed to have one who is familiar with these magics to combat these evils."

There is only slightest bit of inflection on the last word.

[barawn]

Damian

Though he appears engrossed in studying the ring, Tiriel's comment excusing Callos catches his attention. "Tiriel, it should be noted that Callos's disgruntlement with the growing number of people may not be that misplaced. If I remember correctly from Anika's speech, you've already had a case where you left something important with someone you thought you could trust, but in the end, could not, though it was clearly not by her choice. Certainly with a larger group, it's harder to trust everyone's motives. Your smaller group alone already has members whose motives you do not fully trust."

He turns to look at Gala, not moving from his location a fair distance from the others, where Tiriel had summoned that dragon, his eyes cold and his features emotionless. "Don't take that personally, Gala. Or Tanner, for that matter. If the necromancer really were to send someone to infiltrate and kill you, he wouldn't send someone with a sign that said 'I Am Evil.' He would send someone who would look, and act, exactly as you're acting. And do it well."

He then glares over to Retay, his voiced raised slightly, almost wincing. "And would you please put that axe away, or at least stop chopping furniture?!"

[blackfox]

Anika

Anika scowls at the mention of the incident in Telflamm, which had cost everyone so much. What Damian said was true, and, just to make things worse, there was all sorts of hatred between different members of the party as well as distrust.

Well, I guess there's no way of telling whether she's posessed or not short of magic... which I don't have. And if the rings work as they're supposed to... Anika shakes her head and comes forward to Gala. "I don't believe I've been introduced yet... Your name is Gala, right? I'm Anika." She extends her right hand towards Gala.

[Aveda]

Gala

Relieved that Tryntha seems at last satisfied, Gala nods and sits back in her chair, only to jump as the large man with the axe almost splits another table. "Well, it wasn't all that close to Immilmar. But nowadays, sit in any tavern you like for an evening or two and you'll find that these attacks aren't unheard of. I share your concern, though. That's why it's a good thing you guys got here when you did. The sooner the Rashemen mobilize, the better." Gala hopes that her words prevent any further damage to the already partially demolished room. She watches various members of the party needle and argue with each other, wondering how a group that's accomplished so much could seem so...disorganized. Gala nods when the conversation requires her to. She pays careful attention to any clues the party drops about some necromancer's spirit, sending spies, and the baneson, and though it's impossible for her to understand how it all fits together it certainly seems to her as though this is just the information she was looking for.
Looking up at the woman approaching the table, Gala stands and takes her hand in greeting. "Hello, Anika. Good to meet you." She smiles and nods her head towards the others absorbed in their argument. "Are they always like this?"

[Naleh]

Retay

The table-mauler glances at Damian, then fixes his eyes back on Callos. "I'll put it away when there's no evil about," he says blatantly. "If you prefer, there's better things I could chop than furniture."



((OOC: short posts for teh win! :smalltongue: ))

[Dr._Bob]

The dining hall is a disaster area. Several tables have been smashed, and Retay's axe is embedded in another tabletop.

...

Callos tolerates Tryntha's ministrations with bemusement. The ethran has not encountered this type of self-mutilation before. There is obvious necromancy afoot, though exactly what Callos has done and why is unclear to her.

...

While some of you puzzle over the rings, others split off to explore the city.

Currently the rings are held by the following party members:

Aeroz - iron octagon (?)
Fizahn - gold ring with three rubies (?)
Tiriel - brass snake (summons brass dragon?)
Callos - ornate ring (?)
Damian - cloisonne ring (?)
Elthan - simple ring (cloaks in shadows?)
Adalmar - leather loop (accelerates speed?)
Anika - white gold with black pearl (increases agility?)
Khazrael - silver filigree dragonfly (creates vibration/blur effect?)

It seems that the rings can change owners, though some of their intrinsic powers may only be compatible with specific party members.

...

The city of Immilmar is picturesque in a rustic way. Most of the buildings are of solid timber construction with steeply pitched roofs to keep the snow off. The capital is nestled against Lake Ashane, with the Iron Lord's keep situated at the city's highest point. The castle is made of iron and stone, quite different in architectural style from the rest of Immilmar.

You are able to walk the streets freely under the aegis of the Iron Lord. Unlike most foreigners who are quarantined on the west side of the city, you are free to roam about as you wish.

...

Adalmar goes out looking for dire bats, but returns with Kir, who has reunited with his master after an epic journey across the Lake.

...

Khazrael hopes to scour the underbelly of the city for a familiar, but is sorely disappointed to find the city uniformly clean, quiet, and wholesome.

The citizens of Rashemen primarily worship bhalla, who is known as Chauntea elsewhere in the Realms. If there were once worshippers of other gods or devotees of the lighter and darker arcane arts, they seem to have left or been driven out perhaps.

Khazrael returns to the keep empty-handed, though snappily dressed.

...

As the sun begins to dip toward the horizon, you reassemble back in the large dining hall. The broken tables have been cleared and replaced with new ones. Once again, a meal has been set out for you.




OOC: Take care of whatever business you feel you need to. Please shout out OOC when your character is complete/updated/equipped/etc.

If you want to keep switching rings or testing out their powers, now would be a good time to complete this.

[blackfox]

Anika

Anika smirks. "Nice to meet you too, Gala. They aren't usually like this... usually they're worse." She looks thoughtful suddenly. "I don't suppose anyone's told you exactly what the situation with the Army is... how much do you know about what's going on?"

[Erikkin]

Fizahn:

Fizahn wanders away from the conversation in the mess hall. He spends a little time randomly wandering before he heads to the weapon stores. Once there, he spends some time looking at the equipment. He stops after picking up a quarrel of bolts and noticing the ring on his finger. I'd completely forgotten about that. The dragon ring was quite distracting. He looks around for anyone before pulling it off and inspecting the band for any writing. He leaves the storage room with a quarrel of masterwork bolts and looks for Damian. Upon finding the spellthief, he tosses over the bolts. "Here you are. Never shoot me again." He then abandons everyone for the comfort and quiet of his room.

[Koji]

Khazrael

Khazrael returns looking sharp and content, but a little worn out from walking the streets all day. He is surprised to see Gala has returned, and takes a seat near her.

"Never thought I'd see the day when someone chose to get caught up with us."

He gives a smile and pours her a small amount of wine before doing the same for himself.

"Careful with this stuff."

[kuja.girl]

Tiriel

Damian

Though he appears engrossed in studying the ring, Tiriel's comment excusing Callos catches his attention. "Tiriel, it should be noted that Callos's disgruntlement with the growing number of people may not be that misplaced. If I remember correctly from Anika's speech, you've already had a case where you left something important with someone you thought you could trust, but in the end, could not, though it was clearly not by her choice. Certainly with a larger group, it's harder to trust everyone's motives. Your smaller group alone already has members whose motives you do not fully trust."

"Callos doesn't seem to need a reason to be irritable - as far as I can tell it's his natural state." Tiriel's eyes turn cold at the allusion to the affair with the kris, "And I hardly need you to remind me of past mistakes Damian." The foul mood that'd been dispelled by the dragon has returned and she finds herself leaving the hallway. Eventualy she snaps out of her mood long enough to restock some of the items that had been lost along the way.

[ooc: I'll try to get a list soon ... oh and if Callos still needs money, well good luck getting it from Tiriel buddy :smallbiggrin:]

[barawn]

Damian

During the day, Damian slipped down to the armory and picked up a set of masterwork daggers (5) and crossbow to replace the simpler ones he had managed to save from the avalanche.

He spends most of the rest of the day wandering Immilmar, but his thoughts keep turning back to the others back at the palace even as he nominally scouted the city looking for people of influence. What's gotten into me? I'm here. I should be looking for an employer. The Iron Lord's sufferance to allow us to wander the full city should give me an ideal opportunity to find someone. No one's hired me. I shouldn't even be considering going back.

When he glances around, however, his eyes notice the ring on his hand. Huh. I forgot to return it to Callos. Perfect. Sometimes life gives me the ideal excuse. He hurriedly returns back to join the others, only to be greeted by Fizahn. He breaks out laughing when the gnome drops the bolts to him, and nods at his question. "That's fine by me. You're too small a target, anyway. Takes too much effort. I'll think of something simpler next time," he says with a grin.

Casually, he walks over to Callos and slips off the ring. "Looks like in the commotion with Gala's arrival I forgot to return this to you. Doesn't seem to have a problem with me at all. I don't know if that should worry me or not. Have you seen your good friend - Shiny, was it? I think she mentioned something about possibly hiring me for your hunt for Sethra."

[Erikkin]

Fizahn:

Fizahn lingers around a little longer as Damian talks to Callos. He smiles as Damian offers the ring back. "You know, you should probably keep it. I'd imagine it's worth a lot. There's also a necromancer that needs killing. No Tiriel, it's not Callos, don't touch that sword. You said you do your best work against spell slingers. We could give you that ring as payment as well as lessons in Gnomish, and a cut of the loot. That sound like a good deal? I mean, if it were me, I'd do it for the Gnomish lessons alone, you know, assuming I didn't know Gnomish. It's truly an amazing language."

[Aveda]

Gala

Nodding to Khazrael, Gala takes the glass and has a sip. It occurs to her that tonight's probably not going to be a good night to be tipsy--she wants to make a good impression on these people (especially since she's not sure she's even been accepted yet into the group), and her normal drunken evenings of singing crude Lavigueran drinking songs likely wouldn't do it. She puts down the glass with a sigh. "Thanks. As for following along, well, I've never claimed to be all that smart either." She grins at Khazrael and continues her earlier conversation with Anika, eager to learn what she could. "Most of what I know about the Army is what I learned from fighting them, and other survivors I met didn't know much more. They disappear from the land and pop up somewhere else and strike quickly. Who knows how. I've heard rumors that the Baneson has rose to power, but no one I've talked to knows for sure. From what I heard of your earlier conversation--something about a necromancer?--there's a lot more to it. I'd be glad to finally know what's been causing all this trouble."

[barawn]

Damian

Damian's eyes widen significantly when Fizahn jumps in. The gnome offered. Unbelievable. Life continues to surprise me. "I'd certainly accept that, if it's yours to offer. As for my own talents, yes, I work best against those who cast spells. I could render Callos as powerless as a child in less than a minute. Well, if he wasn't trying to defend himself, that is. But you get the point."

His eyes narrow and he looks at the gnome straight on. "Let me be clear, Fizahn. If the others agree, you'll have my services, and my loyalty, no matter what, until Sethra is defeated."

There is surprising depth and intelligence to this brash gnome. Amazing.

[Frojoe21]

Aeroz

Aeroz had been spinning his new ring on his finger for most of the day, in which he took a short trek through the area trying to familiarize himself with the new surroundings. When he returns to the others, he stays uncharacteristically quiet. He hadn't tried out his ring's power yet, and he was eager too, but the thought that they were something more sinister, like the rapier given to him by Prozen kept surfacing in his thoughts.

[Dr._Bob]

Fizahn:
He looks around for anyone before pulling it off and inspecting the band for any writing.

The gold ring with three inset rubies has a draconic inscription on its inner surface - svent, - "kill."




OOC: Everyone done with their characters?

[Diarmuid]

Tryntha

Pleased with her findings, and satisfied that Callos is not some walking embodiment of evil Tryntha nods politely to him and excuses herself from the hall.

For Dr Bob:


After this display of strange magics and learning more about the party, Tryntha makes her way to the enclave dedicated to the Hathrans here in Immilmar. Making the proper respects to her elders and superiors she endeavors to report to them the strange happenings that have been surrounding this group of outlanders including the ordeal with the rings from the previous night and the dragon this day. She requests to be assigned to the group as an advisor.

If you want to play this out, just let me know and we can take it up into the private conversation thread.

[Callos_DeTerran]

Callos

The necromancer suffered through the woman's tests on his arm, though he winced internally when she started casting healing magic at it to see a reaction. Mostly cause he didn't know what'd happen. Theoretically his arm might have been a different entity with the animating magic and her spells might have blown it clean off, but it hadn't and he did let out a sigh of relief. In either case he was rather impressed with her knowledge of healing and gave a short nod to her as she finished up before raising to his feet.

"Thanks for not casting judgement on necromancy." the man said dryly as he took hold of his cloak and wrapped up his limb once more. If he was going out into the city, then exposing his arm would not be in his best interests. "In any case, do you know where I may find the other hathran or possibly a place to barter magical goods? I have some business in town that I must complete...."

As the ethran walked away from him, Callos scowled and shook his head.

Callos is going to brave Immilitar looking for someone to buy his gem of brightness for however much he can get for it. Then he's going to find (hopefully) somewhere he can research spells at and get command undead and vampiric touch (Total of 500 gold there). If he has any gold left after that, he'll attempt getting a familiar or possibly going shopping but I don't know if he'll get that much.

[blackfox]

Anika

"I don't know anything for sure about the Baneson, but I do know that a necromancer called Sethra has allied with the demon lords leading the Army, apparently so he could rule part of the world if they managed to conquer it. The Army is mostly made up of demons and dark elves, as well as the undead Sethra and his cleric followers created. We think they're using the Underdark to strike quickly and disappear the way they do--we met one of Sethra's cleric friends, the Lady Valentine, in the Underdark."

[Aveda]

Gala

Gala stares intently at Anika during her explanation, fixing it to memory. Afterwards, she sits and thinks. The Underdark...I should've known, that explains a lot. Looks like this army's even more dangerous than I thought. Looking back up at Anika, and the others in the party assembled in the hall, she asks, "And you guys are going after them, right?" To Gala, this is all that really matters. "It's been suggested before, by a few of your companions, but if you're going to fight this Sethra and Lady Valentine, I'd like to go with you. You're the first people I've met that have any real idea of what's going on, and I'd rather go after the head of the beast than fight whatever I can around here. That is, if you'll have me."

[Koji]

Khazrael

"I'm not exactly the boss around here, but if you're willing to jump in the fire, I say why not?"

He smiles and sips his wine, enjoying the powerful effects of the stuff.

[namo]

Adalmar

The ranger comes into the common room, clean-shaved - now that is a big change ! - and perky like you've never seen him before. The reason behind that mood is pretty clear to the members of the old group : his hawk is perched on his right shoulder, placid as ever. Kir is back !

Spotting the newcomer, he makes his way over to her.
[OOC: quoting the old description because I'm too lazy to come up with a new one.]

You see a short and stocky man, dressed in the green, brown and gray outfit that marks an official ranger in the Great Dale. He sounds Damaran and his green eyes mark him so, but obviously has some Rashemi blood, as his thick black hair show. He is not exactly ugly, but there is some mismatch in his proportions - easy to see, hard to explain. Arms too long, slightly prominent nose... Still, he manifests a certain force of will in the set of his jaw, softened by the calm look of consideration in his eyes.
Extending his right hand, he grins at her : "Hi, I'm Adalmar, from the Great Dale. Are you here to join us ?"

[Darius]

Tanner Gondsman

http://www.dreamworksfansite.com/gladiator/storyline/gladiator119a.jpg

ooc: For Gala's reference...
A cloak with a snowcat pelt rests upon his shoulders, covering the fine breastplate of this short bearded human. He wears his dark brown hair short and he may be considered ruggedly handsome. One may mistake him for a Rashemi if not for the accent in his voice, his quick smile, and the carved wheel cog holy symbol around his neck.

ic: Tanner is not surprised with Callos' lack of response. 'Tis better this way, Tanner thinks to himself, for I pray to Gond that he sees the error in his ways.

Tanner then excuses himself from Tiriel and Callos and approaches his new friend, Adalmar and the newcomer, Gala. He smiles and says in the joking manner of warriors, "It appears we have another new comer." Tanner slides his gloved finger down the freshly shaven cheek of the ranger and says, "You look vaguely familiar...have we met?" Tanner's smile widens, and he chuckles with his friend. His laugh is contageous and helps to clear the impending gloom that seems to plague the group. "Adalmar - 'tis good to see you. I hope you have slept well. This smile you wear befits you. From the looks of your...friend, I can imagine that your chipper mood comes from more than a restful night in a fur bed. Your raptor is beautiful!" Tanner's admiration of the bird is genuine; although unneeded, the approving comment gives Adalmar a feeling of pride. He turns to Gala and says with a wink, "Watch yourself, Gala, this one can charm more than one type of bird - the red-tailed hawks are his favorite." Tanner's jovial comment draws attention to the auburn locks of Gala.

Tanner's smirk remains, but he turns to business when he says indicating his buckler and crossbow, "I have picked up a few things before breakfast; I can help steer either or both of you towards the right places since I have resided in Immilmar for many years now." He looks around at the carnage of the room caused by barbarian and brass dragon. "If you don't need any help, I could use some - cleaning up after everyone else's mess."

Tanner then will continue clearing the broken tables. Although the mess he had caused was cleaned up, those that watch Tanner's example of doing the right thing feel a pang of guilt...provided they have a conscience, that is.

[blackfox]

Anika

((OOC: Oh yeah, character descriptions... Anika is 5'4", curly blond hair, thin pointed features, bright green eyes.))

"I don't think anyone's really sure about what we're going to do. I, for one, want to go after Lady Valentine, but it seems to me that if we really want to make a difference in the fight, we'll have to go after Sethra himself. Someone's going to have to go after Sethra... like you said, he'll just get more followers if we kill them off one by one." Anika shrugs. "You can come along with us. As long as you don't kill people indiscriminantly, lie cheat and steal, or scream at everyone that annoys you in the slightest way, you can stay. Even if you do kill, steal, etc. we probably won't do anything to you. We haven't done anything to the people who have yet..."

[Aveda]

Gala

Gala takes Adalmar's hand and smiles. "Hi Adalmar, I'm Gala. Yep, looks like I'm throwing my lot in with you guys." The Great Dale...he must be homeless just like I am. Tanner's lightened mood and jokes, rather than making her blush, put a grin on Gala's face. Practically growing up in the barracks of Laviguer, she was used to the men's jibes and horsing around. She grins and raises her glass in response.

[Dr._Bob]

The day is spent resting and equipping yourselves as best you can for whatever lies ahead. Tryntha disappears for most of the afternoon, though when she returns to the dining hall in the evening, she looks puzzled. She has not been able to make contact with her order.

Though Tryntha has been treated politely and with respect, the Rashemi warriors in the Iron Keep and the citizens of Immilmar shake their heads or shrug their shoulders when she asks where she can find a hathran to report to.

You wait patiently until you are summoned for your audience with the Iron Lord.

[barawn]

Damian

(ooc: this assumes that no one violently objected to Fizahn's hiring of Damian)

With the gnome's surprising offer, Damian seems notably uplifted. For those who've been traveling with him since the snowfall, he had gotten progressively more brooding since the arrival in Immilmar. On the trip to see the Iron Lord, he had maintained a relatively bemused mood when not in combat, with the exception of a few outbursts and the general frustration with the Rashemi.

When evening approaches, upon arriving in the dining hall, Damian walks over to Gala. "Sorry. I didn't have time to introduce myself previously. My name's Damian. Gala, right? I heard most of your introduction, though it may not have seemed it. The dragon's arrival grabbed my attention for a while." The greeting is amicable - at least, moreso than she may have gathered previously - but still lacking in any random platitudes. To Gala, Damian is a relatively tall (well, among this group) human, with close-cropped dark hair, colorless grey eyes, wearing a black cloak and a black shirt, with a bit of a gleam of mithral near the top. Two daggers are situated clearly in his belt, and a crossbow is strapped on his back. His origin is hard to place from appearance and demeanor - his accent is relatively generic.

When the rest of the party is waiting, Damian takes the time to ask about a long-standing puzzle. He walks over to Elthan, and sits beside him. Keeping his voice relatively low, he looks over to the spellcaster. "So why is it that the rest of the party distrusts you? It almost borders on hate. And should I have that same opinion as well?"

[Naleh]

Retay

During the day, Retay finally takes up the offer of a bath. He spends an hour soaking, and when he comes out, he still smells of dirt and animal hide.

At the dining hall in the evening, the towering bearded man settles himself some distance from Callos. Curious, he listens to Damian's query and Elthan's response.

[namo]

Adalmar

Adalmar, who doesn't have Tanner's easy way with words - and women ? - blushes slightly and stammers a bit, but he takes it all good-naturedly. He asks a few questions to Gala about where she's coming from, what brought her here...

For one evening at least, it seems he just wants to forget about it all and enjoy smalltalk. If he sees another member of the group lurking around, he'll gesture him/her over.