Abomination Vaults IC

[TheYell]

You are met on a glade of green grass outside Wrin Sivinxi’s tents on the northern edge of town. To the north across the river the dark smudge of the Fogfen forest is visible beyond the sandy cliff. The nearby Osprey River burbles calmly as it passes. Long tables have been set up with pots of hot fragrant tea and plates of cakes and baked goods. The heat of the day has ebbed, and it is pleasant to walk in the sun. The other guests have yet to arrive.

Wrin, clad in glad party robes, strides forward smiling, clasps you by the hand and bids you welcome. “Thank you for coming, friend. You four I would have meet and talk…

“Vana Polaron, the cunning thaumaturge...

“Arioch Mal’chazeen, the renowned warrior…

“Cibarius, an earnest druid…

“Giest, a potent mind.”

“Please, stay with me and meet our other guests. I would have a talk with you after the party,” and a shadow lengthens her face momentarily. Then she grins. “But until then, enjoy the day and the warm sunshine and the grass by the river. It is to preserve these things that I would talk with you, so let’s enjoy them!”

Townspeople begin to drift into the glade, gathering around the refreshment tables and then making their way to greet Wrin. You four flank her and soon a reception line has formed.

The first pair to greet Wrin are a richly-dressed well-fed human male and a roughly-dressed scarred half-orc male. “His Honor, Oseph Menhemes, and his mill foreman Klorte Hengus,” Wrin tells you, shaking their hands. “Will you stand with me and greet my guests?”

“Be glad to shake hands all around, election coming up,” laughs the Mayor, but the half-orc slurps his tea nervously. “Better be back at the mill, the works never stop you know, always something for an idle hand.” He nods to his boss and walks off to the east.

The next pair is a hearty human female in dark buckskin trousers and jacket whose whole bearing shouts “ranger”, and a dapper human male in a dark wool suit. “Ah, Oloria Gallentine runs our delivery service to Absalom and Diobel”, says Wrin. “And Carman Rajani is the most distinguished owner of the local smithy, Blades for Glades.”

“Ready for the next election, Carman?” asks the Mayor politely.

“I may have learned my lesson,” sniffs Carman. “Did you learn yours?” He stares at you four without offering to shake hands.

‘CharmedI’msurepleasedtomeetyouofcourse” gushes Oloria, her face red, eager to move on.

“You’re a very naughty man, Mr. Menhemes,” says Wrin, as the pair separate and head for the tables. “Ah, this would be Morlibint, a wizard with a bookstore in town; and Captain Longsaddle, our most distinguished head constable.”

The studious man with the thick spectacles sniffs as the burly elderly man elbows him aside. “Good to see you, Mister Mayor,” says the Captain. “The Guard salutes you! And what’s this lot doing in Otari?” He scours you with a glance.

“Charming day, Wrin,” says the studious man, elbowing his way forwards to shake her hand. “Good to meet you all.”

The next pair to approach is a tengu female in a oilskin apron, and a halfling female in denim overalls. “Ah, this is Magiloy, our town alchemist and brewer, and Jala Highstepper, head of the Farming Guild.” The pair nods indifferently to you and moves off after saying a few pleasantries.

Next approaching is a lanky human female in a brisk tweed suit, and an elderly male in town clothes and apron. “Ah, this is Mister Keeleno Lathenar, our grocer, and Yinyasmera, a legitimate businesswoman who owns a tavern.”

“You try so hard, Wrin, and I do thank you,” says Yinyasmera, looking daggers at her with a phony smile, but Lathenar steps forward angrily. “Hey! That leshy a druid?” He gives Wrin an ugly look and drops his cake on the grass and stomps back into town without a word.

“There’s one in every town,” mutters the Mayor, but Wrin smiles sweetly and nods to the next pair approaching. “This is Tamily Tanderveil, who owns the Fishery; and Alymora Inkleholtz, a lumberyard owner.”


“HI!” The pair of women seem genuinely glad to see you. “Welcome to Otari, you four! Always work for willing hands!’

“And this gentleman is Wrab Chertel, a lumberyard owner,” says Wrin of a well-dressed frowning man in his fifties. He stares at you four without speaking, then says “I can smell a Kortos Consortium agent a mile off, I warn you!” and then walks away.

Behind him comes a brooding matronly dwarf in rough wool clothing. “This is Brelda Venkervale, who runs the Rowdy Rockfish.” The dwarf glances at you four eagerly, and looks hopefully at Wrin, who sadly shakes her head and says softly, “No, nothing about Lasda.” The dwarf’s face falls, and she walks away dejectedly.

Last in line is an effervescent blonde cleric of Sarenrae. “Hi! I’m Vandy Banderdash! Blessed be the day of our meeting! Pleasant days ahead to you all, and welcome to Otari!”

The Mayor turns to Wrin and says, “Well, off to my duties as presiding head of Otari…cake and tea with the constituents!” He laughs, turns to you four, “Good to meet you, and don’t forget to register with the polls!”

“Those were the folks I felt you should meet,” says Wrin. “Go ahead and mingle and enjoy yourselves. We’ll talk after the party about really dramatic events…I shudder to think what they will mean to these people,” she says with a shiver.

OOC thread is here.
Recruitment thread is here.

[Quivernas]

Cibarius AC: 17 | HP: 28 | Current: 28 | Hero Points: 1 Fortitude: +6 | Reflex: +6 | Will: +10 | Perception: +8 Focus Points: 2 | Current: 2 Active Effects: None. Conditions: None. Familiar: "Magic" Abilities: Manual Dexterity, Valet Ageless Spirit skill: Society

---

Mushrooms don't have to care about politics.

Some days, Cibarius considered that the major advantage of being a leshy. As long as there were rotting trees in the swamp, Cibarius would be fine.

And so, they let the jockeying for position and schmoozing and backbiting pass over their cap. It didn't bother them when Keeleno stormed off at the mere sight of a druid. The grass would happily absorb the sugars from the cake he dropped. If few people wanted to shake their hand, well, can't blame them. The humidity was up so Cibarius was a bit on the slimy side today.

But orders to mingle were still orders - no matter how politely phrased - and so Cibarius waded into the crowd. A pair of small black eyes peeked from under their ridges as their familiar, Magic, looked at all the strange people. Too shy to deal with that many new faces, it quickly hid itself within the layers of Cibarius' shelf-mushroom body.

Cibarius wandered over to Alymora Inkleholtz -- the friendliest seeming of the lumber dealers. "How fare the trees? I believe Absalom was having problems with oak wilt. Has it made its way to this region?" Their surprisingly deep voice seemed to come from the trunk.

Questions about fungal tree infections were probably not the usual teaparty conversation starters, but Cibarius' range of small talk was limited.

[TheYell]

Alymora's face blanched at the news. "Oak wilt? Heavens preserve us! No sign of that yet in this region!" She peers down at the leshy curiously. "Are you a druid of the Stone Ring Pond? Anything you could do to help purify our woods of fungal rot would be greatly appreciated. You know, Whistledown Cutte--er,my company--is committed to bio-ethical culling of the Fogfen, keenly aware of our stewardship role in the environment. We plant a new tree for every one taken. We're proud members of the community too," she purrs, " and operate a school in town to prepare the next generation of good citizens. In fact, if you could find time, we'd be glad to have you lecture on Nature to the children. Er, you could earn income doing it," she finishes a little embarrassed.

[Triskavanski]

Giest stood on a table to get up to the height of most of the other people, content with a single cookie had dragged over. Rather than shake most people's hands directly, she maintained a mage hand spell, with a normal medium sized glove to shake people's hands with. Her button eyes looking over the crowd as they sparkled with light. She wore a simple toy dress, likely pilfered from one of the less independent dolls.

Her companion was a four legged rabbit doll, but something was gravely off about the toy. Its mouth had a bear trap somehow sewn in, as if it was teeth. Needless to say the results where somewhat disturbing. The cloth used to make most of the companions body was also dark red with splattering of black.

Looking to the Leshy Druid for a moment, she gave him a pun he likely heard hundreds of times before. "Hey you Look like a real fun guy!. Names Giest! Ain't I a doll?" Posing for a moment as she turned her back to him and looking over her shoulder at the larger druid. But before he could respond she moved on to Arioch Mal’chazeen. "Wow You're big!" and then to Vana Polaron "I've seen you before, I think. " Before settling down to meet the minglers.

"Hey now thats rude! Apologize to the cake!" She calls out to Lathenar, even as they disappear. Honestly, the nerve to dispose of cake in such a fashion! Once free to mingle out on her own, she hopped off the table and onto her companion "Him him! follow the toy maker!" she said, happily chasing after Carmen. "Hey Mister Toymaker! You make toys too? Any idea how to get bladed Bandalore to stop cutting their own string? Everyone always makes them out of wood and without any blades, but how can you defend yourself with that?

[TheYell]

Carman Rajani turns frowning, but his frown turns to a smile to see Giest riding the companion.

"Toys? The sort of toys I make bite hard, little fellow. Like your mount there. As to bandalore...I'd replace their strings with steel cables."

He turns to walk on, pauses. "You're both awakened toys then? I'd heard but not believed. Who made you, and is he in Otari? I'm impressed with a toy with a steel-trap jaw. Perhaps we could...oh well."

He looks back on Wrin and the Mayor. "What did they say about me to you? A newcomer? You can see how they treat the rightful Heir of Otari. It's that damnable lucky sword..."

He regards Giest thoughtfully. "You never had parents either, did you? It's life all over, I see. You get told to go it alone, as if you could, but in the end, it's all who you know..."

He brings himself back to reality with a start. "Ah! But send your big friends to me for outfitting and repairs, master toy. Er, what is your name again?"

[Triskavanski]

"Well, I am." She says tapping her head. "I got thinky things for making the pondering. Threadbare here though is all just fluff and stuff. I haven't figured out how to put thinky things in there either. I tried wishin on stars, but so far that hasn't done anything. Party lady didn't say much about you, other than you run a smith. Had a little girl once, but she got really sick, so they threw me out and tried to burn me with all the other stuff." She pauses for a moment thinking.


"Thats when I woke up and ran away and made Threadbare, So that next time the toys can be used to stop the bad things from being bad. And I shall! I'm Giest. I like making things too like Jacks and dice..." She fishes through her bag for a moment and holds up the jack.. Or rather a caltrop. "And I have this idea for a game like horseshoes but with a dart board on the ground.. We could call it Lawn Darts! For some reason though people don't want to get children these toys though, even though the toys could protect the children! So I decided to try my paw at other things and came to this party. "

[Zero Prime]

Arioch Mal'chazeen, Champion of Ragathiel AC: 20 | HP: 34 | Current: 34 | Hero Points: 1 Fortitude: +9 | Reflex: +4 | Will: +7 | Perception: +5 Focus Points: 1 | Current: 1 Active Effects: None. Conditions: None. Arioch was new to the area, having been given leave from the Order to settle his family affairs, he had discovered his mother had passed away while in the employ of one Yinyasmira, proprietress of the Crook's Nook, a local tavern, and haunt to local fisherman. Arioch had relocated there, renting a room during his time in the area, it was a rough and tumble crowd, to be sure, some seemed honest, salt of the earth, others though. Questionable motives, and he hadn't quite gotten a read on the owner, as of yet. She was cool towards the young Shining Crusader, though he returned her professionalism with courtesy and respect, as he considered himself a guest in her house, and one does not disparage their host. While visiting his mother's grave, he had spoken with Priestess Banderdash, one who was all too willing to share her knowledge, and her time, with the newly arrived Knight. He enjoyed their conversations, though, at times, struggled to keep up with the woman's boundless energy, and curiosity. However, as a Sarenite, she had his respect, given the creed of the Dawnflower, and the natural charm the woman exuded. It was his burgeoning friendship with Wrin Sivinxi that truly had taken him off guard, a woman, with whom he shared a heritage, one who had every reason to become isolated and embittered, given the general populace's reaction to most born with infernal blood. Yet she remained kind, and open, to a point, sharing her curiosity, knowledge and wisdom freely, together the two tieflings had spent several nights star-gazing, as the woman explained her theories on the Caravan, and the nature of astrological portents and observations. Despite the fact Arioch's faith had been placed into the hands of Ragathiel, he felt a deep connection with the woman, a bond of blood and friendship. So it was when she invited him to this social event, he accepted, donning his plate mail, ensuring his tabard, crisp white emblazoned with the symbol of Iomedae, the Order's patron, upon it. However, the observant would notice the brooch which clasped the cloak around his shoulders, was silver and bronze, a celestial wing furled around a blade, the symbol of Iomedae's General, Ragathiel, his personal patron. His helmet was strapped to his hip, his face, all hard panes, high cheekbones, and a narrow chin, framed by midnight black hair, that fell, unbound to his shoulders, smoldering black eyes with no iris, and magnificent horns that swept back from his temples, before curving forward. He surveyed Wrin's other guests, an eclectic group to be sure, a fungal leshy of sorts, a druid, or so it seemed, perched atop an animated arboreal sapling, and what, at first, he took for a small toy, atop a plush purple tiger, before it spoke, and began to move through the crowd. Curious to say the least, he assumed Wrin would make introductions later in the evening, when she revealed the cryptic reason for the gathering. Instead the tall, broad shouldered knight surveyed the crowd, noting the names and personages as Wrin introduced them, used to such formalities with the Order, Arioch endured them stoically, acting in accordance with the announced station of each, formality, tradition, and etiquette were to be expected at such gatherings. Lathenar's outurst however, does catch the tiefling's attention, turning stern eyes on the man's back. Wandering through the crowd, a nob here, a smile there, he sought out the Captain of the Guard. Approaching the bristly man cautiously, he nodded, a sign of respect, before introducing himself, "Ser Arioch Mal'chazeen, formerly of Vigil. A knight trained, and ready to offer my aid, should Otari require it." He paused, "Captain Longsaddle is it? You enquired as to my purpose in town? My mother resided here while we escorted refugees from Lastwall to Absalom, I learned as much upon completion of my duties. I journeyed to be reunited with her, only to discover she had perished some months ago, so now I seek to settle her affairs and perhaps discover something of her life. Caecilla, a woman of varisian descent, I believe she was employed as healer by Lady Yinsyamira. Did you, perhaps, know her?"

[TheYell]

Carman Rajani eyes widened. "You are the maker of this doll? That impresses me very much." He bends down to respectfully examine Threadbare carefully with his eyes, keeping his hands to himself and in view at all times. "You are a thorough craftsman, Master Giest. I respect thoroughness. In craftsmanship it is almost more than aptitude."

He glances back at Wrin. "So I'm a master of a smithy? That's what they'd have me be. Well, they will yet understand the Ace of Blades is not to be denied."

"My name is Carman, Master Giest. I have many names in Otari, but to you it is "Carman", and I do own a smithy and workshop. I would be pleased if you would visit and make use of the facilities. I can even share jobs with you, making gambesons and such. Your sense of stitching is marvelous. You could earn a sound income on that task, and I should be pleased if you would let me watch you on your own projects."

[TheYell]

Captain Longsaddle seems to swell at the public honor paid him by this sturdy man at arms, an emotion that lasts through his address right up to the word "Yinyasmera". Then he turns bright red and frowns, about to speak harshly, when something about this young tiefling's bearing and stern respect catches his tongue. He calms himself, chewing his words, and glances around to make sure no one is near.

"With respect, Ser Arioch, you've the makings of a poor policeman. Ah! I mean no slight on your prowess with arms, but you'd be the big lad my boys have spotted residing at the Crook's Nook. Can you not recognize the Thieves Guild when you sleep in it? As to your mother, I know nothing against her, which if she worked for Lady Y, then that's saying she had a sterling character. You'd better move into the Garrison barracks with my lads. Perhaps not as comfortable but far less chance you wake up with a cut throat!

"As to what use I can make of you, I can't think, unless...yes, you can stand post at the Garrison portcullis in your armor and show my lads how a soldier ought. And perhaps you can help Sergeant Byre in sparring training. And then there's the upkeep of the armor...in fact, report tonight to Sergeant Smeet and he'll get you a billet, and we'll find work for you tomorrow. But not walking a beat! You'd be arresting your breakfast mates from the Inn, like as not."

[Quivernas]

Cibarius bobbed in an approximation of a nod. "The trees here grow tall, and the old block out the sun from the ground. You do no harm, and much good, by opening the canopy and planting new trees." Other druids might disagree, but Cibarius was attuned to the end phase of the life cycle. Everything eventually rotted. The key was not to keep every plant alive, the key was to keep the entire system in balance. They cocked their cap and gave Alymora a considering look, "I would be happy to speak to your students. I find that the young have an easier time understanding the whole of nature than ... those who have become set in their way." Those who stand to make a profit off of nature, in other words. "And I get along well with the young ..." they considered for a second longer "... and I am not poisonous." Some humanoids got so worried about that. It occurred to them that this might be a good time to figure out what was going on in this town. "It is pleasing to hear that the wilt has not made it here. It travels on firewood, and I would imagine few have reason to bring that to Otari. Are there any problems in the lumber business at the moment?" Given that the whole town seems to revolve around lumber, if there was a problem it would likely show up there.

[TheYell]

Alymora laughed. "I'm glad you're not poisonous! Thank you for supporting our efforts. Problems, not lately, at least none in the woods. The Kortos Consortium in Absalom is seeking to make trouble for us, always, because we challenge their monopoly on lumber for the metropolis.

"Wrab Chertel has more trouble with them than either Oseph Menhemes or I, because of how he treats his people, in my opinion. He may ask you to spy on his staff for traitors and infiltrators; my advice is not to take that side of a labor dispute.

"Oseph has a probable lock on the Mayoralty again this cycle; I don't want the job. Carman Rajani does, but he's out of the lumber trade entirely. The only thing that Ace of Blades is liable to do in the forest is dig a gravesite" she sniffed.

"There's a sense crime is growing in Otari, Yinyasmera has the petty thieves and the gambling for now, but it seems the loan sharking is run by something called the Starry-Eyed Brotherhood. At least, that's the emblem that keeps popping up on the corpses of deadbeats. Yinyasmera at least doesn't kill you just asks for side favors if you have a large balance. Not that Captain Longsaddle is at all prepared for a crime wave. Poor man, he does his best, promoted above his station by the untimely death of Captain Trask. But what can you say about a constable who drowns himself proving how long he can hold his breath?

"Goodness! How long have I been gossiping? It's a wholesome town I think you'll find, and Longsaddle is a wonder at fighting any fires that come along. Brave and adroit.

"Wrin and Morblint and Vandy Banderdash own the libraries in town, I'll let them know you'll be a teacher and they'll assist you with whatever books you may need. Now if you'll excuse me, I owe the Menhemes and Chertel houses a visit to warn them about oak wilt in Absalom." She smiles at you and bows, then walks off towards the other lumber magnates.

[Zero Prime]

Arioch Mal'chazeen, Champion of Ragathiel AC: 20 | HP: 34 | Current: 34 | Hero Points: 1 Fortitude: +9 | Reflex: +4 | Will: +7 | Perception: +5 Focus Points: 1 | Current: 1 Active Effects: None. Conditions: None. Arioch smiled at the older man, "You misunderstand my meaning, Captain Longsaddle. I do not intend to become a member of Otari's constabulary, I have been granted a grace from my duties as a member of my Order, and only mean to settle my mother's affairs. I had thought to make my training available to you and yours, but," he glanced towards Yinsyamira, "the proprietress of the Crook's Nook had shown my mother a kindness when she thought her husband, and only son dead. For that kindness to my kin, I owe her a debt, I do not share your concern for my safety when under her roof." He shrugged his hands, "So I will not avail myself of your generous offer for lodging. Though, should you wish my assistance in assuring your recruits are properly caring for their equipment, I would be glad to run them through basic drills, and inspection." He smiled this time, "I, myself, have suffered enough of them to last a life time. First light in the barracks yard then?"

Spoiler: Out of Character Actions

Show

OOC: In case it isn't clear, I am trying to have Yinsyamira see me refuse Longsaddle's offer of lodging, publically stating I feel safe as her guest, while still accepting Longsaddle's offer to train the town guard, without offending either. I'll likely make my way to speak with her next, depending on how Longsaddle reacts.

[TheYell]

Captain Longsaddle gives an audible harrumph and nods to Arioch curtly, then walks away. Arioch looks up to see Yinyasmera staring at him, smiling. She walks to him directly.

"You've offended the captain," she says calmly. "He's not very subtle, nor are his spies. I should have warned you."

[Triskavanski]

Giest AC: 17 | HP: 22 | Current: 22 | Hero Points: 1 Fortitude: +6 | Reflex: +6 | Will: +7 | Perception: +5 Active Effects: None. Conditions: None. Focus Points: 2 | Current 2

"Hehe, Yep! I made Threadbare. Wanted to make a doll that could be played with and help defend from goblins and werewolves and leprechauns." she says patting its head. "Its not there yet though, but now that we've been called by the tea-lady here, those other three are my next project. Hehe... Uh.. But in the safe way for them." Unlike poppets, flesh-lings couldn't just replace pieces of them self. And polish didn't help them see better. "So Carman, what was that about a lucky sword.. or Ace of Blades?"

[TheYell]

Carman Rajani is startled. He doesn't say anything for a moment, looking through the crowd, sees Yinyasmera away talking to Arioch, and seems to relax.

"Er...Ace of Blades is one of my nicknames, I make excellent throwing knives. Better than most other people can handle, really. As to the sword, it's one of the...heirlooms...of my illustrious family. Did they tell you the Rajanis are one of the founding families of this town? The Mehemes merely paid to send us here, but we earned all the glory...too bad so little of it stayed in our hands...it's the legacy of holding on to the lucky sword, I just know it is..."

He frowns at the crowd, then considers Giest carefully. "You're a careful listener, Master Giest. Tell me, would you turn your pet onto...a thief?"

[Triskavanski]

Giest AC: 17 | HP: 22 | Current: 22 | Hero Points: 1 Fortitude: +6 | Reflex: +6 | Will: +7 | Perception: +5 Active Effects: None. Conditions: None. Focus Points: 2 | Current 2

She shook her head. "Nope. tea lady just said come hither for job thingy and stay for party. So I came. But she said she'll tell us what job is after tea party. And well.. Threadbare can snatch a thief or two, With the bity bite chompers."

She looks about to see if she could see a thief sneaking around with his black mask and a large canvas bag with a gold symbol on it.

[TheYell]

Carman Rajani says, "Indeed he could. You must watch out no thieves surprise you. In particular, watch out around the Crooks Nook. You may tell them the Ace of Blades said so. But I would like you to call me 'Carman' to remind me of a sunny tea party. I hope you will come to my workshop, I would love to see that double-stitch on a gambeson. Excuse me, I must talk with some others I see here." He nods to you and walks towards the tables.

[Zero Prime]

Arioch Mal'chazeen, Champion of Ragathiel AC: 20 | HP: 34 | Current: 34 | Hero Points: 1 Fortitude: +9 | Reflex: +4 | Will: +7 | Perception: +5 Focus Points: 1 | Current: 1 Active Effects: None. Conditions: None. Arioch frowned as the Captain departed, only to see Yinyasmera drift through the crowd to end up at his side. He raised an eyebrow as she spoke, "Spies? He seeks to entrap you in your place of business then?" The broad shouldered man shook his head, he had no particular love of thieves, scoundrels, or criminals, however, if no violent crimes were taking place, then that spoke of an accord between the law and the citizenry, even if said accord was unwritten. "I do not feel as though the Otari guardsmen should be made to suffer because of their Captain's pride. I shall be at the barracks at first light to ensure that they are properly equipped, arms and armored cared for, and they are instructed in it's use. If the Captain wishes to reprimand me for offering aid freely, he can do so in front of those who would benefit most from my experience." He remembered Lastwall, as it fell to the Whispering Tyrant's necromantic armies, his order defending the retreating citizenry, falling, in numbers, to protect the innocents. "There are far greater evils than charlatanry, unethical business practices, and usury." He paused, pushing such commentary from his thoughts, for the moment at least. "One of your townsmen, the chief grocer I believe, he came in with you? Lathiner I belive? He seemed to take offense at the presence of one of Wrin's guests, a druid I believe? Due to the forestry in the area, are the druids opposed to Otari's business practises to draw such ire from it's citizens?"

[TheYell]

"Why thank you," says Yinyasmera. "You must have seen great evils indeed...I pray they remain far from Otari!" She sighs. "Or perhaps it is inherited...your revered mother also found greater goods to serve than by, shall we say, telling a cat's colors at night. To her we were all gray, and the sick and injured were healed as needed." She sips her tea. "As for Keeleno, he's a rare holdout. Perhaps I cannot blame him.

"There is a Stone Ring Pond that draws druids from far away to pilgrimage, and thirty years ago, one of the pilgrims ran amok as a werewolf and killed Keeleno's wife. Keeleno Lathenar has never forgiven the druids, and maintains they shield the werewolf to this day.

"The rest of the townsfolk have forgiven the druids, largely because Worliwynn the gnome druid has led them to forgive. It is odd, Jaul Mezmin--the werewolf-- ran off a sea cliff into the waves, but Worliwynn agrees with Lathenar that he may yet live. She has asked me to take an interest in the matter.

"Which I have, and no druids shield anyone in the Fogfen, and he lives not in town. Yes i have some civic sense, whatever that Captain thinks, I do not condone running amok butchering grocers. If I had him at hand I would yield him up gladly."

She chuckles. "We have found common ground, Champion of Ragathiel. Perhaps you will reform me, and I will go work at the shrine of the Dawnflower, and repent!"

She laughs, then sighs. "Work for the soldiers with my blessing then, Ser Arioch. I shall explain to the hotheads that a soldier will play soldier, and you are not to be troubled in any way. You may teach them something about keeping a spruce bedchamber.

"I don't suppose you will tell me why Wrin has Vana and that toy and the druid together with you, and perhaps, just perhaps, it has nothing to do with me. If it does, do come and tell me. Just...tell me. Your mother would have told me, before taking any official action."

[Zero Prime]

Arioch Mal'chazeen, Champion of Ragathiel AC: 20 | HP: 34 | Current: 34 | Hero Points: 1 Fortitude: +9 | Reflex: +4 | Will: +7 | Perception: +5 Focus Points: 1 | Current: 1 Active Effects: None. Conditions: None. As Yinyasmera spoke of his mother, Arioch become, somewhat, wistful, thinking back to his childhood, village to village, driven out simply because her son had been tainted by a birth in proximity to the Worldwound. He nodded slowly, as he returned to the conversation, "That is my mother, if nothing else, taking in strays, and defending the outcasts with her life, if need be." He paused, "During my youth in Vigil, there were some Knights who discovered a circle of war profiteers, who would strip the fallen of arms and armor, transport the goods south for sale, and profit. They tore apart the slums of Vigil to look for this profiteer's ring. Yet, when the shambling dead overran Vigil's walls, it was the profiteers, with their networks of bandits, merchants and smugglers, who were able to transport refugees south, my mother among them." A shrug, "So long as your strays do not profit from those who are ill equipped to be separated from their coin, or shed innocent blood, it is of little concern to me." When the woman began to speak of the tragedy that had befallen Keelano Lathenar, it was, almost, as if heat roiled off of his frame. "While his anger may be misplaced, his grief is not. Jaul Mezmin you say?" He focused on the name, trying to ensure he remembered it, "werewolves, if stories are to be believed, are notoriously hard to kill. Perhaps tomorrow, after drilling Longsaddle's recruits, I shall make my way to market." Then she spoke of her reformation, he couldn't help but smile, "Lady Yinsyasmera, I, who pray for miracles, daily, do not truly expect to see one." He chuckled, "And as for Mistress Sivinxi, for weeks I have joined her to watch the stars, she has spoken, in depth, of her beliefs. She sees signs and portents in their movements, and likely has seen one she wishes to share with us, though calamitous or fortuitous only the stars themselves will decide. Though, when she reveals to me her intent, if it were to impact you or your strays, I am glad to share such with you."

[Triskavanski]

Giest AC: 17 | HP: 22 | Current: 22 | Hero Points: 1 Fortitude: +6 | Reflex: +6 | Will: +7 | Perception: +5 Active Effects: None. Conditions: None. Focus Points: 2 | Current 2

"Alright Bye bye Carman!" she says happily as she waves off the rightful heir, before glancing around for the librarian as her next target. Books! Those were always important! They told fantastical tales and sometimes an idea could spark an invention of some sort. She looked for Morlibint quickly tring to approach him and waves. "Hey Mr Bookskeeper, got anything new recently?

[TheYell]

Yinyasmera stares fixedly at Arioch. "Thank you for your directness, it is a kindness to me. I cannot imagine what Wrin has seen in the stars to seek out such help; I hope it bodes well for Otari. Excuse me for staring, Champion; there is a fool in the corner of my eye I suppose I must speak to, and I'd rather you weren't aware whom I mean. The best way to cross a square is along three sides, sometimes." She nods to you, and makes a beeline for the cleric of Sarenrae who had been standing with her back to Yinyasmera.

[TheYell]

Morblint blinks rapidly. "Bookskeeper? Nay, it is for me to ask you if you have new books for me! Didn't Vana and Wrin tell you that? Besides its my husband Carlthe who keeps the books, shall we say." He studies Giest carefully. "Can you read? What can you read? Have you written your life's story, that would make a tale!"

[Triskavanski]

Giest AC: 17 | HP: 22 | Current: 22 | Hero Points: 1 Fortitude: +6 | Reflex: +6 | Will: +7 | Perception: +5 Active Effects: None. Conditions: None. Focus Points: 2 | Current 2

'Of course! Gotta read the bed time stories somehow after all! Ancient Thelassian runic symbiology and how it pretrains to Taldor law volume five is a great read for anyone who wants to sleep really quickly. Ta'lerula has a great way with words that could turn anything exciting into a dronish shlog. she shakes her head, flopping the cloth ears about. "Nope, haven't written my story yet.. It hasn't even begun! But I hope with the other three I can get it to go forwards and make sure they're outfitted with the latest and greatest of things."

[TheYell]

"Indeed!" said Morblint excitedly. "Have you got the full set? I believe we should become better acquainted, Master--Giest, is it?"

[Zero Prime]

Arioch Mal'chazeen, Champion of Ragathiel AC: 20 | HP: 34 | Current: 34 | Hero Points: 1 Fortitude: +9 | Reflex: +4 | Will: +7 | Perception: +5 Focus Points: 1 | Current: 1 Active Effects: None. Conditions: None. As Yinyasmera departed, Arioch stood and watched the crowd a moment, trying to get his bearings. He had encountered the Captain of the local guardsmen, offended him by speaking kindly of the proprietress of the Crook's Nook. He had then come to an arrangement to aid that self same woman, and her associates, if they should need assistance, as long as they kept their business from harming the less fortunate. And during all that conversation, he had come to the decision to aid the town's guardsmen with, or without Longsaddle's permission. A sigh as he savored the wine he had been offered, if was to conduct inspections, and train the guardsmen in the yards, he would need to ensure that their equipment was well maintained, so that mean talking to the smith. Ahh, it looks like Geist had concluded their conversation with the man, so Arioch moved in that direction. "Master Smith," he said by way of catching the gentleman's attention, "Ser Arioch Mal'chazeen, knight aspirant, as it were. A pleasure to make your acquaintance." And as he introduced himself he extended a hand towards Carman.

[TheYell]

Carman flashes a quick glance over Arioch's shoulder, then grips his hand firmly. "Glad to meet you, Ser Arioch. I have heard you are staying at Crook's Nook. May I ask, for business or pleasure?"

[Zero Prime]

Arioch Mal'chazeen, Champion of Ragathiel AC: 20 | HP: 34 | Current: 34 | Hero Points: 1 Fortitude: +9 | Reflex: +4 | Will: +7 | Perception: +5 Focus Points: 1 | Current: 1 Active Effects: None. Conditions: None. Arioch returned Carman's solid shake, and contemplated the question a moment, before responding. "Neither, I suppose. Likely for sentimental reasons, my mother, Caecilla, relocated to Otari some years ago. I learned of her passing but recently, and on arrival, discovered she had been staying at the Nook, a guest of Yinyasmera." The knight frowned, contemplatively, "I suppose I stay there because it provides some connection to my mother, and I seek to learn more of her time in Otari. Though it appears some," he cast a look towards Captain Longsaddle, "have a low opinion of the proprietress, she provided shelter to my mother, and for that I owe her a measure of gratitude."

[TheYell]

Carman says lightly, "Yes there are those who don't care for the clientele of the Crook's Nook. I knew your mother slightly, never having had need of her services; but she was highly regarded by those needing care in Otari."

"I suppose you will resume your travels when you have wrapped up your mother's affairs then? If you should require anything a smith could provide you, please let me know."

[Zero Prime]

Arioch Mal'chazeen, Champion of Ragathiel AC: 20 | HP: 34 | Current: 34 | Hero Points: 1 Fortitude: +9 | Reflex: +4 | Will: +7 | Perception: +5 Focus Points: 1 | Current: 1 Active Effects: None. Conditions: None. Arioch nodded, pleased that Carman did not judge him, too, harshly for his choice in accommodations. "I have been given leave from my order, a year and a day, to set my mother's affairs in order. On speaking with Captain Longsaddle, I had agreed to perform inspection of Otari's guardsmen on the morrow." He paused, regarding the smith, "And while I may have an eye for a man's character, and the worth they have, the eye of an artisan, such as yourself, to ensure the quality of both arms and armor, would be appreciated." He thought to himself a moment, "A part of putting my mother's affairs in order, would be to ensure that town that gave her refuge is in better condition to attend to it's defense than I arrived."