"I managed to gather quite a bit of info on Syrissa." says Adaran quietly as the group makes their way to Oakbridge. "A lot of it's hearsay, of course, but several rumors seem to coincide nonetheless. She's a collector of art in many forms, reputedly very wealthy, and used to make many public appearances with the upper class aristocracy before the orc regime took power. She hasn't left her mansion since the human king disappeared. Some say she once helped the king overcome some rebels, though no one knows how. She's said to know secrets that go back hundreds of years, and rumor has it that she'll trade useful information in exchange for precious works of art and antiquities. She's also said to be extraordinarily clever, smarter than most men. Some even claim she's a demon, cursed by the gods, but that's likely just superstition due to her disfigurement."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:03, Fri 02 Mar 2012.

"Do we have any works of art or antiquities to trade her?"

"Plenty." replies Adaran with a faint smirk. "They say she covets things of beauty because of her own disfigurement. She's reputed to have had a tragic accident as a child - her face was badly burned and she keeps it covered at all times out of shame. They also say she has a soft spot for ugly people and things, likely for the same reason."

The next day, you go over to Oakbridge to meet Rajim.

He is an older man.  He sits alone at a table in the inn.  The place is totally empty, though there are tables and chairs, a bar, and even stair leading up.  A fire is in a chimney, and the place is warm and inviting.

"You are now one of us," he says in a kind, fatherly tone.

He indicates seats, and you sit down at the table around him.

"Phulman told me about your great sacrifice," he says.  "I am his father."  He pulls out the silver sceptre.  "I understand you had further questions.  This sceptre is symbolic to the nomads of the east and the halflings who now hide in their caves to the south.  If they know the Shadow Regime possesses it, they will join our cause to put down the orcs once and for all.  It is now just a matter of time.  Phulman said you have questions for me?"

"Yes." says Adaran quietly. "We were told the Eye of Tarsek was forged by your ancestors, and that it can destroy the world. Why did your ancestors create such an item? Can it do anything useful?"

Riding atop earthrocs, Grung and a small retinue of two orcs fly in the near vicinity of Naj.  Pointing to a landing spot near the elf he says to the other orcs with him,

Landing safely, Grung dismounts, approaches and says in his broken commmon

Noticeably on his person, Grung wears a brooch last seen on Krugoth.

OOC:  I'm trying out the language groups.  Let me know if it working as planned.

Flint, merely watches the others and their on going negotiation,  "I'm doing quite well myself.  Got's plenty of things to study up on."

FLINT: FYI, Grung and Naj are not with the group.  They are outside of town keeping an eye on the earthrocs until the group leaves for Syrissa's place.  You also have two demons and a death knight coming after the group from the northern dwarf settlement, so your time in this area is limited to about one more day or so, at most.

* * *

Rajim says, "The Eye of Tarsek has many rumors surrounding it.  Some say it can stop time, which is the same as destroying the universe.  Others say it can make the universe converge onto a single point, thus destroying it as well.  But no one has ever used it like that, obviously.  Some say it can remove portions of time from history, creating gaps and errors and all that flows from such interference, and some say it can destroy matter to its most chaotic and entropic forms, dispelling magic and matter forever, and under the control of its master."

He shakes his head.  "Contrary to many beliefs, it was not made to create evil or destruction but as a counterweight--a balance, if you will--to the Eye of the World.  Some say the two together will cancel each other out and create an explosion the likes of which has never been seen.  Others say they will simply null each other.  And others say the Eye of Tarsek will magnify the powers of the Eye of the World, and vice versa, and make the other easier to control.  Thus it was hidden away in this sceptre, which then became a symbol of great worth to the people.  But even that was taken and has been gone for a thousand years.  Until now."

He strokes his white beard.  "Any other questions?"

"Have you ever heard of the Kuvla Tah and the Five Pillars?" asks Adaran.

He shakes his head.  "Sounds like Dwarven words.  It must part of their heritage."

Borimer smiles while keeping alert to the old man's expression.

"I'd like to see the Sword of Chianta, friend.  I may have a question or two..."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:13, Mon 05 Mar 2012.

He drops his head.  "Regrettably, the Sword of Chianta was stolen last night.  The thief only left this."  He pulls a piece of parchment from his sack and places it on the table.  You see a handprint of silver paint on the parchment.

"Silverpalm." says Adaran, narrowing his eyes.

From above you, a voice calls down, "Silverpalm.  Yes, yes."

Three men begin descending the staircase.  One holds a hand axe, and two hold long, dripping daggers.

The front door also swings open, and three more men step in from outside.  One is a very large ogreish man, one is an elf, and one pulls back a hood to reveal he is a drow, a race you have never seen but have heard about.  The large man holds a sword, the elf has a bow, and the drow appears to have something under his cloak.

Rajim steps up, fear in his face.  "Who are you?" he says, backing up away from the front door and toward the cluttered rear of the room.

The drow says, in a sibillant tone, "The more important question is 'why' are we here.  We have come for you. And that."  He points at the sceptre, which is still on the table.

[OOC: Pause here in case anyone is taking any actions.]

Rising from his seat, Adaran takes a step away from the table and says, "We have no quarrel with you." Suddenly, Borimer, Kahan, Grizz and Flint see him vanish from sight. Yet, his voice continues from the same location, "Heh, I should have figured it out sooner. The guild doesn't need the scepter for smuggling. The orcs hired you to keep it out of the hands of the Shadow Regime."

Borimer growls while jumping at the drow elf, his sword slashing back and forth looking for blood.

"You've got quarrel with me now..."


*edit*
the first attack was a natural 1, i may have killed him instantly...
This message was last edited by the player at 04:42, Tue 06 Mar 2012.

Seeing that Borimer is going to the front door, but aware he has not brought his trident, Grizz grabs his javelin, that he uses like a staff.  He runs to cover the stairs.  "Surprise, surprise," he says, "treachery from the thieves' guild."
This message was last updated by the player at 18:07, Tue 06 Mar 2012.

OOC: With the group right now is Borimer, Adaran, Grizz, Flint, and Kahan.  Naj and Grung are back with the earthrocs (though you don't know about Grung yet).  Did I miss anyone?

Suddenly, a mass of small marbles flies up from thin air toward the staircase where the three armed men are descending, scattering noisily onto the stairs in front of them.

OOC: So I'll need moves from Flint and Kahan.

Setting:
Here is how it looks right now:

40' x 60' room set up like a tavern and a place to check in for a room.

Chairs are on top of tables like they are closed for the day (obviously arranged by the Shadow Regime).  Extra chairs and tables are clustered in the northeast corner.  In the center is a long table where Rajim was talking to you.

North wall has a bar and and check in counter.  Next to it is a door leading back to an office.  This is where Rajim (an old man) is slowly backing up and retreating towards.

West side of room, curving up around the north side, is a staircase and a balcony/walkway directly above the bar/counter.

East side of room has a large hearth with a fire going to keep the room warm.

South side of room is the entrance double doors and a large window that is currently curtained.  Windows are also located on the east and west walls, and they are also curtained.


3 men were hiding upstairs and are coming down.  They are at the landing ready to descend to the bottom where Grizz is at.

3 others are at the north area (front doors), where Borimer has engaged them.

Adaran has disappeared with the ring.

This message was last edited by the GM at 21:26, Tue 06 Mar 2012.

PM

Kahan stands up and looks around, trying to assess the situation and figure out the best solution. "Still want to repay Silverpalm, Adaran? I must say, I'm not too surprised to be double-crossed by him." he states, readying his shield and casting a spell.

OOC: I will post a move for Flint if he doesn't post one today.

* * *

You begin preparing for battle.  Rajim is fearful and is moving backward still.

At Kahan's comments, a cloaked man jumps from where he was hiding in the shadows behind the bar and grabs Rajim in a headlock, clearly much stronger than the old man.  In his other hand he holds an ornate sword.  He says, his hood falling back, "You are mistaken.  It was Silverpalm who was double-crossed."

Silverpalm stands there, Rajim in a headlock as a human shield, and he maneuvers the old man back toward the counter so that he has more cover.

Two others pop up from their hiding position behind the counter.  They are Silverpalm's two bodyguards you saw earlier.

This message was deleted by the player at 20:54, Thu 08 Mar 2012.

Flint sends magic missiles flying at the elf.