GM:  Last chance to introduce yourself to the group.  Here is what I'm looking for.

[Private to Frostskin: If this is where you are going to do it.  Otherwise you'll have to stalk them and I cannot promise how they'll take that.  I doubt you'll have troubles getting in if you ask to join right now.]

1.  A clear leader (one that is not Grondor).
2.  An in character understanding of each other's roles (tank, crowd control, dps, etc.)
3.  Everyone makes sure they have said all that they want to about their expectations from this quest.  E.g. Grondor simply wants the excitement and the coin (and maybe any fighter-based equipment you run across).  If you did not haggle for that, don't complain when you don't get what you want.  Ultimately though you are all going to the same place for almost completely different reasons so I don't see much of a problem.

If you are ready to move on, PM me so I know.  Once everyone checks in, its Leroy Jenkins time!

  OCC -Umm, the only item that he would lay claim to was the talisman inside the cave that is to provide succor to the races of the world from the destruction coming.

 If there is something cleric usable then he wouldnt turn that down though.

Vertium speaks to the group.

"As I said earlier, my main interest is the book that can be found in the cave. I have aquired a fair bit of knowledge during my studies and if the group were to follow my advice, I could probably help you complete this quest in the safest possible manner."

Plans sorted out for the most part the group enjoyed the rest of the evening.  The food heavily favored meats and heavier vegetables and the drink, for the most part, was strong but lacking in imagination when it came to flavor.

One by one the group returned to the boarding house and sleep.  At an hour past dawn they would meet to give supplies on last check over.  Grondor reminded everyone they would be going into a cavern so make sure to bring something for spelunking.

GM: Unless you have something to add to the nights conversation please post new posts in the Midrath Koar thread.

"Welcome back.  Well done retrieving these Anthros druids from the Koar.  We were concerned that you were lost for good."  Wulda bustles around and serves drinks and food.

Adryn walks into the groghouse following behind his new companions. Having been weeks since his last decent meal, he is eager to final get something to eat.

He orders a modest meal, and some water. Food and drink in hand he stands, scanning the room like a child on his first day of school, looking for a place to sit. He grows more and more uncomfortable as it seems like every eye is on him, just waiting for him to move. The pounding of his own heart snaps him back to reality, and rather than pulling up a chair next to a table, he slinks over to the far wall, crosses his legs and sits on the floor. With his meal in his lap, he does his best to eat and not be noticed.

[Private to GM: I didnt notice anything in the XP thread, has that been posted yet?]
This message was last edited by the player at 02:29, Wed 09 Feb 2011.

"My friends," Tyler says.  "I believe it my duty to return to our people and report what we have found.  Though I hope to one day rejoin you, the leaders of our city and towns must be made to see the nature of the threat and heed the truth of the Evangiel's message."

He eats and drinks his meal with the rest, planning on departing on the morrow.

Kahmaul seems upset for a moment upon hearing Tylers wish to leave. His thoughts go to Addyir and his cryptic warning... Before Tyler leaves to check in with his people the Anthros will shout to the whole company, "Let all those who braved the Caves of Dispair enjoy a meal together before we split ways! I believe we have some potions that may be split amongst us and we can also discuss what travels we each have planned before us. Companions such as you all are hard to come by."

He moves over to Tyler and places a hand on the clerics shoulder, "Please, just one meal before you part ways with us? In the caves a vision of divine origin that struck me and I need another close to the faith to discuss it with. I'm more a warrior than a priest and if I can gain your counsil for just a bit it might just save this land.

Tyler considers the paladin's words and nods.  "I will hear what you have to say.  It's just...my people did not receive well the Evangiel's message.  We worship Halai and perhaps through what I have seen, they will heed what a priest of his has to say."  He smiles up at Kahmaul, reminded of the trials and companionship they have shared.

"Though, I must confess, I would be curious to know what will become of the rest of you.  My friends."

Flynn nods at the idea of meeting together, specifically how to divide what useful objects they might have found, as well to deal with another matter...

"That is all well and good, but I want to see the commander here and talk about our commission for the successful discovery and rescue of the acolytes..." The Invar sneers softly in anger,"Though I'm not sure how well we will be received with news of Chadaros's death. Perhaps one or both of you acolytes could accompany me and inform the Commander what came of the expedition and perhaps see about getting you," Flynn points to Dathnaea, "Something to replace those rags."
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:52, Fri 11 Feb 2011.

Dathnaea lights up at the thought of new clothes and spoil.  "Considering what all I've been through.  As far as I'm concerned, the safest place in the world is with you guys."

   Aethen accompanies the group to the inn, but quickly excuses himself.  Promising to return soon, he heads off into the thickest grove of forest he can find.

As he is thanked for the help, Vertium responds to the druid with a simple " You are welcome". Relieved that the oppressive aura disappeared, he followed the group and nodded as they proposed going to the inn.

When they arrived at the inn, Vertium took some time to draw the dais and write down the components that were used to create it. Once that was done, he soon got distracted by his book scribbling notes in another piece of parchment as he was working on the theoretical aspect of the knowledge contained within.

OoC: Two of the character's parchments are now used.

The night wears on and remembrance of trials and those lost begins to putter out.  Soon, by ones and twos, the group disperses to their various rooms.  In the morning, Cannial will travel with the rest of his acolytes, minus Aethen and Adryn, back to the jungles to report what they have seen and heard.  Tyler Darkwatch will report to the humans.

Among those who have decided to remain for possible further adventure are Dathnaea and Genovia representing the humans, Vertium and Flynn the Invar, Kiro the Kradok, Aethen, Adryn, and Kahmaul the Anthros, and Grondor who will represent the Unbular.  Grondor has asked to stay on, not as hired protection for Vertium, but as a full member of the group.  With his acceptance, he begins to loosen up a bit more and the group finds that the hobgoblin is less subdued in his communications.

The next morning brings the group together outside again for a rather foggy morning.  The quiet surrounds the group, blanketing them in such a way that it feels as if they are the only ones in the world.  There is a slight chill to the air, though the humans are essentially the only ones who feel it.  Their relatively hairless bodies, thin skins, and frail constitutions make them the most vulnerable to even the smallest changes in the weather.  The discussion before the group is “what next?”

Some discussion centers around trying to find more about the portal and the activities of the kobolds, but the path back into the Koar is an unspoken danger that few would brave without great need, even with the increased experience of the group.  Vertium suggests following the clues found in the tome he procured from the 'dragon' cave and there is some large consideration of that.  The clues, however, prove to be a bit vague, even with the maps provided in the book.  With no starting point to reference and no recognizable names or features, the discussion dwindles.

Then Thit speaks up...

“I have an opportunity that may involve all of those things together.  I spoke with my...employer last night through magical means.  In my report I went to great lengths to expound upon the skills of the group and your ability to work so well together and it caught his interest.  He would like to hire you to do a job.  Now, before you dismiss it out of hand, let me lay it before you.”  He eyes the wary stares of some in the group, knowing that he has yet to earn their trust because of his former deception.

“My employer would like for you to examine a cult that has arisen near his lands.  They perform dark rituals of sacrifice, blood, and all those sorts of grisly things purporting to serve dark masters.  The problem is, they have real power.  A number of their higher ranks have abilities on par with lower level clerics of the deities.  Additionally, there are some strange events happening, beings thought to be dead are walking as if alive, or in some semblance of it.  Additionally, the cults have managed to enhance the ability of their mages to some extent, though sometimes with dire consequences for them.  That could indicate they have discovered one of the books Vertium is seeking.  I don’t know if this is what you are looking for, but if we could hit one of their lesser temples, what they call ‘sunagoge’ in the wizard tongue, then we could certainly find out more information.  Whatdayasay?”  He sits back and waits for the answer, not pressing or cajoling, just waiting.  His eyes meet each person in turn, looking for an answer or support within.

Though Vertium did his best to share any benign knowledge about the book that may help the group find the other tombs without sharing the more sensitive information. He trusted his companions but he also knew the dangers of sharing information to willingly. There was also the issue of their Kobolt companion, Vertium still didn't know what to make of him.

When Thit mentioned the possibility of finding another book, Vertium was immediately inclined to accept the proposal. Especially since they would be doing a service to the world by impeding the cult. However, he wasn't ready to let Thit see his willingness to agree. "That is an interesting proposal Mr Thitmore. However, before we are able to make a decision, it would be helpful if you were to tell us about your employer. I also noticed that you said your employer wishes to hire us. Am I then to assume that he has something to offer us for this service?"

Grondor says nothing. He stares off at a distance at nothing in particular. He then looks back at his comrades and clenches his teeth. Grondor eyes harden and a cool resolve seems to permeate from him. He grunts once then remains quiet looking to the others for what they have to say.

"My employer is from the western continent.  His name is Torhavich.  The best way to describe him is that he believes the Evangiel's message and will use all of his vast resources to see that it is not only heeded by the le... by the other kinds, but acted on."  Thit scratches his chin.  "He offers a four hundred gold stipend per person to gear up for the mission and the pick of one item of minor magical power from one of his many estates upon completion of the mission.  Not to mention he will likely have further work for those interested.  Additionally you will have gained the favor of one of the most powerful individuals in the western continent if not the world and access to his rather vast web of information.  This could help you resolve some of your own personal quests."

Dathnaea's eyes light up at Thit's offer.  She looks around anxiously at the others in the group hoping they'll take the offer.  Though she has managed to hold her own with the group so far, the young woman still feels as if she is a tag along rather than a valued member.  Thus she keeps her mouth shut and offers no verbal input into the matter.  It is not difficult to tell that she is thinking it at the rest of the group real hard, though.

   "I am in debt to this group, not only for my rescue, but for that of my fellow acolytes as well."  Aethen looks to each in turn.  "I have remained because I feel our Paths have converged, and I have more to do.  I also wish to repay a debt that cannot possibly be repaid."

   Aethen pauses as he looks at Thit.  "But I would be remiss if I did not bring this to light," and he pulls out the map that had been found in the library.  "While these landmasses look familiar, I have no great knowledge of geography.  However, I do remember that this," Aethen points to a particular continent. "Is unfamiliar to me.  I assumed since it bore the dragon emblem that this might be something of interest, something that could, perhaps, bear fruit."  Aethen passes the map around to those who wish to see it.

Grondor smiles and nods his head at Thit and then the group. "That sounds fine to me. When do we start?"

Flynn grins at the offer. Thit seems to be more interesting each time he speaks a language they can all understand. He looks towards Kahmaul, "Well, this has my interest piqued. I think that my associates and my would be more than glad to join you."

Flynn looks back at the others, "But keep in mind that such well organized and well trained investigators does not come so cheap. Let us keep the base fee as stands along with the secondary offer of a magical trinket and another 200 for the return of any and all information gathered. With the proviso that should any member of this party fall on this trip his families will be justly compensated with their share of the loot and the item to be converted towards gold for that portion of the cut... Does this sound equitable enough for you and possibly your master, Thit?"

[Private to GM: 11:17, Today: Flynn Darktreader rolled 26 using 1d20+8. diplomacy. ]

The kobold sits back and considers Flynn's counter offer for a bit.  Then he nods, slowly.  "On behalf of Torhavich, it is a deal."

Adryn steps forward from the background to listen to Thit's proposal. The thought of the dead rising up almost literally turned his stomach. Clearly a force that needed to be put back to rest.

"I don't think I could put it much better than Aethen. I am in-debted to this group, and I will help out in any way possible. Besides, this living dead situation could may point me in a direction that sent me from my home to begin with."

Flynn smiles broadly, "Excellent making an accord with you Thit. Now, I suggest that we go deal with the commander Kahmaul. No sense in putting off the bad news."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:06, Tue 22 Feb 2011.