The line slowly dwindles.  At the front of the line is a towering Anthros warrior bristling with spikes from his leather harness buried beneath his fur.  He carries one of the strange two-handed disc launchers a rare few of that race favor but no melee weapon.  Knowing the claws sheathed within his fingers, you understand completely his lack of need for one.

Following him in line:

A Kradok wearing a chain shirt and carrying a short spear.  Various bags, potions, and scrolls hang from his muscular frame and he may be a spell caster of some kind or just a well equipped rogue. [Private to Kiro Latroony: This is Kiro.]

An Invar and a heavily armored hobgoblin are next.  The Invar is dressed in scholarly robes and seems calm and patient.  His bodyguard(?) does not fidget, but he does look around tirelessly for any danger. [Private to Vertium Thrusius: This is Vertium and Grondor.]

At the end of the line are two humans.  One is a young man wearing travel gear bearing the holy symbol of Halai.  The other catches the eye more, though.  Long blond hair tied back into an efficient pony tail is offset by a shining black body suit of armor that looks like nothing less than Echtinik carapace.  On her back she carries a wicked looking bow with blades at the ends. [Private to Genovia Swiftfoot; Tyler Darkwatch: This is Tyler and Genovia.]

After the last two arrive, Grondor turns to them and smiles a toothy smile.  "A bit far from home, little ones?"

GM: Sorry folks.  Thought I had this updated for release.  I came in today and it was still only the Kradok.  The thread is open for posting.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:38, Tue 08 Dec 2009.

She nods as she takes in her surroundings

"You could say that"

 With a smile to the hobgoblin, he shrugs and touches his holy symbol, Far from my order?, some, but the roads are my temple and my feet are my prayers as we traveled to this good place.  Umm, iam sure we will enjoy our stay here but might you suggest a goodly inn with good food and at least decent wine?.

 With Genovias skill and help they had little trouble on the journey and they had gained knowledge of the lands that the road had passed thru. Now they only had to find some new heros that would believe them about the mission.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:01, Tue 08 Dec 2009.

Grondor nods at Genovia and turns to Tyler.  "This is the only place for non-soldiers like me and non-Unbular like the rest of you here in line.  It's decent enough."  He looks around and shrugs.  "Why are you at Bargal Dulg, priest, if you don't mind me asking?"

 Glancing back to the swordsman with his steady calm gaze, no sir, i have no problem telling you about the vision i have had that has brought me here. Haliel sent me here to warn the leaders of this land to make ready to join forces with the other races because there is coming a great danger to all the lands, the message was carried by a messenger from the heavens, i have delivered the message to the kradoks now i am come to here.

 He debated if he should mention that they would find some here to join thier group but withheld that information for now.

Vertium looked as the two humans approched. He didn't speak to the humans not yet. Instead, he spent a while studying them. He always found their form so weird to look at with their small round ears and their rough looking hands.

The women was fishy but that was common for humans, most of them were barely above animals. All they thought about was food and reproduction. He has this thought confirmed when the male spoke out. One of his first questions was to ask where there was an inn with good wine.

However, the Invar quickly becomes curious at the mention of a vision. Were these humans linked to his quest? He is also curious about this Haliel the man was speaking about. He questions the man forgetting to introduce himself.

"Haliel? Do you mean Halai?"

Kiro had been eavesdropping. It was a nasty habit of his, an annoying side effect of curiosity.

"Wasting yur time here. Message like that already came down from the heavens itself. I doubt that a human's words will have more effect than the words of the winged ones themselves."

He suppressed a shudder, as the memory of Adam'el's eyes swam in his head.

 With a nod of his head towards Vertium, you are correct, i sometimes use my personal words for closeness to my dieity.   Do you know of her?.
 He studied the man to see what secrets he may know.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:24, Tue 08 Dec 2009.

Things were getting better and better. Now, he was faced with a Cleric who worshiped Halai. Hopefully, he wouldn't try to rob the young wizard. Then again, if he did things would get interesting...

Vertium responds to the man wondering what he is speaking about.

"Last I heard, Halai was male. As for whether I know him, no, not personally. I know a bit about him thought."

OoC:Vertium Thrusius rolled 21. Knowledge religion.

 The man was seeking to test him it seemed, if so then he had other things that should be done rather then bandy words back and forth.

 Have it your way then good sir.  Now i must be about my mission.
He glanced at Genovia and then said no more, patiently waiting for the line to move forward.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:05, Tue 08 Dec 2009.

While the group spoke, the last of the daystar rays disappeared over the horizon.  The door to the boarding house opened wide and another human wandered in.  This one was even stranger than the others.

[Private to Frostskin: Please describe yourself and your entrance to the others.]

[Private to Tyler Darkwatch: I suggest you go back and read the thread Concerning the Gods and brush up on the deities.  I don't know if your mistakes were intentional but I would play them off as bits of humor and/or misdirection, which is natural for Halai's followers.]

[Private to Vertium Thrusius: You know pretty much everything that is in the Concerning the Gods thread.  You realized that it is quite possible that the human cleric is pulling your leg.  In a burst of insight, you realize that Halai's profile/portfolio might include Knowledge given that his main followers are rogues, thieves, bards, and spies.]

Vertium would let the humans walk away if they wish. He had no reason to seek the company of humans and even less reason to trust them. Especially since one of them openly claimed to be a worshiper of Halai. He was slightly worried about a thought that had just gone through his head. [Private to GM: Why would anyone trust a being like Halai with something as important as knowledge?]

"Goodbye to you as well, priest of Halai."

She shrugs as Tyler looks at her, but looks to Grondor.

"You look like you might know your way around some of the tougher parts of town, would you happen to know where I can get some supplies?"
This message was last edited by the player at 19:22, Tue 08 Dec 2009.

Humans were such volatile things. His old master had equated them to a kind of snake: quick to strike, quick to run, and quick to be smashed beneath the bootheel.

Kiro had mixed feelings about humans in general, based on what little he knew, and considering where he was off to next, perhaps it was in his best interest not to attempt to anger them. He wasn't sure on the current humans' status, but he really didn't want to be met on the edge of the human lands by an armed arresting party. So he tried to err on the side of caution, especially with a Halain.

"So...this is taking longer than expected," Kiro murmured trying to break up the awkward silence that followed the Human and Invar's discussion.

Frostskin entered the establishment with little fanfare. She was in no mood to deal with anybody but herself. Her outfit was not the most subtle of costumes. Her legs were tightly wrapped with a black cloth. Her torso was wrapped like wise. A long black cloak, smudged with dirt and a few clinging leaves, flowed down her back. The hood was drawn up and hid most of her head. Only her face stood out, but even that was obscured. Resting above her nose and working downwards was some similar cloth wrapping, covering her lower face. What little was exposed of her skin was a pale, almost deathly, white. Wisps of dark hair can be seen on her face.

She made her way towards the innkeeper. She had a little money, though most of her possession were the bare essentials, rolled neatly on her backpack or strapped to her person. She started to whisper to the innkeep.[Private to GM: I am in need of lodging for the night, inn keeper.]

The hobgoblin replies, "I believe there are three good forges around town, all of them about the same since they have to be up to Unbular military standards.  As for provisions and the like, there is the quartermaster.  Most supplies go to the army, but he'll sell some of it to wayfarers like us for a half-way reasonable price."  He looks at Tyler then shakes his head, dismissing the cleric.

"So, other than visions, what are you really doing out here in such a dangerous place.  I mean no offense, but even Unbular and Anthros have trouble in Midrath Koar.  It's no place of the rest of you."

When the third human arrives and cuts all the way to the front of the line, Grondor attempts to reign in his temper.  Between the cleric's half-answers and this new little one's rudeness, he began to suspect that humans mostly fit the archetype given them.  Only this small one in the Echtinik carapace seemed worthy to speak with, though she hadn't really said much.

The Anthros looks down at the rude little human cutting in line and bares fangs and claws.  Quickly, to prevent bloodshed on the floor (that he would later have to clean up) the goblin behind the counter glares down at the new human and barks, "end of the line if you want a room.  Otherwise, get lost."

There are angry stares up and down the line at the darkly wrapped human.  The goblin ignores here and finishes up with the Anthros finally and calls the next in line, the Kradok.

"Just one? Or do you have others staying with you?"  The goblin asks.

nodding as Grondor speaks.

"I see, I see.  To be honest the reason we are here is to get some information on an artifact that could hopefully save our people.  That's why we are here in such a dangerous place as this.  Something about a Dragon or somesuch creature, i'm not entirely sure what that is though.  Hopefully we'll find some people here who can help us."

Looks over to Tyler and frowns a bit.

"When he's not in a pensive mood"

"Dragon!" the hobgoblin guffaws at the word.  "Them are just myths.  Ain't no such thing as dragons, girl."  He continues to chuckle at the idea and looks over at his Invar companion with a wink.  "I'm Grondor Stormsword, girl, and this here is my, er, traveling companion, Vertium.  What's your name?"

"Just the one," Kiro replied to the goblin. He decided he could scour the common rooms for hired muscle after he had settled in.

He stopped himself from looking back at the others behind him as he said offhandedly, "Preferably something with real good locks."

He had already lost so much to get here, but the treasure he was seeking would be easily enough to cover his losses with a great deal left over.

His ears, however, perked up at the word 'dragon'...coincidence? He turned, the innkeeper forgotten for now, "The skeletal dragon perhaps?" he asks, his curiosity instantly spiked.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:24, Tue 08 Dec 2009.

She just shrugs at Grondor as he says dragons are myths, then she introduces herself

"I am Genovia Swiftfoot, pleasure to meet you.  My travelling companion here is Tyler."

She then turns to the Kradock when he asks about the dragon.

"Yes it is supposed to be dragon bones, have you heard of them?"

"Coincidental. The dragon bones is why I'm here."

Coincidental indeed. But then again, that would mean that other people had heard of the treasure. Competition.

"I was actually going to try to find some hired hands to help me get to them later tonight," he said, an obvious hint at an offer.

Frostskin muttered some choice curses under her breath as she was ceremonially kicked from the front to the back of the line. She glared at the line for a moment before waiting at the rear. When she overheard the talk of dragons, her ears perked at the thought. Her mother had once said that dragons came for children in the night, stealing them away so that they could feed on the child's bad behavior. Seemed plausible at the time. She tried to lean closer without making herself look too interested.

Vertium listens to the conversation in silence, slowly putting the pieces of the puzzle together. His thoughts are limited however since there is still a lot of information missing to trully understand the situation.

He turns to Kiro and starts speaking to him.

" Interesting... It seems that our quests may be related. While I am curious about studying the properties of these dragonbones you are speaking of; I am more interested in finding a certain book that can probably be found at the same location. Maybe we could team up to accomplish our respective quests?"

By the way  he is speaking, it is clear that the Invar is some kind of scholar looking more interested in the knowledge that can be gained from the quest than the possible material rewards. After a while, the young mage remembers to introduce himself.

"Oh, I am Vertium by the way, Vertium Thrusius. I'm a travelling scholar and wizard. "

He presents his hand to the Kradok (or offers greatings in the way common to the Invar and Kradok).

The hobgoblin looks around at everyone and nods in answer to some question in his own head.  "We should meet at the Midrath Groghouse and discuss this.  It is just three buildings south of here.  Anyone interested in this 'dragon' skeleton oughtta come.  I'd like to see if this myth is true or not."

Soon the goblin at the counter has rooms for everyone.  The cost is only a silver per room.  Once checked in, Grondor heads out the door reminding everyone of the name of the groghouse.  He also promises to buy the first round of drinks.

 With a glance at Genovia, he shrugs and softly says, Halai appears as he wants, in my vision i could feel the warm touch as if from my mother, at times i get the feeling Halai can be what ever form he wants to use to deliver his message.  Come lets check in and go see about the dragon bones, for our quest.

 Paying the man he waits for Genovia and follows along with the others, he had to wonder if the others were here for the same reason he and Genovia were here.

 Ordering a tankard he finds a chair and gets comfortable, to listen to this conversation.

She pays for her room as well and drops her things off, then goes to the tavern.

Kiro took the Invar's hand briefly, as the line was moving along. "Kiro Latroony. Sort of an...er...well I like to study things."


Kiro pays for his room to drop off his well used pack. Thing seemed to be getting heavier with every step. He stashed what little gold he had left about his person, and then headed for the grog house.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:04, Wed 09 Dec 2009.

Vertium pays his for a room and aranges a place to leave his horse. The young mage will then put the items from the saddlebag on his horse away in his room.

After that, he will head to the Midrath Groghouse to join his Hobgoblin bodyguard.

(OoC: Let me know if I need to pay extra for the horse.)

Frostskin pays for her room with an attitude, but is still grateful for having gotten one. She takes her things up and arranges them to her liking. She straps her sword to her back and several of her small metal stars to her person. She takes a few coins to pay for anything she might need and heads down. She remembers that one of the patrons in line had said the name of what sounded like a tavern. She had never been drinking before and it sounded like a good place to relax. She slowly made her way up to the goblin again, making sure she did not skip anyone this time.
[Private to GM: {Goblin} What is the place that the previous patron spoke of? (She slips the goblin a silver for the information)]

"Ah, Vertium, over here," the hobgoblin grins as the Invar enters.  He waits for the scholar to take a seat the raises a meaty finger into the air.  "That's everyone.  Wulda!  First round's on me!" he bellows at the hairy bugbear woman serving this section of the establishment.  "So, let's hear it.  Tell me about this myth come to life."  Grondor drinks deeply from a rather large wooden drink container banded by metal bands.  It looks like nothing more than a miniature keg with a handle.

[Private to Vertium Thrusius:
GM: No, no extra for the horse.  {Insight} Grondor seems to have a lot of connections at this fortress.  He knows everyone by name and everyone apparently knows him, too.

*Please add a description for your character that others can read.  Thanks! :D]

[Private to Frostskin:
GM:{Diplomacy}He is immediately mollified by the coin and quickly answers.  "It's called the Midrath Groghouse.  You can't miss it.  It's the big building where everyone is at just south.  Your room is ready for when you return, fresh comforter and fluffed pillows."  Your willingness to toss in a bit of coin for the information has made him willing to work harder for the possibility of a little more during your stay.]

Frostskin smiled under her wrap and left the goblin. She made her way to the groghouse and took a table after scoping out the people she had seen earlier. She knew that they would recognize her, but she didn't care. She was more intent on just seeing what they were up to.
[Private to GM: Frostskin slips another silver to the goblin as she leaves.]

Kiro looked into his mug, swirling the contents around. He hadn't heard much about the dragon bones, so he waited for one of the others to speak up. He knew only the location, and the possibility of what was beneath.... And where there was coin to be had, Kiro would be there.

He took a drink, and tried to hold back a grimace. Compared to the stuff back home, this may have just been lake water. He shrugged, and downed nearly half in one sitting. As long as it wet the tongue, it would have to suffice.


[Private to GM: You did say everyone was already there right?]

Vertium starts telling the group about his part in the adventure. He keeps things as short and concise as he can.

"There is a book that I am seeking in the region. I am not even sure the book exists but one of the gods sent me a vision about it. Until I am proven wrong I will believe the message. From what I know, the book is linked to a skeleton. My assumption is that the skeleton is this dragon I have heard people talk about. "

 Sipping at the drink, he listened carefully as the man told about his vision, The thought did cross his mind that it might be the same skeleton he was told about. He glanced to Genovia in a silent question(if she is looking at him at all).

 My friend and i share a somewhat simular dream and my vision concerning this skeleton. In the vision i was shown, Halai said that the skeleton of a dragon was guarding the cave and inside the cave was a talisman that would or could be used to save this world from a fearful danger that was coming soon...She said there were items inside the cave also besides the talisman which could help those who had joined Halai's cause. That was the vision i was shown.

"Seems to me that this dragon skeleton is just a marker for the cave.  The cave holds all the interesting stuff.  I'd lay gold that this skeleton is just a pile of rocks someone thought looked like their idea of the myth."  Grondor paused in thought.  "I'm up for an adventure into the Koar and it sounds like there is a lot of treasure to be had down there for all of us.  You'll need me anyway.  None of you but the priests looks like you can take a hit and the Koar is mighty nasty."

The hobgoblin leans back in his chair and takes a massive swig from his miniature barrel.

     Kiro paused, as if about to say something, then took another swig instead, finishing off the mug and slamming it onto the table. He motioned for another round, pressing a gold into the bugbear serving woman's palm - a clear indication to keep them coming. [Private to GM: ((Yes, 1 whole gold. Enough for 5 gallons of ale. And Kiro expects to finish them all or die trying. haha))]

     Though the booze was piss poor weak by Kiro's standard, the others seemed to be better informed about the treasure than Kiro had hoped - thoughts of contracting the others for a preset fee and keeping the rest of the findings himself were slipping through his fingers, and he needed the booze to drown the out what was left of the last month's hopes and work. So he was to keep going until he was drunk enough to accept only an even share.

     "I suppose that settles that then, unless any of yu have something else to say?" A fifth of what was under that skeleton... Kiro wondered how much that was. Not enough to stop drinking yet. "Name's Kiro. I happen to be a master forger," he lied. Well, not quite master.

Listens to the conversation, and nods to Tyler, then the rest of the group at the suggestion of grouping up.

"Regardless of the danger involved going into the cave is something that needs to be done, if it will help us stop what is to come.  The added bonus of possible treasure is always good too.  I say we get what gear we need to stock up and then see about getting to this cave.  Oh and for those that don't konw my name is Genovia."

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.