In reply to Awi Shelessu (msg # 93):

One, AJ does not have red skin.  Two, uh thanks. Three, AJ is not the underbelly of society. AJ is a Military Scout officer. Ranger and Rogue by class.

AJ half frowns.

“ Interesting, seems like where ever I go the decadence of nobilese follows me. I am sure your abilities could enhance mine . . . ”

AJ strokes Augie’s buttocks more out of a sense of centering herself then playing with her pet.

but, I think your fawning needs to lessen as I am not a sadist. Although if you continue I can help you meet the Eternal Lord Of Law. ”
This message was last edited by the player at 06:33, Fri 04 May 2018.

i didn't imply (mean to)anything about you being part of the underbelly, merely that Awi doesn't form his opinions based on looks because of his experiences, unless someone looks too perfect and upright.

I was draw from Ooc for descriptions not a lot to go on.
In reply to AJ (msg # 34):
"My skin is more red then pink, Orc."


"I see, I will act accordingly then AJ and Augie. Forgive my formalness, i merely wished not to embarrass Jarvis." Taken aback by the creepy undertone, and unsure if she was talking to Augie or himself the second time.

Awi takes a seat at the table presumably gollowing Jarvis example. He retrieves the second of Zarek's scone and quietly savors it as he contemplates his situation and waits for the unknown 5th member to arrive.


 Awi Shelessu rolled 22 using 1d20+3, rerolling max.  Untrained knowledge religion check.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:44, Sat 05 May 2018.

In reply to Awi Shelessu (msg # 95):

Sorry, Yes. Basically her skin is so hot it looks red. Also AJ’s holy Symbol is always visible here at JAGSS. She would consider it dishonorable not to be utterly honest with Arianna Jade.

Before speaking AJ kisses Augie passionately, so that Augie knows she is not mad at her.

“ Again, my apologies. I would not want to even appear to be rude. My Lord requires the utmost of courtesy at all times. ”

In reply to AJ (msg # 96):

Augie kisses her mistress back passionately, grateful she is not in trouble.

Niko cautiously enters the main headquarters area.  This is all new for him, this building shouldn't be as big as it is, from what it looked like on the outside.

Awi examine the newcomer in the warehouse. He hadn't seen anyone else use that door since he was lead in, so he assumed this was the 5th member Ariana had mentioned. A elf by the looks of it, and one that seemed to have a pragmatic view on fashion and gear.

He doesn't address him though, Ariana and Jarvis were both his employers at the moment and had the right to speak first. Returning his attention back to the table, he waits to see if his inferences were right.

In reply to Awi Shelessu (msg # 99):

AJ pulls Augie into her lap as she realizes she didn’t fully introduce herself.


“ I didn’t fully introcduce myself earlier know that we are all here. I am Lady Lieutenant Abigail Elizabeth Jane of the House Harkness and formerly of the Chelaxian Imeprial Guard. ”

It seems rather obvious to Nikosian that the door he just went through is some kind of portal, for not only is he now in a large warehouse, but he can see that it butts up against tow adjacent warehouses, one on either side--there are large open warehouse doors that show these other warehouses.

Ariana leads him to the table and chairs set up in the corner.

"Have a seat if you wish," she directs Nikosian.

"The others going on this little expedition are AJ, Augie, Jarvis and Awi."

"As you may have gathered, I send out frequent expeditions to gather lost relics and information. Most of the time, little is know about what happened to a place. I hope the team I send can learn more about it."

"Today's expedition is going to the Shrine of the Emerald Cobra. I don't really know if that's its real name or not--it's just what I call it. It's also one of the things that I hope you can find out."

"I pay 1,000gp per expedition whether the expedition is successful or not."

"In addition, we provide supplies, which you can find over on those side tables."

"When you are ready, meet me in the next warehouse, in the corner."

Niko thanks Miss Jade and heads over to the equipment table.  He looks over the supplies to determine if there is anything that he needs.

What supplies are available?

See Message #88 above for details on what supplies are available.

Niko finishes his evaluation of the gear.  He takes the survival gear but leaves the backpacks, blankets, bed rolls and tentage, as he already has that equipment. He starts packing the extra gear into his backpack and says, "You ensure that your agents are well equiped.  I appreciate that."  He hefts his pack back on his back, smiling as he notices that there is no change in weight.  This has got to be my most prized possession. Money well spent. He thinks to himself.
With his gear in place, he hustles over to the appointed warehouse, eager to get on his way.

===== For Hidari C'athyl and Vatra Praxx =====


You find yourself in the harbor town of Diobel, on the island of Absalom, in the island nation of Absalom. Absalom is considered the City at the Center of the World, so it isn't surprising that you may have headed there. It's a huge city, though, and easy to get lost in.

Diobel, on the other hand, is a busy trade town generally considered as the backdoor into Absalom. For unexplained reasons, the town looks tired and dirty. Fresh paint hasn't been put on anything for over 20 years.

You've heard from a fellow traveler or perhaps a serving wench at a local pub that the place to find adventure is JAGSS. You aren't sure what it is or where to find it, but they supposedly have an office somewhere in Diobel.


((OOC: No reason you two have to be together, but you could have met at a pub.))

Hidari walked the docks slowly taking in the new city. He looked casually around at his surroundings not wanting to look too much like an uninitiated visitor. The ride on the ship hadn't been that long but he found himself happy to be in more open spaces. One of the other passengers on the ship had mentioned this JAGSS organization. It seemed as good a place as any to find some honest work and replenish his coin. The man had given only rough directions but assured him that anyone he asked would know where the office was located. After a little searching and inquiring he found himself at the entrance and tested the door to see if it was open.

Vatra stands at the rail, on the port side of the ship, as it glides slowly to the wharf of the trading town of Diobel. The journey had been amazing for the first while as it was his first trip on a boat, but eventually the undulating motion of the swells had lulled him asleep. The sorcerer viewed sleep as a necessary evil but subtly disliked it for the experiences it stole from him. He moves to the gang plank as the sailors herd the passengers off with indifferent direction.

Once on the streets, he takes in his surroundings with great zeal. He soaks in the harbour like a sensual sponge. The sounds of fish merchants barking out their wares, seagulls crying out, the ship bells ringing, and the docks creaking have him looking around excitedly. Over the oceanic scent of warm seaweed, a thin tendril of smoke wafts the smell of cooking beef to his nostrils. He hoists his pack over his thin shoulders and weaves his way through the crowd.

Being a Gnome, albeit a very tall one (4’1”), he uses his agility to skirt around the bigger races as opposed to bull rushing through them. Eventually, he makes it to the kabab vendor and, in short order, is walking the streets eating his lunch, his infectious smile luring looks from all types of city dwellers.

The sorcerers’ eyes, irises dancing and moving like the red embers of a fire in a midnight darkness, fall upon a seemingly temporary, dull equipment shop. After purchasing a few trinkets, Vatra smiles disarmingly.

“Tell me,” he says staring in an almost uncomfortably intense way, “I’ve heard much about a place called JAGSS during my short walk through the town. Where might I find it?”

The shops owner, a blue skinned, obese Tiefling smirks slyly. “Of course I know where JAGSS is, my little friend! For a couple of coppers, I’ll tell you the fastest way to get there…right quick!” His voice is high pitched and louder than it should be.

Vatra counters immediately, "You know… my friend… sometimes forgoing a few coppers with the knowledge there is much more coming from a consistently profitable adventurer type is a good idea. An investment in the future.” He casts a friendly but critical look at the shop. “You are planning on having a future, aren’t you?”

The owner straitens his back with pride and puffs out a little. “Of course I am! Please, my little friend, take my directions…on the house! Tell everyone Jahrl’s Wares has the best wares in town and we’ll see you back here soon, yeah?!”

The Gnome nods in affirmation and gets directions. Soon he is approaching the JAGSS headquarters and enters, barley slowing down to open the door.

The easiest direction to JAGSS was that it was across the street from the Endless Keg alehouse. That was easy to find. Finding the street it was on was a little trickier, but you manage that.

The problem is that all the buildings in Diobel have the same brownish-gray weathered look. Expecting a larger building, the windowless JAGSS building is overlooked twice before you spot the same weathered sign hanging at one corner.

The door in the end is unlocked and you walk in without incident, Hidari a minute or so ahead of Vatra.

The small building seems to be divided in two, with the front half a type of reception area. It is then split in half by a counter than runs across it.

A middle-aged gray-haired man steps out of a small office on the left.

"Greetings! I am Zarek!" he says as he walks over to the counter. He reaches under the counter and pulls up a silver tray with a silver tea pot and a plate of scones.

"Care for some tea or a scone?"

"Now, what can I do for you two gentlemen?"

Vatra enters the building and glances around at the interior as he approaches the counter splitting the room in two. For a few moments he stands beside another male not-Gnome with black and white hair and ear tips similar to, but shorter than, those of a tree hugging elf.

He studies the other briefly, nodding a friendly greeting, before another grey haired man enters the room and offers food and drink.

As soon as the sorcerer lays eyes on the scones his eyes narrow and his lips purse.

"A scone you say?" he inquires, picking the biscuit-like treat up and, holding it over his head, studying the underside with great apparent interest. Seemingly satisfied with whatever curiosity he needed satiated, the odd Gnome takes a bite.

"Why thank you kindly Zarek!" he says enthusiastically, nodding his head towards the tea in a not-so-subtle 'I'm not certain if you're going to pour it for me' kind of way.

He pushes his head towards Hidari and takes another bite before rambling on, speaking between thoughtful mastication. "I'm not sure about the fellow with the small armoury on his leg but I'm looking for work...and knowledge..." He pauses very briefly before feeling he might have to add, "and some tea."

The magic user opens his mouth as if to say something else, waits a moment, and clamps it shut. He stares at the grey haired man with intense, fiery eyes. His head tilts slowly while he awaits the answer he knows, using his conversational history with not-Gnomes as a reference, must be coming.



OOC: Vatra sees the races of the world pretty simply. There are Gnomes. All the other races are not-Gnomes.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:54, Tue 03 July 2018.

The door handle turned freely and Hidari entered the nondescript building into the reception area. It seemed odd to him that there were no windows but Hidari filed that in the back of his head as he looked around the room. After a moment he heard the door open behind him and turned to see a smaller gentleman walk in. Hidari took notice of the small pouches on the his belt and his unique appearance. Hidari had dealt with all manner of people in the past but took notice of this person's eyes as they almost seemed to change color. ~A hafling? Hidari thought to himself. ~No. He seems more gnome....ish.

Not wanting to stare he quickly and politely nodded back in silent greeting as an older man came from the office offering refreshments. "No thank you sir. My name is Hidari. I was looking for the JAGSS office and like this this gentleman I am looking for work, he said turning his attention to Zarek and smirking a little in response to the comment about his throwing blades on his thigh.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:35, Tue 03 July 2018.

"That's what most folks come to JAGSS for," Zarek replies as he pours tea for you.

"In case you didn't know, JAGSS stands for the Jade Archaeological, Geographical and Submarine Society. Yes, that's quite a mouthful, which is why most people just refer to it as JAGSS. It was founded several years ago by Ariana Jade, and, like it says, we dig up the past and explore the unknown, even if it's under water."

"We send teams of between 4 and 8 people to a site that we find out about. Now, we aren't looters. We're not interested in loot. What we are interested in is knowledge... of the past, of the world. We explore ruins looking for signs of the people that once lived there."

"That's not to say that if you find any loot you can't keep it. All we ask is that you give us a chance to examine it for its historical significance."

"Ariana does pay 1,000 gold for each mission you complete, though that's not based on how successful you might be."

"If you are still interested, then I have two questions to ask you: do you like to travel, and are you afraid of magic?"

Hidari shifted the pack that was slung across his back and leaned against the counter. He listened intently as Zarek poured the gnome some tea. The light fragrance of the herbs wafted up and filled the air. Hidari considered the terms. It seemed that this organization was benign enough and the pay seemed good. Hidari nodded and said, "Thank you Zarek. The terms seem fair enough. My sword is yours. I have no qualms with traveling and although I do not fear magic I do most certainly have a strong respect for it. My I ask what it is we are to be reporting back on and who else will be in our party?"

Hidari wondered how trustworthy his companions would be. Although not a distrustful sort, Hidari was used to an earned camaraderie while he was in the military that he found hard to replicate anywhere else.

After Zarek pours the tea, the leggy Gnome takes it in his left hand with a appreciative nod. The moment he touches the cup, his pinky finger shoots out involuntarily and his chin raises slightly.

As the grey haired man speaks the sorcerers' ember red eyes stare intensely. He scans every facet of Zareks face, nodding and biting the corner of his lower lip as he does.

Once the man behind the counter is done speaking, Vatra looks down and seems to mutter a few words (about licorice?) into his tea before taking a slurping sip. The nomadic sorcerer then looks up and answers the questions posed to him.

"I've never stopped traveling. I have been on the move longer than most of the young races have been alive. If life were a book, I've read a ton of pages!" The magic user grins at the thought before continuing, "As far as magic...."

There is a pained look that flashes across the Gnomes face before bursting into a gaudy smile of all teeth, "Of COURSE I'm afraid of magic! The wild power that lies within... the fiery expulsions of arcane energy consuming all that fuels them! Unpredictable and untrustworthy at the worst of times..."

Then there is a shine that replaces the violent embers that had become his eyes. His baritone voice calms and he looks at Zarek wistfully, "But in the best of times..." he pauses to collect his thoughts. "In the best of times magic is like a soothing friend that quells your fears. It gives you confidence to make your way through the world. It is contained chaos you can comprehend in a universe full of chaos you can't."

In as much time as the emotional roller coaster that had just run through the odd Gnomes mind had taken, it is gone. There is a moment where he looks perplexed as he smacks his lips loudly. "Is there licorice root in this tea? Boy, oh boy I hope not... it gives me a rash right under my left eye. He points under his left eye to accentuate the point.  "Yet it just tastes...sooooo good." He takes another slurping sip.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:59, Thu 05 July 2018.

"I could say that you passed the test, which you did merely by answering the questions, but that wasn't the purpose of the questions," Zarek says then. "Ariana uses your answers in her auguries of what mission is the most propitious at the moment."

As he talks, he again reaches under the counter and brings up a small black velvet-clad rack with a dozen plain silver rings set in slots.

"Please select a ring that fits you. These are JAGSS' rings of recall. Ariana uses a teleport circle to send you on your mission, and the ring is your way back. It has to be attuned to you with a drop of blood, and once attuned, it can't be used by anyone else. Also, if you are close to death, the ring will automatically bring you back here to be saved. Otherwise, you can activate it to return at the end of your mission or at any other time you want."

When Zarek produces the rack of silver rings a small gasp and an audible "Oooooooo" escapes the diminutive sorcerer. The moment their greeter speaks the words '...with a drop of blood...', Vatra whips out a dagger and pricks his right pinky, mouthing the word 'Done'.

The Gnome sizes the rings up, seemingly using considerable concentration to do so. He slowly sinks down and views the rings from a horizontal viewpoint and then looks away, quickly looking back as if they were trying to pull a fast one on him.

Finally he chooses a ring and slides it onto his left ring finger. "Nope....this one doesn't fit," He observes, noting it is too big. He then slides it off and replaces it onto his thumb. "Ahhhhhhh...there you go. This will be your new home, little ring,"he whispers conspiratorially.

With a touch from his bleeding pinky and a theatrical "BOOP, FLASH, BAM!" the goofilly grinning Gnome nods his great approval to Zarek.

"Oh snappin' turtles! This is gonna' be fun, isn't it Arthur Brown?" He taps his pack and a pure black weasel pops it's head out and looks around sleepily. Vatra gestures to the weasel and looks to Zarek. "This is Arthur Brown.... but his friends call him Artie. Artie...this is Zarek and Hidari," bobbing his head towards each respectively. Artie looks at each with little interest and, not shockingly, says nothing.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 20:22, Thu 05 July 2018.

As Vatra rushed up to the counter and examined the rings Hidari took a step to the side afraid that he might be bowled over by the quirky gnome. Not in any particular rush Hidari watched as Vatra tried on the rings finally settling on one that fit his thumb. He was impressed by the organization already. ~Indeed they must have great resources to be able to equip their adventurers with such items~ he thought.

Hidari's head tilted back a bit when the weasel emerged from its resting place. He gave it a quizzical sidelong glance as Vatra "introduced" the two of them. Hidari had spent a fair amount of time around animals and the outdoors but had never quite taken to them as much as other scouts and rangers had. Hidari remembered back to one of the scouts he had served with who even had a lupine companion that was trained to stalk alongside him. He had admired and respected him but had never himself felt compelled to get close to an animal.

When Vatra finished Hidari tried a few rings on until he settled on one that fit his left middle finger. He drew a throwing blade from his right hip and quickly pricked his finger touching the small drop of blood to the ring before placing it back on his finger and deftly sliding the throwing blade back in its proper place. Thinking about the additional items he might need Hidari said, "My thanks for the extra measure of insurance. Once you give us a brief idea of where we will be going I will most likely have to purchase some additional supplies and equipment."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:07, Thu 05 July 2018.

"We provide typical adventuring gear, if that's what you need, Hidari," Zarek replies.

He puts the ring rack and the tray back under the counter, and then raises a section of the counter and swings aside the matching front section.

"That's all the preliminary stuff. As to what your mission might be, Ariana will decide that. She uses auguries to determine which potential missions have the greatest chance of success, with the least amount of danger."

"Just go through the door in the back wall there."


By the appearance of the building from the outside, the door should lead to the other half of the building... presumably Ariana's office.

However, when you open the door, you see a large warehouse beyond. There are dozens of rows of tables set up in the warehouse, about half of them covered with debris... dirt, rocks, lumber, pottery and similar materials.

"Greetings, Hidari and Vatra. It's a pleasure to meet you," says a woman that greets you. She has red hair and jade green eyes.

"I'm Ariana Jade. Have a seat over there in the corner. Feel free to look through any of the books or help yourself to the food. I'll be with you in a moment."


Stepping through the door, you can see that there are large open warehouse doors at either end of this warehouse, and another warehouse is visible through the doors.

In the corner indicated, there is a table with several chairs around it. Low bookshelves are against the wall, and there are a number of books on the shelves, plus food and drink on the top shelf--cheese and crackers, sausage, water, ale and wine.

On the wall above the shelves is what appears to be a map of the world.