Approaching Galdion
    Whether it is by boat or carriage, the first thing a first time traveller to the city notices is the large bay upon and within which the city is located.  The bay opens unto the sea to the south and east from the sea the coastline is broad and gradual slope that spreads out into low, rolling grasslands.
  Then your eye would catch the glint of sunlight as shines upon the citadel, which lies just within the bay’s waters.  An artificial islet of white, pearlescent stones intertwined like the petals of some great, petrified flower.  Atop the dome of the citadel stands a lone, fluted tower as tall as the dome upon which it stands, that ends at its top with a sharp point to one side pointed skywards and facing to the south-east.  Arranged around the island of the citadel itself are smaller, almost wall-like structures of the some white, pearly stone that would to anyone who saw them for the first time seem impossibly frail.
  Just upon the bay itself there lays a smaller sibling to the citadel, though only a tenth of the citadel’s scale and only familiar to the citadel in apparent building material and shape but made by what one would think another architect entirely.  For it is almost completely one whole structure unlike the great intertwined segments of the citadel.  And it has a very peculiar façade that lay inward to the land, facing west, very much like the shell of some monstrous crab from a bygone era.
  Dwarfed by these magnificent monuments are hundreds of smaller buildings fashioned by more recent inhabitants of the area.  The isleborn.  Their contributions to architecture range from shabby shanties and modest homes to lavish villas and exorbitant manors.  Within which drowns more civic buildings and the palaces of the crown and nobility.  All this is stretched across most of the bay though much of it appears to be clustered around the land bound counterpart of the citadel.
  The final significant feature to creep into view, once you come within a few miles of the city, would be the drifts of earthbergs that float around the heights of citadel.  Some of these earthbergs are host to elaborate displays of isleborn architecture and others host more moderate and serviceable structures.  With a dozen or so airships and other smaller aerial craft making their way between either the earthbergs or the city below.

An Adventurer’s Guild
    The streets of Galdion are many sizes but none of them would seem to be of an adequate size for the volumes of people that make their way along them at almost any given time of the day.  This made navigating them less an exercise in exploration and more an exercise of survival.  As the crowd would often push you in every direction but the one you had wished to travel.
  This compounded the difficulty of your task of finding the Adventurer’s Guild as it became readily apparent that few people on the streets of Galdion were actually its residents.  And the citizens of the city themselves had little precise knowledge of were the guild hall was.  After following several different directions you resolved to find a city official who could hopefully direct you from your present misery towards your goal.
  Unfortunately the first few officials you met frankly admitted that they had no knowledge of the Adventurer’s Guild’s location and would then send you on towards another of their peers in blind faith that one of them must know something.
  Relief came in were run into by a very friendly merchant who not only managed to talk himself out of trouble but promised to take you to an area called the old waterfront district where he claimed the guild hall was located.  A short drive later delivered you to what you were told had once been one of the wealthier neighbourhoods in the city but had fallen upon some difficult times a few decades ago.
  You found the old waterfront district to be just one layer of caked dirt removed from being a seedy slum.  Though the streets were, if not cleaner, at least easier to navigate due an obvious lack of pedestrians.
  The merchant had informed you that the Adventurer’s Guild Hall had been an old and abandoned dockside warehouse which the crown had purchased from a rather destitute landowner while a more permanent facility was supposedly being sought closer to the city’s centre.
  Narrowly avoiding an incident with a local gang you found not only the warehouses but also noticed that the surroundings had gotten noticeably cleaner in both the literal and figurative sense.  You found the guildhall to be a rather sturdy, grey, plastered rectangular building with a large set of double doors at each end.  Above the doorway towards the waterfront hung a large wooden disc engraved and painted with the emblem of Kingdom of Aria.  Three blue roses arrayed beneath a crescent moon resting on its points beneath five stars.  Though there was an addition to this crest.  A shield and a sword lay beneath the roses.  And nailed into the wall beneath the disc was a large sign which red “the Adventurer’s Guild Hall.”
  Upon a slightly weathered poster was written “Heroes!  Time has come to Answer the Call!  Apply within!” in a rather curly script of Common, which had been nailed into the inside of one of the double doors.  Beside this sign was a very heavy set human man dressed in studded leather armour with a small crossbow hanging upon his hip and several throwing daggers sheathed beside it.  He had the well-kept, grizzly beard that lay about his mouth and hugged his chin all the way up to his ears.  His care-worn features furrowed as he looked you up and down, crooked his head to his left side as if weighing something over, nodded and motioned with just his head at you to head on inside to the dark recesses within.
  The guild hall was dark, but your eyes adjusted to the gloom and you could hear loud conversation from deeper within as you made you way down a long, broad hall which had no proper ceiling but only the airy darkness of the unused space above it.  There were plain wooden doors upon each side of the hall and the hall ended upon a large wooden archway that lead into what seemed to be a tavern hall.  There was a stone hearth, blazing with a low fire and several round tables, most of them empty and a bar with the nascent form of a male human innkeeper slowly developing the talents that marked his kinds in later years.
  The only attended table and the source of the conversations you heard before was occupied by a rather scrawny runt of a doola tywuar a steely looking ehuron dressed in faded green robes and an off blue, purple musadi wearing only a bandolier upon its immense and heavily muscular torso.  Their conversation was broken up when you entered the room.  The doola introduced himself as Akkorrin, the guild’s taskmaster who in turn introduced two of his colleagues.  The musadi Mustavoloneus, the guild’s master of clerks.  And the ehuron Thatlan, the guild’s armsmaster.
  After listening to your petition to join the guild the taskmaster, who proceeded to drink and nod his head after every sentence you spoke, put to you a simple enough test as a demonstration of your skills and competence as an adventurer.  Were after he asked you asked you only one apparently unrelated question “Why do you fight?” to your response he simply nodded looked at Thatlan who proceeded to produce a small ceramic disc from its robes.  The ceramic disc bore the same emblem as on the larger wooden one outside.  Upon taking what they called the guild badge you were sworn into the guild by the taskmaster and shown to an empty room that would be furnished thereafter with a bed and whatever other furniture you could acquire for yourself and would be your room for the duration of your stay at the guild.  You were also told that they guild had a master, a chief administrator of sorts, called Bellonna Harkin though she was rarely ever around the guild hall and left most matters of the guild in the hands of its various masters.
  Over the next few days you met the other adventurers who occupied the hall and also a few newcomers who trickled in over the next few days.  Before finally you were assigned to a party by Akkorrin and would soon be ready for your first quest.

An Introduction
    The meadhall was quite, or rather close to quite, as Akkorrin had apparently fallen asleep after a night of heavy drinking laying upon on of the tables near the centre of the room but close to the bar.  The barkeep – a spectacled, young, human man named Titorius – had put a patched quilt over the sleeping taskmaster and was at the moment brewing a kettle of some rather strong smelling tea for whenever the taskmaster would awaken with what would most certainly be a spectacularly dreadful hangover.
  Each of you had come to the meadhall this morning not only to acquire breakfast but also to get to know each other and perhaps explore the city a little now that you have some companionship.

The purpose of this thread is to introduce each of your characters to each other and socialize.  As you had barely met before this would be an excellent opportunity for you not only to get to know each other but also for you as players to become accustomed to the play-by-post format before we get to your first adventure.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:35, Fri 29 Nov 2013.

Drex had just finished hes daily adorations to the Aurelian Pantheon and is planing to have some breakfast. Seeing Akkorrin, Drex decides to take a seat at a table on the opposite side of the meadhall, facing the entrance.

He greets the barkeep Titorius asking his to bring him the usual.

Waiting for his meal, something to drink and some company , Drex gets lost in his own thoughts as a result of the rhythmic snoring caused by Akkorrin.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:23, Fri 08 Nov 2013.

In reply to Drex (msg # 2):

It wasn't long though before rather heavy footsteps were heard, shortly before the huge form of their own appeared in the Meadhall as well. The large Kaetyma rumbled lowly as he looked over to the bar and nodded to Titorius.
A brief greeting later and he had ordered his breakfast as well before his lumbering form moved over to where the Deseekay had taken place. Given his size and build he had rather little use for the chairs and so he moved them to the sides to make place in order to rest his hindquarters there.
"G'morning.", he then said in a surprisingly jovial tone, given his armored appearance.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:10, Fri 08 Nov 2013.

Still, it seemed, that the list of today's prospectives were destined yet to accommodate more and more warriors for the Guild's halls; not so much through sheer numbers but with more the likes of..."variety", we shall say. That is to say, the towering Kaetyma was not without an unintentional follower treading up behind him, although the issue of sound and distance had yet to be determined. For unlike most others gathering towards these heroic halls, this latest warrior made not a single sound upon his entry, for as custom of a Musadi however big as he was, the coils of his muscular tail ran along the ground with a certain softness you wouldn't expect to be capable of his size. Not that it made him an altogether sneakier sorts, as attention might have quickly been drawn by the clumsy maneuvers his bulk made through the aisles of the tavern, movements no matter how practiced on land couldn't help with the occasional bump of the chair of rattle of a table, followed by an almost uncommonly polite apology whispering from the serpent's mouth every so often, "'Scuse me...my apologies..." We say whisper because you could almost barely hear it, let alone see any sort of regretful expression on his stoic face, but at least the oaf made the attempt! Right?

In any such case, his destination seemed rather unclear at first, but spying an open spot where Drex and Jubei had taken up residence this morning, he quietly made his way over to and drew his tail around himself, facing both of them with a rather nonplussed nod and 'standing' up, as if refusing to relax before granted permission, "Do either of you mind if I take a seat here...?"

Light padding on stone heralded the arrival of another of the resident members of the Guild. A Narayan entered the Guild hall, not even looking up from a book he was  reading, except the occasional glance to make sure he wasn't going to collide with anyone. He was small, much smaller than the other beings in the hall. It has only been a few months since the Narayah had returned to the world, and the appearance of the raccoon-like being would probably be unusual.

At least none of the Ulh are here... Phelan thought to himself.

His eyes landed on one of the free seats nearby a Kaetyma, a Musadi and a Deseekay. No point in sitting alone... he approached the table, looking up from his book as he did. "Is this seat taken...?" His voice was nervous. Not just because  of his lack of social skills, but also  because of the sheer size of two of the beings, even if he was somewhat accustomed to the Musadi race.

For a brief moment in the morning light, the hearth's flame burns a bright silver colour. It lasts only a few seconds, however, before it returns to its normal shade. In front of the hearth, however, a puddle of seeming quicksilver was had appeared. The fire glinted off of it before it rapidly changed shape turning into a humanoid figure. The liquid metal quickly forming into humanoid arms, legs and featureless head in which two points of blue fire burned. As an afterthought, a simple length of rough cloth spun around the figure protecting its, for lack of a better word, modesty.

It regarded the inside of the meadhall curiously, travelling from his home plane always disorientated him but he seemed to be in the right place. His gaze fell on the natives of this world and he approached. He bowed low, his left hand covering his right fist and a voice, steady and calm entered the minds of all at the table.

Greetings. I believe I am here to meet with you, if it pleases you.

    The barkeep blinked at the ehuron’s sudden emergence from the hearth.  Taking off his spectacles he looked again at the fireplace, squinting in a vain attempt to improve his rather poor vision and shook his head while taking out a washcloth to clean his slightly grimy eye-glasses.  Before he went into the kitchen to talk to the cook, particularly about what she was burning in with the fodder for the flames around the guild.

  The only wench on duty in the meadhall – a human girl by the name of Adaca – brought some refreshments, and what breakfast had been ordered by the party already present around the table.  She greeted each of them with a tired and slightly nervous smile.  Not being quite used to either kaetyma, musadi or narayah.
  Besides this the only other thing to cause a slight disturbance in the morning’s tranquillity was when Akkorrin made a particularly loud snort during his drunken slumber.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:30, Fri 29 Nov 2013.

Snapping out his daydream as the kaetyma greeted him. The grey-white deseeky processed to greet each new arrival at the table. And intredusing himself as Drasden Braskaal Anoer, Sword of the Aurelian Pantheon.

But you can call me Drex.

With the strange phenomenon proceeding the appearance of the ehuron, Drex stood up so that he can have a better view of this scene.

Greetings to you too. I am Drasden Braskaal Anoer, Sword of the Aurelian Pantheon but most people call me Drex. You do not have to please us, well not me at lest. I do not know about the rest. I think the only one you and us [*gesturing to the others how was recently arrives at the meadhall] need to please at the moment is Akkorrin at the yonder table. [*Points to where Akkorrin is sleeping]

Come and join us at this table. We were just started having breakfast.

Drex sits down looking at all of individuals around the table. Waiting for every one to finish greeting and introducing themselves.[*Sipping his tea and eating some of what is in front of him]

Have any of you been assigned an Adventuring Groups?[*Taking another sip of his tea]
This message was last edited by the player at 16:20, Mon 11 Nov 2013.

The large kaetyma had sat with his back to the fireplace so he sadly missed the apparently spectacular arrival of the ehuron.
Nonetheless he turned around to see what the fuss was about and then nodded at the newcomers.
"You can call me Iron Jubei. I suppose I'm honored to meet you all.", he introduced himself with a rumble in his voice, before he took a sip from his own drink. While he more or less obvious eyed the towering Musadi next to him.
"I've been told that it would happen today.", he responded to the question of Drex as he put his mug back down again.

Enkii wasn't the sorts for conversation it seemed, although he did very much feel the weight of all those eyes on him...or at least...those of the occupants forwarding towards his intended destination. Thankfully it seemed as though nobody intended to make any sort of problems for him and...well how COULD they! This bar itself was the likes of a cultural melting pot from what he could see, though that wasn't always an entirely good thing. Not that the Musadi held any prejudices himself beyond a bit of unease, especially when he considered one of the table's occupants happened to be Kaetyma, and given the less than pleasant picture painted between them by recent events, something instinctively put Enkii on the offense as soon as he tread near.

"Thank you..." was his mere response, though solemn it was almost just as much sincere by the bass rumble of a tone that seemingly brewed within his chest; and this simplistic vocalization, he felt, sufficed for the drinks as well as the allowance for a spot at the table; which he took pace by settling himself into his coils and draining the whole cup to the dreg...until he heard talk of the Guild.

"Huh? You lot're in too?" This seemed to warm the Musadi's countenance just a little, enough to merit a smile but not rife with outstanding joy either, "Mmmhmm...might as well then. Name's Enkii...uh...a pleasure."

Phelan blinked slightly in surprise as the figure took form at the fireplace. Ehuron his mind helpfully supplied. Seemingly one of the other newer recruits. As the group didn't seem averse to him joining them, he went to the table. He clambered on to one of the chairs so he could at least see properly over the table. Being less than two and a half feet tall was a pain at the best of times.

"Well, um... My name is Phelan Drixos, but I prefer just to be called Phelan." He introduced himself, his light tenor hesitant. "A pleasure to meet you all."

There didn't seem any hostility or disbelief at his appearance or size at least, which would be helpful if they had to work together in the future. As the human girl approached the table he quietly requested a meat-based dish, and some tea.

Lambent took a seat and ordered nothing more than a pot of boiled water that, when it arrived, he added a few leaves and twigs to from a pouch at his side. He regarded the others with polite interest.

Hearing the others start to introduce themselves he nodded to each before speaking, "The simplest translation of my name in your tongue would be Enlightened Wanderer Seeking the Lambent Fires of Creation," He stopped and seemed to be thinking, the pinpoints of light swelling briefly, Though for simplicity's sake, you may call me Lambent."

He sipped his 'brew' quietly...a mouth, for lack of a better word, forming on his otherwise featureless face to allow its consumption. "I was also told that I would meet companions today. It seems that we are to be placed together. Certainly it bodes well that such a diverse group are to be brought together. I am relieved, as well, as it has been...some...time..." Lambent seemed to get lost in thought before he continued, "Since last I walked this world. But I look forward to doing it again."

    Akkorrin stirred in his sleep.  He seemed to be waking up.  Titorius asked the wench to take the blanket from the taskmaster.  And without much difficulty she managed to extract it from the rising taskmaster.  Who woke with a loud yawn, which showed his vicious draconic teeth.  He looked about the meadhall rather bleary eyed.  Taking his time to absorb his surroundings.

Drex looks each of the individuals at the table, thinking to him self that: What a interesting mach this will be if we all were to be put in to the same group... but what is the odds of that happening.

Well that is a very interesting name Lambent. Not rely knowing how to respond to Lambent. He knew that ehuron were strange and mysteries but he did not expect this.

Yes, I believe that is why we are all here for, Enkii... it is Enkii?Drex response.

Well hopefully it is today Iron Jubei, but if its not maybe we [*looking at each member at the table] could do some exploring of our own. I have only been in the city for two weeks now and have seen very little of it. If any of you are interested I will definitely like the company. Looking hopefully at each at the table.

Hearing Titorius, Drex glanses over to where Akkorrin was sleeping.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:19, Tue 12 Nov 2013.

Jubei's gaze drifted over the table, briefly remaining on each of the others who had by now taken place here as well.
"We certainly seem to be an... illustrous bunch.", he said with a low chuckle that had similarities to the sound a person gargling gravel might make.
"Either way, I'm not really one for... sight seeing, but all this inactivity here is unbecoming for me. I wouldn't mind accompanying you to give my legs a good stretching again.", he then continued on before he raised his mug back up to his scaley lips to take another sip.
He then found himself drawn to look over to the bar as well where the doola had just awoken again and he let out a rumble that could well mean anything before turning back to the table.

Enkii's mere response to the supposed pronunciation of his name brought something of a rumble in his throat, though identifiable enough by its tone to remain a positive enough answer for Drex's curiosities. He sat with little more than some kind of distanced calm settling about his expression, merely content to quietly order a savoury meat dish from the menu after a brief glance before returning to his meditative thoughts. If anything, his hunger was far outclassed by his somewhat admirable thirst, and no sooner than having drained his cup did he place order for another refill within the spans of mere minutes from one another, and carefully nursed it throughout the ongoing talks with little more than flick of his tongue on the occasion of the subject bringing his attentions to.

It was only when Akkorrin stirred at long last that Enkii merely raised an eyeridge quizzically and mused aloud, "How long he been out then?"

A walk around didn't sound too bad. "I would not mind accompanying you, Drex. I could do with a bit of fresh air; I spend too much time with a book as it is." That was if they weren't assigned a task first, as Drex had mentioned. Privately he was hoping they would be assigned with one, his skills were beginning to rust and  he wanted to see a bit more of the outside world.

As the serpent commented on Akkorrin Phelan eyed the stirring taskmaster curiously, before shrugging and returning to his book. "Long enough it seems."

Akkorrin stirring did not really make much of a difference to Lambent. He simply glanced at the passed out figure briefly before he returned his gaze returned to those around the table.

    Adaca could not help but overhear the conversations between the adventurers as she brought them their food and drink.

“If you want to see some sights you could always go on a tour of the tower or the citadel.  I’ve only been to the tower myself; I’ve not had the silver to spend to get to the citadel.” Adaca said as she made one of her rounds.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:35, Fri 29 Nov 2013.

"Well that sounds like something I would be interested in and I still have some coin left from my joinery over here." [*Looking at Akkorrin then back to Adaca] "Do you know anything about the group-assignings, will they happen today?"

What the barmaid said made the large draconic quadruped frown however and he slightly shook his head at that. "I believe I'll have to pass that up then as well, my journey all the way here left me with little money to spend.", he rumbled lowly, which was still enough to be heard well.

    Akkorrin yawned again, the sound echoing overhead in the warehouse.  He rose from his chair, scrapping the wooden stump against the ground a bit as he rubbed at his eyes and proceeded to walk out of the hall.  He stopped just as he was about to leave then turned around suddenly.  Walking towards the table the adventurers had gathered themselves around.
  He greets each of the adventurers by very carefully pronouncing the full names of each of them.  “Considering you five are all rearing to go I’d like you then to get ready for a trip, the Guild Master sent word this morning that she meeting with a lieutenant colonel of the Gravewatch.  Apparently they have something they’d like us to look into.” the taskmaster said as leaned upon the table with his elbows, casting a look at each of the adventurers.
  “The finer details of that contract will be on my desk before noon I believe.  Though it is our only contract so far there is something else I’d like someone around here to take the initiative to look into.  Depending on what it is you find out about that little matter it may be worth some gold.” as Akkorrin finished speaking he worked his way up unsteadily.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:36, Fri 29 Nov 2013.

A sort of 'harrumph' followed suit with Jubei's regretful statement, followed by a waggle of the ol' forky tongue as it seems that Enkii knew EXACTLY what he was feeling. Regretfully, he owned few possessions to begin with out of choice in the matter, and afforded little more than his battered armor and old trident, of which now rested readily at his side as support for him to lean on should fatigue settle. But while not wanting of vigor, the gruff Musadi offered a mere nod to Akkorrin and seemed to show some barely visible delight in the prospect of getting his new job underway.

"Roger."

Lambent rose and bowed at Akkorrin's approach and listened without comment to his words before nodding in approval.

"Very well. It shall be so. When my new...companions," he savours the word for a moment, the points of light going a slightly lighter colour for a moment.
"...are ready to go, then we should go speak to this lieutenant colonel. Of course, in the process of our guild business, we can always stop by and see the sights if it is not pressing. After all, a hurried road leaves lessons behind, a wandering path leads to enlightenment."

'Well that answers my question Adaca, thank you.' [*Taking another sip of his tea, looking back to Akkorrin].
'Good morning Akkorrin'[*Drex bows his head slightly]. 'Does this mean you are... I mean [*Drexs looking at the group at the table]... are you... declaring us as a official Adventurers Guild Group?' Drex smiles at the group around the table, thinking to himself, by the Pantheon this can not be a coincide...

[*Looking back at Akkorrin]'This Gravewatch business sounds very interesting, but waiting is not my best quality. [*Drex pauses for an shot while] But what did you say about another possible a task we [*Drexs takes a quick glans at the group around the table] could do while we wait for the "details" from the Gravewatch?'

Jubei sat there in silence while the others talked, the after a short bit and once the others finished he nodded. "I agree with the tinman. Errr, I mean Lambent. We should look into this... little matter. It would be valuable experience to see how we work together... as an adventurer group.", he said with quite some amusement in his voice as he looked at each of the group before he turned to Akkorrin again. "So, yes, tell us. What is this matter that you want us to investigate?"

Phelan didn't respond, but nodded his agreement to Akkorrin's request. The others had more or less stated his feelings on the matter. He had closed the book, a claw marking the page he was on as he paid attention to the Taskmaster. Some actual experience with a group seemed exciting, even for him.

It'd be nice to work as a team. He hadn't really seen many specialists beyond the tinkerers and artificers he worked with. It'd be of great interest to learn of combat skills and magical practices.

A smaller part of him was also happy to get to know his new companions. He had felt somewhat homesick, and considering his species had only been awake for a few months after some millenia, the new world was still hard to adjust to.

Lambent looked at Jubei with what could only be described as a smile in his eyes, "Tin? If I had thought I would be mistaken for such I would not have bothered to polish my shell as I did."

With an exaggerated gesture, he took a piece of his 'robe' in hand and polished an unseen spot on his shell with some vigour. He stopped for a moment to see if he could spot his reflection then 'chuckled' - the noise a rather strange yet comforting one in the minds of those close enought to hear.

    “It is hardly necessary for you to meet with lieutenant colonel Erusardo.  The very purpose of this morning’s meeting between him and the Guild Master is to learn the details of the mission the Gravewatch wants our guild to undertake for them.” Akkorrin reassured Lambent.
  “I had intended to assign the five of you to our first formal adventuring group this morning.  I may add another once I have come to a conclusion as to whomever I believe would meet the necessary qualifications your group might lack at this moment.” the taskmaster lifted his right hand and waved it about in a collecting gesture.
  “You all are more then welcome to come by my office this afternoon and I should be able to fill you in on the details of your first official quest.  Though if you are looking for something to do this morning, and by your curiousity-“ Akkorrin looked at Drex as he said “-it would seem you are.”
  The taskmaster shifted his stance a little before he spoke again “The whispermaster told me of a rumour yesterday that the gifted are experiencing shared and unusual dreams.  I would like you to look into it for me.  Bring me any useful information you can find and I’ll give each of your 10 gold pieces.” the taskmaster spent a moment examining each of the adventurers at the table as they pondered over his offer.

Gifted:  A common term for psionic individuals who display a limited set of psychic abilities and often lack either the inborn ability or training to develop other psychic abilities.  These abilities are often known as ‘wild talents.’

Optional Adventure -- Investigate the rumour about the strange dreams that are being experienced by the gifted.
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:29, Tue 24 Dec 2013.

Taking another sip of his tea. Glancing to each member at the table, then back to Akkorrin. "Well I defensively don't want to sit in the Guild meadhall all day. I have been doing it for the past few days already and it seams that [*looking at his companions around the table] a couple of us were planing to do some sight seeing anyway. Maybe not the official tours, we are all low on coin. And this does sound very intriguing."

Now looking at the group."I think this is an excellent opportunity to make some gold and even if we don't find anything, we will be able see Galdion and see how we work together as a group."

Drex asks the members around the table:"What do you say?"

Drex takes another bite of food, while listening to what the rest has to say...

The head of the kaetyma bobbed up and down in what was probably to be a nod. "It's clear that we don't want to sit around here all day either way. So let us do this little task.", he said with a good bit of finality in his voice, showing that at least for him the matter was settled as he then looked over to the doola again. "So, where exactly do we find those gifted? We're not exactly familiar with the city after all and I doubt that they will be wearing bright colorful garments to set themselve apart from the rest of the population.", he asked with a light chuckle.

Given time to mull over it with his drink, Enkii seemed hesitant to follow through if only out of his own, long pent up laziness starting to catch up with him in recent years. Indeed...it would have been nice enough to sample a hearty breakfast here in the comforts of the inn, quietly awaiting for the appointed time whereupon the guild halls would enable them passage...but the Musadi also couldn't forsake the appeal of adventure AND coin to keep finances steady either. Not to mention it seemed like generally the neighborly thing to be doing.

"Well then, might as well get right to it, eh...?"

Said with a jolly enough chuckle, if not still keeping to his typically quiet tone of voice, Enkii hoisted himself into what could constitute as a 'standing' position and kept his spear by side like a staff.

Phelan frowned. Shared dreams were rather unusual, even from the Gifted. That could be interesting to figure out. 10 gold pieces would be a nice bit of cash for a simple task and he could keep it in reserve for acquiring further supplies.

"If we're going to go now, I'll need a few moments to fetch my gear. I didn't bring it down earlier." He looked mildly sheepish. When residing in a town, he tended not to think to bring his various pieces of equipment everywhere, particularly his crossbow. It was a habit he really needed to get into. He was already sliding off his seat as he finished speaking.

Lambent stood, "Then let us see what we can uncover. I have some knowledge of the Gifted, though it is sparse and based primarily on my own experience,"

He stood ready and waiting, apparently all he needed was already on his person.

    “You will find them everywhere, most are not even fully aware of their talents.  Others hide themselves or bury their talents.  While only a sliver actively and publicly employ them.  I know of only two in this city.  The oldest is a human woman from the Empire by the name of Mitrya of the Asur family.  She owns a large house within the kraftworks from which she rents out the rooms to rather…” Akkorrin seems to be trying out various different words in his head first before settling on “-peculiar individuals.”
  “Missus Asur has something of a reputation for her precognitive abilities.  She is very accurate and although she is a retired augur she is still performs such service when it suits her.”
  “The other gifted of whom I am aware is the headmistress at the Arcane University upon the upmost ring of the stones, the earthbergs above the citadel.  She’s a very powerful telepath so guard your thoughts around her.” Akkorrin warns.
  “There are most certainly others.  Though you will have to find them yourselves, I would like you to return to me with four or five different accounts of these dreams.  Otherwise there may be too little information for me to investigate the matter further.  Now, anything else you’d like to know before I leave?” the taskmaster asks the adventurers.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:39, Fri 29 Nov 2013.

"Regarding the task, I think its enough..."[*Drex closes his eyes as he thinks quickly] "But is there anything we need to be a where of as new comers to the city?" [*His eye open again.]

Listing to what Akkorrin has to say to his latest question (if there is anything).
[Drex pauses so that any other questions that need to be asked, can be asked, looking at each of his companions asking the questions]

After Akkorrin has awnsered the questions, Drex nods and drinks down the last bit of his tea. "Thank you Akkorrin, we will see what we can find out about these dreams the "Gifted" are having." Bidding Akkorrin a good day Drex looks at the group. "Will we meet up in five, outside the main entrance, seeing that some of us needs to get some stuff before we leave?" Drex does this in a causal tone as if he also needs to do something before they leave the guild.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:33, Tue 19 Nov 2013.

Jubei rumbled lowly as he stirred slightly. His hefty lower body moving a little awkwardly over the ground while his tail knocked a couple of empty chairs into each other. Something that he didn't even seem to fully notice happening.
"Peculiar individuals. That sounds promising.", the large kaetyma said with a low chuckle before he shook his head. "Well, I suppose I should get my things too then.", he continued, although these 'things' couldn't have been much given that he was already in full armor and equipped.

    “Well if you have not heard this before then I feel I should repeat it and if you have then perhaps you may hear something you have not heard before.  Try not to wander into the undercity.  That is a part of the same structure the tower and the citadel appear to be the topmost parts of.  Sages say that there is a massive structure beneath our feet and the waters of the bay.  It is almost entirely unexplored and most that wander into the undercity do not return.  You may find some unfortunates taking shelter in the entrances to the undercity but nobody lives down there for very long.” Akkorrin makes his goodbyes and was just about to leave the hall when he stops and turns around again.
  “There is also one more thing, now that I think about it.  The Lights.  Do not worry about them; though the chance that you’ll see them is unlikely.  But just in case one of you happens to be one of the rare individuals who can see them do not be alarmed and try not to interact with them or follow them.  They are known to lead towards…interesting times.” the taskmaster finishes on a rather ominous note as he nods at you all and heads on out of the main entrance to the meadhall.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:40, Fri 29 Nov 2013.

Drex stands up nodding to each and leaves the meadhall.

"I will meet you all outside the entrance shortly." Phelan informed the group before trotting off to his room. He quickly gathered up his kit, other accessories and crossbow, strapping a bandolier over his chest before heading down to the guild entrance.

Jubei too left the hall with a nod to whatever he thought he might need. Which more or less were all of his belongings. Not that the backpack made any noticeable difference in weight, given his quadrupedal build. It certainly wouldn't hurt to be prepared for whatever might happen. A couple of minutes later he then stood at the entrance of the Guild Hall, waiting for the others to gather as well.

    Several minutes pass as the newly formed Adventuring Group 1 gathers at the fore of the guildhall.  Outside the morning sun was a brilliant amber coloured glow upon the sea and sky.  It’s lazy light granting the crystal sea the appearance of liquid gold.  And the sky overhead, thick with cloud had their bellies cast in almost blinding gold towards the sea, to the east the light turned from gold to orange mixing into red, purple and into the dark bluish grey of the distant sunless clouds.
  Galdion’s citadel and tower appeared in the morning light to be made of gold.  While the rest of the city was not nearly so dramatically emblazoned by the sunlight it was still very warm looking.  The air on the other hand was not nearly as warm or inviting as the light of the sun.  The stones of the street were just glistening with faint drops of dew.  A thin fog still covered the ground and clung to the shadows of buildings.  The chill elicited shudders and shivers from all pedestrians who passed the guild clearly having misjudged the weather or having not much more than the clothing on their bodies already to give them warmth.
  Keeping guard over the doorway to the guild hall was Eluannar, a musadi who like most of his race loomed over everyone else about him.  Though he was not nearly as under dressed as most of the other musadi in the guild.  He wore an almost full body suit of coral half-plate armour.  This made him look almost like a statue.  An impressive deep-forged trident, its faux-golden metal glinting even in the morning’s half-light stood by his side.  As you passed by it on your way out of the guild you could just hear the very faint hum the material made.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:19, Sun 22 Dec 2013.

"Good morning" Drex says to Eluannar as he passes the musadi guard taking up a position in the morning sun close to Iron Jubei and Phelan, waiting for the rest of the group to arrive. He is now properly equipped with everything he might need for the upcoming task and more...

If you stand close to him, you get a strong sent of incenses.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:17, Thu 21 Nov 2013.

Lambent stood outside in the light and looked up at the sky. He was always fascinated by the material realms. The way the sky remained static and the fact that the land stayed the same for millennia on end. He gazed upon the city without much interest, he remembered seeing greater though the memories were vague at best.

"Shall we split up and cover more ground? Perhaps half of us can visit the one lead and the other half visit the other lead?" he asked looking at his companions. "I believe that someone who is sensitive to the flow of energy, either psychich or arcane, go with each group - just in case."

Phelan nodded hesitantly. "That seems like a good idea. I can detect the arcane so that's one group solved. I'm assuming by your suggestion that you can detect arcane or psionic energy as well?"

He looked over at Lambent. "I'd be willing to go speak to the headmistress. If nothing else, she might permit me some resources to research into  what could be causing this." Plus it would be good for him to have access to resources that a practitioner of the arcane could make use of.

Jubei remained silent for the most part, mostly because he wasn't neither psionic nor arcane. "I shall go with the group that investigate the kraftworks.", he simply stated and then crossed his arms before his chest, having made his decision final it seems.

    Eluannar greeted Drex in return and seemed quite intent on what the adventurers were discussing.  After Enkii had joined again with his party they split up once more, Phelan and Drex would go to the Arcane University and Lambent, Iron Jubei and Enkii would travel to the kraftworks.

Until all of you meet up again there will now be a separate post for each group, of course this post will only be visible to the players in the particular group involved via the private message board.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:25, Mon 09 Dec 2013.

A sort of contemplative rumble emanated from Enkii's throat as he considered over the general plan going about; honestly he didn't find himself in grand need of adding to it or mulling over it...it certainly was a good idea to split up and he didn't find his new companions any worse for wear ror ill equipped from what he could see of them.

"Kraftworks it is, we'll meet back up here, or shall the Guildhalls suffice...?"

That said just before he was ready to slither off with Jubei and Lambent.

Please resume posting here after having read the posts I made to your two seperate groups of Phelan and Drex, Enki and Lambent and Iron Jubei respectively.

"Hay Phelan, look who it is." Drex nudges Phelan in the side with his leg. "It seems that there informants also lead them here too."

Drex walks over to his other party members, holding a hand up in greeting. "Hello, fancy seeing you guys here. Are you also here to speak to Uthnonin, or are you here to see someone else?"

"I whander what they have found out about the shared Dreams, the Gifted were having..." Drex thought to himself, smiling at them.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 09:32, Tue 10 Dec 2013.

The large Kaetyma seemed to be briefly irritated as he saw the others. Or rather did not see them until they greeted. With that many people around it was hard to notice someone standing out of the crowd, especially when they did not tower out of it like the Kaetyma and Musadi were. His expression then quickly turned to a smile however.
"Hello there. We are indeed here because we got invited to see the wizard in his tower. I assume you are here for the same reason and that your investigations were fruitful?", he rumbled and gave a light nod.

Lambent bowed in greeting.

"Our Musadi friend was contacted directly by the wizard who appears to know something about these dreams so we thought it prudent to accept his invitation." Lambent said with a slight grin to his voice. "Did you discover anything of note? We had the most interesting conversation with an old woman and uncovered what I can only describe as a record of a dream. Most fascinating."

"Well yes Iron Jubei, the Arcane University will send the notes of one of the students to the Guild. We, well Phelan more than me recorded the individual dreams and noted the answers to the questions we asked Headmistress Thilda Dolca Harkin, for comparison and later review." Drex motions to Phelan and smiles.

"The Headmistress then told us about this wizard, Uthnonin, living in the Roots and that he studied psychic phenomenon, including the Dreams, but who had failed to correspond with her when she sent letters to him asking for help about the dreams."

Drex sigh with relive when he heard Lambent mention that Enkii was contacted by a wizard living here. "For a moment I thought he might have left Galdion on some business or something. We have had some difficulty finding him thou"

"You would think a Wizards tower would stand out like a sore thumb in this area..." Drex thinks to himself.

"We also experienced the same thing with the Headmistress." Looking at Phelan "Why don't you tell them what we have seen in the vision."
This message was last updated by the player at 13:53, Wed 11 Dec 2013.

"The vision was... Unsettling." Phelan spoke calmly, looking up at the group. "They all take place in different areas of a settlement with a big clock tower in the center. The building styles are haphazard and come from various ages and cultures, as are the clock faces themselves. Each face is different and signifies a different measurement of time, not in minutes but in lives." He paused, shaking off a chill. "The two I saw... One ticked away the moments of my existence, it might have done the same for Drex. The other appeared to be ticking away the fall of civilisations. All around I could feel the presence of many people... But I was alone"

"Near the end of the vision, the clock ticked to 11 O'clock. An hour before judgement. Unsure as to who or what was being judged. Instead of chiming the hour, the clock unleashed silence that was followed by sinking to the stones and the end of the vision."

He grimaced. "Not exactly the most pleasant dream I imagine. I daresay I'm not going to be able to forget it easily." He looked towards Drex. "Was there anything I missed in my report?"

Still left just a tad bit unsettled by the experience, Enkii had hardened himself considerably upon the return trip and, as custom, kept to a sort of observational silence over his surroundings for the procession, "Hmmph..." He was content as such to allow Jubei to do the talking as he saw fit for it, finding some particular..."kinship" with the dragontaur in a plenty basic way; more likely than not because the both of them seemed to possess the necessity for certain adjustments on a social level being as big as they were. In any case, he spoke calmly in the proceeding conversations, chiming in, "That's probably more than likely why he's rendered it invisible to the unaided eye...so I suppose we ought to consider it some kind of honor that he considers it such necessity for us to find him, aye?"

Jubei listened intently to what Phelan reported before he nodded slowly. "That indeed sounds rather disturbing. This village does indeed seem to be at the heart of these dreams, given that Missus Ashur told us of a similar... setting. Although it lacked this focus on time. However of note was that a certain Seargant Pladius had a dream that involved dragons dancing in a ballroom. Or at least something akin to dragons." He then paused briefly to look over their surroundings, then looked over to Enkii again. "Did the wizard happen to mention just how we find that tower of his?"

Answering Phelan:"No that sounds like everything, oh wait here were the voices in the background but I thing that was it."

Drex listens to what Jubei has to say.

"No Enkii, being in the presents of one of the gods is an honor. Phelan and I were told to find him, He... did not ask us to come and see him and he is only a wizard. Phelan and I went to the Arcane University where many wizards study there art." Drex nods at his statement as a satisfying response.

"Interesting." Lambent mused. "The sergeant we spoke to also said that he had been contacted by the Encantos regarding these dreams and as a show of, I guess you could call it good will, they sent him this,"

Lambent takes out the small cube for all to see.

"It is a record of a vision. I was able to power it up with my own psionic abilities. It showed the same clock tower, but far in the distance. There was, however, a strange human man sitting on a rock. He said two strange things: the beginning and end are one and the same and all of this has happened before and it is happening again. It was like a warning or even a riddle...it was hard to gauge.

Lambent put the cube back in his pouch then continued, "As for the dreams, Missus Ashur assured us that they are usually common among the Gifted, though recently they have been more strange."
This message was lightly edited by the player at 07:17, Thu 12 Dec 2013.

Drex looks at the cube as Lambent takes it out.

And starts a conversation with Lambent. "The Lady Thilda also mentioned scenes like, where she beard witness to trivial scenes, such as a weeping over fallen fruits.  As if they have been ruined by their fall and upon approaching him and asking him about his ill he would try out against fickle fate and the loss of all his fortunes before him.  Yet upon closer examination the fruits would appear to bear the guise of children."

"I don't know if that scene might be about that man on the rock. but yes she did tell us that Such things were common within each of the dreams."

Jubei stood there and listened to the explanations of the two, ocassionally faintly nodding as a sort of response to it. But eventually he shook his head. "We could spend a while trying to interpret these... messages on our own now. But I would that, now that we're on a similar level information wise, we should carry on and talk with this wizard. If he is indeed such a well versed scholar then he will be able to help shed some light on it. No doubt he has made researches on his own as well." He then turned to look around for a place where it was likely that a tower could be standing there. Even if it would probably appear as something different.

    As the adventurers spoke each of them was wondering about how to find the wizard’s tower.  While it seemed that we wizard was not going to make things easy for them by simply directing them to his home; for whatever reason the wizard might have for not having done so.
  Both Enkii and Jubei realize that even if the tower was hidden from plain view there would have to be someone within the town who knew where the tower was simply because not everything could just be done by magic.  Even the mightiest sorcerer needed spell components.  The only trouble was they would have to look around for such trades folk.
  Drex, you believe your keen deseekay eyes might allow you to locate the wizard’s tower by looking for anomalies about the town.
  Lambent, if Uthnonin is a resident of the city of Galdion then he must be paying taxes to be allowed not only his property within the city limits but also to be allowed to practice magic outside of an institution like the Arcane University would be on the watch-list of some local officials of the Arian kingdom.  And such individuals would almost certainly know where the wizard’s tower was located.
  Phelan, you believe that whatever magics the wizard is using to conceal his tower it should be at the detectable.  Given that you are somewhere within the tower’s surrounding area it should not be too difficult to detect the tower mystically.

Finding Uthnonin’s tower shall be presented here as a skill challenge.  However you will not have to roll initiative for this skill challenge.  We will simply use the order of post for that as your initiative tally.  For those unfamiliar with skill challenges the premise is simple, your party must achieve a certain number of successes before your rack up several failures.  For more information on skill challenges please see page 179 in the Players Handbook.

The Primary Skills for this challenge will be Arcana, Diplomacy, Insight, Intimidate and Perception.  Each  primary skill check may grant your party one success or one failure depending upon the result of your skill check.

The Secondary Skills for this challenge will be Athletics, Endurance and Streetwise.  Each use of a secondary skill provides a +2 bonus to the Primary Skill check made by one other player who is acting after your turn.  Secondary skill checks do not count towards the value of success or failure for a skill challenge.  In this skill challenge a successful second skill check requires a total result of 10 from your dice.

You are only allowed a single skill check, either a primary skill or a secondary skill each round and you must choose one skill from either category to use.  I will make another post revealing your successes and failures at the end of the round.  Each of you are only allowed to make 1 post per round, unless otherwise stated.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:56, Fri 13 Dec 2013.

"Well, I'd suggest that we all go and find out what we can, and then meet back here within the hour?", the large dragonkin suggested, before he moved out to act on his plan and find out where purchases for spell components had been made and where those got delivered to. Of course that also required him to find those shops in the first place, which resulted in a large, more or less angry looking Kaetyma moving through the crowds of people around like a ship would plow through the waves of the sea. He didn't exactly paid much mind to how he interacted with the people, having more the intention of finding out as much as he could in the fastest time possible rather than make a good impression.

Intimidation check: 27

"Fair enough." Phelan broke away from the party to investigate, making use of his ability to detect magic in an attempt to detect any magical concealments the tower might be using.

I should be able to find this tower. To fail at magically detecting it would truly be shameful.

Arcana check: 26

"Good luck."Drex says as he turns and start looking around.

"Mmmmm.... If I was a wizard where would I build my wizard tower...Mmmmm"

Drex walks along one of the paths and examines the stones the buildings to see if all the buildings are made of the same type of stone. Thinking that a closer examination of the detail of the stones will reveal a possible mistake or overlooked detail that was not reproduced by the magical enchantment.

Perception check: 18

"Definitely with a try." Enki rumbles, before dispersing from the gathering towards any nearby purveyors of commerce, particularly that of magical items and components utilized towards casting. Though he seems one to let his bulk do most of the talking, his tongue is no less wagging in a bid of polite and kindly dialect with which to honestly appeal for any such information pertaining. Giving them no reason to mistrust his intent, he plainly asks every seller he can about the wizard's predictable forays into town and wherever it is he heads afterwards, at least in the hopes of brewing up some kind of trail to get started on...

Diplomacy Check: 21

Congratulations!  You have completed this skill challenge.  Each of you receives 50 Experience Points for your efforts.

    Before long the adventurers managed to acquire a few titbits which revealed quite clearly that Uthnonin maintained a modest tower about a quarter of a mile west of Sorom’s town square which put it a few yards just beyond the outskirts of Sorom, where a well-worn path through the very green grass lead to a clearing.
  Once the inside the clearing a structure materialized before the party, a dark stone edifice seemingly hewn from a single massive piece of rock.  It was an octagonal spire five storeys tall, well over 50 feet.  The base of the tower was around 30 feet wide with a large double door upon the face towards the adventurers and the path.  There was a smaller door inlaid upon it which probably saw more common use then the large double door did from the wear upon the turf before it.
  Just to the north-side and behind the tower could be seen a small cottage, mostly wooden walls a stone chimney and a thatched roof.  The cottage looked a very much like someone had taken a pile of materials and just dumped it down then moved it around a bit to resemble a house.  Grey-white smoke was rising from its chimney.
  Both the tower and the cottage appeared starkly different to the buildings the adventurers had seen within Galdion.
  Although the tower had a few windows upon each of the four opposing faces of the tower – which alternated between the cardinal directions upon the second story and then laying between them upon the third floor and alternating like this again from the fourth floor up to the fifth, the adventurers could not see the interior of the tower as each of the windows had peculiar black, glass windows which revealed nothing about the tower’s interior.

  Just as the party of adventurers approached the doorway, the smaller door within one of the doors opened and out stepped an isleborn human man.  He appeared to be rather young possibly just within his adult years.
  He wore a worn tunic of dyed green wool and rather loose pants of light brown leather hide which just hung over large grey boots slightly caked with dark grey-brown dirt.
  The man’s head held a thick mane of blond hair though the roots were a darker brown colour.  His hair flowed around the side and back of his head, curling a bit forward at his face.  His jaw was covered by a generous beard about the same colour as his hair only a shade or two lighter.  A wide, flat moustache covered most of his upper lip and his eye brows were rather bushy as well.
  A thin bronze chain held a topaz gemstone in an ornate disc about his neck.  And a ring was held on the index finger of each hand.

  He spoke in a loud tenor voice “Welcome, welcome!  I knew you would not have that much difficulty in finding my tower.  Oh yes.” the man bends down on one knee and bows slightly for a moment “Uthnonin, Former First Magister of Aria at your service.” he then stands up again, smiling at the adventurers.

  Phelan, despite his appearance you can sense a great latticework of magic about this man.  And you suspect there is even more about this man then you are presently aware off.  You did not sense the same sort of power about the wizards of the Arcane University.
  Lambent, you can sense that the man before you has his mind linked to another somewhere within the tower.  There is a continuous stream of thought to and from this other mind.
  Drex, this creature before you has at almost nothing for a soul.  His spiritual presence is almost non-existent.  Though you sense nothing malignant of evil about it, it is disturbing.

Drex takes in the sight in front of him as the tower shimmers into view. "At last I thought we will never find this blasted tower before the day was done." As the lion-like man approaches and introduces himself, Drex noticed the strangeness. "Odd, I wonder why his  spiritual presence is almost non-existent. Mmmmm... But that is later worries now to the quest at hand"  Drex thought.

Drex bows his head in respect. "I am Drasden Braskaal Anoer, Sword of the Aurelian Pantheon,and Adventurers Guild Representatives of the Arian Kingdom. Please to make your acquaintances." He presents his Guild Badge.

Drex then proceeds to introduce each member of his party using there proper names and titles, if he knew them.

"Me and Phelan, were send here by Lady Thilda Dolca Harkin." Drex gestured towards Phelan. "We are investigating shared Dreams the Gifted are having, Lady Thilda told us that you are investigating psychic beings and phenomena which including dreams. But I assume you knew this already, seeing that you have contacted the other members of our party to come and meet you."
This message was last edited by the player at 09:59, Mon 16 Dec 2013.

    The wizard looked to each of the adventurers as Drex introduced them.  Once the avenger had finished speaking the man who called himself Uthnonin said “Yes I gathered you here for I believe we can achieve an arrangement beneficial to us both.  Come.” He stepped outside and closed the door behind him and stood away from the door as the large double doorway swung open revealing the small entrance hall beyond.
  “Please, come inside.” the wizard turned and walked in, the adventurers following.  Enkii found that he had to crouch to fit in through the doorway and Jubei had to almost crouch.  The kaetyma and musadi both felt slightly cramped within the tower.  Though given its width both adventurers believed they were in for some discomfort within the tower.

  The interior of the tower was clean, and comfortably warm with the entrance way lead right into a large octagonal room which looked a bit larger than the party of adventurers would have expected it to be.  At the far side of the room, across from the place they had entered lay another doorway.  A thick set of wooden double doors with a smaller door set into the larger door on the left hand side.
  Upon the room’s walls, hung dozens of picture frames each holding either a picture of some peculiar object, a page of text or fragments thereof, behind a sheet of glass.  Near the back of the room – just off centre – stood the grey statue of a dragon.  It was seated upon its hindquarters with its great feathery wings spread out above and ahead of it while its claws rested upon a small pillar before it.  The pillar was inscribed with many lines of draconic glyphs though closer examination would be required to read it.
  The room was lit by a soothing orange light cast by a few well-placed glowing, globes which floated just beneath the 10 foot ceiling of the room.
  Once all the adventurers had made their way inside more than half the room was taken up by an almost prone musadi and an almost kneeling kaetyma.  The wizard, spotting this apologized for it and promised not to keep the adventurers longer than absolutely necessary.  As the doors shut behind them they echoed loudly throughout the room.

  “Before we discuss the matter of the dreams, I would like to learn from you Enkii.” the wizard paused with one hand raised in a quieting gesture as his other hand was digging through the pockets on his tunic.  “Ah!  There it is!” he pulled out a golden, gleaming shell-like object which had an opal the size of the man’s thumb imbedded upon its surface.  There was some Serpentine writing imbedded upon the golden surface.  “Would you please tell me what this is?”
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:02, Mon 16 Dec 2013.

The Kaetyma meanwhile was paying rather little attention to what was going on, as his eyes had been fransfixed on the dragon statue the moment he had spotted it. No doubt the big dragonblood wondered how this came to be here and curious he 'crept' a little closer to it to be able to read what was written on the pillar, no doubt some praises to a long forgotten dragon or maybe some other sort of monument of sorts.

Drex enters the tower, with a slight eagerness. He looks at everything in the room. "Well isn't this interesting, I have always wondered how a wizard tower looked on the inside."

As Uthnonin spoke to Enkii, Drex listens to him and moves to the side of the room. Drex looks again to Uthnonin, the strange feeling is still present. Drex up his memories of long nights of study in the abbey. Trying to recall anything on this matter.

Religion check: 25

It was certainly a spectacle befitting of some grandiose wizard, and the size of that door seemed to imply to the serpent of being more than his expectations for the presumably human magic caster...and he had to stifle his amusement to see that smaller door affixed for its master's proper use. The hard part was getting inwards, no small feat seeing as the Musadi weren't your conventional members to the serpentine race with all that extra they tended to possess; but some kinship between Jubei and he was poised to at least commune some kind of physical synchronization needed to compress themselves within these predictably uncomfortable quarters. Nobody to complain though, Enkii forsook most other further movements and simply wrapped his tail around himself, using some of his coils like a makeshift "seat" to relax upon while the wizard introduced himself...

Contrary to his previous reaction though, the anger seemed to have dispersed by the time the group actually answered this invitation in person, leaving only some slight mistrust towards Uthnonin, but not so much that his curiosities weren't in order. It felt awkward not introducing himself formally though, but no sense in wasting time; so leaning forwards to further examine the ornate object, Enkii almost instantly took a recognition towards the craftsmanship and nodded softly, his expression warming, "What is to us that a tumbler is to you humans, sort of a...lock and key, you might say; we use them to keep our locks in check, but rather than using an actual key, it works based off of more abstract concepts. Thoughts, smells, a particular word said a certain way, or a specific way to touch the lock itself; because of that, it's practically impossible for someone to crack it without knowing what the keeper does."

He folded his mighty arms with a thoughtful hum, posing no accusatory tone in his voice, "I'd never expect to see one on land though, where ever did you come across it?"

    “Ah!” the wizard said, looking to the artefact in his hand with new eyes.  “That explains a great deal really.” this last part seems to have been directed more at himself.  Before he turned his gaze back to the mighty Enkii and spoke.
  “About three years ago I noticed this little curiosity at the annual market during the festival of lights.  The merchant who sold it to me tried to claim many mysterious and mystical things about it.  But one thing struck my interest.  That it had been made by your kind aeon’s ago.” the man gestured about the room.  “As you can see I am a collector of curiosities things beyond the means of simple divination.  It is my hobby you could say.” he tossed the shell-like object into the air and caught it again.  “I think I shall take it to the embassy then, and see if it may be of some use to your conclave.” and with a turn of his wrist the object was gone.


  “I will show you what I know about these dreams, follow me unto the elevator to the first floor.” Uthnonin said as he walked over to the doors behind the dragon statue.  Which opened and flattened against the walls to reveal a smaller, circular room about 10 feet across with a raised floor spanning it.  The roof to this chamber was near the top of the tower.  With the doors to each of the towers levels visible from the bottom.  The wizard motioned for Drex, Phelan and Lambent to climb aboard the elevator with him.  “The doors will open again once the elevator is ready to receive you, just get on it and it will bring you to the floor just overhead.” He said as the doors closed and the three adventurers ascended in a few moments to the first floor.

  Beyond these matching wooden doorway was a room that could best be described as a study.  There were a few tables pressed against the walls, book cases and a fireplace at the opposite said of the room to the entrance.
  Uthnonin motioned for the three adventurers to step in then followed them as the doors closed just behind him and descended.  A few minutes later Enkii and Jubei followed.
  Leading them all into the centre of the study Uthnonin welcomed each of them to sit on the chairs suited for only half of his visitors.  The room was a little more spacious then the chamber below, mostly because it lacked the large draconic statue and only held furnishings at its edges.  Uthnonin sat behind the main desk of the room which sat before the fireplace.

  “I believe you know that these dreams are cyclical.  Occurring once every few thousand years for only a few nights.  Presently the dreams are not going away and no one seems to know why.  I only have about two good guesses as to why this is so.  Although I am not certain.  Your company however, presents an opportunity to find out.  Though the journey would be perilous.” the wizard finished.

"This is interesting, a clone..." Drex thought to himself.

Now aware that this person is a clone Drex will keep himself ready just in case things turn hostile.

After entering that looks like a study, Drex takes up a position close to Uthnonin. As the rest of his group settle in, he notes his surroundings to see any possible places where ambushes could hide. "Just in case" Drex think to himself.

Taking note of what Uthnonin has to say, Drex replays. "Wait just a moment... Do we know this for sure. And another question: Have non Gifted also start having these Dreams?"



Perception Check to find hiding assailants: 27

Jubei meanwhile seemed to have phased out a little upon reading what the scripture on the dragon statue held. But when he noticed that the others were moving again, he shook his head to clear it of the distracting thoughts he had. He had missed what had been said for the most part, but as they entered the upper chamber he rumbled lowly he caught on that it was probably nothing of immediate import. For now he decided to be silent and listen to what was being said.

    The wizard arcs his right eyebrow as he turns to look at Drex and gives the wry smile “And what has changed Drasden?  Are you expecting I would have gone through all this trouble of gathering a well-armed party of adventurers within my home only to have you slaughtered?  What possible purpose could that serve?” the wizard cast his eyes down for a moment and his features softened a bit.
  “Yes, I am a clone.” the wizard suddenly declared as he returned his gaze to the assembled adventurers.  “One of many.” he said with a sigh.

  “Most of us live here in this tower.  Others are abroad.  We are all telepathically linked.  We are joined to a single mind.  That mind is the ‘original’ Uthnonin who lies a few dozen feet below us in a crystalline vat filled with chemicals.  How do you think I would have survived for the last 300 years?” the wizard paused to let this sink in.
  “I am telling you this; I reveal my most valuable secret to you because I would like for you to trust me.  Not try to peel away at phantasmal layers of hidden agendas that you may perceive in my actions.  I had grown tired of politics even before the Old Kingdom fell.  It is why I live outside of Galdion and why I make myself so scarce overall.”
  “However I cannot sit idly by while an event of cosmic significance stews us all within it!” Uthnonin had an angry gleam to his eye while he spoke.

"I see" Drex said now knowing the reason for the clone he feels a lot more at ease. This is reflected in the relaxed posture he adopts.

"My apologies for thinking ill of you, but one can never be to careful. But back to the subject at hand. Do we know that the Dreams are recurring? And have non Gifted also start having these Dreams? If so..."
Drex looks at Phelan as he said this. Then asks Phelan to recall the verse from that old song he mentioned, while they were waiting for the carriage to bring them to Sorom.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:40, Thu 19 Dec 2013.

This answer seems to satisfy Enkii; although he still found himself just a tad bit put off by the wizard's eccentric mannerisms, most of the mistrust had at least by no dispersed in favor of sheer curiosity...and an honest answer at that was one he could appreciate. This unusual revelation seemed to further muster Enkii's trust, for what else could this speech stand to earn of him, moreover, what could he give to merit a proper repayment. Sensing no such further motive beyond the task seemingly destined to be shared between them, the Musadi relinquished the perpetual furrow in his brow and paid close mind to Uthnonin's further words, finding no mania to be had...yet at least.

He was content however to allow the others to do the talking...

"Oh right... Um let me see..." Phelan hesitated briefly, looking up as he recalled the words he had recited to Drex earlier. "It went something like this...

When everyone has the same dream
There is a choosing and a great deciding
We all hold it in shackles of sleep
As aeons pass and we forget
Then sleeper stir and we regret
Thus all are brought to account again

Not all that pleasant a verse." He looked respectfully at the wizard. "The verse was from about... Two thousand years before the Narayah slept."

  Uthnonin’s brow was furrowed as he listened to Phelan’s words.  There was a pause after the narayah had spoken within which the man seemed in deep contemplation.  Then as quickly as it had fallen over him he focused on the adventurers again.
  “I have never heard of this verse.  It is ominous to say the least.  And yes I have noticed that this current phenomenon, unlike previous occurrence lacks one central element.  Only beings with limited psychic ability are having them rather than everyone.” the wizard leaned forward upon his desk, folding his arms and resting his hands against his chin.
  “Though from what I understand in those earlier eras the world lacked two, possibly three anomalies capable of drastically affecting the dreamscape of the entire world.  And all three of those anomalies are located here in the Crystal Isles.” he said as he looked over the adventurers from left to right.

  “The first being the magical tempest that lies at the approximate centre of the Crystal Sea.  There have been countless attempts to harness the power of that storm.  None have been successful.  Though I am not certain how it might be affecting these dreams.” the man sighed “Although I do not believe an expedition to the storm will yield any significant results.”
  “Thus the second item, I believe, is the blighted land of Appirga, the capitol of the old kingdom.  That land is a place within which the nature of the world as it is commonly known has been discarded and a perverse order dominates there.  Along with the combined horror and suffering of the tortured souls trapped there since the end of the old war.” Uthnonin was about to speak but stopped himself.  Closed his eyes for a moment and took a deep breath.
  “Finally, the third one.” he opened his eyes “I cannot name this place directly as it is dangerous to do so.  Though there are those foolish enough to do so without realizing the attention they draw.”
  “If you follow the coastline west of here, north, you will come along to a bay, similar to Galdion bay.  It is shrouded in mist that no heat from the sun can burn away nor wind of the mightiest storm can disperse.  Within that fog lays a city the isleborn have abandoned and mostly forgotten about.  Some would say that it is cursed.  I have heard it argued that it is a wound in the world while others say it is another world touching ours.  Regardless of what it really is I know for a fact that it can reach out across the span of the entire world and drag those that it wants into itself and never let them go.” Uthnonin sat back into his chair.
  “Of all the things in the world that I believe might be interfering with these dreams I would wager it is that city.  I believe the Warden there might be able to provide more information if you are willing to venture near such a terrible place.” the wizard seemed to be scrutinizing the adventurers very carefully.  And as they spoke he sat forward on his leather lined chair and opened a drawer in his desk taking out a long pipe made of bone.  Fed it some pipe-weed, lit it and began puffing away.

"It seems that this investigation has gone a lot further than our original intention," Lambent says plainly to his companions. "If you recall, our original mission, as it were, was to discover more information about these dreams and I believe we have succeeded much better than the Guild could have expected us to."

He bow to the wizard apologetically.

"Please understand, as interesting as this phenomenon is, we are not at liberty to investigate it much further, I believe, than what we already have. If you can give us what information you have then we can take it back to the guild," He regards his companions calmly. "If the guild decides to take the matter further then I am sure they will contact us again, but we are now leaving the bounds of what 10 gold pieces can cover."

Listening tentatively to the words forming in his head, Drex turns to see Lambent clearly.

"Lambent's logic is sound, our original mission was to discover more information about these dreams. And if the guild decides to take it further then they will..."

Turning back to Uthnonin, Drex makes a bow with his head in respect. "Unfortunately if you wish this investigation to go further, you'll have to make use of the official channels. I'm sure your use to this. Not that I mind bending or braking the rules if something needs to be accomplished as long as I don't commit one of The Sins of the Panteon."

"Besides, I now remember that the Guild already has a task that we need to preform, later today."

Drex thinks for a moment, then speaks again. "Well, we could..." Drex stops in mid sentence. "No."

Drex looks at the rest of his companions. "What do you think." He asks the rest of the group.

The big dragonblood listened while the others spoke and then at the end gave an agreeing nod. "Yes, we have taken it as far as we can, given the compensation we were offered. I must admit that there is a certain thrill to pursuing this even further. But as it stands we are not properly prepared to do those journeys. And of course the Gravewatch still requires our presence as well.", Jubei said and let out a rumble as he crossed his arms before his chest. Having spoken his mind for now.

"Hmmm..." mused the Musadi, a sort of smile on his face as he listened to the general consensus of his companions, regretful as they might have each seemed, he nonetheless offered the wizard as friendly a look as he could and bowed his head, "I must apologize earlier for my demeanor as well, sir, I am unused to telekinetic contact...but you have provided us a great boon in this investigation and with further allowance by the Guild, it shall not go to waste, not with actual leads in mind."

Phelan hesitated, then shook his head ruefully. "They're right unfortunately. Personally I'd love to investigate the matter but... Without permission I can't go further." He looked somewhat regretful, then shook his head. "Maybe they'll assign us to look further into it. We'll have to see. Either way, thank you so much for your time and information."

    Uthnonin took the pipe out of his mouth as he said “Good.  Both your loyalty and caution demonstrate that you would be well suited for the task.  Even though you are not yet able for it.” he took a breath from his pipe, blew out the oddly pale yellow smoke and said “I will take up the matter with your Adventurer’s Guild.”
  There was a pause as the wizard seemed to be thinking something over.  “If your travels ever take you near the town of Kyssea, look for the Conduit.  It is a circle of ten white stones which lies at the summit of a rugged, lone hill just west of the town.  From what I have read it is capable of transporting one from one place to another and back again.  It may allow you to enter the world of dreams and access this strange Village.” he took another breath through his pipe and blew out smoke as he said “That is if whatever magic governs that device will allow it.”

  The wizard’s eyes focused again as he looked the group over and held his pipe aside.  “Even though you are not going to engage in this task you have provided me with information I lacked and also gave me an avenue by which I might have this matter pursued.  For that you have my gratitude.” Uthnonin puffed at his pipe.  “And if you wish to leave now I will accompany you to your guild hall so that I might arrange for a contract with your guild on this matter.”

Jubei looked to his companions who apparently had no immediate desire to leave, then back to the wizard. "Well, I have a question before we go. That dragon statue you have downstairs. Where did you find it? It seems to be part of a larger piece, or at least the story written upon it is, and I would like to learn more about if that is possible.", the quadruped rumbled lowly as he regarded the wizard with an expectant look.

    Uthnonin grinned as he puffed on his pipe “I have had that piece for the better part of 50 years now.  It is a replica though.  Which had been made during the middle ages of the Old Kingdom.  The original, I believe, is within the museum of history in Appirga.  Before that it was taken from the weyr at the summit of the Mountain of Kings on Solon.  That weyr was converted into one of the Grand Necropolises about a thousand years ago.”

  “Though I think you are more interested in Conflict’s End, eh?” the wizard smiled conspiratorially at Jubei.  “There have been many throughout the ages that have sought it out.  Only it seems that the dragons may have taken the secret of what exactly it was with them.”

  “The dragon’s weyrs here in the Crystal Isles are either ruins or were looted long ago and have become the homes of barbarians, bandits and others.” Uthnonin finished with his pipe and put it down within a small bowel specially reserved for that purpose near the furthest centre of his desk.

  “Although a few years ago some dragon kin sought me out to examine the statue I have.  They had come all the way from the Clanholds.  Of course they did not trust me enough to tell me what exactly they were after, though that did not stop me finding out.” the wizard’s gaze left the adventurers as he looked out one of the northern window for a moment then turned back to the adventuers.

  “They had a map of all the weyrs on Ursang, and were comparing records here in the isles to discover which ones had been, hopefully, left untouched.  I know that they believed that there was one high up in the western range of the Red Mountains that would have been isolated enough to have been spared from looters.  They may have gone there but I have not heard from them since.” he finished rather ominously.

Weyr: The primary, communal dwells of the star dragons.  Weyrs were extensive caverns with easy access to the sky. Though they would usually be very difficult to access without the ability of flight.  Most Weyers were made within or from natural cave systems. Within steep mountains or valleys.

If you wish you can leave the wizard’s tower at any time or you could continue to ask him questions before your leave.  As a side note I shall from now on be more abundantly clear about adventure threads.

Optional Adventure -- Discover the fate of the dragon kin expedition to the lost weyrs.
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:30, Tue 24 Dec 2013.

The grey-white Deseeky, shifts as the conversation comes to an end. "Uthnonin, you said that you will accompany us to the Guild?" Drex starts to make his way to the lift.

It seems that Drex is ready to leave the wizards tower.

Jubei nodded as he listened to what the wizard had to say and seemed to make a small note in his journal that he had flipped out at some point. "Thank you, Uthonin. I will pursue this as time and... willingness of my companions allows it.", he said with something that was probably close enough to a smile for a Kaetyma. But aside from that he didn't seem to have any other questions and was ready to leave as well.

    Uthnonin put a few items away within his desk.  Thereafter he donned a dark blue cloak and joined the adventurers in the meadow outside his tower.  As the group returned to the guild hall in the old waterfront district they noticed that traffic along the roads had grown considerably less which helped to speed them along on their journey.
  The sky overhead had become completely overcast while they had been inside the wizard’s tower giving the appearance of early nightfall to the area.  The occasional boom of thunder threatened overhead and before long the low clouds began to shed their rain down upon the land.
  The rain was not large or thick droplets but instead as close as rain could come to a spray.  A wet mist which descended to the earth, and made everything thoroughly damp to wet.  The sea breeze only helped to spread the chill in the air and from the rain only down into ones bones.

  As the party arrived at the guild hall, they found one of the guardsmen – the same man who they had seen on their arrival – standing with a thick, brown, woollen cloak and hood over his head looking like a wooden statue for his stillness.  Only his breath gave him away as being very much flesh and blood.  He nodded at the adventurers with his eyes but raised a quizzical eyebrow at the drenched wizard in their company.
  Despite being half-sodden Uthnonin seemed to be quite happy, and was grinning like an idiot as he nodded to the guardsmen and walked inside the dark, slightly warm guildhall.
  “This is not at all what I had expected!” the wizard remarked and was a little surprised a moment later by the echo of his voice come back rather loudly.
  “Now then, is there someplace warm in here that we, or at the very least I can sit down and dry off?” Uthnonin asked giving the adventures something of a pleading look as he took of his wet, linen cloak.

Merry Xmas everyone! :D

"There is a fire place in the dining-hall that should no doubt be going right now. I'd gladly accompany you there.", Jubei said with a somewhat sniffeling tone in his voice and he shook himself to get some of the rainwater still sticking to his body off faster. Given from where he hailed it was probably no surprise that he didn't take that well to this kind of cold and wet weather. "Although I think we should first report to the taskmaster.. whereever he may be right now.", he continued and the tone of his voice didn't sound that excited.

Phelan began squeezing water out of his sodden tail, his drooping fur giving him a rather sad look. "Maybe he'll be in the dining hall keeping warm? IF not, perhaps someone there can tell us where he may be."

Of all the folks in this particular troupe, Enkii seemed to be the only one amongst them who actually brightened in spirits with the considerably dreary turn in the weather; and slithered along at the back of the group as if to make the most of enjoying it. To enter the guild hall though, he returned to his particular gruffness, if only neglecting to shake out his scales as they took on a healthy gleam. He mused internally upon how he hadn't quite yet grown used to dry land in all his time spent slithering above sea level since "retirement".

"I'd think he'd have some sort of private office, wouldn't he?"

Growing up in the Isles, Drex seems to be not to bothered by the rain. Taking of his hood of his clock which seems to have kept him dry. He looks at the others and says, " Jubei, seeing as you had offered will you please escort Uthnonin to the meadhall, we will go to Akkorrin's office, you can meet us there. I got a strange feeling in my hipbone that he is waiting for us."

Drex now looks to Uthnonin. "We will inform Akkorrin, the Guild taskmaster that you are here to see him. I'm sure he will be eager to speak with you when we tell him all that we have learned about the Dreams."

Drex formally bids the lion-like wizard-man a good day. "See you now-now Jubei." Drex saunters off in the direction of Akkorrin's office.

    Jubei led Uthnonin into the meadhall, which was quite packed with not only some adventurers but also others unrelated to the guild who used the meadhall as a tavern.  Jubei had heard that it was one of the ways that the guild helped to pay for itself rather than just being a drain on the royal treasurey.
  The wizard sat himself down at the bar and bought himself a drink from Titorius.  Jubei left the wizard and returned to the mainhall after having gotten some direction from Titorius as to where exactly Akkorrin might be.  Which the barkeep mentioned would be in his office and provided Jubei with some directions on how to get there from the meadhall.

  Akkorin’s office was a spacious room that lay in a side corridor that branched off from the main hallway.  It had a proper door and an actual ceiling which required both Enkii and Jubei crouch down so as not to scrape their heads against it.  Though horizontally there was ample space for both of them.
  The room was sparsely furnished with two small tables at its sides, two book shelves and an enormous block of wood that had been turned into a desk which was about the size of a carriage.  Four large, wood and leather chairs sat at each side of the desk.  Two of them, across from each other were presently occupied.
  On the far side sat Akkorrin, his olive green scales glimmering in the light from the crystal lanterns on the tables.  He wore his usual leather overcoat and hide clothing.  His expression was amused as he was partially focused upon a hexagonal board upon which a pattern of brown and grey stones lay.
  Clearly a game of Stones, though the only persons unfamiliar with the game amongst the adventurers present were Phelan and Enkii.
  On the near side sat another doola, who was a thick boulder in comparison to Akkorin’s rather slender build – for a doola.

  The taskmaster greeted the adventurers as they entered and said “I have been waiting for you.  Please make yourselves comfortable and would you be so kind as to close the door, would you Enkii?” the door closed with a flick of a tail.  “Thankyou.  I would like to introduce you to your latest companion Xeela.”  Akkorrin gestured towards the doola sitting across from him.

The massive doola turned around, lifted her hand for a simple greeting. "Good evening there. Nice to meet ya`ll. Guess i have missed to joing your group this morning. Hopefully didn`t slay all the monsters without me." Her muzzle formed a toothy grin, her eyes jumping from member to member of the randomly scrambled group of different species.

The grey-white deseeky gives a chuckle, "Don't worry we left you, the biggest one." He walks right up to the doola and gives her a traditional greeting of the Crystal Isles. 'I am Drasden Braskaal Anoer, Sword of the Aurelian Pantheon but Drex is fine."

Drex makes an respectful nod towards the other doola. Drex sweeps outward with his arms and says,"Akkorrin. Our investigation was most fruitful. The Arcane University will send research notes to the Guild on there findings."

Drex pauses so that another team member can relay the information they have gathered.

The Kaetyma seemed sort of amused when he saw the rather big Doola who he regarded with a simple nod. "I am Iron Jubei.", he said and then turned back to the Akkorrin. "I agree, we have found out quite a lot. We also met a wizard who would like to talk with you about these events, he's currently in the meadhall warming up. As to what Missus Ashur told us, Lambent can explain that better."

Ancestors, I feel small around this group. Phelan thought to himself. "I am Phelan." Even she stood a fair bit taller than he was. His ears and tail drooped slightly at the realisation of just how much smaller he was. I could probably just ride on the shoulder of Jubei or Enkii and they'd not even notice.

"For an initial report of our meeting with the Headmistress... She recommended we speak to a kith of Giants at Stryne about the dreams. The phenomenon of the dreams themselves appears to be widespread throughout the Isles." He paused, looking nervous at actually giving the report, before continuing. "Her best theory was... Phazen's Spire? Something like that. She also mentioned a spiritual event might have occurred in the summer to cause this. Or that  the Nemesis' influence  spreading from Agrippa could be responsible." He frowned. That sounded mostly correct in his head, but he looked up at Drex. "Drex? Was that mostly correct? And did I forget anything?"

    Akkorrin had taken out some paper from his desk and a pencile and was making some quick notes as the adventures spoke.  "And who is this wizard that you've brought to see me?" the taskmaster looked at Jubei while his left hand was busy writing.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:16, Thu 02 Jan 2014.

"His name is Uthnonin, he too was investigating the strange dreams and seems to have some leads as well, which seem to lead towards Appirga and Vaysho-", the Kaetyma quickly cut himself off as he, probably too late, realized what he was doing and corrected himself, "that-other-place to the north. He also mentioned that near the city of Kyssa laid a sort of... conduit, was it? Which might allow direct access of those dreams.", Jubei said and let out a low rumble. "I can go and bring him here if you want to talk with him yourself."
This message was last edited by the player at 10:37, Wed 01 Jan 2014.

    The taskmaster began to smile as Jubei spoke about Kyssea “Well your first contract happens to be in the area of Kyssea.  So perhaps if you find the time you can have a look at stones there.  I will see to this Uthnonin after this.” Akkorri put way his pages of notes and brought out a map of the Kingdom of Aria.  Showing the islands of Aria and to the west the smaller island of Solon.
  “Your assignment comes from the Gravewatch.  I trust you have all heard of them?” the taskmaster runs a gaze over the adventurers.  “Their chapter at the Nizamean necropolis, besides which rests the village of Kyssea.” Akkorrin drew a finger across the map from Galdion along the lines of a road to a point just north of Galdion up against the eastern coastline.  Gauging by the scale of the map it was about 20 to 30 miles northwards from the city of Galdion.
  “A messenger runs between the strongholds of the Gravewatch every day.  And for the last three days they have not received one from the chapter at Nizamean.  They would like the guild to investigate the matter as swiftly as possible and attempt to resolve the matter if we can or report back to them if we cannot handle the situation there.” the taskmaster finished then added.  “Are there any questions?”

As Drex wanted to mention the place that must never be named, or attract its attention, Jubei carelessly in his eagerness to relay the information to Akkorrin he  spoke the name. The grey-white deseeky's fur becomes dull and his eyes grows wide. "You must never!" Drex makes the sign against the Evil-eye and traces an Aurelian sigil of protection in the air.

This sudden over reaction was quite strange for him. Did Drex think that Jubei would actually mention that forbidding place's name... Or was there something else that warranted this unusual behavior.

Drex now seems out of place and anything but relaxed. But he tries to hide this as best he can, by looking at Akkorrin and listening to what the new mission will entail.

He glasses to the others now and then to gauge there body language.

"Y- yes I have one, what are the possible dangers that we may expect on this expedition?" Drex seems to have composed himself a little by now.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:31, Wed 01 Jan 2014.

Drex's reaction startled Phelan. What the... What kinds of taboo have appeared in our absence? He didn't really want to ask the somewhat unsettled Drex about what exactly had provoked that reaction. His own expression and stance, looking at Drex, spoke of his confusion The only thing that Jubei mentioned that I didn't was 'that-other-place in the north'. I wonder if it's related to that...

He turned his attention to Akkorrin as the taskmaster began his new instructions.

History check to try to recall any taboos that might have caused this reaction: 21!

Enkii seems a little taken aback by this sudden outburst, conceiving that this place obviously held some sort of superstitious connotation Drex or perhaps his people in general, he merely regarded it with a curious head tilt...before his hesitance dissipated and he gestured towards the Deeseky with a careful vocal approach, "Not that I intend to cause you further stress, Drex...but what do you happen to know of this place...?"

Drex gazes flashes to Enkii, "I know nothing of this place." he barks at Enkii. Does he really know nothing of this place, or is this only an act.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:38, Thu 02 Jan 2014.

Lambent eyes glowed with confusion and amusement at the reaction to the mention of this strange place. He always marveled at the silliness of beings on the Material Plane and their superstitions, but as it seemed to be a sore point, he decided not to poke at it to see what comes out. In any case, it appears that if they were to follow this wizard's request after this endevour then they may get to see this 'place-that-must-not-be-named' form themselves and then, perhaps, he would understand their fear for it.

He raised his hand slightly to get everyone's attention. He had learned that speaking into the minds of others without their knowledge tends to put people on edge.

"I don't think we need worry anymore about this place that seems to have the natives quite riled up. I am certain there is a good reason for their superstitions and I shall respect that. However," he turned to Akkorin, "We have another task at hand that needs pressing attention it seems. This chapter of the Gravewatch has not been in contact you say? Is there anything about the area they are located in that would suggest something could have happened to them - aside from this conduit of which you speak? You mentioned a necropolis, could something have happened there that has got them to busy to send a messenger, or worse, made them incapable of sending a message? What about the town itself? Has anyone heard something from them of late?"

    Akkorrin appeared to be unmoved by all this commotion as he responded to Lambent’s questions “Kyssea is a mostly pastoral village with a small quarry just to the north of it.  They have had some trouble with pirates and bandits further to the north of the village in the past though nothing serious has threatened the Gravewatch garrison since the old war.” then the taskmaster shrugged and corrected himself “With the exception of the musadi occupation-“ to which Akkorrin looked at Enkii “-a few years ago.”

  The taskmaster then sat forward and rested his chin upon his knuckles “Two Gravewatch messengers run back and forth between Kyssea and Galdion within a day of each other.  So the main chapterhouse in Galdion is used to receiving word from the garrison in Kyssea every other to once every three days.  Neither of the two messengers has returned from Kyssea in the last four days.”

  “If the garrison has been attacked then the chapterhouse here in Galdion would have been informed immediately.  However they have received no such signal or message.  So they believe something else might have happened.  This is why they have approached our guild to investigate the matter for them.”

  “As for word from the village itself, it is not uncommon to only hear from villages once a season or less.”

Drex takes a deep breath,"I need to keep calm." Listening to Lambent, Drex decided to stay quite for the rest of the meeting trying to center his thoughts and to concentrate on what is said.

"Unless the attack wiped out the entirety of the chapter," Lambent mused after listening to the guild master's explanation. "The Gravewatch can't be too concerned about it if they are sending us instead of their own men...or perhaps they are not telling us something."

He eyed his new companions carefully, judging their reactions to what he just said, musing quietly to himself on the myriad of possibilities hoping that something might spark a memory inside his elemental soul.

"Well," he concluded, "Be that as it may, I am ready to go when you all are. I have all I need with me and considering the seriousness of the situation, the sooner we go, the better."

A soft blue glow came to his eyes as Lambent stood back.

Jubei seemed a bit surprised at the rather vehement reaction of Drex to his own little slip-up. Either that or it was surprise at the lack of reaction from the others, nonetheless he seemed to have decided to not dwell on this subject before it drew unwanted attention. Instead he mused a little to give his own thoughts on the matter. "I would be so bold and say that we might be facing something... more coordinated. If the messengers did not return, then they must have been waylaid, otherwise one of them would surely have made it back here with news of an attack. That of course means that we have to be careful in our own approach, otherwise we might walk into an ambush.", he rumbled lowly and rubbed over his chin, before blinking and looking up. "Just thinking out loud."

After listning and nodding every now and then Xeela finally decided to finally turn her chair a little to face the other members of her new group, knocking her knuckles to the chairs armrest two times before speaking, to make the others aware of her presense.

"Well, i am not fully aware of all the details and what you have encountered on your adventure today, but i would say that Jubeis concern is a quite reasonable one. After all i thought this was an adventurers guild, and not some group to ensure public safety or whatsoever. Not that that would be a wrong thing, it's just not what i had expected from the adventurers guild."

The Doola grinned faintly, trying to make a friendly first impression upon her groupmates. Still feeling a bit out of place being thrown into mission details and a bulk of information right away.
"Own damn fault for sleeping so long." she thought to herself and leaned back in her chair.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:27, Fri 03 Jan 2014.

The Narayah moved to stand near Enkii, speaking quietly to the Musadi in the Serpentine tongue.

"I suppose we'll need to take a formalised method to travel. Pooling knowledge of everyone's skillsets, setting up watches and the like." Despite his intent to sound confident, the statement come out as more of a question.

    Akkorrin turned his face to look at Xeela and his expression softened a bit as he spoke “We are whatever our employers require of us Xeela.  In this case you serve the public good.  Never underestimate the value of that.”
  He returned his gaze to the party as a whole.  “Now there is the matter of your reward for your efforts.”  The taskmaster pulled up two small pouches from his belt and slid them over the table.  “That should cover your expenses for this morning along with being not only what I promised to reward you but also a little extra.  I will also see to it that the guild master hears about your efforts.”

The party receives 1 Wealth Token, 2 Fame Tokens and 1 Fortune Token in total.  Please see the house rules are ask any questions about these rewards in the OC chat.

Optional Adventure -- Investigate the rumour about the strange dreams that are being experienced by the gifted.  Completed.  Drex, Enkii, Lambent, Jubei and Phelan you each may receive 200 Experience Points for completing this quest.

Adventure – Investigate the breakdown of communications between the Galdion and Kyssean chapters of the Gravewatch.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:23, Sun 05 Jan 2014.

Jubei nodded slowly as he eyed the pouches on the table and then looked at the others, before he turned back to Akkorrin. "I would say that we have no further questions regarding the task then and we have already spend too much time of the day as is. You said the town was a days travel from here? So if we leave now we'll arrive there by noon. Assuming we don't rest through the night.", he rumbled and furrowed his brows some. "Taking a carriage would probably be faster, but we'd be inviting ambushes too."

Drex nodded his head at Jubei's last statement, but still seems to have nothing to say.

When his group leaves, he will be the last to bid Akkorrin farewell and leave.

    Akkorrin nodded at Jubei as he stood up and got off his chair "On foot it would take you a full day to get there if you follow the standard route.  However you could travel along the coast instead and try to scale the cliffs there.  Or you could travel across country, it would take you about the same time as the normal roads to reach the village due to the terrain you would have to either force your way through or circle around."
  "And you would have to hire a carriage if you want to use that way to get there faster." the taskmaster finished standing before the adventurers.

Well done folks, you have completed the prologue! You guys can wrap up things here if you like. Now please decide if you would like to spend your rewards on anything before leaving the city and come tonight I will open the first chapter Perversion.
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:22, Tue 07 Jan 2014.

Enkii rumbled out of the corner of his mouth in idle comprehension, something regarding whether or not a carriage could fit so many...um...ponderous individuals or if they'd need to rent a caravan to get it going. He did not seem to doubt for a moment though the capacity of his companions in dispatching any conventional highwaymen, let along his own, but he could not help but to draw his thoughts further onto considering the possibilities that each opportunity would bring. Going on foot might have proven wiser, but the risks of haste could prove worthwhile if the mystery stood to solve. 'Twas certainly a bustling start...in his humble opinion, then again as his serpentine eyes took a gander at the bags, one could not mistake the very slightest smile brightening up the ordinarily stonefaced Musadi's visage...~

    The adventurers bid Akkorrin farewell.  They gathered their remaining gear and began their journey towards the village of Kyssea.  Galdion was almost still as they wound their way through the streets that had been so busy earlier, leaving through an area of the Roots adjoining the most eastern part of the Kraftworks.
  The road northward was made of well-worn paving stones which slopped its way upward and between the low hills.  A few miles up the road the adventurers spotted the tall, jagged foothills that lead up to a mist shrouded mountain a few miles to the east.  Some of the adventurers supposed that it was this mountain that prevented direct access to Kyssea from the most northern gatetown of Galdion, Sorom.

  The sun was just creeping down to the eastern horizon, casting long shadows over the grasslands as the adventurers arrived at a tiny hamlet upon the roadway.  It was a simple isleborn settlement which clearly existed because of the local farming communities and because travel was frequent along this road.  There was a large square of flagstones bordered by a few stables some small stores and a very large inn.  It was very tempting to stay there the night though the party wanted to make good time to their destination and so pressed on.

  Just as the sun’s burnt, golden disc fell beneath the horizon the sun’s ring, normally lost to the eye in the glare of the sun became visible.  The thin bands of gold gleamed in the twilight, their great oval span was only a little bit greater than the area of the sun and it was only a few minutes before they two disappeared beneath the horizon.

  As dusk turned into night, the coppery moon rose overhead.  Half-full its orange light lit the landscape just enough for the adventurers to navigate by.

  Only an hour and a half after the moon rise they found another small settlement, much like the one before it.  Although this one was a bit larger and held a short, squat tower just off the road on the northern edge of the square.  The adventurers were tired after the day’s journey and so decided to bunk down at the local in for a good night’s rest and get an early start before dawn the next day.
  The innkeeper was a deseekay that seemed to be equal parts hefty and fat and after a small faux pas about assuming her gender was that of a man, the adventurers settled into their rooms with only a small expense to their pockets though there was some embarrassment amongst a few of the adventurers about the misunderstanding.

  Drex, Lambent, Phelan and Xeela shared a room on the second floor of the inn, while Enkii and Jubei slept in a long house to the back of the inn which had been erected only a few years ago to accommodate the plethora of musadi travellers from the Storm Sea.

  And as they had dinner and got to sleep, they found their rest did not come easily.  The weight of their task and their experiences during the day had formed a knot of stress within each of them which they had to deal with before sleep finally came…


And so ends the prologue!  See you guys in the next chapter!  Please don't respond to this post, this is just an ending.
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:25, Tue 07 Jan 2014.