"Elves are very patient people," Brother Yew observed. "They can sit silently, watching and listening for weeks at a time to something as simple as a baby bird hatching from an egg, feeding, growing and finally flying from the nest to start out on the life it was born for. Such patience comes in very useful at times, even on the most exciting of adventures."

"It is most useful right now," replies Corvus, somewhat sarcastically.

In reply to Arek Blackiron (msg # 26):

"Haven't seen them yet, not unless they've turned into that fellow over there," he pointed at Gendonyd.

Gendonyd sees the man pointing at him, and he picks up his pet skunk, puts it under his arm and walks over, sipping his ale. The hog and raccoon follow.

"You pointing at me?" he asks.

"And what if I am?" the tiny gnome responded with chest puffed out.
"You got a problem with short people?"

Gendonyd looks down at the gnome and then reaches for his pet skunk under his arm, reversing it to face ass forward. "And if I do?"

"Can I just recommend some peace on earth right now? We don't really need to do this, do we? It bodes ill for future cooperation if a fight breaks out now. Perhaps consider it a test of teamwork to sit down and let your anger go."

That should help!

Wonnilon looked at the skunk and said, "[Language unknown: Ssent ofllen st nilela Earoun-lesent silo!]"

Gendonyd looks about the inn pointing at the gnome. "Look everyone! He speaks skunk ass!"
This message was last edited by the player at 07:17, Fri 02 Oct 2015.

Ronalt watches without intervening. Takes a drink from his tankard and looks to brother Yew. "We are likely to loose more if they are going to be like this when fighting evil in the temple."

When the druid brought out the skunk and turned it about, Corvus finally found something which piqued his interest. He smiled and applauded, though he did make room for the showdown.

"Oh, bravo! Bravo!"

Brother Yew actually cracks a slight smile at the confrontation between gnome and skunk.

"I believe they too deserve the opportunity to risk their lives for a noble cause," he commented.

"Master of beasts, would you be interested in setting your small army of creatures against the forces of an evil temple, rather than against our small friend here?" he asked the hairy man.

Gendonyd looks over at Brother Yew. "Why would I set my friends against your gnome? Hasn't nature done enough damage to him already? I see no need to add injury to insult. I am Gendonyd, and this is Melira," he says, turning the skunk back around face forward, "and Aerdrie," he points to the raven on his shoulder, sitting stoically "as well as Erevan" he motions to a raccoon at the next table, who was sneakily trying to grab an unguarded mug, "Hanali" he continues, motioning toward the large hog that is blissfully rooting around for scraps on the floor, "and last as well as least, Elebrin" a black rat face pokes up from the mans robe. "What's this about an evil temple?"

Brother Yew bowed gently to each of the animals as they were introduced, then introduced Ronalt, Arek, Luthien, Corvus and himself (and any other party members here that I have missed).

"Have you ever heard of the Battle of Emridy Meadows, which was fought about five years ago? An evil temple had been established near the small village of Numb, about thirty leagues southeast of Verbobonc. The temple became the base of operations for bandits, brigands and bands of evil humanoids that terrorised the local countryside. Within a few years the temple became strong enough to have ambitions of overthrowing the lawful rulers of the nearby cities of Verbonc and Dyvers. Fortunately, that threat was met and defeated by an army under the command of Prince Avras Thrommel. The forces of good were victorious at the Battle of Emridy Meadows and the evil temple was defeated and sealed.

"However, in the last year or so there has been a stirring of the old troubles again and our party has been involved in dealing with some of those troubles. The evil temple is back in operation, though not as strong again yet, and we are doing what we can to make sure it does not rise in strength again."

"And what's the plan to deal with them entail? Severing the supply limne and sealing the temple?"

Yew considered that suggestion for a moment before responding.

"We have been inside the temple already, although that was not planned. We had started exploring the exterior, believing the place deserted. We were exploring an outbuilding then a trap teleported us deep inside an underground complex beneath the temple. It seems to be divided into four factions serving the four elements. We fought our way out, inflicting very heavy losses on those dedicated to the element of fire and other guards of the place, as well as rescuing a number of prisoners along the way. Now that we know the way in we intend to return and strike them again. There were brown tiled areas at the level closest to the surface so I would suspect those who serve the element of earth may be the next section that we would strike.

"Of course, they will be well aware that we were there and will have had several weeks to prepare their defences before we return, not to mention forces we may encounter in the surrounding area, such as the band of gnolls that attacked some of our party as we left last time."

Yew looked to his companions for a moment before concluding, "We have not really discussed our strategy for the return visit yet, as we are here for training and rebuilding our strength, but I would suggest our ultimate aim would be to destroy the leadership of the temple and destroy or drive off as much of their forces as possible. We do not yet know how to destroy them completely but we may find a way as we discover more of the secrets within their walls."

Another week passes marked by the arrival of Sven and the recently raised Kalador (both whom almost immediately commence training). Those with time on their hands while they wait for others find numerous ways to entertain themselves - sight seeing, research, drinking, whoring, shopping, and many other activities both legal and illegal, moral and immoral...

"An' so we're back 'ere at th' tav'rn again. One more week ta go 'fer e'eryone done."
"Who's go' som'tin' interestin' ta fill in tha time?"

"I can offer nothing that would be of interest to the rest of you," Yew apologised. "I have simply returned to my normal life at the monastery since my training is complete, for now. The Master understands that I will leave again in another week and is fully supportive of our cause."

The end of the third week finally arrived bringing with it the end of training and the last opportunity do do anything in Verbobonc before heading back to Hommlet and further possible action against the Temple.

OOC: If anyone wants to spend any gold, or visit anyone important, now is the absolute last chance. Will be moving along very soon!

Sir Luthien, now knighted, spent most of this last week getting to know the nobles of the city, as was customary for the newly knighted.

"Awrigh', gath'r e'eryone up an' we'll 'ead off back ta Hommlett in tha mornin'."

Yew bowed in acknowledgement of Arek's announcement.

"Very good, Master Arek. I shall shall return in the morning ready to travel. One more evening at the monastery will be most agreeable."

Slowly makes his way inside the tavern, an eccentric looking gnome with pointed blue hat and fiery red hair and beard.  He stood out like a sore thumb amongst the other patrons.  With a devilish smile he bellies up to the bar setting his backpack on the door as he digs around in his pockets looking for something.  Eventually he finds what he is looking for as he pulls out a small coin pouch setting it on the counter in front of the bartender.  He motions for a bottle of brandy behind him and sets a few coins out for him.  Once he has a full glass in hand he looks about the tavern for any friendly games folks may be playing.

When arrangements were made Corvus nodded then got up from his seat, looking around the tavern for something better to do with his time. Failing that, he took note of the newly-arrived and strangely-attired gnome and decided to go join him - if the fellow was willing.

"Greetings, little ginger one! I am Corvus, of Celene. Mind if I join you in sharing that brandy?"