Jarsichok leads the group to a nearby hollowed out cavern with a wide floor bored into a bowl shape sweeping well below the floor of the city 'street' outside.  The floor is covered in Echtinik of many sizes all doing various activities that seem as foreign as the anything yet witnessed in these lands.

"Here you may find whatever it is you need. Forgive my blunt speaking but your current garb indicates to me that much of what we offer would be an improvement."

Zenobia bursts out laughing. "Well, in that case, your assistance would be most welcome. Lead on honored Jarsichok."

at his words she looks down at her attire and grumbles slightly

"I thought I did pretty well on fixing it, but you wouldn't happen to have any boots or some upper body armour of any kind would you?  Something that wouldn't hinder my movement.

looks at Jarsichok expectantly

Zenobia shrugs.

"Well since I have no idea what would be on offer I reckon a missile weapon that is portable, reasonably quick firing and wouldn't rely on my strength for firing plus better armour wouldn't go amiss."

The scholar looks Genovia up and down.  A similar look by a human male might have resulted in a slap, or possibly a date depending on the girl being looked at.  However, Jarsichok's manner is more of a professional tailor sizing up a client.

"I know just the thing."  His whole body bobbing up and down.  The movement is strange for a moment, but then is soon recognized as his form of a nod.  Jarsichok scuttles off and returns a moment later with some sleek boots and matching vest and leggings.  Both are of a beautiful black that scintillates in the light like beetle carapace, or more accurately, like the carapace of a number of the Echtinik in the vast market cavern.  "Yes, these will do nicely.  Try them on."

They look as if they will fit, but there is something not quite right about them from human standards.

While Genovia weighs the wisdom of putting the alien-wear on, Jarsichok moves on to Zenobia.  "Hmm," he says, bobbing up and down again.  "Aha!  I will return shortly."

When he comes back, he has another suit of black armor, but it is configured much differently than Genovia's.  It seems, somehow, more durable and perhaps a bit more elegant in some way.  The suit also shines with the same scintillating black and has the same alien feel to it.

Jarsichok also carries an odd contraption.  It is a dull black, more like the limbs of the Echtinik than the carapaces.  The contraption resembles a bow, and in fact there is a string in the right place, except it looks too soft to get much tension.  The curved part ends on either side in a flat, almost blade-like figure.  "Be careful," the scholar warns.  "The blades are very sharp."  Danela receives a suit similar to Genovia, but a weapon like the one handed to Zenobia.  As he hands them over and looks expectantly at the women.  Tyler has said nothing and so Jarsichok ignores him for the moment, eager to see how the new equipment is received by the diplomats from the foreign nation.

[Private to Danela Sundusk; Genovia Swiftfoot; Zenobia Aurelius Gracchus:  There are no places to change in the large market cavern so if changing into the armor requires a bit of immodesty on your part, you'll need to ask Jarsichok about that.]

((Roll Sense Motive Checks

You may also roll any appropriate crafting check with a -1 to determine the capabilities of your new equipment.  A successful roll by any one member on any equipment will give you an idea of what the equipment does.  You can also ask Jarischok for in character information, i.e. this improves your protection, range, speed rather than +1AC, +15 range, +10 base movement))

 He was sure that the being had not intention of harm or intrique, however diplomacy was always a tricky thing to him, better to not say much then to say the wrong words.

 As the four legged being brought the items forward he nods respectfully to it,
I had not thought to be a burden on our host's but if it is his desire to aid us in this quest then i will not say no.  If you have another weapon of missle design, perhaps i could be more effective in battle with our enemys.

07:10, Today: Tyler Darkwatch rolled 9 using 1d20+3. sense motive

"Do you wish no enhancement to your armor or other gear?" Jarischok says after returning with another of the blade-bows.  He hands the weapon over to the priest.

 With another nod of his head to the industrious one, If it please's you to make a strong form of armor like iam wearing i would enjoy not being hit so much either, but if possible i would have my dieity on the armor itself?.

[Private to GM: dieity is halai, he has to watch the weight he carry's not being too strong. )]
This message was last edited by the player at 15:07, Fri 24 Apr 2009.

The scholar bobs again towards Tyler and scurries off.  When he returns, he carries a full suit, similar to that of Zenobia's.  He also has three more pair of boots, one for Zenobia, one for Denala and one for Tyler, and another blade-bow for Genovia.

"Now all have received equal treasure.  Please.  Please.  Try them on."

At one point, the Echtinik asked Bedawry what he would like, but the Anthros bowed respectfully and declined.  "We prefer things we find or make ourselves from the jungles.  Our...magic, if you will works better with them than the treasures you might offer.  I appreciate the gift and will convey your generosity to my people."

Jarsichok bobs and ignores the Anthros while he fits the humans with the Echtinik-made equipment.

 Looking over the armor and bow? with a questioning look, umm, perhaps you might explain how this differant eqiupment works

Jarsichok bobs politely to Tyler.   "Certainly.  The suit of armor is placed on the body with the arms and head going through these open holes here and left to drape over the shoulders.  The leggings are stepped into, one at a time by which ever leg you prefer then pulled up around the waist to the same level as the torso piece stops.  The feet are then placed, one at a time mind you, into the footwear."  He tilts his head, in a semblance of the human gesture, making him seem curious.  "Is this not how your own armor works?"  He says, tapping Tyler on the chest where the studded leather protects him.

Without waiting for an answer he turns and looks at the bow.  "I do not have any projectiles, but one normally places one end of a thing called an 'arrow' on the string and draws it back as far as possible before releasing.  The pointed end of the arrow is aimed at whatever target, or perhaps slightly above as the distance increases, and is intended to enter the target soon after release.  Moving targets are harder, of course."  He reaches out and runs his finger along, but not quite touching, the blade portion of the bow.  "These may be used similar to any sword in close combat without having to switch weapons.  They are as effective as Zenobia's sword there."

"Ingenious!" says Zenobia enthusiastically. When Danela turns to look at something Zenobia looks at Tyler, her eyes flicking back towards Danela, with a momentary questioning expression. Zenobia looks concerned, but when Danela looks back Zenobia is all smiles again.

"I figure we all need a bath, food and some rest. We have to push onto the Kradok with all speed, so we should make the most of luxuries while we can. Let's move on then."

The scholar bobs in acknowledgment of Zenobia's wishes and takes the group to a side cavern where food is available.  It looks edible, if a bit strange, and it might be better not to venture to ask what anything actually is.  Jarsichok leaves while the group eats, but soon returns with several odd looking stakes, each nearly six feet tall.  He quickly sizes up each in the group with a practiced eye then jams the stakes into the ground.  While the four of you look on, he quickly spins a fine weave of thread from his abdomen and forms four hammocks, which look rather flimsy and worse, sticky.

Before anyone says much, Bedawry lays out on the one measured for him and is soon snoring.  His fur does not seem to stick to the stuff after all.

"I apologize.  Echtinik have no need of bathing.  I am aware of the practice in purely endoskeletal races, but we do not practice it and have nothing to accomodate you here."

Denala finds a corner and begins to clean her old gear.

[Private to Zenobia Aurelius Gracchus: She has not touched the tinikean-weave sack which carries her new equipment and looks as if she has no intention of using the bed either.]

In the morning, or what passes for morning deep inside the underground tunnels of the Echtinik race, Jarsichok wakes the group.

"It is time to break your nightlong fast.  I have food prepared.  Then we will leave."  He presents food similar to that of the night before, but there are some toasted mushrooms that almost resemble toasted bread as well as beautiful crystal glasses filled with a sweet juice of some kind.  The crystals would be fit for a king's hall and the juice tastes absolutely wonderful.

"Is it your wish to speak with the Kradok or the Invar next," Jarsichok asks Zenobia.

"I believe the Kradok would be more approachable." says Zenobia.

 Freshing up and feeling better even if he was missing the kiss of the suns rays on his skin, he takes his time and finish's his prayers before rejoining the others, Moving next to Danela he stops next to her, Lady how are you doing?.

Danela looks up at Tyler and smiles faintly.  "I'm alright.  I just feel a bit confined down here."  She looks over at Jarsichok and experiences and involuntary shudder.  "I'll just wait outside.  Looks like we are finally leaving this place."

Zenobia smiles infinitesimally as Tyler asks after Danela. She's apparently too polite to ask what the problem is, but when Danela walks outside.

"Thank you for asking after her. Probably better coming from you. I'm not much of a caregiver. Still if you could look out for her until we get Kradok lands. Perhaps she'll feel more herself there."

Since Jarsichok is still there Zenobia takes the Echtinik aside..

"Some of your people doubtless find us as strange as we do you. To wish to be universally popular is to court eternal disappointment. You won't believe but not everyone likes me. I know. Amazing isn't it. What's not to like?"

Jarsichok looks at Zenobia without comment or reaction that anyone can tell.

 Looking at the armor that Jarsichok had brought in dismay and a little repulsion at the insect looking aspect of it and shakes his head thank you sir but that armor isnt what i could use, though the weapon is good and i would use if permitted.

[Private to GM: No to the armor and yes to the combo weapon.]

 With a nod to Danela, I have to agree, i too wish to see the sun again and soak up the heat.

 With a quick motion he grabs his pack and looks over the strange weapon till he finally just carry's it till he can figure out how to do so safely.

 Kradoks for certain, i need to smell the fresh air and feel the sun again.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:16, Wed 29 Apr 2009.

The group gathers in the main thoroughfare tunnel behind Jarsichok who will lead the group out.  Bedawry is the last to show up.  He is holding a large white sack of Echtinik webbing on his back (that does not seem sticky).  When looked at in question, he just grins that toothy grin and says nothing.

Jarsichok leads the group out of the city and through ever shrinking tunnels.  After possibly two days of travel, he leads the group into a dead end.  The tunnel opens up to a massive vault cavern.  It's ceiling cannot be seen.  Jarsichok claims that it is more than nine hundred feet high.  The walls adjacent to the tunnel slant slowly up above your heads toward the opposite wall but reach the oblivion of darkness before coming anywhere close.  The opposite wall is straight up and down.  It has tiny crags and crevices that might be used as hand holds if one were inclined to climb it.

To the right and left the cavern disappears into darkness, but Jarsichok goes immediately to the opposite wall and looks straight up.  The only ones who would be safe in this place would be Echtinik.  One can't help but think that this would be the perfect place for an ambush by the insectoid race.

Zenobia, carrying the new weapon and armor on her back, looks up as well.

"You can't be serious." she says. "There's no way I'd be able to climb up there."

[Private to GM: Zenobia, aware that this is a good ambush point, is wary. She's ready to dodge back into the tunnel and draw her sword.]

looks up at the long climb ahead and looks to Zenobia.

"Come on Zenobia this should be fun, we only have to climb as far as we can see with very little handholds and no net.  This should be a piece of cake."

Jarsichok looks over at the group and bobs a bit before turning to Genovia specifically.  "We can reach the tunnel up above and I can drop down roping for the others to climb."  He goes over to the wall and begins to climb.  "Come," he says to Genovia.