Aramen descended the stairs steadily and surveyed the room. The bustling amount of people made his blood run cold. Gallus was still alive, as he figured he would be. Parker wasn't one to seem to kill for sport. Humiliation as a sport, yes, but not killing.
Some of the new people seemed interesting, but he had no intention of engaging them until later. The sound of the weird lute though was slightly intoxicating, though.

He gave a nod over at Mason and Vanessa and tapped the bar next to Slick, waking him from his Dwarven Holy Water stupor.

Slick awoke with a start and was about to bite the hand of whoever woke him but instead looked up to see who it was. With a little bit of hopping running, he skitted up Aramen's arm and into the hood of his cloak, nestling himself in.

Wilford had been half listening to the others, and half going over his plans in his head. He had slowly made his way over to where he had been sitting next to Rafi and waited for a low point in the conversation.

Ok, so before I head out to see the sights; has anyone been through the forests? Know what it is like out there? I kind of came in through a window. I have no idea what we might need, I know armor and magic has been mentioned.

He stopped himself, looking at the newcomers then looked to Raf. "Think any of them would like to go along?"

((OOC: Sorry for the long delay.))

When Parker described his world as "normal," Rafi laughed, his humor restored for the time being.

"Normal? Parker, normal is relative. Most Earth-bound cultures would count hundreds of different races as rather abnormal. Each to their own." He took a swig of ale and might have continued but the Space Marine began to tell his story. He stopped, watching and listening, rapidly sobering. A frown then a grimace crossed his face and the raven, apparently sensing his disquiet, hopped up onto his shoulder, where it nestled into his neck. He waited until the Marine had spoken and Parker had made his comment then shook his head slightly,

"Captain Gallus. You have my sympathies." His voice was quiet but clear, "Someone has done a real number on you if you can justify the death of so many souls for this Emperor, the death of so many civilians to get the job done." He frowned again and offered the man one of his cigars,

"Have you considered that your coming here might be a chance to leave that behind, to step away from that horror?"

As Wilford spoke, Rafi turned and smiled, shaking his head as if to shake away his darker thoughts,

"Eh, oh, perhaps. You could ask them." He motioned towards the elf, "If nothing else, Aramendel may be able to give you a few pointers about the forest if he can't come himself. For supplies, I guess it depends how long we plan on being gone."

With the advice in hand, Wilford walked over to Aremandel. Exscuse me, I was told your a fair hand out in the woods, being an elf and all. I was wondering if you could give a pot-bellied fool some tips on what to exspect. You see, I plan to go check out the place. As Rafeal said, I havn't had my share of danger yet. If you could spare the time, I'd love some extra company I'm sure I can't be the only one that feels alone in this crowd.

With a half blank stare, the ranger looked over to the man. Only one that feels alone? What did he mean by that?

"What are you looking for? We have only gone out so far, so I do not know what lies too deep in these woods. If you are in no rush and wish to wait I can escort you at a later time. If you wish to embark soon, I can only give advice for now."

He turned his gaze to the window, staring at the unnervingly calm wilderness. Its timeless growth seemed so unnatural while encompassing the beauty of the natural world. To him it was a paradox that he could not figure out.

"These woods are calm, too calm. Not much living activity. There are a few animals, from the tracks I've seen, but not nearly enough.  There were ghosts in the woods, too.  If you know any holy or profane plants, such as wolfsbane, holly, bloodgrass, aloe, and others keep your eyes out. It was in a clearing rich with those plants that the spirits were encountered.  If you find yourself in trouble, follow the birds. They avoid anything that scares them and can lead you in the best path away."

When Parker first offered him food, he was thrilled.  His stomach growling in appreciation.... but then... he looked at the bird, then to the humans.  Did he believe this was once human?  His stomach rumbled.  It wasn't human now....

Never being one to think too very deeply, especially about food, hunger won.

Thanks. He nodded at the dragon and took a bite of the leg. Tastes like chicken. he commented, suddenly not sure if that was an okay thing to say to a dragon. A dragon's not related to a chicken, idiot. the voice in his head dripped with disdain.

By the sound of things, and by the looks, some of these guys were going off on an adventure.  In for a penny in for a pound, his mom always said. So, like, if you guys are going out there... um, can I come? He asked between mouthfuls.

Thinking about the expedition was a welcome relief for Rafi and he grinned at Scott. The kid had nerve, he gave him that,

"I'd have no objections. We're just off to explore the forest." He motioned towards Wilford, "Wilford almost got his head blown off earlier today and he seems to have acquired a taste for danger." He shrugged, "I'm going along to make sure no-one gets killed."

"I'll go with you too." Vrith's voice picked up. Obviously, he seemed to want to adventure a bit. He did adventure in the past, and he seemed ready... except for his weapons.

"Then it is only fair if I go as well. I need to atone for my actions from earlier. I did not realize that the mines were some close."

Wilford let out a heart laugh at all the requests to come along. This is like the Lord of the Rings, only more bizarre! Tolkien can eat his heart out!

He turned back to the wood-elf. Some basic planning is required, and I do not know how far I shall go. I don't know how long I get to be here, and I can't let the chance to learn fade away. Where I'm from, there is always danger when people go exploring. As far as ghosts go, I know that holy relics can help, but the most holy thing I have on me is my camera.

He tossed a fifty dollar bill on the counter. Take this in exchange for anything that won't spoil too fast, something for a road trip. A canteen or two would be nice as well.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:41, Fri 03 Apr 2009.

Aramen nodded, still looking out the window.

"Anything holy can do its part, magical equipment works as well. I don't have anything to lend as of now."

He hates the feeling of leaving someone as such so ill equip for what they are a intending, but the swords he is wearing are needed for something more. His spare shortsword is not enchanted, and although it is well made, it would still be useless in such a fight.  As for his holy dagger, that was still in Yana's possession, and he had no intention of asking for it back anytime soon.

"You seem to have quite a motley crew assembling, so I do not think my services should be required."

Parker looks at the space marine with some amazement.

"I will not go into the woods at this time, I was weary before I came here and have expended much energy in a pointless fight.  But I will provide you with a word of warning.  The woods are filled with magic like this inn.  I do not know the nature or dangers of it.  But there are dangers.

Also, Captain Brother Gallus... there is no doubt that you are an incredibly powerful warrior, but you have said that you would sacrifice anyone to accomplish a goal.  You think so little of any that are not Space Marines.  How can any trust you to watch their back?"

"Bizarre isn't the word I'd use." Rafi shook his head slightly to Wilford, still surprised at the offer from Gallus. He wasn't sure how he felt about the Space Marine coming along but it was Wilford's expedition. He'd just have to watch out for potentially homicidal marines as well as strange spirits, magical weirdness and assorted other dangers.

"I'll be going along, Aramendel." He strolled a little way to the bar, "I may be less than stellar at the whole foresty stuff but I can hold of magical dangers." He winked at Wilford, "Probably."

Vrith got up and walked towards the stairs, not looking at anyone before leaving.

>>Upstairs>>

Looking around Dave sizes up the new comers and Wilford

I'll accompany if you would like Wilford, I don't have my combat armor and i have no magic but I do have rations, combat experience and I am armed.

Jethro tipped his hat at the lady that first came down the stairs and gave a wave to the fellow with long ears that seems so detached from the rest of the inn.  He put down his guitar for a moment to walk over to the bar.

"Bartender, if that was worth it, could I have a plate of chicken and rice?"

With a nod he walked back over to his guitar and pondered the next song, trying to get the moment right. Something instinctive in him, though, caused him his hands to start playing the Beatles hit, "Get Back".

With a shrug, Parker drops a few silver coins on the bar...

"I will pay for a meal and a couple of drinks for you bard."

He looked to the marine. I hold no grudge, I can take responsibility for my own stupidity. If I get hurt watching an alligator man and a giant from the future fight, then its my own damned fault. However, if what Parker says is true I would like your word you would allow no harm to me or any of these fine weirdos. If we come across an epic level great-wyrm Black Dragon, I suspect you could wrestle it into submission.

The odd references and small jokes were part and parcel with Wilford. This place still scared the shit out of him, but he could not hold back his urge for knowledge. He craved the danger in an odd and masochistic way. For the past few years the only thing that had been keeping him sane was his job and "hobby." A death wish? It was very possible.

Look guys, this is an open invitation really. As I see it the more warm bodies we have the more likely most of us will come out of this alive. I figure we each should think about what we bring to the "fellowship" and tell the others. That way if a left handed troll with a bazooka shows up, we know who can help deal with the situation. He paused for a second. I am considered an expert in human behavior where I come from, and I am not one to turn yellow in any situation. Might not be much, but it can count for something. Hell, I have even noticed most of you display the same behaviors and habits I have spent my life studying, so, it could apply to anything.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:23, Fri 03 Apr 2009.

Rafi smiled and shook his head a little when Wilford spoke. He found himself rather grateful for the man whose optimism and sense of humor, whose humanity stood as a welcome counterpoint to the harshness of the space marine or the otherness of some of the other beings in the inn. It reminded him of why he did what he did back on Earth. And if Wilford was prepared to forgive Gallus for what happened earlier, he would put aside his disquiet at the marine. He took a puff of cigar and nodded to the marine then leaned down a little to Wilford,

"You want to meet a Great Wyrm?" He raised his eyebrows, grinning impishly, "I think we should start on something a touch easier." To the rest of the group he bowed slightly,

"I would of course bring my charm and good looks" He sighed just a little, "And I suppose you might count my probably non-existent but certainly wicked witchy magic with which I can protect you from the stuff too weird to hit.  With your permission, I can also help those without armor from more physical things."

Gallus stayed quiet for a moment at the question presented. "I have not lied to anyone so far, kept my word, even if it was to fight, and I still hold the faith in the Emperor. I have no guarantee that you can trust, as the altercation earlier has ruined my words value here. I will give you my word as a soldier and officer. And if we do come across something you call a Great Wyrm, then if I cannot kill it, it will suffer much to kill me.Plus I believe that I could adequately serve as armor, since no proper vehicles are available."

Parker is somewhat saddened by the fact that Gallus just does not understand why despite the fact that he is human, he is even more of an outsider amongst many of these people than Parker is.

"Captain Gallus, I bear you no ill will.  I do not hate you.  It is not the confrontation outside that has caused distrust of you.  It is your words and confessed beliefs that rightfully causes many to distrust you.  It is not your word that is in doubt, but your ideals.  You have said that your Emperor is a god among men, but it is only the foulest gods of my world that demand the sacrifice of even a single sentient being.  Your emperor requires 1000 magic wielders sacrificed every day.  I will not pretend to try and understand your world, but I have spent my entire life fighting against the tyranny that you accept as daily existence."

Gallus looks at Parker. "There is reason for that tyranny as you call it. The spirit of the Emperor fuels the Astronomicon, a psychic beacon for starship navigators to triangulate their position. If he was to die, then we would be stranded and all of humanity would die in a matter of a few hundred years. That is why I fight. Any psyker that is not used to fuel the Astronomicon is either used to sniff out more or used by commanders in battles. The entirety of the Imperium is geared for war. I understand and acknowldge that my universe is violent and in some respects barbaric, however it was these very traits that lead us to the stars, so why stop?."

"Wilford, is it?  I have a side-arm you might be familiar with enough to use."  He reaches under his uniform coat and extracts what appears to be a polished black 45.

"I have different clips available but for now its a simple clip that doesn't run out."  He hands the automatic pistol grip first.


"black?  Never ran into a dragon that was color coded?  What are they like?"