In reply to Warwick (msg # 14):

Dualis shakes his head "As I have mentioned before what possible reason would we give for such an act?  What will be seen is Dualis and his entourage taking the law into their own hands, killing willy nilly.  We would be seen as the enemy."  he sighs  "Leave them for now, they will reveal themselves." he points  "We have an appointment to keep."

The trio walks onto the main road, never looking back at you.  The last thing you notice is that each has a large black bear embroidered on his back.

Dualis picks up his pace and even Shorty's long strides barely keeps in step.  Dualis will takes a winding path thru the trees and eventually you see a small cottage up ahead among the trees.  You see a garden being attended by 3 brown robed figures.  The cottage has a porch with 2 wooden chairs.  The cottage itself is made of stone with a thatch roof, the front door is open.  As you approach one of the gardeners looks up and then hurries over to you.  You all can see that he is looking over the group, his eyes widen a bit at Shorty.  When he gets to you he puts up a hand.  "Please state your business with Master Kaine."  he says in a slightly annoyed tone.  Dualis replies "We have an arranged meeting with Master Kaine.  He is to asses a candidate."  Dualis indicates Shorty, the man gives a skeptical look, nods and heads off to the cottage.

A few moments later the first man exists followed by a tall man in brown and green robes with a well kept black beard and shoulder length black hair.  A gold robe belt is tied about his waist.  He stops at the edge of the porch and briefly looks at you all.  He then steps off and walks over to you, the man has deep brown eyes.  He nods at Dualis.  "I see you have brought your class.  I suppose I am to look over this tall ugly one."  he continues "Please all state you name and intentions."

Actions

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 17):

"Warwick Forgemaker.  I am here to assist with the grand druid that is beset by minions of Set."

In reply to Warwick (msg # 18):

As Warwick introduces himself Kaine gives him a hard look and then over to Dualis and back to Warwick.

"Forgemaker you say." with a bit of disbelief "Decedent of Firebeard Forgemaker, wielder of Troll Carver and of General Hemrick of the Wyrm Troll war?"  said with a bit of a challenging tone.

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 19):

"Aye," responds Warwick.  "I'm also a high priest of Reorx.  And I carry Troll Carver with me."  He pulls his battle axe from his belt.

In reply to Warwick (msg # 20):

Kaine looks at the axe produced by Warwick.  "Troll Carver was broken in the wars, that is complete.  Bring it forth to me."  in a demanding tone, Kaine extends his hand towards Warwick.

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 21):

"As I understand it, it was reforged.  Me family are also smiths, ye know."  Warwick hands his axe over to the druid.

In reply to Warwick (msg # 22):

Kaine takes the axe from Warwick without a word, practically snatching it from Warwick's hand.  He briefly runs his hand over the head and then studies the handle for a while.  He speaks without looking up from the axe.

"Indeed this is Troll Carver" he says wit a milder tone "the handle is unmistakable, and it was reforged as you say .. with an alien metal."  he looks at Warwick and begins to hand the axe back to him almost in slow motion.  "Forgive me Lord Warwick, Dualis did not mention he was bringing Nobility as well.  Another one of his games no doubt."  he says without looking at Dualis  "Are you truly apart of this .. band?" he asks Warwick

Dualis smirks.  "You know how I like games Kaine, as a matter of fact I am having a game night in two weeks."  Kaine just ignores him waiting for Warwick's answer.

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 23):

"Aye, lad, I am.  This group does important work.  And, before you judge Shorty too strongly, know that he is my friend and I vouch for him."

In reply to Warwick (msg # 24):

"I see" replies Kaine, "I will keep that for consideration."  Kaine continues  "The rest of you, name and intentions."

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 25):

Trysk steps forward, "I am Trysk. I am here to assist with the grand druid that is beset by minions of Set."

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 25):

Warwick nods, takes back the axe and moves back out of the way.

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 25):

Shorty smiles at Warwick and then meets the gaze of the Druid.  "Me be Shorty.  Me bees here to helps friend Sticks.  Gonna saves big Drud in udder place keep trees safe."  Shorty pulls out a necklace from inside his armor.  Hanging at the end of the chain are two pitted holy symbols that appear to have been pressed together with great strength.  The top one is a unicorn pressed into what appears to be an evergreen tree with mistletoe on it.  Both are somewhat pitted as if eaten at by a strong acid.

Shorty runs his fingers over it before continuing.  "Me know Druids since long time.  Drud n Elf Lard teaches Shorty takes care on everything that be smaller den Shorty.  Teaches me bouts Lady from Forest.  Dragon kills both and makes big messes of grove.  Shorty fix tree and den finds dragon.  Dragon not hurts no more tree n no more friends.  So if youse wants picks on Shorty like Dullis do sometimes.  Me not care long as save Sticks n him home."

Shorty shakes his head and mutters something about too many words.

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 17):

OOC:  And the King of typos has to say it's a good thing that Shorty has such poor English or he would really be worried that this guy was going to "asses" him.  Grin

In reply to Shorty (msg # 29):

Morteft nods and says, "I am Morteft Atac of Calator. I am here to fight the forces of evil with my friends."

In reply to Trysk (msg # 26):

Kaine nods at Trysk.  "You may drop the charade, I can tell what you are.  Welcome."

--DM2

In reply to Morteft (msg # 30):

Kaine:"Ah yes, Morteft.  I am beginning to hear some things about you."

--DM2

In reply to Shorty (msg # 28):

Kaine listens to Shorty, puts his hand to his chin, smiles slightly when Shorty mentions Dualis, raises an eyebrow when Shorty produces the medallion and again when Shorty finishes.

He keeps silent until he responds to Morteft and then surveys Shorty once more.

"We shall continue in the cottage .. Engles, Mohler, we have guest prepare the table." he commands and the the two others from the garden get up and hurry into the cottage.  "Follow me, we shall have some tea and stew as we proceed."

He begins walking over to the cottage and goes inside.  You follow into the cottage and see that it fairly open with at least two main sections.  The first section is a large sitting, area, 15x25, where a table now dominates the space and is being set by Engles and Mohler.  There are 4 wood benches, one on each side of the table The inside looks to be made of a variety of woods, oak, hickory, pine and beech are a few. There is also a fire place with a nice fire going.  Beyond is a kitchen and what may be a study as you see a large bookshelf.  Kaine motions for you to take seats.  "Please sit, we have a variety of herbal teas and a nice venison stew.  Anyone interested?"  Kaine asks

Actions?

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 33):

Warwick sits down.  "Aye, lad, I'd be interested in both."

In reply to Warwick (msg # 34):

Shorty looks carefully at the chairs and then seats himself on the floor in an effort not to break anything.  He sniffs the air and replies. "Stew bees good.  Tanks."

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 33):

Trysk looks out the windows and asks, "Is this area secure? We ran into some less than savory individuals earlier."

In reply to Shorty (msg # 35):

One of the druids will go into the kitchen and comes back with a large bowl of stew and places it in font of Shorty, along with a spoon.

--DM

In reply to Trysk (msg # 36):

Kaine regards Trysk, "All of nature is my sentry.  There are many unsavory folk on this world, few unspoiled areas."

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 37):

Shorty looks up to the Druid and says thanks before he begins to eat his stew... With the spoon.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 39):

Morteft will sit down and have a bowl as well.

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 38):

Trysk shrugs and sits down for a bowl of soup.