Another scorchingly hot day. More sandstorms than one can keep track of. Less water than gold in a thief's targets pouch. As Raznik looks around the dry scenery, he breaths deeply of the hot air, a reminder of when this desert was his home, a time long gone now after years of travel in the wet land of Derevaan. As he walks through the dunes, he is reminded of the harsh lifestyle that one is forced to endure if you wish to call the Burning Sands home. To those few who can, they find that it can be rewarding in mysterious ways.

Such is the case today. As Raznik climbs his way to the top of a particularly large sand dune, he can begin to hear the sounds of hammers on metal, loud, boisterous conversation, and the sound of large herd animals braying. Quickening his pace to a jog, the sand underfoot hindering his progress, he reaches the top to reveal an old sight he hasn't seen in over three years; a genie caravan.

Half a dozen enormous covered wagons float on misty clouds that don't seem to touch the ground and both Djinn and Jann genies litter the campground as well as a few groups of smaller humanoids, some with their own carts; likely travelers seeking refuge with the planar travelers. As Raznik makes his way into the camp, he is greeted with a wineskin and a leg of roast meat of an unidentifiable source though the succulent flavor it releases as he bites into it makes him not care. As is the usual custom with the genies who call this desert home, the Vizier of the Djinn leading this caravan comes to welcome him and share news of other lands and give some in return. The banter back and forth mostly consists of the prices of trade goods and any particular interesting people of note that have passed through lately.

The Vizier does make note of one person however, a sorcerer and slayer of the Efreeti that had terrorized the tribe of the former bandit Jatzee, is here in the camp and is the current excuse for the feast that is being doled out to all those in attendance. The vizier catches sight of the man in question and points him out to Raznik and excuses himself to tend to other matters.

The sorcerer doesn't look like he's a native of the desert though. Wrapped head to toe in black strips of cloth and covered by a black cloak with the hood up even in this heat, it's a miracle the man hadn't already passed from heat stroke. Anyone who lived in the desert for any length of time knew that black clothing was almost as deadly as the poisonous creatures or sandstorms that called the sands their home. Currently, the sorcerer seems to be fending off the inquiries of an eager dark haired man with loose dark red pants, a matching cape over a bare chest, and the bronzed skill of someone who's spent their life growing up in the harsh desert sun.

Holding up his hand to stop the man's questions, the sorcerer lethargically lets the words roll off of his tongue as if half asleep, "Listen, I'm flattered but I'm dead tired, and have had a day that would annoy a stoic monk let alone someone of my demeanor. If you insist on getting your questions in, at least allow me to get some wine and food in me first."
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:38, Sun 08 Apr 2012.

Raznik, content to remain uninvolved for the moment, finds a shaded place within earshot of the pair. Placing his pack down on the sand next to him, he sits and takes a swig from his wineskin and polishes off the roast meat.

Raznik takes a handful of the warm sand and lets it trickle through his fingers and be carried by the light breeze. It is good to be back in the desert of his home. Too many years have been spent in the rain and mud of the north. He looks over at the travellers and wonders about the strange sorcerer. How can he survive the heat covered in that tight black cloth?
This message was last edited by the player at 14:33, Sun 08 Apr 2012.

"Of course.  My tounge has gotten carried away and flaps more than a tattered banner in a sandstorm. However, you must understand I had dedicated many moons to hunting down that Efreeti.  He had eluded me at every turn, using unnatural forces and creatures to slow my hunt.  You however, defeated him and aided in the reclimation of my peoples' homeland.  I am indebted to you and yours.  We have much to discuss, but for now I will honor your request.  Please allow me..."  Solomon turned, his cloak snapping behind him as he moved off to hunt down wine and food with which to gift the man.  Strong wine! he thought with a sly grin and a clentched hand.  Something to loosen his own tounge.

Solomon had a feeling the Efreeti was not the only danger roaming the land.  Glory was to be found, and that glory would be had by Solomon.  Only through glory could he prove himself to the world and his people.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:56, Sun 08 Apr 2012.

Walking over to the nearest shade under a canopy set up next to one of the caravans, Temnir sets his bag down and leans back against the side of the giant wagon, letting out a sigh of relief as his limbs go limp as he settles into the cool shade. Looking about, the sorcerer sees none of the genies that are handing out refreshments though he does see a man sitting not far away with a mostly full wineskin.

Sighing at having to start interactions with yet another person before he can drift off into blissful sleep, he clears his throat and looks towards the man, his usual piercing mismatched eyes, the only thing visible and uncovered in his wraps, probably doesn't help to ease the man into helping him, "I don't suppose I could bother you for a swig of that? My legs seem to have forgotten their purpose in life and that incessant man probably won't be back for a bit."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:52, Sun 08 Apr 2012.

Meanwhile as Solomon set off in his search of social lubricant and food, he happens upon a group of travelers who seem to be quite enjoying theirs. Standing nearby is on of the Jann, standing silently and holding a serving tray with a selection of meats and fruits that are normally foreign to the desert. Sitting in a circle, the three travelers make quite the interesting party. A dwarf clad in holy vestments is hugging his wineskin and cracks an unheard joke as the other two, one of the most muscular women Solomon has ever seen and an interesting woman who, if he is not mistaken, seems to have what looks like a tail, burst out laughing.

"As-Salāmu `Alaykum," Solomon greeted the strangers.  It was a common phrase in the desert, meaning "Peace be with you."  Of all the strangers present the Dwarf most interested Solomon.  He casually glanced at the Dwarf looking for a symbol of his faith.  A leather bracer on Solomon's arm betrayed his own faith in Pelor, the Sun God.

Remembering what he doing he turned to the Jann holding the food.  "Sir, I seek to make a purchase of food and wine.  There was plenty of it around the camp, he simply had to be pointed in the direction of its source.  Solomon planned to ply the black-clothed sorcerer with enough food and drink to make him compliant.  His stories would surely be worth the expenditure of coin.

Seeing the handsome fellow approach, then look over her dwarven companion and not herself just won't do. Not unless the fellow liked men. That would be a pity. One way to find out though.

Felicia shifts her outfit, from more standard explorers garb to something considerably skimpier, but still pure white. She winks at her fellows, then stands and sashays over to the fellow so he can get a good look and comments to him, "Hello. What brings you to our little corner of paradise?"

She watches closely to see if he notices her now. After all, she is very well put together and knows it. If he doesn't notice now, she'll sadly write him off as a man lover.


This message was last edited by the player at 22:38, Sun 08 Apr 2012.

Solomon simply cocked an eye as the woman approached him.  He was torn.  He tried to maintain a certain amount of purity and honor at all times.  He wasn't one to fawn all over a strange woman, especially one from a strange land and possessing a tail.  Still, he was a man...and a straight one at that.  Those with an eye for such a thing would have noticed him stand a little taller, thrust out his bare muscular chest, and all his muscles tensed just enough to show off their definitions.  He was an instictive peacock.

"I am Solomon, and I do believe it is MY corner of paradise you find yourself in; of course, it could hardly be called such without your presence in it." he said with a playful grin.

Pleased that she both had his attention, and that he was reacting as a man who liked females would, Felicia returns his smile and flirts a bit as well, "Flatterer. I bet you say that to all the pretty girls." Felicia offers a hand in greeting. Instead of fingernails, you can see the silvery tips of claws on her fingers. "I'm Felicia Armstrong. Pleased to meet you Solomon."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:58, Sun 08 Apr 2012.

Raznik stands, brushing down his desert robes, and walks over to the strange sorcerer. He takes a final swig from his wineskin and hands it on. "Here, have your fill. I have had more than I am used to, anyway." Returning to his seat, he watches the man in silence for a moment as he drinks.

"I grew up in this desert. We would come across many travellers who did not understand the dangers of the dry heat, but you seem not to be suffering. May I be so bold as to ask you how you keep from overheating in such clothes? Any normal man would be a dry husk."

Solomon let out a deep chuckle.  "Indeed I do, but that doesn't make it any less true," he admitted.  He takes her offerred hand and tries not to flinch at the fact that it had claws.  He kissed the back of it and released it back to her.

"It is a pleasure to meet you Falicia, and I look forward to sharing many nights together," he flirted back.  "And while you tease my desires, I'm afraid they lie elsewhere this evenning."  He looked back towards the Jann, waiting for an answer to his inquiry.  As attractive as the cat woman was, there was someone that attracted his curiousity even more, the black-clad sorcerer.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 00:19, Mon 09 Apr 2012.

Shrugging softly, she studies the dwarf she had been travelling with.  Reaching over her shoulder, and adjusts the sword hilt there, shifting softly.  She runs a hand through her hair as she watches the felinic person, and the new person.  Giving a rustle of heavy chainarmor, she chuckles at 'solomon's display.  stepping over, she reaches out and pokes him in the chest as he puffs up.  Well she was going to but he deflated too quickly, and seemed distracted.  she turns and looks around at the gathered people, before stepping to the side, staring out into the desert.

Temnir chugs down a healthy amount of the wine before responding to its previous owner, "Believe you me, I'm not as comfortable as I look. Last time I was here I had the luxury of a group that could provide magical protection from the heat. I have no luck with that this time." He frowns a bit as he takes a smaller sip this time. "Anyway, if I look better than most men  would out here it's because I've only just arrived not an hour ago." More to himself than Raznik, "Damn them to hell, I knew I should have learned that spell from them..."

This would seem odd to Raznik as he had traveled nearly 4 days to reach this part of the desert and the other side was no less than 2 weeks away.

Soloman's attention turning back to the Janni, it bows its head slightly and a voice rings out softly in the back of Soloman's mind, "That will not be necessary traveler, we are here to provide. Please, take your fill." While it "speaks," it proffers the tray towards the paladin with one hand and motions to a crate behind it, floating on a similar misty cloud of vapor as that of the wagons, that is filled with magically chilled wineskins. "Also, if it pleases you, the Vizier will be holding a toast this evening in honor of our guests. If you can find the time, we would be glad to have you."
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:47, Mon 09 Apr 2012.

Raznik widens his eyes at this response. "It would be extremely wise of you to remove some clothing. You will find the heat becoming much less bearable in a very short time. Also, drink water, not wine, and lots of it." Raznik offers his half-full waterskin from his pack. "I will ask the djinn if they can help."

Raznik stands and approaches the nearest djinni, speaking with it in Auran. The djinni replies and moves to talk to the Vizier. "He will be back shortly," Raznik says as he sits back down. The stranger must have teleported to have arrived here so quickly. He would rather not pry, however. If he wishes to explain, the sorcerer will most likely do so in his own time.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:47, Mon 09 Apr 2012.

Solomon looked at the tougher looking woman as she made her approach.  Before she could say anything, her own thoughts seemed to distract her and she turned to face the desert.  Words from the Janni were heard but not with ears.  Solomon responded by clasping the man firmly on the shoulder in thanks.

"Your people's generosity is most welcomed.  It would be an honor for me to thank our host in person this evenning."  He hooked one arm close to his chest and started filling it with a mixture of meat, bread, cheese, and fruit.  Much of the offerred bounty were things he had never seen before.  He then made his way to the floating crate and retreived two skins of wine with his free hand.  "M'lady," he offerred in parting to Felicia.  He strode with a hurried pace back towards the man in black.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:29, Mon 09 Apr 2012.

As the bronze chested man approaches, Raznik looks to the sorcerer. "I have no desire to intrude. I will leave if you wish."

Turning his attention away from the wineskin and waterskin both to look at the object of Raznik's statement, he mutters something under his breath and looks to the other man and speaks quickly, "Might be best if you stay. Perhaps you can distract him and I can make a getaway. At the very least, maybe you can draw some attention to yourself as well."

The paladin drawing within earshot, Temnir spies the food and wineskins the man is carrying. "Maybe he's useful after all," he thinks to himself before greeting the man halfheartedly, "Welcome back Soloman, man of many questions."

Sighing, she scratched her arm, giving a quick check that all her weapons are at hand and easily readied.  She actually takes her warhammer off her belt for a moment, and hefts it, before tucking it back on her her belt.

Turning away, she rubs her tatoo'd face, and grumbling gently.  She looks at the gathered people and just smiles, a rather 'grimace' of a smile, definitly not making her look prettier. She looks around at the gathered people, and studies the gathered people.  What an unusual gathering.  But then everything was unusual here... nothing that seemed ordinary.  But then again, everything was strange recently.  She was just ready to take it one day at a time, and damned if this wasn't getting rather boring.  Where was the bandits, the wild animals.  AH, not everything could be exciting.  Who knows, maybe that peacock guy could prove an interesting distraction.  Wonder if he had any scars.

Sweating profusely beneath the steel that encased his hard body, Argyle walked along in silence.  The wineskin that he carried was nearly empty and though the cleric could easily fill it again with water, he preferred something a bit stronger.  Seeing the food and wine being freely bandied about, the dwarf began to wonder if he had perhaps died in battle and gone on to Gorrum's feasting hall.

"Funny," he thought to himself wryly, "I always thought it would be a bit cooler."

Glancing occasionally at his traveling companions, Argyle walked along in a heat and alcohol induced stupor.  Before he knew it, the tall, dark, and what human females would consider handsome man was upon them.  With a slightly suppressed belch, he returned the man's glance with a bleary-eyed one.  Keeping quiet as the cat girl flirted rapaciously, Argyle longed for some shade.  When none was forthcoming and the man named Solomon failed miserably at returning Felicia's attempted innuendo, Argyle belched loudly and clomped over to where the two women stood.

"Well, it appears that yer sexual charms are a wee bit off.  Either that or the lad's just not that into you.  I mean, I'd jump all over ya if you were a wee bit shorter and a bit more...beardy."

Finishing his last statement with another belch, the cleric creaked as he swayed slightly in the gentle breeze that wafted through the encampment.

"Questions are free, as are answers, but the knowledge we may gain from each other is invaluable."

Solomon holds out one of the wine skins and makes an offer of the some of the food.  As he does he glances at the other man.  Had these two been talking?  Was this other man able to loosen the sorcerer's tongue?  Solomon's glare was full of curiousity and a little suspicion.  "I'll ask you one more question for now.  When you've had a chance to quench your thirst, fill your belly, and rest your body and mind then I will ask for your story.  For now...what's your name?"
This message was last edited by the player at 03:23, Mon 09 Apr 2012.

Steps up behind the cleric and taps him on the head a couple times with her knuckles, chuckling. "Nae nae, be nice" she murmers immitating him. "cannae ye see that he be a man of holy?  Fer all ye know, under his religion he must remain some drearsome virgin or that.." she chuckles.  "Ah mean, fer all of her skills it could be like tryin to bed one of dem fae folk... all glitter an no substance..." she chuckles. "Ah wonder, for what reason we all be gathered here. Surely the spirits have some hand in such actions,for such a heavily armored bunch ta be livin in this same spot at the same time aint normal thing."

Taking the offered wineskin and food from the man, he uses a hand to move his face wraps from their place in order to take a bite while managing to shield his face from prying eyes. Not answering right away, he finishes his mouthful and rests his arms on his knees before looking back to him, "Temnir. And if I do say so, I think a mouth that can't or won't close is something that runs rampant in that tribe. Jatzee himself was quite the chatterbox. And don't worry, I will answer some of your questions after I'm done eating. In the mean time, why don't you bother this charming fellow over here." With that, he uncorks the waterskin Raznik had tossed him and took a swig of it through his wrap before going back to the wine and a piece of the fruit.

"Surely you may well be right. There's not telling what the fates may require of us or where they might send us.", Felicia chimes in. She's disappointed Solomon wandered off. Men did not walk away from her very often.

Glad to see Temnir following at least part of his advice, Raznik turns to Soloman.

"You are of Jahtzee's tribe? My tribe traded with yours when I was a boy. Perhaps we have met? I am Raznik Tayn of the Taj'li herders."

In the distance, Raznik notices the djinni he had spoken to returning from talking to the Vizier who is moving towards a strange group of travellers. To Temnir, Raznik says, "The djinni returns. Perhaps he has access to an Endure Elements spell for you."
This message was last edited by the player at 12:47, Mon 09 Apr 2012.

Solomon nods.  "He's right, without magic you will die like that."

Solomon turns back to Raznik "I know of the Taj'li; but sorry you do not look familiar to me.  I have been away from Jatzee and the others for quite a long time.  I have only recently returned.  It is because of this man, that the tribe still exists as it does.  So, while he may lack the manners of our people, until I hear the story straight from his lips our destinies seem to be entertwined.  Although, I heard he was not alone when they defeated the Efreeti..." he looks at Temnir.  "If you could point me in the direction of one of your companions my presence may be drawn to them instead.  There are other strangers over there," he said with a point in their direction.  "I don't suppose you know of them?"

Solomon sensed Temnir was growing impatient with his presence.  He also sense the attempted diversion.  There was a simply way to be rid of him, but the man was reluctant to tell his tales. Solomon grinned. A sandflea would stay attached to its host until it received the blood it craved.

Sense Motive = 19

At the mention of his other comrades, Temnir stops his eating and glares sidelong at Solomon for a moment before going back to his leg of meat. "My companions are not here. I don't know who you're talking about but I assure you, I have no relations to them." After a few minutes of awkwardness, Temnir finishes eating and sits back with a wineskin, "Fine then, you man have your damnable stories. Ask your questions." He doesn't seem to be mad as he says this, just a bit indifferent. He seems to be a bit rough around the edges in the social department.

Meanwhile in the camp of the three companions, the Vizier comes to greet the group for the first time since they arrived. The Vizier is a mountain of a man, easily 15 feet tall and build of what looks like pure muscle. His skin is a greyish green color and he wears a gold and red vest hanging open under two large pauldrons. His great white beard and long thin mustache hang down to his waist and his hair is gathered together in a topknot that flows down his back. At his side hangs an enormous ornamental scimitar. "Welcome to our caravan my friends! As I can see you've already noticed," he looks at the already empty wineskins laying around the sitting area, "we are celebrating the return of an esteemed friend to the Djinn and Jann and as you may of heard, we hare having a feast later tonight which you are invited to participate in. But tell me, what brings you to our desert and is there anything that my caravan or I can do for you?"

OOC: The three being Felicia, Maeria, and Argyle if you didn't get that.

Felicia bows to the Vizier and tells him, "Your hospitality is most generous Vizier. We are simply traveling together for safeties sake. "

Solomon let out a sigh.  Was it one of frustration or relief?  "It is really quite simple.  Give me a beginning, middle, and end.  Who are you and where did you come from?  How did you come to find yourself in the desert and how is it you found the Efreeti when I was not?  What happened?  What other dangers did you encounter?"  He paused, wanting to ask about his former companions, but getting the definate sense that doing so would only cause him to clam up again.  "And why is it you are here now?" he finally settled with.  Solomon started to eat some of the candied dates that he carried, a bit reluctant to try some of the stranger unidentified fruits.  His turned slightly so his cloak would catch some of the wind and keep him cool.

Looking up at the massive mountain of a man, she toyed idly witha few idea's before discarding them, with a shrug.  "Ah jus be here to challange myself, to test myself against that of the desert's strngth.  I found these two on the way in, and tagged along out of curiosity"

"Well I just be headin in 'ere t' trade some good with ye fine folk before headin back t' Hammerfast Outpost. Thought the company was pleasant on the way n' decided to stay fer the feast." The dwarven cleric gives the Vizier a big toothy grin through his facial hair and takes another swig of his wineskin.

"Well I admit, it is quite nice to be able to relax and partake in the finer aspects of life once in a while," the Vizier says with a bellowing chuckle. He seems to consider challenging the desert one of these finer aspects it seems. "Well feel free to come to me if you have any questions or needs and I will see you at the feast tonight." With that, he floats away towards the next group of guests, clapping one of them on the shoulder and repeating his welcome.

Sighing but giving in to the man's whims, Temnir begins to retell the tale, "Who I am is Temnir and where I am from has no impact on the encounter with the Effreti and therefore is irrelevant for you to understand at this point in time. All you need to know is that I am a sorcerer and that I saved your tribe's oasis." Looking to the man and seeing that he obviously is not content with his half-assed response he continues, "When we," he pauses for a moment before continuing, "came to this desert in search of the undead menace the holy men I was with had been charged to hunt down, we encountered this very caravan of genies. The Vizier told us of trouble to the south and through more coincidence than not, we ended up running into Jatzee, though at that time, he tried to ambush us and steal our food, water, and a portion of gold. It mattered not to me since he attempted to end the confrontation diplomatically but another in my group, a fellow with more brawn than brains, decided he'd have none of it."

"After defeating a number of their raiding party, he surrendered and after an odd conversation, we learned that he did this out of necessity to provide for the rest of the tribe. Apparently, the Efreeti you had been searching for had attacked your home and driven off the tribe. Since that was our current goal anyway, we had him lead us to your oasis home and we found an old buried temple in which the fiend was hiding out. There were your average desert hazards in the ruins of the temple as well as a number of undead creatures," at this, a thoughtful look comes over his face as if remembering a certain piece of information he had forgotten as he watches a Jann glide by carrying more refreshments for the other guests.

"He apparently had been in league with the man, if you can call him that, we had been hunting down; a man with cold blue eyes and a stare that personified madness. He disappeared as we approached though we engaged the Efreeti and were the only ones left standing after the fiery confrontation had concluded." Taking a moment to catch his breath and wet his throat from the waterskin, he wipes his brow of sweat, apparently beginning to feel the prolonged effect of the desert, "As for why I am here, it is a long story suffice it to say certain conditions were met and I found myself set back from where I had been. Now does this satisfy your thirst for knowledge or will you be in need of a second serving?"

At the mention of the ruined temple, Raznik looks up from his absent gaze at the sand in front of him to Temnir, suddenly intent on the story. When Temnir has finished his tale, he asks "In this temple, was there perhaps a small room containing a large magical tome?"

Looking over to the man in the shade with an exasperated look in his eyes he groans, "Oh not you too... I swear your curiosity must be contagious Solomon. No there was no such tome that I saw. If there was, odds are it would be in my pack by now."

A look of disappointment comes over Raznik's face. "That is a shame. Thank you." Raznik glances over to the djinni who had been sent to speak with the vizier, but he seemed occupied with preparations for the feast. "It would seem that you may not be recieving the aid I had hoped for."

She nods at the visier and chuckles. She chuckles and rolls her shoulders. Turning from her place she moves away from the dwarf and felinic, instead stiding into the main camp, looking around exploring.

As Maeria walks away from the group, a Janni makes his way over to Argyle, "Excuse me master dwarf, I believe we have someone that may be in need of your assistance. Would you mind?" Nodding in agreement, Argyle waves to Felicia as he leaves her alone to explore the camp as she sees fit.

---

When unloaded, the caravan seems to be quite a large place with at least six pavilion tents and a myriad of other overhanging tarps where goods are layer out and crafters work with their trades. There is also, of course, many places of shade where people have taken up refuge from the suns scorching rays. From here she can see a group of gnomes seemingly counting their wares and engaging in trade with a Djinni merchant, a pair of Dwarves sitting on their cart eating a meal, the bronze skinned man from earlier talking with a man wrapped in black bandages and average looking desert dweller sporting a turban, and a trio of human travelers that look almost like refugees from Derevaan who are taking a quick nap in the shade of one of the caravan's enormous wagons.

Felicia heads over to the bronze skinned fellow she flirted with earlier. She invites herself and sits in the shade with the others, but says nothing, just flashing a smile to Solomon if he looks at her.

Taking a larger waterskin from his pack than the one he had loaned Temnir, Raznik took a small sip, before noticing the lithe feline approach. What a strange creature to be walking the desert, and what a beautiful one at that. Realizing that he is staring, Raznik averts his eyes, looking instead at his waterskin, sipping once again.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:45, Wed 11 Apr 2012.

"The first course was a little light and bland, but satisfying enough for now.  I'll be back for a second course when the chef has had time to refresh his mind and refine his pallet," he replied, playing with Temnir's metaphor.  He gave a a respectful bow.  He then turned to Raznik, "Maybe we'll have a chance to share stories tonight my brother.  Our host seems to be preparing quite the celebration."

Temnir chuckles at the paladin's comeback but does not divulge any more information for the time being. Over the next few hours, pleasantries are exchanged between the remaining members over wine, saving the for for the feast though Temnir remains quiet, his arms crossed front of him, obviously lost in deep thought. As the sun dips below the horizon, a loud ringing sound that resembles a trumpet sounds from the middle of the camp. Seeing the Jann and Djinn collectively begin to head in that direction, most of the travelers follow suit, if not assuming it to be the feast, curiosity gets the best of them.

As everyone comes around the back of a wagon, two rows of low tables with cushions extend side by side, piled high with luscious looking fruits, plates of fresh vegetables, and a wide assortment of meats ranging from ribs, to steak, to full roasted pheasant. And the drinks aren't excluded either. Every five feet or so, there is a large pitcher sitting in a bowl of ice that you can see a bright red glowing out of. Also intermittently spread around the table are what look to be bottles of brandy. It seems the Vizier has wasted no expense on this feast. Floating round objects that emit a cool blue-white light float around the area, illuminating the area.

The group easily find seats where they can continue conversing and enjoy a particularly tasty meal and eat and drink until their bellies are full and their wits would normally be slowed though it seems that this wine is absent of that side effect while still maintaining the excellent taste. The brandy, however, is a different story.

As everyone seems to be finishing up their meals and engaging in conversations all around, a loud clinking sounds over the dining area and everyone falls silent as the Vizier "stands" up from his seat and clears his throat as he addresses those gathered, "Kin, cousins, visitors, and friends," at the last he looks to Temnir with a wide smile at which Temnir averts his gaze momentarily, "I am glad to have you all here tonight as we honor the return of a hero among the Djinn and Jann, a man who was one of the five to help rid us of the evil Efreeti and their intrusion on the comforts we aim to bestow on those visiting this blessed land. I would like to ask for a round of applause for one of the five companions here with us tonight, Temnir Liyaan!"

At this, many of the genies, the dwarves who are obviously quite drunk off brandy, and a few of the gnomes begin to clap for the him. After a few moments of this, a loud slam his heard and the breaking of glass as Temnir slams his fists onto the table angrily and shoots to his feet, ire in his eyes, "Yes, clap all you want. Eat and drink your fill, you are lucky to be here. Where I have come from, none are so lucky. They are, at this very moment, fighting for their lives against hordes of the undead menace we "purged" from this desert, holed up like cornered rats in their walled town. So while you enjoy the safety of your wagons and the luxury of wine and a full belly, remember those that are fighting, those that are dying, right now to keep those very nightmares off of your doorstep. The other four companions I arrived here with, Vargus, Blaith, Uther, and Petrus are likely dead or captives of a cult of necromancers devoted to watching this world and all in it burn."

His wrapped fists clenched and shaking he takes a deep breath and in a more calm voice looks around those gathered, "I am leaving here to try and find my lost companions. I will not beg for help. I will only say that if you want continue to see this world as it is now, pristine and unsoiled, and you can look death in the face and spit at him, I need companions for this venture. Whether I can gather your help here or if I will have to seek help elsewhere, I am afraid that even I cannot do this alone. I leave in an hour. I cannot promise your safety but if you feel a calling, I will be at the peak of the east dune preparing." He points to the tall dune that Raznik climbed over to reach the camp earlier in the day before grabbing his belongings off the floor and walking off. As he passes the Vizer who has been standing there in stunned silence listening, he puts a hand on his arm and whispers something unheard though the genie nods solemnly and watched his walk away.

Not bothering to touch any of the food, she watches the scene. Somewhere in her exploration of the camp, she had picked up 3 shiney new daggers, strapped to her sword belt across her chest.  She coughed softly in the quiet of the emptyness after the outburst.  Laughing softly, the tall woman stood up and stepped foreward.  She looks around at the gathered people, letting her face to drop to a sober thing.  "I think he be distraught.  He hae fought alot, an lost alot. Now he be off to fight again.  Brave man.  He be right to be upset, an well, Fightin zombies, fighting the desert..." she shrugs again. "Loots better with the undead." she laughs, brazenly.  "Ah don know about you guys, but, no matter what culture ya live in, it be best to leave the spirits of the dead alone.  I mean, you wouldn't want someone slaving you to dance the jig to amuse them would you?  I may not be as learned as most of you, but I know I wouldn't like that." she shrugs again.  "Even if none of you think yer worth it... think twice.  Those creepy necromancers wouldn't think twice about making you peel your skin off and dance around in your bones"

With her, 'inspiring' speech,she turns, and follows Temnir, humming a cheerfull tune.  "Fighting undead" she laughs "Yet another notch on my belt now, next I should hunt..." is heard as she wanders out of hearing range.

Like Maeria, Raznik has little interest in the food and drink. He is sitting beside Soloman at the table when the vizier begins his speech. As Temnir walks away, he speaks quietly to Soloman beside him. "This is not why I returned to the desert, but I know loss." Rising, Raznik gathers his things, turning to follow Temnir.

Solomon sat at the table eating and drinking his fill.  The others seemed to hardly touch the food at all.  Food and drink were hard to come by in the desert so it was considered rude not to partake when offerred such.  Solomon sat with Raznik on one side of him and Felicia on the other.  He had hoped to dine, dance, flirt, and perhaps more with the cat woman; but destiny had bigger plans.

Solomon clapped with many of the others, and then he listened intently to Temnir's tyrade.  He stood tall thrusting out his bronze chest and called out to Temnir even as the sorcerer stormed away from the tent., "I, Solomon of the Golden Sands, rider of the great Dragonbird, will bring the cleaning rays of Pelor to purge the darkness, not just from these lands, but to those in distant corners.  I will join you Temnir, sorcerer of the black cloth, culler of the damned."  Unlike the others, who seemed to have a somber look, Solomon smiled and looked positively thrilled.  He turned to the Vizier, "I thank you Vizier for your great hospitality.  As I'm sure they all do.  Glory and adventure await.  I promise to return one day, after we purge the evil from this world, and gift you in return with our stories.  As-Salāmu `Alaykum."

Solomon kissed Felicia's hand, took another large mouth full of juicy roasted meat into his mouth, then ran off to collect his already packed backpack.  He let out a loud whistle as he went.  In the distance a large powerfully muscled Axe Beak looked up and began to run towards its master.  Its feathers were the color of the sands and it had a menacing looking black beak that was powerful enough to crush a human skull.

Felicia sat nest to Solomon at the feast. She enjoyed his company and their flirting and banter during the meal. As he did, she actually ate little, sampling the foods offered and sipping lightly from the wines.

Felicia clapped as well with the others at the Viziers words then, when the black clad man made his rather impassioned speech she got to her feet as well.

She smiles when Solomon kisses her hand, and a matching grin appears on her own face. "I don't usually play with dead things, but this sounds like fun. I'll be coming along a well."

As each person arrives behind him he gives an approving nod. As Solomon approaches with his axe beak, he shakes his head a little, obviously not surprised at the paladin's enthusiasm to accompany him but welcomes him nonetheless. After the allotted hour passes and everyone collects their gear to make ready, "Well then it will be the five of us then. I can't say I am disappointed by those who have chosen to come though.  I presume there is nothing else you need to do before we leave?"

"I am ready," Raznik says to Temnir, "Do we have a destination?"

"The town of Heldenburg in Derevaan. That was where my companions were last and I'd at least like to know their fate. The town there was currently under siege the last time I saw them and we had attempted to break into the necromancer stronghold in order to put a stop to it. That i where we became separated." He seems a bit more hopeful with a group of people willing to take up the cause but he still has a look of malcontent on top of it. "The last time we traveled there, we took the land route and it proved to be a bit of a challenge. I had hoped to travel there by ship this time from the port at Anvilfall Outpost. I hope you aren't afraid to get wet."

At the mention of a ship, Raznik visibly tightens up. Being born and raised in the desert, he has never set foot on one. The concept of a ship is... unnatural. However, Raznik steels himself; what must be done, must be done.

"This will be my first voyage over water, but I will manage. My knowledge of geography is somewhat lacking. How far is Anvilfall from here?"

"Well, wet is not my favorite thing, but the whole point of a ship is not to go in the water. I'll be fine.", Felicia comments in reply. She is eagar to get started as well.

"If I remember correctly, from what the Vizier told me, it's 4 days out of the desert, another 2 until the docks. From there, we'd have to find out from a ship captain or dock master, assuming we can find one. Last I heard, there hadn't been any ships out of Derevaan for nearly a month now. Unless there's any objections, I propose we travel till midnight then make our camp then. The more ground we can cover protected from the sun, the better. Let's move people." Temnir turns and begins to walk down the side of the dune.

She blinks slowly.  Shifting from foot to foot she chuckles.  "Why be we taking the long way... rather then direct.  Surely any problems we can handle" she boasts bravely. I mean you already know what we be going to encounter.  it be a bunch of skeletons... how hard can it be?" she asked looking curious

Solomon rides atop Cho'Kobo, his Axe Beak.  He still appears unarmored, but now carries a five foot long spiked club called a tetsubo strapped across his back.  "I don't think I caught everyone's name.  And what experiences do you have fighting the dangers of the desert?"  He seemed to give everybody a second look, judging them by the armor and weapons they carry.  He assumed the tattooed girl was from a barbarian tribe, and judging by the number of weapons she carried it would be dangerous just bumping it her.  Raznik was likely a camel trader, but was experienced with the desert.  A simple merchant wouldn't have volunteered for such a dangerous mission so he wondered what else motivated the man.  He had mentioned a tome earlier in the day.  What would Felicia bring to the table?
This message was last edited by the player at 01:57, Thu 12 Apr 2012.

Nodding at Temnir, Raznik follows him down the dune. To Maeria: "I believe that Temnir is right to avoid unnecessary hardship."

As Raznik walks through the desert he ponders the prospect of sailing. He has never seen the ocean, and this will be a strange experience for him. Although not unaccustomed to strange experiences in his recent history, he is not fond of them. Catching up with Temnir, he asks, "Do you perhaps have access to a sleep spell? I forsee uneasiness when we depart upon the ship. I am used to the dry sand of the desert, and have grown used to the damp earth of the north, but I am not yet prepared to stand on water."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:55, Thu 12 Apr 2012.

"Believe me when I say it is not only skeletons that lurk in the Deadwood Forest between here and Heldenburg. Much less obvious threats abound there. Besides, it is at least another days walk to the forest and a week to be through it. Taking a ship will half that time ideally." Hearing the question from the sea-weary man, Temnir points out his right hand, a ring shaped like a skull with two purple gems set in the eye sockets adorning his index finger. "Usually, ones targeted by my spells tend to sleep for longer than they anticipate," and leaves it at that.

Remembering Solomon's question about desert foes, he gives him a sly glance, "Being of Jatzee's tribe, you've no doubt heard of Ebon. Well I haven't fought him. You'd be a madman to go after that thing without an army at your back it seems. But I have dealt with the wildlife, big and small as well as the more abhorrent undead we found in the buried temple. If you think there is something we should be wary of more than that, I would like to know of it."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:15, Thu 12 Apr 2012.

Raznik shoots Temnir a strange glance - a cross between fear and attraction. The look is, however, fleeting. "I see. I will have to manage, then."

As Soloman rides closer on the great bird of his, Raznik turns to look at the creature. In the darkness, it is difficult to make out, but the bird seems to stare back at him, alongside its vicious beak. Unsettled, Raznik looks higher to its rider as he speaks. "I was born in this desert to a roaming tribe, the Taj'li. My father raised me as a camel herder. For the past five years, however, I have been wandering the wet north." He seems to consider saying more, but lapses instead into silence.

As Raznik finishes, Temnir begins to talk of Ebon. "I remember Ebon from my childhood. Parents would use tales of the black scorpion to scare children into behaving. Once we saw the monster from a distance, but we stayed well away from it. Thankfully it was more interested in the wild camels." Despite himself, Raznik was finding that he was becoming comfortable with these travelers. He had only known them for a number of hours, yet he was opening up to them.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:29, Thu 12 Apr 2012.

"Oh I have a few tricks. For the desert itself, the proper attire of course to start.", Felicia concentrates a moment and the skimpy outfit she was wearing most of the day shifts and flows, becoming a set of long loose flowing robes in blinding pure white. She pulls the new hood up over her head and fastens a white cloth across her mouth and nose.

She glances at Solomon and you can see amusement in her eyes. Felicia continues, "I have some skills with traps and locks and can be fairly stealthy. I'm a decent shot with my bow and if it gets up close and personal, I've got these."

She hold up one hand and claws pop out. Really vicious looking silvery claws. After giving Solomon a chance to really see them, she comments, "Oh yeah, and this as well." Her claws burst into flame.

she frowns, and looks at the gathered people.  "Ah be maeria.  As ye can guess..." she jerks a thumb at her sword "I hit shit, alot"

Felicia's display intrigues Raznik. It is a neat trick that allows her to adjust her clothing in such a fashion, and the burning claws. He wonders how they are achieved.

23:54, Today: Raznik Tayn rolled 20 using 1d20+13. Knowledge (Arcana). - Outfit
23:56, Today: Raznik Tayn rolled 18 using 1d20+13. Knowledge (Arcana). - Claws
This message was last edited by the player at 22:56, Thu 12 Apr 2012.

After their initial exchange of introductions, the next few hours go by in relative silence as they make quick progress away from the caravan and into the desert. The moon overhead causes the sand to change from its normal light orange hue to a glowing blue, allowing for an interesting sight as you can see far off into the desert, if not being able to make out specific shapes particularly well.  The wind picks up a bit and carries sounds of the desert to the party; the shifting of sand, the rustling of small sand-dwelling insects, and the yipping of hyenas off in the distance.

The combination of silence and desert noises seems to be in the groups favor though as Temnir comes to the top of a dune, he immediately drops to his stomach and motions everyone down. With the universal sign for quiet, he motions everyone forward, looking Solomon in the eyes and then looking at his mount with a questioning look.

Those that move forward to Temnir see a large coiled reptile-esque creature at the base of the dune. The thing looks to be blue of color though it could just be the moonlight reflecting off of it and has two curved horns coming out from either side of its head. Down its back there are intermittent spines growing out that look quite sharp and there look to be multiple sets of legs that are curled up close to its body.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:03, Thu 12 Apr 2012.

Examining the creature, Raznik does not believe it is native to the desert. He wracks his memory, seeing if he recognizes it from his studies.

00:16, Today: Raznik Tayn rolled 29 using 1d20+13. Knowledge (Planes).

Raznik also looks around, to see if there is a chance they can avoid contact with the creature.

00:14, Today: Raznik Tayn rolled 10 using 1d20+3. Perception.

Finally, he examines the creature for any potential weaknesses.

00:15, Today: Raznik Tayn rolled 28 using 1d20+8. Monster Lore.

Felicia scoots to the top of the dune and carefully looks over it and down on the creature. She tries to remember if she's seen or heard of it's like before.



OOC:
19:20, Today: Felicia Armstrong rolled 16 using 1d20+12. Monster Lore

PMs

Keeping his voice as low as he possibly can, Raznik whispers to the others. "It is covered in scales: no weak points that I can see. Avoiding it will be time consuming. It has a clear view to the north and south for at least half a mile. I do not like it, but perhaps it would be preferable to kill it and continue on." He grits his teeth in anticipation, looking to the more experienced fighters for their judgment. He can guess what Maeria's advice will be, however, and hopes that she will at least wait for the others to have their say.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 00:01, Fri 13 Apr 2012.

Heeding the warning, Solomon dismounts.  He tugs on the Axe Beak's reins causing the giant bird to sit and rest its head on the ground.  Crouched, Solomon makes his way to the top of the dune to try and see what exactly the threat is.

"I could ride by it on Cho'kobo and lure it into an ambush position," Solomon offers.

Handle animal = 19, Monster Lore = 13

"That might be something that could work assuming it isn't faster than you... Of course, that would stop the questioning... Yeah sure try that." Temnir says to Solomon quietly with questionable sincerity, "Anyways, maybe our best bet would be to ambush it before it knows we're here. I can work with either option but since it seems our decision is at least to fight it..." Temnir makes a sign with his hands and soft green and purple glow washes over him for an instant.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:43, Fri 13 Apr 2012.

"Not that I mind getting my claws dirty too much, but it looks pretty tough. Any body got a spells to soften it up a bit before we get up close?", Felicia asks the others.

While she waits for a response she strings her longbow. It looks way to heavy for someone of her size and build, but she strings it easily.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:54, Fri 13 Apr 2012.

"I can think of a few dozen," Temnir says, a smile in is voice.
This message was last updated by the player at 00:56, Fri 13 Apr 2012.

Actually, it may be easy enough to lure it to the top of the dunes.  Does everyone have a bow, or other weapon to use from afar?" he askes.  He retrieves his own bow, willing to lend it to another if need be.

Can we tell its size?
This message was last edited by the player at 01:06, Fri 13 Apr 2012.

Observing Temnir's spell, Raznik attempts to identify it. He also considers the ring Temnir showed him earlier.

01:44, Today: Raznik Tayn rolled 31 using 1d20+13. Spellcraft.
02:15, Today: Raznik Tayn rolled 15 using 1d20+13. Knowledge (Arcana).

Moving down the hill slightly, Raznik steels himself. With what appears to be a grimace of pain, a tear forms in his eye. He nods to himself and begins to cast a complicated spell. As the spell is cast a mark begins to appear on his forehead (see image). A minute later, the mark begins to glow with arcane energy and a horrifying beast appears in front of him.


Standing on four legs, the beast looks like a cross between a skink, an alligator and a dove. Its body is long and sinuous, curving upwards at one end, sprouting two arms with three fingered hands, and ending in a long maw filled with sharp teeth. The front teeth and a pair one third from the tip of the snout are longer than the rest, glistening with a green fluid. The creature's body is covered in white feathers except at its extremities where scales emerge from beneath the down. Its legs are stocky like an alligator's but the front pair have enourmous raking claws, like those of a raptor. Its eyes sit atop the great mouth, glowing a violent blue and upon its left flank there glows a blue mark, the same as that on Raznik's head.

Ranzik whispers to the beast in a strange breathy tongue and it crouches where it is while Raznik returns to the top of the dune to rejoin the others. Reaching out to touch Maeria, he whispers another spell, making a gesture. "That should protect you. Yx'raul and I are ready and I have a sling, though I am not very skilled in its use." Raznik retrieves his sling from his pack and loads it.



This message was last edited by the player at 01:25, Fri 13 Apr 2012.

"Well, attacking right now would be just as effective as an ambush so..." Solomon sneaks back down the way he came.  He heads towards the Axe Beak.  He whispers a word to himsef, and the metal brooch that keeps his cloak fastened around his shoulders begins to rapidly unfold, surrounding his form in a bronze plate mail.  "Danger," he whispers.  Cho'kobo's head raises suddenly, stands, and looks about.  Solomon swings himself atop his steed.  He then draws an arrow and places it between his teeth.  In one hand rests the bow, in the other the reins.  He starts moving slowly up the dune.

As Soloman begins to climb the dune, Yx'raul follows, moving into a pace to match Soloman's. It glances toward the axe beak hungrily, but suddenly looks away as if scolded. As they approach the top, Raznik prepares himself and his sling.

She waves her hands infront of the axebeak, trying to ward the two of them down. "hold on hold on" she hisses. Drawing her massive sword, she looks around at the gathered group. "How far be it from us? Can ye guess?"

Yx'raul approaches the edge of the dune, and both it and Raznik peer over it to gauge the distance, sharing their findings with the others.

06:04, Today: Raznik Tayn rolled 4 using 1d20+3. Perception. - Raznik
06:03, Today: Raznik Tayn rolled 26 using 1d20+10. Perception. - Yx'raul
This message was last edited by the player at 05:12, Fri 13 Apr 2012.

Roll initiatives in your next post. Not technically in combat yet.

OOC: I know it looks like water but it's actually the deser at night =P Also, consider Solomon and Cho'Kobo on the same square that his mount is on. The top of the dune runs diagonally from E,17 to P,6. Just for those that don't know or have forgotten, every other diagonal move counts as 10 feet of movement.

"We are ready," Raznik says, while Yx'raul prepares to charge.

06:30, Today: Raznik Tayn rolled 21 using 1d20+7. Initiative. - Yx'raul
06:30, Today: Raznik Tayn rolled 18 using 1d20. Initiative. - Raznik

Yx'raul charges the creature, leaping into the air at the last moment, claws whirling, jaws wide open and hands outstreached.


07:08, Today: Raznik Tayn rolled 18,6 using 1d20+12,1d4+4. Claws: Attack, Damage.
07:09, Today: Raznik Tayn rolled 18,8 using 1d20+12,1d4+4. Claws: Attack, Damage.
07:10, Today: Raznik Tayn rolled 32,8 using 1d20+12,1d8+6. Bite: Attack, Damage. - Natural 20
07:13, Today: Raznik Tayn rolled 22 using 1d20+12. Bite: Critical.
12:31, Today: Secret Roll: DM Visceri, on behalf of Raznik Tayn, rolled 10 using 1d8+6. Crit damage.
07:12, Today: Raznik Tayn rolled 21,5 using 1d20+12,1d8+4. Slam: Attack, Damage.

Raznik stands and fires a sling bullet at the creature, then reloads.

07:19, Today: Raznik Tayn rolled 22,6 using 1d20+6,1d4+2. Sling +1: Attack, Damage.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:31, Fri 13 Apr 2012.

She just grins evilly. Shouldering her blade she snarls and Takes off at full speed, running at an incredible speed, up to the creature. Hefting her sword back, she swings at it with a determined grunt, intending massive pain.


Maeria Shari rolled 16 using 1d20+6. initiative.
I rolled 25 to confirm a critical (30 to hit above AC)
Maeria Shari rolled 7,14 using 1d10+5,1d10+5. Dammage.  21 total (feels weak).

Supprise round, flat footed :D
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:45, Fri 13 Apr 2012.

Felicia trots over the dune and to withing thirty feet of the beast and looses an arrow at it.


OOC:
07:05, Today: Felicia Armstrong rolled 11 using 1d20+3. Init.
07:02, Today: Felicia Armstrong rolled 12 using 1d20+8. Attack.
07:03, Today: Felicia Armstrong rolled 9 using 1d8+5. Damage.
07:04, Today: Felicia Armstrong rolled 12 using 4d6. Sneak Damage, if applicable.

This message was last edited by the GM at 17:45, Fri 13 Apr 2012.

Solomon sighs.  "Well there goes my plan," as everyone started rushing in to confront the beast.  He snaps the reins and the Axe Beak takes off.  As they approach the beast Solomon slows Cho'kobo and lets loose an arrow.

Move to L3
09:11, Today: Solomon rolled 8 using 1d6+2. damage.
09:11, Today: Solomon rolled 14 using 1d20+9. attack.
09:10, Today: Solomon rolled 13 using 1d20+2. init.

This message was last edited by the GM at 17:45, Fri 13 Apr 2012.

Temnir stands up and begins to chant, still quietly, hoping not to wake the beast before the spell goes off. With an outstretched hand, a blue ball begins to form at the end of his finger crackling with energy as a pure white lightning bolt shoots out and strikes the creature dead center in the face.

---

12:25, Today: Temnir Liyaan rolled 26 using 7d6. Lightning Bolt.
12:26, Today: Temnir Liyaan rolled 3 using 1d20+2. Inititative.

This message was last edited by the player at 19:27, Fri 13 Apr 2012.

Seemingly mistaking the paladin's words on how the ambush was going to work, the group begins to ready their attacks immediately. None more so than Yx'raul, the fiendish looking creature that Raznik had summoned who takes off full kilt towards the sleeping beast, leaping at the last second and latching on to it's neck, tearing deep wounds in the creature's scaly hide with it's sharp teeth. A green substance oozes from the eidolon's teeth but it doesn't seem to be able to penetrate the wound. To add insult to injury, a well aimed sling bullet hits the creature between the eyes.

At this point, the creature is fully awake and rears up on it's three pairs of legs, uncoiling itself and throwing the eidolon from the creature's neck as it lets out a loud roar which is cut short as the barbarian closes the distance with blinding speed and swings her massive curved sword at the creature, cutting deeply into one of its massive legs which amuses it even less than the summoner's attack.

Solomon sighs as he comes over the dune to see the party already engaging the enemy, "Well there goes my plan," he mutters under his breath and snaps the reigns as his mount barrels forward towards the fight. Coming up a bit short, the axe beak skids in the sand as Solomon aims with his bow and shoots though the creatures writhing allows it to dodge the projectile my mere chance. The same goes for Felicia who gracefully strides through the sand towards the creature and takes a shot and misses.

As Temnir casts his spell and the lightning bolt fires down past his new companions, it strikes the writhing beast full force in the face but rather than fall injured to the ground, it looks at Temnir, a promise of death in its eyes as it opens its mouth and lightning begins to crackle...




Initiative
Before: Raznik & Yx'raul
Monster  - Surprise Round
After: Maeria, Solomon, Felicia, Temnir

Seeing the electrical attack have no effect on the beast, Raznik looks over to Temnir. "Perhaps a different element would fare better."

Having an idea, Raznik begins casting a spell. Wary of the lightning crackling in the beast's mouth, Raznik heads towards Yx'raul at a jog.


Raznik moves to E8.

In the meantime, Yx'raul unleashes another assault on the serpentine creature, grabbing a hold of its middle and slashing at it with its great claws.

22:18, Today: Raznik Tayn rolled 30,5 using 1d20+10,1d8+4. Slam: Attack, Damage. - Natural 20
22:19, Today: Raznik Tayn rolled 21,11 using 1d20+10,1d8+4. Slam: Critical - Attack, Damage.
22:19, Today: Raznik Tayn rolled 19,5 using 1d20+10,1d4+4. Claws: Attack, Damage.
22:20, Today: Raznik Tayn rolled 22,6 using 1d20+10,1d4+4. Claws: Attack, Damage.

As Raznik approaches, Yx'raul lashes out with a strong bite, the green poison flowing from its long teeth, before taking a step back towards Raznik.


22:20, Today: Raznik Tayn rolled 16,7 using 1d20+10,1d8+6. Bite: Attack, Damage.
Yx'raul 5-foot steps to D7.


As Raznik and Yx'raul meet, Raznik touches his eidolon and a flash of sizzling energy flows out of his hand, surrounding Yx'raul before vanishing.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:25, Fri 13 Apr 2012.

Felicia drops her bow and runs, circling wide of the creature and approaching it from the far side. This thing look like it's going to take a lot of killing and her bow just did not have the ommph her claws did.


OOC:
Run to D-1 circling wide to stay out of reach of the creature.

"Pelor, protect me from the lightning which this serpent dared to steal from your skies!  Let this beast know that my cause is most just.  Grant me the stamina to snuff this beast's spark."  With his prayer he summoned forth magical protection.

Solomon's thoughts ran similar to Felicia's.  He too dropped his bow and grasped his tetsubo, which he'd named Pelor's Thumb.

Cast-Resist Energy (20pts worth electricity resistance), Move - Draw tetsubo.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:21, Sun 15 Apr 2012.

Satisfied that she had been able to injure it, she braces both feet, and goes fully hog wild, flailing wildly back and forth, in minor awe of the size of the creature she had chosen to tackle. "FINALLY A FOE WORTHY" she shouts, cackling.



ooc:
Swing 1.  To hit: 16 (forgot the MW +1 to hit on the weapon)
swing 2.  To hit: 10 (forgot the MW +1 to hit on the weapon)
Dammage (god forbid) that 16 beats that things AC: 10.


23:35, Today: Maeria Shari rolled 10 using 1d10+5. dammage 1.
23:35, Today: Maeria Shari rolled 9 using 1d20+7. smack 2.
23:34, Today: Maeria Shari rolled 15 using 1d20+12. Smack 1.

This message was last edited by the GM at 04:21, Sun 15 Apr 2012.

"Oh well that's just not fair," Temnir says with a wince as the creature is unaffected by his spell and speedily wracks his mind for the best course of action against it while not incinerating his allies that have joined it in combat. Deciding on a spell, he grabs his right wrist with his left hand and seems to pull out a spectral form of it which suddenly disappears and rematerializes behind the serpent creature.

---

Move: I,11
Cast: Spectral Hand @ C,2

After Temnir's lightning bolt fails to harm the creature, Raznik bolts down the dune to join his eidolon who lunges forward, throwing its weight into its side repeatedly, causing a handful of blue scales to chip and break off and fall to the sand, leaving space for the eidolon to dig his claws into. It attempts to bite into the soft flesh it uncovered but a swift kick from one of the creatures legs forced the eidolon to move back towards Raznik who lays a hand on the creatures back as a blue light envelops it and quickly fades.

Just in time too because the serpent turns to the pair and opens his mouth wide as the crackling electricity builds up in a ball and then discharges, sending a blinding blue line of lightning at them both that emits a deafening roar and a thunderclap as the electricity arcs. Even though he crouched down to try and shield himself from the blast behind his Yx'raul, Raznik still comes out of the ordeal charred and jittery as electricity still continues to jump from his body. (23 dmg)

Being just out of the proximity of the lightning, Maeria's ears ring as no sound reaches her for a few moments. Regaining her composure, "FINALLY A FOE WORTHY!" she cackles madly she swings her sword but is deflected by a swipe of one of the creatures legs. Also recovering from the thunderclap, Solomon looks on with an steeled gaze, "Pelor, protect me from the lightning which this serpent dared to steal from your skies!  Let this beast know that my cause is most just.  Grant me the stamina to snuff this beast's spark." His prayer complete, those looking can make out a faint blue sheen to his armor as he draws his Tetsubo and makes ready to vanquish his foe.

"Oh well that's just not fair," Temnir grumbles as he sees the reason his spell had no effect. He quickly moves in on the creature and readies another spell, sending a spectral hand to float behind the serpent creature in preparation for the next spell that he begins to prepare casting.

Felicia, realizing that her bow will not do the trick here, drops the weapon and sprints around it, out of its reach, and into the creature's flank. Her movement catches its eye, however, and whipping to look at her moving in behind it, it lashes out at her with it's jaws, catching her by the shoulder and digging in with razor-sharp teeth, cutting flesh, and scraping bone. If this wasn't bad enough, it yanks her into the air towards it and wraps itself around her, beginning to squeeze the life out of her as you can hear ribs begin to crack. Felicia tries to use her claws to her advantage and make the creature let go, but she is unable to get past the hard scales. (54 dmg)




Health
Felicia: -54 + Grappple
Maeria: Full
Raznik: -23
Solomon: Full
Temnir: Full
Yx'raul: Full

Initiative
Before: Raznik & Yx'raul
Monster 
After: Maeria, Solomon, Felicia, Temnir
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:04, Sun 15 Apr 2012.

Blaming the awsomeness of the creature on her crappy rolls, she cackles happily, swinging at the monster, trying to match her insane first dammage.

ooc:
02:05, Today: Maeria Shari rolled 9 using 1d10+5. dmg 2.
02:05, Today: Maeria Shari rolled 7 using 1d10+5. dmg 1.
02:04, Today: Maeria Shari rolled 18 using 1d20+8. smack 2.
02:04, Today: Maeria Shari rolled 23 using 1d20+13. Smack 1.
I might wind up doing a whole 7 dammage to it :D
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:04, Sun 15 Apr 2012.

Felicia screams in both rage and pain as the creature almost kills her with it's crushing coils. Knowing she can neither escape nor heal herself enough to survive another squeeze for the things massive body, Felicia tears into with her full fury.


OOC:
Woot! A 20 on each strike!........But probably not confirmed.
'Possible' 69 damage total!

05:47, Today: Felicia Armstrong rolled 28 using 1d20+8. Claw 1.
05:47, Today: Felicia Armstrong rolled 16 using 1d20+8. Confirm crit Claw 1.
05:50, Today: Felicia Armstrong rolled 12 using 2d6+5. Base damage claw 1.
05:51, Today: Felicia Armstrong rolled  5 using 2d6+5. Fire claw 1
05:52, Today: Felicia Armstrong rolled 20 using 4d6. Sneak claw 1.

05:48, Today: Felicia Armstrong rolled 28 using 1d20+8. Claw 2.
05:49, Today: Felicia Armstrong rolled 11 using 1d20+8. Confirm crit Claw 2.
05:51, Today: Felicia Armstrong rolled 15 using 2d6+5. Base damage claw 2.
05:51, Today: Felicia Armstrong rolled 2 using 1d6. fire claw 2.
05:52, Today: Felicia Armstrong rolled 15 using 4d6. Sneak claw 2.

As the wave of electricity washes over Yx'raul with no effect, the beast leaps back into the fray, slashing and biting. Meanwhile, Raznik, still jittering slightly from the shock, jogs away from the creature, yelling at the creature, hoping it understands Common. "Release her, foul creature. You are no match for the mighty beast Yx'raul." To himself he mutters, "I know of the carnage it can cause,", a tear running down his face.

Yx'raul 5-foot-steps to C6, then full attacks the serpent.

23:23, Today: Raznik Tayn rolled 12,8 using 1d20+10,1d8+4. Claws: Attack, Damage.
23:23, Today: Raznik Tayn rolled 19,9 using 1d20+10,1d8+4. Claws: Attack, Damage.
Oops, those should be 1d4+4s. Rerolls:
23:28, Today: Raznik Tayn rolled 7,5 using 1d4+4,1d4+4. Claws 1 Damage, Claws 2 Damage.
23:27, Today: Raznik Tayn rolled 12,12 using 1d20+10,1d8+4. Slam: Attack, Damage.
23:25, Today: Raznik Tayn rolled 19,8 using 1d20+10,1d8+6. Bite: Attack, Damage.

Bite has Eidolon poison — type poison (injury); save Fort negates; frequency 1/round for 4 rounds; effect 1d4 Str damage; cure 1 save; DC 14

Raznik tries to demoralize the serpent then moves to D12.

23:29, Today: Raznik Tayn rolled 15 using 1d20-1. Demoralize. (-4 modifier due to size difference)
This message was last edited by the player at 22:54, Sun 15 Apr 2012.

Seeing Felicia in trouble, Solomon rode forward.  He couldn't heal her without healing the beast as well so he hoped to slay the creature or get its attention.  "Cho'Kobo, attack!" he called out as he swung his tetsubo.  The dragonbird seemed more than eager to attack and dug his beak deep between to armored plates, causing blood to gush all over its thick plumage.  Careful not to accidently club his own mount in the head, Solomon was a bit more restrained.

Solomon
13:18, Today: Solomon rolled 11 using 1d10+4. damage.
13:18, Today: Solomon rolled 15 using 1d20+11. attack.
Cho'kobo
13:17, Today: Solomon rolled 13 using 2d6+7. damage. Total = 26 after crit
13:17, Today: Solomon rolled 29 using 1d20+9. crit confirm.
13:17, Today: Solomon rolled 29 using 1d20+9. axe beak bite.
damn it!  Why couldn't Solomon have rolled the crit?  A tetsubo has a x4 multiplier!

Seeing Felicia in a tight spot, Temnir swears in a myriad of different languages as he starts casting a spell that appears behind the serpent creature and forms around the spectral hand, "Damn you, I'm not losing a volunteer this early on. SPIT HER OUT!" as the spectral hand shoots forward and grabs the creature around the throat.

---

Cast: Ranged Touch Attack spell
14:57, Today: Temnir Liyaan rolled 20 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 15. to hit touch AC.
14:40, Today: Temnir Liyaan rolled 13 using 3d6 with rolls of 1,6,6. Spectral Hand spell.

This message was last edited by the player at 21:58, Mon 16 Apr 2012.

Straightening himself from the shock of the breath attack, his voice is confident nonetheless, "Release her, foul creature. You are no match for the mighty beast Yx'raul. I know of the carnage it can cause..." obvious emotion welling up at memories unshared. Yx'raul jumps forward at his master's command and is able to get a claw and his teeth to rip another handful of scales off of the creature's body. At Raznik's words, the creatures eyes track his movement as if understanding the speech though doing nothing to intimidate the creature. Temnir and Solomon also move to help their companion, "Damn you, I'm not losing a volunteer this early on. SPIT HER OUT!" "Cho'Kobo, attack!" they both yell out as the spectral hand grasps the creatures neck and begins to drain the scales of their brilliant blue color while Solomon's mount digs it's sharp beak in between scales and draws a large amount of blood from the soft flesh underneath. Even Maeria gets in on the action with a two handed downward stroke that digs almost a foot into the creature's midsection.

Roaring in pain, Felicia is dropped from the creature's mouth and rolls off the creature's body onto the sand in front of it. Weakly resting on her knees, her eyes are alight with fury and she cares not how injured she is and uses her claws to rip open a section of scales and plunges her claws into the creature up to her elbows, ripping a hole in it's body that blood begins pouring out of like a spilled wine keg.

The serpent writhes back in forth in agony, letting out shrill cries of pain before it rattles once more in a silent scream and falls to the sand with an earthshaking thud. The blue scales immediately begin to lose their bright blue sheen as it lies there unmoving.




Final Recap
Felicia: -54 + Grappple
Maeria: Full
Raznik: -23
Solomon: Full
Temnir: Full
Yx'raul: Full

OOC: Failed grapple check ftw!

Checking that Felicia is ok, Raznik looks over to Yx'raul, who is busy tearing holes in the dead monster. Where once Raznik looked upon the beast with hatred, his eyes have softened, his heart a little lighter. Returning his attention to the feline, Raznik says, "Perhaps now would be a good time to rest. Felicia looks like she could use it."

Solomon leaps from the Axe Beak and runs over to Felicia.  "Be still beautiful warrior," he says to her trying to get her to sit and rest.  "Come Temnir!  I will ask Pelor for his blessings and heal what injuries I can!" he called up towards the crest of the nearby dune.

As Solomon waited for Temnir to draw within range of his magics, Solomon looked over his shoulder at the beast that was just felled.  "I'll take credit for this kill," he joked.  Cho'kobo continued feasting on the flesh of the giant scaled creature.

When all those who were in need of healing were gathered close Solomon chanted, "I summon the stamina of the desert.  May the light of Pelor bolster the life of those I protect.  I, Solomon, call for their wounds to close and heal, and so by my will, it shall be done!"  A comforting warm pulse of energy eminates from him healing all those within 30 feet.

All heal 13hp

Calming down now that that beast is dead, Felicia says,

She than addresses the whole group, "Any body else have any healing spells. That thing really smashed me up something awful. I have a wand, but those are not as renerable as cast spells."

"Oh yeah. Can anyone here track this thing back to it's lair? After that beating I want something more than a few scales for a souvenir.", she asks the group.


OOC:
Felicia is still down 40 HP
This message was last edited by the player at 22:52, Mon 16 Apr 2012.

"I am an adequate tracker. I will see what I can do. Come Yx'raul." Raznik begins to search for tracks with a little help from Yx'raul, who has torn itself away from its meal.

Temnir walks over to the rest of the group at the behest of Solomon and shivers as the energy washes over him. "I swear, I never get used to that," he says as he kicks the dead monster absently to make sure it's actually dead. "Not much of a tracker myself but I'd wager it's tracks would be easily traceable if the sand hasn't covered them yet. We ran into that problem before."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:37, Mon 16 Apr 2012.

"That thing really worked you over.  Now its my turn.  Your just going to need a little more attention from me," Solomon said to Felicia, with a little wag of the brow.  He hoped the pain she was in wouldn't destroy her flirty nature.  He placed one hand just under her right breast and the other on her left shoulder blade, in what seemed like a fairly personal embrace.  A soothing warmth spread from his hands and through her body, causing some of the deeper teeth wounds to close.

Heal 16hp

Touching one of his unhealed burns gingerly, Raznik returns to the group. "The creature's tracks are clear for a little way northwards, but they disappear. There are mountains in the north, but they are half a day away, time I am not certain we should waste. Temnir?" He looks at the man for whom this mission is more than a crusade against the undead, willing to follow his lead on the matter.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:55, Mon 16 Apr 2012.

Sheathing her blade she frowns and kicks the beast.  She turns back. "Ah, I doubt that the beast be having much stored in its cave, if It be havin one.  Fer all we know it could be just some travelling monster that never stops moving. Now that it be dead, we can move on. When we return, we can try and go in that direction afterword" she shrugs.  Thats her for you, WHEN, not if we return.  Forget the fact we nearly had a party member dead, We can conquer anything.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:24, Tue 17 Apr 2012.

Temnir takes a moment to look towards the mountains before looking back at Raznik, "Normally I'd say why not, but with lives on the line and the fact that I know the general idea of what lives in those mountains, I, personally, will have to decline an expedition up there right now. I very much prefer to have my skin attached to my body." Walking up to Felicia, he looks at her wound to see that it is at least staunched and she is able to move, "If you are able to walk, I suggest we move away from here if we don't want scavengers or another of it's kind happening upon us in the night. With this wind, the scent of blood has no doubt already gotten the interest of some of the scavengers of the desert. If we're lucky, Ebon is not one of them."

Raznik looks at Yx'raul, speaking in a new hissing and popping language, and the beast moves to Felicia, offering its hands to her. "Yx'raul will help support you if you need it. We should move."

"I can walk on my own. Thanks for the offer though.", Felicia replies.

Since no one else seems to have any healing spells, Felicia pulls out her wand  and spends a few charges healing herself as the group moves onward.


OOC: 5 charges from wand

10:07, Today: Felicia Armstrong rolled 9 using 1d8+1.
10:07, Today: Felicia Armstrong rolled 6 using 1d8+1.
10:07, Today: Felicia Armstrong rolled 5 using 1d8+1.
10:07, Today: Felicia Armstrong rolled 4 using 1d8+1.
10:06, Today: Felicia Armstrong rolled 4 using 1d8+1. Cure Light.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:09, Tue 17 Apr 2012.

Gathering up their things, the group makes haste to leave the immediate area of the dead serpent but not before Temnir grabs a few of the scales, "You know, reagents and such," he replies to any questioning looks before stuffing them in a pocket of his backpack. The pace is slower than it was before they encountered the creature though still quick enough to make a few miles of travel before deciding to camp for the night. They find a small indent where high rising dunes surround them so they are out of sight of predators. Unfortunately, wood is sparse in the desert so the notion of a campfire is ruled out on that alone.

"Alright desert men," Temnir says looking at Solomon and Raznik, "here's a question for you. Is it better to sleep on the indent of the dunes to avoid being seen or on top so you're able to see threats coming? It's something I often debated with one of my companions and I'm curious as to the more favorable among you." Turning to include the rest of the group, "Also, how do you all want to handle night watch?"

Raznik smooths out a section of sand as best he can before unrolling his bedroll. He sits down on the sand next to it and looks at the others, performing similar preparations for a night's sleep. He gingerly reaches to his shoulder, touching one of his burns and wincing. Yx'raul stands a little way from the campsite, keeping watch. "I believe it is best for us to sleep in the shelter, but post a watch on the top with a clear view. This is the way of my tribe. Yx'raul needs little sleep. It can watch for us."

As the others begin to settle, Raznik speaks in a low, but clear voice. "My people are great storytellers. Every night, we gather around the campfire and share tales. On the night I left my people..." Raznik pauses for a moment, a dark look coming over his face. "I remember a tale told that night; a tale of injustice and of changing paths. I would be honoured if I were allowed to share this tale with you."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:10, Tue 17 Apr 2012.

She just chuckles. "Don worry about a watch.  Just let me hav a nap... an im god to keep watch.  Ah don think I'm gonna sleep after that fight.  I'll nap around dawn. That works for you?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:28, Tue 17 Apr 2012.

Solomon simply nodded obviously in agreement with how the desert tribes camp among the dunes.  With no obvious threats about, his armor folds back on itself so that it appears as an ordinary brooch.  He makes himself comfortable in the sand and wraps his cloak around his torso.  When Raznik offers up some story telling Solomon grins thrilled at the idea.  Without much wood, the written word was rare.  Most tribes simply told stories both to entertain and to teach.  None of the strangers seemed like they would be very good storytellers, so Solomon was glad for Raznik's offer.  "I hope one day to hear a tale about how you came across such an unusual creature..." Solomon said, as he flashed a glance towards Yx'raul.  "But for now, please continue."

With the magical beast and the tattooed barbarian woman offerring to keep watch Solomon didn't feel the need to.

Slightly away from the rest of the group Cho'kobo slept.  His belly was full.

A look of sadness crosses Raznik's face upon mention of his meeting with Yx'raul, but seeing agreement on the faces of his other companions, he begins his tale, speaking loud enough for Maeria, sitting on watch, to hear, if she chooses to listen.

"Once, not long ago, there was tribe of camel riders. This tribe was a tribe of little morals, taking what they needed where they could. Amongst them there was a boy, tall and handsome, known for his quick tongue.

"This tribe had a ritual, as is common for the desert tribes of the south. When a boy is to become a man, he is sent into the desert to procure a camel. He is expected to return riding one or not return at all. On the day of this boy's coming of age, he was sent into the desert just as all those before him had been. For two days, he wandered, finding nothing.

"On the third day of his trial, the boy was caught in sudden sandstorm. He struggled on,  trying to continue in a straight line, and hoped he would make it to shelter before his skin was ripped bare. Suddenly the storm parted, as if the boy had stepped through an invisible barrier. The sand whirled all around him, but the boy was free of it, the sun shining down on him. In the centre of this clearing, there stood a great stone chest. On the lid of the chest was an inscription in Auran, the language of the air elementals, and in the centre was a great carving of Pelor, great god of the sun. The boy, being unschooled in the language, was surprised to understand its meaning: 'greatness within, for the pure of heart'. Reaching for the lid, the boy heaved it off. Where he had expected to see great treasure, there lay nothing. Disappointed, he sat down in the sand, leaning against the chest. 'I'll wait here for the storm to pass,' he said to himself.

"However, the storm did not pass. On the second day in the storm, the boy began to worry about his water supply. He had not expected to be gone more than ten days, as he knew there was a group of camel herders four days from his camp. If he was to make it to the herders and home, he had run out of time to wait. Steeling himself to step back into the storm, he took one last look at his surroundings and noticed that the chest was no longer empty. Where once there was nothing, there now stood a giant egg, the size of his torso. As he touched the egg, he heard a voice in his mind: 'This creature is a gift,' it said, 'it will serve you well.' The boy picked up the egg and turned to walk into the storm once again, but as he turned, the storm suddenly disappeared, leaving him standing on top of a dune, the chest nowhere to be seen.

"Somehow, the boy knew that this was the purpose of his journey, not the camel theft, and so began the journey back to his camp. As he approached, he could see the scouts looking at him, then to one another, laughing. The boy began to get nervous. Why had he chosen not to search for a camel? But the boy was proud, and he decided he would not admit weakness or failure.

"That night, after a day of ridicule from his peers, the boy returned to his father's tent. 'How dare you?' his father cried as he stepped inside, striking him across the face, 'You bring shame to this family!' The boy said nothing, prepared to take his father's beating. Once he would have fought back, but now he was a man, more of a man than his father ever could be. He did not know why, but he believed this with all his heart.

"His father beat him black and blue, that night. The next day, as the sun rose, the man went to look at his prize, his gift from Pelor. As the first beams of light struck the egg, cracks began to appear. They spread and grew until eventually a beaked head burst through the top, cawing loudly. Some heads appeared from beneath tent flaps at the sound and began laughing; 'Chicken boy's egg's hatched,' a man not much older than he cried, 'he must have been sitting on it all night.' More laughter. By this point the shell had fallen away to reveal a mighty axe beak, fully grown. The man's father emerged from the tent, enraged; 'Leave!' he exclaimed, 'You have brought enough shame on my reputation. Leave and never come back!' With that, the man leapt on top of the bird and both disappeared into the sunrise."

Gazing on Soloman with new eyes, Raznik says, "It is said that this man now rides the desert fighting injustice and cruelty in the name of Pelor. I wonder how much of this tale is truth. Many times, I have heard the same tale retold the same but for a few changes. They become quite distorted over time."

Giving Soloman a chance to confirm or deny the connection, Raznik opens his pack retrieving a wrapped package of food from the north: bread, cheese and a red apple. He takes a bite out of the apple and looks over to the axe beak, thoughtful.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:20, Wed 18 Apr 2012.

Solomon's smile disappeared faster than a droplet of water upon the surface of the sand at noon.  His shoulder's tensed and he shifted where he sat.  He told himself that it would be rude to leave...

A sound issued from Solomon that was either a chuckle or a snort.  Funny how many versions of this story there are, he thought to himself.  He just couldn't sit still any longer.  He knew the parts that were going to come up next.  It always did.  He stood and wandered over to Cho'kobo.  He started taking the saddle bags and reins off the bird.  The Axe Beak opened its eyes and twitched a bit, but otherwise remained still.  Solomon pretended to be sorting the items in the bags.  Unfortunately, since Raznik spoke loud enough for even Maeria to hear, so could he.

Solomon visibly winced.  He only hoped that he was far enough away from the others and hidden enough by Cho'kobo so they wouldn't notice.


Gazing on Soloman with new eyes, Raznik says, "It is said that this man now rides the desert fighting injustice and cruelty in the name of Pelor."

Solomon said nothing for several long awkward minutes.  Finally, he returned with his bedroll, a waterskin, a handful of candied dates, and some small hard object wrapped protectively in a silky sky-blue cloth.  He layed out his bedroll, and dropped onto it.  Laying on his back he stared up into the sky watching the stars appear.  "Sorry to be rude; I've simply heard that story or versions of it far too many times."

Standing up, she chuckles softly, glancing around. She flops down near the top of a dune, where she can see over the top, and grins. "Oh, hey" she calls. " you beast wont bite me if I poke it to keep watch while I nap, right?" she asks, curious.

Raznik puts his food down and rises onto his knees, making a deep bow, touching his head to the sand, before rising again and retrieving his food. "I understand. My apologies. When I began the tale, I had not made the connection." For Raznik's people, it was beyond rude to gossip upon another's past.

As Maeria finishes speaking, Yx'raul turns its head and snarls at her."It depends. What do you taste like?" Its voice is deep and rasping, like wind rushing through a tunnel. Raznik gives the creature a look, and it lowers its head. "Very well..." it says, a look of disappointment in its eyes.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:43, Wed 18 Apr 2012.

Felicia moves after hearing the story to sit beside Solomon. After a moment, she tells him quietly, "I heard nothing in that story that spoke of that young man's dishonor or shame. He was given a gift and a calling directly from Pelor. That his own people could not see that is to their discredit, not his."

"Of course that was just a story, much of which isn't necessarilly true.  Still, it brings back unpleasant memories.  I have to remind myself I wouldn't be the man I am now without the difficulties of youth.  I think few would dare mock me now.  Those that do would face me, and Pelor's Thumb."

Still staring up at the sky as it slowly grows blacker, Solomon slowly unwraps the cloth package to reveal a golden sextant.  He plays with it absent-mindedly as he waits for certain stars to show themselves.

With Maeria above and Soloman and Felicia involved in hushed conversation, Raznik finishes his meal and decides to lie down and get some rest. He hopes that his burns will hurt less in the morning. As he drifts off to sleep, Yx'raul yawns and then suddenly disappears with a pop accompanied by a light snore from Raznik. The mark on Raznik's forehead fades away, leaving no trace, as he lies, blissfully unaware of the disappearance of his summon and the greater strain that places on Maeria, keeping watch.

During the story, Temnir sits away from the group, laying back on the side of the dune with his eyes closed. After the first minute of the story, he makes the connection and opens one eye to stare at Solomon. As it finishes and Felicia comes to talk with him, Temnir ups himself and walks by and leans down part way to Solomon and whispers, not stopping completely, "Not as fun when it comes around huh?" and goes to take his place at the top of the dune near Maeria, opting to help with the watch for a bit before heading back down to get some sleep. "Go ahead and take your nap now and I'll keep watch. Don't feel much like sleeping yet anyway." he says to Maeria.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:13, Wed 18 Apr 2012.

Temnri takes the initial watch as Maeria takes her nap there at the top of the dune and replaces Temnir a couple hours later when he heads down to sleep himself though he just lays on the sand with his head on his pack. It seems the decision to move away from the carcass of the serpent was a smart move as throughout the night, Maeria can hear the yips and howls of scavenging dogs and the shrieks of what sound like large birds of prey. Luckily, no earth shattering rumbling approaches, allaying the fear of Ebon being close enough to pick up on the scent. With a ready source of food available to the scavenging hunters, the group is lucky enough to be left alone throughout the night. As the sun creeps over the dunes, the early birds of the party begin to wake.

Raznik opens his eyes and slowly rises with the sun. He frowns slightly and scans for Yx'raul, sensing its absence. Rummaging in his pack, Raznik retrieves a flask. Facing into the rising sun, he dips his finger into it before drawing a shallow curve on his forehead, followed by a steeper one above it with radial lines coming out of it. He bows a deep bow and puts the flask away before standing and walking to speak with Maeria. "I apologize. I did not realize Yx'raul would leave when I slept."

"You know, I think I'm starting to not like that guy," Solomon said in hushed tones to Felicia.  He then proceeded to use the sextant to get an idea of where exactly they were and in which direction they needed to head.  He was more than willing to show the catwoman how to use the device if she was interested.

Eventually, he drifted off to sleep.  Waking with the sun, he started his prayers; which also involved much kneeling and bowing to the east.  An hour later he saddled Cho'kobo then started his exercises, which were katas involving his tetsubo.  The occasional *whumph* or *thup* as he smacked the sands with the giant club were enough to wake those nearby.  He grinned.  Sleeping in too late wasn't good for the body.  The days would only get hotter, the sooner the group left the better.

"I can't imagine why.", Felicia replies with an agreeably sarcastic comment. She is curious about the sextant and listens carefully as Solomon explains it's workings.


Felicia lay down near Solomon when he goes to sleep and naps for a couple of hours. She watches him sleep for bit, then gets up and wanders the camp perimeter taking a turn at watch.


Later in the morning she watches curiously as Solomon goes through his Kata's with his big club.

She is ready to resume the trek when the others move out.

Wandering around, by the tracks in the sand, she jumps up and looks around. "Well, everything is good for us.  Scavengers took chunks out of the creature... I Wonder. While you guys do your breakfast thing, I wanna check something out." she asked, looking around.  She smiles softly and grins. "As I figure we'll want to keep going on a rather quick rout, though we need to find shelter before the noon sun hits, cus we'll be roasted like a pig over fire..." she pauses "if not we'll have to dig ourselves into the side of a dune..." she murmers. "Anyways" she pauses and looks around "hurry up and eat so we can hit a distance, for that sun gets too hot. I'll be back in 10... unless you have any objections" she peeks over the dune, in the direction of the beast.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:35, Wed 18 Apr 2012.

"By all means." Raznik looks at the barbarian with curiosity in his eyes, but does not pry. Instead, he begins the long summoning ritual once again. As Yx'raul reappears, it looks around in surprise. "You summoned me? But there is nothing here to kill." Yx'raul grins, a disturbing expression to be seen on an alligator's jaws, and one you would not think possible. "You are not yet forgiven," Raznik responds, walking to his bedroll and shaking the sand off it before rolling it up and stowing it in his pack.

Observing Soloman's morning ritual, Raznik is impressed by the display of martial prowess. His mind returns to the tale last night, and his cheeks burn with shame. How much truth was there to that story?

Turning his attention to Temnir, Raznik notices that he is still wrapped in his black bandages. "Did you see if he recieved protection against the heat from the Djinn?" he asks Soloman, once he has finished his training, "If not, I forsee a hard day ahead for him."

Overhearing Raznik's concern for him, Temnir, who had looked like the was still asleep, lets out a whistle through his teeth and upon being looked at, is twirling a six inch piece of birch in between his fingers. "Got it covered as well as anyone else who isn't favored with resistance to this heat," he looks to Maeria as she had expressed some concern over this. "And if my sense of distance is correct, my dear, we're close to a leave away from the carcass of that thing by now. It would take a bit longer than 10 minutes even if you were to fly. I'm not stopping you, I'm sure we'll be here for a while yet, just thought you ought to know."

He stands from where he's been reclining on the dunes and stretches a bit before reaching into his pack twice and pulling out a hunk of bread and a waterskin before trekking to the top of a dune to eat, his back to the party, still within earshot if anyone requires his attention.

While waiting for Maeria to search the corpse (or not), Raznik spends some time in silence next to Yx'raul, conversing by thought. By the end of it, Raznik still feels wary of the beast, but is much more accepting of its presence. As Maeria returns (or not), he stands, approaching Temnir. "I believe it would be a good idea to leave now. We still have some travelling to do."

As the rest of the group begins to wake up and ready themselves for travel with prayers, warm ups, or mentally going through spells, Maeria decided to take the time to head back to the site of the Behir's corpse to see what became of it over the night and whether there was something to be gained from the corpse.


She is gone about an hour but when she returns, she brings with her a foul smell as well as a few things she picked up along the way.

Returning triumphantly, she has a smelly package at the end of her sword. IT seemed, even some things, were too smelly for her.  Giving a hearty hello, she lifts the sword off her shoulder, and twists, at the same time tossing the parcel towards the gathering, and slicing the knot open, causing the contents to spill open.  A jumbled pile spills loose, revealling a rather small set of chainmail, wrapped around a short sword.  "Ah be right" she cackles. "midnight munchies solved our problems." she grins. "Any of you know anything about how much those might be worth?" she asks
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:32, Fri 20 Apr 2012.

Even with his wraps covering his lower face, you can see Temnir's nose wrinkling at smell as it first hits the sand. Walking over to the pile, he touches his ring to his temple and a prismatic film shimmers over his eyes before fading once again, "Well it seems you've outdone yourself there Maeria. Both the armor and sword have a magical aura about them. Can't tell what exactly is special about the armor but the sword definitely is imbued with some sort of corrosive element. Not poison per say but I wouldn't want to cut myself with it that's for sure." Taking a few more moments to look over the two items he shakes his head, "Beats me what they'd sell for though. Don't find myself in civilized markets much. How about you Felicia? I'm sure you have an eye for shiny things."
This message was last edited by the player at 07:39, Fri 20 Apr 2012.

Raznik walks over to the items and, attempting to hold his breath while casting the same spell, studies them sharing what, if anything, he learns.

PM
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:06, Fri 20 Apr 2012.

Stepping away from the smell, Raznik gasps for breath before revealing what he has learned. "The sword is imbued with a limited amount of corrosive acid and the mail has a permanent protection improvement. Neither is a strong effect. I am afraid that I, also, am not accustomed to interacting with society, so have no concept of its value."
This message was last edited by the player at 10:18, Fri 20 Apr 2012.

Felicia looks over the items and thinks about their possible value for a few moments, as she comments, "Well, appraising things is not my strong point, but......."


OOC:
13:41, Today: Felicia Armstrong rolled 20 using 1d20+2. Appraise.

"Smells like it came from the belly of beast," Solomon comments, knowing that it very well did.  "A lucky find...I think," he says with a wrinkling of the nose.  "However, both my weapon and armor are magical in nature and don't stink.  If they don't interest you I'm sure we can find a decent sized trading post along the coast."

Shrugging softly, she waits for felicia to be finished with whatever she's doing.  She then moves over, and kneels, pulling off a backpack, and flips open a small pouch. Grabbing both smelly items, she shoves them into the backpack, instantly removing the strong odor of the beast, leaving faint wisps left in the air.  Flipping the backpack closed, she winks at everyone. "better ta stick it away, thenlet it stink up the scene." she chuckles.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:55, Fri 20 Apr 2012.

"Well the trading post who's dock we're headed to was recently destroyed but the harbor village had a decent population so we may be able to sell them there." Temnir says with a hand under his chin as he thinks about their next course of action, "That being said, had we decided if we were actually going to hire a boat instead of a romp through the forest? I remember some hesitation from a couple of you last time it was mentioned."

"Let not fear stand in your path my friends.  Lives may be at stake.  If travelling by sea will get us that much faster, then that will be our path," he said to Temnir.  Unless challenged, it would seem he had made up the group's minds for them.

"So Temnir, can you tell us in any more detail about what dangers we may face?  Or any more about these Necromancers?"

"The boat would appear to be a necessary evil. I will still my complaints." Looking to see if everyone is prepared to leave, Raznik adds, "I think it would be wise to start walking. Temnir can, perhaps, explain along the way."

After a bit of consideration, Felicia comes up with her opinion on the items Maeria found, "I think the chain could be sold for between 700 and 1100 gold and the sword between 1300 and 1600 gold. I would think that would pay for passage for the lot of us on most any ship. And I agree, we should travel the quickest way."

Temnir gathers his pack and waits for the rest of the group to do the same before he begins to move on, walking next to Solomon and Cho'kobo, answering his question, "Well, by sea, I presume the dangers are the typical pirates and such and whatever lurks in the depths though heading up the course I doubt we'll be dealing with too many of those. If we are forced to travel the forest, we're faced with plants with a mind of their own and a habit of luring in unsuspecting prey. Once we get to Heldenburg there is of course the undead problem they are facing. Assuming they haven't felt with them by now, there are you average skeletons of varying size as well as some nastier converts they have. As for the necromancers themselves, all we know about them so far is that they are acolytes of Nerul, god of death. We had one lead though if I'm not mistaken, one of my former companions still has it. It was an amulet of two blue pegusus heads with a sword between them. We found it on one of their corpses though we haven't linked it to anything yet."

OOC: This is the amulet he's speaking of.

Solomon looks thoughtful, "It doesn't sound like the coat of arms of any of the desert tribes I'm aware of.  Any idea what motivates these necromancers, what their ultimate goals may be?"

Knowledge: Nobility = 10 to identify the described image

Temnir raises his arms in a half-hearted shrug, "Beats me. All we know is that they seem to be increasing their numbers in any place that they can find the previously deceased and where they can't, they have begun to create dead bodies themselves. It would seen logical to search out this fiend with the cold blue eyes and see if we can't beat some answers out of him ourselves."

As the sun begins to rise higher in the sky, Temnir uses the wand he procured from the genies on himself and anyone else who has need of protection from the elements and continues to do so for the next few days the group travels through the desert. There are a handful of sandstorms but luckily, those familiar with the desert help those who are not in the proper way to protect themselves from the blowing sand. Creatures are scarce and water scarcer, forcing them to spend part of their nights hunting down local plants that store water in their pulpy centers in order to keep hydrated. It is an arduous process and sometimes unfruitful, leading to rough travel the next day.

Finally though, as the sun is setting on the third day, they can see the precipice of the plains on which Anvilfall Outpost and the docks are located in. The next day, which is mercifully cooler and overcast, the group ventures inland to find the outpost surrounded by workers with lumber, metal, and tools all working away at rebuilding the site. "They had been the target of a surprise attack from the undead that resided in Dead Branch. I'm sure Arudal would be pleased to know his kin's legacy is being restored," Temnir explains though his eyes cloud a bit at the reference to one of his lost companions. "Our destination is the dock town to the northeast on the horizon there." Where he points, you can see a small dot and wispy trails of chimney smoke and the ocean behind it.

It takes another two hours to reach the port town and they find it to be bustling with mid-afternoon traffic, the hawkers still selling their wares as well as traders from other parts of the world loading and unloading cargo from a half score of ships that roll gently in the harbor.

Raznik dismisses Yx'raul before entering civilization.

Walking into the bustling town, Raznik seems to shy away from the crowds, clearly unused to the quantity of bodies. However, putting on a brave face, he says to the others, "I will meet you at the docks. I have a number of items I wish to attempt to purchase," before disappearing into the crowds.

"I'll find an inn for us to spend the night.  Afterwards, I'll likely wander through the sale's stands myself.  Let's meet at the docks around sunset to make arrangements for ship transportation tomorrow morning.  Though Solomon seemed like a take-charge kind of guy, he did glance towards Temnir to make sure he approved of the plan; afterall, this was his quest.

Solomon then took to the streets to find a decent quality inn, with group rooms and padded matresses free of lice and other pests.  He also asked for the services of a bard.  He wanted to hear more about this attack on Anvilfall Outpost.  Solomon also wanted to ask Temnir about this Arudal friend, but refrained.  It was obvious that his emotions still ran high.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:34, Wed 25 Apr 2012.

At Solomon's look for approval of his intended actions, Temnir nods, "It will take at least till then to find a suitable captain anyways so I will get to that. Meet me at the docks at sunset as Solomon suggests and we can haggle price with whoever I find that will carry us." Temnir takes off slowly in the direction of the harbor to so as he said, looking around the the small village with nostalgia.

In reply to Solomon (msg #150):

"I would accompany you today, if that meets your approval?", Felicia asks Solomon, as he prepares to take care of his chosen tasks.

"Hmm?  Would I approve of wandering through town with a lovely and brave woman on my arm?  No.  No, I don't think so.  Of course, that could just be the heat dementia talking," he jests, as he holds out his arm for Felicia to take.

As Raznik walks though the crowds, he finds himself shying away from the touch of people brushing against him. He is clearly afraid, though the fear is not of the people themselves; mixed in with the fear is a look of concern, as if he fears for them instead of for himself. His brown eyes sparkle a little with moistness as he approaches a merchant carrying magical items. He examines the merchant's wares, making a few purchases, before moving on through the crowd. Ahead, he spots Soloman and Felicia, arms linked, but rather than approaching, he hangs back, allowing them their privacy as he quickly makes his way out of the crowded marketplace to the cool sea breeze of the docks.

In the docks he breathes deeply, tasting the salty air and examining the boats. Unnatural contraptions they are, though the majesty and beauty of them is astounding. Before now, his only experience of water going vessels has been the occasional river crossing in the north. He has never seen such things before, and his awe clearly shows on his face. He makes his way to one of the piers, and sits on a mooring situated where the pier joins the land, looking out for any party members that may arrive.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:51, Wed 25 Apr 2012.

Felicia grins at Solomon and slips and arm through the one he offers. "Lead on good sir. I have nothing in particular that I need."

Raznik sits for quite a while at the docks while two more ships make their way into the harbor and throw out mooring lines, as they begin to unload goods and the crew stretches their legs and gets ready for some shore leave. After a while of watching this, he hears the slamming of a door off the the right and a thud as he sees Temnir landing on his face, getting up, and brushing himself off with a huff.

---

As Solomon and Felicia walk through the city arm-in-arm, they get quite a lot of looks in the feline's direction. It even goes so far to having one man carrying a stack of chickens in a crate fall into a bale of hay while not watching his step, causing the chickens to get free and run amok. Not long later, close to the water, the two find a three story building with the telltale sign outside of the local inn. This one is called The Sea Scoundrel.

---

Maeria gets left alone in the street though she can see plenty of stalls that are selling arms and armor and as everybody has quickly found out, if there's something this woman loves, it's something sharp and deadly.

Seeing Temnir emerge face first, Raznik rises and approaches the sorcerer. "I take it they took offence to you. Am I able to help?"

Grinning slowly, she looked around. Cities, noisy, bothersome, who needed them.  But they did have the two things she liked.  Taverns and weapons.  Walking along the stalls, she browsed items, occasionally picking them up and giving them a soft heft, an 'experimental' swing.  She pauses, then takes a quick jog down to the waters edge, before jogging back to the merchants.

She quickly searches for one of the better quality places and grins, waiting for the right time to approach the merchant.  "Good day good sir" she grins "I wish to borrow 5 minutes of your time"

Felicia walks along arm in arm with Solomon and obviously enjoying the attention directed her way. When the man looses his footing (and his chickens) she can't help but break out in giggles. Not really wanting the poor fellow to see her laughing, she turns her face into Solomon's arm till she gets control back.

As they approach the Inn, Felicia asks, "What do you think. Will we be staying the night or do you think, we might get a ship out tonight?"

"After all that walking through the sun and sand, I'm looking forward to at least one night in town before we take to the sea," Solomon replied.

Solomon frowned at the sign of the Sea Scoundrel.  It wasn't exactly the kind of place he was looking for.  Still, he turned and entered.  He approached whoever looked as if they were in charge of the place, "As-Salāmu `Alaykum.  I am Solomon.  My friends and I are seeking refuge for the night.  A private room with clean matresses, free of pests.  Know of where we may find one?"

"Not unless you can find me a way to sink that bastard's ship without getting thrown in jail," Temnir mutters in a tone that halfheartedly suggests a joke. "Since you're here, you might as well come with me to the next captain. See if we can't get a ride by tomorrow without selling our should to get it." He starts walking towards one of the ships that has just made port while Raznik was sitting around.

---

The dwarf looks up from polishing a piece in his stand and raises an eyebrow, "It may end up costin ya, miss," he jokes with a chuckle, "What can I do fer ya?"

---

The innkeeper is a dwarf who looked like he was half asleep at his desk until the two strode up. Almost falling over backwards in his tipped chair, he rights himself and clears his throat, "Ehem, aye we have the finest rooms in town. 'OW many rooms fer you n' yer friends master..So-lo-man," as he dips his quill in ink and enters the name in his ledger, looking up for a response.

"Finest rooms in town you say?" asks Solomon with a wiley look that hides his suspicion.  "Before you take quill to parchment, how 'bout you give us a peek into one of these rooms of yours, Master Dwarf.  Show me your best."  If this was to be Solomon's last day on land for a while, he wanted a decent night's sleep.  The next few nights were likely going to be beyond uncomfortable.  He had been on a ship only once before, and remembers trying to sleep in the rocking, water-logged, rat-filled bowels of its hull.

"And tell me.  Do you often hire out the services of a local bard to entertain your guests in the evenning?"

She puts on her most... winsome grimace, knowing her smiles had a tendency to make people run. She just groaned softly.  "ah hae a question for ye.  Do you happen to deal in magical arms and armaments?" she grins.  "I happen to have a sword, and chain mail, that is of exquisite quality, that happen to be touched by the magi's gifts.  A suit of armor, enchanted to be beyond strong, and defend against the most stout of blows." she smiles softly, grinning.  "And A sword, so forged, that it literally saps the strength of your enemy with each blow you land, making your win inevitable" she smiles. "do such things seem like they would be fine additions to your store?"


IF he agree's, she pulls them out of her backpack... still wet (ran to the waters edge and dunked them in the water to try and get rid of that fresh behir smell), and sets them on the counter.  "I have no need of either, and can use the money for funding a trip."

Raznik follows Temnir, hoping he can be of assistance, though his ability to interact with other people is somewhat limited.

Walking up to one of the ships, Temnir looks up onto the deck to see if he can spot the captain. Short of that he calls out to one of the deckhands, "Hey! You there, crewman! Is the captain of this vessel on board? I wish do discuss business with him." For once, Temnir seems to be acting less rough than usual. Apparently, getting a ship overrides his  condescending tone.

One of the crewmen who was typing off the sails looks down to the two and hollers back, "Aye, 'e be 'ere. 'old on just a mite." He takes a few steps towards the back of the ship and out of sight though both can hear knocking and the man calling out to the captain, "Cap'n Latzu, ya got someone who wants t' discuss business with ya on the dock." After a moment, the man returns to the railing of the ship and motions to the two, "Ya 'ave permission t' come aboard. The cap'n's in 'is quarters."

Before walking up the gangplank, Temnir turns to Raznik and whispers, "Remember, we want safe travel to Heldenburg for as cheap as we can get it. Preferably lodging as well. Don't make any foolish deals." Once on the ship, you can see that there is a door flanked on either side by a staircase that leads up to the helm of the ship. The double-door sports a masterful bas-relief of a muscular sailor with a harpoon, about to throw it at what looks like a kraken though it seems as if it's taken a bit of water damage over the years, no surprise.

Temnir knocks twice and a voice intones, "Enter." The captain's quarters is a literal treasure trove unto itself. At first glance, you would think that it was a pirate that owned this vessel, not a trader. Golden candelabra adorn a large, what appears to be dark wood, desk with ornately carved figureheads on both of the forward legs. Next to the desk is a large selection of maps in a holster as well as a circular wooden orb set into a metal cage with representations of the landmasses of the known world, a rare item indeed. The rest of the room is host to various trophies, from weapons, to animal tophies, to expensive fur rugs and paintings. Looking out the window in the back of the room, however, is the captain.

Turning to face you, a very rough looking dwarf turns to face you. His hat is wide, his coat is long, and his battlescars many. Once again you find yourself thinking more of a pirate than a trader. He motions to two seats in front of his desk which are little more than stools with a small backing to them. "Me crew says ya have business ye'd like t' discuss?"

---

"Well talk be cheap lass, let me have a look at these so called treasures," he says enthusiastically, wringing his hands in anticipation. As Maeria produces both of the items, the dwarf nods slightly. He takes the sword first and turns it over and over, testing the weight and balance and checking the length of the weapon before taking out a small box from underneath his table and opening it to produce three eye-sized gems, red,blue, and green in color. He takes turns holding them to his eye as he looks over it and nods a little more enthusiastically. He then picks up the mail and repeats the process. Putting his kit away and looking up to Maeria, he folds his hands on his table, "I'd be willin t' give ya 1450g fer the sword n' 750g fer the mail. That's a total 2200g miss n' that ain't nothin t' scoff at. D' we 'ave an accord?"

---

Setting the quill back in its bottle, the dwarf moves around the desk and bows, "If it be the best m'lord and lady wants, it will be the best m'lord and lady will get." Before leading you upstairs, he turns and peeks his head into the kitchen and you can hear him call out to someone unseen, "Oi, Karthass! Come n' look after the ledger fer a few." He motions to the stairs at the back of the building, "If you will follow me," and he sets off. As you walk up the stairs, the innkeeper continues to talk, "We do indeed have the local bard in fer performances o' music n' storytellin as well as acrobatics every night at sunset and he usually be present in the bar afterwards fer a while after. Interestin chap." Arriving at the third floor, the innkeeper brings you to the two rooms across from each other at the end of the hall. "These be the finest rooms in the inn, currently unoccupied much t' yer luck. Since the incident at Anvilfall, we been almost filled every night."

Opening the door to one, it seems the dwarf is able to back up his claim. The two beds in the room are made well with feather down comforters and fluffy pillows and has a chest at the foot of both beds. There are two windows that overlook the harbor with a great view of the sunset to the left and between the beds you can get a good view of the street below and part of the town. There is a washbasin, already filled with water, and a mirror on a table in the corner and a coatrack in the other. "The room across the hall be identical t' this. Will this fit yer needs m'lord, m'lady??"

Solomon was impressed, but was careful not to let it show.  He didn't expect to find such accomidations in this place.  Solomon liked to think of himself as a keen negotiator, and started rubbing his chin as if indecisive.  "Hmm...I suppose if we could get a servant to warm the water in the tubs.  And...we are only staying for a single night.  I suppose if the price is fair we can strike a deal." He waits for the dwarf to start haggling a price and to lead them out of the room.  Behind the dwarf's back Solomon grins to Felicia and wiggles his brow.

She nods slowly, as if making a big show of thinking.  She nods for a brief moment, then smiles.  "ah, you'll be able to get a hefty price for these.  I'm sure you could be so leniant as to go 2500 for the two items, seeing as all the work I put into retrieving them items, and even being kind enough to wash the stink of behir gut off them" she grins, settling down for a good haggle.  She was perfectly good for accepting the 2200, but damned if she wasn't going to try her best to get the extra penny out of him. He would be insulted if she didn't try.

Felicia returns his grin and winks at Solomon. She's more than happy to let him haggle for the room pricing. It's not one of her strong points.

Nodding at Temnir's words, Raznik approaches the gangplank, hesitating before taking his first step. Under his breath he mutters, "Unnatural..." before walking on board.

As he walks into the captain's quarters, Raznik is surprised to see all the riches on display. The ostentatious display worries him. This man, clearly so obsessed with his rich possessions, is not a man to be trusted lightly. "We are looking for transport to Heldenburg," he says as the captain turns to look at him.

The captain raises an eye at the summoner, "Heldenburg? As in the Derevaan Heldenburg? What in the hell d' ya want t' go there fer? Nothin' there but some coal mines n' a few gemstones. Not t' mention all the ports be closed from 'ere on north. Damn humans n' their mischief impactin me business routes." Seeing the two humans in front of him, "No offense," he says monotony, waving a hand, obviously saying so just to maintain a courteous nature to the business talk. "Give me the specifics lad, 'ow many am I t' carry? 'Ow am I s'posed t' get ya there when the town don't have a port? When are ya planning on leavin? What are ya willin t' pay me if I do it even with all the cards not in me favor? I'll tell ya now, it won't be cheap." Temnir remains silent, looking to Raznik with a look almost like a master testing his pupil as the captain interrogates him.

---

The merchant dwarf scratches his bearded chin as he thinks over the counter offer for a moment and reexamines the sword another time before turning back to Maeria, "2300. Got t' make a profit off o' it somehow lass. I'm sure ya understand." He looks to her with a smile, obviously enjoying the thrill of the barter and waiting for her acceptance or counter proposal anxiously.

---

The innkeeper nods at the comment about the bathwater and seems to be running numbers through his head at the mention of a deal, "Well m'lord, since ye and yer guests will only be staying a single night, I'll give ya a discounted price since I'll be able t' fill it again quickly after ya leave. Three and five gold pieces per room will get ya them fer the night. Shall I add yer name to the ledger?"

Raznik, suddenly feeling out his depth, looks over at Temnir who is clearly leaving him on his own. "There are five of us as well as stabling for one. Perhaps you could take us nearby. We would be willing to travel the last leg on our own feet if necessary. Why don't you make us an offer, and we will consider it?" He glances back to Temnir, hoping he hadn't blundered.

"FOR TWO ROOMS?!" Solomon said, perhaps too loudly.  He pretended to be offended at such a high price.  "Six gold AND my companions all get an evennings meal.  Unless your refugees from Anvilfall are princes and kings, I'm willing to bet that'll be the best offer you get this evenning."

She grins softly. "Tell you what" she smirks.  "I say 25, you say 23... lets cut the price in the middle, 24, and I'll be on my way, so you can find the right buyer for this stuff, and get your good profit"

The dwarf captain looks at Raznik in open shock, "By Moradin's hairy danglies! Ya want me t' not only carry five deadweights  with me t' a place where I can't make no money but ya want me t' take yer horse with ya?" The captain pauses for a minute wiping the sweat from his brow and producing a intricately carved long-stem pipe which he packs and lights with a quickness telltale of frequent use. "If I'm t' do this foolish mission fer ya, it ain't gonna come cheap. I'm thinkin a thousand gold pieces a head and an extra two hundred fer the one with the stabling as well as ya workin as part o' the crew while yer aboard will cover it. Anythin gained on the way there will be split equal parts among the crew and yerselves and meals will be included and I'll let ya off the ship in rowboats at the coast. N' don't press yer luck. I've half a mind t' throw ya off me ship right now as it is fer even proposing the damn thing. We have a deal?"

Temnir continues to remain silent and is completely devoid of any emotion at the mention of the gold price per head as well as the decline to haggle the price. He just looks sideways to Raznik to see what the young summoner decides on.

---

The dwarf breaks out into a toothy grin, "Ya think like a dwarf, lass. Twenty-four it be." Reaching out a hand to seal the deal, he then goes behind a curtain at the back of his shop and after a minute comes back with three sizable bags, clinking as the dwarf walks. They make a lovely clinking thud as they hit the table, "I be a dwarf o' me word. The money be there. Eight hundred in each bag. May Moradin watch over yer travels," he finishes with polite send-off of the dwarves with a small bow as he grabs the two new pieces of his inventory and goes to arrange them for resale immediately.

---

The innkeeper looks at Solomon with a calculating eye before speaking, "Well m'lord, meals are already included in the fee as are services for wash and stabling. As much as ye and yer kin can eat n' drink fer these two rooms in fact. The patrons 'ere may not be princes or kings but they be dwarves n' they will pay fer quality rooms n' service. The price stands. What say ya?" You can tell the dwarf is a little irate about the comment about the Anvilfall refugees but he does a pretty good job at keeping his demeanor professional and calm, more than can be said for many dwarves.

Nodding she slaps hands with him, grinning.  Dropping the bags into her backpack with no clink of landing,she smiles, then turns looking around lost.  Great, where was it her companions had said they were going?  Right. Docks.

Turning around 2 or 3 times the confused woman just starts to go towards the dock looking for her estranged companions.

Solomon didn't like losing, but he felt as if he just did.  He tilted his head to the side resigned to his fate.  He even let out a laugh to lighten his mood.  "I've never once won an arguement with a dwarf.  Your pride and stubborness make you worthy foes.  Consider the deal struck."  While Solomon was hoping to strike a better deal he didn't want to offend anyone.  As they reached the desk Solomn set down two stacks of eight gold coins.  "I'm trusting you to be a good and honorable man.  Take these extra coins as payment for any refugees who perhaps cannot normally pay for room and board and see that they are seen to such."

Clearly surprised by the amount requested, Raznik looks over to Temnir for support. Seeing none, he turns back to the dwarf, switching language to the gruff tones of Dwarven. "With the free labour, perhaps the price could be reduced. Not only will we help with the sailing, but we are capable warriors, willing to help guard this vessel from dangers, land and sea. What say you to 700 a head, with promise of our aid if it comes to it?" Raznik's attempts to emulate the traders in the market are clear; he had never been much good at haggling as a child.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:00, Wed 02 May 2012.

In reply to Solomon (msg #176):

Felicia leans in close to Solomon and asks, "What of our companions? The room is wonderful for the two of us. Are we letting them make their own arrangements?"

"Two seperate rooms with a total of 4 seperate beds should be more than enough for us and our companions.  Two people will just end up having to share a bed," he says with a sly grin.  Aparently he had already done the math in his head, and judging by the look on his face had already figure out who was sleeping where.

Felicia smiles wickedly at Solomon and pats his cheek saying, "I don't mind sharing Solomon, but nothing beyond sleep is going to be happening with an audience in the room."

The dwarf makes an annoyed sound into his beard, "850 and be lucky I don't throw ya overboard fer ignoring an order from yer captain. I ain't goin lower so take it or get off me ship." He gripes into his beard something or other about scalping land lovers stealing his lifeblood but he looks resigned to the lower price.

---

As Maeria walks down towards the dock, she doesn't see any of her companions out and about yet though she spies the inn that Soloman and Felicia looked like they were heading towards and she can hear raucous laughter and sounds of merriment from inside. Through one of the windows she can see a game of dice being played as well as a drinking contest that is currently underway. On the other side of the street from the inn, there is a small fenced off sparring circle that a group of dwarves are crowded around, yelling bets and enjoying the spar between a human with nothing but pants and a long chain and a dwarf in half plate and a greataxe.

---

Clearing his throat, the innkeeper looks a bit abashed, "If you'll excuse me, I'll go put yer names in the ledger. Come get yer keys at yer convenience." He noticeably leaves the door open to one of the rooms though as he hurries away and down the stairs. Seems dwarves aren't completely unaffected by everything after all.

Still smiling, Felicia pokes Solomon, gently, in the side and comments to him, softly, "I think I embarrassed our host."

Raznik looks over to confirm that Temnir has no objections, before continuing in Dwarven, "Many thanks for your generosity." He gives a little bow. "I believe we have a deal, 850 gold pieces per person with an extra 200 for the stabling. I will inform my companions. When would you like to depart, captain?"

The captain eyes Raznik with a stern eye before giving a hurumph that puffs out his mustache as he crosses his arm and grabs the pipe from his mouth, "Fine. But we leave tomorrow at mid-day. The tide will be in n' it'll ease our passage north. The voyage'll take three days so ya better be prepared for that. If yer late, I'm setting sail without ya." Taking another puff from his pipe he looks at the two and raises an eyebrow, "Well if that's the conclusion t' our dealins, do me kindly n' get the burnin 'ells off me ship till tomorrow."

Seeing his cue to leave, Raznik motions for Temnir to go first, following after, assuming he does. As he makes his way back onto dry land he sighs, as if he had been holding his breath the whole time he was on the ship. "How did I do? Since leaving my tribe, I've barely had any contact with other people." Turning away from Temnir for a moment, he wipes the sweat from his face with his sleeve.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:56, Sun 06 May 2012.

Solomon grins at Felicia.  "Well, I think we've done our part.  Let us go see if our companions have accomplished theirs."  Solomon decided to leave the inn for now.  He'd claim the room keys when they got back.

Nodding to the captain, he leads Raznik out of the cabin and off of the ship to go stand by a place easily visible from down the road to await the rest of their party. "Not bad I suppose. Probably could have haggled him down to 700 gold a head but it's better than I had originally expected anyways. With any luck, we'll find a way to remake some of that coin while we're out at sea...Don't think I've ever actively wished for pirates before...hmmm." With a bemused look on his face, he leans up against a larger pole in the shade to wait for the others.

As Solomon and Felicia exit the Sea Scoundrel, they come almost face to face with Maeria who looks like she had just arrived in the area after her own personal dealings. Likewise, they can spy both Raznik and Temnir standing partner down by the docks not more than 100 feet away. The crowd is still bustling though a little less than when they arrived. Mid-day has come and gone a while back and the sun is in it's descent by the time the party finds themselves reunited.

"I see you no longer carry that stinky bundle wretched from the belly of the beast.  You received fair coin for it I hope?" he asked Maeria.

He points to Raznik and Temnir, as if inviting the women to walk as they talk.  He then sets off in that direction.

"I've aquired rooms for tonight.  We should also receive meals and entertainment before our harrowing journey upon the marrow.  Assuming, that is, those two were able to strike a deal.

Felicia returns his smile and answers, "Yes. I believe we have."

She sets of with Solomon towards the two other men, after nodding a greeting to Maeria.

Seeing the others approach, Ranzik gives a small bow in greeting. "We have passage for tomorrow, on this contraption." He gestures to the ship behind him. "We will be expected to help, however, and the cost is eighty-five platinum each. Soloman, you must pay an extra twenty for Cho'kobo." As he says this, Raznik looks a little nervous, afraid of their reaction to the price.

Solomon let out a long whistle as he heard the price.  "Sounds like you found us a pirate," he remarks, in regards to the high price.  "But...if our cause is just, then Pelor will provide."

This was Temnir's quest.  His quest was asking not only that this group of random strangers risk their lives, but also risk there fortunes.  And to what effect exactly?  Each person had their own motivations for coming this far, but would it be enough for them to continue?

Solomon was in.  He smiled and had a stary-eyed look as he thought about all the stories of glory that would come with such a quest.

Felicia looks at her companions and comments, only half in jest, "I hope one of you is feeling generous. I have less than half that amount left."

Temnir looks at Solomon and Felicia and nods, "Believe me, it was the best deal to be found anywhere in this port. Raznik did better than expected haggling the captain down from his original price. The fact that we got someone to take us at all is a miracle. But if your purses feel lighter at the thought, we could always take the overland route though it would take longer but spare you the pain of parting with your coin. I will not ask you to sacrifice on my behalf more than necessary and will compensate you for your troubles where I can." Looking to Felicia, "And I will cover your other half if this is to be our course. No reason to leave one behind for such a trifling reason."

"I don't mind spending the coin. I simply don't have it. I can put 300 towards the cost.", Felicia comments. She doesn't care to have to rely on others charity and it show in her slightly embarrassed expression.

"Come let us worry about our business dealings in more comforatable settings.  I've arranged rooms, food, and entertainment for this evenning.  We best make the most of it before we're stuck in a swaying,soggy, rat-infested hull.  Unlike Raznik, Solomon had been on a ship before.  It was a... mixed experience.  Solomon wonderred if there was an herbalist in town.  Sea sickness was a curse he was hoping to avoid this time around.

To Temnir, Raznik says, "You are too kind." He nods at Solomon's suggestion of the inn, though he is still reluctant to enter the more populated parts of the city.

Looking to Raznik a bit sideways as they walk to the inn, "Don't mistake my practicality for kindness. The more allies I have when it comes time to help save my companions, the better off we'll all be. Plus, kitty's got some claws on her..." Temnir kids with an implied smile as he thinks about how even on the verge of death, Felicia ripped the behir apart. "I won't be staying in the inn tonight though. There are some matters I must attend to that require me to keep my eyes open. If you need to change the sleeping arrangements in regards to that, best do it soon. The dwarves can be stubborn if they think they won't make theirmoney back." Stretching his arms as he enters the inn, Temnir lets out a stifled yawn, "I, for one, could go for a drink. Any takers?"

The longer Solomon travelled with Temnir, the more he wondered about the man.  Not only did he alway keep himself covered from head to toe in black bandages, even in the hottest of weather, but now he wishes to part with the group for the night.  What secret motivations did the man have?  And would it come back to bite Solomon and the others in the butt?

Solomon led the others back to the inn, and did not object to Temnir's offer of drink.

Felicia gives Temnir a quick smile and small curtsies at his compliment on her claws.

She then takes Solomon's arm again and goes back to the Inn with him and the others. She also will take Temnir up on his offer of a drink.

"I believe you mistake my meaning, Temnir." Raznik does not elaborate however. "I will not be drinking, but I shall keep you company, if you will have have me."

Maeria says nothing though the look on her face and her quiet nod seem to imply that a drink would be very much appreciated after the heat of the desert. As the group enters the inn, they find a table and a round of drinks is quickly brought out to them under the orders of the innkeeper. No more than an hour later, an odd looking gentle-dwarf walks into the inn garbed in a multicolored patchwork cloak with bright red, blue, and green clothing underneath. Your eyes would almost hurt if you looked at him for too long though it becomes fairly obvious fairly quickly that this must be the bard that the innkeeper had talked about.

He immediately walks up and takes the stage and removes a leather case from his back under his cloak. He undoes the straps and pulls out a beautiful master worked harp and strums a quick diddy on it to warm up, "Evening everyone. Me name, as many o' ya prolly know n' 'ave come t' 'ate by now, be Unor Slatecracker n' I'll be yer entertainer fer the night...as usual." The dwarf is quite charismatic and many of the patrons laugh and cheer at his jokes and as he finishes, he goes right into an upbeat drinking song that gets many of the patrons stamping their feet and chugging their ales.

"A long time ago, way back in history
When all there was to drink was nothing but cups of tea
Along came a man by the name of Charlie Mops
And he invented a wonderful drink and he made it out of hops

(Chorus)
He might have been an admiral, a sultan, or a king
And to his praises we shall always sing
Look what he has done for us, he's filled us up with cheer
Lord bless Charlie Mops,
The man who invented beer

The Jury's Bar, the Clancy's Pub, the Hole in the Wall as well
One thing you can be sure of, it's Charlie's beer they sell
So come on all me lucky lads at eleven O'clock ye stops
For five short seconds, remember Charlie Mops
One, two, three, four, five

Chorus

A bushel of malt, A barrel of hops, you stir it around with a stick,
The kind of lubrication to make your engine tick.
Forty pints of wallop a day will keep away the quacks.
It's only eight pence ha'p'ny a pot and one and six in tax
One, two, three, four, five

Chorus
The Lord bless Charlie Mops!"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5zXMokthgE
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:26, Sun 13 May 2012.

Unaccustomed to the musical storytelling, Raznik is entranced by the bard, as well as the atmosphere in the tavern. "The ways of these people are so... strange, and the quality of the tale leaves something to be desired," he says to Solomon once this particular dittie is over. The music had caused him to relax a little, however, and the constant worry has lifted from his face for a moment, a visage of calm coming over him.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:27, Tue 15 May 2012.

Solomon stomped his feet and slapped the table in tune with the song.  You all get the feeling he likely would have joined in singing as well, if only he knew the words.  Solomon was a merry paladin.  He knew that any moment he could die, so he was determined to enjoy each and every day.

Solomon laughed and clapped Raznik on the back.  "I'm hoping to hear the more somber tale of Anvilfall before night's end, but can't complain about the more merry tune to raise spirits now."

Felicia enjoys the show, but keeps her drinking light. She has been drunk before and did not enjoy the experience or the hangover she had the next morning.

The night goes on and the bard continues his songs and tales including a captivating song and story about a heroic holdout at an unknown Dwarven Hold, a racy and humorous love story between a gnome and a minotaur, and a few more good drinking songs before he lapsed into some lyric less ambient music. As the dwarf finishes his performance for the night, he bows to his audience and picks up the hat that had been filled with coins from patrons all night long. There had been no mention of Anvilfall however, which makes sense as, according to Temnir, the event was still likely fresh in everyone's memories and it would spoil the cheery mood the lot had finally sunk into.

The bard walks over to the bar where he grabs a drink, claps the innkeeper on the shoulder with a smile and goes to sit at a table against the wall, not far from the group, and enjoy his drink and the rest of his night.

Rising from his chair Raznik approaches the bard stopping a little way from the table, careful not to intrude on his personal space. "I enjoyed your music. Where I come from we tell tales with description, not notes. It was an interesting and novel experience for me."

The dwarf looked up while wiping some foam from his bear, before cracking a smile. "Och, glad ta hear it, lad. Singing ain't really mah thing but I figured it'd liven the mood a wee bit better then a epic. Most people tend ta get a bit tired wit' any true Dwarven tales." Kuldar stands up to his full height of 4'4", and extends a hand enthusiastically. "Kuldar Balak, keeper of tales and a damn good sword arm." Now with direct attention on him, something seems to grab your eye- this is a bard decked out in fullplate, with a broad-headed axe hanging from his belt, and a small mithral shield on his back. Despite looking like he's carrying the weight of a person on him, he doesn't appear the least bit strained.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:37, Tue 22 May 2012.

Carefully avoiding the handshake, but somehow managing not to appear rude, Raznik bows to the dwarf. "Would you come and joni us?" Raznik gestures to the table with his companions.

Solomon was talked into imbibing a dwarven stout by one of the locals.  It was obviously stronger than he was use to.  His eyelids drooped and a lazy smile wouldn't leave his face. He seemed content and even slightly amused simply staring off into space.  He was overly relaxed and uncharacteristically quiet.  His head was so fuzzy he forgot about interogating the bard in regards to Anvilfall.

"...filled us up with cheer!" he suddenly blurted out.  He held his mug up high as if in toast.

several awkward seconds later...
"...be sure it's Charlie's beer!" he sang, getting the lyrics all wrong and out of order.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:40, Tue 22 May 2012.

Kuldar looks over in the direction Raznik has gestured, looked like a right solid adventuring party. "What all ye' up to? I don' mean to pry but I've been in town for some time now 'cause the last group I was wit' dinnae need my services further. I been collecting tales, ya see, and one can only learn so much when sittin' on their thumbs." The dwarf spoke with Raznik as he moved over to their table, the town was nice, and the pay good, but it wasn't why he left home.

Kuldar broke out into a hardy laugh at Solomon's words. "Oh ya poor lad, can't quite take tha' drink can ye? Kuldar wipes a tear from his eye, before patting the man heavily on the shoulder.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:43, Tue 22 May 2012.

Felicia raises an eye brow at Solomon's condition. She really liked the fellow in general, but was not fond of drunks. She hoped this was not something he did often. An occasionally tipsy friend she could put up with, however she was definitely not sharing a bed tonight. Being pawed by a drunk was not one of her favorite things.

Following Kuldar to their table, he starts to explain before realizing how little he knows. "We are hunting a necromancer. An absent companion of ours has had dealings with him before. I am afraid I know little of the details."

Solomon laughed and nodded.  "I'm use to light wines.  Not..." he started to say before letting out a pitite little burp.  He sniffed the remains of the dwarven stout and crinkled his nose.  He set it down on the table and shook his head.  "...this.  What do you dwarves do?  Melt down hammers and bells and call it drink?"  Solomon stood and swayed a little.  "Asalam...aslum..musa'lakim...um...goodnight," he stammerred.  He patted Felicia on the head then turned and headed for the innkeeper.  "Key," he said simply.  He smiled and headed up to the bedrooms for the night.  Solomon almost never drank to excess.  Luckily, he realized the potentcy of dwarven stout before it was too late.  He made it up to the stairs unaided.  As soon as he entered the room he undressed, dumping everything he owned into the trunk except for three things.  The tetsubo he laid next to the bed.  Then he slipped a dagger and his beak-shaped helm brooch under his pillow.  Finally, he collapsed into bed with a groan.  Minutes later he was asleep.  He barely moved and he did not snore.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:20, Tue 22 May 2012.

Kuldar smiles and bids Solomon a good night, he was likely going to wake up feeling like all those hammers and bells were ringing in his head the next day. He turns to the others, thinking on what the first man had already told him of their 'quest'. "Necromancers be a dangerous ilk, definitely promises to make for a thrilling tale. If it wouldn' be rude of me ta ask, might I put me skills ta use in yer quest? The life of a minstrel be fine an' all, but I crave adventure."

"You will have to check with Temnir Liyaan. It's his quest we are all on. I don't see any reason for him not to welcome you though. He should be here in the morning, if not sooner." Felicia tells the bard. She has no issues with the fellow.

Those still left in the common room enjoy a few more drinks and some stories of travel and adventure that keeps them up until the last patron exits the inn or retires upstairs to their room. Such is the fate of those who make friends with a bard, after all, their lives are dedicated to stories and entertainment so there's never a dull moment with one around. The sun rises early the next day and finds the group of adventurers scrambling to get ready to make their appointment with Captain Broadarm aboard the questionably named Leaking Lifeboat, a name the group is just now getting to see as the large slender ship has turned in port to reveal a painted picture of a rather worried looking man in a small boat with an large spout of water coming out of the bottom of his boat with the name painted in elegant white letters bellow it.

The boat itself is about an 80 foot long ash wood caravel with two great white masts. The diverse crew is scrambling about on deck, in the rigging, everywhere getting the ship ready to leave port. Many of the crew are dwarvenkind though there are humans, gnomes, halflings, and even a tengu among them though the latter is in the crow's nest, sure to be the butt of many jokes. Captain Broadarm is pacing the deck yelling out orders to his crew with Temnir already on board eyeing the dwarf captain when he spies the group walking up to the docks as does the captain.

Broadarm grasps the railing and looks like he's about to fall over it with how far he's leaning over it and point at Raznik as he approaches, "You there, ya see the sun? See 'ow it's in the sky already? What point o' 'we leave at sunrise' don'tya understand boy? Get on up here you lot, we got distance t' make between us n' this port." He turns away and goes back to ordering the crew around as a pair of them lowers the gangplank for the group to board. Another two come forward to lead Cho'kobo down into the hold where he will stay during the voyage.

Moving so quickly to get to the meeting, the fact that the group is lacking a member and has picked up a new one gets seemingly overlooked until the ship has already pulled away from the harbor. If Temnir had noticed, he made no mention of it upon them boarding the ship.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:12, Wed 23 May 2012.

Looking a little annoyed at being accused so early in the journey, Raznik hesitates before stepping onto the gangplank. Bowing to the captain as he arrives on board, he speaks loud enough for his companions to hear. "Apologies for the lateness. I was under the impression the agreement was to leave at noon."

The captain turns around a thoughtful look on his face, "Well I be not one t' tell the tides their business and they be goin out early today so if ya ain't late with me, yer late t' the world." the captain turns away before his shoddy explanation can be questioned, obviously knowing he was the one in the wrong.

Kuldar seems very pleased to see so many dwarves on the ship, he immediately introduces himself to some and exchanges stories of their home towns. He was always curious to see how dwarves that lived in different fortresses varied, he found beard trimming was a rather widely changed social etiquette, but for those that had come so far from home he wasn't sure if any upheld their traditions. "Well I gotta say I was a wee bit cautious at first, but any ship manned by a Dwarf is a fine ship indeed."

As Kuldar is exchanging tales with one of the sailors, a loud sort of guttural screech can be heard, as a large(medium sized) Boar is bounding down the streets. The beast seems to be wearing some kind of chain harness, and jumps from the dock onto the ship, rushing to stand behind Kuldar expectantly. "Kilgur! What took ye so long?" The boar squeals like one would expect a dog to bark in reaction, though Kuldar's face doesn't seem to imply he can actually understand the beast. "Right right, this be my mount and companion, Kilgur." He pats the wild pig on the head which seems happy for the attention and almost strikes a pose for the new audience.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:34, Wed 23 May 2012.

Solomon was quiet once again this morning.  Though he wasn't under the effects of a full-blown hangover, he didn't feel well.  He also didn't have enough time this morning to visit a local herbalist as he had wished.  That meant the sickness of the sea would likely visit him once more.  Solomon looked none-to-happy as he crossed the gang plank.

As Kilgur the boar bounds up onto the ship, Captain Broadarm's eyes widen and he comes almost jogging over looking back and forth between Temnir and Raznik, "Now wait just a minute. Ya told me stabling fer one animal not two!" to Temnir, "I already made concessions fer yer extra passenger on yer behalf but I ain't runnin a bloody soup kitchen here now am I? Ye gonna pay fer the animal's stabling or did ye bring 'im as a snack fer the crew?" The captain looks to Kuldar at this last bit, a hopeful and hungry looks plain on his face. Upon closer inspection of the other dwarf, his mustache wrinkles up into a smile, the first any of you have seen from the salty dwarf, "Wait one minute lad, I know you. Yer that bard who's been around these parts fer a while. Last time I was in port me crew and I 'ad a right thumpin time with yer performances." Rubbing his chin through his beard he looks back to the boar, "I still do 'ave a mind t' cook the thing, it been a while since I 'ad good boar meat, but I'll tell ya what, you give us a few songs along the way to boost morale, n' the beast can ride fer free. Deal?"
This message was last updated by the GM at 17:55, Wed 23 May 2012.

Kuldar let out a hearty laugh at the Captain's recognition, sometimes being stranded in town with nothing to do but earn some gold was a good thing it seemed. "I cannae accept such a thing, I was gonna give some entertainment along the way as it were!" He shuffles around in a satchel, pulling out a stack of platinum coins and handing them to the captain. "Use this t' get some meat if'n yer hungry, in this town merely sayin Kuldar sent ya might get some good laughs in."

OOC: Giving the captain 150gp for supplies and such, if they want pork that should get them quite a bit.

Temnir strides over to Solomon, taking up next to him. "So I saw Maeria leaving town last night while I was on business. She say anything to you why she was leaving? Well, no matter it seems you lot found a suitable and possibly more profitable companion to replace her." Temnir looks over his shoulder out towards the docks and the streets beyond as if looking for something.

Felicia follows Solomon up the gangplank to the ship. Sensing that he's not at his best, Felicia doesn't crowd him, but does stay near. She looks over the ship and crew once she's on the deck. They do seem to know what they're doing.

"The adventuring life isn't for everyone.  She may have been content with the gold she got for selling those magic items," he explained to Temnir.  Solomon headed below deck to check on Cho'kobo.  As he headed down the steps he withdrew a mint leaf, one of the few items the inn keeper was able to provide.  He ran it over his teeth and gums, before simply chewing on it, to help freshen his breath.