The flags of Thena the Golden waved in the distance, welcoming the heroes as they ventured towards the city.

Lord Joris had suggested that after inspecting the ship down at the docks, that they find lodging near the The Poets’ Plaza in the city itself, so better as to find a suitable crew for the ship. They would also need to find a suitable captain, unless one of them was skilled enough to take on the role. Once outfitted, they could begin their voyage.

The smells and sights of the city were overwhelming for those who were strangers to it, while more of a comfort for the natives. Finally, they make their way to the Poets' Plaza and find suitable lodging at Athena's Shield, where they book out a number of rooms.  They could begin their inquiries this very evening if they so chose, but there was plenty of Thena to explore in the meantime if they were so inclined...

Ordinarily Eurenomes would have jumped at the chance to explore Thena (and perhaps find a dice game or to to relieve a few of Athena's followers of excessive drachmas) but after his vision he looked drawn and shaken, his eyes shadowed with shock and fear.  He spoke little and clutched his Caduceus so tightly his knuckles went white.  He walked like a man thrice his age.

It had taken a long time for the priest of Hermes to recover sufficently to relate his vision.  He drew Aleta aside and told her first in private, unbelivably glad that there was at least one other follower of silver tongued Hermes in the group. He found great comfort in that faith. The others took much longer and it was much harder to tell all that he had seen.

Having finally said all he retired to his room at Athena's Shield alone to try and recover from the shock.

Ever the warrior, and uncomfortable in the city, Zuri elects to stay with the ship and explore it. She wanted to know every room, every nook, every cranny. While hopefully, she would never need to use that knowledge, if, for some reason, the ship were attacked while they were sailing, she wanted to know every position on the ship and where she could position herself best.

She also preferred the peace and quiet that could be found on the ship, even if the gentle rocking was a bit disconcerting to her. Eventually, she would get used to that, and would learn to turn it to her advantage.

Before the others leave for the time being, she asks of Mathias, "How shall we be provisioning the boat? Since we will not be able to hunt, how will food be provided?" While she, Artaxes, and Mathias had been traveling across country, they could hunt for their food, but at sea, she had no way of knowing how to get food. She knew there were fish and fishermen, but didn't know if they would help on the journey.

The only time she leaves the ship is to head in and get a little food. Otherwise time is spent trying different tactics and getting a feel for the ship. Even as night comes, she elects to sleep in the cabin of the ship, instead of at the inn as she feels more comfortable away from the crowds.

Artaxes had joined the others in taking lodging at Athena's Shield.  He knew not what he thought of Eurenomes' visions.  The man was yet a stranger to him and he knew well enough that some priests were mad while others saw true.  Who could say which was the case with this one?

As for examining the ship, he took no more than a quick tour of it, finding it sound enough and indeed larger than any he had ever sailed.  Artaxes knew he would make no fit captain of such a vessel nor would the crew be apt to listen to a Hyperborean.  Leaving his shield and javelins at the inn, he announced his attention to head out and look for suitable sailing men to any who might wish to join him.  He was apt to have a good eye for strong hands suited to the work, if not necessarily the silver tongued needed to convince them to come aboard or negotiate a fair price.

When Eurenomes told him about the vision, Arthanos was shaken and slightly worried by its message. As he pondered the tale, he noticed some interesting things between what the others had said earlier and what the vision apparently showed Eurenomes. Wondering to himself, he figured he'd try to pin Itylus down to talk to him at some point.

With some questions in his mind, and a desire to seek answers, Arthanos planned to head out. He stopped long enough to pause and hear where the others were going before heading off himself.

He does also ask the group "Where are we planning to find a captain?" Turning to look at Artaxes, he replies to the man's remark about looking for people. "Maybe scout tonight and tell them to come by hear tomorrow when we can all talk to them? How many do you think we'll need for the ship anyway?"

Matthias listened to Eurenomes' chilling tale of his vision intently and with a concerned look.

"I will go to the docks and seek a suitable captain for the ship," Mattias says when the others ask about their plans for the evening.

Looking to Arthanos, he asks, "will you join me, Arthanos?"

During the time it had taken Eurnomes to be forthcoming about what he'd seen, Dysis had kept to herself.   Brooding; often pacing.

Once he'd finally, haltingly, begun to divulge his awful vision, she'd listened in grave and stoic silence.   With sympathy for the priest, at having endured that.  She was just as glad her own magic didn't involve vision or prophecy. For exactly this sort of reason.

She committed as much of the grisly details to memory as she could.

Afterward, she'd glanced toward Itylus, to appraise his initial reactions.  Like Arthanos, she made it a point to try and speak with him after.  To see what clarification he might be able to offer.  If any.

Then, she was more than content to leave details concerning the ship to the men, who had experience. Or at least a better idea what they were doing.

Other things pulled at her to try and answer.  "I'm going out. To seek a particular temple, if I can find it," she told Arthanos, the newcomers, anyone else who was listening.  And then departed.

It took some time, several tries, and a lot of patience, until, bit by bit, Itylus was able to squeeze the whole vision out of poor Eurenomes. And what an ominous message Hermes had delivered! It seemed obvious that the dark cultists hadn't given up their nefarious devices yet, and were going to try to summon the fiend once more. In no other place than one of the Three Cities. It was now clear they wouldn't stop until they summoned that thing. The simple idea of that happening again chilled him to the bone.

Even so, Eurenomes' vision also gave hope to Itylus, because for the first time in a long time he knew exactly where his prey was.

Later, Itylus went thank properly Eurenomes for his help. He felt sorry for having the usually merry priest endure such terrible ordeal. In the end, he told him:"I promise you Eurenomes, and may both Artemis and Hermes be my witnesses, that I will use every ounce of energy I possess to stop the nightmare you saw from turning real." Once more, he added mentally.

---

Itylus found now himself walking through the darkening streets of Thena, close to the docks, in search for a place where common travelers would gather. He had passed the last few days trying to figure out the whole meaning behind Eurenomes' vision, but so far he had got nothing but the obvious conclusions he had already reached and shared with the others.

Leaving the ship's preparations to the ones who knew about that, Itylus soon had set out from the Athena's Shield in search for someplace where he could get news from travelers, hoping to hear word of the cultists, or a clue that would help them understand the vision.

As night falls he finally spots what looks to be a tavern, he decides to try his luck and heads there.

Aleta talks with him and tries to comfort Eurenomes, says visions has many different meanings and they just provide guidance.  Men still have a choice in their destiny.

She offers to go to his room with him if he wants company.

Eurenomes was still clearly shaken but touched by Aleta's concern, accepted her offer of company. He had some wine sent up to steady his nerves.

"Thank you." The priest told the entertainer as he moved to sit on a wooden chest so she could sit on the bed. "I have to admit that wasn't the vision I was hoping for..."

He smiled wryly and took a sip of wine, something of his colour returning to his cheeks.  "Still silver tongued Hermes would not have sent it to me if he didn't want me to do something about it. Which means He must think we can do something about it, right?"

She grins at Eurenomes as she pours them some wine "I think he did and made it so you might know how serious it is. It is definitely not something you can ignore. I think we can try to look at what it means but you must consider the source." she hands him a glass and sits down on the bed, crossing her legs so she is comfortable.

"Good luck." Arthanos calls to Dysis as she departs.

He then turns to look at Matthias. "Sure, I'd be happy to help. ANy idea where to start?"

Eurenomes smiled as he took the glass, unable to resist a quick glance at Aleta's legs as she crossed them. Embarassed he looked up, making himself focus on her face and eyes.  Though he found Aleta extremely attractive right now he needed a friend an confidate more than someone to drool over.

"Well, I don't know how religious you are but silver tongued Hermes is an easy going patron. He's god of merchants, travellers, gamblers and... uh... those people who aren't entirely honest. You know people who live by their wits." Eurenomes explained, smiling ruefully. "Which means we won't beat this thing by strength alone. We'll have to be crafty."

He paused, taking another sip of wine before continuing.  "At first I thought the lady in my vision wasn't a real lady but represents the city of Argos herself, with her baby being the citizens.  Now though I'm not so sure... maybe there is a real woman with child we have to save to stop this.  I've been away from my home city far too long."

Matthias smiles and says with a shrug of his shoulders, "I guess finding a tavern on the wharf is the best bet.  Unfortunately, I was a horseman in the military and felt more comfortable in the saddle then on the deck of a ship."

Artaxes joined Arthanos and Matthias.  "The wharf-side pothouses would be the best place to start, agreed.  Should we find a skilled enough captain who is known in this city, he may bring the better part of a crew with him." Unless there's further discussion, he will head for the docks, eager to see the chore started and done as soon as possible.  He was not one for lingering long in such cities.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:48, Mon 13 Jan 2014.

Aleta grins mischievously as she sips her wine "Yes, I know he is the god of thieves. Entertaining is my side job, I do a little of everything, some of which was not always honest. Its why I don't have a fear of sneaking around. I figure I should not lie to a priest after all"

She thinks for a minute "It could be.  Or a mix, like the lady is a mother to the city. Who knows. Who is the current leader I wonder?"

"Honesty is for the uncreative." Eurenomes replied, before chuckling and adding. "Sometimes at least. Don't worry Aleta your secret is safe with me.  I am a priest, and proud to be one but I think keen eyed Hermes has a soft spot for the likes of us."

He was feeling better having someone to talk to and thoughtfully considered Aleta's question.  "Like I said it has been a long time since I've been home but last I heard Argon the Proud still rules, he of the very many daughters. A great man in his day my father told me but his day was decades ago. So the real leader is probably his second son Prince Kyros"

The priest grimaced at the mention of Kyros - Eurenomes was not a fan.

In reply to Eurenomes (msg # 17):

"I may not be the most honest but I am loyal to my friends and I don't try not to hurt people. I don't like to hurt people, normally but I will if I have too" she grins.

"Well, we will have to work on the vision some more. Maybe we can think on it while we travel. Actually as we travel, we might get some inspiration as we are following our gods will"

Their plans settled (for the most part) the group disperses, save for Aleta and Eurenomes who spend some time together talking to one another...

---

Dysis



Dysis wandered for some time before she found what the temple she was looking for...

---

Zuri



The ship was not very impressive. To say that the The Peaceful Wanderer was a well weathered ship would be an understatement. Zuri cautiously enters the ship, and immediately startles the sleepy guard posted on duty. Once she explains who she is and why she is there, she is granted access to the ship and begins to explore it.

From her reasoning and assessment, the best position for her in case of an attack would be up in the crow's nest. From there she could lob arrows off at an enemy should they attack, and, if she set it up properly, she could even swing down a rope to attack enemies should they board the ship.

Fighting in close quarters on the ship's deck would be difficult though. There wouldn't be much room to swing a sword or axe, and the sway of the ship - even in these gentle waters - could disturb the pacing of a warrior as they faced off against an enemy. Time on board would certainly help in the adjustment.

Zuri heads into an empty cabin - reckoning it to be either the First Mate's or Captain's Cabin. It was difficult to tell given how small they were. Claustrophobia could be a problem here...

---

Artaxes, Arthanos & Matthias



After some discussion, the noblemen and barbarian agree to head to the wharf-side taverns to see about scrounging up a suitable captain and crew...

All manners of men and women are attracted to these kinds of places. Few nobles came here, and thus Arthanos and Matthias draw suspicious looks as they enter, though any hostile gaze is quickly averted once Artaxes enters the room.

After several such places, and making several inquiries, the men find a promising ship's captain who was unemployed. He was a gruff, older man, with a grizzled white beard who told them that he was from Heraklia by birth. Scars from past battles were across his face, and he was well tanned from his travels on the sea. He is also a man of few words. "A'yup. I could." he says in a gravely voice when inquired if he could captain the ship. "What's the pay?" he then inquires.

---

Itylus



Itylus takes a different path then the other men, and what he sought was different from them. It takes him some time, but finally he does find a suitable tavern filled with a number of interesting individuals.

There was a traveler from Heraklia, a minor noblewoman with fiery red hair who flashed looks of interest towards him as soon as he entered. There was also a centaur - a huge, barrel-chested individual who was busy downing as many alcoholic beverages as possible. There was also a lyricist from Argos, draped in fine blue silk who sang from his table on occasion. He had many hanger-ons, mostly young women who seemed to adore him. Finally, there was a gambler from Argos who was on a winning streak. In his hands he flashed a golden coin from finger to finger and laughed as he won his bets and smiled knowingly as he lost a few others.

The question for Itylus would be who he would choose to approach to speak with.
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 04:05, Sat 18 Jan 2014.

In reply to Aleta (msg # 18):

Eurenomes looked greatly cheered by this speech and raised his glass in a toast to the entertainer.  "To friends, then." He smiled.

"Your right of course we should keep our eyes open when we get to Argos, and aboard ship I think.  In fact maybe we should see how the others are doing?" The priest was still a little pale but he seemed much recovered by his talk with Aleta (and the wine.)

She takes his hand "Don't worry, I will be there for you and our god. Lets go and see some of the town with the others. " she drinks down her wine. Then she stands up and helps him up. "So, what do you think will help? We could see what the town has to offer before we head out."

Eurenomes smiled.  "Good thinking.  It seems like the others are going to find a men for our ship, so let's strike out on our own.  I'll wager there is at least one Argosian ship in port and with your looks and my silver tongue and both of our quick wits we should be able to get some gossip from the crew about what has been happening in my home city while I've been away."

"So, lets go down to the docks and check out the bars. We can mingle with the sailors and see what gossip they have. I figure we can find out what has been happening there. I wonder how far it is to sail back there? I really don't know anything about sailing" she takes his arm and walks along with him.

Aleta and Eurenomes

Departing the inn somewhat later then the rest of their companions, Aleta and Eurenomes make their way towards the docks to find a bar where they can mingle amongst some of the sailors in port in Thena. It was there that they found the mixing of people from all over Mythika. While plenty of Thenaians were down here, there were also those from Argos, Heraklia and from any manner of place in-between the great cities.

Into one of the bars they entered, they overheard this snippet of conversation almost immediately from a sailor - originally from Argos by the look of him - who was talking very excitedly and with great animation to another sailor. "... the poor sod. Guess he was an outcast, I suppose. Tells the captain about a great treasure at the bottom of the ocean. A mermaid or some sort took pity and rescued him from drowning... but get this... he tells the captain that the people living underseas plan to invade. Can you believe it?" This is followed by laughter by both men. "So he says he is going to run off and warn everybody he can. The fool."

The conversation changes topic as they start talking about weather patterns and past voyages.

Looking around the bar, Aleta and Eurenomes spot a few other interesting looking individuals.

There is a a Pankratiast - a master of puglism and wrestling - who is arm-wrestling any who dare challenge him for coin. By look of the pile of silver next to him, he is handily winning his matches thus far. At the end of the bar is a lonely looking Amazonian woman drinking by herself. While she looks somewhat similar to Zuri, this warrior seems to lack Zuri's fierceness and instead looks disheartened as she drowns her sorrows. Finally, there is a master thief (at least he would be by Aleta's estimation) relaxing near the back of the bar. He has a finely trimmed grey beard and an eyepatch over his left eye. He watches the proceedings of what happens in the bar with great interest.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:56, Thu 23 Jan 2014.

Aleta leans close to Eurenomes "This is truly an interesting place. I wonder who we should speak with first. I could go talk to the man in the corner if you want to talk to the amazon. She looks like she needs some consoling." She grins as the sailors story ends. "That is of course if we have enough time before the invasion of the sea people."

Eurenomes grinned back and added: "Sailors aren't famous for their understatement.  I'll talk to the amazon then, you talk to your kindred spirit over there."

Strolling over to the Amazon Eurenomes gave the warrioress a friendly smile. "You are a long way from home mighty warrioress and you look like you have a tale that is weighing heavily on you.  Care to tell a man of the gods?  Perhaps I can help - or at least offer a friendly ear."

As he spoke the priest lay his Caduceus staff on the bar beside her to show he was indeed a follower of silver tongued Hermes rather than simply a wine guzzler looking to chat up one of the famous vigaros of Themyscira.

Aleta got a bottle of wine and then strolled over to the man in the corner. "Greetings sir. Would you might if we talked a little bit?" she bowed slightly, as she opens her cloak, showing off her full figure. "I am curious if you could help me with something?" she says with a smile.

Itylus took a moment to observe the four curious individuals that he found in that tavern. He quickly dismissed the centaur, of the four he seemed to Itylus the less likely to know something useful to him, and most likely he would be too drunk to be a reliable, or even a safe, source of information anyway (centaurs were already hot-headed enough when sober). The argosean lyrist would have been Itylus' first choice if he weren't surrounded for so many people at the moment. Itylus decided to wait until he could speak more privately with the lyrist.

So, for now, that left him with only two options, the argosean gambler and the heracklian noblewoman. The gambler, being from Argos, would probably know more about what he looked for, however, there was something about the noblewoman that caught Itylus attention, and in the end the hunter decided to go talk to  her first, while keeping an eye on the other three.

Itylus approched the heracklian woman's table and said: "Good evening, my lady, do you mind if I take a sit?",
This message was last edited by the player at 11:25, Fri 24 Jan 2014.

Aleta



The master thief glances at Aleta first skeptically, then appreciatively. "Oh, you come bearing gifts then? he says, a low rumble in his voice. "And what could a poor old man like myself do for such a lovely lady as you?" he inquires. The thief's one good eye is fixed firmly on Aleta, though as she looks at him in return she notices that his hands are hidden within his cloak.

---

Eurenomes



"Look mister, I'm not interested in..." she says instinctively before actually noticing Eurenomes. "Oh. A priest are you?" she says, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Doubtful you could help. Men of the Gods know little of love. That is my experience anyway." she says. "Tell me, priest. What do you know of love? Love's bitterness? The pain?" she asks, pausing only to take another drink.

---

Itylus



"Not at all." she almost purrs. "I was rather hoping you would." she says, giving a quick toss of her fiery mane. "You don't look like most of the men from Thena." she then says. "You look a bit... more wild. What brings you to this city, good sir?"

As she gazed upward at the statue of her patron goddess, Dysis cleared her thoughts for the moment.

This wasn't quite what she'd been seeking...she'd been hoping for the sort of temple that might also serve as a repository of lore.   But for the sort that she was seeking, she would more likely need one that emphasized the Lady's role in the underworld.  As the bride of Hades.

Still, this was one of her sacred shrines.  And it was never a bad time for prayer.  Particularly with what might well lie ahead.   And so she went down on her knees, drew a deep breath:

"O blessed queen, Persephone divine
To these rites please incline
Hades’s honored wife, great Goddess, source of life
‘Tis thine in earth’s profundities to dwell
Fast by the wide and dismal gates of hell
Zeus’ holy offspring, of beauteous mien
Praxidike, avenging Goddess, subterranean queen
Hear me Goddess, what should not escape the earth
Threatens to come forth in unholy birth
Help to keep it locked below
Where mortal hearts may never know
The bane of such a deadly, dire foe
Restrain it to realms underneath
Where Hades rules, enforces peace
Cast it from your palace on blissful plains
Kept forever in hell's dark flames"

She stayed still for a time, and then arose.  Perhaps she would try to speaks with the priestesses here, though she held doubts about how it might be received, in a temple primarily devoted to Demeter...
This message was last edited by the player at 16:53, Fri 24 Jan 2014.

In reply to Maze Master (msg # 29):

"Aphrodite makes fools of us all warrioress, priests included." Eurenomes said, voice sympathetic as he took a seat by the Amazon.

"I too have loved, if perhaps not well and not wisely as is appropriate for one of Hermes. And even a man of the gods can have regrets. I remember once seeing Princess Hespia at a festival not long before I left Argos. She was the daughter of white beared old Argon and she played the lyre like she was more muse than princess.  I can still see her now if I close my eyes, sitting there in white with a diadem of wildflowers in her chestnut hair.  Our gazes met once across the tables and we shared a smile... but I was a mere initiate of the gods and she was a princess and that smile was all we shared.  Why I have not even seen her in four years and for all I know she is the wife of some great noble... or a handmaiden in Hades halls."

His voice had taken on a distant quality as if he was drawing into a world of his own memories.

The noblewoman's answer raises some doubts on Itylus' mind about the nature of her interest on him, nonetheless he still takes his sit (in a way he is still able to watch the other three individuals) and answers: "I am simple hunter passing through Thena on my way to Argos, my lady. What about you? What brings a lady of your stature to a place like this, all by herself?"

Matthias looks hesitant briefly before saying boldly, "we will pay you a gold coin to get us to Argos and back here.  However, in Argos we may have need to sail elsewhere before returning here, and if so we may want to retain your services further.  We can discuss payment if that need arises in Argos.  Does this sound acceptable to you?"

Artaxes, Arthanos & Matthias



The old captain seems to mull this over for a moment. "A'yup. 'Suppose it would." he says slowly as he looks over the three men. "Got yourselves a crew for your ship?" he asks.  Upon being informed that they had not, the captain says "I've got a good first mate. Can round up some steady seaworthy men too. You'd need to pay their wages as well." he adds "But, another gold piece will take care of wages for both voyages." he stands, and stretches out a hand for whoever makes the final agreement. "Deal? I'll meet you tomorrow morning if so." he concludes by introducing himself "I'm Spiros."

OOC: Assuming the deal is acceptable, Artaxes, Arthanos and Matthias are free to go do something else. If they want to just hire the captain and retain their own crew, they can make that deal as well, but you'd need to set out to look for suitable sailors to join up.

---

Dysis



The icon of Persephone's jeweled eyes flash brightly in the dim lighting as she looks passively at Dysis. There is no evidence that her Goddess had heard her prayer. She would have to take it on faith.

As Dysis prepares to leave the small shrine to Persephone, she nearly runs into a priestess of the temple who was on her way in. This woman, however, was not one of the greeters that Dysis had met before on her way in to Demeter's temple. This one wears darker robes and carries in her hands a pomegranate. "Pardon me, sister..." she says as she and Dysis step back from one another after nearly colliding. The woman pauses for a second though and looks intently at Dysis as if trying to gauge her countenance. "You seem... troubled. Does something weigh upon your shoulders, my sister?" she asks, her eyes flashing for a moment in the darkness.

---

Eurenomes



The Amazon seems to take Eurenomes' story well. "If what you say is true, then perhaps you something of what I suffer." she says. "Aphrodite is cruel indeed, to send the torment of my heart to my homeland. It was love from the moment I saw him, but he never saw me. Paid me no mind as he talked to my people." she sighs heavily and gazes into her cups. "I prayed to the Gods that I would be chosen to accompany him to Thena on behalf of my people to undertake a great mission, but the Gods are cruel and another was picked instead."

She continues "I couldn't stay. I had to follow them, had to find him and tell him of my love and force him to come back with me. But it is impossible. His family is of noble blood here and I have not the means to take him for my own." she says.

"That is my woe, Priest. And it is why I drink tonight."

---

Itylus



"To Argos, you say?" she says, her ears perking up at mention of the city. "How unusual. It happens that my business may take me to Argos as well soon enough." she says, shifting her position in her seat slightly to face Itylus more directly. "I am not quite by myself though, there are others from my Heraklia in Thena with me, but I am... a kind of diplomat, in a sense, of representing my family here. In Heraklia my family is poor, at least as far as a noble house can ever be poor." she flashes a bright smile.

"When do you travel to Argos, fair hunter?" she asks, she moves her hand towards Itylus', brushing slightly against his for the moment.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:37, Fri 24 Jan 2014.

Aleta sits down and pours wine for both of them. "I sense you are not just an old man and I hope you might have certain wisdom I seek." she sips her wine "I have recently done some work around here and I am trying to find out if there are any opportunities around here"

In reply to Maze Master (msg # 34):

Eurenomes was silent a moment, digesting the Amazon's story.  "What is your name warrioress?  I admit that I, Eurenomes of Argos am not of great noble name but I have often heard of the Amazons of Themiscyra and what great athletes and archers they are. It may be that you have little enough coin but I have a feeling you have other resources to call on - your strength, skill and courage.  Look to those warrioress. Use your abilities to impress your love through exploits of bow and spear so that when he next meets you his family will have to recognise you as a heroine worthy of him."

He chuckled ruefully. "Believe me no one ever became great staring into a bowl of wine."

Snapped from her reverie, Dysis swiftly appraised the woman she'd nearly collided with. Most significantly of all, she noted the fruit.  And knew well what that symbolized.  Inwardly she smiled, though her features did not reflect it.   Perhaps she had been answered.   In any case, she deemed no harm would come from being honest with this servant of the Lady.

"Yes, sister.  Thank you for asking.  It is so that something weights upon me. Something of very, very grave concern. Something I have committed to oppose, in what ways I can.  If you are willing to listen, I will tell you of it.  And if my prayers have been heard, perhaps you may be able to offer direction..."   

Aleta



The old thief takes his glass and takes a sip of the wine. "Oh, there are always opportunities for an enterprising young lady such as yourself." he says. "But the opportunities depend on the kind of person you are. Whether you consider yourself to be more of a stealthy woman, or perhaps a seducer of men and women, or even an assassin..."He gives her a steady look with his one good eye, gauging what her response.

---

Eurenomes



"I am Telepyleia." she says. "Perhaps there is some truth in what you suggest, and perhaps there is not. May the Gods look kindly upon you, Eurenomes of Argos. Perhaps someday one of my sisters will steal you as a husband, and we'll meet again then."

---

Dysis



As Dysis starts to tell the woman some of what troubles her, the woman's eyes widen and she gestures for the two to enter into the Goddess' shrine where they can talk privately. The woman listens intently to Dysis as she tells her what she is trying to learn.

"The arch-fiend you describe is Thanator. It is a horror that has not been seen on Mythika in more then an age. Thanator and other arch-fiends live in the lower depths of the infernal realms, kept in check and controlled by Hades and Persephone. A dark cult could break this arch-fiend from its bonds and allow it to feed and grow strong on the world, letting it break other arch-fiends free from the bonds of Hades."

She shakes her head. "Such an act would draw the attention of all of Olympus, and perhaps that is the intent of those who seek to bring the horrors that are chained in Hades to the world above. But to what end? I do not know."

"I do not know anything about the dark cult you describe. The only thing I would suggest is to try and infiltrate it in some way, if that is even possible. Perhaps wherever you travel to you can discover the kind of people who are attracted to this cult. Who do they recruit from the Great Cities and why? Are the rich and powerful involved, or do they draw from the disaffected and powerless? It is a mystery, dear sister."

---

Zuri





From the shambles of the bed in the quarters she had stepped in, Zuri looks up at the ceiling. Her eyes start to close for just a minute when she hears the a loud *THUMP* as something (or someone) hits the deck directly above her.

Eyes open, she waits for a minute and listens. She hears footsteps, at first a few, and then several as people board the ship.

Zuri rolls over quietly and grabs her weapons. Tiptoeing to the door, she opens it a crack to peer out on the deck to see if she can make out who has boarded and whether or not they should be on the ship. She'll stay inside the cabin, to be able to use the door as a way of funneling their attacks, if they are of hostile intent.

When she sees them, she'll call out a challenge, "Halt! State your business!"

Zuri



As Zuri peers out the crack, she sees three hooded figures standing over the body of the sleepy guard that she had startled when she first came on board the ship. One of them yanks an arrow from the guard's body, and all three turn towards her, one armed with a bow, the other two with long knifes as she called out her challenge.

"There's another on board? There was just supposed to be this one!" says one of the men with a knife.
"Doesn't matter. Kill her and dump her!" says the man with a bow.

Zuri steps back from the door as an arrow *thumps* into it. The arrowhead pieces the wood door but doesn't go all the way through, fortunately.

There isn't much room for her in the bowels of the ship. She could make her way back to the captain's cabin, or perhaps look for a porthole to scramble out of if she wanted to get back to the deck (or to jump into the bay). Whatever she does, she'd need to do it fast as the men fast approach her position...
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:56, Sun 26 Jan 2014.

Given the easy defensibility of her position, Zuri will stay in the room and use the door to channel the men into a single chokepoint. As the first one reaches the door, she'll stab out with her spear at him.

Aleta looks at the old man as she sips her wine as she speaks quietly"I can be a seducer and stealthy but I am not into murder. Oh, I guess spying is fine too." she says with a grin.

"Well, depending on what interesting things I find out what going on here, I was thinking of heading to Argos.  I have never been there before but the priest I hang out with is from there and what to head back"

Zuri



The hooded men moved faster then Zuri expected.

With great ferocity, the men with knives threw open the door leading into the ship, and immediately the man with the bow shot an arrow out towards the Amazon. Fortunately, it is blocked by Zuri's shield. As that man begins to reload, the other two make their move to head in. As the first one approaches, Zuri attempts to skewer him with her spear, however he is swifter then she thought and neatly parries her attack with his knife. He then draws in it and slices at Zuri's forearm, doing some damage to her.

Zuri assesses her situation.  From where she is now, she is in close combat with the man who just injured her, and doesn't have the maneuverability to effectively thrust her spear. On the other hand, the second man with a knife cannot enter in, and the one with the bow cannot shoot without risking hitting his allies.  The Amazon could switch to her own dagger to ward off the enemy, or even her bow if she can get enough room to fire it.


Zuri - you take 2 damage this round.

OOC: 20:02, Today: Maze Master, on behalf of Zuri, rolled 11 using 1d20+3. Attack.
20:03, Today: Maze Master rolled 20 using 1d20+4. Enemy Attack Zuri (Knife).
20:03, Today: Maze Master rolled 17 using 1d20+4. Enemy Attack Zuri (Bow).
20:04, Today: Maze Master rolled 2 using 1d3. Damage to Zuri (Knife).

---

Aleta



"Not everybody has quite the stomach for murder." says the old thief in a low voice. "A woman of your professed talents might have some luck in Argos, if you like to play politics that is." he coughs a moment and wipes his mouth with his sleeve "But before we talk about that, let's get a sense of your talent locally, hmm?"

"There is a certain... item of interest to some friends of mine. A ornate vase... Right now it belongs to a certain Noble family here in Thena. If you can get that for me this evening and bring it back here, well... then perhaps I'll tell you a bit more about Argos. How does that sound to you, hm?"

Defending the ship is a matter of honor to Zuri. While she may be outnumbered, she will not retreat. Drawing her dagger, she thrusts at the attacker, hoping to wound him and possibly drive them off.

"Well, I have to say, I am up for that as long as its not Lord Joris.  I did some work for him and he has been very kind to me. I am loyal to those who have done me right" she says as she sips her wine, waiting to see what the old thief says.

Eurenomes looked a mixture of intrigued and alarmed by this prospect and settled on a wry smile. "Perhaps indeed, though I had not thought any of your sisters would be interested in the likes of me my honourable friend. Still I would find it a pleasure to meet you again someday and learn of what heroic actions you have accomplished."

He looked thoughtful a moment.  "I can tell you are a fine warrioress Telepyleia but what other talents do you possess? Can you play the lyre, dance or sing?"

Zuri



Forced into a situation where she has to trade knife blow with knife blow, Zuri momentarily drops her spear and with a quick flick draws her dagger from its sheathe and cuts the enemy's arm with it. She then quickly parries his return attack.

"Back off! Back off! This woman's got some teeth!" exclaims the man who she had just injured.


OOC:

22:39, Today: Maze Master rolled 14 using 1d20+4. Attack Zuri (Knife).
22:38, Today: Maze Master, on behalf of Zuri, rolled 1 using 1d3. Damage.
22:38, Today: Maze Master, on behalf of Zuri, rolled 22 using 1d20+3. Attack (Dagger).

---

Aleta



The old thief nods. "Good to remember your friends. Just make sure they aren't thieves as well." he says, giving her a rakish grin. "The target is  House Theodori. They are an old noble family. Very traditional, and their compound is easy to find. Get the vase tonight and bring it back to me. It has certain... religious significance, so I'd suggest you look in the family's private shrine once you get inside their compound."

"Oh. And do try not to attract attention." he gives Aleta a wink with his good eye.

---

Eurenomes



Only now does Eurenomes see the Amazon smile for the first time, and then watches her break out into laughter. She slaps Eurenomes' arm and he can feel the great strength she possesses as she does so. "Why yes, of course!" she says "I sing many battle songs as I fire my arrows into battle! And I dance the dance of death when I face down a Minotaur armed with only my bow and spear!" she grins "But the lyre? No, I do not play it." she laughs again as she drains her glass.

OOC: I'm OK with Spiros hiring a crew for us.  I just didn't want hog up this scene and make all the decisions as was waiting for Arthanos and Artaxes to chime in if they wanted.

Zuri strikes with her dagger at the retreating combatant. While the temptation is strong to continue attacking him, she knows that she is in a good defensive position, so after her strike she moves to the side of the door so she's not exposed to the other men. If either of them attempt to enter the cabin, she'll strike with her dagger again.

Itylus' doesn't react outwardly  at the noblewoman's touch, however he  decides that probably is wisest not to delay himself much longer with the woman, so he smiles and goes straight to the point:

"I'll go soon, my lady, that's why I came here in hope to hear the latest news from Argos before I depart there. I also am trying to verify some rumors that say some shady figures have been sighted lately in these roads, and that they aren't as safe as they used to be." Itylus says this with a casual demeanor, but his eyes are intent on the noblewoman. With a smile he asks casually: "Don't you happen to know anything about any of this matters, my lady?"

Shrouded within the folds of her cowl and cloak, Dysis wound her way back to the streets, after departing the Ladies' temple.

Some of the pieces of the puzzle had been fit together, by the grace of the Lady, and the knowledge of her priestess.  But more remained to be assembled.  She as yet knew nothing of the cult.  Naturally, being what they were, information on them was going to be very hard to come by.  But that didn't mean she was done for the night.

There was still the temple of Hades to try, if she could manage to find one.

Eurenomes winced at the blow but laughed all the same.  "Well said warrioress; some are born to perform odes, some to inspire those odes. No mistaking which you are."

He nodded to the barman to send more wine their way before turning back to the Amazon.  "My ship sails for Argos soon enough but I have more than enough time to hear a tale or two of your adventures if you feel up to it"  He gave her a friendly grin.

The old thief nods. "Good to remember your friends. Just make sure they aren't thieves as well." he says, giving her a rakish grin. "The target is  House Theodori. They are an old noble family. Very traditional, and their compound is easy to find. Get the vase tonight and bring it back to me. It has certain... religious significance, so I'd suggest you look in the family's private shrine once you get inside their compound."

"Oh. And do try not to attract attention." he gives Aleta a wink with his good eye.

She sips her wine "OK, I can try that. So, can you tell me if anything is going on there tonight?  Breaking in during a party is different then a normal night.  And just what does this vase look like? and how late will you be here tonight?' She was not sure she liked doing a job right now but hopefully he might give some valuable information. Old thieves could know a lot.

Matthias smiles and seems pleased with the conclusion of the negotiations and says to Spiros, "good then.  Yes, gather your crew and we'll see you on the docks in the morning."

Turning to his companions, he says in a conversational tone, "I shall return to our inn and relax there since we're going to have an early morning.  Will you join me, or is the night still too young for you two?"

Arthanos stays quiet, not quite sure what the offer for the captain should be. When Matthias puts forth his offer, Arthanos watches the captain carefully to gauge his reaction. The fact that the captain accepts the offer and solves their crew problem suits him fine.

"Thank you for accepting. It is much appreciated. Allow us to buy you a drink as thanks." he says.

Smiling cheerfully, he listens to Matthias' proposal before replying. "I am looking forward to a rest, but I have some small errands to run first. I should be back in a little while at the hotel. If you are still up then, I am happy to join you then."

Matthias Michelakos

The business with the old sea captain concluded, Matthias bids Arthanos and Artaxes a good evening and returns to the inn that they had rented out. Although it wouldn't compare to the comfort of his family's estate (or indeed any other noble's estate in Thena or elsewhere) it was quiet and relaxing, and he would be able to get a good night's sleep there.

---

Zuri



Her assailants begin to move back, and Zuri takes advantage of his to get in a solid attack on her enemy just as he turned his back to her. He yelps in pain as he scatters out onto the deck.

Zuri waits a moment to see if any of the other hooded men attempt to enter. She can hear them moving about on the deck of the ship now. She also then hears a loud *SPLASH* as something hits the water below.

What would she do now?

OOC:
23:05, Today: Maze Master, on behalf of Zuri, rolled 3 using 1d3. Damage.
23:05, Today: Maze Master, on behalf of Zuri, rolled 23 using 1d20+3. Attack.

---

Itylus



Her hand continues to rest on his. "There are always rumors about the roads being unsafe. Everybody knows that it is a toss of the dice on whether you'll get from one city to the other safely nowadays." she says "It is always best to travel by sea. The Argosians know this better then anyone."

"Why don't you travel with me on my ship to Argos? I can make sure that you are... well looked after." she says suggestively.

---

Dysis



Dysis takes back to the streets. Not many cities maintained worship of Hades, but then again, Thena was no ordinary city. Unlike the temples devoted to Apollo, Athena, and Zeus - the temple of Hades took no great position overlooking the city.

Buried deep inside the city, Dysis eventually finds the House of Hades. To her frustration, however, the doors are closed and there isn't a clear way in. As she looks around the place, an old man approaches her. "Only the Priests can enter. he says, giving her a toothless smile. "Or the dead."

---

Eurenomes



She gives a quick laugh. "Perhaps another time, Priest." she says. "I thank you, though, for the company." she says "Perhaps my own travels will take me to Argos soon enough. It depends on where my heart's desire goes. If so, then I'm sure the Gods will endeavor for us to meet again there."

---

Aleta



The old thief chuckles "You'll have to find out the answers to those for yourself, young woman. I can tell you that the vase details some of the adventures of the great Hercules, in particular, Hercules' capture of Cerberus.

"I'll be here. If you can't find me, then I'll find you." he says.

---

Arthanos



Arthanos makes his journey from the docks all the way up to The Akropolis. The temple of Athena was unmistakable and beautiful, as it should be, since she was the city's patron. It was truly glorious and normally drew pilgrims from all over the world who came to sacrifice to the great Goddess and beg for her favor.

Tonight, however, it is eerily quiet. For the first time he can remember, Arthanos can hear his own footsteps as he walks down the halls towards the statue of the Goddess herself. Athena wears her helm and carries her spear. The expression on the statue is serene, serious, and somewhat aloof.

As he looks up at her, studying the Goddess' face, he suddenly feels himself being poked in the ribs by something. Alarmed, he turns to face his assailant, and discovers that it was an old man jabbing him with a staff. Arthanos could have sworn that he was by himself. "You there, young man. It isn't polite to stare!" says the old man, jabbing Arthanos in the ribs once again. "What do you seek from Athena of the City? She who helped the Great Hercules navigate the underworld so as to capture Cerberus!" he jabs Arthanos again "Well! Speak up!"

"Father, I understand why that is rightly your policy," Dysis responded to the old, toothless priest.

"But, what brings me here is no common matter at all.  No random or superficial whim.  My name is Dysis.  And, since late youth, I have worshipped and been faithful to His bride."  She pulled forth the small icon of Persephone, a torch with a sheaf of grain, that she wore about her neck, usually within her chiton.

"And while I am no priestess, a trained mage I am. One who commands the element of darkness, that is sacred to your Master. I seek information in order to oppose something I believe no true devotee of Lord Hades would wish to have happen.  It is very much a matter of urgency; and not one I would voice outside, here."   

Sheating her dagger, Zuri picks up her bow and nocks an arrow. Keeping the door open, she slides to the back of the cabin and moves back and forth in the darkness, trying to spot any of the attackers. If she spies any of them, she'll fire her arrow at them.

Aleta finishes her wine. She thanks him and heads out. She heads back to were she is staying and talks with some of the servants, hoping that her host might have visited the target. She says she heard the target has a very interesting home and is wondering if any of them have ever been there.

Arthanos takes a step back, hopefully putting himself out of distance of the staff before replying.

"I apologize for staring, but you startled me. When I entered, I had not noticed anyone else, and so your presence was a surprise. I was hoping to pray for guidance for an upcoming trip, but to also try and seek some advise from one of the priests or priestesses. I have some questions, and I hoped they would be able to assist in finding some answers." Arthanos replies, doing his best to keep his gaze focused on the man's face, and not flickering towards the staff.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:26, Thu 30 Jan 2014.

The business of finding a captain concluded to his satisfaction, the barbarian heads off alone to explore the dockside taverns, where he is more apt to find company agreeable to him than in the city.  He does not pursue any particular adventures, contenting himself with a few strong cups until the night wears thin, at which point he returns to the inn, hoping for any early rising and departure on the morrow.

Eurenomes smiled and raised his wine a toast.  "I look forward to it brave warrioress and the Gods grant you fair luck on your travels."

Getting up from his stool and gathering his blue chlamys and Caduceus staff he saw Aleta had vanished.  After a moments thought he strolled over to join the sailors he had heard speaking when first he entered the tavern and gave them a friendly grin.  "Do my ears and eyes decieve me or are you also of Argos?  It has been too long since I met a fellow countryman."

Itylus sighs inwardly: this wasn't taking him anywhere. He decides that is better to move on and go talk to the gambler.


"I thank you for your offer, my lady, but I  already have some traveling companions so I fear I'll have to refuse your generous offer." He rises from his chair. "Now, if you excuse me, I must go talk to some people."

---

OCC: If the noblewoman has nothing else to tell him, Itylus will depart and approach the gambler

Dysis



The wizened old man cackles with delight, his voice getting high-pitched, and he outstretches a withered bony hand to examine the small icon of Persephone that Dysis had produced. "Oh my my, such faith you show to a stranger!" he grins his toothless grin and gestures towards Hades' domain. "Like I said though, only the priests or the dead." The old man outstretches his hand, inviting Dysis to take hold of it. The tenor of his voice now changes, and to Dysis' ears it sounds darker, more threatening now. There also appears to be a certain strength in the old man that she hadn't seen before. "Take my hand, and you will be of the Dead. Then you can enter, dark woman, and voice your urgency to He who Rules the Dead."

---

Zuri



Zuri cautiously steps out in the darkness of the night, her nerves are on edge and she is ready to dart in any direction should her assailants attack. A long minute passes as she finds a good spot to crouch down in and ready her arrow.

Finally - she spots a dark figure moving and she fires her arrow!  It misses, and Zuri hears the *thud* of the arrow striking the wooden ship. The dark figure disappears...

She waits another minute. Nothing happens.

Then she hears a splash from the other end of the ship.

Zuri assesses her situation. She was on the deck now of the ship, and at least one of her enemies was wounded. Unless there was more then three of them, it is likely that at least one of them just jumped overboard now. Looking towards the dock, there is a narrow gankplank heading up to the ship which was docked in harbor. The area is poorly lit, but she'd certainly be able to see anybody walking along in the docks.

She could possibly call for help. That might draw the attention of sailors or others down in the area, but it would certainly let her enemies know where she was as well.

OOC: 13:30, Mon 10 Feb 2014: Maze Master, on behalf of Zuri, rolled 7 using 1d20+3 ((4)).

---

Aleta



Back at the inn that the party was at before, Aleta speaks with some of the servants. None of them claim current employment by House Theodori, but one of the serving women mentions that she used to work as a maid at the house prior to some indiscretion of some sort with one of the sons. "That's how I got my son." she says. "The Theodori nobles are always looking for young women to 'comfort' themselves with." she says. "Usually they send their trusted manservants to assess potential candidates."

---

Arthanos



The old man laughs, his voice rich and full of life, even as he regards Arthanos with his bright grey eyes. "It is good to be pious, and rich in the love of the Gods." he says "And well enough that you seek the wisdom of a priest or priestess, those few who are beloved servants of the same Gods we speak of." The man lowers his staff and leans on it. "Still, I don't think you'll find a priest or priestess of Athena here tonight, my pious young noble." he says "What you've found is Mentor. Lay your troubles on me, and trust in my advice in return." he says.

---

Artaxes



While his presence does elicit some curious glances, for the most part those along the docksides leave Artaxes be to enjoy his drinks, until the barbarian stumbles back to the inn to clear his head of the haze that wine and other beverages has poured over him.

---

Eurenomes



The sailors grin and one of them shouts out. "They DO deceive you!" This is followed by general laughter by the others there. "Ha! Pay him no mind, my brother! We are of Argos, the youngest and greatest of the three cities!" he says to loud acclaim from his companion. "Does Hermes send you out here to us, good priest?" says the other. "Your feet must be raw from the walking! Or do you, like a good Argosian, love the sea as well?"

---

Itylus



The noblewoman regards him darkly now. "I have an excellent memory, hunter." she warns. "Tread carefully."

Itylus moves towards where the gambler was still sitting. An easy smile resting on his face, he looks up towards Itylus as he approaches. "Your purse looks a bit thin." he says. "Care to test your luck to see if you can fatten it a bit? The Gods truly smile on those who gamble. You know what they say, 'The Dice of Zeus always fall luckily.'
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:11, Tue 11 Feb 2014.

Arthanos looks at the old man for a minute before making hid decision. He was seeking advise, and as long as he didn't give away to much info, he figured the man may be able to help.


"Myself and some friends are planning a trip and quest. One of my friends has been set on a task by Artemis, the goddess of the hunt, against someone who has wronged her. He asked another of our friends to ask a vision of the gods before we started our trip, to see if it would be to our benefit. The vision seemed to warn of danger, but I was caught by the fact that the vision showed the destruction of the temple of Athena in Argos. I am trying to figure out why if the quest is sent by Artemis, why does the vision show Athena's temple in particular being destroyed? Does it mean that the temple will play a part in our quest, or was it to say if we failed there, Thena itself would also be destroyed?"

"Take my hand, and you will be of the Dead. Then you can enter, dark woman, and voice your urgency to He who Rules the Dead."

Dysis hesitated.  She'd no problem admitting to herself that perhaps she wasn't prepared to go this far for a purely altruistic cause, that had begun as somebody else's.

"...of the Dead."  That was more than just a little daunting.

She did some very rapid soul searching, then. And discovered that, having come this far, she truly didn't want to back down now. She nodded once to the venerable priest.

And then extended her hand to place it within his.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:52, Tue 11 Feb 2014.

Eurenomes laughed and drawing up a chair sat down with his fellow Argosians.

"Perhaps silver tongued Hermes has indeed guided me here. In truth my friends I have been away from both the sea and home too long; my ship makes sail for Argos tomorrow granting me a taste of both loves.  I would ask though what has happened in in our city in the many months since I left.  Does white bearded old Argon rule us still?"

Itylus raised an eyebrow at the woman's words, but he didn't gave himself the trouble to say anything else and departed. He had major worries than a petty noblewoman's anger.


Even though Itylus wasn't much of a gambler and was sure the argosean was cheating, he decided to play, since he knew otherwise the man wouldn't speak to him. However he decided to keep a sharp eye during the game. If he managed to catch the argosean cheating he could use that on his favor.

 "Indeed, they do." he answers to the gambler. He then takes the place in front of him while saying:"Alright then, friend, lets play and see whom the Dices of Zeus favor tonight".
This message was last edited by the player at 11:02, Thu 13 Feb 2014.

She asks the maid if she knows where they go to look for woman?

(ooc- She was going back to the noble house she was staying at to see if anyone there knew anything.)

Not one to be drawn in by distractions, Zuri patiently waits in the darkness, like an animal stalking it's prey. She'll keep a watch out for any movement that might betray her enemies presence and then fire an arrow at any she sees.

Arthanos

---

Mentor's bright gray eyes shine as he looks on. "The Gods are mysterious, and while many in the mortal world know of rivalries and fights between them, they can work in concert as well. Does not the great Hermes act as messenger when he is called upon? Similarly may Artemis and her twin Apollo send their emissaries and beloved to do work that helps another God or Goddess."

"Trouble not your heart with the particularities of the Priest's vision. For they foretell what may come, but not what must. The wisdom of his God has shown the House of Athena in Argos and there it is you with your friends must go."

Mentor approaches and softly puts a hand on Arthanos shoulder. As he looks into the man's face, his vision begins to blur for a moment. Instead of the wizened old man before him, instead is the face of Pallas Athena. Her face is a vision of peace, with shoulder-length yellow-blond hair she smiles at him. "Arthanos, go with the blessing of Athena. Devote yourself to her service in this task and you will be as beloved as her priests are. You will be found worthy of being her agent." Mentor then steps back and once again Arthanos sees the old man he was talking with before.

---

Dysis



Somebody had turned out the lights.

Dysis blinked, trying to get a sense of her bearings. One minute she had grasped the toothless old man's hand, the next she someplace else. It was then her vision returned, and she watched as shades of the dead filed past her. Peasants and Kings, Saviors and Slaves, those murdered and their murderers filing past her, unaware of this living being in their very midst.

An involuntary shudder runs through Dysis as one such spirit passes through her. It's presence was icy, though it took no notice of her as it continued on its dreary path.

She saw the old man again. It was him, but it also wasn't him... He stood taller, and carried in a hand a ferryman's pole... In a flash, a thought entered Dysis' mind...


'There Chairon stands, who rules the dreary coast -
A sordid god: down from his hairy chin
A length of beard descends, uncombed, unclean;
His eyes, like hollow furnaces on fire;
A girdle, foul with grease, binds his obscene attire.'

Could this be him? He looked on at Dysis expectantly.

---

Eurenomes



"Aye indeed Argon the Proud does still reign." says one of the men. "May it never end!" exclaims the other. The first man flashes his companion a look and then turns back to Eurenomes. "Though it is well known by all that our beloved monarch is older now. His son, Prince Kyros still rules as regent and not much has changed..." The man's companion gives a look back to him. "Well, save for more unrest than usual."

"Oh pay him no mind, sir." says the first man. "I think he believes the story about the invasion." he laughs. "Rumors of the sea drowning our fair city, or of dark creatures summoned from the pits of Hades to punish us. A lot of rubbish if you ask me." he says.

---

Itylus



The gambler smiled widely, and handed Itylus a pair of dice. "We'll start with just a simple game. High number wins the pot." The gambler takes out a piece of silver from his bag and places it on the table in front of Itylus, indicating that the hunter should do the same. Once Itylus does, he indicates that Itylus should roll, and then he would.



The gambler had smiled broadly after they had tied the first time, and after Itylus wins the second he pushes the silver towards Itylus. "And your purse is a silver richer, good sir. Like I said, a simple game, but there are others we can play."

He takes out another silver and twirls it between his fingers. "But perhaps you'd care to change what we bet? You look like a man who is troubled."

---

Aleta



Aleta casually questions the serving woman a little bit longer to get a sense of where the Theodori manservants look for the women that they arrange for their masters. Upon getting that information, she leaves the inn and heads further into the residential area of the city where a number of Thena's nobles had residences. It was a rich neighborhood to be in, certainly, and one almost irresistible to thieves, which is why - Aleta noted - the streets were heavily patrolled by guardsmen, either the city's of privately paid by noble families.

Aleta turns the corner and spots one of the manservants that the serving woman told her about. He was tall and lanky fellow, his thinning hair slicked back. Currently he seemed to be in a heated discussion with a young woman of about Aleta's age. She shook her head, pushing back a purse of money and begin to walk away quickly.  The manservant shrugged and started to walk Altea's direction...

OOC: pushing this just a little bit forward for you.

---

Zuri



Her bow and arrow ready, Zuri waits...

Long minutes pass before there is suddenly a flurry of activity. In a flash she launches her arrow towards the direction of the movement, striking one of her assailants. The man yelps, the arrow buried deep in his leg, but continues to come over with his companion to attack the Amazon.

Fortunately, Zuri is quick enough to deftly dodge both of the men's knife attacks.

From the docks she hears a voice call out. "Something wrong? What's going on up there?"

Dropping her bow, Zuri draws her knife and sidesteps to position the men one behind the other in front of her. She'll use her knife to parry their attacks while she slowly makes her way back to the safety of the cabin door where she can keep them funneled into a single attack. As she does so, she calls out, "Intruders on deck of ship. They killed watchman."

The blood in Eurenomes' veins ran cold as he heard the mention of invasion and dark creatures.  He forced himself to remain calm and gave his countrymen a lopsided smile.

"What should we be punished for?" He paused a moment before adding, more seriously: "And what is this of unrest?"

Aleta walks towards the man servants, letting her clock fall open to reveal her full beauty. She looks around like she is looking for someone.

A girdle, foul with grease, binds his obscene attire

Obscene attire? Um, okay. And we'll leave that to speculation.  ^_~

Great Olympus!  Chairon himself...

It was entirely hard for a mortal mind to reconcile.  One moment, she'd been standing on the streets, before a man she had thought was as mortal as herself.  And, the next, here with the wandering specters of sovereigns and slaves. Standing before the Ferryman himself.  Assuming this was not some mystically induced delusion.  But she would wager strongly that was not the case.

Naturally, she recollected what was the usual toll.  Reaching within her purse, she drew forth an obolus.  And without any ado, proffered the silver coin to the ferryman.   Hopefully, it would do.  Because she supposed, if it did not, she just might be joining these tragic ghosts in their forlorn and ceaseless wandering...

Zuri



"Hold on! I'll get help! calls out the voice.

"No he won't." says one of the men who was attacking Zuri, deftly he stopped his attack on her and starting running towards the gangplank to make it down towards the docks after whoever had called up.

"Just you and me, woman." says the other man as he lashes his knife out towards Zuri's throat. It is by sheer luck of the Gods that Zuri had been quick enough in her own movements to drop her bow and draw her dagger and shield again, and what could have been a killing blow on the amazon instead parries neatly off her own shield.

Moving around the man would be difficult, and using her dagger and shield as best she could, she tries to sidestep the man, and partially succeeds. The door was within reach, but her assailant gets a hit in on her, doing a little bit of damage as his dagger cuts her shield arm.



Zuri - you took 1 damage in the second round.
I took two rounds of battle to reflect Zuri's intention to get to the cabin doors. She can escape to them in the next round if she wishes but still risks being open to attack.
17:35, Today: Maze Master rolled 17 using 1d20+4 with rolls of 13. Attack on Zuri.
17:37, Today: Maze Master rolled 20 using 1d20+4 with rolls of 16. Attack on Zuri.
17:37, Today: Maze Master rolled 1 using 1d3 with rolls of 1.

---

Eurenomes



"Sins of our age, according to them. The things that make life worth living. Wine, women, you name it, they are against it." said the more severe of the two men. The lighter hearted one laughs. "Oh well, it is embarrassing really. You know how there are always religious lunatics no matter where you go? Turns out that there is a small group is in Argos gaining some traction, and their word is that we will be punished for our sins." he shrugs "Usually it isn't a big deal, everybody knows that the real Gods are the ones you worship, and not whatever figure or idol that a cult springs up, but whatever this new cult is doing is working, people keep on joining up."

Aye they do." says the other man "And they change.  This wouldn't happen in Aegon's prime, I tell you. This damn doomsday sayers, I tell you... out to spread the news about the end of the world, beginning in our fair city!" he says bitterly. The other man laughs "Hah! It is always the end of an age. If it wasn't this cult it'd be some other cult. They are just troublemakers stirring up the listless... I bet Prince Kyros will eventually mop them up, or the Athenian priests will get their act together and bust them up a bit."

---

Aleta



The tall and lanky manservant notices Aleta and gives her an appraising look. He seems to be deciding something for a second and then asks. "You lost, miss? You don't look like you are from around here." He slides in closer to her. "Are you new in the city? Looking for work perhaps?"

OOC: 17:53, Today: Maze Master, on behalf of Aleta, rolled 16 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 10. Personal Charisma.

---

Dysis

Chairon, if that is who he was, outstretches his hand and takes the proffered coin from Dysis. His hand reaches back into the folds of his cloak and then he turns, a brief nod of his head indicating that Dysis should follow.

And follow close she does. The landscape of specters changes to that of a thin path over a vast abyss. Chairon himself moves with great steps and does not stop his movement for a moment even if Dysis should stumble.

Eventually they reach a murky river flowing somberly across the landscape. It is there that a small boat awaits, already filled with the dead. As Dysis steps on, she notes with some alarm that the shade of Lelios, the son of Lord Joris who she and the others had slain while rescuing his daughter Veda was on the boat. The young man looks distraught, but does not recognize her... or if he did, he didn't speak or do anything in response.

Slowly Chairon pushes the boat free from the embankment and it begins to cross the dark river.  As it does, Dysis notices that various spirits onboard the ship "flicker" as if they are beginning to lose their form and substance... some appear to be as distraught as the shade of Lelios while others wear a smile of contentment.

Now across on the other side, Dysis sees a small temple which the other shades avoid. As she looks back to Chairon, he points in the direction of the temple to her, and Dysis feels the instinctive urge to walk towards it.

As she does, she finds herself walking alongside a robed woman who had materialized out of nowhere.  She was very beautiful in appearance, and Dysis noted that where she walked, small flowers and grass grew up out of the ground, even in this place... wherever it was.

Just outside of the temple gates, the woman stops and Dysis does the same. The women turns and speaks. "It is not your time yet, Dysis, to enter my court, but your mission is of importance. Speak your concern."

"Athena is not the only one with priests." Eurenomes said gibly, though inside he was growing more alarmed. He stood up, gathering his chlamys around him.  "Well fair seas and fine winds my friends and may the gods be with you.  I journey to our homeland so will see for myself what risk there is."

Bidding farewell Eurenomes left the tavern, his fingers tight around his Caduceus staff. As he exited his carefree grin melted away, replaced by a worried, even frighted exprission.  Brooding, the priest made his way to the inn the companions were staying at. He wondered what the others might have uncovered.

Aleta bow to the man "Yes sir. I just got to town. My town was raided and I came here with some others. Do you need anyone to do work around you home? I will do anything kind sir" she says in a soft voice, acting like she is desperate for work.

Arthanos stands stunned for a few seconds before bowing his head to the old man.

"I will heed your advise and do as you ask." he says reverently. He wishes the old man a good night, then departs the temple and heads back to the hotel.

As they trod that thin path, it was harrowing to glance to either side. Though she had not truly died, she did not think that fact was any protection here, at all.  One wrong step, and....best not to dwell upon that.

It was all she could do to restrain herself from gasping out loud at sight of the specter of Lelios. The last thing she needed was to encounter a shade with grudge against her.   Yet, his life was truly over, and either his attention was now fully removed from his mortal life, or else he simply did not notice her.   Either of those cases was more than fine with her.

It was a chilling thing to share this ride with the deceased for fellow passengers.  Again, she did her best to clear her thoughts, and not give in to the sort of speculation that would lead to fear. That wasn't easy; she thanked the Gods for the strong will with which she had been blessed.  She was only relieved to part company with them, once the Ferryman bade her to seek the temple.

Yet the most stunning thing to occur, was the appearance of the robed woman.  Whom left a trail in her wake which was the very essence of the season of Spring. It seemed wise to make no assumptions.  Yet, how could it be any other-?  The words she spoke only seemed to confirm her identity...

"Lady," she said to her, her usually insouciant tone touched with reverence and awe, "It seems the archfiend called Thanator, has a cult who seek to summon him to the mortal world.  One of our allies, a holy man of Hermes, has had a terrible vision about what may come to pass. It seems this violation will begin in Argos, and target in particular the house of Athena. A priestess of Your shrine has informed me that one such fiend breaking free could pave the way for more.  I know this flouts the Law of the Underworld, and goes against the will of Lord Hades and Yourself. Of course, it is also a horrific threat to we mortals. My associates and I would stop this, if we can. But, one of our biggest challenges, is to locate such a secretive group. And do so before time runs out. If there is any knowledge you can impart to help us, I swear to you it will be used to avert this atrocity."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:49, Tue 25 Feb 2014.

Done for the evening, Arthanos leaves the temple of Athena to head back to the inn. Similarly, Eurenomes departs the busy bars on the docks to head back as well. Hopefully the morning would bring better tidings.

---

Aleta

The lanky man bows in return. "Fair lady, I am a servant of the House of Theodori, and my masters are always looking for talented individuals, such as yourself." he says, voice smooth and polished. Obviously he had used this kind of line before. He gestures towards a large mansion just a few blocks away. "I bid you go to that mansion. Once you are there, Syntyche, the mistress of the House, will see you and assess your capabilities."

Aleta bids the lanky man farewell and heads over the house that he had mentioned. It was just as well that she hadn't tried to break in, given the number of private guards around on the outside. Aleta tells them that she is there to see Syntyche and is admitted into the servant's entrance.

Now inside, she takes careful note as two of the guards lead her through a long narrow hallway, eventually putting depositing her into a small room. "Wait here." says one of the guards. "Syntyche will see you shortly."

Aleta listens as the two men who had escorted her inside march back down the hallway to head outside. The thief takes note of her immediate surroundings: She is in a small waiting room. It is plainly just used for interviews or for sitting or relaxing, as there is a large window leading into the House's courtyard. The other other exit from the room leads into the hallway. There were a few doors that Aleta had passed while being escorted inside, but they were all closed.

The question now was how to best proceed?

---

Dysis



The Lady is wordless for a moment, she then turns her left arm, palm facing out, and Dysis watches as the Lady moves the very air and reality itself as if were simply drawing a curtain.

What is revealed, and what Dysis sees, is horrific indeed...



The archfiend Thanator is massive and terrible, the very sight of it inspires dread, but fortunately is restrained in its prison in the House of Hades. After letting Dysis gaze upon the archfiend for a moment, the Lady closes the view and again it is just Dysis and her standing before the temple.

"You now have seen the creature with your own eyes, Dysis." says the woman. "Know this, Thanator is a servant. A great force of destruction, born of the evils of the world, but it is still a servant of Hades. What this cult intends to do is wield him for their own purposes. They will find Thanator is not easily tamed. I can warn you that should Thanator be freed from his bondage, it will take the greatest of all sacrifices to bind him in place once again."

The lady draws forth a Caduceus, laying it in her hands. "To release him, the cult seeks artifacts of the Gods, for the essence of those Gods resides within their creation. A Caduceus such as this was once given as a gift to seal the peace between two warring peoples, but it has been stolen. To sacrifice this gift is not enough to break Thanator's bondage, and so this cult seeks others that will."

The Caduceus in her hand disappears and the Lady extends a hand out towards Dysis. "This is all I can impart to you now. The fates are still spinning out your destiny, as well as that of your friends. It is time for you to return to them."

Aleta looks at the guard "Of course sir" as she walks over to the window to look out over the courtyard, noting the window and doors that lead into it and how many hiding places there out there, if any. She tries to make sure she remember the lay out of what she passed though so far.

Then she goes and sits and waits, like a good girl would, listening to see if she can hear anything.

"Silver is fine" Itylus replied while setting his two silver coins on the table again, the only thing he wanted from the man was information, and he would rather try to get it subtly while they played, than playing for it. In a casual tone he continued. "As for being troubled...well, it probably is nothing, but..." Itylus bends over the table in a confidential way, and says. "I've heard this strange rumors, of weird things going on in Argos, and odd people being sighted there. I happen to be traveling towards there so it worries me. You are Argosian right? Do you know if there is any truth in this rumors?"

Commanding the element of darkness as she did, Dysis was more familiar than most mortals with what lurked beyond the light of this world. Even so, nothing in her relatively limited experienced had prepared her for sight of something like Thanator. She gasped, and took an instinctive step backward from the horrifying sight.

Of course, she recollected the caduceus as detail from the priest's vision. After it vanished from her hands, and the Lady had ceased to speak, she reflected out loud:

"We have just met those who seek an artifact gifted to bring peace betwixt two warring peoples.  I would guess, through the workings of Fate, that it is the same. And thus if we find it, we should find the cult, too.  Or, perhaps, we can learn what they may be likely to steal next, and find them that way."  She nodded once.  "This may help a great deal. Thank you, Lady, for permitting me to come here, and for what you have revealed."

Zuri


It was all a question of time for the Amazon, while her assailant may have been swift, he only had a dagger while she possessed spear and shield, in addition to determination.  His friend would have to wait, as she bears down upon this one. She trades blows with the man a few more times, and then... she impales him.

She had seen death before, many times, but everybody seemed to die a different way, and yet they were also the same. The look in this one's eyes was surprise.  They never see it coming.

Having no time to reflect further, she quickly pivots and then charges down the gangplank where the second man had just finished cutting the throat of the unfortunate sailor who had overheard their struggle. Zuri uses her speed to her advantage and overpowers the man, disarming him of his weapon and wounding him grievously before he surrendered.

She hits him in the face with her fist a few times, trying to learn the whereabouts of the third man, only to find out that he had escaped. Using rope on the docks, she binds the man's hands and marches him off to find either a guard station or someplace else where he could be held in custody...

---

Aleta

Aleta looks into the courtyard, which is magnificently laid out. A marble pool dominates most of it, with various trees and fauna scattered around it. Given that it was night, there would be plenty of cover to hide in, if need be, though if a lantern or torch was shorn over the area then she'd probably be spotted. There were at least two other first floor entrances leading into or out of the courtyard, not including the entrance she was standing in. There were also some on higher floors of the building, but she'd have to climb up there to get in.

She waits a minute or two, hearing nothing coming from down the hallway...

---

Itylus



The gambler flashes a coin in front of Itylus face. "Ah, you do indeed peg me correctly. I am an Arogsian by birth, and I have come through there most recently before here." he flips his coin, letting it land on the table, face up. He studies it for a moment. "Odd people have been in the city as of late, it is true." he says. "I myself was approached by such a strange person. He gave me a token, a coin charred black by a fire. He said that it was the currency of Hades." the man laughs. "Ah, what a strange one he was, wanting me to come with him to hear more of a new way, a new philosophy free of the Gods." The gambler grins again and looks Itylus in the eye. "But I said to him that the Gods had always favored me. Why should I free myself from them when I am in their beloved graces?" he chortles. "He didn't seem to mind. Let me keep the coin even, said I could always change my mind."

---

Dysis

The Lady nods and smiles and takes Dysis' hand...

In a flash, whatever Dysis had experienced ended. Whereas her vision had gone black before, now it had gone blindingly white.

The brightness began to fade and she saw that she was lying on the street outside of the House of Hades in Thena. The old man that was chattering to her before was nowhere to be seen.  As she rises, Dysis does a quick check and finds nothing out of place or missing, though she does notice that the belt devoted to Apollo that she was wearing was now glowing a faint lavender color.

"Well, that is very odd indeed." Itylus agreed, trying not to let show his excitement at finally getting a clue about the cultists."Do you mind I take a look at that coin?"

While he waited for the answer of the gambler, Itylus added another question."Oh, and is there any specific part of the city where you can find these persons?"

Aleta was wondering if this was becoming a test. She didn't want to wander around and get caught or if she just disappeared, they would then search for her. She leans out the window and looks around quickly, not wanting to get caught leaning out.

Aleta

Pushing open the window leading into the courtyard, Aleta peers out for a moment.  The air is refreshing, though she doesn't see anything new that she couldn't see with the window closed.

From behind her, she hears a voice. "The courtyard really is quite beautiful, isn't it?" Aleta turns to see a woman standing in the doorway. She hadn't even heard her approach, though as she looks down at the woman's feet, she sees why - as the woman wears no shoes, and only has a light dress on. "I am Syntyche, the mistress of the House Theodori. You are...?"

---

Itylus

The gambler takes out the coin and slides it across the table to Itylus. While the hunter inspects the coin, the gambler talks a little bit more. "Well sir, I don't know how familiar you are with Argos... the House of Athena is located high on a hill above the city. I met this individual while I was heading back down the hill to the city itself. Seemed to come out of nowhere."

"Now, I'm not sure you'd meet another such person going to or from the temple, but that's where I met this particular oddball."

Itylus finds the coin to be a coin from Heraklia, the image being that of Ares, God of War on one side of the coin and Thalos the Strong, the current King of Heraklia on the other. It is very badly charred, as if it has been in a fire, and letters of some kind have been scratched on the coin in a language that Itylus cannot understand. Perhaps somebody might though.

In reply to Maze Master (msg # 88):

Aleta turns and looks at the woman "Oh, excuse me. My name is Eleni. The courtyard is very beautiful, I would love to walk out in it."

Syntyche gestures towards the window. "Then by all means, Eleni, let us step out and walk and talk for awhile."

The two women step out of the small room into the courtyard. Syntyche walks close in step with Aleta. "You are new to the city, are you not? I'm told you are like many women new to Thena, looking for work, desperate for it even, is that not true?"

Collecting herself from where she lay, it was hard to believe what she'd just experienced.   Yet, she recalled it all far too vividly to doubt that it had actually occurred.

She glanced down at the belt - wondering what had triggered it, why it seemed to be active now.  Perhaps it had been the Lady's presence - even though there was no direct association between she and Apollo.

Dysis pulled her cloak about herself, so as not to draw attention to the belt, and began to make her way back to the others.  Though numerous things weighed on her mind, the direction before her and the others was now more coherent, more clear.

Aleta nods "Yes, I am not from here. I came in with some merchants looking for work." she walks out with her as she subtle tries to glance around so she gets the lay out of the place. "I suppose there are a lot of desperate woman as we all have to eat. If you don't work, you don't eat. I like eating"

Syntyche seems pleased with Aleta's answers. "We have some work for you then, if you don't mind getting a little dirty in return for coin and food. If you are particularly pleasing then more rewards could come your way."

She turns and gives Aleta an appraising look, seeming to hesitate for a moment. "You do know what I am talking about, I hope. The nobles of this house have certain appetites when it comes to women. When one of the nobles finds a woman that he finds to be a... suitable companion... she is well taken care of."

"So, Eleni, are you sure you want to work here? This is the only time I will ask you."

"Yes, I would like to get as many rewards as I can.  Can I see more of the house, I can only imagine how beautiful the inside is if the outside is so gorgeous. So can you tell me more about the men I will prove for?" She says as they walk around. She also looks for the vase she is suppose to be looking for though figures it is inside.

Itylus observed the coin thoughtfully while he heard the argosean. "Hum I see..." he said after the gambler was done. "Odd for someone to be talking of the Gods like that so close to one of their temples... but then again, maybe is not so odd..." Itylus muttered, half to himself, he then looked toward the other man and shrugged, apparently dismissing the whole thing. "Probably he was just a madmen, nothing for really to worry about."

"However, this is a really interesting coin," he continued, he was certain there was a hidden meaning to it, but he couldn't see it nor understand the writing on it. Maybe Dysis or Eurenomes would. He flipped the coin in the air."I happen to collect unusual trinkets, a hobby of mine, so what do you tell me if I give you both the silver coin I just won from you and mine in exchange of this one?"

Aleta

"Of course." Syntyche replies. "The manor is quite large, but there is time to show you around a little bit so you don't get lost later."

As the two stroll through the Theodori manor, Syntyche points out various rooms, tapestries and other oddities which hold little interest, though it isn't too long before they pass a room that smells strongly of incense. "The family shrine." Syntyche explains. "They are descendants of the mighty Hercules. Did you know? The family has picked up many treasures telling the tale of their heroic ancestor."

She continues to walk along, expectant that Aleta would follow, and continues to prattle on. "Of course, save for morning and evening prayers to the Gods, hardly anybody ever goes in there anymore."

---

Itylus

The gambler seems surprised. "I wouldn't think it would be worth anything to be honest, but if you wish to purchase it as an oddity, I don't see the harm in it." He gives a slight wink. "After all, it hasn't exactly brought me luck, but your silver might." He pauses a moment. "It's a deal."

Walking back on her return, in very pensive mood, (even more so than her usual) a grumble from her belly reminded her that she was hungry. Had not had anything to eat since breakfast.

She saw a tavern, whose exterior wasn't off putting, and elected to go inside, and see if anything on the menu appealed. After slipping inside, she spotted Itylus, in conversation with another man. Well; it was him she'd need to speak with, first.  So this was convenient.

Dysis did not hail him, not wishing to interrupt. But, she walked through his field of vision, so he'd know she was there.

She took a seat at a table in the corner, and considered what there was to eat.

Aleta follows along, looking for the item that she might have to get. As she mentions the shrine, she peeks in "That is very fascinating. It must be a great honor to be a descendant of Hercules. What kind of treasures do you still have?"

"Good" Itylus says satisfied. He hands both silver coins to the gambler and collects the Hereklian coin. He'd have to take this to Dysis and Eurenomes and see what they made of it.

Just as he was putting the coin in one of his pockets, Itylus saw a familiar shape passing by, a few tables behind the gambler. Dysis! How had she found him? Itylus watched as she sat on an empty table in the back of the room and asked for the menu. Itylus then turned back his attention to the argosean, he had to keep playing for a little longer to avoid rising suspects, so he said with a smile: "So, how about we see if I can get those silver coins back?"

Later, while the argosean gambler was busy calling for more beer, Itylus quietly called a serving girl aside and asked her while handing her the Heraklian coin: "Please, would you do me the favor of giving this to the lady sitting over there?" Itylus nodded toward Dysis. "I figure I just lost our bet." he added with a grimace. He returned then to his game.

OOC: After finishing the game, and if the Lyrist is still busy, Itylus will head towards Dysis' table.

(assuming the coin does find its way into her hand)

She saw Itylus briefly confer with the girl, and then hand her something. Dysis glanced up in curiosity, when the girl brought it over to her. It proved to be a coin.

She examined it, both sides, noting that it had plainly been burned...

Talent: Scholar- extensive knowledge in many fields of study

It had been an eventful and rather extended evening for many in the group.

It certainly had been so for Dysis, who had a spiritual experience in the depths of Hades itself and a vision of a great archfiend Thanator even as she sought counsel with her patron Goddess.  Elsewhere, Aleta had been able to con her way inside a prosperous Theodori family mansion under the guise of "Eleni" to find an ornate vase. The return of which had impressed the old thief who sent her and ingratiated herself within Thena's thieves' guild, at least, whatever existed of it within the city. The old thief had little as far as useful information to impart upon her though, save for rumors of a strange cult that was starting to grow in popularity in Argos.

At the docks, Zuri had stationed herself at the ship and managed to ward off attackers and even to take one inside custody. The city's guardsmen were surprised when the bloodied Zuri marched into one of the local guard shacks with a bound and beaten man. It took some explanation as to what happened, but the assailant was imprisoned and an investigation was promised.

Arthanos had sought counsel of his own, namely to the Akropolis and The temple of Athena that stood there.  It was there that he met the old man known as 'Mentor'.  A vision of the great Athena herself had come to him from speaking with the old man, and he had gone to sleep knowing he had the eye of Athena and her blessing as to tasks that would come before him.

Eurenomes had been more social, mingling amongst others and trading story for story and drink for drink. It was in the taverns of great Thena that he had met some of his own countrymen where he heard rumors of a gathering religious cult in Argos that had been growing in influence.

Itylus had found himself refusing a woman's sudden offer to become her companion on a trip to Argos, and then found himself striking up a conversation with a gambler who also relayed disturbing rumors out of Argos, and offers to the hunter a strangely charred coin and thoughts of a philosophy that was free of the Gods and their pantheon.  Dysis, having returned from her own pilgrimage, found the hunter and examined the coin briefly, but could not ascertain much from it at the time. However, there would be plenty of time on the voyage to learn more.

One way or another, eventually all found their way to the hotel or ship to bed for the night.  The next morning, so far off, was to be the voyage...

Thus ends Chapter 2: The Gods' Messengers