Harden Yosavick gives a slight nod as the last of the group presents the simply written invitation.

"Now Gentlemen if you will please follow me."

Harden turns and proceeds to walk towards a three story mansion that has a large cobblestone court yard with stone benches, in front of the mansion is what appears to be a fish pond with a small shrine.  Those who recognize the symbols on the shrine, will know it to be a shrine to the God Thoth. To the left of the mansion is a circular building roughly thirty feet tall and sixty feet wide surrounded by marble pillars.  The only visible entrance is a pair of gold colored doors, there appears to be no windows of opening other then the doors.  To the right of a mansion is another tower although it is twice as tall and just looks to be an observation tower at best guess.

Harden leads you the front door of the mansion opening it and guides you into a very comfortable sitting room inside the mansion.  On two walls there is two tables that have some small platters of meat, cheese, jambs and tea.  There are couple of shelves of books that line the walls also.  Harden welcomes you to partake as he must see that a meeting room is prepared properly and that the unknown host is ready to accept the newly arrived guests as there has been a lot of people coming and going today.  With that Harden leaves through a single door opposite the entrance to the room room you are in.  It is not twenty minutes later if not less that Harden comes back and asks you to again follow him.  Harden leads you thru the mansion like a season expert up to a third floor room the over looks the court yard and fish pond.  The room is comfortable with a large rectangular maple table resting in the center, there is more then enough room for someone to look out the window and someone could sit down comfortably.  The room is lit with the natural sun light and some candles on the table.  There are enough chairs for all of the party plus one.  Once all inside Harden asks if any of you would like some wine or something if the kind, once anyone has said their piece he bows and leaves the room closing the door behind him.

As you are standing or sitting around the room a middle aged man dressed in a grey hooded robe made of fine wool comes in and stands behind the chair at the head of the table.  Following him is Harden and others with drinks, food, paper, ink and a small chest.  The food and drink are handed out as ordered and where sitting or standing.  Just as orderly as they come in they also leave minus the middle aged man and Harden, Harden pulls the chair out for the man and sits him, then leaves.  The middle aged man sits there looking at all you in turn for an uncomfortable amount of time.

Despite obviously not being a gentleman, Verna follows. While in the waiting room she doesn't eat, having already broken her morning fast. When led to the meeting room itself the woman takes a seat at the middle of the table.

In reply to The Storyteller (msg # 1):

Thracce is all grins as they walk through the grounds and buildings, he notes all the interesting details, pauses to look at any art pieces.

He will sample most of the food and drink.

He peruses the book titles for any Elven works.

In the end he stands near a chair will he nibbles cheese and sips tea, he nods at the woolen man, willing to break the silence. "What a lovely place, I'm Thracce. How do you do?"
This message was last edited by the player at 01:49, Wed 31 Jan 2018.

Jalahada looks over the way security is being handled within the mansion while waiting at the front dorr, the way to the waiting room, the waiting room itself, the way to the meeting room and the meeting room itself.

Having not eaten a break fest, Jalahada partakes of the food in the waiting room.

Korin takes in the sights of the impressive place as they move through it but he maintains a bored look of a young lord. He looks over the books with keen interest.

He declines refreshments and takes a seat at the head of the rectangular table across from the old man. He sits upright in a very proper manner remaining silent and staring right back at the man. When the elf breaks the silence Korin produces his summons and casually flips it onto the table.

"Shall we procede?"

In reply to The Storyteller (msg # 1):

Throughout the whole ordeal of just getting to the wool man Grudgebearer had been muttering under his breath about just going home.  Once they had entered the room and a Harden had mentioned about taking a drink order Grudge requested so ale.  By the gods any ale would do at this point.  Grudge had found himself a seat near end of the table unfortunately by the wool man.  Grudgebearer had made himself a plate of food that some would call flowing as bits and pieces fell of his plate.

The wool man turns to Korin and observes him intently, his hands come to rest in front of him as he gently clasps them together.

"It is a pleasure to meet you Thraace and yes it is not a terrible place, good for studying in quite.  As for how I am that is why you are all here now is it not and when it is time to proceed is always the question is a mystery."

His head had swiveled as he spoke and his gaze was now upon Thraace with the same vigor as it had been on Korin.

"Non descriptive is what I would have called those invitations I sent to you all this morning and yet here you all are, a small group of people who don't know each other as much a water knows dryness.  You may call me Itaz Whitewater, I am a member of the Order of the Scroll and we are in need of the services of non expendable assets such as yourselves.  NOT Hero's, Survivors, those who can be requested to go out into the wilderness that is this world and come back alive and be able to head back out again."

Itaz Whitewater was now looking at Thilo, his expression unchanging and then a deep sigh.  A tired look was on his face.

"I will dispense with the cryptic talk of bored old men.  The start of winter past a fellow member of the order named Teneck Blackhammer left the Isle of Y-oda after obtaining a rather obscure lead about an old god and was to investigate that lead in the small fiefdom Southmoor.  Southmoor is located at the southern tip of the Shattered Mountains just on the Wilderlands side.  We had not heard from Teneck, when disturbing messages arrived.  Teneck was preparing to flee the Southmoor Kingdom with the only heiress Aelina Guarinet at the behest of King Aimeriguet Guarinet and was requesting immediate aid.  A great Paladin was sent along with a handful of knights and some soldiers two days later. A high ranking Lord was in the midst of a coup and had a powerful Shadow-Lord backing him against King Aimeriguet. They were to flee to neighboring Kingdom to the east, to be under the protection of her uncle King Cristofre.  Teneck's next message came saying that they had fled sooner then the support could have arrived as King Aimeriguet Guarinet and the Queen had been killed and they had just escaped with a couple surviving troops only a day ahead of pursuit.  The third message was one of relief and apprehension, they had met up with the Paladin and the rest of the guard but were under heavy pursuit and the numbers were not in their favor.  The next message was from King Cristofre saying that a single soldier had made it back near death. The soldiers words before passing into a coma they have not been able to rouse him from are a mystery.  Priest Teneck, Shrine of Zeothudios, stone defeats Shadow-Lord.  The last two make no sense to even us in this order, but no one outside the order knew that Teneck was a priest.  We have sent with great haste someone to the isle of Y-oda to learn of this Zeothudios but that I am sure will reveal little to us.  The third is worrisome as it seems a Shadow-Lord has made some pact with this false king in Southmoor, if we are to mobilize a force against this duo we will need evidence.  Any in this room who agree to go will be rewarded a thousand gold pieces up front and two thousand upon return.  We must know if Teneck, the princess and any others are alive."

Itaz Whitewater pause for a moment.

"I have tried to be thorough in my explanation, but am willing to answer questions"

In reply to The Storyteller (msg # 7):

Thracce follows along he likes twisty story's. He'll have to ask what a "Shadow Lord" is at some point. And what other resources are available for the mission.  "I am interested in being of help, if you have a personal item from any of the missing I may be able to discern whether that person is at the least alive. "
This message was last edited by the player at 20:02, Fri 02 Feb 2018.

In reply to Caspar Uhla Thracce (msg # 8):

"The missing Soldiers were not sent from Wisdom but from an outpost just outside of King Cristofre kingdom.  And he does not have anyone with the gifting of psychometry or a powerful mage to send something here in his kingdom.  The time it would take for any personal effects to be brought here valuable time would be lost.  As for covering the distance we have a scroll of teleportation that can send you all to King Cristofre's castle that was acquired at a hefty expense.  Those of you who accept will provision there and head out,  King Cristofre has agreed to provide soldier escort to the boarder and have his men wait for your return."

Itaz continues to look among the group scanning each of your faces whether you are looking at him or not.

"I will add if any of you hesitate due to the reward not being enough, anything found on this excursion is your to keep.  Our only priority is the information of survivors and what is happening in the Kingdom of Southmoor."

In reply to The Storyteller (msg # 7):

Thilo had drifted off to other deep thoughts as they had been escorted thru the grounds, made to wait and then to the conference room where they now sat.  He had caught glimpses and agreed with the one call Thraace that it was a pleasant place.  It was the term Shadow Lord that snap Thilo's mind to the present, his hand clenched his staff tightly, a slight sound made and lifted his head to stare at Itaz, although none could see.  Thilo adjusted himself in his seat and steady himself.

In reply to The Storyteller (msg # 9):

He nods and considers Itazs' response. His absentmindedly runs his hand over the "invitation", the wax seal and an idea comes to him. In follow up he asks "Is there any correspondence or reports from him? I noted you have very stylized wax seals to seal them, is each unique to the person? Also when people write with quills many will wet the tip on their tongues to prime the dry tip prior to dipping them into the ink, leaving a trace of the spittle in their writing. If he was in a heightened emotional state he may have left a psychic imprint. I may get a reading though it my be muddled if too many handled them too much."

He is thrilled at the prospect of travel by teleportation. He looks at "Orono", this would make it more difficult for his pursuers to track him down.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:41, Sun 04 Feb 2018.

Korin listened intently and considered what the old man had said. The idea of teleporting away is the perfect way to throw off his pursuers. Still something about it is rubbing him the wrong way.

"Good sir you speak of a Shadow Lord, I do not have knowledge of such a creature but it sounds dreadful. You mention soldiers and knights slain, high ranking lords and coups and kings.

Then we are underwhelmed with a pittance suitable for common mercenaries. We are traveling hundreds of miles and poking our nose into peoples business. There will be violence.

So tell me is that the best offer you have been authorized to give?"

Korin sits back looking smug.

Verna listed to the story and the other questions being asked. Korin had some good points, showing the while young he wasn't stupid.

"So all you need us to do is find proof that this Shadow-Lord and this false king are conspiring with each other?"

Itaz reaches into the sleeve of his woolen robe and pulls out a medium sized circular medallion
with an embossed image of bird in flight, the whole medallion is made of silver.  He hands it to Grudgebearer.

"Please look at it and pass it around.  What you are looking at is a simple device that casts the spell magic pigeon a maximum of three times a day.  All members have one and is how we communicate over this vast world, it is also how we remain fairly discrete.  No message is to be sent by paper over such a vast distance of land and the message is also verbally coded.  We understand by what means you wish to help us Master Thraace and it has already been tried.  Which is why we wish to send a small troup as soon as possible, it is one reason why you were sent that invitation."

Itaz shifts his gaze pausing on Korin and moving onto Verna, a slight smile on his face.

"To put it simply Ms. Hudson, yes that is what we need and any survivors Ms. Hudson. As I said earlier we need this group should it go to be survivors not hero's, should though on this task something arise that requires a course change to your actions then that will be up to your group.  We will be here and you will be there, but we need information to make any plan.  It is nearing the middle of spring and soon soldiers will be marching enmass to the Disputed Zone, when we may need them closer to home to stabilize that area.  We cannot go to the army or they will march soldiers either to their deaths or a long drawn out battle.  This medallion shall be left with this group so you can communicate with us should you choose to go."

Itaz pauses for a moment his hands now resting on the table.

"Mr. Simmat, three thousand gold per individual is the maximum we can offer, for a low ranking officer that is ten months wages.  It was also said that anything acquired on the expedition will unequivocally be yours and your parties to keep no disputes."

In reply to The Storyteller (msg # 14):

Thracce nods in response to Itaz, he is very interested to look at the medallion and handle it. "Ah so you will you be sending one such a device with us then...to enable us to report back. What is the operative word used to activate it, if you please. Is it once every 8 hours or just 3 times in a 24 hour period?"
This message was last edited by the player at 22:33, Sun 04 Feb 2018.

Korin takes an exaggerated look around the room.

"Yes I suppose an organization that surrounds itself with such opulence can only do so being being exceedingly thrift. Nevertheless I am satisfied with all the details. I agree to the terms and the sooner we depart the better."

He takes another look around the room.

"My life has been inundated with nice quiet rooms suitable for studying. I have had my fill of them."

A slight look of disapproval crosses Itaz's face at Korin's statements.

"You will indeed be receiving not one but two of those devices as a safety protocol Mr. Thracce. As stated, information is our objective.  As for the devices method of operation that will be shown once those of you who wish to go on this task say as much.  You were sent a summons, you all came and heard me out and now lady and gentlemen I will leave for a short while as you discuss your course of action.  We understand if some or all you don't wish to go.  We have already met with others and they share the same view as young Mr Simmat and that is more then fair."

With that Itaz slides his chair back, rises, bowing to you all he heads to the door which is opened for him by Harden.

"I shall return in thirty minutes time, we hope your answer is favorable and Mr. Simmat as for what a Shadow Lord is I think one of you already knows what it is."

With that he leaves and Harden softly closes the door behind him, gentle foot falls can be heard as they fade off.

In reply to The Storyteller (msg # 17):

Thilo's eyes follow Itaz as he stands and then walks to the door, as the door closes Thilo pushes his chair back while holding his staff.  Standing Thilo walks to the windows to look at the grounds.  They were nice, they reminded him a little of a quaint little place that he used to read on the Isle of Y-oda and of a court yard he and his mother would sit in when they were allowed there visits.  Ah such simple thoughts of a peaceful thing, Thilo sighs and turns to the group his posture relaxing his.

"I am Thilo Brighthand, former Court Mage of a western noble and full fledged member of the Tri Arcanum.  This information is not as a means of boasting or as an attempt to elevate my position, merely so that my next words carry the proper weight and in which you will be better able to choose the path with which to follow.  My hope is there is another here that will corroborate what I am about to share about also.  A Shadow Lords is not a name for some powerful mage of some obscure magic lost to antiquity, or the head of some thieves guild lurking behind the scenes.  Shadow Lords
 are greater deevil's from the pits of Dyval, also known as Arch Fiends.  A diabolical force that serve as highly regarded  officers in their dark armies, capable of leading vast hosts of lesser deevils.  Associating with all manner of evil beings, be it dragon, supernatural beings, humans, even going so far as to work with demons should the situation suit their goals.  Meddling in the affairs of Palladium is a past time of theirs.  They are a powerful foe, there is no doubt but they have been defeated."

Thilo pauses for a moment, looking down seeing if he had forgotten anything it had been awhile since he had read the ancient texts of scholars past.

Thracce paces slowly back and forth as he listens.



"I would hope that we would not have to actually face such a foe, but merely it's pawns and underlings. We need only find the priest and princess to provide witness against the dark alliance."

Thracce is not at all interested in facing such a formidable foe. This side trip is only a means to an end for him.

"We would need to decide who would lead us and how we would actually track them down. I have some ideas on the second part. I have an animal in mind to use to track by smell but would need something for her to reference. If we have two of these magic pigeon devices we could stand apart and try sending a message to Teneck himself and use their flight path to get a general bearing."