She was about to reply to Ash's question when Qudy started to speak as if he was nervous about something.  His pacing didn't help the matter and she knew that no one never show up in a timely manner, there is always someone who is late.

Turning to Ash as he assumed his resting position "I have sent out eight request for assistance but I didn't believe that everyone would reply or show up.  I will give a few more moments before speaking more. she said in a soft tone.  Then she waved over the serving girl and placed orders to have the food brought out so that those that had a empty belly could be filled and it would allow more time for those that don't have the means of magical transportation to arrive.

Being an Elf did give her many years to think on things and not to rush into this half hazard...

Having just arrived after the cryptic invitation from Lady Q, Kane found himself on the edge of the world it seemed.  This was one place he had yet to travel to and so another place marked off his very shortlist.

As he came into the tavern he noticed Lady Q right away and gave her a nod as they locked eyes.  Kane then scanned the rest of the room noticing 2 other males and another female.  Sorry if you have been waiting for me.  Sometimes the road is indeed long and winding.  Kane said in a strong but steady voice, as he looked to Lady Q.

My name is Sebastian Kane, you all may call me Kane.  Kane said as he came to the table and took a seat near Lady Q.  Am I the last he asked her a little softer.

Kane had his goldish looking full-plate and gear on as if he was ready for a battle at any moment.  The full-plate didn't look like it was heavy at all.  In a bright red scabbard made of fine leather, one could see an exquisitely made hilt with the image of the sun on its pommel.

Qudy turned to see the new fellow who had introduced himself. His voice sounded vaguely familiar. This was a good fellow, very polite and Qudy moved up and offered his hand "It's a pleasure to meet you Sebastian Kane, I am Qudy al-Ma from Qadira. I think we've met before, might of been a decade or two ago I can't remember for sure but I'm sure our paths have crossed at some point even as they have crossed Lady Quar'ssysn's in the past."

Ash listened without moving understanding that the connections between those gathered were more than simple.  Again, not overly surprising.  However, as he sat quietly he started to notice other things, as he often did while he meditated.

The first was a scent.  It was a bit sweet with a distinctive undertone.  He could visualize the slightly red ichor that would taste like salted chestnuts but was thick like molasses.  Some thought it to be a poor man's poison.  But, Ash knew it to be very potent and often hid other poisons or diseases because of it's obvious nature.

The second was a sound.  The cough was brief and barely audible, but it was there just on the edge of his ability to hear.  He knew that sound and it's melodic vibrato.  It belonged to a young boy he saw singing in a tavern long ago.  But what had brought that lad to death's door?

The third was a feeling, now for Ash feelings weren't something to be trifled with as they had saved him many times and sealed the fates of so many more over the years.  This feeling though was like a dull ache deep within him.  Something was calling to him, and it was near by.  It reminded him of a curse he was able to survive before he entered the nightmare realms.  He'd mistaken a token found on a corpse for something of value to be sold, yet it was something so dear to that corpse in life that a part of it was still tethered and nearly pulled Ash from his mortal coil.

Ash opened one eye, barely moving and took stock of the room once more.  Nothing on the surface had changed.  The dead were dying and the living were joining them soon enough.  However, the place was making it hard for him to pinpoint these things he was noticing.  So he closed his eye once more and continued his meditation.  He knew he could pay more attention and uncover what were these distractions...but why?  What would he have to gain in such frivolity?

Then Ash wondered silently to himself a question that might have more relevance to the situation at hand...Who or What would run such an establishment and allow powers such as those being gathered by Lady Quar'ssysn to join together without so much as a request for payment?  He knew if it was his realm that they were gathering in the toll would have been commensurate with the powers in attendance.

As the party talks and gives introduction, a hole in space and time opens like a dark wound in the fabric of reality itself. A teleport spell, sending something dark...twisted. As soon as it opens, it closes back again, leaving a few newcomers to the party. For those not able to see beyond the dark veil, middle aged man with a pixie on his shoulder stands before you.

For those who can truly see and behold a lich in all his horror, a cold fire of passion burns as the tiny blue flames of his eyes gaze over all of you. No pixie, but an Imp, that looks like a tiny succubus sits smiling on his shoulder.

“Greetings. My name is Moto and this is my...faithful servant, Zara.” He moves over to one of the chairs by Lady Quar'ssysn. "You seek me out, great lady of elven kind?...What is asked...and what is offered?”
This message was last edited by the player at 08:06, Mon 02 Mar 2020.

Irena nods to all the newcomers. What varied company the Lady kept!

Lady Quar'ssysn looked over the table and it seemed that an Unseen Servant was moving around the table moving goblets to those that wanted one and a plate.  After placing the goblet the pitchers started to float over to the guest and pouring either Ale or Wine to the guest liking.

She waited patiently for others to show up but when Kane walked into the inn it seemed that her face lighten up some and she was pleased to know that she was able to count on him arriving and hoping that he will take lead of this mission.  It was something she knew he was best at.

Then her head turned slightly to the right as she could sense the opening of a familiar spell.  Stepping from it was none other than Moto.  She nodded her head to him as he moved over to take a seat next to her.  She even smiled at his question.  Typical of his kind.  But it is he who will give the most information to the missions success.

A piece of raw flesh was floating over to Zara in hope that it would appease it.

Taking a sip from her glass she stood up and looked at each that have arrived so far.

"I would like to thank all that was able to answer my request.  I know it was very vague but for certain reasoning.

With the help of our trusted companion Qudy, she looked over to him "He was able to help me locate an Artifact that I been seeking.  she paused for a moment and looked mostly at Moto and Irena when she said the next words. "It is the Naga Crown.  Allowing that to sink in for those that might know if its existence.

"We also discovered that it is in the possession of a Lich Lord. slightly giving Moto a glance before continuing. "Also he has in his party, a corrupt Silver Dragon that I thought was dead.  But now discovered that it is alive... well Un-alive.

Looking over the group to see their reactions so far.

The wizard Balen faded to visibility sitting crosslegged on a disk of force that floated up above head level, his hand already holding a goblet full of wine that he slowly sipped.

Multiple stones floated and flit about his head, and he sat with a staff of blackened wood with a flickering ruby cap rested on his lap.

"To what end Quar? What does the crown hold for you? Why this particular item?" he asked as he looked at her and the others.

"I'm all for ridding the world of another lich lord and their undead dragon pets," he said with a wink at Moto. "Just want to know why you're gathering so much might to go after the Naga Crown."
This message was last edited by the player at 06:22, Tue 03 Mar 2020.

She looked at Balen for a moment she was about to say something but then she looked away.

"This item was once part of my ancestors trove, before the cataclysm known as Earthfall. was all she could say as she turned slightly form Balen.

This land here is corrupted by a Vampire Lord and with the destruction of his minions then these lands and the people may live again without fear.

"Well that's a noble cause. Freedom is as noble as goodness." Qudy says "No greater cause can a man perform than to lay down his life for another. No gem or no amount of gold can be as rewarding as freeing a people oppressed."

He pauses a moment then continues "I'm in, equal share of the treasure to cover any expenses of course. I hope everyone is ready to face the undead. Lich's are noted for raising the undead. We'll probably have to face from the lowest skeleton to the greatest terrors. We must not let our hearts falter though. Evil wins when good men do nothing."

Ash, still motionless like a corpse, stirred at Qudy's words.  "I'm not sure you believe that Qudy.  But, that's besides the point.  We all have reasons to aid Lady Quar'ssysn.  If some are doing it for spoils then they are better for it.  She knows exactly why she called for my aid and I am here.  I need no convincing."  He moved to sit up and turned towards the others gathered.  "I'm quite certain that none of us could singularly avail a Lich Lord and it's pet Dracolich from their possession of an Artifact.  Such a task warrants calling in favors no matter how old or forgotten they may be."

The one who even the dead and near-dead feared shrugged.  The gesture was small but noticeable.  "I suspect someone has an idea already partially, or fully, crafted as to how we shall attempt such a feat.  But, Lady Q., does our target have any idea you seek to liberate the Artifact?"  It was the first and most important question Ash knew needed to be asked.

Looking to Ash "I don't believe he does.  I have myself protected from any scrying or location spells. she smiled "The gift of Mink Blank.

Then she looked over to Qudy "Was you able to keep your discovery of the item to yourself? she asked seeing that it was him who located the Crown.

Qudy shrugs "I think so, I mean I have my ring that protects my mind. So I don't think anyone read my thoughts or anything if that's what you mean. Still I didn't put everyone to the sword that I talked to for information. Any of them could just as easily tell if they found the reward worthwhile to do so. I mean informants tend to stop informing if word gets out you are whacking them."
This message was last edited by the player at 13:15, Tue 03 Mar 2020.

When Qudy had said he thought he knew him from a decade or two ago it didn't surprise him.  Kane was a traveler and got around to many places.Qudy, please refresh my memory.  Where would it have been that we met?  I don't dispute your claim it's just that I have met so many people in my travels.

---

When Lady Q had begun to speak about what they were all gathered for Kane wasn't really interested in the lost artifact so much as what it was that had the item.  A Lich Lord was certainly no small task.  Nor was a vampire lord for that matter. Let's not forget about an undead silver.  The poor thing must be in torment and would need to be released to return to Bahamut. Though undead was one of those things that Kane had been known to battle in his time.  The battle against the skeletal hordes of the west was a memorable one in his recent past.

When Lady Q spoke directly to him Kane smiled slightly, she knew his one weakness as surely as he did.  Yes, I will gladly take the lead Lady Q.   Kane turned to everyone then and said, Any and all ideas or thoughts on how to do things will be appreciated.  I am not a reckless leader and listen to those under my lead.  Speaking of that might we get better acquainted with each other and what abilities we bring to the table.  It will benefit me to know what everyone is capable of so I know best how to utilize your talents.

Irena listens patiently to everyone, nodding thoughtfully at each point and at each newcomer. It is only when Sebastian Kane suggests that they identify their talents that Irena inally breaks

"What I can do, hm. Well,  I founded the campus of High Energy Magic in the Arcanamirium' College of Evocation. Considering we are dealing with potent magical beings , and a corrupt silver dragon at that, I believe my repertoire of arcane lore would be quite useful against it. That said, if we're dealing with the undead, it might be prudent to involve members of a...religious leaning. After all, they possess a variety of abilities in addition to their own potent magic..."

"Okay, it was your people's crown, ten thousand years ago. Just wondering why now are you seeking it? What is the catalyst for going after it now and not before?" he replied as he held up a hand.

"Don't get me wrong. I'm all for removing these undead and their hold on a land, especially for a share of the treasure. It's a noble cause and probably worth doing even without the crown as a goal. I'm just curious what returning it means for you after all this time apart from your family. We can talk later if you prefer."

He looked at Sebastian Kane for a moment before he replied, "Kane was it? I shape raw magic to do my bidding. And punch things. I have studied much lore in my time, and there are few who master the skies like I."

Lady Quar'ssysn looked at Balen "And was you always the master of the skies.  I believe that is something you discovered over the last few years. she thought that was the best answer for his question.

Qudy wasn't exactly sure when they had met, as a half janni he had a long life span even as some of the others. Long enough that generations of humans had risen and fallen. "Perhaps it was when we fought that ghost king who was protecting a mountain." he suggests.

Ash shrugged, ”I am a warrior monk. I carry a bow.  Oh and in my spare time I help Lady Q. with this quest to retrieve her family’s property because I owed her a favor and she’s called it in.”  His words were simplistic for sure. Many gathered already knew he was one of the nightmare kingdom even if they all weren’t aware he ruled a portion of it.  But his skill with the bow was quite renown so there was little reason to explain.

Moto sits and thinks over the words of Lady Quar'ssysn, dodging and weaving as the web. Zara looks over to her master, before rejecting the meat offered. “You have asked us to help you gain the Naga Crown...but what have you truly offered us?.....I admire your desire for power, it is the only truth in this world. Yet some of us are not flies to be caught in a web of words....You require the Naga Crown....I require first pick of the Lich Lord's treasures, an even share of the prize divided up for all members here once the job is done. Also, your oath upon the Nage Crown, a magical pact agreement to not use the crown or your forces against any of us, ever....Would you agree to these terms?” The lich was in full negotiation mode, but needed firm ground before agreeing to anything.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:07, Wed 04 Mar 2020.

Lady Quar'ssysn looked to Moto and shook her head "Your last request is a double sword.  For if you was to attack my people I would be helpless in defending them.  Also, if ever in need of aid, when I have the crown I wouldn't be able to use it to help any of you. she replied.

"I have no problem with you request on first item and of course all treasure will be shared.

Kane thought about the Ghost King that Qudy spoke of, he certainly was there but he still didn't know Qudy but he did know he was a wizard, or at least he thought he remembered. As Kane had listened to the others talk he held close to their words and the meaning both of them and behind them.

Balen was a wizard, and Ash an archer, if he remembered correctly, Qudy too was a wizard.  That left a few that hadn't answered his question yet.  Well, now that you all have the reward settled, I am still waiting for what you bring to the table so I know how best to deploy or defend.

Qudy's eyes sparkle and he suggests "Perhaps a game of chance to decide who gets first pick of the treasure. I just so happen to have a set of dice on me. As for such an oath I can see why the Lady might pause at such an oath. While none of us may have ill intent now there is no telling what the future might hold and it would nullify the quest as a whole if she swore not to use it to defend against each of us should the need arise."

"Oh, just add the words 'in unprovoked aggression' to the part of the oath swearing not to use it and your forces against us. Then you should be fine to use the crown against any of us in defense or to aid us in future battles should the need arise." Balen said gruffly.

"I like the idea of that oath, and I like the idea of equal shares of anything we plunder from the forces we'll be facing, but I don't like the idea of someone claiming first pick of things without anyone knowing what things there are to pick from the Lich Lord's aggregated treasures."

"If we're to agree to someone getting first pick of all the Lich Lord's treasures, then you need to give something up in return. Maybe if someone were to be granted first pick of treasures, you don't get an even share of the rest of the wealth. The cost you pay for picking first perhaps?"

"Wonderful points, we are not shy flowers who've never undertaken something significant before."  Ash's grave voice, nearly devoid of emotion, remarked to no particular person.  "So, since we are not all minions being put to task, we establish some ground rules and agree to them.  The beings we are talking about will likely have hordes of trinkets and coppers for whomever wants them.  Equal portions should be the easiest to agree to without immediate incident."

He stood then and shifted to a seat that was more facing the group than perpendicular to them.  "So, let's agree for one moment that we are all undertaking this task.  Let's also agree that we will all be alive to see spoils at the end of this task.  Then, we can simply agree to terms.  Either we are being paid to take part or we are expecting payment for taking part.  If we are being paid then terms are with Lady Q.  If we are expecting payment then again, terms are with Lady Q.  If she is abdicating the decision regarding terms because she only wishes to retrieve the item in question, then she can state such.  I have not heard that from her."  He motioned and took a sip from a glass offered by the unseen servant.  "Now, as previously stated, we are all quite competent and I am sure hold some power.  So, the current operating understanding is that if Lady Q. abdicates the terms that we will all agree to split spoils equally, otherwise we will have to be concerned about each other breaching the faith of this agreement to try and retain greater wealth.  That would undermine our goal.  I don't intend to stand for such at this early hour."  He paused and it was clear that his words were not a threat but were only a statement of fact.  "Thus, we can all agree on simple terms either outlined by Lady Q. or merely equal share of spoils."  It was clear that Ash was not a simple bowyer ... perhaps lawyer was more apt.

"Next, to Mr. Kane's question about understanding each of us."  He looked to Kane with a somewhat blank stare, "I believe your question was in good faith and with positive intent.  However, I've survived far longer than most by not just opening up to any new person I meet.  So, I think your question will not be answered in full by anyone here.  Please know that we are here because Lady Q. felt we were powerful enough to aid her against some truly powerful foes."  He gestures then to each person gathered, "I've gathered some small understanding of each being's approach just by how they have arrived, the items they wear, and the things they've chosen to hide.  I'm sure you have as well."

Ash took another sip, "So, I don't wish to overstay my welcome."  He looked to Lady Q.  "Lady, as I see it we need to know where the item in question is being kept.  We need to know as much about that location as possible.  We need to know as much as possible about the ones you've mentioned and their minions.  Then, we can formulate a plan to retrieve the item."  He let those words hang a moment.  "Where do we stand on these questions so far?"