Gar walked in as he did, his slow pace measured by his thoughts. As he heard infuse speak of his favourite colour, the tortle chuckled. “…and why would it not be. So many wonderful things are green. Leaves, grass, animals…..me!” He chuckled at his own joke as he walked.

As was always habit of the two, there was a long silence….never uncomfortable, but both Gar and his companion had no need for idle chatter all the time. So when they came to the walls, he answered, less humor in his voice. “Since your withdraw from civilisation, some things have changed. People have learnt many things, but humans are still fragile as they have been. These walls protect them from the evils without…sometimes monsters or undead, sometimes other humans waging war. A sad thing, but beyond our ken”

As the face above the wall appeared, the tortle looked up, speaking almost like an absent minded old man. “Oh….hello there. As my friend here has said, we have traveled long and seek the comfort of your great city….my, such a sturdy wall.l He shook his head and again looked up. “Sorry…it’s been a while since a warm bed and a warm meal. I am Gar, wizard from the north, and infuse my friend here. We seek shelter, companionship and knowledge.”

He again looked at the wall and tapped it lightly with his staff. “…such a well made wall. Is that eastern oak?”

We don't have much here travelers, but if you're anything like the other one of your kind here, a mechanical like creature such as yourself, you'd be most welcome here in Vertigo. We'll need to talk to the boss, before letting any strangers in, though.  We have had a bit of issues as of late, but that's not for me to discuss with you.

The guard turns to one of the other guards posted on the wall, and after a brief conversation, the other guard disappears, presumably down some stairs down from the wall.

It shouldn't take too long to fetch the boss.  Maybe about twenty minutes, so if you'd like to get comfortable and sit for a bit, I ....

It was at that point a demonic looking creature, with large leathery wings and a long curling tail, flew up out from behind the wooden stockade fence just over the guard's head, a maniacal cackling following it all the way.

Completely paralyzed by confusion, the guard tried to speak: Um...I...that...what the hell was that?

Gar stood there, a smile on his face as the guard explained about their boss, and nodded. “Understood….a artificial man and a giant humanoid turtle come knocking and you would need to ask. Please, we will wait.” The tortle stood there and looked at infused with a smile. “See…surprise. But, it seems there is another of your kind here. They said their was another warforged helping - interesting place already.”

As the guard returned offering them a seat, the tortle shook his head. “No thanks….I’m happy to stand. Turtle on his back and all. Plus the walk….” He was Interupted by the cackling of the beast flying overhead and for the first time, the tortle took a serious look, losing his smile as he clutched his staff. He watched as the demonic figure flew away and heard the guards curse. “That is an interesting question. Could you find your boss….perhaps we could be of assistance.” Lost was the slow time and movement….gar looked worried, excited and ready

Surprisingly, Gar and Infused see yet ANOTHER creature fly out from behind the walls, however this time it wasn't another demon, but a small mechanical owl.  Hovering at times or flying back and forth in hurried motions, the mechanical bird seemed to survey the situation with ample curiosity, flapping it's wings in both excitement and to keep it's heavy body afloat.

It wasn't long, maybe a couple minutes or so, until the double gates opened, and a mismatched group of individuals walked out.  The internal gate to Vertigo closed behind the group, most likely standard protocol to ensure the safety of those within.

The dwarf, who must be the boss the guards fetched, spoke up, however it came with a somber voice that didn't seem to match the words coming out of his mouth.

Welcome travelers.  My name is Thorin.  What...brings you to Vertigo?  There is a long pause, as it looked like he wanted to say more, but then suddenly the dwarf just turns, his head down and defeated, and addresses the female half-elf nearby, laying his hand on her shoulder.

I'm sorry Andraste, I....just can't do this right now.  Would you please take care of this?  I need to see if Sebastian is okay.

The dwarf, without waiting for an answer, just walks towards the gate, waits for it to open and close behind him, before heading back to the main cavern tunnel.

Infused looked up at the demon, then down at the welcome party, back up to the demon, back to the dwarf, then to the half-elf. This place was going to be interesting, it seemed. "We have traveled in search of other living beings who have survived, knowledge, and perhaps a new place to call 'home'." Infused glanced toward the demon once more, just in case, and would dismiss her if no alarm was to be raised. "We are sure to have at least some skills that could be put to use here, for the good of the people."

Gar, still focused on the fleeing demon flying away, he heard the gate open, and as the dwarf started talking, turned, a smile on his face. He quickly realised that what was being said and the mood was far different. As the dwarf left, he smiled and nodded.

The tortle looked at the others. "It seems that our arrival is fortunate...I gather from the tension that whatever occurred had something to do with the half succubus that just flew from your city."

The tortle leaned against his staff with two hands. "My name is Gar, an arcanist of modest skill. My large friend here is Infused - he has taken upon himself as my companion and bodyguard."

He paused, noting the other warforged and smiled....it seemed this group was in the thick of things within vertigo. "As he has said, we seek shelter, a warm bed and meal for the short term, but long term something else. Perhaps, what has transpired with that thing..." he said looking over his shoulder towards the flying demons direction. "...may warrant some assistance if you require. We are at your service if needed."

Why does Thorin keep offloading his responsibilities onto me? Is there no one else here he can delegate to? I understand this is a difficult time for the town leaders but this does not bode well for the town. Regardless, that can wait; right now the visitors deserve her attention.

Oh my, there are two of them. Two! Is this one like Sand? Its bearing is different, much more confident, but it lacks the Sand's tools and its design seems less sophisticated. And a giant turtle too! Even in its fallen state the world is filled with such marvels! Alright, I have to reign it in. Find out why they are here and if things go well I will likely have a chance to talk to them later to learn more.

"Well met neighbours, I am Andraste Giltris and I would like to welcome you to Vertigo. Behind me are my colleagues Althaea, Sand, and Thorn." I say with a nod, stepping to the side and gesturing to the others behind me. " I apologize for Thorin, he normally handles introductions but recent events have not been kind. Your offer of assistance is most generous; however, as a recent arrival myself I cannot speak for the town. If you are willing to abide by the town's peace and swear that you are not knowingly bringing any danger to the town you are welcome inside, at least for a day or two. There is food and shelter inside the mountain; it is nothing fancy but it is much better than you are likely to find outside. You will be permitted to keep your weapons while within the town provided you behave. When things are more settled, the town leaders will speak with you regarding any tasks they could use your help with."

Summary
Hair: Shifts from white to pale blond and slowly settles back to white.
Insight: 9

Infused was focused on the half-elf woman, paying no attention to the other beings standing behind her, nor those walking around in the now-revealed street. That changed, naturally, when she made introductions, and Infused looked at each of them in turn. Well, he'd intended to.

He heard Thorn's name, but little of what was said after that as his eyes and thoughts locked onto the one she had called Sand. Infused released his grip on the pommel of the greatsword that rested on his shoulder, and the blade swung down, stabbing into the dirt and leave the sword swinging back and forth slightly as it stood upright. Infused walked toward Sand, part intrigue, part confusion, and largely disbelief playing Alchemy's Apprentice inside him.

Infused took in the differences in their appearances. ~Such different designs.~ There were far more different than they were similar, in fact, but there was still no mistaking, ~Warforged. Singular. Plural.~

One of the distinguishing differences between the two warforged was that Infused was in possession of a working mouth and jaw. As he spoke, however, the voice came out as it should, but the jaw never moved, "Sand." He said it almost like he was testing the word; almost a question, but not quite. It was a name that could have such an array of meanings and symbolism. "You are...forged?" It sounded more like a question this time than it did before, but the changes in his tone were very small.

Infused lifted his left hand up to his chest, to a red crystal housed in gold wire that jutted from his chest at an angle that suggested it had not been a part of his intended design, "I am Infused."

Half-demons? Another warforged? ~Anomaly Mountain, confirmed.~

Gar hooked at the half elf, a slight smile creasing as her hair changed color, but was more focused on her words.“We will abide by the towns rules….we have seen no danger other than some undead which we were able to deal with ourselves. Having been in the road for almost two weeks now, anyplace that has a warm meal and a roof over our head will be welcome.”

Gar watched as infuse interacted with the other warforged with curosity. The tortle sighed. “You will have to forgive infuse….before I met him, the only interaction he had was his master. Prior to that he was in self isolation underground.” The tortle placed a hand on his friends shoulder. “He, like you, is forged. You are different, but the same….remember when I spoke of different purposes. Sand here…,is it sand?” He looked at the other warforged with curosity. < Seagreen >“…seems designed for craft purposes. Like you, another rarity in this land, like this mountain.”</Seagreen >

The tortle turned again to the others. “If you could recommend a tavern where we can rest, it would be appreciated. If you have the time, perhaps over a drink you can explain the suituation with the half succubus that flew over.”

Still annoyed by the guard, Sand barely registered the presence of the 2 newcomers when Scamp showed them to him. He had to stop and recenter himself, putting his hand on Clacker's back for a non-existing breath or two before he could concentrate on helping his friends with the new arrivals. Tasking his mechanical beetle to continue checking on his loot from the unfortunate victims of the plague, now a thing of the past according to the non-succubus demon, he shook his head trying to understand what was happening to him. All those memories and flashes that he was getting more frequently without explanation were taking their toll on the construct. He looked at the full plate mail he had brought back and longed to go right away to the forge to work on it. He never felt happier than when he was building something, and it would do him good.

The warforged slumped his shoulders in a breathless sigh. Looking toward the door, then at the armor, then back at the door, he decided to go really see this newcomer apparently like him. Then he could work on his project. Scamp perched on the top of the greatsword he had acquired with the armor, the big construct arrived where the tortle and the... other like him were talking to Andraste. Infused approached him and asked if he was forged. Again something triggered in his memory, a flash of an assembly line... but he was not one of the warforged in the vision, but flesh and blood, small hands working dexterously to assemble the inner working of the... advanced golems. What was happening to him?

Infused was waiting for an answer so Sand looked at him, as Scamp decided to use his skull as a drum, tapping it with his metallic beak.

Sand... is sorry. Sand does not speak... this tongue well. Sand does not understand. Why would Sand be forged?

Cocking his head to the side, in his expression of curiosity, he heard the tortle, that he had barely looked at, ask about food.

Sand welcome Infused and Gar to Vertigo. Tavern for eating is in main cavern.

Hoping for them to understand, he switched to elven, his accent archaic.

This language is easier to speak, do you understand?

Sand Int check to pierce memory veil : 18
This message was last edited by the player at 02:08, Sat 31 July 2021.

Infused became confused, as Sand replied. ~Have I forgotten the correct word for my race? Master Kraelix had called me 'forged'. Had he not...?~ If anything, he grew even more confused when Sand spoke in another language.

"Mmm, that is the name I was given for what I am. Gar says 'warforged', but Master Kraelix said only 'forged'. Master Kraelix was not one to shorten words, but I cannot confirm." Infused shook his head when Sand spoke the elven words, not even recognizing what language it had been intended to be.

He changed languages as well, this one sounding not unlike the grinding of rocks and crackling of flames, [Primordial] "Master Kraelix suggested that our origin was tied to the elements, explaining how I know these words. I have no memory of learning any languages at all, yet I know the words in each distinctly."

He spoke again, but this time the words were formed with more throaty sounds and what would have been hissing from the tip of the tongue on a creature who actually possessed one, [Draconic] "I could also speak the language of magic, if you understand it?"

Celestial "Or that of the heavens?"

Infused still seemed fairly oblivious to people and things that were not himself or Sand.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:27, Sat 31 July 2021.

This is not working, none of those languages are familiar.

Switching back to common, he shrugged.

Sand does not understand what Infused says. Infused is not understanding Sand. If Infused wants to follow Sand, Sand can show forge, Sand needs to work at forge. Sand thinks Infused does not need food. Maybe Sand can sharpen Infused sword?

Nodding his head, at the assembly, he turned away and walked where Clacker was still waiting. Seeing the other warforged, the construct was momentarily confused and gave an half-hearted clack of its sharp mandibles, as Sand was fixing the bags of loot on its back. Looking at Infused, he said.

This is friend Clacker. Sand built him. And this is Scamp, Sand did not build him, Sand read from book of magic and Scamp came to Sand.

The burden secured, he started walking towards the village forge. Seeing Jacob hard at work, he paused until the human saw him and asked for access to the forge. The man smiled and said that he was about to go eat and that Sand could work the forge while he was at the tavern. Nodding, he removed the breastplate of the armor, as his right thigh  seemed to unravel, exposing a series of tools in a secret compartment. As he was starting to work on the metal, he asked.

Why did Infused called Sand forged? As in built from forges?

His vision still vivid in his head, he wanted to know what the other warforged would say.

Infused considered alternative forms of communication, but found himself to be lacking. Master Kraelix had spells that granted him the ability to communicate in a number of ways, but Infused had no such magic. Infused had no magic at all. ~Not that I can control.~ He knew a direct solution would not work, since he had none, so a different approach was needed.

As he considered ways to keep words simple and meanings clear, he was reminded of the times he had helped Master Kraelix with delicate project that required a high level of focus. ~Important words only, no waste.~

"No problem. Infused never eats. To the forge." Infused nodded his head and went to retrieve his sword, brushing off the tip, "Infused follows."

At the introduction of Clacker and Scamp, Infused tilted his head as if uncertain, "They are...forged?" Infused had never heard anything about warforged in the form of an animal, but he also acknowledged that he knew next to nothing about his race as most of that knowledge had no bearing at all on the work he'd done before the world was turned inside out. Or upside down, in some cases. He had also never seen any form of clockwork animations, so seeing a bird and a giant beetle-thing of metal parts that could both move was blowing his mind.

"Built, yes. Forge, but the action, not the place or tool. Craft-forged. Work-forged. Scout-forged. War-forged. All forged, but for different purpose. That is all I was told." Infused watched Sand work, seeing the tools unravel from within the warforged body, and the large frame working the metal. He felt...something. Something that he did not know or recognize, or even how to describe for that matter. He tried to puzzle it out as he watched Sand at work.

This inability to communicate in this language is getting frustrating, now he speaks like to a simple minded.

Sand finished his invocation while taping lightly on the armor plate with a hammer that seemed much too small to be able to affect steel, the metal moving by itself to remove a big dent, returning to a pristine state.

Sand understands, Sand only has troubles speaking. Sand more comfortable with language of elves.

Infused was a being like him, maybe he would be able to understand. Lifting his big hand to his head, he unhooked a make shift covering plate on the side, exposing a section of his head that was partially melted and burned like by an electric arc of some sort, rust covering a lot of the metal present in the wound.

Sand injured a long time ago, Sand does not remember why or how. Sand's magic can not repair this damage. Dwarf friends that found Sand built covering to hide wound. Infused does not need to speak simply to Sand.

He nodded his head, his way of smiling, as he reattached the plate. This done, he took the steel breastplate and, finding another part that needed repairs, he started the same tapping with his hammer while speaking softly as he casted his spell. Done, he said.

Sand likes to build and repair things. Sand can read a little in book of magic too. What does Infused like to do? And who is Master Kraelix? Did he build you?
This message was last edited by the player at 20:37, Sat 31 July 2021.

Infused watched as Sand worked, "I am glad to know you understand all the words. It will be more simple if I can be elaborate. It is unfortunate that I do not understand elven. I will seek a solution."

If Infused's eyes could get wide, they would have at the sight of Sand's partially melted head. He stepped closer to have a look, "Electric burns and rust, and magic has no effect. We are made of metal, but I am told it is also alive. What magic gives life to our metals, I do not know. But if you cannot restore the damage, maybe it is a thing that kills magic, leaving that piece to be what it was before you were forged."

"Master Kraelix was a transmutation wizard. He had passion for alchemy and enchanting items." Infused subconsciously reached up to touch the crystal in his chest again, "He did not build me, he..." Infused did not actually know how Master Kraelix came to have him, "..." Infused's head tilted from one side to the other, "I am sorry. I do not know. Obtained, somehow. Master Kraelix named me Fetcher, and I was his assistant with research, experimentation, and alchemy. Some of Master Kraelix's work would take days of tending. This is why I am work-forged, to assist for long periods of time."

"Master Kraelix is dead now, but his wife Alicia is still alive. Somewhere."

Infused naturally picked up on Sand's body language and its meaning. "A wound opened in the world, and Master Kraelix's tower fell through. I was trapped inside for...hmm, many long times. The items I have now are what I could find in the tower to escape. When I came out, I found the world like this, but its people mostly dead or dead-not-dead. Master Kraelix was one of these. Gar says to call them undead. Fetcher had to make Master Kraelix re-dead, and then was a Fetcher no more. Now he is only Infused."

"In the many long times, I changed. I stopped being work-forged, I think. Now, I am like war-forged. You like to build and repair. That is good. I do not know what I like to do. I did what I was told to do until the tower fell. Now...hmm, I think that is why I came to Anomaly Mountain; I need to find something new to do."

Sand continued his work while Infused told his story and had a noticeable pause when he talked about his master turned into an undead. He let the other warforged finish his story, as he tried on the front of the plate on his own torso.

Sand dwarfs friends got killed by undead. Sand does not like undead. Sand built Clacker friend to help protect during rest periods. Sand killed again many undead after dwarfs friends died and left Sand alone.

He shook his head as he removed the plate from his torso and picked up the back. Then a thought occured to him and he looked at Infused, head cocked to the side.

Dwarfs friends told Sand to come to Vertigo and talk to their friend. Sand does not think so but it would....

He hesitated for a long time, trying to find the word he was looking for, unable to bring it to mind in common. His shoulders slumped as he abandoned the search.

Dwarfs friends friend does not like Sand. Sand had to tell her about friends death.

Taking his hammer he selected the spot he wanted to fix then hesitated. Turning his head towards his guest, he told him.

Dwarfs friends friend's name is Alicia.

Infused nodded his understanding as Sand shared bits of his story. The armor was looking decent enough, though Infused admittedly had limited experience with such things. He knew the value of being able to work with your hands though, and that did appeal to him. Perhaps he was still somewhat of a work-forged after all. The topic of friends' deaths seemed a heavy one. Infused had seen people die, and seen the effect that death had on the living ones who cared about the dead ones. Death itself was a strange concept, and how

Seeing Sand inspect his work again, Infused pointed toward the spot on the armor plate that he could see was in need of some more attention. When Sand turned to him a spoke a name, Infused snapped to attention and his blue eyes locked on Sand's purple, "Alicia? That was the name of Master Kraelix's wife. Mistress Alicia is here in Vertigo?"

Sand shrugged. He didn't want to give false hopes to Infused, but the coincidence was interesting to note.

Sand does not know if Vertigo's Alicia is Infused's Alicia. Sand only knows there is an Alicia in Vertigo. She is usually in the tavern. Althaea, the elf singer that Andraste presented, knows her better than Sand. Maybe Infused could go talk to Althaea to know about Alicia?

Nodding his head, he started to fix the spot that Infused had pointed. Soon he would be able to ditch his noisy armor and wear this one.

Gar watched with curosity as sand and infused interacted. The tortle smiled as infused tried other languages, many he knew, but then reverted to common again. He watched the two leave for the forge with a slight smile. “Two of the same, yet very different in many ways.” The tortle sighed, then looked at the others.

“Well, if you could point me to this tavern your friend talked about, maybe we can have a chat about what that flying succubus demoness was doing here and why she flew out in such ominous glee.” Gar seemed comfortable that infused had found sand, and left together - now the tortle was more focused on what was happening here.

….and how he could help

Infused nodded his head several times as he thought about the possibilities and what it could mean if it really was the same woman. Did it mean anything at all, really? Other than a person he had known from before still being alive? It was good news, certainly, but...what was he supposed to do with that news?

"If it is her, I must speak to her. If it is not, then I must have confirmation. Either way, I think I must go to perform the test. I am happy to have met you, Sand. It feels...different, to know another. Good different. Even if we, too, are different."

Infused turned as if to go, then paused for a moment before turning back around, "I'm sorry. Where can I find the tavern?"

In reply to Gar (msg # 17):

"Of course, follow me. Althaea will you please join us; I believe you can answer Gar's questions better than I."

Escorting Gar through the first and second gates, I point out points of interest and pointing out prominent townsfolk as we walk back into the main cavern before turning towards the Better Times Inn. Stepping through the curtain onto the inn's wooden floor, the light from the lit fireplace and scattered torches dimly illuminating the room and casting flickering shadows, and stride towards a table near the bar where Corsica is cleaning up after the morning meal.

"Hello Corsica, this is Gar a recent arrival to Vertigo." I say to Corsica giving her a small smile and indicating the Tortle behind me. "He his been on the road for some time and is hoping to stay in town for awhile. I realize that this is not a normal meal time, but are there any leftovers he can have while he waits for Thorin and Sebastien?"

Scamp will show you, follow Scamp. Scamp, bring Infused to tavern and Alicia if you see her. And do not cause troubles!

With a mental command, the owl hooted in a weird metallic approximation of a normal owl and took flight, turning around Infused head until the warforged got moving, then strait to the main cavern. It was excited to go back to it's favorite location in this forsaken place! And to see fascinating stone lady again, the fey spirit did like her!

Sand was now able to finish his breastplate armor and sat in the corner of the forge, willing his body to expel the scale mail he had incorporated years ago...

Well a big welcome to our little slice of hell, Gar! Corsica says with a laugh.

Her mood does quickly change when Giltris mentions the leftovers, and immediately becomes visibly uncomfortable.

Yeah, well, I'm uh...sure we have some dried fruits and nuts, and maybe some um...leftover bread.  Sweat starts to bead on her forehead and her face starts to get a little red in the cheeks.

Rory calls out from behind the bar while cleaning some tankards, hearing the conversation unfold, but facing in the opposite direction of the group.  We have some soup ready Corsica!  I made it a little early in case anyone who was recovering from the illness needed something comforting and homely.

Corsica, now squirming, says in a mind your own fucking business voice, I KNOW RORY, but I really don't think we should be serving the soup RORY, we're uh...saving it for the sick, like you said, REMEMBER.  Heh....

Rory turns around, ready to mildly berate Corsica for her behavior, which is about as much as the well mannered Rory could do, Corsica, he's our guest, why don't you want to serve him any of our turt... His eyes go wide as he sees the giant turtle like creature standing in front of him and it's like the breath gets knocked out of him, as words now fail to escape his mouth.

Corsica squeaks out, I'll go scrounge about and see what we have; won't be long dear! With that, Corsica scurries off leaving the open mouthed Rory standing there, seemingly paralyzed.  From the kitchen, Corsica screams, Why don't you get him a drink RORY.

Gar walked slowly (Very slowly) as Andraste led the way, smiling and nodding at the people that no doubt took great notice of him.  He entered the Tavern with a smile and leaned against his staff.

With Corcia and Rory's interaction, he smiled, showing no discomfort, even when rory realised he was a tortle. The wizard held up his hand. "Don't go to much trouble on my account....some nuts and fruit will tide me over until dinnertime, thanks. What i would appreciate is a big drink of water - you know how we turtles love water"

He smiles at the rest of the group, then at Corscia, whispers. "Don't worry...though i look like one, I'm not a turtle. Distant relative, like monkeys and men. But all the same, i'll pass on the soup."

Seeing the color change in Andraste's hair, I could tell her emotions were getting the better of her. She quickly regained her poise and began to speak to the two strangers. When she mentioned my name, I gave a small nod as an introduction.

"I will accompany you." I followed along with Andraste and Gar, albeit much slower than my normal walking pace dictated. I was tempted to just meet the two of them there, but I was in no hurry and I would still be waiting for them to arrive anyway.

Once we reached the Better Times, I witnessed a sight I never thought I would see, Corsica squirming. It soon became apparent as to why and the tortle seemed to take it in stride. He even made a joke about it. I sat down to wait while Gar ate and to answer any questions either of them might ask of me.