[User]
 The slight green glow of the Eternal Pharoah's eyes would carry further, but considering all involved in the ceremony are currently standing under fifty feet minimum of sand, you are lucky indeed to see your hand in front of your face, much less further than that. Still, the raspy voice of your liege manages to penetrate the shifting brown around you.

  "You, who are gathered here, represent the Chosen of the Wastes. The most powerful among you will thrive and eventually evolve into your eternal form. The weaker amongst you will also be eternal, as unthinking slave labor.

I look forward to finding out which is which...."

[User]
 He held his head down, and was stock still. Fighting the sandstorm was futile: no use blinking sand from your eyes when you're swimming in it. His ability to see, his ability to breath, those were in the Pharaoh's hands now, all he could do was recognize that his control was relinquished the second the storm had brewed. Faith in the glory of Imhotep would see him through this trial. The journey up until this moment had been long indeed to bask in the Dry King's glory; he would make the most of it.

  "All that we thirst for is to appease you, our dread lord."   Karkitan chanted with the others. He knew that the Lich could hear his heart beat in the storm, let alone his words. He knelt, doing his best to keep balance in the tumult. Failure to adhere to the ritual would result in a loss of favor.

[User]
 Mortis kneels on one knee, fist across his chest in a stalwart salute. His eyes are closed, a strip of cloth across his eyes, torn from the hem of his robe as is the one across his nose and mouth, preventing sand from getting in as he relies on his symbiont's darksight to relay what's happening around him. Gratitude is an unusual emotion for a necromancer, particularly towards one of their creations but the ghostly visage has earned it a thousand times over.

There's nothing religious about this for him, though being this close to a lich is probably as close to a religious experience as he'd ever get. The storm is a trial to be overcome, like every trial before it.

Finding Nehekhara had been a trial, getting to it a greater one, getting an audience with Imhotep greater still, now, for the first time in years, a reward for all those trials, a mere moment to enjoy it before new trials would be placed before him.

There is no worship in his words, nor would he follow a chant, but his words are simple and heartfelt.  "My life in service to you and your empire my liege."

[User]
 The glow surrounding the Eternal Pharoah intensifies to the point where you can almost discern his silhouette through the driving sand. The figure nods slowly, and his raspy voice somehow manages to overcome the howling storm to be heard.

  "Go forth, my chosen, and conquer the dark. Bring my light to the dark corners of the world, and show them the one true way."

With the dismissal, the storm quickly abates, leaving you all buried in at least three feet of sand. At least it beats having to travel all the way down to Nehekhara....

-Later-

The message echoes into Imhotep's ears, or what remains of them. The green glow of his eyes deepens to red, and he waves a hand through the sand surrounding him, bringing it to his lips and whispering his reply...

 Spoiler: Reply via Whispering Sands (Sandstorm spell)

  "You were right to inform me of this, Chosen. I come. Expect me soon."

The sand in his hand glows black for a moment, then quickly disperses in a wave as it sifts through the desert back to Mortis post-haste.

His voice rings out again.

  "Slave, attend me."

A wisp of red approaches through the sand enveloping his throne.

  "Your wish, my liege?"

The dry and decayed musculature that clings still to Imhotep's ancient visage twists in a rictus.

  "Prepare my armaments. We go to war."


[User]
 Spoiler

This'll be happening in your nearest pop center to the rats as I'm coming from that direction, northward works better, though I've got movement with which to sweep through your lands if your leader is elsewhere.  🙂

From the mountain they descended like raindrops through the town, cannon balling from the skies only to pull up at the last second.  In an instant the city had been flooded with tend of thousands of little fairies with miniature weapons sheathed at their side.  This next one was bigger then the others though, Seven, maybe eight feet tall draped in furs and tanned skins as a king might be draped in royal silks.  Beneath his stag-skull mask a hungry fanged maw opens grins sinister as eyes filled with a  deep and startling lust for blood survey the town.  The man stands like a hungry predator searching for prey, but as he lifts his head and roars to the sky, it is not a feral cry that does arise, but words that on savage wind do fly.    "I am Jack, Lord of all Fey, bring me to your leader or appoint a new one today, for I've no patience left for games and play, there is a debt of oath and blood to pay!"    As the fey lord had landed the ground neither quaked nor shook, but in eerie silence did it upward look.

[User]
 Spoiler: OOC
We'd be meeting in a Small Town, then.

One moment, the shadow looks like any other cast by a lonely shed: the next, it moves fluidly and throws back its hood to reveal a remarkably young elf with red hair and eyeglasses. A few of the fairies jump in surprise.

 "Then a leader you'll get without a moment's delay. Tell me this:  must  we rhyme, or is prose okay?"

She's dressed in the traditional robes of a wizard, with little in the way of ornamentation or finery. With her slight build and smooth skin, she doesn't look much older than eighty- scarcely old enough to have finished school by elven standards. The only thing that spoils the innocuous appearance is her apparent calm in the face of the eerie horde.

[User]
 Spoiler
Any who cannot rhyme are but slime!

Nah, I rhymed in one of my backstories and I've been having trouble shaking it this game.  Probably because rhyming fits fairies, but still, I'm not always rhyming.  😛

  "I haven't a clue what you're talking about,"    Jack replies curtly.    "but if you were right over there I suppose I needn't have to shout."

 Spoiler

I tried!  I really did!  ☹

  "Well isn't this your lucky day.     Looks like your nation will get a say  (screw it, best way to kick a habit.)    I have decided to issue you and your people a pardon."    Casually Jack draws forth some knotted flower stems presenting them to the elf.    An eon hence I called all fey back to my capital for the festivities, and your ancestors it seems did not comply.  Were they alive they might be executed, but you elves have always had short lives.  Additionally because I'm in such a good mood I've granted you a pardon for the last eon of taxes.  Certainly I doubt that you've saved even a half an eon's taxes.  Because of your ancestor's disloyalty however, I have not known you were here and could not therefore perform my duties as your liege lord, so for that I will apologize."    The Fey named Jack inclines his head slightly in a show of sincerity.  His eyes don't reflect any bitterness for it, but they still seem as bloodthirsty as ever.    As your governance has doubtlessly perished I'll name you Baron of these lands, and in return I'll expect your loyalty and five percent of all taxes you collect.    Again he glances at the tied flower stems as one might at a document containing all that had been said.  Jack pauses a moment, shifting his glance to the elf's face to see how he's taking all this.  Somehow he gave off the feeling that he would have preferred an open rebellion, not to raise the villages, but purely for the slaughter it might bring.

[User]
 The girl is taking this whole thing with remarkable equanimity. She's got a pretty good poker face on her.

 Spoiler: OOC
Attempting a Bluff check to conceal reaction. Sense Motive DC  (1d20+10)[ 12 ] :
 Spoiler: Reaction
She seems a bit relieved that you're not immediately here to wreck things. She's picking up on the implied threat of force, and there's a bit of fear, but she isn't nearly as intimidated as you'd hope. Maybe even a trifle  amused , actually.

She takes the knotted flower and examines it closely.

 "A barony! An interesting proposal, and a knotty problem.

But let me put my own twist on it:"

She unties one knot, reties it slightly differently, and hands it back to Jack.

 "You'll have your tithe. But in  tariff , not in tax: tariff on the trade between your lands directly held and your renewed Barony, with terms favoring your merchants. We've clever artisans, to make any number of shining delights and cruel armaments sized to suit your people perfectly.

Prosperity for your own lands  and  your newly-minted Baron's. No wise and clever ruler could resist- no?"

 Spoiler: OOC
My counteroffer is a trade agreement in which you get 20% of our nation's production and we get 10% of yours, rather than the book-normal 15% to both of us. So the  premium  remains five percent, as you originally specified, but this way it ends up as a win/win rather than a win/lose.

Either a road will need to be constructed to do so, or you'll have to build a port anywhere on the central lake. We'll subsidize 50% of the construction cost of the port/your part of the road.

[User]
 "Denied."    Jack replies simply, returning the knotted flower stems to their original position.

 Spoiler

Trade agreements cost an action to make, and I'm nomadic which means building a new road each season if I wanted to stay connected to ya.  More hassle then it's worth for me.

[User]
 The girl stares longingly at the sky for a long moment.

  It would be so easy to take to the air and incinerate the lot of them. Just one little spell...

Finally, she looks Jack in the eye and takes the flower once again.

 "Very well, then. Five percent of tax receipts, payable seasonally in currency or compact trade goods and beginning this autumn. We'll meet your tax collector at this very spot: delivery of the goods is to be your concern."

She kneels, a faint smile on her face.

 "Your Baron, Eria Berlinetta, swears that it will be so."

[User]
 Somehow Jack seems somewhat more glum, but he still makes a show of joviality even though it never seems to quite reach his eyes.    "In that case, let us celebrate your new appointment!"    As one the fairies all excitedly begin glowing any number of shades as they bring out sweet nectar, grasshopper legs, and other food and drinks to better celebrate the affair.

 Spoiler

500RP to you in the form of higher moral, foodstuffs, drink, and good cheer.  🙂

[User] It takes a bit of cajoling to get the Varisian farmers and loggers out from behind their barred doors, and to get them to put down their spears. Thousands of armed fairies don't abruptly show up at their doorsteps every day. Eventually, though, they join in with a will, supplementing the fairies' treats with fine food and drink of their own. A good time is had by all...spoiled only slightly by Jack's mood, and the polite refusal of his new Baron to let him out of her sight until his final departure.


[User]
 You all have arrived from ships in early morning with the same peace of parchment in hand:

I wish any one who has the power to slay dragons come to my
kingdom and rid it of this dragon plague. show any captain this
note and he will give you free passing to my castle.

Your reward will be judged by the size of each dragon you kill
p.s. you will need the dragons' head(s)

I will be wanting at high cliffs keep.

So what do you all do.

head to the pink castle on the vary steep hill?
go shopping?
go wandering till you find a dragon to kill?

[User]
 As Seath disembarks from the ship, he previously booked passage on, the young man took a last whiff of the sea breeze before releasing a sigh and reading the parchment again.   'A Call to arms to hunt dragons...'   The rare sight of a frown began to form on his face as he thought possibilities of his father already having fallen to a dragon hunter seeking rewards.   'No!'   The frown quickly faded away into the grin that most people back home recognized him by.   'I Doubt father would be caught so easily after all this time.'

After the bard pushed his worries aside, he flicks his white hair with a flourish before looking back towards the ship waiting for his new acquaintances to join him.  "Should we head up the castle now or shall we explore a bit first?"

 Spoiler: OOC

Figured I'd at least post first since my character's done while we wait for the rest to finish up

btw Italics and ' ' means it's my characters thoughts just to clear up confusion.

[User] Xik'chta'pak steps off of the boat, grateful to have solid ground beneath his feet once more.  Looking around, he notes the distinctive castle, wondering why anyone would build such a structure.  Shrugging, he looks over at his cloud-haired acquaintance, and says in his raspy, clicking voice,  "Many will come to hunt dragons, to claim their hoards and their heads.  Many are fools who will die, but some may be capable hunters.  Xik'chta'pak says we speak with this elder, who cannot defend his own tribe from the scaled beasts.  Xik'chta'pak says we show him our strength and make sure others are not allowed to hunt our prey..."

[User]
 If Xugb was taller, he'd place a placating hand on Xik'chta'pak's shoulder. Since he stood barely at the insectoid's waist, he instead grabbed his wrist gently.  The foes we seek may be cruel, vile creatures, but they are not prey my friend. We seek to end their ruinous behaviors, not to demean them as nothing more than sport. We need not like their actions but they are not prey.  The former goblin looked into the insectoid eyes of his companion with large, forest green eyes. They exuded confidence and purpose, but also kindness, love and care.

 We should seek the King. His woes will be ours if Tiamat's children and their spawn are at the roots.


[User]
 Alrighty. A little background will come first, and then I'll set the intro and you guys can take off running...

You all grew up in an orphanage together. At this orphanage, Twice a month, a band of mercenaries visits. They train and subsequently recruit any who are willing and able to learn the trade, if they don't get chosen for normal homes or sent elsewhere. All of the PCs (that's you.) Finally turn 20 in the same 2 week period without being adopted out, and the mercs come to claim you. You gladly go with them, having been told tales of adventure, treasure, and pleasure beyond imagining if you work for it.

Once you leave the orphanage, the mercenaries tell you they've just set up in a town called Oakhurst, not too far away, and that's where you're heading.

(At this point I'll stop to allow roleplay and/or in character information gathering as you all travel together to Oakhurst. Take it away boys!)

[User] -staring intently into the distance then abruptly looking at the nearest mercenary to me and asking " so how do we all "train" to become a mercenary don't we just get paid do stuff for people who are willing to pay? And,...(small pause not said shy but more direct)...do we abide by the law?"

[User]
 The mercenary walking at Koneko's side chuckles as he looks at her. "  Your last day of training is today. Everything we've taught you during our visits to the orphanage was to prepare you for your first task as your own crew.  "

(Their training is how you guys all got to level 1 in your classes.)

He smiles and continues. "  Now as for following the law, we leave it up to each member's own discretion, but we tend to favor abiding by the law as much as possible, just because we like to avoid being locked in cells and having to pay fines. The authorities do understand that our organization doesn't claim responsibility for the actions of our members as individuals. But collectively we're responsible for each other.  "

[User] ooh I can not wait to see the world, but I'll settle for whats around the next bend or over the next hill

[User] Lucian looks around and gathers the surrounding area " I personally am ready to stretch my legs across the world. See whatever I can, and experience everything. "

[User] Thranduil chuckles. " Ah this should be a fun travel "

[User] to Thranduil, " it's always fun when i am around! " with a carefree smile

[User] " Should be fun indeed. " Lucian says with a sheepish smile

[User] *Sings a traveling song*

[User]
 Thranduil looks at Odimeer with a dead glare.

" You mistake my rudeness for kindness "

[User] (Perception checks from everyone please.)

[User] after smiling back at thranduil then looking away perception  (1d20+7)[ 18 ]

[User] Lucian turns away from the two and looks around as well as listens  (1d20+8)[ 26 ]

[User] *always looking around*  (1d20+6)[ 20 ]

[User] Perception check  (1d20+7)[ 8 ]

[User]
 (Fenton and Lucian - you both see a small flash of movement in the distant tree line off to the front right.)

All of a sudden, two arrows thump into the ground about ten feet in front of your current position...

The mercenary stops and lowers his head reflexively.  " Damn it all, WE'RE UNDER ATTACK! We need cover.. Quickly, follow me! "

He begins to run forward and to the right (Where Lucian and Fenton spotted movement.)

[User] Draws bow and gets behind a tree. While my animal companion (a wolf named Loki) stays close by my side

[User] No trees in the immediate vicinity. You're currently in an open field.

[User] Koneko picks up her shield and puts the cart (if there is one) between her and the direction that the arrows came from asking " Did anyone see where that came from?" , if there isnt a cart i will follow the merc toward the treeline staying in whatever cover i can find. once someone answers she will look for any other movement.

[User] Points out where I spotted movement to the others "keep your heads down and don't move in a straight line." Following the merc


[User]
 You are currently at   The Confluence  . It's relatively unassuming, looking at it-a pile of stones. But you can FEEL the power coursing through it.

You have just arrived and rested, regaining your strength from the journey. What will you do now?

[User]
 So it seems this is our great destination, shall we proceed then?

While Scaldris talks he draws and lights Flametounge, steadily striving towards the mysterious Confluence.

[User] Scaldris moves forward, kicking over a few stray rocks as he does. The closer to the center he goes, the stronger and stronger the sense of overwhelming power is. But, in its current state, it's unable to be used in anything approaching a safe manner-one could try tapping directly in, if one wished to fry themselves to death.

[User]
 In Otheial, and Zheinum I've studied.  Stephanie pipes up stepping forward the pale bard reflecting the arctic sun.

 We need to construct some runic magic dampers first off, or we'll all fry, and that's just step 1.  She remarks.

[User]
 Agreed, this grand power does us no good if we burn ourselves trying to use it in the bargain.

Alune wears a pendant around his neck, a keep sake which he thumbs absent mindedly while they speak.

Alune allows his senses to open up.  He could feel the power of this place same as the others obviously could but he did not know what kind of power it was

 Spoiler: ooc

I'd like to see if I can sense anything divine or infernal about this power.

Is it purely arcane in which case runes alone could suffice or if there is something divine about this power we might also need like ritualistic bindings as well perhaps

[User]
 Spoiler: Sensing
The power seems to be of an unusual sort-not divine, at least, not in nay way you've felt before. But nor is it arcane-it feels more raw and untamed.

 Spoiler: OOC
Right, this is meant to be a long spanning campaign. So, figure out your plans, and we'll time skip ahead probably at least a week.

[User] Before we spend to long probing this site we must know that these rituals do not happen quickly, we must nurture this magical hearth for high on a year before we can really try and control them. As we all have our enemies I say we settle in and get ready to defend this site.

[User] Yes, we should start trying to construct hearths. Bring a piece of home here to this desolate wasteland.  Stephanie remarks.

[User]
 Agreed, we will need to build some defenses for this while we are attempting to harness its power.  As it has been said we are here for the long haul and we will not be giving whatever this is over to someone else without a fight.

I believe there is a nearby forest that we could use for wood until we can construct sturdier defenses.

In addition I will be constructing a shrine to Sarenrae here so that her light and flame might safeguard it as well.

[User] Stephanie smiles, but also winces at the mention of Sarenrae.

[User]
 Originally Posted by Illven
 Stephanie smiles, but also winces at the mention of Sarenrae.

 Stephanie, do you have an issue with what I've proposed?  Please speak up Sarenrae teaches us to learn from one another and to have compassion as well. I would be interested in what you have to add

[User]
 Originally Posted by cybric
  Stephanie, do you have an issue with what I've proposed?  Please speak up Sarenrae teaches us to learn from one another and to have compassion as well. I would be interested in what you have to add

 I just haven't had many positive experiences with the gods.  Stephanie explains.

 Spoiler

Deception check  (1d20+15)[ 32 ]

[User]
 Spoiler: roll

Let's do this lol

 (1d20+6)[ 12 ]

Lol only way to win would have been to crit but that obviously did not happen

Alune nods his head knowingly as if he had heard that line many times before.

Ah yes, I see.  Not to worry Stephanie,  Sarenrae is a warm and welcoming god to all that wish for her redeption and seek her warmth. It breaks my heart to hear that you've been hurt by the gods though.

We will be busy for some time. But soon I would cherish the opportunity to sit down and speak with you about how Saernrae.

There is a tea that I've learned to brew and well suffice to say it's like having the dawn flower herself near it warms you so

Alune then takes out a little hand journel and jots a reminder to bring it up again

[User]
 At the mention of Sarenrae Scaldris rolls his eyes, smirking like he had just heard something adorable.

 Very well, if you could take a break from your missionary spiel perhaps we can make some progres on our defences?

[User]
 The group decides to begin erecting defenses around the Confluence. Given the barren nature of the land you're in, you should be able to see anyone coming from a good distance away.

How will you go about building your base? There is a forest some two miles distant, for wood, plenty of stone to work with, and possibly other materials as needed.

[User] Who here has construction skills. I know a thing or two. But a house is not a thing or two.  Stephanie pipes up.

[User]
 I two have a lack of knowledge in that regard, I was hoping to aquire some servants before we set off to aid us in construction but alas I had no chance to do so.
Still even a rudimentary shelter is better than none at all, does anyone have any tools?

[User] I lack tools.  Stephanie pipes up.

[User]
 Well let us at least make shelter here, tough fortifications may be difficult we can at least keep the cold off our back.

With than scaldris takes a knee in the snow and begins to cast  leomund's tiny hut  as a ritual.

[User] And we need to plan a trip into town.  Stephanie points out.

[User]
 Alune nods his head in agreement.   We will need to get more than this in the long run however this is most likely the best that we can do for now.
   With that Alune joins the others in their shelter for the night.


[User]
 You blink several times.

How long has it been?
Flickering readout in the drop pod says 2100 hours local time...  Drop happened 7 hours ago.  The sky is dark, what lights you see in the city are stuttering on and off.  You appear to be in the market district of the topside.  You are 3 clicks off mark.

Your pod's door hasn't opened, you will have to perform a manual override to get it to unseal.   Looking down the window you can see that the drop is about 20 feet, might hurt a bit but there appear to be various bits of debris piled up you might be able to aim for.  The radio in the pod is emitting static.

The manual pull lever sits to your right.

[User]
 With a grunt Badger unstraps himself and drops to the door.  Gives his arm a few experimental twists and turns to see if it's still functioning.  Once he's satisfied that it still has full range of motion he cracks the shell with the tip of a claw, peeling back the white panel that covers the guts of his forearm.  Fishing out the cord he runs his earpiece up and with a few button presses calls up the frequency for this operation.

 "Badger. 3 clicks off mark.  Proceeding to first regroup.  Acknowledge."

He waits for a few minutes to see if he receives any acknowledgement from the team before trying to gauge if it's worth taking the time to have his rig extrude enough line to lower him to the ground.

 Spoiler: OOC including a rollllll
Using his rig's integrated Comm unit.  Physical Science roll to gauge the jump.  (1d20+10)[ 17 ]

[User]
 Badger sees a car overturned nearby, it appears to be about 7 feet off the ground.   If he jumps right he should be able to tuck and roll on it and take very little to no injury.  Wouldn't be hard for him.   Worst he might get is a little bit of bruising.

 Spoiler: OOC
Athletics check to make the jump.  If you fail you will be treated as only falling from 10 feet.

[User]
 With a few quick reworkings Badger moves from a corded to a wireless earpiece.  Should be able to hear if the team checks in without losing mobility.  Now to time this right.  Bracing his paws against the back of the pod he curls himself tight before wrenching the manual release and springing at that waiting debris.  He tucks as he flies, leading with a rolling shoulder.

 Spoiler: Why am I stunting, this isn't exalted.
Athletics  (1d20+7)[ 17 ]

[User]
 Badger lands with a small thump and roll but is basically unscathed.   The lights in the area make the deserted shopping district make for an eerily haunted local.    The sounds of advertising kiosks can be made out.

"Buy Nutrifast today!  shed the weight while eating great!"

"Do you need a loan?  Apply for one at Kitracks and Kitsacks today!"

"New OpCell 10!  The most advanced communication device for the modern consumer!"

[User] Opcells.  That'll do nicely.  Lots of advanced circuits that his recycler could pulp for UPBs.  Scampering to the sign Badger scans to see if he can tell where the correct kiosk would be.

[User]
 The image of the OpCell creator on the sign is gesturing towards a a small station nearby.   Several of the devices have been taken, and a few are broken.  But perhaps you can find some inside the kiosk itself.

 Spoiler: Roll Please
Perception to see what you can discover.

[User]
 Badger digs through the kiosk for a moment, feeling for all the world like his cousin Rocket.  Notable family of scroungers and scrappers Rocket comes from.

 Spoiler: Heh.
Perception  (1d20+6)[ 12 ]

[User] As you scrounge you find several usable parts,  but one thing catches your eye.  The Demo unit is still there and intact!

[User]
 Badger gives it a quick look to determine its capabilities and if he'll need to jailbreak it.

 Spoiler: OOC
Not sure why it's exciting that it's here.  Is it better in some notable way then his built in one?  Engineering  (1d20+13)[ 26 ]

[User] The Demo Unit isn't any better than his, but its got one thing going for it,  its connected on a secure VPN specifically for demo units in the store. The connection is weak but holding.

[User]
 Oooh.  A possible direct line.  Useful.  With a little work he might be able to get into the city network proper.

 Spoiler: OOC
Taking twenty on a computers roll to hack into the Demo unit.  If that's not an option, taking 10.  If that's not an option, Computers  (1d20+11)[ 15 ]

[User] Badger manages to make connection to the city super.   Many functions offline but he is able to aee functions such as traffic, some video systems, and communication arrays among the city.

[User] Badger begins going through the cameras and speaker systems, trying to find their locations and the nearest speaker to each of his troops.


[User]
 Sectar

 Spoiler

Another day at the office. Is was a new and shiny office, the Lovable Breezy.Inc. A land selling agency.
You really had your hopes those bunch of ponies- (and none). So far they were very open minded.
So, it was another normal morning, as you sat on your floating chair, swiping the hoof-touch screen to follow the income and outcome.
"..Sir?" coughed a gentle voice behind you. You didn't to look back to know this was Khitty. Khitty was a yellow-pinkish Glitterling who served as the secretary of your department. She was very sweet, and.. especially to you.
Khitty wasn't as good with numbers, as she was at befriending others, and organizing, so she actually felt complete at her job.
"I just figured you could use some coffee." She said sweetly, and levitated a cup of coffee to your desk.
She also, unintentionally has fed you.. with quite positive emotions.
"By the way.. what are you doing Friday?' she has asked with a slight blush.

 Quiver Wing

 Spoiler

Morning. Empress Celestia's sun shined in this morning over the sea, which looked like a blanket of calm azure from your height. You could see above you, the solar sails getting charged.

Your position at the command center of the Air Ship, with your forelegs on the steering wheel is your natural place. The breeze played cheerfully with your mane as you piloted the daily patrol of the "Hoof-Claw" ship.
Everything was calm. A cruise ship's travelers have noticed your air ship and waved, and took a photos. Beside that everything was calm. Your calm (or boring?) piloting was cut out, by a familiar voice.
"Quiver Wing, Sir! I am here to switch you on piloting duty, and release you to have breakfast, sir!" Her name was Peggy. Peggy was a hipogriff- half pony half griffin.

Her feathery part was black, and above her eagle eyes stood a small horn. Her hind-pony part was red with a cutie mark of steering wheel. Just like you she wore, the royal blue tool vest, helmet with a screen and a Madonna speaker.
Peggy was your loyal co-pilot, and was very eager to prove herself.

out: here the ship  https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com...5142ae1742.jpg

  Macabre Haze

 Spoiler

Most ponies are awake at this hour, already- but again, you have researched into the dead of the night and beyond.
But your rest was disturbed by violent and loud knocks on the door.
"Do..Doctor you got to help me! It's an emergency!" Whined a voice which it take you, few moments to recognize.
The voice belonged to Log Off, an Earth Pony heavy gamer. Usually he is a quite neighbor.
He sounded quite freaked out.
Ooc: Feel free to describe his apartment and lab

 Sanaa

 Spoiler

A beautiful night, lighted with generosity by the moon of Princess Luna. The Jungle Of Silver Bells, is a marvelous experience, especially by night.
Most of the critters, and even the plants were nocturnal here. Legends told that Luna has planted this jungle herself- but after exchanging letters with her, you have discovered that, the Silver Bell Jungle was already ancient when Luna was born.

Your guide- a local tribal bat pony, called Celestial Banana, cleared the way with her machete. "We to be almost there." she said with deep accent.
The real reason for your arrival here- The Silver Bell Flowers. Sure, you could find few here and there yourself, just fine- but Celestial Banana led you to...
She cut a wall of vines which blocked the way- there were a tiny river, in the middle of a flower field- they kind of reminded tulips- but silver. Your step caused a slight echo- all of them shivered and ringed softly as bells in perfect harmony shining like tiny moons.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPg3x4Bg8IA

[User]
 Sanaa is in a travelling coat, hiding her wings and horn. Only her muzzle can be seeing.

She seem emotionnal as she watch the scenery:  " It's so... beautiful and peaceful. I wish they could be raised outside of this jungle. "

[User] Macabre blinks, opening the door to his room rubbing his eyes as he looked around. The entire apartment has a very gothic feeling. Wall paper was used to make the walls look like they were stone, and most everything inside had designs of skulls, bats, and spiders. Giving a soft yawn he glances to log off,  "What is emerging?"  he asks groggy.


[User]
 You awake in a cosy bed, the air warm. You are in a wooden room, an inn, judging by the decorations and lack of personal belongings. You look around and see three others in a similar state; bruised and sore. A man enters, a large moustache adorns his pudgy red face. He looks you all up and down and speaks,

"I see you've all miraculously awoken! I'm Trevor, we brought you to my inn after we'd scared off the orcs. You're damn lucky we were around or you'd currently be their honoured and well-seasoned guests! What in the cursed barrows of the Ridge were you four doing travelling alone at this time of year!? Especially with all those blasted greenskins prowling about lately! The capital has to be far safer than Drakewater, so what could you possibly gain from trudging through the snow to this little orc-trap of a town, eh? Adventure, glory, fame, and women perhaps? We've heard that before, and they've ended up as a roast for the orcs they went to drive out."

[User]
 Ulrich Fleischer
 Squire

Ulrich sits up quickly, jumping at the sound of the mystery man's voice. Wincing at the sudden onslaught of pain, Ulrich rubs the side of his head and waits for the room to stop spinning.

"  You've the right of it. I was simply try to find my way. Hoping to make fame and fortune along the way. Now that you mention it...a woman may make the room stop spinning.  "

Laughing at the last part, Ulrich winces as the pain hits him again.

[User]
 "I couldn't agree with you more."  Ali said in response to Ulrich as he got to his feet and rubbed his bruised muscles.

He turned his attention to the man, his brown pupils eyeing the man and sizing up his worth.  "Thanks for hauling us out of there big man. Whats on the menu in this joint?"

The halfling was used to his share of setbacks and was always looking to improve on his situation.

[User]
 Someone had to try and fight the Bastards, and there's a lot of stuff that will hurt a lot more when it hits ya, but thanks for coming. I see this town has grave folk.

As he says this Marcus is trying to keep track of the way the room spins.

[User]
 Once the room stops spinning, Ulrich slowly tries to stand up. Using a chair for support he manages to do so without wobbling to bad.

"  Well, we're not going to heal up by staying here. What kind of food do they serve here?  "

[User] "  Good food. Expensive food. So you may be in the need of cash, in which case I have a proposal for you...  "

[User]
 Ulrich looks at the stranger with a guarded look.

"  What did you have in mind?  "

[User] " We've had a problem recently with our goats being snatched. I'd sort it out myself but I've work to do over here, and frankly, I'm no warrior: I probably couldn't stop whatever's taking them from doing so. So if you head down there and sort out, or at least identify, the problem, I'd be happy to reimburse you with free meals and lodgings until you figure out where you're going. Sound good? "

[User] This sounds acceptable, where is this flock you require us to monitor.

[User] Ulrich listens to the mans proposal. "  Agreed, my friend. It is the least we can do. After all, you saved us by bringing us here.  "

[User] "  Well that's wonderful! Just follow the path to the south, you'll be there in an hour or so.  "

[User]
 "  Fair enough  " Ulrich says as he tries to stand up. Finding that he can do so without staggering too badly, Ulrich secures his gear.

As he reaches the doorway, Ulrich looks back and asks "  is there anyone in particular we should ask for?  "

[User] "  Once you find out what's happened to the goats and resolved it, return to me and I'll give you your reward.  "

[User]
 "  Until then, my friend.  " Ulrich finishes speaking and heads out of the room.

As he walks downstairs, Ulrich finds himself thinking of what all could be snatching the goats. Not really sure, but a deal is a deal so Ulrich heads out of the inn and follows the directions he was given.

[User] Marcus follows along. hoping to get a general overview before making further investigations and preparations.

[User] You exit the inn, and walk out onto a wooden platform over a river coming from a waterfall running down the huge mountain behind you. The rest of the place is snow and ice, with other businesses on the platform and houses on the ground, shadowed by the snowy mountain range.

[User]
 Ulrich is momentarily stunned by the beauty of the waterfall and it's surroundings. After taking in the scene he quickly sets off towards the spot he was briefed on.

"  Goats....how many of the great heroes of legend started out this way.  " Ulrich silently laughs at himself as he continues down the path.

[User] Marco continues down the path carrying the traps, which he hopes will aid in defending this place from what ever it is that threatens it.

[User]
 Ulrich stops walking and turns to face the other occupant of the room. As he draws near Ulrich addresses him.

"  Apologies, for not doing this earlier. I'm Ulrich, it seems that since we are traveling together, introductions should be made.  "

[User]
 Markus, I'm an archer a hunter and I'm damn good at it. Not much else to tell. What's your story?

Marcus responds looking out from under his cowl with suspicion.

[User]
 "  Well met Marcus, there's not much to honestly tell. I am or actually was a squire, now I'm mainly looking to make my way through life. Hoping to make my fortune along the way. Atleast, that was before I was ambushed, knocked out and then brought here. How about you? What brought you to our current surroundings?  "

Ulrich finishes talking as they both continue to walk towards their destination.

[User] Home began unnerving me, orcs were really annoying, everyone said I had a knack for fighting and that s*** got to my head. Next thing I know I've left a life hunting deer and I'm dodging orc clubs with my life depending on it.

[User]
 Ulrich laughs out loud as they continue walking down the street.

"  Well my friend, we do have that in common. Come! Let us go rescue the goats and hear the cries of the women as a result.  "


[User] Message was too short.

[User]
 Testing dice roller for Savage Worlds.

Attack Roll

 (2d8)[ 6 ][ 3 ](9)

Damage Roll

[rollv]2d10[/rollv]


[User]
 "We do have have something for you," the secretary says, tucking a tuft of hair behind her large wolf ears. "Someone in the city is in need of protection. She has a business deal happening, and wants protection for the next two days while she waits for this deal to go through. It's 500 gold coins for two days of work, but she insists on only wanting one guard, so the whole lot of it is there for you if you want it"

She produces a small parchment and hands it to you.

"Feeling lucky?"

***

The paper details a Miss Ellen Ienser, a half-elf merchant who lives in the Sprawl. 53 years old, dealing in cosmetics, her tagline is "Old Faerie Beauty, New Andrus Price!" She's looking for protection to stop a deal from being sabotaged that would make her company the primary supplier for the king and queen of Quensiv, a nation you've never heard of.

The deal happens in 2 days.

[User]
 Briarsoul listens carefully to the Beast Warden secretary and accepts the parchment. The skinwalker then proceeded to read the scroll and did his best to conceal a grimace. Briarsoul did not have the most intimidating presence, and he knew it. However, the job was too good to turn down. The client, Miss Ellen Ienser, felt that she only needed a single guard, and she dealt in cosmetics, how bad could it be?

Briarsoul looked up from the parchment and says, "I accept the job", and listens to the secretary for any follow-up instructions.

After leaving the Beast Warden's he spends the rest of the day gathering information on both Miss Ellen Ienser aswell as the nation of Quensiv.

Diplomacy (Gather Information) on Miss Ellen Ienser  (1d20+7)[ 20 ]
Diplomacy (Gather Information) on Quensiv  (1d20+7)[ 26 ]

Briarsoul is trying to find out information that would be helpful in ensuring that the deal goes as planned.

[User]
 Quensiv is one of the floating islands; a smaller one, not very important financially, but when you mention 'Quensiv' and 'Cosmetics' in the same sentence, people nod knowingly. Apparently the small nation is known for exporting culture and fashion, so at least in the right circles it might not be powerful, but it is important.

It seems that last year, Quensiv was supplied by a company called 'Everglow', which was a rising star in the industry at the time, but has fallen out of favor, which is why Quensiv's royal house is looking for a new supplier.

Miss Ellen (the miss is VERY important) is a rising star of the fashion world. You don't find anyone who claims to know her personally, but you find a couple people who like her products. They apparently carry low-level enchantments and magical components, so while they are not an illusion (COMPLETELY taboo when you're debuting at a social event), they do bestow the sort of magical shine that is associated with magical creatures and the fey. Her stuff is apparently quite popular in the Feyhold.

There are few other details you can find quickly or that are supplied by the paper, but it does tell you where to go to meet her, as well as what she looks like. She is stationed out of a small storefront that she owns in the Sprawl.

[User]
 Satisfied with the amount of intelligence gathered, Briarsoul makes his way to her shop located in the Sprawl. He does this for two main reasons: First, so that the client knows what her guard looks like, and Second, to help resolve any doubts as to how competent he is.

((Depending on the hour of the day, Briarsoul may wait to visit the client until the next day)).


[User]
 You've just left the heroes guild, off to find ways you can help your community. (Or hinder it seeing as you are no longer being watched over..)

You can north, south, east, or west.

[User]
 Skeye
 "Hey guys, let's get crackin'.  I'm tired of being stuck in this stone coffin.  There are too many stories out there for us to ignore,"  rants the simple knave.

He stands barely over 5 and a half feet, and weighs little more than a large dog.  Many ignored Skeye because of his lack of skill with magic and barely better skill with club and sling. His skills lie in his ability to weasle his way in and out of tight situations.  Just like the one that got him free of Maze's wrath this morning.

 Spoiler

Will delete post if you don't want me in the game, but I did not want to wait till morning, so figured I would post before bed.  Will wait to decide on direction depending on others choice.

[User] "I'm glad to be out of there too, but we aren't really out til' we're gone."  Arard said, stepping out of guild.  "I'm heading west, so come with me if you are too."  he said, and did just that.


[User]
 Random Exhibition Match
Map:
 Spoiler

Roll it.

[User]
 No buying, No quarter.

Initiative:
 (1d20+2)[ 11 ]

[User]
 Initiative =  (1d20+7)[ 17 ]

Picked up some camo.

[User]
 MW Hide tool?  Or another item?

EDIT:  Another item, then.  Lemme google it.
EDITEDIT:  Google's not incredibly helpful.  Book it's from, and basic rundown?

[User]
 Another Item, Heroes of Battle, page 95.  Allows hide checks without cover or concealment in specific terrains.  25 gp for a small character.

I choose to be Red, unless you want to be Red.

Hidden - Round 1.

 Spoiler

Move Action: Hide under my blanket  (1d20+23)[ 40 ]
Standard Action: Manifest Chameleon

[User]
 Round 1

The distant sound of the Auran language reach you...  Maybe.  DC0 Listen + about 140 feet, counting elevation changes.  Then ya gotta know Auran.

If ya do:

 Spoiler
Find the pipsqueak, and keep tabs on him.  Fly High.

Elemental comes into eyesight, most likely.  Screaming across the sky in a double move, to b14, Altitude 110 feet.

Rest of action:

 Spoiler

Cast Longstrider on myself
Move to R13.

Stats:

 Spoiler

Loc: R13
AC: 15, touch 12, FF 13
HP:10/10
Effects:  Longstrider 1/600.

Spells memorized:
Detect Magic x2
Light
Longstrider
Shillelagh

Elemental:
LOC: B14 (elevation +110)
HP: 9/9
AC:  17, FF 14, Touch 13
Effects:  None

Go ahead.  My elemental should have LOS unless you're already hidden :)

[User]
 No Los

Hidden - Round 2

 Spoiler

Snipe the bloody elemental:
Attack  (1d20+6)[ 19 ]  -2 for range.
Damage  (1d6)[ 2 ]
And Rehide:  (1d20+13)[ 14 ]

I shot your elemental for 2.  he gets a spot check :P

Stats for Refs:

 Spoiler

Hp: 4
Ac: 15
Position: Hidden in A14: Hide = 14
Bolts 1/20

[User]
 Spot for Elemental:  (1d20+3)[ 11 ]
-11 for distance, not much chance of seeing.

If it's not clear LoS, I can only assume you sniped.  Does that make it my turn?

[User] Yep, your turn.

[User]
 Elemental:
 Spoiler
Ow!

Me:
 Spoiler
Get back to me, then!

My actions:

 Spoiler

Move to H16.
Free:  Crouch, taking total cover from wall.
Standard:  Ready action - Stand up if opponent moves within 10 feet.

Assuming you haven't moved much, you see me up on the battlements, moving from H15 to H16, then lose LoS as I drop low.

My elemental:
Shoots downward and away, like a comet.  Lose LoS as it shoots downward to I17, elevation at Ground +20.

 Spoiler

Move action:  dive downward (double movement) to I17.
Standard:  Ready action - Move if LoS is gained.

Stats:

 Spoiler

Loc: H16 (prone)
AC: 15, touch 12, FF 13
HP:10/10
Effects: Longstrider 2/600.

Spells memorized:
Detect Magic x2
Light
Longstrider x
Shillelagh

Elemental:
LOC: I17 (elevation +20)
HP: 7/9
AC: 17, FF 14, Touch 13
Effects: None

Go ahead.

[User]
 The Hidden - Round 3

 Spoiler

Full Round action to shrink myself to tiny using reduce person

End of Turn

[User]
 Bobo :  Round 3.

Me (Auran):

 Spoiler
If you see it, get near and opposite me.  Just like we practiced.  If not, we'll do our special trick, right where he started.

Gail the elemental (Auran):

 Spoiler
Give the word, when you're ready.

My actions:

 Spoiler
Cast Detect magic

Listen check, for you:  DC: 0 +1 for every 10 feet you are from H16 (20 ft elev).
If that passes, Spellcraft DC 15.  If both pass, then you may look in spoiler above.

Pop head over wall.
Remaining actions:

 Spoiler

Focus Cone of Detect magic to cover opponent's starting area.

Duck back down (Free action)

Elemental Actions:

 Spoiler
Move:  to K13, staying far enough back from stairs to avoid LoS
Ready action to move if LoS is gained

Stats:

 Spoiler

Loc: H16 (crouched for cover)
AC: 15, touch 12, FF 13
HP:10/10
Effects: Longstrider 3/600, Psionic Focus */*

Spells memorized:
Detect Magic x2
Light
Longstrider x
Shillelagh

Elemental:
LOC: K13 (elevation +20)
HP: 7/9
AC: 17, FF 14, Touch 13
Effects: None

That's my turn.


[User] The foyer to the orrery is sleek and elegant, but still impressively grand. Polished black marble floors, granite columns covered with spiraling scrollwork seemingly made of gold. The walls are also flat granite, and the desk that sits at the back of the foyer shares the black marble production as the floor. The air is cool but not cold, and the minimalist design of the structure keeps it from feeling too ostentatious. If anything, it seems quite professional.

[User]
 K'zah      Gnome Wizard 4  AC:  15 |  HP:  26/26 |  HD:  4/4d6
 Spell Slots, 1st:  3/4  2nd:  3/3  Arcane Recovery:  1/1
 PP:  12  PInv:  16  PIns:  12  Conditions:  none

A small gnome woman, barely older than a girl, wanders around the foyer, examining the desk and chairs as if she hadn't already been here a hundred times. She uses her magic to clean a few items, clearing some dust here, polishing a desktop there. She doesn't seem to ever sit still. When she sees the others, she greets each of them individually, walking all the way up to them before speaking.

  "Hi, I'm K'zah. Nice to meet you."

 Spoiler: OOC
none

[User]
 Gyre    Warforged Sorcerer 4 AC: 12 | HP: 30/30 | HD: 4/4d6
Spell Slots, 1st: 4/4 2nd: 3/3 Sorcerery Points 6/6
PP: 9 PInv: 13 PIns: 11 Conditions: none

A Warforged dressed (strangely) in black leather pants and jacket stands preternaturally still in the center of The Orrery.  Until you speak to him, you aren't sure if he is functional.   Your greeting seems almost as if it switched him on.    "Welcome to The Orrery, K'zah.  I am Gyre, the custodian here.  I pray your stay is pleasant."

[User] A man with armor covered in red and blue scales and a pair of gauntlets with tubes leading to his backpack heads into the foyer, quickly scribbling in a notebook before sliding it into a pouch on his belt.   ”Hello, I don’t believe I’ve seen either of you before, my name is Tellen, of the Izzet Leauge.”

[User]
 K'zah      Gnome Wizard 4  AC:  15 |  HP:  26/26 |  HD:  4/4d6
 Spell Slots, 1st:  3/4  2nd:  3/3  Arcane Recovery:  1/1
 PP:  12  PInv:  16  PIns:  12  Conditions:  none

K'zah tilts her head at Gyre when he says he is the custodian.   "Huh. That's weird. I'm surprised we haven't met. I've been here for months. I've been helping with the cooking and cleaning."

When Tellen walks in, she looks him over too.   "That's interesting armor. What's the Izzet League?"

 Spoiler: OOC
none

[User] ”Ah yes, my apologies, it is a guild of inventors and scientists from Ravnica, the plane I am from. And if you don’t mind me asking, what plane do you hail from?”

[User]
 K'zah      Gnome Wizard 4  AC:  15 |  HP:  26/26 |  HD:  4/4d6
 Spell Slots, 1st:  3/4  2nd:  3/3  Arcane Recovery:  1/1
 PP:  12  PInv:  16  PIns:  12  Conditions:  none

K'zah is interested to hear more of the Ravnica place. It's not one she has been to yet.

  "I grew up in the high forest in Faerun. Toril you call it. It was boring so I left. Inventors and scientists? What do they invent? What are scientists?

 Spoiler: OOC
none

[User]
 Gyre    Warforged Sorcerer 4 AC: 12 | HP: 30/30 | HD: 4/4d6
Spell Slots, 1st: 4/4 2nd: 3/3 Sorcerery Points 6/6
PP: 9 PInv: 13 PIns: 11 Conditions: none

Gyre processes the gnome's speech, unsure of how to react.  In fact, he is still thinking about it when the human introduces himself.  It isn't until he asks K'zah about what plane she is from that it clicks into place.

  "Ahh.  It seems our master has found caretakers for The Orrery in each plane in which it exists.
 That is why we have never seen each other, K'zah."

He turns then to the human,   "Well met, Tellen.  I am Gyre.  I was born on Eberron.  Our master found me when I was very young and brought me here to maintain the day to day functions of the Orrery on this plane."

[User] ”Are there more automatons like you on Ebberon? The league has developed some basic ones but nothing as nearly as advanced as you.”

[User]
 K'zah      Gnome Wizard 4  AC:  15 |  HP:  26/26 |  HD:  4/4d6
 Spell Slots, 1st:  3/4  2nd:  3/3  Arcane Recovery:  1/1
 PP:  12  PInv:  16  PIns:  12  Conditions:  none

K'zah looks at both of her new companions.   This is exciting. I've never seen anything like either of them.   She first points to Tellen and then Gyre.

  "You look human. But I've never seen that type of armor before. Where did you get that? And you. You look different. I know you are a custodian here. But  what  are you, if you don't mind me asking?"

[User] ”I made the armor myself, with some help from a couple friends of mine. It provides power for my spells and is lighter than regular armor, it’s quite useful and has served me well.”

[User]
 K'zah      Gnome Wizard 4  AC:  15 |  HP:  26/26 |  HD:  4/4d6
 Spell Slots, 1st:  3/4  2nd:  3/3  Arcane Recovery:  1/1
 PP:  12  PInv:  16  PIns:  12  Conditions:  none

K'zah eyes light up at Tellen's description of his armor.

  "You made your own magic armor? That's amazing! Can you show me how to make my own armor someday? It helps you with spells? That's so interesting. I can cast spells too. I tried casting spells in armor once, though, and couldn't figure it out."

 Spoiler: OOC
I might take a dip in artificer later.

[User] ”I could definitely teach you, although it’d take a few months, but you’ll definitely be able to forge your own armor someday with a fair bit of work.”

[User]
 Gyre turns and faces Tellen.    "There are more like me on Eberron, but we are not automatons.
 Our creators may have intended such, but the Life Forges embued us with individuality and souls.  And though we ar4 just learning what it means, we are in fact, people."


[User] The foyer to the orrery is sleek and elegant, but still impressively grand. Polished black marble floors, granite columns covered with spiraling scrollwork seemingly made of gold. The walls are also flat granite, and the desk that sits at the back of the foyer shares the black marble production as the floor. The air is cool but not cold, and the minimalist design of the structure keeps it from feeling too ostentatious. If anything, it seems quite professional.

[User]
 Rubellite
 Tiefling Warlock
 AC: 15 HP: 31/31
 PP: 9 PIv: 0 PIs: 9
 Conditions: --
 Concentration: --

Rubellite, finding herself the first person in the room, sort of dances in a simple and child-like version of ballerina movements. Doing little lunges and twirls, her coat arms flapping around, and just enjoying the feeling of the cool stone beneath her feet. Until she bumps into the desk, at which point she decided to lay down on it and greet whoever next enters from that position.

[User]
 "My, my, tall one, you look like I feel. I love a good frolic. I hope you didn't stop on my account."

A small person has entered the room, walking unhurriedly over to Rubellite. She seems underdressed for these surroundings, with a loose pink blouse and fraying skirt that both look like the fashion from maybe five years ago. She's middle-aged... or perhaps younger, but a little sun-dried.

  "I'm glad to see I'm not the first, nor the last one here. I'm Valka. What's your name?"

 Spoiler: OOC
And yes, I know Rubellite is also pretty short. But she's still got at least a foot on Valka. 🙂

[User]
 Spoiler: Portrait

     Jherek
 Human Cleric
 AC: 17 HP: 35/35
 PP: 15 PIv: 0 PIs: 9
 Conditions: --
 Concentration: --

Jherek enters the room into the slowly, painfully slowly opening the door. He has expected to beat the others here...had hoped he would, so he could claim an advantageous place to watch and read the others actions. Realizing the room was occupied, he changed his slow entrance into what he hoped was a commanding one. Puffing out his chest and striding boldly into the room.  ”Hail Servant of Entropy, and warm greetings to you as well Lady of the Hin. I am Jherek, newly arrived to this place. Good to see that you have arrived for our meeting with the Master. I wonder what we are here for? Must be something of import if he needs so many of us Primewalkers. Yes must be something of import. “

He moves forward and sort of angles himself so as to see both of them at the same time...and try and look as bold and brave and Warrior like as possible. He didn’t like meeting new people.

 Spoiler: Performance to appear bold and what have you
  Performance  - (1d20-1)[ 11 ]

[User]
 Rubellite
 Tiefling Warlock
 AC: 15 HP: 31/31
 PP: 9 PIv: 0 PIs: 9
 Conditions: --
 Concentration: --

Rubellite does a little wave from her position at the two who entered and seems like she's going to lay there and not say anything, just blinking in mild confusion at Jherek's comment. But then she pops up suddenly and hops over and comes to try and shake both of their hands at once.

With an amused smile on her face she says to Valka,   "I don't get called  tall  very often. Don't worry, I'll prance when I feel like prancing."   she gives a little giggle at this. Trying to look at both people at the same time she introduces herself,   "I'm Rubellite, it's nice to meet you Valka and Jherek."   Then specifically turning to Jherek she responds,   "I think you've made a mistake though. I don't serve anything named Entropy. Never even heard of em before! My goddess is Heidar, She Who Embraces All. I'd love to tell you about her sometime."   Then she tilts her head to the side to a practically comical angle,   "Or was  I  supposed to be Lady of the Hin? Don't know what that means either!"   and then she shrugs. Which is rather awkward in the case she's still holding on to two people's hands.

[User]
 Originally Posted by Ramsus
 With an amused smile on her face she says to Valka,   "I don't get called  tall  very often. Don't worry, I'll prance when I feel like prancing."   she gives a little giggle at this. Trying to look at both people at the same time she introduces herself,   "I'm Rubellite, it's nice to meet you Valka and Jherek."   Then specifically turning to Jherek she responds,   "I think you've made a mistake though. I don't serve anything named Entropy. Never even heard of em before! My goddess is Heidar, She Who Embraces All. I'd love to tell you about her sometime."   Then she tilts her head to the side to a practically comical angle,   "Or was  I  supposed to be Lady of the Hin? Don't know what that means either!"   and then she shrugs. Which is rather awkward in the case she's still holding on to two people's hands.

Valka answers Rubellite,   "I'm Hin - it's a word for my people - but Entropy would've been pretty accurate for me, too. Anyhow, I've been called worse things,"   she adds with a cackle.

She turns to Jherek, and adds more seriously,   "Nice to meet you. So you don't know why we're here? I was hoping to finally get a chance to travel. Where do you hail from?"   She pats her little backpack and bow.

[User]
 Spoiler: Portrait

     Jherek
 Human Cleric
 AC: 17 HP: 35/35
 PP: 15 PIv: 0 PIs: 9
 Conditions: --
 Concentration: --

He blushed, of course he blushed. It started at his neck and creeped all the way to the tip of his bald head. He shifted uncomfortably in his armor.  ”A mistake then. My apologies on my world...my plane...my prime...Mystara.  He nodded to Valka as this was a way to answer her and explain himself to the demon.

  creatures such as you...” He jestures at the entirety of Rubellite...then runs his hand down his chin, gripping it momentarily to center himself.

 ”They serve the Immortals of Entropy. They are the living will of the Chaotic Ones? Well living is a strange concept when talking of spirits and things...anyways Your Heediar serves the realms of Chaos yes? Many Immortals have servants...I simply assumed it was a proper title. Many of the mages I brought to justice had servants or were servants to demons such as yourself.  He tries to smile but it seems forced. He did not like learning this way at all. Then an idea struck him and he looked to Valka.

 “Does Rubellite serve as your familiar or as a manifestation of Entropies hold on you?

[User]
 Rubellite
 Tiefling Warlock
 AC: 15 HP: 31/31
 PP: 9 PIv: 0 PIs: 9
 Conditions: --
 Concentration: --

As Jherek talks Rubellite's expression gradually morphs from friendly smile to confusion to pouty somewhat upset frown.

[User]
 Originally Posted by OnceUponAnAxe
 ...he looked to Valka.

 “Does Rubellite serve as your familiar or as a manifestation of Entropies hold on you?

Valka frowns and side-eyes both Jherek and Rubellite. To Jherek, she asks,   "Do... do they not have tieflings where you're from? I admit there aren't many where I'm from either, but I try not to make too many assumptions about new people."

To Rubellite, Valka continues,   "You sure don't seem like you're from the Demon Wastes, and you're definitely not MY demon, regardless. Where are you from? You were just waiting for the Orrery's Master, too, right? We can give him a hard time when he arrives for not introducing us properly."

[User]
 Rubellite
 Tiefling Warlock
 AC: 15 HP: 31/31
 PP: 9 PIv: 0 PIs: 9
 Conditions: --
 Concentration: --

Having given a proper moment's pout and letting Valka say something, Rubellite erupts with the following barrage of responses.   "Yes, I'm a tiefling, not a  demon ! Which means if anything my heritage would be the opposite of chaotic! Not that I'm actually  related  to any devils  or  demons. Not that being distantly related to either would define who  I  am! Heidar isn't a  servant of  anything! She comes from beyond the stars themselves! She doesn't even serve her father or any of the elder entities he's aligned with. I'm from Faerûn! Which apparently is very different from your world where everyone serves everything in neat tidy little.... rows... of....something...? Um... anyway, on my world people aren't automatically servants of other beings just because of their race! Uh.... unless they're actual devils or demons or celestials..... or constructs.... or undead... or...... ok well ok! Lots of things where I'm from apparently  are  servants of stuff! But not like the  people  people! Like me. I'm a tiefling. Which is a people! Er, person. Tiiiieeeeffffllliiiiiinnnnggggg. Not demon. Not entropy servant. Tiefling. Person. Um.... person with.... some kind of devil ancestry or descendants of people who made pacts with devils or... other stuff like that. Still! People! With their own ability to choose what other beings they serve like everyone else! And. And! AND!!!!!! Heidar helps those who are stuck serving beings that they don't want to! So.... there! Servanty... servant.... faaaaace?"

Rubellite's words are punctuated with a lot of gesticulation, even if it's rather meandering as she loses track of the point sometimes in her rush to get words out. Despite all the pointedness of her words and volume and animation, it doesn't seem like she's angry so much as annoyed in an affronted kind of way. In fact, this much energy going into the outburst seems like it might just be because she's just an energetic person rather than seriously upset in any way. There's certainly not any genuine anger in her voice or face.

[User]
 Valka nods approvingly at the speech.   "Hear hear."
  "And yes, you'll have to tell us all about Heidar. Sounds a bit like my Traveler,"   she says, with a finger gesturing vaguely upwards.   "The Giver of gifts, the lord of invention, change, and transformation. Not a bad sort at all, though some look down their nose at it."   Valka shrugs.

She takes on a matronly-but-small demeanor, the sort all moms get as their kids get taller than them, and she waggles her finger.   "I'm sure nobody meant anybody any harm, isn't that right, Jherek? And if we're to be traveling together I don't want none of this nonsense. I'm sure you're both well aware that things aren't always what you might think at first - I mean you literally can't pass through the door here unless you've realized that it isn't a normal door, right?"   You don't know whether Valka has kids but you can imagine her in a kitchen, waving a wooden spoon around to help emphasize her points. And she is the oldest one here by a bit, it seems.

[User] Anne enters the room gracefully - or at least, as gracefully as she can, given that she looks to have been going at a dead run. She bursts in, hair immaculate despite her velocity, and she comes to a halt when she sees just other people talking.   "Miram. Anne Miram. I don't believe I've made any of your acquiantances,"   she says by way of greeting, flashing a dazzling smile.

[User]
 Spoiler: Portrait

     Jherek
 Human Cleric
 AC: 17 HP: 35/35
 PP: 15 PIv: 0 PIs: 9
 Conditions: --
 Concentration: --

Turning bright read Jherek weathers Rubellite’s tirade. He stands stammering...stuttering a large tomato stuffed in a tiny suit of armor.  I....we...no...it...sun...frown...sorry. “  He stands silent now...his mouth gulping at air like a catfish. He can’t find any words.

He takes a deep breath, tries to center himself, then speaks again. ”i...I am new to many things and was unaware that there were creatures in the....universe...cosmos? That resembled demons and were not demons not servants of chaos. I am sorry I mis-labeled you. I am sorry.”   Anne entered the room and Jherek felt instantly grateful for something taking the attention away from him.

[User]
 Rubellite
 Tiefling Warlock
 AC: 15 HP: 31/31
 PP: 9 PIv: 0 PIs: 9
 Conditions: --
 Concentration: --

Rubellite gives Jherek an appraising look and then shrugs,   "Good enough I suppose."   Turning to the Anne she holds out a hand to shake,   "Rubellite. A tiefling, since apparently that's new information to some people here. Nice to meet you."   and gives her a friendly smile like nothing at all had just happened a moment ago.

[User] Anne shakes Rubellite's hand firmly.   "I hope my tardiness hasn't delayed things too much."


[User]
 Choosing to brave the formless dark of a realm only they have ever seen, Eae descends once more into waking sleep.  In their third eye, the familiar grey light of the Twilight stretches ahead of them, familiar despite the hostility of its keepers.  Straining their will against that siren call, Eae turns their perspective away, down into an abyss without beginning or end.  The Twilight, for all its strange rules and mysteries, is a reflection of the world as Eae knows it, details shimmering and shifting through the filter of a sleeper's recollection.  This new dream lacked any such comforting landmarks, and as Eae wills themself inside they begin to fall.  Or perhaps, to fly.

The darkness flows by without rhyme or reason, the only touchstone brief flashes of color and sound that even Eae's enchanted perception cannot fully grasp.  As they fall deeper into the void though, they begin to feel the familiar pull of four other consciousnesses, leviathans thriving in the black that Eae is struggling simply to understand.  Before, the sensation of being watched was enough to move Eae to flight, but now they push aside their fear and dive deeper, towards one of the beings that might at last provide answers.  Eae feels themself somehow hurtling further from their body and the world itself than when they braved the Bright Place, until at last a single star winks into existence on the horizon.  It grows swiftly, spiraling open like an unearthly flower into a serpentine body of pure starlight, its radiance somehow soothing where the Bright Place was searing.  Twin sapphire suns flare to life at the head of the apparition, and at once Eae is floating helpless beneath the gaze of a vast cosmic serpent, every inch of it radiating power and nourishing warmth.  It weaves a hypnotizing pattern in the darkness, circling around the oh-so-small figure of Eae until a single eye of blue fire obscures all else.

   "THIS PLACE IS NOT SAFE FOR ONE SUCH AS YOU, CHILD."

The voice echoes through Eae's mind, stunning in its enormity yet somehow comforting.  The Dolod has no understanding of the sensation, for it has been untold generations since a child looked upon its mother in innocent wonder.

   "HOW DID YOU COME TO BE HERE?"

[User]
 Eae stares in wonder, listens in awe, and experiences in horrified fascination. In short, they  witness , as no Dolod has yet witnessed. There is fear, yes, but mostly that this knowledge would be lost if the danger proved existential rather than merely harmful. The Dolod have long been a practical people, in their own way. What can be witnessed and passed on is important. What cannot, is not. Now, though? Now there is something deeper than sand, stone, and food. Something larger than memory, perhaps.

Eae keeps their eyes wide as the entity communicates. They allows themselves a calming sigh before speaking.

  "We- No,  I  am Eae. I am the Pioneer, the Dreamguide. I am the Prophet, in a way. I am empowered by Emnellenme to seek truth, to go beyond where liars deign to reign and deceit is their violent enforcer. I am spending..."   Eae pauses and concentrates, separating their memory into two distinct chunks. There is the Dream and there is something else, something at the point when Dream was but the future.

  "I  spend  time to learn how to come to the Dream. The Sun itself grants me its vision, its piercing gaze. I walk among the minds of the liars as they crawl upon the Dreamer's vision. But I seek  truth  rather than illusion. I, and my people, want the source, not the mask. So I travel deeper, I travel farther.

"I travel to you."

[User]
 The blue stars twinkle in delight at Eae's sincerity, as the white flame surrounds them in a protective glow.

   "THERE ARE MANY DREAMS AND MANY DREAMERS, EAE TRUTHSEEKER.  YOUR GAZE HAS LED YOU DEEP BEYOND THE DREAMS OF YOUR KEN.  YOU WALK THE DREAM OF THE WORLD SOUL, SHARED ONLY BY THOSE BORN OF ITS POWER.  HAD YOU ENCOUNTERED ONE OF MY SIBLINGS, THEY MAY NOT HAVE WELCOMED YOU FONDLY."

The serpent's attention turns from Eae to the vast abyss surrounding them.

   "OUR WAR OCCUPIES OUR THOUGHTS, AND THEY HAVE NOT BEEN AS FORTUNATE AS I."

[User]
 Eae hesitates for long seconds.

  "War? With whom do you fight? If I might bother you yet more, you are  you ? I come to find answers for my people. I travel far, avoiding the traps of the wicked curse-speakers, the blind ones in the Twilight. Can you teach me? I learn much and find myself wanting more."

[User]
 Color erupts around Eae, recollections of a hundred battles against a hundred monstrous horrors.

   "WE WAR AGAINST THE BLIGHT, CHILD.  AGAINST THAT WHICH WOULD CONSUME THE VERY SPIRIT OF THE WORLD.  YOUR KIND HAVE COME TO KNOW ME AS THE GREAT MOTHER, AND I HAVE FELT GREAT JOY TO SEE THEM STAND AGAINST THE TRESPASSER AT MY SIDE."

The dizzying tableaus fade.

   "I HAVE NO KNOWLEDGE OF WHOM YOU SPEAK, CURSE-SPEAKERS IN TWILIGHT.  IF YOU HAVE TRAVELLED HERE FROM MORTAL DREAMING, YOU HAVE MY ADMIRATION."

Impossible though it was, the thousand-starred constellation smiles.

   "AND MY CURIOSITY.  NO DOUBT THE DREAMS OF YOUR KIND, INNUMERABLE IN SPIRIT AND SHAPE, ARE JOYS OF COLOR AND SOUND.  OUR OWN DREAM IS FAR EMPTIER, FOR OURS IS A SOLITARY DUTY.  BE THAT AS IT MAY, I WILL TEACH YOU WHATEVER I AM ABLE."

[User]
 Eae's expression clouds in confusion briefly.

  "You fight... the Erasers? Then we owe you gratitude."  Eae bows as best they are able in this realm beyond understanding.

 "The speakers of curses are... likely beneath your notice. They attack us and claim it is for our benefit. They claim the Dream as their own and assault me as I am entering. They seek harm on my people for our temerity in seeking truth.

"I cannot claim it is mortal dreaming, as I am blessed by the great spirit itself with guidance. But once within the Dream, to this new place I make my own way, yes. I would show you my dreams if I knew how. I am Dolod, and our memory is long, our dreams beautiful. Can you show me how to share my dream, and this Dream, with others? The Erasers - the Blight - are destroying memories. If we could use the Dream to work together, we could hold them back, I know it. The Eaters, Kidnappers, Curse Spewers and Nightmare Spinners - they divide the world to hold on to their meagre power. If I could share truth with others, I could step into their role and tie bonds rather than cut them. I want to bring this truth, this new realm, to everyone."

[User]
 There is a ripple of bright color from the spirit, like laughter, joyous and warm.

   "THERE ARE MANY DREAMS, CHILD, AND MANY GREAT SPIRITS.  AS MANY AS THERE ARE STARS IN THE SKY.  NEAR AS MANY AS THERE ARE MORTALS CLAIMING TO KNOW ULTIMATE TRUTH."

A twinkle in the Great Mother's eye blunts the rebuke.

   "TO SHARE A DREAM IS TO SHARE THE WHOLENESS OF YOURSELF CHILD, AND IS NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART.  DONE RECKLESSLY, YOU COULD INFLICT GREAT SUFFERING - MY OWN DREAM HAS MASTERED THE SOULS OF MANY, THOUGH THEY FACE IT OF THEIR OWN WILL.  IF YOU WOULD SHOULDER SUCH RESPONSIBILITY, THERE ARE ARTS I MIGHT TEACH YOU.  ARTS THAT WOULD SHARE YOUR SIGHT BEYOND SIGHT, AND SAFEGUARD YOU IN THIS PLACE SO LONG AS YOU REMAIN CLOSE TO ME.  MY SIBLINGS HAVE SUFFERED GREATLY IN THE CENTURIES OF THEIR DUTY, AND THEIR DREAMS ARE...TROUBLED."

[User]
 Eae bows once.

  "Please, teach me. This is the reason I am here."

Eae hesitates a moment before speaking again.   "And... does the name 'Artavazd' mean anything to you?"

[User]
 At Eae's final question, the creature of starstuff shudders.

   "I DO NOT KNOW THAT NAME, CHILD, BUT IT SENDS A CHILL THROUGH ME STILL.  WE OF THE GUARDIAN DREAM ARE MUCH REMOVED FROM THE AFFAIRS OF THE MORTAL WORLD - YOU SHOULD SEEK ANSWERS FROM YOUR OWN PEOPLE.  THERE IS YET A TRUTH TO BE UNCOVERED WITH THAT...NAME."

 Spoiler: OOC
The Dolod may advance a Faith Great Project to gain reliable access to the safe areas of the Guardian Dream.


[User]
 It is a time of joy and celebration in Arrakh-Rah! Chepri, the Daughter of Darkness and sister of the reigning Thalaz'ir, is to wed Ceron, prince of the Crimson Kingdom. Visitors from every corner of Mamut are invited personally, be they Uzii or Alqari, Targiz or Scrim, all are welcome.

Herded into the Ziggurat of Dawn for the ceremony, there are rows upon rows of seats and tables, the entire temple decorated more for a raucous occasion than a solemn telling of vows. Regardless, Chepri is dressed in a beautiful flowing white wedding gown, orange lilies in her hair, and sporting a decent-sized baby bump! She looks happier than anyone has seen her in a long time.

Doraan, Gorrn, Haurun and all the others you might expect are of course present in fine attire. Yes, including Gorrn wearing a special sash that covers his fur. It looks a bit itchy, but he seems pleased enough to be included in the festivities!

[User]
 Rose and Nyct arrive to the wedding as mother and daughter, but they could not seem more different. Rose is dressed in white and has, as always, an eerily serene and happy expression on her face. She seems to walk through honey; flies and people trapped by the wake of sweetness. Nyct, on the other hand, looked as she did four years ago, seemingly made of vinegar or spoiled flower wine. Nyct's mouth may as well been made by scoring a clay pot with a knife. It was humorless and stern. Nyct was dressed in a plain black robe that draped over her shoulder and hid all curves and other feature of her body so that she looked almost like a ghost, a flowing dress and a face. Her hair was black and long and like everything else, straight in strict lines. What little skin could be seen was greyish, the coloring of the Targiz, and lined with jewel-like freckles from her grandmother Merine, which also seemed to arrange themselves in rows and columns. Rose, in contrast, seemed like an ethereal curve - inviting and warm. Together, the Odds-Mistress and her heir looked like two sides of a coin which may be flipped in Kursaal and determine one's future fortunes. One being the promises and fantasies of a winning bet, the other the harsh realities of loss.

Greeting the happy couple, Rose comes forward and grabs Ceron by the cheeks with her palms and kisses him on the forehead, bending down and expresses to him her happiness at his union and to give her warmest regards to his father. She does the same to Chepri and tells her wish that all the dice in Kursaal shall land favorably for her child. Nyct meanwhile inclines her head and repeats almost by rote repetition.

 The Targiz brings wine and other gifts for your union and we look forward to the strengthening of our mutual cooperation.

***

While Rose and Nyct arrived from the Targiz, Gled arrived with Ceron. He was, after all, the grooms Squire and sworn brother. He stood proudly by Ceron's side, beaming at the fact that Ceron was joining his family in a roundabout way - and that Gled was joining Ceron's own family soon enough. He thought of his liege's youngest daughter, neither the left hand nor the right, but still a beautiful elfish maiden with whom he were to be wed soon after this ceremony. The squire cannot be married before his knight of course.

He inclined his head towards his mother and sister as they entered, his mother embracing him from above, since he was so much shorter than the rest of his family, in a seemingly warm embrace that did not belay the fact that she had shipped him off when he was not yet ten. He did not resent her, he loved his time in the Crimson Kingdom, but he did not mirror her affections. His sister, who he missed seeing at the festival four years ago, was essentially a stranger to him - indeed, the two siblings looked at each other much like foreign dignitaries would look at each other; sizing each other up and taking their measure.

Gled scoffed slightly, his sister did not seem to amount to much. His mother, somehow kept Kursaal balanced on her delicate fingers, the Horned King himself held her in high esteem as Gled knew, but Gled, at this first impression, did not imagine that his sister would be able to do the same. Briefly the idea that  he  could flashed in his mind.

His sister inclined her head in his direction and he flashed her his perfectly sharp teeth back at her in what could have been a smile.

[User]
 It has been a lifetime since last the bronze-armored paladins of the Crimson Kingdom emerged from behind their mountains and descended on the lowlands of eastern Mamut.  Some still remember the ravenous horde driven before them, the eerie dispassion of the elves as they took the measure of their newly-discovered neighbors.  Those stories have passed from father to son, mother to daughter, but none of it has prepared the lands of the Night Kingdom or the Scions for the procession that wends its way towards Arrakh-Rah.  Riders gleam atop antlered mounts like a vision out of legend, riding in slow procession behind the towering majesty of the Horned King himself.  At his side rides Ceron, resplendent in bronze armor inlaid with gold and ancient runes, and in his wake pass two figures cloaked in crimson gowns.  The parade pauses in every village, no matter the size, distributing gifts of food and cloth from bulging wagons that follow in their wake.  The largesse of the Crimson Kingdom is on full display, and does much to dispel the terror that wells up at the first rumors of their approach.

When they finally arrive at Arrakh-Rah, the baggage train of the Horned King is much diminished, but still bounteous enough to feast the city entire.  Barley beer flows in rivers as enormous casks are finally tapped, and precious glass bottles of golden mead are presented to the nobility.  Some, perhaps, even choose to drink it in the style of their fearsome guests - glistening with drops of freshly-drawn blood.  Ceron immediately parts ways with his father to seek out the bride even before their jubilant day, the proud prince flouting a relationship that none in Arrakh-Rah remained ignorant of.  Meanwhile, the Scions were treated to two new sights.  The first is the vision of youthful beauty that enters the city on Gled's arm, her hair a deep auburn and her forehead pierced by two slight horns.  	Gwladys was the youngest child of the Horned King, only now entering womanhood, and had grown close to Gled in the many years of his apprenticeship to her brother.  The second sends far more ominous ripples through the crowd, as the two crimson specters remove their veils to reveal medusa underneath.  Their resemblance to the beloved Merine cannot be denied, but their scales are a glossy black flecked with red, and even their distressing smiles reveal ruby teeth.  The sibilant sisters follow closely behind their king as he presents himself to Thalaz'ir Doraan I.

  "A happy day indeed, Thalaz'ir.  Soon, the blood of my blood joins with yours in holy sacrament, and with love's magic transfigures us to one bloodline.  There could be no grander call for celebration."

[User]
 Rose had not seen the Horned King since their private conversation almost twenty years ago. Relations between their nations were good and she certainly entertained Elven delegates and paladins, but her duties kept her west of the Mountains and the Horned King's own duties kept him East. She still remembered the Horned King's private wine - sweet with an undercurrent of bitter salt. His own blood the secret ingredient.

Sometime during the festivities, after they both congratulated the couple she walked towards the King with her palms up to her side in that traditional greeting of her people. She spoke like a flower growing in between encroaching Ivy.

 My King, it has been far too long. I pray that my Son has not been too much of an added Burden in your lands.

She smiles comfortably as one does when speaking with a life long friend, even one that hasn't been seen in years - the ease of conversation and the atmosphere of amicability returning to where they once where when you first met, like it was a moment frozen in amber and perhaps seen through wine-fogged pupils.

[User]
 Kylisa had become much more comfortable with the Crimson Kingdom since her first venture into their lands so many years ago. She had proposed a wedding between their people that day (more for her own safety than anything), yet now she felt much more their equal alongside her family across the realms. Naturally, all of her children attended with her to the union and were prepared to mingle with their family old and new to celebrate a new age of safety and prosperity for their lands. The Crimson Kingdom was nothing if not advanced, and Kylisa had every confidence that she could maintain the rapid revolutionizing that she had with the tribal clan Alqar with them at her side; now a proud Kingdom themselves. After having been trusted to negotiate for Arlais's safety on behalf of the Horned King himself, she was proud to show up with his daughter as part of her company... And the agreement that they had come to in hand. Not perfect, perhaps, but one that would ease tensions without breaking the pride of either side - and the added benefit of likely still allowing the Night Kingdom to marry the Crimson Kingdom themselves with Iceno and/or Nylah... Either way, to say that the Night Queen was pleased to be here would be an understatement, and she socialized excitedly for the time that she had away from her Kingdom's issues.

Merine had hidden from the Crimson Kingdom for some time on account of her past with them, but today she was to walk up the aisle in front of them all... And they doubtless had long since heard of her as the mother if the kingdoms that they've cozied up with. No more hiding. She joins the Thalaz'ir and faces the sibilant sisters directly, nodding her head with a defiant sparkle in her eyes.   "Indeed... I welcome you to my new home, sisters. It has been some time."    'But perhaps not long enough,'  she thought. Standing so close to them, her pale aesthetic is quite unlike theirs; with fangs of standard bone instead of Ruby and patches of scintillating scales across her body. They were alike, but different... No matter how much she wished this union would not go through, she loved and supported her daughter - and was more than willing to face her past and help their kingdoms to prosper alongside the cruel, callous power of the Horned King so long as they did not become like him themselves.


[User]
 It seems all of Downswest has come to the Dripping Bucket tonight to see the Stranger. The room is filled with whispers as the tall, middle aged man wearing armor and carrying a long sword sits quietly and peaceably by himself at the bar, sipping the best wine available (which is also the worst wine, being the only wine served here). Everyone, from The Tarjun family still wearing the dirt from the fields to the high and mighty Bestons who make up the mayor's well dressed constabulary, are whispering back and forth about the dark haired and dark skinned man who came into town earlier that day. The waitresses are all crawling over each other to serve him because he tips in gold- more gold than anyone in town has seen in their whole lives. While the gossip and dares swirl around him, this man simply sips his wine and eats his baked potato in silence, a dim smile on his face that makes his few wrinkles stand out. He taps his boot in time to the guitar that Olson Greeney plays in the corner, slapping his hand to a book held to his side by a leather strap. Meanwhile, like most nights, a group of friends, the strongest, most dangerous, and most skilled fighters this meager town has to offer, sit at a table saved just for them in the back of the room. Normally everyone would be talking about them, but tonight they are left to their own devices, with a new attraction entrancing the crowd.

Nattie, the daughter of the owner, slips up to your table and blows a loose strand of hair out from her vision. "And what will you lot be having this evening? Dinner? Drinks? Or just come to gossip and gaggle like the rest of these star struck fools?"

 Spoiler: OOC
Feel free to introduce yourselves. What are you drinking? What is your relationship with the rest of the town? What do you think of the stranger? Let's get into it!

[User] Ragnian sits at the table wearing the outfit he affectionately calls his fancy civ'ies. These finely made cloths resemble that of a courtier accompanied with a pristine golden necklace.  He traded some armor for the pair so he can look fancy when he's out on the town.  Though even when dressed up, he is always at least somewhat prepared in case of danger, he wears a chain shirt under his finery and keeps the weapon of his god on his hip. He looks to the waitress,  "I shall have a mug of your always delicious ale and whatever the freshest meat is on the menu for the day.  Also do you know what's up with the armored man?  I don't question a man keeping a weapon readily available, but going to a pub in full armor seems like an odd choice."

[User] Hezekiah is never quite settled when the tavern is this full, but his friends seem to think they have to see this stranger.  So he sits at their regular table with his back to the wall nursing a glass of honey mead.  He smiles a bit when Ragnian's pretensiousness pops out in it's usual way, not minding his own business.  As they wait on the other's to arrive, he glances at the stranger himself, wondering why such a man is in Downswest.  Nattie's question draws his attention back to the table, though.   "Last night's stew, if you have any left.  And another mug of the mead, please."   Smiling up at her, giving her a wink.   "And whatever gossip you've picked up about yon lone warrior..."

[User]
 It was kind of nice, really. People not talking about him. Actually, people just ignoring him in general. Like he was just a normal, uninteresting part of the scenery. It'd be nice to get used to it, but he isn't dumb enough to think it'd last.

He just hopes  this  passing adventurer wasn't going to cause the next him.

 "I'll just have whatever needs using up..."  he mumbles, as quietly as he can. Ragnian and Hezekiah he's okay with, but he still feels awkward talking to anyone else, even when he's with them.

He steals a glance or two at the adventurer.
 "...I don't like him,"  he says, barely even loud enough for the other two to hear. It was petty, and exactly what everyone always did to him, and the man seemed harmless enough, but all he could see when he looked at that face was his mother, waiting by the window for a man to come home who never would.  "...Sorry. I'm just being a downer, aren't I...?"

[User]
 "One ale with a shank of lamb, one mead with some nearly solid but still delicious stew, and one black barrel stout from the back of the basement with a fresh salad. As far as our traveller, he appears to be waiting for someone. Not business, from the sound of things. Something personal. The kind of personal business that might involve a sword." Nattie's eyes go wide as her imagination plainly runs wild with her. Still, there might be some credence to her words, as the loud noise of a chair scraping across the floor sends the man's hand to the grip of his sword in a flash. The room goes silent for a moment, with all eyes on this warrior, until he let's out a loud booming laugh.  Sorry, all. Thought I heard a dragon!  There's a small chorus of nervous chuckles as people go back to their drinks, but now more than ever all eyes are on the weathered traveller, and the whispers flow faster than the taps. As the friend's meals and drinks are brought out, it becomes clear that after every few drinks the man of the hour is tipping his eyes in your direction.

 Sense Motive

 Spoiler: DC 15
The man is taking stock of your group's arms and armor, weighing your gear and your demeanor. He's obviously recognized you as all being somewhat more skilled than those around you.

 Spoiler: DC 20+
This traveller is taking specific notice of Arc. Not in the superstitious, half-fearful manner of the townsfolk of Downswest, but with an experienced and well travelled eye. He's looking at Arc like someone he might know, or someone he might want to talk to.

[User]
 "What don't you like about him Arc? Is it more than his choice of attire or that he keeps glancing over here?  Or that he's clearly on edge about something?"

 Spoiler: Sense Motive
 (1d20+6)[ 10 ]

[User]
 Spoiler: OOC

Sense motive
 (1d20)[ 14 ]

[User]
 Zeke laughs at the dragon remark, along with most of the tavern.  Arc seems a little irritable, but that's no reason to not laugh at a funny joke, is it?  Of course, the stranger seems a little jumpy himself.  At some point, all of his stares and looks would become offputting enough to force Zeke to leave...

 Spoiler: OOC
Sense Motive:  (1d20+2)[ 3 ]

[User]
 He could  feel  the stares. So, he thought, as he sank back into his seat, this one was just like everyone else. He was an  adventurer , after all. He probably killed drow all the time. Maybe he was just surprised to see he'd missed one.

He guessed everyone out there was like that too.

[User] The new local celebrity stands up, whispers a few words to the barman, who nods and obliges with a small fortress of drinks on a tray. He motions to one of the serving girls, but the stranger has none of that and lifts the drinks himself, carrying them over to the table you are all settled around. " Gentlemen. I couldn't help but notice you all from across the bar. Do you mind if I sit down with you all for a moment? Drinks are on me if you'll indulge me a bit of your knowledge about this area.  He flashes his best winning smile and sets the tray down, as though the matter is already decided. He doesn't actually sit, simply leaning on the table, glancing at each of you for a few moments.  I was hoping to ask about what threats there are in the area. Any monsters, goblinoids, undead. That sort of thing.

[User] Always happy for a free drink, Zeke waves to a seat at the table.   "Join us.  I'd be happy to share my meager knowledge for the price of a mug of mead."   He smiles at the man,  "What name should we call you by, then?"

[User] Arc sulked into his drink. Honestly, he wanted to be as far away as possible from this man, but Zeke wanted him there, so he bit his tongue, and settled for glowering into his drink instead. Or what he thought was glowering. In truth, he looked more like a deer frozen in shock.


[User] You are sitting in the Star Bucks waiting in your friends and trying to figure out what to do this summer.

[User] I keep telling you we need to go down south for the summer. We need to do something or lose all our cred, and the beaches are amazing!~  Jessica trilled.

[User] Yeah, girl, I hear them beaches are suuuuper overpriced  *Takes sip of Grande Grande Super-Tasty Pumpkin-Spice Will-o-Wisp Tropical-Breeze Milkless-Milk Organic-Water Gluten-Free Powdered-Fairy Ultra Espremochappuccino Supreme Deluxe Premium, Extreme Edition™ and looks at cup*  WHO IN THE NINE HELLS SPELLS BRAD WITH A Q?!

[User]
 Gerry - Hungover but Chill

Gerry eases himself into a seat with a grimace. Through his sunglasses he peers at Brad's cup.  "I think that's a 'd', Bro. I told you I could help with letters and stuff, no prob."  He takes a pull from his own cup. Gerry smirked at the thought of the barista's face when he had made his order.  "Correctamundo, Jess. Word is there's gonna be ten foot surf down there in the next few weeks. And I wouldn't mind partying with some bodacious Latin babes."

[User] How are you planning on getting to Cancun? Overland, magic carpet rental, travel agent, train...?

[User] Well obviously the only way to travel is with magic carpet, right.  Jessica let out.

[User] "But if we take a magic carpet, where would we stow all our gear? I mean, I don't wanna have to hold onto my board the whole time. That's a two hand job, and at least one of those hands needs to have a beer in it. I say we rent a van."  Gerry gives a look to Brad.  "And no, Brad, we  can't  walk there. I don't care how close Cancun looks on the map, dude."

[User] "Well, I'm just going to pretend you didn't just say that, Gerry, 'cause you obviously don't understand how small those 2 inches are" , Brad said.  "But anyway, I'm with Jessica, we should take a carpet. I'm tell my dad to make some calls, we'll get one of the best carpet in the market. Those things are huge, and the have stuff like a Jacuzzi and whatever. We'll be the almost as fast as we would if we went by foot" . *cough*  " Gerry "  *cough*

[User] Are any of you licensed to fly a carpet?

[User] Can't they be autopiloted or something? They are magic, after all.

[User] Still requires an air endorsed operator permit.  You could hire a driver, or uber, or get a quick maybe sorta semi legal permit...

[User] Let's just charm someone with a license into being our driver. I used to do it in school all the time for grades.  Jessica replies.

[User] What do you mean by 'charm'?

[User] "Brad, can't your old man just hire a carpet and driver for us?"

[User] [Seduce/flirt heavily someone into doing it. ]


[User]
 Spoiler: Resources
~~~Handy References~~~
• Starfinder SRD:  http://www.starfindersrd.com/
• Starfinder Cheat Sheet:  http://paizo.com/paizo/blog/v5748dyo...er-Cheat-Sheet
• Starfinder FAQ:  http://paizo.com/starfinder/faq

~~~Books~~~
4chan Trove: snip.li/SFTrove

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