<em>It was a somewhat grey day in Sacrafel, the greatest of all cities on the continent of Dark Moon.  It's rumored that the second, near-black orb hanging lower on the sky than it's companion, the Green Moon, is only visible from this continent.  It was displaying a particularly strong presence now, the absolutely full black orb loomed over the city, casting everything into deep shadows.  The Trickster's Moon, it was called.<br/><br/>Soft rain was coming in with the nightfall, and the streets were sparsely populated.  Most people had already escaped the autumn's chill into warm houses or tavern.  One tavern in particular, situated near the border of the Noble's disctrict, was a lot quieter than was usual on a day like this.  In fact, there was currently only one patron inside.  Waiting.  For tonight, the wheels of fate had finally began to spin in this city...</em><br/><br/>(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3dxw8X6nR58/TF3vAWDJlDI/AAAAAAAAACw/CBySn61gOLs/s320/Dark+moon.jpg)<br/><br/>Asleod was sitting at a table near the center of the large main room of the tavern, exchanging a few words with the innkeeper while he waited.  The man was an old acquaintance of his, and he'd rented the whole inn for the evening.  He didn't want any prying eyes here tonight, hence the 'closed' sign on the door.  He tapped the table a few times, and the bartender obligingly poured him a second glass of the most excellent house wine.  While sipping his wine, he considered the gathering which was to take place here.  By his account, nine people should show up during the course of the evening.  He hadn't set any hard time limits, as the people were from quite varied backgrounds.  Everything from slaves to thiefs and conmen to actual nobles.  He didn't particularly like that last idea, but he'd considered the gains worth the risks, for now.  Even so, he'd only picked those nobles who he figured might actually have a few shreds of integrity.<br/><br/>Tonight, he was dressed in a conservative vest and trousers, such as any number of minor functionaries might wear.  His jacket was of slightly better quality, as was his sword, currently resting against the table.  He'd folded his raincloak over the chair's back while waiting.  His wineglass still in hand, Asleod's piercing eyes rose to the tavern's door as the overhead chime announced an arrival.<br/><br/>(OOC: Okay, folks!  This is it.  We're launching the game, starting with his general meeting of all crewmembers.  You may arrive in any order you wish, and at any time.  This thread is meant for interaction between the characters while we wait for everyone to get ready for the actual game, which I'll also be launching fairly soon, probably right after the weekend or even sunday, if I've the time.  In here, you don't particularly need to wait for my replies, unless you're addressing Asleod directly.  This is a freeform mingling area, after all.  This is likely the only thread where all the characters will be gathered together, after the actual story begins, we'll split into Noble and Underworld threads as discussed before.  Happy gaming, and remember your manners!)