I would be careful seeking to much information about the scorpions in such a public place. They have many allies and enemies. Says Marry
Mang Fu Ha Saan grumbles to himself in consternation and thought at her response.
Wisdom of a sage. He repeats.
Turning to Milos.
Seems for now I will have to just ask you to trust my information is good. Accompany me to see the High Druid and afterwards you may judge its merit.
"That's certainly fair." Milos agrees
Jerram lets out a breath as the tattooed man leaves. He looks over at Shadara, and his fingers begin to flash.
** spoiler omitted **Jerram stops, freezing mid-sign. He turns, trying to pinpoint the origin of the conversation.
d20+8
Jerram grabs his board and rushes over to the table. His handwriting is sloppy as his hand shakes. Tell me about the Monestary of Treho. What happened?
As Jerram rushes over to the table shadara decides to follow noting that change in him. She stands a step or two back while Jerram tries to get the men to read the board. After hearing the man's reply she gets Jerram's attention:
Let me see.
Jerram turns his board to her with a look that reminds Shadara of someone fearing news of a lost child being found but no longer living.
She leans over the table looking at each man and slowly says in a quiet tone:
Tell him about the Monestary of Treho, and what happened there.
When we are all gathered I shall take you to him, and everything will be explained there.
Marry pauses hesitantly then with a swift move she writesb "I shall give you more info when safe. Nella has many ears."
Once she knows you have read the note she quickly destroys it using water from the container used to wash the counter nearby. After making sure the paper is soaked and torn, she moves away from you ending further questions.
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As you look at the "hire" boards a youthful gnome approaches you. After glanicng at the boards briefly he says conversationally, Your jaunting around here for some pay meter yes? Now you look like your a rain maker and I can always use those who aren't afraod tp wash after the mud. If you get my drift. You interested? It aint a hard task but it pay well. By the way names Jerras
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not mush to tell about Treho. While back they betrayed one of their own after refusing to finish her instruction. Rumor says that the desecration of the monastery came as a direct consequence months after the betrayal. She returned and destroyed it all. Raising it to the ground and killing her past mentors and teachers. Nella isn't of the forgiving kind. Rumor has it that any who attempt to revive anything at the old site will be destroyed again. the conversants at the table state.shouldn't be much to it though but rumors. After looking at Jerram again he continues, [so. my fellow, whats got so many fleas in your arse that ya jump when you sit? Must be something about Treho.[/b]He pauses briefly to see what your reaction to the name is this time. hmm. Maybe Nella would like to know your here. I'm sure she would know what you wanted with Treho. he grin says other than his words.
You, pointing at Shadara, "carry a stormed weapon. I would not do so openly. There are many that chose note to remember and many that choose to help others forget the price of such. The last known assassin who used one was Maldetrin. She was hunted and destroyed by some group or the other. Even then the storms didnt abate. Have care. she pauses briefly once again,[b]now what you do with it is up to you. I just don't like seeing missies getting hurt uninformed. She then stands up and leaves, in somewhat of a hurry, down the aisle headed to the back of the room.
After looking at the board I glance around and notice the Halfling family. The kindness in the fathers face and tenderness in how the mother cares for her children captivate me and I lose myself in watching there familial interactions.
Jerram breathes out in a rush. He fumbles at his sash and pulls out a palm-sized brass token. It's marked with a fist holding to some ethereal object. He holds it out, standing tall. With his other hand he attempts to sign to Shadara.
His movement with just one hand is choppy, but he finally seems to get his meaning across. As the man leaves, Jerram pins the token to his chest.
Jerram approaches the innkeeper and attempts to hire a room using his chalk board to communicate with Mary.
.
"Thank you, uh, friend. My name is Miloș Black." he stops abruptly and continues "Please, call me Milos. I will not stand on ceremony with a hero of prophecy - if nothing else I have no idea what the term of address is. I'll get settled in, maybe a quick bath, some clean clothes and then perhaps we could discuss matters further over a meal in my suite?"
Mang Fu Ha Saan nods to Milos.
I will be here when you are ready.
Milos turns back to Marry "I realise you've been extraordinarily hospitable, so I'm happy to eat now, if that is more convenient. However, while I don't wish to rush you, the sooner I can get my steed stabled, the less chance of an accident." Milos smiles apologetically.
Shadara continues to lean on the table, initially it was to intimidate but at the mention of her mother the table became the only that was holding her up. She stares at the man as he leaves.
My mother …. Stormed weapon…… hunted and destroyed….. storms didn’t abate even then… have care repeat over and over in her head. Dazed she looks at Jerram and barely comprehends the communication he is having with her. As the pin goes on his vest she signs ok
She gets up and follows Jerram, she is so lost in thought that she bumps into a table and knocks over a chair without noticing. Jerram stops in front of her but being so lost in thought as she is she walks right into him and is barely able to catch herself before hitting the ground. She begins to try to check to see if he is ok but as she is reaching out to him …
I start noticing others in the room looking around I begin to see them as beings capable of great good. My mind begins to clear sorrow, hate and bitterness seeps from my body. I begin to see the goodness in Jerram's kindness toward me. I see how Shadara truly cares about him. Then there is the "big boy" I think they call him Mang Fu Ha Saan as solid as the mountain in purpose with his majestic friend perched there beside him towering above him. I realize that the power of hatred has clouded my understanding these past days. I see Milos as he interacts with what must be little more than cattle to him. Even there in that deaths head face is a just intent. I see in these the companionship "the Cat I never got to ride" spoke of and I know my new purpose. I will watch and see their needs and shape myself to fulfill those needs.I drain another water skin.
Well Jerras,
I was just about to approach marry and see what she might have for me seeing that message has draconic in it that I believe I understand. But if you will forward a meal to fill a starving man up I would love to give you a hand.
"I realise you've been extraordinarily hospitable, "
It is not a breach of my hospitality, nor are you a bother for me to help. I will take you to the room myself and see you settled in. For tonight, I will have a couple of my helpers bring a large "tub" and water for you. While you get your horse and yourself fed. Marry says very kindly. I agree accident happen to often in this town; we do not need to hasten them in to being.
Jamien please bring bedding and accoutrements to the Hostler's room above the old cellar. This gentlemen will be there and he has fine taste and some would;d say paranoia about his breed of horse. So I have granted to him the cellar for a personal stall and stabling. Inform the stable-hands that he will take care of his steed from here on out. If he needs something for it, they are to comply with his request no matter how odd it may seem. But of course report to me the things you see that seem odd, Milos here is an old friend. I know his oddities and will take care of any odd requests. Quickly Mary, gestures to another helper,Check with the Mistress of Laundry. Inform her to have 4 vats of hand warm water, mind you that is hand warm upon their arrival at the room, waiting for this gentleman. I will show him his room and then we will return for food. I expect the water to be there when he arrives. Do you understand your instructions and what you are to relay to the Mistress? ...Good! Now get to it. ... This way friend Milos. If you care to, invite your oread friend with his companion along. There is room for more than just you in the Hostler's room if you so decide. Marry turns, gathers her apron, removes it, hanging it on a hook behind the counter, and grabbing the appropriate key from her ring clasp. With a small gesture of "follow me" she heads to the door at the end of the counter.
Well Jerras,
Your sense of "well" or "goodness" finishes filling your essence. You realize as you look around the room, that their are things you know about others that you don't remember ever learning. Hang is of the rock or Oread people and he seeks balance of the past and present.
You shake your head again realizing that Milos never introduced himself to you nor has anyone told you of his "vampiric" tastes, yet you know for a certainty that what you think is true.You feel that the key to your memory and exodus here, where ever here is, is connected not only to Jerram but to the she elf and Milos.
She begins to try to check to see if he is ok but as she is reaching out to him …
As your fade back into reality from your shock of revelation, you notice that the stone around your neck now contains the same swirl as your bow and your birthright mark. The three seem to compete a system or leyline of power as the ancients called it.
You catch yourself as you once again begin to fade. The stone falls from its resting space inside your blouse, still dangling from the chain and lands on the back of your hand. Your head angling towards the back of the chair and floor slams into the stone. The two marks "spark" together and your progression to the floor is now a thing of the past. You realize any feelings of distress or disjunction have vanished.
Jerram approaches the innkeeper and attempts to hire a room using his chalk board to communicate with Mary.
You hear Marry finish with a pale white man and his compatriot. This way friend Milos. If you care to, invite your Oread friend with his companion along. There is room for more than just you in the Hostler's room if you so decide. Pausing just long enough to read your message she continue,
Sir, I will return briefly if you wish for personal attention. My friend here motioning to a halfling helper, Retee. See if you can help our friend here. I will return briefly.
Oread? Is that what he is?
"Marry, your hospitality is beyond compare. I would be delighted to accompany you. Once you have shown me the room I will bring my horse."
Turning to Mang Fu Ha Saan he pauses, then mentally shrugging continues with the elaborate not-quite-invitation of his kind
"If we are to be friends, then I would be happy to host you in my room."
How can I refuse.
Mang Fu Ha Saan gathers himself and rises from his seat.
Lead the way.
In the process of leaving, he hears a thump and looks over to see Shadara face down on the floor having apparently been smote to the ground.
Not much of a fighter are you, Elf...
Not sparing anymore time for the Elf he turns to follow Mary, and Milos.
It will cost YOU 3 silver a night for the basic room and 5 if you want a bath. If you can afford better and wish better I can give pricing for the more "affluent" rooms. Your friends are not being admitted at this point though due to their current state of intoxication. Had you been more liberal in you libations of alcohol, you would not be welcome at this point either. Money will have to be paid up front and meal cost is not included in the room fee. Now, what do you want? a somewhat testy maid says as your companions prepare to leave or be have assistance leaving.
What are the prices for the better rooms? I have about 100 gold pieces.
What are the prices for the better rooms? I have about 100 gold pieces.
I could take it all and simply give ya slop, but Marry don't pay us to run that way. 3 silver for a room for 2 days. No bath included in that but for another 5 copper will give you a bath each night. You'll have to buy food yourself. She holds out her hand expectantly. You gotta pay up front. For now if you cause no more issue your big uglies will be ignored.
But I'd avoid the ogre when you can. He's not a great contact in this city. That's free advice. She ends in a whisper.
Well Jerras,
But if you will forward a meal to fill a starving man up I would love to give you a hand.
I'll see ya that meal and get ya a bed here for the night. I will have some packages that need to be delivered tomorrow. The scaled fellow over there He motions to the lizard like guy standing where the ogre just left.knows where the items need to go. He was there earlier. Its a warehouse in the Barrows. Jerras moves over to the counter and places money on the counter calling over one of the attendants, Put his needs on my tab. He'll need a good night rest and then a hearty breakfast. I'll be back about 3 turns past the morning shadows. And ask Marry if she has some others she could line me up with for the morning. Just my typical deliveries, I am just expecting maybe cowardly reptile hiding in the dirt. She'll know what I need. Jerras turns and looks at you once more as he starts towards the door And Seth, I have been expecting you. The Oracles of the Elements were hoping you'd come soon. Catch you after the morning shadows. Without another word , the halfling walks it to the streets outside.
Unk hands her 3 silver pieces and 1 gold. Alright here's three silver pieces. The gold's for the advice.
Jarras calls to his boys Babee and Gimbr if we hurry to the house I have a new bed time story to tell, taking the smallest ones hand. The older boy is watching where his father is stepping and is trying to place his feet in his father's foot steeps. Following them out his wife rides heard with the little girl looing back over the mother's shoulder. The babies eyes are so large it is as if all that is innocent and good in the universe is encompassed by those eyes as she looks right at me. I take my meal with my back against the wall watching the flow of life in the room. The goodness that is apparent in most of the guests continues to have a healing influence. My desire to be of use in the world continues to grow stronger. Finishing my meal I call for a bath to be made ready. Heat from the water seeps into my bones... awaking as the attendant adds boiling water to my now temped bath I wash quickly and put on a robe having had sent my cloths to be laundered. I pick up my war hammer and head to the small room I had my pack stowed in. My cloths are hanging off the curtain rod to the side of the window drying I slip into my damp small clothes... I awake with the sun light peeking into my room laying there on the bed I can remember getting into, man I must have been existed last night.
I can remember getting into, man I must have been existed last night.
As you lay, enjoying the moment before the harrows of the day, you seem to recall another day like this ... details are a bit hazy wet water colored setting.
Green eyes, Soft tender and loving peeking beneath tiny ring-tailed curls of auburn hair. A quiet house settled with in the, the tree itself.
The rising voices and ringing bells outside raucously invade your sanctity.
Then swirls--gold, blue,green, and copper-- blurring together in randomly regular spirals. Slithering hisses spill from between sharp teeth, rows and rows of teeth.
let him survive! He will feel the key. The memory may fade from us but his mind will hold it A angered roar shakes the voices and intensifies the spiral...NOT YET!!!!!!!!!!!! Its not finished, he can't ....................... Then water washed swirls with in swirls.
The gold's for the advice.[/smaller][/b]
Miss Marry'd have my head if i took that gold. We have a strict policy of neutrality in all things so "bribes" aren't welcome not appreciated! Her offended response scathes your ears. You come lead this MISTER to his room. She waves over a very comely dwarf then hurries away. You are certain now that whatever you did, she will not be coming back.
This way You are led to a small 8 by 5 foot room. It has a bed attached to the wall and a small wash basin. In the far corner is a chamber pot set behind a curtain. The room has been well kept and even the chamber pot shows care. You notice that though simple, the door does lock from the inside with 3 simple swiveling latches. The servant hands you the carved bone key used to open the outer door This sir will get you in and out. Remember you are on 2nd floor first hall room one. Should you forget, show your key Someone should be able to lead you to this hallway. Hopefully you remember your room then. Common meal is served at second morning shadow in the main room. It's where you were before I led you here. He then turns and walks down the hall, opening another room and removing a mop and bucket.
"If we are to be friends, then I would be happy to host you in my room."
Mary heads off at a brisk but not rushed gait. Pausing momentarily several times to give a direction or correct an improperly undertaken chore, she leads the two of you out the door off the main kitchen. Once outside, she slows her pace until you are alongside her.
You are lead to a room of good size. It appears to have been used at one time or another by a saddle and leather maker. There are remanent signs of the past imprinted on the floor and walls throughout. As you arrive, a young human girl comes rushing in with a cot and a small table. As I was told you requested. Andhere isthe chitforthe stone mister. Yourequesteda chitfor the noble but wearecurrentlyout. I had Jaseheaddownto report ourtakingsandget a fewmorechits. As soonashehas one here, I'llsee thatournoble guesthere receives one. Sh says in a rapid dialect. Not waiting for anything to be said she rushes right in,The tubs ofwater willbe herewithin thenext few minutesandthe food should be arriving abou..The arrival of several servants with laden trays of food, gives her pause and a smile,See I saidtheyd be heresoon. Ifnothingelse comes to mind Iwill goabout my other dutieswithout delay. With a deep curtsey to Marry and a brief but respectful nod to Milos, she rushes off with steps almost as hurried as her speech.
With an exasperated sigh of humor, Mary continues The room to the bottom of this one can be used for your "horse" She glances at you and then throws a quick unsure glance towards Mang. There is an entrance off the side of the building. We receive ALL of our food supplies 3 times a day. They are delivered to the door just up from where we exited the main inn. Any requests that cannot be filled or would cause possible discord with the other guests, you can handle directly from there.
Now for the Tetradrach, did you want to bank them with me? I could also have you introduced to a very discreet money lender to exxhange some if you prefer instead. Just let me know and I can have it arranged for you by first morning shadow. If there is anything else you need or desire please don't hesitate to find me or my servants. It is rare that we have noble company of such a unique background.
If you would like, I would join you for morning repast here and we can talk further then.[/b]She pauses looking at you (Milos). Then upon your answer bows her head momentarily in almost reverenced acknowledgement of your family name and as she leaves you hear her call the old leaving addage from home, May the moon never find your time and may you remain in memory of what you were"
It wasn't a bribe, it was a thanks. Unk thinks as he is led by the dwarf to his room. Thank you he says to the dwarf. When he is left alone he sits on the bed wondering why he is here.
Climbing into the chair at the nearest table Shadara looks at Jerram.
Come here and sit. You are troubled by the news, and I have had the most strange experience.
As Jerram takes the seat across from her, Shadara orders two rounds of mulled wine and some food.
This doesn’t make any sense, what curse? Ok ok, I have to think this thru. I will need to seek the words? Find the Oracles. And seek the hand.
She pushes one of the mulled wine containers as Jerram and continues thinking over the things she heard. She eats the food not really realizing it is there. After some time she realizes that Jerram is gone. As she looks around she realizes that over an hour has past since she sat down. As one of the girls starts to take the plate and wine glass away Shadara reaches into her pouch, produces a gold coin, and flips it into the bottom of the glass. The girls stops dead and stares in momentary shock.
It wasn’t that hard a shot She winks at the girl, and quickly turns her head to look at Mary.
Shadara gets up confidently and walks to Mary. She leans close to Mary noting that she does not shy away from her and says in a quiet voice;
I need help and from what I have seen here tonight, you may be someone that I can count on to be discreet. May we speak in private?
"Mistress, your hospitality astounds me. I trust you implicitly, and would be delighted to bank with you. I would also be delighted to host you in the morning."
He pauses for a second at the old formal phrase, but responds with the polite "May your family grow" he offers as she leaves, then hesitates and decides to add the more unusual "And your hunting be good."
Shutting the door he turns to his new companion "Well - it seems we have a few moments of privacy before I'll need to retrieve my steed. I'm afraid you'll think me provincial, but I can't place your culture. I understand communal bathing is... commonplace here in the south? I'm afraid we're a little more circumspect in the north. Food, however, is somewhat more universal." He pauses and invokes the formal words "Newfound ally, I invite you to enter my dwelling to break bread with me. Please, take a seat." Though he will take the best chair for himself, Milos is unfailing polite. "In the absence of a server I will wait on you myself. What would you have first?" he picks up a steaming jug "Ah! Hot mlékočaj - she is a wonder. Would you care for a mug?"
As Mary leaves and the door is shut leaving him alone with Milos. Mang Fu Ha Saan laughs about all the concern over the "horse".
Your war horse? By all means take your leave to retrieve it, this one here responds only to me and will gut anyone who that tries to take off with him. I wouldn't want him left alone for long in such a crowded place either. He says while finding a spot for Strong Talon to perch, who trills a little bit in protest at being in a small room unable to fully spread his wings. Once perched, Strong Talon starts to preen himself but keeps close eye on the interactions of his master, and Milos.
Culture, or even my name. We have not formally introduced ourselves. I am Mang Fu Ha Saan, in your common tongue Fierce Tiger Descends the Mountain. I am come from a group of nomads of the Iron Peaks and the great sand sea far to the north of here under our leader Fennu de shenshi quan. Fist of the Angry Stone God.
Pointing to Strong Talon.
And this little hatchling here is Strong Talon. He is my "war horse" and companion. You may be at ease around him as he is very well trained and won't attack unless you try to feed him. We teach them only to accept food from their master or eat prey they've killed.
Taking seat at the table with Milos.
Is this customary where you are from? To serve your guest? I accept, I will try a bit of everything. "Tasting the world" as it were is life's most simple pleasures... Picking up a cup off the table. I will have some of that as well. We have much to discuss, and I will start by filling you in on what happened just before you arrived. Whole place nearly broke into battle, and it would have been a good one!. Mang Fu Ha Saan laughingly comments.
Milos stares contemplatively at his guest, his fingers drumming rhythmically against the jug as he considers. Finally he speaks.
"All right, Mang Fu Ha Saan. I appreciate your candour. If we are to fight together, you will need to know who I am. What I tell you now needs to be kept in confidence"
"I am Miloș Blackwolf, of the Order of the Black Wolf. Child of Mihnea, Voivode of the Green Hills. I am one of the Nox Rodinný, the Night Blooded - one of the "Infected", these folk would no doubt say. I am a predator in human form, from a culture of predators, all desperately hanging on to our minds and souls."
"Yes, this is all customary where I come from. Our Code of Honour is what keeps us from killing each other. Hospitality is very important to my society. A guest is sacrosanct, but bound by tradition. Word is bond. Debts are repaid." He pauses, as if breaking off from a habitual recitation of phrases "We can be trusted, my kind, when we are allies. And I am your ally. This apocalypse threatens my kind as much as the other races."
"My 'horse' is a Blood Steed. A weapon shaped to look like a horse. Left unrestrained it will kill, and kill, and kill again. I control it, but I fear some fool will try and steal it, and cause a mess."
He carefully serves the mlékočaj into two mugs.
"My status grants me certain powers. Chief among them is the taking and granting of life. I am also a skilled rider and competent archer. The peasants here fear my kind, so I must be careful not to reveal what I am."
He nods, and sips.
"Ask questions if you will. I for one would like to know more about what has happened - especially this prophecy. I am also curious about your homeland. The Iron Peaks are not so far from the Green Hills, but I have heard of them only in passing, and mainly in reference to how poor the hunting there is."
Unk was getting bored so he decided to go back to the main room and talk with a person he saw in the back room who looked like a monkey. He walked toward him.
Very well then. Mang Fu Ha Saan takes on a more serious tone as he addresses Milos. Milos Blackwolf, of the Order of the Black Wolf, Child of Mihnea, Voivode of the Green Hills. I, Mang Fu Ha Saan, warrior of the People of the Living Earth, student to Fennu De Shenshi Quan, do swear on my life and honor that your secrets be kept safe.
He relaxes back into his chair a bit after having sworn his oath and pauses for a moment.
Can't say I've ever heard of a blood steed before, though if there's one thing I will never do it is suffer a fool. Normally I wouldn't give a schist if some idiot got himself killed trying to run off with a trained war animal, but in a place like this letting a fool suffer the consequences of his idiocy might bring about a mess as you say.
Mang Fu Ha Saan chuckles takes a drink of his milk tea.
Aaah city dwellers, it amuses me how they often place too much value on the lives of fools and rabble... He takes another drink to recall the events from earlier. I suppose now I should get to the events from earlier today. I arrived to this Inn perhaps about an hour prior to your arrival. Nearby where I sat was what appeared to be a Ghoran, which turned out to be a glamored disguise to hide his identity. This disguised one had a number of companions about the room positioning themselves to attack some big, loud, and drunk Ogre. The glamored one bore tattoos of a scorpion on his forearm, and chest. He says while pointing out where they were on his body. He also had a weapon that mirrored the tattoos. Right before you came in, the disguised one got up and approached the Ogre feigning intoxication. In reality he and the Ogre exchanged words though I could not hear what was said. Before any real fight could break out Mary's guards put an end to it. The Ogre, the disguised one, and his compatriots all have left the Inn, though there was a Kobold sitting with the Ogre who did not speak much that is still here.
As I had said before, Vigi, the High Druid of the city revealed to me that he was given foresight to my arrival in the city, and that these Yellow Scorpions are responsible for the blight on the world. I trust his vision as he also foretold that I would need the assistance of a "marked Elf" that I also was given a vision of prior to entering the city. You may have seen her deep in communion with the floor earlier. There is also Jerram Lord of Monkeys who talks with his hands.
As well as a man whose horse is not a horse. He says with a smirk.
Arousing myself from the dream, I wash my face dress and head down to breakfast through a window the sun, fully risen just above the horizon, quickens my pace so as not to make Jarris wait. Moving into the common room I ponder what I have learned from my dreams and the people that seem to be gathered here in the inn. What purpose... How shall I gain their trust and respect? Time and understanding... are my best gifts to offer a potential friend.
I listen to the people around me.
Jerram tries to sign to Shadara for some time before standing to leave. He pulls out a piece of paper and writes a note, leaving it lying next to her, then goes to get a room.
Jerram pays for a room a bath. The water is cold by the time he finishes scrubbing, himself and his extra set of clothes.
Before heading to his room, Jerram makes a stop by the common room to check on Shadara. But it seems she had gone somewhere else.
Jerram heads back to his room and sleeps more heavily than he has in some time.
[dice=perception]1d20+5
I listen to the people around me.
I need help and from what I have seen here tonight, you may be someone that I can count on to be discreet. May we speak in private?
You may speak with me in private. Follow me She motions one of the other attendees over, Take my place for a bit. I have business to conduct with this Lady in the Book Room. She turns beckoning to you.
She leads you through a series of doors and then stops in front of a large well constructed archway. Deep set within the arch is a massive door of ironwood. The locks on the door are almost as well constructed as the door and arch themselves. Turning to you, she motions for you to wait. She turns back to the door and removes a single solid key from a pouch on her belt; she then mutters a brief word in a language you don't understand then inserts the key. A few brief turns of the key in somekind of a pattern, she opens the door and struggling with the needed force she opens the door.
In here, there is much you need to say I can tell. She pauses for you to enter then follows shutting and securing the door behind her
For one familiar with book, this room still bedazzles your senses. Wall to wall books on every subject and topic pack this room from nix to ceiling. After a quick disbelieving glance, you realize that not only are they in abundance but they are also very succinctly organized. The organization wouldn't be noticeable except by those familiar with books, research, and the keeping of such.
Here we are. My collection. My soul if you will. I know we wont be bothered here, so talk. She motions you to a chair and sits in one across from you. She leans back and waits.
Unk walks through the main room looking and looking, but he didn’t who he was aiming to talk to. Who needs people anyway? Unk thinks as he exits the main hall and enters the stables.
As a young kobold he was always different, and his only friends were the animals that migrated over their burrow. And then, later with his mentor and friend Alyanda, in the forest, he encountered many animals that were in the stable where he is now. The noble griffon, a magical Dragon-Horse, and his favorite, the Hippogriff. And there was some other ones he’d never seen before too. But right now Unk was only caring about the Hippogriff.
He stops in front of the creature he bows low and says May I? The Hippogriff bows back and allows Unk to climb through the fence and into the pen. Unk looks at the special harness on the wall and it says Maximus.
Oh is that your name? Maximus? Max whinnies at the name and bows again. Unk bows back and grabs a brush to groom Max.
Then Unk hears a shout Stop! Thief! Unk sees a skinny, horse-faced man running toward him. Unk yells back No! I’m no thief! I swear! The man now closer says Now you stay here! I’m going to get Mary so you can beg!
Ok, I have several questions and I want to ask them all before you answer. It is evident that you are knowledgeable and discreet. I apologize for being forward and not following standard polite behavior.
Do you know of the mark that you see on my head? What is a stormed weapon? Is there a way to disguise the weapon so that no one can tell it is stormed? Where would I find Oracles? Do you know anything about an assassin and a curse? Does the name…
Shadara snaps her mouth shut before she finishes the sentence and shifts uncomfortably on the seat. She lays the bow out on the table but leaves a hand on it. She foot starts to taps as she is unable to contain her tension.
Also once we are done talking I will need to get a room for the night with a bath. I am usually not on the short end of information and it is disturbing. Sorry I am rambling, I will listen without interruption as best I can.
If you weren't thieving what were you doing in there? Thems hipgriffs dont do so well with others. You make sure I believes you or the head master can flog ya himself. the skinny man demands.
Several of the other creatures have become somewhat agitated by the yelling and ate beginning to fidget a bit in their enclosures. You hear the sound of several of the other mounts. As you start your explanation, several grooms or hostlers rush out from vaious doorways and start calming and soothing their charges.WELL!!!!! You'd nest be talking and make it quick. I'd a already had you before the Hos and then maybe he'd send ya on to Mary, but hipgrif tend to be fair judges of character. Max here doesn't seem to agitated by you and you definitely couldnt be that close to him with out his consent. So.......Talk!! my patience is running as low as a maple tree after syrup harvest.
Normally I wouldn't give a schist
"Your people seem much more like mine than these city-dwellers, Fierce Tiger who Descends the Mountain. I am fortunate to have someone so reasonable pointed at me by prophecy. It is a pity the prophecy was not more forthcoming on how to stop these yellow scorpions. Still, prophecies are often cryptic, and seldom understood beforehand. Perhaps we should be grateful this one is as clear as it is."
"From what you have said, it sounds like the yellow scorpions are active within the city. And adept at removing threats. If the Scorpions might be looking for us, you are welcome to stay with me and we can take shifts. I should warn you though... Hmm - I am assuming your knowledge of my people, is as limited as mine of yours, my apologies if this is not so."
"We are nocturnal, territorial, lone, ambush hunters. We do not easily form groups amongst our own kind, and those we do tend to be limited in duration. When we come into another's lands, often death is the result. Almost certainly some of my kind have drifted into this city. Until I have assured them I do not seek to stay or hunt, they will kill me if they find me. My kind respond to threats by hiding until they can attack. There will be no confrontation, simply an... assassination. They are unlikely to leave witnesses." He looks apologetic "So my rooms may not be the safest place to stay."
Changing the topic, he cuts some slices "I have no idea what this is. Perhaps... cheese? It smells like it could be cheese. Would you like some?"
"The Green Hills are famed for our cheese." he suddenly goes morose "Were, I suppose. The grasses that fed the cattle are gone now, and the Green Hills are dunes."
"What of your people? How do they cope with this disaster?"
Prophecy is a strange thing, Milos, we might even fulfill our role in this without our knowledge. Though, as I said before, the High Druid Vigi has promised to reveal more to me once I had gathered the ones that I had mentioned.
And I believe you are right about the Yellow Scorpions wide presence, I am sure I was witness to that today. Though I think right now we are the predator stalking the bushes... As for the others of your kind, I did not get my name by ever backing down in the face of a threat. Your enemies are now my own. I accept your invitation to stay.
As Milos changes the topic to the food item he has turned his attention to.
I don't know what it is either, though I would be glad to try some.
Taking a moment to have a few bites of the mystery food item he ponders over the flavor of it before speaking up again.
My people are nomads, so in practice we have no real home but nature itself. Though, in spirit, the Iron Peaks are where the soul of our kind reside. We sometimes call ourselves Iron Blooded, as our ancestors were similar to elementals. Many of us are even have stone skin, or special powers over metal that, with training these abilities can become legendary, and our yearly journey to the Iron peaks was an important part of that to us. Every year for one month my clan, as well as the other related clans of my kind would all meet for a celebration of strength, heritage, and a great deal of drinking with our Dwarven friends who made their mountain-home there. It wasn't until very recently that our soul was taken from us. Even our leader, our strongest, a man who I once saw sprint from one end of a valley to the other so fast that if you blinked you would miss it, and who could throw a punch with such force that the sky would split in a peal of thunder and mountains would split in two. Even he couldn't stop the forces that smote the ruins of the great ice wall of the north upon our spirit. What will we do? You ask? For the future, I am not certain, but for now, and the reason why I was sent here, is we will mete out our revenge on those who set these powers upon the world.
Having said that, Mang Fu Ha Saan stares into what's left of his milk tea with fury in his eyes, then closing his eyes he takes a deep breath and calms himself. Opening his eyes again he finishes the last of his milk tea and speaks.
The hour is late, let us rest so our minds may be sharp during our meeting the High Druid.
Unk climbs out of the enclosure and toward the man to speak, I swear sir I’m just an animal lover. I used to spend days in the forest among the hippogriff flock south of here. How could I steal Max anyway? If I tried I’d be shredded by his talons and beak in the time it takes to blink. Hippogriffs are loyal. Really loyal. The squawking and roaring seemed to quiet as the kobold spoke. He was using a trick he picked up from Alyanda to quiet the animals. It involves using barely-audible low tones while speaking to calm the animals that could hear them.
[dice=Wild Empathy] 1d20+12+2
"hmm maybe you is being straight. What led ya to being out here? You good with them creatures/ Maybe you wanna job for some extaras money? IF you does come find me again but for now get out of tjere. Not watching to see if you leave the stall, he walks away.
"A good idea." Milos sighs "I'll need to get used to this diurnal lifestyle." he heads out, brings in his horse, and turns in early.