At the call to prepare to disembark, Haazek gathers his belongings into his pack, and stands at the railing of the ship. He scans the route the ship is taking through the caverns. Well, wouldn't this just be a terrible spot for a forced landing. Naval action has never exactly been our strongest point. You'd have to figure there are better places to try and make a beachhead.
When he sees the old chaat'oor at the end of the gangway, Haazek's ears twitch backwards for a moment, but he catches himself. Calm yourself, gaa'rhu. They're not here for you. Well, they'd better not be, or everything was for nothing. All your training, the public censure, exile, and the interminable journey on this Devourer-cursed vessel...!
Acorn tilts his head at the message. Allies of the forest might suggest druids but druidic didn't have a written version. And who was Q? Only one way to find out. Maybe this was another mission against Reidra. Either way it was worth investigating. So he packs up his stuff and leaves for the Thunderous Cavern.
Helac pulled his mount to a halt, dismounted, and went through his packs, taking stock of his equipment one last time before entering the city.
Sigh... Nothing has changed in the last several days, Helac... not in the last hundred miles, and not much since we broke from the small caravan that would take us through Malsharhar. What, pray tell, do you expect to have changed?
He took a few more breaths before forming a mental response. My shiny little bauble... I expect nothing to have changed. I am not much for Inspiration and expect no miracles, but the oil or water could begin to leak, there's always a better way to pack things, and Adharc deserves at least a moments rest. He has been a trouper throughout this trek, and he deserves more than we have furnished him. Isn't that right, Adharc? he said to his elk aloud as he patted him affectionately on his neck. Adharc lifted his head from his grazing to peer at Helac and give a snort. Besides, I did just find something. I found this. as he displayed the note with a little flourish.
Ah... it appears your silly dreams weren't just a fever. Excellent! This may mean real excitement and deeds are just around the corner! It felt as if Eroh began to hover slightly rather than simply hang upon the simple leather necklace Helac sometimes wore to camouflage his psicrystal.
Calm yourself. It could also be a trap. I do not think the Inspired know I am not dead, nor do I feel I am important enough for the Thousand Eyes to go to the trouble to apprehend me if they did, but there is always that possiblity... or it could even be a game of some sort perpetuated by the foul dream beasts.
Exactly!
Now it was Helac's turn to sigh. Which in turn made him chuckle, thinking that Eroh never truly sighed as he never drew breath. He grasped his psicrystal, pressed it firmly to his chest, and thought Keep watch, my impetuous friend.
He finished shuffling his meager belongings around and resettled the pack. He spent a moment with his hand resting on Adharc's neck. The soft fur, the cool wind, the momentary quiet... it was peaceful. Then the moment passed, and he carefully got back into the saddle. Enough delaying, Helac. Time to make some strangers friends... hopefully.
He gently popped Adharc's reigns and headed down into the caves of Dvaarnava, and hoped he'd remember the way to the Thunderous Cavern without having to stop and bother someone.
Esme gathers her gear and walks over to the railing of the ship. Since seeing the horrors of the strange mist smother her home country of Cyre at the end of the Last War, she has been thrilled with every opportunity she has had to see another country thriving. The chance to meet strange people and investigate new sites makes this trip even more exciting.
The tall cliffs and cut away paths are a spectacle for the young alchemist, who had never seen the continent of Sarlona before. She looks back and forth between the passengers. When she sees the large Hobgoblin, she nudges through the crowd and comes up beside him. "Hello. Every seen anything like this before?" She is obviously enamored by the scene.
"I have never seen the likes of caverns such as these. I wonder how long it took the water to make these?"
Upon hearing the cry to be ready to disembark the ship, Revion gathers his things and prepares to leave once they are docked.
"Interesting. They have someone to see if I have some of this "Quori influence" that they don't want here. Good thing I am just me. Things have been difficult enough as it is."
At the sailor's call to disembark, City? What city? I see cliffs and one inspection official. Hmm wonder what he is looking for, whatever it is I hope it doesn't hold up the line. All this time coped up with these folks from the House's, just a little longer and I can forget about them for a good long time. Gedeon pulls his belongings over his shoulder. and calls out over the rail. Good sir, how long a walk to the city proper.
By the Gods! Gedeon looks up at the caves and the passages up to them. Well I guess it will be no worse then walking around in Sharn. Gedeon turns to the other passengers walking with him,Any of you lot been here before?
Haazek is almost taken aback to realize this human female has just walked up and starting talking to him unsolicited. It's true, they really will talk to anyone... He considers not bothering with a reply, but thinks better of it. Don't make things harder by making enemies where you don't have to.
Still looking out at the cliffs, he says, "Not personally, but it reminds me of stories I've heard of the caves up in the mountains around Marguul Pass." He turns. "I imagine you'll like what you find in these passages far more to your liking. I am Haazek, recently of Darguun." He does not extend a hand in greeting. I'll make their silly 'small talk,' but I will not go grasping at strangers. Without our standards, we have nothing.
Acorn had never really considered this place a home. Too gray. So he doesn't bother checking in to way so many are gone. However, instinct tells him to be on his guard.
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Revion slyly watches with interest the woman whose side of the conversation he hears. He waits casually to see what happens from here.
Responding to Gedeon's question, he replies:
"No, I have not before set foot on this continent."
Helac cuts his eyes left and right, taking in the echoing expanses. If I was worried about bothering someone, I seem to have been worried over nothing.
Indeed. Eroh echoed. You mentioned this place was small, but you did not say deserted.
Eroh, keep a look out for cave markings, any indication of direction and area divisions. We will probably find information or a guide near the port or what passes for the trade district... if we can find our way down. I remember them being close together, but my mind may be playing tricks on me. The noise of ricocheting hoof beats on stone was a little unsettling. To give himself a little comfort, he unslung his morningstar and laid it across the pommel, handle in his right hand, holding the reins with his left.
You should treat yourself when we find an inn, Helac. Maybe you could get some of that honey wine?
Eroh, what is your bizarre fascination with watching me ingest sustenance?
I don't eat! You rarely do. Consider it morbid curiosity.
Eroh. Focus.
Helac shook his head almost imperceptibly. If others could hear us, I don't know what they would think. Although, if it were me, I would probably think less of us.
In as low a voice as can be managed, Haazek says to Esmeralda, "It appears I may get a chance to reassess my opinion of these caves. I hope that bow is more than a fashion accessory."
As the trio cantered forward, Helac allowed his mind to drift a little. Eying some of the empty establishments he thought Mead does sound nice. Not at the moment, though. I don't want to start my visit here with petty theft unless necessary. And such is rarely necessary.
Eroh begins concentrating on the task at hand and falls silent. After a moment he projects Master. Footsteps.
Yes. I thought so. Thank you, Eroh.
Helac pulls lightly on the reins and brings Adharc around in the direction of the noise.
Uhmm... Hello?
Gedeon Derver of Aundair he replies to Haazek, and tips his hat. I wonder if he fought in the war, no mater Darguun is to far away to have put Willow Hill to the torch. To Qara, Of dire importance to whom, and what do you mean watching us? For how long?
Acorn peers around the cavern, looking for the source of the voice. Unfortunately the echoing made it nearly impossible. "what others? Who are are you?"
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Esme nods to the Hobgoblin. "Esme...Originally from Cyre." She gives him a warm smile. Something about his bluntness reminds me of the warforged.
Later when the group is called aside, she taps her bow: "I can definitely defend myself if it comes to that Haazek. You look like you can do the same."
She turns to Gedeon "Esme. Nice to meet you."
As Helac registers the flashing light, he purposefully tumbles from his seat, knowing that he is better on foot, and interposes himself between the disturbance and Adharc.
Almost as he lands he mentally commands his elk Adharc, Guard! through the mental network and brings his weapon into a guard position.
Eroh! What do you see! Helac mentally shouts he squints against the swiftly fading brightness and the seeming deeper darkness to follow.
Yes, Master.
"You managed to dodge both questions with one answer. I grow tired of this game. Who are you? If you don't come to me i will come find you."
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Gedeon visibly relaxes at Qara's response Then lead the way in all haste, my lady. Turning to Esme, Pleasure to meet you as well,Esme. Poor lass. best not to ask any more about her home, lets not reopen wounds. Looking at Revion, And you are? Haazek is not a worry but better watch these other two, one or both may have House connections, that would not go good for me.
Watched since I got on the boat? Well I don't think I've done anything on that span that was too suspicious; haven't had a chance yet.
He squashes the urge to smirk that comes up at the mention of Cyre. Gee, sorry the only part of your nation not to get blasted into a waking nightmare is what we seized back from you... No antagonizing the chaat'oor right now, Six Kings help you but you might end up needing them in this strange land.
"If the situation is that dire, then lead on, Qara."
Turning, he speaks to Gedeon.
"Just a big man with a sword." he says with a smirk. "Revion.
...is he dead?
If you cannot be helpful, Eroh, then at least be silent. After a quick examination, Helac sighs. There is nothing to be done. I believe it was cirrhosis. You usually see ulcerations like this one *points to the gash in the victim's mouth* in especially bad or advanced cases.
Are you sure, Helac? There is no yellowing of the skin or pitting from where you handled the body.
You are a rock. Do not argue with my diagnosis.
Since there is nothing to be done for the man, Helac shifts his weapon to his left hand, brings his right hand up to his chest, fingers pointing up and heel outward, and then closes his eyes for a moment.
May your soul find a safe journey.
Helac peruses the bloody note.
Eroh, do you suppose this was Q or that he, too, was approached, and I use the term loosely, by Q?
I'm not sure there is enough information to make an assumption.
Agreed, my bauble. Lets see if there is some more information to be had.
Helac pats down the body, looking for small pouches with notes or jewelry with ingravings, anything really to establish this man's identity, though he's become just mercenary enough to not fret over reusing anything once in the possession of a dead man.
Esme turns a full 360 degree turn to get a glimpse of the complete magnificence of the grand room. She takes note of the marble walls and floor. She lets out a low whistle at the sight, cleary impressed. Whispering to avoid the echoes, she speaks to the men she has just met: "This place is amazing. I wonder what they could need our help with."
Leaning close to Esme, Seeing as they are trying to recruit us specifically, I would guess its not expendable troops. To Qara or whomever he heard talking as he entered he speaks in a loud voice, So who here needs our help and what makes the cause so dire.
Peering at the initials on the ring Helac ponders BD. Hm. Possibly his initials. So probably not Q, but the initials could still mean something other than a name. I will lean towards the interpretation that that this is not Q and one in Q's employ. Helac goes ahead and pockets the ring.
After taking a moment looking at the other item the Kalashtar possessed, he mentally shrugs and places it in his pack near the top of the pile on one of the healing kits along with the rations. Adharc may like the dried fruit here and there. If not, I suppose I should eat the rest, though that may still technically be a waste.
Sustrai Mor... Sustrai Mor... That sounds familiar, like a tickle in my thoughts, like a crawling in my cranium.
True, Master. I feel that thought as well. Something about outsiders...
Khorvairians? What are they doing here? Acorn moves closer to the edge of the chasm to listen better to the conversation below. However, because of the distance, the echo still distorts their voices and he can't get a good look at them. Time for a closer look then. Acorn calls upon the magic of the wild, channeling the abilities of the great spiders of the forest. Tiny hairs, too small to see, sprout on his hands and feet. He goes on all four and begins to descend the chasm. On the way he looks for any hiding spots for this Q person.
Well I only understand a little of what you say. True a random manifest zone sounds like a very bad event. As to who your enemy's are I only recognize the nation of Riedra from those you spoke of. Great out of one war and right into another. Hopefully this one won't cost me as much.
Helac grimaces, once again thinking about about the last manifest zone he was near and the tame horror he met there. No. No, Indeed. If any of these dream beasts plans escape, they need to be stopped. We need to make Them fear trifling with the lives of men.
Let us make haste to this meeting. Q may need this. he utters while again looking at the blood stained parchment. Adharc, let us be off, friend. He grasps the pommel and swings up a bit akwardly but quickly and urges the elk to a pace just short of a gallop to the Thunderous Cavern.
Eroh, mind yourself. And others.
Helac walks over quickly, followed closely by a large elk slightly taller than he is. The broad, bobbing antlers, reminiscent of swaying birch branches, stand handsome and proud.
Helac, dressed in well made but dark, worn hide with a large, dark, wooden shield across his back, stops just short of normal speaking distance, brings his right fist to his chest as a salute, and holds out a reddened and slightly crumpled parchment to Qara. Then this... ah... my lady... belongs to you.
It's original bearer is no more.
He peers at the four before Qara, and then allows his gaze to rest somewhere in the middle and unfocus.
Revion walks in with the group to the magnificent cavern. He looks on in awe of the marbled and thunderous grandeur of the sight.
Reigning in his emotions, he takes in the people now before him, each in order to get an impression of them.
Haazek listens intently to all Qara has to say. Well this timing leaves something to be desired. I don't know what kind of opportunities will be exploitable in the time frame I was briefed on, but if nothing else it's an opportunity to assess the situation here in Sarlona. Any luck, this siege she's expecting drags on for a few more years...
"Huh. Yeah. What kind of resistence can we expect to encounter? What types of weapons? How organized are they? If we are to go into dangerous territory we need more than what you gave us."
Revion waits intently for a response.
How about we start with a map. I have no idea where anything you have been discussing is compared to where we currently are at. Some of us just got to this continent. I am not even sure what side I am being recruited too, just because one side calls their enemy something ominous like "The Dreaming Dark" and themselves the fuzzy kittens doesn't mean they are the good guys.
Qara frowns suspiciously at Helac's comment, but takes the message anyways.
Ignoring the prattling of his 'necklace' Helac wonders... I have been so rarely in the company of others as of late, so I am not entirely certain, but Qara looks displeased. Hmm...
After a moment, Helac frowns as he realizes his comment might have been misconstrued. He takes two sideways steps towards Qara and says in a slightly lower than conversational volume Your man... I saw him... further up the tunnels. There was some light and he cried out... by the time I reached him, his spirit was gone. There was nothing I could do for him.
"Huh. Yeah. What kind of resistence can we expect to encounter? What types of weapons? How organized are they? If we are to go into dangerous territory we need more than what you gave us."
How about we start with a map. I have no idea where anything you have been discussing is compared to where we currently are at. Some of us just got to this continent.
Helac stands a little straighter, and gestures towards the half-elf with on open hand before turning partially back to Qara. Those are some excellent questions. And one can never go wrong with a good map... the more details the better.
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"Huh. Yeah. What kind of resistance can we expect to encounter? What types of weapons? How organized are they? If we are to go into dangerous territory we need more than what you gave us."
"I think I might be of assistance with that," says a voice from above. As you look up at the 200 foot crevasse above you see an upside-down head dangling from the ceiling. With a tremendous amount of grace the rest of his body flips downward. He hangs from the ceiling with one hand before dropping to the ground near the group. It is then you get the full effect of the creature before you.
He has a humanoid form but that's about all that resembles a human. His hair, if you could call it that, looks to be made up of grass and leaves that currently lie flat in the darkness of the cave. The grass sprouts from a crown of bark that circles his head. The same bark covers much of his body including his arms, legs, chest and back. But instead of being rough, the bark looks surprisingly smooth, like polished oak. And even in the darkness his eyes glow with a golden hue. His posture is confident as his eyes scan each of you for a reaction to his strange presence.
At his side is whip that seems to be made of a thorny vine and covering his body is an armor of thick furs. The quality of the armor would suggest magical. He also carries a backpack like the rest of you, most likely called to be part of this expedition too.
"I know the lands outside these caves well enough. And have fought the Riedrans on more than one occasion. If you wish to know more about them you need only ask the one that stands before you," he says coldly, gesturing to Helac.
"I know the lands outside these caves well enough. And have fought the Riedrans on more than one occasion. If you wish to know more about them you need only ask the one that stands before you," he says coldly, gesturing to Helac.
Ignoring the coldness in the small Treant's voice and demeanor, Helac looks down momentarily, as if gathering his thoughts. He shivers slightly through his shoulders, then he raises his green eyes to the Leafling's golden ones. I've died once for Riedra. He grumbles as he rubs a wide burn mark across his left cheek to just under his left ear with the similarly scarred fingers of his left hand. I consider my debt paid.
But yes, I was a soldier in The Harmonious Shield. It was my job to keep the wounded from dying. I... would prefer to speak of other things. He drops his eyes again, and shakes his head, as if trying to dismiss old memories. Then his eyes snap back up. I do promise you this... Sir. If I travel with you, I will do my damnedest to make sure... all get there and back.
And if we happen to kill some of the previous denizens of Dal Quor, Xoriat, or Kythri... I may have to buy you a drink so that we can make a proper toast. He says this last with an awkward smirk.