Looking past the drunks, Yarr deliberately makes his way towards the Dancing Lancer, willing to hear out Ladim, though with little expectation that the man wants to do more than waste his time.
Probably another unfounded rumor of some artifact that doesn't exist. He's crazy if he thinks I'll be helping him with something like that again... Yarr thinks to himself as he approaches, remembering his last, unsuccessful, run-in with Ladim.
Still, doubts notwithstanding, something drew Yarr in, and he was excited enough that he barely criticized the shoddy craftsmanship on the door hinges as he let himself in the Lancer and started looking around for the sorcerer.
Regulas would follow his dwarven companion closely, cracking his knuckles in annoyance at the few they had seen looking suspicious on their way to the tavern. Thieves, while a manageable evil, were still just that, and it pained him not to apprehend the wicked little vermin. He kept aware though on the possible importance of this summon though and as such remained on task. "What could this be about?" he asked the group as they entered, despite knowing they were probably as much in the dark about this urgent call as he was.
Quinn looks back and forth from the letter in his hands to the sign over the door to the inn. Dancing Lancer, must be the place. He steps inside, lets his eyes adjust a moment, and scans the crowd for familiar faces. He recognizes now the pair who stepped into the inn a minute before him. Regulas Luxandarc(rather grim fellow, good man though) and Yarr Truesteel(the most intense dwarf he'd ever met, also a good man). He approaches them, catching what Regulas is saying.
"You get a letter from Ladim too? He's an old friend of mine, though I haven't seen him in a while. It was vague, and that worries me."
Regulas would turn to new voicem green eyes now on the human male he recognized as Quinn Canyonsider. They had worked together once, so he knew this was a man that could be trusted. He did begin to wonder how many people had been summoned here when he mentioned the letter. "Aye...got the same letter. I don't know him personally like you do, but his note did strike me of being of importance. I was hoping either you or Yarr would have known a little more than I did."
A blonde bearded dwarf dressed in monk's robes with a bow strapped on his back and a mug of ale glued to his hand, chimes in from the bar, as he hears the mention of Ladim's name, "Ya know Ladim too, eh? Yeah, I got his letter as well, he helped me out with some trolls a few years back. Told him I owed him, guess he's going to collect now. I'm Rhen Stoneheart, have a seat, share a few drinks while we wait!"
"Aye, a drink...why not?" Yarr replies, pointing out an open table to the others. Throwing a casual wave towards the barkeep, he calls out "Well come on then, a round! But make it a good ale or nothing at all. I've got no patience for fruit juice."
Shaking his head, Yarr takes advantage of the opportunity to really take in the others. Between introductions and reputations, he's familiar with them all, though he's most interested in Quinn's sword. He let's out a whistle, clearly impressed. "And you must be Quinn. That's quite the sword, son. Who done made this for ya? Beautiful work, both blades even. Coulda make a great hammer from all this adamantine, or even an axe, but there's no denyin' it's a pretty pair a swords..." He trails off, then concludes with a rare, good-natured laugh and a smile:
"So, where exactly did ya learn to swing this crazy thing around without cuttin' off yer own arms then? HA!"
Say one thing for Ladim, say his friends are well armed, he thinks, looking around again for the man. Surprisingly, the company has lifted Yarr's spirits.
A drink sounds wonderful. I'm parched Quinn heads to the bar with the others. As he takes a seat, he unslings his sword and passes it to Yarr for inspection.
The master smiths of Highhelm built that to spec for me, after I broke my old one helping repel the duergar invasion there a few months ago, he explains, signalling the bartender. Its an old Shoanti concept, and not many practice it any more. And who says I didn't almost lose an arm once or twice? he adds with a wink.
"A gift from Highhelm, eh? Well, you've my thanks as well. I'd heard about that. Didn't realize you'd been involved."
Yarr accepts the sword from Quinn, and runs his hand up and down the length of the sword, dwelling on some of the runes for a moment before continuing his examination. Following just behind where Yarr's hand had been, a number of new runes pop into existence, glowing for a second before dimming down to match the others etched on the blade.
"Beautiful yes, but it could be a bit sharper, I'd say. That ought to do for now, though" Yarr says, handing the sword back to Quinn
"Careful for those arms now, Quinn. She's a great deal less forgiving now than when you handed it to me. HA!"
Regulas would finally join the group at the bar, tucking his wings close to his back to keep them out of the way. A small smile formed on his face as he listend to other two talk over the unique weapon, getting comfortable. This felt far more at home now for Regulas, helping him to relax and order an ale for himself, turning to the blonde dwarf who had called them over.
"I know of you Rhen. Quite the eagle eye you're said to have. How long have you been here waiting for Ladim to arrive?" he asked the friendly monk, taking a swig from his drink as he struck up conversation, though a little rusty on such. Relax though he was, the man couldn't help but be a bit odd in casual situations.
Howdy! - says Shadoo, joining the conversation a little late - By the looks of who we have here, I imagine things are quite serious.
The half-orc greets everybody.
Shadoo Mortimer. - he finally completes, introducing himself.
Damn you Ladim, ya just HAD to invite an orc, didn't ya?
Silently cursing Ladim yet again, Yarr looks to Rhen, gaging the other dwarf's reaction to the half-orc, before cautiously scanning Ladim up and down.
"...Howdy yerself, Shadoo," he says, hesitantly at first. "I've heard a ya; always pictured ya taller though."
From the shoddy door walks a familiar figure, dressed in a thick velvet longcoat. Ladim Relos' usual smile is gone from his face, replaced by an image of deep sorrow, as the short human walks to the bar and waves at the bartender. A frothing mug, nearly as big as the man's head is placed in his hand, as he slowly moves through the quiet crowd towards the table, surrounded by friends and acquaintances.
The short sorcerer sits down, placing the mug in front of him. A tattoo of a tail slithers between his fingers and disappears down his sleeve. He looks over the table, giving a nod at all the attending members, giving them a pained stare as he reaches behind his ear and draws a crumpled paper tube. Flicking his fingers, a small spark appears between his thumb and index finger as he lights the end of the tube.
He exhales a waft of smoke, continuing to look around the table. "Alright, lads.", he says, his voice raspy as he reaches in for another draw. "You're all wondering why this chap's called you out to the best pub in Tamran.", he says, taking a sip from his beer. "I never was much for minding my tongue, so I guess I'll just say it.", he says, taking in several puffs at once. "Last week, I went to me mum's house, and... she was killed.", he swallows. Best skip on the details, Ladim, mate.. "There was a note that said some insatiable queen, and no, that's not the worst name I've heard for a hooker, has kidnapped my da.". He takes a long swig, then leaves the flagon on the table.
"Now, I've never met the chap, so bar the obvious, I know next to nothing why he'd need him. Trouble is, if the magic in him is half as bloody strong as it is mine, we're in the deep." He stands up, placing his hands on the table. "So, that's why I sent for you, my love lumps, to help me kick the s$~~e out of that cow Izmiara.", he says, fierce determination in his voice. "I know we haven't always seen eye to eye,", he says, his glance going over Yarr, "Some of you never seen me in person,", he continues, nodding at Regulas, "And some of you've shared way too many of their personal secrets to let me march into the Abyss alone.", he sends a grin at Quinn. "How you doing, you big oaf?"
He stands up, crossing his arms. "I'm not actually able to pay you lot a lot, but I'm sure as hell not going to check your pockets after. You can also count on me to buy you drinks until you're dead.", he winks at Yarr. "I'll set up a fund for when after I push the daisies for you, wise artificer." He puffs out another cloud of thick smoke. "But that's for tomorrow. Tonight we toast me ol' mum an her memory." He raises the flagon. "The tab's paid, and the bartender owes me big time. Go wild. We can clear the hangover in the morning." He goes behind, giving Quinn a hard, strong hug. "I'm holding you personally responsible, you big Shoanti bastard. If I promise to make the tavern take off into the skies, stop me before I actually do it." I honestly don't know who I'll bash first, her or that runaway tosser... It's his f%&$ing fault.
When finally Ladim has arrived, Regulas listened intently to his tale and the reasoning for them to gather. The idea that his family had been attacked hit deep with him, and more than anything this name, the 'insatiable queen' like the work of some wicked thing. It was more than enough to get his blood boiling, his red wings stretching from his back some as they almost threatened to beat once or twice from his heart beginning to race. It was moment to vanquish evil scum much like the wretches that murdered his own parents.
"Then let us share a drink, a meal and good stories! You for sure have my steel, and I would be honored to follow you into the fray and rescue your father!" he offered, raising his own mug as well. This would be a mission unlike any before he was sure, and with this group, he felt they would truly be a force to be reckoned with. Tonight, he'd learn more of these men he knew through reputation, and tomorrow, glory would await them.
From the minute Yarr saw Ladim, he could tell something was wrong; the man looked quiet, reserved, and a bit somber even- none of which were words Yarr had ever used to describe Ladim.
Argh, well this can't be good...
As Ladim launched into his story, Yarr found himself far more receptive than he'd ever expected. When he mentioned his mother, he felt sad for him. When he mentioned the Abyss, he felt his anger flare. And by the time he'd started planning what spells to prepare in the morning, he realized he'd already decided to go.
As Regulus toasted to joining the mission, Yarr raised his glass as well.
"Well, ya dragged me all the way to Tamran, Ladim, so how much worse could the Abyss be? By Torag's Hammer, let's unmake those bastards!"
"Though you may not have acknowledged me, Ladim, like I've said, I owes ya for yer help with those trolls that one time. So, I'll help ya and I'm sorry for yer loss."
Very well. - Shadoo pulls a big mug of beer and, as he crosses the room to handle it to Ladim, he cools the drink a lot more, but not to the point of freezing it - Let's have some cold ones for lady Relos. Desna shall embrace her and guide her on the biggest trek.
He looks at the others, trying to be friendly, but his small and curved stature - plus the whole cold thing, tattoos, white hair, pointy teeth, earrings and whatnot - make him a lot more menacing than he'd look like.
As for us, tomorrow we gain the road to explore and investigate.
Ladim Relos, motivational speaker. Should put that in the list., Ladim thinks as he sees Yarr respond. "Come on, Tamran is about three whole steps above the Abyss in hospitality. Maybe two, haven't checked lately."
Ladim sends a smile at Rhen. "Ah, saving the best for last, buddy.", he says, reaching over to shake the dwarf's hand with a grin. "Thanks for the help, and thanks for responding so quickly, mate. Now, I've been preparing a very special place for that beer,", he says, nodding at Shadoo, "and that place is inside of my gullet. And thanks for the kind words, too. Always had a poet's soul inside, you terrifying git.", he chuckles.
He leans back on the chair, nearly lying down. He places his hands on the table. "Right, so how've you lads been? Anything I should know of?", he asks, considering putting his feet on the table, before deciding it's too much hassle. He waves at the bar, and the moment a frothing mug appears, it lazily starts flying in the air towards the table. "Let's leave the work talk for tomorrow, though. Not really feeling it right now.", he says, landing the pint in front of Shadoo.
Quinn returns Ladim's hug firmly.
Then tonight we drown our sorrows, and in the morning we storm the Abyss! Quinn holds his stein out. To vengeance and good company!
Between rounds, Yarr racked his brain for anything he might have known about Izmiara.
Yarr moved over towards the bar, seeking another round of ale. After getting it, he made his way over towards a window on the far side of the room. Holding his mug in his left hand, he drew open the curtains, and stared out at the moon for a few moments, collecting his thoughts before speaking.
"So Ladim, if yer talking about the same Izmiara I'm thinkin about -an' how many damned Insatiable Queens can there really be- then I guess by the Abyss ya mean we're headin to the Moonscar. Yer dad's found himself a Succubus."
He pointed up and out the window.
"Ya know, I might just prefer Tamran after this."
The aaaimar would almost choke on his drink as he heard mention of the Insatiable Queens. He racked his mind of knowledge of his demonic enemies, trying to recall his on foreknowledge of what he assumed automatically to be powerful succubi, but it certainly was hard to concentrate with his blood boiling. "Filthy, chaotic scum," was his immediate though as he listened in more closely to what Yarr was saying, needing to know more so he would be prepared for what would be to come from the Moonscar.
"Ha, not the Abyss itself, hell no. Not that crazy.", he chuckles. "And to the next pint!", he finishes Quinn's toast.
Ladim grunts, taking a sip and letting out a pleased sound. "Yeah, a lot better when it's ice cold.", he shares to Shadoo. He chuckles. "I can't tell you about Insatiable Queens, but the stories of insatiable queens go all around. Not that I'd know personally.", he grins. "Which reminds me, hell of a thing, that Korvosa business. Good thing they got it in check.", he says, chuckling.
He leans back on the chair, nodding. "Well, my mum always said I got most of my charm from that a+*&!~~, but I can't tell you why. Seems like demons agree. Still, it's a matter of kicking back, and it's some right t++# that are getting kicked." He laughs. "And left ones, too."
Ladim nods. "Never been on the Moonscar, mate. Wouldn't usually go there either. But it seems like we're going there, so get in your moon pants."
Rhen mutters under his breath, "She's insatiable because she ain't met me!" After a few seconds of laughter, he continues.."I'll fill her up...with arrows laddies. Get yer mind out of the gutter! To the moon then? As long as there's air to breathe up there, I'm good."
Quinn looks up out of his latest drink. "Wait. Where are we going?" He blinks for a moment. "You mean 'The Moon' the moon? Huh. I guess I'll truly be able to say I have been everywhere."
Ladim grins. "That's the spirit, Rhen, buddy. Though I don't know why you'd think there's no air on the moon? It's sort of a concern, but I'm sure we'd work something out."
"Ah, never showed you that trick, did I.", he gives a toothy smile at Quinn. "It's one of my best ones, I got to say, mate.", Ladim continues as he lifts another beer from the bar. "Keep them coming, buddy!", he says, placing the beer in front of Rhen.
"So, what we're going to do is, we're all going to hold hands, and then, poof, we're on the moon." Ladim explains, taking several sips. "Took me a few tries to get it right, ended up in the main square of Litran once, and just when the Gray Gardeners were having one of their fancy executions." And leave out the part where you have a ten thousand gold piece bounty on your head. Seriously? Just ten?
"But now I got it covered, right as rain."
"Several tries? Well I certainly hope you have this spell working properly now. We have a big mission ahead of us and it would be a shame to miss a target as big as the moon and end up in some other horrible plane," Regulas would finally speak, swirling the contents of his mug before taking another swig. He wasn't entirely sure of what to expect on the moon, the idea of no air being one that bothered him, but Ladim assured them all would be well. He wondered if the moon would be anything like the Worldwound.
"Don't tempt fate, my friend!" Quinn exclaims to Regulas, playfully punching him on the shoulder. "I have every confidence in Ladim's magic tricks. They've saved my sorry hide too many times for me not to."
Ladim chuckles as he takes another sip. Lifting a pouch from his belt, he begins rolling another tube, offering the tobacco to others. "I wouldn't be that sure, mate.", he replies, shoving away from the punch. "And keep those bloody meathooks away from me, you Shoanti bastard, or I'll punch back.", he grins as another spark from his finger lights up the cigarette. "Oh, that reminds me of the time we got ambushed by those harpies. Where was that, Daggermark? Belkzen?" He starts laughing. "I couldn't talk to birds the next week, everytime I saw one I started laughing.", he chuckles, patting the warrior on the back.
"But, pretty sure I can get us all to the moon, no worries. Any of you's got animals or something that need transporting? 'Cause I can take us all in one trip, but if one of you gits needs to take their elephant or whatever, I'd have to make a return trip.", he says, flicking the ash on the muddy ground of the tavern.
Ladim sighs. "Alright, I'm not really feeling it in here. I remember a real lovely tavern in the Mwangi Expanse, want me to go and grab whoever's singing? I'll return them after we're done, don't worry.", he quickly says, raising his hands to the more law-inclined members. "Unless one of you'd like to volunteer. Though I'm pretty sure none of us has got the time to learn the flute or some s&%$e."
"...left my elephant in my other Sky Citadel..." Yarr grumbles back half under his breath.
Despite the obvious dangers and the way Ladim grated him sometimes, he had to admit the prospect of digging up whatever artifacts Izmiara was sure to be keeping around, and destroying them before Ladim could run off with them, was getting him excited.