DM RichD's Council Of Thieves Campaign

Game Master Briccone

While I try to keep my talents to myself and Tal I will talk to Vitti

Janiven suppresses a small smile in seeing that her information gathering network came through again.

assuming that Janiven agrees.

Does a bear $#!+ in the woods? :)

I might have to sleep on the floor for the next couple of night for that

Good thing for you we have clean floors! Janiven says with a chuckle.

By the way I agreed to not spill Raveen's blood if he offended me or Lily. I never agreed I wouldn't knock him out. I am a man of my word after all.

You might have to get in line behind Monday.

"I know how it feels, Morosimo," the man said. He smiled. "If it's fine with you, we can be brothers." "Now, what man will send his little bro to combat if he was not sure they'd win?" he asked, before his grin left.

He said heavily, "That remains to be seen, kiddo. I wouldn't hold my breath: we will need you more for the battle for the city's heart than against the Bastards."

At this a huge smile appears on the lad's face. Yes sir! Mister Raveen! Ain't never had any brothers before! Just let me know what you need me to do! He fairly skips out of the room.

@Raveen: Yes on the Perception check.

Janiven enters the room with Tal and is surprised to see Monday nuzzling Naberius. Well this has gotten interesting. Raising a hand to motion for silence, Janiven will say, I have spoken to Lily and not only does she support our endeavor, but she has agreed to help out. That does not mean she is going to be breeching the Bastard's lair with sword drawn - that's Tal's job, but there are plenty of other jobs to be done that are just as important. Now can we put these unplesentries behind us and discuss the Bastards? She notices that Arael is dozing softly with his head buried in his hands on the table. Looks like we will have to wait until tomorrow to discuss those Bastards, but I know Master Raveen has some items he would like to discuss. What are those parchments rolled up under your arm? She asks as she rolls up her cloak into a makeshift pillow on the floor and tries to maneuver Arael to it.

Good thing for you we have clean floors! Janiven says with a chuckle.

I meant at home as I am sure Lily will want me home if at all possible still.

You might have to get in line behind Monday

Tal gives Janiven a curious look as she mentions having to wait in line behind Monday. Not going to press the issue any more he simply shrugs his shoulders and lets Janiven lead back into the room. Taking Lily's hand he proceeds to enter with her. Looking around the room he sees Monday curled up on Naberius which is quite strange but then again Monday is that way. How she managed to have Naberius do that he wasn't sure but Naberius did not look pleased about that. Giving Raveen only a passing glance Tal otherwise ignores him until he can get a seat for himself and Lily. Briefly Tal introduces his wife to Naberius and Raveen. Naberius, Raveen, this is my wife Lily. Lily this is Raveen and Naberius.

Once situated only then does he spare a look to Areal. At first he thought the man was still sobbing but the breathing was too regular and only then did Tal realize the man was asleep. At first he thought to help Janiven move Areal then decided against it as it seems she had well enough in hand. He does offer his cloak as a blanket for the time being figuring that there would be enough blankets out in the shrine when it is time for bed.

Looks like we will have to wait until tomorrow to discuss those Bastards, but I know Master Raveen has some items he would like to discuss. What are those parchments rolled up under your arm?

Tal stills says nothing as he turns waiting for 'Raveen' to unfold his latest and grandest scheme.

I forgot that Mera, the GM, and Tal all described that the door was open at the point of interest (the threat). That's another 5 off the DC. I suppose a few Guile Points can get this high enough to pass either ways.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14
That probably makes it. The man heard nearly everything between Janiven and Tal, and everything else that was not described as whispering--and certainly heard the threat against himself--and Janiven's reaction.

Spill his blood, he thought as Morosimo left.

"I have spoken to Lily and not only does she support our endeavor, but she has agreed to help out. That does not mean she is going to be breaching the Bastard's lair with sword drawn - that's Tal's job, but there are plenty of other jobs to be done that are just as important. Now can we put these pleasantries behind us and discuss the Bastards?

We have other bastards to discuss, he thought coldly, grip tightening in a fist.

Lily entered along with Tal, who said, "Naberius, Raveen, this is my wife Lily. Lily this is Raveen and Naberius.

"Did you threaten to murder me?" was his answer to the introduction--he spared no glance at Lily, but instead shot a poisonous glance at Mera and Janiven.

"Was this blindingly clear sign of bad intentions amusing to you?" he coldly questioned the two, opinion of the women worsening quickly. He covered the parchment with his cloak in a clear sign of withholding his word until this is finished.

He then his eyes again against Tal and said in a clear voice, "When you said outside--'I will spill his blood': do you mean to kill a potential comrade over a perceived slight? Confirm that now."

The man will laugh a bitter bark against an accusation from anyone of spying or eavesdropping.

"Aye--I've been dropping some eaves. It is my job to protect our organization from outsiders--a job I was doing all day, and you were an outsider just a moment ago. Confirm your personal intentions towards me," he said, lowering his hands, before he sneered. "If it's not too much trouble.

1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

If Tal denies wishing him harm--it was just an expression:

"Then watch your tongue next time," he retorted. "You threatened to abandon Naberius before Hellknights--I did not tolerate it then. I will certainly not tolerate threats against myself."

If Tal meant just physical violence:

"Well--that is not maladjusted behavior," he said airily.

He then says the words under the below spoiler tab.

If Tal confirms that he does want to harm him (for a reason or another):

If Tal cracks his knuckles or gets riled up...again.
"So--after all our wasted time and efforts, you come back, having changed absolutely nothing and not addressed your attitude. Tell me: what do you think is going to happen?" he spat.

I am under the impression the door would have been closed at all times. Mera would have closed it behind her and I'm sure Janiven would have done the same for privacy purposes.

Mera leaps to her feet and quickly crosses the ground between Raveen and Tal. Her face is flushed with anger and she laces her words with frustration, "Is that how you apologize? Is this what it is going to be like working together? Constantly at each others throats? For someone who is so intent on focusing on the cause your words speak otherwise. What of not having the luxury to let personal matters stand between us and justice? There is a time and place to settle your personal matters and this is NOT it. Put and to this now Raveen, you are wasting all of our time. I simply will not have these boyish games any further."

As she speaks, the volume of her voice raises and the muscles in face tighten slowly. When she finishes speaking she crosses her arms and her small frame does not intend to move from in front of him.

"Perhaps not the luxury to treat his deeply-seated antisocial issues, but there surely is a time to settle personal threats, and that is now," he said sharply, shooting the singer a leer once she stepped between them.
"I have no wish to share a ditch with one who wishes to murder me, and I will not tolerate threats against me, or anyone else within this group. Apparently, outright violence against me is not a warning sign!"

He then turned his eyes from her Janiven, and then to Tal, and said in cold disappointment to the two women, "I had thought you had my back."

Peace Raveen. I am sure Tal meant it in a joking way, right Tal? She turns away from Raveen and looks pleadingly at Tal. We've all had a long day and are all on edge. She looks at Monday and Naberius, Well most of us are. Perhaps we should break for the night and reconvenue tomorrow where we ALL can discuss our plans for the bastards.

Diplomacy to put Raveen at ease: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22
Diplomacy to Tal to play along: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

That was a nice check--and a really bad one! The Gods of D&D are amused.
Will: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
"I bet...very nice joke," he whispered, calming down. "Will the hijinks ever stop?"
He cooled down, but his eyes remained on Tal.
"Any other comedic antics, Tal? We can all use a laugh."

Mera is not amused and continues to stand in front of Raveen with her arms crossed. While staring at Raveen she says to Janiven, "Perhaps that would be prudent at this juncture."

Tal starts to rise to 'Raveen's' baiting till he sees the look from Janiven but more importantly he feels Lily place her hand on his arm. Looking down Tal's temperature cools slightly but not completely. Raveen, Janiven has seen that Lily and I are both welcome to the meeting. As the leader of this group with Areal she believes that we both have merit and a reason for being here. Pointing at Areal on the floor, I would ask that you desist as to not wake him for he has had a long ordeal. If you wish to press the issue then I will be more than happy to 'discuss' issues with you outside. For what it is worth I have promised to Lily that I will not spill your blood as she has told me it would prove nothing. Looking to Janiven Tal continues talking to Raveen. I am a man of my word.

Raveen, Janiven has seen that Lily and I are both welcome to the meeting. As the leader of this group with Areal she believes that we both have merit and a reason for being here.

"Why--that doesn't sound like a joke at all," he said airily. He then began circling Tal, minding Mera between them.

He then took a deep breath, and said with a hidden grimace. "You had your fun issuing ultimatums and making personal judgments. Here are my own:
I do not see you and I working together with this vortex of blackness in your heart--regardless of how you foresee your wife taming it. The mere thought of you harboring such ill will towards me makes me sick. I will not start looking over my shoulder to check on whether or not you're keeping your word."

"Speaking of which...if you are a man of your word," he said with a smirk through the mask. "Why did you return? Last I checked, the door remains open. Your word means nothing now--just as it meant nothing this morning."

He turned to the rest, and said coldly, breaking eye contact, "We are at an impasse--though now it is of my own hand. Either Tal leaves, or I do. I, for one, am a man of my word."

While he had been standing impassive for most of the conversation, his form starting to blur as his sister slipped closer into unconsciousness his head and shoulders finally slumped backwards as they were apt to do during Monday's antics when Raveen speaks. Stepping over he smacks the back of the masked man's head.

Tal shakes his head in disbelief. He had thought by stating the obvious that Janiven had agreed to Lily's presence that it would be enough to convince 'Raveen' of the validity of his argument earlier. Instead all it did was make Raveen more angry. For the sake of Lily and Janive tal would try once more to get through to Raveen. Raveen, I told Janiven that I would help this cause just like I told all of you. My condition was that Lily be able to hear what is talked about. Janiven consented and Lily is present. Thus I have returned as I said I would. I see no contradiction in my given word.

When Raveen gives his ultimatum Tal does nothing but sit down as it seems there is no reasoning with the man. A small smile touches his face as he sees Tuesday smack Raveen on the back of the head. I take that as a vote for me i guess.

Gods! Why did I not learn more disabling spells. I would use one now could I.

Mera shakes her head, "You are impossible. What makes you think we are going to let anyway walk away from this? As previously was mentioned, each of knows valueable information and who we are."

After a second pause she walks torwards the bottle of wine and opens it, pouring herself a glass. "Obviously you are considering your needs greater than the needs of the cause. It has thus far been crystal clear for me and I think likewise for the rest of the group. Your continued outbursts are doing nothing but to distance yourself."

She sips the wine and adds, "If I were you, I would retire to your room for the night as Janiven requests. It's obvious the days activities have worn on you and you should close that hole of a mouth of yours before something happens that can not be undone."

Done with Raveen she turns to Janiven, "So shall we dismiss for the evening? Where might I find the bath here?"

Mera stifles a laugh and shakes her head, "No, no. You like quite comfortable, I'd had to intterupt that."

Naberius sighs in resignation, and tries to unsuccessfully focus his thoughts on something else than his predicament.

Briefly Tal introduces his wife to Naberius and Raveen. Naberius, Raveen, this is my wife Lily. Lily this is Raveen and Naberius.

Naberius nods stiffly, and says, "It is a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Mainz. Excuse me if I do not get up..."

The wizard raises his arms slightly and looks down, indicating his frustration with Monday clinging to him like some little monkey from the jungles of Mwangi.

Peace Raveen. I am sure Tal meant it in a joking way, right Tal? She turns away from Raveen and looks pleadingly at Tal.

The conjurer listens in silence as the situation escalates once again. Janiven's decision to include Lily was not what he had wanted, but it was clear that he and Raveen were in the minority regardless. The subject of secrecy would have to be discussed again in the future, but this was not a moment for civilized negotiation...

Naberius arches an eyebrow at Tal, and says, "Threats of physical violence are hardly constructive, nor are they a form of humor us civilized people should indulge in. Especially in a situation such as ours."

He turns to Raveen, and adds, "You have purposefully provoked Tal throughout our conversation. I am unsure why you are so intent on taunting him, but that is likewise unacceptable behaviour."

Here's some perspective, Tal: in the end, nothing you did meant anything: we wished to learn of what Lily can contribute, and we did.

We wished for you to run your demands through us, and we got our way, one avenue or the other. You did nothing but waste our time. You waste more coming back."

Naberius shifts awkwardly under Monday, and shakes his head at Raveen, "Now you are acting like a child. We lost. Our proposition was overruled by the opposing majority. I am mature enough to admit defeat..."

...for now.

We've all had a long day and are all on edge. She looks at Monday and Naberius, Well most of us are. Perhaps we should break for the night and reconvenue tomorrow where we ALL can discuss our plans for the bastards.

Done with Raveen she turns to Janiven, "So shall we dismiss for the evening?"

The wizard nods, and says, "I concur. We need level heads for such delicate planning. Tal and Raveen are free to discuss their differences between themselves. I refuse to take sides in this farce..."

Looking at Mera first and then Naberius as they mention adjourning for the night Tal nods his head in agreement. That sounds like a fine idea. We can meet in the morning and start fresh after a night's sleep.

Let's please discuss this under Discussion before moving ahead.

Raveen, I told Janiven that I would help this cause just like I told all of you.

Something seemed to click. For a moment, the words of Naberius and Mera seemed very distant, as if they spoke through a glass.

Is it not funny? He raised his hands to the mask, and touched it softly, observing Tal as he sat. Never had they asked whom I was, never had they asked me to remove the mask--and yet all this chaos is sown, and our ranks infiltrated. He...has no idea what he is asking for.
Of course--she is not my wife...his destiny was his own to choose, each suffering his to withstand. It's like she said: one step through conflict.
The man's voice rose again, and he heard the others' voices suggesting time to maul over the idea. One step to awaken.

Just then, he noticed how far the others went as he nursed his thoughts.

"I'd rather not leave this issue unresolved to rot in time; grudges are born of ambivalence and suppression," the man said smoothly, cutting through the others' suggestions and breaking his gaze, retreating to lean on the wall. He waved his hand airily, and said, "Forgive me if I go off on a tangent...

"But what we see (and what Master Mainz clings on to) as real is but two things," he said softly. "Knowledge and sensual awareness--both are vague, wispy, and insubstantial--in many times, they may be entirely without worth. Knowledge fuels judgments--awareness is our medium."

"Who knows what thoughts run in a man's mind: truly, one is only true to himself when behind a mask," The man said, raising his hand to his mask again, and removing it. His face showed a calm countenance as he looked on Tal, eyes twinkling, as if enjoying a private joke--nothing from the hard anger before. "You saw no need to renegade on your word, for your knowledge of the situation has changed--therefore your previous judgment has no meaning. Are you willing to change the past and alter our shared illusion?"

Tal stares at 'Raveen' as if Raveen just got hit in the head and is seeing stars as he goes on about illusions and mediums and reality and who knows what else. Trying to cut through the verbal jungle that 'Raveen' was talking about Tal waits till he is finished before asking, Are you trying to say let bygones be bygones and drop this whole matter? If that is this illusion of your then ok. Not a problem. Shaking his head at Raveen with a half smile without malice, You could have just said that in common words you know. Makes things a lot easier to follow without complicating things or worrying about double talk or trying to slip things through.

As Raveen goes to walk out the door and talks again about forgetting stuff Tal pinches the bridge of his nose before he gets a headache. Waving him off with his other hand Tal looks around the room at the others after Raveen is gone as a thought hits him. He does know it is late and the night beasts are out right?

Naberius nods in appreciation as the conflict is brought to a peaceful conclusion, listening to Raveen's musings looking as if it all made perfect sense to him. After the fact, he focuses his attention on Monday, trying to ascertain if she is asleep. Assuming she is sleeping (or at least appears to be), the wizard takes in a sigh of preparation. Seeing no apparent way to extricate himself without rousing the Varisian, he does his best to get up without waking her, awkwardly carrying her on his arms.

Stealth: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12 Sleeping creatures get penalties on Perception, so it might even work. :P

Only stirring slightly as Nabe stands and cradles her her arms move up and about, wrapping around his neck in a drape while her face nuzzles more against his chest, her lips mouthing soundless words as she does so.

Well Tuesday is still outside her mind sooooo...

Naberius glances nervously at Tuesday. His first instinct is to hand Monday over to her brother, but he instantly recoils at the thought of even momentarily touching the phantom. Instead, he does his best to carry the Varisian to wherever she slept last night. After ridding himself of his burden, the wizard moves to sneak away. Almost as an afterthought, he lingers for a moment to place a blanket over Monday before finally making his escape.

Stealth: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9 Perfect.

Raveen leaves once Tal said 'Not a problem', bringing the posters with him.

"Enjoy the wine," he said, leaving, closing the door behind him. He passed by the small group waiting in the hall, heading straight out the door they entered by, before taking in the dark city's night air.

'Let bygones be bygones? Is that it? It's a tad more complicated than that,' he thought once he left, rolling his eyes as he shifted from shadow to another in the streets, deep in thought. 'But you can't teach a horse to read--the best you can get is have it do what you wish.'

'The things I do for the mission,' he thought, shaking his head as he melted into the night, heading to one of the ruins at the edges of the city.

@GM: Considering his vision, Stealth bonus, and skill set, I'd say he has the same chance of going through the city as Morosimo did--right?

Letting out a murmur of protest she curls up into a ball once laid down, a calm and happy expression covering her face when Naberius covers her over, causing her body extend slightly under the covered warmth.

She auto-succeeds that Perception check :3

A few moments after the Wizard has left the calm expression turns into a cattish smirk as Monday quickly disrobes before standing and wrapping the cover around her before scurrying out to where Naberius slept and crawling in next to him.

Stealth: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16

Or if he's still awake there'll be differant scene play out.

He probably wouldn't go straight to sleep, seeing as he spent most of the day resting.

In his private spot in an alcove near the altar, Naberius half-heartedly leafs through his spellbook in dim candlelight. Having spent most of the day recovering from the drawbacks of the summoning, it would probably take some time until he could finally drift off. As his mind wanders to all that has happened, and what might yet come to be, he has no success in studying either...

Vasco has no such problems, roosting on the back of a chair nearby, head under one wing.

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18

Slamming his book shut to signal he has noticed the intruder, Naberius raises the black candle to see who it is.

Oh, gods no...

Trying to sound more weary than he is, Naberius says, "My apologies, I did not intend to wake you. You really should get some sleep..."

Wearing a cattish grin when Naberius notices her Monday lets a Hmm before speaking, her voice a languid purr. "Oh no, your were fine, a perfect gentlemen in fact. And Yes, I probably should get some sleep."

Stepping towards him it's easy to see a sway to her hips as she walks even underneath the blanket. "Well, save for one thing."

Coming up alongside him she lets the covering slide a bit, revealing her pale shoulders as she leans in close. "Did no one ever tell you it's impolite to leave a bed while a lady is in it?"

With a sharp intake of breath, Naberius inches away and fixes his gaze on a nearby bust. As calmly as he can, he breathes out and says, "As a matter of fact, no. It seems my childhood tutors were remiss in their duties, or otherwise forgot to include that particular piece of etiquette in my lessons..."

With some bitterness creeping into his voice, he adds, "What do you want from me? I assure you, I have nothing to give..."

... and fixes his gaze on a nearby bust.

There's one very nearby :3

"Oh but you do..." she lets her voice drift off on in a purr as she lets the blanket slide down more in the back while keeping it clutched together in front of her. Stepping closer she pushes up against him while laying her head against his chest, titling it up slightly to look up into his eyes.

For perhaps a fraction of a second after being touched, Naberius meets Monday's gaze, looking quite willing. Almost instantly, this is replaced by a mask of fury. The wizard snaps to his feet, and snarls, "Do you really think a Chelaxian nobleman would demean himself by sleeping with some... Varisian waif?! I am not here for your amusement! Run back to Mera, or Janiven, or whoever you call your latest conquest... Just leave me be!"

"Go," he hisses, pointing away from the alcove, "GO!"

The latter utterance is loud enough to wake Vasco, who startles and looks around in confusion.

Stepping back at the wizard's outburst Monday's eyes go wide before her smile widens as well as she lets out an actual dainty sounding titter. "I think that's what I like best about you Nabe."

Easing her grip on the cover she lets it slowly drift down in a pile around her, fully exposing her pale body to the wizard and his familiar, the only slight marring be a set of jagged scars running parallel across her abdomen, as if she was drug across something or bit by some massive beast.

Raising her hands she attempts to cup the Wizard's face as she draws near again. "I just want to make you feel good."

Without another word, Naberius grabs the candle and his spellbook, then turns around and walks away, leaving Monday in darkness.

He'll lock himself in the priest's office if he has to! :P

When he is suitably far away, the wizard sits back down and slumps against the wall. He snuffs out the candle between his fingers, an stares into darkness until sleep finally claims him. There is no respite in dreams, however, as he is whisked away by legions of Furies, far above the Iron Spires of Dis...

Thoroughly confused, Vasco looks after his master, then back to Monday. He tilts his head questioningly, only barely visible in the shafts moonlight shining through the boarded up windows.

"Nabe..." she lets glumly whimper out, a genuine look of sadness on her face, though it was it was more for him than for herself. Wrapping herself back up in the blanket she leaves the alcove and sets off in search of Janiven, provided she isn't currently tending to Arael.

Feeling some disconcert from his sister Tuesday simply shakes his head as he lounges about the main room, wondering where her hijinks would take her.

After Raveen leaves Mera approaches Tal and pats him on the back twice. "A bit obstinate, that one. At least everyone is breaking for rest, I think that approach is best."

Sipping her wine she smirks as Naberius carries Monday off. She regards softly to herself, "Ah, love is a beautiful thing is it not?"

She offers anyone left in the room who is interested in a glass of wine to share it with her. Not quite ready to turn in for the night, she takes a seat and relaxes. "Ahh, peace at last."

Tal grabs some light food and declines the drink as the evening was a long one for him and he just wanted to go to bed. saying his farewell Tal looks for a secluded spot for him and Lily to spend the night.

Lily lets Tal go and watches Monday and Naberius leave as well. That left just Mera and herself in the room with Janiven and the sleeping Areal. Looking at the 2 women Lily smiles at them. Thank you both for trying to keep the peace. I know Tal appreciates it even if he is not saying it right now. He is stubborn as all men are and lacks the refinement and sensibilities of us women. Do not worry about him in the morning either. He will cool down and be ready for whatever it is you have planned.

At the offer of a nightcap from Mera, Lily extends a glass, Why thank you again. I will enjoy one myself. I heard that it helps one relax and calms the nerves. Perhaps we should have a ready supply tomorrow night as well should we need it?

Mera stands and pours Lily a glass. She hands it to Lily and offers a toast, "To relaxation and calmed nerves." She takes a sip and turns to Janiven, "Lily has an excellent point. I think we should double the size of our alcoholic reserves posthaste."

She makes some light small talk and finishes her glass, bidding the two ladies good night. She retires to whatever area has been arranged for her, hoping it is up to her standards but sure that it will likely not be.

Lily takes the night cap and enjoys the woman-talk for a bit. Afterwards she goes to the doorway and casts her usual waking spell should someone try to enter in the next 2 hours she will be alerted. She then returns to find Tal waiting up for her as is his custom. Once comfortable she drifts off to sleep with Tal.

@GM: Considering his vision, Stealth bonus, and skill set, I'd say he has the same chance of going through the city as Morosimo did--right?

Yep. It takes all your skills but you arrive at your destination unmolested.

Janiven enjoys the conversation with Lily and Mera, and is glad to talk about topics other than the revolution as Arael snores nearby. She thinks Lily has a point, maybe she should have recruited all women!

"Lily has an excellent point. I think we should double the size of our alcoholic reserves posthaste."

Yes! Yes! That sounds like a good idea! I will see to that! I know a guy!

After a while the stress of the last few days catches up with her and she excuses herself and makes her way to her private spot to turn in for the night.

The Next Morning

Janiven makes sure that everyone who stayed has a hot breakfast and she sends everyone out to their jobs like a mother sending her children to school-Something for the noon meal, a few words of encouragement, a ruffle of hair.

She tells the 'main' group to meet back here at 5PM and she sends Morosimo to get word to Raveen. As Tal and Lily are leaving, Janiven will remind Tal that Ermolos is an apprentice blacksmith and his master is a 'friend' and they can work on making that hellknight armor be not as distinctive anymore, if he wants them to.

When it is just her and Arael, she will lock up and her and Arael will go to their own day jobs.

Morosimo will wait outside Raveen's place of employment, Rigo Scriba, and when he sees Raveen exit he will stealthily move next to Raveen and whisper, 5PM, usual place, you in? Morosimo has a slight grin, showing that he seems to be enjoying all this cloak and dagger stuff. He will wait for an answer before melting back into the crowd.

Let me know if anyone is doing something throughout the day, if not, we'll set the scene about 4:30 ish...

Naberius seems quite nervous the entire morning, eating very little and pacing restlessly around the temple. The fact that most of the rebels had jobs and families, other lives to retreat to made him more than a bit envious. He had no such escape. Before Janiven and Arael take their leave, Naberius asks them whether or not they think the group will make a move against the Bastards tonight, explaining his needs...

I would like to scribe a couple of scrolls. This is kind of awkward, because I don't know if we will be moving out tonight, in which case I would be out of some spell slots. The spoiler below only happens if Janiven and Arael can confirm that they have no plans for action tonight. Otherwise I suppose Naberius will spend his day by continuing to spiral towards madness.

Janiven looks at the nervous mage and remembers him carrying Monday off last night. Post-coitus jitters? She thinks to herself. No. Probably not tonight. The Bastards are a dangerous group and there will be a lot more of them then the ten Hellknight armigers we fought yesterday. We will need to make plans and be prepared. You are welcome to stay here, just lock up when you are done. Others should start drifting in about two-ish.

Tal looks to Mera in the morning to figure out what exactly his new job entails. He is not sure if he needs to be with Mera the entire time or if he will have time off during the day to do his own activities. Regardless he acknowledges the fact that the meeting won't start will that night again. Promising to return at the appointed hour tAl gathers up his stuff to leave for the day.

When Janiven mentions Ermolos and the forge Tal looks up quickly. That sounds like an excellent idea. We can also bring the weapons there and sell them while we are at it. I can bring the profits from the sale tonight for everyone. A quick question for you though. Do you think I should have them add spikes to the armor or would that be too noticeable?

Other than normal daily activities and what is previously mentioned Tal and Lily aren't doing anything and will return apfor the night's meeting.

Happily eating her's and everyone's else's breakfast, as well as tossing plenty of scraps to Vasco, Monday will hang back a ways letting Naberius set up his scroll workshop before approaching him, hands clasped in front of her demurely. "Hey Nabe, can we talk for a bit?"

Naberius only pauses for a moment when he hears Monday speak, but quickly continues scrivening. Keeping his eyes fixed on his work, the conjurer sighs and mutters, "What is there to talk about? Can you not see I am occupied? This requires time and concentration..."

Her expression brightens considerably when he answers her. "Oh good! Then you won't be going anywhere for awhile."

Moving over to sit next to him she watches him work for a bit before speaking. "Do you mind if I ask why?

Seemingly content to ignore Monday as long as she remains silent, Naberius stops again as she asks her question. He tries to continue, muttering under his breath, "Yes, in fact I do mind."

Realising that Monday is not going away, the wizard sighs again, and explains, "One wrong symbol could result in the whole scroll being unusable, or worse... The materials would be wasted as well, and I do not have the funds to replace them."

Pointing at the unintelligible, yet immaculately ordered figures sprawled all over the scroll, he elaborates further, settling into a lecturing tone as he goes on, "See these consecutive circles of script and interconnected symbols? Abjuration. Protective magic. There is pattern to them, even if the sequence might seem random. This is the very language of magic itself. It is nothing less than the pure expression of an universal force captured on paper. It takes years to learn to efficiently interpret such writings, and even longer to write them..."

Twirling the quill in his fingers, he reminisces to himself, "They used to make us rewrite each individual symbol for hours until our fingers cramped. If we made an error, they made us rewrite the page using our own blood..."

Edging her head closer to his so she can look over the parchment she nods as he looks the formulae and abstractions over. "It shows, your handwriting is very pretty, very precise and honed."

Scanning the symbols some more she turns her face towards his slightly before continuing, her voice low. "But I meant why did you not want to sleep with me last night?"

Taken by surprise, Naberius almost drops the quill, spattering some ink on himself and the table. Anxiously scanning the the scroll for blots, he finally he manages to stammer out, "It... Um... It is not a matter of want. I... I choose not to live on the whims of my desires. Rules of propriety obviously mean nothing to you, but I believe such things should not be done... Frivolously. Yet, even that is secondary. It takes discipline to do the things I do. I can not afford distractions. Do you understand?"

Frowning at a spatter of ink on his sleeve, he mutters "That is all..."