The bloodshed was stunning - and in-house, too. There was no telling what the brawl might have escalated to if the group hadn't rejoined with Rova when they did. Oddly though, Jahl'ra didn't worry about Rova's temper as much as he did Oswald's acceptance of it. Something is beneath the surface in him. Resentment? Biding revenge?
And to make matters worse, they'd surely shamed themselves in front of their now-introduced guild leader. The bard immediately took a deep bow out of reflexive respect, but it also did well to conceal his upset at his apparent title. Secretary?! Surely he could be more than that. Though with Rova's mighty display, perhaps not in the ways Alexander expected...
"Master Alexander, it is an honor. Do give us a chance to prove ourselves. You will see we are capable in using our strengths against those outside the guild as well." It was the best he could do to save face for them in light of the skirmish at hand. And he did speak in the collective as, well, that's how Alexander seemed to see them. And I will have to mediate these squabbles now if we will sink or swim together.
Oswald strikes you as an oddity. The acceptance was most definitely begrudging and he didn't seem the type to easily forgive, let alone forget. Not to mention the fact that being curtly silenced by Alexander himself seems to have dashed the man's pride quite a large amount. He's most definitely not very happy about the events and you couldn't help but notice the daggers he tossed the lot of you with his eyes.
Alexander smiles, seeing the light amount of outrage at the title. "Don't worry too much about the titles. They're somewhat silly regardless. Chul'Galbrann even has bakers with renown." he says with a smile. Looking at Jahl'ra in specific for this next one, he winked. "Why, our archivist here can even detect forgeries... Although, rather good ones." he says, tossing a glance at the dwarf, who's all smiles.
"That said, we should leave this area. We need to get the lot of you on the ship as soon as possible. It'll be leaving in just a half-hour." he says as he begins out towards the door. Looking back, he waves the lot of you in, Ranky at his side and obviously flustered. Giving the man a pat on his shoulder, the experienced fighter walks back towards the room with the sound barrier.
As you follow, he continues as the tavern bursts into it's old roar, no doubt talking about the recent fight. Someone even takes the time to wash away the blood on the ground, although you can't help but notice a wizard in particular testing the blood.
He's casting Blood Transcription, though you can't imagine Rova actually having any spells.
"This time you won't be riding the New blood, no." he says he walks on out. Snapping his fingers, he lifts off the ground a bit, flying backwards as he moves the doors out of the way. "Word of advice, these doors can be opened with simple cantrips when they're weightless." he says, throwing another glance at Rova whom' slammed the doors just a moment ago.
"No, this time you'll be riding one of our main vessels to Ostenso. This one was made by one of our craftsmen after he defected from the "Sky Kings" and let me tell you, they're cross with us... but as per usual, Wyvern soul isn't about to be addled by grudges. We've certainly got our share." he says as he floats out into the open.
Outside, you see a giant ship. This one puts the new blood to shame, and may as well be a pleasure barge, although it's a completely dark ship, sporting black wood on all ends. "Darkwood all around, and astutely named "The Black Raven" by its' craftsmen. It's light as a feather and sturdy..." he says as he floats out towards it.
He seems to be enjoying himself. While he wisps about, he looks down at the lot of you. "Your group. It's promising, you know. A raucous bunch, to say the least, and it's rather amusing to read your pros and cons on paper." he says with a twinge of interest. "You're mere drips right now, but I've got a good eye when it comes to people that are gonna be more than just a drop in the pool. It's how I became a guild leader, after all."
With that, he falls down in front of you. "We've got some time, and my archivist doesn't need me for at least another 10 minutes. If you've questions that need answered, I'll do so now." he says.
The ship looms over behind him, easily 3 stories tall with grand sails. One curious point about the ship is it's rear, which has floating stones behind it, carved with rather large runes. This one doesn't have an alchemical engine like the New Blood did, and seems quite a bit more advanced, if that was even imaginable.
"The Black Raven has 3 floors inside of it, although only 2 of them are ready for access. It's our second largest ship, but it's also our fastest. Seems to arrive no later than the nick of time, to make things even better." he says, looking up at it.
He waits a moment, letting the wind go by, as it tends to do in Chul'Galbrann. "I suppose before I answer any questions, I should make it a point to diverge something else about this mission..." he says, the smile disappearing for a moment. "Arcturus may seem mundane at first glance, and that's certainly what everyone believes, but he's actually a Tiefling. Not human at all. In fact, he's a Tiefling with some... rather serious demon blood in his veins." he says, looking at Deylarr.
"It's one thing to have the taint of a succubus in the family line, and I assure you, Chul'Galbrann has the kind of guilds you'd expect to exist if a plethora of fiend-touched gathered. The knights keep a close eye on them, but they're rather... lucrative." he points out. "Arcturus isn't just a Tiefling. He isn't completely aware of it, and you would do well not to inform him, but he happens to be a half-fiend. That said, he's a bit of a jack of all trades. He's "Good" at just about anything you can expect, but he lacks... substance. I believe you'll see what I mean." he says with a bit of concern.
Deylar notes the mage's actions with an eyebrow raised in curiosity. Maybe a use I am unfamiliar with? I should look into that....
His attention is fully on this new ship, trying to reconcile what he knew about the New Blood's mode of transit with the beautiful craft in front of him. The conversation around him is quickly brought back into focus at the mention of Arcturus's heritage.
"Why keep the truth from him?" Suddenly he realizes who he just addressed and gives a brief bow by way of apology. "I mean, no good can come of denying your true self. Something I know a little bit about.....Back in Westcrown the fiend-touched come in all shapes and sizes, with no two looking alike. A community without commonality. But at least there was a feeling that you belonged. Well, for some, anyway."
"Why is his lineage being kept from him? And I am now starting to wonder......does he WANT to be found?"
He says to ask questions, but his responses only give us more questions.
Seeing Rova bloodied from his foolishness almost made me happy. I say almost because the idiot was making me look foolish as well. I have no idea how I was going to continue associating myself with the... brute. A term I use lightly because I was pretty sure I was stronger than him, but it's his approach to things. Something I could rant about for ages. I am biased against such evil souls and I feel justified about it.
I could hardly look at him, let alone talk to him, and the elven woman was chatting him up. Albeit with sarcasm (at least that was what I was hoping it was). And that's when the strange fellow calling himself the guildmaster showed up. Great, right? He shows up right as we're showing our asses in public. Rather, the evil member of our troupe was showing his and we were all around to see it. Anyway...
We walked out to see our new ship and the guildmaster offered to answer some questions for us, but it was upon seeing the ship that I became... suspicious. Then hearing about him being part fiend, I wasn't biting.
"I'm with my mystical friend here, this all seems a bit more than I expected. We're new bloods and you're sending us in your fastest ship to find this Arcturus fellow who happens to also be part-demon or something? There's something going on here that I'd like to know about. Why the urgency?"
I crossed my arms and shifted all of my weight to one foot. Authority never really bothered me, but I didn't want to seem like I was questioning those above me in the guild, but I felt like I had a right to know what I was walking into. Guild or no guild.
Rova was done being berated aloud or with looks from his own companions no less. I smell...fear he thought of most of them, except oddly enough from the small elf girl, and perhaps the tiefling, he was hard to read. The woman didn't fear him, no. He believed she feared her own strength, her rage and power. Rova had long ago cultivated those, accepted them for what they were, a part of who he was. Aviz was afraid of losing face, or perhaps afraid of failure? Rova didn't know. And Jahl'ra, he seemed just afraid, squeamish and weak.
Alexander appeared strong. "Alexander, well met. Your guild feels strong. I congradulate you on the prescence of so many powerful warriors in your tribe."
Listening to the other's speculations and eager questioning of the one who was suposedly master of them all, Rova sqaushed down some anger, he understood battle planning, it helped sometimes, but questioning a direct order from a clan chief was a good way to get your face ripped off where he was from. At the mention of a hidden strength within the red-haired weak one, Rova perked up.
"So the power of the Abyss is hidden inside the red-haired weak one. Hmm. Perhaps we could draw it out into glorious battle." he pondered aloud.
Alexander was well-informed. Much to my vulnerability. Jahl'ra kept quiet and leashed at the mention of his recommendation letter. A delicate balance - they see some potential but know it was used against them. Then again, such was the case with Rova just now. Where the leader's line-in-the-sand was might be unknown to him for now, but Jahl'ra had a suspicion the boisterous personalities among them would out it soon enough.
Conveniently, that might be exactly what was happening between Rova and Rose. "Would that be a truly glorious battle though? He may not wish to fight - or even be able to do so in his state." Nothing like a little redirection to set things straight.
"Half-demon? Wooooooooow. I dunno how to talk to those. I always thought Devils were cooler anyway."
In common once more, "I can summon abyssal critters, those are pretty cool. They don't really understand me though, so the ones from Hell are a lot more useful." Illenara felt pretty smart after that boast. Languages were a valuable think, and she liked to show them off at any chance she got.
This adventure was getting more and more interesting. Illenara would have sprinted onto the ship already, but she wanted to wait for the important folks to finish talking. They probably had important things to say, after all.
"I can summon abyssal critters, those are pretty cool. They don't really understand me though."
Deylar mumbles a response under his breath. "Mən ki, onlara danışmaq üçün çalışırıq sizə dayandırmaq deyil əminəm."
He continues to be bewildered by the elven woman. Entertaining enough, certainly, and obviously well educated, but trying to imagine her in the heat of battle is something the tiefling simply cannot envision. Resolving to stay close to her and make sure she survives the mission the guild has laid out for them he returns his attention to Alexander.
Alexander smiles at the barrage of interrogation. "Insightful bunch, eh? That's good. That'll take you places, most definitely.." he says as he floats down amongst you, planting his feet on the ground. "Arcturus is a natural half-fiend, like I said, but it isn't a matter of keeping it a secret for the greater good, or anything. Hardly. No..." he says as he turns about, looking out towards the spires of the city. "No, it's more a matter of keeping him out of the limelight. Drips shouldn't get too popular too fast..." he says, looking out at the horizon of clouds and brass.
While demons aren't naturally drawn to a half-fiend, they are prized vessels, particularly for the elusive shadow demons. That said, half-fiends are prized in cults, both as champions and ritualistic sacrifices for the more bizarre deities, though the groups usually need a mutual thirst for power.
Half-Fiends are capable of staggeringly horrendous blows towards those of a good nature, as well as an augmented array of talents that it focuses on, but is augmented across the board.
Half-Fiends also gain a plethora of naturally evil talents, tying them closer and closer to the abyss as they progress.
At the prospect of "special treatment" Alexander shakes his head. "Special treatment isn't the case, Rose. This ship is the main ship for normal excursions towards the west. You are merely getting off at Ostenso, and others are getting off before and after." he says, as he points to it. "The Raven isn't going to come back here for a month. If anything, you're just lucky." he says with a smile. "It's a good quality to have here..."
"There's also the matter where if we don't send you soon, he could be dead, which would be a colossal waste of talent. We can't have people dying as soon as they join the guild, after all." he says as he looks at Rova with a raised eyebrow.
"Arcturus being a half-fiend and needing found is, sincerely, a coincidence, I assure you. As far as an underlying plot is concerned, him being killed by bandits, goblins, or rather knowledgeable townfolk is the most you'll have issue with. At least, that's in regards to Arcturus alone..." he says as he looks up. "Something always manages to show up though, doesn't it? A wild card on every mission." he says with a smile.
He shook his head at the idea of things taking a turn. "Regardless, as the guild leader I must give you strict rules for this engagement, should their actually be one." he says, drawing a scroll from his hip.
"First, Arcturus must not learn of his blood line. He believes himself a Tiefling, and I intend to keep him that way for now. You are under strict orders to keep him unaware of it, at all costs. Don't mention it if you can help it, and if he finds even the slightest hint, glaze his eyes or talk him out of it. Unanswered questions are dangerous, as well..." he says, pointing at Rose and Deylarr.
"Second, we're not the heaviest handed guild in Chul'galbrann, so try and keep casualties to a minimum, yes? I'm not saying to knock out people that try to stab you, but for the most part keep the important folk alive, alright? That includes yourselves and any innocent bystanders. I'm sure they'll think nice of you if you do... he points out as he walks past Rova.
"Finally there's the matter of bringing him back..." he says as he floats skyward. "A body would be nice, if only to properly bury him. Preferably I'd request him alive, but it's nice to assume the worst from time to time, especially when said corpse has powerful chaotic energies at the core of it's being, you understand." he says to the lot of you. "Arcturus thinks himself tough, but at most it's his demonic heritage covering his bases. What little I know of him defines him as reckless." he states.
As Jahl'ra makes it a point to ascertain the man's nature, he smiles before he answers the question. "Belligerent as his blood is tainted, I'm afraid. He'll fight, for sure. His recommendation letter spoke of him as being rather raucous, honestly. I almost threw it out after our Archivist suggested him, really, but then I weighed the consequences..." he says as he looks away from the group before snapping back to them. "If he's still alive, he's likely trapped, which means the fort may be taken over by something. An event like that is bound to get around in a city like Ostenso. When you arrive, I'd recommend you ask around." he says, nodding over to Jahl'ra. "Especially him."
"I think I can handle some questioning, Master Alexander." Jahl'ra glances around the group. "I suppose we would not look too out-of-place carrying a body if need be."
"We should be able to keep our mouths shut on that topic." Aviz snickers as the man makes the comment about Rova. The later comment about casualties gets him to give a serious nod though. "No reason to kill anybody if we don't have to. I'll make sure that's kept to a minimum."
"There's a reason to kill everybody." rova mutters under his breath. "Just not one that any of you would consider." he finishes with a sad tone.
Walking near the airship, he looks for the entrance. "Let's get this beast in the air."
I rolled my eyes at Rova, though not sure if he noticed it.
"Don't worry, I'll personally make sure no one gets hurt. It was my goal to keep innocents safe before now and that will continue to be my goal. The only lot that need fear me is the evil lot."
And with that, I stood and walked behind Rova. I must have stared a hole into the back of his head. I wasn't happy, but I figured I'd keep it toned down. For the greater good.
At the odd statement from the woman, Rova whirrled around, startled by the viscious glare she had been giving him. "What is an innocent?" he ask inquisitively.
At the odd statement from the woman, Rova whirrled around, startled by the viscious glare she had been giving him. "What is an innocent?" he ask inquisitively.
That particular comment skipped Aviz's funny bone and went strait to concerning him. "You and I are going to talk on the trip out of here."
Illenara prances onboard, excited to get things underway.
"Play nice you all, I don't want to have to separate you," the young elf said with a gleeful smile.
Alexander smirks at the question of an innocent, but doesn't address it, if only because he hears Aviz wanting to be the bearer of the news. "Right, well, haphazard groups of miscreants aside-" he says, running a nervous hand through his hair, he gestures towards the ship. "She'll be leaving soon, so I may as well at least explain the layout." he says as he twiddles with the scroll in his hand.
Looking down, he raises an eyebrow. "Oh, right, this." he says, handing it off to Illenara as she strolls up the ramp to the ship. "That is a letter of reccomendation from our archivist. It has the guild stamp and everything, and it needs presented to a man named Bjorn Bjorn. He's one of the more savvy people in Ostenso. He can be of help if Jahl'ra can't find out something. Regardless, he needs this letter and you're not to look at it." he says.
Deylar thought Illenara was a mystery but Rova was another case entirely. The halforc was singularly focused, a quality the priest could not help but admire. That focus was simply so diametrically opposed to the tiefling's beliefs that Deylar was extremely curious about the warrior. He made a mental note to watch the man as this mission progressed to learn more about him.
Rose's response interests him as well. Using your gifts in the service of others was something Deylar also strongly believed in. Another one to watch....
The letter Alexander hands over is another pique to the tiefling's curiosity, but the leader's sheer presence makes it clear that the directive not to look is a non-negotiable. He makes another mental note to closely watch this Bjorn's reaction when they give it to him.
Rova stared at the letter, Alexander had told him not to look at it, now he really wanted to look at it.
Another oddity that had to be addressed, "Why two names, Bjorn Bjorn? Rova Rova is better than just Rova? Rova Rova the Strong Strong. Sounds like nonsense to this one. Is this archivist, whatever that is, an innocent, whatever that is?" This new group was confusing to Rova, orcs never talked of such things, mostly food, killing, and conquest.
I wasn't worried with reading the letter Alexander had produced, that wasn't my job even if we were supposed to read it. It seemed silly that everyone was just staring now, so I figured I'd go take the letter and put it with my gear.
“Don't worry, Alexander. No one will read this short of the archivist.“
It wasn't terribly like me to follow orders to the letter, but I only ever bothered to break order when a situation called for it. I highly doubted the likelihood of the letter calling for it.
What is it that could be so important to trust to newcomers yet forbid them to read it? "Absolutely, Master Alexander. Discretion will be our creed." Though curiosity began to get the best of him...
"It's for Bjorn, not the Archivist. The Archivist wrote it, haha. That said, let's not dally, the ship leaves soon." he says as he floats gently towards the entrance to the ship. "Good suggestion for the lot of you. Learn to not fear heights in Chul, if only because most people don't use rails..." he says.
The wooden bridge that leads to the ship is generously long, but only because the ship itself is somewhat bloated in it's look, as you denote upon turning the corner. It most certainly doesn't look as if it were built for speed, but magic has a way of ignoring common sense, doesn't it?
"There will be 3 stops on your way to Ostenso that aren't at all important to you, and none of you are specifically requested to assist anyone on board, but you may feel free to pull your weight anywhere. Frankly the cleric of this ship will keep you fed and rationed, but once you touch down in Ostenso, you're on your own." he says, as he touches the ground and begins walking. "Another thing the lot of you might not like to hear, or would, but the ship doesn't stop. You actually have to jump off..." he says, watching select people among you grow wide eyed.
"The Raven automatically softens your landing with a spell known as "Feather Fall" and it'll last until you touch the ground below. Aviz won't even need it, but I still don't recommend you land on your heads." he says with a bit of a chuckle. "I advise the lot of you learn a thing or 2 about each other among the rooms in the bottom of the ship. If you're going to be working together from here on in, there can't be many secrets between you. The pickup ship will dock in Ostenso in a week. That means that as soon as you arrive in Ostenso, you have 4 days to find Arcturus and get back." he says as he flies out of the ship.
"Iomedae grace you, new blood." he says as the boat's bridge is pulled away and the ship begins to take off.
Aviz smiles at all the talk of heights, laughing at any pale-faced party members. "At least I have one large advantage in all of this."
As the ship begins to shove off Aviz flies himself up the crow's nest, pointedly not being near the others for their sharing session of their abilities.
After walking up the ramp to resume their chat with Alexander Rova nods at the sense this odd man was making. At his "Iomedae grace you." Rova puts a fist to his chest and responds "And you Alexander, 'til the prison breaks."
As Aviz flies away from the group Rova furls his lips in slight distaste, but he understood where the birdman was coming from.
To the others, "Alexander is right, Aviz may choose to stand apart and that is his choice, for a warrior alone is stronger than any group, unless that group is trained to work perfectly together. So let us become perfect."
After Alexander flew off, Jahl'ra wondered aloud to the group: "Jump off? We'd be lucky if we didn't land in a canyon or marsh."
Ostenso is a well-known trade city, mainly because it is, in fact, a bit of a port town, or at the very least close to one. While far south is nothing but the sea shore, the north, where you're going, actually contains no marshlands or caverns, and is, in fact, primarily rolling hills and grassy plains. The area is also dashed with forests to the north, which overlook the hills that slowly turn into cliffs. The fort your'e going to is very likely situated on one of the taller hills or cliffs so as to see it's surroundings.
The Raven is, hands down, irrevocably large vessel. It contains four main parts, primarily, the first of which you are all currently standing on. In much the same way as the "New Blood" the ship contains no small amount of magic tricks to keep the wind off the flat portion.
What is different is however is that the top of the ship is completely flat, minus the lookout at the main front which Aviz finds himself perched atop. Farther to the back of the top level where you look out to the distant cloud line, a beautiful sunset is beginning. The trip took most of the day, surprisingly, and warm air breezes across.
In the back of the ship, however, is the entrance into the lower areas. Among of which is the following.
- A room that contains over 40 beds, as the ship is a veritable dreadnaugt as far as size is concerned.
- A makeshift tavern tucked away into the corner of the second level, complete with chairs and tables, as well as a stage for bards and the like to recount their adventures or those of others.
- In the third level there is no small amount of crafting tables built into the framework.
- A Library, albeit not a large one, is situated among the third floor as well, close to the workbenches and scattered about are numerous books.
- On the final floor, the bottom one, are the alchemical furnaces and the like that power the ship's magical engines. That said, while it is a steamy hot mess, this is where a good number of the clansmen come to spar.
The NPC's that have tagged along and can be found at any point during this trip are:
Reliable Oswald
Sword hunter Naggarad
Sword lord Cid
Cold Blooded Relveti
Everyone else happens to be just a ragtag militant, although these 4 in particular have class levels and you may talk to them at any point.
Rova found himself in the library. The small elf girl had spoken of studying and he decided to try it. Sitting in a large arm chair the mighty Orc picked a book from a stand and paged through it.
Strange scribbles. he didn't know what to make of it because in fact, he could not read. There were no libraries or schools in Belkzan that was for sure.
He frustratingly set the tome down and headed instead for the tavern. Sitting in a corner. "Barkeep. Ale and food." he barked, still sour from his failed scholarly attempt.
Upon their departure, Jahl'ra looked around the ship and sighed. Jumping off? He'd made a point not to look over the edge, but now there would be no avoiding it on his way down.
I guess I'll have to make do.
Distracting himself from the thought, he caught up with Illenara. "That familiar of yours - where can one find others like it? We have many different beasts in the deserts of Osirion from where I am, but such a creature I've never seen or heard of before you introduced it. Are they rare? Secretive?"
The scribe's natural curiosity quickly abolished his fears - or at least prevented them from manifesting.
Aviz finds whoever the captain of the ship is. "The magic that protects this ship from the winds, how does it work and how far out does it extend? I don't want to fly too high and get caught in a bad gust."
Again Deylar's quiet nature serves him ill. At the suggestion of sharing capabilities amongst the group the tiefling hesitates, preferring that another go first, but all too quickly the strix takes to the air and Rova wandered off.....probably to start another brawl somewhere, no doubt.
Leaving him with the rest of the group as the conversation turns not toward ach person's contribution but rather towards Illenara's pet. Another time, perhaps?
Deylar had always been more comfortable showing the power of his gifts rather than talking about them anyway. Hopefully the next few days will allow other opportunities for the newly formed group to discuss tactics. The only way to know what gifts to pray for would be to better understand what comes next...........
Walking into the tavern of The Raven, it is, ironically enough, named Nevermore. That said, you don't know that as you've pronounced yourself as illiterate, but I figured it was too ironic and gimmicky to let you go unknowing of it. *ahem* anyways.
Venturing into the room you're surprised at the sight of, at the bar, is Cid, the man with the very long sword sitting beside you as you sit down. To his right, as well, as a strange man with a shrouded face in far-eastern armor with a bushel of swords on his back apparently arguing with him.
The barkeep makes good on your request, sliding you down a strange, frothy purple drink that tastes like a fist with grapes, and is far from being a light drink by any means. The barkeep is a man of large stature with a handlebar moustache named "Colreg"
Finding the captain at the helm on the second floor, you arrive to find that he is, unsurprisingly, a man of impressive stature. While he's not any bit strong looking, he does seem to have the charisma and wisdom needed to drive such a ship, and he even has the look of a captain, to boot.
The group inside of the main chambers is comprised of 3 people in total, 2 of which are constantly looking at various steam gauges as well as other things you're not too sure of at a glance. The captain himself is seated above them, in a red ivory chair that looks out among the clouds.
As you come in and ask the question, he turn to you, with a bald head and short white beard, complete with a concord pipe. "Oh, a brash one. Boy, it's impolite to interrupt a man when he's keeping tabs on something that keeps you alive, don't you think? The barrier only goes 100 feet up, which is 40 feet higher than the look-out. If'n I were you, I wouldn't be flying around. You take just 1 step out of that bubble and we ain't gonna turn around when the squall takes ye' you hear?" he says in a somewhat joking manner.
"The name is captain Maddock. Who are you?"
The soft breeze of the upper floor is cut somewhat thin as Oswald, the man prior that Rova got into a scrap with, makes his presence known. He came out of the exit just as Aviz flew on down, but Aviz didn't really even seem to notice. His short, barely visible hair does nothing with the wind passing by as he walks up, and he cracks his knuckles and pops his kneck as he walks up to the lot of you. [b]"Ah! If it isn't the friends of the rather belligerent half-orc fellow. Congratulations on getting picked to go on down to Ostenso and pick up that worthless fool Arcturus. Saves me the trouble of doin it by me'self." he says as he walks by, somewhat proud of himself. Turning around on his heel he can't help but laugh. "If those people hadn't stopped him he would have killed me, you know!"
Aviz shrugs of the claim of impoliteness. "Thanks captain. Aviz, new blood." He looks around at all of the gauges uncomprehending. "And here I thought it was all magic."
The soft breeze of the upper floor is cut somewhat thin as Oswald, the man prior that Rova got into a scrap with, makes his presence known. He came out of the exit just as Aviz flew on down, but Aviz didn't really even seem to notice. His short, barely visible hair does nothing with the wind passing by as he walks up, and he cracks his knuckles and pops his kneck as he walks up to the lot of you. "Ah! If it isn't the friends of the rather belligerent half-orc fellow. Congratulations on getting picked to go on down to Ostenso and pick up that worthless fool Arcturus. Saves me the trouble of doin it by me'self." he says as he walks by, somewhat proud of himself. Turning around on his heel he can't help but laugh. "If those people hadn't stopped him he would have killed me, you know!"
The captain chuckles a bit, and then proceeds to start coughing rather violently to the concern of the other 2 people in the room. He throws up a hand to calm them down, however, and then laughs a bit, despite seeming rather ill. "I wouldn't have allowed that... Mind you, it primarily is, but nothing beats the hum of an alchemical engine." he says with a low, hm hm hm of a giggle. "Ain't nothin' wrong with magic, mind you... I just like the feel of control." he says as he steers the ship slightly left wtih a small handle on the side of his chair.
Oswald doesn't seem that interested in anything beyond giving you guys a quick quip, as noted by the fact that as soon as he finishes saying it, he starts to walk off, although you're certain he looked in a direction before walking away.
Turning around the handful of you can make out a woman, a rather tall elf dressed in a rather large white fur that attaches it'self to her supple, surprisingly, and impressively tall form. She seemed to be the one Oswald looked at, and while Oswald is walking off she notably raises her voice for the lot of you to come over. "New blood! Over here, come enjoy the wind with me. We've a conversation to have!" she says, waving you over.
Rova quaffs the purple drink. Champing his mouth at the sweetness of the beverage. Orcs never brewed anything that tasted any good. Raising his glass to Cid down the bar Rova stands, deciding that he would have to tell the small elf girl that reading is not all she made it out to be.
Returning to the deck he strides up to his team. "Books tell no stories.." he begins to chastise Illenara. Then he notices the elf who lives at the opposite end of the spectrum taller than him even by 5 inches. "Ho! what manner of elf monster are you? he asks the new comer.
I let my monk show, if for only a moment. I bowed to Oswald, fist in palm.
"You have my apologies for the wanna-be death machine, friend. My name is Rose."
I noticed the elven woman undressing Oswald's skin with her eyes. This was a rivalry I was sure I would soon learn about, but for now they both seemed nice enough. I almost felt indebted to Oswald on behalf of my teammate's inexcusable violence. Keyword being almost. Still, it was in my best interest to remain friends with everyone if at all possible. I waved back to the elven woman and approached her.
"I've always loved the wind in my hair, but I'm willing to bet you've only got it better up there!"
I was hoping she'd take my joke as such, she had to be over a foot taller than me. Here and I thought I was pretty tall for a woman.
"Name's Rose, I was just explaining to you dear friend Oswald over there."
I'm willing to bet the sarcasm in my tone was not difficult to trace when referring to Oswald as her friend. Elves I had known were always quite perceptive, and if I was lucky, she might shed a little light on why it is she would have killed him had her eyes actually been daggers.
Illenara seemed to be off in her own world. It wasn't just for show then - that one is an airhead. Well, that was one less person Jahl'ra had to compete with to be seen as competent. Given Oswald's incident with Rova aboard the ship earlier, that seemed like a common concern.
Come to think of it actually, his behavior was out of place. Something isn't adding up. Leaving the isolating Illenara to her reptile, the catfolk caught up with Oswald. "Your anger seems to have dissipated. Back in my tribe, we are more emotional. Feuds last a long time. You are truly past what happened between you and Rova?"
Watching Oswald walk away Deylar cannot help but wonder if there is something else going on there. If so it was beyond him and his mind quickly shifts as the tall elf demands their attention. Deylar has not know too many elves in his life but even he knows this one is exceptionally tall for her race.
Deylar follows Rose as she heeds the elf's summons, taking the opportunity to address her after Rose finishes speaking.
"Deylar Tiarshuro, at your service, ma'am."
Once up close the tiefling gets a clear look at the elven woman's eyes. He tries to keep his face neutral. Another interesting mixed-blooded member of the guild. This place seems to attract all sorts. Maybe, finally, I have found a place?
Illenara enjoyed Jahl'ra's curiosity, and she was happy to tell him anything she knew.
"Oh Rex is so adorable, isn't he? He's a dinosaur, and a little one at that. They used to be all over the planet, but now they've kinda dwindled down to almost nothing. I guess climate and people will do that to a species. I dunno where they found him either. Back at the university in Kyonin, they just had a bunch of little critters for us to pick up as familiars. They were all so cute, but I knew right off the bat that Rex was the one for me!"
As always, it was hard to keep her attention, and this newcomer was of interest to her.
"Oh hey, you're an elf too! It's great to have more of us around! I'm Illenara, I use magic! Hey, your eyes look funny though. And you have scales! What's up with that? Are you part lizard?"
Rex sighed. "Apparently no one ever thought to teach this girl tact."
When Illenara pointed out the tall elf's scales, Rova's eyes narrowed.
"You're not a snake, are you?" he had already encounter two possible snakes on this journey alone, the snakes were getting tricky, he must remain vigilant.
"Well, it seems we have more that one rare breed here, magistrix." Jahl'ra let Illenara's faux pas cover for his own acuteness. "It seems we have a hint of draconic heritage in this one. Come, let us say hello."
Approaching, Jahl'ra bows his head slightly. The mage was quick to throw her information out there. She will need to be silenced in delicate situations. "We are new blood to the guild. I am known as Jahl'ra. The rough one there is Rova. You are ... rather unique. But then, it seems, so are we all."
Deylar is certainly relieved as the others join the conversation with the tall elven woman, although the force-of-nature that is Rova continues to make the tiefling cringe as he bulls his way through social interactions. Wonder how much of Nethys' healing magics I'll have left for anyone other than Rova....?
He smiles and nods at Jahl'ra' characterization of 'unique'. Quite the understatement based on what he has seen so far.
Giving only a curt bow as an apology to those gathered around him Deylar says a few arcane words and points his finger toward Aviz. Even though the scout is at least a hundred feet away the next whispered words from the priest are easily heard.
Aviz, we are asked to gather, to get more instructions perhaps?"
"Oh good, Dragons are far superior to snakes." Rova says with a note of relief.
He bows before the tall elf. [b]"I am called Rova the Strong." he says with a clumsy orcish flourish. "I come from Belkzan, the murdered child tribe. Though I've always found it to be full of murdering children, than child murderers." he laughs loudly at his own joke.
The woman smiles. It's not much but a single long incisor pokes from the left side of her mouth just barely and she smiles at the comments. "Always refreshing to have new folk in the guild. I've heard a bit about the lot of you, you know? No one told you that people are allowed to study up on other members of the guild? Alexander isn't a fan of privacy, you know." she says, grinning ear to ear.
She first looks to Rose, raising an eyebrow and walking over toward her. "Your sarcasm is well met, in regards to Oswald." She smiles again. "You'd do well to stay far away from that charlatan, if you know what's best for you. Always manages to weasel himself out of trouble, that bastard..." she says with a bit of a cringe.
She actually bows to Deylar, who gave her his full name. Looking about the group she speaks again. "My name is Relveti Silversong. I'm from far up north in the shivering peaks at the base of Xin Shalast, but I don't hail from there." she points out.
Pointing at Rova, her hand turns into a claw with a sharp nail, poking it in his chest. "You, half-orc, need to be far more careful..." she points out.
Oswald makes it a point to just smile at Jahl'ra before walking off down into the lower floors with what appears to be a genuine smile. Nothing he does seems to garner more curiosity, though, but you still happen to be filled with a minor sense of worry, Jahl'ra.
In the midst of all this worry the woman walks up closer to you as well, placing a hand on your shoulder. "Scholarly, I like that. You know your bloodlines, archivist. I'll have you know this spectacle isn't the strangest you'll ever seen in chul'galbrann. Not by a long shot, no." she points out before the bubbly Illenara jumps into the fray.
Walking up to Illenara, she kneels, looking the woman in the eyes. "Oh, you... Kyonin. I've been to Kyonin. An Academy of Wizards and scholars, as well, but you're a different cut than the others it would seem.. Far more... what's the word? Bubbly? Yes." she says as she stands back up.
"A Rag-tag group, by any means. Certainly, the lot of you cover each other's bases, but that's just for all the better. Right... Anyways, I've got my own reasons for hailing you over here after we've been away from the city." she says as she leans against the railing and stairs out towards the sky.
"What do the lot of you hope to get out of living in this city?" she asks, quite curious. "I came here hoping to find... something. I'm not really sure what I was looking for, but I've yet to find it. The time in the guild has hardened me and wisened me to the world and done nothing but help me see the foolishness in the lower lands. So, dear new bloods. What are you hoping for?"
Rova liked this tall elf, she was brave and smart. Then she poked him, with a dragon claw no less. Smiling a stupid false smile, he turned heel and took several steps away from the group, grasping his left hand.
His hand began to change, responding to what he was slowly coming to realize as irrational rage, bones cracked and bestial claws began to sprout forth. "HHRRrrGGhh" he tried to breath and keep his anger in check. His left eye turned from the rare orc black to a yellow slit like the eye of a dire beast. Calmcalmcalmcalmcalm. he thought in a panic. Fortunately after a moment, his anger began to subside, his features returning to normal.
Turning back to the group, now drenched in sweat, he responded to the lady's question. "I hope for glorious battle against powerful enemies." he let out breathlessly.
"I understand the need to feel control when you fly." Aviz hesitates a moment, then steps back and unfurls his wings halfway. "I hear wizards and the like talk about magical flight and how stable it is, I even got to try it once. It's not the same. Feeling the drafts and adjusting to them, paying attention to pockets of hot air."
The captain grins at the prospect, turning it into a wide smile. "Ah, indeed. Nothing quite like it, no, most certainly not. That said, I've got my own duties to attend to, new blood. As much's I've enjoyed the chit chat, you need to not be in here. I've a guest coming shortly and I need his opinion on the upcoming weather." he says, presenting his hand towards the door.
Deylar almost forgets to respond to Relveti's question as he watches Rova's reaction. Not just normal half-orc aggression, this one has true rage. But can he control it? The priest's mind begins to fill with a list of the various spells that can compliment Rova's rage to make him better in battle. Or counteract it if ever it was turned against the group.
Once the warrior is back with them and gives his answer, Deylar turns his attention back to the woman. "Another thing in common: I too hope to find...something." Hoping not to offend, the tiefling matches her inflection as he parrots her words back to her.
"Nethys has filled this land with great and wondrous displays of his touch, from the simplest enchanted weapon to artifacts that can tear the very fabric of reality asunder. This city seems a great place to see many of them. A rare opportunity to touch that kind of power, learn what it has to teach......."
And maybe even gain some for myself along the way.