Zayifid simply stands in silence as Dmitri gives his ultimatum and his massive speech, and turns slowly and politely to Brek as the little ifrit man asks his questions.
"I don't know a lot, truly. I only know that the Carrion King is a terrible and dangerous warlord, and that he's set his sights here, for you daring to kill his subjects. I know that he and his subjects follow Rovagug, rather than Lamashtu like most gnolls do, and they travel to convert other gnoll populations. This is also a frontier town, on the bare edge of the line of Battle Market towns. The nearest town is days away."
Almah isn't there. She sent this Zayifid to meet you while she made other preparations.
As he listened to Dmitri's passionate speech, Apollo swung his legs back and fourth, arms by his side, supporting his body as he sat up, somewhat chilled now that the undignified women had left the area. Sure, it's true. I like killing Gnoll's. I love killing them in fact, but that's because with each Gnoll life I take, I can rest knowing that one more of my kin will rest in peace, knowing their slayer is dead!
Exhaling a considerably deep breath, Apollo continued. He didn't feel the need to justify his actions, but rather air his own thoughts on the matter. To be honest...I don't like killing. I just see that the only possible way I can redeem the honour of my people, is by wiping out Ghartok and his hounds that brutalised them. When I see those overgrown pets, I just kind of let myself go. Sure, I could choose to hate myself with each life I take.....OR I can embrace the cause and revel in blood, fur and bone, as I club those worthless wretches to death in the name of those I loved.
Forcefully pushing his hands backwards, the man vaulted himself off the table and squared up to Dmitri with a smile on his face.
Evil is a matter of perception. See, you and I are different. If you crossed me, I'd be hesitant in fighting you, but only because I consider you a friend and someone who hasn't yet wronged me. You, I know would find almost any excuse to cut me down and yet, here we are, talking to one another instead of exchanging blows.
Apollo laughed, not nastily, but more for the fact he saw a part of himself in Dmitri.
You honour your Deity and live by a certain code. I honour my people and live by a self-proposed code. Though, I can see your views will conflict most likely at some point with my own. As such, we may find ourselves in disagreement with one another, and for both of our sakes, I hope that doesn't happen.
Clicking his knuckles, Apollo kind of just glared at Dmitri for a moment as he listened to Kori's opinion and watched carefully for any change in Dmitri's expression.
So far, the only Dog's I've put down have been male. If we came across a group of female Gnoll's, I'd still not hesitate in killing them. This may go against your God, but I need to set an example. Ghartok's tribe didn't have any hang ups with who they killed. Men and women of all ages, children, newly born children...they all left this world whether armed or not, andddddd as destructive as my path is, I won't be happy until the Carrion King and all of his relations are absent of life.
Still said the man as Dmitri turned away from him, Kori has a point.
We lead by example. The Monastery was a little bigger than you seem to remember, but moving the residents is time consuming and would likely draw unnecessary dangers. I did kind of like the idea of turning this place into a huge trap filled maze, but that would require a lot of work, and on a limited timescale, perhaps you're all right.
Speaking up, Apollo made an announcement to all in attendance.
As Kori says! We are all champions and conqueror's. We cleared out the Monastery. We killed creatures not of this plane, and our biggest achievement was rebuilding Kelmerane as our own!
Looking around the room he said excitedly; We grow in numbers every day. Our economy thrives and our residents love us!
Quickly glancing at Zayifid, Apollo explained; I have my lead to Ghartok and now I need to prepare myself for my ultimate showdown with the King of all dogs himself. There's no beating around the bush anymore. Ghartok's going down, and I'm ready to bring joy to my people and the residents of this town one more time.
Turning himself, he then made his way to the door, speaking one last time before he made his way out.
I hope you're all ready for adventure, because these filthy, diseased fleabags aren't gonna know what hit'em!
The man was clearly pumped up, and left The Enchantress to grab his weapon back at the Battle Market, before heading to the bar once more, this time for some blood orange juice as he waited for the word to leave.
I've been waiting a long time for this chance, and now that it's finally here, am I ready?
Taking a swig of his blooded juice, Apollo looked at himself in the bar mirror.
Guess I'll find out in due time.
Brek frowns at Zayfid's words.
"This may change things somewhat. We're going to need more information if we're going to be storming the Gnoll's king fortress. Have your vision given you any other sign? Any hint that they have given could be a great help to our quest."
Brek continues asking.
Seeing what Brek is trying to do, Dmitri follows suit and attempts to get the man in his good graces as Apollo storms out of the room. Walking up to him, he looks up to the man, something he's not particularly proud of. He does a number of things, as a few things peak his curiosity. This man is too convenient... and the last time a man was too convenient, he brought a group of gnolls to kill every person in the monastery... and he smelled. Truly a dog, to say the least.
Dmitri's gaze falls on the sun spread across his head. It didn't seem as if it were the usual symbol of Sarenrae, but he wasn't particularly... invested... in them. He inquires further into it as he tries to recall anything that may have to do with it. "Pardon the riff raff, it can get quite rowdy when it's allegiance and beliefs and self worth is called into question. Merely ignore it. We've more important matters to discuss... Such as the gnolls themselves. I am not a fool like the man that left, and I am not so easy to trust a random barbarian such as yourself. The sun atop your head is... curious. I doubt it is merely for aesthetics." he said as he sort of traced its shape in the air.
"The last time we trusted a man, he was far less clean than yourself, and he routed the camp we'd made in the Monastery despite my threats. I was happy when he was cut down... You? We've only just learned your name, and while we will inevitably kill this gnoll leader, I would know why a man such as yourself is so interested in this little hunting party..."
He tilts his head back a bit as the thoughts of the sun atop his head swim around his mind. A callous whisper fills his ear, forcing him to raise a brow in surprise. Dmitri hadn't heard his deity speak to him since his wedding night, and he somewhat took the hint, though he wasn't sure if he'd just been hearing things.
"While I do not trust you, Zayifid, our goals are inevitably the same. I say this with a smile, and with plenty of secrets, but I can see the big picture." he said as the sound of Abyssal caressed from his lips as he chanted under his breathe.
"I had the pleasure of coming to words with a paladin of Sarenrae over the year. He disapproved of my den of Debauchery, and claimed that I was an evil cretin. Right as he was, I've done nothing wrongs, and in the annals of this kingdoms history I will be jotted down as it's savior. I Possess the ability, much like them, to see into the hearts of man and beast alike, and I have no qualms forcing you to bear it upon your wrist." he said, somewhat proud of his abilities.
"If you are of good heart, I will not worry about you. I was foolish enough to never question Dashki's alignment with the forces, and he betrayed us. This is me taking care that that doesn't happen again, and I frankly don't care if you're going to forgive me for invading your privacy of soul."
"If we are to work together, I would let you know me as friend, but should you betray us, I will see your head roll." he said with a smile and a chuckle, but all too reassuring.
At Brek, the immense Zayifid simply shakes his head. "I'm sorry, I don't have any more knowledge. Visions, so I'm told, are often quite vague."
Dmitri, examining the sun atop his head, as well as his general iconography in clothing and symbolism, notices that they're somewhat...off. His experiences with the many clerics of Sarenrae that have come and gone and stayed through his town have informed him of what Sarenraen icons SHOULD look like, and these are...almost there.
His spell-like ability also doesn't reveal the man to be Good.
"You wonder why I came to you with my vision? It is because I am concerned about the spread of this warlord and the devastation that he may cause."
"You may divine my morality if you can, but know that regardless of my beliefs and desires, it is difficult to erase sin when the Heavens are watching." the large man smiles down at Dmitri. "I'm sure you know that."
Dmitri smirks wide, absolutely giddy with the fact that this man isn't good... That means he can't be trusted, which is frankly just fine by him.
Throwing his hair back a bit, Dmitri smiles a bit wide. If diplomacy wouldn't work, he had other options. "Please don't leave, I need to go retrieve something important." he said with a bit of a grin. As he walks away back to his room to retrieve Tempest, he dwelt on it aloud. "You're attire isn't of the normal member of Sarenrae. It's got a... peculiar feel to it. Usually they like their flowing robes and whatnot. Quite divine, ironically. Whoever designed the silky attire made it a point to show off a lady's finer points, but the men dress... how would I put it. Gaudy? Regardless, it's nothing major."
Dmitri could feel something wrong about this. As per usual, the events didn't make much sense and it bothered him almost as much as that strange Huecava 1 year ago. At that time a Daemon they'd not been informed about made it a point to be pulling the strings. Dmitri most definitely didn't enjoy being on puppet strings, or being ill-informed, and this time a woman wasn't in charge so he could ask questions... or, he could give orders.
He walked into his room and grabbed Tempest, before turning about. This thing always did have a knack for being useful, and he figured it would help with his impending intimidation. That's the great things about strangers. This man was in his home and there was no one that disliked him around, so he could do as he pleased...
Je'grik joins them not long after, departing from the room the ladies had practically dragged him too, that looking more... relaxed, perhaps. He stays a fet paces away, deciding to just listen for now and get filled in on what he missed out on during the earlier conversation.
The old man's eyes dart to Dmitri's scythe as he retrieves it and returns to the common room of his whorehouse. He smiles. "You would do well not to threaten or attack me, boy. You never know what you might find about an old man." His hand travels to a scimitar that rests on his hip.
Dmitri's scimitar thrums in his hand as soon as the man's hand touches the hilt of his weapon.
Returning to the room with his scythe Dmitri looks at the weapon and feels of it, rather surprised. Walking back in and seeing the man with his hand on his weapon, he smiles wide. "Oh come on, I have a few measly suspicions and you decide to put your hand on a weapon?" he says as the humming within the weapon gets a bit louder in his mind.
He tosses the weapon on his shoulder, mildly disappointed. I don't tend to make threats of those I respect or confirm as being the righteous type, but you, my friend, to the powers that be, are not that sort... he says with a bit of a low-tone laugh. That scimitar on his hip doesn't look like much, but, Dmitri wasn't about to make a stir in his own home if he actually was telling the truth.
Placing the scythe's head on the floor and balancing it playfully, Dmitri made a simple request. "Zayifid, Zayifid, Zayifid..." he said over and over before pulling his hair back entirely, and draping it behind the horn that had grown around his head as a result of his new eye. "This is a Lilithaian Mark of Evil." he said as it seethed with unholy energy, with a deep red burning in his iris, glaring at the man.
"You are in my house, my den of debauchery and lust, ad you rub me in every wrong way imaginable, which just isn't good manners. You are not a man of good heart, and if I've learned anything about those, it's that they're unpredictable, and should they consort with us? Usually violent and foolish..." he said, presenting the scythe to him.
"I unfortunately have a reputation to uphold, and if we're being completely honest, your blood might be difficult to get out of the wood floor... and we've enough red in here... I cannot discern your intentions, and I do hate the secretive type. Well will march onward to the pale mountain, and I will kill Ghartok, but we've no need of assistance from you. We've no need of your visions. We were going to march there without your warnings, and I frankly can't stand your presence."
"My blade, Tempest, as it is called, hums in my hand at your presence. It hasn't done so since I slew that fool, Kardswann a year ago. That bothers me."
He points the weapon, upside down and underhanded with the sickle end a foot from his chin.
Zayifid's face breaks into a wide, wicked smile, his lips splitting from ear to ear with pleasure. "That's all I needed to hear..." he says, before he vanishes from sight completely. "Heed my warning. I do not jest about Ghartok coming to kill you all."
After that, nothing more can be seen or heard of the mysterious old man.
Brek could have done a about face but knowing Dmtri's disposition, there wasn't anything else he could do to disuade the man. Zayifid's reaction though was more than mysterious.
This man had come to bring warning but wasn't who he said he was? He also seemed to have some really hiden skills like that teleportation.
using the scant knowledge he had at hand, Brek attempts to figure out what that man had done.
Going over to the Gnoll Chief was really part of their aims. He suspected that both Apollo and Dmtri just wanted to kill more gnolls and claim bragging rights.
Brek, it looks like the man just cast invisibility - nothing staggering or terribly impressive like a teleport or dimension door spell. Then it seems like he probably just walked away.
A simple Invisibilty? Maybe I should check him out. A curious Brek excuses himself to leave the The Enchantress.
Brek attempts to trace where the man could have gone, paying close attention to where the man would have to weave his way through the crowd and satin curtains in this place.
A fiery glow outlines his eyes as he mutters about flames burning out his eyes and giving him a burning sight. Using his magical ability to see if if he could detect the traces of magic on that mysterious man.
Sitting at the bar, Apollo raises a hand as the barman passes.
A bowl of cashew nuts, please!
With that, the bartender came over and handed the man some nuts to help pass time while Apollo waited for the rest of the party to ready themselves for their departure.
Leaning over and picking up a handful of nuts at a time, the man threw them back into his mouth, thinking about what was to come.
If I fight alone, there's a good chance I won't be walking away from this. If I fight with Nom, there's a good chance we both won't be walking away from this. Still, I have to avenge all those I knew and cared for, and Nom deserves his chance to get back at the leader of Gnoll's who killed his parent. There's a lot in store for me today, that's for sure.
Kori just watches the exchange with Dmitri and the prophet with confusion, and after all is said and done, with a puzzled look on her face she asks "So.... is there still a dog-man chief to kill or not? If there is, are we still going? I'm ready when you are."
Dmitri stood there as the man disappeared, baffled, and worse, bothered. He didn't like that wicked grin, and he didn't like how the man had suddenly changed entirely. Holding his scythe Dmitri gave a quick, playful slash where the man had been before hoisting the weapon on his shoulder once more with an unamused face before looking to Brek. "He will be gone by the time you find a trace, Brek." he said as he turned around.
Slowly walking back to his room with his scythe equipped. "His ilk is not the type to fight with such a numerical disadvantage. He is most definitely gone, but we should be wary." he said.
Hearing Kori ask her question he stopped and looked at her to answer her question. "We are, Kori. We should leave tomorrow morning, or, we could prepare and leave today, but camp somewhere. Our fight left me with less unholy strength than I'd like to have, honestly... I'll retrieve my shield for this venture as well." He said with a shrug, rather upset that he was going to actually need it.
"Tomorrow, we spill blood. No small amount of it, either. I must admit I'm actually rather excited." he said with a laugh. "So what will it be? Today and camp, or tomorrow morning?"
"We can leave in the morning. That way I can rest a little too. I am still injured from our fight." With that resolved she leaves the business, having already put up with the very idea of it longer than she would have liked.
Nodding, Je'grik leaves the business and heads back to the temple to pray and practice with his blades for tomorrow. He already knew his teeth were up to snuff, but he wanted to shake off any rust to his skills from a year of little fighting.
Brek gives up searching for the man as a lost cause. Heading back out he wonders if he should go out and purchse more rations and water.
Wondering if he should ask around for more information on the Pale Mountains. Brek decides it couldn't hurt to try to sniff out some information on those mountains.
Practicing alone in the wide and empty monastery, the tiefling warrior swings his new magical scimitar around in an attempt to shake off the rust from his tired joints. It had been a year since he had a proper fight, and the battle with the gnolls, earlier that day, had barely warmed him up, even though he had been injured and had killed multiple gnolls.
While he is practicing, Albor approaches through the pews. A large and dark-skinned man, Albor retains a physically intimidating presence despite his advanced age and calm demeanor. He is also a very respectable person, keeping the faith with the people of Kelmerane and dispensing much wisdom whenever it is requested. He speaks as he draws nearer, "So, you are to go on a long journey, are you? Perhaps it is for the best, despite my sadness in seeing you go. Perhaps I can offer you some protection and guidance." He holds out a small strand of beads, each glowing with an inner fire. "Please, take this. It should serve you better than it does me."
Brek is looking for the following answers;
The scaled Tiefling sheaths his blade and bows slightly to the aged man, a rare gesture for anyone indeed.
"Thank you, ssir. I know these are treasures of the church, and to give them to a demon kin like myself.. I am honored to have proven myself worthy, Albor. I will use them as wisely as I can." He takes the beads carefully and places them around his neck.
Brek travels around the town, searching for hour, asking mapmakers, trackers, travelers, locals, and mystics to get information on the Pale Mountain, and he comes up with the following tidbits:
The Pale Mountain basically has the same climate as the rest of Katapesh, hot and arid, although it grows colder much quickly during the night, depending on how high up in the mountains you are. There are no permanent human settlements on the Pale Mountain, primarily because it is infested with monsters. It is known that hundreds of gnolls, over a dozen different packs, make their home in the Pale Mountain and the surrounding area, and it is for that reason that nobody but the occasional foolhardy Pathfinder makes their way in there to try and map or even explore it. The surrounding terrain is low foothills, ascending into the massive mountain itself. The ground is dry, although it supports fairly frequent shrubbery and even the occasional tree. Game is indeed plentiful, although not exactly the kind of game you might want - rocs and bulettes and other such large, dangerous magical beasts are common in the area.
Nothing has been heard of the Pale Mountain for a long time that wasn't more of the same - gnolls being gnolls, basically. It's expected that the gnolls are the most prevalent intelligent force in the region.
To Je'Grik, Albor simply nods, "One's heritage does not a person make. You have shown yourself devout and dedicated to the faith, and I know that your role in the coming conflict will keep Kelmerane safe."
The trip to the Pale Mountain begins the very next day, with a purchasing a bunch of trail rations and an outfitting of the armor and the weapons and the everything else. The desert beckons at them, and the Pale Mountain looms in the background. The trek through the desert is slow and hot, and filled with complaints and sand in the shoes and sunburns (especially for Dmitri, whose black plate armor is a scaldingly hot layer all around him.
To make long things short, after about five days, the sands of the desert make way for the rough ground of plateaus, sparse shrubbery, and the increasingly large Pale Mountain ahead. Camping out in the open becomes much less common as camping underneath cliff faces and inside caves become easier.
One day, getting very close to the Mountain, the group sees something very odd. A pale, thin man wearing robes floats in the air about fifty feet up. He's got a piece of paper in his hand and a quill in the other, and he's frantically trying to keep the paper still in the whipping wind, writing something on the paper. He's so focused on his work that he doesn't notice that just a few moments of flight away are a mated pair of giant eagles. The pair look to be hunting for easy prey - a humanoid, already in their favored territory (the air) and not paying attention.
Aeris was desperate to prove himself to be a Pathfinder. After years of being an initiate, he journeyed to the Pale Mountain to be the first to map it. After arriving a few days prior, he began mapping out the terrain. His typical day consisted of predicting the weather then floating into the air and attempting to map the mountain from an aerial view. He would spend his nights with Boreas in the extra-dimensional space created from rope trick to avoid the nasty monsters that lived in the area.
Aeris is about 6'1" and 115 lbs which is fairly tall and light for a Sylph. He has blue markings all across his skin and flowing white hair. Clearly visible on his forehead is a third eye, it is usually kept closed as it tends to unsettle most people. A being made of a mix between living air and flesh accompanies him.
Aeris hears the caw and flapping wings of the creatures much too close for comfort. Looking up from his work, he spots the eagles approaching. Something about the thought of being eaten by eagles stirs a reaction within him and his eyes widen in surprise, all three of them. He readies himself mentally for what could be described as an ambush. As quickly as Sylphly possible, he calculates what he can do. He seems to begin gesturing and speaking in Auran in an attempt to cast a spell and descends 20 ft in the air.
Kori looks at the floating man quizzically, not for the floating as her people are known to levitate, but for the notion that it may not be real. "I know the desert will trick the eyes, it happened on my trip a few times, but do you guys see that man or is it just desert tri... oh. He vanished, so it is desert tricks." She draws her bow, which she had become more used to having out when she was alone. It is nice to be able to shoot something before it knows you're there, mainly when trying to find game to feed yourself. It's not easy to run up on a hare or lizard and punch it to death before it outruns you, especially since she never recovered from the dream injury to her leg.
She nocks an arrow, and looks around once more to ensure the man was a vision, before deciding that one of the eagles would make for a good meal over the rations they've brought.
:Nice shooting Kori." Brek compliments her even as he's sure he's seen another elemental touched like himself.
"I think I did see someone there."
Perhaps it might be best to call out to the floating man instead.
"Hey man up in the air? Look Out!!" Brek proceeds to shout out at the man.
Walking along with his scythe on his back, Dmitri can't help but notice the animals as well, but before even that he couldn't help but notice the strange invisible man as well. Just as he's about to comment on it, the arrow that Kori shoots is maddeningly on-target. The arrow flies and clips one of the beasts rather perfectly, if he had to say!
"Constriction, vicious punches, more than 1 weapon used at a time, and now you're an archer." Dmitri says rather proudly before a sigh. "Impressive feat, Kori, but I believe the other won't be as happy, though we've certainly gained their attention!" he says as he runs as far as he can with his Scythe unsheathed.
He tightens the weapon in his hands, before shouting gibberish at the creatures. While he didn't make it a point to enjoy the company of animals, he did figure that a target away from a group was always a welcome source.
As he braces, he looks about at the others. "And no, not all of you are seeing things." he said with the grip. "I saw it too... Brek! Would you know anything about these?"
Aeris notes the approaching giant eagles and begins to hurriedly roll up his half-completed scroll and stuff it into a case so that he can cast a spell, with the hunting eagles drawing ever closer. He finally puts the scroll on its holster at his belt, but the eagles are nearly upon him. In that moment, two things happen - Aeris casts invisibility (which Brek recognizes as such) and Kori shoots one of the eagles down from below. Her arrow pierces the thing right in the heart, and with a shrill cry it begins to fall.
The sudden vanishing of its target and the sudden death of its mate confuses the other one immensely, and it wheels around Aeris, its wings outstretched, and begins to flap away to safety.
Aeris floats down to hover about 10 feet above the ground, remaining invisible as he descends. Thank you for your assistance, you may call me Aeris. Who might you be? He looks with suspicion as there are quite a few people in the mountain. Aeris' eyes fixate on the drow as he thinks That Drow female is very...dangerous. But what about the others? Boreas circles overhead waiting for Aeris to reappear. I am curious, what you might be doing at the mountain? I do not see many people around here. His eyes scan the group as he speaks. This is an interesting bunch, no ordinary townspeople. All of them seem far too interesting to be commoners. And the gear they carry is not that of a commoner either. This is an interesting bunch indeed. Aeris sits cross legged as he continues to float 10 feet in the air. He speaks to a Boreas in a way only they can understand. Boreas flies down as Aeris reappears and floats beside him. This is my friend Boreas, he does not speak Common so I am afraid it would be difficult for you to speak to him. Boreas tilts what seems to be his head as he recognizes his name and flutters in response to the feelings of nervousness but also curiosity coming from Aeris' end of their empathic link. A Drow, an Ifrit, a Tiefling, and two Humans. What could bring together such indiviuals?
Kori whirls at the voice, spinning this way and that looking for the speaker. She doesn't say anything, hoping that he will keep talking to allow her to pinpoint him. Instead he appears and presents himself, but instead of her most likely reaction, she lowers her weapon arm. "I didn't save you, I'm catching dinner. We got the numbers, you answer the questions. ....." She pauses a bit, looking side to side, thinking hard before asking, "Oh! Yeah! What are YOU doing here?"
Putting away his scythe, Dmitri tilts his head in unsurprise as the eagle flees. "Well, I don't blame him, given the odds." he says as he walks towards the strange new individual. [i]White skin, blue marks, and platinum hair... a Sylph. Is everyone out here flirting with the planes?"[i] he muses. He somewhat laughs at the thought. The elementally touched had their benefits, of course.
Dmitri doesn't know anything about this new person he's just met, and as such, doesn't waste much time discerning a new possible threat. As he walks towards the man he whispers underneath his breathe and his eye glows with a dark fire as he peers into the goodness that the man may possess.
When he doesn't find any semblance, he raises a brow. The last man that didn't register as good disappeared with an evil cackle, and the sins of the few reflected upon the sins of the many. The last man also turned invisible before he fled...
"Sylph, you've exactly 10 seconds to tell me where you've been in the last week." he says abruptly, presenting the scythe towards him.
"No hard feelings of course, It's just the last man that controlled his visibility left me in a very foul mood."
Aeris tilts his head at the reactions of both the Drow and one of the Humans before responding.
Aeris glances down at the scythe a good distance below him and begins to speak. I have been here, mapping out the Pale Mountain for the past week or so. And while I understand that there are those who wield magic and use it for malicious intent, I am not one of them. This is also the first time I have seen any of you so I couldn't be the one you met before, assuming that is why you asked. Aeris then turns his head to look at the Drow woman At least she is not going to kill me right now he thinks as she lowers her weapon. I am a Pathfinder Initiate trying to prove himself a full-fledged Pathfinder. I thought I might be able to do that by successfully mapping the Pale Mountain. It is more dangerous than I previously anticipated though. He looks back at the entire group again to address them as a whole. I have answered some of your questions, would you folks be kind enough to at least tell me what I may call you?
Listening to him, he smiles and shrugs. "Sounds truthful enough to me. You're also not holding that Scimitar..." he says as he looks down at the blade of his scythe. Gripping it tightly, he looks back up. "We've come from Kelmerane. We intend to kill Ghartok, the ruler of the Pale Mountain's Gnolls." he says.
Taking a proper bow with scythe in hand, putting on his more appealing airs, Dmitri smiles. "My name is Dmitri Mavis. I am a devout of Lilith, the Fallen Angel. I own a boudoir in Kelmerane which doubles as a temple and church." he says, putting as much silver on his tongue as physically possible.
He stops for a moment, watching the others come up behind him as he'd ran so far ahead to prepare to cleave the other eagle down. "Mapping the mountain, you say...?" he asks, getting a rather good idea.
Sitting at the bar, the excitement soon turns to boredom as it becomes apparent that nobody else would show up.
Sighing, the man got up and made his way back home for a night shared with just he and Nom, for Almah was up to other business and had a lot of book-keeping to do. That and several meetings with Garavel and the town guard needed to be attended. It was pretty much standard practice.
The next morning, Apollo got up and prepared Nom for the trip ahead, but with none of the others about, the man asked guards and townfolk in passing, which direction it was to the pale mountain, at which point he made his way out alone.
It seemed Brek, Dmitri, Kori and Je'Grik had left without him, which didn't come as a surprise to him, following the conversation he had the previous day with Dmitri.
What if you're not the one to kill Ghartok? Well, if I'm not the one to do it, I'm not going to give anyone else the satisfaction. Ahhhh, Dmitri. No doubt leaving without me to take my glory away from me. We were once friends or at least civilised to one another, but I guess I shouldn't expect any less from one who worships an evil god.
Turning to Nom, Apollo just nodded in the direction they were headed, to which the 7 foot tall T-Rex stopped trying to bite low flying birds and picked up the pace a little.
In this desert there was no point trying to track others, for the wind on this morning was strong enough to cover all traces of movement. Instead, Apollo just kept walking in the direction he was guided, in hope that he'd reach Ghartok before the others. Still, he wasn't familiar with the area and didn't really know what to expect.
As time passed, the man found shelter in caves and under the faces of cliffs at night, while during the day he looked for any food or water he could take.
Several days into his journey, he made his way across one god forsaken sand plain, holding his hand in front of his face to prevent any sand from entering his eyes or mouth, as the rags he'd wrapped around his head desperately tried to blow away as the wind seemed to get stronger and stronger by the second.
By this point he'd already covered Nom's face and was guiding the overgrown lizard by a small leash.
Now what the hell is that? he thought to himself as he saw a man hovering above.
Moving a little closer he could see several Eagle's surrounding the airbourne man, though they soon fled after an arrow went straight through one of them.
Glancing back at the ground for a moment or so, in the distance several figures were present. All of which he knew.
Kori...so you've now taken to archery? I guess that's better than trying to grapple a flying opponent, haha!
As the man made his way to the group, he could see Dmitri chatting with the new guy a little further back, shortly after the unknown man had descended from the sky.
Well guys? he said as he approached the group.
Thought you'd leave me behind on this one? The man sighed and lowered the rags around his face.
I've been searching for this damn Pale Mountain for days now and seeing as I've only just caught up with you lot, I guess you were given better directions.
Glaring at Dmitri, a little aggrevated by the whole situation, Apollo shook his head as he looked to those closest to him.
Next time, let me know before you go anywhere! We've all got a past together and for good or bad, it's nice to feel included ya know?
In response to Dmtri's question, Brek replies calmly.
"Invisibility Spell."
Seeing that the newcomer wasn't about to relinquish his spell, Brek stands where he is and speaks to the air literally.
"Well met Aeris and Boreas. I am Brek and like what Dmtri said we're also about Pale Mountains to off the Gnoll King. You seem proficient in the arcane arts but alone in this place without anybody else with you is a dangerous attempt. I don't suppose you'll be casting the spell of Invisibility every single time?" Pausing a moment.
"Map making? From Kelmerane, I've haven't found much maps to mark the Pale Mountains and since you're a map maker of this place, would you like to sell us copies of your maps that you have mae so far?" Brek continues.
"Better." Dmitri said openly. "There's no sense in going straight to Ghartok, wouldn't you think?" he asks Brek as he sees Apollo in the distance out of the corner of his eye. "Aeris? Was it? Ghartok will likely not go after Kelmerane while he knows we're at his doorstep... no, I feel he's the type to revel in his lordly might." he says, imagining himself at that peak of power.
"I've a suggestion for you, Sylph. Traversing this area alone is deadly and stupid. Simple as that. Our group would be willing to have you tag with us for this little endeavor and you can map as much as you want." he says as he plants the scythe in the soft earth/sand. "You can map the fancier nooks while we raid the place. Hell, if you want you can even take your share. That said, we'd request to make use of your maps." he says, presenting a hand.
"Speaking of which. Have you seen any Gnolls? Our friend there in the distance-" pointing to Apollo "Is probably suffering convulsions from his lack of killing them lately." he says with a smile.
As Apollo arrives and makes it a point to complain, Dmitri rolls his eyes openly. "You're Tardiness is what you get for breaking off. Though it has been some time... I believe the last time you did something so foolish stirges nearly drank you up, didn't they? Honestly, do you ever learn? You're inability to see the big picture will be the death of you yet."
As Dmitri's arrogance and lack of compassion comes through, Apollo does what anyone else would probably do in his situation.
He reacts.
Really? It's me you have the issue with? I was ready to leave the day we met in your w****house and waited for several hours at the bar and yet, nobody showed. It's your inability to inform others that's the issue here Dmitri. If travelling alone is deemed foolish by you, perhaps you should have used that brain of yours to let me know we were leaving in the first place, so I wouldn't have had to travel alone!
His words are undoubtedly aggressive, but it seems his anger is directed at Dmitri over anyone else.
Me, foolish? Whenever have you cared about my presence? I'm here to kill Ghartok and whether I have to do that alone or not, Dmitri's beginning to annoy me. Maybe, just maybe I'll kill some Gnoll women in front of him. See how he likes it then. He doesn't want harm to come to women and I want Ghartok to myself. Seems like a good deal to me, leaving the women alone for Ghartok. All depends on how antagonising he wants to be...
Kori looks to Dmitri, following his lead of being more hospitable, as it is something she has a hard time gauging when to do. "You may call me Kori. No more, no less, no matter what some fool others call me with their fat human tongue." She sneers at Dmitri, his habit of her full name being one she could never get him to drop. "You are stupid to think you could handle this place alone. I thought you spell users were supposed to be smarter than that?"
As Apollo approaches in a huff Kori looks at him confused, "I thought you left before us, or decided not to come. We all were able to meet up and leave together the next morning. I didn't know you didn't know we left. You should pay more attention. No one had to fetch me, Dmitri, Fire-top, or Snake-eyes." Kori considers everything said that needs to be, and goes off after her kill, knowing that at the very least she will eat well tonight.
Je'grik stays near the back of the group, hand on the hilt of his blade in case the pale blue man decides to try anything. He smiles a bit at the thought of such a foolish decision. Kori and Dmitri and Apollo could match him when it came to strength, and Brek was a fine spellcaster in his own right. Unless this man proved to be an Archmage or high priest, it would be a slaughter.
"I enjoyed the company of Dmitri's ladies, Apollo, and I still managed to be with this ragtag group whe. It left." He adds, voice low. "You owe them gold by the way, Dmitri." He adds with a toothy grin.
Brek grins.
"Not even a day since we left and already they're at it once more." he chuckles.
"In case you're wondering Aeries, No it's pretty normal with us here. I've found it's unhealthy to get in between the two of them and no sometimes it's better not to ask." Shaking his head as he address the surrounding air.
"It might be best to drop that spell so I don't come across as delusional talking to empty air." adding the last as an afterthought.
Boreas flies down as Aeris reappears and floats beside him. This is my friend Boreas, he does not speak Common so I am afraid it would be difficult for you to speak to him.
Well I guess you're all mind readers because there wasn't even a designated meeting place. he says, shaking his head in disapproval.
If I'd have left before you, I'd either be dead or in battle with those stupid mutt's, which brings fourth my next concern... WHERE THE HELL ARE THE DAMNED GNOLL'S? I'VE SEEN NONE FOR MY ENTIRE TIME TRAVELLING!
Everyone can see Apollo has his bow in his hand and not his hammer for once. It looks like he's been cautious for the past few days.
Brek Chuckles.
"They heard you were outside of Kelmerane and maybe decided that they were outnumbered." Saying it with a straight face.
Greetings Dmitri, Kori, Brek, and...friends. I indeed have seen a fair number of Gnolls nearby. I was trying to map the area when I was chased away. My maps wouldn't help you find them, but I can. Aeris says as he lands. He feels less comfortable on the ground than in the air, but he needs to show the group a little faith so that they might return the favor. It seems the two humans don't get along too well, hmph. A shame. Maybe the Ifrit and I will get along better. The Drow woman scares me too much for me to get close. Aeris glances around the group and returns his gaze to Dmitri, I would like to take you up on your offer Dmitri. I can show you where the Gnolls are and in return I would like to travel with you. What say you? Boreas feels a large amount of tension coming from their link, as well as a fair bit of excitement.
"What can you do of worth, Eagle-bait? You look scrawny and frail, and I don't want to have to save you from the first time one of the dog-men hits you too hard." Kori looks like she doesn't have much faith in him bringing anything to the group that she would consider useful.
Dmitri shrugs, completely ignoring Apollo's accusations and lamentations. "I'd say we have an agreement, then. How far away are they?" he asks, walking forward and sheathing his scythe as a show of good faith. "And more importantly how many?" he asks with a raised brow.
Turning to look at Kori, Aeris responds I may not be great in a fistfight, but I can assist in problems that don't involve direct violence. And if it comes to violence I can definitely sling spells from the air. In addition I am more than capable of increasing your fighting ability. If all goes well they won't even hit me. He then turns back to Dmitri and Aeris' face takes on a worried expression as he continues They are not too far away, however their numbers are fairly staggering. I didn't get to stay long enough to count, but it is definitely somewhere between 60 and 150. Is the plan to meet head on?
