Mang Fu Ha Saan hears, but hardly pays attention to the insolent Elf girl as he continues through his breakfast. When the strange happenings with the Elf boy occur he makes sure to keep a watchful eye on things.
Unk reacts to the boys hellish voice by putting his hand to his bag, with his lips pulled back in a snarl. Wait I can't take out my Goodbye Stick or my Hunga-Mungas. So instead he puts his claws out in front of him ready to attack if needed.
Milos raises an eyebrow, but otherwise remains unmoved. Instincts screamed at him not to show weakness.
These others seem a bit nervous. the once elfish boy laughs. Only the one who is already pale doesn't show his concern. But then such was always the way of those chosen to evolve to something "more." The boy turns his head and once more peruses the room. His eyes seem to pause almost momentarily on each of you and then at the head of the room where Jerras stood earlier.
My patience is growing thin and it was already stretched when I had to deal with you weakerlings. Daughter of the Potion what is your desire? You have summoned me with the coin but have not answered the question asked as the summons requires..
By the end of this tirade the voice is almost howling in desire and rage. The glass pitcher and plates are vibrating at the crescendo of the onslaught.
******[will saves please]-- Knowledges may apply or not ********
Jerram holds still, on the point of readiness. He looks to Shadara and raises his brows. A quick flash of his hand in her direction.
Mang Fu Ha Saan stops eating and pays full attention to the boy when he speaks in anger, and though uneasy at the events occurring he shows no outward emotion as warrior culture dictates. When the tirade ends Mang Fu Ha Saan looks to Shadara.
he says with irritation in his voice.
Turning to the boy with a steel gaze. Or by what name do we call you?
Without taking his eyes from Shadara, scathing words dash from his mouth hitting Mang like a whip.. DRUID plsst disgusting. Like the rest of your kind you are only good for toying with when I am bored. YOU may not call me anything nor may you address me directly. I doubt you have anything to say that I would deem intelligent but if you feel you do. then direct your idiocy to the daughter of the potion. If YOU speak to me directly I will kill you just as surely as I killed the tribe you called family. Take yourself from my presence and go do something you might not have the intelligence to screw up...like talking with a tree.
A maid, coming into the room sees the boy and screaming sprints away yelling "Marry. Jerras. Help!!!! Morning room!!!!
So old traveler you do have more parlor tricks than I originally surmised.
Shadara retakes her seat and appears to be completely relaxed.
Wit is it, so far you have not challenged me enough to show any. A fortnight you gave to gather a team, when 2 days was more than enough for me. You have assessed them, I see, so you know the answer. This is my team that I choose to work with. You were once old with no patience, and now young with even less, are you going to use us or not?
While talking she quickly signs to Jerram
Shadara turns to Mang speaking a little slower enunciating each word without raising her voice,
Now is the time to listen to your war chief. Rank has been given, you will obey instruction. Leave this room, return to the common room, and make sure that Mary and Jerras do not disturb us. If they do you will be disciplined.
No words, Go Now.
Shadara states the last four words with every ounce of command she can pull together and points to the door. As her gaze returns to the elf child, she tries to exert an air that the command will be followed without question.
Unk does not understand how the child is speaking with that voice so he steps backward and reaches into his bag and grips something but doesn't pull it out. He mumbles something in his birth language.
Listening to the others talk, he figured out that they knew what was going on.
If you want to be giving me orders you must prove yourself to me, and thus far you have not. He says responding to Shadara's attempt to give him an order.
He then turns back to the boy. And you, you call us weakerlings but you don't even have the stones to appear to us in person!? If you were so powerful what would you have to fear in coming to us directly? You are a weak coward hiding behind puppets!
<15:
You will not move towards him and are scared of this "boy" You do everything in your power to avoid drawing his attention to you.
How doe your post explain your will save roll?
I warned you Druid!! The boy spits out the words like a lash.
Shadara turns to Mang speaking a little slower enunciating each word without raising her voice,
No words, Go Now.
Shadara states the last four words with every ounce of command she can pull together and points to the door. As her gaze returns to the elf child, she tries to exert an air that the command will be followed without question.
You would be insolent to me!!! You are still a whelp in the eyes of Covenant and his witches.
Wit you say you have and then you order the one I will have nothing to do with to pass me when I am in the only entrance? That is your excuse of wit. Maybe you are not worthy of the task I have set for you. Let us test your wit another way. If you pass these 2 tests, we will discuss the task and the payment. As for the coin, you can take it back and we will negotiate again if the time comes for your insolence has voided the payment. the elven boy grabs the air in front of him, producing a coin he flings it with the same contempt the voice shows.Here is your first challenge. Answer me these questions.Ripped from my mother’s womb,Beaten and burned,I become a blood thirsty killer.
What am I?He waits momentarily then moves on. I drive men mad
For love of me,Easily beaten,Never free what am I Again a brief pause then he speaks again your final question if you fail to answer these three you will no longer be of use to me. You should answer with care because those of no use are easily eliminated from the equation. Your riddle--What begins and has no end? What is the ending of all that begins? Upon finishing the third riddle ,
I will be merciful as any ruler of weakerlngs must. You have 1 hour to have the answers to my questions. I shall return at that time. If you pass this the first test, I will present the second test.Consider well or die well,I have no care.
... You are a weak coward hiding behind puppets!
** spoiler omitted **
He turns his back insolently to the room and walks out the door and down the hallway.
The moment he leaves Milos turns to Shadara
"What" he asks calmly "The Mirror was that?"
That.............was the most interesting thing I have seen since leaving my home. I was outside the city watching people and frankly getting bored when I saw something interesting. Long story short I helped someone and they gave me an opportunity that sounded too good to be true. After what I just saw and heard over the last day it is apparent that... actually I am not supposed to say at this time. His demonstration was enough for me to not want to test him too far.
Shadara stops talking for a moment, visibly gains control and composure of herself. She stands slowly and looks over the group visibly hesitating momentarily before addressing the group.
Time is of the essence and it seems that an external source has chosen a spokesperson/ leader for the group. I believe this person to be extremely powerful, and I do not know what brought each of you here today. None of you know me nor have any reason to trust or distrust me. I am asking you to choose to work with me or respectfully leave so that the ones who stay will be able to finish this test and find the next. The time for games and posturing needs to be put on hold for the time being. I will not argue or jocky for position here, chose to stay and help or leave in peace.
Shadara sits back down to hear the answers of the people in the room. She looks over at Jerram and signs:
How doe your post explain your will save roll?
Because <15 is any number less than but not equal to 15. If you wanted 15 included as the range for the save it should have been ≤15, or <16.
Mang Fu Ha Saan is visibly uncomfortable wincing and dazed at the assault on his ear drums. When it ends and the boy leaves he rubs his ears, which have a slight trickle of blood coming out of them, and regains his composure.
A petulant and highly irritable spellcaster of some sort. Not much more powerful than any of us.
He says in response to Milos.
While Mang Fu Ha Saan listens to Shadara speak he sustains a spell of Cure Minor on himself until he feels back to normal.
Earlier in the common room when I told you I saw you in a vision the sight I was granted was that of you and the old man play our your tricks on each other... You are right to believe him to be powerful, having just experienced his spellcasting ability I wouldn't hesitate to attack him in a group. Compared to my master, he poses as much of a threat as a single ant would to a bear... His blustering lies don't worry me, if he attacked my people he would be dead.
The God's have decided our fate is intertwined, so I am not shaken in this hour. You've shown me that you are clever and have a way with words, so if you wish to speak for our group I will stand beside you. Everything I had dealt to you was to test your mettle, to find out if you were strong and capable or if I would need to take upon the the role to lead in battle, and as you say, that test of skill must wait...
The last riddle is about nature itself, the natural order is life, decay then eventually death, and rebirth from the ashes. This cycle is unbreakable and will continue for all eternity, decay begins and can not be reversed, and death will claim all life given time.
Listening to the others talk he gathered that a decision had to be made. So which task are we going to do first, the eggs or the 'tests'? Because I personally would like to do the eggs first. He says this with a tone of concern in his voice.
Shadara turns to Unk
We will be doing both if possible little one, but I believe that the eggs were just a way to get us all together in order for this other person to hire, or eat.
She smiles as says the last two words and winks at Unk.
Anyone else have any ideas on the riddles that were presented.
I am not clear I can discuss this in game.:
Now for the riddles... The blood of the Shaitan runs through my veins granting myself and my kind covenant with the earth, the spiritual home of my people was also among the Dwarves who delve deep amongst the mountains. The first two are simple, a miner digs deep into mountains to get ore that is then smelted and hammered to make steel that can be used in weapons. So the first is Iron Ore. Riddle number two is similar in that it comes from the earth. Men go to great lengths to acquire gold, which is easily hammered into whatever shape you desire, and gold always carries a price.The last riddle is about nature itself, the natural order is life, decay then eventually death, and rebirth from the ashes. This cycle is unbreakable and will continue for all eternity, decay begins and can not be reversed, and death will claim all life given time.
"That suggest Marry was complicit. I would be very disappointed if that were so."
From my own experience, Mary is someone who you could know well and not know at all. What is your name friend, I have been preoccupied and do not remember hearing it.
"Miloș." He looks at Mang Fu Hu Saan and back again "Miloș Blackwolf. I am from the north - though a different north to Mang Fu Hu Saan."
"I have been sent to help stop this ecological apocalypse that is devestating our lands. You?"
Jerram holds up his board, his writing broad and easy to see, And for those I have not met, I am Jerram. He pointedly looks at Unk and Milos.
To the side his hands flash again.
Milos, My name is Shadara, I come from the far south from a quiet tribe outside of the normal trade and travel routes. My reasons for being here seem change with each person I meet.
Turning to the entire room and opening her arms wide:
May our travels together be as the spring, bringing new life and wonder to each other.
As she speaks she brings her hand in front of her interlacing her fingers.
There is more to greeting with my people but now is not the time.
Unk growled And walked over to the eggs and sat in front of them briefly turning to Shadara and giving her the stink eye, and then stared at the eggs, without blinking at all.
Mang Fu Ha Saan looks curiously at the small reptile as he begins acting defensive over the eggs, on returning his attention to the group he speaks.
I am Mang Fu Ha Saan, student to Fennu De Shenshi Quan, the living lightning. This hatchling here is Strong Talon. He says pointing to the bird.
As you sit talking amongst yourself, Seth stands up and quietly leaves the room. Nothing is said no excuses made, and no reasons. He just leaves.
A quarter shadow passes and then without warning, the elvish boy reappears in the room next to the eggs. Have you applied your feeble minds to my simple questions? Or do I need to seek others of stronger will, brain, and brawn? I have been generous, more so than I should be, because you, he points at Shadara showed impressive initiative and possibilities when we first met. I have hoped you would not prove my opinion wrong. He holds up his hand commanding silence for a moment. He looks at Mang with a pitying glance and with a sneer in his voice You were unperceptive last time I granted you audience. I will correct your imbecility of mind. Suddenly the boys shape splits down the enter peeling back from the monstrosity speaking. And to show you I bear you no more ill will than the others. You were the only one who foolishly ignored my demands and make demands yourself. Stupid though it was, it showed strength. So I will not demonstrate what happens to those who displease me.
Turning slightly to wave at Unk, he utters a simple sharp command Cgissi!!!!!! A blast of pure something bursts from his paws and surrounds Unk. You see him age and change as he does. He grows in size, sprouts wings, and become what appears to be a half-dragon. Before your eyes his scales fall from his body, his eyes grow dull, and then he is gone. Where he once stood by the eggs lies a small pile of a dust like substance.
Any questions about my power? Now What are the answers?
Shadara turns a little surprised as the boy appears beside the eggs. She starts to settle back trying to regain the smug composure that she presented the last time the boy was in the room. That calm demeanor melts into wonder and then shock as she watches the boy transform and then Unk age and turn to dust. She stares down at the dust for a moment and then she looks at the creature with a gleam of anger in her eyes.
You should be careful about how you treat those you consider to be beneath you for they will always be watching and waiting. Shadara speaks each word deliberately clear trying to impose meaning on every syllable.
You could have provided a different example of the answer to the last riddle.
Shadara takes the gold coin and tosses it on the ground next to the pile of dust. She then takes a knife off the table and slides it over to the other two.
You answers lie before you and yet as you want wit I will give you a little. You provided the first two answers during our last meeting when you gave the gold back to me with contempt and when you talked of battle and wiping out Mang’s tribe. The last was displayed when you took the poor little Kobold who was really a half dragon as it seems now, and reduced him to dust. If that is not enough wit then so be it. Here are your answers plainly so that you can understand them. Gold, Iron ore for weapons, and decay.
She pauses for a second and then continues, Understand this, if you know anything, know the name Maldetrin, understand that if you decide to make an example of anyone I choose to companion with you will see first-hand why that name is to be respected and feared again.
"Maldetrin... of course I know the name. It was I that corrupted the witches. I still hold sway there as well and have no reason to fear the daughter of Maldetrin or Miatra Spiras Windless as she was born. The last uncontoled Maldetrin I killed personally. It wasn's Miatra. Had she not followed my lead, Daughter mine, you would not be here. It was no accident I lay a test for you at the gates. the creature almost purs in satisfaction at these last few words. you have displayed the wit I gifted you with, child, and answered the riddles right. Are you still wiling to take on the second test or has the "example" weakened your nerves as well as your resolve?
Milos was all too used to being surrounded by more powerful creatures that might kill him an instant. Even he found the destruction of the little half-dragon unsettling in its apparent randomness, as well as in the power it demonstrated.
Was this thing "Covenant"?
"What do you want?" he asks, politely.
What is it I wish? I wish I could go back to those from whom I came with enough power they will cower before I destroy them. You should know what that feels like feeder of men. You and I are more akin than these others. Join me and we shall make this city writhe in our grasp as we bleed its wealth into our coffers. Brother? He holds out his paw towards you and his demeanor softens just slightly as he looks at you.
Turning back to the dark colored miss, so are you ready yet to test your mettle against the next test? I will grant dismissal of my test if you pay me 50 gold tetrachs. Also, you will stay out of my business in the Barrows. Is it agreed or do you accept the test? But choose now before my benevolence to your sniveling group burns dry
What is it?
Another roll to ID it.
Intentions?
Mang Fu Ha Saan looks on surprised at the actions of the creature as he dusts Unk with a word. Then looking with a wary gaze intently listening to the intercourse between Shadara and her "father".
Calmly, he asks. Who are those from which you came?
What is it I wish? I wish I could go back to those from whom I came with enough power they will cower before I destroy them. You should know what that feels like feeder of men. You and I are more akin than these others. Join me and we shall make this city writhe in our grasp as we bleed its wealth into our coffers. Brother?
It knows what I am, but it doesn't know what I am. Milos realised something much like me - perhaps. But to this thing the respect of others is more important than power. Perhaps even more important than survival. Just how much of what it says is bluff and posturing, and how much of what it does is a trick. Did it take out the Kobold because it could, and spare Mang because it was worried it couldn't?
"That is an honest answer, and I one I can respect. But I am bound to a different goal I am afraid. To fail it is death." He shakes his head sadly.
Shadara stumbles and falls into her chair as the being implicates that he is her father.
This can't be true. Everything I knew cant be wrong. A matter for another time. I must proceed on as before or show weakness in front of the others.
Shadara takes a moment to compose herself as Mang, Milos, and "father" speak. She affects a smile and injects herself into the momentary pause.
Aahh, what a good kitty learning to play with others. If what you say is even remotely true then I am truely blessed that I got my looks from my mother. You want to give us another test, fine but I will place two requirements on it. If you are truely my father and I am a part of you then honor should be a part of you. The first is that you will give your true name, the other is that you will tell us why you need us. Both answers will be given as soon as the test is completed. I believe that you do not have much time or choice in the matter and that you will not be able to find or put together a more diverse group capable of doing whatever task you have in mind. Are we agreed?
Jerram looks on, eyes wide in horror as Unk falls to dust. He sits stunned for a long time. He seems on the point of attack when he stops, looking at Shadara, his eyes flicking from her face to the strange creature before them. Finally he settles down into his chair and catches Shadara's attention,
Shadara smiles at Jerram trying to put him at ease.
You were not conceived with honor for the witches cannot have children atleast the maldetrin cannot have children or she is kicked out and hunted down. The children are then killed which is what happened to your sister. It was only through my direct interference and protection that you still live.Don't press your luck youngling or it may turn into bad luck. So....do you pay or test? If you can pay then you are free to go if you cannot you must either defeat me in battle , be killed -- the more absolute, or take my test. If you take the test it does have reward at the end. well.....that is if you survive the task after the test that is. He pauses briefly looking around the room. I see that what you have learned and the death of the worthless one has unsettled you. I there for will give you til third shadow tomorrow to decide. And to show I bear no ill will --atleast while you decide-- tonights meal is on me... He throws a purse of fine linen and silk at the feet of Mang. Be a good servant to my daughter and see that she gets food as befitting her station. You may eat the scraps she throws aside. he sneers at the druid.
As for you..Feeder of men...I shall see that one of my lackeys "agrees" to help you with your needs. Just don't enjoy his company all in a single night. The Cat reaches into his cloak producing a small pouch. For now, A paw dips into the pouch and almost simultaneously the other paw tosses a small globe to the floor.
When the room is finally clear enough to see and breathe in somewhat more comfortably, you can see your companions around you but no evidence of the creature.
Mang Fu Ha Saan waves his hands in an attempt to clear the air in front of him as he coughs in response to the smoke bomb. When the air finally clears he speaks to Shadara.
Your father is certainly an agreeable fellow. You certainly did take after him in your tendency to make demands of others like he does. He says half-joking.
Joking aside, do we really want to be involved with... that?
Jerram sits, seemingly unperturbed by the smoky orb. Pulling out his chalk board, Jerram writes quickly, I do not wish to have dealings with this . . . thing. To the side he signs to Shadara,
"It offered hospitality. That places certain constraints on my behaviour."
Whether or not he is my father is not really important at the moment. Is it just me or do events feel like they are getting bigger all the time. In the very little time I have been in this town I have been presented with an exciting tale and the opportunity for adventure. Do I believe the fuzzy kitty, nope. On the other hand we are in no position to go against the kitty at this time. Let's take the test and play along for now. Trust me when I say that there will be a time when we will be able to turn the tables on him. Also I don't have the money he keeps talking about so I say lets do the test and maybe learn why he even needs a group anyway.
As the group of you sit discussing the "boy", the servant that originally brought you food returns. Jerras sent me into see if there was anything you needed from him and if I cold refill any of your beverages or bring more food. Can I help you with any of these things? She courtesies then stands quiet waiting just inside the door for an answer.
"Sir! Sir! Sir darkwolf? Are you here? a young gnome boy rushes in almost bowling over the maid standing just inside the room. Are you Sir black wolf? he asks looking at Milos. I come to give you this. It comes from a relative of yours in the house near the docks. They said you "WILL" take it and you "WILL" respond. The boy adds extra emphasis to each time he repeats the word will. Sorry sir for the abruptness but I was paid a gold tetrach to say exactly as I am telling you now and promised to emphasize the words as I was given them. I mean no offense sir. H walks over and quickly pulls out a small bottle with a cork in the top. A closer look reveals that bits of paper are swirling around in the air within the bottle. Your father used these when he wanted specific orders sent to his Order. You remember they "record" with magic a simple message and then the magic in them disappears. Once the bottle has been handed to you, the youth bolts from the doorway with a backwards shout of I ll tell the masteress you got the bottle.
Milos sighed and opens the bottle, a wispy cloud floating out to engulf him, then evaporating.
He sighs again, the sigh of a hard pressed man and looks at Mang
"Family problem." he apollogises "I need to introduce myself by third shadow today. Down by the docks. I'll follow your lead, but I am already accused of rudeness - so I do need to turn up."