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Note: Only myself, Rufon, Etienne, Lethe, Sylas, and Malice should post here.
The five of you find yourselves sitting comfortably around a large circular oak table, drinking the finest the inn has to offer in the portside town of Dublin. The aging innkeeper and his wife had let you all sleep here until you where to venture off to the "haunted" woods not far from here.
The inn is a two-story affair with the 2nd being a place for rooms and the 1st a tavern. The young bartender served drinks behind a high oak bar table. Along it sat stools on which where various kinds of bargoers. Otherwise there where a few booths and tables like the one you where sitting at.
A couple of young serving girls kept your mugs filled with your preferred drinks while you discussed your life stories and reasons for taking up the same job. Now was a time to get to know each other, for it was likely that you would be stuck together for quite some time. After leaving the safety of the town it would be your weapons and survival skills that made all the difference, and a big part of surviving is knowing your allies and how to work effectively with them.
(Please role play your characters using their personalities as good as possible as you introduce yourselves and strike up conversation.
Etienne sits quietly, his back to the wall of the inn. Ignoring his seat-mates for the moment, he eats his meal, but pauses frequently to feed bits of meat to the beautiful hawk perched on his shoulder. He speaks quietly to her, "Well, my darling, we made it here okay. Hopefully this'll be a nice easy job, and the money will give us a good start to getting you all fixed up. We'll be back together soon, I promise."
The serving girl looked at him and screeched "demon!" No, no my dear I am hellspawn and I can assure you pleasant and enjoyable company. The serving girl looked at him wide eyed. Malice winked and she blushed so deeply that he could of sworn she possesed some sucubbus in her.
Barkeep! "Yes hellspawn?" Your finest spice wine and do please know me as Malice. The best way to get people to serve you was to play on their greed, Malice flipped a silver onto the bar and went to find a table. The table he found was already inhabited by four others, and none of them reeked of the profound stench holymen and so called "paladins" radiated.
The viper that served as his familiar slithered out of his robes as he sat down at the oak table, smelling and mayhaps nipping the others around the table. So my fellows how do you mind one of us foul, hateful "hellspawn" sitting so close to you?
As the viper moves by him, Sylas shoos it away slightly and looks over toward Malice.
"Can't say I'm terribly interested in hearsay and rumors 'bout your kind," he says, taking a sip of his drink. "I've heard enough stories about enough subjects to have learned never to trust them. The truth is often hidden in far too much fancy."
He leans back in his chair, draping his arm behind him. "So. I'll keep reservations about you limited to what I see in person," he finishes.
Do not worry the viper it only wishes to get aquainted with you, I assure you I raised is from the egg. It would not harm fly, well mayhaps a particularly juicy one.
I believe you to be a fellow student of the arcane, tell me did you learn at the knee of a great bard or were you self taught?
Sylas inclines his head with a small smile. He takes another drink and beckons one of the serving girls for a refill.
"A bit of both, as a matter of fact," he says. "I grasped the early basics on my own, but I did have a mentor who helped me learn the more complex arts of magic. Yourself?"
Malice sipped the spice wine as his viper gentlely bit into his finger.
Alas wizards blinded by religious zealotry reckonized my skill early on and sent guards after me. So I learned my art by the strategic application of a blackjack to many a unfortunete apprentices woe.
In time I learned how to cause grease to erupt under the feet of many a pesky guardsman, and throw darts of acid as they lay sprawling.
Then I found my viper, Nalfanshee's egg. It took much effort but she hatched and lovelingly bit me as I petted her. But to the ahem "affair" I find myself here scrounging for power, gold and mayhaps a worty bard to sing my tale when I'm done.
Sylas listens as Malice speaks, and at the last bit he laughs rather heartily.
"Is that so? Well, while the pay is a nice incentive here, I must admit that the thought of a good tale from the dark reaches of a haunted wilderness had its lure on me already. You may well have yourself such a song by the end of this," he says with a smirk.
Malice motioned for the serving girl to get him more of the spice wine, and she was still the color of an overipe cherry.
Tell me though my good bard have you ever considered a career as a tomb raider?
Sylas reclined further in his chair. "Well, aside from what I earn in songs and tales in my travels, I'm not averse to some odd jobs. In fact, I'd consider this to be just such a one. I'm afraid I can't say tomb-raiding has ever made the list however, but perhaps it will turn up some day in the future. Is that your favored line of work?" he asks.
Malice began stroking Nalfanashee absently
Tombs tend to be where powerful arcanist's put their last and most valuable writings. This jungle must have something that gives it a reputation, and ancient tombs of dead arcanists tend to top the list. For such tombs are not without guardians.
However to acquire power one must be willing to risk the ultimate price, for without the power to alter our destinies we are little better then slaves.
As Viluki approached the seats he could see another figure squatting behind the broad-shouldered man at the table, upon closer inspection though, he could see it was a gorilla, following him closely with its eyes.
Perception to hear Etienne:
Hmm that is a close relationship he has with his hawk, back together soon? What does he mean by that? Rufon thinks to himself
The burly man known as Rufon crosses his arms and speaks.
"Power and gold is what drives you? Hmph, gold is only for survival, power now that is in your own hands alone" He says as he balls his fists and bulges his muscles.
"Now I don't have a preference nor an objection to your kind, Malice, tales aside, though should you disrespect nature you could find yourself on the other side of my fists..." He pauses briefly to let the message sink in, "Though your companion makes me find that unlikely to happen"
Rufon gives some fruit and bread to his companion gorilla.
"Ah, I see." Sylas says to Malice. "Unlocking ultimate arcane mysteries and such? Fun, though I've never had much of a taste for it. I've always had a bit of an innate feel for magic, and learned to focus what I have. It's been enough for me so far."
At Rufon's words, he looks over, and gives a nod. "Come now, I hardly think we need to start threatening each other just yet," he says with a laugh. "We should have plenty of time to wear on each other's nerves in the following weeks, I'm sure we can make it through our first night as friends, yes?" With that, he lifts his drink in a toast of sorts and waits to see if anyone meets the raised mug.
Lethe sits at the table, her large white and black-striped cat at her side, nuzzling her hand as she scratched the back of his head affectionately. "I've learned to dismiss people on a personal basis rather than on matters of race. There's plenty of humans that have committed acts worse than the average Tiefling."
She pokes at the plate of potatoes before her, keeping up the small talk. Uncomfortable as she sometimes gets around strangers, she knows it's a customary part of any job by this point, and at least takes solace in seeing two others with animal companions among them.
Rufon nods at both Sylas and Lethe's words.
"Aye, that would do. Not meant to be such a threat. Just don't like unnecessary destruction that's all"
He pats the gorilla's head and plays a bit with him.
Looking around the table at Lethe and her cat, Etienne and his falcon and Malice and his snake he followed up
"As you can see this is my comrade in arms, literally" he chuckles, "His name's Gilgamesh, what's the name of your friends?"
At Lethe's words, Etienne looks up. "You don't know how right you are. I would know."
He then addresses the group as a whole. "Greetings, my fellow companions. My name is Etienne Navarre, and the beautiful bird on my shoulder is called Isabeau. I was brought here due to my knowledge of nature and survival skills, but it seems that most of you have that well in hand. Well, as the saying goes, two - or in this case three or four - heads are better than one, and I'm grateful for your help."
Etienne then turns to the Bard and Tiefling. "As for you two, if it is true that you possess skill in the magical arts, I could use your help in a very different matter once our work here is concluded."
"I do indeed know how right I am. What I have not seen with my own eyes to prove, I have heard the pained cries of the forest scream in agony every night. The trees tell stories that could move anyone to tears." She reaches with her hands for some of the food, letting her big cat eat it out of her hands. He murmurs appreciately and licks it all off.
"My name is Lethe, I'm a servant of the forest, and call all the lands my home. The cat by my side is Sentine. I was brought here because of my ability with calming wild animals, something that is always a fear when settling new towns. I hoped to also help lead the settlement into a respect for its surroundings, and I see that I may well not be alone in that."
Rufon Hammerhand I would argue on the subject of power being yours alone, after all where do you acquire the powers of a druid. But more to the point with all power one must have two things, the will to harness power and the will to direct it.
Malice motioned for a third glass of spice wine.
As for you Lethe Cosain can you tell me of what these trees speak of? Gathering areas for say groups of the undead? Or even better large, elaborate ruins?
"They speak of the earth, of stories spinning back longer than we have had languages. Of suffering and pain. They do not speak of ruins just as they do not speak of the blacksmith cheating on his wife. Nature is a force, not a divining rod with which to find riches."
"The name is Rufon, Rufon Hammerhand" He added quickly after Etienne and Lethe introduced themselves. "Born and raised near the jungle myself"
He looked at Lethe with approval
"Malice you misunderstood. The power to change things lies within ourselves. My powers have been trained aye, but they stem from within. I need not risk my life for some artifact to increase it.
After that he raises his mug of ale high to Sylas "To a fruitful first weeks"
She raises her glass of wine to meet the toast.
Cheers, may we all find more power and riches then we could ever have envisioned.
Malice raised his glass.
And Rufon tell me can you beat a Shaitan with your bare hands? As I think it would be a most interesting contest.
Rufon looks quite puzzled at Malice
"I have never heard of a Shaitan. Haven't seen much of the world other than the surrounding jungles and forests here. Must be a tough opponent I wager. But I never shy away from a sparring match, training everyday with my best friend here"
He points at Gilgamesh behind him and then grabs both his arms in a pushing contest.
Etienne raises his glass in response to Malik's toast. "Power's something I could care less about, but riches are another story entirely. I have a feeling I'll be needing a lot of them...." He falls silent again with a sorrowful expression on his face and scratches the hawk's head affectionately.
For future reference a Shaitain is a powerful earth Genie, beat it in a contest of strength and you might earn a wish...just be careful what you wish for.
As the introductions go around, Sylas nods his head. "I am Sylas Kivarin. Little more than a traveling performer, and sword for hire on occasion," he says modestly.
At Rufon's and Malice's differing toasts, he chuckles. "And I am happy to toast to both of those," he continues.
"So then Etienne - what is this you might need assistance with in the future? While it is true I possess some moderate skill with magic, I can't say I had the most... studious way of learning it, so our new friend here," he says, motioning towards Malice, "might know a bit more than I do. Still, if I could provide some aid..." he shrugs and dips his head.
Malice sniffed the air suddenly and picked up his quarterstaff.
"I believe my fellows that we have a problem, this problem is called self righteous holy men. Show them no quarter for they will show you none."
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The rambling and introductions cease as four men in full chainmail bearing the holy symbol of Gorum (god of battle) enter. One remains near the door and rests against the wall, one hand placed on the hilt of his longsword, one in a buckler, his eyes constantly scanning the room for signs of disturbance. Two more go and sit at a table two to the party's left. Both have a heavy steel shield strapped to their back and heavy maces dangling at their belts.The last, the obviously arrogant leader of these men, strides up to the bartender and demands something. The bartender seems to beg the man not to do something. The holy man roughly grabbed the bartender's shirt collar and heaves him over the counter and on to the floor.
The man turns angrily on the patrons of the bar. "This place is condemned!", he cries,"The man in charge here will not come out to see me personally to stand up to the charges we place against him. Therefore they must be true charges! Anyone who thinks differently, step forward and answer to the true law of this town! Put your metal to mine!"
Maliced cooed softly to Nalfanshee "go play with the cleric my beauty".
Maliced whispered to the table "all of you keep a straight face and play along"
Nalfanshee slid unseen across the floor and into the clerics boot...
Foolish Justicar! The creature that you see on your ankle is Nalfanshee, Demon serpent of the Great port and servant of I, Malice lord of thieves!
Prostate yourself before me as your god and savior or the Demon serpent will send you into the next world!
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"I doubt your conviction to do such a thing, even if you could, which I also doubt. You are just a dangerous cretin, needing deliverance from this world, that which I would gladly deliver! Your pet doesn't scare me in the slightest!", Justicar rebukes Malice,"The hour of justice shines upon you! Come forth and see who is really the better fighter!"
Let this comedy commence! All non combatants to the walls or risk death. Seeing Justicar from our previous encounter your skill at arms is...poor. So I offer you an advantage in this duel a test of only our respectice magics.
Lose and die, your ashes scattered to winds and your soul hurled into the nine hells where my ancestor Dispater, Father of Strife will collect his due.
About to answer Sylas' question, Etienne stops abruptly as the men barge in. He then sits and observes the confrontation between Malice and the cleric.
Well, this is unexpected. What should I do? These men are clearly ruffians who should be taught a lesson, but I don't think the Tiefling will be able to handle them all himself. Also, is it honorable to interfere, as the two of them clearly have a history. Maybe I'll just watch. But then again, if what Malice claims is true, he may be strong enough to break the curse! What should I do? Decisions, decisions...
Sylas looks around, uneasily, fingering the sword at his side.
Hmm, I wasn't expecting this, he thinks. He keeps his eyes on the rest of the men who entered, seeing if they plan to join in the battle. If they do...
Malice whirled his staff quickly around him, as this cleric would focus on it by instinct. And not on Malice's left hand...
Note I don't have dice on me at this point unless your talking about normal dice.
thanks, Sorry if im being a bit of clutz correct me if i set up dice roll wrong
Connor ye there?
I think we'll have to do the duel tomorrow guys.
Rufon silently loosens the club at his belt with one hand, grabbing it tightly, his shield is too far off and would only draw attention. Silently he draws upon the words in his mind, ready to speak them if it is needed.
Readied Action to cast a spell, equipment is hide armor, club, scimitar and arms.
Lethe draws the club from her side, standing upslowly and motioning toward her cat to rise from his lazy position beside her.
"All right my darling, let's get you to safety. Things are about to get ugly around here." The hawk flies into the rafters and is lost from sight
Etienne then stands up, draws and strings his bow, and nocks an arrow. He then waits behind the table, waiting to see what happens.
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