The Vanishing has happened... many don't know it!
Greetings from Restov and congratulations on your triumphs.
I hope that we are entering a time in which these lands will be called stolen only in history texts! Yet it would seem that for all your victories, your fellow colonists to the east have met with trouble. The settlers of Varnhold are not responding to messengers— and indeed, some envoys have gone missing as well. You may have noticed this on your own, but as the political climate here in Restov grows more turbulent, we find ourselves increasingly limited in the amount of aid we can send. Certainly, we cannot send troops south to Varnhold to investigate without our overly watchful lords to the north misinterpreting the act. And so it falls to you, I fear, to investigate the Varnhold mystery. For if something dire has befallen the colony, you must realize that your own could be next! Trusting in your discretion and expedience,
Jamandi Aldori—Swordlord of Restov
You could be from Varnhold yourself and missed the Vanishing. You are traveling to the Greenwatch to get aid, or were here on a diplomatic mission in the first place!
Greenwatch is a much more developed colony than Varnhold. Varnhold had many farms around it but not the rich resources as its neighbor.
Greenwatch's capital Elkheart is a thriving town. It holds several colossal buildings and many more huge buildings. The largest building would be the castle second to the cathedral. Each of them are four or five stories tall and each cover a city block. There is one main inn, a colloseum, a theatre, and other large buildings. The castle resides in the center with a steep grade up to its walls. It is surrounded by the other buildings and many houses.
Walking up to the castle you would be impressed that it was not standing there two years ago and there was obvious magic involved in its creation.
Guards check on you once you get to the portcullis. One of them escorts you to the meeting hall. Through the main doors you believe is a dining hall that could easily be used for a ball if the tables were moved outside. Beyond the hall you find the guard knocking on the door and as you enter find a circular room that holds a circular table.
The man that you know as Sulvanii offers you to sit at the seats closest to the door as many of the Wardens sit and talk amongst themselves. He seems to be acting like a master butler. He is wearing a nice black suit with a white fabric over his left hand.
A servant walk up and quietly asks, "What refreshment you would like? We have an assortment of meats, cheeses, and fruit trays. Is there something you would not like to see upon your tray? Would you like water, wine, milk, ale, brandy, whiskey, or a fruity drink?"
She looks almost elven with her hair appearing to glow. This woman holds herself with authority and speaks with the Baron. She wears a fur neck lined robe that covers her well. As she smirks and slowly turns it seems her beauty could capture any heart. In a light almost whispering voice which is sweet to your ears she continues to talk with the Baron.
He stands to the side with his arms crossed in front of him. He seems to stand like a guard would. His red cloak is in contrast with his black studded leather armor. Longsword hanging from his belt on one side and a quiver of arrows on the other. Holding back the red cloak on his right shoulder is a longbow. On the center of his chest is the motif of a red falcon, as does his longsword. The man has dark hair, the starting of a beard, and the bump of a backpack under the cloak.
This dark haired beauty looks like she is fresh from the wild. Colorful flowers are in her hair. Her blazing green eyes catch you with surprise as they analyze you quickly before turning back to her conversation. Her nearly perfect alabaster skin lets her hair and eyes be in hard contrast. She appears to be elven but not.
Her exposed neck and arms show elven and celestial tattoos. A cloak of furs cover most of her torso. At her neck is a glowing emerald amulet. Similarly a ring of twisting serpents glows green on her finger. An infinity sign glows through her armbands. The infinity sign is of the head of a dragon or serpent eating its own tail, it glows green. Snakeskin armbands of a metallic green hue stand out as the only real armor on her. On her waist is a hearty brown leather belt with a sturdy gold buckle with a roaring bear's head, attached is a bone shortsword. On her chair rests a lightly blue glowing bow.
The tattoos make up different meanings and they are: a prayer to Erastil.
Before heading to the castle to speak to the wardens, Delilah returns to the edge of the settlement where her half-brother and guardian-companion Iodren, usually in the form of a tiger, was waiting for her. He sat hidden among some underbrush in the trees where they had first found the town of Elkheart. "There are others here that want to find out about Varnhold too. I will go see their Wardens and hopefully convince them to investigate."
"Better than doing it on your own Delilah. I will wait here. I do not feel comfortable inside the town. Be careful please." Iodren wasn't a fan of human society, being fully Fey himself, and he did not look forward to the prospect of having to travel with a group of city-dwellers.
"Don't worry. I look enough like them that none tried to stop me entering the town, I will be fine. A tiger would cause much commotion though." she chuckled then looked down at her simple clothes. They wouldn't do for an audience at a castle. She fixed an image in her mind of an elegant, green, flowing dress from her shoulders to her toes with a layer of lighter green lace in a pattern of various leaves. She crossed her wrists above her head and from head to toe the appearance of her clothing morphed into the dress she imagined. She smiled, "Hmm. Much better."
Before approaching the castle, she walked past the cathedral first to stare. Beautiful. She had never entered a town as big as this before. The castle also impressed her, though not like the beauty of the cathedral. She nods to the guards as she is allowed through, following her escort.
Finally in the circular room, she takes in those present, recognising no one except he who had been at the tavern. "Some water. Thankyou. I do not need any food right now," she says to the servant.
Ike was told that if he wanted to join the expedition, he needed to head to the castle. Shocking, it wasn't that big, ornate looking building that towered over all the others in the city. That was, apparently, the cathedral! No, no, Ike needed to head to the second biggest one! Standing outside and marveling up at the sight, he fit the image of a tourist more than the mercenary he was pretending to be. Mouth agape as he walked along, Ike spun about slightly as he took in the sight, tagging along slowly after his escort.
Reaching the circular room, Ike glanced about, his eyes steadily drawn to the folks who were clearly in charge. He took particular note of Jorne, studying his clothing style before looking down at his own. Still so clean and crisp, but... plain. Should he have shaped them into fancier outfits? Should he be here? He probably seemed out of place... his thoughts were interrupted by the head butler, asking him if he wanted anything. Meat and fruit, he could get plenty of. Foraging got him those kinda regularly, but cheese?! That was a rare treat for him. "You have cheeses? Could I get some of those? Any kind? One of each? Is that allowed?" he asked, clearly unsure of his manners.
His eyes finally locked onto Delilah, happy to see even a remotely familiar face. Lowering his head, he made his way to her side, supposing that this was where the mercenaries sat, and grabbed a seat next to her. "Is this seat taken? Mind if I sit?" he asked. He felt so out of place in this big setting. Such regal trappings were a far cry from the usual humdrum of a small village that he was used to. "I didn't miss anything, did I?"
"No, you see! My friend got vanished years ago, during the Rostland Vanishing! I'm trying to find out what's causing these vanishings so I can bring everyone back, or at least stop it from happening again! I have to believe these people can be saved. Of course I sympathize with the families, I've felt the same pain for a decade." The gnome rises, and although initially he sounded like he was trying to explain a misunderstanding, his ire seems to have been raised. "So don't you assume to know the reasons behind my motivations before you speak to me like that again, got it?" For a minute, you can see echos of the first world in the gnome's eyes, and echoes of the pain of having outlived many humans that he knew many times over. Then he blinks, and the look fades away.
"I'm sorry. Did you lose someone important to you too?"
Upon hearing the gnome's words, Roland reacts, immediately letting his anger go. "Yes...I'm sorry. I let my anger get the better of me. My fiancee...she lives in Varnhold and she's missing as well..."
Roland stands in the castle, watching the others. He hoped to the gods this expedition would have success. "Water is fine for me. There is nothing to celebrate."
Hi... Excuse me? - the feminine voice comes from the entrance, carrying a strong local accent.
A short and somewhat skinny woman enters. Underneath the scars and the military equipment, however, it was obvious she carried something regal - or noble - about her. Even with her nimble figure she had still a strong presence and loud, proud, hoarse voice; the way she spoke commanded authority, and the many weapons seemed to suggest she was some sort of skilled martial combatant. To more attentive eyes, the longsword hanging by her leg had something exotic about it - that some would recognize as the signature weapon of the Aldori Swordlords.
I'm here under the authority of Lady Jamandi Aldori to investigate what happened with Varnhold. I was told to reach the Greenwatch Outpost. - the Swordlady finally completes, and despite sounding legitimate on her claims, maybe there was some part of her story missing.
"We'll find her. Even if we have to search every damn inch of these cursed lands we'll find them all." The gnome looks weary, just for a second, and then perks up. "Positive attitude though! It'll be good to be doing something tangible again! I look forward to seeing you at the castle!" The gnome bounces happily out of the bar, humming tunelessly to himself.
About average height for a gnome, Sindri is still quite small, even in comparison to Layla. His hair is a vibrant orange, and he smells not unpleasantly of woodsmoke. He wears rather proudly livery of house Rogarvia, and has a mithril buckler on his back. Aside from that however, he seems to have no weapons or armor. He walks with a constant bounce in his step, and a slightly lopsided smile. He waves to the people he recognizes from the tavern, and takes a seat on the ground.
"Thank you kind gnome for your words. Roland Garess at your service. I am sure we will meet again and apologies for misjudging you."
Roland's sour mood improves when he sees Cindri and manages to smile and nod at the gnome. However, his mood improves greatly, when a sight catches Roland's eye - the Aldori sword that the female warrior is carrying. Roland smirks as he makes no attempt to hide the 2 Aldori swords he is carrying, one on his hip and one strapped to his back. He nods to Layla. He had always respected the Aldori fighting style - dedicated years of his life to it- but never the rigidity of the Swordlords themselves. This will be interesting...
A woman stepped in dressed in a cloak and armor, her presence was almost completely hidden to those new to the area.
"New blood." The woman spoke, her tone was even and almost unnervingly calm. However her face showed an expression of welcoming warmth. "Sulvanii? The bulter outfit again?" Cleonora teased as she walked up to the man with a slight grin, "You're going to give them the wrong impression." She stated.
After that she moved to take a seat at the table. Her seat. "Welcome, I am Cleonora Petalouda. I am the Magister of this settlement as well as the Head Mistress for the Scientia Academy here. Might I give a word of advice," her eyes narrowed in upon Layla and Roland, "I wouldn't wear your swords openly if you go to the Academy. Out weapon instructor is an Aldori from Mivon." She explained.
"To the matter at hand... you said that Varnhold has, vanished?" Cleonora asked with a raised eyebrow. She also looks to the others in power and asks "Has Quince been told?"
Nice to meet you, Cleonora. - Layla complimented - I am Lady Layla Aldori. I'm not sure why I would have to hide my weapon of choice, or the fact that I'm a Swordlord myself, from another sworn to the pact.
She emphasized her pronoun and full name with a proud voice. Her eyes fell to Roland as Cleonora seemed to exchange sights between them; and while noticing the man was carrying not one, but two of the exotic swords, she kept it to herself. The weapons could be used as regular longswords, after all, and several amateurs had tried and failed to join the swordlord ranks. No reason to antagonize anyone if their intentions were righteous, and Layla just preferred to give him the benefit of doubt.
"Oh mostly just the fact that I don't need my professor challenging you to a fight. I need him teaching." Cleonora said with a slight smirk. "That matter is as simple as that."
Ike stared around as the others assembled in the hall. He began to notice that those who carried swords all had one particular type of sword. Thin and fancy and elegant and they all seemed to be experts in those. A look of concern crossed his face as he leaned over to Delilah. "Uhm... were we supposed to use those fancy swords? I mean... if we have swords? I didn't know that..."
Sitting back in his seat, Ike reached up to run a hand over one of the handles of his swords, starting to look a bit worried. His eyes traipsing between the others in the room, Ike finally lowered his gaze and tried to avoid eye contact. And when he thought nobody was looking, he quickly shifted the style of swords on his back. The bulkier handles being replaced with now fine, slender ones, perfectly matching the blades the other sword wielders were carrying.
A young man with long blond hair. His years have a slight point to them that suggest some elf in his blood. He has kind bright amber eyes. He is handsome and strong with sharp features. His demeanor is kind but with a weight of authority. His clothing are green and white traced with swirling needlework. As you enter he is chatting and laughing with a beautiful elf-like woman in a fur lined red robe. He pats her arm then stands.
"Welcome." He raises both hands in warm welcome and greeting. "I am Quince Medvyed of the Greenwatch, chosen by the High Council of Wardens as Baron." He pauses and smiles, "I hope that you find our new nation well. We have much to discuss. I thank you for coming. It would seem that our neighbors to the west have dropped contact with Restov. Messages have goon unanswered, rumors are growing dark. My fear is for the people of Varnhold I imagine them settlers like the people of my heart, who hoped to make a new life in a new land. I know some of you have been sent to aid us, others in the hopes that we will help. The Greenwatch will help its sister land. What lays to us now is compare what we know and what our next steps are. Its likely a long conversation." He says a smirk. "So please take Sulvanii up on his offer."
He grabs a glass and raises it to those who have gathered, "To those who would answer the call of distress of strangers."
"Please." She smiled graciously to indicate he could sit wherever he liked. "Nothing has happened yet. Still waiting for everyone to arrive I presume. I'm Delilah. Ichorius right? An interesting name."
A little later when more arrive and a magister of some fancy academy speaks, followed by a baron, she knew the matter of Varnhold would be taken seriously. She turned to Ike on the matter of swords, "Well I won't be using one."
Flaming red hair blowing wildly in the wind, an elf has arrived at the Greenwatch's capital Elkheart's entrance. Looking around he seems to be conversing with something as nearby people scatter from the menacingly looking figure and the nearby guards tighten their grip on their weapons as they look on.
His body bare except for leather pants, cloak and hood the elf stalks in. His direction? Towards the Wardens.
It takes him no time to enter as he stalks in and his eyes falls on people both familiar and unfamiliar. A nod to Delilah and the rest. One cannot help that he seems to be escorted by more then just a few guards who seemed relieved that there wasn't any trouble.
"I am Lykàn Delĩss! Varnhold has vanished and so has my prey. I seek them and justice both for wasting nature's bounty!" he proclaims.
"No those swords are simply theirs." Cleonora explained to Ike with a small chuckle. "They are just often used by very specific people."
Yet when Lykàn spoke the way he did she could only give a small smirk and raised eyebrow as she looked to Quince. The elven druid sounded very familiar, and after she met Quince's eye she looked to Sulvanii and Jorne in the same manor. Yet it didn't seem like she was teasing the druid.
"And tell me Lykàn, to what end will you seek your prey?" Cleonora asked honestly, her tone as even and it showed that it was a serious question.
Roland tips his glass of water at Quince. "The people of Varnhold are not strangers, sir. They're much more than that. You may count on the services of Roland Garess and my Aldori blade."
"I have never stopped hunting till I find my prey no matter where they may attempt to hide or run." the elf snarls back.
"These craven despoilers killed a family of mountain lion and left them all to die a long agonizing death. They fled to Varnhold which vanished so I shall find Varnhold and there I'll find them. I shall extract recompense from them."
Cleonora's silver eyes seemed to flash with flakes of orange and gold, almost like cinders cast up from the fire below.
"Take advice from a fellow hunter whose prey is often that of mortal coil." Cleonora began. "Let not your target cloud you from those around you." A statement a few here knew was still fresh for even the Slayer.
"You will have my aid in search of both Varnhold, and prey." She then promised Lykàn.
"Happy to be of service! Sindri Cindermage at your service! Ateria's flame flows through me, letting me heal my allies and burn my foes!" The gnome polishes his glasses. "I've already promised to help find Varnhold, you've got my services at your disposal!"
His piercing eyes gazes at Cleonora and he sees another hunter of like mind as he and it resonates within him.
Her words however seems to have being interpreted a little way off then its actual meaning?
"Others? My arrows shall pierce through them if they too are involved and guilty. I shall hunt all those responsible down."
She hadn't hunted down prey like Lykan, but she had spent her life surviving in the wilds. "I would go with you." she said carefully, "My father was just a farmer. And I would rather help look than sit around wondering what has happened to him."
She would continue to look whether it was with these people's help or on her own. But others would likely increase her chances. Especially if whatever had taken everyone was hostile.
"Oh, yeah, it's... it was a mistake. I was trying to say 'Icarus', but it came out wrong. But everyone seems to like it, so I haven't really changed it since. Icarus is my- ... uh... my... father." Ike seemed to struggle with that word. It wasn't that it felt wrong to say it, but he'd never even thought to consider his creator his father figure. He'd never had one... had he? He tossed it aside and immediately held out a hand to shake Delilah's. "It's nice to meet you Delilah."
Ike listened quietly and studiously, listening to the others speak. They all seemed to have such conviction in their reasons... and just plain good reasons, to boot! Ike wasn't entirely sure he'd be able to blend in with the team. Everyone seemed so... serious! Except Sindri... Ike was pretty sure he seemed the most sociable. He should chat with him later, he sounded very knowledgeable.
Still, Ike had come a long way for this... and it wasn't like he had anywhere else to go. Raising his hand after Delilah spoke, Ike nodded. "I'd like to go too, if there's room! I'm a good swordsman! And it's not magical, but I'm good at patching up wounds. One of the men who killed my ...father was headed to Varnhold. I'd like to find him... if he's still there..."
"New blood." The woman spoke, her tone was even and almost unnervingly calm. However her face showed an expression of welcoming warmth. "Sulvanii? The bulter outfit again?" Cleonora teased as she walked up to the man with a slight grin, "You're going to give them the wrong impression." She stated.
"I have every intention to make them at ease before the big reveal! Should it come to that. After all I am just a humble servant." He says with a well rehearsed mask of grace and humility.
Layla herself would sass a lot more in different conditions - and her interest to actually challenge the Aldori instructor for some sparring had definitely peaked. However, she's clearly more concerned with the disappearing people from Varnhold, and keeps a more stern facial expression.
Nice to meet you too, Baron Medvyed. - she finally greets the noble as he joins them. She herself was born noble to a much smaller family, but the Aldori pact meant taking a different last name - And I will clash glasses for those willing to help investigate Varnhold.
She smiles and searches for a sit. It was good to see so many people interested in finding out what happened, and many of those definitely look quite capable to be useful.
She hadn't hunted down prey like Lykan, but she had spent her life surviving in the wilds. "I would go with you." she said carefully, "My father was just a farmer. And I would rather help look than sit around wondering what has happened to him."
"A Farmer you say?" The elf nods to himself.
"One who tills the land and obtains the bounty offered from the lands is one that is at tune with nature. He's not one of those who forces the land to give more then it could give and leave it barren isn't he seeing that you're one of Nature's defenders." Lykàn says."I'd like to go too, if there's room! I'm a good swordsman! And it's not magical, but I'm good at patching up wounds. One of the men who killed my ...father was headed to Varnhold. I'd like to find him... if he's still there..."
His gaze falls sharply upon Ike and he strides towards him liked a caged wolf, placing his hands squarely on his shoulders.
"A Murderer? Fled to Varnhold. Might be in league with my prey. Let us hunt them down and fill them with arrows." he growls out....
"Okay, everyone settle down and have a seat please. Had anyone been to Varnhold recently and what exactly did you see?" She asks trying to get information from those assembled.
A very tall old man, some might say a giant sits back and watches all like an elder absorbing all the chatter. His hair is obviously white from age though he looks strong and healthy rather than frail and weak.
Roland sits to watch the testimonials, since he had not been to Varnhold in the past month.
This man seems to be the strong and silent type. He wears a darkly oiled chainshirt and simple white and green explorers outfit. His hair is pulled back but seems to be colored like a raven, black but with the right light purple or many other colors. A decent sized greatsword rests in its sheath which is attached to his seat. He is obviously one of the Wardens. He drinks from an ornate golden tankard with a seal of a tankard on it.
A slim figure of pure deadly grace, a beauty most especially with the angles of a well defined elf. The physique of fine delicate flowing steel silk, every pound of her elfen 5’7” frame ready to react. Her porcelain skin does not seem to color, though she has many tattoos of different colors about her body. There are even small gems embedded on her body. Her hair is a white, almost unnaturally white, smooth and delicate. Though her eyes look to be cut from diamonds and being the only hard spot on her body.
She does not appear to wear any weapons and she wears a scantily clad red dress that does not leave much to the imagination. She holds no backpack. A platinum collar resides around her neck with several gems embedded on it that shine. A platinum bracelet embedded with gems is on each wrist. She wears high-soled blue boots that look stylish and comfortable. A black cloak resides around her shoulders. Several Ioun stones hover around her head and last she wears scarred and worn armbands that have clearly seen rough use, and are constructed out of coarse leather and fastened with thick leather straps.
Another Warden to be sure but dressed so provocatively you might wonder which position she holds.
I had never been to Varnhold. - says the Swordlady, legs crossed in the correct etiquette way - I had a contact, though, that was corresponding with someone in Varnhold before the communications ceased, what hinted me to bring it to the attention of the other Aldori.
She gives a smile to Saren as he steps in, but an even bigger one to Selena as she approaches.
A very serene appearing elf (well, blue hair and glowing blue eyes aren't truly elven, but otherwise he appears elven) opens the door and enters the room. Quickly glancing around the room, he sees that the people are arrayed around Quince Medvyed, though they seem to have broken their focus into side groups. He looks towards Quince Medvyed as he speaks. "My apologies for interrupting, but I was told there is a meeting being held about the Varnhold issue? It seems an issue worth resolving. With permission?" He indicates his desire to take a seat as out of the way as possible.
Saren, Selena, Bearik, Katrina, Baron Quince, Stalker, Tristan, Sulvanii, Kevros, Elizabeth, Jorne, and Larina were all in the meeting room before the guests, you, arrived.
As Dinenen enters the room a man in a black suit and white towel draped over his arm approaches you and states quietly, "If you would follow me." He shows you to a seat closest to the door and next to the wall. He seems to be the acting master butler.
As you take your seat the butler moves around looking at the servants and listening to the council.
A servant walks up and quietly asks Dinenen, "What refreshment would you like? We have an assortment of meats, cheeses, and fruit trays. Is there something you would not like to see upon your tray? Would you like water, wine, milk, ale, brandy, whiskey, or a fruity drink?"
By now many of you have been served what you asked for and there is plenty of trays appearing by excellent server etiquette. You barely notice they are there and your cups are never more than half empty.
He would walk over to Lykan and would quietly ask, "If you would please take your seat and offer what you know."
Just as Lykan takes his seat the doors burst open. Many of you likely jump or stand up from your seats prepared to fight what just invaded the room.
This ten foot monster of draconic heritage stands towering. In his claws is a bloody large war axe as if straight from battle. His head is that of a dragon, as are his reddened bronze scales and claws. A mithril breastplate covers his chest, with a belt of gear around his waist.
With much sarcasm he growls out, "Oh so you decided to start without me!?" He then laughs and walks into the room. Moving around to one of the larger chairs and flops upon it. He gives a big toothy grin to the guests.
----
----
In response to Katrina he offhandedly says, "Gotta keep them on their toes, otherwise what would they be worth?"
Quickly she quickly states, This is Krazok our Duke of Destruction." With a sigh she explains glaring at the dragonkin, "He loves to make an entrance. Even... no, with unknown guests he does his best to make you unnerved."
With Krazok finally arrived he walks over to the chair empty chair next to Baron Quince and whispers not so quietly, "Shall I change or stay in this form?"
Ike froze under Lyken's contact, listening quietly and sitting still. He reeeeeally hoped that Lyken's sense of touch wasn't as developed as he seemed. Ike always did struggle with clothing textures - he just hoped Lyken didn't notice. "Uhm... well, there was more than one person who attacked my... father. So... maybe? But I'm sure your guy is more important to find. He sounds like a jerk."
Sitting silently and letting others speak, Ike listened in rapt attention, taking in details and nodding along. He had nothing to add. He hadn't been there. He just knew that it sounded like trouble, so it behooved him to pay attention. Though he did pause to snack on his cheeses. Fruit and meat, he could find well enough in the wild. Cheese had to be made... and it was good!
However, as the doors opened and the absolutely loud display of draconic power waltzed into the room, Ike practically threw his cheese to one side, immediately sinking down in his chair and locking his eyes on Krazok. Partly out of fear, but... partly out of intrigue. This guy was clearly very... monstrous. At least in his physique. And they the others seemed pretty acquainted with his appearance. Ike had to wonder if, perhaps, his own... weirdness might not be met with fright like it always was.
Not that he was anywhere prepared to test that theory. But it did get him thinking.
As the servant offers refreshments, the response is both simple and polite. "I need nothing for now, thank you. Refreshments can wait."
As the large dragonkin bursts into the room, the iroran's head snaps towards the door, but his body remains motionless. As the drgonkin makes it clear that he belongs there, the blue-eyed one looks for other reactions in the room instead of continuing to focus on the addition himself.
Quince nods to Dinenen, "Welcome friend. We are still getting to know each other some. But yes there seems to be some trouble in Varnhold and we are going to look into the goings on of things."
Quince chuckles at Krazok's rough entrance. "Welcome Krazok my friend. If we started without you it was only to be sure that we were able to fill our guests cups before you drained the barrels."
Quince smirks and whispers back to the butler, "Its a big group seeing you in your true form is likely to add some order to the situation. Resplendent not terrifying."
"Yes, your mind is keen. He was more in tune than most. It is him I have to thank for what I am."
She was going to follow Layla in stating what she had seen at Varnhold when she was startled by the Dragon's entrance. It took her a few moment to breath normally again.
She stood up. "I was there recently. I found all the streets and houses empty. Not a soul remains in Varnhold. I immediately came here to seek aid."
The mad elf doesn't notice the man's predicament or discomfort as he nods.
"More then one, we'll just add it up to the grudges then." as he turns to take his seat and prepares to share what he knew of Varnhold.
He sees Delilah moving as well and he stalks over to a seat close to her but the slamming of the door, revealing the dragon like beast appearance drives him to kick his chair over and use it as a temporary buttress as he draws and nocks an arrow in one fluid motion, his target- the eye of the beast. He would have let loose if not for the warning call from Katrina.
His eyes still on the loud beast, he picks up his chair and takes his seat.
Waiting for when he might be called again to speak up and when done, he speaks.
As I told the others I have met earlier, I smelt nothing, seen nothing, felt nothing." he pauses.
"No birds, no animals. It's as if they all up and vanished. I've seen no signs of struggle. No tracks. Even open cookfires with half cooked meals. They were delicious. I wanders throughout the outer parts of town and verified that their city is empty. Their valuables untouched, excellent ale that had to be finished or they'll go bad and their open doors now closed." he repeats the same words that he had done when had first met Sulvanii and the rest.
"
Krazok laughs at Quince's remark but does add, "There be truth to those words, bring me my cup!" With that said a servant brings the large tankard that dwarfs Saren's it might even be a small barrel!
As most of you settle from seeing the monstrous Krazok, you see that the butler is gone and sitting next to the Baron is another intriguing figure. His large body almost seems made of solid smoke with silver glitter upon the well muscled torso. His lower half is below the table but there are obvious silver bands around his wrists and in his plume of flaming hair. Then he offers with a pleasant voice, "One of my true forms. I am Sulvanii, chief counselor to the Baron, Efrit to Greenwatch. I am thankful for the information you have brought us. I believe we have one more that should speak that I know about, Layla."