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Ancian makes his final preparations, and leaves his tent just in time to hear Vorik and Hugh question Brayson. He looks to Tika and gives a small laugh, "I'd have to agree with the girl. 500 isn't close to enough to invade, but it will create a distraction big enough the we should be able to ride through undisturbed. I do share concern with Brother Hugh though. 500 men is a lot to be taking, unless you were planning on doing some sacking and reaving."
Ancian chuckles and thinks to himself, "I can't believe I would rather an assassin over a paladin and a priest, these are troubled times indeed" He embraces Darius's outstretched hand and take him by the forearm. "Well met, Darius Kirisallin. I am former Captain Ancian d'Orien of the Aundarian militay, foundling and scion of house Orien, future Blade, traveler and citizen of Eberron. I am pleased to meet you, as I am most."
Survey says.... Hiatus is good School has been crazy for me as well, and I am leaving the country on May 21st, so i have been stressing over the prep for that. I think a hiatus will do wonders.
Ancian was wondering the camp, admiring an ally who he had once stood against. He always did enjoy irony. He strikes up a conversation with a few of the mages, discussing arcane theory, although he only really knows about the magic behind his mark, "Well, from what I've researched, the transportation occurs through the astral plan and takes place at an unimaginable speed. Although I've read theories that time..." He hears a ruckus coming from where the group had been lead, and can hear the raised voice of Vorik booming through the air. He ends his conversation abruptly and walks swiftly through the camp toward the the noise. He arrives just as Darius interrupts the two pious men. "This doesn't seem like a team that can take down a vampire king, guarded in his tower." Ancian interjects with a heavy sigh. "I am all for this mission, but if we are going to be at each others throats, then I will hop the first lightning rail back home. It makes no sense to risk our lives if we can't work together." He turns to Darius, "If you believe you can keep them in check, I will follow you, but I will not let my fate be decided by religions I hold no faith in. And we will have to speak, because I will not follow someone I do not know."
Ancian is rather quiet, as he likes to think and mediate while he's traveling. He takes in the landscapes and details around him. Otherwise, he makes idle conversation with his compatriots, looking to learn about who they are and where they came from. He is most interested in Hugh, for he has never had a true conversation with anyone from Thrane. He tries to learn as much as priest is willing to teach him about his homeland. He is riding near Hugh when the soldiers appear and follows him to the front. He leans to Hugh, "Do you know them?", but is practically cut off by the answer. "Well let us rendezvous then"
Ancian exits the city, and can't help but give a small laugh as he walks past the obvious tension and stops past the others. Glad to be out of the city, his voice is relaxed, but his tone is still serious, "Vorik, this will be a long journey indeed if hostilities begin here. A liaison is part of the agreement Kaius made and you must, at the very least, tolerate him." Ancian turns to Hugh, "Hugh it is a pleasure to meet you, it is always good to begin a journey with a stranger... It keeps it interesting." He laughs again and continues walking, not caring if they follow or not.
Ancian has been quiet since the start of all these negotiations, debating in his head what to do. Although he is a member of house Orien and has no true ties to either of these nations, he also isn't beholden to anyone in Aundar either and would relish the chance to see Karrnath and be apart of history. When he hears Distan, he finally speaks up, having made his decision Distan, it is with sadness that I bid you farewell. I have been thinking over your same proposition, but have arrived at the opposite. This is too high a calling, too great an opportunity to pass up. Good luck on your journey, may me meet again. Ancian pockets the gold and double checks his gear. He finds the others, and is ready to leave.
Ancian is somewhat taken aback by the High Cardinal's threat, but figures it makes sense that matters of state, such as this, would be handled by an elder political figure and not a child. "Well High Cardinal, we have no reason to lie, so fear not. I will say, though, that I'm not too surprised to see you, although your priests could have told us we were speaking to you instead of the Keeper. We have come to hopefully stop the war before it begins, and we have brought with us someone who could do it." Ancian looks to Vorik and Kaius, knowing that one of them can better explain the situation. Diplomacy:
Ancian gives Distan a quick inquisitive look, and wonders if that comment is related to what he said earlier on the steps. Regardless, Ancian responds to his praise, "You're welcome Vorik, and to be honest, it went better then I expected as well." Ancian follows the halfling through the Cathedral and as they reach the room he says,"Thank you". He rests his crossbow on the wooden rack and places his two warhammers on the floor next to the rack, and as he releases the hammers a few small arcs of lightning spark between them and his hands. Recognizing that this man is clearly not the Keeper, Ancian becomes cautious and alert, but sits down and pans the room for information. Perception:
Ancian returns the bow with a slight bow of his own. Ancian speaks to the priests in a modest tone, slowly and methodically, "Brother, although now seems like the perfect time for prayer, I am not here for that. I am here on business, but not with the High Cardinal. I seek audience with the Keeper, and it is vital that we see her." Ancian glances quickly at Kaius. "It may change all our fortunes, and then it will certainly be a time for prayer." Diplomacy:
Ancian buys a bouquet of flower, looking for one with some extra purple. "Regardless of their visitor's policy, they're going to have to accept them", he says to Tika as he begins the climb the temple steps. As he rises above the Cathedral square, he reaches to his neckline and pulls out the chain around his neck. The dragonshard glows in the Orien emblem now resting on his chest. He stands straighter and walks the steps with more confidence. "This could get me in a lot of trouble, but it could also stop a war." he says to himself. And as he reaches the Cathedral doors, his cloak falls off his shoulder and his dragonmark is now in plain sight
As Ancian looks around the whirling hustle, he is unable to repress the flashbacks from the last war. The banners and the bloodshed all flash before his mind, but he settles his thoughts and remembers that those battles are what forged him. The visions subside, and he starts to take in the fuss for what it really is, worry and fear. These are average people, scared of the upcoming war. Hopefully, it can be stopped. perception =
lol why do i have a feeling everyone is gonna be a Gun / (Insert Class here?) probably because of the steampunk theme haha I think this game would be very interesting and already it seems that there is great variety in the use of the gun
Ancian wanders through town, becoming familiar with this foreign place. He stops at a few vendors and browses their wares, but finds nothing. After the short walk, he stops in an alley and removes his pack. He takes off his cloak and shirt, replacing them instead with chain mail and tabard. He dons his signet ring and a necklace bearing the Seal of Orien and places his Siberys shard at its center . With this new attire, the dragonmark on his shoulder is clearly visible. "Perhaps I shouldn't be so obvious", he thinks to himself. He throws the cloak onto his shoulders, the mark now barely visible, tucks the necklace into his tabard, and ventures forth to meet his comrades.
"Distan, I share your reservations, I do; however, I am willing to trust them. For one, Vorik is a paladin. We all saw him attempt to heal the fallen warrior when we first arrived. I hold his word very highly and I don't believe, barring his appearance, that he would accompany anyone with nefarious intent. Second, if this man" he gestures toward Kaius, "was a would-be assassin, he would have made his move already when the girl was on the pulpit. He wouldn't make his move in a private chamber, with us and her guards ready to defend her if need be." Ancian shakes his head, "The pieces fit, and war is on the horizon... we need to act quickly."
Ancian glances at Vorik, "Your armor is rather..." he searches for a word, "disconcerting. A change of clothes might be in order." Ancian laughs softly. "However", now looking at the displaced king, "do you think it necessary for all of us to don disguises? I believe I would be much more useful as Ancian d'Orien then as anyone else."
Ancian bows his head to Kaius. "I will keep it hidden unless I believe my family to be in danger. My loyalties lie with Orien, first and foremost. For now, your secret is safe with me." Ancian then turns his gaze to the menacing paladin of Dol Arrah,"I may be able to get to her, although it is a long shot. I am a dragonmarked heir of House Orien and future Blade. I may have some diplomatic sway here.
Ancian shakes his head at both Vorik and Tika. "Well this is certainly... an unexpected twist. If what you say is true then this is indeed something that could change the course of this war. I will accompany so that I can bring back a full report, but after your meeting I must journey back to Passage and report this to the patriarch."
Ancian leans into his companions and whispers,"I hate to be the one say this, but... If what she says is true then not only do we need to get out of here, soon, but there is no chance we'll be able to speak with her. She'll be surrounded by guards around the clock; she's like a god to these people."
"The Lightning Rail would be perfect; I can't believe I didn't think of that first." Ancian says half-laughing to himself. He follows the group through the crowd, weaving through the throng of those celebrating. He keeps an eye on Bastion, as he is easy to see, and Vorik, of course, who out of all the members of this ragtag group stands out the most.
"Bastion, I don't think that would be such a good idea... there aren't any churches around here except those of the Flame, and they're the ones looking us. I hate knocking down a suggestion without giving one, but I am unfamiliar with this place as well. If it were up to me, we'd meet at the exit, but we have this business with the keeper." Ancian pauses for a moment and then says, lightheartedly, "Maybe she's on the elephant." He chuckles at his joke, and then turns to Distan. "I think we should move soon, before our cover marches away."
Ancian hears Tika mention parade and his mind starts to turn. First the locked down city, the groups unwarranted arrest and now a celebration in the streets; Ancian is very curious as to what might be going on. He wracks his brain trying hard to remember anything he knows or has heard. Knowledge (Local):
Levis, I'm gonna have Ancian make a knowledge (local) to see if he can recall anything about this specific day or why their may be a parade in Flamekeep. He is a traveler after all and as a character tries to keep up and remember things like this lol.
Ancian exits the cell last and remains behind the group, keep an eye out down the hall. He is poised rather nonchalantly; one hand on the head of his hammer and the other resting on his belt, as he waits for Tika to return.
Ancian jumps off the bed suddenly as he hears the pop of the unlocking door."Nice work", he says toward Tika. He turns his attention to the rest of the group. "Distan, I think your initial plan is perfect for what we need here. Although I would feel more comfortable if we knew where that guard was; unconscious and locked in this cell would be preferable." He chuckles as he checks his equipment. His hammers flash a pale silvery blue, for a moment, as he rests them in their places on his belt, but his long auburn cloak conceals them soon after. He looks to his companions and assures them he is ready. His eyes move toward the unfamiliar paladin and his cohort. "Vorik, Klaus, you ready?"
Ancian, still laying down, softly says, "Tika, although I am just as interested in our new companions' plans I don't think we have too much time. We can discuss them later, but I know Thrane, and although we are innocent, we might not ever get out of these prisons unless we make our move now." Ancian trails off unintelligibly back into silence, although a keen ear would have heard him say something about getting the keys himself.
Happy Halloween! Have a brutal day!
Nodding his head, Ancian responds,"Tika that sounds perfect, but if you are unable to, don't fret. There are other ways to escape a cell." Ancian hops back up on the cot, lies down with his hands crossed behind his head and calls to Distan, "That was an interesting trick, and a good plan. I certainly don't want us fighting more then we have to; there is no need for unnecessary bloodshed."
Sitting up on the edge of the bed, Ancian turns to Bastion. "It couldn't be clearer." He moves closer to Tika and leans in, softly saying, "Can you pick that lock?" FInally he turns to Vorik, "It is quite a great mission you are on. I have met my fare share of travelers and you are perhaps the most intriguing. I'm not sure what to make of you just yet."
"Tika does bring up a good point, perhaps I spoke too quickly. I am sorry for being so indecisive, but if we escape now we will surely be discovered and will have to fight our way out. However, if we wait until morning we may be released; and if not, still have to fight our way out." Ancian lays down on a bunk bed, upset about being so impatient. He has been in trouble while traveling before, but has never had to think of an entire group. "As I said, I will help if we choose to escape, tonight or in the morning. As for now, I am wet and tired, and in need of a rest."
Perception:
Ancian has been quiet and complacent since he first joked about the situation. He followed the guards without question and has been leaning up against the wall of the cell until now. I am Ancian of Aundar, it is a pleasure to meet all of you. I am sorry I have been so quiet, but I did not want to say too much; for I fear that I am the cause of us all being here. I used to fight for the Aundarian army, and I foolishly made mention of it to Tika earlier. Ancian nods his head at Distan,"but I can help get us out" and turns toward Vorik and Kaius. "If we were to attempt a break out, are you in?"
Ancian nods. Although he does not believe his diplomatic advance was met well, he starts slowly walking toward the stairs. He does not, however, take his hands away from his hammers. He knows to prepare for the worst. "It's certainly cheaper then the inn", he says, hoping to break the tension.
Perception = Although Ancian did not notice the guard call for reinforcements, he soon realizes that trouble is possibly on the horizon. His hands move down toward the hammer's slung from his sides. Ancian looks to his companions and then at the guard. "Reinforcements? I have spent many days around a barracks, and I can tell you, you will not be needing reinforcements. We are travelers simply looking to get out of the rain. We truly mean to cause no trouble" Diplomacy =
I'm okay with most ideas. It would make sense for us to have met on the road and decided grouping up is a good idea. Ancian is a traveler by nature and has been adventuring through the 5 nations waiting for his dragonmark to evolve, and would love the company. Tika and Distan, if you want to embellish I'm open to anything.
Ancian glances quickly at the guard, answers with a simple "No" and just as quickly turns his attention to Tika. He whispers, "Yes, at one point you would have been hanged, but times are better now. At one point, I fought for Aundar against many of these very men, I'm sure. Thrane has taken much from us, and although I hold no grudges, it is not easy to be here."
Ancian shivers from the cold rain, and responds to Bastion, "Lodging would be a good idea, this rain is becoming a nuisance. However, I pray we stay only until it clears... I don't particularly like this place."
And Ancian "The Hammer" d'Orien is born |
