Marcus Armethal's page

Resignation finally fills the invoker's face as he shakes his head and slumps his shoulders. "Very well," he sighs. With one hand holding his staff, Marcus reaches into his pouch with the other and pulls out the rolled up parchment, holding it up for the others to see. Then he tosses it lightly so that it lands only a few feet from the tiefling.

"You will need this if you're going to convince anyone," he tells them. "For the sake of the people in Winterhaven, I wish you luck. And may you someday find victory and honor."

His eyes look over the group with consideration. Then, with a heavy sigh, Marcus turns his horse around and heads in the direction of the elven knight and her group of soldiers from Cormyr. Tempus willing, the invoker would be allowed to join their campaign and help them in their battles. Perhaps it was no accident that he had met them when he did. Was this a new path meant for him to follow? Curious how things work out. Tempus only knows.

Thanks for the game and the RP everyone, but I cannot continue down this path with Marcus being the way that he is. And since I will not compromise my character any more than I already have, even for the sake of moving the game forward, then it is probably best to remove him from the group altogether.

The timing couldn't be any better, either. The group is returning to town and could meet a replacement character there. And the departure for Marcus is not only fitting, but satisfying for me and the character.

Thanks again for the experience, especially to DM Nixon for his excellent maps and efforts. It was fun while it lasted. Good luck with the Keep.

"What arrogance!" Marcus exclaimed as he reigned his horse to a stop now. "Tempus deliver me, but this has gone on quite enough! You speak as if you are the only one here willing or capable to do anything, and you won't even so much as listen or consider anyone else's ideas but your own. It is your lack of faith in anything that I find disturbing, and it makes me uncomfortable to think where it may lead us if we continue to follow your lead."

Jerking hard on the reigns of his mount, the invoker forces his steed to turn quickly and moves away from the group, stopping only a few yards away before facing them as a group. "I think it is time to let the rest of the group be heard, for once," he addresses them with a bit more control in his voice. "Sturdy, I do not believe the Lord of Winterhaven is either a threat or a traitor to his people, but I would prefer to err on the side of caution. Speaking with the priestess first will offer us an advantage that we cannot otherwise gain if we wait to visit her afterwards, but we can gain nothing if we do not and we betray no one if we do."

"If anyone else would like to give their thoughts on the matter, please feel free to share them now. Or," he points to the tiefling, "you can continue to put more trust into someone who thinks of you as little more than his 'meat shield', or whatever he says. The decision is yours to make, but I will go no further with him lest Tempus strikes me down."

"Blab?" Marcus echoed the tiefling's word of choice. His face appeared to flush momentarily as he clenched his jaw a little tighter. Looking around at the others, he wondered if anyone else was considering clubbing the infernal creature with whatever they happen to be holding in their hands at that moment. The soldiers were already away. The prospect was becoming tempting.

"If I recall," the invoker began, forcing his thoughts to focus on more diplomatic methods, "Lord Padraig was reluctant to acknowledge such a threat even existed. He insisted on finding proof before acting, and now we have something to show him. But if this spy is working through him and influencing his judgment, as one of Shar's minions is likely to do, then there is a small chance that a simple note may not be enough on its own."

Marcus continues without giving anyone a chance to interrupt."The priestess was first to suspect any Sharran involvement in any of this. You would know this if you had bothered to accompany the rest of us rather than continuing to work alone according to the demands of your scheming little mind. If anyone is prepared to move against the Lady of the Night, it would be her. She is the least likely person to have any connections with this deceiver, which makes her a valuable asset to us. We would gain the advantage if we could add greater credibility to our claims and deter any attempts by this infiltrator to somehow intervene or subvert our efforts."

"Our employer hired us on behalf of the people of Winterhaven, tiefling," he added as he spurred his horse forward. "Try to maintain some perspective before involving us in another clever rouse."

Marcus furrows his brow at the tiefling's words. "And why have you not shared this information with your companions, Habber?" His expression is a mixture of curiosity and annoyance as he rubs the flame-embroidered etchings of his staff with his thumb. He seems to be on the verge of saying more, but simply waits quietly for Aglaeca's response.

I really, REALLY hate it when this site screws up your post and you lose everything you spent 15 minutes writing.

"Agreed," Marcus replies as he mounts his steed. "but I'd like to speak with the priestess of Chauntea before we speak with the Lord of Winterhaven. If there is a spy in town, I suspect that he may be closer to someone in a position of power who could be swayed than a cloistered cleric with less influence in public affairs. We may gain the advantage if we are careful and do not reveal our hand before we can identify the enemy."

"You have no idea," Marcus remarked casually as he made his way into the tent. "But our group would not be the same if he were anything else. Good night to you all. May sleep bring us peace this night to remind us why we fight tomorrow."

The invoker spends an hour by candlelight, studying the note and meditating with his scriptures. His thoughts focus on the trials to come. What role do the kobolds serve? What of the rift being made by Shar's servants? And what part would he and his companions play in all of this?

It was in the air, a tense feeling of uneasy control permeated the camp. The soldiers knew how to live with fear and anxiety. They were trained to exude their emotions, bask in the sensations that reminded them that, for the moment, they were still alive. It was their time to relax, not out of desire for luxury, but as part of their ritual in preparing for the next possible fight. Good soldiers knew that a well-rested warrior was better prepared against a weary one. Tempus knows this. So did Marcus.

Soon after he finishing his meditation, the bearded man from Impiltur blew out the candles and went to sleep, though he did not feel tired. He needed his rest before the coming battle.

Marcus takes the note and reads it out loud for the others, raising his brows as he finishes the last sentence. "Shar! I suppose the priestess was right, after all," he says with a concerning tone. "But what of this rift that is mentioned? It cannot bode well for anyone if we simply ignore it. The kobolds may simply have to wait!"

Marcus pauses for a moment as he seems to ponder in thought for a moment. His expression is both perplexed and conflicted as he looks to each of his companions, and then to the elven knight. His eyes searching for an answer though his heart somehow knows that he will not find it here. Finally, he asks his question. "Do you suppose they are somehow connected in all of this?"

The invoker of Tempus pauses only for a moment, but long enough to take in the presence of the captivating elven warrior. He had not expected an elf to be leading the band of humans, much less a female leading a band of males. Most female elves that he had encountered before were always somehow less commanding and more mystical... not that he had encountered so many before, but one thing remained constant: he always found them to be alluring.

Regaining his senses, Marcus realizes that the tiefling may be on the verge of creating another potentially bad impression if the invoker did not speak first.

"M'lady," Marcus says with a bow. "We apologize for intruding on your campsite and taking advantage of your men during their well-deserved respite. It is only curiosity that led us to this place where we noticed men burning the bodies of the very enemies we have been fighting in recent days. But the Lord of Winterhaven has commissioned our stalwart group to end their threat to his fair village, and we intend to fulfill our obligation. Perhaps you can share what information you have on these creatures and, together, we can end this wretched hive of filthy cretins.

"I am Marcus Armethal, by the way. Late of far away Impiltur. Devoted disciple of the Lord of Battles, Tempus. My friends may speak for themselves, for they are capable in their own right," he casts an assuring glance back at the others, inviting them to step forward.

Marcus moves forward, touching Dran on the shoulder as he moves past and whispers, "Let us salvage what's left of our integrity, shall we?" Without waiting for a response, the invoker steps into the clearing and presents himself with a small flourish of his red and yellow-fringed robe.

"Our purpose, good soldier, is the same as yours," he begins addressing the mercenary group. "We have also been called upon to end the kobolds, and whatever else threatens the good people in this region. Forgive our rouse, if you please. If we had realized that you were riding with one of the famed Purple Dragons, we would not have bothered sending Habber here to test your intentions."

Marcus gently rests a hand on the dark elf's shoulder and leads him away around to the west side of the camp. "Do not let his words bother you, warrior," the invoker offers. "His infernal sort are bred only to sow the seeds of discontent and chaos with whomever would be willing to listen. Observe now as he continues the unpredictably predictable manner in which he succumbs to his own undeniable nature, and ready yourself."

The bearded man takes a step back positioning Dran between him and the group of men while the tiefling begins his address. A moment after the warlock's words begin to take a life of their own, Marcus quietly makes a remark that only himself and Dran could hear. "Tempus favors warriors above all else, friend. Remember that."

Marcus studies the men carefully as he listens to the others confer on a strategy. When the conversation grows quiet, he turns to see Aglaeca looking back at him with his infernal grin. Suddenly, the words of their conversation becomes clear.

"Tempus bothers with our kind even less," the invoker replies quietly. "He favors neither brilliant strategist, nor compulsive bravado, nor valiant leader. He prefers not the large and fearsome weapon, nor the sly and silent blade, nor the destructive arcane flame, nor the divine and righteous power of retribution. In fact, Tempus only cares that someone will act soon and that the battle will be joined."

Marcus pauses for a moment before Aglaeca decides on a response, and then adds "Assuming these men are our enemies, of course. We seem to have a common thread," Marcus explains as he points to the burning kobold bodies.

Character sheet has been updated. Marcus took no damage that encounter so he did not use any healing surges (at least, I don't remember him taking any damage...).

Marcus traces the flame embroidered staff with his thumb as he surveys the carnage, a pleased look painted plainly on his face. "No, they weren't much trouble at all," he replied to no one in particular. "But there were so few of them... it must have been a scouting party or something. I'm sure more will await us when we arrive in their lair."

Welcome back!

Marcus strolls up the road just enough to keep his quarry in sight as he unleashes more divine power on the creatures. "This battle is nearly at an end."

Move Action: Move to G-14.

Standard Action: Divine Bolts attack (vs Reflex) on kobold(K), Divine Bolt attack roll (1d20+4=19); On hit, lightning damage (1d6+4=5)

I've got nothing in the way of pushing targets around. Hopefully that changes when Divine Power comes out next month.

Marcus eyes the scene calmly as the kobolds begin to retreat from the group. With a satisfied look, he takes a few steps forward, brandishing the flame-etched staff in front of him as he sends forth a torrent of debilitating shards at the wyrmpriest and his minions.

Move Action: Move to I-12

Standard Action: Grasping Shards; target Wyrmpriest at E-17, burst 1 targets kobolds D1 and K; Grasping Shards attack vs Fortitude (1d20+4=5, 1d20+4=12, 1d20+4=17); 4 Radiant Damage on hit and targets are slowed until the end of his next turn.

Don't forget, Marcus shifted to I-10. Need to update that on the map. Love the image of the thorn spikes, btw!

Marcus dodges the kobold's wild swing, then takes a step back and away from the manic creature. "Fear not, scaly one," he speaks calmly, though he is unaware if the kobold can understand his words. "The lord of battles will look favorably upon your valor, even as you die now." With a quick gesture and a sacred word, Marcus calls down a torrent of lightning on the hapless creatures standing together.

Move Action: Shift to I-10.

Standard Action: Vanguard's Lightning attack; Target: D3, area burst 1 targets D2; Vanguard's Lightning attack (1d20+4=22, 1d20+4=21); On hit: Lightning Damage (1d6+4=7) and whenever the target makes an opportunity attack before the end of your next turn, the target takes lightning damage equal to your Intelligence modifier (+2).

Marcus, surprised by the quickness of the small creatures, unleashes a torrent of radiant energy to injure the enemies and bolster his allies.

Standard Action: Blades of Astral Fire; Target I-8, Burst 1; Attack rolls vs D2 and D3 (in order)Blades of Astral Fire (1d20+4=20, 1d20+4=22); Damage on hit Radiant Damage (1d6+4=5, 1d6+4=10); Marcus and Aglaeca gain +3 bonus to AC until the end of Marcus' next turn.

Oops! Forgot about the surprise round.
Marcus spies the kobolds near the bushes ahead and makes a slight gesture towards them. "Look alive, gentlemen," he warns. A crystalline sphere speeds towards the hiding creatures and shatters into a hundred tiny, radiant blades. "We are besieged."

Grasping Shards attack; Target L-17, area burst 1 (affects Kobolds D2 and D3); Attack Roll vs Fortitude D2 Grasping Shards Attack Roll (1d20+4=10) and D3 Grasping Shards Attack Roll 2 (1d20+4=21); 4 Radiant Damage on Hit and the target is slowed until the end of my next turn.

Initiative Roll (1d20=5)

The disciple of Tempus takes the reigns of an unexceptional chestnut mare. His thoughts seem to be elsewhere, but he does not distance himself from the others in any way. He responds with simple expressions and short words when addressed or questioned. But his manner remains reserved and quiet for most of the journey.

Marcus begins at M-2.
Perception Check (1d20+3=20)

"You think too much, tiefling," Marcus says as he approaches the pair. His voice is calm and deliberate, as is his step. "Or perhaps not enough. Which is why you should sit still a moment and listen."

The invoker stands a few feet away so as not to intrude their space, but close enough that he is now part of their circle. "Tempus is the Lord of Battles, and I am a follower; not a leader. It is my duty to find those who conduct themselves honorably upon the field of battle, and ultimately support those who can support themselves. My swordarm may be weak, but I am no less a soldier at heart, which means I must know when to follow and when to lead.

"However," he continues, "I must also recognize those that are fit to lead others, and those that are not." He pauses to give Aglaeca a meaningful look. "A leader cannot distance himself from his followers, nor does he throw them to the wolves and backs away when he feels that his contributions no longer matter. His opponents will only see it as weakness, both on the battlegrounds and at the table of diplomacy."

Marcus pauses again to give a thoughtful look before continuing.

"If a leader should arise from our little group, one that our group will follow without question or condition, then I will accept their decree in good faith. But," he cautions, "I expect a true leader to earn his position by acting like one. To do otherwise would go against the very tenets of my faith, and I cannot allow myself to support such a person no matter how well his intentions may be."

The invoker looks both of the companions over quietly, allowing his words to sink in for a moment. His fingers run over the fire-etched markings of his staff as if to give him comfort, and then with a small bow, he tells them, "That is all I needed to say. Please, enjoy the rest of your breakfast. I will leave you in peace to find my own meal inside. I expect we will be heading out shortly. I will be ready."

Marcus turns to head back to the inn, but stops after a few stops. "One more thing," he says before continuing on. "There is no need to bring this up in front of the others, Aglaeca. I feel their loyalties already lie with you and your ways. Just think on my words. They are deserving of that much, at least."

The invoker waits by the door for a few moments when he hears the tiefling scurry out the window. He furrows his brow for a moment as he ponders quietly. "What is he doing? Does he think to hide from everything and everyone to avoid any consequences? This is unacceptable."

For now, Marcus leaves the hell-spawned creature's door and returns to his room for rest and meditation. Tomorrow is another day. Aglaeca can not hide forever.

Is going to interrupt somebody's sleep...
Marcus keeps a friendly face until the Lord disappears with his men and the crowd loses focus on their group. Then his expression grows stern as he looks to the others briefly. Without a word, he spins on his heel and heads straight towards the tiefling's door and beats his staff hard against the wood. "Aglaeca, I'd like a word with you!"

Marcus raises an eyebrow at the tiefling's smile as he approaches, then follows as he makes his introductions to Lord Padraig. He listens patiently as the ruler explains his point of view and ponders the true nature of Aglaeca in the back of his mind. He is about to say something when Dran appears, rejoining the group and making his presence felt. Marcus can only smile as the warrior asserts himself in the way that he does.

"Indeed," Marcus chimes in. "These are capable warriors in their own way and have much experience traveling with one another. Rest assured, Lord Padraig, that these are not your run-of-the-mill mercenaries. Tempus has gathered us together for a reason and it is a terrible one in the face of our enemies." Marcus looks over his companions for a moment, allowing the words to sink in before he continues.

"But we are not unreasonable, either. Allow us the opportunity to prove our worth to you and your people, and then you can decide for yourself if you wish us to thwart the danger from your village. The priestess of the Earth Mother is convinced that the evil Mistress of the Night has a hand in this, and I, for one, am willing to believe her. Are you willing to risk taking the chance that she could be mistaken? I'll bet Shar is hoping that you might."

Diplomacy check (1d20+6=21)

"At the inn," Marcus repeats her words dryly. His smile thins, but he forces a pleasant expression and gives another bow. "Then we must hurry back to meet him, though I'm sure the rest of our group has already begun speaking with him. Good day to you both." Tapping the butt of his staff on the floor, the invoker spins around and heads outside, back to the inn.

Marcus casts a sidelong glance at Karn who is muttering to himself, then bows to Sister Linora. "It would seem that the perils are great, indeed. For the Lord Tempus has deafened the ear of your leader and blinded him to the danger until true warriors of valor and courage have had the chance to prove themselves in battle. I cannot speak for everyone, but I know that we are only more than happy to take up your cause and bring an end to these scaly beasts." The invoker then steps aside to allow the others to add their remarks and ask their questions.

Marcus pushes his plate away, wipes his mouth with a cloth in one hand, and rises to join the others. He gives a curious glance as the tiefling begins to weave his tales, then follows the others. "I suppose the rest of us will see to the 'idols and whatnot'," he chagrins faintly. "It is time we learn our destiny while others wait for it to fall into their lap."

Marcus gives the woman a smile and a nod as she excuses herself from the group. He sits quietly as he takes his meal, listening to the comments of his companions. Each one displays a unique attribute in their personalities which he has observed over the last few days. He contemplates each of them as if trying to put together a puzzle where none of the pieces seem to fit.

He has been traveling with Dran and Karn longer than the others, but he still has not figured them out. The rogue is guarded, doing his best to hide his past and his elven lineage. The dark elf, on the other hand, is confident and embraces his identity and his profession. The shifter, Chorro, displays a noble quality that others might follow if he did not maintain a distance from all things civilized and human. That may explain his bond with the devil-born Aglaeca, who is ultimately not of this world and struggles with the differences that serve as a constant reminder that he, more than anyone else, is out of his element.

And then there is the enormous man who calls himself "Sturdy". For one of such size, he has a talent for being the one least noticed in a crowded room... at least until he decides to drop his powerful weapon and smashes everything in his way. Perhaps he has learned to avoid gaining attention to counter that which he already receives whenever he steps into a new place. Balance is what he craves, since he must know that his presence cannot be completely ignored. I wonder...

Marcus turns to the goliath as he wipes his mouth with a napkin. "Tell us, my friend. How do you feel that we may have been brought all this way to face some scaly little creatures? Were you surprised, as well?"

Grr! I hate when the site eats a good post. Now you just get the abridged version. :P

Marcus nods his thanks to Salvanna as he takes his seat. "Thank you, good woman," he says as he smooths his fine vestments. "Your hospitality gives as much comfort as my bath and my robes. My friends should arrive soon. They're a curious lot, each given to his own idiosyncrasies, but they are strong at heart and in battle. Tempus favors their strength, which will be a great blessing for your troubled village."

Insight Check (1d20+8=16) to determine how the village feels towards Tempus from her reaction

Marcus thanks him for his offer and takes his rest for the night.

I'm good to go. Perhaps Gevarn will volunteer some more vital information during the trip and we can ask questions along the way?

Marcus watches quietly for the reactions of the others. His face grows more content as each person slowly comes around and expresses their interest to aid in Gevarn's endeavors. He looks back with a nod as Chorro speaks, then smirks at Karn's words. Fingering the etched flames of his staff, the invoker merely nods his consent along with the others.

Marcus smiles at the wiry old man and turns to his brethren. "A man on a mission," he repeats to his colleagues. "And the forces of evil attempted to oppose him, until we thwarted their efforts." He gives a knowing smile then turns back to old man. "Perhaps you can tell us about your mission and we can tell you if we can continue to thwart this evil for your cause." Marcus gestures for the man to return to his table with him as he looks to see if the others will oblige with their interest.

Marcus looks over the group as they pick themselves up from the fight. He notices the exchange between the shifter and the tiefling with some small amusement as he checks over the drow. Seeing that he is recovered from his encounter, Marcus ignores his own small wounds and walks over to the priest of Chauntea. Move to J-10

"Be at ease, friend. You are safe now. Our group has shown these ruffians our mettle, and I pray that Tempus has taken notice. Now what business, may I ask, did this lot have with a follower of the Earthmother?"

Diplomacy Check (1d20 6=17) to move the priest's attitude towards friendly

DM - Can you add hit point or wound totals for player characters to the list? It would be helpful for those of us that have healing powers to help our team. :)

Marcus glances at Chorro, hearing his remarks towards the fleeing thug. "How very noble of you," he says. "I suppose I will redirect my attack so as not to compromise your honor." The invoker turns to his left where the others have clustered and calls forth divine bolts of lightning to strike at the leader and his companion.

Standard Action
Divine Bolts: Target first roll against R2, second against M; Divine Bolt attack (1d20 4=10, 1d20 4=23) vs Reflex; Hit (1d6 4=8) lightning damage.

Dran no longer has AC bonus from previous power

Marcus frowns as the ruffians continue to harry the group. "That will be quite enough," he intones. With a single motion, he taps the butt of his staff on the floor. Gleaming blades of radiant energy appear, striking the ruffians and then transforming into a spectral shield for Dran.

Standard Action
Blades of Astral Fire: Target I8, burst affects R1, R2, and Dran (first attack roll R1, second R2); Blades of Astral Fire attack (1d20 4=21, 1d20 4=5) vs Reflex; Damage Roll (1d6 4=9) Radiant Damage.

Dran receives +3 power bonus to AC until end of my next turn.

Okay

Grasping Shard attack2 (1d20 4=8) Wisdom vs Fortitude against enemy M

*Sigh* Sorry it's taking so long. The messageboard is giving me problems posting for some reason. Question: Do I need to make separate rolls for each target? If so, how do we determine which roll for which target?

Free Action: Marcus winces at the mace's impact, but then smiles as his assailant tries to taunt him. "A fine hit, young lady," he say to her. "But Tempus will not favor until you face a true warrior who is ready." With a small nod, Marcus steps aside to allow Dran to move forward.

Move Action: The invoker moves past Dran and Karn to G-6.

Standard Action: With a quick word, Marcus creates a crystalline sphere and throws it into the farthest corner of the room where it shatters on impact, creating a thousand tiny shards of radiance.

Grasping Shards
Target: Impact at E-10, Burst 1 targets enemies T3 and M. Grasping Shards attack (1d20 4=18), Wisdom vs Fortitude. If hits, Radiant Damage (1d6 4=10) and target is slowed until the end of my next turn.

Initiative (1d20=20)

Marcus turns to regard the men in the corner. He pays particular attention to the holy implement the aggressor had seized, wondering if the symbol is familiar to him.

Religion (Knowledge) Check (1d20+7=13)

Never assume just because everyone else does it that way. I hope the format is acceptable.

Marcus taps the butt of his staff quietly against the floor as he looks around, noting the positions being taken by the thugs. "Curious," he mutters softly, "that they would want to keep witnesses inside the room with them. Are we invisible, by any chance?"

You were already being missed! ;)

Marcus nods at the pale-skinned drow. "Well said, my friend. Honor can take many forms," he added with an assuring glance toward Karn, "sometimes from where we least expect it."

After a moment of thought, Marcus rises from his chair and speaks.

"Well met, then," he looks over the group one by one. "It seems most of you are familiar with one another, and I feel like an stranger among you. In truth, I have come from far-away Impiltur and have only travelled with Karn and his companion for a short while now." He gives a quick glance to his right where the half-elf and dark elf are sitting.

"But they have assured me," he continues, "that they know of no finer companions, and their word is enough to bring me here before you. I am Marcus Armethal, and I have been compelled by Lord Tempus to find warriors of strength and honor, and to help them achieve glory on the field of battle. Thus, I am at your service," he finishes with a small bow as he returns to his seat.

"So, where do we begin?"

Has the dark elf player checked in yet?

Marcus regards the tiefling thoughtfully, offering only a slight nod as Aglaeca dismisses himself abruptly to hide behind a large mug. His thoughts are distracted as Chorro calls attention to the fire outside.

"What is going on out there?" he asks the shifter. Fingering the flame etchings of his staff, Marcus remains in his seat where the group has (presumably) gathered.

Marcus blinked at the shifter's feral words, and maybe something else.

"Child of Tempus," he chuckled, rubbing his chin as if seriously contemplating something. "I don't think I've heard that one before. But then again, I don't think I've ever encountered a creature such as yourself, either. Perhaps, one day, I'll explain to you why that term amuses me. But for now, you may call me Marcus."

Marcus stood up when Karn finally arrived, gesturing to the empty seats surrounding the large table in the middle of the dining area of the tavern. "I hope the others arrive soon," he remarked as he took his seat once more. "The owner seems to be growing anxious. I'm sure this is one of his best tables and I've been doing my best to convince him that everyone would be arriving soon and ordering from his less-than-savory menu." Gripping his flame-etched staff, he leaned in and added, "Tempus willing, that mutton he's had warming in the back for the last day or so will not be our greatest challenge today."

The road from Impiltur has been a long one, but Marcus refused to show any signs of weariness in either his step or his look. He eyed the sign above the doorway, looking for something significant in the words or the image of "The Gilded Lady". Nothing came to him, though. It was only another tavern along the way. He hoped that his journey was still on the right path to leading him to find a savior for fallen Impiltur. Perhaps someone inside...

Marcus gripped the flame-embroidered staff tighter, feeling the warmth from the flames of battle spread into his body. Tempus confirmed that he was still following his destiny. Gathering his red cloak over his finely-meshed chainmail, Marcus glanced around for his companions.

The dark elf was a fine warrior, but preferred the shadows nearly as much as the rogue. Such an odd pair to be travelling together, he admitted, but it was no less strange than his compulsion to join them in their travels. Neither was likely to be the one which he sought, but they both proved effective in a fight. The Lord of Battles had definately shown him the way to find worthy companions. Now he just needed to lead him to the one who will save his beloved homeland.

Shaking his head, Marcus cast aside any doubts, knowing that the pair would catch up to him in their own good time, and stepped into the noise and warmth of the tavern.

Anything you want to add to this, DM?

I don't know if Marcus would be already acquainted with either Chorro or Aglaeca, but I'm assuming someone will be able to bring the two groups together. I'll leave that ball for someone else to run with.