Hawk's Bane
Seasoned Player
Harbinger of Evil who's leaking like a drippy tap
Posts: 107
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Post by Hawk's Bane on Jun 17, 2008 10:42:45 GMT
He paused for a moment, thinking of this so-called treasure hunt they were assigned, and this "Tear of Ishir". He eyed the others cautiously, another NAK, an old mage; a sorcerer of the dark arts to be exact, a scholar and a pirate. As much as he was disdained in working with them, he had his orders.
"Enough! This bickering is pointless! Ruiger has given our mission so that now will be our focus from now on! Now, Taden and Dirac, what knowledge do you have of this Eye?" It was Soul Spawn, who obviously had grown a little tired of the others, as he was.
But before anyone could answer, the sorcerer interrupted, "I don't recall Master Ruiger placing you in charge, Soul Spawn, however, you happen to be right. I am trying to remember anything that I have read that may be of interest to this mission."
The only person in the room who had not spoken, stood up with his face hidden beneath his hood. He removed his hood and looked around the room. A young man, in his twenties, with long wavy silver hair. Blueish eyes, as cold as ice, with no hint of compassion. Tall and lean, his skin a dark pale. He nodded to Soul Spawn and Master Ruiger. "Ruiger, if I may. Like Soul Spawn here, I am a Nad-Adez-Konkor and my name is Hawk's Bane. First and foremost, a friendly advice if you may." Hawk's Bane directed his gaze towards the sorcerer, his words emphasizing on "friendly". "Do not question our authority. Ever. Second, since it looks like we're going to travel together, it's best we put our knowledge and skills to good use then to engage in petty squabbling, so now tell us what you know of this gem."
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Post by Slavemaster on Jun 17, 2008 16:40:11 GMT
Ruiger nods, his expression giving no indication about what he thinks of the bickering.
"Well said, Hawk's Bane. I, too, must stress how important it is that your personal views of each other do not stand in the way of our master's will. You are all here because you have been deemed suitable for the task. Please do not prove me wrong."
Once again, he leans down to the little chest from where he picked the religious tome and this time he picks up a small pouch with a silvery drawstring. At first, it appears to be made out of simple leather, but as he holds it up to the light, it shimmers in purple and silver.
"This is a korlinium-weave pouch. By all accounts, the Tear is powerful, and in a way that could very well be... harmful to some or all of you. Therefore, this pouch will protect you once you have the gem, and, just as important, prevent anyone else from scrying it's whereabouts."
He pushes the pouch along the table to Soul Spawn and looks sternly in his eyes.
"Be very careful with it, Soul Spawn. There are extremely few things in the world that can be put in a korlinium pouch that are more valuable than the pouch itself, and it can not be replaced easily."
He then looks at Taden and Corwyn.
"Very well then, are any of you already familiar with this gem?"
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Post by taden on Jun 17, 2008 21:03:37 GMT
Taden continued to study the book, sparing only a single, disinterested glance at the pouch as it was handed to Soul Spawn. After his initial comments, the scholar seemed to take little interest in the subsequent discussion in the room, even when it was directed towards him, and seemed lost in both study and contemplation. Ruiger's question, however, stirred him and he glanced around the room.
"I know a fair bit, yes, though possibly far less that will actually be of any interest to most in this room. I will spare you all the religious stories, foremost, because I expect they will be rather lost on most of you anyway.
"Suffice to say, at least on that score, that this gem may be a sacred relic of no small significance to those who follow Ishir. I trust certain among us will keep that in mind, and not allow foolish bravado to overwhelm common sense when we acquire the gem. Our host's suggestion is a wise one: the pouch may be as much, or more, to protect us from the gem as it might also be to protect the gem from being detected by others. It is not altogether implausible that this Baron Ranval has already paid a rather unfortunate price for his...," Taden pauses for a moment, then shrugs and continues. "...lack of appropriate piety."
"Master Ruiger, may I suppose that you may not have provided your Sergeant Ormeztal with a similar pouch to that which you have provided us?"
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Post by Michael of Eshnar on Jun 18, 2008 0:51:43 GMT
"As far as I can remember," says Corwyn slowly, "there are just four Tears of Ishir and the one we are after is said to have gained its powers from falling into the blood of the Good Dragon, Nyxator. It is also said to have great destructive powers of unspecified magnitude."
He turns and fixes Hawk's Bane with a withering gaze. "Your order are not the police force of the Darklands and you have not been given any authority. In fact, considering we were all just hired by Master Ruiger, I would imagine we're all pretty much equal in this endeavour.
"Just remember, blood hunter, authority can be given or taken, but respect can only be earnt. Your act may frighten peasants, but as I have more important work to be doing, namely what we're all here for in the first place, I am not intimidated."
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Hawk's Bane
Seasoned Player
Harbinger of Evil who's leaking like a drippy tap
Posts: 107
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Post by Hawk's Bane on Jun 18, 2008 2:03:23 GMT
He merely smiled, and replied to the defensive sorcerer, "You are right, for now, old man. We have more pressing matters at hand. And don't get me wrong, if I wanted to intimidate you, by His powers, you WILL be intimidated. Anyway..."
Turning to Master Ruiger, he asked, "Ruiger, would it be possible that perhaps someone else knew of Ormeztal's mission and the whereabouts of this gem and its nature?"
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Post by Slavemaster on Jun 18, 2008 3:46:31 GMT
Ruiger nods to Taden.
"Your surmise is correct. A korlinium pouch is not something we routinely hand out even to trusted agents. But I confess I might have been careless to disregard the possibility that the gem could have harmful effect even on ordinary huma... that is to say, ordinary people like the baron. It was he himself who brought the gem from Varetta to his castle, in an ordinary iron chest, with no ill effects that we were aware of. Therefore, I did not provide sergeant Ormeztal with any protection when I sent him to retrieve it. Like I said, I believed it to be a routine assignment."
He then turns to Hawk's Bane.
"As for anyone else knowing about the gem... who can say? It is fully possible that anyone who might have seen it could have recognised it, or even coveted it without knowing what it was - it is, after all, a particularly large diamond - but I have known the baron for some time and find it highly unlikely that he would have showed it to anyone, especially since he knew who he was keeping it for. He is not foolish. Or at least, he hasn't been so far. Also, there is the possibility, if indeed it has any great power, that it's mere presence would have been felt by those suitably skilled or gifted. I understand that the Sages of Lyris, among others, can sometimes divine the whereabouts of powerful artifacts, which is also one reason why I wanted Dirac to find master Taden. Varetta is back in the hands of our enemies, for now, and we must assume that they have realised their artefact is missing. Thus, it is always possible that they have sent out people to search for it. But as I said, I have had no indication whatsoever of anyone else knowing or asking about it."
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Post by taden on Jun 18, 2008 4:02:46 GMT
Taden nods in response to Ruiger, though he seems suddenly a good bit more thoughtful. "I think your words '...that we were aware of...' will be ones to be kept foremost in mind".
With that, the scholar seems to lapse back into silent thought, studying the book for a few moments longer before staring intently at nothing apparent.
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Post by Dirac Sil on Jun 18, 2008 6:07:16 GMT
Dirac has already poured himself a third glass of spirit, but does not drink it, lost in thought again and listening to his host and the history with half an ear while staring into his glass. The natural facination with valuable gems is tempered by the hazardous magical nature of it, and the wild tales of dragons blood. Besides, he has a job to concentrate on, fantasies can wait until after the property is secured.
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Post by Dirac Sil on Jun 18, 2008 6:49:27 GMT
"Parchment. Ink," says Dirac at length at a dip in the conversation towards his host, although he already looking around the room. He drains his third glass and already reaches for the fourth on his journey for some writing materials.
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Soul Spawn
Gamer
Night Born Nad-Adez Konkor
Posts: 183
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Post by Soul Spawn on Jun 18, 2008 8:16:21 GMT
I reach over the table and pocket the pouch. "I would suggest we enquire with the baron first as to the whereabouts of the rogue sergeant. However, l do not think marching up to his door and bellowing demands at him the most prudent way to proceed. We would require a more subtle approach. Dirac!" I turn to address the man in question. "Given your obvious local knowledge, what would be the best way to enter the barons current refuge in a more discreet fashion?"
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Post by Dirac Sil on Jun 18, 2008 8:21:11 GMT
Dirac is ignoring the NAK, grabbing a parchment and ink he has found he sits at a convienient table and begins scribbling a crude map in between drinking. He has drawn an obvious map however, the first scratches are a square denoting a 'keep' just offcentre southwards.
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Post by Michael of Eshnar on Jun 18, 2008 10:19:39 GMT
"I can think of several ideas. We dress as soldiers, with someone who actually speaks Drakkarim posing as the officer and say that we're here to relieve or bolster his position. We could pose as local nobles, coming to see the Baron, or we could scale the castle, kill the guards and surprise the Baron that way.
"For what it's worth, I have the magic to get into or through almost any room or barrier, but the study of magic does not lead itself to enormous muscles or tremendous physical fitness."
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Post by Dirac Sil on Jun 18, 2008 11:51:46 GMT
Dirac finishes his crude sketch of the area, placing a little flourish under the name 'Oakton' that has been written close to the keep.
He taps the area a couple of times, and then shrugs and drains his glass. He looks up at the Soul Spawn while turnign the parchment around to face the man, but quickly turns his head around to the various people in the room and indicates for them to come over if they care. He respectfully nods to Ruiger, and seems to address his words as much to that man as the room in general. His gaze is fixed on darting aroudn the map as he speaks.
"Castle Almark is a day's journey north. Mostly forests on the way, game areas. Not many villages. The baron's subjects live in Oakton here", he says, indicating an area close to the castle, briefly looking up to make sure everyone can see it, especially Ruigar. "I've been a few times to the place. I even know someone to make enquiries of." Dirac taps a finger on the village again. "It is off the normal routes, so not in the war yet. Merceneries might be noticeable."
Dirac shrugs and shifts his position to better point to the castle. "The castle is strong, from the little I saw. Only the high windows could be accessable. I believe a privy opens from the keep about twenty feet from the ground. If you cal that access."
Dirac again shifts to settle as he popints the more obvious entries and features. "Gatehouse here, guard tower here, protecting the main keep. All have clear view out to the surroundings. Moat all around. A second entrance here. A small door for ejecting rubbish, letting servants and others in quickly. It is directly set into the wall and opens out onto the moat."
Dirac leans back, setting his finished glass down again regretfully when he realises it contains nothing. "Serfs looking for work may gain access easier. There are weaknesses to exploit sneaking in at night. Taden and myself have small verifiable reputation. It might be allay suspicion if we go seeking work or knowledge." Dirac shrugs. He is paid to guide, and he has told what he knows. This is the mission of the Darklanders, and providing the plan is not suicide Dirac has no wish to jeapardise his pay by taking on unpaid responsibility for the group and reaping the consequences of failure.
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Post by Slavemaster on Jun 18, 2008 17:57:19 GMT
Ruiger looks at the sketch and nods approvingly.
"Very good, Dirac. I can see you are well on top of this. I trust you to show the way then to your new, er, companions. I will of course leave the details how best to deal with the baron to you. Well then, I suppose I can leave you then. You are free to stay the night here, one of my servants will show you the way to a guest room. Do not hesitate to ask for anything. But I would advise to get ready to leave early" - at this, he glances at the significantly less contents in the bottles - "so that you may reach Oakton before dark. Granted, I doubt that there is something out in the Palmyrian countryside more dangerous than you all, but even so... These are unusual times, and the forces of the elector are keeping a lookout for strange travellers. Best of luck to you all then. As you know, our Masters reward success generously - and punish failures harshly..."
At this, he actually smiles and rise from his seat. With a stiff bow, he then leaves you to discuss your plans further.
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Post by Dirac Sil on Jun 18, 2008 18:10:11 GMT
Dirac takes the hint and stops with his current glass, cursing the phrase 'early start'. He also asks if there are any blackening materials available in the house should they decide on a night time jaunt, and perhaps suitable dark and loose clothing available.
The spirits also allow him to happily ask for Lune for spending money in the village.
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