The Weird of Solamnia (Post-WoS)

[Heron]

Adventure Synopsis:

15 years into the future... The Grandmaster has been slain by greed. The Knights of Solamnia is no more. In its place stands an empire more powerful than any other Ansalon has ever known. Defending it is an army of shadows. A bodyguard of lies. Heartless, relentless, unstoppable. The Iscariots. This is the story of the deadliest of them all and . . . .you.

Game Requirements:

Classes:

Knights of Solamnia- Use non-spell casting variants found in War of the Lance Sourcebook. If this class is picked, PM me for details. (Enemy class)
Knights of Nereka- Disbursed. Destroyed in the Taman Busk Initiative, the Knights of Nereka are an outlaw group, plying an outlaw life.
Legion of Steel- Destroyed where found. The Legion of Steel is the most antagonistic enemy of the Empire.
WoHS- Have so far stayed neutral in the current affairs. They are prepared unlike the Lost Battles if the Empire turns its eye upon Wayreth. The Doom Spire is under control of a mad sorcerer, Digofein.
HOoS Clerics- The good clerics of Kiri-Jolith serve the needs of the Empire. During the years Rise of the Solamnic Empire, the Clerics of Kiri-Jolith became more militant in response to Sargas Clerical attacks; the others are increasingly losing their divine gifts and losing favor in the eyes of their government.
The evil clerics are fleeing in wake of the troubles and attacks by the Empire. Some find an attentive ear in the Empire however. The Neutral clerics are indecisive on how to stop the problems caused by the Empire.
Mystics- The Citadel of Light is under siege by an Empire Regiment under the command of General Bezel. The Citadel Guardians and others are hard-pressed. All other mystics are rounded up and placed in determent camps if they do not swear loyalty to the Empire.
Sorcerers- Find a safe haven in the Empire. Found in branches of the government military. Outside of the Empire, they are killed on sight by WoHS (red, black) or disfigured by White Mages.

Races:

Humans- No changes. Non-Empire citizens are treated as "Infidel: One who doubts or rejects a particular doctrine, system, or principle" And Citizens must always carry their papers and Imperial Brand.
Elves- Are nomadic wanderers. Most have died under various means (mostly as volunteer forces for the Empire). Gilthanas is still their leader and currently seeking a place to call their own (as the Empire has yet to fullfill its part of the blood-pact). There are no half-elves in this campaign as elves are unable to breed except with their own.
Dwarves- Are neutral now against the Empire. No Changes. Gullies are used as menial labor with in the Empire borders. (Some whisper they are traded for certain trade secrets.)
Kender- Killed on site by Empire forces. No Half Kenders. The Empire makes annual incursions into Kender strongholds using slash and burn techniques.
Ogres- Enslaved by the Minotaurs after the rise of Bastion as Emperor during the Minotaur Wars. They are used as shock troops by the Minotaur Nations. The Titans are dead...or so rumored. No Half-Ogres.
Minotaurs- Captured by the Empire or killed. The Minotaur Nation is at war with the Empire.
Gnomes- Strong Allies of the Empire. They service the Empires technology.
Tarmak- Pushed back beyond Ansalon borders. Killed within Empire borders.
Draconians- Tyer is under siege. Killed on site. Noble Draconians breed and are part of the draconian nation.

Notes:

Before posting on the thread. Please PM me to discuss the game and your character.
The game will open 29 December 2004
5-7 Player slots. (2 slot taken, 4 left open)
Another nation is under construction, a counter point to the Empire.
Dragons are in the shadows. The good dragons no longer aid the Empire. What are the Dragons plans? Also all the Dragon Overlords are dead or in hiding.
Taladas will play a role in this campaign. Will update from Mr. Piersons work. Now I am using the Boxed Set for Setting info. Making changes as I go along. If you want to play a Taladasian PM me as well with your idea.
I may introduce Goliath's (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/iw/20040711b&page=5) from Races of Stone. PM if intrigued.

[Heron]

Additional Comments on Character Creation
This and the following post contains guidelines and tips for creating a character here.

When making your first character here create a ‘normal’ person. The adventures that your character may partake in will be extraordinary but the characters here are human (in the sense of normal; No Half-Vampyres.). Don’t try to impress anyone by writing a short novel about how your character is a legend that has already lived through a series of epic adventures and has a past that they can’t escape from. We want to see your best writing but aren’t that interested in seeing the most fantastic character that you can create. You will impress us more if you can make the life of an ‘ordinary’ person interesting than you can with an epic about an ‘extraordinary’ person.

Avoid the extraordinary. If you want your character to be born to influential parents fine but you don’t have to be the son of general, leader of country or the High Priest of the Holy Order of Stars. There are only so many of those very influence parents to go around. Your character could still be related to someone of influence but it doesn't have to be at the highest levels possible. You can imagine how odd it would be if there are a couple dozen characters whose parents have more influence then the current Knight Marshal of the playing character’s army. Don’t try to be friends or related to any of the actual Dragonlance characters, invent the newest Artifact or find the Shadowfolk.


Avoid clichés. If you’re new to this game how will you recognize them? If your great idea for a first character is about a young reckless hotshot Knight who carries a Vorpal Blade and rides a Silver Dragon then welcome to the club. When you got a brand new idea, think back if it reminds you of any another popular fictional character. If it does then a thousand other people have already used that idea. Try to repackage an 'old' idea into a new one. You can try using one aspect of that fictional character instead of all of them. Best advice to avoid a clichés is to be wary of your first ideas and not to recycle characters that you’ve used in other Role-playing games.

Content and substance are preferred over style. Avoid writing a long poetic story using every adjective you can think of.

Don’t be afraid to be someone other than yourself. If pizza is your favorite food, make it your character's least favorite. Make each character of yours a different person. Make a character that would be interesting for you to play not someone that you wished you could be. Nobody is perfect. If your character is perfect to begin with then what is the point playing them? Make a character with a few flaws that they have to over come.


Just some guidelines! Not brow beating here!

[Heron]

PLAYING CHARACTER SHEET

Players Name:
E-mail:

The following information is about your character not you the player.

Character’s Name
Write a line or two on your character’s physical description. Include hair, eye color and any other distinguishing features. Note that a distinguishing feature does not necessarily have to be unique feature, it is merely what help to tell your character apart from another (please avoid scars and tattoos when possible-except Imperial Brands when playing an Imperial Citizen).

Use this space to write your character’s background. This should be at least two full paragraphs in length. Included such things as your character’s family, where they are now, experiences growing up, their personality, likes and dislikes. What brought them to the point where they are now.


Basically provide an overview of your character’s overall history up until the time you start playing him or her. Don't focus on just one event. Note most new players start a basic class or 1st Level PrC.


Gender:
Age:
Birthplace:
Height: (cm or ft)
Weight: (kg or lbs)
Class:
Level: (Starting level is first)
Affiliation: (To be filled by Me)


This is a work in progress keep an eye out for updates on this post.

[Heron]

Second Part to Character Sheet


RPG Stats:
Attributes: Str:, Dex: , Con: , Int: , Wis: , Cha:

Hit Points:
AC:
Saves: (F) (R) (W)
Attack: (M) (R) (G)
Intiative:

Feats & Special Abilitys:

Skills:

Possesions:

[Heron]

A Note on Posting:

Posting Speed

At least once a week is what is expected and will be the absolute minimum, after a week you recieve a warning. And then after another week (with no response) your character will be NPCified. No Exceptions. So if you are going to be away (even for a couple days) leave warning, and if possible PM Me.

Regular Schedule:

GMPOSTS: Once a week minimum from that time that everyone should have posted a response! Plain and Simple.

GMUPDATES: Will be as needed or every Wednesday, which ever is last.

[Heron]

Race Update:


Elves:
The Elves in the Delving valley, numbering about 5,000, unlike those in Ergoth and other locales, hail from Silvanesti and Qualinesti directly. At the beginning of the Taman Busuk Initiative, their nomadic way of life and militancy (under the Lioness) put them in a position to harass villages and demand tribute, giving them a sense of superiority over the Nerekians. During the Solamnia Pact the Khur Elves were encouraged to purchase small plots of land and such purchases were recorded in the Land Registry as legal possession.

Towards the end of the Taman Busuk Intiative and during the struggle for the establishment of the Empire of Solamina, many Elves joined the Solamnic forces, believing that the human empire would be generous to them. This also explains the continued good relations after the establishment of the Empire, as manifested, first and foremost, in volunteering for the military forces and serving on the front lines; volunteering is considered by the Elves to be part of their blood-pact with the Empire of Solamnia (*Silvan, Qualan and Kagon elves only.)



Dwarves
The Garnet-Thax are founded on iron and gold. The Garnet Mountains hold vast deposits of precious metals and rare ore, and the dwarf lords have used these resources to create a mercantile empire that stretches across Old Lemish. But there is steel beneath the jewels and finery of a Kayolin dwarf -- the heart of a warrior whose ancestors engaged in constant battle since the Third Dragon War.

[SilentInfinity]

Name: Yas
Gender: Male
Race: Human
Birthplace: Mountains of Northern Ergoth
Age: 23 years old
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 200 lbs.
Class: Hexblade
Affiliation:
Appearance: Dark bronzed skin, pale blue eyes and shoulder-length black hair give this attractive man an endearing appearance. Yet, the menace in his voice and the size of his greatsword accentuate Yas’s forceful demeanor. He wields that greatsword and wears his studded leather as if he were born with them, ready for combat and to spread his personal form of luck upon the battlefield.
Background: Yas is a traveler from the mountains of Northern Ergoth. While the rest of Ansalon has seen much change since the Second Cataclysm, his homeland has not. Tales of adventure and news from beyond the shores of Ergoth urged Yas to take up his sword and explore abroad. The risen Empire’s activities since the return of the Gods worries Yas, who sees similarities between Solamnia’s new behavior and Ergoth’s empire of old.

Yas does not easily speak of his family, or really much of his past. His family of two sisters and his parents remain within their mountain village though it has been many months since Yas has spoken with them. The eldest of the three children, it was Yas’s responsibility to help his father, protect his sisters and help the household. His interest in the local militia and adeptness with the sword quickly elevated his popularity, and respect, within the village.

The return of the Gods brought more questions than answers to Yas and his people. It was barely known the gods had left. Who was this Mina? Chaos and Takhisis and the Storm and the Dragon Overlords? Why was it now the end of the War of Souls and a positively viewed Age of Mortals? Every year brought Yas to question more of the outside world. Given the chance to travel, he left to explore and learn. He enjoyed the orderly manner of his life but cherishes his freedom. Thus, Yas remains a wanderer in foreign lands unfamiliar to him.
Possessions: Greatsword, backpack, rations, studded leather armor and a few other minor items.

[sticko_69]

Name: Erik Longblade
Class: Knight of the Crown
Level: Fighter 3, KotC 1
Race: Human
Gender: Male
Age: 27
Alignment: LG

Equipment: Half plate, large wooden shield, longsword, dagger, short bow,heavy cloak, bedroll, pouch, rations, flint and steel.

Description: Erik stands at about 5'8 his long dark hair and is rarely tied up. Once a Long flowing mustach had doned his gaunt face but he felt it best to shave it as it was a sign of what he was. Eric's grey eyes always seem hollow as if thinking of other places a few scars line his body but the knot work tatto bands on his arms are the ony real marks that set him apart from others. His Solamic heratidge is his real honor and it shames him to hide himself under a hooded cloak.

History:
Erik entered the knight hood in its final days when the revolution came. He was but a page he went into hiding with the underground knighthood he continued his training and fought in many skirmishes with the new empire and finally was given his spurs and shield. Then came the fatal day when he discovered his fathers’ belongings and among those, a note to a son the longblade family was once powerful held huge estates and much Honour. One thing the family treasured was an ancient blade the family sword. Lost to Erik’s father but not to Erik he had a chance to find the blade. So on the cold winter day he mounted his horse and dressed in plain armour with a blank shield he rode. He would restore his family and the knighthood. Disguised as a sell sword he went in search of glory...

[Heron]

Aspen Character

NAME: Serena Windwhisper
GENDER: Female
RACE: Qualinesti Elf
BIRTHPLACE: Qualinost
AGE: 130
Height: 5'4"
Weight: 100lbs.
CLASS: Ranger
Affiliation: Khur Elves

APPEARANCE: Serena has long blonde hair and large blue eyes. She's dressed in a brown tunic, brown leggings and soft leather hunting boots. A typical elven ranger.

BACKGROUND: Serena was still considered a youth when she volunteered her services to the Solamnic force, much to the dismay of her parents who were in the process of arranging her marriage to the son of a Warchief. She had not long joined the Solamnic movement, when an experienced ranger saw great potential in her to become a good ranger. She trailed with him, learned from him and exceaded his expectations of her. She watched him die in an ambush go fowl. Speaker Gilthanas was still struggling to find a place for his people, but like may young Qualinesti, Serena was loosing hope. Things were not getting better for her people and unless something was done, things would only get worse.

POSSESSIONS: a short bow and quill, 2 daggers (one in each boot), small backpack, rations


Grimgors Character

Name: Taran
Gender: Male
Age: 22
Birthplace: Palanthas
Height: 172 cm
Weight: 82 kg
Class: Rogue/Fighter
Affiliation: Unknown

Description:

Bio: Taran was a street kid, like one in a thousand. His mother worked in a brothel, the father a random drunk. He grew up as his mothers way of earning a little extra coin by stealing the customers purses. Until he ran away at twelve to join the local Thieves Guild, where he earned himself a light position as an assassin after years of training. He left them as he crossed his eighteenth birthday to team up with a wayward knight, claiming to be from the dead order called the Solamnic Knights. Despite the stupid name, they taught some good fighting moves there and in the year they stayed together, Taran learned to handle weapons and armor even better than before.

The rapier he took for himself while looting a merchant ship on a mission he picked for himself. The merchant was a dealer in exotic items and kept the rapier as a family heirloom. It had long since crossed the hundred years of age when Taran stole it, but still keeps itself strong. So far, he has not needed to sharpen it once.

Taran has got no special relationship to the Empire or anything else. He's in it for the thrill and the profit. Being somewhat of a charmer and taking pride in keeping a stylish appearance, female company is also high on his list.
__________________

[dalamar_thedark]

OOC:
Name: Taristani
Gender: Male
Race: Elf (Qualin)
Age: 25
Birthplace: Qualinost
Height: 5'2"
Weight: 95lbs.
Class: Ranger
Level: 1st.
Affiliation: Khur Elves

Possesions: Travel clothing, Daggers (x2), Hornbow w/ 20 Arrows.

Appearance: Straw-colored hair. Small braid behind right ear. Green Eyes, pale complexion. He wears a green tunic with dark breeks. Speaks with a tenor voice. Tends to pause when speaking, a habit from when he was a child.

Background: Two years ago, he was forced out of his home by his father. He lived on the fringes of The Delving until found, starved, by Serena Windwhisper. He became her apprentice.

[Heron]

OOC: The adventure begins in Solace. The Year is 437 AC (Summer), Holmswelth. The Legion of Steel has sent out word for a gathering for the Solstice. It takes place here. And with it, the revolution!

SLOTS FILLED:
Sir Erik Longblade, Rogue Knight of the Crown
Yas, Ergothian Hexblade
Serena Windwhisper, Khur Elven Ranger
Taran, Palanthian Cutthroat
Taristani, Khur Elven Ranger

SLOTS OPEN:
1 open

IC:

One Year Ago

-The Doomspire-



The corridor was filled with armored bones. Page had struck down five skeletons in as many minutes but there seemed to be an endless supply of the undead guards. Glancing down, Guthrie saw the source of their troubles. The shattered bones were creeping and rolling across the floor, knitting together to form new warriors. It could only be the work of the Cyst. "Hugh!" she cried. "We're running out of time!"

The Warkaster paid no attention. His eyes were focused on the necrotic device before him. He could feel negative energy rising from the tangled mass of gangrene veins, as the power of Chemosh slowly filled the Soul Jars. He had to detach the jars from the baleful device but could he do it without releasing a fatal burst of negative energy?

Across the chamber, the barred gate flew open. The Shroud strode into the chamber, its rotting deathmask oozing in the light of the everburning torches. Even as Guthrie turned to face the new threat, a knot of armored zombies flooded in behind her. "It's already too late," it said, its voice a rasp. "Your revolution has ended!”

So it Begins!

-A lone and dust-covered rider paused on a low hill to look below him. Three roads met ahead, and all were thronged with travelers. The man lazed in his saddle, laughing to himself as he contemplated what he saw. “There go companies of fellow citizens, Troika, and soon we shall join them. “ As he thus addressed his mount.

Nowhere below was there anyone like this slim and travel-stained figure. At the riders left hip was a thin blade, which might have been mistaken for a ogres’ needle save that it bore a plain, onyx hilt, not some eye hole to weed thread through. Therefore, the hide scabbard also bespoke was weapon of death, not an industrial bit of pride worn as a badge of skill in Crocheting. All doubt was torn away by the second weapon whose chestnut stock projected above the slim man's right shoulder. That long and deadly piece of iron and wood could be mistaken for nothing other than what it was: A tool of killing.

The rider guided his horse through tall grass towards the nearest of ways leading to the city. The warm sun graced this land with a riot of growth, and its people echoed the diversity of nature. Verdant land, giant trees in profusion, and a place of tree-homes and rope bridges where the land met the end of wild nature. The river of travelers approached in various ways. Most went afoot, were carried in palanquins, or mounted on horses; some went ahead in groaning carts or belching gnomish wagons; The Imperials looked down with grimness from atop Warbeasts. Yet, humble or in state all flocked south. The slim man shook his head, laughed again, and urged his mount ahead.

“You have no say in this matter, Troika, we go to Solace- you to a livery, me to wherever the sedation runs rampant and the shadows plenty.” In a minute the horse and the rider became one with the throng.

[SilentInfinity]

When a person is young (and yes, I know it’s been awhile for some of you) infinity seems definable. The young dream and desire in ways illogical and improbable to the mature and wise. A youth feels invincible to the dangers and threats of the world. Truly, they are zealous fighters with noble hearts eager to save the world single-handedly.

But fate has a way of toying with this idea.

Yas’s face, while enthralling to look upon, was cold and hard featured. He was a youthful twenty-three years but his was an old soul. He knew infinity lay beyond his reach. His dream was a small, quiet home with a roaring fire and he desired only a warm body next to him at night. Yet, the world was too menacing, too dangerous to settle down upon a farmer’s fief. Yas wore wounds for all the world to see, deep in the icy waters of his eyes.

Like many other young people today, Yas was not idealistic, nor was he foolish or naïve. Some might not have called a human of twenty three young in those days but anyone could tell you that it took years before life’s lessons were altogether unfolded before a man’s eyes. Women seemed to catch on a little quicker anyway. Yas appreciated those women. And they appreciated him. Well, that is to say they enjoyed his dark bronzed skin, his wavy shoulder-length black hair, his defined musculature, his powerful voice, and his talent with the greatsword. (Mm-hmm.)

The ways of youthful adults were an easy study for Yas as he grew up. Those women helped of course. He had learned other things though, other things that came in handy as he walked the busy streets of Solace. He watched kender that came too close. Usually a hard stare and a reach for the greatsword on his back were enough to frighten them off. He learned how to bargain and trade for what he needed, money being too valuable for the right good or item at the right time. Stephen of Heweton was happy to trade some salted venison for a tale of the Solamnics busying Gwynned back at Northern Ergoth. Most importantly, Yas learned how to get along by himself.

Now he was walking the bridge-walks of the vallenwood city for the ground had become far too crowded with travelers, traders and others coming for the solstice festival. Yas predicted that at least one Empire soldier would come just to cause trouble. Surely there would be more. He walked with grace, a careful and slow stride, among the trees, glancing down time and again to see what transpired below. To a common person he was taking a stroll to see the festivities, but to a trained soldier (or paranoid thief) it was obvious Yas was studying the city. With the large amount of foreigners in town there was certainly a probable chance of trouble. It was best, for all involved, if he knew the city well. His thoughts were consuming him.

The solstice festival here is both dangerous and wise considering the state of Ansalon. Empire factions are causing trouble for everyone. Yet here in Solace there’s faith and hope, inspired by countless legends and tales. So many flock below, like an entire pasture filled with dumb sheep. I wonder if I were to shine a torch’s light down upon them, would their eyes glimmer back at me like a dog’s?

Faith and hope were indeed strong in Solace. Yas had spent a couple hours at the Tomb of the Last Heroes alone. A few more were done at the Inn of the Last Home. Before coming to the town proper he’d visited the ruins of Palin Majere’s academy to the west. These were places of importance, historically significant and spiritually moving. It felt more like a chore than a tour of sites, necessary stops in a famous village, than any form of religious or moving experience.

Yas flexed his shoulders, stretching the studded leather vest on his back and chest as he did so. He was still above them, the loud masses, cloaked in the shadow of one of many vallenwood tree-homes. From here he had an excellent view of the town square, busy with jugglers, merchants and pickpockets. “Lucky I’m not an assassin,” he whispered.

Yas, a youth of ill fate and bad luck, leaned back against the massive tree and studied the scene below.

[sticko_69]

Erik stumbled he looked down to see a rock about the size of a fist he kicked it away and contued leading his horse. He had pulled his hood of now and felt the wind on his face. Erik was surronded by a legion of travelers the road was chocking with them, hundreds walking in the same derection. Erik followed for one reason he had to blend in two days befor he had almost been caught out so he now deemed it best to blend in. now within the throng of people he hoped he would be safe for a while Solace was nere.

Erik walked head down he was ashamed of what he had to do ashamed that he a knight was driven to being a outlaw. the oath and measure that was once held such meaning such power the protectors of the free people now outlaws. Erik adjusted his shield strap the round shield sat across his back and was become anoying the hole suit of armour was anoying it was rubbing, poking and he didnt have time to adjust it. he had to keep walking.

Erik slowly made his way to the side of the stream of people he lent up against a giant tree that was the home of Solace. he needed rest and he needed water he had lost his water skin somewhere and needed another to replace it. wipeing his brow Eric glanced around at the people moving from his left to his right there were alot of people here he begane to think if maybe there would be imperial spys in the masses he could not trust any one any more. this is what the world had come to this is what the knighthood had become heroes hiding in shadows.

[Grimgor]

At first glance, Taran was an extraordinary sight. The long, black leather boots clicked softly when he walked on stone. The heels elevated him an extra inch. They where worthy of a noble in quality, but they fit him perfectly, as if tailored to suit him. His pants where a neutral grey, made of a rough material for travelling. They where sown in a way that seemed to make them sink out of importance for his appearance. The torso, shoulders, lower arms and thighs was covered by a studded leather armor. The leather was black, the studdings silver. Again, the quality was a nobleman worthy. It inhibited him in no visible way. On the contrary, it seemed to flow with him, making him move more fluidly. The shirt underneath was soft, pearly-white silk. His dark brown eyes was calm, soothing and comforting. The face seemed a little thin, but it merely served to enhance his natural features, making him more attractive. His hair was light brown, botering on blond. He was not overly muscular, but it was apparant that he had not been lazy in his years. He was young, careless and free. On his back, he had a shield. It was round, roughly two feet across and, although obviously in good condition, the notches and a singly irrepairable bruise witnessed of much use. Around the edge, cluthed in to follow the curving, six blades formed a second edge around the shield. A dangerous one. Beneath it, positioned to be pulled out from beneath a rapier was tucked. The pommel was ivory, the handle black straps of leather. The protective curve of metal was white as well, ivory too. The blade was achingly bright, reflecting the sun perfectly back. It looked brand new.

Taran exited the Inn with a purse in his hand and a satisfied smile on his lips. Soon he would have enough money to get back to Palanthas. Damn that noble for abandoning him out here with a fraction of the money promised. He would pay as soon as Taran got back. He had never been rich. The armor, boots and rapier he had stolen. The clothes, he had bought himself and made sure to keep it in goos condition. He took much pride in his appearance. On the way out, he noticed someone leaning on to a wallenwood. Not on the ground, but near one of the bridges connecting the houses in the trees. That in itself would not have been unusual, but this man carried quite a large sword and even Taran, though not exactly being that spiritual, could almost taste the bad mood coming from this man. Deciding against himself, he went to speak with him. "Good evening, my good man." Taran made sure to bow accordingly, showing respect while still remaining his dignity unspoiled. "You look like a traveller, someone who just arrived, I guess. Am I correct?"

[Aspen]

Serena Windwhisper wondered through the busy streets of Solace with her protege in tow. The streets were much to crowded for her taste. It didn't seem to matter which side of the street they walked on or which walkway they tryed to make their way apon, they seemed to be going in the oppesite direction of the crowd.
Just when Serena thought she could take the constant pushing, shuving and the ocational grop, something, or rather someone cought her eye. A man stood in a small grove of trees just of the busy street. He and his mount rested against the tree, looking as distressed as she felt. The animal was a strong stead and his rider was a good match. He hid behind a hood, though it was a warm day. He was no theif for his head was held high, and he did not sevay the crowd for loose purses.
She had seen men like him often in her past. There was no doudt in her mind that he was a Knight of Salamnia. Serena turned to her pupil to make sure she had not lost him, "Come Taristani."
Serena slipped through the crowd with purpose. Silently she slipped in beside him and took two apples from her pack. "You look as though you have traveled a long way. You must be hungry. Would you like an apple... Sir Knight?" She whispered to him, holding a red apple for him to take, her blue eyes never left the crowd. After bitting into the second apple and tucked her blonde hair behind her pointed ears.

[SilentInfinity]

Yas was glaring down at the town square as the clicking heels of the curious man set him on nerve. They had a tone like a soft echo that lingered in the wood as he walked. The sound broke through the monotonous music that was the crowd’s noise. Yas liked to pick out any person and imagine how their life had gone up to that point and then wonder what would come for them in the future. It was an endless game.

His head was lowered as he leaned against the tree, the greatsword’s steel pommel glinting from the light that broke through the vallenwood canopy. Yas held his arms crossed over his chest and legs bent slightly at the knees in a position of coupled guard and leisure. Raven locks hid his brow but gray-blue eyes that went to meet the approaching man shattered that dark curtain.

They did not find a man; they found a boy who was like a piece of steel just recently rescued from the hot coals. It would be some time before the hammer and tongs beat the metal into a sword worth anything. Yet, Yas saw the value of the steel that was used in this youth’s crafting. If his costume bespoke anything, this steel was accustomed to a life in the urban wilds of Ansalon.

The bow further surprised the Ergothian. A corner of his mouth turned up in a small, wry grin as he was greeted. Yas was intrigued for though he dwarfed the youth in size and stature, nearly sixteen centimeters in height (or over half a foot) and nearly double his muscle mass, the youth was not intimidated.

What grace rests in the hand that wields that rapier? Does it give him such confidence?

Still, Yas had not yet spoken and a minute had nearly passed as the stare was exchanged. “You are wrong, at least in part,” the traveler replied. He did not bark, he did not shout, but there was menace and fierceness in his voice. “I am a traveler but not so recently arrived for the holiday.”

The traveler went abruptly away from the tree, a fluidity and startling grace in his movements. His head rose and his arms parted ways from his chest as he stretched. His handsome face contorted in some mixture of displeasure, interest and annoyance, Yas asked, “And you, sir?”

[Grimgor]

"Me, I came here a few weeks ago. I am not much of a traveller, as you may see. I spend most of my time in Palanthas. What brings you here? The market?" Taran maintained his openness and good manners, in spite of the larger mans obvious dislike at talking. He normally cared nothing for people unable to see the joy of life, but this one intrigued him. Mostly because of his chosen time and place to be dark and siniter.

[dalamar_thedark]

Taristani felt stupid. Here he was trailing along behind this woman. He. A full-grown, he thought with pride, elven guy who didn't look at all a wimp. Well, at least he prided himself to think he looked strong. He was probably the one of out three elves that had a thin, wiry frame. And how he wished to be one of the other two of those elves in the example! At least, this was what his parents had always told him. They had always told him how he could have been better, and questioned why they had to have HIM, and not a strong, tough, not-skinny elven boy. Or perhaps a pretty elven maiden. It was always the same thing. "Why oh why did we have to have Taristani?"

"I...I'm here, milady," Taristani replied darkly as he watched her converse with a stranger. Or at least, a man he did not know. He waited patiently as she offered the apple to the man and fingered a braid.

"Are you done yet?" he muttered under his breath.

[SilentInfinity]

The traveler appeared annoyed by the question. He gestured to the ground with a swooping motion of his left arm. “Why is the town square full but for the solstice festival?” The sarcasm was reined by the faintest hint of innuendo. Did the traveler know of something more or was he searching for information?

Either way, he did not labor long on the subject. “You dress like a Palanthian noble not a caravan leader. And your blade looks unused and decorative. If you seek something of me then I would have you ask it now,” Yas nearly demanded, stepping a few paces closer to the polite stranger. He folded his arms before his chest again, his brow narrowing with the attention given to the stranger.

[sticko_69]

Erik looked up to see the Elf he had never seen many elves they were some what of a fable to him they looked perfect indead this one did. he gave a nod and took the apple think if it had been any one else he might not have taken the apple. "My thanks to thee my lady" he couldnt help but stare at her ears he had never been so close as to be able to see elven ears up close he smiled slightly at his own mind how it was fighting its self over what he should think when staring at the elf.

The fact she had said "Sir knight" was shocking but he let his cold face hide the fact he was afraid he had be found out. he noted the younger Elf hanging behind the lady most likely a servent he didnt know much about elves but guessed as much. Erik took abite of the apple and noticed the Elf was more intent on watch the hoard of people. this is the part where honour takes hold. "in debt of the apple i will acompany you to your destanation" she knew he was a knight so there was no use in hidding it from her pluss he could use the company as to not look so out of place.

[Grimgor]

"Sir, please. I am not among the wise in this world, but I can see that you do not enjoy company, nor do you seem like someone likely to attend to a festival. As for my clothing," he looks down at himself, obviously proud at having it so well-kept." Sir, I am no noble, but I have been fortunate in life. No, I am no traveler, but some times my line of work demands that I leave my beloved city."

[SilentInfinity]

“So you are either a mercenary or a thief,” the traveler nodded. “Or both,” he said, a guttural laugh echoing from somewhere in his throat. “Talk like yours may be gentlemanly but it can be suspicious, especially when you greet someone like me without reproach.”

“Why did you leave your city this time? Not for the same reason I came here. Contrary to what you may think, I enjoy festivals.” Yas looked down from the bridge-walk and pointed at a silk-merchant’s stall. A plump young woman with cherry blond hair and chestnut eyes was talking to a juggler who had been tossing torches a few moments ago. As they conversed the woman twirled her hair and the juggler leaned forward on his right foot, a bright smile upon his face. Flirtation was an entertaining show.

Musicians were playing near the center of the square. Mostly a mixture of percussion and strings, the beat was up-tempo and danceable. Still it was early in the afternoon and the streets too busy with games and traders. As night fell, swooning and coupling would busy the people. Dancing would follow.

“My dark mood is lessened by the joyous air here. Now and then, a little fun is worth the time and effort.” His wry smirk appeared again as he spoke. A slow breath escaped his lips when he moved away from the rail and up to the Palanthian.

The traveler shrugged back his shoulders and held out his hand in meeting, “I am Yas. Where are you headed now?”

[Grimgor]

Taran accepted the hand with a nod of his head. "I am Taran. Apoligises for my lack of introductions, but I am used to wait for another's name before I give my own. For my profession, well... I am what is required. I prefer not to limit myself. I am heading back to Palanthas. Unfortunately, when you are as inept in the wilds as I am, such a trip is expensive. I expect to leave within a few days. Is such festivals the only thing that can ease your mind? Do you not find joy yourself in anything?"

[SilentInfinity]

Yas shook Taran’s hand, bringing his left over Taran’s. He withdrew his hands and placed them behind his head, as if he stretching. This was both a stance of comfort and one of readiness, his greatsword’s hilt immediately available.

“Do not apologize,” Yas barked as if it were an order. “I understand your need for silence and discretion, when possible. Good luck with your journey.”

At the return of the festival topic he frowned. “Joy is easy to find in this world, especially if a man has a large purse of steel or a woman beside him. Unfortunately there is a force at work in this world that tempers feelings of joy with regret: tragedy. It is nigh impossible for a thoughtful man to revel in his joy without feeling guilty for all the tragedy that plagues the world,” he explained, his voice low. Eyes of blue, colder than Icewall itself, grew somehow fuller as they gazed upon Taran.

“Do you understand?”

[Aspen]

Serena never looked at eather of them. In the silky language of the elves, she whispered to Taristani, "There is more to being a good ranger than being able to shoot a bow or walk through the woods without making a sound. Allies are important too."
Serena held her apple core out to the warhorse. Then she turned to face the knight, smiling up at him. "Thank you Sir. Purhaps after your steed has been fed and watered, you would join us for breakfast?"

[sticko_69]

"thankyou for the offer" Erik gave a slight bow and looked back at the elf women he was unsure what it was she said in elven bt he had a feeling it was against him. giving the left over of hi s apple to the horse he gently patted its for head. befor turning back to the elven lady "the stable is not far from there i heard the inn of last homes is the best in town." Erik shifted his shoulders to move the plate armour he had been wearing it far to long hopefully there would be a room at the inn for him but with this crowd he doubted it.

[Heron]

The Rider

He moved the big mount into a small space in the throng; fell in beside a trio of travelers who were obviously from the North, The Delve by their pointed ears and earthen tunics. The largest of the three climbed his horse, eyed the two elves, and then beckoned them to follow.

"What do we have here, Troika?" A rebel in disguise?" The man rubbed his head as he whispered to the horse. He watched the group as they moved on.

"Good. Where there is one, more to come, eh?" he patted the horse. He fell in behind the group at a distance.


The Carnival of Mid-Summer

It was a mass of flesh, tall and lean, short, and round. From all around they came, merrymakers that would soon be dressed in their finest costumes. Solace was the goal of all. Solace of the Vallenwoods, City of the Trees, and the center of decadence on the eve of mid-summer. For a week or more, the seekers of delirium flocked into Solace. Once within the city they would cast off their clothing and become something more. None could say from how far they came, but even a casual observer would note that the folk from all of Ansalon seemed to merge on the roads leading to the city. Even from Distant Icewall, come to the Carnival of Mid-Summer.


.... At that time in the Inn of the Last Home, the hosteller had caught the attention of Fate....

"Why do you hurt my fellow citizens?"
The innkeeper froze. "What?"
"I can see the seed of envy in your soul," Graf said. "Do you bilk the Imperial soldiers? Taint the ale? or worse?

"I don't know what you're talking about," the man stammered. His eyes flickered down to Graf's hook.
"I am a Iscariot of the White Empire. I am sworn to stop its enemy in all its forms.
My weapon is for the dissenters and rabble-rousers of the Empire that deserve neither reason nor mercy. But you are no citizen, however, you can still service the Empire."

Graf put his hook in the hosteller's stomach. "Sleep now friend. You will be called to serve. Seek out the Nightlund and prepare your soul. The true night is rising, and if we are to survive we must all find a path to the Emperor . . . ."

The Iscariot pulled the hook free. He scanned the Inn. Empty. Good, there was still time. Grunting with the effort, he dragged the Innkeeper to the middle of the Inn. Graf grabbed the moneybox and fled out the back of the Inn.

[Grimgor]

"At least you find joy in life. I myself do nothing without enjoying it. Faith wills it that these choices also gained me the things I want. Now, assuming that you want to be alone, I thank you for your good wishes and wish you the best of luck. Maybe we will see each other some day." Taran bows again gallantly, then turns to leave.

[dalamar_thedark]

"What was that supposed to mean?" Taris asked her warily as he watched the knight with a skeptical look. It ws probably one of her many boring phrases of supposed wisdom. Yes, milady, no milady was all he could ever say. So now was the time to ask questions. He'd show her.

[SilentInfinity]

“Good luck to you, Taran.” Yas hoped he had not just cursed the fellow. It seemed now he had a grasp on his abilities of probability. However, it still seemed like Luck and Fate had a way of throwing him to the wolves.

The traveler of Ergoth gave a short wave then turned away from the boy. Yas went in the direction from which he had come, heading back over bridges to the northern area of the town. His thoughts remained on the new soul he had met.

Taran’s steel is firm but it needed tempering, a few hard blows to make it strong and finish it. He spoke of faith and choice, ill suited to these days of returned gods and imperial fascism. The men of Palanthas were not always so well-wishing.

At a set of wooden stairs that wound about a tall vallenwood Yas went quickly down. A quick shortcut would bring him sooner to his early dinner and avoid the biggest throng of visitors. However he was waylaid by annoyance. A kender with a large brown topknot lunged at the man when he was nearly to the ground. “Oh that’s some sword!” the kender burst.

“Aye,” Yas grinned. He grabbed the kender by the topknot and threw the small creature over the rail of the stair. A few loud shouts followed by laughter finished the encounter. As the people held their sides laughing in their aprons and long tunics, Yas plowed through the crowd. He towered above most and the rest usually parted ways from him. Some gave the traveler a look of displeasure but more than a few ladies smiled up at his roughly shaven face.

A charming smile was offered to the women as he made his way to the Inn of the Last Home, a beautiful tavern nestled in an old vallenwood. The girls were smart; they’d follow him and ask for a drink. Yas was always willing to pay.

[Grimgor]

Taran looked after Yas. What an odd fellow. Taran had met many oddballs in his life so far, but mostly he dismissed them as just that. Oddballs. But Yas was different in some way. Maybe it was the contast between the two that intrigued him. Maybe it was simply the challenge of befriending one that seemed to unwilling to have anything to do with him. Whatever it was, Taran followed him. Using everything he had learned of the town, every trick he had learned on the streets of Palanthas, he followed the large man. Without a sound, without giving a hint at his presence. He followed him to the Inn, made sure to skip ahead of him and reached the Inn before Yas. Originally he planned to sit down, make sure to catch his breathand correct his clothes. But that plan was immediately forgotten when he saw the Inn-keep. He had no need to check. The man was obviously dead. He carefully stepped back again, making sure that his boots had not touched the blood on the floor. Then he turned to stride quickly out the door again. "Guard!" He called, looking around for one. He knew that several would have seen him enter, at least one of which who would be able to recognise him. It was not like his clothing blended in with the general population at the market, and he did not want to end in prison for a murder he did not commit.

[SilentInfinity]

Yas was an observant and clever fellow, but he was not paranoid. Considering the numbers flooding the city, it was easy to get lost or hide in the crowd if one tried hard enough. Still, he was surprised to hear Taran’s shouts from ahead, up the stairs at the doors of the Inn of the Last Home.

Perhaps the Palanthian new better shortcuts; maybe Yas would ask for the hint. Other questions would come first “Guard!” the word, screamed so, became a symbol of need and tragedy. Yas looked up the vallenwood and saw Taran standing at the landing, looking less than fortunate. Why did he have to curse everyone he met?

The traveler, with his following of young women, ran to the stairs. “Get out of my way!” he shouted, throwing glares at those in his path. Yas bounded up the stairs, the wood beneath his feet creaking with the sudden force of his small jumps. The guards would come quickly for there were many on a day such at this. However, Yas did not want whatever was going on to get worse.

His breath fast, the Ergothian man landed at the top of the stairs in a crouch. He stood and frowned, his blue eyes moving from nearing guards to Taran. “Have you found trouble?” He looked past the door and saw the blood on the floor. Just how fast might the thief have gotten here..?

[Grimgor]

"I found him in there like that. Decided that the guards might handle this better than I," Taran said calmly. Behind his voice lay an edge of nervousness. He was so close to get out of this rathole and this comes along! Considering his past encounters with guards, he doubted that any encounter with them could in any way be fortunate and now he had just called for them. He looked down for the guards impatiently. How long could it take?

[SilentInfinity]

Yas risked a further glance and saw death in the form of the knifed Inn-keep beyond the Inn’s threshold. “Solace has had its fair share of tragedy. I am sure the guards are well versed,” he said quietly. A simple nod gave Taran further reassurement.

Meanwhile, Yas was gazing about the trees, the bridges, the stairs and the ground. He was a magnificent liar, an excellent actor and a master of feint in combat. Right now he pretended to search for the guards or any assistance the town would offer its most famous Inn. Secretly he scanned the area for any hint as to what had happened or any suspicious characters other than Taran and himself, of course.

[Heron]

OOC: Aspen is out of the game tll Sunday. Stiko and Dalamar proceed as needed to the Inn.

BIC:

The Murder

The deputies made their way past the crowds and walked up the wood ramps to the Inn. One was the sheriff. A shadow of a man with straw-colored hair and green eyes. He flickered a glance at Taran and Yas, then walked past them into the Inn. A few moments passsed and then he returned. He nodded his head at the Inn and two of the deputies took up guarding the dorr . The other three went down to disperse the growing crowd. Seeing this done he turned to speak to Taran and Yas.

"Okay, explain what happened," the Sheriff said. His hand fidgeted with his sword.

[Grimgor]

"Not that long a story. I went in there to get something to drink, found him like that." Taran says truthfully.

[SilentInfinity]

“My explanation is similar,” Yas said, gesturing to Taran. “I was coming for an early dinner. While I was approaching the stairs I heard the scream for you and your fellows. I came up in a hurry in case there was ongoing trouble. Instead I found this gentleman pointing inside the Inn. Daring a glance, I saw the Innkeeper upon the floor in a pool of his blood. The scene is foul and quite messy.”

The tall Ergothian traveler shrugged his shoulders. “I was about to act but I decided against it, seeing as this gentleman both called for your assistance and hasn’t any blood on his person.” Yas looked to Taran again, his eyes cold and staring.

[Heron]

The Sheriff nodded. He seemed unsure of what to do next. The man fidgeted with his sword and then began to pace.
He sighed, stopped, said. " I am going to have to ask you to follow me to the guardhouse." He waited for their reply.

[SilentInfinity]

Yas looked to Taran and then back to the nervous sheriff. It was no surprise that Taran had to go, but himself?

“I have nothing further to aid, sir. Anyone can tell you I was coming through town before now. Why I even tossed a kender off a stair a short while ago,” Yas said, smiling by sheer force of will. Villains the likes of great red dragons would falter to see the man smile, its nature was so unusual. His momentary chuckle from deep in his throat eased the moment, considering a man was dead in the Inn of the Last Home.

[Grimgor]

Inwardly, Taran sighed. Calling the guards never bring about anything well, he should have known. But of course, the captain might just want to hear a more detailed story. He could not possibly arrest him for this. "Very well," he said, nodding his agreement.

[dalamar_thedark]

Taris edged away from her quietly and looked towards the crowds up ahead. "Strange humans," he muttered, "always some stupid lurky business about."

He went closer.

[Aspen]

Serena tryed to grab her student but before she could, he was out of reach. She tryed to call him back, but weather he was to far to hear her or his simply was egnoring her, she couldn't tell. She couldn't follow on her own. There was no way she could push her way through the crowd.
With a sigh, she looked over at the knight for help. "If you don't mind, I think we will have to put our breakfast on hold for now." She pointed in the direction that Taristani had gone. "It seems my student has wondered off, and I would feel better if I knew where he was."

[sticko_69]

Erik nooded "i will take the horse to the stable and join you in just a moment " he lead the horse off and returned as fast as he could.

"any sign of the student" he asked when he reached the elf. he re pulled the hood over his head "i didnt see him when i was at the stable so he may have gone that way" Erik pointed in what he thought would be the dashed off in.

[dalamar_thedark]

Taristani went back shortly after. He hoped she wouldn't say anything.

[Aspen]

Serena saw Taristani emerge from the crowd. Her face lost all expretion. She would not show him how made she was, nore give him the allution that he was not being punished. "Where did you think you were going?" She asked colmly in elven. "I suppose you were going to take on the Imperial soldiers all by your self. Taristani, a bow is a fine weapon for long range, but is sucide in a crowd."
turning her attention back to the knight, She spoke in a hushed voice, "I do believe we should find out what is going on, but perhaps by another rout."

[Heron]

The Rider

The man moved the big mount behind a Vallenwood. He watched the Knight go to the livery and stable his horse and then return. The young elf appeared to drift off towards a group of Imperial Soldiers but then was called back. From what he could make out, the elves seemed to have little love for the Empire. Intriguing. If that is so then they are not part of the blood-pact, he thought.

Smiling, he concentrated. A few seconds later, he could hear their conversation as if he was standing next to them. Interesting. It appeared he was correct in his assumption. "Let us continue, Troika, to the gathering. Our fellow compatriots will be interested in that little trio."

He glanced around and then he headed to the Trough. Ignoring the guards leaving from the fabled Inn of Solace....


The Murder


“I have nothing further to aid, sir. Anyone can tell you I was coming through town before now. Why I even tossed a kender off a stair a short while ago,” Yas said, smiling by sheer force of will.

The sheriff narrowed his eyes, said, "That may be true. However, my big friend, you are now here. That being the case you will go there," he pointed down the road towards the guardhouse, "Unless you want to make trouble for you and your "new" friend," he replied, edging his sword free.

[dalamar_thedark]

Taristani mutterd something about "How would a great pompous elven ranger like you know that if you're so wise?" then turned his attention to the knight.

[SilentInfinity]

Yas glared at the sheriff, down from the smaller man’s eyes to his pathetic little sword. He took a step forward and snorted with a single mocking chuckle. “If my presence is required by your laws, then I will happily abide,” the traveler said, “but in no way does my cooperation come from a response to fear or the assumption that I have one, or any, friends.”

With a menacing frown he turned away from the sheriff and gave a quick nod to Taran. The women below watched his bravado with interest but moved away from the stairs as he proceeded down. Tonight would not be one of merriment.

The large Ergothian flexed and stretched his arms and back as he took the first few steps away from the stairs, his feet digging into the ground. Solace was a place of bountiful spirit, legendary intellect and dangerous might. The vallenwoods had withstood many a fire and braved too many wars to be troubled with an Innkeeper’s death. Yet, the villagers and festival goers would one day come to talk of the wry young man who called for the guard, the proud stranger that came to his aid, and the mystery that began there.

Yas was enjoying the experience.

[Grimgor]

Taran shook his head quietly at the bravado exchanged between the two men. Amusing to watch, but it could make the situation a lot worse to him. Deciding to keep everyone civil, he intervened. "Now, my good sheriff, should we not get going? I am eager to sort this out so that the hunt for the real murderer may begin." He bowed his head in a display of respect to the mans judgement.

[sticko_69]

Titus nodded to the elven women "yes we should leave this place i do not feel at home here" Titus could also feel some tetson in the two elves he did not want to be involved in. he alsodidnt like the acasonal stare or remark he would be found out as a knight should he stand in the middle of the road like this. "the inn would be nice let us retire"

[Aspen]

Serena's face showed no emotion. She had taken Taristani on as her pupil only a few months ago, and at times she regreated this. He could be hot headed at times and didn't follow orders often unless it suited him. If she didn't get him under control soon, he was bound to get himself killed and mybe her as well. "Taristani, we will speak later." She whispered, then turned to the knight who was starting to look very uncomfortable.
Serena smiled at him and gave him a wink, "Yes, I do believe you are right." She took his arm and started towards the inn. As they made their way around the crowd and towards the back of the inn, Serena noticed a man on horse back who seemed to take great interest in the trio. After a few moments, Serena leaned in close to the knight. "I do believe that we are being followed."

[Heron]

The Murder


"Now, my good sheriff, should we not get going? I am eager to sort this out so that the hunt for the real murderer may begin."


The man grunted as he sheathed his sword. Stepping back, he motioned for Taran & Yas to lead. As they passed on their way down, he murmered to one of his deputies. After a couple of moments of whispering, the deputy looked about and then left in a hurry.

With that duty taken care of the sheriff followed his prisoners down to the ground below.

[Grimgor]

Taran looked after the deputy, a wrinkle forming between his eyes. Where ever he was going, it couldn't be good. Still he followed the sheriff without complaints.

[sticko_69]

being followed... that was all Titus needed he had no idea just a hunch that he might be descovered but if the tales of elves were true he was proberly being followed now. Titus looked left and right shifting only his eyes as to not look suspicous but his right hand did slip to his sword hilt. "well we should go to the inn then" he tryed not to stumble around his words but he was starting to feel nerves.

[Heron]

The Rider


After a few moments, Serena leaned in close to the knight. "I do believe that we are being followed."


He glanced around and then he headed to the Trough. Ignoring the guards leaving from the fabled Inn of Solace....

Mugen heard the femmina elf. He grinned as he led Troika away from them towards the Trough. That is right, girl, I am interested. he thought to himself as he watched a pair of men led away by the local militia.

[dalamar_thedark]

"Followed by what?" Taristani asked. He was readily eager to know more information, even if it didn't suit what he thought was right. It did, however, suit his ambition.

[Aspen]

Serena smiled at Taristani. Speaking calmly as not to upset the knight anymore than he already seemed, she said sweetly in elven,"Keep your voice down. we don't need any more attention than nessisary. We were being watched by a man on horse back but he is now focussed on something else."
She turned back to the knight. "You should really relax. Nothing is more suspitious that an uptight person at a festival." Just then the crowd parted and a man that Serena figured was the sheriff and his deputies escorted two men towards the guardhouse.

[SilentInfinity]

Yas noticed a pair of large eyes, blue like an ocean, peering at him from the many divided by his path. Uptight. That was a word he had heard before now. The elven woman paid little heed to Taran or himself, looking longer at the sheriff and the deputies.

A wry grin grew on his lips, a ne’er-do-well’s calling card or welcoming as he met the gaze of the lass. Yas offered her a faint wink of a cyan orb before continuing his walk. The smile left him quickly as the sheriff’s guardhouse neared.

Suspicious? Uptight? Certainly.

[Aspen]

As the young man smiled and winked at her, Serena tryed hard to hide a slight smile. Even though she was a ranger now, such girlish habbits still haunted her. Though these young men could be nothing more than common thugs or thieves, there was a chance that they were two of the many inoccent that the Emporiors men had taken into custidy for nothing more than speaking out against all the injustices performed in the Emporiors name. One way or another she planned to find out.
She turned to her two compantions. With a girlish smile she announced, "I think it is to lovely a morning to spend it in some dark, gloomy in. Let us have a picnic out by the Tomb of Heroes. You know where that is, don't you Tarinstani? Down by the guardshouse?" She could see in the knights eyes that that was the last place on Kynn he wanted to go. "We shall go to the bakers and get some fresh muffins and you can go change into something alittle cooler." She stood on her tip toes and pretended to kiss his cheak, secretly whispering to him underneath his hood, "Your armor will give you away. Stash it somewhere safe and meet us at the picnic area. Those two may need some help."
Quickly she grabbed onto her students arm and started towards the market.

[dalamar_thedark]

Taristani swallowed his would-be remark as she took his arm, not even waiting for him to answer. He wondered where on Krynn the knight would stash his armor. He also wondered why they were going to picnic near the Tomb of Heroes. To summarize it all, he wondered about a lot of things now. "Are we seriously going to the Tomb?" he asked in a slight whisper.

[sticko_69]

there was not a women on Krynn that could take his armour from him "if i am to give you away go ahead of me i will go at my own speed" he had other things on his mind than walking around defence less he nooded to give his respects to the elf then turned and walked away towards the inn.

[Grimgor]

Taran had in his time had next to no dealings with the elves whatsoever and had, in these few weeks in Solace, seen three times as many elves as he had in his entire life. One thing he had learned about them was that, as much as they would like it, they where not much different than humans in many ways. For example, the two races shared many normal feelings, even if the elves where more uptight. Other than that, his past life would not have gotten him this far if he did not have some sense of the people around him. Thus, his senses rang like a choir of bells when he saw the elf. She may have tried to hide it, but her smile was as apparant to Taran as if she had thrown back her head and laughed. As they passed, he turned his head slightly and put his senses on the edge. He was right. She had stopped, and said something to someone else. What it was, he had no chance of knowing, but the tone did not sound anything near spiteful. The emotions in her voice was of a much more helpful character. Then they disappeared too far behind them. "Should you be interested in fleeing, you have just opened up an opportunity for just that." He whispered to Yas, too low for the sheriff to hear, but loud enough for Yas. HE barely moved his lips when he spoke.

[SilentInfinity]

The curl of the corner of his lip, the right side of his mouth, was slight and barely noticeable but Taran had seen it once before and now it was painfully obvious. The wry grin, a quiet reply to the Palanthian’s comment, remained for a few moments as Yas walked.

His mind was on other things, and his eyes and ears on the locale around them. Each person was a volume to be studied, each face a tome’s cover of untold secrets. Some of these eyes looked for blood, or steel, but others wanted love or tears of unbridled joy. Yas found intrigue in the smallest of glances.

[Grimgor]

Taran pretended as if nothing had passed between them. "How much further, my good sheriff?" He asks.

[Heron]

"Quiet you!" The sheriff barked. The man was in a poor mood. Bad enough he had to be out working instead of at the Trough drinking, but the Empires' Pet had come a calling and he must do his duty.

"Just a bit further, cullies, then we will have our talk." The man grinned despite his anger.

[Grimgor]

Taran nods respectfully and starts looking at the town they pass with distant interest. To tell the truth, he looks around for the elf. This did not seem to bode well for anyone.

[Heron]

The Guardhouse

Calling the decrepit building in front of Taran & Yas a "house,” of any kind, was polite. Very polite. Apparently, the thing had not encountered a decent carpenter since the War of Souls. Pale blue, cracked ceramic roof tiles were strewn across the "yard." The tiles fit in with the rest of the yard. It was overgrown with weeds and brambles and filled with rusting pieces of armor and other litter.

On the porch snoozed a potbelly gaoler, with his twin of a canine snoring at his feet. The shade of the vallenwood and the jug of spirits must have strained the endurance of the poor slob and he gave way and passed out. The sheriff cursed under his breath. He muttered for the one the guards to go wake the gaoler so he could open up the guardhouse. With that done, he turned to his prisoners.

"You two, go stand over," the sheriff pointed towards a may pole rotting in the weedy yard. After seeing, them moved he went to help the other guard with waking the drunken gaoler. "You, plug 'em with a bolt if they move," he said to the other guard.

[Grimgor]

Taran moved over there obediently, ubt his was starting to search for an escape route. Not that he doubted he could get away. The guards here was far too unproffesional to keep anyone locked up. But he didn't want to leave if he still had an option of explaining and get out of this with the law on his side.

[SilentInfinity]

Yas was thoroughly displeased. He went to the may pole, a spring symbol of fertility and celebration, but with a heavy frown upon his face. He flexed his arms and stretched his back and chest.

The sheriff’s words caught him off guard. The large man whirled around and shouted angrily, “Plug ‘em with a bolt if they move? What kind of law is this? Solace is not a village of the corrupt. I attempted to aid the need at the Inn. This is neither an adequate response nor the expected minimal thank you. Taran does not deserve this either.”

The Ergothian crossed his arms and glared at the obese guard and his dog as the sheriff shuffled inside like a toddler looking for his mommy. It would only take a few seconds to dash away and disappear. Certainly the rapscallion beside him was thinking the same thing. Pale blue eyes glanced Taran’s way.

[Aspen]

"if i am to give you away go ahead of me i will go at my own speed" the knight said. Serena nodded to him, "As you wish sir." She knew what she had asked of him was alot. She grabbed her students are and headed towards the market. after a few blocks, they turned down a side street and began to back track towards the tomb. "You see Taristani, the guard house is nest to the tomb. if we act as though we are just picnicing, we will blend into our seroundings just like you do when you move with the same rythum as the wind. You blend in." Stopping at the back door of the bakery, Serena offered the baker a steel for a basket of muffins and a gingem table cloth.
As they made their way, the teacher tought todays lessons to her student," we will observe what is going on at the guard house with the two young men. They maybe just thugs or common criminals it which case they will get more than they deserve, but if they are on our side, we will take action."
The two elves entered the picnic grounds, far from the kender community grounds. The guard house was in plain view. Serena spred the table cloth under a tree. "The shade will make it only slightly harder to see us." She explained as she took a seat infront of the tree. "Remove your bow and set it on the ground infront of you and your quill behind you. When you need then, the bow will be in easy reach and you will be able to remove arrows in advance with little detection."

[Grimgor]

"Easy now, Yas. That is how the law is upheld," Taran says as if it could justify every action they might come up with. In a lower tone, again by nearly not moving his lips, he adds. "Wait with escaping until we've told them what happens. Everything else will doom us immediately."

[dalamar_thedark]

Taristani did as he was told. He laid the bow on the ground and his quill behind him. “When will the knight come back?” he asked, tentatively, his head still whirling from the information that was all given in a moment’s time.

[sticko_69]

there was nothing he could see to do he had made his own way to were the two prissoners stood guards around them he looked at the situation well it wasnt good the poor men were proberly doomed law had been lost rapping his cloak closer he aproched a guard he could snap the man like a twig but he held off he would wait for the opertunity if the two tried to flee he would aid them so he lent back against a stall not three feet from a guard who was altermently doomed.

[Aspen]

“When will the knight come back?” Taristani asked. Serena passed him a muffin, " He already has. He's take a position close behind a guard across the way. Here," She passed him a muffin, "Eat if your hungery, if your not, pretend."
Serena picked at her breakfast. In truth she hated human baking and their cooking as well. The baking tasted like dirt and they used to much salt and grease in their cooking. It all sat heavy in her belly.
"Ready yourself Taristani," She whispered. "We may wait all day, or we may need to act in a moment or two."

[dalamar_thedark]

Taristani almost smiled at her discomfort. He felt the same. This human cooking tasted like crap. Not that he had ever tasted any, but if he had, he was sure it would taste like this. The elf nibbled at a muffin, trying to look like it was just an ordinary picnic and that he actually enjoyed it.

"Ready yourself Taristani," Serena whispered. "We may wait all day, or we may need to act in a moment or two."

Taristani's fingers strayed near his bow and he grinned in spite of himself. "Alright, milady."

[Heron]

OOC: Sorry guys for being late on this. Ill post the Gathering later tonight. As for now, Yas & Tarans fate should be of concern.


The Guardhouse

"Times have changed my friend," said the guard with a sneer. He settled into a comfortable stance and readied his crossbow.

The sheriff smacked the gaoler awake. The man came to cursing and sputtering. The sheriff shook his head and pushed the man to open the guardhouse. Yas and Taran could here the sheirff muttering impercations at the gaoler as the drunk tried several times to open the door. Finally the oaf managed to open the door. Snarling the sheriff turned about and ordered the guard to bring the prisoners.

"You heard 'em boys, move!" The guard motioned Yas & Taran towards the guardhouse with his crossbow.

[Grimgor]

"Excuse me, sirs, but when will I be able to deliver my account of things? That is why I came." Taran says, no longer sounding polite.