Brutii

This sounds like a Long winded attempt at sneering at others.. Is that your intent?Sneering? Not entirely (Though the final paragraph was snarky, the first paragraphs were really just me rambling about perceptions of the past. I ramble a lot whenever history is involved, I apologise for that.). Lamenting is more on the mark. The entire issue has been one long winded joke. Who is using what bathrooms should be a lot further down on the list of "Issues that need addressing" than, say, the nearly 800 million people starting. "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."

I was going to write some kind of refutation to half of this because it paints a very dystopian picture of our society, even by my cynical standards. I really can't be bothered this late. So I'll simply say that our modern society is really very equal and its very hard to find anything that resembles legal inequality, barring a few professions that are only open to men due to purely physical reasons. Even socially it's really not that cut and dry; for example a man with 3 girlfriends would probably just be seen as a cheating bastard and would run the risk of being slapped by each girl if they figured out. If all three girls new and it was a polygamous relationship then it would probably just be seen as weird by everyone. Our culture holds the monogamy thing to be quite important. Sure, there are some sexists still just as there are some racists but in general our culture and society, at least where I live, just really isn't . Historically, it really depends on which culture, which point in history etc. There have been some pretty damn equal societies out there. I don't mean to challenge you in the fact that there have been (an embarrassingly considerable number of) times when women have been given the short end of the stick, I just want to be fair to our forerunners. As it turns out, some of them were pretty great guys and girls and it's rather condescending of us to judge them all by the actions of some of them. Yes, there were cultures which were total dicks to their women but there were also cultures where this was not the case and some, such as Anglo Saxon England, were actually quite gender equal (Class distinction was much more important.) The major problem is that everybody loves to hate the past, I think its in part because we want to feel superior to our predecessors. On to the actual point of the thread: As far as I care, whether you can go into a women's bathroom or whether the inverse is the case and women who have transitioned start waltzing into the men's bathroom is really not an issue. As long as nobody is sticking their head through the cubicle door or staring over the edge of the urinal I couldn't care any less. Go do your business somewhere and be done with it, why does it matter? It's a source of amusement to me that where people are going to dump their bodily wastes is seen as an issue by anyone. Honestly, can the west just have a quick reality check and rally to deal with more pressing matters, like the countless starving people, the chilling number of children without any access to education, the staggering number of people who have to live without clean water, the many sweatshops all around the world, the slow destruction of our planets ecosystem, the ticking time bomb that is our world economy, the crazy terrorists and the civil wars? No? The bathroom issue is really so pressing? Okay then.

I win...

Daud reclined in a chair, running his fingers along the edge of the blade. Now they'd have to watch the shadows, terrific. This opened up many problems, anyone could be coming at them with a blade and any of them could be innocent and completely out of control of their actions. He wondered how the less... dark of the party would take that, if they wound up killing any innocents. They'd be hearing from this assassin again no doubt and the sooner the better. If they were able to find him and put a blade through his throat, then they would be on a much smoother path, at least for the moment. He doubted the assassin would try again today though, and probably wasn't still lurking among the people. Even if he was, another attempt while the group was together would be folly. It had been prevented the first time by there being a number of them together, and it would be wiser to pick them off individually. That didn't mean he could relax, however. Just because one assassin had given up for the time being didn't mean others might not lurk in the shadows or alleys, awaiting their chance to slip a blade into their spines.

Daud nodded and listened intently as Rhaine spoke "Consider it yours" He said, before quickly darting outside and through the panicked crowds towards the fallen assassin, shoving anyone in his path to the side as he dashed towards the blade. In the scuffle of the crowd's quick dispersal, the blade was kicked to the side and Daud chased after it, shoving aside a man, who collapsed against a market stall. and grabbing it from the floor. He rose quickly from the floor and turned dashing backwards... As he passed the body he quickly acknowledged the blow. Straight through the heart. A nasty way to go. He bolted back through the door, the blade clutched tightly in his hand "I've retrieved his blade" He held it up and ran his eyes over it quickly before raising it to his nose and smelling it, inhaling the putrid mix of blood and... Something else. He frowned and glanced down to Conall, before looking back to Rhaine "Someone's got coin. The blade is coated in Black Lotus Extract, it costs at least four and a half thousand. And with good reason too, it's extremely effective." He bit his bottom lip as he finished speaking, and lowered his arm to the side again

Would it be alright for Daud to identify the poison by taste or smell? Or does someone else want to identify it?

Daud turned his head to the screaming from the market stall where he had been spending what little money he had in order to get something to eat. His first instinct was to slip into the crowd and disappear... then he remembered he was meant to be the good guy here. He quickly dashed off in the direction of the screaming, arriving just in time to see Weyland and Dagny dragging Connall. Daud rushed over, drawing his sword as he approached "What's happening?" He inquired, bluntly, scanning the crowd as if expecting something to jump out at any moment. One appeared to be dead, but there could be more. He frowned, what if the group turned on him, he hadn't exactly made the best case and he was an assassin by trade. He pushed that thought from his head quickly and returned to the present

Daud turned his head to the noise and his eyes came to rest on a new comer. He examined him from a distance, running his eyes over him. He stood slowly, placing down the last scraps of food he had been holding, stretching and turning before walking across the camp, coming to a halt near the others. He repeated his careful examination of the man again. He seemed friendly enough and the others seemed to treat him well, seeing as Rhaine had given him what he assumed to be a friendly hug, but he could see a few not so approving glances coming from Sybille and Marie, so he'd reserve judgement for now. Daud folded his arms before speaking "Seems you've all met before. May I know who this is?" He said as he gave a smile, though it was forced and one could tell that from his eyes, the smile didn't suit his face. In some ways it was almost as though he was forcing himself to appear nice in order to sort of atone, in his own odd perception, for what he had said earlier, and he realised too late it probably made him look more of a fool. He glanced quickly up to the sky. Idiot, he branded himself inside his head, just keep the cruel attitude in future

Daud tilted his head towards Nawen "Well, because it's the truth." He rubbed his chin, maybe it wasn't such a good idea to talk about it "Of course, the truth isn't always the best to share, I guess. I didn't used to enjoy it if you're thinking I started killing people just because I liked it, over time it got easier but it didn't get to the point I enjoyed it until just a few years back. Then I realised that it wasn't just a job anymore, it was becoming more like a game. I'll admit I always found enjoyment in the fear of being caught, but never in the act its self. I ignored it a while, but in the end its what made me stop. I didn't want to go that way and I'm not going to. So be careful if you want to, I was just talking to Tannin. And he is right, we aren't alike and that's good, I didn't mean to make anyone uncomfortable" He turned his head towards Aurora and Tak'we, waiting for them to begin before adding a final comment "I do see your point though, I'll stop talking about murder and killing, it's probably not the best way to introduce myself to people." He gave a small smile and waited for Aurora and Tak'we to begin fighting

"I meant in murder" Daud said with a chuckle "I didn't mean anything past that. For a start you seem much more... Unstable. And I disagree, its intriguing, how weakly we're tethered to this world. Someone just comes along and snaps the cord and your soul goes off to the afterlife. We're so weak and yet we think ourselves so strong. Its not fun, by any stretch, but it is a feeling of power, even if it does become double edged after a while. So pity me all you like, it wont change my opinion. There's nothing left that I could think off to be any more satisfying and why should there be? Its pretty hellish here anyway, so why shouldn't the bad stuff be most prevalent. Its the best I can do, maybe life is easier when you live longer, in which case congratulations on being born right your high and mightiness. Honestly, there is a reason cliches and stereotypes exist, its because there is often some truth to them, even if its hidden in the false." Daud grinned as he looked away "And you aren't exactly clean of the sin of clichés yourself, so neither of us can talk in that respect now, can we?"

Daud gave a small chuckle "I've never been a pirate, too be honest I think I'd get tired of the sea quickly... but profit, now that's my business. Blood for coin, easy, pays highly too. There's nothing more satisfying than slitting a mans throat before he even knows you're there... Or making some pompous fool jump at his own shadow. Haha, us mortals are so greedy aren't we? You could fill a lake with the amount of blood I've spilt for coin, and I reckon your not too dissimilar Tannin, killed a lot of people for profit... and pleasure. That comes with being a pirate, doesn't it." His voice had grown slowly darker and graver, before he tilted his head towards the Pirate and Nawen and smirked, his voice returning to normal"Mantis men and Drow... Just don't let me know if it happens, alright? My mind can do without THAT image." He gave a fake shudder as he said that, before leaning backwards and turning his attention to Aurora and Tak'we "Now this will be fun to watch."

Daud nodded in response to the pirate saying it was a shame the dragon left... Then paused and watched the dancing seal with amusement... And surprise. Conjured, bearded dancing seals? Now he has seen everything "I bet you could turn a profit playing such tricks..." he said with a grin as he turned to look at Annette "Not to mention the commotion it could cause, and it's certainly catch the attention of a crowd" He then looked back to Shalena "It certainly got her attention..." he shook his head slowly as he said that smirking "Watch her, she might try to steal it., ha"

Daud nodded as Azuris mentioned Hexols junk laden pockets "I'll see if its his when he shows up then, not that its worth much" He said, then watched the banter about the dreams. He smiled weakly as it progressed and Nawen tried to block it out and focus on making the food. When she offered them all breakfast, he looked down to the food as he took a plate, giving a mumbled 'Thank you' before turning his head towards Shalena. He smirked and shook his head "You're quick to jump on a way to get some gold, aren't you? It's just Zircon anyway, you aren't missing much, I just found it queer where it was but it seems to be a boring reason after all. Couldn't have been a diamond could it, has to be one of the worthless ones." He looked back down to the food and began to eat slowly

Daud roused from his slumber and then sat bolt upright, looking around for a moment, before relaxing. Right, that was correct, Tannin had conjured up a set of Cabins. That had been impressive, he had to admit... Though he had been reluctant to trust Tannin, and had checked his bed and much of the Cabin for anything out of the ordinary... not that Cabins appearing out of the air was ordinarly. He gave a short sigh as he remembered exactly what was going on... "Can't live in dreams" he mumbled to himself as he clambered out of the bed and stretched. He took his equipment from the floor, examining his swords edge before sheathing it into it's scabbard. Daud took the crossbow from the floor and slung it over his back, before turning to leave... but something else caught his eye. He turned back to it and knelt down, checking over his shoulder as he did, before picking the small gem off the floor.At first his eyes were large at the prospect of the valuable gem before him... until he examined it closer... Zircon. He recognised it. After all, how could he forget? These gems had been involved in the time he had almost been duped in Scardale, he'd left that bastard with a hole in his chest. So what was this, a cruel joke? His face hardened and he went to toss it to the side, but stopped and quickly looked over his shoulder again, before standing and placing it into the pouch on his chest and sealing it. He didn't know why yet, but he felt compelled to hold onto it... how did it even get here? He must have spent at least 20 minutes scouring the cabin for any sign of where it could come from, before finally giving up and uncomfortably leaving the cabin. He proceeded outside and looked up to the sky, before looking back around the camp. He declared a half hearted good morning which implied he found it anything but good, and slumped himself down near the fire pit, staring into the flames his thoughts a mile away from the group and their task. His mind told him it had to be a prank, but something made him doubt that... one way to settle it "Did any of you put a gemstone near my bed?" He asked slowly "I found one this morning, I figure it must be someone elses."

My laptop broke so I had to send it off to be looked at (hopefully the warranty will cover it) , so I won't be posting for a while. It should hopefully be fixed sometime in the week

Daud watched the dragon eat the kebab, stick and all, with a strange mix of trepidation and interest. He shot a surprised glance to Tannin "Uh... Right... Didn't want that thought, Tannin" He said somewhat absently, shuffling uncomfortably. It might not be surprising to Tannin, but having a damn dragon appear certainly was to him. How Tannin had managed to captivate a Dragon was beyond him... In fact, had he not heard that he would have doubted it's possibility. Surely it would have had something more important to do than stalk Tannin, surely anyone would have something more important to do than... Actually, with the behavior of some humans in mind, he could almost believe it. So, if Tannin was stalked by a dragon, and silver dragons could shape-shift then... He shook his head as if to dispel the thought as he pushed it from his mind quickly, before it got any more disturbing and repulsive than it already was.

Daud was moving back towards the camp with the deliberation of a sleep walker. He had slipped into an absent minded state as he made his way back, apparently complacent... Then, out of the corner of his eye, Daud spied something move through the canopy of the trees, and looked up, straining. He dropped the deer to the floor, somewhat relieved not to have the weight, and took a few steps as he kept his eyes on the sky... Then he saw it pass again, a silver dragon that flew against the back drop of the sky. At first he was shocked and afraid of the beast that flew above, and quickly skulked back into the undergrowth, moving towards the camp, trying to remain out of view from the sky. Upon laying eyes on the others and noting they were not afraid, he glanced up again and then realised why no one was afraid. He cursed his own stupidity, dragons that were the colours of metals were supposed to be good. A few seconds later, that feeling wore off and was replaced. He smirked to himself, wondering how much of a fool he must have looked if the dragon saw him, creeping around the undergrowth like a mouse, a silly mistake indeed... And one he was glad he hadn't made while in the company of others. He'd have to be sharper in future, he remembered that if was he himself that had once said that one should always remain alert. Maybe just another reminder that he was letting himself go. A result of being underworked, perhaps. Maybe he should have just stuck to slitting throats, he'd be a richer and would be getting much more practice. But... 'anyone can destroy something, it takes a great man to create something' But what was he creating... Well, that was at least a question he could answer, at least partly As he rose and entered the camp, he caught some words, but didn't take the time to find out who spoke them. Instead he watched the dragon as it gracefully moved through the air. "Its something I've not seen any day. I'd heard of them, but I never thought I would see one." He said, mostly to himself. He wondered what it was like. To fly, to be so powerful and old. It must feel so free, to fly so high and see everything below like ants, to be untouchable and to move with such grace and fluidity. Leaving and moving across the world faster than anyone on the ground could ever hope. No barriers nor lakes nor mountains to act as a block. That would be true freedom.

Alright Though... I am quite sure it is possible to carry a dear bas Quintatas mentioned Edit: I feel compelled to ask, what makes him seem like a complete idiot? People do tend to get tunnel vision and trying to apply that to animals despite their differences is a case of him trying to use past experience when approaching a new problem, which is something humans do. He doesn't know whether it applies to animals or not, hr would have to test it to find out. And it isn't a stretch to suggest they could have been seen anyway by the birds (What he is wrong in is not considering motivation, which is another trait that would be carried over from being an assassin rather than a hunter, witnesses to crimes are different than birds, after all) As for his criticism, with Theia he is obviously being defensive, and his interactions with her have been exclusively negative, so its also normal for him to be bitter towards her when she points out something he has done wrong. Somewhat arrogant and ignorant, yes, but I wouldn't sat an idiot. Other than Theia, I don't think he has levied enough criticism at anyone to make it correct in suggesting that I am out to screw things up. If I was, wouldn't I make a character designed specifically to screw things up, like an evil wizard, instead? Also, I don't have any motivation to screw things up. Obviously, the way I have written it has given the wrong message. I am not and do not intend to try to screw things up, nor do I habour resentment for anyone here, the only person on the nexus I hated has long since gone (Thankfully) My ignorance in the methods of hunting are not a result of me trying to piss anyone of, its a result of me having no experience in such a topic. I've changed some of it so it seemed more plausible

Daud cut in again as he watched the forest, his voice showing small signs of annoyance as he spoke "Just because something doesn't work all the time doesn't mean its not effective. He makes a valid point, obviously they do work, or nobody would use them, that much is just common sense. If I put a crossbow bolt in someone's forehead, do they die everytime? No. That doesn't mean its not effective, because it does work most of the time." He said, not even turning to regard them "And I just thought, the birds had to have seen us anyway, its easy to see where we entered from here. Even if they didn't, there are birds nearby, I could hear them when we entered. If they are going to warn all the other animals about us, which I doubt, they knew we were here anyway so it..." He cut off mid sentence, falling quiet. His hand tightened around his crossbow, and he raised it to an aiming position as he tracked something through the foliage. A few seconds later, he slung his crossbow and made his move, dropping from the tree top without a noise, and moving like a ghost into the treeline. Daud watched from a bush as a doe stood in a small clearing, pausing to examine a small bush. She appeared very skittish, so he felt he would need to be careful. The first thing he did was check his surroundings, scanning them quickly. Once he was certain nothing was watching or listening, he cast invisibility quietly, then slowly drew his crossbow and raised it, taking aim... But a nearby noise of a struggling bison set it off. It turned to bolt, heading Dauds way. Then it detected him as it approached, and turned to run. He fired the bolt towards the doe, and the crossbow bolt flew forwards, smashing into the upper part of one of its hind legs, chattering the bone it impacted with and causing the deer to collapse to the floor. He darted out grabbing it and putting a blade through its neck before it had a chance to make a sound. The placement of the blade ensured it could not breath nor make a noise, and paralised it as the blade cut through the vertebrae. He drew his sword back out quickly, and let the doe fall limp. He knelt over the kill, examining it. Well, at least he got something. No doubt the centaur would say he'd done this wrong too, but she seemed like the kind who would complain about anything and everything anyway, so he wasn't sure how much he could really trust her opinion. He saw his chance and took it. He looked to the body lying in the brambles next to him, and turned it over, lifting it over his shoulders. It wasn't all that heavy, really. Probably because it wasn't really too large, rather average. He'd carried big brutes of men before. The deer wasn't much different, though he dreaded the inevitable strain. But it was dead now, and it was made of meat after all, so he had achieved something Though, from the noise he guessed they got something bigger. Hopefully nothing that made his catch irrelevant... everything within 500 meters must have heard that noise, so it must be large

Daud grinned as he heard the voice behind him. At least someone knew enough to take a jab back at the centaur. He glanced over his shoulder quickly. What an odd hand fate had dealt him, travelling with strange people... Drow, a Chosen, a Centaur. All towards a place he knew little about. Why? Because he needed to? Because he wanted to? Maybe it was a thirst to prove he could do something more than slit throats. Redemption? Or maybe because he wanted to be feared throughout all Faerun and not just the Dalelands. He felt so odd, he needed to find his way But first, food. He tightened his grip on his crossbow. Something would come... Maybe multiple things. And maybe, one of them would slip through the traps unharmed. And maybe, instead of a drink from the lake or eating the bait, it would feast upon its own blood. If he was lucky. But if they would not come to him, then he would go to them

"Messages on their wings?" He said with a frown. Well, that certainly complicated things. He sighed weakly. "People are easier" He said mostly to himself, looking into the tree line. If they refused to come to him, then he would go to them. And if those birds really did carry messages well... He'd see how wells those birds carried their messages from the next world. He paused, considering. This had worked out less than perfect, and the centaur knew what she was talking about. But... The birds would have seen them anyway. He sighed and quietly spoke again "Alright. If I am not supposed to hide upon a tree, he is not meant to lay traps, what would work?" He moved his head, surveying the trees for any movement, his crossbow ready in one hand.

Daud took his crossbow from his back and loaded it, following the Drow. He remained as quiet as humanely possible, and upon arriving near the small lake he traced the tracks with his eyes. He disagreed with the drow on this. While it certainly hid them from view, would they not be sighted by an animal coming from that direction? Forests could be lively, but it had no order. Chaos was, by its definition, unpredictable . It was possible they could see one hundred animals, or just one. And if that one was spooked by the group, they would have done it. Still, he didn't voice his concern, out here things may be different from what he knew. Such a vast and beautiful world, why had he rarely gone to places like this when he was younger? He sighed. Because life was not kind. Being deep in the forest, he decided he would wait upon a tree for his prey. It was something interesting about people... They rarely bothered to look up, and he figured the trait would carry to most animals as well. He had to admit, his knowledge on hunting animals was far inferior to his knowledge of hunting people, but he knew most prey had eyes on the sides of their heads, which he guessed would allow them a wider view... But would that mean they would be more likely to look up? Time would tell. He climbed one of the tree that made up the tree line on the edge of the lakes shore, and concealed himself among the leaves of the interlocking branches two of the trees, peering down with his vigilant eyes, waiting for any sign of animals. He didn't bother to use invisibility, he doubted he would need it, he shouldn't be seen here...

Daud watched the pirates, and frowned slightly. He didn't like them. They seemed undisciplined. He didn't like that... maybe that was just because it was his line of work to stay controlled... or maybe it was because it was chaotic, and he had already seen the tale of chaos He rose from his crouched position on the bank, turning to the Drow "I'll come... I don't want another night on an empty stomach" He said with a weak smile, drying his hands against the side of his clothing "Besides, it's an exalted task compared to watching them bathe." He glanced out towards the plains as he spoke

Daud had split off from the others nearly 30 meters before arriving at the campsite, for his horse had collapsed. He noted that Faerun seemed... Different, like something had changed. When he looked around, everything seemed so rotted to the core... Or did he just see it that way because he was the one that was rotted? He shook his head slightly, and watched as his horse lying weakly on the floor, neighing weakly. He finally figured that it had been diseased the past few days, and all he had done is push it harder... "Lame old beast..." He commented, and drew his sword from its sheath, and watched the reflection in its eyes... The horses eyes filled with fear, and it neighed loudly, but it failed to stand "Shh... It will be quick." He placed a hand on the horse, holding it against the ground. It weakly thrashed to escape his grasp, but he managed to hold it firm, and plunged the blade through its neck, the blood splattering all over him... He whispered quietly as the horse died. Poor beast... His fault too, he should have been more attentive. He returned to the others, and knelt over the water cupping some in his hands and using it to clear the blood and dirt from his face. He glanced to the others, who appeared to be bathing... Together. He frowned slightly, he did find that slightly odd, its not as if they couldn't gave taken turns with it. He gave a weak grin as he watched them... Well, that one was certainly energetic. Daud just watched from the bank in silence.

Daud's horsed reared backwards when the centaur grew louder, turning and attempting to move, but Daud pulled it's reins to turn it back to the centaur. His hand drew his blade slightly from it's sheath... then gently slid it back in as Rhaine raised her hand. He took a few moments before speaking himself "I have a better suggestion. Nobody dies, and nobody complains about who's what. I don't understand why this 'abomination' part matters one bit. I mean, what brought you to this world might be bad, but it's not like we get to choose. Does that mean you must die? No. Your roots don't define you, do they? Don't worry about your beginnings, and enjoy what you have, because things can always get worse. As for your distrust of dark elves for their creating you... If one man from a village kills someone does that make the entire village accountable for the crime?" Daud reasoned... or rather, tried to reason. He didn't have much experience in this department, and honestly, why should it matter if she was an 'abomination'? What brought her into existence might be wrong, but what's it matter at the end of the day? He shook his head slightly.