karkarinus

ooc> If there are no more questions: ic> Kalmer thanks Nikishastra for his time and information, and the group retire to discuss events. Turning to T'Skar, he says, "T'Skar, I have a feeling that you are to play an important role in our winning over this Arminda Sagrami. Everyone seems to looking at you knowingly. Perhaps I am taking this the wrong way, but perhaps not. I have an idea: we all dress up as a Lady's entourage, and escort you to The Palace Hotel where we dine, and celebrate your 100th birthday in a very public manner. From there, we go on to the Pink Orchid nightclub, find a nice quiet table, and wait for Arminda to approach you. We lead her to beleive that you hold the secret of eternal youth, and arrange a meeting in more private circumstances - her place! What do you all think of the idea?"

LOL! Nothin' wrong with a bit of old-time gangsta rap or Hip-Hop! I still listen to NWA, Eazy-E and De La Soul when the mood takes me:P

"According to a great mage we met near Golconar," say Kalmer to Aldhelm, "Nikishastra is an even more imprtant mage, whose field of expertise is the ruined city of Akitaron. In Akitaron there is said to be one of the Swords of Zooz, although some think this to be mere legend. If anyone can confirm this or at least give us some indication as to its veracity, it is he."

(ooc> While unpacking) ic> "So this grandfather is Nikishastra himself!" Exclaims Kalmer in a hushed tone, as they unpack their belongings in the meagre lodgings. "This sounds almost too easy. We have to ask him about the the lost city of Akitaron and the sword that allegedly lies there. He may also know about the sword that is here in Ippikander. Anybody else have any ideas? We should head downstairs." (ooc> after exchanging any ideas, the group head down to meet Nikishastra.) ic> On entering the dining area they are greeted by a serving girl, and she takes their order. Kalmer performs his usual slight inclinaion as a sign of courtesy to the old mage, saying, "Good evening, master Nikishastra, and good appetite. We hope we are not disturbing you this mealtime."

"We should set down our belongings in our room, and partake of some refreshments." Says Kalmer to his companions. "And by all accounts, we would be wise to stay off the streets for the time being. Now may be a good time to meet your grandfather, young man." He says, turning to Face.

Kalmer hands 5 nipin to Face. "So there is another possible entrance to the Temple, then?" He says, smiling. "Other than the front door?"

(ooc >Hope no-one minds, but we still need people's abilities, even if they're not here atm.) ic> Sael, being of the Dayone race, instantly realises if either of the boys are lying.... Meanwhile, Kalmer asks the one-eyed boy, in such a tone of voice that he does not come across as condescending, "But how much do you know, young man? I doubt not that you speak the truth, but do you know enough to aid and advise us during our stay?" He smiles reassuringly at the child, and awaits his response.

ooc> Absolutely not taken aback by Aldhelm's reaction! I explained myself badly: "the stern Tagferian" was Kalmer, who normally doesn't come out with funny stuff, but bit by bit is lightening up as the quest goes on, and realising that there is nothing wrong with a bit of humour ;) . I'M sorry for the misunderstanding :) ic> "We shall need to find lodgings." Says Kalmer as they walk along the groyne towards the town. "And our money will be better spent on fashionable raiment than on top class hotels, unless we can find a decent source of income." He glances at T'Skar. "However, we need to keep up some kind of appearance, so I feel the Laughing Camel is out of the question. What say we take a look at The Colonnade? And then we should visit the fashion boutiques." EDIT: "We should also hire a guide." Kalmer beckons one of the boys over to the group.

ooc> I would say so, yes. I think we've finished here. "One more unto the beach, dear friends, once more!" 8) ic> "I don't know about age cream, Aldhem," says Kalmer. "But I feel we shall all be in need of some sun cream! To Ippikander!" His companions are somewhat taken aback by this unfittingly witty outburst from the stern Tagfierian....

"This is indeed an enigma." Says Kalmer slowly. "Though not a great magic user myself, these are unquivocably the nine schools of magic that are studied in El Rhun on Tagfier! But something is amiss. Life magic was banished long ago, and as far as I know, Love magic has never existed. And another thing," He turns to Darasha, "I was under the impression that the existence of my homeland was unknown to anyone beyond it. Until I arrived here, we were indeed oblivious to the existence of other lands." Kalmer turns back to Aldhelm and T'Skar. "I know of the Sardani, as - I am sure - do you. They are a strange lot, but generally keep themselves to themselves, at least where my folk are concerned. But what on Tagfier would they be doing with a glowing child?!?"

"We would be happy to aid you in your search." Says Kalmer reassuringly. "And perhaps you would care to aid us in ours? We shall go to the Temple here, and then we must head for Ippikander, where we may just be able to kill two steppe-rats with one quarrel, as I'm sure you know we say on Tagfier!" The group stand up and head for the Temple......

"Yes, we are done here." Replies kalmer to T'Skar. "And after that little escapade, I think we could all do with a little rest and recuperation. And none more than our friend here!" Kalmer helps the somewhat bewildered-looking mage over to a nearby bench. He also instantly recognises Aldhelm as a fellow Tagfierian. Producing a flask of water from his belt, he offers it to Aldhelm and says, "Well met, mage! Relax, regain your wits and tell us of your travails."

"Please, Master Tiu!" Kalmer urges. "Just one more question and we will trouble you no longer. What do you know of a boy named Auriel? Have you ever heard of him?"

The group turns and heads for the stairs back up to the corridor above....

Kalmer pauses to hear the girl's answer to Tiax. ooc> if any. If none, he continues: ic> "We must leave." Says Kalmer, trying to rub warmth into his arms. "Perhaps our gracious host may know something about this Auriel. Make haste!" He turns back to the girl. "What is your name, child? Fear not, for we will bring the Child of Healing to you and end this suffering." He pauses a moment and stares for a moment at her, saddened and sickened at the thought of such a terrible tale...

Kalmer is troubled to see the girl in such a way, and he thinks back to Tagfier and his daughter Keowen. A tear does indeed come to his eye. "You say your father's curse," he says to the girl. "Do you mean to say that this burden has been passed down to you? How did all this come to pass?"

Now reading Mort, the 4th in the Discworld series. Great so far. Didn't like Equal Rites so much, probably because I missed Rincewind and the Luggage so much *sobs* Anyone who wants to check out the Dragonlance novels by Weiss and Hickman, should maybe try "Kender, Gully Dwarves and Gnomes" - a collection of short stories that I found a lot easier-going than the novels themselves, to begin with.

Nowt wrong with prog house! Lisa Lashes is aight, I spose, a tad on on the hard-house side, but decent nonetheless :P You ever heard of Ben McGowan? The King of HardHouse imo. Hard and fast? Try 21st Century Jesus by Messiah for hard, fast and just a tad retro....

"We must proceed cautiously," Says Kalmer quietly. "But these entities know we are here, so we must show them that we mean no harm. Sheathe and conceal your weapons, move steadily and without sudden movements." Kalmer straightens up from his 'sneaking' position, and walks with his arms by his side, palms turned forwards in the diplomatic manner of his people, so as to imply non-hostility when meeting strangers. Kalmer is used to sudden changes in climate and temperature, but there is something different about this cold. An overwhelming feeling of pity and sorrow comes over him, as if this were the very chill of death.....

Examples, please? Oakenfold rules, btw. ;)

As they carefully and silently edge their way down the stairway, Kalmer uses his acute senses to check for traps, clues or signs of recent activity. He whispers to T'Skar that she should try and work out what sort of magic, if any, is at work here. He also tells Mandrake that he should take very careful note of the route they are taking.

(ooc> Yes, we're all here.) ic> T'Skar makes her feelings known, and the group ponder for a moment. Kalmer mentions that the mid-way point of each corridor must be directly aligned with an apex of the other building, and that perhaps this is of some import. If indeed there are access routes between the two buildings, then these halfway points would be the ideal places for them, being distributed evenly around the building, and each one linking directly to one "corner" of the other building. He also remarks that if some magic is at work here, then maybe theirs might work too. He checks along the passageways - particularly near the middle of each - looking and smelling for signs of recent activity. He also checks along the wall itself, looking and feeling for any indications, and all the while listening intently against it. Finally, he holds out one hand as if to reveal, nods at T'Skar and tries the spell...... (ooc> Are the corridors totally flat, or are they sloped at all? At whatt point are the steps located? Halfway along? In the corners? On the inside or outside edge of the corridor?)

Kalmer closes the trapdoor very carefully, and leaps silently over to number 5, to see what differences there are between the areas in terms of noise, number of people, decor, smell... anything that could give them some indication as to which building they should enter..... He asks T'Skar to check number 6 in the meantime.

"Ah Tiax, Mandrake, so glad you could make it!" Whispers Kalmer as the two scuffle over to where T'Skar is beginning to look impatient as Kalmer tries to decipher the six-pointed star layout of the Palace roofs. Numbers never were his thirté. "Try not to make too much noise. Now, if I can... just... open... this...." He very gently prises open trapdoor number 1, and peers inside......

(ooc > any chance of a quick diagram? Call me thick, but I can't quite visualize this!)