The Heart Of Ruhir

[Malchik]

OOC>There is no pressure on the rpg. I ask you post once in 48 hours or advise of absence so that we know you have not dropped out or been claimed by Oblivion. I suspect that may have happened to Titanania.

[ThetaOrionis01]

Inwardly Kyrika breathes a sigh of relief that several potentially awkward, if not worse, situations have been diffused. Outwardly, doesn't allow her relief to show, and only nods to Valantius.

 

"I would certainly welcome some peace and quiet, so that we may gather our thoughts." She accords him a grateful smile. While Valantius is talking to the landlord, Kyrika accepts Khyros' offer of parchment.

 

 

"Thank you, Khyros. Ink and quills I have with me, but the parchment I had unfortunately did not take well to being immersed in seawater. I am lucky in that it had served its purpose by then - my countrymen are very fond of written permits and licences, and had I not been able to create a passable forgery of such a document to allow me to leave my home province I do not know where I would be."

 

'And I don't even want to think about it,' she tells herself with an inward shudder. 'There was enough on his desk to allow me a good guess as to just what happens to magic users and shapeshifters. No, whatever happens here, I doubt it could be worse.'

 

She takes a bottle of black ink and a quill from her bag, and starts to write down some details.

 

 

Name: Kyrika

 

Age: 17

 

Race: Niyobian

 

Occupation: None

 

Skills: Stealth, spying, forging documents, picking locks, shapeshifting, *hunting in predator form

 

 

Equipment:

Worn: Long faded green skirt, green blouse, leather walking boots, belt, 11 hairpins of varying lengths, ribbon to tie back hair

 

Carried (in frayed bag): Dark grey trousers, grey tunic with pockets on the back, soft shoes, spare shirt, 10 spare hairpins, 1 bottle of black ink, 1 bottle of red ink, 4 quills, small sewing kit (2 spools of thread, small but sharp pointed scissors, pack of assorted needles), oddly shaped glass lens (a childhood keepsake)

 

Grubby dark green cloak

 

1 throwing knife tucked into her boot

 

Leather pouch containing a small handful of low denomination silver coins attached to her belt

 

The only things she does not list are her undergarments - it would be most improper to speak of them.

 

Equipment needed:

- skirt, blouse and cloak more appropriate for the Bashkeri climate

- a new bag to carry her stuff in

- 4 extra throwing knives

- a waterbottle

- some tea and sugar, and a vessel to boil water/make tea in

- food

- some coin for living expenses

- sheets of parchment

- soap

 

 

With that she pauses. Other equipment she might need will depend on how they are planning to travel, whether they will be lodging at inns or camping in the wild, and on the terrain they will encounter.

 

Reading over her list she is amazed that she succeeded in getting this far, having fled her sister's house so ill prepared. The glass lens - she isn't sure why she brought it as it seems to have little practical purpose. But it is the last gift her father gave her before her parents' mysterious death, and in a way it is a keepsake of her childhood that she treasures more than anything else she possesses.

 

After a brief hesitation, she adds to the list of her skills:

 

* hunting in predator form

 

She decides that it is not a good idea to tell her companions about the 2 mice she caught and ate while spending the night as an owl, but hopes they will not object to her catching more palatable game should the need arise.

 

 

 

"This is as far as I can complete my list for now - I expect that there are other essential items it had not occured to me I might need."

 

She looks at Khyros. "Perhaps it would be advisable to compile a list of everyone's equipment and skills, so that we may see at a glance what our group lacks? Kane, I believe, has already provided a list of his details. That leaves Lord Valantius, the elusive 6th member of our group, and -" she turns to the tattoed man waiting beside her - "I'm sorry, I don't think I know your name."

[Malchik]

Before anyone can do anything two men enter the room. One is a representative of Bharat Desani.

 

He bows to you and introduces a tall very dark skinned young man.

 

"This gentleman, Shaka, found out about your enterprise rather late. But since you have not yet started out I thought he could join you."

 

He nods and exits leave you staring at the newcomer.

 

OOC> please welcome dragonben 'Frog' from the competition Woodland Castle thread.

[dragonben]

Shaka

 

Walking into the room with the representative Shaka takes a moment to take the group in, taking note of the water creature, the mercenary and the tattooed man, the girl and the nobleman, waiting for his escourt to leave before speaking "My name is Shaka, peace to you all." Smiling he waits for a reply.

 

Shaka is as dark as you get, almost black, the only colour in his face is his teeth and the whites of his eyes. Standing six feet four inches tall dressed in dark brown, allmost as dark as his skin, the green trim on his robe seems almost brilliant green although it to is dark green. Having a athletic build, from training with the blade master his dad had hired when it became obvious that he to had the restless adventure spirit his grandad had, he didn't look like the scollar he was suppose to be.

 

On his belt Shaka carried two hunting knifes, one on each side, and on two quick release hooks hung his battle axes also one on each side. the Flats of the blades for now pressing against the outsides of his legs. The wide robes almost hiding them in the folds. Hoping to get some tips in the "real world use" of the axes, for he have only practiced with them under the tutelage of the Blade master. (didn't fare to badly though)

[Morgoth]

Chucahau has grown increasingly impatient while the conversation has been evolving around him, not really sure how he should or could participate in it at the moment. He begins shifting his weight from one foot to another.

 

When he is suddenly addressed by Kyrika again, he looks puzzled at first.

 

Why does she ask for my name, when she already called on me? Fool, remember that she wishes her true self to be unknown - if she was a normal human, she would not know your name yet!

 

Intending to answer Kyrika's question, Chucahau is interrupted by the pair of unknnown men entering the tavern. As soon as he realizes that one of them is only a representative of Bharat Desani and will leave again shortly, he focuses his attention on the other man. His ebony skin looks uncommon, but does not deserve closer examination when seen in contrast to Khyros' golden skin. What strikes him more is the newcomer's sheer height.

 

Have I lived among a tribe of dwarves?

 

However, this cannot detract Chucahau's attention from Kyrika for too long, he turns towards her again.

 

"Mistress, we should not tarry here. Let us go where we are alone ... you advised so yourself."

[ixnos]

Kane smirks from within the corner, he already knew most of the group didn't like him but he didn't care either...he had a job to do and all this religious stuff was beginning to grate against his nerves, not to mention he would rather be staring at the nobleman's tongue on his table rather than in the nobleman's mouth...it wasn't the fact he hated the actual person it was rather more like the crafty speech, speaking in riddles and big words that hardly anyone else knew...the Jourtresian's weren't a dumb race, they were rather intelligent...it was just the fact they preferred to keep communication simple and to a minimum since most of the Jourtresian's were out fighting or hunting and if any talked, their dinner would run away.

 

Kane spots the newcomer who doesn't hesitate in introducing himself yet Kane cracks up laughing at his first words.

 

"The only peace I will get is when that nobleman's tongue is nailed to the wall...or after a battle when I am the only one left standing surrounded by several hundred motionless bodies"

 

Again Kane didn't care, he has never underestimated an opponent's skill yet most people that wish to go one on one with him tend to think twice or end up in the local graveyard, Kane was one to not mess around and gets straight to the point at hand, another reason why he hates those that think speech will get them into places...Kane didn't care if people had bags of wealth...if you can buy yourself into places and into power then to Kane that was a cowardly wimp...many say that is smart and avoiding conflict yet conflict decides everything at the end of the day and if you can't defend yourself in combat then you can't defend what you earn and the only time he respects noblemen or wealthy families is when he is hired by them and is paid. Kane looks over at the other Jourtresian, assuming he must be from a cult since most Jourtresians are atheists...Kane can handle others religious beliefs but the ones that preach about it all day long tend to find a sword lodged into their skull...9 times out of 10 the sword being Kane's.

 

Wow...such a diverse and comical group we have here, hmmm just keep calm, get the job done and leave for Jourtres...also I ain't concealing my weapons, even if that means beating the guards upside their heads...ah well they will understand when presented with the merc talisman, this thing has gotten me out of alot of matters heh...Kane grins to himself due to his thoughts, still wondering whether to reply to anything the 'lord' had said, eh then shrugs

 

"Hey lord head stuck up his rear..just a quick reality check...one I have no questions on my mind...two I do not care how my 'ignorant ways' seem to effect your people...or you...I have a job to do and if I have to do it with you lot or not, my job shall be done and I don't care how it needs to be done...if I have to painfully listen to your chat up lines, your religious beliefs or your babbling mutterings then I will do so...even if you can't handle yourself in battle I will defend you all but once this job is done that is where we stop being friends...and that goes to the rest of you...now ask questions if you wish but don't expect a pleasant answer back"

 

He asks for another refill after draining the mug dry, knowing that the mini-speech wouldn't have gone down well but he wasn't bothered to their reactions, he told the truth and it was now up to the others on how they reacted to it...for Kane manners are nice but they never get you anywhere and the only two he uses is "please" and "thankyou"...not even "excuse me" gets on his list since he can simply barge through...he also didn't see the problem with not concealing weapons, if others didn't like it then that is their problem, not his...he is a mercenary and his weapons are his life, he has only got rid of his weapons in the room because he has respect for the serving barkeep and is the only time he would conceal his weapons...unless it was one that is well known for trouble then he lays them on the table...that is how anyone with him knows that someone will spark up a fight with either him or someone else.

 

For taverns, Kane was like the silent guard, he would sit in a corner, drinking his ale with his longsword on the table and his broadsword leant against the table in open view, he would then be speaking with other mercenaries or some other friends, mainly ladies from nearby houses...usually if he was with a lady then a fight would crack off due to a drunk, other times it would be a guard that is off duty...if it was two other people fighting the barkeep would look at Kane, Kane would look back, glance at the fight while sipping his ale, wait for a few moments and stand...everyone would notice this and grow quiet, watching Kane walk over grab the two fighters around the necks, drag them to the doors and throw them out...this would gain Kane a few ales on the house. If it was an off duty guard that he beaten up he would be arrested but later released due to explaining and having the barkeep as a witness, so even if the barkeep is a stranger he would respect him...The barkeep gives Kane another ale then tilts his head for a moment.

 

"Hey...you said your name was Kane Nighy right? heh I've heard of you"

 

"Oh? how so, I have never stepped foot in this place"

 

"My brother owns a tavern in Jourtres, he moved over there several years ago, he told me one day when visiting that he was nearly killed by a customer who said the ale was 'off' everyone knew he was trying to start something up but never thought we would pull a knife out over the matter...once the man did this, my brother said that several other customers tried to help but were pushed away or cut...the man then stabbed my brother in the hand and grabbed a drunken guard's sword, ready to kill him when suddenly someone of the same height and broadness stood behind the man...the man tried to stab him only to find the hand holding the sword facing the wrong way, the sword on the floor and the huge man's hand grasped around his neck...he later told me more about the man and it was only till now I realised where I heard the name before....My friend you have respect from all tavern owners all over the world"

 

Kane grins as he is retold the story, then nods while shaking the barkeep's hand, Kane then sips at his ale.

 

"Aye I remember that time...afterwards the man came back with his 'gang'...they thought they could overpower me since I was outnumbered...they thought about that again when they spent several weeks with the local healer and herbalist...also as long as a tavern serves ale, they have my respect...I have never had a problem with any barkeep and that is why I shall stop any rioting within a tavern, no matter who it is"

 

The barkeep smiles and nods before going back off to his duties...Kane smirks returning back to his ale then glances at the group.

 

"Well this is all too much fun, I might have a nap...wake me up when we start moving off for the mission...or if you wish to pester me for information"

 

He grins a moment folding his arms across his chest and rocking back on the chair a little before closing his eyes even though his ears were still listening to anything happening around him.

[Kheskeim]

Kheskeim is surprised to learn that he just found use for something his mother taught him a long time ago. Being a true leader demands for decisions; decisions usually result in a bad outcome to at least one person in the world. Nevertheless the utterings and actions of said person must never inflict on the decision being made, even if the decision turns out to be wrong. Substitute decision with task, job, or any other thing that needs your focus and you have your mantra. Never let anyone or anything interfere with your ways of leadership, unless you have explicitly asked for their opinion or they were known to be wiser than you in the ways you are going, he thinks the words one by one.

 

The Jourtresian Kane is obviously one such interference. To address it is to fuel it as he has just done to some extent; to ignore it is to quell it. Kheskeim finds it very hard, but he manages to keep his mouth shut for now. Everything will work in his favour, if he can just manage to convince the rest of the group of his "good intent".

 

The arrival of the newcomer, even though he looks almost as disgusting as the golden fellow, is a welcoming possibility of exactly that. With the barkeep closing the tavern to let them have the very much needed privacy, the setting is perfect. Kheskeim quickly turns into the diplomat, he has always been taught to be.

 

"Welcome to Bashkher I take it! Shaka was it? Come sit down and have some refreshment from the barkeeps splendid array of those; and do tell from where you hail good sir. Seems the barkeep and I are indeed the only Bashkheri in his very tavern at the moment."

 

Smiling a glowing smile he continues, while stepping aside to let the man approach and to introduce the others to the newcomer.

 

"Let me introduce you to those, whom you see before you and by Bharat Desani's blessing part of this endeavour like yourself. Here is Kyrika, woman of... many trades from Nyobi. Next to her you see Khyros, Shallaran actor. By the bar is Kane, Mercenary and champion fighter of Jourtres maybe that was a bit over the top...; and here once more a Jourtesian, alas I still do not know his name."

Purposely forgetting himself, he waits a little while - then smiles again and adds: "Ah yes, and of course myself, I am Kheskeim Valantius, knight of the house Valantius and at your service. You may call me Kheskeim as titles mean nothing when among friends - or companions."

If this does not make the trick that old harsh fool mr. Magellian was indeed a fool.

 

Surpassingly satisfied with himself, Kheskeim sits down and begins to write on the documents with a flawlessly dancing pen.

 

name: Kheskeim Valantius

nationality: Bashkheri

age: 20

class: nobleman (knight in training)

skills: Swords, fencing, battle/war-tactics, diplomacy, organisation, poetry, riding

Special abilities: knowledge of many things in Bashkher - especially higher circles, perception, adaptability, diplomacy and charm

 

Items visible: Valantius family crested surcoat (black gauntlet on red bg), black exquisite pants and shirt, fine leather boots and belt, empty pouch

 

Worn: family dagger (of a fine black matte metal, shaft red)

 

 

In his room:

Weapons: family longsword (of a fine matte black metal, shaft red)

Armour: family armour - cuirass, casque, gorget, greaves, bracers, gauntlets (of a fine matte black light metal)

Clothes: extra family surcoat, normal black tunic, common clothes, a black cloak, some dirty leather boots

Containers: 4 bags

Items in bags: little food (and horsefood), waterskin, inkwell, quills, notebook with loose pages, perfume, a comb, little knife for shaving and cutting small things, sharpening stone, tinder box, 2 torches, crude map of Bashkher, soap

 

Extra: Horse in stable (will most likely sell it to acquire more gold)

 

Needs:

- gold

- food

- drink

- better map

 

(ooc: welcome dragonben! - ooc2: the black metal used for weapons and armour in the V. family is like mithril just matte black - if allowed)

[Malchik]

One of Bharat's men drops in a map of Bashkher (courtesy of Karkarinus in Group A)

 

OOC> Titanania has been in backwoods Missouri out of human contact and will be posting soon.

[ThetaOrionis01]

Kyrika is relieved as the tavern empties, and the noise level drops. Fewer staring eyes can only be a good thing - though she wonders how many of the tavern's patrons will remember this evening, and how quickly rumours about this odd group of strangers will spread.

 

She glances briefly at the newcomer - another stranger to this land, to judge by his appearance - before replying to the tattoed man.

 

"Indeed, I did suggest leaving to find a place according all of us more privacy - but I am a stranger in this land, and not familiar with local customs, nor with the authority and influence members of our party may have. I spoke rashly when suggesting that we leave this place - but it had not even occured to me that it might be possible to reserve this tavern for us."

 

She pauses briefly.

 

"Desani is a man of power and influence - for many years I lived in the house of such a man, a man of power and influence, my sister's husband - and I suspect that Desani does nothing without a reason, as my brother-in-law would have done nothing without a purpose. If Desani sent us here, I am certain it was for a purpose - whether word of what we discuss will be carried back to him, or whether this is merely a place where strangers can congregate in safety, that I do not know. But I think that we may safely talk here."

 

She smiles. "Please, I know I am very insistent, but would you tell us your name, at least? It seems that we will indeed journey together, and I would not wish to cause offence by addressing anyone incorrectly."

After another brief pause she adds quietly: "If there are things you do not wish to discuss here with the rest of the group, then perhaps we can talk about them later. But for now, I think it is important that we all find out who our companions are - it may well be that our lives will depend on each other's skills. Will you tell us about yourself, so that your skills may be added to the list? And perhaps you, too, have questions you wish to ask?"

 

While waiting for a reply, she hears her name and realises that Kheskeim Valantius has just introduced her to the newcomer, and she greets Shaka with a polite smile and a nod, but her attention is drawn towards the map that has been left for them.

 

"How fortunate! I was just about to ask for a map, to learn more about this country! I am certain it will greatly aid us in our planning. But -" she looks at the others - "once again I must confess my ignorance. When I fled my sister's house I gave little thought to preparation, nor did I have any plans as to where I should go. Finding myself so unprepared is not a mistake I wish to repeat, and I would very much appreciate any advice you have to give."

 

 

Kyrika takes another sip of the wine. 'I wish I had more of that tea... I don't think I like this wine.'

[DragonDudeAW]

[ooc] I've almost forgotten how to post..... j/k Sorry to have kept the group waiting for so long but I was unaware that I was about to be cut off from the civilized world. Well I'm back and hopefully it will be a while before I get "cut off" again. There wasn't even dial-up at the hotel.....i may just attach myself to my wireless cable router and get a really long cable yea that will work

 

This info is going to be presented in-game but in case anyone didn't know I have a character set up. Here’s his stat sheet:

 

Name: Aldhelm

Race: Tagfier

Job: Enchanter/Alchemist

Age: 27

Time Zone: Central US

 

Skills: Enchant, Alchemy, Fire Magic (Destruction), Light Armor, Security

 

Description: Tall (6'4"), Rather lanky, Dark tan skin tone with white-blonde hair. Always curious about the world surrounding him, Aldhelm got into a lot of trouble as a child with "experiments" involving his Fire Magic. (Not an allusion to me at all :rolleyes: ) As he grew older, began to experiment in the long-forgotten arts of alchemy and enchantment after finding a tome and some materials explaining these arts in a chest that the rolling sands cast out.

 

Items: Tagfier Journeyman Mortar and Pestle, (1) Scroll of Tagferian Hellblast, (5) Scrolls of Tagferian Gem Feeding, Set of Light Armor (whatever is closest to Chitin in this setting), (Ingredients common to the Tagfier area), (5) Potions of Restore Magicka (Malchik's choice of power), Ancient tome (description above), Silver Longsword, (5) Common Soul Gems, (3) Greater Soul Gems, and (12) Lesser Soul Gems

 

Malchik, if any of this is to your disliking just let me know and I can edit it.

[/ooc]

 

Aldhelm was exhausted. He'd been running his horse into the ground recently and was almost as tired as the beast he rode on. He had spent almost two days glued to the saddle with only the minimum of sleep and food. He knew that whatever he was riding towards was both an important event and a powerful magic presence for Thereon to be so urgent about his departure.

 

Aldhelm owed Thereon his livelihood and well-being. After having gained a weak mastery of Fire magic as the other children of his age, Aldhelm had been "kidnapped". He had gone to sleep on the night of his 10th birthday and awoken in a cave with Thereon standing over him, with food and water in hand. He had explained he had taking a liking to Aldhelm and decided to save him from a terrible fate. When asked what the terrible fate was he walked Aldhelm out of the cave and gestured down towards a group of tents. Aldhelm saw the boys he had played with not one day earlier, standing in a row, facing the rising sun. However, these boys had been transformed. They had blank, vacant gazes and seemed only interested in the old, bent man gesturing to them.

 

"The mages were in need of new recruits and your village got picked. They've forgotten everything. They will now be trained to help "peacefully expand" Tagfier's borders, with new and powerful magic. I have decided to pass this knowledge on to you and let YOU, not some archmage, decide what to do with it. I had to go through too much for me to stand idly by and watch them send young ones to their death and grow fat off the land."

 

After that, Thereon had trained Aldhelm in the ways of Fire, showing him things Aldhelm had never known was possible. He had learned much from the man and when he had reached the age of around thirty, he asked him why he hadn't aged since the day of Aldhelm's rescue. It was then that Thereon had shown Aldhelm how to stop the effects of time on oneself.

 

From then on, Thereon had treated Aldhelm as an equal instead of a child. He told him of scrying and his delving into lost arts. He taught him alchemy and enchantment, sharing memories completely lost to the Tagfierian people.

 

The years had gone on like this, but three days ago, something had changed. Aldhelm had been awoken by a shaky and sweaty Thereon and informed that he had to journey to Bashkher and find the man who had been investigating disturbances. Thereon hadn’t been able to tell Aldhelm much more, and quickly sent him on his way.

 

Now, as Aldhelm rode into Bashkher he had wondered what had made Thereon so worried. The man was a rock normally so this "disturbance" must have been really troubling.

 

Looking around he saw a tall, government-type building and rode towards it. Seeing a stable nearby, he stopped and got off his horse, tossed the stable hand a few coppers and walked in. As he walked, the clerk looked up at Aldhelm and asked, "Can I help you?" “I’m here to help with the disturbances..." "Oh, that'll be Bharat Desani. I believe he's in his office." She gestured off-handedly down a corridor.

 

Walking into the doorway at the end of the hall, he walked up to Bharat and tapped him on the shoulder. After the man's shock had passed, he calmed down enough for Aldhelm to explain his presence. The man seemed glad to have another man there to help and explained what he had told the other arrivals.

 

Hurrying now towards the first hotel room Aldhelm had ever stayed in; he quickly dumped his gear and made his way towards the tavern Bharat had said he had sent another late arrival to already. Walking in as the barkeep was moving towards the door, Aldhelm looked around at the rather motley group of individuals in the tavern. Seeing a lizard-looking creature with what appeared to be a lute, Aldhelm walked over and said, "Friend, I'm rather new to the group and I was wondering if you might be able to help. Seeing your instrument, I couldn't help but notice you are probably a bard and knowledgeable to some extent about the current goings on than I am. I know the bare minimum and any information you might be able to provide would be of great assistance."

 

[ooc] Sorry for the extra long post, but I had a lot to cover [/ooc]