Tales of Faerun

[mythicdawnmaster]

Waiting silently as Rhaine and those accompanying her made their way to the inn, Xallistine watched them enter before he turned on his heel. Steeling himself and feeling calm wash through his system, he sighed heavily as the ache within his head slowly began to subside. He took graceful strides back up the gangplank, cane clicking along with every other step he made. He needn't bother the pirate captain, Shalena with his worries, she was already enjoying herself at the inn, arriving with Nawen ahead of the others. He was quite certain her iniquitous crew would prove no hindrance; brave as they may be, and backed with such braggadocio he often found himself stunned in the impolite mannerisms, the pirates would not attempt to stand in his way.

 

Unlocking the doors to the crew's quarters, in which he and his companions had been confined in for the duration of their journey, Xallistine removed his talon from the lock once his spell had moved the tumblers silently open. Drifting forth elegantly, he reached the quarters he had claimed as his own and turned the tarnished iron knob with one of his many free tentacles. As he stepped inside, he set his cane against the doorframe and turned to the drawers that stood lonesomely opposite the bed. Sliding out the bottom drawer with one of his larger tentacled, he took the small jewellery box within softly, and tucked it under the leather confided of his outer robes. His tattered robes, he noticed... but their condition was hardly a concern for the moment, the Ulitharid's upkeep of regal appearances was to be overlooked for more pressing concerns. Safe and secure in the folds of his robe, held close to his chest by a number of smaller tentacles coiled protectively around it, the jewelerry box barely made a sound as it's contents rattled around.

 

Retrieving his cane, Xallistine left the ship and proceeded to join the others in the inn.

 

Ignoring the frightful stares of the tavern's patron's, Xallistine held out the jewellery box, lid ajar and gripped by his smaller appendages as a loyal butler would carry a silver tray. Lifting out small, nondescript metal talismans that hung from thin, almost translucent silver thread, he dropped them gently around the necks of his companions as he passed by their tables, releasing them from his talons gently so not to surprise anyone too greatly. He hoped the group were used to his eccentricities by now, and were wise enough to simply accept whatever magical trinkets the Ulitharid dumped upon them as useful.

 

He came to sit next to Rhaine, huddled over uncomfortable on a stool that was much too small. There were a number of talismans still remaining in the jewellery box, for the companions that had yet to arrive at the inn. "I hope they do not suspect anything out of the ordinary... but they were promised some useful trinkets before our journey." His tone had lightened since his grave telling to Rhaine earlier, and he relaxed in knowing that his companions minds would be safe for now, and none the wiser to any untoward forces that attempted to probe them from beyond.

Edited February 19, 2014 by mythicdawnmaster

[Deleted6317247User]

Shalena looked at the talisman that Xallistine had dropped around their necks. It was pretty but not as pretty as her golden compass. "What's this? Do you always give everyone random jewelry?" She asked Xallistine out loud. The captain wasn't used to anything like this as she was relatively new to the group and she rarely talked with them. "I'm not paying for it." She added.

 

Nawen glanced at her own talisman after she noticed that Xallistine had given them to everyone who were currently inside. "Thank you," she said to the Ulitharid, "it's very pretty." She wasn't sure what was the point of these amulets but what she suspected that there was something more to it, but for the moment she decided to remain quiet about it.

[AurianaValoria1]

Argyros grinned broadly at Aera, "I concur...you have an excellent idea." Then, taking one of the bacon-wrapped shrimp in his slender fingers, he looked it over with great interest before popping the whole thing in his mouth. After a few moments of chewing, he completely forgot the humanoid custom of not talking with his mouth full and spoke to the weretigress with no small amount of satisfaction in his voice, "Ish good."

 

Dagny, who had sat on her stool beside them, chuckled again as the waitress brought her own dish of fried trout with a tall mug of foaming ale. The dwarf dug in with gusto, pleased to be able to eat after such a long time of being cooped up in the ship. Thanks to Conall's potions, she hadn't gotten seasick, and she had been looking forward to something besides rations for supper.

 

Rhaine, after seeing that most of her companions had been given Xallistine's charms, relaxed even further, and the Doomguide decided to follow Nawen's choice, settling on a nice seafood soup and a thick chunk of dark bread.

 

=============================

 

Meanwhile, Conall was just returning to the inn after finding the stables near the gates. He was rounding a street corner next to the wharfs when he heard a great commotion nearby. Curiosity urging him to investigate, he peered past the murmuring men and women to see a pale, unconscious man laying on the docks. He was somehow muttering odd statistics, though...statistics about...

 

Them.

 

Pushing around the bystanders, he growled, "Get out of the way and stay back!"

 

Then, taking the man by the collar, he lifted him up and shook him fiercely, "Wake up!"

 

The appearance of fangs in the stranger's mouth made the paladin falter momentarily, but then he tightened his grip and shook the man again, "Wake up!"

[GrueMaster]

"Conall Whitefang:..." Tenebris continued muttering for a brief moment, then his eyes snapped open as he realized someone was shaking him rather violently, red eyes peering into the stark blue ones of a man who appeared to be the one responsible for the shaking.

 

"If you're done trying to shake the soul from my body," the half-vampire began speaking hoarsely, tinged with a condescending tone, " I would very much appreciate it if, *cough* if you let go, sir, lest I suffer *cough* some irreparable damage to my cognitive abilities due-*cough* due to your ministr-ations..." *COUGH!*

 

He broke down into a coughing fit as he tried to release himself, falling from the stranger's grasp and doubling over as sea water finally began being expelled from his lungs, much to the bewilderment of those around him.

 

"Told that idiot captain not to set sail..." Tenebris muttered under his breathe between coughs. " Some thanks for warning him, dumping me like that... Not like it was my fault he sailed into that stupid hurricane..." He finally managed to stand shakily back up, and looked around at the fearful faces around him, with a sense of hostility that could be felt growing. Well, that's a comforting welcome...

 

Wanting to leave before stakes started being carved, the priest turned to the stranger holding him earlier, who seemed vaguely familiar... "Excuse sir, um, what was your name again?" he asked, pausing for a moment, perplexed as to why he felt like he knew the man's name already. "Oh, nevermind. Would you mind pointing me to a nearby inn or similar establishment? As much as I appreciate the efforts and attention of those around me, I'd like to dry off before Jergal decides to give me pneumonia or something equally miserable. By the way, would anyone happen to know what day it is, or more preferably, what town am I in?"

 

================

 

Tak'we looked at the talisman Xallistine gave him with curiosity, then put it on without question; the tentacled one seemed very wise in the thri-kreen's eyes, so he thought it prudent to wear it, and soon went back to eating.

 

Dri gave a strange look as Xallistine handed her an amulet of sorts. "Hey, what's this for?" she inquired, curious as to what he was giving everyone. Seeing how everyone else putting them on, though, the rogue soon followed suit. "Do either of you know what's going on?" she sent to Weyland and Sybille, wanting to know why the amulets were being handed out right now.

Edited February 20, 2014 by GrueMaster

[josh900]

Glad to be back on solid ground, Azuris was finely in a good mood, the potions had certainly helped him, but the he still found the journey to be an unpleasant one. As Xallstine handed out the amulets he arched a brow. "And what exactly are these for? I'm guessing they carry some sort of enchantment?"

 

Hexol however accepted without question and went back to shoveling his meal. "Az, why aren't you eating?" He asked with his mouth full.

 

"Cause we just got off the boat." Azuris said. "My appetite is nonexistent at the moment."

 

Hexol responded with a mere shrug. "More for me then."

-----------------------

 

While Azuris had spent the trip grumbling and complaining about the waters, Tannin had spent it being rather productive. Despite the rocking of the boat he had managed to finish making Rhaine's new casual outfit hours before they reached port.

 

Once she finished her meal Tannin then set the folded up outfit in front of her.

 

As for the amulets that Xallstine was passing around Tannin took it without a word and simply looked at it. "So I'll assume this has a purpose." He stated simply before tucking it away in his pocket.

[Flipout6]

"Hm. Dunno what this is, but I'll assume it's wise to wear it." Sybille shrugged and slipped Xallistine's amulet around her neck. "Very pretty, though. I like."

 

"Xal's gifts always have some sort of practical use to them. So yeah, I'd recommend it." Weyland told her. "Two of you should put it on, too." He pointed to Marie and Annette. "Nah, no idea what's going on." Weyland responded to Dri. "But there's probably some kind of reason for it. Whatever these are, they probably have some kind of ability we'll find useful somewhere in the future. Better safe than sorry, right?"

 

"Hm. Maybe you'll be able to learn to enchant things of your own someday." Amendale told Annette. "You'd have to get Xallistine to teach you that, though. That's beyond my ability to teach and, for the moment, far beyond yours to learn."

 

"That would be so awesome." Marie gushed. "My sister the enchanter, sorcerer, and alchemist all in one." She grinned at Annette. "Wouldn't that be neat?" Annette just nodded, a little shy to be getting even this much attention.

 

"Well maybe you could enchant Marie's armor." Weyland jabbed. "Make it fireproof. I think she needs it." He shot a cheeky grin at Marie, and to her surprise it lacked malice. She shifted in her chair, but smirked a little while Sybille guffawed.

[AurianaValoria1]

Conall glared at the townsfolk until they began to scatter, as he was uncomfortable with the crowd all gawking at them. Then, he turned back to the dark-robed man and replied, "I'm Conall Whitefang. You know, the name you just muttered a few minutes ago?"

 

"As for the town, this is Iljak. Chondath. On the Vilhon Reach. There's an inn not far from here where you can warm up. But first, I want to know who you are and why you seem to know so much about me without ever having met me."

 

And my companions, he thought.

 

=========================

 

As Rhaine just finished her meal, she was surprised to see Tannin approach her with a folded bundle. There was a look of perplexity on her face for a few moments before she realized this was the outfit she had requested he make a few weeks past. She grinned widely, "You did it, didn't you? I must go try it on. I'll be back shortly."

 

She rose and went to the innkeeper, purchasing rooms for herself and her companions and then headed upstairs to change. The Doomguide was eager to see how good Tannin's handiwork really was. She also thought of how nice it would be to be out of her armor for once and not to have to wear her cumbersome robes.

 

Shutting the door behind her, she took off her armor and packed the pieces carefully in her bag. Then, gingerly unfolding Tannin's parcel, she examined the clothing he had given her. It was almost exactly as she had described her old favorite ensemble, only better. Both the underbust corset and pants were made of Ivanthyriatryx's deep emerald scales - the former made of larger, beautifully rounded ones and the latter crafted from much tinier scales and softer hide. Accompanying the set was a pair of brown leather knee boots, laced up the front, with a matching pair of bracers and a black linen shirt, made to be worn either on or off the shoulder. The back dipped low enough so as not to hinder her wings at all.

 

Rhaine donned the ensemble quickly, pleased with how sleek the outfit was. The pants were snug, but not too tight, and fit well under the boots. She decided to wear the hip-length, long-sleeved shirt off the shoulder, only the halter strap of the corset and her holy amulet both shining around her bare neck. The dragon's scales were surprisingly still bright, and the edges of them - even those miniscule ones on the breeches - glittered gold in the candlelight. Finally, she put on the tooled leather bracers over the loose sleeves of her shirt, admiring the quality of craftsmanship. Tannin had done well - it was all feminine, and yet not too revealing; attractive, yet not flashy; casual, and yet functional.

 

Once again strapping Touch of Death to her waist, she shouldered her pack and headed back downstairs into the common room. There was no mirror in her quarters, so she turned about before her companions and asked, "Well...how do I look?"

[Deleted6317247User]

Shalena had finished eating shrimps wrapped in bacon and now was helping herself to a freshly baked meat pie from someone else's table. When Rhaine returned to the common room wearing her new outfit, the captain grinned. "Wow! So unusual to see you wearing something other than that armor," she commented and then shot a glance at Tannin, "nice handiwork." She said to the half-drow.

 

Nawen was getting ready to go outside and take a walk as she spent more than she liked sitting around and doing nothing in the ship. It was also a good time to start teaching Rhegar to adapt to wildlife. She looked at Rhaine once she came downstairs. "It is very beautiful," she said, smiling, "it suits you."

Edited February 21, 2014 by Guest

[GrueMaster]

Tenebris gave Conall a nod of his head by way of thanks for dispersing the crowd. "Thank you, Conall. An angry, fear-mongering mob isn't something I was looking forward to." He grew confused, though, at Conall's initial words. I said his name? I don't remember that. Not letting his confusion show, though, the half-vampire continued listening.

 

"Iljak, eh? Bit far from my original destination, but, anywhere where I'm not being threatened with stakes and torches is alright by my account. All the same, thank you."

 

That gratefulness quickly turned to incredulity, however, when the man claimed Tenebris knew things about him. "Have you been sniffing dreammist? I never muttered your name, and I sure as the Hells don't know anything about you!" Is this guy screwing with me?! Or am I dead and Jergal's screwing with me?

Not wanting to anger the man who had helped him, Tenebris sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Look, my name is Tenebris, Tenebris Sever, priest of Jergal, and right now, I'd really just like to sit down and recover, alright? I feel like Umberlee's been trying to use my lungs as waterskins forever and a day."

Edited February 24, 2014 by GrueMaster

[mythicdawnmaster]

As the questions mounted up regarding his recent gifts, Xallistine chuckled. As they all now had them either around their necks or upon their persons they would be safe from the intrusions of the Elan holding Kalin prisoner, their minds would be safe from mental attacks at least, and violations of their thoughts... and he hoped the same would apply while dealing with these creatures in closer proximity. Aside from an Ulitharid of equal power, or an Abeloth, he knew of few creatures capable of breaking down his own mental wards, and by extension those of his wards, but even Xallistine could not testify to the true power the Elan possessed. He had faced them before in his past and triumphed, but they were hardly more than babes...

 

Gesturing to Weyland (surprised to be agreeing with the warrior) Xallistine commented "The young Weyland speaks words of wisdom, you shall appreciate their practicality when we face Kalin's captors my friends. Besides, have I ever been a creature of sentiment?" He chuckled, hoping to recline into his seat, yet remembering it's nature as a measly little stall. He'd have to commission a special seat to cart around the next time they came across a craftsman...