OMNI (closed srpg) (IC)

Gothic Shujin

Fading Memory
Joined
Jan 22, 2005
Posts
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OMNI OCC (Character sheets and Atlas')


OMNI

Book One - "Redemption"


-Prologue-



It is said that Omni was created after a great struggle. A tantrum really, after a large war between the true two gods.

There was a game, played and lost, played and won, and the loser decided he would lose no more...

The angry vengefull god waved its appendage... you could call it, its arm... and tore existence in two. Shaping what was its own, and what belonged to its counterpart. Consolidating life and death, heaven and hell, light and dark.. into two spheres.

The generous god smiled, with what we could call a mouth, and offered that there was no need to stop sharing all existence over one small arguement. But this was not the first... it was one of many.. it was the last.

Because the two never planned on competing or playing together again, they created a populace for their lands, so they would never be alone again. As centuries past the two existences, the two worlds had nearly as many struggles as their creators had.

The gods saw this and so they collaborated on a "buffer". An area where both could play, finnally together again, but only as observers, unless it was discussed otherwise... this new existence was the bridge between the other two, and in it, held the compromise that made the gods ultimately love each other again...

They called this land...




"...Omni."

The venerable old man shut the dusty old tomb and set it down on a rickety wooden stool beside the child's bed... with a wave of his hand the lights dimmed and he smiled...

"Its time for bed Soveriegn.. we can finish with the theology lesson tommorrow."

The sleepy prince with his golden locks of freshly braided hair drifted off, but before he murmured...

"Is that what really happened grandpa?"

His grandfather rose and placed a hand on the boys forehead, he uttered a word and the boy was asleep...

"...no one knows my boy... but its what most of us beleive. Hush... tommorrow you have much studying to do"

He grinned again before turning and heading to the door, before he could reach it there was a knock. He rushed over and opened it a crack an annoyed look on his face...

"Elder... it has begun... they are calling you..."

"Shut up you fool, i am coming.. you will wake the child..." he shut the door and followed the plate armored gaurd into a large audiance hall.

In the hall, stood his son King Altarius, Queen Rynnasia, sevral arch mages and his own staff of private advisors. He stood beside his son as they all stared fixedly at the apparition hovering several meters in front of them...


As it spoke their very souls shivered...

"This is unacceptable... if these are your terms than prepare for war... I thought your kingdom wise... but it appears you take me for a fool..."

Its voice was void of any resemblance of humanity even tho the unholy Lord Damoliclous was once as human as the very child He had just put to bed.

"You cannot be SERIOUS... what you ask is not a reasonable compromise!!," the king challenged "that is too many...we cannot spare that many men, that many women or children!"

"Then you dont have to... Ill simply releive you of your burden... Ill take them all."

Damoliclous vanished into a black mist and the room grew quiet.

"Its begun... contact the goddess... im sure that his ArchConstructs are on their way..."

With the kings order the room dispersed as if the end of the world was coming... there was no orderly file and no calm conduct... the advisors and even the battle hardened officers outside the chamber fled to their duties and post as if for the last time.

He approached his son..

"This is not the end Altarius... be calm. There will be a tommorrow."

"Perhaps father... but at what cost..."


*********************************************


Omni was an extremely vibrant land, full of flora and a great many species of wildlife whose origins were as old as the creation of it itself.


Sometime during the first great war, a man studying the dark arts came to power in the northern hemisphere, gaining title over most of the lands and ultimately becoming king by way of succession.

Damoliclous had good relations with the now rulers of the south but slowly he began to change, once he became the complete ruler of the northern lands he proclaimed it "Necrosia" and closed its borders. Creating a great many problems for his neighbors to the south.

Years rolled on and the once stalwart neighbor to the north became inceasingly unfriendly, even aggressive. Eventually Damoliclous was nothing of his former self. Rumored to have sold his soul he appeared infrequently in public and even then as some unholy thing no one understood.

Eventually the lands of Necrosia and the kingdom of king Altarius were at war. All other kingdoms, wich were under the fealty of King Altarius were dragged into the struggle.. some kicking and screaming. This created tension among humans and demi humans... some of wich lived so far from Necrosia they considered it not their problem. Many could not even remmember why they were fighting. In the last year of struggle... The Unholy Lord of Necrosia summoned all his dark mages into a tower. For months they poured over every ritual that had ever seen the light of day and some that did not. They called upon four creatures and bound them to the land... they were djinn, tied to the very life of the kingdom.

Damolicous called them his "ArchConstructs" but they were pretty much Golem gods and greater Elementals.

He Demanded a fief in exchange for the peace of the two kingdoms. Slaves to work for him and his nobles, to repopulate the land wich he had been slowly killing with his evil.

This started the second great war. The Arch Constructs slaughtered the kingdoms knights and mages and elite garrison. Even the valliant paladins fell to their horrifying power. Fueled by more than magick, it was the king's father who managed to get the goddess of nature involved.

An old acolyte and once ruler of the kingdom himself, with the help of the goddess and thousands and thousands of lives... the Unholy Lord of Necrosia fell and with him his Contructs. As they fell and toppled to the ground... fire died out... the waters receaded.. the sky turned scorched.

The land seemed cursed... dead.

Those that survived the Unholy Lord's madness swore fealty to the king Altarius and ultimately the war was written in history books as an overwhelming victory. When in fact existence was on the brink. Those kingdoms wich helped the struggle originally were honored and diffferences eventually gave way to strong ties. Those that did not, were considered enemies and a majority of these Lords fled into the ruins of Necrosia.

Time moved on...

And everyone forgot the boon that was owed the goddess of nature.



-Chapter One-


"By order of our High King, Lord Soveriegn the Second, There is a mandatory curfew for all woman and children in the land of Altarious... for details see any one of the many posts hanging around Berthe. By nightfall only adult males are to be on the streets, I repeat for your safety only adult males on the streets after nightfall!"

The crier was tugged by the collar of his neck by an old woman old enough to be his mother and then some...

"And what am i supposed to do sonny if i have to head out to the baths, or the pub?"

He merely shook his head and attempted to give the woman a sympathetic look when all he wanted to do was get back home before a riot started...

The moans and groans from the crowd were not half as bad and the gentleman predicted. News such as this.. on the eve of the Deconstructus celebration... was expected to be recieved far worse. It was the anniverssary of the death of some great terror, wich no one truely understood, but they gave one another gifts and sang songs and decorated the town anyway... it had become more for the market of the thing...than for a greatfullness to what it truely meant.

Crude streamers and adornments of all shapes and colors littered the main streets and tops of buildings. Children discussed what the wanted as a present and the light from the sun still shone high overhead, casting its rays and bathing the costal town of Berthe in a glorious brightness. It was what would come when darkness fell that had the Lord of the land at an unease.

The harbor was bustling with large muscular men loading and unloading crates and foodstuffs off and on, on and off, the galleys and kingdom ships docked since morning. The stench of old fish...left too long sitting in the sun, wafted through most of the entire center of town... the winds having a sense of humor on this busy busy day.

The bell from the church towards the center of town rang... resounding through the ears of the clergymen and the faithfull sitting down for their miday worship...

All in all the streets, form market to red sign district, were equally crowded. A new batch of mercenaries, fresh from the capital had arrived on horseback. They pushed and squeezed their way through the sea of pedestrians.. headed towards the docks, their destination... the only boat NOT carrying supplies or commerce...

A warship.


For several months, the quiet once forgotten and barely explored lands of Necrosia had become of great interests to the people of Berthe. For many many years after the second great war, the lands had knew peace. Ignored where the history books, and the lessons of blood and anguish. Discarded had been the memories of what was lost to gain freedom, people simply didnt want to think of such things. Untill recently...

It started as a missing a child. Then a child a woman and her father. Eventually anyone crossing to the southern continent, wich had been desolate since the war, went missing. It was speculated that not all the darkness in Necrosia, had been obliterated by the light.

While Altarious had always been plagued by goblins, gnolls, trolls, and all manner of creatures that did not always coexist with humans or demi humans, those things that were rumored to reside across the ocean were unpeakable. To put the populace at ease the High King Sovereign II, still trying to prove his wisdom, passed the mercanaries deputization act.

This allowed bounty hunters some degree of slack withen the eyes of the law, and at the same time was a war song for any who needed work and would risk their lives in the unholy lands of Necrosia. While Altarious also sent knights and palladins and mages, few returned... and fewer and fewer signed up for such details.

In these grim times, all kinds of men and women flooded into Berthe, the last bastion of civilization before the coast... before the horrors across the sea....



A small humanoid in a large brown, wide brimmed hat shuffled between the legs of the crowd gathered by the town crier. He looked like a small child but upon getting a closer look one would clearly see he was no human child, rather an adult goblin. Greenish skin, and long pointed ears, gave that fact away fairly easily. He covered his unsightly features as best as he could but didnt like the constricting feelings of hoods.

After climbing up on stage in the center of town hall, his tiny little legs swinging over to the amusement of several onlookers, he hefted the large knapsack he held onto the floor with a thunk.

He dug inside of it... nearly half of his body dissappearing withen before pulling out a small pouch... he scanned the crowd....

"I hate this... I hate this... dirty stinking rat bastard... ME HATE THIS.. why me?," he muttered as his shifty eyes searched for something or someone...

Turning toward the red sign district, the nervous goblin kept his eye on an attractive woman leaning against a market cart as if she belonged there, but he knew better.

He eyed the skyline... looking at the second level of the inn, across the street, he looked toward the docks... and then finnally at the crowd and the influx of people coming in off the mainroad...

Sweat pouring off his brow.

(Ok guys, thats it... hope your in the mood. Now treat this like we are all sitting around a table... obviously you are doing more storytelling than if that were true, but for all intents and purposes ill play NPCs, Im glad we are getting started, this should be alot of fun. Read the OCC there is some info in that for you guys, the link in case anyone forgets it is on top of this IC, ill keep adding atlas' and you guys should add stuff to your char. sheets if you need to remember or keep track of something.... good luck ;) )
 
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Leovin was in his room at the inn as he had been for the past few days. The crowds in the streets never seemed to go away. He had a feeling that if he left on his own, something bad would happen. He also felt strangely drawn to the inn, like he needed to be there for some reason. He didn't understand it, but his gut feeling had never betrayed him before, and at that moment his gut was telling him to stay put.

He looked out his window again as he heard something going on outside. It seemed that for some reason only adult males were being allowed outside at night. It seemed to annoy some people. He then noticed something a little strange. There was what seemed to be a boy sitting on a cart across the street, but with a second look Leo could tell it was a goblin. He had fought enough to be able to recognise one, even with a disguise on. He had no idea what it was doing there, and he didn't really care.

Leovin turned away from the window as he felt his stomach growl. He decided it was time to leave his room and get something to eat. So far he had simply had food sent to his room. This time he would try to start breaking his fear by going downstairs to the main room of the inn to get food. He opened the door and could hear the loud noises of many people talking at the same time in various conversations. He took a deep breath and walked down the steps and sat at an empty table in a corner. He waited for a serving girl and ordered some food and drink. He started to relax as minutes passed and no one even tried to talk to him. If things continued going that well he might even try going out into the streets in a couple days to see what un-needed items he could sell and what supplies he could buy.
 
Reika tried to brush the hair out of her eyes without attracting attention, wondering what exactly was wrong that this pronouncement was being made. With Deconstructus tomorrow, it wouldn't be just the women and children protesting - the merchants would lose gold hand over greedy fist without the business of kids begging for candy or toys and mothers and grandmothers indulging them. She finally gave up the fight against her red hair - it looked purple in this light, and gods help her for standing out like that - and leaned her naginata against her shoulder to free one hand. Pulling all of the long, straight hair back into a tail, Reika took a moment to stretch, avoiding the gazes that were shot her way. Some were curious (unusual to see a women with a weapon that size), some were disdainful (what sort of woman would carry a weapon like that?), and some were hungry (female mercenary or well-disguised harlot?).

She hefted the bag she carried over her shoulder, coughing at the road dust that plumed off of it with that slight motion. She hadn't even had time to find a room for herself yet, but this gathering had drawn her like a moth to a candle. The hope that she might belong here flickered out as soon as the curfew was announced, however. It wasn't safe here, yet. Or anymore. It added to the same sum. She'd have a job, probably, but it would be the same thing again. Do the job, get paid, over-stay her welcome, and then be asked to leave, or thrown out by the Lord's wife for 'having loose morals'. She sniffed disdainfully, then regretted it as the scent of fish filled her nostrils. It wasn't her fault if the men thought she was loose because she made her living with weapons. And no one had minded when there were grotesqueries clawing at the walls that no one else was willing to try to kill.

Swirling her robe around herself, Reika gripped the naginata tightly again and pushed through the crowd, throwing elbows and tapping ribs with the unbladed end of the naginata until she broke out of the press. It hadn't been hard enough exercise that she should be sweating or breathing hard. But the stress of being in that big a crowd, with that many strange people had brought her to both of those points. She stopped for a moment, wiping the sweat off her brow - smearing the dust and sweat into mud, really - and catching her breath, then moving into the darker tap room of the inn.

Hesitating at the door, she looked around. It was busy here, and she wasn't sure . . . there was an open table, and the food smelled like heaven. Her stomach decided for her, and Reika was seated before she knew she was walking. A serving girl walked past with her hands full, and Reika raised a hand, careful not to touch the other woman. "Ale, and whatever that is," she said, gesturing to the plate the girl was carrying.
 
It was both the best and worst news he had received in his life. Surely someone among all these adventurers would know who he was looking for. The problem was finding the right person - if that right person was still alive. Maybe his quarry had already crossed the ocean; maybe he was already dead! Given the high casualty rates over there, and the amount of people the Deputization attracted, it was well within the realm of possibilty.

The feeling of something bumping his leg broke Morgus out of his introspection. He looked around to see who did it, but all he saw was a flash of cloak disappearing into the crowd. Paying it no mind, he decided to head toward the nearest inn.

It wasn't long before his thoughts got the better of him again - thoughts of his father pleading for mercy in front of that wizard, insisting he didn't steal anything; thoughts of the wizard accusing him of lying and burning him to ash. When he dismantled the house, the blue-clad murderer found nothing and simply walked away without a word, leaving young Morgus with absolutley nothing - no home, no family - nothing. The curfew announcement brought him back again to reality.

It wasn't long before he found an inn. It was a good thing, too. He was sweating profusely under his black steel armor and was nearly exhausted by the long trip. The heavy backpack and two-handed sword was carrying didn't help matters, either. Entering the door, he lloked at the rabble inside. So many mercenaries and it didn't look like any of them could so much as even mimic casting a spell. Looks could be deceiving, he thought to himself, but I need to rest, first.

Getting the attention of the nearest serving girl he asked "Where can I get a hot bath?"
 
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"Hmph...!"

That was, mostly, Anika´s reaction to the announcement. A curfew? In a Dwarf settlement, that would not have been necessary. In fact, it would have been impossible to reason why they would need it. No enemy could infiltrate Dwarf mines without them finding out inmediately. But it seemed humans were not capable enough in that respect, which was a letdown. Then again, did Anika expect anything better from non-Dwarfs?

No, not really.

She tightened her brown cloak carefully, not wanting it to slip and reveal the heavy armour underneath, and turned to the nearest inn. Her rifle was secure, slung on her arm and tied to her gauntlets, and her cloak´s hood covered her blonde hair and bright blue eyes. Despite these precautions, though, the loud crunching of the pebbles under her feet betrayed her weight, and a few warriors seemed to notice. But, they had their own worries, as did Anika.

The first thing she needed to do, was to find a place where she could spend the night for a reasonable price. Letting her armour´s hard shell negotiate passage through the crowd, she moved to the closest one she saw.

As she walked, she caught a whiff of the stinking fish. She hurried her steps, leaning a bit forward as she walked.

Smells worse than greenskins!

At the door to the inn, Anika found the smell coming from inside far more pleasant. She entered the inn right after a young man in armour, which gave her a clue that this was probably an inn for mercenaries. The patrons certainly did not seem to be the peaceful kind of people. Seeing no reason to hide her identity anymore now that she was off the steamboat, and that the smell of the fish was gone, Anika tossed back the hood covering her face and opened her cloak to cool down a bit. After spending most of the day so far under the sun, Anika was sweating a bit. She was not too used to the weather the humans lived under. As a Dwarf, Anika preferred the cool embrace of subterranean darkness.

"Where can I get a hot bath?" , the engineer heard the young man say. Taking a place at his side at the bar, she had a look around while the young man was served, awaiting her turn.
 
Jasleth Aurelius glanced up from the posting he'd been reading as the crowd began to disperse, many of them grumbling about the declaration of curfew. Having just arrived on the ship Sea's Blessing, he understood exactly why this curfew had been set. Well, one of the reasons. Though it was a holiday, the streets would also be awash with mercenaries and sell swords of every variety. Many would be fine, but...it was a lifestyle that often attracted those all too willing to prey on a woman alone, or a child's innocence.

He pursed his lips thoughtfully. Perhaps he should not be so harsh about his new, well, peers. ...Wasn't that a distasteful thought?

He sighed, one hand lifting absently to rub his fingers against the arcane sigil branded on his forehead. It wasn't that it itched or anything, he never even noticed it anymore, but it was a habit he'd picked up when it was still fresh. Best to move and find an inn before they were all booked up. He didn't really want to spend his first night on the continent in a stable. ..Though it might smell a bit better that the rest of this place, actually.

Jasleth turned and walked down the street, his light footfalls making little sound. His black cloak and robes fluttered slightly in the breeze, and many who saw him coming pulled back to give him passage. More than a few watched him carefully, some making the sign of warding against the evil eye. He sighed. Superstition again would be a thorn, it seemed. There was no hiding his status as a wizard, and there were many who distrusted any magic and those who could command it. He was a little surprised to see it here...he knew that other spell casters had been to this city.

Well, it was of no moment. So long as he could find work, and then begin his research into the ruins of the old nation of Necrosia, and the many treasures that were hidden there. It was very risky to come to this place, and to set out looking for such things...but great reward carried great risk. And if he was ever to take his home back...he needed the money and fame finding those treasures would get him.

Spotting an inn that didn't seem to have quite as many adventurers piling into it, Jasleth made his way across the street and inside. It was darker within, his eyes momentarily unable to see much as they adjusted. He spoke to a man about a room for a few moments, coins changing hands, then set out for the tap room. In truth...he did not care for such places. They were loud, smelly, usually full of people he had no care to meet, and fights or other distractions often broke out in them. But he had to eat, and it was in such places that information was to be found.

He entered, a serving girl passing by and telling him she'd find him a place in just a moment. Jasleth nodded, looking over the crowded room. Hmm...some very formidable gear in here. Many of the patrons wore armor and carried weapons. This must be more of an adventurer's inn than one that the citizens frequented. The bar was full, it seemed. And the people there...a man in heavy black armor, a massive sword harnessed on his back, and next to him a very attractive woman wearing...was that Gromeril? And that rifle was clearly Dwarven made, although the design was unfamiliar...very curious. He felt his fingers twitch. Knowledge and curiosity were great temptations for him, and it was a feat of will for him not to go rushing across the room and ask to examine the unusual weapon.

He felt a tug on his sleeve, and glanced down to the see the serving girl. "Right this way, M'lord, we've still a few spaces free at the tables. You'd have to wait for anything else, I'm sorry to say."

"A table will be fine, Miss, thank you." She smiled, leading him through the tap room. Well, now to see who he'd be eating with. At inns and taverns like this, one sat where there was free space, meaning unless you had a large party, you never knew who you would end up being seated with.

It turned out he was fortunate. Very, perhaps. The only occupant of the table he was lead to was a young woman, who looked about his age, with striking red hair...and a veritable arsenal strapped to her or leaning in arm's reach. She was lovely as well. There were worse dining companions. Jasleth nodded to the wench as she went off to see to a customer, then looked over at the woman. "I beg your pardon, My Lady, but as this table is free, I was hoping you wouldn't mind if I took a seat." He smiled, "Of course, if you are wishing for solitude, I'm sure there's something elsewhere, but if it would not be an inconvenience...may I?"
 
From upstairs a man in meager dress carried a stool. He placed it on the floor of the inn and began his ascent. Holding on to an ugly long, white and purple decoration, he reached up as he dug into his breaches for a hammer sticking out of them...

The Inn was filling with every passing moment, at the bar a large bald man with a full beard slaved serving ale and harder drinks, while he mumbled something indecipherable about the holidays.

Some tables were filled with Mercs, some filled with women of loose virtue attempting to woo the hard earned wages from longing, married men. Others were just simple well wishers enjoying the holidays. As the Inn got hotter and hotter due to the body heat, it also got louder due to the laughter.

An announcement broke through the noise..making it quiet again.

"For anyone looking for a room, i just rented my last one out... you got three choices... either shack up, wait for one to open, or head to the pub down in the red sign district... 'The Painted Hussy', they may help ya. As far as the announcement, I know what you know.. so stop asking. Finnally... those of you who are here WORKING, get the fuck out... I done told ya, I don't run that kind of place.."

In response the street walkers all rose, shooting the tender a venomous glance before leaving for the still busy streets. It was calmer inside now.

Leovin - After the outburst a bar maid in a nearly pristeen, soft white dress appoaches you. She tosses you a smile before asking you "What can I get you... sir?" she looks you over more than likely attempting to size up what kind of man you are.

Reika - The Waitress nods after raising a brow at the sight of your naginata, her hands full and he mind more than likely just as cluttered. The young serving wench saunters over to a full table, sets the food down and then rushes to the Bartender with your drink order before heading out through a curtained doorway... more than likely the kitchen.

Morgus - You catch a young girl heading out of the room, possibly going to get more meals for the inn's patrons. "A bath? Well,' she swallows some at the sight of you... obviously more than a bit intimidated ".. you can wash up here, sir. Upstairs. If you have a room, if not there is a bath house several blocks down in the red sign dist.," she waits a minute before continuing on her way into the other room.

Anika - Fresh from hammering in the rather INornate decoration, the errand man tucks the wooden stool under his arm and walks over noticing you are unattended. Its obvious that he doesnt quite know what to make of a woman so heavily armored, either that or he can tell there is something different about you. "Can I help you M'am?"

Jasleth - Almost immediately after you sit down and begin making chit chat, a slight heaviness weighs upon your mind, youve felt it before, but normally it comes when you seek it out... after several moments and during your conversation you hear the spirit "Grain" in your mind. "The ale is wonderfull, the barley its from is so rich... I wanted to tell you, something is wrong... I dont feel well, be carefull." Her prescence is gone as quickly as it came and her advice leaves you at a loss as it offered little detail.
 
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She looked up, her eyes wide like those of a deer caught in an hunter's sights. "No, it . . . I mean, that's . . . you can . . . ." Reika sighed internally. Why was she so incapable of a simple conversation? And he was handsome on top of it. But that only made it worse. She had spent her entire childhood staring at the handsome boys in her village, even knowing that if she'd ever had the gall to talk to any of them, the consequences would have been . . . well, highly unpleasant, at best. His smile was so charming . . . .

Taking a deep breath, trying to calm herself a little, she clenched her fists on the table. "You can . . . sit here, it's . . . it's fine. I don't - I don't mind." After a moment while she flushed, her face turning almost as red as her hair, she added. "And I-I'm . . . not a lady."

And when the innkeeper made his announcement, Reika blinked, then sighed. She should have known better. Well, she'd find a place somewhere in town, or just outside, even if she had to sleep under a bush. Though the man sitting at the table with her didn't look like he would need to sleep in the forest, which was interesting. If he had money, why was he here? Pressing her hands together, she glanced at him again, the nervous fluttering in her stomach returning. "I'm . . . I'm sorry, I'm not . . . I don't . . . know much about . . . about dealing with . . . with people." Maybe she should go to the palace and offer her services? That usually got at least a room, but . . . worry about the now, not what might happen later.
 
Oh lovely... The thought of bunking up with one of these hoodlums was almost too much to bear! And the only way to get a good bath was a place that was likely staffed by a bunch of ugly (and likely disease-ridden) whores.

Morgus gave a none too subtle scoff and waved the the girl away. He was beginning to think that locating his prey here would be like finding a tree in the forest. Too many people to interrogate and no way to do it without others noticing.

As he looked around the room, he saw several of the so-called adventurers bragging about some battle or campaign they participated in. Most likely it was some minor skirmish that they ran from all the while pissing themselves. He couldn't help but chuckle at that.

When is gaze shitfed next him, he noticed a strange looking girl. It wasn't the wierd looking armor or the even wierder gadgetry but the look that was all too familiar to him. She had the look of somone who actually saw death.. and war. She might actually someone he could respect.

Looking away, he started to remember his own first taste of battle, fighting alongside his master Krelper. It was during the midst of that fight while hacking away at the horde of goblins that he first started absorbing the life energies of his victims - the thrill of holding that power within him and using to make his sword strike truer and stronger within him. He felt that power within even now, just waiting to be used on his enemies. But unlike that first campaign nine years ago, he learned to control himself and the dark powers he commanded.

Gathering up his things, he started getting ready to find another inn.
 
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Leo was surprised when he heard a loud voice over the crowd making an announcement. He was suddenly glad that he already had a room. Yet, he wondered if anyone would approach him to ask about sharing a room. It would definitely depend on who asked, because he was not always trusting. When one spends their life alone, it can be hard to be trusting of strangers.

When a number of women left it was a lot calmer inside. He relaxed just as a barmaid came to his table. He smiled at her. She seemed to be sizing him up and he took a good look at her. She was quite a good looking woman. Yet, he knew that if she realised he was a half-elf, she would probably just ignore him unless she was bringing him food. It had been a long time since he had been with a woman. Most disliked him because of his race. Others disliked him because he was a rogue. It was also very hard finding other half-elf women.

Leo smiled up at the woman. "Hi, can I have whatever the cook's special is? I'd also like a drink, I don't care what. You can pick something nice for me. Thank you. Oh, also, in case you are wondering, yes, I am a half-elf. I hope that does not change how quickly my food arrives, but if it does, its ok. I'm fine relaxing here" He smiled at her again and waited for her to walk off and place his order with the cook.
 
"Can I help you M'am?"

"As a matter of fact..." Anika started saying, a bit let down by the establishment owner´s announcement which seemed to tie nicely with the one in the street. "...I´d be grateful if you could tell me where the red sign district is so I can find this... `Painted Hussy´."

The truth was, in part, Anika was kind of embarrassed for asking this question, because it seemed pretty obvious to her that a district with that name had a pretty visible red sign marking the entrance, and the obviousness of it made her shift her weight from foot to foot. But she did no know how big this district was or in what direction it was located, so she preferred to avoid wasting too much of her time. She remembered how much her own was taken when navigating her people´s subterranean cities, she didn´t want to have to triple the time wasted, or worse.

I definitely could invent something to save time for that... but is it really worth my time if the streets here are properly marked?
 
Jasleth didn't hear the announcement at all. As soon as Grain started speaking, he focused on that. This was...unusual. He didn't restrict her from doing this kind of thing, some wizards did when they make pacts, but she never had before. To anyone watching him, they could tell something was amiss. His posture was stiff and rigid, his eyes looking down at the table. Her voice and presence was gone but a moment later.

He jerked his eyes up, looking first at the blushing and stammering woman he was seated with, then turning to scan the room. Jasleth tried to smile, failing utterly. "My lady, aristocracy for an adventurer is a matter of choice, and I chose to place you among it." Was she the danger? She didn't seem likely from the way she was acting. Like she was scared of him...well, not of him...but of talking to him, maybe. Another magic-phobe? "And if it helps, you're doing fine so far. Though it would help if you smiled, you'd look absolutely stunning."

Again his eyes swept the room. Should he tip her off? If she was any kind of fighter at all, his body language had given him away. Might as well. "My Lady, i got a warning from a friend of mine that...not all was right here. I don't know what, but something is wrong or going to go wrong." If only he knew what or when...or at least what kind of threat it was.

Jasleth sighed, closing his eyes. Very few spells could be used without hand signs or a chant, but this one could. And it might help. Or be totally misleading. He concentrated, finding the nearest lay line mentally...reaching out and tapping the power...

His eyes opened, a very faint glow within them now. While he concentrated, he would be able to see the flows of magic. He might even be able to identify what kind of magic it was when he saw it. "Perhaps you can tell me, you seem a seasoned adventurer...does anything or anyone seem suspicious to you? Well...other than me, I suppose."
 
Leovin - The waitress smiles warmly at you, a genuine display of her appretiation for your politeness and warning... "No, hun I wont be treating ya any different at all sir," she looks over at the patrons and then back to you "If your sure you trust me with that much freedom hun, ill bring ya something reall good, an ale... and to eat... well, i dunno... just not the chef's special," Leaning in she whispers in your pointed ear... her breath wisping through your hair "You wont want that, its not very good." She giggles and turns to leave, exiting the room and entering the next one over after glancing towards the door.

Anika - "I sure can m'am," the gentleman with rough hands began "its easy actually... when you leave this establishment... just turn to your left and head straight, thats gonna be south. From there you just go straight down the main road... till ya see where the decorations end, and a bunch of painted red signs and a bunch of um... well...," he swallowed a bit embaressed "a bunch of different.. kinds of businesses are. At the center of that... youll be on the southside of town... lay the Hussy. I hope that helps. If your leaving... well, good luck to you, and be carefull. It gets pretty crazy down there... specially since its a holiday ya'know?" With that he bowed slightly and turned on his heels... heading upstairs.

Jasleth - You focus your magickal energies, stretching out with psionic hands searching for sources of magick and identifiable types, if any... but only sense faint eminations... you deduce that they are either minor disturbances... such as apprentice wizards or those doing shows at the festival. Just as you are about to break your mind free of the semi trance/detection state... you catch a glimmer of an enourmously powerfull signature. Its instantly identifiable as an item... artifact. Almost as if it has intelligence and senses its discovery it vanishes. You cant locate it again, but know its general direction. Wich would lead you to the stage outside.
 
Well, it seemed the red sign district was a little more dangerous than the rest of the city. Nothing Anika couldn´t handle, though. She nodded at the man in thanks, and was about to exit the establishment when she remembered that the air outside was quite, quite foul. Truth was, she was in no hurry to go to a dangerous place, through smelly streets, on an empty stomach. Anika resolved to have a good meal before continuing her quest.

"Barmaid! If ye´d be so kind, fetch me some meat, bread, and ale! And all of it well seasoned." She asked the nearest serving woman in a high voice, over the busy roaring of the tavern. All around, Anika could see armed men. She started wondering if all of them had come to travel to the other continent. Her Dwarven travel companions had told her some rumours about an expedition, and a few of them actually planned to join it.

However, still looking around, she saw no Dwarfs at the bar or the tables. It was possible that the other patrons hid them from her because of their height, but Anika being a remarkably tall Dwarf, it surprised her a fair bit not being able to see any.

"Hmph... no wonder this city´s like this..." She murmured aloud to herself as she took the nearest unoccupied stool and carefully sat on it, not wanting it to give way under her weight without her being able to do something about it. In any case, she propped up her rifle between her legs and the bar to alleviate the weight, and waited for her ordered food to arrive.
 
Reika tilted her head curiously at the man, confused. But then, people usually confused her. But he'd seemed interested in her, and now he couldn't even muster a smile . . . gods and devils, would she ever understand other people?! But she took his advice, giving a small, weak little smile.

Then he asked if she sensed or noticed anything suspicious. Her eyes narrowed. Now that she could focus on. Her eyes scanned the room, trying to pick out what wasn't ordinary. Even though she wasn't comfortable with people, she'd spent enough time trying to fit in to know when something else didn't. "Plenty of things here seem suspicious," she said dryly, "but nothing more suspicious to me than usual for being in a room full of mercenaries."

She looked at the table again, her confidence gone almost as soon as she finished talking. "And you . . . you're not suspicious at all." That was a sort of lie. Magic-users rarely frequented places like this, and the fact that he was here at all was a red flag. But you didn't say that to someone you were sharing a table with - and who also knew they looked suspicious.
 
Leovin smiled at the serving girl. She truly seemed like she had no prejudice against him being a half-elf. He nodded when she told him she would bring ale. Then he laughed when she told him he didn't want the chef's special. Her breath felt nice on his ear as she whispered to him. He grinned as the barmaid stood up and then walked off into the other room.

Leo smiled and leaned back in his chair. Maybe the city was not so bad. At least the inn wasn't that bad. It was even better now that a number of people had left. He wondered if anyone else would join him at his table. There must be people looking for a room, and he was on his own. He wondered what he would do if someone asked him. As long as they didn't try to demand anything he'd probably consider it, depending on his first impression of them. He was still nervous about someone attacking him and attempting to steal his money.
 
Jasleth chuckled, "As lovely as you are, my lady, and as skilled as you are with your weapons, you are not a good liar. I am very suspicious." Not that he was the danger here, but it was true. "Feel free to suspect me all you like, fair lady. I certainly would if I were you."

He rose, his eyes in the direction he'd sensed that magical signature. "There's something very strong out there. Magically strong...and now it's hidden itself." He sighed, then smiled a bit regretfully at Reika, "It looks like dining with a pretty sell sword isn't in the cards for me tonight. If you'll excuse me, I feel a need to go and find out what's happening out there."

He paused a moment, "...I wouldn't mind a little company, but I do understand if you stay. My motives may be nefarious and I could be making this whole thing up just to get you alone." Privately, he felt a bit sorry for anyone who tried that with this woman. She'd have them carved up in a thrice.

Jasleth inclined his head to her, then strode out of the tap room and into the dimly lit streets. It was...well, had been...this way. About another 30 yards...
 
As Morgus stepped out on to the street, he looked around to see where the red sign district was. He wasn't looking to do there, just avoid it. He didn't want the services there, just a good hot bath; he needed it.

As he looked around he noticed the majority of sellswords flock down one of the streets to his left. The best way to find an inn, he thought, is to follow the crowd. It wasn' the best of plans, but in his pride, he wasn't to go about asking random people for directions. So he started in their direction.
 
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Morgus - As you exit the establishment you are passed by a man with ram horns and a quiver on his back. He is toting a medium sword and you can tell by his smell he has recently been in a battle.

You turn your head looking in the direction of the crowd of mercs, they appear to be huddled around a posting board. More than likely a listing of local jobs. Beasts needing to be slain, Family needing to be rescued...

money to be made...

As you do, you feel a tug on the armor of your leg. Looking down you notice a small childlike individual, at a second look you notice his sick greenish skin and realize immediately that it is not human. He's wearing a wide brim hat that ends in a point on one side and dragging a heavy satchel behind him. He stares up at you with purpose and grim determination on his face...

"Hello, dark warrior... how are you?"

Jasleth - You exit the Inn, after a large human in dark plate armor. As you walk out onto the dirt road that is the main street running through the entire length of Berthe you are again in sight of the large stage built in the middle of town. While fewer carts and wagons are still making their way to the market, it is still early enough in the day that the streets are full of villagers and its still difficult to get around without a bit of shoving and manuevering.

The signature was definately in this direction but without another attempt to track it down it could be anywhere by now..especially if it was coming from an object that is portable. Wich it was.

On your left you notice a larger than normal group of mercenaries huddled around a posting board by the Inn.

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Several men and women come and go, exiting and entering the in, the amount of bodies in the room fluxuating.

As the sound withen the room housing the numerous tables and chairs and the seated mercs, eating and drinking, killing time before their business, increases... a seasoned looking stranger enters. Wearing both hard leather and plated armor, his movement is loud, due as much to the clinking of metal as the stretching of the tight hide. His helm appears to be fashioned either out of or in the shape of, ram horns and his eyes are barely visable.


He takes a seat in the corner by a window, after two young pages get up and head to the streets for the festival preparations. He takes a quiver off his back and affixes it around one arm, sheathing a kriss knife in his boot and leaning back while he plays with the hilt of his bastard sword.

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Anika - A serving girl makes mental note of your order and proceeds to several more tables, sparsely populated with other strangers before leaving to fill it in the kitchen. As you tend to your rifle you notice the Inn's newest patron eyeing you from his own table near a window and huddled in a corner.

Leovin - After the woman leaves with your order you realize several other mercs withen the Inn, ones that are heavily inebriated, are now regarding you with distain. Tossing dirty looks in your direction. Possibly cause they overheard your conversation.

Reika - As the gentleman you were talking to leaves a serving girl returns with your food and a large, and suprisingly well cleaned mug of ale. The smell of the ale wafts into your nose and seems almost irrestistable... the meal you ordered off of someones dish appears to be a roast pig of sorts. It also smells appetizing and is placed in front of you.
 
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Reika looked at the food, then at the back of the man that had been sitting with her. Damn. The usual choice - eating versus finding out something that might be important. She sighed softly, picked up the tankard, and drained it in a few gulps. Then she grabbed the piece of meat, eating ravenously until all that was left was the bone. A roll and a baked, still closed, potato were grabbed and stashed in a roll of bandaging that she had in her bag. Reaching into her pouch, she pulled out a few coins, leaving them on the table as she picked her naginata up and headed for the door.

She wasn't worried about the man trying to take advantage of her - she was prepared for any sort of playfulness the average man could come up with. But if he did sense something, she had to be prepared for the usual things: monsters that were invisible until sensed, ghouls, zombies rising from their graves, nefarious men stealing virgins, and the like. Gripping the weapon tightly, Reika pushed her way towards where the man was standing. "Milord, wait!" Dammit, there was a piece of roast stuck in her teeth, wasn't there?
 
Irisi

From the outside of the Inn it seemed rather crowded but Irisi did not mind, it would mean that even with her long hair and violet eyes, half elf blood she would not stick out to much.

Walking through the main door she quickly noticed the usual mercs, soldiers, bartender and serving girls. There was a lot of seating in the establishment, very little walking space and even less available seats. While scanning the crowd for someone to sit with that would not question her or steal from her she noticed something quiet strange. A lot of the patrons seemed to looking all in one direction with not so friendly stares. Following the direction of their gazes Irisi's eyes came to rest on the object of the patrons disdain.

Sitting alone by himself was a male half elf, while she did not see why everyone would have even known his heritage for he looked more human then elf, they seemed to have picked up on it. Debating whether to leave before she herself started getting the same stares as the lone male, she slowly ran her fingers through her hair to cover her ears. Opting instead to cover her most obvious elfin trait while she debated on whether to join him or not. She thought if should could trust anyone in this inn it would be another half elf.
 
Leovin relaxed at the table and then looked around. He noticed a number of the mercenaries glaring at him. He assumed they had heard him say he was a half-elf. He also guessed that some of them were mad that a human girl showed any interest in him and was not treating him differently.

Leo rolled his eyes and looked at one table of them. He didn't bother getting up, but he did shift to face them more. "What's your problem? Never seen a half-elf before? Why don't you just turn back you your drinks. I don't want to fight you, but if I have to, I will. Considering you are drunk, I think you might want to avoid a fight as well. Now, why don't you talk among yourselves and don't worry about me." He then turned back to his table, hoping that none of the prejudiced bastards would bother him. He may not be good at Melee combat, but against drunks he would have no problem.
 
Jasleth muttered an oath in a language that had died when Men were still a young race. What now? There was some unspecified danger, and some powerful artifact that was giving off power like he'd never felt, and had managed to hide itself. If he used an out and out divination spell...he might be able to locate it, depending on how serious it's defenses were. Of course...if there were very strong, he'd also be opening himself up to any countermeasures the device had...

Then he heard the voice of that striking woman from the inn, and there she was, emerging from it and jogging up to him. She made less noise in her armor than he'd have thought...and she certainly looked impressive. In several ways.

He managed a tight lipped smile, "Certainly, my lady. I'm glad you came, actually. I need to talk a point through." He had been taught to look at an issue from all sides. This sometimes made if difficult to choose a course of action though. He'd found it helped to talk to someone, bounce ideas off of them and such. Though talking didn't seem to be her strong suit...well...who else did he have?

"I sensed some powerful magic out here...in this general area. But it hid itself as soon as I got an idea of it's location." He sighed, "It could be anywhere now...whatever it is is likely fairly portable despite the intensity of it's power signature. I MAY be able to find it if I cast another spell. But it may also be strong enough to avoid my detection, and possibly strike back at my mind while my guard is down, so to speak."

He glanced at her, "You're an experienced warrior." Even he could tell that. "Tactically, what do you think? Is it worth the risk?"
 
Things seemed to be turning interest, Anika noted to herself. First, there was the strange man in the ram horns attire. Anika did not know a lot about adventuring, but this man looked every bit like a man who knew what fighting was, and had probably taken that helmet from some beast´s lair. The crafting was good enough to be Dwarven, too.

And of course, there was also the half-elf picking a fight with the patrons. Now, Anika´s specialty was ranged fighting (even if her pistol could wreak some havoc on anyone´s guts if they got too close), but even she could tell that picking a fight against a great number of opponents in a secluded space like an inn was a bad idea. Not that she had a great sympathy towards elves, a few hundreds of years of enmity still burrowed comfortably into her memories, but he was a half-elf. That meant he was only half-swine, and to be quite honest, she didn´t want her food spoiled with blood.

"Oi, laddie." She turned, the stool creaking under her armor´s weight, and her lips bending into a smile as she spoke. "Ye´re not thinking of fighting all these ´ere gents? Ye´ll get pasted, laddie, and blood has a foul taste. Mayhaps you´d want to wait ´till our bellies are satisfied, eh? Or take matters outside."

If the half-elf had any sense, which she doubted given the half of him that spoke out, he´d use the chance to avoid the fight, or escape before his diet was several grams of iron too many in it.
 
Leovin looked over as he heard someone start talking to him. At first he was worried it was one of the drunks bothering him more. A woman sat there in her armour. She had some strange weapons that he had never seen before. They appeared to be ranged weapons of some sort. He gave her a smile as she suggested options other than fighting the drunks.

He turned to face her more and shook his head. "I don't want to fight them, but I'd rather they leave me alone. I am unfortunately the race that most others seem to be very prejudiced against. Humans, Elves, Dwarves, everyone hates half-elves. I'm surprised you are even talking to me. Anyway, I don't want a fight, but if they bring one because of my race, I will fight. Though not all of them. I would have not chance. I have a room here I can retreat to if they insist on fighting. Just in my experiences, drunk mercenaries will glare and talk behind my back, but when confronted, they tend to leave me alone. Thank you for your concern though. I definitely want to enjoy food in my belly, rather than a blade." He gave her another smile and looked toward the door of the kitchen, wondering how long his food would take. He was quite hungry.
 
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