The Sorceror's Staff

[The GrandMage]

The wizard sat down in the small tavern. It had no name, just a picture of a mugs of ale swinging in the breeze outside. He was lucky the town had a tavern at all. There were a few rooms for rent in the upper floor, but it wasn't used enough to call the place an Inn.

He ordered a mug of cider, and sipped at it. He looked out the corner of his eye. One other person was in the tavern. He flicked his wrist, and a heavy necklace. A heavy chain connected to a small round peice of metal holding a simple blue stone. The stone glowed. He nodded, and tucked it into a pocket at the side of his robes. This was the one, at last.

 

[Darkthought]

Tamyr

His pale face forced a smile as he looked down upon the gates to the town. It had been quite a trek to Viricaire, and he was happy it was finally over. He thought back to when he'd met the young man in Histleborough... a brief conversation about nothing over some spirits, and it had led him here.
He'd been looking for a copy of this book for some time now, and after his short stay in Hathas to return his cousins horse, he'd finally had the time to come here, to the man's home town, and pick up the tome.
It was nothing special. To most observers it was just an account of a battle that happened many years ago, over things unknown today. But written in code throughout, like many books of knowledge of that time, was the final teaching of Mayi Gabon, and he was anxious to study it at length. Anxious, but not desperate. For now, he was exhuasted, and it was still in the early stages of dusk. He would take rest here on the hill, under the cover of tree, and make his way down after nightfall. This town was safe enough, but there was still the odd person who would take exception to a pure blooded elf walking around alone, and by the cover of night, he could mask his skin well enough to fool an eagle's eye.
For now, he climbed the limbs of an old, twisted ash, concealing himself in it's natural pocket, and stared into the horizon in a deep open-eyed sleep.

 

[Call Sign Oracle]

Krys

*He sat back in a far table shrouded from lamplight, seemingly comfortable in solitude and shadow, he had a plate of food before him, and ate of it, a mug of ale next to that, though it remained full for the moment. It seemed, that even though the solitary man was busily eating his meal that his eyes were focused on his environment. At least to the person who took the time to watch him closely. Which not many did. He wasn't well known within the city, but he was known enough as a fierce swordsman and not many wished to tangle with a man that carried such a reputation. Not to mention he was a "ranger" one of them strange folk that wandered the woods. Many a tale had floated from ear to ear about the goings on of ranger, and none of them true. Made up fancies to catch the ears and set the tongues of bards wagging. Krys cared not. He would be resupplied within the next day, and then he would be on his way. Perhaps he would then find out what it was that bothered him so, along with nature. Something foul was in the air. He just didn't quite know what it was yet.*

 

[RosevilleCAguy]

Marvak

I awoke as a usually did, without any change of breathing or any movement to betray my change from slumber to wakefulness. My senses carefully probed the confines of my room for the slightest hint of something amiss. Finding none, I remove my dagger from under the pillow where it resides while I sleep, check both edges of the blade, more from habit than necessity, and swing my feet over the side of my sleeping pallet as I slip the dagger into the sheathe attached to my belt.

Sleeping fully clothed has the advantage of limiting the required preparations for departure. After my daily routine of exercises to keep me limber and alert, I listen briefly at my door. Again, nothing is amiss. Removing the bar reinforcing the door, I slip out, closing it behind me, and place a marker which will tell me if it is opened in my absence. I now head down to the bazaar in search of something to eat and information which may help explain the sense of foreboding which ahs come to me as of late.

 

[The GrandMage]

Sorian

He stood up, and walked over to the table Krys, smiling and nodding as he sat down, taking a sip at his cider. Thyis, it seemed, was unusual for the man. He put on a chummy smile, even though it was completely obvious as to what his profession was.

"Hello there, sir. I'm a wizard, as you may have noticed. How would you like to go on a quest? All very noble and such. I don't really have a lot of time, so please, try and make a quick decision, and don't ask too many questions, although feel free to do so."

 

[RosevilleCAguy]

Marvak

I notice that the bazaar is unusually active for this time of the day. A pall of concern casts its shadow over the usually boisterous conversations and sales pitches found here.

After talking with several of the merchants, I purchase some fresh fruit. After carefully washing it to remove any chance that one of my competitors has taken this opportunity to increase their business through my "untimely demise", I eat it as I wander through the various stalls. I purchase a pouch to carry the various exotic plants I hope to obtain in order to make those elixirs that have uses opposite the medicinal, and attach it to my belt.

The merchants, while talkative, have provided me with little information other than the fact that the marketplace shares my sense of unease and that some rather unusual characters have added their presence to our "quaint" little town.

Since the market has proven unhelpful as a source of information or employment, I glide through the shadows towards the tavern to check my messages.

 

[Darkthought]

Tamyr

The gentle breeze wound through the twisted floor of the forest valley, carrying with it an uneasy air. The leaves of the trees bowed lightly to the breath, as if to recognize it's tone more then it's scarse power.
It was enough to rouse the elf from his position. The night had drawen closer at hand, and he felt it safe to continue his journey onward. Making one swift motion, he hastily descended the large tree, and took a quick survey of the trees about him.
He quickly spied what he was looking for, a lone willow draping over the bank in what appeared to be a desperate attempt to rest it's aching limbs in the creek below. Moving to the north side of the tree, he reached down and tore away a small patch of emerald moss from the base. The outer side of the plant had a pugnant aroma, but the soil padding it's roots was of no odor. It was a thick and pasty substance of a deep bronze colour. He scraped it off in his hands, like he had done so many times before, and worked it into the flesh about his hands and face.
Wrapping his black cloak over his shoulders, and drawing up the hood, not even the best rangers eye could make him out for anything but a well tanned human.
He closed the distance to the town fast and, following the directions he had memorized over the past few weeks, found easily the home of his Histleborough companion. He knocked softly, and the door opened shortly. There stood the young face he'd been waiting for.
There was a quick greeting, and a very small exchange of stories, and the book was presented to him. No charge, as the young man had promised, but Tamyr refused, and left him a pair of elf-woven gloves to replace the well used pair he had seen him don until now. After another quick exchange, proper good-bye's and a decision to cross paths again, he set out again under the night's sky.
Following the path that led beside the shop-fronts, he gazed upon an almost invisible marker. Just a couple of mugs of ale swinging on an old, rotting sign swinging half-heartedly in the breeze. He entered the front door quietly. Not many patrons were here, which pleased him greatly. He headed for an empty, shadowed booth along the far wall. Sitting, he lit the single candle that centered the table. Leaving his hood up, he ordered a large mug of cider, and opened the cover of the book.

 

[Call Sign Oracle]

*Krys quirked a brow as the robed figure headed over to his table. He was certainly not used to having company and most certainly not from the likes of a scholar. His left hand slid to the hatchet at his belt, just as a precaution beneath the table. But as he listened he could only chuckle at the young man's rather tactless way of approaching a task.*

Well, mr....ahh wizard? I can't very well accept employ into a quest that I've no idea for which I'd be questing. An adventure I'm sure, however I do like to know much of the terrain before me before I set out to travel the wood in earnest.

Care to elaborate? I trust, if your seeking employ, you have at least a moment to spare, to convince me?

 

[The GrandMage]

Sorian

"Well of course I can elaborate. I want you, and probably a few others, if we can find any, to go around with me, and collect a few items from some remote locations. You see, in years long past, elder wizards locked away these items of magic because they were dangerous, andus wizards have lost the art of figuring out what such items do. But, now we've found a way to do so, and wish to collect said items before they fall into the wrong hands. If you go along, I can assure you're have a great reward."

He raised the cider to his lips, drinking deeply as he waited for the man to answer. So he didn't tell the whole truth, but all he said was true. If he should fail to mention one of the most powerful items was in the hands of the Emperor of the New Continent, it was simply a slip of the mind. He haadn't told where the others were, either.

"So, you coming along?"

 

[Call Sign Oracle]

*He looked to the wizard with a slight half smile and chuckled.* My good wizard. To keep items of catostrophic magical power out of the hands of evil, is indeed a good thing, however I have noticed a sense of evil indeed about the lands. Honestly how do I know however that you are not the messenger for this evil and are simple seeking aid to procure said items for the ill of mankind? Anything else to convince me?

 

[RosevilleCAguy]

Marvak

Marvak observed the front of the tavern from the shadows across the street. Traffic to the inn was minimal. It usually was. After the most recent patron, wearing elven clothing, entered the tavern, he moved silently across the street and went to the side of the building.

The tavern's proprietor, being a man of great common sense and low moral values had provided his place of business with an entrance which was used to move items (or persons both living and unliving) to and from the tavern free from prying eyes.

As part of his compensation for the removal of "certain business obstructions" such as competing tavern owners, Marvak had been granted unfettered access to this entrance. After making sure he actions went unobserved, he slipped into the tavern.

Once inside, Marvak carefully closed the concealed door leading from the storage room to the alley. His eyes needed no time to adjust from the dim light of the alley to the darkness of the store room. Quickly, he located the stained apron and rags of a kitchen scull in a heap on the floor. Donning them, he stepped out into the main room of the tavern and began wiping down the badly worn and permanently stained bar.

The tavern's employees and few regular patrons paid him no notice. Past experience had taught that this was the wisest course. Besides the regulars, Marvak observed two men in deep conversation, a wizard and a ranger, judging by thier clothes. At one of the booths, the stranger who had entered the tavern prior to Marvak sat reading and drinking a cup of the house "cider."

Marvak watched both tables carefully as he removed spills of questionable origin from the bar.

 

[The GrandMage]

Sorian

"Anything to convince you? I could easilly prove myself to a fellow wizard, but,....how can I convince you of my good intentions? I really don't have time to be sitting around all day with you, there are others who may help, but,....it it suits you, I have something which should prove my good nature."

He'd been sitting akwardly, the heavy domed sheild strapped to his back stopping him from sitting normally in a chair. He stood up, and reached into one of his many puches before pulling out a single golden coin and laying it on the table.

It had the sm,iling face of a goblin on the side facing up. LOng, pointed ears tilted backwards, the long nose over the small chin which swept back into the thin throats of the creatures.

It was a Golden Grodell from Goblin Country. Goblins lived in a large mountion clump to the west of here. Thje mountains, in fact, soared into the sky. It was surrounded on two side by a feirce desert, and had a thick swamp to the south. In the east was a feild of boulders and rubble laced my strong rivers and thick groves of brambles. The lands around it were inhabited my trolls and orcs and other nasty creatures.

The country itself was a series of inner halls and passageways the connected the valleys sprinkled throughout the mountains. Goblins were kind heart creatures, but tough. They held great affection for elves, although they were shunned by elves as being lower than they were. Goblins acceted all elven outcasts with great warmth, but other creatures had to show they were good people before entering the land. Their money was based on copper, gold coins being used to signify those who the King of the goblins smiled upon. To have one this far from the mountains, (though it was only a few days ride) spokme greatly of one's standing. Most people never made it there, what with the monsters around it, and those that did, got the coin, and could leave again couldn't be robbed my any ordinary emans, and usually kept their coins secreted away, holding their experiences to themselves.

"How does that grab you?"

 

[Call Sign Oracle]

*Krys gave a chuckle and then a nod.* Well man I suppose if the mountain kings think highly of you then your good in my book. Though it don't mean I trust you, I will follow you, if nothing else to find out whats pissin off the earth mother. So, lead on. I've nother else to do but pick up my supplies in a bit from the merchants stalls.

 

[The GrandMage]

Sorian

Mountain kings? Mother earth? Oh no, he'd gotten a weird one. He sighed, and dropped the coin back into it's pouch, picking up and downing his cider.

"Do whatever you need, I'll be here."

He went ove rto the abr, and sat down, propping his head in one hand and staring down at the bar.

"Well, that's one. Who else can I get?"

 

[RosevilleCAguy]

Marvak

As the wizard slumped disconsolately over the bar, Marvak carefully wiped the bar next to him.

Without ceasing his task, he replied "It depends who you are looking for."

 

[The GrandMage]

Wizard Sorian

He didn't even bother to look up. He knew that carefully worded question when he heard it. He shifted, a little more at ease, placing his empty mug nearby.

"I don't think you'll change much. Why don't you pour me another cider and tell me who around here can be an asset on a quest and work for their money's worth?"

 

[RosevilleCAguy]

Marvak

"It is a brave man or a fool who asks one skilled in the poisoner's craft to fetch him a drink," Marvak replied. "However, since it is bad business to eliminate a prospective employer without first hearing his offer, you are indeed fortunate." Marvak placed a newly filled mug of cider before the Wizard.

"I am known by the name Marvak. I specialize in removing problems requiring discretion and certainty of removal."

"This is but a poor town, mostly overrun by thieves, with the occasional wandering elf, ranger, or wizard thrown into the mix"

"Other than myself, and such travelers that may stop here for want of a better resting place, the only persons who may be able to or willing to assist you on your quest might be found in the Thieve's Guild."

 

[The GrandMage]

Sorian

He reached up, and took the mug, sipping at it a moment. "And it is foolish to poison wizards, as they may be able to tell what they are drinking. Never forget that the ways of mages are dark and mysterious. Just because our stories are told to children do not mean they are untrue."

He smiled to himself, and looked up at the man. "Hello, Marvak. I'm Sorian. And I have a few....things that need to be removed. Would you care to discuss the quest, or just name a large number for your pay and double it whenever you feel?"

 

[RosevilleCAguy]

Marvak

Marvak returned the wizard's smile.

"With an offer of payment like that, I suspect that there is small chance of my surviving to collect. Nevertheless, I grow weary of the lack of challenges provided by my current business opportunities. I will join your quest, but I reserve the right to name my compensation at its end."

"Do we have a bargain?"

 

[The GrandMage]

Sorian

He appraised the man, and turned to his cider, taking a deep drink.

"Tell you want. You keep your compensation to material wealth, maybe a Kingdom or two, and you've got a deal."

 

[RosevilleCAguy]

Marvak

"Then we have a bargain. When do we depart?"

 

[Quiet_Cool]

Fledgrin Sorrow

I moved quickly down the slope, hoping my feet didn't drag but finding it impossible to watch them in the shadows beneath the tree limbs I moved through. I could hear their footsteps behind me, but there was no way of knowing exactly how many were there. Once you broke into the twenties, it was nearly impossible to decipher how many more there were, at least until the numbers grew incredibly greater. Either way, only a fool to stay behind to fight it out.
I moved faster, hopping a few of the limbs I saw, or maybe I was merely jumping over shadows that looked oddly like limbs, and moved as swiftly as I cold down the slope toward the clearing I saw ahead.
I wondered if anyone might be waiting there, then decided it might be more intelligent to passed through the trees to one side of it than to go straight across the middle.
As I moved, I kept one hand low, near the handle of my long sword, still sheathed at my waist. The other held tightly to the metal box I held, a beaten and old box that looked as though it couldn't hold anything of value, nonetheless what it actually held.
The town is ahead, I told myself. I knew it was, and hoped they would lose my trail before I came to its limits. If they followed me, the townspeople would not protect me, even if they were capable.
I decided to head further out to the side than originally planned, thinking it might convince them that I was heading in another direction.
I hated to run, but it was my only option here. The mne who chased me were too dangerous, and while I might defeat one or two in battle, more than that would surely finish me. Besides, I had what I had come for. Now to get it where it belongs again.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Nadia

The woods had darkened considerably as I traveled through, the night sounds a little comforting. Picking alot the forest floor, I listened for anything out of the ordinary.
A habit of mine, watch where i am going and where I have been. Traveling alone I had to be careful of my choices. Standing 5'4", small lithe frame and armed with a dagger and bow.. There wasn't much protection out side of my thought process.

The town wasn't too far away from here, I could camp here before entering at first light. I needed supplies to get me home, safety of the Elven lands.

I did not like human's, they were cruel for no reason, but because they could be. Selfish lot that gave no thoughts to the world around them. I was tempted more than once to take out a whole town of them. Just set it on fire and let them pay the price for their tresspass on the forest.

I had a mean streak in me, one that came out more often then naught. Sighing, I sat down on a rock and built myself a fire. I needed to eat and sleep and move on.

I heard the steady noise coming long before I saw anything. Kicking dirt over the fire, I lept into a near by tree and readied my bow. Arrow notched I waited, glancing all arond from my pivoting point on the tree.

A flash of something went by in the tree line, a human? An animal they were hunting? Who knew, but I waited for them. They sounded so loudly, I was certain they could wake the whole valley up before they cleared by my location. The ground didn't shake and the tree's didn't topple over, but the noise echoed.

Knowing I was safely hidden, I lept down as the warrior's ran across the clearing towards town. Standing in the darkness of the tree, my bow was still ready incase I had need of it.
Who were they chasing and why? and why would someone send forty men after one creature?

I moved carefully towards town, only I kept myself to the side of those foul smelling brutes. The only thing I could complain about now was being downwind from those human's. "Have they not heard of water and soap?!" I spoke aoud to myself.
Covering my nose I crept towards town, still hiding in the cover of the trees.

 

[The GrandMage]

Sorian

"Now sounds good. I got that other guy getting his ride, so we should be gone before morning. Maybe we can find some more friends before we head out."

He looked to the other in the tavern, and raised his mug. "How about you, stranger? You up for a quest?"

 

[Abraxas Winterlight]

Tyrian

I rode into the town of Viricaire with the dust and grime of leagues of travel caked over Sylthandall and me. Our travels had been long, and not quite uneventful, so when I saw the sign of the inn, I immediately made my way to it, almost tasting the cool ale in my parched throat. I first took care of my mount, cleaning his coat & making sure he had fodder and some grain. A copper for the stableboy assured that Sylthandall would have a full belly & a warm stall while I washed down the dust from the road.
Shouldering my saddle & saddlebags, I made my way into the dimly lit inn. I made my way to a booth against a wall, & dropped my tack down, then took a seat. Very soon thereafter a barmaid came over.
“What will you be having ser?”
“ Ale, and whatever is hot to eat this day” I flipped the girl a silver & settled back to see who was in here with me, and await my long-overdue ale.