"Hmmm... Marchak... Name doesn't sound familiar but I know I've seen him around." Astrid replies to the barman. "Can you tell me who he's talking to?" She asks with a hopeful rise in her voice.
"Yes, yes," Francesc says dismissively with a wave of his hand. "I'm sure you'll take care of it. Now, if you don't mind, I have other business to attend to tonight."
He flashes the two tieflings a final, shark-like smile and beckons to his guards to bring the next petitioner up to the dais.
Just as Ling, Shiva and Alaris arrive back upstairs, Nikolai completes his ritual and sees the cards arrayed on the table before him.
"He calls himself Malik," the barman tells Astrid, without looking up. "I don't know what he does though. I'm Finnan, while we're doing names. What's yours?"
Nikolai shuffles the deck and finds a quiet(ish) corner with a small table and lights a little incense, allowing the acrid smoke to waft around his face and nose as he ritualistically shuffles the deck and begins to draw three cards. He places them face down and speaks aloud to the Tarock. "Is this ring a sign of danger for us?" He flips the first card over, The Lovers. Nikolai ponders the meaning for a moment and recalls the raw emotion that poured from his throat when that ring first arrived. He feels a sudden twinge of guilt and failure in his stomach, but also a sense of... relief? The fleeting moment is gone as quickly as it came. He flips the next card over, Death. He pauses on it and the possibility of change that it might bring, but what change for weal or woe? He flips over the last card, The World... inverted. Seeking closure. Was that this feeling of failure that seems to bleeding through?
He breathes deeply of the incense, letting the sharp smell burn his nostrils slightly as he rolls his head back to think. 'Shahar... what are you saying?' It would seem that it was a time of change for either he or all of them to let go of something to close out a chapter in some way or another. So the ring itself is not a danger, or perhaps it was just not in a traditional sense. Change to some could be ill omen whereas to others it could be welcomed. "Thank you, Shahar. Thank you, Tarock. You have given me insight, I shall strive to do your knowledge justice." He whispers as he gathers the cards up and shuffles them back into his deck before slipping the deck back into its protective holster.
As he does so, he spots the others approaching him. "Ah, I see we have finished our mating rituals for now? What did that pompous ass have to say for himself?"
Having given up on spotting Jonathan, Ling sighs and heads back upstairs. "Some of use more successfully than others." She answers Nikolai, pouting. "Anyway, he gave us a job, and all we were going to get as payment is Caio's clothes, but-" here her pout turns into a smile "he could be convinced to grant us a favour in addition. We're supposed to take out a bunch of big bat things that were last seen in an old church in Petrowsky quarter." She plonks down on the sofas next to Nik. Tapping his pocket, she asks: "So what's the newest whisper from the stars?"
"Hmm. Nope that one isn't familiar either." Astrid replies as she not-so-casually watches the the pair discussing their business in the corner. She wonders to herself. What's a Grimmi and a Sarameian got to discuss..? No, certainly not! She gasps slightly as a possible theory comes to her. She quickly turns her head back towards the barman. "Oh, um... I'm Astrid," she says finally remembering the halfling had introduced himself and then takes a nervous sip from her mug.
I imagine I'm going to have to get used to long nights again with this group. The cleric rubs the back of her neck as the exhaustion of the late night hits her and she recalls that she had her sleep interrupted. Looking up and seeing the others coming up the stairs she brightens a bit in hopes that the night will soon come to an end. She remains in her seat but begins to gather the spare parts strewn in front of her.
Nikolai nods to news of the job. "Good, it'll be nice to have something to do to keep my mind off all this. I do hope you are able to work your magic for extra payment. You know I do not like doing things for free." He rubs his forehead. "Nothing good. Changes. Lack of closure. Relationships. I do not like this. Something is happening and we need to be careful. For the time being let us not go gallivanting about with fey and infernal creatures that steal our clothing and drug us with hallucinogenic 'drops'. We definitely do not need heading into restricted areas where the rest of us cannot reach. The next time someone blocks my path to reach one of you they shall feel the burn of Astra furora, I care not about their position or perceived grandeur. I... I feel as if I failed you all, in what I do not know. Especially you, little Ling. I will not do so again." He places his hand upon Ling's cheek with a sad smile and gently pats it affectionately. "Come now! Tell me more about these 'big bat things' of which you spoke so eloquently."
"We are not doing anything for free, Nik," Alaris breaks their silence with a grin, "and you have not failed anyone." The paladin stretches, reaching for the ceiling and relishing the crackle and pop of their lithe, muscular back shifting. They raise a finger to Finnan for another ale, then turn back to the group. The tension from the confrontation below is slowly easing from their body.
"We're making an investment. Developing connections, even with people we loathe, will bear fruit long-term. Information, access, opportunities... Some can come from our connection to the temple, but with the storm you see coming, we need more." Alaris sounds like they're, just a little bit, trying to convince themselves that this is better than shoving their glaive through Francesc's throat.
"So, Nik: tell us how to kill a flock of fleder..."
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Eshuvenniel Kazander Ravid,Valor Bard and Acolyte of the Goddess of Luck Caradoc Langham, Halfling Rogue - Lost Magics - Epic of Pre-made Proportions! I'm not looking for heaven or hell... just someone to listen to stories I tell...
"I wasn't going to work for free either, no way! - Lack of closure on relationships? Do you have an old flame you haven't told us about?" She pokes him in the chest and narrows her eyes. Ling seems as if she is going to add something else, but when Nikolai touches her cheek, her features soften. "You've never failed us and I don't think you ever will. I will try not to worry you like that again, but I'm not so little anymore, you know?" Even though she is looking directly at him, her gaze is unfocused, like she is staring through him, lost in thought. Maybe we really should have been more careful... I do feel like something was off, that dark-winged creature that I saw, and they saw it too... I don't like it. And there you go disappointing those who'd protect you again, it's like you never learn. Maybe you'll doom these ones too. I'll pay more attention next - these ones too? What? Ling rubs her temples, feeling a little disoriented, even though the effect of the droplets should have worn off by now. I feel like my thoughts are not my own.
Alaris' voice pulls her back to reality. "Right, connections are very important! While you were all just going to cut his head off and get us banned from the nicest club in town, I planned ahead, you see. By the way, I think he said there are about ten of those Fleder things?" Ling has put on her best serious face, trying to look as if she really had executed a well thought-through plan rather than flirted with Francesc in the spur of the moment.
Shiva nods along with the words of Ling and Alaris, "You've never failed us, Nik. You've ensured our safety and comfort more times than I can remember. Although I've had a magical evening, I'll be more cautious. And my evening is about to get even better now that we get to go fight." She smiles wide as she puts her hands on her hips. "An evening of all my favorite things, how wonderful." She says more to herself than anyone else.
Leaning in towards Alaris "And I have an idea about Francesc that you might want to get behind, though we'd be playing the long game."
Astrid peers over to the table agin where the others have gathered and surmises they may be leaving soon. The cleric finishes putting away her divining tools, placing the pouch in an inner pocket of her robe. Downing the rest of her ale and the giving Finnan a smile, she slides off the bar stool.
"Which way toward the loo?" When the halfling points her in the right direction she notices the dwarf and Sarameian in conversation. A little peek wouldn't hurt? She gives the barman a nod, "Thank you for the earlier information." Settles herself, says a quick prayer to the Scribe and slowly makes her way towards the bathroom.
"-the snows melt, your master must stand ready." Astrid hears Marchak tell Malik, barely audible to any but her own keen ears. The two appear to be speaking Sarameian with one another.
"The Seraskier is always ready," the Sarameian responds with a muted sneer. "Just as long as your prince holds up his end of the bargain. You know the penalty for betrayal."
"My Lord stands to lose much, should his involvement in this endeavour be discovered," Marchak replies, remaining measured and calm, despite the slight. "You risk little. You will provide the resources we require, or there can be no deal. Do you-"
The dwarf's voice becomes to muffled to hear as Astrid moves towards the bathrooms, unable to remain in earshot for too long, or risk being noticed. The facilities are simple, but functional. Stone benches with wooden seats provide drainage for the waste. The smell is unpleasant.
Nikolai just smiles at Ling and Shiva, nodding his appreciation at their support. "Trio infernale." He winks and turns his attention to Alaris and their inquiry into these strange creatures. "Well, the fleder are evil monstrosities that aren't natural creatures, but are created by being fed vampire blood over a long period of time. The negative energy in their blood warps these beasts into these fleder and depending on the nature of the original beast and the vampire blood it can create different variations of them. There is not one specific type of fleder, they don't all look like hounds or birds or bats for example. This negative energy makes them particularly vulnerable to radiant energy." He winks and slaps Alaris on the shoulder. "Your kind of fight, Alaris. That said, they are also resistant to necrotic energy, so we should all be very careful with our spells. Also, for those of us who use weapons, you will need silvered weapons of some sort to harm them. Given their vampiric origins they can see exceptionally well in the dark and loathe sunlight, I believe it will even weaken them. Oh! They also like to attack from above, leaping down from great heights toward their prey. So if we can get the high ground on them and flood their lair with daylight this would greatly assist with our attack."
"All very good to know. You never cease to amaze me Nik, you're a living encyclopedia."
Several moments after hearing "vampiric origins", Shiva's memory is jogged as she looks to the bracelet given to her by Mistress. Wrapping her hand around her wrist, she brings the accessory to her chest once more, savoring the sensations it recalls.
"Also, could you do me a favor and tell me about this?" Indicating to the bracelet "It was given to me by someone I hope to see again, and something tells me that its not simply a piece of jewelry. I'm already very fond of it though, so PLEASE do not break it."
Shiva's own voice comes to her once again "Atta girl, stay wary till you trust beyond a doubt."
Astrid enters the bathrooms eyes wide and breath quickened a bit at what she overheard. Well! There's little doubt what that was about. I need to get word back home... Not here though. Too many ears floating around. She quickly calms herself noticing that she isn't alone. She purposefully takes a few moments to freshen up giving herself time to go over the few details. Snow melt... Seraskier... This Marchak's lord taking a risk at the prices of needed resources.She pats her face dry with the collar of her robe.
When she exits she briefly glances over to the table where the two sit, then proceeds to rejoin the group at Nik's table. "So are we ready to call it an evening? I know I could use a little more sleep for... Well, for whatever tomorrow may have in store for us."
"Mhh, they'll have a hard time getting on top of me with Sybaris. Sounds like it's going to be a lot of fun, right Shiva?" Ling watches her friend hold out the shiny bracelet to Nikolai and a grin spreads across her face. "Oooh let me see, a present from your lady friend? I want to hear all the details when we get back to the Black Sheep!" Turning to Astrid, she adds: "I'm good to go, I can't wait to hear about," she gently taps the charm on the bracelet as it dangles from Shiva's wrist, "mysterious lady A." With a stretch, she pushes up from her chair.
As they leave the club, Ling starts running the details of the fleder through her head, forming different plans of attack. Somehow, her mind keeps returning to the bit about their creation through vampiric blood, but she can't quite work out what might be signification about that.
The air in the catacombs outside Temnitsa is stale, but blessedly cool in comparison to hot press of the dance floor. The thick, stone walls dull the pounding of the music to a distant hum, and away from the tightly packed crowds there is finally room to really breathe again. A few grungy looking party-goers loiter near the entrance, where the pulsing vibrations can still be felt underfoot, but otherwise the tieflings and their friends are alone.
Nikolai beams a little at the positive reinforcement from Shiva as he leans in to examine the bracelet closer. He gives it an appraising look before nodding. "Absolutely, my dear. Once we are back at the Sheep I will consult the cards and determine it's properties. Worry not, have I ever broken anything of yours?"
He glances over at Astrid as she rejoins the company. "Yes, I need to spend some time thinking about these events. We must prepare for these creatures tomorrow. Astrid, you are joining us then on this endeavor?"
Alaris grins tightly at Shiva as the lovely tiefling suggests a cunning scheme against Francesc. "Oh yes, we will come back to that!"
Savoring the coolness of the air in the catacombs, the paladin pauses to stretch again, then wanders over the the loiterers. "Anybody have a smoke? I can trade you a fancy treat," they smile, offering the candy she saved from their meeting with the Breannian.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Eshuvenniel Kazander Ravid,Valor Bard and Acolyte of the Goddess of Luck Caradoc Langham, Halfling Rogue - Lost Magics - Epic of Pre-made Proportions! I'm not looking for heaven or hell... just someone to listen to stories I tell...
The three men that Alaris approaches all look more or less the same. Skinny, gaunt-looking humans with shaven heads. One of them might have had some elven heritage, or another a trace of orc, but on the whole they don't have much in the way of distinguishing features between them.
The one nearest to the wall stares at the tiny confection in the paladin's hand with beady, hooded eyes, and produces a crooked-looking hand-rolled cylinder seemingly out of nowhere. A few sprigs of dried plant matter peek out of the end.
"That what I think it is?" He asks. "I've seen him hand them out. They as good as they look?"
"Sure," Astrid replies to Nik before fully understanding what she is agreeing to. The combination of the evenings events, rumors of possible invasion and lack of sleep clearly showing. "Oh... Wait! What creatures might you be talking about?" The dwarf stands there listening to the job the tieflings managed to arrange for themselves and the details on the creatures they may encounter. "Well, that certainly sounds interesting. Besides, Brightmantle brought us together and I suppose I should work up a bit of good will if I hope to convince you all to help me with my task."
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"Hmmm... Marchak... Name doesn't sound familiar but I know I've seen him around." Astrid replies to the barman. "Can you tell me who he's talking to?" She asks with a hopeful rise in her voice.
"Yes, yes," Francesc says dismissively with a wave of his hand. "I'm sure you'll take care of it. Now, if you don't mind, I have other business to attend to tonight."
He flashes the two tieflings a final, shark-like smile and beckons to his guards to bring the next petitioner up to the dais.
Just as Ling, Shiva and Alaris arrive back upstairs, Nikolai completes his ritual and sees the cards arrayed on the table before him.
"He calls himself Malik," the barman tells Astrid, without looking up. "I don't know what he does though. I'm Finnan, while we're doing names. What's yours?"
He continues to polish glasses.
The Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - DM for Aiden, Bründir, Jex, Thurston, Valaith and Vark
The Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - DM for Alaris, Astrid, Caio and Shiva
Nikolai shuffles the deck and finds a quiet(ish) corner with a small table and lights a little incense, allowing the acrid smoke to waft around his face and nose as he ritualistically shuffles the deck and begins to draw three cards. He places them face down and speaks aloud to the Tarock. "Is this ring a sign of danger for us?" He flips the first card over, The Lovers. Nikolai ponders the meaning for a moment and recalls the raw emotion that poured from his throat when that ring first arrived. He feels a sudden twinge of guilt and failure in his stomach, but also a sense of... relief? The fleeting moment is gone as quickly as it came. He flips the next card over, Death. He pauses on it and the possibility of change that it might bring, but what change for weal or woe? He flips over the last card, The World... inverted. Seeking closure. Was that this feeling of failure that seems to bleeding through?
He breathes deeply of the incense, letting the sharp smell burn his nostrils slightly as he rolls his head back to think. 'Shahar... what are you saying?' It would seem that it was a time of change for either he or all of them to let go of something to close out a chapter in some way or another. So the ring itself is not a danger, or perhaps it was just not in a traditional sense. Change to some could be ill omen whereas to others it could be welcomed. "Thank you, Shahar. Thank you, Tarock. You have given me insight, I shall strive to do your knowledge justice." He whispers as he gathers the cards up and shuffles them back into his deck before slipping the deck back into its protective holster.
As he does so, he spots the others approaching him. "Ah, I see we have finished our mating rituals for now? What did that pompous ass have to say for himself?"
Valaith "Rimehand" Kalukavi - Chronicles of Arden
Having given up on spotting Jonathan, Ling sighs and heads back upstairs. "Some of use more successfully than others." She answers Nikolai, pouting. "Anyway, he gave us a job, and all we were going to get as payment is Caio's clothes, but-" here her pout turns into a smile "he could be convinced to grant us a favour in addition. We're supposed to take out a bunch of big bat things that were last seen in an old church in Petrowsky quarter." She plonks down on the sofas next to Nik. Tapping his pocket, she asks: "So what's the newest whisper from the stars?"
"Hmm. Nope that one isn't familiar either." Astrid replies as she not-so-casually watches the the pair discussing their business in the corner. She wonders to herself. What's a Grimmi and a Sarameian got to discuss..? No, certainly not! She gasps slightly as a possible theory comes to her. She quickly turns her head back towards the barman. "Oh, um... I'm Astrid," she says finally remembering the halfling had introduced himself and then takes a nervous sip from her mug.
I imagine I'm going to have to get used to long nights again with this group. The cleric rubs the back of her neck as the exhaustion of the late night hits her and she recalls that she had her sleep interrupted. Looking up and seeing the others coming up the stairs she brightens a bit in hopes that the night will soon come to an end. She remains in her seat but begins to gather the spare parts strewn in front of her.
Nikolai nods to news of the job. "Good, it'll be nice to have something to do to keep my mind off all this. I do hope you are able to work your magic for extra payment. You know I do not like doing things for free." He rubs his forehead. "Nothing good. Changes. Lack of closure. Relationships. I do not like this. Something is happening and we need to be careful. For the time being let us not go gallivanting about with fey and infernal creatures that steal our clothing and drug us with hallucinogenic 'drops'. We definitely do not need heading into restricted areas where the rest of us cannot reach. The next time someone blocks my path to reach one of you they shall feel the burn of Astra furora, I care not about their position or perceived grandeur. I... I feel as if I failed you all, in what I do not know. Especially you, little Ling. I will not do so again." He places his hand upon Ling's cheek with a sad smile and gently pats it affectionately. "Come now! Tell me more about these 'big bat things' of which you spoke so eloquently."
Valaith "Rimehand" Kalukavi - Chronicles of Arden
"We are not doing anything for free, Nik," Alaris breaks their silence with a grin, "and you have not failed anyone." The paladin stretches, reaching for the ceiling and relishing the crackle and pop of their lithe, muscular back shifting. They raise a finger to Finnan for another ale, then turn back to the group. The tension from the confrontation below is slowly easing from their body.
"We're making an investment. Developing connections, even with people we loathe, will bear fruit long-term. Information, access, opportunities... Some can come from our connection to the temple, but with the storm you see coming, we need more." Alaris sounds like they're, just a little bit, trying to convince themselves that this is better than shoving their glaive through Francesc's throat.
"So, Nik: tell us how to kill a flock of fleder..."
Eshuvenniel Kazander Ravid, Valor Bard and Acolyte of the Goddess of Luck
Caradoc Langham, Halfling Rogue - Lost Magics - Epic of Pre-made Proportions!
I'm not looking for heaven or hell... just someone to listen to stories I tell...
"I wasn't going to work for free either, no way! - Lack of closure on relationships? Do you have an old flame you haven't told us about?" She pokes him in the chest and narrows her eyes. Ling seems as if she is going to add something else, but when Nikolai touches her cheek, her features soften. "You've never failed us and I don't think you ever will. I will try not to worry you like that again, but I'm not so little anymore, you know?" Even though she is looking directly at him, her gaze is unfocused, like she is staring through him, lost in thought. Maybe we really should have been more careful... I do feel like something was off, that dark-winged creature that I saw, and they saw it too... I don't like it. And there you go disappointing those who'd protect you again, it's like you never learn. Maybe you'll doom these ones too. I'll pay more attention next - these ones too? What? Ling rubs her temples, feeling a little disoriented, even though the effect of the droplets should have worn off by now. I feel like my thoughts are not my own.
Alaris' voice pulls her back to reality. "Right, connections are very important! While you were all just going to cut his head off and get us banned from the nicest club in town, I planned ahead, you see. By the way, I think he said there are about ten of those Fleder things?" Ling has put on her best serious face, trying to look as if she really had executed a well thought-through plan rather than flirted with Francesc in the spur of the moment.
Shiva nods along with the words of Ling and Alaris, "You've never failed us, Nik. You've ensured our safety and comfort more times than I can remember. Although I've had a magical evening, I'll be more cautious. And my evening is about to get even better now that we get to go fight." She smiles wide as she puts her hands on her hips. "An evening of all my favorite things, how wonderful." She says more to herself than anyone else.
Leaning in towards Alaris "And I have an idea about Francesc that you might want to get behind, though we'd be playing the long game."
Astrid peers over to the table agin where the others have gathered and surmises they may be leaving soon. The cleric finishes putting away her divining tools, placing the pouch in an inner pocket of her robe. Downing the rest of her ale and the giving Finnan a smile, she slides off the bar stool.
"Which way toward the loo?" When the halfling points her in the right direction she notices the dwarf and Sarameian in conversation. A little peek wouldn't hurt? She gives the barman a nod, "Thank you for the earlier information." Settles herself, says a quick prayer to the Scribe and slowly makes her way towards the bathroom.
"-the snows melt, your master must stand ready." Astrid hears Marchak tell Malik, barely audible to any but her own keen ears. The two appear to be speaking Sarameian with one another.
"The Seraskier is always ready," the Sarameian responds with a muted sneer. "Just as long as your prince holds up his end of the bargain. You know the penalty for betrayal."
"My Lord stands to lose much, should his involvement in this endeavour be discovered," Marchak replies, remaining measured and calm, despite the slight. "You risk little. You will provide the resources we require, or there can be no deal. Do you-"
The dwarf's voice becomes to muffled to hear as Astrid moves towards the bathrooms, unable to remain in earshot for too long, or risk being noticed. The facilities are simple, but functional. Stone benches with wooden seats provide drainage for the waste. The smell is unpleasant.
The Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - DM for Aiden, Bründir, Jex, Thurston, Valaith and Vark
The Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - DM for Alaris, Astrid, Caio and Shiva
Nikolai just smiles at Ling and Shiva, nodding his appreciation at their support. "Trio infernale." He winks and turns his attention to Alaris and their inquiry into these strange creatures. "Well, the fleder are evil monstrosities that aren't natural creatures, but are created by being fed vampire blood over a long period of time. The negative energy in their blood warps these beasts into these fleder and depending on the nature of the original beast and the vampire blood it can create different variations of them. There is not one specific type of fleder, they don't all look like hounds or birds or bats for example. This negative energy makes them particularly vulnerable to radiant energy." He winks and slaps Alaris on the shoulder. "Your kind of fight, Alaris. That said, they are also resistant to necrotic energy, so we should all be very careful with our spells. Also, for those of us who use weapons, you will need silvered weapons of some sort to harm them. Given their vampiric origins they can see exceptionally well in the dark and loathe sunlight, I believe it will even weaken them. Oh! They also like to attack from above, leaping down from great heights toward their prey. So if we can get the high ground on them and flood their lair with daylight this would greatly assist with our attack."
Valaith "Rimehand" Kalukavi - Chronicles of Arden
"All very good to know. You never cease to amaze me Nik, you're a living encyclopedia."
Several moments after hearing "vampiric origins", Shiva's memory is jogged as she looks to the bracelet given to her by Mistress. Wrapping her hand around her wrist, she brings the accessory to her chest once more, savoring the sensations it recalls.
"Also, could you do me a favor and tell me about this?" Indicating to the bracelet "It was given to me by someone I hope to see again, and something tells me that its not simply a piece of jewelry. I'm already very fond of it though, so PLEASE do not break it."
Shiva's own voice comes to her once again "Atta girl, stay wary till you trust beyond a doubt."
Astrid enters the bathrooms eyes wide and breath quickened a bit at what she overheard. Well! There's little doubt what that was about. I need to get word back home... Not here though. Too many ears floating around. She quickly calms herself noticing that she isn't alone. She purposefully takes a few moments to freshen up giving herself time to go over the few details. Snow melt... Seraskier... This Marchak's lord taking a risk at the prices of needed resources. She pats her face dry with the collar of her robe.
When she exits she briefly glances over to the table where the two sit, then proceeds to rejoin the group at Nik's table. "So are we ready to call it an evening? I know I could use a little more sleep for... Well, for whatever tomorrow may have in store for us."
"Mhh, they'll have a hard time getting on top of me with Sybaris. Sounds like it's going to be a lot of fun, right Shiva?" Ling watches her friend hold out the shiny bracelet to Nikolai and a grin spreads across her face. "Oooh let me see, a present from your lady friend? I want to hear all the details when we get back to the Black Sheep!" Turning to Astrid, she adds: "I'm good to go, I can't wait to hear about," she gently taps the charm on the bracelet as it dangles from Shiva's wrist, "mysterious lady A." With a stretch, she pushes up from her chair.
As they leave the club, Ling starts running the details of the fleder through her head, forming different plans of attack. Somehow, her mind keeps returning to the bit about their creation through vampiric blood, but she can't quite work out what might be signification about that.
The air in the catacombs outside Temnitsa is stale, but blessedly cool in comparison to hot press of the dance floor. The thick, stone walls dull the pounding of the music to a distant hum, and away from the tightly packed crowds there is finally room to really breathe again. A few grungy looking party-goers loiter near the entrance, where the pulsing vibrations can still be felt underfoot, but otherwise the tieflings and their friends are alone.
The Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - DM for Aiden, Bründir, Jex, Thurston, Valaith and Vark
The Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - DM for Alaris, Astrid, Caio and Shiva
Nikolai beams a little at the positive reinforcement from Shiva as he leans in to examine the bracelet closer. He gives it an appraising look before nodding. "Absolutely, my dear. Once we are back at the Sheep I will consult the cards and determine it's properties. Worry not, have I ever broken anything of yours?"
He glances over at Astrid as she rejoins the company. "Yes, I need to spend some time thinking about these events. We must prepare for these creatures tomorrow. Astrid, you are joining us then on this endeavor?"
Valaith "Rimehand" Kalukavi - Chronicles of Arden
Alaris grins tightly at Shiva as the lovely tiefling suggests a cunning scheme against Francesc. "Oh yes, we will come back to that!"
Savoring the coolness of the air in the catacombs, the paladin pauses to stretch again, then wanders over the the loiterers. "Anybody have a smoke? I can trade you a fancy treat," they smile, offering the candy she saved from their meeting with the Breannian.
Eshuvenniel Kazander Ravid, Valor Bard and Acolyte of the Goddess of Luck
Caradoc Langham, Halfling Rogue - Lost Magics - Epic of Pre-made Proportions!
I'm not looking for heaven or hell... just someone to listen to stories I tell...
The three men that Alaris approaches all look more or less the same. Skinny, gaunt-looking humans with shaven heads. One of them might have had some elven heritage, or another a trace of orc, but on the whole they don't have much in the way of distinguishing features between them.
The one nearest to the wall stares at the tiny confection in the paladin's hand with beady, hooded eyes, and produces a crooked-looking hand-rolled cylinder seemingly out of nowhere. A few sprigs of dried plant matter peek out of the end.
"That what I think it is?" He asks. "I've seen him hand them out. They as good as they look?"
The Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - DM for Aiden, Bründir, Jex, Thurston, Valaith and Vark
The Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - DM for Alaris, Astrid, Caio and Shiva
"Sure," Astrid replies to Nik before fully understanding what she is agreeing to. The combination of the evenings events, rumors of possible invasion and lack of sleep clearly showing. "Oh... Wait! What creatures might you be talking about?" The dwarf stands there listening to the job the tieflings managed to arrange for themselves and the details on the creatures they may encounter. "Well, that certainly sounds interesting. Besides, Brightmantle brought us together and I suppose I should work up a bit of good will if I hope to convince you all to help me with my task."