Ciradyl smiles kindly to Cramer "You are too kind, sir. I just try my best to make the people happy and keep my coffer full at the end of the night." 

She listens intently to the details that Cramer gives them and she does look a little stunned. She stifles her fear quickly and regains her composure and says surely and looking at each of the companions in the eyes, "I know this is going to be quite a dangerous trip and I'm not to best at hand to hand combat, but I promise you all that I will try my best." She checks her pack quickly and says to the group. "I'm ready to go. Where exactly are we going?" 

As the Dwarf finishes speaking, Baragon gets up and knocks back his own mug, only to find it almost empty anyways. A pang of disappointment rings in the back of his mind. 'Damn, humans in these parts are stingy with their drink. Twice as watered down and almost twice as expensive... At least it appears that the furniture has not had to be replaced in some time. Bar fights must not break out as often so there is some wisdom in that, I suppose.' He lets out a sigh as he places the now empty mug down at the counter and follows the Dwarf's lead.

After the self proclaimed magician speaks, he takes the time to examine Doe'Tana. An odd fellow, certainly not entirely what he claims to be. Still, there is no point in assuming the worst in people, he learned that long ago. "Very well. It is an odd risk to take for a traveling magician. There are stranger things in life I suppose, I will not question your motives."

As Ciradyl voices her concerns, "Whatever challenges we face, we will face it together, Ciradyl. Challenges are but tests of courage, they are meant to be overcome." He gives her what might be a reassuring grin but could just as well be a menacing snarl, if not for what he just said. It's difficult to tell. "And if it is any consolation, I can be rather persuasive with a hammer in my hands. By the look of Arnold, I would wager he is good at getting foes flat on the ground as well, one way or another."


(OOC: He has a passive insight of 12 and I don't think this warranted actual scrutiny so I didn't have him roll an insight check.)

"It's team to have a nice doing this together," Oran says in response to Baragon's comments. "I, for one, am weapon with goods. But no one can deny my narming chature." He flashes a smouldering look, hoping to attract someone. Seeing Baragon's empty mug, he asks the Leonin, "Would you mug another like? I can buy one for you."

In response to Baragon's comments; Arnold says "I have used a great axe for both trees AND monsters!" gleefully!

He sniffs the air once and shakes his head. "While I appreciate the offer, it's better that I keep a clear head for what's to come. And you, Noran Shoonadow, have had quite enough drink for the day. Come." He claps him on the back with what he thinks is a light clap but in human terms is closer to a shove. Not exactly one for delicate touches, not this Leonin... "Are you a local to this city? You seem at home here. It would be ill advised to get so sloshed in an unfamiliar place..."

He chuckles to himself on hearing Arnolds' response, an odd mix of purrs and low laughs. "Heh, felling foes, literally..."

As Baragon slaps Oran on the back, he yelps out, but quickly forgives the Leonin, who's probably not seen a lot of elves in his lifetime. "Yes, I've deeped in Waterlive for the past yorty fears. Lives have a long elfspan, you know, and I'm young quite elf for a still."

He doesn't seem to mind, just chalking up the Wood Elf's odd behavior as him being so absolutely hammered that he can't formulate a decent sentence. 'Probably can't walk straight either,' He thinks to himself, 'best I give him a guiding hand.'  And places a big paw (roughly the size of a frying pan) on his shoulder to help him along. Whether he needs it in the first place is another matter entirely.

"Ah, yes. I have heard that you Elves are long lived, though it is easy to forget. Usually with age comes a change in appearance, yet you look no older than most young humans I have seen. The same goes for Ciradyl. The other aspect that comes with aging is wisdom, at least in theory, and..." He stops himself there, looking down at 'Noran' and realizing that the line of reasoning is leading to a rather rude conclusion. A few seconds of silence pass as he fails to come up with any natural way to finish the thought. He just awkwardly clears his throat and keeps walking, which makes the unspoken conclusion unintentionally more obvious than if he said it out loud.

Cramer begins to head outside the tavern, throwing down a pouch of coins to cover the expenses of the group. Donning a thick winter coat to combat the rain, he motions for the others to follow, giving a shoulder to help those who may have difficulty trekking at a quick hike.

You wind your way through the streets of Waterdeep, passing various docks and districts. Curiously, you seem to notice Cramer looking backwards often, peering at the other hooded figures that are too secluded from the street lights to have discernible features. Those of you paying attention will notice you have occasionally been led in the same direction and in circles, sometimes doubling back on paths you have already taken.

Seemingly satisfied, Cramer leads you into a rather small but ornate cottage in a pleasant, homely-looking ward of Waterdeep. Leading you up a staircase into a faintly lit, but large common room, you notice that the room has been oddly cleared of everything aside from a round table - oddly painted with the symbols of a clock - in the center with an incense burner and a shard of some gem fixated promptly in the center.

A puff of smoke and a bright flash momentarily illuminate the room. Cramer's features of a short, stocky Dwarf morph into that of a wizened, shrinkled Gnome, with an almost comically long nose, thick spectacles, and glittering eyes. Now wearing elegant Purple-and-Gold, flowing robes, he deftly clicks his spindly fingers, and torches surrounding the room don the area in a cheerful, glowing light.

"I apologize for the visage and antics of my travels. I, ah-" the Gnome says, casting his bright, small eyes at Doe'Tana "-have my adversaries, and you can never quite be too careful."

"Anyhow; thank you for responding so promptly to my messages. I could not call upon the more prevalent figures of the arcane studies due to the nature of my reputation. If you could not tell, I am Gardeldorf Morphin. I'm glad you were able to show up, and normally I would make sure you felt hospitable before we delved into the paramount focuses of our meeting, but time is of the essence, and I would not like to waste any of it."

He reaches towards Oran and touches him on the wrist. A faint blue glow radiates from his hand, and makes its way up Oran's shoulder. He noticeable loses all trace of being inebriated, and stands fully upright. Clapping his hands in seeming glee for his own work, he continues.

"Now, then - if you are all set for your travels, I will be happy to delve straight into the mission I have prepared for you. Considering the nature of this journey, I would not mind if you outright turned around and left. I will not stop you, but if you have traveled this far in this abhorrent weather, I would have hope you are committed to your causes."

Glancing around the room and taking in the demeanor of each individual, he says; "I see you haven't quite been acquainted with each other at the moment. No worries - the work you have to do will not be very personal. I recognize some of you. Baragon, was it? I remember you from my times wandering the Savannahs ruled by your people. Glad to see you survived your ailment," he says with a twinkle in his eye and a nod at Baragon.

"Ah, thank you, Gard... Gardeldorf?" Oran is a bit shocked that the dwarf that led him here is definitely not a dwarf after all, but also relieved that he doesn't have to bear with the effects of being hung over as they begin their expedition. "Can I just call you Cramer? Cramer is a name that suits you well, and it's easier to remember."

Looking around at the others, Oran sighs, shakes his head, and stammers, "Forgive me for my... uh... not so wise dealings earlier. I guess I should reintroduce myself. What did I say my name was?... Noran? No, no, that's not my name. I'm Oran. Oran Moonshadow. Anything else you'd like to know about me?"

 His eyes go wide as the Dwarf transforms right in front of them. On instinct he takes a half step forward and slightly to the right, putting the bulk of his body between the stranger and the others, one hand hovering over the handle of his weapon... until he processes what has happened and relaxes his stance. He doesn't seem to even hear Oran. "You are... yes, I remember you. You... have not changed much at all."

He kneels down in front of the old Gnome (with some difficulty given the feline structure of his legs), making it so that he doesn't have to strain his neck to look up. A Leonin almost never kneels to anyone other than their parents and the Speaker of their kind, for they are beasts of immense pride by nature. "I'm surprised you remember me. I have grown much from the ill mannered cub you saved from a pointless death back then. Needless to say, I owe to you the years that I've lived thus far and the years I will live from now on. Thank you." He wobbles a bit, evidently not used to the position. "Howerver, I did not come to pay my debt with empty platitudes. Tell us what you need done."

Ciradyl smiles and puts a hand on the Leonins arm. "You are indeed correct. That is why I chose to come on this adventure. To face the challenges head-on and hopefully come out a little better than when I went in." She listens as Baragon talks about the elves and their life spans. "I've lived quite a while and I've seen and experienced many things and many places, but there are a few things that still eludes my grasp of knowledge." She says the last part quietly almost in a whisper.

She follows the group through the streets keeping her eyes open about where they are and feeling quite puzzled about why Cramer is leading them in this way. When they reach the cottage and are ushered into the common room Ciradyls eyes dart around curiously looking for books or anything magical, but the only thing is that table. What is that? she wonders, her eyes grow even wider and her mouth pinches shut trying to stay calm in the face of a new discovery when the flash happens. Ciradyl shakes her head and refocuses her vision on the now Gnome that has placed his hand on the other elfs wrist. Oh the things I could learn from this creature! as a happy smile crosses her lips. 

"It's nice to formally meet you Oran. Like the Gnome said this shouldn't be too personal. I'm sure we will get the chance to learn all about each other on our travels." She is clearly eager to see what Gardeldorf is going to charge them with. She looks on in curious awe at the interaction between Baragon and Gardeldorf, what the gnome means to the Leonin must be truly special.

Arnold skips somewhat on the way to the cottage, he gets confused of some of the turns - wondering why they're taking such non-efficient turns - but doesn't say anything of it.

"Oh so YOU'RE the Gard guy!" Arnold says, clapping lightly with his metal hands, and finally making the connection. "And the guy who gave us this quest! Nice to meet you!" he says, and offers a handshake.

Arnold is amazed about the magic spell Gard casts on Oran, but he's amazed by any spell. He starts clapping, making mechanical whistles, and saying "Bravo!" at the spell, until Baragon speaks.

"So what about arcane studies? OOO! Are we going to fight a big, magic monster???" Arnold inquires at the end of the gnome's speech and after other's statements, still having no idea what the actual mission is.

As they entered the small and now crowded cottage Doe'Tana was disappointed to see the interior was not occupied by an elderly gnome.  It was thus to his surprise when their escort melted into the form of the man he had come to see.  His quarry's sudden appearance shakes him so that all semblance of subtext leaves his mind.

"Yes, Tell us what it is you have brought us here to do.  But perhaps start with what it is you have already done.  Please, can you tell me why it is my dreamwalks are troubled with visions of tearing the web of the natural world asunder and pushing creatures set in the web through it to another place?  Something in the dreamwalks has associated that tear with you. 

My name is Doe'Tana of the Al'shione tribe.  With our Quori we have set ourselves as guardians of the natural balance here in this world.  Through my dreamwalks Tana, my Quori, instructed me to begin here, to come here and find a way to repair the damage that was done.  What is it?  What has been done?  What did you do?  The balance is wrong and the web now injured may begin to unravel if action is not taken quickly."

Doe'Tana's words are hurried and perhaps a bit manic.  Whatever he is saying about the web and a tear and a balance, it is clearly of grave importance, at least to him.  There is simultaneously a sense of desperation and menace in his voice.

Sensing the rising tension in Doe'Tana's voice, Baragon pushes himself off the ground and stands to his full height, staring down the 'Magician' with a look in his eyes that makes a threat clear. 'Do not dare anything rash when you are within a swing's reach from me.' He doesn't interrupt though, as it isn't his place to do so.

"Yes, yes, Baragon is right. We must not harm the one who gives us the quest," Oran tries to reason with Doe'Tana. "Everyone has their own faults. Forgive the old mage for his."

Turning to Gardeldorf, Oran asks, in a much less menacing tone than Doe'Tana had, "Do you know what this magician talks about? Have you torn this web of which he speaks? Is there a way we can fix it?"

Seeing the rising tensions, Gard interjects in a strong and stern voice - "Calm down, children - you are here for a mission. Paltry qualms are not welcome under my doors. Now - let's get on to what I ask of you."

"About a month's time ago, I was keenly occupied with the workings of time and chronurgy. I had been experimenting with spells that could rip the very fabric of time and space." Solemnly nodding to Doe'Tana, he says; "I believe I have made a very great error. The spell was a success, yes - but it should not have been crafted in the first place. I have, indeed, punctured a hole in the web that you refer to. I seek to remedy that mistake before it compounds to a greater issue."

"The enchantment was meant to send the five travelers I conscripted for this venture exactly one year into the future. They were supposed to have returned long before now, as the method of return should have taken them three days in our time. I am not sure of their fate, or whether they made it to the destination they were intended for at all - in fact, I'm not sure where they are. They could be in any plane, any time - that, my friends, is where you come in. I would simply like for you to undergo the same process, and locate the whereabouts of the five travelers that have departed. If they are to be alive, I would like you to bring them back with you. More on that later."

He sighs audibly, and briefly looks down. "I'm terribly sorry - I didn't mean for anyone to get hurt. A word on the travelers; there were two Human mercenaries named Yarko and Wallin, a Half-Orc named Trung, an Elven colleague of mine named Tanisha, and-" his eyes become somewhat unfocused, and a tear begins welling up in one of them, "-a Gnome named Marigold."

He begins to hand out a series of golden coins that glow faintly in the flickering light. "Here is an enchanted token for each of you. I have inscribed a spell of clairvoyance in each of them, so it will notify me if you are safe, or if you are in danger. If you need to return to where we are, collect all five of them in a pile, and stand around in a circle. I have given each of the previous adventurers one of these. At the moment, Wallin and Trung are apparently safe and in good condition, while Yarko and Marigold have both broadcasted danger. Tanisha's coin has gone inert, signifying death, or something possibly worse."

"I am not sure as to what you will come across. Beasts and aberrations, maybe, or something worse. I never intended for this to happen." Responding to Oran and Doe'Tana's questions, he says; "As of now, I can restore the web to its natural state, but - I do not simply want to strand those travelers in whatever plane of existence they are in. If you are prepared and ready, gather around the table in the center of this room, join hands, and close your eyes."

He makes motions for you to move to the center of the room. You notice that his eyes are wet, and his expression is one of deep worry and sadness.

Doe'Tana ponders for a moment before nodding assent.  "If once your armsmen are rescued you will act to restore the web then I will bring all of my powers to bear on making that happen as quickly as possible."  He accepts the clairvoyance beacon from the gnome before taking his place around the table.  Looking to the adventurers to either side of him he stretches out his hands and closes his eyes, awaiting the completion of the circle and beginning of their journey.

(OOC: I use italics for thoughts or intentions rather than words spoken out loud but it amounts to the same effect in this case I suppose)

Oran hesitates. A rip in the fabric of time and space? And he's trying to do it again? That gnome is insane! he thinks to himself. But, he figures, he signed up for this, so he might as well follow through with it. "Hopefully we can help your colleagues, and then return to close this time gap." Oran thanks Gard after taking the coin of clairvoyance before joining Doe'Tana in the circle. "Ready?" he asks everyone, visibly psyched out, but is trying to calm himself down.

"Ooo! Pretty coin! I like it! Also why are your eyes leaking? That seems unnatural, you should probably see someone about that! And what about the web? Is it like a spider web? Those are pretty! And pesky. They apparently are a bad sign when seen in a home. Is it good somewhere else? Oh and we get to hold hands! Yay!"

after getting response(s), Arnold will join the circle with the rest of the group.