Mist spins on his heel to glare at Zenix. "Listen, Cookie, I've only just become interested in this outing because it might be dangerous. Before it was just a paycheck. I'm asking for information what could prepare us for the particular type of danger we're to face as it would be good to know before walking up and knocking on the door."

Anyone behind Mist (probably most since he tries to get to the front of the pack so he can see) might, if they're paying attention, see him give Zenix a quick wink before spinning back around to wait for a response from the old man.

Zandeyr whistles a little tune as the group travels from Tinkertown to the Iron Roads.  The simple tune lightens one’s steps and eases one’s troubles, even if only slightly.  The sun shines a wee bit brighter, the wind blows a touch sweeter.  Even the dirty gray plumes rising up from the industrial hubs take on the quality of puffy storm clouds, and every so often you’d swear you can spot a fantastic shape materializing in the plumes.    

He oooh’s at the sight of Cendrail’s tower.  “Holy mackerel!  A proper wizard’s tower! Now here’s a prospect, lads.”  

“Hard to starboard!” he bellows when Cendril lobs his vile vial, dropping to the ground and covering his ears.  Peering up in confusion, he clambors to all fours then hauls himself to his feet.  ”Er… Nice to meet ya!  I’m Zan--” But he breaks off when it’s clear the wizard has no interest in introductions.

Stepping into the observatory, it’s clear to Zan that Cendrail clearly isn’t an organized individual.  “Wait wait wait, listen to Master Mist.  What can ye tell us of your ‘friend’ what vanished last month?  What do ye know of this old temple?  Its purpose? Its inhabitants?  I”m of a mind to earn some coin, but not have me arse handed to me by an irate dragon what found his calling guarding some old temple...”

He grins, cocking his head sideways.  “And well, speaking of arses, it’s good to know who’s we’re about to kick.”

"Let's just get on with it..." Zenix sighed, "I might be able to make the trip shorter with a vortex, but I haven't exactly gotten it completely down..."

(( 22 ))

"Master Mist... I quite like that! I'll be requiring all to refer to me as such going forward." Mist smiles and puffs out his chest.

Cocking an eyebrow, he turns back to Zenix. "A 'vortex,' you say? What sort of vortex are we talking? And how would such a thing make our trip faster? Only kind I'm familiar with comes up from under the sea and swallows whole ships. I'm not of a mind to take one of those for a ride even if it means getting somewhere faster!"

"You're right, vortexes consume. However, matter can not be created nor destroyed, so what gets consumed needs to go somewhere. Of course, that place is usually the Void, but I can gain control of the location of dropping off, and voila! The vortex becomes a portal!" Zenix adjusted his glasses in a proud notion. 

Eyebrow still raised, Mist strokes his chin. "Interesting. And by what means have you come by such a talent? Doesn't seem like one who can fulfill such fabled feats should be out running errands for a pittance from The Adventurer's Guild."

"An understandable deduction... And indeed, I lived a life of banditry in the past. However, born with a flaw no other mortal would even wish to have, I decided to use it as a blessing, mere less a curse." Zenix held his hand out, as it began to give off dark energy, "I was born a bastard to a homeless clairvoyant who was penetrated by many demons. Even as a child, I was beaten, whipped, frollied, and condemned by the clerics and the priests of the towns. If only I knew then what I knew now, because I use my curses as blessings, but only for those who deserves it." His left eye glowed and the pupil slit. He smiled, but this time, it was a smile of compassion, "I might seem abrasive, but truly, those who live on bread alone will not last, for the conjuration of the tender shall save all~" Then he snickered, "In case you don't understand, I'll be loyal and helpful until you get in my way."

Mist's face splits into a wide grin as he stifles a laugh. "Alright, then. Keep your secrets, Mr. Mysterious."

Glancing back at Cendrail, he says, "So what's it to be, then? Who was this temple built to worship? When was the last time it was inhabited? Any known current occupants? Apparently we're to be teleported there so it would be best if we're prepared before 'traversing the vortex' or what have you."

Kraven studies his companions and so far is impressed with the way they carry themselves. This adventure guild should prove very interesting he thinks to himself, and getting away from the city is always a good thing, the father the better.

Entering the tower Kraven's head tilts and socks from side to side as he attempts to take everything in at the same time. Which each level they go up he starts at each door and lock to try and guess which ones are locked or not for possible later situations.

Listening to the old man, he laughs inwardly fully knowing that this wizard is going to get the lot of them into so much trouble but looking forward to the excitement. Seeing all the desks piled high haphazardly with junk makes his eyes glow.

Kraven speaks up asking the mage "So all that you seek is this device from this temple? Besides what treasure may or may not be in this temple what do we get ouf of delivering this trinket to you?"

As he is listening to the mage he will randomly pick up pieces of paper, books or any maps off the desk and look them over before putting them back down. Every now and then he will try and hide an item in his pocket when no one is looking directly at him.

Slight of Hand: 7

First I am sorry that the Image of Cindrail is not pulling up correctly in the forms.  Second, I am sorry that I missed Mist’s question.

“Say now, this old temple of yours? It wouldn't happen to be currently occupied by friendly clergy what would hand this doodad over when asked, would it? I don't supposed you'd be needing help from the likes of us if it all boiled down to a simple jaunt out of town and back. What's waiting for us what would warrant paying a group of rough-and-tumbles to do the job instead of sending your Beni out? We'd best be well-informed and prepared lest you have to wait for another band of merry adventurers to come along after assuming our fate meets that of your 'old colleague.'"

“Wait wait wait, listen to Master Mist.  What can ye tell us of your ‘friend’ what vanished last month?  What do ye know of this old temple?  Its purpose? Its inhabitants?  I”m of a mind to earn some coin, but not have me arse handed to me by an irate dragon what found his calling guarding some old temple...”

Who was this temple built to worship? 

“It’s ancient, so old no one knew of it, until me, until now… Well, now, again that is.  Beni is one woman, she can not manage alone. And I have no idea what’s waiting for you there, or why my old friend Magnus has not returned.  I would think if a dragon was there we would already know that it was a dragon.  The temple was for a Cult, that worshiped the sky, not any one specific god, but the sky itself, doomday predictors they were a crazy lot.”

This link is to a google doc that has all of the information to the known world of the pantheon of gods.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_y96LGlX79Mcfl3dUwrZe_iW4zfzs7vvsRbfh5q2pF4/edit?usp=sharing

"So all that you seek is this device from this temple? Besides what treasure may or may not be in this temple what do we get out of delivering this trinket to you?"

“600 gold when I get the compass back.”

Every now and then he will try and hide an item in his pocket when no one is looking directly at him.

You manage to take 2 empty vials for putting potions or poisons in, and 1 candle stick.  Cendrail does not notice you do this.  If any party members want to see if they pick up on it, they may roll a perception check in the private chat.

Zenix wouldn't notice Kravens picketing, but he did gain sudden urges to give him a head pat, as Zenix was highly interested in animals.

He ultimately decided to subtley give Kraven some gentle head pats.

Kraven initially freeze from the head pats and then twists his head around to stare up at Zenix. He studies the man for a moment then lets out a ltitle chirp and turns his attention back to the mage and everyone else talking.

"...Maybe I should ask next time.." Zenix stopped, returning his gaze to the astronomer.

>>Cindrail, Aubric

Gintarou enjoyed the sight seeing of the wizard tower including it's long stairs, many doors, even the Kaboom and Down. The young warrior spent a long time together with a old prophet when he was a snot-nosed kid.The most important thing He learnt from this experience is that…… when a crazy old wiseman starts to do some crazy old wiseman things, you better keep silent and adjust yourself to whatever he is doing.

So when Gintarou receives the pile of papers from Cendril, he reads them with a solemn face even though he doesn't have the slightest idea what they are and holds them upside down. Gintarou responds to the old wizard's long explanation with some "Yeah" "I see" and "That's interesting". Then he hands the date to an intelligence looking dwarf (Aubric)and asks Cindrail."……Now I know what you want and where we have to go. But can you provide us some food and drinks before we depart? We didn't know our destination and were not preparing well. And although your tower is amazing but the long staircase and doors make me starving"

(( Random Question, but how small is Kraven? Is he like the size of a regular bird or bigger? ))

Mist's eyebrows shoot up at the mention of gold.

"600 gold, you say? Are we talking total or per person? 'Cause I'm sure some of this lot's bound to be dead weight so we can probably send them packing if it'll increase the shares..." he says and immediately looks around in case a fist or errant projectile happens to be hurtling toward him. "I mean... I'm sure we can work it out along the way!" Mist stands there and smiles his most non-threatening smile.

"Right. So we're to dig up some desiccated druids, nick your noodly knickknack, and hopefully find the facts of your friend's fate. Anyone opposed to getting started now?" Mist asks as he walks back toward the door. He turns and says, "I've got a lot of doing nothing to get back to once we're paid for this lark."

"I guess I'll head out and wait with Mist..." Zenix walked over with Mist.

Druquilla keeps to the back of the group trying to get a handle on the rest of the party as they walk to the wizard's tower, it was an odd group that much she was sure but one she could work with. When they got to the tower itself Druquilla was surprised by its simplicity she had expected something a bit more out there after hearing about the mage, she knew though that danger could easily be hiding within the stone tower.

She gives a polite nod to the young woman who welcomes the group into the tower and is somewhat amazed at the number of rooms the tower hold, wondering how many are actually in use and how many have just been forgotten.

Cendrail himself looked every part the mad mage Druquilla envisioned him to be and shakes his hand when offered.

Upon entering the observatory her eyes were drawn to the floor and while listening to Cendrail's ramblings about predictions and dates walks around trying to identify any constellations that might be found on the tiled floor. The mention of coin does draw Druquilla's full attention to the mage, once the others have asked their questions she adds her own, “What does this compass actually look like? It would help if we know exactly what it is we are to be hunting down in what could be a swarm of angry sharks, instead of just going in blind and hoping we stumble upon on it.”

"I might have some scraps that you can take." The old man pulls on his ear and yells "BENI CAN YOU PUT SOME SCRAPS TOGETHER FOR THE PARTY, THANK YOU." The loud voice is more of him trying to speak loud enough for someone to hear him.  After a few seconds he grabs his ear again "Yes of course I forget, thank you." Cendrail turns back to Gintarou "Yes Beni will meet us with some food for you all."

Looking back at Mist Cendrail let's out a loud sigh, followed with "Total, I don't care how you split it up."

Job seems simple enough, Kraven thinks. "I am ready to go when the lot of you are ready to go. Oh, one last question Cendrail, and excuse me if you answered this already, I get easily distracted. How far away is this temple do you know and in which direction."