The Misty Isle | Year 593 NDE
Selunine Lhianna'anei sat in one of the many towers which covered the misty isle. The libraries which the towers contained were endless, containing infinite amounts of knowledge. But of course, to the Isle's inhabitants, everything was a book, to be observed until you got all the information you wanted, then to put it away.

The misty isle sat alone in the ocean. Separated from the rest of Shrie, and long thought to be only a myth, a legend, or a drunk seaman's tale - none really knew which - it was forgotten. But the inhabitants of the Misty Isle watched the outside world from the comfort of their towers. Everything was documented, given it's place in the library, and stored away for future reference.

This land bred some of the best wizards in the world due to the vast amounts of knowledge, and time with which to master their art. The Aos Si, descended from the Fey themselves, were a rather timelss race. They lived even longer than elves. What humans would call a generation, the Aos Si would call a simple passing of a year or so. One human, dwarf, or even elf had no chance of learning everything which the Aos Si could in their respective lifetimes. Of course, they would be the best in the world... if the world knew they existed.

Selunine gazed out the window of a very tall tower near the outside of town as she pondered what the world was really like. She had read the books, and looked through scrying, but what was it really like? Since those shrines to Melios had come up... what was the world coming to? Selunine thought to herself of how if the world was going to end, it was not going to end with her being cooped up her whole life. She would see the world. Standing up from her chair in the library, she carefully put her book back in place, and headed out to make preparations for when she would leave.



Badon | Year 593 NDE
Morasennarion Walked along the streets of the coastal town of Badon. It was a cool night, a good break from the scorching day which they just had, with the wind blowing the smell of the ocean over the town. The port town of Badon was composed mostly of elvish beings who lived in harmony, be they drow, high elf, wood elf, wild elf... any elf. Nobody knew why, but since the war almost 600 years past, surface elves and drow had put aside their differences and lived together.

Badon wasn't always a coastal town. But ever since the breaking of the continent when the dragons shrine split off, Badon was right on the ocean. This new concept of being next to the water has driven Badon to become the place which it currently is: a fishing, trading, sailing town. Badon was also a major transport hub, as it was far easier to travel by water than by land, especially along the coastline. Many strange people came through, though they never caused the city any trouble.

Morassenarion was on her way to the local pub. It had been a hard day at work, and she was in need of a nice drink to ease her muscles and relax her. Walking in to a pub called the Hopping Fish, she walked right up to the bar and sat down. The bartender, Hector, gave her a knowing smile and mouthed One second. I'll be right there to her, as he turned back to the patron whom he was currently serving.

Morassenarion sat down, right as the door chimed again as it oppened, and a cloaked figure walked in. Looking around, the figure shuffles along the bar floor, making no audible sound amongst the cheer and mirth of the pub, and sits down right next to you. From within the cloak, a thin, dry voice comes out:

"Eh, you. You wanna about what Oi found the other day? I''s a really good find, and you can be the first to know about it. Eh? Whaddaya say? It'll only cost you a beer and a good meal. Which is far less than it's worth Oi tell ya. Oi be givin' you a bargain. Eh? Whaddaya say eh?"



Madra | 36 DE (dragon era)
Gnurk-Ogh knelt before his master, Nglassmoln. Obedience was the key to this masters kindness, and Nglassmoln knew how to enforce it. Of course, he knew how to be generous as well. As Nglassmoln looked out from inside his lake, he smiled at Gnurk. His apprentice was doing well. Speaking smoothly, he said to Gnurk.

"My child... I have a very important tasssssk for you... one that will make you even more important in my eyessss..." Whenever he said a word containing an s, it would come out as a hiss, more than anything. "I have heard rumourssss... people want to bring ussss down. But we have caught them... and now I ssssend you, my mossst trussssted sssservant... find the trouble, and you will be given a piecccce of my sssspirit... you will take the final sssstep towardssss becoming one of my elite soldierssss....Here issss what I've learned sssso far.

Thessses humanssss... they think I'm evil... I'm not evil... they're evil... you need to shhhhow them that I am not evil, it isss the onessss who think I'm evil that are... go and kill them... do so in any way that you choossse... come back here with at least ten headssss... then we shhhhall begin the processssss to make you one of my elitesss.... do you undersssstand?"



The Holy City of Alimar | Year 593 NDE
Trillion Starheart looked around the big city of Alimar. She had never been to such a large place. Her home had always been the woods, the simple life. But seeing these large buildings surround her, and everyone running this way and that doing their work, it shocked her slightly. The world seemed... different. This city had a different balance compared to her home in the woods. Her mother had always said the quiet life was the best life, but spurred on by her brothers, Trillion had felt the longing to explore the outside world. Her older sister however, chose to stay with her mother.

The cities main feature was a massive building made of finely polished brass in the direct center. Even from the woods, if you climbed high enough into the trees, you could see that building. However, while it was impressive... Trillion had no idea what it was. It was shaped like a decagon, it's ten sides elaborately decorated. At the top stood ten golden statues, each humanoid in appearance. They faced all directions, between the 10 of them, watching over the city.

A tap on the shoulder woke Trillion from her amazement, as an fatherly old man gazed down upon her. His voice, warm and like honey, spoke softly compared to the raucous sounds the rest of the people were making.

"Child, welcome to the Holy City. I see that you enjoy taking in the sights. You should be careful though. If were not who I am, this might have been lost to you forever." He says, as he produces your necklace with it's large moonstone. "But, as a man of good, I give this back to you with a kind word, and no damage to it. Is this your first time being to the city? Perhaps I can show you around?"



The Nagata Desert | Year 593 NDE
Achilles stood beside his lord in the desert. The man was conversing with a stranger who had come in to speak with him directly, and Achilles was given the privilege of listening in as they spoke... whether by his lords choice, or the new mans choice, he could not tell.

"Lord Taori, you must understand the possibilities! You of all people alive today know the power of the dragons!"
Achilles dismissed this as the ravings of a man tired of the long walk through the desert. No man alive, let alone his lord, knew what kind of power the dragons had. They had not existed on this world for almost six centuries.

"I assure you my friend, I do know about that. Which is why I refuse to tell you what you wish!"
That caught Achilles attention. Taori knew? About dragons? Surely there were books, but how could he so passionately talk about something from a book?

"But it's for the good of the world you stupid old man! How can you deny me the good of the world???
"As easily as I could've refused you what you first wanted when you first came to see me. If I said no before, why now?"
"Because I have proof, Taori, that they do exist. And that they can be used for human gain.
"SILENCE! Don't you remember those very feelings were the ones which caused that war six centuries ago? Have you no shame for even thinking them?
Achilles stood quietly, his face the stone face of a well trained guard. But his head was whirling... was Taori really that old, that he was alive when the war had happened? Had he really... seen a dragon? Snapping back after missing several minutes of heated debate, Achilles hears Lord Taori addressing him.

Achilles, please bring this man to the port city of Badon. He will require transport to his home. I can get you to the edge of the desert. You will leave tomorrow. Make sure that he gets on a boat while you are in Badon. Thank you, and good night Linus.
And with that, the argument was over. Linus, so the man was called, looked from you, to Taori, back to you, then bowed and said:

"I take my leave then."

"I understand, Master."

Which was only a half-truth. He understood that humans must learn that dragons would not disappear again. Not willingly. Not at all. Humans had a nasty habit of destroying what they feared, and they feared because of a collective lack of knowledge. But the killing of humans to make the point his master required would only serve to strain even further the already-stressed relationship twixt dragonkind and humankind. This he did not understand. And so, again, began his internal struggle to eliminate that small spark of light he had been unable to eradicate from his being, even after these long 15 years. And after 15 years, Nglassmoln knew Gnurk inside and out. Gnurk was cerrtain of it. After all, there was less of Gnurk to know ...

Gnurk rose and began making preparations to travel, still wondering why he had been unable to quench that spark. Even Master Nglassmoln knew and noticed it, and Gnurk knew that it was a source of consternation for the mammoth beast. But still he allowed Gnurk to return and study with him. For Gnurk-Ogh, sorcerer-turned-disciple-of-dragons, it was all about learning the mind-set of the dragon, to emulate their use of power and wield it for himself. While his outward appearance was most definitely draconic in nature, he did not want to be or become a dragon. A student of draconic knowledge he had become, at the whim of one who recognized Gnurk's heritage. But Gnurk himself was also willing, for he desired power, and here was one who was willing to teach him. He owed the Master, but did not intend to be subservient to him for the rest of his life for it. Gnurk, at some point, wanted some of that draconic power for himself, for personal and selfish reasons.

The power he desired to wield was intended to be wielded for his own benefit, not that of another, however powerful.. He understood his relationship with his master all too well. The master always stopped just short of making Gnurk feel subservient, allowing that spark of arrogance to remain. Gnurk could appreciate that, but also knew that the blade of that knowledge had two edges and could cut both ways. So he himself always stopped just short of betrayal. Oh, there were times of punishment for Gnurk-Ogh. Terrible punishments, they were, when they happened. But they made Gnurk stronger of will, more able to stoically endure, more determined not to put himself in that position again. And it had been a long time since Gnurk's last punishment. Which meant that he had learned something else of value: how to recognize his own degree of power in relation to an opponent -- or an associate.

A fleeting thought popped into Gnurk's brain. The Master had not told him where to go to perform his task. So it would be up to him to choose his direction. More information could be gained more quickly in a large city, one with both traffic and trade in large quantities. After mulling over the names, locations, and knowledge of a few cities Gnurk knew to fit that description, the city of Badon was deemed by Gnurk-Ogh to be a likely choice. There, then. That is where he would go.

Gnurk didn't like to deal with "townies" in cities of any size, but did so when necessary. His chief reason for his reluctance to deal with others was his actual appearance. He retained his orcish good looks, but had changed over the years to become more reptilian in appearance, with thickening hide, scales, ridges in some places, claws, and tearing teeth. This appearance was enough to induce some to attack him on sight, others to run in fear (Gnurk always smiled at that reaction), and still others to gather in enough numbers to force him to retreat to safety. He had power, but he was not fool enough to think himself invicible. As it stood, he could alter his appearance with magic for the necessary time to do what he had to do. Thank the gods he had not grown a tail !! That would have been deucedly hard to disguise, in any event. Gnurk tended to get short-tempered when he felt he was wasting his time. Ah, well. He would have to endure this necessary discomfort until he discovered what he could to make his task simpler or more attainable.

As he traveled, whenever he knew he was about to encounter others he would magically alter his appearance to assume the form of a large, muscular, dark-skinned human. Even when near a city, he would not seek lodging there. He had no fear of discomfort from any except the most extreme and dangerous weather. And even then, if he wanted "critter comforts", he had a tent. When he camped, it was well away from any path, road, or trail to minimze the chance of encounter. When he camped, he camped cold, unless he could find a handy cave or abandoned shelter. There he would build a fire out of sight from prying eyes. He kept the killing of game for fresh meat to a minimum to avoid drawing the attention of the odd unknown druid or elf who might be near.

And so he began his journey, alone and uneasy, but resolved.

Selunine Lhianna'anei pressed a hand against the window and stared out into the swirling mists. Eldritch patterns of filtered light danced along the wild landscape. This land of magic and mist had been her home for centuries, its mystical rhythms permeating to the core of her being. From the austere towers of her people she had watched the ages pass. Her fey eyes had watched men rise to glory and fall in disgrace. She had peered into the souls of kings and beggars alike and watched as war raged across Shrie, splitting the continent and changing its face forever. Yet she like the rest of her people had remained unchanged, impassive eternal watchers. And now as temples to forgotten powers were raised she could watch no longer. The short lived peoples of Shrie had such passion and life to them, but they lacked foresight. There were some things that had been forgotten for a reason.

"Ssselunine," a whispering reptilian voice interrupted her reverie, a whispering reptilian voice that only she could understand. Selunine turned from the window and knelt to pick up the white viper before her, Lilu, her familiar. The silvery white snake wrapped itself gently around her forearm, its liquid black eyes staring at her as she caressed underneath its chin.

"Come Lilu," she spoke in soft silvery tones "we must make ready." The fey woman glided from the window, her white gossamer skirts whispered along the cool floor beneath her. She brushed a shining strand of silver hair from her face and made her way through the tower.

Trillion sat on a stone bench in sight of the massive ten-sided Brass building that was the center of the Holy City of Alimar. Swathed in a fine grey cloak with deep green lining and multi-toned green embroidery of vines and leaves trimming it at neckline, cowl, hem and down the left and right side.. Her hood was up shielding her face beneath the deep cowl. Surprised by an unexpected touch it roused her from her contemplation of her current surroundings. She had known someone was near but the touch was what brought her out of her thoughts.

Truly she had never seen so many buildings so close together and the people milling around the crowded streets. She had watched the flow as a pattern that she was trying to figure out.

"Child, welcome to the Holy City. I see that you enjoy taking in the sights. You should be careful though. If were not who I am, this might have been lost to you forever." He says, as he produces your necklace with its large moonstone. "But, as a man of good, I give this back to you with a kind word, and no damage to it. Is this your first time being to the city? Perhaps I can show you around?"
Trillion nodded politely as she spoke quietly, her voice mellow and calm, “A trustworthy man is a treasure beyond price she intoned,” though whether she had name here suck or was it just a statement of truth. Ir was hard to say. However being polite she thanks him. “My thanks for the return of this. It was a gift from my family.” One thing could be gained from that piece of information if her clothes had not. Obviously her family was not poor not considering the value of the fine gold chain and large pear shape rainbow moonstone. Rainbow moonstones were one of her favorite gems. She did reach out for her “necklace and put it away in her pouch on her belt.

“And I thank yo for the offer of showing me around this city it is larger than any city I have ever been to before. One hears stories but the reality exceeds imagination. “ Trillion mentions and then states, “you must let me buy a meal for us both when at a time agreed upon. Lead on the day is young and there is much to see.”

She dropped by her cowl in politeness and smile at the old man, a smile that transformed the remarkable beauty of her feature to something even greater. She radiated good on top of all that as well.

Trillion hefted up her knapsack but that is all she had with her. Beside the elegantly cut traveling clothes or quality materials of soft dove grey, embroidered heavily on the edges with leaves and vines in many tones of green. The only visible weapons was a dagger at her waist in a sheath. Though she did not look like a fighter as she was tall and willowy slender. Trillion moved more with a gliding step to some unheard music and a gentle sway of her hips.

The most striking thing was she seemed totally unconscious of her stunning beauty and its affects on others. Trillion's hair was like finely spun silver caught back in tiny braids to fall back behind her well past mid back almost to her waist. Her eyes were a golden hun with dark rings, very like those of a hawk or eagle and equally intense in their regard. Trillions' skin she creamy with a faint apricot blush to her high cheeks, slightly pointed ears and the high flyaway brows and delicateness of feature clearly indicated elven blood and equally clearly there something not elven but equally beautiful of form and feature.

“I am quite curious about that ten-sided brass building. Certainly it is a uniquely magnificent structure and,” she asks companionably.

There would have been a time when the sight of a Drow in a city was an immediate death warrant, but 600 years after the Dragon Wars, the breech between Light and Dark Elves had been closed as both sides found themselves together fighting for a common victory with Humans and Dwarves and other neutral to good humanoids.

She took in a long cool breath of sea air. 600 years ago Badon was a inland town, then when the continent broke as the dragons shrine split off from the mainland at the end of the war, Badon became a seaport and a major transport hub. Morasennarion loved the many strange people that came through, though they never caused the city any trouble. She loved to listen to their tales of other places, of epic battles, of heroes and heroines, of dangerous quests, and lovers.

Nearing the tavern she hurried, least one of her sibs finds her. She was supposed to be home, either helping her father or her mother, she was their daughter, but she was nothing like them. Not for her the duties of faith, her full Drow mother was a Priestess of Eilistraee and though she had taken Eilistree as her Goddess, it was not to serve her as her mother did. Morasennarion had taken to the sword like a fish takes to water, She learned all the forms and dances that were used to honor the Goddess, but she wanted to use the forms in a completely different way. Drathir An'ar Kenlyl (Moon Dancer Sworn to the Blade) her mother and her Drow and Gold Dragon father Zekaun Linath (Dragon Song, of the Noble Line of Dragons) often argued about Morasennarion, who seemed not to follow her mother or her father’s occupations.

“I would be pleased if she did follow me, I have more than enough patrons who pay well for my instruments,” Zekaun said one late night a few years back, thinking Mora was asleep. “The girl has a love of music, an excellent voice and a talent with harp and recorder, but it is not in her to make musical instruments, though she could easily take up the profession of Bard. Dear Heart, we must let her find her own way.”

Mora was on her way to to take up the training of a warrior the next day. It took a bit of time to to find esactly what he wanted, but in time she did. To repay her parents for the price of her training she would train hard in the morning and then go to help her mother at the temple and her father at his shop. Her only free teime was when she went to the local taverns and pubs to gather stories and tunes to play. She found that hse could make a far amount of coin by singing and playing in the evenings at the pubs.

Morasennarion was on her way to the local pub. It had been a hard day at work, and she was in need of a nice drink to ease her muscles and relax her. Walking in to a pub called the Hopping Fish, she walked right up to the bar and sat down. The bartender, Hector, gave her a knowing smile and mouthed One second. I'll be right there to her, as he turned back to the patron whom he was currently serving.

Morasenarion sat down, right as the door chimed again as it opened, and a cloaked figure walked in. Looking around, the figure shuffles along the bar floor, making no audible sound amongst the cheer and mirth of the pub, and sits down right next to you. From within the cloak, a thin, dry voice comes out:

"Eh, you. You wanna hear about what Oi found the other day? I''s a really good find, and you can be the first to know about it. Eh? Whaddaya say? It'll only cost you a beer and a good meal. Which is far less than it's worth Oi tell ya. Oi be givin' you a bargain. Eh? Whaddaya say eh?"
She stretched and concentrating on relaxing her muscles as she gauged the voice that issued out from under the hood.
“Tis natha bwael tangi whol natha statha. Tis a good day for a story,” she says in Drow and the again in Common just to watch for added reactions. She had been carefully watching his body even under the cloak, tell tale signs that gave her information about the old man.

What is it that you will like for me to do once he reaches his destination Achilles asks Taori.

Let's get going to Badon he said to Linus.
Achilles waits ten minutes after departure from Taori before he begins to question the man.

Who are you?
Where did you come from?
What were you doing out there?
What's this about dragons?
How do you know Taori?
How does he know about dragons?
What's this about dragon?
Tell me all you know of dragon, sir.
What's this about dragons?

(OOC: I'll add more of what Achilles looks like in thirty minutes. WHAT'S THS ABOUT DRAGONZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!)

The Misty Isle | Year 593 NDE
Selunine walked along the corridor of the tower. Arriving at the staircase, she began her descent. The staircase spun around endlessly, is a small, spiraling pattern. The windows revealed the city coming closer, and closer. Small gusts of wind blew into the tower, brushing her face and flowing through her hair.

Arriving at the bottom of the stairs, Selunine sees someone blocking the door, preventing her from getting out. The person, a white porcelain mask covering their face, speaks in a cool voice. "Selunine, my child, where are you going? Are you shirking your studies? This tower holds many secrets, surely you don't know them all?"

Selunine recognizes the voice as that of the grandmaster of the tower - Mistress Arianna. You have never seen her in person before, though you have seen many pictures, and heard her voice as she magically communicates to the inhabitants of the tower with magic. She continues to speak to you.

"The outside world is not safe for us. Our people are safe here. Place your trust in me, do not leave." Something about her tone sounds like she is not telling the whole truth, only what she feels is necessary. Another gust of wind blows through the open window on either side of the door, reminding you of why you're here.

Badon | Year NDE 593
Morasennarion looked at the figure as she spoke. Their body shifts somewhat as she speaks in Drow, then again when she repeats it in Common. From what she could tell, they didn't understand Drow, but left it behind when she spoke in common. As he leans forward to get closer to you, he slips slightly on the seat. His hood briefly going up, you catch a glimpse of grey skin, and blue eyes. However, you are still unable to gage whether this figure is a man or woman.

"There y'are Mo! I see you got a friend too! What can I get ya? Our special today is a nice soup with rabbit, beef, and chicken mixed in." The friendly, booming voice of Hector interrupts the cloaked man right before he begins his tale. The young, burly bartender smiles warmly at the two of you. His dark blue eyes gleam with warmth, and his shoulder waist length blond braid is neatly tied behind his back.

(OOC: Order anything you'd like, he'll bring it to you soon enough.)
As Hector returns with what you ordered, and the special which the cloaked figure ordered, Hector says, "Look, I'd love to talk to ya Mo, but we're real busy tonight. I'll catch ya some other time. Enjoy!" And with that, he leaves the two of you, helping the other patrons.

After slurping a bit of the soup, the cloaked figure beside you coughs, and begins again. "Alright, so as Oi was sayin', I got a good story for ya. I found this cave out a little ways right? A right big cave, very nice. Oi was feeling kinda tired, so Oi decide to go in and try to sleep right? Nice and sheltered, ya know. So Oi goes in there, and what do I see?"

He stops, his head turning either way, to see if there's any listeners. He leans closer, so close you can feel his breath, and whispers. "Oi sees a dragon. A big dragon. Wings and everything? It blew acid at me - acid! - and Oi decided to run. Oi escaped just in time. Oi had to tell someone. And Oi mean, you seemed like a pretty lass, ya know? Felt like it'd be nice to tell ya. You wanna come and see this dragon? Oi swear that's what it was. Real one. In the flesh. Oi wouldn't lie to ya."

Madra | Year 36 DE
Gnurk-Ogh left his masters cave, not knowing what to expect. He had decided to travel to the city of Badon, that was the largest city in his proximity, probably where the most unrest was coming from. He would wedge them out, and bring them to his master.

However, he was concerned about his masters promise. Was he really about to become a dragon. That was not what he wanted. But his choice was either death, or carry out his masters will. For now anyways...

As he neared Badon, after weeks of traveling, Gnurk-Ogh was tiring. Already he had magically changed his appearance, being viewed as a human now, not a draconic half-orc. People were usually more inclined to speak with something that was closer to their appearance. He had not heard anything about eliminating dragons on his travels so far, but his master knew what he was talking about. There would be unrest, Gnurk was sure of it.

At the top of a large hill, Gnurk gazed out, and saw Badon. It was now only a day away. But now, fatigue had settled in, and Gnurk looked to they sky. Clouds were heavy, and the smell of rain was in the air. Gnurk surveyed the land, seeking an easy place for shelter. There was a copse of trees to the west of the city, a cave to the east, a bridge close by which he could probably crawl under.

"Howdy stranger!"

A call came from behind him. A man in a straw hat and ripped clothes waved at Gnurk. "Weather's rollin' in! You might wanna find shelter. It's not nice being outside in this kinda weather. You wanna come stay with me in my house? It might not be too big, but it's stable enough. Good cover from the rain."

Gnurk considered his choices. Should he take the cave, the bridge, the forest, or this man's offer?

The Holy City of Alimar | Year 593 NDE
Trillion Starheart followed the grandfatherly man through the city. The massive buildings stood on either side of her, and the cries of the people at the marketplace were louder than any animal roar she had heard. The grandfatherly man speaks casually to her as they walk through the busy streets.

"This is what the city is like most days, except for the holy days. On those days, everyone gathers in the temples around the city, and we pray. I am one of the priests here, I lead the prayer. Oh, quick, turn here." He says, as he notices a cart move. "This is a shortcut, much easier to make it to the hall of heroes, which is that ten sided brass building."

"Oh, and I'm terribly sorry, I fear I haven't introduced myself to you. I am Father Lekain, priest of Pelor in the Holy City of Alimar. I will be your guide for today, and will gladly join you for a bite to eat, when the time calls for it."

"Now, as for where we are going. The Hall of Heroes was erected over 550 years ago. It was made in honour to celebrate the ten heroes which banished the dragons during the great war. Sadly, none of the heroes are known of anymore, though their weapons and spell books are still housed within the building. We pay our respects to them for giving us a world like the one we have, one safe, and free of those horrible abominations that once walked this land. Let's see, these are the heroes:

Morion, 'The Flame' , master of magic.
Elwood, 'The Panther', blade of truth.
Taori, 'The Wind', eye of the storm.
Shensing, 'The Shadow', watchful eye.
Mia, "The Eagle', master archer.
Baldorf, 'The Tiger', strength of good.
Marchand, 'The Unique', the half-dragon.
Asher, 'The Song', voice of reason.
Alexandra, 'The Scorpion', master of the blade.
Louise, 'The Breath of Life', miracle healer."

His brow furrows. "I believe that's correct. Unfortunately, I don't know their weapons off the top of my head, so we'll have to wait until we get there to see them. Any questions so far?"

The Nagata Desert | Year 593 NDE
"When you reach your destination Achilles, I want you to make sure that nobody believes a thing this man says. He is dangerous.
As they were walking, Linus chuckled and said to Achilles "I thought you'd ask me some things. I'll answer anything you ask me." Achilles asked his questions to the guest of his lord. Chuckling, the man replied,

"I am Linus, an Old friend of your Lord's. However, it seems that in our time apart, he and I have... shifted in our goals that we once had as children. It seems as though he will not help me in my goals."

"I came from a village just outside of this desert, though you probably do not know it. It is called Aria. It is also where Taori came from."

"I came out here to seek Taori's help in something that we had dreamed of when we were children, and when we were early adults... however, he didn't seem to want to help me."

As you ask about dragons, the man smiles. "So, you heard about the dragons did you? Well, once, long ago, dragons walked the earth besides men. As history writes, they were all eliminated, or banished to another realm. However, I don't believe that they all disappeared. I believe some are hiding in this desert, in a village I found once long ago, but haven't been able to find it since. Taori knows where it is, but he wouldn't tell me."

At your next question, he laughs. "Boy, if I were to tell you all I knew about dragons, we'd never stop talking until you died. I know much more than any normal human, dwarf, or even elf, would know. I've read many books. I guess you could say they're an obsession of mine."

"You said we were heading to Badon? We better hurry - the desert is long, and I don't want to take more of your time than necessary." He winks at Achilles, then motions for him to lead the way.

"While we walk, I was thinking I could ask you a few questions boy."

"How did Lord Taori meet you?"

"Why are you so interested in Dragons?"

"Would you enjoy unimaginable power?"

"What has my friend Taori told you about himself?"


The Grand Prairie | Year 593 NDE
The man walked along the plains, his armour feeling weightless on his body. He had been traveling a long time, though he was not weary. Coming up on a village, he smiles under his helmet. So this is where that cur went.

He strode into the city, his armour gleaming in the light. Heads turned to look at him. The man's ability told him that none of these people were the one he was looking for. Though he did sense his presence, and it was close enough. Walking through the streets, he looks down alleys, and inside buildings.

Suddenly, a child stands in front of him, eyes wide, and a stick in his hand. "Excuse me sir, but you're really cool. Who are you?" The child asks, awe in his voice.

"How did Lord Taori meet you?"
After i left the citadel, he just kind of took me in. And since then i have followed him on his travels and anywhere task or errand he needs i have done.


"Why are you so interested in Dragons?"
Interesting things could be an interest to many, plus i am not even sure if there is a dragon that remains.


"Would you enjoy unimaginable power?"
(OOC: Would my infusrance premiums go up)
Intrested

"What has my friend Taori told you about himself?"
Little, but enough. You probably know more, care to tell?



Unless there is anything else to do, any detours or anything, Badon or bust. Know of any "Short-Cuts" *wink* that will lead to Badon.

(OOC: Needs moar emphasizes.)

Selunine descended the spiral staircase with a purposeful grace, feeling the coolness of each step. She allowed herself the occasional glance out a window, a city of white monoliths rising out of the mists. Gusts of wind sporadically blew into the tower, and she welcomed the caresses flowing over her skin and through her hair. In many ways she epitomized the Aos Si, she embodied beauty and mystery. Any inhabitant of the world she watched would have been awestruck at the sight of her. Selunine was unspeakably beautiful, long shining silver hair framed an exquisitely sculpted face with cool skin and shining violet eyes. Close fitting flowing robes of white gossamer highlighted her lithe figure, yet allowed for free movement. Descending the stairwell she was an apparition of moonlight made flesh.

Her mind raced. She stood at the precipice of change. For centuries this had been her world, and here she was making her way to leave. A tremor rushed through her, and she steddied herself against the tower wall. Soon she would be beyond the mists, and would set foot a stranger in an alien world. Breathing deeply she continued to the bottom of the stairwell.

At the stairwell landing she came to face a figure blocking her departure from the tower. Stopping she regarded the masked one before her, violet eyes tracing the contours of the porcelain mask.

"Selunine my child, where are you going?" the figure spoke in a cool feminine voice "Are you shirking your studies? This tower holds many secrets, surely you don't know them all?" Recognition of the woman's voice washed over her., Mistress Arianna, the grandmaster of the tower. For centuries she had listened to the woman's voice magically projected throughout the tower. She felt no surprise that her leave taking had been noticed. There was precious little her people did not know, and what little they did not know they could find out. Such was their way.

"The outside world is not safe for us. Our people are safe here. Place your trust in me, do not leave," Arianna spoke again in the silvery cool tones of the Aos Si. Yet something lay obfuscated just beyond her words, interlaced with every pitch and syllable. What did she know of the dangers that lay in the outside world? How had Arianna come to know those dangers? It had been ages untold since the world had even remembered the touch of the Aos Si. A gust of wind blew into the tower, dancing with silver hair and white robes. Awakened by the wind Selunine steeled herself and stared into the porcelain masked face before her. Deference was not in her nature.

"Mistress Arianna," she intoned her greeting softly. "The world is changing, and I can no longer stand by and watch. Now is the time to act. Shrines have been erected to Melios," Selunine spoke with a cool calm. "That which should remain forgotten has been remembered." She stood unmoving regarding Arianna, waiting for another glimpse of what lay hidden behind her words.

The Holy City of Alimar | Year 593 NDE

Trillion Starheart follows the old man through the busy streets she had never sen so many people gathered so together in one place. He proves to a a font of information, and finaly introduce himself as a priest during her tour he mentioned

"Oh, and I'm terribly sorry, I fear I haven't introduced myself to you. I am Father Lekain, priest of Pelor in the Holy City of Alimar. I will be your guide for today, and will gladly join you for a bite to eat, when the time calls for it."

When the good father mention that they would do dinner later Trillion understood what was not said. In exchange for his “services” as a guide this day she know she would be the one footing the bill for dinner. So be it. A fair enough exchange and It was pleasant to be alble to learn about this place from someone who know it. She set about to learn as much as she could and she was a cheerful companion.

He exolaing about the large brass building "Now, as for where we are going. The Hall of Heroes was erected over 550 years ago. It was made in honour to celebrate the ten heroes which banished the dragons during the great war. He point them out as then got to the building
“Let's see, these are the heroes:

Morion, 'The Flame' , master of magic.
Elwood, 'The Panther', blade of truth.
Taori, 'The Wind', eye of the storm.
Shensing, 'The Shadow', watchful eye.
Mia, "The Eagle', master archer.
Baldorf, 'The Tiger', strength of good.
Marchand, 'The Unique', the half-dragon.
Asher, 'The Song', voice of reason.
Alexandra, 'The Scorpion', master of the blade.
Louise, 'The Breath of Life', miracle healer."

Trillion listened carefully and repeated each name and identification as he named them, It helped her to remembered what she heard.

"Howdy stranger!", came from benid him. In spite of himself, Gnurk was surprised, frustrated, and impressed, all at the same time. He was so "rooster-confiodent" that he had not bothered at any point furing his hourney to see if he had been followed. Even now, he was not sure that was the case. But the man, for all the tatters that he wore, skillfully moved as silently as a cat on the prowl.

Turning to face the the voice behind him, he heard the man speak of the obvious storm rolling in, and the offered to Gnurk of shelter in his home, which Gnurk assumed was nearby.

Gnurk's opened his mouth to reply that he was fine, thanks, but stopped himself. If the man lived this close to the city of Badon. he could have knowledge that would be invaluable to Gnurk in accomplishing his goal. While not able to change the deep, rumbling timber of his voice, Gnurk was able, with a minimum of effort, to thenge the quality of it to a softer, more "human" smoothness.

"I accept your offer of shelter, good sir, with much appreciation. Please lead the way."

Even as he commited himself to this action, Gnurk felt a pang of regret. His current appearance was maintained by a spell that was soon to expire, and he was not sure whether or not he should reveal himself as a practitioner of magic in an effort to bolster his sel-altered appearance with his last spell in reserve. Regardless, sometime during the night, he was going to revert to his true form and possibly cause this man anything from alienation to terror. While that was of no real concern to him, it meant that he would have to get the information he sought as soon as possible, while the man wass accepting of him as he appeared. So why not start now?

"I am a traveler from a far land. I have heard of the city of Badon, as most have but, again like most, I have never been there before. Do you know much about the city? Are there people I should maybe watch out for or be wary of?"

"There y'are Mo! I see you got a friend too! What can I get ya? Our special today is a nice soup with rabbit, beef, and chicken mixed in." The friendly, booming voice of Hector interrupts the cloaked man right before he begins his tale. The young, burly bartender smiles warmly at the two of you. His dark blue eyes gleam with warmth, and his shoulder waist length blond braid is neatly tied behind his back.
"Make it 2 of everything, big bowls of soup, some of your mother’s crusty bread, butter, honey, two mugs of fine ale and some fruit tarts and anything else my companion would like,” Mora orders for them., then turns to the man. "Ok. let's hear the story."
As Hector returns with what you ordered, and the special which the cloaked figure ordered, Hector says, "Look, I'd love to talk to ya Mo, but we're real busy tonight. I'll catch ya some other time. Enjoy!" And with that, he leaves the two of you, helping the other patrons.

After slurping a bit of the soup, the cloaked figure beside you coughs, and begins again. "Alright, so as Oi was sayin', I got a good story for ya. I found this cave out a little ways right? A right big cave, very nice. Oi was feeling kinda tired, so Oi decide to go in and try to sleep right? Nice and sheltered, ya know. So Oi goes in there, and what do I see?"

He stops, his head turning either way, to see if there's any listeners. He leans closer, so close you can feel his breath, and whispers. "Oi sees a dragon. A big dragon. Wings and everything? It blew acid at me - acid! - and Oi decided to run. Oi escaped just in time. Oi had to tell someone. And Oi mean, you seemed like a pretty lass, ya know? Felt like it'd be nice to tell ya. You wanna come and see this dragon? Oi swear that's what it was. Real one. In the flesh. Oi wouldn't lie to ya."
“Now what would a black dragon be doing around here,” she whispers lowly to him, “and why would I want to risk my life to go see it. Even if it was there.” and she doubts it, “then it would be gone now since you found it out.”

“When was the last time you saw it and how far away is it?” (Sense Motive check)

The Misty Isle | Year 593 NDE
"Selunine, darling, you are misguided. The outside world is changing, for sure, but not ours, therefore we do not intervene."

"Melios was a figure of great power, so it is only natural that power is respected an honoured. It has been logged, and it will be logged when the citizens of the otherworld destroy them. Now though, I ask you to return to your studies."

As she speaks, you can feel your mind be attacked. However, your magical protection against such attacks helps you keep your focus. With a quick tracing of the magical pattern, you discover that Arianna was attempting to cast suggestion on you.

Seeing her spell fail, the violet eyes narrow. "You seek to disobey me, my child? Everything you know you have learned here. Would you show it disrespect by throwing it away, going to a world of corruption and hate?" Stepping aside from the door, she folds her arms in front of her chest.

"Well my child? What is it? Your home, or the world of corruption?"

(OOC:Important rolls - Will Save: 27, Spellcraft - 32)

Badon | Year 593 NDE
The man hesitates a bit. "Well, ya' see miss, Oi didn't see the dragon moiself... so Oi dunno about it being black or not. Oi don't know much about 'em... only that they be ferocious, evil beasts that prey on innocent women and children. But the heroes o' loight killed 'em all years ago. Now they back though. Oi swear!"

"But Oi did hear some clinkin' as Oi ran outta there. Maybe he got a hoard in there or something? Oi dunno, Oi just thought a fine mistress like yerself would enjoy it."

At Morasenarion's question, he says: "Look, didn't you get that last time Oi explained it to ya? Oi saw it when I was trying to find a place ta sleep tonight. It blew at me, then Oi ran 'ere. And how in the bleedin' Abyss should I know how far it went, if it did? I wasn't eager to stick around, get melted and eaten by this dragon."

"Oh, and with all this lovely food, Oi'm rememberin' more and more. As I was just leavin' the cave, Oi could hear cursing, or something. A really angry voice. Sounded like normal though... almost human Oi thinks."

As you listen to his tale, you gauge the verity of his statements. His comment about the food making him remember is a bloody lie, it's obvious he's just trying to get a bit more of a bite to eat.

Everything else however... oddly enough, all the signs of his body, tone of his voice... they agree with his story. This man is telling the truth.

(OOC: Important Rolls- Sense Motive: 17)

Near Badon | Year 36 DE
The man smiles broadly, showing a few missing teeth. "Great sir! If you just come follow me, I'll take you to my home! It's rare we see company this far out here... usually everyone stays to the road on the way to Badon. They usually bustle by, busy about something. Well, come on then." The man turns and starts walking away.

Calling to Gnurk-Ogh behind him, he says, "Sorry friend, I forgot to get your name? What might it be? I'm named John myself. Where you from?"

As he speaks to you, he wanders down a curved path away from the city. After about 20 minutes, the rain starts to slowly come down, accompanied by a large rumble. "Oh jeepers. It's coming in now, isn't it. Well, that's my house, let's hurry." He points to a small shack on a hill. He runs up, and holds the door open for you, ushering you in.

"So, just what were you doing over there today? Can I get you something to drink? How about to eat?"

The Holy City of Alimar | Year 593 NDE
"Here we are Trillion. The hall of heroes. In all it's glory. They say the gods marvel in glory at this building. I will prove as your history guide through here."

As Father Lekain walks into the building through it's large oaken double door, he smiles warmly at the guards. "Good afternoon. Don't worry about the new one - she's with me. Put it on my tab." Beckoning to you, he smiles "Come, let's go. There are many things to see."

As you walk into the main hall, you see many different hallways. In Celestial, with common written underneath it, are signs pointing in each direction of the hallways, explaining which hallway is which. There are the following exhibits:

Dragon Fall
Heroes
Villains
History
Melios?
Weapons and Tomes
Gift Shop.

The Nagata Deserts - Outskirts | Year 593 NDE
"Haha, good boy Achilles - I thought you would be interested in power. Now, as you know, dragons once roamed this world. They had unimaginable power over humans. However, the heroes of light vanquished them. This is common knowledge."

"However, I have reason to believe that dragons still walk this land, in this desert. There was a village I'd been to once. Humans and dragons lived hand in hand, even though the war was going on. I don't believe that they left that village. If you were to bring dragons back into the world, have them under your control, then you would have unimaginable power, would you not?"

"If you don't want this power, I will follow you where you would send me. But They are out there. Someone will find them, and it might as well be the two of us, right?"

The man smile with a gleam in his eye after explaining about the dragons. "As for Taori... remember how the heroes of light banished the dragons? They knew more than anyone about the dragons. I was once Taori's student, seeking knowledge about dragons... 800 years ago. Taori himself fought in that war. A hero of light. Your master. And he never told you? I'm surprised..." Linus smiles at you, stopped at the edge of the desert. Waiting for you to lead him one way or the other.

The sun beat down on the diminutive figures of a man with his horse trotting beside him, trekking across the vast plains. The rays of bright light shone against the heavy set of armour that covered the human's hulking frame. Prisms and rainbows spilled across the cracking grass of the gently rolling hills laid out to the bright, wavering horizon. Standing on that indistinct line that split the land from the sky was the tiny form of a village and this was the destination of the man who was traveling across the wide and brutal prairies under the great sun and the weight of his full plate which shone with a magical luminosity. He was handsome, strikingly so. His brown hair was cut short, revealing the perfectly sculpted face frame. It wasn't slender, or built with the high cheek bones of the evils nor broad and sunken as the dwarves but strong and wide but still thin with large kind brown eyes beneath his thick eyebrows that left a path between them for his nose, perhaps slightly larger than normal but more alluring for it. His ears stuck out just a little too much which gave him a childish appeal, almost cute if not for the scar running just behind his ear to his jawbone that gave him a mysterious dangerous that lurked underneath his cheerful appearance. Despite his body being entirely hidden in the plates of armour that protected him, it was obvious he was a man of considerable strength and muscle. He was a man of clear confidence, his strides were purposeful and powerful and took him quickly across the barren lands. There was a determination within his compassionate eyes, he had a quest and a suspicion that it lay within the village he was rapidly approaching.

Abraham Mercyblade had been hunting down the man for too long and he was eager to complete what he had set out to do it was time to move on. One of his hands rested on the flanks of Brahmin, his hulking warhorse and the other was rested upon the hilt of his greatsword, it too was eager to feel the sting of justice, the bite of Heironeous' balance, it hungered for liberation as well.

As he entered the streets of the city, Abraham heaved a sigh, it seemed the man he followed would not make it simple. His sense told him he was near enough and yet there was still some hunting left to do.

Suddenly there was a boy before him, Abraham smiled wildly, he loved children he knelt down upon one knee resting his hand upon his sword and looking kindly into the eye of the young boy. "My name is Abraham, and what is your name young lad?" He had spoken gently but also firmly to the kid. He hated patronizing and this boy was his equal within his mind.

((OOC: expected longer, sorry about the gboy, ps. I wrote a lot about the landscape, if I'm wrong I'll edit it out))

Mora only nodded as the man replied, "Here's for another bowl of stew and bread, Have Hector give you a corner to sleep in and after I am done here I will meet you here in the morning. She tossed him enough copper to cover a second helping, for she gausge that he had spoken truthfully about what he had experienced.

The rest of he evening she sits to the side of the bar and plays her harp and pan pipes. Tonight was going to be a good night, with the Tavern filled with patrons.

Mora played sad songs and happy ones, love songs and songs of heroes, and then there were the drinking songs, the type everyone knew the chorus to, or even all the words and they would sing along. Such songs made for dry throats and that meant more drinking. If business was very good after a night of preforming, Hector or his father, the owner of the Taveern, would throw in a few coins on top off what the patrons tossed into her harp case.