“That’s a load of crap, pulled out of a bard’s arse by the pointy-ears themselves,” Da’ Moon rasped from her corner. “The damned elves invaded, bringing the dragons with them, and humans were lucky to survive their murderous ways. Took us long enough to pull together and kick them back over the borders, where they can practice their filthy magics on themselves.”

Char’s focus shifted slowly from Matthias to the little rogue as she drew a breath and hitched her shoulders uncomfortably, perhaps realizing all eyes were on her. “Besides, Dwan, disappearing cattle? Missing villagers? Undead warriors? Sounds like you need Kilgim and a whole church full of his brethren to go bless the place. Maybe some ‘mages of vast power’ to blast those that aren’t undead, but this isn’t the sort of thing you need me for. Put me back in jail if you want to, I’ll just let myself out later.”

The ranger chuckled and took another sip of his drink while pretending to find something interesting in a tapestry across the way so as to avoid the possibility of meeting Da’ Moon’s eyes and running the risk of her finding the mirth in his eyes. He found her contrariness amusing because he knew that she couldn’t possibly figure herself out of the equation here—Dwan had gone through a great deal apparently to get you to make this meeting, more so than he’d worked to find the woodsman camped in the wilds miles from the city. So, he doubted that the ruler of Freegate would just up and allow the rapscallion to return to her accommodations in the dungeons that easily. She did have a point however…

“Aye, tho’ da lad’s as bitin’ as swamp ‘squitos, ‘e makes a poin’ Dwan,” Char said through a half smile carried over from his earlier entertainment. “Dare ain’ nuttin’ I gots ‘gains’ strong arms an’ goo’ steal—fac’ I ‘fere it t’ all da mystica’ hooba-jooba, bu’ undead be proven t’ be da domain o’ those touch by da gods. So, we gonna git some o’ da various church’s ‘elp, er we jus’ da scoutin’ party?”

The grimy woodsman wasn’t afraid of much when it came to the natural world—All things had a place, a function, and a pattern despite the impression most of those who lived within the safety of a walled city received from animals they’d witnessed in the wild—but from the point where Arien was flung through a stone wall, to the instance when Char felt the life being crushed out of him by the green-armed Imperial, the ranger had felt a growing respect for magic that bordered on fear. The events in the Duke’s keep had been strange, to be sure, and he still felt pangs of loss over Daida’s condition—that reminded him (as another pang of guilt rose up in his chest) that he hadn’t visited her for some time. Despite the sudden memory of his love’s condition he kept the half-smile on his face waiting on Dwan’s answer, though the mirth had drained from his crystalline blue eyes like water from an overturned cup.

Adrian was easy to find. He was quite accustomed to the underworld by now - participating in prize fights both legal and illegal, and even learning to cheat his way to victory with magic. There was a thrill to controlled fighting, being watched and having wagers placed on you. A glimpse into the life of Maximus - it wasn't that bad actually. Of course the brute had been a slave, unpaid and forced to fight while his masters made money, not unlike the Reds, really. But that was behind him now. Adrian informed his bookers that he would be taking a leave of fighting and set off to reunite with his employer. Hopefully another Nemesis could be found - a bonus reward is nothing to sneeze at.

He was pretty early, and was able to watch most of his comrades meander in, share some small talk about their time away, and speculate as to the next mission. Little did they know the amount of studying and training that had gone on in the past few months. Valentine was practically a new man able to withstand twice the punishment he was before, and doubly confident in his powers. Though prize fighting had also taught him temperance, and that often the most arrogant is the most targeted. This time he would hide his newfound abilities until needed.

After Matthais was introduced, Adrian sort of breathed a sigh of relief. This man looks to be a proper mage, one who would surely draw the ire and fire of his foes. Still, it was a bit unsettling getting used to a "replacement" for Jal. A bird? What ever happened to a good old rodent familiar, eh Killer? Adrian thought as he took a sip of his Rot Gut. Sour as always, but it helped him feel more rugged, even though he knew deep down that no self-respecting man would willingly drink this except to show off. He was still new to the banger underground afterall, he was allowed to succumb to some stereotypes. Good nuts. Make more money. Buy more expensive nuts.
Killer had a one-track mind since all the gold started rolling in. *sigh*

The story of the Blood Wars was intriging. At least from the academic standpoint. Between her fighting style, attitude and now her retelling of the Imperial version of history there was no more doubt in his mind that Dapple was indeed a former Green.

"The invasion of the elves, dragons and shadows is what catalyzed the formation of the Empire. Of course how much of that we can trust is still up in the air. I'll be happy to relate more of the 'official' history at a later time. As to now, I can promise that behind every undead is something with a squishy part that can be stabbed by non-magical hands. The mystical are actually not all that mystical, often times a good whetstone is just as effective as a weeks worth of prayer.

"Regardless, I am eager to set out once more under your jurisdiction. Archmages always hoard the best goodies and trinkets."

“How much do any of you know about the Elven blood wars?”

Matthias stood up and gave his rendition of the historic war, followed by Dapple’s short but decisively different version of the story.

“So,” Char said into the silence Matthias had left behind. “Ya tinks we be facin’ sum’tin’ demonic an’ undead dis time?”

Dapple replied, “Besides, Dwan, disappearing cattle? Missing villagers? Undead warriors? Sounds like you need Kilgim and a whole church full of his bretheren to go bless the place. Maybe some “mages of vast power” to blast those that aren’t undead, but this isn’t the sort of thing you need me for. Put me back in jail if you want to, I’ll just let myself out later.”

“Aye, tho’ da lad’s as bitin’ as swamp ‘squitos, ‘e makes a poin’ Dwan,” Char said through a half smile. “Dare ain’ nuttin’ I gots ‘gains’ strong arms an’ goo’ steal—fac’ I ‘fere it t’ all da mystica’ hooba-jooba, bu’ undead be proven t’ be da domain o’ those touch by da gods. So, we gonna git some o’ da various church’s ‘elp, er we jus’ da scoutin’ party?”

Adrian chimed in, "The invasion of the elves, dragons and shadows is what catalyzed the formation of the Empire. Of course how much of that we can trust is still up in the air. I'll be happy to relate more of the 'official' history at a later time. As to now, I can promise that behind every undead is something with a squishy part that can be stabbed by non-magical hands. The mystical are actually not all that mystical, often times a good whetstone is just as effective as a weeks worth of prayer. Regardless, I am eager to set out once more under your jurisdiction. Archmages always hoard the best goodies and trinkets."

Dwan opened his mouth to answer when suddenly Maximus came crashing to the floor with a rather surprised and very unheroic yelp. All eyes turned to look at the gladiator and he arose from his slumber shaken and dusty from his fall. The chair upon which he’d been sitting appears to have crumbled completely into dust – actually pink iridescent dust that seems to cling to Maximus’s armour and clothing like sparkly glue. As much as he tries to brush it off, it just seems top spread further over his armour.

Matthias’ bird suddenly squawks loudly, “Pretty in Pink! Caw! Caw! Caw! Pretty in Pink!”

“Do you might if we continue Maximus?” Dwan asks while barely holding back laughter. The Dwarf clears his throat, “This is why I never trust wooden chairs. Give me a stone bench any day. Now, back to the business at hand. I want you to go as the scouting party to be sure. But I don’t believe for a minute that this is what it appears to be – so I’m sending you people. I think that someone or something is using the Zephur legend as a front to cover something else. You have been my best weapon against unknown strangeness and when a hammer works, you don’t change it for a pair of tongs. As to you Dapple Moon, you be going for the same reason you went on the last two missions – because some people tell me you are indispensable as a team member and apparently good at those dark arts that we need not list here. No one is forcing you to go though and I have no need for you in prison. I’m sure that Fast Toes could supply me with another one better than you, and let the hobbit decide your fate.”

“The reason I bring up the blood wars, despite some inventive histories, is the gates.” Gwanele continued, “Matthias is correct in the knowledge that the gates were the key to the demons that attacked this realm. Instead of providing instantaneous transport to another part of this world, they opened up rifts in the dimension itself. The gems you found at the tower were cut in a particular way that, when I researched it, was used as the focus for the elven gates. Now no one alive knows how to make one or even activate it if they did. It is believe that you couldn’t without the old magic of the elves anyway. But, you have gems cut for gates, a commander with a demon’s arm, demon’s possessing, and a powerful old magic artifact all in one place over a short time – all linked to the empire. It makes me nervous.”

Dwan added, “Now this probably has nothing to do with this mission, but you keep surprising me with your ability to find trouble. So I wanted you to know about this, just in case.”

Gwanele nodded, “One more thing. The being that held Alloryn called herself the Green Goddess and from what we can tell of your reports, was weak in darkness and powerful in the sun. I could find no reference to a green goddess or even a demon of that nature.”

(Assuming some conversation)

“It will be a five day journey to the town of Hevlorn. Supplies will be made available as well as funds out of the promised payment. Each of you will receive a pair of healing potions and holy water will be available to any who feel the need. Any questions?”

When Maximus’ chair gave way and dumped him to the floor, Dapple’s reflexes kicked in almost before her brain knew what her ears had heard. She’d whirled around to face Maximus, crouched low, with one dagger held by its tip and cocked to throw, the other held along her raised forearm as a brace. When he yelped and she’d had a second to register what had happened, she straightened and sheathed her daggers, snickering at the pink cloud of dust enveloping the former gladiator. Matthias’ bird squawked insults, and Dapple almost felt sorry for the big fellow. Almost.

“Beef and beer,” she pronounced drily from within her hood,” big man’s downfall.” Her hands shook slightly with the adrenaline still surging within her, and it didn’t escape her that her dagger had been aimed at Maximus’ heart. Still too slow, little monster the dead voice stilled her shaking immediately. Had there been real danger, you would be dead by now. That dust is magic, yet you didn’t see any of the mages here mutter and wave their hands about. What do you think that means?
Dwan called the meeting back to order while Dapple scowled at the significance of her thoughts. She was pretty certain she hadn’t seen anyone “casting”, as Alloryn had called it, so was someone here invisible? But Alloryn had also explained that invisibility spells were dispelled by acts aimed against others, like attacks and spell casting…

“As to you Dapple Moon,” Dwan interrupted her thoughts, “you be going for the same reason you went on the last two missions – because some people tell me you are indispensable as a team member and apparently good at those dark arts that we need not list here. No one is forcing you to go though and I have no need for you in prison. I’m sure that Fast Toes could supply me with another one better than you, and let the hobbit decide your fate.”

Dapple had been about to argue when Dwan mentioned Fast Toes, and she realized she’d been truly out-manoeuvred by the dwarf. Fast Toes had certain arrangements with the leader of Freegate, and wouldn’t appreciate Dapple being fractious without good reason. There was also the matter of the market incident. Protection money from market stall owners was a good source of income to the Thieves Guild, and one of their own had just staged a personal war in the middle to it. Maybe leaving town for a while wasn’t such a bad idea.

Dapple snarled with frustration and threw herself back into her chair with barely controlled violence. “That’s the problem with dwarves,” she tried for a light tone but her voice was strained,” unless it’s gems you’re no good at negotiating. This is where you counter with how good the reward money is, or throw a few extra potions in to sweeten the deal, not threaten to “tell on me” to my master. You already got the best, anyway.”

Maximus though he had awoken for a brief time soon found himself falling asleep once again. What did he care for elves or who was right or wrong in that war, the past was the past all he cared about was the future.

So it came as a huge angry surprise to find himself on the floor and covered in magical pink dust. As he tried to dust off the dust to no avail, not noticing Dapple with her dagger drawn, his temper was rising. So much so that when the new wizards bird piped up, “Pretty in Pink! Caw! Caw! Caw! Pretty in Pink!” he at once moved towards it and its master, clearly intending both of them harm.....

(OCC: OK short post but I wanted to give the other players time to react as Dapple and Char are faster in reaction time then Maximus is I believe. If I do reach Eol’s new character I will grab him by the throat and demand he remove the spell.

Now a little explanation as to his reaction....

1) He has never been a big fan of magic as stated in the beginning of the game and this to him is very humiliating and embarrassing in front of the others.

2) He already dislikes Eol’s new mage as he is replacing Jal, someone that Maximus cared deeply for as already stated in my last post.

3) As to why he is headed to Eol the bird hes directed his anger to its master right or wrong that’s who in his anger Maximus thinks did this too him.

4) Lastly I am also basing his reaction off of how I would feel if this happened to me. Trust me I would be HIGHLY pissed .)

Dapple snarled with frustration and threw herself back into her chair with barely controlled violence. “That’s the problem with dwarves,” Her voice was strained,” Unless it’s gems you’re no good at negotiating. This is where you counter with how good the reward money is, or throw a few extra potions in to sweeten the deal, not threaten to “tell on me” to my master. You already got the best, anyway.”

That’s when the gladiator’s chair collapsed into a heap of splintered wood barely recognizable as the lathed seat he’d settled himself into upon arriving in the room. Char’s muscles tensed, his eyes suddenly darting to where the huge man had landed with a loud “oomph!” Through the curtain of hair that swept his face, the ranger caught sight of the glowing pink dust that clouded about the fallen warrior, and his eyes instinctively went to Matthias, and then to Valentine, though the icy blues returned almost immediately to the new mage when his bird began to squawk.

“Pretty in Pink! Caw! Caw! Caw! Pretty in Pink!”

Char half rose from his seat as Maximus rose up from his disgraceful position, the gladiator’s face red, as the veins in his temples pulsed, filled with indignant rage. He wasn’t sure what he was going to do, or that he actually needed to do anything, especially within Dwan’s home. He’d always figured that the dwarf had everything pretty well in hand, and didn’t need the likes of him to interfere should trouble knock on his door. Sure, away from Freegate, Char and his friends were likely more capable of getting to the bottom of things than the dwarf’s soldiers, but inside?

A curious expression crossed the earth-covered woodsman, like that of a wolf who’d come across something odd in his hunting range. As Maximus continued on through with his motion, intent on making this new wizard pay for his insult, Char settled back into his seat, vaguely aware of Da’ Moon’s position. He’d see how this resolved, but wasn’t about to get between that mountain of muscle and someone he’d barely met who appeared to have a penchant for practical jokes. Poke the bear…

“Pretty in pink! Caw, caw, caw! Pretty in pink!”

Oh, Matthias thought at the sound of the bird’s voice so soon after that of the thud and surprised grunt of the gladiator, Oh no… what have you done, now? The warlock couldn’t bear to look.

He wasn’t paying attention, Clyde snickered, I woke him up.
At the possible cost of my life, Matthias shot back, already getting to his feet despite still not having dared to glance in the gladiator’s direction, A lesson hardly worth it to teach, I think.
Pish posh, Clyde giggled, you’ll be fine… here he comes… disintegrate him.
I think not, Matthias was finally looking at Maximus, now, and trying his best not to laugh or even so much as smile at the sight – it truly wasn’t funny... even covered in sparkling pink dust, the charging gladiator was a terrifying sight, especially since Matthias himself was the huge man’s target. In a single motion, Matthias shooed the bird from his shoulder and, muttering the word that would activate the ring of blinking he wore on his left hand, twisted the thing slightly to release its magic. Then, he held his hands up in a placating manner even though he was certain that such a gesture wouldn’t stop an enraged Sueli.

“Your anger is misdirected, friend,” he urged the charging gladiator even as a hold person spell started to weave itself together in his mind, “I apologize for your embarrassment but the spell that caused it was not mine.”

((OOC: Good place to stop I suppose… Hopefully, the ring of blinking will keep Matty from being exactly where Max is aiming… if not and/or if that doesn’t dissuade the raging bull, Hold Person on the gladiator… if all else fails… *sigh*… let’s hope all else doesn’t fail… ))

Arien was more than a little outdone with Maximus' lack of respect for Dwan and their mission, and the knight had fought hard to supress the urge to cuff him for his bad manners. So, as the gladiator's chair dissolved into sparkling pink dust that seemed to want to stick to his huge frame, Arien's first reaction was very similar to that of Dwan - except that he had less success in holding back the laughter.

Unfortunately, the big man did not see the humor in the situation; instead, his anger immediately boiled to the surface. As the new wizard's bird cawed in amusement, the gladitator took a menacing posture and moved toward the creature and its master, violent intent obvious in his very bearing.

Quickly, the heir to House Thedell lept to his feet. Though considered by the rest to be the leader of this group, Arien had always made it a point to not push the issue; he knew well that it was a bond of kinship, not of some forced loyalty, that held the party together. For the most part, everyone did their part willingly, and decisions were made as a team. In short, Arien seldom gave orders, because there was never a need to do so.

Now, though, was an exception to that rule. He could try to reason with the big man, but would Maximus hear him through the fog of his rage? No, best to nip this situation in the bud before it got out of hand.

Resplendent in his polished plate armor, Arien stepped between the gladiator and his intended target. While no small man himself, Arien did not compare in physical size to the monster that was Maximus. Even so, years of experience, tempered by a noble birthright, lent weight to the knight's bearing as Arien threw himself into full "knight commander mode."

"Stop right there, you oaf," Arien bellowed, "before anyone gets hurt! Don't be fool enough to think that Dwan will allow violence within his own hall!" Hoping that he had the big man's attention, Arien softened his tone. "Besides," he added with a smile, "it's always better to be the friend of the man who throws magical fire, is it not? Were it me in pink, you'd enjoy a good laugh, aye? So sit down, appeciate the joke, and pay our host the courtesy of your attention." The last is given in a tone that brooks no insolence.


Hopefully, the knight muses, it will be enough.

Valentine couldn't help but roll his eyes as Dapple's razor sharp wit turned their employer's deals back against him. It could be a while before he saw some real action out in the field where he belonged. Why does he belabor the point any longer than he has to?

As if answering his wish for a little something to shake the situation up a bit, Maximus crashed to the floor, covered in pink dust. The agonizingly annoying parrot let loose an apparent claim for the deed. Matthias wasted no time in raising his defenses and deflecting the cause of the spell away from himself.

At that minute, Adrian could almost feel the eyes of the room drifting towards him. Did they really think he was so petty? Great, another mage with companionship issues... was the only thought Valentine could muster as Matthias inched ever closer to ground beef status. This was not his place to intervene, but visions of amazing potential swept through his mind.

Valentine readied a grease spell, content to place it a few inches in front of Matthias. That is, unless Maximus stops.

(OOC: I'm bowling for mages... with a gladiator ball!)

Maximus was mad! Very very mad! All he could see was the new mage in his grasp begging for his life, his damn bird familiar dead at his feet, and nothing else. The built up emotions from a life in slavery, the death of a loved one and the embarrassment of being the butt of a joke all came together to fuel the rage inside him.

As he moved quickly so did the knight Arien who placed himself between ex-gladiator and soon to be battered mage.

"Stop right there, you oaf," Arien bellowed, "Before anyone gets hurt! Don't be fool enough to think that Dwan will allow violence within his own hall!" Hoping that he had the big man's attention, Arien softened his tone. "Besides," he added with a smile, "it's always better to be the friend of the man who throws magical fire, is it not? Were it me in pink, you'd enjoy a good laugh, aye? So sit down, appreciate the joke, and pay our host the courtesy of your attention." The last was given in a tone that brooks no insolence.

Maximus did for the moment come to a stop, his first thought had been to push the holier then thou knight aside, but he had fought side by side with him and so gave him a momentary measure of respect. Not looking to Arien his eyes boring straight at the new mage he let his voice be heard.

“Remove your spell or your face and your cackling bird shall pay the price, mageling”

(OOC: OK if the spell is removed then Maximus will quietly return to his seat. If it is not then I will post more depending on your next post Roger)

Note - I had to play with order of events a bit to make everything make sense.
Maximus was enraged and the focus was this new mage Matthias. He moved with a speed brought on by rage with the intention of throttling the joker and making him make amends.

“Your anger is misdirected, friend,” the mage urged the charging gladiator even as a hold person spell started to weave itself together in his mind, “I apologize for your embarrassment but the spell that caused it was not mine.”

Char and Dapple made no move to intercept Maximus. Valentine muttered a fast incantation while Arien sought to move himself between the two. Kilgim stood up and began to move towards the two as well.

Matthias vanished from sight at the instant that Maximus would have grabbed him. The floor beneath the gladiator held no grip on him anymore and he found himself moving forward still at great speed. Terrin, who was moving the drink cart at the time, turns around. For a second, those watching see a very surprised look on the young dwarf’s face just as Maximus crashed into him and the cart. Dwarf and Barbarian strike the wall then the floor with a dramatic bang.

With a brief “Poof”, Matthias reappeared next to Gwanele – actually appearing in such a way that he has his arms around the archmage in a rather suggestive manner. Gwanele seems shocked but doesn’t immediately resist the hold.

Arien can not stop his forward movement and hits the grease on the floor. The knight falls and slides across the floor, tripping the entwined mages and barrelling into Kilgim rather abruptly. Matthias fines himself on top of the comely archmage, on the floor in the middle of Dwan’s office.“Jackpot!” the rather dry face in his head says with a bawdy chuckle. ”I hook them up for you kid, now you just have to reel them in!”
Maximus comes to his feet again, still enraged, “Remove your spell or your face and your cackling bird shall pay the price, mageling” he shouts.

"Stop right there, you oaf," Arien bellowed, "Before anyone gets hurt! Don't be fool enough to think that Dwan will allow violence within his own hall!" Hoping that he had the big man's attention, Arien softened his tone. "Besides," he added with a smile, "it's always better to be the friend of the man who throws magical fire, is it not? Were it me in pink, you'd enjoy a good laugh, aye? So sit down, appreciate the joke, and pay our host the courtesy of your attention." The last was given in a tone that brooks no insolence.

‘Besides,” Kilgim says as he gets up himself, “You ain’t got any on you, laddie.”

Maxmius looks down and sees his armour is no longer covered in pink sparkles – as if the whole event never happened. Terrin then stands up rather unsteadily. The dwarf’s beard is completely speckled with pink sparkles. The dwarf brushes himself off with as much dignity as he can muster and leaves the room in the hurry.

“Caw, caw, never knew what hit him, caw”

“ENOUGH!” Dwan shouts as he smashed his hand down on his desk, “I understand the need to melt down some tin as much as anyone but we have serious business here. So unless I need to find another team, can we settle down and go conserve our energy of the enemy! Maximus! I expect you to stay awake when I summon you. Matthias! Gwanele! If you two could stop acting like elves, I would like to get on with this.”

(assuming that people settle down. The rest of the briefing will go as previously written)

Dwan sighs heavily, “Unless there are any more questions regarding the mission, then you are free to go and prepare as you see fit. Supplies and horses will be ready in the morning when you set out. The usual 100 durins is available to anyone requiring it.”

OOC: last chance for questions before you head out.

When Maximus charged Matthias, and the others rushed to intervene, Dapple briefly considered involving herself, but decided one small rogue squished among burly fighters and various spellslingers didn’t have much to contribute, and merely sidestepped out of the way. She made sure to give herself an unobstructed view, however, being quite certain that things were about to become quite interesting.

When Matthias disappeared, sending Maximus crashing into a visibly startled Terrin Have I ever seen such a thing? Dapple wondered), the thief went stock still, her expression blank and wide-eyed. Her head slowly scanned across the room, taking in Matthias and Gwanele grappling on the floor, Kilgim and Arien tumbled together and maximus in a towering rage. She blinked once, twice, before turning away and hunching her shoulders, bringing scarred hands to her face. Those not preoccupied with the spectacle before them may notice her frame shaking slightly as muffled choking sounds come from beneath the thief’s hood.

“ENOUGH!” Dwan shouts as he smashed his hand down on his desk, “I understand the need to melt down some tin as much as anyone but we have serious business here. So unless I need to find another team, can we settle down and go conserve our energy of the enemy! Maximus! I expect you to stay awake when I summon you. Matthias! Gwanele! If you two could stop acting like elves, I would like to get on with this.”

Dapple turns back to look at the leader of Irongate, a faint smirk on her otherwise stony face. She shrugs, as if the antics of the others mean nothing to her, and listens to the rest of the briefing with arms crossed and head tilted. By the time Dwan asks if there are any more questions, Dapple’s already slipped into the shadows of the room, and if nothing of interest is asked by the others, she’ll leave before the others have finished their farewells.

Char's posture slowly changed as events unfolded. He went from sitting attentively during the instructional conversation to the edge of his seat as Maximus crashed to the floor. From there he settled back in his chair, and as the warriors went crashing into each other, the educated wizard pulling a disappearing act the likes of which reminded Char of the invisible wizards from the tower, and then reappearing wrapped about Gwanelle only to fall to the ground...when all was said and done, Char was reclined, leg swung over the arm of the chair, his signature half smile riding rampant on his face. Out of the corner of his eye the ranger caught sight of Da'Moon hiding her mirth. He wasn't so cautious. A deep chuckle rolled from down inside his chest.

Of course, that ended when Dwan bellowed at the performers. Though the chuckling ended, the irreverent grin didn't. Shifting, Char had to admit to himself as he ran a hand across his beard, that he was a bit disappointed that the fun was over. They'd have precious little time or content to laugh about once they began their trek.

Dean's request for additional questions didn't spark any from the dirty woodsman, and barring any of the others raising questions, Char rolled smoothly from his chair and readjusted his leather armor, which had shifted uncomfortably during the meeting.

"Well den," he drawled easily. "Alls dat lef' be t' deci' where we be meetin' t' set out' on dis 'venture."

Once that's decided, he'll make his farewell and go off to take care of reprovisioning and remaining preparations before being required to address the matter of the investigation.

Before he fully realized what was happening, Arien was forcibly drawn into the ridiculous floor show. Maximus continued to huff and puff, while Kilgim did his best to retain his dignity. The knight did his best to follow the dwarf's lead, trying to untangle himself from the pile as if this were a natural, everyday occurance.

Dwan was understandably upset, but the knight thought that he had taken the whole silly affair quite well, all things considered. When the dwarf asked if there were any other questions, Arien shook his head.

Apparently, Char, like Arien, had had his fill of arcane mutterings, ancient history, and overlong briefings, and the woodsman cut right to the only real question of import.

"Well den," Char drawled easily. "Alls dat lef' be t' deci' where we be meetin' t' set out' on dis 'venture."

"I'd say at Dwan's stables," the knight suggested. "That way, we'll be at hand if there happens to be any last moment missive from Dwan."

While it seemed the obvious course, Arien was not particularly concerned about the meeting spot itself. If someone else wanted to go from another place, that was fine by him. Instead, he was anxious to see if he could go and find one of his ladyfriends to say goodbye to... after all, a mission meant that he'd be spending far too many nights cold and alone in the forseeable future.

Maximus was mad! Very very mad! All he could see was the new mage in his grasp begging for his life, his damn bird familiar dead at his feet, and nothing else. However that singular image, locked in his brain, overrode the Gladiators sense of his surroundings, what happened next was almost as if scripted.

A Mage blinking, a Knight greased, a Gladiator’s forward movement unstopped. Dwarves and humans crashing together my oh my.
Maximus quickly coming to his feet again was still enraged, “Remove your spell or your face and your cackling bird shall pay the price, mageling” he shouts.

"Stop right there, you oaf," Arien bellowed, "Before anyone gets hurt! Don't be fool enough to think that Dwan will allow violence within his own hall!" Hoping that he had the big man's attention, Arien softened his tone. "Besides," he added with a smile, "it's always better to be the friend of the man who throws magical fire, is it not? Were it me in pink, you'd enjoy a good laugh, aye? So sit down, appreciate the joke, and pay our host the courtesy of your attention." The last was given in a tone that brooks no insolence.

‘Besides,” Kilgim says as he gets up himself, “You ain’t got any on you, laddie.”

Maximus looked down and saw that the dwarf clerics word were correct his armor no longer covered in pink sparkles almost as if the whole event never happened. But the proof that it had was evident as Terrin stood up rather unsteadily beard completely speckled with pink sparkles. Brushing himself off with as much dignity as he could muster he turned, leaving the room in the hurry.

“Caw, caw, never knew what hit him, caw”

“ENOUGH!” Dwan shouts as he smashed his hand down on his desk, “I understand the need to melt down some tin as much as anyone but we have serious business here. So unless I need to find another team, can we settle down and go conserve our energy of the enemy! Maximus! I expect you to stay awake when I summon you. Matthias! Gwanele! If you two could stop acting like elves, I would like to get on with this.”

Maximus was still mad make no mistake but now he was more embarrassed and humiliated then angry, Dwan was right he had been wrong to fall asleep. Slowly turning to the Dwarf leader he bowed as gracefully as his bulk allowed.

“You are correct Lord Dwan I should know better then to fall asleep, whatever the subject of discussion may be. To you and all gathered, but the mage and his bird, I apologize for doing just that and ask your forgiveness. Good luck to you, my friends on this mission.”

With his apology given and without another word said the big ex-gladiator turned and left the room...........

(OOC: Ok before anyone gets the wrong idea I as a player & Maximus am still in the game . But Maximus feels so humiliated by what happened that he’s too embarrassed to go on the mission. I’m sure every one of us has felt this way, except maybe Al lol.
Plus his anger at the mage who he believes as the cause of said embarrassment has planted the thought of ‘I’ll be damned if I work with him’ in his brain. There is a great opportunity here for some good role play as I am playing Maximus the same way I would feel, and in truth have felt, if something as embarrassing happened to me.)