Scales of War [IC]

[Archpaladin Zousha]

The world has never been a safe place. Bastions of civilization populate a dark, menacing world -- islands of order and reason exist in a land otherwise overrun by dark cults, vile monsters, creatures from the dark edges of the imagination, and worse. As deadly as the world is on a normal day, something has begun to stir on the fringes of the civilized Elsir Vale. Formerly the site of an attack by an army known as the Red Hand, the Vale has known several years of peace since brave adventurers stormed into the teeth of the approaching Hand and sent them scurrying back into the darkness.

It's a peaceful evening in the town of Brindol. The sun is just starting to set, dipping below the green hills of the Elsir Vale, and the working day has just ended. Some people have been filing into the local taverns, like the Antler and Thistle, to unwind after a long day at work. Others, like yourselves, have come to the Antler and Thistle for other reasons. Whether its to relax with a pint, or enjoy a game of cards, all of you have somehow found yourself in this place.

((State where your characters are and what they're doing, and feel free to meet or chit-chat if you want. This is the calm before the storm...))

[Mystic Muse]

Zernobog is having a mug of dwarven ale in the tavern.

[Alyss]

The seemingly ten year-old Stasi is renting a room from the barman. "Just for one night, please."

[Shadow_Elf]

To Zousha:

Spoiler

Show

Can you inform me when an inn/tavern we are in is owned by Janus' dwarven friend? I'm not expecting special treatment, just for my character's in-character ties to be realistic/relevant

A humanoid figure cloaked in brown robes enters. The Eye of Ioun dangles from the figure's neck, but they are otherwise unremarkable, with a face shrouded by the shadows of a cloak. He walks in sits at the bar, radiating sheer pensiveness, as if lost in a daydream.

[Nai_Calus]

A male Eladrin seated at the bar glances at the newcomer and snorts slightly as his eyes land on the symbol of Ioun. He wears elegant white clothing edged in gold and violet embroidery and a violet cloak, and a pendant of Corellon's holy symbol hangs around his neck. He has long, golden hair and somewhat incongruously wears a pair of wire-rimmed reading glasses with oval lenses.

"Come now, cheer up, it can't be that bad, whatever it is."

[Shadow_Elf]

The cloaked figure shakes its head and turns to the Corellite. So sorry. I was contemplating the nature of the golden mean, and its significance to the construction of the universe. I must have forgotten my manners while off on a tangent! I am known as Janus, and I am but a humble servant of the Mistress Arcane. I can see by your garb that you are a worshipper of Corellon - a fine deity, and one I truly respect for his dominion over beauty, music and especially the Art. Tell me, are you a practitioner? says Janus hopefully, always eager to converse about the nature of magic.

[Dire Reverend]

The one thing that probably sticks out the most, the Kobold, looks up to the Boss-Man.
((The "Boss-Man" is what Meepo calls Zernobog.))
"Boss-Man, what is we doing? Meepo bored."

[Alyss]

Hearing the word 'magic', Stasi turns her head.

[Nai_Calus]

Ephram raises an eyebrow.

"Ahh, Ioun," he says dryly. "Yes, I follow Corellon, the true master of the arcane Arts. And I am a practitioner of magic, indeed. I follow an ancient Eladrin tradition that blends mastery of the sword and the Art. Some of my people claim that it was first taught to the Eladrin by Corellon himself, though such tales are often spurious."

[Shadow_Elf]

Sword magic! Simply marvelous! I have researched the ancient Eladrin traditions quite a bit, but never have I met a true practitioner! There are, as I am sure you are aware, tales that the Genasi or Githyanki developed sword magic first, but in my research on the topic, I have found the Eladrin style by far the most refined. Tell me, where did you learn this marvelous style of the Art? Janus pulls back his hood, seemingly giddy at the prospect of new knowledge. The shadows disperse to reveal a lavender and pale blue face covered in swirling patterns - the face of a deva.

[Alyss]

Stasi openly stares at the dva.

[Mystic Muse]

Zernobog, a Dark cloaked humanoid with a clearly visible black spiked tail, turns his head to Meepo and whispers "hold on. it sounds like these two may provide some fun for us. If not you can choose what we do next but I'd prefer to finish my ale first. Haven't had a good mug of the stuff in a while."

[Nai_Calus]

Ephram snorts derisively.

"Pah, Genasi and Githyanki. Their races haven't even been around long enough to have originated the style, from what I've read. My people, on the other hand... Well, there's a reason ours is the most refined style." He sips his drink. "I was trained, naturally, by an Eladrin master in the Feywild. I was apprenticed to him at a young age and I learned my skills from him." He eyes the man sitting next to him.

"A deva, are you? Not many of your kind around. Forgive my rudeness, but it sounds horrible. Living a thousand or more lifetimes, but never remembering more than the faintest of traces... Ugh. Think of all the history you must have lived through and seen and even instigated, but can't remember at all. The contributions you could make to the historian's field if you could only recall!" He sighs wistfully. "My people may live but once, and only for a few centuries, but I must admit I'd take my one life over your hundreds; at least I'll get to keep my knowledge and my memories of the people I love all the way through..." He looks back to the deva. "Do forgive me, I've had my own troubles in the past... And I'm something of a historian."

[Shadow_Elf]

As a deva, I do receive brief flashes of my past lives... but it is maddening how few concrete things I can remember. But I do not let it bother me overly so - after all, there are advantages to being born with a fully functional mind and body!. When the Eladrin mentions he is a historian, Janus becomes even more animated. A historian? Astounding! I do ever so love history - so much knowledge can be freely gained from simply gazing into its limitless depths... Tell me, do you have a specific field of study? A specialty, perhaps? I would simply love to exchange knowledge - after all, knowledge is next to divinity, in the eyes of the Mistress Arcane.

[Mystic Muse]

Zernobog will turn to Meepo and whisper well, this is quickly looking like these people won't be very entertaining. in fact they sound kind of boring. Although the Deva much less so

[Rhyvurg]

An amazingly short dragonborn walks into the tavern, a large axe strapped to his back and dressed in scale armor. He grumbles to himself on his way accross the room, then sits at the bar. "Ale. Now."

[Mystic Muse]

"huh. A Dragonborn eh? You don't by chance worship Bahamut do you?

[Rhyvurg]

"What's it to you?"

[Mystic Muse]

I don't find many fellow worshippers. Just thought I'd ask.

[Rhyvurg]

"Well, it so happens I do."

[Dire Reverend]

"huh. A Dragonborn eh? You don't by chance worship Bahamut do you?

"Meepo thinks Dragon Man had bad day. Or bad life."

[Mystic Muse]

Ah. Then allow me to welcome you. Here, I'll buy you an ale. What kind do you prefer?

Zernobog then turns to meepo

yes, that's indeed a possibility. hopefully just a bad day

[Rhyvurg]

"Whatever's cheapest."

[Mystic Muse]

Nah, I insist. Meepo's right, you sound like you've had a rough time. Meepo and I have had our share of those so if you have a preference just say so.

[Rhyvurg]

"Look, it's not that I don't appreciate the thought, but cheap ale means you can buy more of it, so you can get drunker before the money runs out."

[Mystic Muse]

Ah. Any specific reason you're trying to get drunk? trying to forget something or do you just find it fun? Either way I guess I'll buy you a couple drinks.

[Rhyvurg]

"A little of both."

[Mystic Muse]

well, I hope it gets better whatever it is.

Bartender! My Dragonborn friend here would like some ale! his preference is cheap so he can get drunk faster.

[Rhyvurg]

"Some things don't get better."

[Mystic Muse]

I can only imagine what it must take to believe that. Whatever happened I'm sorry.

Zernobog will finish off the last of his ale and ask Meepo
you finished with yours? want another?