The Reaping of Theras (IC Thread)

[blkhawk26281]

The evening sky is beginning to darken. The sounds of revelry begin to rise from a low murmer after the evening meal hour as the seventh day of the Festival of Freedom begins in the young new capital city of Perax in the Nation of Peraxia. The sounds of bards telling the tales of the final battle for freedom mingle with the first waves of drunken song wafting out of the numerous taverns surrounding the city square. The young wizards of the Towers of Three drift through the crowd, calling forth and shaping the living force of magic flowing through the city into the fires which light the market square. A piercing roar echoes through the throng as the first of the evening scouts departs the Ancients Yard, her shimmering lavender wings reflecting the fading light as a myriad of shafts of light bouncing off her scales onto the people filling the market and the dances begin. Men in the latest fashions twirl their ladies and sweethearts. The Elves wander here and there, sampling the goods of the market, some offering their voices to compliment those of the other races already singing their tales. Orcs stand here and there, some watching quietly, just waiting for the final notice of deliveries made to their ships waiting in the harbor until they return to them and the seas they have come to love. Others join the revelry, enjoying the extra potent spirits brewed by the Dwarves of Battleheart Home specially for tonights celebration. The city and her people celebrate and everything and everyone are at peace. The view through the wide window at the front of the Drooling Skulls second floor offer the best view of the market of any tavern in the city.
The serving maids have traded their simple brown togas, for ornate and embroidered colored togas, saved all year for this weeks celebrations, their feet a blur as they dance between the tables, flashing smiles and dodging groping hands as they begin clearing the evening platters and begin filling mugs. They open the side doors leading out onto the wide balcony overlooking the market square and some of the people inside walk outside to watch the celebration, others remain seated, but through it all everything and everyone are at peace...at least on the surface. Beneath it all, like a fell scent it wafts through the open doors, and up the stairs, it fills the room and sours the taste of the ale, wine, and mead. Strange that so many seem immune to the scent...the scent of foreboding...the scent of impending doom...the scent of death....and yet...the celebration continues.

[13_CBS]

http://www.rpgwebprofiler.net/view.php?id=59424

A white haired man sits amongst the revelers, a glass of fine wine in hand and a look of concentration on his face.

He was a curiousity. He had white hair, yet he was merely 30 years old, evident in his profile. He was not particularly muscular or strong, yet he exuded a firm aura of will, wit, and logic. He sat among the drunkards and braggarts, yet he did not join in with them, merely sitting there and concentrating.

If one could penetrate those almost emotionless eyes one could sense just a little bit of disgust and contempt in them. If one could penetrate deeper, one would know that this man, Aemos Savant, was a wizard. Not too powerful, not too weak...just a disgruntled wizard, wondering at why the Empire sent him here of all places.

He briefly noted that there was an odd smell in the air, but he casually dismissed it as one of his fellow partygoers.

[dragon_masterd]

A Halfling In a Green traveling outfit sits by the bar calmly as he empties his pint of beer. You see that he has a bow around his back, and 2 daggers in leather sheaths around his belt. He obviously was a ranger.

[13_CBS]

((So...where's everyone else?))

[Whiplord]

OOC: Sorry, internet was down.

In one corner sits a young man with disheveled blonde hair. His robes looks dusty from travel, and the man himself looks weary from more than just his travels. He wears long flowing garments, and a silver necklace hangs down his chest. Presumably a cleric, but seemingly young for one of such profession.

Veritas studies the room around, largely trying to ignore the noise and bustle. I Just had to come into town on the festival day didn't I? he muses silently to himself. Veritas had never much liked crowds. Bad things could happen with so many men gathered. But nevertheless, this tavern was as good as any other in the town, and Veritas was tired.

He absently sniffed the air, taking in the aromas of the food and drink. The air was also tinged with the sharp smell of sweat that happens with every gathering of people. And something else... Veritas sat up with a start as he recognized the underlying scent. A smell he knows well. Too well.

[dragon_masterd]

No one expects it, but this "Calm", "Timid", and Chaotic Evil Halfling ranger takes out his two daggers and threatens the bartender for 100 Gp.





Intimidate Check: [1d20-2]=3

[blkhawk26281]

As the revelry continues outside on the balcony, those few remaining indoors become the focus of the few serving maids not swept up into the throng on the balcony.
A young human woman glides up to the elderly mans table and she starts a bit as she realizes he is actually much younger than his white hair suggested. "Refresh your wine for you, sir?"

Across the room opposite the balcony and adjacent to the stairs the bartender, a rather heavyset human with a bald head and small piggish eyes glances at the halfling threatening him with the daggers. With a smile and a slight chuckle he shakes his head, sending his heavy jowls to wobbling. "I'm afraid I won't be giving you any money sir, but I must say I enjoy a good laugh now and then and for that..." He reaches behind the bar and pours a tall mug of clear liquid, and slides it across the bar. "...a tall mug o me special brew. That oughta put you in a more festive mood." With that he turns and continues filling orders and cleaning up.

From the stairs a dust covered figure cloaked in heavy traveling robes brushes by the man standing near the entrance rubbing his necklace. With a slight grunt of irritation he moves past him and to the bar. Moving up near the halfling he urns and begins looking over the thinning crowd, from beneath his cloaks hood.

[13_CBS]

The white-haired man briefly peers into the maid's face with strikingly silver eyes and gives only a nod, holding out his glass (and reaching into his moneybag if the wine needs paying).

[blkhawk26281]

She smiles at the mans striking eyes and pours the glass full, accepting the copper piece she glances up to search for another less morose customer to focus her attentions on. Her eyes catch sight of the man in the cloak near the halfling and her eyes widen in surprise and a hint of fear dances through her hazel pupils before she twirls around, taking her pitcher of wine out of the room and onto the balcony.

[dragon_masterd]

Belkar Nods his head with an angry frown on his face. "D*** Bartender. If I ever Come back here, as soon as he turns his back..." He says under his breath. Just to blow off some steam, he goes outside to try to kill an innocent Bystander

[Whiplord]

After recognizing the stench, Veritas once again glances around the room, surveying the patrons around him. None seem to notice the stench... Either that or they simply had good control of their faces and postures.

His eyes roving over the bar, Veritas frowns at the little halfling's poor attempt to threaten the bar tender. He tenses, wishing to be ready if a fight breaks out. maybe to stay... maybe to run. Veritas didn't much like fighting. He settles back upon seeing the barkeeps deft handling of the situation. He smiles at the halfling's obvious annoyance at the reaction he received.

Finally his eyes come to rest on the cloaked and hooded man sitting near the enraged halfling at the bar. His expression narrows as he studies the man.

A suspicious figure if ever I saw one...

Shrugging, he raises his hand and beckons for a barmaid to come over, and orders an ale.

[dragon_masterd]

Belkar comes back inside, looking content, and wiping the bloodstains from his dagger with a cloth. He walks over to Veritas, with a friendly smile on his face. Hello, I'm Belkar Bitterleaf, How are you? I'll buy you a drink. He calls for the maid and buys 2 mugs, and 2 gallons of ale. Those are for the road. He points to the gallon.

[Whiplord]

Veritas's eyes momentarily widen as the halfling approaches him; though he quickly manages to recompose himself.

"Good evening sir Belkar... A drink would be quite nice, thank you."

At the offer of a drink, Veritas' hand changes from a beckoning motion to shooing one, dismissing the tavern maid who had started for him.

Veritas raised an eyebrow at the two large jugs of ale, but chooses to say nothing about it.

He returns his attention to Belkar, and inquires, "What brings you to these parts?"

[Lucky]

((Sorry, haven't been feeling too well recently.))

Tor'qua Del'ack

A large man is seen wandering among the crowds, standing well above the average citizen. A large sword is strapped on his right shoulder, with his backpack hanging from his left. The metal of his chain mail seems to glisten in the fading light. A black, crescent moon rests on either temple, just below his unkempt brown hair.

He seems to wander without purpose, his eyes quickly moving from one event to another, starstruck with the proceedings around him.

[13_CBS]

The wizard stares at the duo, a violent halfling and a young man who seemed to be some kind of cleric. Before he can decide to do anything, however, he finally notices the smell and finally tries to discern its location. He rises up, readjusting the cloth that covered his mouth and pulling his robes out form the chair. The burly man who lumbers in is casually noted.

[dragon_masterd]

What brings you to these parts?[/COLOR]"

Oh...Business, you could say. I am looking for a group of adventures for a party.

[blkhawk26281]

The bartender glances up from his mug at the halfling returning wiping his blades clean of what the tender prays isn't blood. He shrugs to himself and continues about the bar, pointedly ignoring the cloaked figure.

The barmaid veers away from the angry little halfling and his new found companion and instead turns to the tall young man with the unmistakable look of a new visitor to the city. She wanders up to him, smiling prettily and inquires as to whether he needs a drink.

The cloaked figures left hand slides up his wrist to itch a scratch..his gaze drifting over to the young man, and the elderly appearing gentleman sitting alone. His gaze pauses on the white haired man for a moment longer than proper and he seems to release a slow sigh. The tender notices the cloaked mans gazing at the young man and the elderly gentleman and coughs softly, gesturing for the young man to come closer. He then looks to the elderly man and gestures again. His head tilting to the far side of the bar, furthest away from the cloaked figure.

{13_CBS: Please roll a SPOT check}

[13_CBS]

Rolling spot check:

(1d20+2)[15]

[blkhawk26281]

As the cloaked figure scratches his wrist the wizard notices a ring on his finger, it's center set with a half granite half ruby gem. The ring seems to tickle a memory of some forgotten lore.
As the image flows through your memories you immediately know it's meaning is not pleasant.

{13_CBS: roll KNOWLEDGE:ARCANA check}

[13_CBS]

Knowledge: arcana check:

(1d20+8)[26]

[blkhawk26281]

{Knowledge check results sent via PM}

[13_CBS]

The wizard's memory sparks and his eyes widen for the briefest of moments at the thoughts that rush into his head.

So...the Order is here. Though what they find from this hive of scum and villany remains to be seen.

I should keep close watch on this ring bearer.

The wizard acts mostly as normal, except that now his silver eyes flicker towards the Order member from time to time, keeping track of the mysterious one's every movement.

[dragon_masterd]

Belkar looks into Veritas's eyes and says. "I've stated my business, whats yours?" He looks back down into his mug of beer.

[Bronz]

http://www.rpgwebprofiler.net/view.php?id=59462

A quite normal looking man also remains behind, though it seems he is quite drunk. The only markings about this man that seem to be at all different would be the masterful hilts of two short swords at his side. He sits down, without regard, at the obvious wizard's table.


"So..uh...*takes a drink*...ya play bones?"

[13_CBS]

The wizard almost jumps at the sudden intrusion. He regains his composure in an instant and turns his strange, emotionless eyes towards the "drunkard".

I do not, he says in a voice like gears grinding, I am in the middle of something. Leave me be.

[Bronz]

The man leans in while taking out some dice, seemingly oblivious to the answer in the negative.

As he leans in closer, he whispers, "Your wizardly arrogance aside, I think two of us at a table is better than one at seperate tables. The air smells of danger, and this stranger reaks."

He then proceeds to put a silver down on the table, continuing his motion from before, and in an obnoxiously loud voice he says "Uh...yer bet!"

[13_CBS]

The wizard looks ever so slightly impressed. His eyes go back to the cloaked man while he mutters from the side of his mouth, Impressive charade, and more impressive senses. Very well. Do keep an eye out for that cloaked one with the ring, however...he is a member of the Order. The Order of Ricta, that is.

The wizard straightens up and in a louder voice he says, Very well, wretch, I shall roll you under the table. I raise 2 gold. He keeps a wary eye out for the cloaked man.

[Whiplord]

Veritas yanks his eyes away from the newcomer with the shortswords, and returns his attention nervously to the little halfling.

"Me? Oh... I just travel wherever the winds take me. I'm not so sure about the whole adventuring thing."

[dragon_masterd]

Ah, Well why don't you try something new? Join Me!

[Whiplord]

Veritas sighs, and speaks in a calm tone. "Master Belkar, what would we do? We are two people, with no adventure in sight! We can't even hunt down criminals, as the only crime I've seen comitted tonight was done by you."