DM:

In the town square, a number of annoucements and other various advertisements and papers were posted, including several calls for assistance and adventure opportunities. There weren't as many opportunities as there perhaps usually was, but the ones that were there were ones that multiple parties had already attempted and failed (except for the third one), and so many other parties were loathe to undertake them.

Adventure Opportunity #1

Lord Maisal is seeking adventurers to aid him in obtaining a particularly potent magic item rumored to be found inside the Bell in the Deep locale in the region, a flooded ruin in the southern part of the Moonsea, rumored to be haunted by its original watch. Additional items can be kept or sold. Pays well.

Speak to Lord Maisal for details (address follows).

Adventure Opportunity #2

Ships are turning up at the port completely devoid of crew but otherwise untouched. The culprits are apparently unbiased in their targets, for the ships of multiple factions and races are being targeted equally frequently.

See harbormaster Lehn Travol for details.

Adventure Opportunity #3

Spies! The city has been invaded by spies of opposing political agendas! Help stop this treachery and save Phlan!

Talk to Lord Halter for details (address follows).

[This message has been edited by that one elf (edited 10-26-2006 @ 06:49 PM).]

Walking quietly through the square, Alethiel read up on the various notices for work on many doorways. She didn't look like an adventurer, particularly; although her armor certainly functioned as armor, it looked at a glance more like particularly well-fit ordinary clothing, although not the traditional robes and gowns one was normally accustomed to seing non-city Elves wearing. Nor was she obviously looking only at the adventuring signs. But at the moment, none of these would have particularly interested her.

The nobles who posted these signs always had something to hide, of course, never told the whole truth. Always they tried to hide the fact that the jobs they were hiring for were dangerous, trying to catch boistrous young men and women with no sense of what truly lay ahead of them, or why these problems were not simply dealt with when they were. The ruin "rumored" to be haunted - why were they rumors if she knew they had to be true? Or the ships with missing crews: how would adventurers be useful in finding out, except by being used as bait for a trap? And the spies: what political agendas were they themselves opposed to?

Quietly, she walked to the center of the square and sat on a bench next to the fountain. The buildings around the city square certainly were built to look grand, as Humans were want to do with their architecture, but they of course were just buildings. Nice, she supposed, but the mountains were grander and always would be. Morgalad was perched on top of one of the buildings, a bank, she guessed, from the look of it. He didn't seem interested in much of what there was going on either, but once thing the raven had never learnt how to do was read, so he wouldn't know anyway.

Presently, Alethiel reached inside of her backpack and drew out the letter that she had herself brought. The sheet of paper inside contained an adventure notice of her own, given to her to attract a company if she needed one. It was also rather terse, she would have agreed, even vaguer, perhaps. But for the moment, she discretely watched the post to see how many people looked at each. She had to admit, she was more interested in the Bell in the Deep business, but she wanted to see what others were out there.

OOC: I made a few adjustments to Veklars sheet(the Domain and its bonus cause I could not find a god with greatsword as favored weapon with War as a domain,and changed a feat)

IC:

Phlan...Veklar's travel had led him here, to a city he had traveled to a number of times before with his Half-orc master who seemed to like one of the councle members(a female Half-orc named Kella Voskorm). His master took Veklar to many cities and towns with him for one reason which Veklar knew,that reason was because Veklar was human and it seemed to go alittle easier for his master with Veklar at hand.Veklar was ok with that for he learned a great deal about cities and how government and other things worked in them,and he liked to be around his own kind.
Veklar was staying at the inn called the "Minotaurs Axe",it was about the best place to be found in the still half ruined city that had been nearly destroyed by war and invasions.A rough place... but... a place one could hide and maybe find a new start.Veklar kept a low profile most of the time for he had seen in battle on one occasion the captain of the guards of Phlan,who had been sent out to protect a village they had attacked and were pundering when the guards arrived.Vecklar was sure the captain had not seen him but while he was in town he did not push his luck and always went the other way when the captain and the guards came around.
Veklar had thick black hair and dark brown eyes,he sported heavy side burns which he kept neat and clean which he used to cover his scar on the side of his face,his hair hung down to the middle of his shoulder blades in the back,and he had neatly braided(with thin leather strands) some hair, cut just slightly shorter than the back,which hung down in front of his ears on either side of his face which helped covered his scar on his neck.Veklar had a head band of leather around his forehead and tied in the back to help hold the braided strands of hair in front of his ears in place.Veklar's vestment under his chain shirt had a short collar on it which help to completely hide the scar.Well....almost completely, the scar,not all the time but sometimes was able to be seen when Vecklar would turn his head quickly and his braided hair strands in front of his ears would swing alittle.His cloak was brown in color he had on over his chain shirt.His bow was on his back with his morningstar on his left hip and the greatsword on his right(he was left handed).Veklars buckler on his right arm was not round really,but more rectangular.The greatsword and buckler he took from the Orc chief he had slain and the cloak he wore he had found in a locked chest(after beating off the lock) in a village they had plundered.His half Orc master had given him the chain shirt.
Veklar had seen the annoucements that were posted,making sure the guards had left the square he ventured out and read them.He didn't like ships much and politics he tried to stay away from.the bell in the Deep he had heard about but really did not know much about it.He thought he might just look up this "Lord Maisal" and see what he had to say.After standing there only for a short time he went back to the inn and sat down to get some stew.

[This message has been edited by Accusync72 (edited 11-02-2006 @ 09:38 PM).]

Lauriel was in Phlan to buy various items he needed for his spellcasting especially the small pieces of jade he needed for his hail of stones spell, but although Phlan was a good place to get such things, Lauriel could easily had get them at a place closer to home. The real reason he was in this part of the world, was that he had gotten bored at his home at Lake Sember. For almost a year the most exiting that had happened, was when he had to use a shocking grasp spell to scare an angry bear away.
Because almost all the spells Lauriel knew was combat spells, he had had very little opportunity to use his spells, and what’s the fun of being relative powerful sorcerer, if you can never use your spells for something useful? Lauriel longed to use his magic and he really needed some excitement in his life again. Unfortunately his trip to Phlan had been utterly uneventful. Before he left from home his harper friends had asked him to see if the Zhentarim or other fractions was plotting against the Dalelands, but so far Lauriel had seen nothing that suggested that.

Coming from a shop that sold various materials for spellcasting, Lauriel had got everything he needed and now he walked to the central town square hoping to find an interesting adventure.
Naja was at his side, and as she didn’t use any of her special abilities, she appeared to be just a normal dog. Those that realized that Lauriel was a magic user (something that wasn’t particular apparent from his clothing) might guess that she was his Familiar, but few would recognize her for what she really was.
Lauriel found the three calls for adventures none of them seemed just like the right thing for him, but the first one sounded interesting, and the second seemed a worthy cause.
The third was surly nothing for him, has had no wish to become entangled in local politics!

Just as he turned away from the last note, he spotted a female elf..
“Haven’t I seen her before” he thought to himself.
Realizing that he had he walked over to her

”Greetings, You are the Druid Alethiel, are you not? I believe we met once about 12 years ago?”

Allahan entered Phlan with a dark look on his face. He appeared to be a half-elf in his features, with darkish skin that suggested wild elf blood. His features were a little rough and he was dirty, his dark hair unkempt and his eyes bright. The clothes that he wore were simple, organic colors barely concealing the thick studded leather he wore under it.

His long, green cape flowed behind him and his longbow was readily noticeable alongside a quiver full of arrows, which seemed almost out-of-place, everything else spent or worn, suggesting that he had been in the wild for some time. An observer would guess that he was a ranger, and that wasn't far from the truth, but he was far more than he appeared to be.

The reason Allahan was here was simple, plain curiosity. He was here to observe the lives of humans and elves and half-orcs, dwarves and gnolls and halflings. He wanted to see how the half-elf fit into a group of humans and elves, to hear the elves call him a half-human, and to, perhaps, seek companionship.

Furthermore, he was here to offer his services to a group of warriors or adventurers. His last such group had been slain, each and every one of them cast down before him. He had not run even then, such was his anger. It had almost cost him his life. Since, he had held a particular hatred for all opponents resembling those he had fought then, in a place not to far from here at a time not too long ago.

He moved with a quiet grace that was rare in humanoids, as if he had either deliberately practiced it or lived a very long time, though his physical features did not suggest great age. He simply appeared to be a rugged half-elf ranger with a longbow and a nice cloak and a longsword on his belt. A standard adventurer package. But he was so much more, his real self hidden deep inside, among secrets that none would perhaps ever learn of.

Moving with that same grace to the center of the town, Allahan studied some of the quest opportunities found there, looking at each in turn and reading them without any sense of haste, allowing for the full meaning of each Common word to manifest itself in his mind. He noticed things like wording and spelling, and he noted the meaning of Lord Maisal's name in elvish, finding interest in such subtleties. It was quite interesting that human parents (he assumed Maisal was human, as all nobility of the area seemed to be) would bestow a name on their son that meant such a thing. Perhaps they were clerics....

The Bell in the Deep quest was the only one he had real interest in, for empty ships meant little to him. He was not a defender of justice, only a hater of evil. If his fate led him along that path, he would go willingly. But magical items were of interest to him, and he appreciated the magic that nature embodied far more than anything. Fire had magic of its own, as did life, how a tree grew, and why the earth stayed heated into the winter. Yes, there were explanations for such things that would suggest that no magic was involved, but such explanations were incredibly two-dimensional. The scholar would never have the wisdom of an Ancient, and knowledge did very little without some way of perceiving the world for its application.

Allahan turned away from the board and glided over to a nearby tree, taking refuge under its leaves and appreciating its sturdy trunk as it supported his lithe frame. A cool breeze wafted through the square, shifting his hair away from his eyes. He allowed a quiet smile to appear on his face. No matter how long he had walked this earth, he would never cease to appreciate the subtle pleasures nature offered the one who cared to observe them.

Having come into town beside Veklar, Okri was also staying at the "Minotaurs Axe". It was indeed a rough place, but that never really bothered him. He had done business in much worse growing up with the guild. The drinks were cheap and the room was a decent price. The food wasn’t that good, but what could you really expect from such a place.

Okri had some business to take care of this morning. Needing to purchase a few potions and such. As he walked from the inn to the busier business sections of town he took note of a few people staring at him. He always got those same stares, being almost 7 feet tall and having an enormously broad frame, he came to expect them. Although he wore a black, and slightly magical cloak, his spiked chain that was hung loosely around his waist was clearly visible and may have also caused the attention.

After stopping at several of the local shops he walked through the square to see the notices up on the boards. Reading slowly and carefully the 3 adventures posted, he brushed his wavy brown hair back with his left hand. It was just long enough to hang to his eyes, and be an annoyance. He would have to find a headband somewhere soon. His dark hazel eyes studied the notices intensely, and he hardly noticed the presence of anyone else.

After having read the postings Okri sat on a bench in the square, watching the people walking around and lightly scratching at his goatee. All three adventures sounded somewhat interesting, but he took special attention on the first notice, about the Bell in the Deep. The words “Pays well” stuck in his mind. The post had obviously been up before. Several people seemed to pass right over it when looking at the board. And, again the words “Pays well” came to mind. This would probably be a difficult adventure that others have failed, or it would seem so since the post is still up.

The other adventures seemed interesting as well, but having been raised in the harsh climate of the desert he didn’t really feel inclined to jump onto a ship. And trying to find spies in the local crew of politicians was next to impossible. They were all lying and trying to keep some sort of dirt hidden. Snakes every single one of them, he cursed silently.

Though he hadn’t spent much time with Veklar, he seemed to know the town and surrounding area well. He also may have an idea on where "Lord Maisal" could be located. And, with any luck he might be persuaded on joining in on the adventure.

Okri leaned back in his seat and casually watched the people in the square. Yes, he would talk to Veklar later, but for the moment he would sit and enjoy the day. The breeze coming off of the Moonsea was refreshing and the sky was bright blue. You couldn’t really ask for weather better than this.

IC: Elric leaned back idly on a bench by the fountain, musing over the various jobs he'd read about on display elsewhere in the Phlan town square. The only one that interested him was the one going on about some ruin in the Moonsea, haunted by the living dead and filled with treasure. There were certainly plenty of places like that scattered throughout Faerun, though, and he didn't like the idea of handing over the best of the haul to some noble who sat safely here while he risked life and limb. That others had tried and failed to do the same thing hardly managed to enter his thoughts, let alone worry him. What was death compared to the thrill of a good challenge? That was what he'd wandered here for, after all. Either that or the ale. The latter had been very good, as he dimly recalled from the previous night.

As he hummed a few bars of an old traveling song, (something long and ribald, he recalled vaguely, about a portly farmer who abandoned his family one day to become a villainous pirate), ignoring the occasional odd glance he attracted with his travel-stained, roguish countenance, an elven woman took a quiet seat on one of the other fountain-side benches. This in and of itself wasn't remarkable, but Elric stared askance at her anyway from a different, cruder sort of interest. After a minute, yet another elf approached her, saying something in Elven. Elric didn't particularly care what he was saying, so much as that he looked like a bloody mage. Hoping that the male elf hadn't caught him examining what he assumed was his lover, the thief carefully looked away. Why do elves love magic so much is what I want to know. Why couldn't they take after something more harmless, like wanton thievery?

OOC: this might be alittle out of order(as far as posting goes anyway) but lets go talk to Lord Maisal

Veklar finished eating and Okri still hadn't returned,**Now where is that towering brute anyway**,Veklar thought as he got up and went back outside.Veklar was larger than most standing about 6 and half feet tall, but the Human that Veklar had met a few weeks ago was truely a huge one, a good 6 to 8 inches taller than he.

Veklar had inquired about where Lord Maisal lived,and headed in that direction which took him back passed the town center again.He didn't go into the center but kept close to the shops and merchants along the edges of the large court yard hiding amungst the plethora of people going about their business.More so than the town guards,Veklar was hoping not to be noticed by those connected to the Zhentarim. Veklars chief had hired out their clan to do "mercenary" work for the Zhentarim on several occasions,and the Zhentarim had pegged Veklar with the nickname "HumanOrc"(which he hated) and might just recognize him.

Veklar came to the opposite end of the center and noticed Okri sitting on a bench in the court yard.He waited untill Okri saw him and then motioned(very discreetly) for Okri to follow him.Veklar was glad to have Okri around,for most of the attention went to Okri and not to him. Veklar wished 'not' to have past unsavory acquaintances coming around inguiring what he was up too.

Veklar didn't really take note to other folk in the town square other than not seeing anyone who seemed to be connected to the Zhentarim.When Okri came over to where he was he said in a quiet voice.

"I found out where this Lord Maisal lives....he's the guy wanting someone to go to "the Bells in the deep" lets go see what he has to say........Oh.....did ya happen to see anyone one else looking at the annoucements who looked like they would be suited for the task?

After sitting for a while Okri noticed Veklar motioning to him at the end of the courtyard. He got up and moved quietly towards Veklar. It appeared as though Veklar had something important going on. ”He is always overly cautious in the city. Always so afraid that someone will notice him.” Okri whispered to himself.

After listening to Veklar, Okri decided that it would be a good idea to go with him. But this whole magic thing is a bit much for two fighters to handle. Okri replied in a somewhat hushed tone. ”Well, the Bell in the Deep was the most interesting so I want to see what Lord Maisal has to say. But this is a magic item, and you know how wizards protect their keeps. I noticed a couple sitting on the bench over there. They were both looking at the notices and the one is definitely a mage or something. It’s not easy to tell, but he just has that look. Anyway, they were both looking at that notice, and so was the roguish looking guy that’s just off to the side. If we intend to go after a magic item we will need some magic of our own, and my cloak just wont cut it. Maybe we should talk to him first. Besides he may know this Lord Maisal fellow, he appears to have been here before. I know a little Elven, I could talk to him if you want. I’m sure he was looking at the Bell in the Deep notice. What do you think?”

Waiting for Veklar to respond he thought again about the name Lord Maisal… There was something about it. Okri knew the Elven language for the most part, but he was never really that good at learning a new language. He only started to learn Elven a few years back after one of the lower level guild wizards started teaching him, and his command of the language was a bit broken. He could communicate effectively enough, but when people started talking to fast or used big words he just felt out of place. That name meant something though. Maybe the Elf would know, yet another reason to talk to him.

IC:

Veklar looked in the direction that Okri had indicated and noticed the two Elves.Veklar knew the benifits of having a magic user around if they were going to go adventuring,and he wondered what business the two Elves had in Phlan of all places? Veklar did not mention that he could speak and understand the Elven language,Veklar would just listen,for he learned early on in his years that to be quiet and listen was far better than being heard at times.

Veklar didn't know many Elves.....in fact...he didn't know any at all,Orcs hated Elves and any Elves his Orc clan would meet usually didn't see the light of the next day.His master had told him that Elves were a treacherous creature and not to be trusted. Now maybe he could finally get to know one and see for himself,for Veklar never really saw the Elves as being evil persay but only that they had pointy ears and slanted eyes....and most of them were alittle thin Veklar thought and could use some good eaten to fatten em up abit.But he also knew they were a dangerous foe for he saw many a Orc fall to a well placed arrow.

looking up at Okri then back at the two Elves Veklar said

"OK....looks like they are talking though....just ask them if they've read the annoucments and what they think when ya can."

with that said, Veklar scanned the area once again and saw the Rogue as they headed toward the Elves,and when they reached them he just stood silent letting Okri do the talking

[This message has been edited by Accusync72 (edited 11-03-2006 @ 11:07 PM).]

Okri and Velkar approached the two Elves directly, but not threateningly. Okri waved and greeted them in the Elvish tongue. ”Good afternoon. I am Okri and this is my friend Veklar. May we talk for a few moments?” he said quite sure that his inability with the language was showing through.

After greeting them in their own language Okri thought they should surely know common and it is so much easier for him to communicate effectively that way. He hoped the Elven greeting would go a ways for him to be accepted by them. Elves don’t generally trust other peoples of the world, with good reason, but we are in the city. Okri crouched down a bit to be on the same level as the two Elves sitting on the bench and offered a warm smile. I noticed the two of you looking over the notices on the board, and we were just talking about going to see Lord Maisal. I thought you,” as he motioned to the Silver Elf, ”took a little extra time looking at the first notice with his name on it. We were wondering if you knew him, or if not, if you would like to join us in tracking him down? Veklar has made a few inquiries and found where he lives.”

Okri continued to smile and try to look at nice as possible. He wasn’t really a charismatic fellow, and sometimes had problems with first impressions. However, he was giving his best effort here. Hoping it would pay off, he waited for an answer.

Allahan observed those around him from his place under the tree, and he quickly became interested in a small gathering of what appeared to be two elves and a pair of towering humans, tall even by human standards. He didn't move in just yet, but he listened with well-trained, accute ears, and was able to make out what was being said.

(Listen: Take 10+11=21-4=17) (Including 40 feet of distance)

OOC: I am ignoring posts 8-onward in this post for reasons discussed in the OOC thread; in short, they haven't happened yet.

Also, what does Maisal mean? I can't find it in the Ardalambion.

IC:

Alethiel quietly looked up at the elf who had just spoken to her, as she slid her own letter back into her pack. Alethiel had fine dirty-blonde hair that hung about her shoulders and down her back, with two small braids of her locks that hung on either side of her face. Her pale cyan eyes contrasted sharply with the black pupils they contained, placed simply in their sockets in a round, smooth face with a pointed chin. She wore a deep green cloak and a lighter green garmet of what at first looked like a well-fit bodice, but it was thicker than a bodice, thick enough to double as armor, although in it Alethiel was in no way out of place, since such clothing was not dissimilar to the townsfolk in general, except perhaps that she was an elf. Still, she visibly wore the symbol of Mieliki on her bodice across her chest, over her heart, and she had other decorative engravings running up her side, something any Druid would recognize for one of their Order, but not well-known to the general populace. Where her weapons were was not on her; she had stowed them in a place where she would not attract attention for them. But still she managed to draw the attention of some of those around her, most notably (to her, anyway) being the Silver Elf who had just addressed her.

"Indeed I am!" she answered. "You are Lauriel, then, unless my memory fails me. What brings you here, so far from home?" Her hand continued to hold the note in her pack. She wondered if she would need to use it or not. She gave a look down at the dog, and smiled at it. "You have a very long lived dog," she added, with a knowing flair to her voice.

[This message has been edited by Beren V (edited 11-04-2006 @ 06:51 PM).]

Lauriel briefly wondered what was in the letter Alethiel had been looking at, but then decided that it was probably nothing important to him.

“Yes, I am Lauriel Silverblade. This is Naja, she is a blink dog, she is fully as intelligent as any elf, but she is unable to speak any langue other than her own. She does however understand a fair amount of elven and some common as well. She has been a faithful friend and companion since I saved her life some 10 years ago. She is also my familiar, so I am able to fully communicate with her.”

“As for how we are here…. Well, this is a good place to by things I need foe my spells, but the real reason is that I kind of got bored and restless at my home and wanted some excitement. So far out journey has however not been very exiting, so I was considering responding to one of the adventure notices that are posted here.”

Meanwhile Naja had decided that she liked Alethiel, so she moved over to her and emitted a short series of barks and yaps, that in the blink dog langue meant something like “I am honored to meet you”

“She likes you”

Lauriel said, having a good idea what the sounds Naja made meant in this situartion.

OOC: I'm not just going to tell you what it means. It's not really significant, but I like it. When it comes to names that you think are elvish, I probably made them from the Races of the Wild supplement's prefix and suffix lists under the elvish language.

But sometimes I make them from the appendix in the Silmarillion, too. Names like "Angcrist" and "Orodain".

OOC: Oops!

IC:

"Bored? How could you be bored?" Alethiel responded jokingly. "There is so much to where we live, that I cannot think of ever being bored. But then, there are few places in this world where I could be bored, I guess, although I do like to explore. I suppose wanderlust has stolen your heart as well?" She smiled to Lauriel as she tightened the cord on her pack, and then smiled at the blink dog. Turning to the top of the bank, she gave a whistle. The raven perched on top took off and flew low over the square and landed on the backrest of the bench a few meters from Alethiel, studying Lauriel and Naja."My raven," Alethiel continued. "I call him 'Black Light'*, for his color and his disposition." She gave Lauriel another friendly look, but then turned serious.

"I have been here on business myself as well, and have also been examining those notices. Our causes - which I assume you partake of - have wanted to expand out here. Unfortunately, I have concern if any of those notices are applicable, at least from the information given. It might perhaps be worth it to investigate some of them before blowing them off - or posting my own." She tapped her bag, where she had just placed the letter she had. "Mine is rather vague, shall we say. We would have to go to the local Druidic circle, and then there would be a question of whether my information is out of date or not. It might not be of any use, and certainly I do not think it critical at this time. Which notice were you thinking of investigating?"

At that moment, two humans, one very large and obviously well-armed, began approaching the elves. Alethiel began to become anxious: these two did not look like police, and she did not have her weapons on her. But then, one of them spoke a greeting in Elvish...

*Sindarin translation of Morgalad

OOC: Do you suppose that blink dogs would be Canis or would they have their own genus?

Lauriel was just about to answer, when two large (one of them very large) male humans approached. Both humans were armed and had an overall rough-looking appearance. Expecting trouble Lauriel placed one hand on his rapier, while he prepared his mind to quickly cast a spell if needed. Naja was expecting troubles as well and an observant person would notice that the hairs on her neck had risen. Lauriel was quite surprised and a little embarrassed when the largest human spoke politely in Elvish, not at all sounding like the thug he had expected him to be. Naja also relaxed a little, she could feel through her empathic link with Lauriel that he had relaxed, and she was able to understand enough of what the man said, to understand that his intentions wasn’t hostile. She still wasn’t sure what to think of the two men though.
The man who had presented himself as Okri, changed to common and said that they was interested in the adventure posted by Lord Maisal and if the elves was interested in joining them when they went to speak with the man.
Okri smiled obviously trying to make a good impression, although his smile would scare more people away than it would attract.
Lauriel thought that the two humans would be good to have on his side in a fight so he said:

”I am Lauriel Silverblade, and the beautiful maiden I was just speaking to, is Alethiel Ailasia.
Also, this is my familiar Naja” He said indicating the blink dog.

”I can’t speak for Alethiel, but personally I am indeed interested in the adventure posted by Lord Maisal, although I have no idea who the man is. I would be happy to go with you and speak with him”

Allahan flicked an eyebrow up when he learned that the four that were meeting were all interested in what Lord Maisal had to say. He, too, was interested, and such a party as this--already with two elves in it--was just the sort of party that he was looking for. Fate had brought about an interesting thing this day.

The Killoren who appeared to be a half-elf approached the party and spoke in the common tongue. "Greetings, travelers. From under yonder tree I have overheard what is being said amongst you and found interests within myself similar to yours," he said, his voice of a strangely charismatic articulation. "I would offer you my blade, if you were to accept it, for I suspect that numbers will be more than necessary in what lies ahead."

IC: Elric turned his head to watch the rapidly-growing little group around the elven woman he'd been carefully 'examining,' a small grin touching his face at their mention of Lord Maisal's job offer. If they were going on the quest as well, he might as well offer his services. He'd be striking out that way regardless, might as well not risk having to compete with them. The big humans looked big enough by half in daylight - he didn't want to imagine running into them in the darkness of a haunted crypt. As for the mage, he didn't even want to think about it. No, far better to work together so long as their paths led them in the same direction.

So long as the half-elf was interrupting the two other humans who were themselves interrupting the elves, Elric figured he might as well join in. Pushing up from his bench and taking a few steps in their direction, skirting nearer the fountain to keep his distance from the mage (not wanting to take the chance that the elf would suddenly start hurling fireballs in a maniacal fit, despite his apparent placidity up to this point), the rogue tossed in his own two coppers.

"So you lot are going to take this Maisal fellow up on his officer? If you've desire for a thief to ease your way, perhaps soothe any trap- or treasure- or stealth-related anxieties, I'd be honored to join, erm, whoever you all are. I am Elric d'Arnor." Elric had a thin, mellow voice, of sharp enunciation, that more or less fit with his skinny, shady appearance.

Okri, stood up towering a bit over the now known to be thief. His smile faded, and stern look showed on his face. He was far from the desert city of Shade, but that didn’t mean they didn’t have contacts here. Indeed they most likely did, though he doubted they would make a move here in the town square. Orki was a bit weary of the new fellow, but he couldn’t recognize him or the accent and decided he probably wasn’t a threat. While stepping back just a bit as so he didn’t intimidate or scare the thief away, he said ”I am Okri, and yes I’m sure a person of your “skills” could be quite useful.” Okri new exactly how useful a thief could be on an adventure, and how hiding and sneaking was sometimes important. Though it wasn’t his style he knew too well how devastating a sneaky blow from behind could be.

As for the half elf, he seemed nice enough. Okri hadn’t seen but a few half elves in his entire life, and none of them had such a charismatic voice, but he was intrigued by the man. Though not really knowing his intentions, abilities, or even his name, he wanted to be a bit careful. Then again another head to swing at that wasn’t his own was always a good thing. After being sure that Elric wasn’t going to stab him in the back when he turned Orki looked to the half elf. ”As you know, my name is Okri. May we inquire upon yours?” While Okri wasn’t good at speaking with people he wasn’t one to back down either. He would try to adapt to any situation, but now there were more and more people joining this little group. Okri just wasn’t a people person. His skills were solid with weapons and he was very dangerous on the battle field, but in the middle of a crowd he became anxious, though he wouldn’t allow it to show here. Hoping he didn’t come across to abrasively, he remembered he should try to smile again. It may have been a moment to late but smile showed on his face and he stepped back. Okri’s right hand ready to grasp at the spiked chain if needed he gave a slight bow to the half elf.

Now he was feeling a bit of anxiety about all of these people and decided he should try to stay quiet. Let someone else talk, it wasn’t exactly his forte and others here seemed almost eager to step up. Including the dog that gave a quick and friendly bark.

Veklar wasn't too surprised that a group of adventurers looking for something to do,got together so quickly,especially in Phlan,a town where a persons "next job" was sure to be found.A couple of Elves,a Half-Elf a thief and Okri.Veklar smiled (more to himself at being around this group rather than a bunch of Orcs) but made his smile apparent to the others that had gathered to be polite and spoke in a deep monotone voice not really being one used to doing alot of talking

"My name is Veklar,I too seek adventure and have learned that Lord Maisal's place is just a few blocks down this way."Veklar turned his head and pointed in the direction,his braided locks of hair in front of his ears swung gently

"They told me we can't miss it.....something about huge iron gates out front."

The wild-looking humanoid bowed. "I am known as Allahan to those that wish to know me, and I am simply not known as anything to those who do not," he said. "Which of those you are remain to be seen, but the fact that you asked my name casts you along a path already."

[This message has been edited by that one elf (edited 11-09-2006 @ 05:15 PM).]

Okri was quite pleased by the response he got from Allahan, and felt that he should respond in some way. But the discomfort of so many new people around him was making him a bit cautious. Okri looked Allahan directly in the eyes and gave quick but courteous, and an honestly thankful response. "Thank you, Allahan."

It was almost as if Allahan had sensed his uneasiness and said the perfect to help him keep his confidence up for the situation. Okri knew at once, he was definitely going to like this new fellow. Hopefully the others of the party would as well. Regardless of Allahan’s ability in battle, he was surely someone who you could count on.

Alethiel looked at Lauriel as he described her as a 'beautiful maiden', wondering if it really applied to her. Either way, she was amused, but then returned to her serious demeanor, as the rapidly forming group convened around one of the particular jobs, interestingly, the one that she had the most interest in, to start with anyway. Enough to find out more about it, at least.

"Greetings, Elric, Okri, Velkar, and Allahan - indeed, it is rare that one of your tribe wanders so far from the forest! I should speak with you later." She then focuesed more on the rest of the group. "Yes, I too would like to know more of Lord Maisal's little plot, although I will need to know more before I blunder aimlessly into some trap. I do not doubt that the ruin is haunted, or worse, perhaps: else why should he bother to hire adventurers to go get it for him?" She got up from her bench, and grabbed her bag. She took a close look at the others - most of them obviously well-armed, except for her. The two large humans certainly looked the part for thugs, would have been afraid of them except that they were obviously friendly - for now - and of course then she thought she could probably outrun them. The other human, the smaller man, looked dangerous in the dark, but not in broad daylight, and less dangerous, she hoped, although she wondered if he had in fact been checking her out - but hey, who wouldn't? She looked around at the rest of the party. "Expecting trouble, I guess, or advertising your trade?" she asked. "Perhaps we should see Maisal about his expedition. I have some equipment I will need to retrieve myself before leaving Phlan, but it would be well to speak with him, first. If he asks, we can just tell him I'm just a magic-user."

[This message has been edited by Beren V (edited 11-10-2006 @ 03:32 AM).]

IC: Elric nodded amiably as Allahan, Velkar, and Okri introduced themselves, noting that they all seemed polite enough (important for any sort of adventuring group, or so Robar, who had far more experience in such things, had told him), remaining quiet as the intriguing elven woman spoke. His name sounded better coming from her lips than it did out of his own mouth. That was interesting, because whenever, say, his mother (his all-too-real mother, not the noble Lady Arnesse d'Arnor) had said it, it sounded like a curse. "Elric! Come clean this pigsty you call a bedroom and get your lazy woman out of the damned bed so I can clean the sheets!" It still made him feel like whining, "I'll do it this afternoon!" whenever he thought of that tone. As for that witch Nadia, she'd made it sound like the irritated, wheezing gasp of an old crone, and she couldn't have been more than thirty. Even Selenia... he remembered a time a thug in some town they'd been passing through took an exception to Elric lifting his purse (what sort of bristling would-be half-orc carried a purse, anyway?) and expressed his offended feelings by snatching the young rogue up by the neck with one hand. The grunting ogre of a man proceeded to make an excellent argument for the immediate return of his coin to the tune of profuse apology by wringing the boy's neck like a rag and shaking him about, rumbling something about defecating upon his broken corpse. The way that Selenia had shrieked, "Elric! By the gods, don't kill him! Don't kill him!" ... it still gave him goosebumps when he heard a woman scream like that.

Once the elf-woman was done speaking (he was good at listening even when his thoughts were wandering, fortunately, or he wouldn't have any idea what the people around him were saying half the time), Elric interjected, "A good idea. Even a fellow like Maisal wouldn't dare give a wizard possessed of such obvious wit and cunning any trouble," he paused there for a second, suddenly realizing he sounded rather like he was trying to butter her up. That wouldn't do, now, would it - he barely knew her. "What was your name again?" Yes, once he had the answer to that little question, it would be properly time for the buttering up. Typical that elves wouldn't bother even introducing themselves to an honest thief.

”Well well well…” Lauriel said with a smile

”Never has I seen an adventure group assemble so fast, and it even seem that we got ourselves a fairly good and strong group here. By all means, let us go an speak with this Lord Maisal”

While Lauriel was speaking his mind raced. This last person that called himself Allahan had at a casual glance appeared to be a half-elf with wilder elf blood, but a closer inspection told Lauriel that he clearly was not. His legs seemed to long for his height, the texture of his skin seemed wrong, and there was something strange about his hair and eyes as well. But what kind of creature was he then?
His mind was so distracted by this, that he hardly noticed that Elirc seemed to think that Alethiel was a wizard.

Veklar looked at the others as they introduced themselves and smiled,he gave Allahan a second glance and realised he was no Half-Elf,Veklar had battled too many of them before and could tell there was something different.***No matter***Veklar thought to himself,a new race to learn about and get to know.

Okri stepped back and out of the way, contented to let others take the lead here. He would feel far more comfortable in this situation if he didn't have to acctually speak to this Lord Maisal, or if he did it would likely be very little. Somewhat pleased and relieved he followed closely behind Lauriel.

Alethiel tooked toward Elric and gave a forceful exhalation as she smiled in an amused sort of way, although it wasn't immediately obvious whether she thought him funny or was just in a pleasant mood. "My name is Alethiel of the Ailasia clan," she answered, and then stood next to Lauriel and Allahan, pulling her cloak up over her shoulders. "So what brings you here?" she cheerfully asked Allahan.

Morgalad took off from his perch on the bench and landed some twenty feet or so away from the now-assembled group, and began walking slowly in the direction that they were beginning to head. He wanted to keep a close eye on Alethiel, for sure, wanted to see if Elric would approach her. He had noticed the human taking a look at the elf, although he didn't really understand why. He figured that Alethiel was probably mated - he knew she was female, although he had never met her mate, if she had one. But wasn't the human a different species? He thought so, at least.

Allahan noticed the strange glances he got, but didn't respond in any way. It was only a matter of time before they found out what he really was, now that he was officially in their party. He wasn't particularly fond of the aspect he currently embodied, for there was something raw in his outlook of things when he was in this form. There was something cold, barbaric, hiding in his gut, something that didn't like humans very much.

For now, he had to ignore it and focus on the events that took place externally. Presently the elven female approached him and asked him what brought him to Phlan. He answered truthfully in the language the question was asked. "I seek the means to learn what has before been unknown and find the strength to persecute that which offends me and those who share my sentiments," he said with all the fluency that he spoke common with. "I am a representative of that which cannot truly be understood, an extention of a passion that is never heard, and an agent of that whose mission is far more passive than my own."

And so he was. Although he claimed to be three impossible things, all three descriptions were accurate. Such were the mysteries of nature, of Silvanus.