The Grand Griffon Tavern and Inn

[Jakon]

[A tall mitgardian man enters the tavern, he is dressed in a black leather duster with the design of a sun on the back of it, a wide brimmed black hat, and tall, dust covered buckled boots, on his hips there sits two well polished hand axes, both with intricate silver designs covering them, under his duster comes the dull gleam of chainmail, his face is rugged, with quite a bit of stubble and a scar accross his forehead, his eyes are deep blue, he appears to be in his early 30s, when he talks, it is with the slightest hint of a highland lilt, he walks over the the bar, and waits to talk to the innkeeper]

Master Gabbold: Ah, welcome stranger, what do you need?

Black Coated Man: A room, a stall in your stable, a meal for tonight and the morning, and an ale, I heard this was the place to go for these things.

Master Gabbold: Ah, well you've heard right,it'll only be a few gold coins

[The man produces the coins, in return Gabbold produces the items requested]

Black Coated Man: Thank you sir

Master Gabbold: Shouldn't I be the one giving thanks? You did pay me

Black Coated Man: Not at all, now, if you'll excuse me, I have things to attend to.

[At that the man sets his tankard and plate down at an empty table, then leaves to put his horse up, he soon returns]

[Mike S]

[The man in exquisite armor begins his tale.]

The man in exquisite armor: "It was toward the end of the Revolword War. The Phantom Legion had gathered at a secret location in the Kaliphlin desert. The place has since become known as the Black Pyramid. We had been camped there for quite a few months but it wasn't until a few days before we marched for Cedrica that we discovered..."

[suddenly the man stops speaking and searches the room. His eyes pierce the darkness under the balcony. An elven maiden hides in the darkness there. The man had noticed "Hunter's" departure but had missed this maiden's entrance. He must keep an eye on her for perhaps she is the one he seeks. He turns back to Govannon.]

The man in exquisite armor: "Please excuse me for the interruption, now let me get back to the tale. Yes, it wasn't until a few days before we marched for Cedrica that we discovered the secret staircase. We all had assumed that the pyramid was just a house to protect the sacred tree within from the harsh climate but little did we know that we were on the threshold of a portal to another age... an age long forgotten yet whose civilization make the greatest civilizations of the present look like child's play."

[The man notices Vladivus leave and wonders for a moment if he should have introduced himself. But the moment quickly flees as he knows this is neither the time nor the place as there were other eyes here that were watching and ears that were listening.]

Edited June 2, 2014 by Mike S

[Scaevola]

[Semperius scrupulously studies the new arrivals, an elf and a Mitgardian. They seemed very discreet and mysterious, as most of the other visitors seem. Perhaps it is time to call for more guards he mused. Semperius hands a decree to a newly arrived pursuivant who shuffles off. He then turns back to Sir Wiscon.]

[Lord Vladivus]

[The door opens, and a man dressed in deep red robes, a black keffiyeh and golden, armoured pauldrons. In his hand is a black staff, chased with gold and topped by a glowing ruby. His piercing, fierce red eyes take in the room, lingering on the man with exquisite armour. He turns to Gabbold and speaks, his voice low and menacing, carrying the weight of knowledge and power.]

Newcomer: "Greetings. My friend Vladivus has just informed me of this establishment. I am Krell of the Rakath, servant of Shadowmere. A glass of skypure ice water if you would barman."

Gabbold: "Certainly Sir. I cannot persuade you with one of our Historican ales?"

Krell: "The water will suffice thank you."

Edited June 4, 2014 by Lord Vladivus

[HammerBro]

[Morgan finds Natolyth and sits down at his table.]

Morgan: "Thank you sir, but I have a drink already. I was told you the person to talk to about Drow?"

[MKJoshA]

Natolyth: "Be careful sir, we would be wise not to shout the name 'Drow' too loudly. There have been some curious creatures about the Inn tonight and I would not want to attract their attention."

[Morgan had already been talking in a low voice, but he responded to Natolyth's paranoia graciously.]

Morgan [in a quieter voice]: "Ah, you mean the shade. I had not heard that they were allied with the Drow in any official capacity."

Natolyth: "Whether that is the case or not remains to be seen, but nevertheless it would be prudent for us to be discreet tonight. Now, concerning these Drow. I am in search of those who have learned more about the Drow than the average traveler. You see, I have had many dealings with them, but I do not remember them for I was under the evil influence of a sorceress named Edea. More recently I have engaged them in battle and found that they fight without uttering a sound. This seems advantageous to me as a silent attacker is a more deadly killer. Do you know anything of this fighting style?"

[Morgan did not answer right away so Natolyth added an additional statement]

Natolyth: "Or perhaps you are here to ask me questions rather than be asked?"

Edited June 8, 2014 by MKJoshA

[TheUtilityBelt]

[Heinsen walks over to Gabbold]

Heinsen: Sir, who might the two men at that table be? [He gesturs to Natolyth and Morgan]

Gabbold: Aye. That'd be... Natolyth from Mitgardia, and Morgan of Avalonia. What be your business with them?

[in a quieter voice, Heinsen speaks]

Heinsen: My own.

[He walks away to the table with Natolyth and Morgan]

[MKJoshA]

[Heinsen walks to Natolyth's table.]

Heinsen: Good mages, it seems you are discussing something worthy of my attention.

[The interruption gave Morgan time to formulate his response.]

Natolyth: I would have thought a man of Kaliphlin would have enough manners not to interrupt a couple of mages in conversation, but it is loud in the Tavern tonight so I think we can excuse your lack of courtesy as simply not being able to hear over the roar from the other tables. Which, come to think of it, is exactly what we want anyway tonight. Please [Natolyth pulls out a chair] come and join us.

[Mike S]

[The man in exquisite armor notices that his table companions seem to have dozed off probably from too much mead. He is relieved as he really did not feel like telling the story again anyway.

Eying the newcomer who introduced himself to Gabbold as Krell, he calculates the odds of it being coincidence that he ordered ice water. It was rare to find a Historican that abstained from ale, mead, and wine upon entering a tavern so it was high chance it was meant to be a signal. But as the man seemed to hail from the southern lands where a mug of pure ice water could sometimes fetch a higher price than a mug of its alcoholic counterparts, one could not hastily come to conclusions. He would wait and see if the man attempted to signal again.]

[HammerBro]

[Morgan is deep in thought recalling all his knowledge of the Drow as Heinsen sits down.]

Morgan: "Yes, the Drow have a certain way of silent battle. They lurk in the shadows and take their victims by surprise. It seems their way is crafty and not so bold as open war, though I believe open war is upon us."

Heinsen: "Well, how are we to protect our people? Surely, if Avalonia falls to the Drow, Mitgardia or Kaliphlin will be next."

Morgan: "Indeed, but I think that strength in numbers would be a defense. The Drow hunt in small packs limiting their noise. They are patient and only strike when victory is certain. I passed two places in my travels where arrows were scattered and the scent of Drow lingered."

[TheUtilityBelt]

[Heinsen recalls joining forces with the Eagle-men to defeat a small camp of drow]

Heinsen: On my way to Avalonia, I went through a village of eagle-men and joined Sir Jontry in an assault on a drow camp. The drow fought well but with slopy swodsmanship. If they are able to be suprised, they aren't that alert and are taken down fast.

Morgan: Yes. That could prove to be the needed advantage. I will send word to the major countys of Avalonia. But tell me more of these eagle-men.

Natolyth: Yes. They sound to be formidable allies.

[As Heinsen describes the Eagle-men, a nocty walks into the tavern wearing a cloak and leather armor. He appears to be a Zugal]

Newcomer: [To Gabbold] I'll take a Bloodwine, please.

Gabbold: May I ask your name?

Newcomer: My name is Durkon, from north-western Nocturnus.

[MKJoshA]

Heinsen: Before I tell you about the eagle-men, Morgan, please tell us more about these two locations where you found evidence of the Drow. Was this recently?

Natolyth: Ah, more questions. But will we get any answers? I am still seeking someone who can teach me how the drow fight this way. Heinsen, Morgan, have either of you heard of such a person?

[Lord Vladivus]

Krell notes the gaze of the man in exquisite armour and chuckles to himself, a swift blaze of fire traversing the distinctive red arteries bulging just beneath his alabaster skin. A sip of the ice water cooled the feeling. It looked like the man's companions were of, well, little use. Krell felt the need to call this mans bluff. Directness was not really something Krell favoured, it was more Fenrir's style. Yet there would be little to gain from letting the encounter slide by. Krell glided over to the man and sat down, his wizened hands clutching his staff as he leant heavily on it.[

Krell: Greetings, I am Krell of the Rakath. Your eyes see much, unless I am mistaken.

[Jakon]

[The man in the black coat returns to his table, he sits down in the chair, then sets his hat down beside his plate and shakes his long black hair out, then begins eating his meal, as he does so, he scans the room, examining each, and every face in close detail, marking each face in his mind, looking for someone familiar, someone he could get information out of, he locks on to a furtive child, obviously a pickpocket, winding his way through the tavern]

[The Black coated man thinks to himself "This may be the messenger Vondran sent, I'll have to wait until he gets to my table"]

[The little thief eventually makes his way over, and attempts to pickpocket the man's closest belt pouch, however, inquisitors are not easily stolen from, and the boy is caught, the man wraps an arm around the boy's head and pulls him close, then whispers in his ear]

Black Coated Man: Who is your master?

Thief: W-w-what? sir, please don't hurt me I swear I'll give all the coins I stole back I swear sir I swear it!!

Black Coated Man: I will Deal with your thievery later, now tell me, do you have any affiliation with Vondran Ramel of Cedrica?

Thief: Oh divines up above, you mean that scary purple coated man with the scar on his jaw?

Black Coated Man: Yes that's the man, now talk, what did he tell you?

Thief: He just told me to give this ere paper to the man who asked too many questions

[At this the thief produces a small scroll with a purple wax seal bearing the image of a portcullis on it]

Black Coated Man: Wonderful, now, the coins you stole, put them on the table, take these coins of mine to feed yourself, and remember, stealing is a sin in the eyes of the divines

[The thief does what is instructed, thanks the man for his kindness, then runs as fast as he can out of the tavern, nearly knocking over a serving lady in the process]

Black Coated Man: Now, what does Vondran have for me

[The man opens the scroll]

Black Coated Man: Holy sun above, its the map, right, I have the whereabouts, now I need a party to help me fetch it, hopefully I can find one in this place, if i can't, I'm a doomed adventurer

[The man begins looking around for suitable party members]

Edited June 11, 2014 by Jakon

[Mike S]

[The man in exquisite armor locks eyes with Krell. This fellow was difficult to read.]

The man in exquisite armor: "Indeed, it is so. I would introduce myself but as I have many enemies, I should first know the nature of your interest with me."

[The man in exquisite armor watches the black coated man and wonders what he is up to.]

[Lord Vladivus]

[The man in exquisite armor had managed to give Krell valuable information- he had many enemies. A potentially fatal vulnerability.

Krell:"It is not often that I meet someone who has the purity and skill to match my abilities."

If this is who Krell thinks he is, he should know that Krell is no mere Necromancer. Even Vladivus is unaware of Krell's true skills.

[gedren_y]

[Outside the Grand Griffon, at the back service entrance, a caravan wagon pulled by four ostriches comes to a stop. A man in loud colored robes and a black turban hops down, waving over two young porters.]

Colored Robes: "Get to helping unload, boys. I have a full load of good drinks and dried teas from the Nestlands for your master."

[A second smaller wagon pulls near, and out hop four well armed folks with fair skin. Ehfrik Daffys, Wahl Zuuree, Lohp Zuuree and their lady captain Shay Liih begin helping the boys unload the cargo.]

[A serving girl having recognized the caravan master, rushes in to inform Master Gabbold that his order has arrived.]

-----------------------------------

[After the unload, Master Gabbold addresses the helpful warriors.]

Master Gabbold: You four, come on in and enjoy our hospitality.

Shay Liih: Aye, that we will. Our Min'stry 'as sent us to bolster Cedrica's d'pleted def'ns's.

[she pats her very full purse.]

Shay Liih: We will need rooms fer an ext'nded stay. One for meeself, an' one for da three lads. Pref'r'bleh near one 'nother, an' wit a good view of da main road.

Master Gabbold: That can be arranged. Would the lady like a bath prepared as well.

Shay Liih: Aye, that would be wund'rfl. An' when the sour red tea gets brewed, I'd like a chilled decanter and a tall glass of ice.

[shay Liih takes from her purse (just the visible one) four large rubies and a walnut-sized pearl, and hands them to Master Gabbold.]

Master Gabbold: Right away. Mora! Heb!

[The earlier serving girl (Mora), and one of the young porters (Heb) rush up at the master's call.]

Master Gabbold: Mora, take the lady to the guestbook, and get a key for room six and three keys for room seven. Heb, see to it these good lads are well served. Make sure that all the servers know their food and drink are on account.

[The foursome of Nestlands warriors follow Mora and Heb down a hallway, past the kitchen and into the main tavern room.]

Mora: This way misselle.

[shay Liih follows Mora to sign in, and then to see to their rooms.]

[Ehfrik, Wahl and Lohp look about the room for a suitable place to stettle. Ehfrik points to an empty table on their left along the wall. The others nod, and they head towards it. Wahl stops for a moment, spying someone he recognizes from Mpya Stedor. He waves the others off and heads towards Sir Wiscon.]

Wahl Zuuree: Sir Alleenridder, ya left da wund'rfl wedd'n party too soon.

[Wahl pulls out a small, well tooled purse from behind his back, and drops it on the table.]

Wahl Zuuree: Yer share of da winnins. Squire Redbird sez iffn' ya don' show ta col'ct nex'time, he's keepin' eht all. Ah'll tell yah 'bout da rest of da stuff later.

[Wahl walks off without waiting for a reply, heading to his party's table.]

Wahl Zuuree: Whatcha order?

Ehfrik Daffys: Lamb stew.

Lohp Zuuree: Blue mead from da caravan.

Wahl Zuuree: Bottle number three, right?

Lohp Zuuree: Yup.

Wahl Zuuree: Good.

[The three lads settle in to eat and drink, telling the occasional outlandish story in a mix of the modern and clan tongues.]

----------------------------------------

[Later upstairs, Shay Liih is luxuriating in her warm bath when a knock comes at the door.]

Shay Liih: Who is it?

Heb's voice: Your tea, ma'am.

[she pulls a fluffy robe close, and turns in the tub to face away from the door.]

Shay Liih: Enter.

[As the door opens with a creak, Shay Liih stands facing away from the door. After a few seconds of silence, Shay Liih slips on the robe as she steps out of the tub, securing it firmly before turning around.]

Shay Liih: Come on, boy, an' set me tea on de nightstand.

[blushing furiously, Heb complies.]

Shay Liih: What's da cook got fer us tonight? An' be min'ful, we Nestlands folk don' eat birds.

Heb: Cook has lamb stew.

Shay Liih: I'll have that then. Go on, now. An' make sure a lass brings ma food an' drink from now on.

[Heb rushes out the door and down the stairs, face still beet red. Shay Liih laughs at the boy's embarrassment as she goes to close the door.]

Edited June 13, 2014 by gedren_y

[Mike S]

[The man in exquisite armor sees a gleam of triumph in Krell's eyes. The bait had worked. One thing still bothered him however. Why had he never heard of nor encountered this man before?]

The man in exquisite armor: "Some would disagree with you about the purity part and how do you know that I have the skill to match your abilities?"

[A man of evident class enters the tavern. He is clothed in a nobleman's attire complete with shirt, doublet, hose, and cap. He sees the man in exquisite armor and hurries over to him.]

The man in exquisite armor: "Ahh, Gaius, I see you have finally arrived. Do me a favor and keep these good fellows company. And remember... do not cease to keep an eye out for her."

[The man in exquisite armor introduces Gaius and Krell to each other before standing to leave.]

The man in exquisite armor: "Farewell friends! And Krell, be cautious with information you acquire. Information without a key to decipher it can be deadlier than having no information at all ."

[The man in exquisite armor winks at Krell before leaving the tavern.]

[Scaevola]

[Draining the remainder of his wine, Semperius takes his leave from Sir Wiscon, telling him to meet him at the Kaliphlin Consulate if he finds a Mpya Stedor trade delegation, or needs to speak with him. With an exaggerated flick of his wrist, the lictors and Semperius stroll discreetly out of the inn]

[A newcomer enters the inn. The man is a tall figure, wearing a red silk robe ornamented with a gilded mantle. A long hood conceals his face, and he tightly clutches an unadorned ivory staff in his right hand. His piercing violet eyes survey the room, and his suspicious visage lingers on the one called Krell]

Master Gabbold: "Greetings sir, if I am not mistaken, you are a Curate of a religious order?"

Man: "That I am master innkeeper. If I may, I shalt lodge in one of thy rooms for a few days,"

[The Curate slides some coins on the table, which Master Gabbold promptly thrusts back in his hands]

Master Gabbold: "You shall stay for no charge. A clergyman's service is always welcome especially with the plague and internal conflict ravaging Avalonia," "May I offer you some sustenance?"

Curate: "No sir, but I am deeply obliged for thy lodgings. I shalt not stay for long,"

[The Curate strolls across the room and silently seats himself at a table. He pulls out an age-yellowed book which he opens up and he begins to read softly to himself]

Edited June 14, 2014 by Scaevola

[Lord Vladivus]

[Damn the man in exquisite armour leaving. Perhaps this Gaius could prove useful. Unlikely.

Krell:"So Gaius, tell me, what is your business here?"

Krell noted the Curate's disapproving look, and chuckles to himself as the Curate sits down. Foolish man.

Edited June 14, 2014 by Lord Vladivus

[Mike S]

[Gaius settles in the chair that the man in exquisite armor had previously occupied.]

Gaius: "I am here at the request of the man who just left. I am supposed to be looking for someone but it seems none of us knows who we are looking for except that the person is female. And... before you ask, no, I do not know the reason why we are looking for this person."

[Lord Vladivus]

[Krell's brow wrinkles, as a frown creeps accross his face. It is swiftly hidden.]

Krell: "Then how will you know her?"

[Mike S]

[Gaius contemplates Krell's question for a second.]

Gaius: "You ask a valid question. In truth I do not know, but she is supposed to be meeting someone here about some archeological item."

[Gaius pauses for a moment and then looks back at Krell.]

Gaius: "So what region of Historica do you hail from?"

[Lord Vladivus]

[interesting, these men, and their deflections. Although Gaius was being more open than the other had been.]

Krell: "It has been long since any have questioned the land of my origins. Most assume Nocturnus, and although I am affiliated, I am not from there. I come from lands that cannot normally be walked by mortal men. My parents were great adventurers in a time long past, and they found their way to the underworld, that spirit dimension inhabited by demons and worse. I was conceived there, amongst the fire and the wailing of innocents, and in that moment my parents sealed their fate. A demon came and took my spirit from its housing, and cast it into the void, whence I wandered innumerable paths, before finding myself hurled back into my body, such as it was now- for the demon had altered my physical shell to be immortal, and the fires of the underworld had burnt and scarred it, and hot demon ichor coursed through my veins. My parents were now little more than skeletal corpses forming the cage in which my body was kept. The demon had proved his own undoing, as I broke free, slew him and returned to the lands of the living, bringing an army of the dead with me. Luckily for most, Vladivus met me in combat, and bested me, cooling my ire, and now I serve his will."

[Mike S]

[Gaius' face seems to grow paler the farther Krell gets into his history. When Krell stops speaking, he nervously adjusts himself on his chair and attempts to change the subject.]

Gaius: "So you serve Lord Vladivus then? My master has high regard for him and sometimes speaks of him as Nocturnus' last hope."

Edited June 14, 2014 by Mike S