ArcaneDesperado

There was a bit of a pause as if the individual was considering several different things involved with the request. You may follow me then if the terms are acceptable. If you have any wares that you would trade with, you may leave something you feel is appropriate in value to your lodging. Otherwise nothing is asked of you. The hyenas barked and cackled with excitement. Following the masked figure through the town, Raalk and Samaa could see various residents looking out from behind drapes and through cracked doors. Once a bit further into town, Ash would move up to a house that was locked with a padlock. A set of keys was produced from their belt and the lock was removed. The house itself seemed to be rather well kept, at least for the standards of the village in a swamp area. Ash would then proceed to move inside the building. Raalk and Samaa would hear Ash clap. The fireplace in the building would erupt to life, illuminating the interior, as all the windows were covered. One of the larger hyenas followed with Ash, while the rest of the pack sat down outside and waited patiently.

There was a bit of a pause as if the individual was considering several different things involved with the request. If you wish to stay, we will find a place for you to rest. However if you stay in this village, you must make sure you do not wander around outside of the space provided after the sun has set. You may leave again freely in the morning. You must not question this. So long as you agree you shall be provided with safe housing.

The black haired woman moved up and whispered something in Sophia's ear. It caused a bit of a distraction and Midas didnt seem to be watching the interactions of the officers on the pier close by. The woman watched Dame Crow again for a moment before she reached into her pocket and gave Sophia something. There was a nod and then her attention went back to the man she was with. Aye, ladies. Welcome back to the Kessel. Just about ready to set sail. Get you all on board and settled in. If you need any supplies last minute, might want to consider it now. Else it'll be a day or two before we set down again in Freebourne.

The black haired women glanced over in Dame's direction with her last loud proclamation. An eyebrow raised. Her eyes glowing a violet hue against the black attire of the military uniform. There was a brief glance back to Sophia and the man she was with. A few more words were exchanged before the Naval officer said her goodbyes. The man gave Sophia a brief hug and the other woman shook her hand. Sophia then turned and looked towards the group of Drujba. Her face seemed to be a mixture of concern and questions. Before she could comment about in the women's direction the sound of the platform from Midas hissed and settled to the ground on the pier.

Ironhelm walked over to the small bar that was in the room. Opening a decanter of what looked to be a whiskey he poured a glass. He offered it to Davin, and then motioned for him to sit before he continued. Komesh does indeed have his hand in a number of intelligence "pies"... He leaned against the couch side but didnt sit himself. And this most of the Liber Mechanicka image is a public persona to hide a lot of his actual activities. The man looked to Mercer for a moment. With no indication to not continue he looked back to Davin. There is great reason to believe that Komesh's loyalty to Salamis may have been compromised. And he has been feeding information and other Watchtower supplies via back channels into Cy'ril...

Mercer smirked slightly at the comment about the story. An interesting choice of example, especially given the reason that you are here. She glanced over to the man in the suit. I would imagine introduction however should be first before we continue. Allow me to introduce you to Johnathan Ironhelm, Master of Whispers to the King's Small Council. The man nodded to Davin. Thank you Lady Mercer. I'll continue as the other woman before you in one of my agents. Priscilla Irving. One of the finest we have in our Intelligence Department. The redhaired woman politely smiled. The reason however for your rather abrupt summons Mr Creckslant though is your mentor specifically. Komesh. There was a bit of a long pause. It seemed intentional to allow the weight of the next question to build. How aware are you of his affairs outside of the Watchtower?

No response came from any of the attempted languages from Raalk. The silence sat heavy in the air for a minute or so as it became clear a different approach may be needed. Then the yelping sound of dogs was heard from the far side of town. Laughing? No, not that either. Well not exactly dogs. Hyenas. A pack of them came into view from behind a building. Amid the pack walked a figure. It was covered in furs, bones, and other tribal decorations. The figure wore a wooden mask over their face and walked with a large wooden staff. A faint white-blue glow came from the eyes of the mask, cutting through the fog that hung in the area. The hyenas continued to circle and jump around the figure as it slowly walked towards Raalk and Samaa. Finally stopping maybe sixty feet or so away, the figure tilted its head slightly at the pair. Their expression hidden by the wooden mask. The people here are unfamiliar with outsiders. Especially those of a race outside their own. They mean no disrespect. They simply do not know any different. I am Ashanti Penjani, I am the ... leader ... of this settlement.

The door on the other end of the room opened. A woman with long flowing blonde hair lead the way. Raine Mercer. The Councilwoman and representative for the Watchtower to the King of Salamis' Council. The House of Mercer had come into power by Raine's position over the last several years. She was known as being ruthless and no-nonsense. The Watchtower continued to thrive within Salamis while she had the king's ear. Despite her age of also being estimated into her late 50s she still looked to be about two decades younger. Following behind her stood a man in a well tailored grey suit and another woman with red hair and a blue dress. The man remained standing by the door while the red haired woman quickly found herself a seat. Mercer looked over to Davin. Her eyes scanning him over for a moment. Journeyman Davin Creckslant, is it yes? Raine stopped her thought for a moment. Oh wait... Ms Irving.. could you please? Before we begin further... The redhead smiled lightly and hummed a bit. Davin could feel the energy creep over the room, as an almost transparent dome seemed to materialize over the room. The light chip of a bird outside the room's window suddenly silenced. Thank You. She returned her gaze to Davin. My estate had many security features to prevent unwanted eyes and ears from looking in, but I prefer to be overly cautious.

One of the soldiers that seemed less uptight chimed in. The Hornsaw conflict to the north. Towards the border. Cy'ril forces have a few airships themselves but most the damage is from undead attacks and necromancy. Watchtower and Church personnel should be here shortly to purge any after effects still lingering on the ship. You all should be taking off by then. So no reason to concern yourself too much with it. The SS Typhaon has lived through worse and will be back out to defend Salamis in no time. Last I heard the Kessel was scheduled for Freebourne. So you shouldn't even be close to things. At least not Cy'ril related. Plenty of pirates I hear out that way. Whole different type of problem.

Johnny stood up from the table. I'll go back and talk to my father. Get the arrangements made. Hold off on buying any horses until I can confirm what I can get the company to provide upfront. And I'll verify payment. I can probably get gold up front given its my father. Use it in turn to buy the horses if we'd rather do it that way. Meet back here later tonight? Probably be a day or so getting everything loaded before we leave. If there were no other issues with the plan, the bard would take his leave from the group.

As the Astors stepped outside, the teleportation spell instantly triggered. Davin had experienced teleportation before with Komesh, though the experience was still rare. The pulling sensation caused his head to throb for a moment as his entire presence was instantly moved from the exterior in Otari to the exterior of where he was now. Where ever that was.... The group of Davin and the Astor were now in a forested area, though the trees were clearly different from the local flora that surrounded Otari. One of the two twins nudged Davin forward though they still didnt really supply much in terms of explanation. After a minute or two of walking through the trees they would exit out into a roadway. Off to the left along the road stood a massive residence. Approaching the estate, a sense of grandeur permeates the air, with towering stone walls adorned with intricate carvings and banners displaying the House of Mercer family crest fluttering in the breeze. Passing through the imposing gates, Davin and the Astors would enter a meticulously manicured courtyard, where vibrant gardens burst with blooms of every hue, meticulously tended by skilled gardeners. The sound of a bubbling fountain fills the air, adding a soothing melody to the surroundings. Stepping inside the manor, he would be enveloped in a world of luxury and refinement. The main hall is a marvel of architectural splendor, with soaring ceilings supported by ornately carved pillars, and walls adorned with tapestries depicting scenes of valor and magic. A grand staircase, crafted from polished marble, leads to the upper floors, each step echoing with a sense of history and prestige. Finally the Astors would lead him into a reception room. Decorated with the finest of furnishings; plush velvet sofas and chairs, intricately carved wooden tables adorned with golden candelabras, and exquisite artwork adorning the walls. The air is heavy with the scent of exotic incense, adding to the ambiance of mystique and sophistication. The lead Astor would finally acknowledge Davin, be it still limited. The Councilwoman will be with you shortly... Wait here... The older man would motion at the twins and all three would exit. The heavy door closing behind them and leaving Davin for a brief moment alone

Raalk wasnt sure if it was the sight of a Trollkin and a Dragonkin emerging from the jungle after two weeks of living on the land. Neither of their races were likely a common site in their area of the continent. They were likely less than clean and probably didnt smell the best. He wasnt sure if there was a language barrier, because the initial screaming that started wasnt in Common. He didn't recognize the language. There however was a lot of shouting. Most of the tone seemed to be panic from what he could determine. There was some running that followed, most of it away from them. Doors slammed shut. Windows closed their blinds or shutters if they hand them. The area quickly turned into a ghost town. Samaa lifted an eyebrow behind Raalk. (Primordial) You always instill such a wonderful first impression, or did we just get lucky back at the Genasi village? (/Primordial)

The Drujba arriving at the barracks would find it far more lively than the afternoon previously. More soldiers were active and seemed to be rushing about. It was quickly clear though that it wasnt just a change in the time of day that had the military complex busier but the arrival of another ship that had come in right before dawn. A group of soldiers had been standing by for the groups arrival, and once they all were present would set about escorting them back to the Kessel like before. Approaching the port area for the airships, the Kessel was now dwarfed in size by another ship moored across from it. It was nearly four times the size of the Kessel's smaller faster frame. A battleship in comparison to a destroyer. Both ships were busy. One was setting itself up to depart, the other was working on repairs. And the massive warship looked like it had seen better days. Broken holes were in the hull, a mast was shattered and missing. Various burn marks and other signs of distress decorated the ships exterior. Rackham could be heard on the Kessel barking orders in getting the ship prepared as the group got closer. Captain Gillian was down on the pier compared to before. She was currently engaged in a conversation with two others. One was a man dressed in a black military uniform, including a black trench coat. A contrast to Sophia's white naval one. The other was a woman also in a similar black uniform, but far less elaborate.

Doallyn McClare / Royal Tactician & Conjurer Male - Human Noble - Neutral Good Wizard (Conjurer) 1 / Duskblade 1 Initiative + 1 / Hit Points: 13 / Speed: 30ft Armor Class: 14 / Touch: 11 / Flat-Footed: 13 Will + 5 / Reflex +1 / Fortitude +3 Doallyn had been fine with letting the others speak with the Captain first and then go about healing her. However as Sarai's reaction to something potentially dangerous seemed to alter the calm in the room to more tense, he also quickly went about letting one of his spell like abilities to attempt to deduce what the concern might be. "Deprehendere magicae" He also shifted to step in front of Racanna, to block any possible attacks that might come. Continuing Effects: Detect Magic Doallyn McClare Male Neutral Good Human Wizard, Init +1 HP: 13/13 Speed: 30 AC: 14 Touch: 11 / Flat-footed: 13 Fort +3 / Ref +1 / Will +5 Base Attack Bonus: +1 Abilities: Str 10, Dex 12, Con 12, Int 17, Wis 12, Cha 14 Spellbook Wizard Spells Per Day: Cantrips - 3 Message | Message | Open/Close 1st Level - 2 (1 + Intelligence Bonus Spell ) Spell Save DC: 10 + Spell Level + Intelligence Modifier (+3): Conjuration Spells +1 Summon Monster | Summoner Monster Duskblade Spells Per Day: Cantrips - 4 Detect Magic | Read Magic | Detect Magic | Read Magic 1st Level - 2 Blade of Blood | Resist Energy Spell Like Abilities: 5/6 (Dancing Lights, Detect Magic, Flare, Ghost Sound, Read Magic)

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The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) is a public university in Baltimore, Maryland. Founded in 1807, it comprises some of the oldest professional schools of dentistry, law, medicine, pharmacy, social work and nursing in the United States. It is the original campus of the University System of Maryland and has a strategic partnership with the University of Maryland, College Park.

The University of Maryland, College Park (University of Maryland, UMD, or simply Maryland) is a public land-grant research university in College Park, Maryland. Founded in 1856, UMD is the flagship institution of the University System of Maryland. The University of Maryland's proximity to Washington, D.C., has resulted in many research partnerships with the federal government; faculty receive research funding and institutional support from many agencies, such as the National Institutes of Health, NASA, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the Food and Drug Administration, the National Security Agency, and the Department of Homeland Security.

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Jason Holloway Spiritmancer - Detective High Concept: Cleveland's Fallen Son Trouble: Debts Up To His Eyeballs I mean it was later at night. Middle of the week. Probably has a suppressor. I dont even remember hearing the gun go off. More the glass shattering after it had already ripped through my shoulder. He shook his head. No CCTV. Its cheap rent apartments. Barely floats above code. This isnt typically housing for people with...legal means of being here.

Kay's Diner is nestled right off of Route 1, a few minutes off the 495/I-95 Capital Beltway Innerloop, and just south of the main University of Maryland College campus. Kay's has been a staple of the College Park area for over forty years. The diner has seen its ups and downs over the last four decades but still somehow manages to survive. A haven for the late night college crowd and other drunken reprobates the establishment sees most of its activity in the evening and in the afterhours into sunrise. The diner is owned and operated by Kay Brickman. Kay and her husband, recently deceased, Jason Brickman, purchased the diner shortly after it had been built in the 1970s. The diner given its location and nature sees a lot of turnover of waitstaff and line cooks. Outside of Kay, the only long term mainstay over the years that most locals recognize is Reggie. Reggie has worked for the diner for at least the last fifteen years. Generally serving as the late night shift cook most nights.

As the group leaves the barracks area, the afternoon is coming to a close. Before long the end of the day would be approaching. With the sun setting and the tankards are filled, members of the guild Persona Non Grata trickle in, their faces weary from a day's work but alight with anticipation for the night's festivities. The air is thick with the scent of ale and roasted meats, tempting the senses and luring in patrons from the bustling streets outside. Bards on the stage tune their guitars and ready their drums, preparing to play to the crowd with lively tunes that set feet tapping and hearts racing. The rhythm of the music blends with the stomping of feet and the roar of conversation, creating a symphony of revelry that seems to reverberate through the very walls of the guild hall. In the midst of it all, the guild members let loose, shedding the burdens of their daily lives and embracing the freedom of the night. They dance on tables, their movements wild and carefree, and raise their voices in song, their melodies blending together in a joyful cacophony. As the hours slip away and the fire dims to embers, the revelry shows no signs of slowing. Tankards are drained and refilled, and the tales grow taller with each telling. In this moment, time seems to stand still, and for that fleeting moment, the worries of the world outside are forgotten in a haze of camaraderie and merriment. The morning dawn, be it a bit too bright for still partly inebriated eyes, however would see the Drujba setting back the military barracks to board the Kessel.

Moving north upriver the air thickened with humidity, and the cacophony of jungle life crescendos around Raalk and Samaa. Towering trees draped in vines form a verdant canopy that filters the sunlight into a dappled mosaic, casting shadows over the murky waters. The riverbanks teem with life, from colorful birds flitting among the branches to the occasional glimpse of a slithering serpent or a lumbering tapir. As the journey progresses over the next week, the landscape begins to change subtly. The vibrant greens of the jungle give way to the muted tones of the swamp. Mangrove trees with their tangled roots rise from the water like sentinels, creating a labyrinth of channels and hidden alcoves. The air becomes heavy with the scent of decaying vegetation and brackish water. Occasionally, the stillness is shattered by the haunting calls of unseen creatures echoing through the mist. Navigating through the swamp demands a keen eye and a steady hand. The water grows shallow, and submerged obstacles lurk just beneath the surface. Dense patches of reeds and floating vegetation threaten to ensnare their footing at every turn. Yet, amidst the challenges, there is a surreal beauty to be found in the tranquil waters reflecting the twisted forms of the mangroves, and the eerie silence broken only by the occasional splash of a hidden creature. As Raalk and Samaa ventured deeper into the primeval realm, the sense of isolation and wonder intensified. The dense foliage begins to thin, revealing glimpses of wooden structures emerging from the murky waters. Slowly, the outlines of a village take shape, its buildings perched on stilts above the waterline, connected by a labyrinth of boardwalks and rope bridges. The village appears to be a fragile oasis amidst the untamed wilderness, its existence a testament to human resilience in the face of nature's relentless grasp. Wooden huts with thatched roofs huddle together, their walls adorned with vibrant murals depicting scenes of jungle life. Smoke rises lazily from cooking fires, mingling with a thick mist that hangs low over the water.

Our potential ST to be, has be MIA since creating the forum. This all may be moot. Hopefully not, but there are too many unknowns right now, and potential house rules mentioned not listed. Gonna try and remain optimistic for a return and more answers.

Johnny took another drink looking to Junbaari. No rails from Otari to any major city yet, despite the export trade with the fish. It'll come in time I'm sure but the war has prioritized it to more major cities for manufacturing and other political reasons. So it'll be on foot, or horseback. Not sure, if I can swing horses for everyone in the job. But the roads pretty well traveled. Also means its risk of highwaymen. Which is what he'd be there to protect against. Couple days travel because of the multiple wagons and slower movement to avoid damaging the goods. Occasional wandering beastie might come up on the roads, but given the regular amount of people its rare. They'd likely be sick or starving to risk it.