Nobody
Alexios Group
Posts: 1,409
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Post by Nobody on Feb 2, 2021 22:27:28 GMT
Aethyl makes no effort to hide his concern, and his displeasure, and responds to Mairwyn's musings, for they are his own. "I would see these robed men and their servants, to know, or at least to guess, if they are as those we faced in Nirrion City. Cousin, what does your heart tell you? For I fear they are now moving boldly openly, having little fear or concern of interference in their plans. And I fear too that, even with all the mighty guards and wards of Ravenwood, questions may be raised and investigations made should they venture further.
"Many a thing has been found or at least guessed at by virtue of what is NOT to be seen, or heard, or felt. And while I know the wisdom of the Academy is ancient beyond memory, and powerful beyond imagining, it is the wisdom and the power of men, and therefore fallible.
"If these indeed be our 'friends' then it would go well with us to know it now, so that we may plan accordingly, and not be caught unawares. I would that Rajit take me, to see with my own eyes, what may be seen. We will keep at a distance to escape their notice, though they will not be able to escape our notice, for I will use against them what they stole from others."
He looks at Mairwyn meaningfully.
(would like to use the Eyes of the Eagle and Observation check to study them)
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Post by Sir Roland Desprez on Feb 2, 2021 22:40:00 GMT
"If it is important to do so, I'm sure I can get closer. I will take Aethyl with me leaving him at a safe distance and then creep forward as close as I may to see what may be seen."
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Post by Storyteller on Feb 2, 2021 23:06:37 GMT
"That might do well, Cousin," I say. "And I thank you, Spear of the Shezazi. But do indeed listen to my warning. We must take a ship, for we have need of one. But we must not cause any disturbance. We must win the ship from its crew by words and by charm, by guile if necessary. But if a single alarm is raised, then we are all undone. The dragon who sits coiled 'round the temples in Nirrion," I shudder, "at the sound of a battle, of a fight, no matter how small, would have his attention drawn here. He would devour us all, and the sun will be lost to Kailos forever."
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Nobody
Alexios Group
Posts: 1,409
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Post by Nobody on Feb 2, 2021 23:30:12 GMT
"In that case I recommend we first spy out the docks in order to ascertain the nature and, if possible, intent of these robed men and their companions. Having done that, I would suggest moving openly. Or rather, openly under guise as merchants. We may go as a group, and Rajit may stand in as our bodyguard, if that seems good in his eyes, and yours. You, Cousin, alas, are impossible to be seen without notice, and while that may very well help our cause in playing our roles, I fear too that, if these men be who we think they are, your new status may draw unwanted attention. I also do not want rumors of too many noticeable people seeking passage. The fewer of us who interact with the the people of this place the better I think. Iritari and I might go together, but your presence may help, depending.
"But these are my thoughts alone, and I would hear what each of you has to say in this matter."
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Post by Storyteller on Feb 2, 2021 23:35:30 GMT
"If it seems better to you all that I remain here, I am willing," I say. "Far be it from me that pride get in our way! I do think that your silvered tongue works well." I pause. "I did learn some new magicks in Ravenwood, Cousin, invisible ones, whereby I might see what you are doing, and even, using other magicks, whisper in your ear, all while staying right where I am."
But I look at Iritari and suddenly press his fingers.
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Post by Storyteller on Feb 2, 2021 23:37:45 GMT
"Oh, and Cousin," I add, "by all means, use the Eyes. They ought to belong to you. You have best right to them and could make best use of them."
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Post by Storyteller on Feb 2, 2021 23:49:23 GMT
An idea strikes me. "Cousin, your idea is brilliant, and if we add these touches to it, it can hardly fail. I should go." I press Iritari's fingers again. "I should go, cloaked and veiled. Say that I am a gift for Caius Kelar Midal. He is the leader of the cult here, and there is no way that we would know his name were we not collaborating with him."
I glance at Rajit. "We learned that name when we were poking around the cult in Nirrion as we fled the influx of the undead. I have not forgotten it, and now we can use it to our advantage."
I then turn back to Aethyl. "So, Cousin, your thought of being merchants is perfect. There are, I have no doubt, many collaborators here in Nirrion, who would serve the dragon rather than die. So we could manage to get in and procure a ship."
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Post by Sir Roland Desprez on Feb 3, 2021 0:52:07 GMT
"I will do as you say. Just tell me what part to play and it shall be so."
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Post by Storyteller on Feb 3, 2021 0:57:59 GMT
I turn to Cousin Aethyl. "You will, of course, need to be the chief merchant, and of course the chief speaker. Rajit your bodyguard, I your gift to Caius Kelar Midal. Iritari perhaps your partner or ... your mate, since he is so young." If it were any other than my perverted cousin, I would not even want Iritari near him. I am a jealous sort, and my cousin is lovely. But Aethyl is mysteriously blind to male beauties.
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Post by Diocles on Feb 3, 2021 0:59:54 GMT
(I wonder where Drusie is. Is he here listening and silent, or is he sea bathing?)
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Nobody
Alexios Group
Posts: 1,409
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Post by Nobody on Feb 3, 2021 1:51:24 GMT
"Cousin, clearly you are able to read my mind. For I had indeed considered asking Iritari to play my lover, and I a foppish merchant. As he is now my kinsman I may play my role more forcefully and believably, seeing we can trust one another completely. And your plan to remain cloaked is brilliant, and far more than I could have hoped for, as I would greatly prefer you near us, and especially to have the guidance of your wisdom as we play our roles."
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Post by Storyteller on Feb 3, 2021 1:56:53 GMT
"Then lead on, Cousin!" I say. I give Iritari a little kiss before I raise my cloak and cover my face with a veil.
Why I am carrying a bit filmy gossamer and where I came by it, I do not explain. I do not have to. My lord Árón is a Merchant of Galadrin...
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Post by Diocles on Feb 3, 2021 2:07:11 GMT
Aethyl leads the way, with Iritari on his arm. Behind them walks Mairwyn veiled, and bringing up the rear as if on guard duty is Rajit. Drusinicus has decided to try a bit of sea-bathing.
Your party is immediately stopped as soon as you reach the docks of Rania. A red-robed cultist blocks your path. He is Skenje, and his blue eyes spark with haughty cruelty. "What's this we got here? Out for a night stroll, are we?" He is flanked by two zombies that stand a step behind him.
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Post by Sir Roland Desprez on Feb 3, 2021 2:52:49 GMT
Rajit is very uneasy. Undead are anathema to the balance of nature and the All. He attempts to appear stern, unintelligent and haughty.
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Nobody
Alexios Group
Posts: 1,409
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Post by Nobody on Feb 3, 2021 3:31:34 GMT
Aethyl's eyes and nostrils flare, and a look of wild mania, born of disbelief, fills his face.
"How dare you speak to me in that tone, insolent churl! I'll wager your master, the puissant Caius Kelar Midal (may the flame burn in him forever), has left you here to tend baggage, and to scare away children and rodents. For clearly you are not worthy to know his business, else you would have worn a face and a manner more pleasing and suited to the civility of commerce.
"I am Firas, and I have brought a lovely treat to your master. And one of us is going to tell him about our meeting here. It will either be you, and you may conceal the folly of your oafish insolence, or it will be me, and I will not be so charitably inclined."
To Iritari, he says, his arm draped lazily around his shoulder, and his lips drifting close to his ear, softly, privately, yet clearly audible to all around, "Can you believe it, Ceili? Where DO they find these simpletons?"
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