[Game Thread] Prolouge (In which the party comes together)

[Draycos Goldaryn]

Ancient texts tell of a dungeon created by the Celestials near the beginning of time. This dungeon has since become forgotten and lost to civilization and history, until recently. A sorcerer by the name of Wormtail and his imp familiar have discovered the texts describing the dungeon and it's original purpose. Through the imp's ability to commune with the infernal powers, they learned of a forgotten temple near the entrance which contained a portal to an inter-dimensional space where many infernal beast were trapped. The imp informed the sorcerer that if he were to release these beasts, they would be loyal to him and he would have a ferocious army available to him.

Following the advice of his familiar, the wererat sorcerer gathered a very diverse and large party of humanoids to accompany him on his quest. These creatures were gathered from disaffected members of over a dozen tribes. They consisted of kobolds, orcs, troglodytes, and even an ogre. Fueled by promises of vast treasure and lead by lizardfolk, this party made a quick journey toward the location of the dungeon drawing attention from nearby settlements. One baron grew quite concerned after learning of a band of creatures heading with purpose toward an unknown goal while adding more to their number, even from the rebellious outcasts of his own barony. He thus issued the following proclamation:

- Attention all Adventurers! A sorcerer known as Wormtail has gathered an army of evil creatures for some nefarious purpose. We don't know exactly what this purpose is, but we do know he can't be up to any good. We are asking you to go after Wormtail and discover what this purpose is and put a stop to him. All interested parties should apply in person at the capital city of Bottome. Substantial reward offered as payment, with a small portion being presented up front and the rest upon completion of the mission. Signed, Sir Regenald Bottomyr III Baron

This proclamation brought adventurers from all over the city of Bottome as well as the surrounding countryside as the promise of substantial reward peaked their interest.

[Draycos Goldaryn]

Many would-be adventurers responded to the Baron's summons. So many from wildly differing walks of life and just as differing personalities. As usual, it was placed upon the Chancellor's shoulders to put together a team of 6 - 8 adventurers to gather information about this mysterious sorcerer's vile schemes. Valorym had reviewed each of the applicants and made his final decision, difficult though it was.

The accepted heroes had already been given the first half of their pay and sent out to purchase what they felt they needed for the mission. Now the Chancellor and the Baron awaited their return in the Audience Chamber of the castle to give them their final instructions.

This will be the first time the entire party will be together at one time. The time was quickly approaching when it would be proved whether or not the Chancellor's choices were correct or not. He just hoped the Baron would not recognize his own daughter among the group.

[Outmind]

He knew that he would be among the chosen.

To be sure, it was not self-indulgence or an undue sense of entitlement that gave Darian that feeling. Rather, he knew it to be true as soon as he had left the chancellor's rooms for the first time. A sort of strange calm washed over him, making him feel more at ease than he was ever since the incident at Hensmouth, the village where he had become a paladin in earnest. Darian took this as a sign of Erastil that he was being set on the path of purpose, and for that he was grateful. The summons that came later that day was for him close to a mere formality, his god having opened the door hours before.

Truthfully, Darian was a bit concerned about how vague his instructions were - he had been given a princely sum of money, enough to feed an entire village for three months at least, and told to go spend it on gear and supplies. He had trouble enough as it is finding the baron's residence, let alone making his way through meandering streets and busy squares in search of shops scattered throughout the city.

The stream of people caused him great discomfort, as he was always bumping into someone and not getting out of the way fast enough for hurrying passers by. As a result of this, Darian had spent the first half hour or so of his shopping spree almost as much in apologizing as in looking for things he could use.

The jingle of so much coin did little in the way of enticing him to spend it foolishly. His biggest expenses were those of necessity - his breastplate had been battered to near uselessness in his last fight, and fighting without a shield simply did not suit him. The prices were outrageous, but with an honest smile and a few words of praise, Darian did manage to soften up the stern shopkeeper's heart somewhat at least. The man also offered to sell him something he called a masterwork version of the sword Darian already carried. Although he did find the craftsmanship to be quite superb, he chose to hold on to his blade, both as a memory of what was, and a testament to what he had sworn to do.

He gave some of the money he could have spent on that sword to a cleric of Iomedae judging the man's plea for help sincere and just. The cleric thanked Darian profusely, and in return offered to tell him which shops could supply him with the best wares.

Darian set out to find the shops in question, which proved easier than anticipated with the cleric's directions. The problem was that Darian had never needed to buy so many items for himself before, and, not even knowing what he was up against, did not know how many perishable goods or situational items he would need. He finally decided on a sound mix of sensible purchases, departing towards the baron's with a sizable chunk of his wealth still in tact.

To his surprise, Darian was apparently the first to arrive. He knew that the audience was scheduled to be held in about half an hour, but nevertheless, he wanted to be prepared and presentable when the time came. He donned his new armor and shield, which gave him the look of someone ready to depart this very moment if need be.

Since being ironclad eliminated the possibility of sitting, Dariel started strolling about the antechamber he was shown to, admiring the tapestries, and waiting for fate to unfurl.

OOC And the ice has been broken. I hope I do not presume too much with the antechamber.

[Sauragnmon]

Sadekar had been given his acceptance with a letter of marquee, so to speak - a letter of credit with one of the city's financiers. He had been credited quite a sum, and told to buy equipment. He knew exactly what he was - a Thief to catch a Thief. To that end, and the knowledge he would have to infiltrate places, he set out.

The first of his purchases was something truly befitting of a talented scoundrel, as he rounded the way into the Weaponsmith's shop. He looked around the racks, studying the weapons offered commonly by the purveyor of pain he had chosen to give patronage to. He presented the letter of credit just a moment before he pointed to a very finely crafted basket-hilted rapier and its scabbard. "I'll take That nice fine rapier on the rack right there." The Weaponsmith didn't say much, reaching up to gather the finely made rapier, handing it to him hilt first. Out of sheer habit, he took the scabbard in his left hand and quarter-drew the blade, studying the fine double edge of the blade with a smile. Now he felt like he was in business. Strapping it to his belt, he left the Smith's ship, heading just down the street towards more merchants of many things.

He'd turn into the Armourer's shop, selecting some decently made studded leather, across the street to the Fletcher's workshop for a shortbow and a hundred nice broadhead arrows. Then he descended further into the market, acquiring a backpack to go with his handy haversack and the quiver of arrows, frequenting a number of mundane stores purveying any number of goods. He stopped into a Blacksmith's shop, picking up a Miner's Pick, a Sledgehammer and a Crowbar - three tools a wise rogue could make many uses of. He bought pitons, and chalk, and a plethora of other supplies, finding places for everything in his pack or the haversack. His last stop was to one of those shops you wouldn't know was a shop if you didn't know the right people. Within this store, he picked up the last of his things, a nice, finely crafted set of... implements of lesser repute should he say. The owner was an artisan, and well known to certain elements. He didn't have the credit on hand, and the artisan wouldn't take a credit that large anyways - too much trouble, people knowing you took a large sum for work when you're not on the registers. The small fee could be credited for some odd jobs, or as a donation to a small foundation he worked with.

Having shopped his credit clean, he turned his course, heading to the Baron's holdings, making his pace on smooth travel. The guards were expecting him, though he still showed his paperwork that this time he was here on Legitimate business. This of course gave a few of the guards a chuckle or two. Sadekar made his way through the hallways to the audience chamber, to which he had been summoned once his acquisitions were finished. And lo, with his entrance, the young roguish corsair of information, or so he had thought himself, became a Baron's Privateer.

As he entered the antechamber, he looked around. There was another man pacing around, and it drew a bit of a chuckle from Sadekar before he spoke up.

"I see we seem to be early... I'm assuming, of course, you're here about that wizard's army business... you seem to be prepared similarly to me for the travel and business therein..."

[Fragmaster01]

Doom was at hand.

Well, a lesser doom of sorts. Still very troubling, as a small furball wandered here and there amid the shops in town. The nice chancellor had given Ashanti all sorts of shinies, and told her to prepare for the upcoming dramatic conflict. Now it was time to buy All The Toys. Well, so long as they had proper combat applications. That ruled out her idea of getting a puppy for a hat, because they tended to run away from violence, no matter how cute and protective they were.

The girl was small, not even reaching 5 feet tall, and adorned in a one-shoulder shirt and oddly patterned knee-length skirt. She'd already procured a little fluffy hat with ear flaps(she'd cut holes in it for when she got all foxish, but that was for later), and her messy red hair came down to her mid-back, slightly covering the top of her garishly purple Handy Haversack(whom she had named Mr. Baggage). Items were being stuffed into them with little regard for necessities. Oh sure, she started with the expensive panaceas and such, to make sure she wouldn't buy too much up front, but now she had moved on to more... unorthodox gear. "Fireworks. Pew pew." The townsfolk nearby gave worried looks to each other, not sure why a young girl had the money for fireworks, or what she would do with it if she got her wish.
-----------------
Back in the audience chamber, Ashanti joined up with her new BFFs. now covered in a sleeved fluffy cloak that was 2 sizes too large(she'd grow into it, and this way, she'd have a blanket too! Science.) These newcomers were all big, and looked very violent indeed. 'This will be much fun', she thought, as she started picking out which ones would be the easiest to guilt into carrying all her stuff. Or just carrying her. She loved piggyback rides. "Yep, that's the idea! Take on Mister Meanyface, and show him who's boss. Or just tie him up and drag him around until he gives in. Whichever one he feels like doing. You don't mind if we do the one with the burning and screaming monsters, do you? It does make for good times." She started tossing around a magical projectile in her left hand, before remembering Sage Advice and drawing it back in. 'Right, right, no juggling magic missiles in the house.'

[TeufelHeunden]

Gratefully Balban did not have to go to far back inside the city the following morning before a city guard who was complementary to a courier blocked him. The Chancellor it seemed was edgy and knowing that he was marking his time outside the city gates chose to dispatch someone rather than wait for him to return. It appeared that the Chancellor was wise in his advice to the Baron and persuaded the Baron that help from the grove would be mutually beneficial.

After a squat conversation the courier provided him his purse and written instructions and bid him farewell. The courier and the guard then turned and headed off in a curt pace towards the Baron’s residence.

Opening the letter he saw that he was undeniably being summoned this afternoon and it told him that he should use the payment to purchase any goods that he felt he needed for a “lengthy campaignlengthy campaign”. Having spent a little time away from the grove in the care of some of the elder’s, they taught him well and he knew what he needed to purchase so set about his business. “A lengthy campaignA lengthy campaign,” he thought to himself, “well I don’t know what a campaign is but lengthy I knowwell I don’t know what a campaign is but lengthy I know.” He meandered around purchasing his goods and made it back out of the smelly city for some fresh air and the forest as quickly as he could with little left to spare.

Settling in at camp he stroked Eligan behind the ears and she settled her large head down in the soft grass and purred. “It seems that they do want our help after all girl, seems like we will need to go into the city and see this Baron, or his Chancellor at least this afternoon and they are going to send us out to look for this army trampling through the countrysideIt seems that they do want our help after all sheila, seems like we will need ta bloody go into the city and see this Baron, or his Chancellor at least this arvo and they are goin' ta send us out to look for this army tramplin' through the countryside.” When Eligan heard him say “we need to go into the cityta bloody go into the city,” whether she understood him or just sensed him tense a bit at the thought she let out a sigh and rolled her head a little bit. They spent the afternoon and then cleaned up camp, “leave no tracks behind, isn’t that what master Elrry always taught usleave nah tracks behind, isn’t that what master Elrry always taught us,” he said to her as he packed.

As they made their way through the city gates the guards took one step back before gathering the courage to approach him and his companion, “Y-You can’t come in here with that, that, whatever beast that is,” they challenged. He snickered a bit as the last couple of times he came through they just turned their noses up to him, he liked the extra presence she gave him, “I am on business for the Baron and he requested we both attend him this afternoonI am on business for the Baron and he requested we both attend him this arvo.” He produced his papers and they stepped aside allowing him to pass muttering something to each other as he walked away.

The townspeople who were in such a hurry earlier and bumping into him and each other cut a path and whispered as they walked by, apparently never having seen a creature of that size in the city walls before unchained. The same episode repeated itself as he reached the Baron’s residence. They were led down some corridors and then through a door into a large room with a couple of others who seemed to be talking to each other and a little girl that he thought might be the Baron’s daughter, he turned down to Eligan and instructed her to heel as they entered. She stayed right by his side as he pulled back the hood of his cape exposing his unkempt hair, “Hello, are you three with the Baron or here to answer his call for helpG'day, are yoos three with the Baron or here ta answer his call for help?”

[Sir Alex]

 

A stand mirror lay propped against a wall in the armory and Evelyn turned a circle to admire her reflection. The cleric had to admit she looked good in steel armor. It was so…shiny. She sighed luxuriously. Give me sparkling gems if you must, but I’d rather have this wonderful breastplate. Besides, earrings won’t stop goblin arrows!

The missive had arrived that morning, granting her request to do battle against the wizard oppressor. Of course it had arrived. The will of the gods would prevail. And was she not the vessel of their will in this world?

Evelyn’s day had been a whirlwind of preparation. There were few supplies she needed, truly, but the armor had been vital. She had even stopped at a local temple to buy scrolls. What was that place anyway? A temple of Sarenrae? Desna? They all look the same to me. Stuffy old dogmatists. Fortunately for me, I can usually avoid such places. Most other clerics should sermonize less and get out into the world. Doing good works is how I pray, and not the other way around.

Nodding fiercely, Evelyn hustled up a main street and made her way to the castle. The keep lay atop a hill near the center of the city. She breezed on through the gate, pausing only to orient herself toward the Audience Chamber. There were several others in the chamber already. An odd bunch. Especially that cat girl in the huge coat. Was she cold? She had fur already, by the gods. Was her pate a bit addled, perhaps? And those colors…so clashing. Clearly, Evelyn would be bearing the burden of tasteful fashion on this adventure.

Her mood was not improved by the dirty man standing off the side. She could smell him from across the room. And was that a tiger with him? A tiger. She resolved not to comment on his personal grooming. Best to leave him be. Keep him happy. Yes. Her eyes roamed over to the other two. A shifty looking character. Hmm. And a fine looking warrior with some elven blood. Now, wasn’t he easy on the eyes? She would talk to him first, she decided.

“So. Here we are. I am Evelyn. How much longer are we to be kept waiting?” Without waiting for an answer, Evelyn began striding around the chamber, pausing occasionally to poke at a tapestry.

[Neutrino]

It was the best day Zarfob had ever had, although his wrists were a little sore from having been manacled for so long.

After the audience with the Chancellor, the chaplain left to resume his duties and the guard escorted Zarfob through the city on a massive shopping spree. Many of the shopkeepers were taken aback by him, many others thought it was a joke. The official documents bearing the signature and seal of the Baron had to be produced frequently to convince the merchants to deal with the goblin, who often made requests like "I want all of the little pointy things that you have."

On more then one occasion, he purchased the most expensive thing in a store's inventory. He didn't care. It was the Baron's money, and he had been told to spend it. Zarfob had never had as much as a single copper coin in his name in his entire life, and he had no idea how finance worked. Still, with help from his guard, and from a few of the more honest merchants, he spent all of his coin and had a haversack filled primarily with things that could actually be useful.

They arrived at the castle where they were met by the warden of the Barony's jail. "I'll take it from here," the warden said to the other guard in way of dismissal. The warden led Zarfob into the antechamber and uncuffed him; the other adventurers noted their arrival with interest. "I was given specific instructions as to the time and place of this proclamation," the warden said, unrolling another official document. "Inmate Zarfob, by order of the Baron Regenald Bottomyr III, you are hereby granted a full pardon. Congratulations, you're a free man -- er, goblin. Good luck in your future endeavors, and now I'll leave you with your new teammates." The warden bowed once to no one in particular and left the room.

The goblin stared at the other remaining occupants and smiled, stained and crooked teeth dotting the gaping chasm of his mouth. "Alright comrades," he said brightly. "Let's go kill something." He shot a searching glance at each of the other adventurers and asked, "but first, who brought lunch?"

[Outmind]

Darian did not have to wait alone for long - a few minutes into his new-found interest for art appreciation, he was joined by a lanky fellow, similarly well quipped, and yet totally different than himself. While his own gear spoke of a no nonsense direct approach, the odds and ends peeking out of the man's sack spoke of someone ready for the most peculiar of eventualities. His physique spoke of athleticism, yet he was more wiry than strong, leading Darian to believe he could have been a courier or runner in the past.

Just as he was about to inquire if the man was a messenger, he revealed that he had been chosen to be part of the expedition that was to investigate the magician they were to hunt. Darian introduced himself and gave a nod of acknowledgment. "Indeed ." he said in answer to both of the man's questions. "Honestly, I don't know what to expect. Stocking up on supplies useful in most situations seemed like the wise thing to do at the moment. Speaking of which, i see that you come prepared for much more."

* * *

Not long after, Darian experienced the first of many culture shocks he would come to live through before nightfall - a cat-like girl burst into the room, started talking in common, yet with phrases and a demeanor Darian wasn't used to, and ultimately started playing around with some sort of magic spell. At first he did not know what to say or do. After all, a humanoid version of a cat was before him. She looked to have all the mannerisms of a playful kitten, yet the potential to do harm like any novice spellcaster.

He decided that the best way to approach her for now was with calm. "I am afraid that on a task such as this, a lot of evil beings will try and prevent us from our goal. Some of them will naturally need to be dispatched." With that, he drew a step closer and offered his hand in greeting. "Pardon my gawking, but I have never before seen one such as yourself. Is your home a long way away from these lands?"

* * *

Just as Ashanti had finished what she meant to say, the air in the room went from stufffy to fragrant, filling Darian's nostrils with the scents of the forest, some of which reminded him painfully of home. He immediately recognized the man responsible as a druid, as he had dealings with them in the past. A distant cousin on his father's side was, and probably still is a druid, but her old owl looked nothing like the graceful, yet monstrous beast which accompanied this druid.

The man asked his question with yet another strange accent, but after a moment Darian managed to get the gist of it. Knowing that the man's animal companion would probably do him no harm, he took a step closer after the others had spoken. "Hail friend, and greetings to you mistress." he said, bowing slightly to the beast, his admiration sincere. "It is nice to see another who surely finds this city at least as stuffy as I do. Your companion... she is truly amazing. But what IS sh exactly? The few druids i had the chance to meet all had much more mundane animal friends."

* * *

Last to enter for now was a bold looking young woman, clad in armor similar to his. What struck him most was the way in which she wore it - the cold steel somehow suited her as good as any dress.

She surprised him yet again as she strode purposefully towards him, offering her name and asking to be appraised of the situation. He returned the courtesy and said "I do not know m'lady. All of us were told to wait here and since then nothing has happened, apart from persons, one more interesting than the next, filling up the space of this room." He paused for a moment, taking her in once more. You wear your armor with confidence. Might you be a fellow paladin, or a warrior?"

* * *

Interesting would be an understatement when applied to the next... thing... that entered the room. A goblin- 'A GOBLIN' Darian thought, fury building both in his heart and muscles. This was no surprise - the host of monsters which raided his village had goblins among their ranks, and darian vividly remembered their cruelty towards the unfirm and young.

Instinctively, his hand shot to the hilt of hiss longsword, but Darian managed to ease it against his body, and prayed the others wouldn't notice or take offense. The goblin did not make his situation any more favorable after speaking, displaying his blood lust and gluttony before anything else. He was the first one Darian did not offer a hand in greeting to. Rather he kept his distance, eyes pealed on the creature.

[Sauragnmon]

Sadekar turned as other voices sounded, noticing the group of people as they arrived. A younger looking character with slightly odd ears and generally human complexion. A well-travelled looking outdoors type with... a Tiger? That was interesting. Then came the fashionably clad armored figure of the lady who questioned how long they would be waiting. Lastly, for the moment, a Goblin had been led in and timely given a proclamation of release from gaol. It made him smirk a little before he spoke up, by far most intrigued by the Goblin so far. He spoke up in Goblin, figuring some level of discretion might be better in case of some potentially offended sensitive types.

"Inmate? What did you do to get That deep in trouble?"Osud'? 'rud tot ouu tu du k'd Drud t''b o dnuupm'?

Then he would turn his attention and speak up in slightly more common terms...

"How long will we be waiting? I would surmise that would be up to the Baron or his Chancellor, and we'll only be privy to the duration when they actually call us in."

His attention returned to Darian at the question and chuckled a little at the comment over the ammount of implements that he carried, shrugging before a slight answer. "What can I say... There are times when you never know what might come in handy. Tools are important, but the mind is the most important tool of all, for it gives you new methods to using some of the other more basic tools you have."

[SantaBaby]

With a sigh, Rey looked in the mirror. Her short chestnut curls still looked to girly. 'Now that just won't do,' she thought as she pulled her hair back and tied it with a small strip of leather. "Better," she said as she took a pot of ashes and smeared some on her face. Her blue eyes sparkled as she giggled. 'Now I really do look like a boy.' She glances down and bursts out laughing. 'Good thing I am small-chested.'

Stepping away from the mirror, Rey walked over to her bed and put on the new Mithril Chain shirt that she had gotten. 'It's a good thing that I have been saving my money,' she thought as she grabbed her Haversack full of the things she had gotten to use on this adventure.

With a smile, Rey walked over to the wall and opened the secret door. She took out her everburning torch before stepping into the darkness of the hall.

She carefully made her way down the stairs, stopping to use the peep hole to see those in the room.

Rey watched the others. 'It looks like an odd mix of beings will be on this adventure with me.' She stood on tip toe to see better. 'Hmm looks like four guys, a woman, and a girl, I think. She reminds me of the fox that I found.'

Rey walked over to the far wall and put away her torch. She pushed on the hidden panel which quietly opened just enough for her to slip inside before shutting silently behind her.

"Oh wow what a beautiful cat," she gasped in surprise when she saw the tiger.

 

Remember, she looks like a boy.

[Darkwulf]

Oni was excited to be accepted into this group. The thought of himself possibly becoming a local hero ran through his mind as he walked to the neighborhood general store.

He entered, and having thrown a sack of gold pieces on the counter he uttered the words, "A few days dried food, please. And flint and steel, if you don't mind." he had a cool, soothing baritone, strange for a descendant of an orc. He got what he asked for, smiled kindly, and walked out of the store.

He then, out of impulse, unsheathed his sword. He had gotten it from the blacksmith the other day. He admired the sharpness and shine of the blade and took a few practice swings, being especially careful that there wasn't anyone nearby to accidentally cut in half. He did get a few bewildered stares, but fortunately did not get anyone hurt in the process of the admiration of his own sword. Then, deciding that he was done, Oni did as he was assigned and returned to the audience chamber.

He entered and loudly asked to his soon-to-be companions, "So, what did Oni miss?" He was completely oblivious to what any of them looked like and did not think about what kind of first impression he would make or even that he was the last one to show up, Oni never thought much on any of those things.

[TeufelHeunden]

Balban strolled into the chamber moving away from the entrance as everyone commenced greeting each other. It rapidly became apparent that everyone present was also chosen for this squad of adventurers, or were they legionnaires, which were going to embark on this quest to find the wizard and his mob of misfits.

As he quickly sized up his evident compatriots he wondered what a strange mix there was here today.

Already in the room was a man dressed as a warrior who came up and complimented him on his companion, calling her his mistress, hardly. Upon his request as to what she was he spoke, “She is a dear friend of the Grove granted to me by the elders to travel with me, fight by my side and keep me company on long journeys. As to her species, she is a tiger, one of the most feroucious of the big cats. My name is Balban Carter and this is Eligan Carter, we are glad to meet youShe is a dear cobber of the Grove oz Studyed ta me by the elders ta travel with me, blue by me side and keep me company on long journeys. As to her species, she is a tiger, one of the most feroucious of the big cats. Me name is Balban Carter and this is Eligan Carter, we are glad to meet you.”

One of the other men in the room looked somewhat like a warrior as well except that he had a shady sort of feeling about him, Balban could not quite place it but if he was chosen by the Chancellor then he must be alright. He seemed impatient and wanting to get things going, although Balban could not place his finger and why the rush.

The young girl who was already there seemed a bit juvenile to be going out after an evil wizard, but he soon saw why the Chancellor chose her as she bobbled some magic item she fabricated up out of thin air as she bounded and zigzagged around the chamber.

Soon after he arrived young lady walked in with glowing appearances and as nice a set of armor as the first man who had approached him about Eligan. As she announced herself as Evelyn he responded, “Good Afternoon Evelyn, pleased to meet you, my name is Balban and this is my cat EliganGood arvo Evelyn, pleased ta meet you, me name is Balban and this is me cat Eligan.”

After her entered a warden with a goblin. The man who approached him earlier was not as delighted it seem to see a goblin joining his ranks, especially one who obviously had just been released from incarceration as was read by the warden as he released him into the room. Zarfob was his name Balban assumed since that is what the warden called him. Not one to judge others he decided he would give this diminutive new companion a chance until he proved himself wrong by them.

He must have missed the young boy that was on the other side of the chamber from him as he approached. He must have slipped in while the warden was reading the proclamation, as he was sure he wasn’t there earlier. There was no sense of danger from him as he approached friendly enough and he could even sense Eligan ease into the new presence. “Oh wow, what a beautiful cat,” drew a quite but guttural happy purr from Eligan. “Pleased to meet you, I am Balban and this is my cat EliganPleased ta meet yoos, I'm Balban and this is me cat Eligan,” he offered to the boy.

The last to enter as he saw was a hardy warrior half-orc. One who seemed to have been in a scrap or two in his time and would know how to wield a blade. As this new entrant asked what he had missed Balban retorted, “I don’t think you have missed much Oni, is that your name. We are all just sort of assembling here waiting to find out what this is all about and what we will be tasked to do. My name is Balban by the way and this is my cat Eligan, good to meet youI don’t reckon yoos have missed much Oni, is that your name. We are all just sort of assemblin' here waitin' ta find out what this is all about and what we will be tasked ta do. Me name is Balban by the way and this is me cat Eligan, bonzer to meet you.”

[Fragmaster01]

Ashanti wandered up to the tiger, and greeted it in the only way she knew how: staring at it intently, while wagging her tail. Wag. Wag.

 

[TeufelHeunden]

Balban surveyed as the bouncy ball of fur that had been frolicking with the magical pellet waived her hand and put it away as she slowed and curled back towards them. As it became obvious that she was approaching them he could sense that Eligan was a bit skittish, he was certain she had never seen a creature such as this before. How was he so sure, because he had never seen one before.

“Maybe her exterior is deceiving and she is more mature than I assumedMaybe her exterior is deceivin' and she is more mature than I assumed,” he thought to himself. After all he didn’t even know what kind of creature she was and some creatures live many lives of a human. He caressed his sturdy hand through the mane on Eligan’s neck stopping behind the ear for an extra stroke, “Easy girl, she doesn’t mean anyone harm, she just wants to make friends I supposeEasy sheila, she doesn’t mean anyone harm, she just wants ta make mates I suppose.”

As she drew closer and sniffed Eligan sniffed back, now more curiously than skittishly.

“Hello Mam, I don’t think we have met yet, my name is Balban and this here is my girl Eligan. Excuse me for intruding, but just what are you, I don’t think I have ever come across one of your kind beforeG'day Mam, I don’t reckon we have met yet, me name is Balban and this here is me sheila Eligan. Excuse me for intrudin', but just what are you, I don’t reckon I have ever come across one of your kind before.”