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Arcanis: Gonnes, Sons, and Treasure Runs (COMPLETED)
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<blockquote data-quote="talien" data-source="post: 2272394" data-attributes="member: 3285"><p><strong>The Children of Leviathan - Part 1a: Enter the Heroes</strong></p><p></p><p>Quintus’ directions led to a narrow unlit back street tucked between several shops to a small villa with a high, ivy-covered brick wall. The wall was set with an open iron-wrought gate. Light from a lantern in the inner courtyard poured through to illuminate the small street. </p><p></p><p>Vlad passed through the lighted gateway into the illumination of the lone lantern, hanging above a table cloistered at the far end of the courtyard. Three men were seated at the table. Their stoic faces turned as Vlad approach.</p><p></p><p>He recognized one of the men as Quintus Aurelius Ignatius, a signifer of the Legion of the Triumphant Rays of the Invisible Sun. The other two were Milandisians of late middle age. Both of the Milandisians had well groomed hair and steely gray eyes, a sure sign that they were Val.</p><p></p><p>Quintus stood to greet Vlad. “I’m glad you two could make it,” he said with a terse smile. </p><p></p><p>“Two?” said Vlad.</p><p></p><p>Ilmarė stepped out of the darkness.</p><p></p><p>“Oh,” said Vlad. The Elorii’s stealthy entrances and exits took some getting used to.</p><p></p><p>“I am here at the behest of Sir Dymitr Ludwik val’Holryn,” he nodded to the officious looking Val on his left. “And this is Captain Bezyli val’Osson of Naernaath.” Both men bowed their heads in greeting.</p><p></p><p>Quintus sat down and it was Dymitr’s turn to rise. “You’ll forgive me if I come right to the point. I’ve put out feelers for mercenaries, but Aurelius has convinced me that people of your particular skills might be better suited for the task at hand. Please,” he waved at the bench before him, “make yourselves comfortable.”</p><p></p><p>Quintus had used his first name with Dymitr, which explained just how familiar the man was with the legionnaire. Which was to say, not very much at all.</p><p></p><p>They sat as Dymitr continued. “Some days ago, a certain Mhyrcian ship laden with a secret cargo was bound for Naeraanth, but did not dock as expected, nor has it been seen since. This vessel was commissioned by the Milandisian government to deliver its cargo and a specialist passenger relevant to the load. The craft’s disappearance has caused quite a stir and it is believed that the vessel was attacked by pirates, her cargo and crew seized…or worse.”</p><p></p><p>“Ambassadors argue and scheme even now in this city, but the relevance of the ship’s whereabouts and the return of her freight are paramount. I for one do not intend to sit idly by and let my nation’s property and valuable secrets fall into the hands of thieving mongrels while politicians debate to no avail.”</p><p></p><p>“Let me guess,” said Ilmarė. “You want us to retrieve the cargo with Captain Bezyli here.”</p><p></p><p>“Yes,” said Dymitr. He put one hand on the shoulder of Captain Bezyli. “This task is dangerous. You would be putting yourselves at the mercy of hostile natives and environs, but I assure you, our intelligence is credible. I have never seen a more capable captain as Bezyli.”</p><p></p><p>Vlad leaned forward. “We’d be happy to—“</p><p></p><p>“No,” said Ilmarė, crossing her arms.</p><p></p><p>“What?” asked Vlad.</p><p></p><p>“You heard me. I said no. The crew shouldn’t have been carrying that precious cargo in the first place. Now you want us to clean up your stupid human mess? We’re on a much more important mission anyway.”</p><p></p><p>Dymitr sputtered. “I ask for professionals and this is what you bring me?” he snapped at Quintus. “An elf and a Nierite?”</p><p></p><p>Vlad stood up. “Excuse me? I’m no Nierite.”</p><p></p><p>“How do you explain the armor?” said Bezyli. Vlad was wearing the plate armor of a Nierite, a “gift” he had taken from the corpse of one of his opponents. It was unmistakable, even when he painted it black.</p><p></p><p>Quintus stood up. “Gentlemen, if I can speak to my comrades alone for a moment.”</p><p></p><p>Bezyli and Dymitr exchanged glances. They wordlessly rose and stepped away from the table.</p><p></p><p>Quintus leaned forward. “There’s something you should know. The reason I asked you both here is because we know that specialist passenger. It’s Kham.”</p><p></p><p>Ilmarė rolled her eyes. “Of course it is.”</p><p></p><p>“So that means it’s blackpowder that was on the ship,” said Vlad. </p><p></p><p>Quintus nodded. “I’m still trying to find Cassicus. Since the attack the Senator has kept him well hidden. In fact, I suspect my legionnaire duties are an attempt to throw me off the trail. It’s going to take time. Until then, we can afford to look for Kham. Besides, he’s our friend.”</p><p></p><p>Vlad leaned forward. “I’m in. I owe Kham my life.”</p><p></p><p>Ilmarė sighed. “Fine. Someone has to save that fool’s neck, if he’s not dead already.”</p><p></p><p>“Just one thing,” said Vlad. “I need to change out of this armor. I’ll sink like a stone on the open sea.”</p><p></p><p>“Agreed,” said Quintus. “I’ll arrange it. You are to leave with Captain Bezyli immediately.” He shook hands with Vlad. “He’ll explain more about your route once you board. I wish I could go with you.”</p><p></p><p>Vlad patted Quintus on the shoulder. “Don’t worry, we’ll find him.” </p><p></p><p>Ilmarė and Quintus exchanged hushed words as Vlad walked over to the other two men. “We’re in,” he said. </p><p></p><p>“Excellent,” said Captain Bezyli in clipped tones. His accent was distinctly aristocratic. “We’ll depart shortly.” </p><p></p><p>Vlad followed the Captain out to the gate. Ilmarė joined him while Quintus and Dymitr returned to the table to continue their discussion. She looked concerned.</p><p></p><p>“If the three of you will follow me,” said Bezyli. He stood stiffly, with one arm behind his back.</p><p></p><p>“Three of us?” asked Ilmarė.</p><p></p><p>“Yes,” said the Captain, arching an eyebrow. “She’s not with you?”</p><p></p><p>Ilmarė whirled and drew her sword. “Fihali!” she hissed. </p><p></p><p>Vlad drew his own blade. “One of them must have followed us through the portal!”</p><p></p><p>Bijoux kept her clawed hands, palms facing them, as she stepped out of the darkness. “Please, I mean no harm,” she said with a slight accent that rolled all of her “r”s. “I was Clodius’ apprentice. I escaped through a gate to this world so that I might save it.”</p><p></p><p>Ilmarė smirked. “And all this time we’ve been trying to destroy it,” she said, sheathing her weapon. “I’m Ilmarė and this is Vlad. Welcome aboard.”</p><p></p><p>Captain Bezyli arched both eyebrows. “So if she’s a new addition to your crew and Aurelius isn’t going with you…who was the third member of your party?”</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="talien, post: 2272394, member: 3285"] [b]The Children of Leviathan - Part 1a: Enter the Heroes[/b] Quintus’ directions led to a narrow unlit back street tucked between several shops to a small villa with a high, ivy-covered brick wall. The wall was set with an open iron-wrought gate. Light from a lantern in the inner courtyard poured through to illuminate the small street. Vlad passed through the lighted gateway into the illumination of the lone lantern, hanging above a table cloistered at the far end of the courtyard. Three men were seated at the table. Their stoic faces turned as Vlad approach. He recognized one of the men as Quintus Aurelius Ignatius, a signifer of the Legion of the Triumphant Rays of the Invisible Sun. The other two were Milandisians of late middle age. Both of the Milandisians had well groomed hair and steely gray eyes, a sure sign that they were Val. Quintus stood to greet Vlad. “I’m glad you two could make it,” he said with a terse smile. “Two?” said Vlad. Ilmarė stepped out of the darkness. “Oh,” said Vlad. The Elorii’s stealthy entrances and exits took some getting used to. “I am here at the behest of Sir Dymitr Ludwik val’Holryn,” he nodded to the officious looking Val on his left. “And this is Captain Bezyli val’Osson of Naernaath.” Both men bowed their heads in greeting. Quintus sat down and it was Dymitr’s turn to rise. “You’ll forgive me if I come right to the point. I’ve put out feelers for mercenaries, but Aurelius has convinced me that people of your particular skills might be better suited for the task at hand. Please,” he waved at the bench before him, “make yourselves comfortable.” Quintus had used his first name with Dymitr, which explained just how familiar the man was with the legionnaire. Which was to say, not very much at all. They sat as Dymitr continued. “Some days ago, a certain Mhyrcian ship laden with a secret cargo was bound for Naeraanth, but did not dock as expected, nor has it been seen since. This vessel was commissioned by the Milandisian government to deliver its cargo and a specialist passenger relevant to the load. The craft’s disappearance has caused quite a stir and it is believed that the vessel was attacked by pirates, her cargo and crew seized…or worse.” “Ambassadors argue and scheme even now in this city, but the relevance of the ship’s whereabouts and the return of her freight are paramount. I for one do not intend to sit idly by and let my nation’s property and valuable secrets fall into the hands of thieving mongrels while politicians debate to no avail.” “Let me guess,” said Ilmarė. “You want us to retrieve the cargo with Captain Bezyli here.” “Yes,” said Dymitr. He put one hand on the shoulder of Captain Bezyli. “This task is dangerous. You would be putting yourselves at the mercy of hostile natives and environs, but I assure you, our intelligence is credible. I have never seen a more capable captain as Bezyli.” Vlad leaned forward. “We’d be happy to—“ “No,” said Ilmarė, crossing her arms. “What?” asked Vlad. “You heard me. I said no. The crew shouldn’t have been carrying that precious cargo in the first place. Now you want us to clean up your stupid human mess? We’re on a much more important mission anyway.” Dymitr sputtered. “I ask for professionals and this is what you bring me?” he snapped at Quintus. “An elf and a Nierite?” Vlad stood up. “Excuse me? I’m no Nierite.” “How do you explain the armor?” said Bezyli. Vlad was wearing the plate armor of a Nierite, a “gift” he had taken from the corpse of one of his opponents. It was unmistakable, even when he painted it black. Quintus stood up. “Gentlemen, if I can speak to my comrades alone for a moment.” Bezyli and Dymitr exchanged glances. They wordlessly rose and stepped away from the table. Quintus leaned forward. “There’s something you should know. The reason I asked you both here is because we know that specialist passenger. It’s Kham.” Ilmarė rolled her eyes. “Of course it is.” “So that means it’s blackpowder that was on the ship,” said Vlad. Quintus nodded. “I’m still trying to find Cassicus. Since the attack the Senator has kept him well hidden. In fact, I suspect my legionnaire duties are an attempt to throw me off the trail. It’s going to take time. Until then, we can afford to look for Kham. Besides, he’s our friend.” Vlad leaned forward. “I’m in. I owe Kham my life.” Ilmarė sighed. “Fine. Someone has to save that fool’s neck, if he’s not dead already.” “Just one thing,” said Vlad. “I need to change out of this armor. I’ll sink like a stone on the open sea.” “Agreed,” said Quintus. “I’ll arrange it. You are to leave with Captain Bezyli immediately.” He shook hands with Vlad. “He’ll explain more about your route once you board. I wish I could go with you.” Vlad patted Quintus on the shoulder. “Don’t worry, we’ll find him.” Ilmarė and Quintus exchanged hushed words as Vlad walked over to the other two men. “We’re in,” he said. “Excellent,” said Captain Bezyli in clipped tones. His accent was distinctly aristocratic. “We’ll depart shortly.” Vlad followed the Captain out to the gate. Ilmarė joined him while Quintus and Dymitr returned to the table to continue their discussion. She looked concerned. “If the three of you will follow me,” said Bezyli. He stood stiffly, with one arm behind his back. “Three of us?” asked Ilmarė. “Yes,” said the Captain, arching an eyebrow. “She’s not with you?” Ilmarė whirled and drew her sword. “Fihali!” she hissed. Vlad drew his own blade. “One of them must have followed us through the portal!” Bijoux kept her clawed hands, palms facing them, as she stepped out of the darkness. “Please, I mean no harm,” she said with a slight accent that rolled all of her “r”s. “I was Clodius’ apprentice. I escaped through a gate to this world so that I might save it.” Ilmarė smirked. “And all this time we’ve been trying to destroy it,” she said, sheathing her weapon. “I’m Ilmarė and this is Vlad. Welcome aboard.” Captain Bezyli arched both eyebrows. “So if she’s a new addition to your crew and Aurelius isn’t going with you…who was the third member of your party?” [/QUOTE]
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