(Casual D&D III) The Man in Black

[Festy_Dog]

Nurthk strokes his goatee with two of his fingers.

Hmm, there's that one spell... but I'd need to stay behind, and even then it'd be hard to use, hmm... no, it's best that I continue accompanying the others.

He shifts a little uncomfortably, something having come to mind, but remains quiet.

 

[Guilt Puppy]

"It just occurred to me; Aesop, do you have a way of sending a message to us or sending for us if you should learn something? Perhaps we could proceed, but yet await your call."

Aesop shakes his head. "Not reliably, I'm afraid... Especially since I'm sure I'll have some questions of my own. I have some already, to be honest..."

He strokes his beard, thoughtfully.

"Although, I suppose it would be better than nothing. How about this: Would you be willing to stay in Eivanrach until I have a chance to read the letter, or determine that it's too dangerous to read? After that, you could go along your way, and I'll try to get word out to you if I find out anything else. Does that sound like something you can do? Three more days?"

 

[wings]

Hmmm...

Aerda speaks up, stepping forward a bit and crossing his arms. "Aesop, I can appreciate your dedication to.. inquiry; 'Zetema' they would've called it in an older tongue."

He stops for a moment, slipping into a chair, "Perhaps if my companions agree to wait the three days, which I think we can spare as I am familiar with the distance between here and our next destination, I could sit in on the analytic process?" Giving a moment to let his request set in, he continues, "My talents lie in wizardry as well, and while I, An evoker, would have little to offer in the examination, I would like to learn the ways of the sage and masters of lore."

"Who would be a better teacher than a Jury of Sages? And what classroom more suitable than that which is amongst their workings?"

 

[dpdx]

Fendric nods his acceptance to Aesop's terms, and to Aerda's offer of assistance.

"Three days does sound suitable, indeed, and I would be happy to assist you as well, should you need a clerical perspective. Is lodging available here at the Jury, or shall we reserve three more nights at our inn?"

Fendric turns again to the rest of his company.

"What say you all? Can we stay here three more days, or would you prefer to leave?"

 

[Guilt Puppy]

Aesop nods. "I think it would be good for you to take part, if only to oversee the inquiry -- zetema, if you prefer. But the decision's really up to whoever I find to take charge of the thing... Can you be here tomorrow, at sunrise?"

His emphasis is unmistakeable -- if nothing else, he seems to have adopted your sense of urgency rather quickly.

Kester, ever under the impression that his opinion counts, nods his consent. Shavah seems rather enthused by the idea -- it's a good excuse to relax, and she stresses that if it weren't a good excuse, she'd want nothing to do with it. Hiritus seems willing to go either way.

(Barring objection, I'm going to hop forward to tomorrow morning -- if you have anything you want to get done this night, speak now.)

 

[Sparky]

Oliver joins Raven in brooding silence, the old man's pleasure at his purchases fading into suspicion, fear and sickness. When the question comes he glances at Raven, all bushy brows and glowering, but only nods and looks at Fendric.

OOC: I'm going to be in this fall's Ceramic DM contest so wish me luck and please don't be too upset if I'm tardy posting.

 

[Festy_Dog]

"I'm content to remain awhile, might even find something to do here if I'm lucky," Nurthk remarks.

 

[DrZombie]

"Stay here it is then." Raven says. With a nod to Hiritus he adds "We might even find a good bowyer here, and buy from the source instead of from that greedy merchant. Nurthk, you feel like a little scouting of the surrounding area?"

 

[Guilt Puppy]

Raven: The surrounding area is mostly farmland interrupted by light little groves... Not much to be had for the serious woodsman, although you could snare a rabbit or two if you felt sporting.

...

Kester departs, saying only that you know how to find him if you feel like telling him anything, when you have something to tell.

The next morning Aesop is ready to greet you, bright and early, along with two gentlemen you haven't met before: A dark-skinned, elaborately robed older man, and an equally old but less elaborately robed fellow who appears to be his servant. The servant carries a rapier on his belt, which may or may not be ornamental.

"Greetings, greetings, good morning. Right on time, I'm glad to see." Aesop turns and gestures to his seated guest as he ushers you in. "I would like you to meet Hendris Amre, expert diviner. Sage Amre has generously agreed to look into the matter of the letter for us."

He stands to greet you, breaking face to smile amiably and even a bit submissively as he makes a round of handshakes, before returning to his seat with an impassive expression that seems more native to him.

On the matter of your participation in the inquiry, Amre is quick to accept Aerda, but more dismissive toward Fendric. "The assistance of gods is not needed in the work of men," he explains, somewhat less than diplomatically.

"Well," Aesop interrupts, trying to shut out any argument. "I'm sure Sage Amre and your young wizard would like to get to work, considering that time is such a factor and all... Have the rest of you had a chance to see the city much at all? Perhaps while they work we can take the time to get to know one another?"

He claps his hands, seeming jovial and just a bit eager, and looks on wide-eyed for your response.

(I know Aerda's going to be busy, and perhaps Fendric if he really wants to argue his case... Those who don't participate in the inquiry, is there anything specific you'd like to do over the next few days?)

 

[dpdx]

"Fair enough, Sage Amre; I do not wish to interfere in your affairs, and so I shall trust the group of you to relay anything of interest you may find. May Pelor Bless Your Noble Endeavor."

Fendric moves to the door gracefully, Hiritus following. Looking over at Aesop, he nods expectantly at the Counsel to lead the way.

Once out of the room, Fendric turns to Aesop. "I do not believe we have seen the extent of the Free City. I am sure it is much more than the Inn, the Temple, the shopping district, and your offices, so I thank you for your offer."

[Stupid board ate my OOC post. GP: Send ability scores, I'll do the rest. Fendric doesn't exactly align with Hiritus, but that won't affect the level.]