Clutches of Evil - IC: Chapter Two

[Nonlethal Force]

As Markie removes a few stones from the wall to the right of where they entered - and thus on the opposite side of the room - Destiny adds, "I hear you, Byntrou. And I'm just creeped out by how similar they look - 'cept one's sane and talks more understandably." Markie begins to pull a few hidden levers and the door grinds to a close.

At Byntrou's question, Markie smiles. "Two? Ah, yes. Right you are. Two. They have both been seperated from us because of your force magic."

He waits until the door completely shuts and as Keryth asks a question he thoroughly evaluates the door to make sure it has been sealed properly. Once Keryth is done he answers as he works, "The priests came. And then they returned. Many weeks ago. They were allowed to pass through the force barrier, though we were not."

 

[jkason]

Byntrou, roguishly sorcerous barbarian

As Markie removes a few stones from the wall to the right of where they entered - and thus on the opposite side of the room - Destiny adds, "I hear you, Byntrou. And I'm just creeped out by how similar they look - 'cept one's sane and talks more understandably." Markie begins to pull a few hidden levers and the door grinds to a close.

Byntrou nods in agreement with Destiny's feelings in regard to Markie's seeming twin, but says nothing as the door closes. His hand does tighten slightly on the handle of his scimitar, however.

He waits until the door completely shuts and as Keryth asks a question he thoroughly evaluates the door to make sure it has been sealed properly. Once Keryth is done he answers as he works, "The priests came. And then they returned. Many weeks ago. They were allowed to pass through the force barrier, though we were not."

Byntrou looks to the others, frowning. "If that's true, then did we just walk down here lead by the men who actually know the fate of the priests?" He cocks his head a moment before adding tentatively, "Perhaps my Common isn't what it should be, but isn't 'we' the plural pronoun? Shall we assume you are not alone down here?"

 

[Nonlethal Force]

Markie claps his hands loudly and smiles. "Alone? We are far from alone! We are many. Hundreds, perhaps more. Hard to tell, really - even for us." He seems suddenly rather excited.

"Oh yes, you wondered who built this place. My people have lived her for as long as the stories are told. So I assume that my people did. Yet, our identity is not wrapped up in our accomplishments, so the tales of who built this place are nonexistant."

He approaches the party and bows suddenly, clasping his hands before him. He looks to want to pass between the party. "Pardon me, but I would like to get to the mind-torc on the wall if I could."

 

[unleashed]

Keryth, Male Drakontos Cleric

Byntrou looks to the others, frowning. "If that's true, then did we just walk down here lead by the men who actually know the fate of the priests?"

“Yes, it would seem that way, though I can’t see much advantage to the miners if the priests disappear...they lose someone to treat their wounds and gain nothing,” Keryth remarks, looking at Markie curiously...something about the man not sitting right with him.

He approaches the party and bows suddenly, clasping his hands before him. He looks to want to pass between the party. "Pardon me, but I would like to get to the mind-torc on the wall if I could."

“Hmm, a moment please...we’d like to ask a few more questions first, as if the priests are no longer here, we really have little reason to stay,” he says, stopping Markie reaching the mind-torc for the moment, wondering if his attitude will change when he cannot reach it...as he ponders what it might do, “Who are your people exactly, and how long have they been down here?”

 

[Nonlethal Force]

Markie pauses, allowing Keryth to ask his questions. While the torc is obviously important to him, Markie does not seem impatient or agitated. He looks toward Keryth as Keryth speaks to him. He replies and a slight frown comes to his face. "I'd rather show you my people to be honest. As far as having no reason to stay, I'd suggest you have no reason to leave, either. You just arrived!"

 

[unleashed]

Keryth, Male Drakontos Cleric

“The problem is that we have a task to complete...finding the priests, who by your own words left your halls weeks ago...so if they’re not here, we really do need to continue our search for them, elsewhere,” Keryth replies plainly. “If that task was completed though, I’m sure we could spare a little time to meet your people and enjoy your hospitality.”

 

[jkason]

Byntrou, roguishly sorcerous barbarian

Byntrou remains quiet, watching both Keryth and Markie's reactions, and trying to stay close should he need to strike.

 

[Nonlethal Force]

Markie simply shrugs. "Well, it's ultimately your call. I'll let you leave if you need me to. It'll just take a moment to open up that door, though."

 

[unleashed]

Keryth, Male Drakontos Cleric

Keryth looks around at his companions, as Markie offers to open the door, “Well, I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to see where the priests went at least...perhaps we can find what drew them down here. You’re sure they didn’t come back? Is it possible another of your people let them in?”

 

[Nonlethal Force]

Markie replies with a most unusual smile on his face. "Possible. Although unlikely. Truth be told, I am but a humble gatekeeper so I'd honestly not know if they were let back in through the other end. As I said before, there are hundreds of us here - keeping track of everyone can be rather difficult."