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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Archon Basileus" data-source="post: 7301727" data-attributes="member: 6855545">MARIUSMONKSAs the monks realize the danger that surrounds the refugees, they quickly agree to cooperate. Apparently, their disposition extends to Dram's plans and continued presence in the valley. "We understand the limitations that are involved in any sort of investigation. But we also need to ensure that, when the time comes, Dram will be on our side of the conflict." - Lao-zi continues. "We have already exposed the refugees to dangers thus far unknown to us." - he says with a hint of regret in his voice.COMPANIONSArvana lowers her eyes for a second, satisfied with the monk's reaction. "I'd say my people would be glad to aid Maran's cause, especially with valorous men such as yourselves behind it." - she falls silent, as if inclined to forget the compliment that just came out of her lips. "When the time to protect the mountaineers come, count on me, as well."GNOMESThe small fellows leave the hall under Hagadark's continued provocations, but they're too distressed and hurried to answer. A hint of a plan pervades the two as they leave, something that's glimpsed by a sudden coup d'oeil from the monk. Still, they disappear through the door before they can be called back. Around them, laughter breaks the solemn, contained manners that overtook the hall thus far. It seems no one's willing to take the gnomes seriously - or to defy the presence of the orc.HAGADARKAs the gnomes storm out of the hall, laughter explodes around Hagadark's attacks. The shaman feels the tension in the air. No one in there is very fond of orcs, and the orcs do not covet shortmen's presence as well. Still, gnomes and halflings tend to keep to themselves. Perhaps they know how dangerous it would be to stoke the fires of orc violence within the valley, or perhaps it's their tendency to keep to themselves, but such displays of aggressiveness are rare from their part. Dwarves, on the other hand, tend to be more outspoken, and after the gnomes leave, one of the bartenders, burly and covered in scars, confirm such notion."You look like a smart fellow, my friend..." - he approaches Hadagark, remaining behind the counter. "I'd measure my words in here. This is not the Dead Halfman..." - his clenched teeth show no fear or love for the orc. "...Only workers here." - his low tone of voice translates real concern for everyone's well-fare. "But they're still mine workers, don't forget, strong and able." - Hagadark glances around, seeing that the joke was taken lightly, but more than a few dwarven faces haven't taken the altercation lightly. "Don't worry, they won't blame you. They know honor as well as you do. But some would put coin above it, and shorties have friends." - he cleans a mug and offers a dark beverage from a skin. "Here... Might be more to your liking." - to Hagadark's surprise, he fills the mug with dark, thick grog. "Got it from one of your associates at the settlement. On the house." - he says as he pours.MORGRYMThe young lady watches as the dwarf and the monk debate their next steps. She seems satisfied with their promises, keeping to herself at first. After a few moments of silence, she asks of the companions secrecy. "I'm sorry, but these walls have proven to be unsafe before. The Oddfellows are against any sort of shady business, but there are some here that might sell the information out there." - she looks around, vigilant against dangers she's unable to identify. "Either way, they're dangerous people. Their alleys are constantly watched."Arvana intervenes once more."Very well. If we're to do it, we should decide how we're gonna go about all the tasks ahead. I trust that the entire region will be in disarray soon enough, with armies gathering everywhere. It'll be a lot harder to travel. Also, if we decided that Dram isn't reliable, we can't consider the valley a safe spot. And, by the gods, once we set on our path we'll need a place to return to, I bet. As for the places we might need to reach... I believe all knowledge in this valley is held by Dram. With mountains taken, Maran under siege and roads under threat, we've less options as time flies by. So, my first question is: are we going to destroy the thing?" [MENTION=24380]Neurotic[/MENTION] [MENTION=6801311]KahlessNestor[/MENTION] [MENTION=87106]MetaVoid[/MENTION] [MENTION=4936]Shayuri[/MENTION]</blockquote>

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