Planescape: A Hopeless Beginning

[Scotley]

Wyk

Wyk smiles his wicked smile. "Such strange bedfellows they are. I can't help liking the Gnome shapechanger fellow. Eclaiyan and I clashed a bit, but maybe that's because we are too much alike. I think he'll be a stalwart enough companion once he gets a grasp of the larger picture. Estariel seems an okay sort, just a little lost." He gives Vaerhia an appraising look, "and you fair lady, what to make of you? A beauty beyond compare, but also the most dangerous among us I suspect. Finally, there is Wyk--a hard head and a strong back, but maybe I have a role to play as well. What do we all look like to you behind those lovey eyes."

 

[Eluvan]

Unsurprisingly, perhaps, it is just as Minala is settling comfortably and enjoying her moment of peace that she is disturbed. The woman - if she can be called that - is visible from Minala's perspective as soon as she steps down the side street. She is built powerfully buit elegantly, every proportion seeming mathematically perfect, and she is dressed in extravagant velvet attire that displays her figure whilst clearly allowing extensive mobility. Her face is beautiful, but it is a hard, cold and proud beauty. A bow is slung over one shoulder, and a sword hangs at her waist. She walks with a gait that bespeaks absolute confidence and authority. The reason her claim to womanhood could be disputed is her obviously supernatural nature. Her eyes glow red, and large feathery wings are folded neatly across her back. As she approaches down the narrow street her gaze is fixed on Minala.

* * *

Eclaiyan, Krikit and Estariel, meanwhile, make a circuit of the fortress. Other than the main gate, two other entrances are obvious; one that is clearly meant for wagons and coaches, a portcullis through which a closed, paved courtyard can be seen. It is guarded in like manner to the front gate. At the rear of the fort is a much smaller and less prominent opening, apparently used by the servants. It is guarded like the other gates, but it does not seem locked or secured. A fairly constant stream of servants, tradesmen and petty messengers go in and out through the simple wooden door, watched but rarely obstructed by the guards.

OOC:
[sblock]Knowledge: the Planes for Minala to identify the 'woman' approaching her - but seeing as she doesn't have it, that's a moot point.
She has one round's worth of actions, if she wants them, before the stranger reaches her.

* * *

Goddess, Scotley - you guys seem to be getting on nicely for now, so I'll let you chatter a little while longer before I butt in.[/sblock]

 

[doghead]

Minala, girl with tusks

Minala watches the 'woman' approach out of the corner of her eye until it is obvious that there is no point in evasion. Minala seems to have got the woman's attention. The key to Minala's survival has always been to remain unnoticed, inobtrusive and out of mind of those with power. This new development unsettles her. Minala considers remaining seated, a posture of casual indifference. But Minala gets the feeling that whatever this woman has in mind, it won't be deflected by any posturning on Minala's part. And if the woman is trouble, Minala would rather be on her feet to meet it.

Minala climbs to her feet and turns to look at the new arrival. She is nothing like any of the others Minala has seen so far on the streets of Hopeless. The woman is more like her companions from the prison barge, full of confidence and unafraid to show it. Minala has only met two others like that. The woman fromthe snactuary, and the man from the castle. If forced to choose which one this woman is from, Minala would have to go with the castle.

Minala considers a dash for the doors, but then dismisses it. Stay out of mind and out of trouble, Hissisk used to say. But if trouble does have you squarely in its thoughts, deal with it, he used to conclude. Of course, 'dealing with it' is what got the old rogue killed. In the end, its more stubborn pride than anything that keeps her where she is. And she always has her claws.

When the woman gets to within speaking distance, Minala nods in greeting.

 

[Eluvan]

The stranger approaches Minala confidently, ignoring utterly the two Celestial Ministry guards that stand nearby. They give a glance at Minala as the woman approaches, as if to ask if she needs aid.

The strange woman ignores them utterly, but returns Minala's nod of greeting and smiles. "Good day. Your companions and yourself seem to have caused quite a stir with your arrival. Do you mind if I join you?"

 

[doghead]

Minala, girl with tusks

Minala gives the guards a tiny smile of thanks, but shakes her head slightly to say that she is all right for the moment. But secretly a thrill runs down her back. She has never had anyone as impressive looking as the guards offer to watch out for her.

At the strange womans request, Minala nods. She steps aside to make room in the small patch of sunlight that remains.

"No. Not at all," Minala responnds, trying not to sound too common, but at the same time trying to avoid looking like she is putting on airs.

"I'm sure that the poeple at the Celestial Ministry won't mind. They seem very nice." Its clumsy enough that even Minala recognises it is clumsy. But she wants this strange regal looking woman to know that Minala is not completely on her own. Minala gestures for the woman sit.

"What are people saying?"

 

[Eluvan]

The strange woman smiles, nodding a gracious thanks, and sits down next to Minala against the stones of the Ministry. She pays no mind to her unsubtle reference to the Ministry guards, but merely bows her head slightly and introduces herself. "I am Imthael, by the way. It is a very great pleasure to make your acquaintance. You have Emenukaris' court in uproar - half the courtiers see you as a threat to be eliminated, and half of them seem to think you're just what they need to achieve their own goals. His lordship-" is there perhaps a slight tone of mockery in her voice as she gives him that title? - "seems to be reserving judgement for the time being."

 

[tylermalan]

Eclaiyan

"Hmm...seems like it might be pretty easy to get inside if we really wanted to... I guess we could either try to get in now or wait for the others, what do you think Krikit?."

OOC: How many stories high is it? Is there any traffic coming in or out of any of the other entrances?

 

[Eluvan]

OOC: Tyler, if you check my post #192 you'll find the results of the check around the keep - I jumped ahead to try to keep things moving smoothly.

 

[Goddess FallenAngel]

“I? The most dangerous?” Vaerhia laughs, and gazes at Wyk with merriment in her eyes. “Only to the unwary, dear one. As for what I think of the others, well… our ‘gnome’ friend mentioned being on the wrong end of a political disagreement. I can’t help but wonder at the details of such a misstep. Is he that inept, or did he simply choose the losing side? One wonders.” She smiles slightly. “I also feel that there is more to our celestial friend than first appears – were he an average member of his race, he most likely wouldn’t be here. Of course, that goes for me as well.” She gazes slyly at Wyk as she says the last.

“As for our fire genasi* friend Eclaiyan - if I’m not mistaken on his race – he seems to find himself amusing. We shall see if he’s more than talk. And I already discussed the elephant-girl. Most of them seem to be Clueless, for all that some have planar heritage. And that leads us to you,” She studies Wyk with a faint half-smile. “A strong back, yes…” She lets her gaze trail over him before returning to his eyes, “…as well as other things, but I somehow doubt that hard head comment. Like the rest of us, I am sure there is more to you than meets the eye.”


*I would guess that I can make the Knowledge check DC on this, if it hasn’t already been mentioned – if not, let me know and I will edit.

 

[Scotley]

Wyk

"So we are in agreement that our companions need our more knowledgeable guidence to stay out of trouble." He glances at the door. "How should we play this meeting? What do we hope to gain. I for one would like to get a few coins back so we could be a drink."