The Dance of Souls

[SlagMortar]

Beamer holds his position. Every muscle in his body is tense. He has never quite been in this sort of situation before. His head is tight, his eyes wide trying to drink in every bit of light. He tries to emulate Banion's stance and way of moving. Magic burns through his body wanting to be unleashed, but he knows tapping into more than a trickle with be impossible to control. His eyes widen still further as he sees in his mind how he could solve this little problem in a hundred ways with some of the magic he has read about. His knuckles tighten on his crossbow realizing he must use more conventional means for the moment, but oh how it angers him to think of the strength just out of his reach.

 

[Xaov]

Azaroth has at this time become a bit unsecure the demonic smile cracked by his confronters has him a bit chilled. He feels a bit of fear start to dwell inside him. No I must not let my fear consume me. he thinks to himself. My friends are waiting there ready to strike if need be. I have to remain calm.

ehem.. Well thats good to hear I must say I was starting to wonder if any one in this town wasn't held so closely by the laws and religion of this town. Perhaps you are the man I wanted to see. Tell me something although its not a piece of art. I have been looking all around for an ancient text called the Ritual Of Bonding, perhaps you could help me?

If not I also have been attempting to search around for a set of very rare, and valuable pieces of art. Perhaps you've heard of them, the set is called the Dance of Souls. It supposedly is a set of magical pieces all dealing with the school of Illusion. I have had such a troublesome time trying to locate them. It would make my day if you had them.

Well what do you say? Do you possess either of the two I've mentioned, or must I continue my search elsewhere?

Azaroth is still feeling uneasy though he is calm, the smile is unsettling.

 

[Knight Otu]

"The Ritual of Bonding, eh? We'd have to step on a few BIG toes for that. The church of Taka grants a bit of leeway to us, obviously, but that one would require stepping on even their toes. That will be costly. 3000 gold, half of it when you give the word to get it, the other half on completion.

And the Dance of Souls? Trust me pal, there are toes no one wants to step on. They secured two parts, and apparently have a few other leads. They are well-organized and wealthy enough to bribe a number of otherwise loyal people. And They are suspicious of anyone interested in the Dance." The man's smile has faded as he talked about "them," and now worry dominates his face, mixed with... anticipation?

 

[Patlin]

Banion bites his lip nervously. If only he would say who "they" are.... normal methods of persuasion seem unlikely to be of use. Are "they" nearby? He stays alert, monitoring the shadows for any additional threats while keeping an eye on the threats he knows about.

 

[Xaov]

*feeling just a bit more at ease Azaroth says to the men*

Just who are they? I notice you seem to be worried about them. What can you tell me about them. Do they have anything to do with this group called the Talon that I keep hearing about all around town. If they have been giving you a problem perhaps we can help each other out here. I have connections with some very capable people. Perhaps we could work towards a common goal. But that all depends on what you tell my companion and I.

As for the Ritual of Bonding, I am impressed that you actually know of anyway to procure it. Unfortunately, For the moment my interest lies mainly in the procurement of The Dance of Souls pieces, which judging by the general consensus will be highly difficult as well as expensive to get.

 

[Knight Otu]

"If you are smart, you should forget that the Dance of Souls even exists. If for some reason, you cannot, They will act against you. And we'll be paid to aid Them. I'd rather get you the Ritual - that would likely be more ... lucrative for us."

 

[SlagMortar]

They might be right, Beamer thinks. He is a little unnerved by the course of this conversation. Starting this meeting he was hoping to uncover some clues on the Dance of Souls, but now he is just hoping to get out of this with all his companions intact.

 

[Patlin]

Banion is torn.. he half hopes the mysterious forces will act and thus reveal themselves, and half fears that he has seriously underestimating said forces. Shoving aside hopes and fears, he instead concentrates on what is, waiting for the situation to unfold and refusing to be the instigator of the violence he still expects to occur.

 

[Xaov]

*Perhaps it is flee or fight reaction setting in but Azaroth now becomes irritated. Being so close to the answer yet running into a wall at the end, anxiousness sets in and his mood changes*

As much as I appreciate the concern you show. I wish to know who they are. I believe you highly underestimate my contacts' capabilities. Just think about it, if we get rid of whoever they are then your gang has the capabilities to rise in the ranks, perhaps owning this town. Instead of being some lapdog to a higher power, you could hold the power. Don't tell me you can't see the lucrative possiblities to that. Why must you make this difficult? Tell me who they are and we all win.

As for getting me the ritual, on any other occaision I'd pay you in an instant. But now I know you know something about the dance of souls and I must have those pieces! My interest is solely in them. So what do you say?

Oh and one more thing..... why don't you ask your man that you have in the house next to me to come out, he's making me uncomfortable.

 

[Knight Otu]

"So you persist. And you try to ... bribe members of the largest thieves guild in Lathirn." As the man says these words, he and his comrades draw their weapons, and two other people enter the alley behind you. "As for Them... even telling you that they are calling themselves the Ashen Talon is effectively a death sentence. They have a front of incompetence to uphold. Their obverser will see to that along with us."

(Initiative, please)