The Rod of Seven Parts ::NIT-Haru-IGW::

[Haruchai]

Good versus Evil. Those are the forces that most people think of when they think of opposing ideologies. A classic struggle between opposite ends of the spectrum. However, another conflict, just as old, has always raged as well.

Law versus Chaos.

For eons the multiverse has been balanced not only by Good and Evil, but by Law and Chaos. Law strives to make everything rigid and unbending, Chaos strives for utter randomness. Life can only exist somewhere in the middle. The Queen of Chaos, Tiamat, has always fought against the King of Order, her brother Bahamut. In a great battle, long ago, the Queen's Consort, and the General of her vast armies, faced off with the seven great Generals of Bahamut.

Miska the Wolf Spider challenged the Wind Dukes, the Angels of Bahamut. Their battle raged for days until the Rod of Law, a powerful weapon blessed by Bahamut himself, was driven into Miska. Impaled on the weapon Miska's blood, a material of utter Chaos, shattered the Rod and scattered the parts throughout the Planes.

This effect also teleported Miska away to an undisclosed dimension. It locked him away, and the Rod, now scattered, is the only way that he can be freed. The Chaos Queen plans to do just that, and has set her Wolf Demons to find the pieces.

​

In the land of Golarion, the land of Numeria is ruled by a man simply known as the Black Sovereign. Once a man called Korvus, a warlord of renown, Korvus has slowly changed over time. Now seemingly obsessed with law and order, he rules Numeria with an iron fist. However, the land is too vast and varied for everyone to bend to his control, and so the Black Sovereign intends to expand his power and influence.

None know what has caused this change in their King, but he certainly has made the land peaceful, despite the misgivings many have. The land has little criminal activity, and those that are found to be operating outside the law meet a swift end. Some approve of this but many do not.

As with most things, the answers and solutions to the problems in Numeria are not simple, nor easy. The Black Sovereign has sent out word across Golarion that he seeks the most powerful of adventurers, those highly skilled in their craft. Many answer the call.

​

The oddly diamond-shaped of Nerosyan had been where Marek had spent the last week or so. The wandering monk was well received in the city, and his healing methods were praised highly by those he helped. The city was a strategic defense for all of Golarian against the Worldwound, the rift from which demons often attacked out of the Abyss itself. Korvus, the Black Sovereign, has pledged himself to the war in the north, pledged himself and his men to combat the demonic hordes that threaten Golarion. But he needs a weapon to help him do so, and the King's messengers spread this information.

Hearing the plea of the King, and knowing that he could be of some help, Marek answered the call, and made his way to Starfall. The city was home to over thirty thousand souls, and despite the poverty in many of the streets, the palace exuded decadence of an almost inhuman magnitude. The Black Sovereign himself sat on a massive throne, his dark armor gilded heavily in gold.

Looking around at the opulence of the surroundings, Marek could see several other people that seemed to have answered the call; a few knights in their shining armor, a dark feline woman, a few elves... all seemed capable, and Marek made sure that the platinum marker that showed he was an expert in his field was showing.

 

[NumberThreeInordinate]

By the time the King's request had made it out to Fangwood, quite a few adventurers had made it to Starfall and while it was a call from the King himself, it wasn't something that the Shadow Fang usually went for since it wasn't specified to their clan members. However, Jynx had taken to moonlighting as an adventurer and had quickly risen up the ranks thanks to her usual occupation. Now brandishing a platinum amulet on her right arm, she stood in the main hall with her arms over her chest and her right foot propped up against the ivory pillar behind her. Wearing her clan's armor to signify what and who she was, she was given a wide birth around her. While adventurer's took all manner of jobs, her clan wasn't looked too highly upon by other adventurer's because her job was mainly as an assassin. Classic paranoia and judgement from those not within the clan which didn't bother her at all.

Her clan had a reputation of being the best and she was damn proud of that, they dominated the competition and they got the job done, which was more than most adventurer's could say. So, as Jynx stood against the pillar she simply observed the other people who came in. There were quite a few people but not many platinum members. Most of them made damn good coin on their own so they really didn't see a need to be there. The nice thing about being an adventurer just like an assassin was that there would always be work, regardless of who was leading. Especially for assassin's which was why her clan didn't feel the need to get involved.

As the room began filling up with more and more people, Jynx rested the back of her head against the pillar and decided that standing up was a waste of time so she simply sat on her ass and waited. Everyone else was standing up, pacing holes in the floor out of nerves or just curiosity. Some were exploring the fine art in the room and then others were decorating the walls as she'd been doing with the pillar. Everyone seemed to be on edge simply because it was the king who called for them but Jynx didn't really care. The guild was offering a hefty sum for this job which told her that it would be a LONG job.

 

[ImaginationGoneWild]

Like many others Sybille was summoned here upon the request of the Black Sovereign of Numeria. The guild had contacted her when she was working in Karcau as a bodyguard to a famous opera singer there. Famous to Ustalav at least but nevertheless it was a pleasant assignment and one that brought back fond memories of her family. The road to Starfall had been surprisingly easy for it was true what they said; the land was peaceful. But was it prosperous?

Sybille was one of the adventurers that were admiring the arts that decorated the palace from wall to wall. A sickening display of wealth and decadence compared to the poverty that gripped the city below. With her feathered hat and black and red outfit, which hinted at her swashbuckling past, she perused around the palace as if she were strolling through a museum. All that was missing was a glass of red Karcausian wine. Say what you will about Ustalav but for an undeath plagued land, the vineyards were exquisite.

 

[Haruchai]

For some time the Black Sovereign simply sat on his throne, until those that had answered his summons began to grow restless, and some even left. Yet for those who were observant enough, it was easy to see that the Black Sovereign seemed... almost at odds with himself. It had seemed as if he simply sat with his hands closed upon his lap, but to the keen eye one could see that, clutched in his right hand, was something. Perhaps no more than four inches long, and thin, it looked to be a handle of some sort, like a wooden shaft had come off the end of a knife and it no longer held a blade. It was hard to see what sort of substance it was made of, but he kept it tight in that hand and never moved it nor set it down.

It was hard to say just how long they waited, but in time he spoke, his voice powerful, but sounding hollow behind the gilded helm and crown that he wore.

"Friends, countrymen! I thank you for answering my call. I have consulted with my advisers and those within my service for some time, and it has come to my attention that there is a weapon that can be used, used to close the Worldwound to the north and end this incessant fighting once and for all. It would be for the good of all of Golarion! It would seal this plane off from all that would seek to destroy it! Pervert it! Corrupt it! And in this you would become vaunted heroes! Known throughout the land and rewarded for your contributions!"

He paused for a moment and then rose from his seat. He was a large man, and likely formidable in his youth, but now? There was something about him, something that radiated from him, and the only word that could spring to mind... was power.

"This weapon lies far to the south, in Rahadoum!" he spoke, and even that place sounded foreboding. Ra-ha-DOOM. But the Black Sovereign continued. "It is deep within the Napsune Mountains, but that is all we have been able to discern so far. You will go there, and find it! It is sure to be guarded, so gird yourselves well."

As you watch he spread his arms, and the object you had seen held in his right hand glows, just slightly, and most might miss it due to the sheen of his armor, but it was there. Arms outstretched he rose, feet coming off the dais he was on, hovering, lifting him higher and higher until he looked down upon those gathered.

He spoke once more.

"Go! Go and do as I have bid!"

Slowly he lowers himself back to the dais and retakes his seat upon the throne, falling silent once more. For their part the retinue of the King had stayed to answer any questions, though their answers were sometimes vague.

​

Marek had sat as the King put on his little display, and could feel the power radiating off the figure. Closing his eyes he reached out with his spirit, his ki, and almost immediately recoiled. The King was not evil, and he was not good. He was... something else. The immediate fact he was not evil made Marek sigh in relief, but he still had his concerns. Looking around at the others that have gathered, he wondered how many of them could feel it too.

When the King put on his display, and Marek saw that small object in his hand glow softly, his brow furrowed. That certainly seemed to be something that was driving this, but he doubted he would get any answers. As the King settled back down on his throne and they were allowed to converse with those under the King's charge, Marek held back, simply listening in on various conversations.

His eyes widened at some of what he heard, for the King was offering a truly kingly sum for the retrieval of this item; a large estate within his lands as well as a handsome sum of fifty thousand gold crowns. That was an amount of money that one could live on for the rest of their life, and their children as well. It almost seemed too much! Walking around the room he gave a nod to a comely elven female a thin blade at her hip. As he continued, to simply walk all that had stayed to listen to the King were offered refreshment. Usually such a thing was done when one arrived, but it seemed by making them wait that the Black Sovereign had weeded out those he deemed unworthy.

So now the welcoming committee had come out.

 

[NumberThreeInordinate]

So she wasn't the only one who noticed. All of the ass kissers and glory hounds were too busy being drawn in by his speech and the little magic trick but Jynx's eyes shot to the little object in the King's right hand. Well that's not suspicious at all. While Jynx didn't have ki like the Monk, she did have senses and her senses weren't able to pick up any significant factors about the King. He didn't radiate evil but just the same he didn't radiate good either. His scent was very...bland to put it nicely. Raising an eyebrow at this she didn't move from her seated position. Removing her hood, her ears perked up and caught the conversations as well as the King's staff who seemed to be doing all the talking after his short speech. There were a lot of questions that needed answering if you were trying to send top tier Adventurer's on a mission that could potentially end their lives and while many seemed very eager just from the mention of the reward, that didn't matter to Jynx.

Glancing to the Monk as he seemed to decide to walk around she turned her attention back to the King and just stared at that massive helmet. It did a good job of blocking his features but he needed to see too, and a keen eye could pick up on the slight movements of his eyes behind the dark mask. Watching him as he seemed to be watching the people in his hall, Jynx just tapped her knee for a moment. For some reason, this job was throwing off a lot of warning bells in her mind and the fact that everyone seemed to have very little information worth sharing wasn't helping. Standing up, Jynx walked over to the King himself rather than the people who were talking and while she stayed within a safe distance she just crossed her arms over her chest.

"That's a very limited amount of information Sir. You called for top tier Adventurer's rather than using your own Knights. You want us to go search for a weapon...something we've never seen or heard of, in a place no one seems to know anything about? Such a high reward tells me that the death toll of this mission is going to be rather steep as well. So, do tell good King. Why not send a horde of your own men to find this? You know where it is...round about's, your men are more than numerous and loyal to you...yet you call on Adventurers? Why is that?"
When one of the court members went to speak Jynx lifted her hand to the male.
"I'm asking the one who's summoned all of us. I don't think I was asking you."

Turning her attention back to the bulky male on his throne Jynx's eyes about glowed with her intellect. Keeping her hands where they were so to not give his guards a reason to attack her, but some of the adventurer's seemed stunned she was being so bold. One staff member did comment on how she should just take her King's word and go.
"He's not my King. Maybe you missed my armor. I'm a Shadowfang. We hold no loyalties to any but our own. I'm asking questions that any sane warrior would ask that didn't have a death wish, I don't see why this is so hard to answer."
She said as she kept her eyes level on the King himself.
"There's quite a few adventurer's here. How many of them do you think won't make it hmm?"
That question did get a few of the lower ranked Adventurer's chatting among themselves as this was good information to have.

 

[ImaginationGoneWild]

The raven-haired elf continued to peruse around, her feathered hat low over her emerald eyes. She quickly looked over her shoulder when yet another man left abruptly; muttering to himself about wasting a platinum-ranked adventurer's time. Many guests were whispering among themselves, theorizing about the mission they've been hired for. If they should accept. More manpower in a war? Escorting the king or someone valuable to him to some location? A retrieval of more wealth? Sybille wondered what the Black Sovereign could possibly want that he doesn't already have...

But then suddenly the conversations quieted when the king spoke, his voice was the kind that demanded attention. Sybille arched a well sculpted eyebrow at the mention that the king had found a way to close the Worldwound, a dimensional rift to the Abyssal Realms. Sybille restrained herself from scoffing at the arrogance. No mortal hand could possibly do such a feat.

The king was a large man, his armor only adding to his imposing size and image as a warlord. The crowd murmured but was quickly interrupted again as the king continued his speech. But not only that, he proved to the adventurers that their trip to Numeria was worth their while as the object in his hand glowed and caused the Black Sovereign to levitate of the ground effortlessly. Sybille quickly but subtly glanced around the room for any hidden mages, suspecting that perhaps the barbarian king wanted to dazzle them. It wouldn't be the first time an adventurer was duped into a wild goose chase...

But Rahadoum, now that was a nation worth visiting. It was exotic, mysterious, and with the right people would make for one hell of a resort trip...If it weren't for the terrifying wildlife. It still made her skin crawl. Sybille's body suddenly lurched involuntary at the memories, discreetly trying to shake it off as she rubbed her arms in comfort. But as the king fell silent and returned to his seat the crowd started to become more lively. Sybille too walked around, listening in on some conversations even striking a few herself as she talked to the other guests. She eventually found her way to the table with refreshments, taking a bite of a plate with oily meat chunks. "Well, dress a swine in pearls...", she muttered to herself with disappointment to the food. The barbarian warlord was after all still...a barbarian when it came to his taste buds.

She glanced around, pondering about the intel she had gathered but not before returning a friendly nod to a passing monk. Briefly eyeing the man from top till bottom... A cute bottom, she noted. She take a deep breath and straightened her thoughts again. Based on the ridiculously large sum of money the king was offering and the vagueness of the servants, she was still doubting.

The vagueness made her think that perhaps the servants weren't allowed to share much information. Or perhaps they knew as much as the adventurers did? If that is the case then why trust complete strangers with the task of retrieving this 'weapon' and not the people loyal to you? Sybille watched as slowly alliances began to form among the adventurers, people began to distance from each other. She chuckled briefly, greed is good enough method to demand loyalty... Was the artifact really worth that many golden crowns?

Her train of thoughts got derailed again when a dark feline approached the king, causing Sybille to furrow her brows. A smirk creeped up her lips as she listened to the Shadowfang, it seems her questions will be answered quicker than she thought. She heard of the Shadowfangs before, feline assassins as mysterious and ominous as the Fangwoods they inhabit. Luckily she never caught their attention.

 

[Haruchai]

The gilded helm of the King looked up as the dark feline approached, and Jynx would be able to see the dark eyes of the man behind the visor, as his those eyes settled on her. The figure did not move as she drew near, and the voice of the King, though more quiet than it had been when he spoke earlier, still was tinged with power as he addressed the feline.

"You are correct in that I could spare some of my own men to seek out this item, yet I have found that I can buy more loyalty from adventurers. You are all experts in what you do, and you do jobs for money, your word is your bond. Soldiers are soldiers and they often let honor get in the way of true duty. I seek the truth, and put my trust where I deem it necessary." he answered, then did finally move, leaning forward a bit on his throne, his eyes still intent on Jynx;s own through the slits of the visor.

His voice dropped to a whisper and only those closest would be able to hear.

"My men would seek to usurp ny power and take it for themselves. The second piece of the Rod of Law lies within those mountains, guarded diligently by the dwarves under the mountains. They will not give it up easily. It is just because I am NOT your King that I have asked you here." he whispered, and then sat back n his throne, that small hollowed piece of material still clutched in his hand.

At this time one of the robed advisers spoke up. "We do believe there will be loss of life in this... endeavor. It was thought best to offer this quest to adventurers who risk their lives for money every day, and not the soldiers we rely upon the protect us from the hordes from the Worldwound." he explained.

​

Marek had noted the feline as she approached, her svelte form moving with a liquid smoothness. The elven woman in her vermilion attire eyed him just as he had nodded to her, and then his attention was on what was happening on the dais.

He strained to hear so moved a bit closer, and felt his heart drop in his chest at the mention of the Rod of Law. It was something he had heard of before, but only in small bits and pieces. He only had the very vaguest idea of what it was, and had no idea what it actually did. It was ancient and powerful, and that was all he knew.

The King's words about his own men, that they might prove to be untrustworthy, seemed odd. But then, when you dealt with an item such as this, perhaps he was speaking true? He obviously wanted outside help, and the words from the adviser seemed to back that up. If they could trust what they were being told.

Taking no alcohol, and finding nothing that might appeal to his palate, Marek resolved to find something to eat later, and he soon spoke up to ask his own question.

"Are we allowed to team up with others? Or do you require us to seek this for you alone?" he asked.

The adviser answered. "You can do as you please, so long as the item is found."

Marek nodded and immediately his eyes drifted to the feline and then to the elven woman. Those would be the two he'd rather partner with, out of everyone he'd seen here so far.

 

[NumberThreeInordinate]

Listening to the King she simply kept her eyes blank of any emotion as that was the only part of her face that was visible. Hearing his mention of just what it was she raised an eyebrow. She, like anyone who got to know the lay of the land, had heard about this Rod in whispers or in boring debates among scholars. If it was truly as powerful as this King thought, then she understood the secrecy and if it had anything to do with that thing he was holding in a death grip, then the power was there. Far too much for any one human to hold in her opinion as mortals tended to act very quickly on emotions, especially self serving emotions. When the knowledge of just who may be guarding it was whispered, Jynx's ears twitched as she sighed. She hated Dwarves. Stocky little fuckers who were very tough and rather annoying as they liked to fight in numbers.

Their hide was like the mountain stone that they made their homes in and they were almost as bad as dragons when it came to hording treasures. Turning on a heel she didn't say anything to the King after that, she just snatched up one of the maps that the adviser's were handing out as well as the written grants of travel through the check points toward the destination. Checking to make sure everything was stamped and signed before heading out of the palace as she had to check on a few things herself. Since she didn't know a whole lot about this rod, she knew a few scholars who owed her a favor and she'd be cashing in on those favors to find out as much as she could. She saw no use in teams as the bald male had asked simply because as an assassin, if she wasn't specifically told to, she always worked alone. and she didn't even remotely trust any adventurer just based off of the title because as the King stated, they all fought for money and it wouldn't take much to have them turn on one another. Especially with the amount of money for this particular job.

Once outside she put the travel scroll in her pouch and opened her hands as a swirl of air flowed around her hands. Leaning down she whispered into the swirl, conveying a message in the wisp before pushing her hands out and releasing the wisp to find one of her scholar friends and deliver the message, as well as return it with everything he knew on this Rod. While she waited for the wisp to reach it's mark she heard a few other Platinum members asking if she wanted to team up, a quick glare and a tap of her assassin's emblem made that conversation die away as it was a clear 'fuck off' look. The elf from the room had the look of a pirate and while the smell was incredibly faint, she could still smell ocean water in her hair and on her clothing meaning that the pirate look was probably a legit profession at one time. Not the most trustworthy bunch. Then there was the monk who while looking the part, he didn't smell human. He smelled very off and that just didn't sit well with her either.

Walking to the stable just across the way she smiled as one of the stable boys looked very uneasy around her mount. No surprise there, her mount was a Fangwood Ravager. Extremely fierce looking beasts who were usually very aggressive but her clan raised them as mounts and companions. Layla was her's and she'd had her since Jynx was still a kitten. Introduced at an early age so that they could grow and create a bond together. Reaching into her pouch she pulled some meats that she'd swiped from the table in the King's hall and tossed it to Layla who caught it and before chewing it gave Jynx a look which made Jynx giggle.
"Not the best I know. What do you expect from a barbarian hmm?"
Layla and Jynx were both feline so it was very easy for Jynx to tell what Layla was thinking just based off of facial features and body language. Layla then dropped the meat and stuck her nose into the air as Jynx walked over to the massive feline and stroked her neck.

"Oh now don't pout. We'll get some good elk meet on the way out sound fair?"
The perking of Layla's ears and the way she was trying to still look pouty was too cute, but she took the reins from the stable boy then began walking toward the city gate with Layla.

 

[ImaginationGoneWild]

Sybille was still hidden among the crowd and blended well with her fellow higher ranked. Her colorful attire wasn't that uncommon in the guild, plenty of adventurers dressed up to live up to their own names. She observed the crowd as they were taken aback by the bold move from the assassin. Sybille expected the king's guards to remove the feline but they didn't, the king sat on his throne with the same confidence.

The king made a fair point when he said that an adventurers loyalty could be 'bought'. She herself was someone who didn't mind doing questionable things...for the right price. Sybille tried to move closer when the king decided to whisper the rest of the conversation to the Shadowfang. She pushed through the crowd while straining her ears for what was being said but alas the people were getting more rambunctious when they started to hand out maps and travel permissions. it was impossible for her to hear anything even with her Elven hearing.

But she noticed how the feline's tail briefly puffed up in agitation and how her ears twitched with interest. Sybille scanned the people closest to the king to see if she could spot similar reactions. A few men and women turned on their heels with hushed whispers as they left the palace, no doubt to start their quest ahead of everyone. And then there was the monk who paled at the king's words before determination settled on his features.

As the Shadowfang left the building the monk spoke up for the first time; asking if one could work with others. And wouldn't you know it, he set his eyes on the Shadowfang and then Sybille. She smiled at him and gave him a nod of agreement.

She waited outside the palace steps, studying the map and travel grants while waiting for the monk.

 

[Haruchai]

​

It was easy to the the effect that the King's words had on those around him, and to Marek it also explained the odd way that the King was acting. He had to wonder how many of those words were from the King himself, or driven by the object in his hand. Did that piece desire to be reunited with the others? One would assume so.

Marek was contemplating this, his mind turning over everything that had been said, when the dark feline simply strode out of the room. His eyes followed her, and he'd have approached, but she seemed in a mood and he did not wish to disturb her. He'd only heard bits and pieces of the Shadowfang, much like the Rod itself, and she did not seem the sort to team with others. The lovely elf, on the other hand...

Gathering the maps that were being given out, as well as the writ that was given to show they were working for the Black Sovereign (which could be a boon or a bane, depending), Marek saw the elf exit the throne room as well. He hurried to follow. By the time he exited the throne room the feline was gone entirely, and the elf wasn't in sight. Sighing, and slightly discouraged, Marek walked the corridor to the doors that would exit the palace.

It was outside these doors and next to some of the pillars, that he spotted the elf. Immediately his mood brightened and his right hand waved in greeting as he quickly closed the distance, a smile on his face.

"I was hoping to see you!" he said excitedly. He gave a bow to her and as he straightened he said, "My name is Marek. I will be bold and say that I was hoping we might travel together? Strength in numbers for this seems a wise path to take." he said, eyes hopeful.

It was obvious she used a sword, the thin blade at her side an indication of that, and her clothing! He had only rarely ever seen such finery! She must be skilled indeed!

​

For Jynx, it was not she herself that drew the looks as she exited Starfall. No, it was Layla, her Ravager. The beast seemed well under control, but even so mothers clutched their young to their skirts, and people gave her a wide berth. The city gates were reached without incident, as nobody even had the courage to say anything to the feline and her large predatory companion.

The roads leading away from Starfall branched out in different directions, and soon Jynx had a decision to make as far as what path she would take.

 

[NumberThreeInordinate]

After getting past the gates and giggling at how the general public acted towards Layla, Jynx hopped onto her friends back and pat her neck.
"Let's go home."
She said as Layla's massive claws dug into the dirt and Jynx felt the ripple of her powerful muscle just before she herself leaned down and Layla blasted off in a full sprint to start heading home, to Fangwood. Jynx had some things she needed to pack for this lengthy of a job, she also had to tell her father she'd be going on a rather long mission so she'd be off the map for a while. Something wonderful about Layla compared to most steeds was that she was very fast and they didn't have to take the 'normal' route as both she and Layla were very agile and could easily traverse through the wooded areas just as easily as the flat ones.

However, they were both felines and they suffered some of the usual draw backs of their species like being very lazy and in the day light hours. So, getting off of the road, Layla and Jynx both found a nice patch of forest and climbed the biggest tree for a bit of a 'cat nap'. Just something to pass the time till the sun went down, then they'd be able to cover a lot more ground as they'd be wide awake and very active. So, Jynx and Layla slept for a few hours and as the sounds of predatory creatures waking caught their ears, both felines woke up and stretched for a moment before hopping out of their perch and making their way home as intended. Thanks to travelling at night when the roads were empty of passing merchants and caravans carrying supplies, Jynx was able to cover a lot of ground and make it home in a single day.

Well, close to home as she had to make a detour to Vigill before going home. Stopping by the city of Vigill she had heard back from her wisp that her scholar friend had some information for her. Since Vigill was so close to her home, the people of this city were quite accustomed to seeing members of her clan as well as their companions and this allowed them to be a little less jumpy around Layla. In fact, Layla had a few human and Anthro friends in Vigill who loved to feed her meat because then they could pet her. Something very few knew about was that a Ravager's coat was actually very soft. Yes they had thick hides for protection but the fur was incredibly soft, they just never let anyone close enough to feel usually. So, stopping at her 'friends' shop, she walked inside while Layla was outside being fed some very tasty deer meat by the local butcher and his children.

Seeing the male sitting at a chair surrounded by scrolls and books she picked up a small pebble and shot it to the back of his head but as she did this the pebble stopped. Smiling the male sighed.
"Never can give me a simple greeting like a normal person can you Jynx?"
He asked as he turned around and the pebble dropped. Walking over Jynx cocked her head and giggled.
"Now where's the fun in that."
Shaking his head again, a common thing when speaking to the feisty feline, Xavier handed a satchel of scrolls he'd written over night to Jynx.
"Everything I know and could find in the short period of time. You're going after some powerful stuff Jynx. Too much power for one person."
Jynx nodded as she pulled the strap over her shoulder.
"I figured. I'll read up on it more on my way there. Thanks for the help X."

The male nodded and smiled with a sigh.
"Do make sure you survive this. My life will become infinitely more boring without your antics."
Jynx gave a short laugh.
"Oh it'll take quite a bit to put me in the ground. Papa raised me right."

 

[ImaginationGoneWild]

Sybille took off her hat and hovered it over the map to have some shade. She was already figuring out which route to take. Going back to Ustalav and then perhaps rest in Vigil for a while, gods know they'll need it if they encounter any of the Undeath problems over there. Her finger traced the road that lead from Vigil to Skelt, an impenetrable city in Nirmathas, and then they'd go through the Bloodsworn Vale to Korvosa. Excellent! She smiled to herself, it will be quite the trip but from there they could take a ship to Azir and then the Napsune mountains.

Sybille looked up when she heard a familiar voice, "Ahh, the monk!" she said as she pushed herself off the pillars and tucked her hat underneath her arm. "I don't see your kind very often on my travels." She said as she extended her hand at the monk but since he choose to bow instead she awkwardly lowered it again. They introduced themselves to each other, "Marek...That name suits you." she said with a charming smile, "My name's Sybille Rousseaux, another proud member of the Adventurer's Guild."

Before Sybille decided to make their partnership official, "First tell me what the King said exactly. Not everyone was privy to his whispers..." She said as she rolled up the paperwork and stuffed them in a pouch...

She listened to what Marek had heard and it caused Sybille to hold her breath for just a moment. She had heard of the Rod of Law by one of her old tutor when she was but a wisp of a thing. But as far as she knew it was believed to have been destroyed during that great battle between Miska the Wolf-Spider and the Dukes of Wind,or lost to the ages. Yet here it is, the first piece in the hands of a barbarian king. She nodded at Marek as she brushed off her feathered hat before putting it on again, "I agree that teaming up seems like the best solution for this particular endeavor."

She glanced around before turning to Marek again, "I'll let you decide. That towering building over there on the other side of the city, that's the headquarters of the Technic League. The arcane representatives of this nation. We could ask them for more information about the Ro-..." she stopped herself from saying it out loud as she glanced around with caution, "The 'artifact'. Or we can just leave already and head to Korvosa for a free ride to Azir?"

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The king's steward Hrael guided the last of the adventurers out the palace doors, answering any final questions they may have. "You shall receive the coins and the land when you have presented us with the Rod. But until then there's nothing else we can do for you." his voice croaked.

Hrael watched from the palace steps as they all trickled out of the city with a sly look as he lifted a face carved amulet to his lips, "It has begun...Don't loose them out of your sights and make sure their mission is a success." He tucked the necklace back beneath his clothes, wondering which ones of these greedy bastards will find the artifact first...

 

[Haruchai]

​

The elven woman, lovely as she was, seemed pleasantly surprised by his presence, and Marek smiled. She had extended her hand, and he felt his stomach sink a little, as he should have realized that was her preferred method of greeting. However, she seemed nonplussed by it all things considered, and he smiled when she gave her name.

"Sybille. Sybille." he said, saying her name a few times almost as if he was tasting it, and also committing it to memory. "Such a pleasure to meet you. You certainly stood out inside the throne room!" he said, then found himself blushing a little for being so forward.

Then she asked about the King and what he said. After telling her what he had overheard the atmosphere grew more serious, and he knew that this was not going to be some normal treasure hunting expedition. She gestured to a towrs some distance away, and then gave the option of visiting, or heading to Korvosa. Marek, unsure just where that was, looked on his map. He often passed through various places without actually learning the name. He remembered specific towns and cities, and yet countries eluded him, what with their invisible borders.

He thought for a moment and then nodded as he made up his mind. "Visitng the mages might yield us some more information. Perhaps not, but better to check, yes?" he said, valuing her opinion.

Once the decision had been made they set out on their way.

​

They had watched the feline as she approached the Black Sovereign, whispering between themselves. They were, perhaps, the only brother and sister duo and team that had shown up. They were also lovers, though that only made their bonds as twins all the more strong.

Gathering their things they followed the feline surreptitiously as she moved through the city, the Ravager causing a bit of a stir. But it was over the next days as they trailed behind her, staying always about a mile back since the Ravager was easy to follow and its' prints were easily tracked. Easier to let someone else find the item and then steal it, or kill them, than to face the entire danger yourself.

The feline and her companion stopped in Vigil, and the siblings arrived soon afterward. There was plenty to explore, and so they split off, the sister following Jynx as her brother went to get them some food. Eating rations had become boring.

 

[NumberThreeInordinate]

Finishing up her business in Xavier's shop she left there and as she walked out, she felt a slight tug in her wisps. Jynx was an assassin by occupation and this naturally made her very paranoid and defensive. All around her she had air wisps that would allow her to detect ill will against her. While she wasn't able to send them out too far, in a city like this, it allowed her to know fairly soon. Most people in a city were wrapped up in their own little worlds so the wisps were quiet but now, they were vibrating quite a bit. Walking over to Layla, Jynx gathered her reigns then walked off with her, taking several side alley's and just making her route seem like she knew where she was going while at the same time, just checking to see if these vibrations kept up with her.

Sure enough, they kept their distance which was smart, but they kept up with her as well. Looking at Layla she pat her back and made little hand signals for her to get up to the roofs and get out of sight. When Layla was gone, Jynx used some of her assassin tricks and found a dark corner. Using a small spell that her father had taught her to blend into a shadow. Sitting and waiting she spotted the person tailing her. Some red headed female. Waiting for a bit longer, the female seemed to be tracking Layla's paw prints but that became very difficult in a city where the ground was cobble stone so it didn't give under the weight of a Ravager.

When the female seemed to be a little flustered by loosing her, Jynx stepped out of the shadows, getting very close to the female as she drew a dagger and just barely nicked her arm. Watching the female whip around and bounce back, Jynx waved her dagger before sniffing her blood.
"Now. I know your smell. Keep tailing me human...it'll end with you in the ground. It's usually frowned on for Adventurer's to kill one another...luckily, I make more than enough as an assassin."
Which let this bitch know that Jynx would have no issues killing her for little to no reason at all, hell just cause she felt like it.

Something the female would also figure out, in a few hours, was that her daggers razor edge was laced with poison. Not enough to kill, but she'd be quite sick for a few days and probably loose some weight from all the vomiting that was coming her way. Assassin's as a whole specialized in stealth and Feline's were unchallenged in stealth, so trying to sneak up on a feline assassin was damn near impossible. Sheathing her dagger she opened her hand to form a sphere of tightly wrapped wind which would do quite a bit of damage to a human body if it hit.
"Now is the time where you leave human."

 

[ImaginationGoneWild]

Sybille wrapped her cloak tighter around her and pointed to the tower, “To the geezers we go!” As they walked through the city, it became clear that not everything is what it seems in Starfall. The architecture of this place was gorgeous, the streets were clean of any trash including crime. It was strange to feel safe of your possessions, an eerie peace of mind. The shops and market stalls they passed were clearly aimed for tourists and the nobility that ruled these lands. Because if you looked more towards the outer edges of the city then you could see the true face of Starfall. A king may bring some safety by ridding the place of criminality but if your people only get scraps while noble are walking around fat then one wonders if they are truly happy with their king…

The adventuring pair came across a patrol of Gearsmen, metallic constructs that walked like men but were not men. Sybille noticed how the populus gave these constructs a wide berth as they walked by with their thudding and hissing noises. She gave Marek a look of caution as they continued their path to the Technic League. Soon enough they arrived at the headquarters…

Standing in front of the large iron doors of the Technic Hall, Sybille motioned for Marek to pound on the door as her slim frame would hardly have the strength to make the knocks audible enough. It took them a good few minutes of listening to muffled voices, clanging of metallic things, doors opening and closing before they finally heard the distinct sound of footsteps heading their way. It was an older mage, exasperated as he kept the iron door at a crack, “Yes! What’d ya want?!” Before either of them could say a word the man grimaced and waved them off, “We are not accepting any students, nor solicitors! Good day!” then shut the door.

Sybille’s eyes widened and her lips were pressed tight, “Knock again.” she asked Marek. When the door wouldn’t open Sybille made sure to mention, “We are sent by the Black Sovereign himself!”

Now that did spark some interest in the old fart, he opened the door again with a puzzled look, “The Sovereign?” he asked. Sybille pulled out one of the grants from her pouch, unfurled it enough to show the king’s signature and official seal. “Would you like to check the authenticity, Hm?” she said with a sardonic smile.

Moments later, after the adventurers stated the reason why the ‘king had sent for them’ they were being led to the mage that discovered the piece of the Rod of Law in the first place. Hopefully they would gain some new information and if not then it would be best to move on.

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Meanwhile in Vigil...

Two hooded figures stood atop the rooftops watching the confrontation below. Nervously observing the two females, one of the cultists started to pull out a knife from between his robes. But the taller one stopped him, "Wait, remember our orders. We are merely to observe and report back. Hrael needs them to find the artifact."

"What if they kill each other?"

"Let them. It'll weed out the weak."

The two men heard a rustle nearby and as they slowly turned around they were met with the massive form of a Ravager. Slowly they backed up, nearly falling off the edge before the taller one caught them both and said, "Time to go."

"Yup." and off they ran across the rooftops hoping not to become Layla's meal...

 

[Haruchai]

​

Noticing many of the same things as Sybille, Marek stayed close to the swordswoman, not out of fear, but to show strength in numbers. The Gearsmen were a bit unsettling. Automatons in the shape of people. It made sense ina twisted way, and who was Marek to say anything about it? To many he was a monster as well. A monster in the shape of a man.

It took a bit of convincing once they had made their way to the Tower, but Sybille's quick thinking and forthright attitude soon had them gaining entry.

The interior of the place smelled funny. Like old leather and musty pages. It took a moment, but Marek recognized that the place smelled like a library. A book. The robed figures moving about reminded him a little of his monk brothers, and he felt a pang of loss, seeing in his mind's eye their bloody and broken bodies. Finding his center again he followed their guide, and they traversed upward to the second floor, and then the third. Down a long corridor on the third floor, one would think that this place was definitely larger on the inside than it appeared on the outside.

Coming to a set of doors their guide knocked and a feminine voice from behind the door bid them to enter. The guide opened the doors and the three of them entered.

Marek was unsure just what he had been expecting, but what he saw was certainly not it. A beautiful tiefling was within the room, which actually smelled quite lovely compared to the rest of the place. Like petrichor. For a brief moment Marek felt like he was outside in a field of wildflowers after a spring rain, and he inhaled deeply.

Tieflings. Not quite half demon, their lineage showed that there was certainly demonic blood somewhere in their history. They were often looked upon with suspicion, but many were contributing members of society. Evidently this one had risen to some bit of influence in her Order.

Rising from where she had been seated, the tiefling made the briefest of gestures with her hand and their acolyte guide bowed and disappeared back out the door. The horned figure smiled, those lush purple lips curving upward briefly as eyes the color of cherries looked over them both.

"Tea?" she asked, and whether they accepted or not she poured herself some. "My name is Lerissa. I assume you have come to see me concerning the Rod of Law?" she asked. Once that had been settled, she seemed to have little problem telling them just what had happened.

She had been on a simple information gathering assignment, hopping from plane to plane, and one of those places had been the Clockwork Nirvana of Mechanus, or simply, Mechanus. A plane of Law, with the only natives being the various races that were mechanical in nature. Some of them had even comeback with her. She'd wandered the plane for some time, all gears and cogs, machinery working in perfect harmony. Save for one. An investigation had revealed something stuck in the gears. It had been strange that the natives had not sought to fix such a thing, but she had plucked out the thing. Nothing more than a splinter really, and the gears had begun to move again, though the object in her hand was far too perverted, in her mind, to keep. So she'd managed to get it into her extra-dimensional bag and brought it back. Once home her and her fellow mages did what research they could, and it became clear that it called to their King.

Now he had become obsessed with finding the rest of it.

"That's pretty much it. The King is now funding the rest of my research into the Planes, and has his own purposes in mind for the Rod. I'd have tossed it away when I could... but I couldn't bear to get rid of it. I felt compelled." she said, her voice tinged with a bit of fear.

As she spoke Marek felt a little worry for her. She seemed to be alright now, but it seemed like the piece she had found had certainly driven her actions. How had it come to be stuck in those gears? It all seemed too convenient. The more he thought about it, the more he was convinced that the Rod itself had an agenda of some sort.

In Vigil​

Aeryn cursed herself. She'd somehow lost the trail of the feline. There were just too many people. It had been easy to keep track of her sweat. Like most felines she sweated through her paws, the pads of her feet leaving trails, as well as her Ravager. But here in the town it was just too busy for her to keep track of the single individual.

She felt her before she struck, but did not manage to dodge the blade as it nicked her arm. Her own sword was halfway from its' scabbard as she whirled to face the assassin. The feline warned her off, and Aeryn felt it then... that sickly feeling as the poison was pulled into her bloodstream. If a water-using person knew anything, it was their own body. The human body contained quite a lot of water. Most living things did. As soon as the poison entered her body it was easy enough to use her powers to draw the poison back out of the cut, where it was wiped away and flung to the ground. Aeryn met the feline's eyes with her own. Even a slight manipulation caused the slight cut to knit shut as well. As a water user she could manipulate the water in her own body to facilitate healing. She could even heal others. It wasn't as fast as those who used Spirit magic, but by manipulating the water in a body the healing properties of the body itself were accelerated.

"Nice try, kitty. But hey, you can't blame me for following you. You know what you're doing, and all of us are going for the same thing. You think you're the only one that would follow this path?" she asked. Of course, she didn't expect the assassin to for get this, but she wouldn't either. They both had lethal manipulations they could use on the other, but this wasn't the time or the place.

About this time a scraping noise could be heard, and Aeryn's eyes looked toward a nearby rooftop. There, two figures fled from a ravager, and a smirk crossed her features.

"Seems I'm not the only one following you. Looks like we both might be followed." she said, and with a flourishing bow the woman took her exit, leaving Jynx and her pet to do as they wanted.

 

[NumberThreeInordinate]

Jynx watched the female as she used her ability to draw out the poison and made a mental note to not use that specific poison on this female, she'd need a stronger fast acting poison and while she'd still be able to get rid of it, it would take some concentration and a bit of a more in depth process. However, she also had a few tricks up her sleeve for this female and her partner, able to smell the partner on the female now. Closing her hands as the female spoke she just offered her a smile as a loud scream was heard from above her and soon the sound of bones crunching.
"Layla isn't a fan of those trying to hurt me."
Was all she said as she knew Layla was busy getting in a quick meal.

When the female left, Jynx looked at her hands and feet for a moment. She really didn't like wearing boots or gloves but it looked like she'd have to now. She would also have to decide whether or not to leave Layla at home with her clan, OR, she could just set up traps to slow them down. The female was a talented water user and while a fight with her would be hard, wind was a hard element to beat as well. It was invisible and it had a lot of properties in the human body just like water did. Elemental use required concentration. If the person was injured or busy with something else, that lessened the ability to use the element. If they were tired, or stressed, that was also a factor. When the female was gone and her scent as well, Jynx looked up at the roof where Layla was laying on the edge, a fountain of blood pooling down as she chewed on some hooded male.

A quick snap of her fingers and Layla hopped down still holding the upper torso of the male in her jaws.
"Hey. Drop that. You don't know where that's been."
She said as Layla dropped the male and she looked over what was left of his wardrobe.
"Couldn't have at least kept his belt huh?"
She asked as Layla was licking her chops. Sighing she made a mental note of the hood and cut an insignia off of the back before walking away from the scene.

This city and her home were the safest areas at the moment so she decided to rent an Inn for a little bit. They didn't have any specific time frame to go looking for this piece and a few days resting would allow others to go looking and weed out those who were weak. She did send Layla home for a bit since she knew the way and she'd be able to get a bath and relax since Jynx would be heading home soon anyways. Sitting in her room, she never left the inn, just went to the Tavern on the bottom floor for food or stayed in her room mixing poisons and studying the scrolls that Xavier gave her. She also sent wisps all over the city to locate that female and keep a bead on her. She also had wisps out, acting as her eyes to keep an eye out for more hooded people. One thing about Assassin's, they were extremely patient and she had no issues just hanging out in the Inn all day as it was rather comfortable, that and she slept through the day light hours anyways.

 

[ImaginationGoneWild]

When they exited the Technic Hall, Sybille sighed as she brushed her hand through her raven hair before putting on her feathered hat again. She enjoyed hearing about the discovery of the Rod piece by the enchanting Tiefling, Lerissa. But the information shared didn’t make them any wiser about the Rod. It was an artifact used during a battle between gods, broke and resurfaced in the plane of Mechanus.

Now, Sybille may have dozed off during her lessons from her old tutor when she was young but she did remember that Mechanus was a strange place. A place where ultimate Law and Order reigned supreme not just by choice but as a fundamental rule. Everything worked in tandem with each cog and wheel, nothing is ever out of place. But for the plane to ignore a ‘broken’ piece of itself? Now that was odd…

“Oh well,” she muttered out loud to herself. She turned to Marek, “Nothing left for us here, we might as well get moving. Let’s see if there’s a carriage or something we can borrow.”

Along their journey Sybille explained to Marek the route she thought was best to take and how she knew people who could give them a free ride to Azir. Meanwhile they also exchanged strategies and pleasantries.

It took them several days with a rush to reach Vigil and the first thing Sybille wanted to do was bathe! The found a lovely Inn called 'The Sleeping Giant' and a fancy one too. Just the way Sybille likes it. She may have been a pirate but one she didn't forget her heritage. Perhaps she was a spoiled brat after all?

She went ahead and rented a room for herself and immediately ran a warm bath while she was putting away her stuff.

 

[Haruchai]

​

Marek was not nearly as knowledgeable about the Planes as Sybille seemed to be so after they took their leave of the Technic Mages he listed to what she had to say with rapt attention. She seemed to have at least a little knowledge of a wide variety of things.

They were able to find a conveyance, as well as a horse to draw it, and for the journey ahead they gathered quite a few supplies. Even the route that Sybille spoke of would take quite some time to travel, and they'd rather be prepared. There would be places along the way of course to restock.

On of the theories that they spoke about was the broken bit of the Rod that had been found upon Mechanus. It was like the 'rules' of the Plane itself had been superceded by the Rod. Exactly what that meant? they weren't sure, but it couldn't be good.

​

Aeryn heard the screams and smiled at Jynx as she spoke about her Ravager.

"Of course she's not. As for yourself... take care!" The words were not spoken with malice, but almost a bit of respect, as evidenced by the wink she gave the feline. The redhead soon found her brother and within short order they had left the town of Vigil and moved on southward. Aeryn told her sibling, Daer, about what had happened and also what she had seen. Seemed like they allwere being followed, or that someone was keeping tabs. Perhaps the feline and her Ravager had done some good.

​

Unbeknownst to Marek and Sybille, they arrived shortly after all the drama with Jynx and the siblings, and as they entered the city of Vigil, the siblings were leaving and headed south. 'The Sleeping Giant' was the only real upscale inn within Vigil, and Sybille got herself a room. Marek on the other hand, was running low on coin and so he bid Sybille farewell, with a promise to meet her for dinner, and found a place to stable the horse and store the carriage outside of the 'Hippogriff Feather'. It was a bit more down to earth in its' lodgings and Marek found the accommodations to be adequate.

Little did either of them know that within the walls of Vigil the feline assassin was also seeking relaxation.

 

[NumberThreeInordinate]

Having not been up to much for the last few days, Jynx was usually spending her nights either making potions or exercising in her room so she didn't get lazy. Not sensing any one around her that particular morning, Jynx thought it would be a good time to head home and start packing, but she'd stay long enough to grab a bite to eat before heading out that night. It would be a long trip so she wanted to have something in her stomach since Layla was currently waiting for her back at home. Right around supper time, Jynx was dressed and ready to go. Checking out of her room she paid for a meal in the tavern then headed to an empty table. Ordering some meat, bread and cheese she sat back and waited for her meal to arrive.

While she waited, she read over one of the scrolls that Xavier had written up for her again. Seeing that the rod was multiple pieces, each holding their own specific magical power that played off of the other. She'd seen side notes from Xavier stating that some suggested that the rod pieces seemed to have a mind of it's own. Wanting to be reconnected so it would drive the holder mad with the obsession of finding those pieces. Thinking back to the King, she could honestly believe that given how he was acting when it came to that small piece in his hand.

Looking over the map, she mapped out a way to travel in her mind. There were several port areas along the coast and while her clan had ties to all of them, getting a boat would be a little awkward. She hated the ocean, all feline's did. Would Layla even entertain the idea of getting on a boat? Probably not...

 

[ImaginationGoneWild]

Her raven hair was slicked back as the young chamber maid rinsed out the soap while Sybille simply relaxed, her nimble fingers twirling the rose petals in the water. Drop your family's name and they go the extra mile to make a woman feel pampered, she smiled to herself. Sybille needed this, she was tired of smelling herself, especially after traveling for so long. Karcau then Starfall now here.

She looked at the window, wondering what kind of excitement this city had to offer. "Is there any gossip?" she asked the maid.
The young blonde paused and thought for a bit, "Hmm...Just the usual M'am. Bandits and the occasional undead from Ustalav." She said as she grabbed a clean towel out of the cupboards.

Sybille nodded slowly, pushing a rose petal under the water until she saw the white towel move beside her. She got out of the water, careful not to slosh any onto the floor. Then wrung out her hair before stepping out of the bath, her sun tanned body glistening in the moonlight. The chambermaid couldn't help but notice the various small scars that decorated her body. Nothing dramatic but clearly they tell the tale of a life filled with dangers. Sybille caught her gaze and caused the girl to blush and look away.

With a chuckle she wrapped the towel around her bosom, "It's alright, you can ask about them."
-"I'm sorry, M'am. It's none of my business." She said as she stood there with her hand behind her back and her eyes on anything but the well-endowed Elf.
She didn't mind, people were curious..."Well thank you, dear. That will be all. I have to get ready for a dinner." She said as she approached the dresser, eyeing herself in the mirror that hung above it.

The chambermaid did a curtsy before turning around and leaving the room. But before she closed the door she encountered her coworker, another chambermaid in the process of taking some dirty linen out. "Oh hey, Kiara! That Shadowfang is back!"

Sybille's Elven hearing heard that loud and clear as the door closed behind her. "Shadowfang?" she whispered with squinted eyes at the closed door. A devious smile graced her lips....

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Sybille wore the same vermilion outfit as before only now it was washed. She sniffed her collar as she descended the stairs into the tavern, they used cheap soap but at least it's clean. She didn't bring her hat with her this time. Sybille scanned the room for a familiar face and found it, but it wasn't Marek. It was a Shadowfang sitting at a table in some dark corner reading some scrolls. Well, somebody did their homework...unless it was an assassin's contract?

She noticed how a barman was carrying around a plate of food towards the feline. She quickly walked over to the man and stopped him, "Is that for that lovely lady over there?" She asked as she pointed at the feline. When the man confirmed Sybille took the plate from him, "I'll take that to her, we're old friends. I want to surprise her," she said with a girly squeal. Turning on her heels she approached the table, place the food in front of Jynx while taking a seat at the same time. "Well lookee here, the girl who caused quite a stir in a throne room." She said as she took a peek at all the papers in front of her. "Hm, the Rod of Law..." She spoke in hushed tones.

"Your source seems to know a lot more about the Rod then the mages of the Technic League did." She said as she casually picked up one of the scrolls and read it, trying to memorize what was written. She glanced around the tavern for any nosy onlookers but spotted Marek at the entrance. She waved at him, motioning for him to join them. "Over here!"

She turned to Jynx, "This is Marek, a monk. I'm Sybille and we need you on our team." She was blunt and to the point because time was of the essence. Plus, the Shadowfang seemed to know more than she led on. And is the feline questioned why, "I have a boat in Conqueror's Bay. Your Clan doesn't seem to have those since your kind has an aversion to water."

 

[Haruchai]

​

Marek took a bath and his clothing was washed by the inn's staff. By the time he was ready to go and explore the small town he felt much better. He also looked a bit different; he did not carry his entire bit of traveling gear and was dressed in simple monk's clothing. His keikogi was made up of two colors. Orange for the uwagi, or shirt - which was lightly padded, and zubon, for the trousers. His feet were shod in what most might think of as slippers, though the soles were a nicely worn leather and quite soft and comfortable as well as quiet. Other than this he had a small pouch with some money tucked and secured behind a specially sewn patch on his trousers to prevent easy thievery.

He garnered a few odd looks as he made his way along the streets, hands clasped behind his back as he walked easily. He'd been invited to dinner by Sybille, over at 'The Sleeping Giant'. Since she had made the invitation he secretly hoped that she would help pay for his meal. Monks did not make much coin, and he'd spent quite a lot for the various bits of equipment, as well as the horse and carriage.

As he got closer to the fine inn he felt himself grow a bit nervous. He had little experience with women, much less beautiful elven women, and it was an odd feeling. He'd faced the assassins of The First with no fear, but when faced with simple beauty his stomach felt odd.

Pushing open the doors he looked around the common room. The place seemed quite busy and raucous, with obvious gambling taking place, music filling the air, and a woman dressed in silks dancing and twirling on a table near the back. It was quite a lot to take in, but then a familiar voice cut through the din. It was Sybille! She waved him over and as he moved he spotted the feline woman that had been back in Starfall! He did not know her name, but it seemed that Sybille was making friends. That was good! They could use all the help they could get.

Sybille introduced him and Marek bowed. "It is a pleasure to meet you." he said as he straightened, and gave the feline a slight smile. She was... interesting. Like with Sybille he had little experience with women. He had met and even sparred with several anthro martial artists, but none of them had been female. In fact, to the men of his order, they were known as "pneumafera", literally meaning 'spirit animal' or 'soul animal'. Many viewed them as little more than beasts, but Marek found them fascinating. They were typically well equipped for a life of adventure, and brought various traits that humans simply did not have.

He could see the various scrolls that the lovely pneumafera had, and he gestured to a seat at the table. "May I?" he asked, looking between the women, and assuming that they were all eating together unless told otherwise.

 

[NumberThreeInordinate]

Jynx had yet to remove the bottom half of her mask as she, along with other members of her clan, got into the habit of not removing it till they were getting ready to eat, their masks had tightly woven fibers and a slight enchantment that allowed them to be able to breath if there was any kind of smoke or gas around them. It was strictly a security and safety issue for her clan, that and they often used smoke and gases themselves and it wouldn't be very effective if they were also rendered immobile from the gases. One of those gases she was actually very tempted to use as she heard and saw the Elven female from Starfall popping a squat right in front of her with her ordered food. Narrowing her eyes at the female, her pupils shrank to thin slits as her tail flicked from side to side rather sharply to show her annoyance and in a quick snatch, she took the scroll back and had it rolled up and in her pouch with one fluid motion.

"Ya know, it's rather rude to just assume you're welcome here. I've already been having a rather annoying week and you're not making it any better."
She hissed as she kept her free hand on her thigh which coincidentally had a few throwing knives that she was tempted to decorate this female with. Using the hand on the table, she didn't even look at her food, she just began cleaning up her scrolls and as she heard the female calling someone over, her ears and tail caught the heavy vibrations of a male before she caught his scent. Ah, monk boy. Looking up she'd just grabbed the last remaining scroll and pocketed it before looking at the two as Sybille spoke after introducing the two like Jynx actually cared about that.

Listening to her words and her request Jynx raised an eyebrow.
"You certainly have a strange way of securing a partnership. Walking up like I know you, casually taking things that don't belong to you and reading over my information then expecting me to just smile and agree? Gotta love nobility for their ability to think everything and everyone is just gonna bend over backwards for you. Tell ya what elf. How's about you don't put your noble fingers on my property, and I'll let you keep those fingers intact with your hands. How's that sound?"
This female left a bad taste in Jynx's mouth as she sat there. There was being blunt then there was being a stuck up bitch. She was the second. Looking to the monk she reached into her left pouch and flicked a gold coin at him, knowing he'd catch it.
"On me monk. You look a little light in the pockets."

That and she knew monks weren't the most wealthy of individuals. Looking back to the elf she stood up, they'd already introduced themselves sure but she had no reason or desire to give them her name.
"True, cat's don't like water. However there's more than one way to get to the other continent. You two wanna ride on a boat, go for it. Maybe you can thin down the little rats that seem to like following anyone of significant skill. I work alone and I sure as hell don't wanna work with someone who thinks everything is there's."
With that she motioned to the meal.
"Enjoy."
Leaving the tavern she headed toward the bar and tossed a silver coin on the bar, grabbing a few slabs of meat on the way out. She was on foot so she wouldn't get too far from them if they decided to give chase, but she was also out of the populated area and by the time they'd catch up to her, the streets were empty so she'd have plenty of room to see how good that Elf was with her little toothpick.

 

[ImaginationGoneWild]

Nobility. Her 'blue blood' was something she was never able to fully hide even back when she was a pirate. It showed in the way she walked, the way she talked. Most folk would hide such a detail when joining an adventurer's guild. But not her, according to her it could open doors.

Sybille sighed as she watched the feline leave the tavern. But she then turned to Marek, "Why didn't you say you were light in your pockets? I could've rented a room for you here. It would save us the trouble whenever we need to discuss something..." Yes, she was rich. Probably one of the richest members of the guild along with some other folk who managed to make fortunes there or had a similar upbringing as hers. But unlike the others she made sure her money was well-spent...and then occasionally pampered herself...a lot.

But they needed to convince this Shadowfang to come with them. The two of them wasn't going to be enough to traverse the Napsune Mountains, and then convince the dwarves to hand over the piece of the Rod which may or may not be in their possession. She leaned in closer to Marek, "See if maybe you can convince her to join us? From on fellow martial artist to another...Hm?"

Jyn seemed to be more approachable with the monk then she did her, and if not then she'll just have to try and convince the kitten using different methods. Like they did at sea... Her eyes narrowed again as she thought about how they used to settle a score among pirates...

 

[Haruchai]

​

Marek didn't even have a chance to take a seat before the darkly furred feline tossed him some coin and said that the meal was on her. Deftly he caught the money and bowed his head in thanks, about to speak, when he saw that she was already exiting the establishment. By now, one of the men at the table close to the door, the ones gambling, had pulled a knife and lunged at another, accusing him of cheating. The feline had slipped out the door, having gathered her things, and Marek was a little confused with her leaving and all the commotion.

However it was Sybille that caught his attention, wanting him to go after the feline. She also asked him why he hadn't spoken up about his lack of money. He'd never really thought about it, but he just didn't discuss money all that much. He got by, and was frugal. However, he knew he'd have to hurry to catch up to the feline, and so he exited the inn shortly after she had.

Keen eyes looked up and down the street and were it not for some of the blue in her fur he might very well have lost her. Starting after her he raised a hand to call out and realized he did not even know her name.

"Hey! Hold on!" he called out, and moved swiftly to catch up, but approached cautiously so as not to disturb her mood further. "I didn't even catch your name! I'm grateful for the meal, thank you very much!" he said, falling into step beside her, hoping that she didn't mind. His eyes looked at her for a moment, noting her graceful movements and just how pretty she actually was. He blushed and continued forward. The man obviously had no idea how to lie, or was possibly even incapable of it.

"Sybille wanted me to come after you and try to convince you to join us. I... uhm... I'm really not sure why she sent me, except I would gather maybe she thinks you don't like her very much. I apologize if she offended you somehow. I'm not aware of how you two met." he continued, wincing at his lack of social graces. "We really could use your help. You're obviously a no nonsense kind of person, and I think there's also a lot we could learn from each other. I was impressed by your forwardness with the King, and really, from what I have gathered so far, this thing he wants us to get? it won't be easy. It will be difficult, perhaps impossible, to do on your own. Three of us could prove to be a good idea."

He tried to gauge her reactions, and though he was quite skilled in picking up body language in a fight, he wasn't as skilled in simple conversation. Much less with females, human or otherwise. It was hard for him to tell just what she might be thinking, but he tried to give her a soft smile, if only to reassure her in some way.