Pathfinder: Rise of the Runelords ~ Introduction

[Ravenloft]

When the ship finally docked one of the sailors threw a rope ladder up to Runs-With-Night in his roost so he could climb down. Once down on deck several of the sailors surrounded him and pulled Coils from him, stuffing his companion in a sack. Something clicked within Runs-With-Night's mind. He'd lived these moments before... He growled and reached to stop them, but they brandished their weapons. For now, he would remain calm. "Good boy, thats right, stay put while we fetch the guards. Let them deal with ye." One of the sailors, the one that seemed to lead them said. "Good boy..." Runs-With-Night repeat his words, with a nod of understanding as they led him from the ship out onto the docks. "How about that, the little savage is learning! Haw haw haw!" One of the sailors shouted with raucous laughter. "Learning..." Runs-With-Night repeated, shaking his head while drawing back from the sailor who was about to bind his hands.

Turning his head, Runs-With-Night saw the sailor carrying the sack which held Coils comming off the ship. He ducked under reaching hands of the sailor who'd been trying to bind him to the dock and strode toward the one who held his companion captive. The sailor uncerimoniously drop the sack that held Coils. "Damn beast, I swear that snake must w-ouph!" Runs-With-Night caught the man off guard with a sharp right cross to the jaw. Runs-With-Night's eye glared hugely upon the surprised sailor who checked his lips, blood on his finger tips. "What... Ye savage bastard! Wanna fight? Huh?! C'mon!" The Sailor lifted his fists, ready to rumble.

The other sailors backed off, giving the two of them room. Runs-With-Night gave the man a sneering grin before tugged his breaches down and circling behind him, allowing his friends a good look at the poor fools 'assets'. He howled and chortled as the fool struggled to draw his breaches back up. "Scurvy dog!" The Sailor shouted, drawing his sword once he'd secured his pants.

 

[jack80]

Inisde the Rusty Dragon Inn

Kenrick Blightstar, Sergeant-at-Arms, Paladin of Iomedae, "may her light shine brightly always and guide my hand to seek justice," stood in an Inn full of people, and blinked. Something was off. Though the men and women of this old Inn, The Rusty Dragon, were not here to see him, it was as good as any time for him to stand forth and speak his prepared speech. Hadn't he already done that? To have say what was needed to these wanderers, adventurers, and travelers. Have them hear of the need for more men and women to stand guard over the imprisoned Whispering Tyrant.

As he steps up onto a promp-to stage, his mind races back to why he was even here..... again?

** *** ***

"Sergeant Kenrick, a moment if you please." Captain Salder, his commander said to the passing by brown haired, grey eyed, tall man.

"Yes My Captain? Kenrick said as he stopped to look at the older man. Kenrick liked his commanding officer. He was a good man, with a just-heart, and a shining example of what it was to be a Paladin in the service of The Inheritor. Kenrick only hoped he could be as great a paladin as him one day. 12 years he had served faithful along side others in Lastwall, standing a vigilant guard over a dark terror that should never see the light of day again.

"I have a mission for you. One that is the utmost importance to the security of Lastwall." The greying haired browned eyed senior Paladin said.

Kenrick smiled at this. "Anything I can do, I shall sir."

"Good." Salder patted him on the shoulder. "I need you to escort a group of clerics out into the nearby lands. You are to protect them, and help them as they seek out good-minded people to come and aid us against the Orcs and Undead that plague us even today. Your experience and shining example of what it is to be a Paladin of Iomedae will be needed greatly in this."

Kenrick frowned, his thoughts racing. Did he do something wrong to be banished from Lastwall, from his duty? Did he stray from the tenets of Iomadae? His thoughts were clearly displayed on his face as Salder smiled and shook his head.

"This is no punishment Kenrick. You take your duties too seriously. I feel you need a break, and of course, I feel no one is better suited to do this then you. We have not had a steady flow of emigrates lately, and if we are to survive here, we will need new blood." Captain Salder chuckled some more. "And who knows. Maybe you will find a woman who is stubborn enough to put up with you and be your wife."

Kenrick blushed, if a man of 30 could still do that. It was true that he forsook companionship and family to follow what he thought were the guiding principles of Iomadae. But when was one to find time when any moment the Whispering Tyrant could break free! Besides, such 'base actions' were beneath him.

"Go, and prepare. You leave at dawn tomorrow." Salder said and walked away, leaving a perplexed Kenrick standing in his wake.

** *** **​

Kenrick shook his head and chased those memories away. He looked up at the crowded inn, none paying him any mind. He cleared his throat and coughed loudly, before he spoke.

"Good people of Sandpoint, hear me please. The The people of Lastwall are in trouble. Our diligent pursuit to watch over the imprisoned Whispering Tyrant has been our sole goal for as long as we have existed.

Only a few heads turned to look at him, most though watching, listening, and leering at a pretty young bardic woman -he knew her but from where- with long flowing black hair and delicate pale skin. She was dancing, moving gracefully to a song she was singing. Kenrick could not tear his eyes off her as he spoke.

"But the undead horrors of Ustalav and the orcish horde on our boarders besiege us, and we need help. Our numbers are not infinite. We seek the able bodied and strong of mind to help us keep the terror of Gallowspire to never rise again."

Kenrick narrowed his eyes as he continued on with his speech. This was all too weird. He now knew where he knew that young bard from. She was on the wanted poster.... and he confronted her about it?!

"I am a Paladin of Imoedae. I have come to Sandpoint to seek recruits for Lastwall warriors. Imoedae, The Inheritor, guides us always. We will never back from our due...ties-"

Wait a moment... didn't I just do all this. Kenrick blinked his eyes. He looked around and coughed. His memories of before rushing in. He had confronted the poor lash, and there would be a cleric... and the Sheriff would barge in demanding he had her over. Not a very gentle chap the local constable.

He knew his next actions didn't turn out so well... and he just stood there, the few people looking at him turning away, ignoring him.

What in the name of all that was true, just happen?

 

[jack80]

Inisde the Rusty Dragon Inn

Kenrick Blightstar, Sergeant-at-Arms, Paladin of Iomedae, "may her light shine brightly always and guide my hand to seek justice," stood in an Inn full of people, and blinked. Something was off. Though the men and women of this old Inn, The Rusty Dragon, were not here to see him, it was as good as any time for him to stand forth and speak his prepared speech. Hadn't he already done that? To have say what was needed to these wanderers, adventurers, and travelers. Have them hear of the need for more men and women to stand guard over the imprisoned Whispering Tyrant.

As he steps up onto a promp-to stage, his mind races back to why he was even here..... again?

** *** ***

"Sergeant Kenrick, a moment if you please." Captain Salder, his commander said to the passing by brown haired, grey eyed, tall man.

"Yes My Captain? Kenrick said as he stopped to look at the older man. Kenrick liked his commanding officer. He was a good man, with a just-heart, and a shining example of what it was to be a Paladin in the service of The Inheritor. Kenrick only hoped he could be as great a paladin as him one day. 12 years he had served faithful along side others in Lastwall, standing a vigilant guard over a dark terror that should never see the light of day again.

"I have a mission for you. One that is the utmost importance to the security of Lastwall." The greying haired browned eyed senior Paladin said.

Kenrick smiled at this. "Anything I can do, I shall sir."

"Good." Salder patted him on the shoulder. "I need you to escort a group of clerics out into the nearby lands. You are to protect them, and help them as they seek out good-minded people to come and aid us against the Orcs and Undead that plague us even today. Your experience and shining example of what it is to be a Paladin of Iomedae will be needed greatly in this."

Kenrick frowned, his thoughts racing. Did he do something wrong to be banished from Lastwall, from his duty? Did he stray from the tenets of Iomadae? His thoughts were clearly displayed on his face as Salder smiled and shook his head.

"This is no punishment Kenrick. You take your duties too seriously. I feel you need a break, and of course, I feel no one is better suited to do this then you. We have not had a steady flow of emigrates lately, and if we are to survive here, we will need new blood." Captain Salder chuckled some more. "And who knows. Maybe you will find a woman who is stubborn enough to put up with you and be your wife."

Kenrick blushed, if a man of 30 could still do that. It was true that he forsook companionship and family to follow what he thought were the guiding principles of Iomadae. But when was one to find time when any moment the Whispering Tyrant could break free! Besides, such 'base actions' were beneath him.

"Go, and prepare. You leave at dawn tomorrow." Salder said and walked away, leaving a perplexed Kenrick standing in his wake.

** *** **​

Kenrick shook his head and chased those memories away. He looked up at the crowded inn, none paying him any mind. He cleared his throat and coughed loudly, before he spoke.

"Good people of Sandpoint, hear me please. The The people of Lastwall are in trouble. Our diligent pursuit to watch over the imprisoned Whispering Tyrant has been our sole goal for as long as we have existed.

Only a few heads turned to look at him, most though watching, listening, and leering at a pretty young bardic woman -he knew her but from where- with long flowing black hair and delicate pale skin. She was dancing, moving gracefully to a song she was singing. Kenrick could not tear his eyes off her as he spoke.

"But the undead horrors of Ustalav and the orcish horde on our boarders besiege us, and we need help. Our numbers are not infinite. We seek the able bodied and strong of mind to help us keep the terror of Gallowspire to never rise again."

Kenrick narrowed his eyes as he continued on with his speech. This was all too weird. He now knew where he knew that young bard from. She was on the wanted poster.... and he confronted her about it?!

"I am a Paladin of Imoedae. I have come to Sandpoint to seek recruits for Lastwall warriors. Imoedae, The Inheritor, guides us always. We will never back from our due...ties-"

Wait a moment... didn't I just do all this. Kenrick blinked his eyes. He looked around and coughed. His memories of before rushing in. He had confronted the poor lash, and there would be a cleric... and the Sheriff would barge in demanding he had her over. Not a very gentle chap the local constable.

He knew his next actions didn't turn out so well... and he just stood there, the few people looking at him turning away, ignoring him.

What in the name of all that was true, just happen?

 

[emipet]

Aruku had asked around the town when the caravan had stopped, where the best entertainment and food was available.

Now she stood in front of The Rusty Dragon Inn, receiver of more good reviews than a few other's she'd heard about. She heard gay music and the low murmur of conversations as she entered and carefully folded her travelling cloak over arm, revealing her holy symbol of Rysil dangling between her breasts and the silks she wore.

These were travelling silks, that with a single length of material wrapped from her neck to encase and support her breasts, and around her back to a gather into a skirt that reached to the ground, but with long slits to reveal her shapely dancer's legs as she walked. She was slender, yet held her belly, caressing it in a loving and protective manner and smiled warmly at any who noticed her.

She went to the bar and greeted the barmaid tending it. "May I have a small wine please child? Also I would like a room and bath to rest and wash away the dust of my travels. May I ask if you have received the Blessing of Rysil? He is Love and wishes to bless all with His Love."

She graciously accepted the wine and after a sip, left a tip for the barmaid and watched the dancer. The woman's movements were graceful and sinuously fluid as well as offering peeks into a fantasy of steamy passions to her watchers. Aruku's nipples hardened as she watched and her tongue flicked out as she gazed with interest and building lust for this dancer. She winked at the dancer and gave the hint of a shoulder roll and hip sway when the dancer swept by her and then set down her finished glass and went to the barmaid again.

"I seek also some companionship for my rest. Do you have any available?"

 

[missfangbanger]

sat lazily on a bar stool in the back of the bar Ruby held her cards her show no mercy cards face in place. her eyes slowly danced over the men at the table. one mans face was weathered like he had been at sea for to long tired and down on his luck he held his cards to tightly...he had nothing she could tell. the man next to him had a lechy snarl as he stared at her ample bosom, that she knew heaved attractively under her tight brown leather bodice. Ruby felt strange, the feeling of de ja vu.

She shook off these thoughts. She smiled seductively up at him knowing his hand was not going to beat hers. She knew she had won. Of course she had. She wouldn't have been a very good cheat if she hadn't fixed it in her favor.

Ruby watched the weathered man take a deep burn of his cigar and a plume of smoke swirled from his lips as they all showed their cards. Her full sensuous red lips turned up in a smile as she slowly placed her cards on the table for everyone to see
"Read them and weep boys" she batted her eyelashes "Seems Rysil shines on me today" Ruby giggled and scraped up the coins and started to sweep them into her already full purse of winnings. The lechy man grabbed her wrist tightly she could feel her bones almost audibly creak and she winced tensing her jaw. she made to move struggling her arm.
"I suggest you unhand me...sir" she spat and glared at him fire burning deep behind her eyes. He cocked and eyebrow and laughed or snarled she couldn't tell.
"And why's that...harlot?"
After a moment his eyes went wide and his grip loosened on her wrist. He had obviously felt the point of Ruby's dagger pressing dangerously against where a codpiece should be.
Ruby raised an eyebrow and withdrew her hand and the one that was in danger of slipping and hurting this man's.... pride and strutted slowly out of the backroom.

she walked back into the bar, leaning over to talk to the barmaid and order a drink. The bar maid smiled and slid a drink over which Ruby gulped gratefully.
"Thanks."

She had a nice winnings and a good amount of money from all those exposed purses she just walked past. Oh Ruby did love a good busy rowdy pub. She tucked her red curls behind her ears and felt like something was missing everything felt familiar. Ruby sipped at her drink looking round... a pretty entertainer dancing around, groups of men drinking and watching the show, people at the bar nothing odd about it. Then why did everything feel off.

She downed the rest of her drink and pulled her cloak hood around her head and pushed out the inn, her light fingers slicing purses from the distracted men stuffing them into her own already full purse. trying to keep from jingling. she made it outside inhaling the cool night air slowly closing her eyes for a moment.

 

[Dramaticflare]

"Are you certain you won't join us for the return trip?"
Fulguran Gigast ignored the caravan head's question as he stared hard at the diamond in his hand. Inside he felt his soul, his blood merging with the fledgling's and an extraordinary rush of power.
"What in the hells just happened?" He said quietly.
"What?" Asked a suddenly confused, plump caravan head. He then did a double take upon Fulguran. "Hey, what happened to your eyes?"
It was true, Fulguran could feel it, that something had happened to him externally too. His back felt like it was shifting and growing, his muscles all hummed with power and rippled in ways they never had before. Everything he saw, he saw a tad bit brighter and he smelled different too. Not just different; inhuman. He had a strange repitillian musk now mingled with faint levels of ozone. He smelled like a summer storm in the desert, lightning bottled and sold as cologne.
"You didn't see it then. I wonder who did." He brushed past the caravan head tightly clutching his mother's tear. As he walked he picked up a longsword in a scabbard off the cart. It wasn't particularly special. "My payment," he called back over his shoulder as he attached it to his belt.
He strode back to the Rusty Dragon, an attractive redhead on her way out with a punch of other people's purses. Funny, he hadn't noticed it before. She took a look at him, at his strange snake eyes and seemed to reach some sort of mental conclusion.
Fulguran strode past her without fear into the bar and dominated the doorway. "Who here saw what happened?" He demanded loudly. "Who here saw the explosion, the lightning, and saw it all come back to normal, time reversed to it's previous point? I want to know, and I want to know now." He looked at Kaijitsu over the sudden uncomfortable silence. He switched to Draconic and pointed at her, "and I want to know what the hell you are."

 

[emipet]

Aruku started. Something was different and she had no idea what. She paid for the room and passed over the company, at least temporarily and went up to get her bath and do some meditative exercizes and pray.

She rubbed her bare belly in a comforting and possessive fashion, one seeing it would think the woman was pregnant really, but if this cleric was, she wasn't showing any signs yet. She without modesty, stripped and slid into the hot bath and washed and let the heat ease tensions in her. She got out and dried off and after setting out some clean silks, started her dancing. It was erotic and at the same time, reverent. Her prayers formed patterns in the stuff of the universe and her spins and twirlings sent them lofting to Rysil. She asked for His divine love to grace the world, heal those sick, and needing His Love and strength, then asked for guidance in her actions here in Sandpoint. She then sent a dance of joy showing her love and affection for her Divine Lord and ended the dance/prayer on her knees, forehead touching the floor.

 

[missfangbanger]

Ruby wanders out into the dusty street confused and bewildered. What the hell had just happened? who was that strange man that had just brushed past her. His eyes... He was definitely dangerous or powerful. She just couldn't tell which or maybe it was both.
Ruby's fight or flight instinct was telling her to probably keep her distance from him. She walked up the street the pacing helping her calm herself a little her heart stop slamming in her chest. She had seen the Sheriff turned to ash before her eyes and then everything exactly the same. The thought of that happening chilling her to the bone. her fingers idly tracing up the familiar walls of the buildings she passed. She pressed a finger to the corner of her eye to wipe away the tear forming there and took a deep breath.leaning up against a wall then kicking off from it.
She knew what would calm her nerves. Time to have a few drinks with an old friend she thought. She headed up to Pixie's kitten. She walked up to the door and smiled up at the bouncer stood at the door
"Hey there Wyrlor. Is Kaye in?"
The big brute of a man nodded and grunted. His strong arms folded tightly over his chest the scars on his face crinkling up as he peered into Ruby's face. He stepped aside to let her in and Ruby strode past. Walking into the building.
It smelled of sex and perfume and cologne. As she looked about she saw familiar faces town's people coming to give there end away, girls and guys she knew worked there. she smiled at a few as she passed them and headed to a big managerial door. knocking on it and entering. She walked in to see a roaring fire and the back of a large velvet red chair.
"Hello Kaye, been a while. I could do with a drink."
Ruby smiled and shut the door behind her walking up to the desk.

 

[jack80]

Kenrick turned to look over at the man in the door way as he shouted. So he too had seen it. He wondered how many others had as well. The Bard didn't seem fazed, at least not till the man with the snake-like eyes started to shot and speak in a horrid tongue.

Kenrick quickly walked up to the man. "Friend, maybe now is not the time. We can speak of what has transpired later, but I think tempting Fate at a time like this will... just anger whatever God decided to play this strange trick on us."

The tall Paladin stared at the half-elf, his eyes begging him to not make a scene. How odd that it was him not wanting to make a scene. Since, right before the strange flop back in time, it was he that had started everything by making one himself. His eyes darted to the pretty bard. No. Best to not tempt Fate a 2nd time.

"Please, in the name of Iomedae, let us take this else where. Less that insufferable Constable shall return."

 

[emipet]

Her prayers and meditating done, Aruku bathed again and put on her priestly silks to visit the cathedral. They were diaphanous and revealing as befitted a priestess of Rysil yet adorning her, fitting in some way, inspiring the sensuous nature of Aruku and her respect of her Divine Lord. She kissed His holy symbol and carefully put it around her neck and in her navel she placed the ruby. It protected and aided a baby growing in the womb, as well as strengthened her mental protections as well as being a focus of meditations seeking Rysil's guidance and inner peace.

She walked down stairs and out the door and seeing the warrior talking to another. She smiled warmly and bowed to them as she offered greeting.

"Fair day Sir Paladin and you sir. May the Love and Blessing of Rysil fill you with joy and happiness. May I ask the easiest route to the Cathedral? I seek to greet my fellow priests and worshippers and offer prayers."

 

[Rysil]

Story Post

The Docks

Runs-with-Night-Druid of Rysil (human)
When the ship finally docked one of the sailors threw a rope ladder up to Runs-With-Night in his roost so he could climb down. Once down on deck several of the sailors surrounded him and pulled Coils from him, stuffing his companion in a sack. Something clicked within Runs-With-Night's mind. He'd lived these moments before... He growled and reached to stop them, but they brandished their weapons. For now, he would remain calm.
"Good boy, that’s right, stay put while we fetch the guards. Let them deal with ye." One of the sailors, the one that seemed to lead them, said.
"Good boy..." Runs-With-Night repeated his words, with a nod of understanding as they led him from the ship out onto the docks.
"How about that, the little savage is learning! Haw haw haw!" One of the sailors shouted with raucous laughter.
"Learning..." Runs-With-Night repeated, shaking his head while drawing back from the sailor who was about to bind his hands.
Turning his head, Runs-With-Night saw the sailor carrying the sack which held Coils coming off the ship. He ducked under the reaching hands of the sailor who'd been trying to bind him to the dock, and strode toward the one who held his companion captive. The sailor unceremoniously dropped the sack that held Coils.
The bag hit the ground from the height of the gang-plank hard and the immensely large Anaconda began to writhe and grow until it spilt the gunny sack open.
"Damn beast, I swear that snake must w-ouph!" Runs-With-Night caught the man off guard with a sharp right cross to the jaw. Runs-With-Night's eye glared hugely upon the surprised sailor who checked his lips, blood on his fingertips.
"What... Ye savage bastard! Wanna fight? Huh?! C'mon!" The Sailor lifted his fists, ready to rumble.
The other sailors backed off, giving the two of them room. Runs-With-Night gave the man a sneering grin before tugged his breaches down and circling behind him, allowing his friends a good look at the poor fools 'assets'. He howled and chortled as the fool struggled to draw his breaches back up.
"Scurvy dog!" The Sailor shouted, drawing his sword once he'd secured his pants.

Shalelu Andosana- Ranger of Sarenrae (elf)
The sounds of a crisp day on the docks filled the air in Sandpoint this first day of Calistril. Shalelu Andosana’s lithe, exotically gorgeous, blonde haired, blue eyed, elven female form moved fluidly down the docks with a small black cat following at her heels. Sticking above one shoulder was the haft of an Elven Long-blade, a sword so well-crafted that only dwarves could forge it's like. A blade so fine and sharp they were rumored to split strands of silk lengthwise. Above the other was the haft of her twin sword, a blade designed to come apart in an expert wielders hands to form up to 8 throwing irons she could use with deadly accuracy. On her hip rested what appeared to be a small battered quiver to the untrained naked eye. Her graceful stride came to a halt as she heard, the shouting from up near the end of Salmon Street.
"Scurvy dog!" blurted from the uncouth sailor’s mouth. As he tried to take his first swing at what appeared to be the most stunning specimen of human male physical prowess she had ever seen in her 107 years. She quickly turned right out of Shark Alley and ran the half length of Salmon Street to the docks with her usual blinding speed. Her ability to effortlessly move like the panther now charging at her side brought her within throwing range in moments. Her hand went to her quiver as she ran. Just before the man could make another blow her hand lashed out with the speed and fury of lightening, and a vicious throwing iron lifted the man off his feet and pinned him by his sword hand to the crates stacked next to them on the docks. The sword clattered to the ground as the man screamed hysterically about his bloody and broken hand.
Shalelu came to a stop near the man and said in a cold hard almost whisper. “I have warned every one of you, if you have been here before, DO NOT draw weapons in this town. If you do I will meet out swift justice on each one of you involved. I did not recognize this man,” she says pointing to the now very pale sailor hanging by his hand, “but he is lucky I am feeling lenient today.” She said icily as she jerked the throwing iron from his now swelling hand,” Now, clean this mess up and get him healed. If I have any more violence from you in Sandpoint; I hope you worship loving gods, because you will meet them swiftly.” The cold monotone with which she delivered this monologue was dripping from the icy cold razors edge of her tone. She kneeled down as the startlingly large, black Panther paced slowly back and forth behind her, daring anyone to take action against her Mistress.
The sailors quickly came to retrieve their fallen comrade, casting wary glances at the huge anaconda now coiled around its Master, the pacing feline, and the elven avatar of silent death; for none of them had herd her move or seen her appear until she spoke.
“Who would you be, fair naturkin?” she said in flowing Sylvan, her tone softening like a warm spring breeze on an overly chilled winters day. Even her eyes softened from cold steel to respectful admiration as she looked on the attractive young Druid before her.


Rusty Dragon Inn

Kenrick Blightstar-Paladin of Iomedae (human)
Kenrick Blightstar, Sergeant-at-Arms, Paladin of Iomedae, "may her light shine brightly always and guide my hand to seek justice," stood in an Inn full of people, and blinked.
Something was off.
Though the men and women of this old Inn, The Rusty Dragon, were not here to see him; it was as good as any time for him to stand forth and speak his prepared speech.
Hadn't he already done that?
To have say what was needed to these wanderers, adventurers, and travelers. Have them hear of the need for more men and women to stand guard over the imprisoned Whispering Tyrant. As he steps up onto a impromptu stage, his mind races back to why he was even here.....
Again?
********
"Sergeant Kenrick, a moment if you please." Captain Salder, his commander said to the passing brown haired, grey eyed, tall man.
"Yes My Captain?” Kenrick said as he stopped to look at the older man.
Kenrick liked his commanding officer. He was a good man, with a just-heart, and a shining example of what it was to be a Paladin in the service of The Inheritor. Kenrick only hoped he could be as great a paladin as he was one day. 12 years he had served faithfully alongside others in Lastwall, standing a vigilant guard over a dark terror that should never see the light of day again.
"I have a mission for you, one that is the utmost importance to the security of Lastwall." The greying haired browned eyed senior Paladin said.
Kenrick smiled at this. "Anything I can do, I shall sir."
"Good." Salder patted him on the shoulder. "I need you to escort a group of clerics out into the nearby lands. You are to protect them, and help them as they seek out good-minded people to come and aid us against the Orcs and Undead that plague us even today. Your experience and shining example of what it is to be a Paladin of Iomedae will be needed greatly in this."
Kenrick frowned, his thoughts racing. Did he do something wrong to be banished from Lastwall, from his duty? Did he stray from the tenets of Iomedae? His thoughts were clearly displayed on his face as Salder smiled and shook his head.
"This is no punishment Kenrick. You take your duties too seriously. I feel you need a break, and of course, I feel no one is better suited to do this than you. We have not had a steady flow of emigrates lately, and if we are to survive here, we will need new blood." Captain Salder chuckled some more. "And who knows. Maybe you will find a woman who is stubborn enough to put up with you and be your wife."
Kenrick blushed, if a man of 30 could still do that. It was true that he forsook companionship and family to follow what he thought were the guiding principles of Iomedae. But when was one to find time when any moment the Whispering Tyrant could break free! Besides, such 'base actions' were beneath him.
"Go, and prepare. You leave at dawn tomorrow." Salder said and walked away, leaving a perplexed Kenrick standing in his wake.
** *** **
Kenrick shook his head and chased those memories away. He looked up at the crowded inn, none paying him any mind. He cleared his throat and coughed loudly, before he spoke.
"Good people of Sandpoint, hear me please. The people of Lastwall are in trouble. Our diligent pursuit to watch over the imprisoned Whispering Tyrant has been our sole goal for as long as we have existed.” Only a few heads turned to look at him, most though watching, listening, and leering at a pretty young bardic woman -he knew her but from where- with long flowing black hair and delicate pale skin. She was dancing, moving gracefully to a song she was singing. Kenrick could not tear his eyes off her as he spoke.
"But the undead horrors of Ustalav and the orcish horde on our borders, besiege us, and we need help. Our numbers are not infinite. We seek the able bodied and strong of mind to help us keep the terror of Gallowspire from ever rising again."
Kenrick narrowed his eyes as he continued on with his speech. This was all too weird. He now knew where he knew that young bard from. She was on the wanted poster.... and he confronted her about it?!
"I am a Paladin of Iomedae. I have come to Sandpoint to seek recruits for Lastwall warriors. Iomedae, The Inheritor, guides us always. We will never back from our due...ties-"
Wait a moment... didn't I just do all this.
Kenrick blinked his eyes. He looked around and coughed. His memories of what happened before rushed into his mind’s eye. He had confronted the poor lass, and there would be a cleric... and the Sheriff would barge in demanding he had her over. Not a very gentle chap the local constable. He knew his next actions didn't turn out so well... and he just stood there, the few people looking at him turning away, ignoring him.
What in the name of all that was true, just happen?
Kenrick turned to look over at the man in the door way as he shouted.
So he too had seen it. He wondered how many others had as well. The Bard didn't seem fazed, at least not till the man, with the snake-like eyes that started to shoot around the bar, began speaking in a horrid tongue.
Kenrick quickly walked up to the man. "Friend, maybe now is not the time. We can speak of what has transpired later, but I think tempting Fate at a time like this will... just anger whatever God decided to play this strange trick on us."
The tall Paladin stared at the half-elf, his eyes begging him to not make a scene. How odd that it was him not wanting to make a scene. Since, right before the strange flop back in time, it was he that had started everything by making one himself. His eyes darted to the pretty bard. No, best to not tempt Fate a 2nd time.
"Please, in the name of Iomedae, let us take this elsewhere. Less that insufferable Constable shall return."

Ryogen – Bard of the 4 Winds
When you gotta hide, do it in plain sight.
Ryogen couldn't remember who'd told her that, but she hoped it was good advice. She was, in fact, doing just the opposite. Not ten feet from where she danced, a wanted poster with her face on it was tacked to the wall. She didn't know which was worse: that her reputation had spread this far, or that the artist had done such a wretched job drawing her nose. She would have walked out as soon as she laid eyes on it, but she needed the gold. Was it her fault that her chosen profession dictated she be the center of attention? Ryogen flicked her wrists above her head in rhythm to the swaying of her hips and basked in the adoration of the crowd. Yes, she supposed, it was entirely her fault.
Ameiko knew how to pick her tunes, that much was certain. Ryogen had asked for a tune that would demand the attention of her male clientele; clientele that would put gold in her pocket and send her on her way. The woman picked a ribald tune that played on the various meanings of the words 'lay' and 'lap' and described in colorful metaphor uses of the tongue that had nothing at all to do with speech. Ryogen's waist began to corkscrew downward, simulating the effects such uses would have on her, when she felt the presence of another in the doorway.
*********
"Madam, in the name of Iomedae, The God of Justice, I place you under arrest for your crimes!” The music came to an abrupt halt. The man standing before her had all the earmarks of a paladin: the armor, the emblems, the dimpled chin, the look of a man in desperate need of a good lay.
She cocked her hip--the hip facing her audience--and set the palm of her hand upon it. Then she cast a glance over her shoulder at the crowd.
"I dunno boys, I've heard some awfully desperate lines in my time, but this," she drew a line down his chest with her index finger, "whaddya say? Should I let him cuff me or kiss me?" She drew out the last words, emphasizing them with a sway of the hip.
The crowd roared and cheered in approval. "KISS! KISS! KISS!" they chanted in unison. The only way out of this was to turn the crowd against him. A roomful of horny, angry men was a force to be reckoned with, no matter which god you laid claim to. Ryogen faced the paladin, a look of impish delight played across her lips.
"Well, whaddya say, big boy?" she mouthed more than spoke.
*********
The room and her dance halted. A half Dragon the size of the doorway he stood in bellowed a roar about who saw what happened, and then she saw it. Glowing in the palm of his clutched fist, the tear of Tiamat. Her mouth veritably salivated as he talked about chaos and explosions and she remembered the dream that was, and her heart swelled as she stepped forward.
“I saw it. I saw you fall at the Sheriff’s knees and die. Then the world exploded and…” her dulcet voice trailed off and her face folded into a scowl as her own Bardic mind wrestled with this puzzle and tried to figure out how to stay close to her newfound companion. The Son of Tiamat, it could be the only answer, and she would stay as close as he would allow. Closer if it brought her to her heart’s desire.

Aruku Per’esh-Priestess of Rysil (half-elf cleric)
Aruku had asked around the town when the caravan had stopped, where the best entertainment and food was available. Now she stood in front of The Rusty Dragon Inn, receiver of more good reviews than a few others she'd heard about. She heard gay music and the low murmur of conversations as she entered and carefully folded her travelling cloak over arm, revealing her holy symbol of Rysil dangling between her breasts and the silks she wore. These were travelling silks, which was a single length of material wrapped from her neck to encase and support her breasts, and around her back to a gather into a skirt that reached to the ground, but with long slits to reveal her shapely dancer's legs as she walked. She was slender, yet held her belly, caressing it in a loving and protective manner. She smiled warmly at any who noticed her.
She went to the bar and greeted the barmaid tending it. "May I have a small wine please, child? Also, I would like a room and bath to rest and wash away the dust of my travels. May I ask if you have received the Blessing of Rysil? He is Love and wishes to bless all with His Love."
The tender, voluptuous barmaid eyed the flaunting figure of this divinely gifted woman, and blushed a smile in reply as she turned to the behemoth of a bartender (He looked half-ogre more than man) and said demurely, “Ernest? Would you get the beautiful lady a small wine please?”, and then hurried off to carry out this gorgeous woman’s request.
Ernest went and reached under the large bar for a flagon bottle from the shelf. He unstopped the cork with amazing dexterity, which belied his seemingly awkward movements otherwise. He drew a finely polished glass from the overhead hanging rack and poured the wine easily into the glass and set it before her.
“Tha’ll be ah silv’ah fer dah wine, an’ ah gol’ fer dah room an’ bahth, me lady.” His stilted accent carrying very soothingly on his deep baritone voice that rumbled off his tongue.
She graciously accepted the wine, and after a sip, paid the barman and left a tip for the barmaid as she watched the dancer. The woman's movements were graceful and sinuously fluid, as well as offering peeks into a fantasy of steamy passions to her watchers. Aruku's nipples hardened as she watched, and her tongue flicked out as she gazed with interest and building lust for this dancer. She winked at the dancer and gave the hint of a shoulder roll and hip sway when the dancer swept by her and then set down her finished glass and turned to the barman again.
"I seek also some companionship for my rest. Do you have any available?" before Ernest could reply…
Aruku started. Something was different and she had no idea what.
She paid for the room and passed over the company, at least temporarily and went up to get her bath and do some meditative exercises and pray. She rubbed her bare belly, on her way to the bath, in a comforting and possessive fashion. One seeing it would think the woman was pregnant really, but if this cleric was, she wasn't showing any signs yet. She, without modesty, stripped and slid into the hot bath and washed and let the heat ease tensions in her. She got out and dried off and after setting out some clean silks, started her dancing. It was erotic and at the same time, reverent. Her prayers formed patterns in the stuff of the universe and her spins and twirling sent them lofting to Rysil. She asked for His divine love to grace the world, heal those sick, and needing His Love and strength, and then asked for guidance in her actions here in Sandpoint. She then sent a dance of joy showing her love and affection for her Divine Lord and ended the dance/prayer on her knees, forehead touching the floor.
Her prayers and meditating done, Aruku bathed again and put on her priestly silks to visit the cathedral. They were diaphanous and revealing as befitted a priestess of Rysil, yet adorning her, fitting in some way, inspiring the sensuous nature of Aruku and her respect of her Divine Lord. She kissed His holy symbol and carefully put it around her neck and in her navel she placed the pearl. It protected and aided a baby growing in her womb, as well as strengthened her mental protections, and became a focus of meditations seeking Rysil's guidance and inner peace.
After dressing she walked down stairs and out the door and seeing the warrior talking to another. She smiled warmly and bowed to them as she offered greeting.
"Fair day Sir Paladin and you sir. May the Love and Blessing of Rysil fill you with joy and happiness. May I ask the easiest route to the Cathedral? I seek to greet my fellow priests and worshipers and offer prayers."

Ruby- Rogue of Sandpoint (human)
Sat lazily on a bar stool, in the back of the bar, Ruby held her show no mercy cards face in place. Her eyes slowly danced over the men at the table. One man’s face was weathered like he had been at sea for too long. Tired and down on his luck he held his cards to tightly. He had nothing. She could tell. The man next to him had a lecherous snarl on his face as he stared at her ample bosom; she knew they heaved attractively under her tight brown leather bodice.
Ruby felt strange, the feeling of déjà vu.
She shook off these thoughts. She smiled seductively up at him knowing his hand was not going to beat hers. She knew she had won. Of course she had. She wouldn't have been a very good cheat if she hadn't fixed it in her favor. Ruby watched the weathered man take a deep burn of his cigar and a plume of smoke swirled from his lips as they all showed their cards. Her full sensuous red lips turned up in a smile as she slowly placed her cards on the table for everyone to see.
"Read them and weep boys" she batted her eyelashes "Seems Rysil shines on me today." Ruby giggled and scraped up the coins and started to sweep them into her already full purse of winnings. The lecherous man grabbed her wrist so tightly she could feel her bones almost audibly creak. She winced tensing her jaw. She made to move, struggling with her arm.
"I suggest you unhand me...sir" she spat and glared at him fire burning deep behind her eyes. He cocked and eyebrow and laughed or snarled she couldn't tell.
"And why's that...harlot?"
After a moment his eyes went wide and his grip loosened on her wrist. He had obviously felt the point of Ruby's dagger pressing dangerously against where a codpiece should be. Ruby raised an eyebrow and withdrew her hand and the one that was in danger of slipping and hurting this man's.... pride, and strutted slowly out of the backroom.
She walked back into the bar, leaning over to talk to the barmaid and order a drink. The bar maid smiled and slid a drink over which Ruby gulped gratefully.
"Thanks."
She had a nice winnings and a good amount of money from all those exposed purses she just walked past. Oh Ruby did love a good busy rowdy pub. She tucked her red curls behind her ears and felt like something was missing, yet everything felt familiar. Ruby sipped at her drink looking round... a pretty entertainer dancing around, groups of men drinking and watching the show, people at the bar nothing odd about it. Then why did everything feel off. She downed the rest of her drink and pulled her cloak hood around her head and pushed out of the inn. Her light fingers slicing purses from the distracted men stuffing them into her own already full purse, trying to keep them from jingling. She made it outside inhaling the cool night air slowly closing her eyes for a moment.
Ruby wandered out into the dusty street confused and bewildered. What the hell had just happened? Who was that strange man that had just brushed past her? His eyes... He was definitely dangerous or powerful. She just couldn't tell which or maybe it was both. Ruby's fight or flight instinct was telling her to probably keep her distance from him.
She walked up the street. The pacing helping her calm herself a little. Her heart stopped slamming in her chest. She had seen the Sheriff turned to ash before her eyes, and then everything exactly the same. The thought of that happening, was enough to chill her to the bone. Her fingers idly tracing up the familiar walls of the buildings she passed. She pressed a finger to the corner of her eye to wipe away the tear forming there and took a deep breath. Leaning up against a wall then kicking off from it.

Fulguran Gigast- “Storm” Sorcerer Half-Blood of Tiamat (Elven Half-Dragon)
"Are you certain you won't join us for the return trip?" Fulguran Gigast ignored the caravan head's question as he stared hard at the diamond in his hand. Inside he felt his soul, his blood merging with the fledglings and an extraordinary rush of power.
"What in the hells just happened?" He said quietly.
"What?" asked a suddenly confused, plump caravan head. He then did a double take upon Fulguran. "Hey, what happened to your eyes?"
It was true, Fulguran could feel it, that something had happened to him externally too. His back felt like it was shifting and growing, his muscles all hummed with power and rippled in ways they never had before. Everything he saw, he saw a tad bit brighter and he smelled different too. Not just different; inhuman. He had a strange reptilian musk now mingled with faint levels of ozone. He smelled like a summer storm in the desert, lightning bottled and sold as cologne.
"You didn't see it then. I wonder who did." He brushed past the caravan head tightly clutching his mother's tear. As he walked he picked up a long sword in a scabbard off the cart. It wasn't particularly special. "My payment," he called back over his shoulder as he attached it to his belt.
He strode back to the Rusty Dragon, an attractive redhead on her way out with a bunch of other people's purses. Funny, he hadn't noticed it before. She took a look at him, at his strange snake eyes and seemed to reach some sort of mental conclusion. Fulguran strode past her without fear into the bar and dominated the doorway.
"Who here saw what happened?" He demanded loudly. "Who here saw the explosion, the lightning, and saw it all come back to normal, time reversed to its previous point? I want to know, and I want to know now." He looked at Kaijitsu over the sudden uncomfortable silence. He switched to Draconic and pointed at her.
"And I want to know what the hell you are."

Aldern Foxglove- Aristocrat from Magnimar (human)
Aldern Foxglove sat there drinking his ale quietly. A tall rather attractive young man of his late twenties, his merchant noble blood reeked off of him like the stench of wealth. His eyes seemed focused on the alluring bard, and then followed the even more tantalizing priestess. His thoughts went the way of all weaker men at the sight of true beauty.
Fulguran’s Outburst at the door, and the sight of this rather large broad shouldered, perfectly muscled demigod of a half-blood, made Aldern sputter his last drink out through his nose and then sneer in shock. Fulguran’s scales glistened in all the reptilian chromatic colors of his Divine Matron, but all underlain with a deep azure blue on his scalp and back to a soft sky blue on his chest. As he yelled in his passion at the door, Aldern watched as Fulguran’s countenance solidified into that of a fully-fledged demigod of Tiamat, now looking the part of the glorious draconic warrior, mixed with the lithe and perfect grace of his elven father. The sight so unnerved the poor nobleman that he passed out, falling forward into his ale and then onto the floor, breaking the silent tension created before the Paladin spoke.

Ameiko Kaijitsu- Innkeeper of the Rusty Dragon (human Sorceress of Bronze Dragon blood)
Ameiko Kaijitsu had been back in Sandpoint for almost a decade now and her few years as an adventurer had only livened this lovely Tian woman’s beauty. At a beautiful five feet, six inches, her athletically curvy frame, that spoke of true femininity and exotic lands of far away, flowed in her beautifully embroidered satin dresses that hugged her frame like a perfect glove. The high collared sleeveless one she wore this day was tailored to her exotic body in golden yellow with gold thread embroidered designs of dragons flying, leaping and curving their way sensually around her soft form.
She smiled and kibitzed with her various regulars as she watched the bard she had tortured by having Lewis play the most ribald thing he knew on his lute. She would smile occasionally at a patron or two and even stopped to listen to the paladin’s stilted imploring for aid to stop the Tyrant.
When the half-blood spawn if their infernal betrayer of a mother bust into her doorway her blood sang in its metallic bronze heat, but she held her tongue and spoke softly in their native blood tongue
“How may I be of assistance Son of our ancient and wise mother?” at which she crossed the room and knelt before him pulling her luxurious straight raven hair from her neck to show proper respect.

Sheriff Belor Hemlock – Sheriff of Sandpoint
Sheriff Belor Hemlock, sheriff of Sandpoint, stepped down out of the stirrup of his massive Destrider Mount. Pavis had been with him more years than he could count and the horse’s massive size was the only thing that could handle Belor's massive seven foot frame. At forty five, the years had been abundantly kind to this bronze skinned ex-chieftain of the Shoanti Lyrune-Quah. As his massive frame alighted feather soft on the hard packed ground outside the Dragon, his senses took in the new arrivals as well as the surrounding caravans unloading. Even before he was able to clear the boardwalk outside he saw Ruby headed of towards the Pixie.
Wait wasn’t there supposed to be….
That’s when he saw the huge half dragon storm his way up the street and enter the doorway and shout.
"Who here saw what happened?" the huge half-blood demanded loudly. "Who here saw the explosion, the lightning, and saw it all come back to normal, time reversed to its previous point? I want to know, and I want to know now."
He looked at Kaijitsu over the sudden uncomfortable silence. He switched to Draconic and pointed at her,
"And I want to know what the hell you are."
He sighed softly and took the peace bond off his heavy repeating crossbow that looked more like a pistol in his massive hand. He drew the large shield from Pavis and the horse didn't even move. He slung the shield easily and checked the crossbow once more.
“I saw it, Dragon-blood, and if you try and kill me again, I don’t give a fulgarn rat’s ass who your mommy was. I’ll kill ya.” The strength and confidence in that voice stills even the crowd inside, and speaks of many years fighting, and living another day. “I don’t recommend destroying the town either, so how about level heads prevail?” he said looking at Ameiko and speaking in Tien
Ameiko rose slowly and backed away in a bow to Fulguran before turning and heading to the back of the inn to open the private room for the sheriff.


Pixie’s Kitten

Ruby- Rogue of Sandpoint (human)
She knew what would calm her nerves. Time to have a few drinks with an old friend she thought. She headed up Salmon Street to Pixie's Kitten. She walked up to the door and smiled up at the bouncer stood at the door
"Hey there Wyrlor. Is Kaye in?"The big brute of a man nodded and grunted. His strong arms folded tightly over his chest. The scars on his face crinkling up as he peered into Ruby's face. He stepped aside to let her in and Ruby strode past, walking into the building.
It smelled of sex, perfume and cologne. As she looked about she saw familiar faces, town's people coming to give there end away, to girls and guys she knew worked there. She smiled at a few as she passed them and headed to a big managerial door. Knocking on it and entering. She walked in to see a roaring fire and the back of a large velvet red chair.
"Hello Kaye, been a while. I could do with a drink." Ruby smiled and shut the door behind her walking up to the desk.

Kaye Tesarani- Madam of the Pixie’s Kitten (human)
“Ruby darling, how nice of you to stop by. What brings you right back on into my inner sanctum?” the gorgeous human woman with flowing raven tresses and pools of pure amethyst for eyes said quite sensuously.

 

[Dramaticflare]

Fulguran was, for a moment, the focal point of many happenings.
The first happening was personal. His body changed and changed more even as he spoke his demand. His bosy grew scales of a blue variety and filled his loose robe to the point of ripping the seams almost. He felt like his body thrummed with unseen power. He felt weightless and solid at the same time, like he could rip entire trees as paper. And he felt his blood, his soul's storm raging stronger than ever. Except now the storm had fire, had acid rain, had hail. It was more than storm, it was maelstorm.
The second thing to happen was that Paladin. The Paladin clearly also knew something was off though he didn't mention it directly. The Paladin pleaded with Fulguran to leave this issue alone for reasons due to fate and not angering Gods. Despite becoming the shining beacon, the exemplar of his goddess mother, Tiamat, Fulguran wasn't certain he cared about gods. He was certain he didn't believe in fate. So he ignored him to focus on the approaching third happening.
This happening was the dancer presenting herself before him and also admitting her witness of the events past. Or future. Whatever. She seemed unable to quite capture her thoughts and Fulguran left her alone, standing there. She would be more important later.
But now what was important was Kaijitsu, the other dragon. He smelled her lizardly scent, and it reminded him of the sea storms he was used to enjoying growing up. Fulguran was lightning in the desert; Kaijitsu was lightning at sea.
"Want," Fulguran thought basely.
And then she abased herself before him and acknowledged his heritage. Somehow, her bow felt right, felt honorable. Fulguran wasn't quite certain why. He decided her admission ofbeing a dragon, or dragon kin, was close enough to an answer of his question.
Then Fulguran heard a familiar voice. The sheriff.
"...don't give a Fulgarn rat's ass...." Fulguran bit back the spell that sprang to his tongue. He wouldn't kill the sheriff on words alone. At least not yet.
The half-dragon godling turned about and locked snake eyes on man eyes. "If you don't put that weapon down and apologize for using my name as an insult, I'm going to rip you limb from limb with my bare hands and use your corpse as my banner." He relaxed his heartbeat as the adrenaline kicked it. Fulguran wanted answers from the man, not his life, but the sheriff needed to be taken down a few pegs first.
Here, the sheriff might be a big fish in a small pond, but he was meddling in the affairs of a dragon. Everyone knows you don't meddle in the affairs of dragons.

 

[Ravenloft]

“Who would you be, fair naturkin?” she said in flowing Sylvan, her tone softening like a warm spring breeze on an overly chilled winters day. Even her eyes softened from cold steel to respectful admiration as she looked on the attractive young Druid before her.

Runs-With-Night reguarded the elf-warden with a look of approval, answering her in his own significantly accented sylvan. "I am named Runs-With-Night, I hid aboard this ship to track down men of great evil... I hid aboard the wrong ship... The men I seek are murderers and slavers, they wiped out my entire tribe. I came to this land hoping to track them down and make them pay for their evil. That one ment my companion, Coils-In-Silence, harm, I protected my friend. Thank you for comming to my aid, elf-warden, and for letting these men live."

 

[emipet]

Aruku looked at the half dragon with peace and calm. She could sense immense tensions and started swaying gathering her powers of calming and then the dance took her and waves of calm eminated from her. Her dancing meant her voice joined in, a soothing and soulful chant that started softly, then gathered strength and volume. She finished and panted as the power filled her. She smiled warmly at the paladin and then headed to the Cathedral, unconciously rubbing her belly.

She walked a few feet away then arched her back and stood transfixed. Her face blissfull as she listened to her Divine Lord berate her for leaving a troubled soul. A tear slowly ran down her cheek and a whispered "Forgive me Loving Master, I was suffering from the sin of pride and selfishness."

She walked back to the half dragon and touched him, to get his attention, as well as send to him her own gift of serenity and peace.

"Pray Sir Dragonkind, I offer you love and caring, gifted to all from the Glorious Rysil and wish to speak to you of these. Would you care to walk with me and accept my gift?" Aruku struggled hard to not just wrap her arms around the man, but she knew this may be just a bit much for one with so much anger to accept right now.

"I am willing to listen and offer guidance if you so wish it."

 

[jack80]

"Please, let us think this though. All of us." Kenrick groaned as he got between the Sheriff and the barkeep. He still didn't know what was going on, but he would be damned if he would let a fight break out.

"Let cool heads prevail here. Something greater then all of us is at work. In the name of Iomedae, let us not rush into a conflict that will just erupt before us!"

He looked around at the dragon-kin, the priestess of that bastard god Rysil, and the Sheriff.

He noticed the said priestess was trying to get the Dragon-kin's attention, but he only shook his head at this display. Such base thoughts and actions were beneath him.

 

[Rysil]

Round 2 LOL!

The Docks

Runs-with-Night-Druid of Rysil (human)
Runs-With-Night regarded the elf-warden with a look of approval, answering her in his own significantly accented sylvan. "I am named Runs-With-Night; I hid aboard this ship to track down men of great evil... I hid aboard the wrong ship... The men I seek are murderers and slavers; they wiped out my entire tribe. I came to this land hoping to track them down and make them pay for their evil. That one meant my companion, Coils-In-Silence, harm, I protected my friend. Thank you for coming to my aid, elf-warden, and for letting these men live."

Shalelu Andosana- Ranger of Sarenrae (elf)
Shalelu listened to his deep strong voice and the way his human tongue formed the sylvan words almost perfectly, as if the animals themselves had taught him to speak it.
“I saw a disturbance, and did my duty as an officer of justice.” Her swift and cool reply isn’t as cool as she would like as subtle warmth slips into her voice as if she has been thrown off balance somehow. “You are new here, so why don’t you follow me. I see our sheriff up ahead maybe he can sort out anything you need for being new here. Come with me please.” the former cold business-like air back in her perfect elven accent. She turns and begins heading in the direction of the Street leading to the Rusty Dragon.


Rusty Dragon Inn

Fulguran Gigast- “Storm” Sorcerer Half-Blood of Tiamat (Elven Half-Dragon)
Fulguran was, for a moment, the focal point of many happenings.
The first happening was personal. His body changed and changed more even as he spoke his demand. His body grew scales of a blue variety and filled his loose robe to the point of ripping the seams almost. He felt like his body thrummed with unseen power. He felt weightless and solid at the same time, like he could rip entire trees as paper. And he felt his blood, his soul's storm raging stronger than ever. Except now the storm had fire, had acid rain, and had hail. It was more than storm, it was maelstrom.
The second thing to happen was the Paladin. The Paladin clearly also knew something was off though he didn't mention it directly. The Paladin pleaded with Fulguran to leave this issue alone for reasons due to fate and not angering Gods. Despite becoming the shining beacon, the exemplar of his goddess mother, Tiamat, Fulguran wasn't certain he cared about gods. He was certain he didn't believe in fate. So he ignored him to focus on the approaching third happening.
This happening was the dancer presenting herself before him and also admitting her witness of the events past. Or future. Whatever. She seemed unable to quite capture her thoughts and Fulguran left her alone, standing there. She would be more important later.
But now what was important was Kaijitsu, the other dragon. He smelled her lizardly scent, and it reminded him of the sea storms he was used to enjoying growing up. Fulguran was lightning in the desert; Kaijitsu was lightning at sea.
"Want," Fulguran thought basely.
And then she abased herself before him and acknowledged his heritage. Somehow, her bow felt right, felt honorable. Fulguran wasn't quite certain why. He decided her admission of being a dragon, or dragon kin, was close enough to an answer of his question.
Then Fulguran heard a familiar voice. The sheriff.
"...don't give a Fulgarn rat's ass...." Fulguran bit back the spell that sprang to his tongue. He wouldn't kill the sheriff on words alone. At least not yet.
The half-dragon godling turned about and locked snake eyes on man big bald black man’s eyes. "If you don't put that weapon down and apologize for using my name as an insult, I'm going to rip you limb from limb with my bare hands and use your corpse as my banner." He relaxed his heartbeat as the adrenaline kicked it. Fulguran wanted answers from the man, not his life, but the sheriff needed to be taken down a few pegs first.
Here, the sheriff might be a big fish in a small pond, but he was meddling in the affairs of a dragon. Everyone knows you don't meddle in the affairs of dragons.

Aruku Per’esh-Priestess of Rysil (half-elf cleric)
Aruku looked at the half dragon with peace and calm. She could sense immense tensions and started swaying gathering her powers of calming and then the dance took her and waves of calm emanated from her. Her dancing meant her voice joined in, a soothing and soulful chant that started softly, and then gathered strength and volume. She finished and panted as the power filled her. She smiled warmly at the paladin and then headed to the Cathedral, unconsciously rubbing her belly.

She walked a few feet away then arched her back and stood transfixed. Her face is blissful as she listened to her Divine Lord berate her for leaving a troubled soul. A tear slowly ran down her cheek and a whispered "Forgive me Loving Master; I was suffering from the sin of pride and selfishness."

She walked back to the half dragon and touched him, to get his attention, as well as send to him her own gift of serenity and peace.

"Pray Sir Dragon kind, I offer you love and caring, gifted to all from the Glorious Rysil and wish to speak to you of these. Would you care to walk with me and accept my gift?" Aruku struggled hard to not just wrap her arms around the man, but she knew this may be just a bit much for one with so much anger to accept right now.

"I am willing to listen and offer guidance if you so wish it."

Kenrick Blightstar-Paladin of Iomedae (human)
"Please, let us think this though. All of us." Kenrick groaned as he got between the Sheriff and the barkeep. He still didn't know what was going on, but he would be damned if he would let a fight break out.

"Let cool heads prevail here. Something greater then all of us is at work. In the name of Iomedae, let us not rush into a conflict that will just erupt before us!"

He looked around at the dragon-kin, the priestess of that bastard god Rysil, and the Sheriff.

He noticed the said priestess was trying to get the Dragon-kin's attention, but he only shook his head at this display. Such base thoughts and actions were beneath him.

Ryogen – Bard of the 4 Winds
Ryogen scowled as the priestess of that new god. Who was this new god no one had ever heard of until just recently? The priestess at the temple said the 6th altar had just been reformed in the likeness of a beautiful man clad in noble armor. There had been no real indication that was any real meaning to this until this woman claiming to be this god’s priestess arrived. How odd…

Maybe she would take some watching. Well, let’s get this over with. Ryogen walked over to the wall where her picture hung and rolled it up on the wall and tore it down. Then she spun on her heels and gave the lads a nice little hip thrust to watch before walking back over to the sheriff.
“I know what this man is referring to. I am also a wanted criminal.” She thrusts the wanted note towards the sheriff, “Take me in if you must, but listen to Fulguran. Please.” With that she falls to her knees, legs spread, and offers up her wrists together palms up hiding nothing and awaits her response.

Ameiko Kaijitsu- Innkeeper of the Rusty Dragon (human Sorceress of Bronze Dragon blood)
Moved to the back room of the inn and made sure all the proper safe guards were in place before she opened a secret panel and slipped inside and disappeared.

Sheriff Belor Hemlock – Sheriff of Sandpoint
Looked at the cleric, listened to the bard, didn’t even twitch when the Paladin spoke, and then realized just how bad this could get. Not for just him, but for this entire town if he didn’t just back down, just a little bit. He lowered his shield arm to rest his thumb in his belt and then cocked the crossbow stock back on his hip and said,

“Alright, son of the dragon mother.” nods his head slowly “You certainly have the upper hand at this moment. I have seen your power. It’s not just my life at stake here. So I submit to talking with you…” his voice paused for a moment, “but let us do so privately either here at the back room of the Dragon, or down at the garrison. Up to you.” His deep baritone voice ending abruptly, waiting on the young godling to respond.

 

[Dramaticflare]

Fulguran sighed and then growled loudly, a rumble deep in the pit of his stomach that threatened to become a roar if he opened his mouth. These people were all being frustratingly stupid and comical. the Paladin, with his insufferable supplications in the name of a some god or another. The clerical, trying to massage his bicep as if it would put him into a sleepy docile submission from physical touch alone. This foolish bard, over theatrical in every action and form. And where ever the hell Ameiko got off to; her disappearance probably annoyed him most of all.
And then there was the sheriff who must be hard of hearing. There was no apology in that little speech of his, despite the fact he put his weapon away. And how the hell did that Sheriff know all Fulguran wanted to do was talk? It's not like he announced that intention. Mysteries of the universe, Fulguran decided and pushed no farther.
Picking up the bard by her wrist so she stood up again, Fulguran spoke harshly, "Perhaps I didn't make myself clear. My name is Fulguran. You used my name as an insult. Were I a lesser man," Fulguran paused and finally looked away from the sheriff long enough to look at his own arms, "lesser dragon-kin, you would already be a bloody smear on the floor. And no one, wanted criminal or otherwise, is leaving my sight until I know what they know about what just happened. So lead the way sheriff, to this back room. All of us will follow. Move quickly now, before I change my mind."
Fulguran stepped back from the doorway to let the man in, away from the cleric.
Towards the cleric he looked, his threatening snake eyes staring her down.
"I need no help from your god, and if I want your advice I'll ask for it directly. If you want to help me, follow the sheriff into the back room so that we might discuss new situation. Same with you Paladin, dancer," he said, turning his head to them in turn.

 

[emipet]

Towards the cleric he looked, his threatening snake eyes staring her down.
"I need no help from your god, and if I want your advice I'll ask for it directly. If you want to help me, follow the sheriff into the back room so that we might discuss new situation

Aruku looked at the dragonkin unfazed. Rysil protected her and she believed this so much the threat in the eyes did not concern her. She did look down modestly to protect his sensitive male ego though and went to follow the sheriff, a secret smile on her serene features.

Praise Rysil! His plans come to fruition! He seeks us all together to hear of His Love and the plans he has. She frowned slightly at a sudden thought. Am I suffering the sin of pride? I did not wish or desire to be the vessel of Rysil's Gift and prophet of Him, but do I secretly enjoy this? She would seek guidance at the Cathedral and pray she has not gotten arrogant or prideful.

"Rysil loves us all and wishes that I perhaps counsel you Sir Dragonkin. Maybe I can offer a perspective on problems you have?" She walked behind the large sheriff. "Many perceive me and my brothers and sisters as purveyors of carnal gratification. We do not. We use the power of love and erotic stimulation to further Rysil's Will upon the world. Personally I will not raise my hand against anyone or anything. Our skills are defensive and protective. You may wish and try to harm me, but Rysil protects His Vessels. If you seek me harm, I forgive you and hope you find solace and peace in His Divine Love."

 

[Ravenloft]

Runs-with-Night

"Share-if? What does he have to share, and under what conditions?" Runs-with-Night asked as he followed Shalelu. "Is this the Alpha you spoke of before, Elf-Warden?"

 

[jack80]

Kenrick does not like the way the Dragon-kin speaks to him. He walks up to the upstart and glares into his eyes as they enter the backroom. "Sir, I suggest you show respect to all those around you. I do not wish a fight between us, or any here. All we need is an understanding. Before things flip around on us again."

He looks over to the Sheriff with a stern look in his eyes, applying the same message to him as well. He only allows his eyes to glance at the bard and priestess for a moment before stepping away. His arms folded before him as he turns back around to glare at the group as a whole.

May Iomedae give me strength... He thought. I would so rather be facing a horde of Orc and invasion of undead right now...

 

[Dramaticflare]

Fulguran stopped dead when the paladin got in his face.
"Sir, I suggest you show respect to all those around you..." which is as far as Fulguran's mind was willing to listen. it stopped and processed the religious man's posture, attitude and other small cues but didn't bother listening any farther.
Which is why a beat after the paladin started glaring at the group as a whole, Fulguran burst out laughing. Though it was admittedly slightly inhuman and probably a little discombobulating to those around him, it was still identifiable as a laugh. It was long, rich, and just a little discomforting.
yet it was still laughter.
When Fulguran managed to subdue his sudden outburst, he walked over in front of the paladin and, much like he had with the sheriff, locked his steely lizard gaze upon the man.
"Religious man, if you honestly think you'll win a fight with me over respect or any reason, you are soft in the head." Fulguran's feral grin dropped into a recognizable grimace. "And if you want my respect, you will have to earn it. In your case, you'll have to earn it the hard way."
he started to turn away from him and stopped midturn. Looking back at the paladin sidelong, Fulguran added, "I advise you to consider that carefully. Very, very, carefully."

 

[emipet]

"May I please advise a little less manly attitudes here? Too many hard things are not condusive to peaceful dialog. I am Aruku Per'Esh hello and welcome. Sheriff is it possible to have some tea brought in? I find dialog over such is so much easier." She then glided about blessing the room and it's occupants.

"Sirs and Lady, shall we discuss why we are all here now at this place and time?"

 

[jack80]

Kenrick looked to the cleric then back to the Dragon-kin.

"She is correct. Let us discuss this. We all seemed to have shared a time loop of sorts. We all saw powerful magic being displayed. The town and the people in it burned alive. What could have caused this? And why are we the only ones that remember it?"

He laid it all out. Now it was someone that actually understood such things to explain it. He had no doubt the lizard-eyed magic user might know. The Cleric could ask her god for guidance. Though he doubted the Sheriff would.

Maybe the Bard. The one he tried to arrest before? Or the one behind the bar. He shook his head. Whatever the case, he needed answers. Something was a foot and he was driven to find out what.

 

[Rysil]

Rusty Dragon Inn

Runs-with-Night-Druid of Rysil (human)
"Share-if? What does he have to share, and under what conditions?" Runs-with-Night asked as he followed Shalelu. "Is this the Alpha you spoke of before, Elf-Warden?"

Shalelu Andosana- Ranger of Sarenrae (elf)
Shalelu chuckles softly to herself, sounding much like the tinkling of far off bells, “He is the beta in charge of defending this town. The Alpha is a woman by the name of Kendra Deverin. She will be referred to as ‘The Mayor’.” She says very easily.

Shalelu and her black feline companion quickly head down Salmon Street towards the Rusty Dragon Inn forcing Runs to run in order to keep up. She arrives just in time to hear the sheriff say.

“Alright, son of the dragon mother.” nods his head slowly “You certainly have the upper hand at this moment. I have seen your power. It’s not just my life at stake here. So I submit to talking with you…” his voice paused for a moment, “but let us do so privately either here at the back room of the Dragon, or down at the garrison. Up to you.” His deep baritone voice ending abruptly, waiting on the young godling to respond.

Fulguran Gigast- “Storm” Sorcerer Half-Blood of Tiamat (Elven Half-Dragon)
Fulguran sighed and then growled loudly, a rumble deep in the pit of his stomach that threatened to become a roar if he opened his mouth. These people were all being frustratingly stupid and comical. The Paladin, with his insufferable supplications in the name of some god or another; the cleric, trying to massage his bicep as if it would put him into a sleepy docile submission from physical touch alone; the foolish bard, over theatrical in every action and form; and where ever the hell Ameiko got off to, her disappearance probably annoyed him most of all; and then there was the sheriff who must be hard of hearing. There was no apology in that little speech of his; despite the fact he put his weapon away. And how the hell did that Sheriff know all Fulguran wanted to do was talk? It's not like he announced that intention. Mysteries of the universe, Fulguran decided and pushed no farther.

Picking up the bard by her wrist so she stood up again, Fulguran spoke harshly, "Perhaps I didn't make myself clear. My name is Fulguran. You used my name as an insult. Were I a lesser man," Fulguran paused and finally looked away from the sheriff long enough to look at his own arms, "lesser dragon-kin, you would already be a bloody smear on the floor. And no one wanted criminal or otherwise, is leaving my sight until I know what they know about what just happened. So lead the way sheriff, to this back room. All of us will follow. Move quickly now, before I change my mind."

Fulguran stepped back from the doorway to let the man in, away from the cleric.

Towards the cleric he looked, his threatening snake eyes staring her down.
"I need no help from your god, and if I want your advice I'll ask for it directly. If you want to help me, follow the sheriff into the back room so that we might discuss new situation. Same with you Paladin, dancer," he said, turning his head to them in turn.

Aruku Per’esh-Priestess of Rysil (half-elf cleric)
Towards the cleric he looked, his threatening snake eyes staring her down.
"I need no help from your god, and if I want your advice I'll ask for it directly. If you want to help me, follow the sheriff into the back room so that we might discuss new situation

Aruku looked at the dragonkin unfazed. Rysil protected her and she believed this so much the threat in the eyes did not concern her. She did look down modestly to protect his sensitive male ego though and went to follow the sheriff, a secret smile on her serene features.

Praise Rysil! His plans come to fruition! He seeks us all together to hear of His Love and the plans he has. She frowned slightly at a sudden thought. Am I suffering the sin of pride? I did not wish or desire to be the vessel of Rysil's Gift and prophet of Him, but do I secretly enjoy this? She would seek guidance at the Cathedral and pray she has not gotten arrogant or prideful.

"Rysil loves us all and wishes that I perhaps counsel you Sir Dragonkin. Maybe I can offer a perspective on problems you have?" She walked behind the large sheriff. "Many perceive me and my brothers and sisters as purveyors of carnal gratification. We do not. We use the power of love and erotic stimulation to further Rysil's Will upon the world. Personally I will not raise my hand against anyone or anything. Our skills are defensive and protective. You may wish and try to harm me, but Rysil protects His Vessels. If you seek me harm, I forgive you and hope you find solace and peace in His Divine Love."

Sheriff Belor Hemlock – Sheriff of Sandpoint (human shoanti)
The sheriff turned at looked Fulguran squarely in the eyes, as the half-blood had grown enormously since he had begun, and said with honest sincerity, “I did not know your name was so close to the Shoanti word for ‘Brazen or rashly foolish’ I meant no ill intent to your parents for naming you such.” With that he slung his crossbow on his shoulder and strode into the inn with a purpose heading towards the back where Ameiko had just disappeared to.

He looked down at the bard and took the posted hand-bill she still clutched as he passed her in the doorway, and unrolled it as he walked thinking, Idiot artists never get them right. I would have never recognized her from this. How did the Paladin?

Ryogen – Bard of the 4 Winds
Fearing the severe repercussions of insulting this ticking time bomb holding her wrist, Ryogen obeyed the command to follow the sheriff with a simple nod of her head. She slipped her wrist free as Fulguran let go and watched the sheriff’s back wondering if he would take the 200 gold piece bounty on her head the hand bill offered.

Kenrick Blightstar-Paladin of Iomedae (human)
Kenrick does not like the way the Dragon-kin speaks to him. He walks up to the upstart and glares into his eyes as they enter the backroom. "Sir, I suggest you show respect to all those around you. I do not wish a fight between us, or any here. All we need is an understanding. Before things flip around on us again."

He looks over to the Sheriff with a stern look in his eyes, applying the same message to him as well. He only allows his eyes to glance at the bard and priestess for a moment before stepping away. His arms folded before him as he turns back around to glare at the group as a whole.

May Iomedae give me strength... He thought. I would so rather be facing a horde of Orc and an invasion of undead right now...

Fulguran Gigast- “Storm” Sorcerer Half-Blood of Tiamat (Elven Half-Dragon)
Fulguran stopped dead when the paladin got in his face.
"Sir, I suggest you show respect to all those around you..." which is as far as Fulguran's mind was willing to listen. it stopped and processed the religious man's posture, attitude and other small cues but didn't bother listening any farther.
Which is why a beat after the paladin started glaring at the group as a whole, Fulguran burst out laughing. Though it was admittedly slightly inhuman and probably a little discombobulating to those around him, it was still identifiable as a laugh. It was long, rich, and just a little discomforting. Yet it was still laughter.
When Fulguran managed to subdue his sudden outburst, he walked over in front of the paladin and, much like he had with the sheriff, locked his steely lizard gaze upon the man.
"Religious man, if you honestly think you'll win a fight with me over respect or any reason, you are soft in the head." Fulguran's feral grin dropped into a recognizable grimace. "And if you want my respect, you will have to earn it. In your case, you'll have to earn it the hard way.", he started to turn away from him and stopped mid-turn, Looking back at the paladin sidelong, Fulguran added, "I advise you to consider that carefully. Very, very, carefully."

Aruku Per’esh-Priestess of Rysil (half-elf cleric)
"May I please advise a little less manly attitudes here? Too many hard things are not conducive to peaceful dialog. I am Aruku Per'Esh hello and welcome. Sheriff is it possible to have some tea brought in? I find dialog over such is so much easier." She then glided about blessing the room and its occupants.

"Sirs and Lady, shall we discuss why we are all here now at this place and time?"

Kenrick Blightstar-Paladin of Iomedae (human)
Kenrick looked to the cleric then back to the Dragon-kin.

"She is correct. Let us discuss this. We all seemed to have shared a time loop of sorts. We all saw powerful magic being displayed. The town and the people in it burned alive. What could have caused this? And why are we the only ones that remember it?"

He laid it all out. Now it was someone that actually understood such things to explain it. He had no doubt the lizard-eyed magic user might know. The Cleric could ask her god for guidance. Though he doubted the Sheriff would.

Maybe the Bard. The one he tried to arrest before? Or the one behind the bar. He shook his head. Whatever the case, he needed answers. Something was a foot and he was driven to find out what.

Runs-with-Night-Druid of Rysil (human) & Shalelu Andosana- Ranger of Sarenrae (elf)
Runs and Shalelu arrive just as the rest of the group is moving to the back room. Shalelu looks to her rescued cast-a-way and seeing him still following walks into the inn and follows the sheriff as he is the last to enter the private room.

She seems to for a moment forget she even had someone with her until she shakes her head in a start for a moment and then smiles at Runs and holds the door open for Runs to join them.

Rusty Dragon Inn (back room)

As the back room of the Rusty Dragon begins to fill up with the destiny favored group that history would remember for many things, the occupants stared around the room at one another. This moment could have been the beginning of the end or the end itself. I was there that day, and let me tell you….you put an angry half-dragon, a devotedly faithful warrior of justice, a slippery bard, a priestess of a god no one except a few have even heard of, a druid so new to the land that he struggled even with their version of Varisian common, and you get all the makings of heroic legend, or the apocalypse. There was a rather appealing rogue in the mix as well, but we will get to her later.

As the door began to close on the group the air was electric…..

Sheriff Belor Hemlock – Sheriff of Sandpoint (shoanti human)
Belor looks around the room and realizes if this doesn’t get diffused quickly he may not be able to even survive the apocalypse to come if that half-blood explodes.

“I do not have any idea what is going on any more than any of you. I don’t know why any of those of us who saw the world turn back were affected. I do know that if we plan to make it out of this room alive,” he paused slowly and looked off into the distance before continuing, “ we had better put aside our differences and find some way to live in peace.” His voice ended slowly, and he sat down in a chair at the large table that was big enough to seat almost a dozen people at its benches.

Ryogen – Bard of the 4 Winds
Ryogen sat at the other end of the table from the sheriff and tried to figure out what her next move should be, but maybe this time it was better to play it safe and just listen.

 

[Dramaticflare]

"Perhaps a stronger question that what just happened, is what orchestrated it. Nothing happens without a source and clearly, some source of malevolence wants to destroy everything," Fulguran paused and inwardly marveled at his wisdom. he knew he normally didn't have the foresight to think this sort of thing through. usually he just found something he didn't like and murdered it unless it was too big to handle.
Then again, what was too big for him now? Could anything push him around anymore?
Fulguran snagged the chair next to the bard whom had a tendency to overreact. he dropped into it, much like he would have. Unlike before, however, he was now a quite hefty half-dragon and not a small but lithe half-elf. the chair immediately broke under his weight and sent him rump first to the floor.
Grumbling as he stood up, and dusted off his robe, he said under his breathe, "this is going to cause problems."
he idly wondered it if could find a way to reverse it without losing the power.