Siobhan's fantasy epic of eipc fantasy (open, PM me first)

[siobhancan99]

The man nods "if you search for your sister I will accompany you. Though I am not a combatant you may need healing, and I am able to take offensive action against the undead which infest the catacombs below."

About 2 hours later, as the priests switch shifts, the man stays behind and calls over a mailed woman with bleached white hair "Sister Anja this is..."

"Gretl's brother. I can see the resemblance" the woman is brusque, and armed as if for combat despite being at the church. She has a shirt of mithril and a shield slung across her back, round like the moon. At her side is a sickle, faintly glimmering with magic and festooned with eldritch runes. "I assume she never returned home. Disappointing. Demetrios, I take it, has suggested I know something." She gestures "come back into the priests chambers in the back of the temple and I will tell you all that I know"

She leads the pair into the back, then moves to take down a map of the city "Here, in the northwestern part of the city near the tombs of the elder families of Gradzlata was where she intended to enter. She was to pass by the temple of the twins and in the catacombs below she was looking for an ancient homines tome."

 

[SubPhil91]

Dieter nods at the young man. "Can never get too much healing when going into treacherous situations. Thank you." He spends some time walking around but stays close as he waits. As the shifts change he stands by the young man as Sister Anja comes over. He stays quiet, observing her armor and shield, wondering why she'd wear it in a temple but not saying anything. As he followed her back to the priests chambers looked at her shield and the sickle at her side. His eyes moved back up as they entered the room.

Dieter clears his throat after listening to her speak. "Fia, well.. I guess Gretl to you, hasn't been home in a long time. I've been searching for her for a while, but this is the first time I've had solid information in quite some time. He mentioned no one went with her because it was I'll advised. Do you know if she did go alone? And it's been about six months he said, have you seen her since then?"

 

[siobhancan99]

"No one here. for all we know she found what she was looking for and moved on, but if you want to look for her then we will help you." Anja shrugs "I need to go stand guard. Demetrios, take him into the City. Someone there might know something. Start with Kemal the broker. He keeps tabs on all the interesting folk of the city, and Genasi qualify as interesting" she moved towards the door, looking back at Dieter "if anyone knows anything about where your sister is, it will be Kemal and his army of information peddlers. It will cost you, but the information will be as accurate and up to date as any can be found."

Demetrios sighed "I was going to make some mulled wine and read..."

"Demetrios..." the woman's voice had a warning edge to it "Just take the man to meet Kemal. Or I can in the morning if you're married to a night in."

Demetrios sighs "no, I'll do it." he looked over to Dieter "Let me get us a carriage down to town. At night the path can be treacherous."

 

[SubPhil91]

Dieter nods as he heads out after Anja. "Just let me know when you're ready. Unless you want to point me in the direction and I can go myself. Wouldn't want to take you from your wine and reading." He shrugs and heads out. As he passes Anja he looks over at her, "Thanks for the help. Could lead to nothing but it's worth exploring. I don't mind paying for information, though I'm not fond of someone keeping tabs on me just because I'm interesting. I guess if it leads to me finding her I can't be that upset.." He sighs and starts to head off and wait for Demetrios. "Either way, thank you. I'd say sorry for keeping you from guard duties, but I'm not." He chuckles as he heads odd, waiting for Demetrios.

 

[siobhancan99]

Anja shrugs "don't judge him too harshly. He's a cloister."

Demetrios comes out and pays for a carriage, looking apprehensively down the mountain and paying the whole time they made their way down to the town. Though clearly uncomfortable, he took Dieter into a tavern and paid the bartender, whispering something to him "Now we wait" he said to Dieter. "Sometimes we have to deal with the unsavory side of Gradzlata when we are helping the faithful." he ordered a wine and drank it quickly, also paying for whatever Dieter was drinking.

About a half hour later they were escorted into a small back room. Flickering into view was the illusion of a man "Father." the man bowed. "to what do i owe this honor?"

"we are searching for this man's sister, a Genasi named Fia who went by Gretl"

"Ah, yes. you want to know if she went into the black, if she came out and with who?"

The priest nodded and the man spoke again "I'll have a messenger give the information to the boy tomorrow at his lodgings at the mermaid. your account will be properly debited."

 

[SubPhil91]

Dieter ordered a cup of wine but didn't drink much from it. He slid a couple gold over to Demetrios. "Not a fan of people paying for me. Appreciate it though. Thanks for the ride." As they waited he sipped at his wine but didn't drink too much. After waiting and heading to the small back room dieter looked at the image and listened. He shook his head not liking people knowing much about him, especially without his knowledge. "Tomorrow huh? I'll make sure I'm there to recieve your messenger. Thank you, if I have more questions I'll make sure to ask you. And pay for the information of course." He turns his attention back to Demetrios and claps him on the shoulder. "Thank you for coming. You didn't need to, especially if you didn't want to travel down the mountain."

 

[siobhancan99]

Demetrios smiles "you never would have found an agent of Kemal without someone who already knew the way. He knows much about the things that go on here, so he's a target. Gradzlata is a city of many intrigues, only some are political. many are economic. Men with information hold great power but also pose a great risk to the powerful. One needs to know how to get in touch with Kemal and if he doesn't want to be found you never will. This was the shortest, easiest path." He shrugs "i'm uncomfortable here because I only come down here to heal men who have injured each other. There's so much senseless violence in this city. In most cities really, but in this one particularly."

 

[such_a_bad_man]

Harrison chuckled at her mixed signals. He kept going, letting her legs pull him in every time. He joined completely with her, pulling gasps and moans out of her as they went. Seeing her perfect dark-tinged skin made him desire her even more. Leaning down and kissing her nipple, he kept going, trying to pull one more climax out of her before he stopped. He didn't want to be accused of being timid after all.

He leaned back again as she announced it wouldn't take much. Smiling, he needled her a little more, saying "Oh yes, I can tell you're so disappointed; you can barely stomach this time. There's no way you would want a return performance of this." He grinned, pushing in to get her to topple over the edge of her orgasm and down into a pool of pleasure. He wanted nothing more and pursued it without another thought.

When it finally hit Miray, he pulled back, pushing against her legs. He worked to free himself from her quivering slit as he stoked his shaft a few more times. It didn't take many until he pumped his seed it thick ropy blasts up her body. The contrasts in color made it stand out against her skin. He panted, groaning hard as it ebbed to a stop as he barely could stand off the bed over her.

 

[SubPhil91]

Dieter listens to Demetrios as he talks. "Really? Besides the inn I haven't really seen any violence. I understand it being hard to get in touch with him unless you know a way. So thank you for coming. It's impressive he knows so much, but I guess with so many informants it's a bit easier. Still not actually easy of course." Dieter takes a few moments to think. "How dangerous would it be to head back to the inn at this time of night then?" Not that he minded a little danger but who knew what was lurking around here at night.

 

[siobhancan99]

Miray sighed and laid back, looking up at the ceiling. She ran her fingers through his hair, dragging her nails along his scalp "just the worst." She grinned, then leans up to kiss him, pressing her full soft lips against his. her fingers ran along down his back, over his ass, then after a long moment she slipped out from under him, looking for something to clean herself up with. She made pleasant small talk as she dressed, then headed out.

Over the next few weeks, she would be in and out, keeping things casual but still coming around as they waited for the cleric of The Twins. Grimgur would be satisfied with Harrison's ability to operate in the dark, and the quartet made plans to do an initial scout of the newly opened passage, joining at Harrison's to hear his plan.

 

[siobhancan99]

Demetrios hmmms "in your neighborhood? fairly. We can take the carriage if you like which would be reasonably safe. Though its not so much footpads as the political violence, or the actual straight up murder between groups of delvers. Sometimes two groups will happen upon the same bit of treasure and well...2 groups enter, less than one group leaves."

 

[SubPhil91]

Dieter looks around, "I could just get a room here I guess, be safer and wouldn't take you further out of your way. I don't want to put you in more danger than I'm already going to when we head into the catacombs. I can always head back at first light to meet that messenger. You can head back, I'll keep safe enough. I have to stop by somewhere tomorrow after the messenger and then I can go back to the temple and we can figure out a plan. I can't go until I get my items and that'll take a few days at least." He stretches and turns his attention back to Diemetrios.

 

[siobhancan99]

Demetrios clucks "tosh. I'll be in a carriage. if you're really worried about me making stops come back to the parsonage with me. even there, anything you leave unattended in your room is almost certainly to be stolen if you don't come back tonight. The mermaid's staff are honest enough but they usually do assume if they havent seen you overnight that you're dead and they appropriate your things" He laughs "It is a terrible place. Honestly a nice man like you should be in better accommodations. You do need to be there, anyway, in case Kemal's people show up. Let me drive you ... well not home. but to where you are going"

 

[SubPhil91]

Dieter nods and gets ready to head out. "I suppose we should go then, the sooner the better if that's their policy.. Don't want to get back and all of my stuff is already gone. That'd be unfortunate." He laughs quietly and shakes his head. "Could I stay somewhere better? Absolutely. But I've only been using the room to sleep, seems silly sometimes to spend more gold on a slightly better bed and some extra room when I'm not using it. I spend money on the things I need. Hells, if I knew of a nice spot of soft land I'd sleep out under the stars for free. Unless I had company of course.. Beds tend to be much better when company is around." He laughs again as he gets ready to head out and back to the Whorish Mermaid.

 

[siobhancan99]

Demetrios smiles "company does make it better." he directs the carriage to take Dieter back, and Dieter returns to the riotous atmosphere of the Mermaid. Fortunately tonight, there is no actual combat among the assembled adventurers and drunks. Dieter finally makes it to sleep, and in the morning there's already a messenger waiting. The man is ensconced at a table, eating burek and washing it down with beer. The waitress walks over to Dieter "he asked for the man with the burning head. Figured it didn't make much sense to say you weren't here."

 

[SubPhil91]

Dieter chuckles and nods. "No, I don't think it will ever be easy for me to sneak around. Even in a city like this. Thank you." He starts to walk away but stops after a few steps. "Can I get some breakfast please? Whatever is available is fine, and something to wash it down with. And if the man is drinking get him another, I'll buy it." He makes his way over to the man and takes a seat. "Morning, you're here quite early, didn't expect you already. Not that I'm upset about getting information early mind you." He waits a few moments and takes a look around. "I hope you have word of my sister. I'd love to hear some news other than she passed through six months ago."

 

[siobhancan99]

The man shrugs "its actually very late for me. I had to wait for you to get up." He drains his beer and waives his tankard for another. The waitress brings Dieter some fresh Burek, hot from the oven. The man nods "so. your sister disappeared into the catacombs with a cleric of the Lawgiver, and two dwarves. Brothers. one a military man and one a convict. They made their way down past the temple of the twins, towards the Lich's tower. They talked or fought their way past the Lich, because they weren't among the slaves recovered by the Paladins of the Twins two nights ago, when they threw down the tower. Also the slaves had no recollection of a girl of that description. So what we know is that they made it past. The area beyond is unmapped and quite deep. Deeper than any other part of the catacombs yet. Speculation is that it predates the cataclysm." He sips at his beer "and that there was some sort of magical lab down there run by a Homines conclave of wizards."

 

[SubPhil91]

Dieter nods and listened closely to the man, ignoring his food for a few moments. "Well, I thought I was up early. My apologies for making you wait." He takes a bite of food and swallow it before continuing. "So two nights ago the slaves were found and no recollection of my sister. Did they mention how long it had been since anyone passed through? As for this tower.. Would one be able to pass and delve further down now that they dealt with the lich? Or is the lich still down there and a threat? I need to get down there, and I'm trying to find a group to go down with me, but I'm thinking more than a group of four would be best. But maybe not if they managed to get passed a lich already." Dieter takes his time and thinks for a moment. "It makes sense she'd go to a lab where wizards were if she's looking for some book. So at least her going there adds up. But if none of the slaves had no recollection of her she might not even be there. This might all be for nothing. Besides her going down with two dwarves and a cleric is there any solid confirmed information on her? Or is that the last anyone saw of her that you know of?" He takes a few more bites of his food as he waits for an answer, thankful to have something different for once.

 

[siobhancan99]

The man nods "we know for absolute certain she went down the tunnel to the tower. There's nothing there to branch off, and they didn't come back up. So she was either vaporized by the lich or they negotiated their way through. The first is unlikely. The cleric of the lawgiver was a heavy hitter. The battle would have for certain been noted by the slaves. I think you can rest easy knowing at least she made it past the lich. As for heading down past, Kemal has an offer. If youre willing to clear the way and then guard a surveying team, he will provide a man who is good with traps and locks and such. Someone who has a number of useful skills that will both add to your fighting force and allow you to get past any dangers that aren't creature based as well." The man drains about half of his beer "So you'd just need a priest and a warrior or a paladin. "

 

[SubPhil91]

Dieter nods and finishes his food. "Well, a priest is taken care of already at least. As for a warrior or paladin.. I might have someone. But any recommendations in case she doesn't join? I always like to have options. If not I'll find one of course but still, can't hurt to ask." He considers the offer for a few moments. "Tell Kemal I will do it if he sends me someone that can provide the skills you speak of. It's always good to have a well rounded group when heading into the unknown. I wouldn't be opposed to help like that, I know my way around a trap but that doesn't mean they don't slip passed me now and then."

 

[siobhancan99]

The man nods "if your warrior doesn't work out, Kemal provides. maps of the underground are quite valuable, and so he is willing to invest in your little venture. He's going to want to approve your warrior anyway. I assume you're taking the Polloi boy from the temple of Helios? He will be fine against the undead and he's an excellent healer." the man finishes his breakfast "put your team together, and have demetrios reach out to us when you're ready to meet your fourth."

 

[SubPhil91]

Dieter nods, "if she doesn't work out I will let him know. I'll be in touch with him within the next few days. I just have to find one more person, hopefully that won't be too difficult. Thank you for your time and the information." Dieter finishes his own breakfast and stands. He bows slightly toward the man and walks over to the waitress handing her a couple gold before heading outside. He takes a few moments to ponder before deciding where to find his fourth member if Anja doesn't join. Figuring he has until nightfall he had some time to kill. He decided to see how his favorite new tailor was doing with his order. Walking up to the store he headed inside greeting the older elf. "I know you said two days, but I figured I'd swing by since I didn't have much else better to do today."

 

[siobhancan99]

The tailor grins and waves him back. he has some swatches of orange silk and he holds them up "i understand. you cant stay away. im beautiful like this coat" he winks at Dieter "have you had any success finding people to go down into the catacombs with you? I mean I assume that's why you're here. you don't seem like the kind of boy to be tagging along with some trade delegation."

 

[SubPhil91]

Dieter laughs and nods at the elf. "Yeah, I found a couple people, still need to confirm one more. But I figured I had time since I have to wait for this lovely outfit." He takes a look at the orange silk and nods, running his fingers over it. "I think this will do nicely. I am looking forward to seeing the finished product." He walks around the shop for a few moments just stretching his legs. "With any luck I'll make it back out of the catacombs alive and with my sister. But I guess we shall have to wait and see. I'm sure you'll miss my bright shining smile while I'm gone. If she's been gone for six months who knows how long I'll be down there huh?" He laughs but starts thinking about what he's going to need if he will be down there for longer than a few days.

 

[siobhancan99]

The elf nods "family is hard. There's not many of us even here in Gradzlata. There's a thousand maybe in the world, and most of us are here but..." he shrugs "But its hard to be unique, sometimes. It's why we all live together in this neighborhood for the most part" Clearly referring to City Elves generally "I hope you find your sister. Have you gotten any leads?"