Game Logs: Thrall

[Ebiris]

[13:20] <GM-Rat> <-Saradush->
[13:21] <GM-Rat> Cresting the horizion, you gaze upon the town of Saradush. The land around it is cleared and blasted in places, indicitive of magic and fighting being heavy around this area in the past. The city itself is oval-shaped, and surrounded by *most* of a high wall.
[13:23] <GM-Rat> The bits of the wall that *aren't* complete are being constructed. Oddly enough, the builders are huge, hulking, dirty-looking humanoid brutes- giants. As you get closer to the city, the smell of an unwashed body becomes prevelant, and it's hard not to wonder why the giants are working peacably.
[13:23] <GM-Rat> Perhaps it has something to do with the few guards hanging around. Or maybe the giant collars around their necks. Who can be sure? Either way, your concerns are currently focused on the gate. Upon approaching, you are stopped by a mail-clad, straight-backed guard, who says, in a flat voice, "Name and business?"
[13:28] <Thrall> The tall (though tiny by Giant standards) humanoid stops before the guard. Decked out in darkly burnished steel armour with vicious looking spikes jutting out here and there, and a heavy looking greataxe strapped to his back, he cuts an imposing figure, though his demeanour is peaceful.
[13:28] <Thrall> "I am Thrall," he says in a gravelly voice, revealing large teeth that could almost be called tusks when he speaks. No surprise, given his decidedly green complexion. "Bounty hunter."
[13:29] <GM-Rat> "That so. Don't know how many bounties you'll find in Saradush," replies the guard, though he does look somewhat impressed, at least.
[13:31] <Thrall> "There's always someone looking for someone else's head," the half-orc notes with a trace of dark amusement. "Especially in the wake of war," he adds with a meaningful glance towards the battered wall and the giants working upon it.
[13:32] <GM-Rat> "I'm sure you'd know better than me. War's finished, though. We won, so unless you're going to hire yourself out to the giants, I don't know how much you'll be finding," the guard replies. "Well. In you go, and let's hope we won't be needing to haul you out, eh?"
[13:35] <Thrall> "Indeed," Thrall rumbles, not sparing further words as he lumbers past the gate and into the city proper.
[13:36] <GM-Rat> Entering Saradush, it's not hard to orient yourself. The main street from the gate is also the main market, apparently, and it's in full swing, goods of every kind being sold under pavilions, tents, marquees, and even out of new-looking buildings.
[13:36] <GM-Rat> You note that chunks of the city are under construction, if not destroyed outright. The toll taken by the war was certainly harsh. You can also see notably more women in the streets than men, and the looks on their faces can be described as 'grim'.
[13:40] * Thrall makes his way up the main street, staying alert for any pick-pockets - they thrive in these environments, even more so in the aftermath of a disaster such as this city has seen. Not interested in purchasing any goods at the moment, he searches for a tavern. Always a good first port of call in a new city.
[13:41] <GM-Rat> If you get pickpocketed, you don't notice. You soon find a tavern, though, called 'Second Wind'- poetic, that. It looks fairly decent- not terribly rough, but not upmarket, a good, solid tavern.
[13:43] * Merc (kazaana@cpe-68-203-163-111.houston.res.rr.com) Quit (Ping timeout)
[13:44] <Thrall> Continuing his slow and deliberate pace, Thrall strolls into the tavern. Be nice to drink something besides water after the journey, here...
[13:46] <GM-Rat> The tavern isn't crowded, but it's not empty, either. The bar it served by a portly, bald man, who heavily leans on the counter, only moving when he has to serve drinks.
[13:50] <Thrall> Making his way to the bar, Thrall looks around for an empty table he can set himself up at out of the way. "Bartender," he rumbles as he reaches the bar. "Give me an ale."
[13:52] <GM-Rat> "Huh. Ok," says the bartender, peering at you dimly, then stumbling back a bit. "Uh.. um.. just a sec." With a little bit of clumsiness, the bartender serves you an ale, eyeing you up and down. "Geez. .um.. don't come in here wearing that again, y'hear?" He obviously doesn't have the balls to throw you out, mind.
[13:53] <Thrall> "Just got in town - my back's the only place I can keep it," Thrall replies, staring down the barkeep.
[13:55] <GM-Rat> "Whatever," replies the barkeep, drowsily. Dips a little too much into his own spirits, maybe?
[13:57] <Thrall> Letting that drop, Thrall quaffs his ale, turning from the bar to look around the tavern and take in the colour of its patrons.
[13:58] <GM-Rat> The patrons are.. leery. Most notably of you. Soldiers, sure, but most soldiers don't wear plate mail that will cause anyone who acidentally stumble into you to stumble back with several new holes.
[13:59] <GM-Rat> They're generally middle-class laborers and the like, enjoying a midday ale, perhaps during their break. There are a couple off-duty soldiers, too, and- your eyes suddenly pick out something from the crowd. Something you havn't seen in a while.
[14:00] <GM-Rat> It's distinctive- there's no mistaking it- it's the secret symbol of your now-defunct guild. The trinket isn't terribly ornate or pretty to look at, but it's there, a simple necklace. The piece doesn't have any value as a jewel- someone carrying it would have it only for sentimental purposes.
[14:03] <Thrall> Not particularly caring about the leeriness - if it ensures he's given space, so much the better, Thrall does raise an eyebrow at that sight. Someone still wearing that, what... three, four years since the guild was smashed? Carefully, the half-orc looks at the bearer of the necklace, trying to recall a face.
[14:05] <GM-Rat> The woman wearing it is bundled up in robes. She's dressed something like a medium, or a fortune-teller- a mage, maybe? Her ears are slightly pointed, moreso than human ears- elf? No, probably a half-elf. Her face has lines in it, though, which means she's probably middle-aged- quite old by human standards.
[14:05] <GM-Rat> She's looking at you.
[14:11] <Thrall> While there were plenty of elven blood in his guild, Thrall doesn't recognise the woman. But there were plenty who he never saw, or only briefly... Curiousity piqued, he downs the rest of his ale, replacing the tankard on the bar along with a few coppers. Meeting the woman's eyes once more, his gaze flits meaningfully towards an empty corner of the tavern, before making his way over there himself and hoping she'll take the hint.
[14:13] <GM-Rat> The elven woman slowly makes her way to the corner, a slight grimace accompanying her. "Hello, Thrall," she says, rasping, slightly.
[14:15] <Thrall> "Well met," the half-orc returns gravely. "I had not expected to ever see Silverhand's symbol again, after that night."
[14:16] <GM-Rat> "Did you not keep your own?" she replies, grating across your ears. "Perhaps as a momento?"
[14:18] <Thrall> "I found it more trouble than its worth, back in Waterdeep," Thrall returns, shaking his head slowly. "Friends were suddenly gone, and enemies all too numerous."
[14:19] <GM-Rat> "Friend..ship," replies the woman, ghostily. "Not much of that in a guild, really. And you don't seem.. taken with making new ones. Travelling alone.. after several years, hmm?"
[14:21] <Thrall> "Perhaps that's why they vanished so easily," Thrall considers her words. Putting that aside, "This life suits me, however."
[14:22] <GM-Rat> "Yes.. you do seem well," replies the woman, musing. "You did have friendship in the guild, though, didn't you?"
[14:22] <GM-Rat> "Rare as it is."
[14:24] <Thrall> "The camaraderie of thieves," Thrall actually chuckles, a grim and hollow sound. "Yes. Like a family, but not, isn't it?"
[14:25] <GM-Rat> "A family of ingrates, indeed. Yes, but I was referring to Elric himself," grins the woman. "Were you not his favourite?"
[14:32] <Thrall> "His own project, yes," Thrall smiles darkly. "He distrusted everyone - perhaps rightly, given his end, but never seemed to doubt in me." Despite the odd racial slur, but that's elves for you.
[14:35] <GM-Rat> "Little wonder," replies the woman, smiling. "He did not. And that is why I am here today," she adds. "For.. bah, you have no doubt seen and heard of the works of those who make the gods their lives. Suffice to say that death.. is hardly a final end, for one who is resourceful."
[14:37] <Thrall> "Raising of the dead?" Thrall eyes the half-elf speculatively. In truth, he had often wondered at that, why one as paranoid as Elric would not have had... insurance, of that nature. The cost may be tremendous, but their guild was hardly one of paupers.
[14:40] <GM-Rat> "Of that nature, yes. It was a pity you were press-ganged by 'The Ravage'," notes the woman, musing. "Elric is certainly alive.. though the past years have changed him, somewhat. More caution, I believe."
[14:42] <Thrall> "I had no idea..." Thrall shakes his head in wonder, "Where, then? Not here in this battered city?"
[14:43] <Thrall> He does note her odd knowledge of his activities, but chooses not to mention it for the moment.
[14:44] <GM-Rat> "No. He is abroad, afield, dealing with other concerns... but you are one of his priorities, at the moment," the woman replies. "Yes. Elric will be returning to Saradush soon enough. And when he does, you shall meet him again, if it is your wish. It is certainly his."
[14:46] <Thrall> "No doubt," Thrall rumbles thoughtfully. "Yes, I would be interested in a... reunion, of sorts."
[14:48] <GM-Rat> "He will be a while, however," replies the woman, thinking. "In the meantime.. did you know that the mayor of this town is employing, as he puts it, 'adventurers'?"
[14:50] <Thrall> "Adventure... heh," Thrall chuckles once more. "I'm not some pale dungeon-delver. But if I can put my axe to use and bring in some coin... tell me more."
[14:52] <GM-Rat> "Present yourself to him this evening. That is when he is taking applicants," replies the woman, simply. "He is not a man of small means, this mayor.. and one who could make a sharp ally. Were you to wean yourself to his good graces..."
[14:55] <Thrall> Nodding, "I shall," Thrall agrees. Though of course her motivation is more likely for him to gain the mayor as an ally for Elric's benefit... nevermind, he has no objection towards working for his former master. Though a more freelance arrangement would suit him better, these days. "I never did get your name," he adds after a moment's thought.
[14:57] <GM-Rat> "Etna," replies the woman. "When you have recieved your task.. find me here. I can help you, I am sure." She smiles.
[15:00] <Thrall> "My thanks," Thrall inclines his head slightly towards her. "I shall see you this evening, Etna," he offers as farewell, carefully making his way out of the tavern.
[15:02] <GM-Rat> Etna nods back as you leave the tavern, re-entering the market of Saradush.
[15:15] <GM-Rat> You're not seeing any guildhouses. What you are generally seeing are half-built houses, along with the occasional whole one and more than a few that are just scraps of wood. There are very few people around- only a few builders here and there. While you're walking past one such shattered house, though, you see a woman trying to shift a large wooden beam at the bottom of her former house.
[15:16] <GM-Rat> She's straining with the effort, though, and it doesn't look like it's budging.
[15:21] * Thrall has little interest in random acts of charity, simply keeping to himself as he gets a feel for this new town unless he is approached directly. The woman can repair her own house, our pay for help if it's needed.
[15:24] <GM-Rat> You see a few more people like that around town- mostly trying to reassemble their broken lives, it seems. As you wander around, the ponderous noises of the construction-giants is ever present, and the sun slowly starts to go down.

[Ebiris]

[15:09] <Ao> Heading back to the inn you met your contact at, you find that she's returned there, sitting at the same table you found her at.
[15:11] <Thrall> Ignoring everyone else, Thrall heads directly for the middle-aged Half-elf. "Etna," he greets her, deliberately sitting opposite her at the table.
[15:11] <Ao> "Thrall. Do you find your job prospects agreeable?" she replies, a slight smirk on her face.
[15:13] <Thrall> "I do," he agrees, his own expression typically dour. "Though I am unsure as to some of the others who are taking the same job... regardless, you mentioned being able to help?"
[15:14] <Ao> "Ah, yes, help," replies Etna, musing. "What sort of help do you think you need, hmm?"
[15:16] <Thrall> "Information," Thrall replies, his chair creaking beneath him. "If the enemy are bandits... they shouldn't be unknown to the guild."
[15:16] <Ao> "Ah, bandits. There are several groups of them running around, I believe," replies Etna, rocking back in her chair. "Where are they situated?"
[15:19] <Thrall> "Outside of the city, obviously, but fairly nearby if they were able to kidnap a nobleman's daughter - Corvale's, if it matters," Thrall replies, thinking back to the meeting with the mayor. "They've given a ransom drop off point of..." he describes the general area on the map he was shown.
[15:20] <Ao> "Hmm.. ah, yes, I think I know the group you're talking about, possibly," replies the woman. "There aren't many of them. Only around.. twelve? Thirteen? Their leader.. now he's a mystery. I've got a report that says he's some kind of demon.. probably exaggerated, though I'd watch out for magic."
[15:21] <Ao> "They tend to prey on passing caravans, like normal little bandits do. It's odd that they're so bold as to kidnap a noblemans daughter.. I wonder how they managed it?"
[15:22] <Thrall> "There's a spellcaster taking this job as well, at least. An odd one... along with that girl from Waterdeep," Thrall considers those two briefly, before turning back to the matter at hand. "So, mostly a gang of toughs with a little magical backup?" he asks. He's dealt with worse, at least.
[15:23] <Ao> "Pretty much. Kill a few and the rest will probably flee," notes Etna. "I'm interested in their leader, though... be on your guard around him. The rank-and-file, as it were, are just some scum who figured out which end of a sword to hold."
[15:26] <Thrall> "Good," Thrall rumbles. "The pay the mayor is offering for their scalps isn't objectionable. How successful have those bandits been, though?" he asks, "Think there might be a decent cache at their hideout?"
[15:27] <Ao> "There could be," replies Etna. "Since they're still around, and they've been around a while, I wouldn't be surprised."
[15:28] * Thrall smiles toothily, baring his near-tusks. "Good." Rising, "You've been most helpful, Etna. I'll see you again when the job is done."
[15:29] <Ao> "I'm sure you will. Do try not to die," replies Etna, smiling.
[15:30] <Thrall> "I do that every day," Thrall replies with a grim smile, bidding her farewell as he departs for the Inn with No Name.

[Ebiris]

[15:50] <Carthrat> Early the next morning, Thrall awakes, ready to face the trials, tribulations, and frustrations of a new day. Ah, life as a mercenary.
[15:53] <Thrall> His wounds having healed up, though still aching a bit, Thrall departs the inn dressed in a simple short sleeved tunic and pants, appearing just another face in the crowd were it not for his distinct scars and tattoos visible on his stringy muscled arms. Leaving the Inn with No Name, he makes his way to the Second Wind.
[15:54] <Carthrat> In the morning, the Second Wind is mostly empty, unlike how it is during the day and at night. Nonetheless, Etna is there, seeming to be waiting for something.
[15:56] <Thrall> No doubt he's not the only person she deals with during the day. Nice to see the old guild seems to be working how he remembered it, if she's any indication. Making his way over, he sits opposite her table without invitation. "You were right about those bandits," he begins conversationally in his usual guttural tones.
[15:57] <Carthrat> "Louts," she replies, dismissively. "Thugs with supernatural backup. Nothing terribly new, there."
[15:58] <Carthrat> "I take it they're all dead, and you're so much richer."
[16:01] <Thrall> "One escaped. Hopefully to tell the tale far and wide," Thrall grins toothily at that thought. "The reward was satisfactory, although it would have been better with less tagalongs." Grunting as he shifts in his seat, "Anyway, the mayor has found a further task for us."
[16:02] <Carthrat> "I suspected as much. Ah, the mayor. He deeply cares about this city, you know," she adds. "It makes it.. rather unsuitable as a long-term place to hold operations, but in the present confusion, it does quite well."
[16:04] <Thrall> "Yes..." Thrall rumbles thoughtfully, "It seems many are fighting over... something, on the outskirts of the city. It's that confusion that the mayor wants us to investigate."
[16:09] <Carthrat> "This is of interest to us as well," replies Etna. "The groups are well equipped and competent. Given our analysis of the battlegrounds, they do not seem to meet coincidentally, but they arrive ready and prepare to fight."
[16:11] <Thrall> "Any ideas who they are and what they're fighting over?" the half-orc asks, leaning his elbows on the table.
[16:13] <Carthrat> "As far as we know, they fight primarily to kill each other," replies the half-elf, stroking her chin. "You see, there's no obvious link between the battlefields, and they aren't in any particularly strategic locations. The parties don't make matters easier by demolishing the whole area during their fights.. though that could be intentional. A form of camoflague, as it were."
[16:14] <Carthrat> "Who they are, though.. there are several possibilities.. (more)."
[16:15] <Carthrat> "The bandits you fought are almost certainly part of a larger group. What supernatural aid *did* they have, exactly?"
[16:16] <Thrall> "None, really," Thrall snorts. "Their leader was a fiendling... I suppose it's possible he might have known magic as well, but I killed him before he displayed any. The mage didn't detect anything magical about their lair."
[16:17] <Carthrat> "A fiendling, you say?" replies Etna, raising an eyebrow. "That is an unexpected development. What was he like, exactly?"
[16:19] <Thrall> Thrall considers, his lore on the lower planes not really up there with the greatest scholars, but he does know a thing or two. "Tremendously fat, though he moved quick enough," he muses. "Had a snake-like tongue, and two horns, like a ram."
[16:21] <Carthrat> "Probably placed there for intimidation. To bully the bandits into fighting," replies Etna, musing. "Hmm.. I did not suspect fiends to be involved. That sheds a little light on these 'bandits', however. It would not surprise me at all if one of the groups fighting had greater fiendish backup, not at all."
[16:23] * Thrall nods. "The mayor did say there were monstrous creatures involved in the battles as well... We'll have to tread carefully, though. The one I killed was little more than fodder, but there must be a greater creature pulling the strings."
[16:24] <Carthrat> "Almost certainly. Other possibilities include.. hmm. It's known that there are Sharran cells in the area. They would certainly have access to organized forces, and I don't doubt that they could have a mage or two in their employ."
[16:25] <Thrall> "Hmm... that's true. The Monk I worked with did mention encountering a cult of Shar recently," Thrall nods. Chuckling grimly, he adds, "And that gate guard said there wouldn't be much work for me in this town..."
[16:28] <Carthrat> "It's easy for someone who just stands guard for a job to say that," notes Etna, dryly. "I may have more information for you later," she adds. "This is a matter we have known about for some time.. it is very curious. Perhaps the girl you rescued may know something," she adds, smiling a little. "Report anything you find out from the mayor and her to me, Thrall. If these groups are fighting over something valuable, it may be better s
[16:28] <Thrall> OOC: it may be better s <-- any more after that?
[16:28] <Carthrat> it may be better served to be in our hands, rather than theirs."
[16:29] <Thrall> "No doubt," Thrall rumbles. "Speaking of that, any word from Elric?"
[16:31] <Carthrat> "You may be able to speak to him this week," replies Etna. "I've no word directly from him, but I've been told he will be returning soon. I'm sure he will be.. pleased to see you."
[16:32] <Thrall> "In his own fashion, I'm sure," Thrall chuckles grimly, rising. "Anyway, I have some business to take care of before we go investigate these skirmishes. I'll return when I have more information, Etna."
[16:34] <Carthrat> "I look forward to it," replies Etna, smiling.

[Ebiris]

[16:30] <Sober-GM-Rat> Finding Etna, once again, isn't a problem, as she stays in her secluded corner in the Second Wind. It's doing a fairly brisk trade at the moment, but as usual, she seems to be waiting for you.
[16:30] <Sober-GM-Rat> OOC: ROll a spot check.
[16:31] <Thrall> [16:31] <Thrall> roll 1d20
[16:31] <Thrall> [16:31] * Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Thrall : [ 1d20=3 ]{3}
[16:33] <Sober-GM-Rat> She stares right at you as you arrive, the same faint smile always on her half-elven face. "So you return, again," she says in greeting. "While you regale me with tales of your latest adventure, you will no doubt be pleased to know... that Elric will be in the city tonight."
[16:35] <Thrall> "Indeed?" Thrall smiles slightly as he seats himself, somewhat looking forward to this reunion. Sure, Elric was a bit of a bastard, but he was still the closest thing Thrall had to family. "Good," he nods.
[16:36] <Sober-GM-Rat> "Mmm. Be in your room at midnight," she says, musing. "He will come to you. But, until then.. pray, tell me what you have learned."
[16:38] <Thrall> "A fair deal," the half-orc begins. "It appears that there is competition among several groups of mages to harness great power in this area, a relic of the Time of Troubles that means the usual rules about the power a mage can draw on not applying quite as they should."
[16:39] <Sober-GM-Rat> "What do you mean, exactly," replies Etna, slowly. "You are no mage, true, but I am, and this sounds of great interest."
[16:44] <Thrall> "We have a Calimshite mage staying at the inn with us - he's teaching the other mage working for the mayor the spells required to draw on this power. He could probably teach you as well if you persuaded him," Thrall explains, hiding his surprise at Etna's profession. "It seems they battle over those areas the Weave is weakest, then the victor sets up camp and performs whatever ritual is needed."
[16:44] <Thrall> "He likened the power to Spellfire, and said it could be used without mishap even in areas of dead or wild magic."
[16:45] <Sober-GM-Rat> "A Calishite? How.. interesting," says Etna, glancing at you. "And what you say of this power seems to be of import. I daresay I would indeed wish to meet this mage.. and another mage working for the mayor, you say? Quite a curiosity. Mages are a rarity in Tethyr. What are they like?"
[16:47] <Thrall> "She hails from the North - has some fiend blood herself, actually," Thrall drums his fingers along the table. "Looks human enough to me, but that Calimshite placed her right away."
[16:48] <Sober-GM-Rat> "The Calishite would know. They're quite knowledgable about these things," muses Etna. "I dare say I would indeed like to meet her, and this Calishite."
[16:52] <Thrall> "Both are staying at the Inn with No Name," Thrall supplies. "I could introduce you if you want, though they're hard to miss, anyway. Both dress the part, after all."
[16:55] <Sober-GM-Rat> "Interesting. Not tonight. I am busy tonight, as you would expect," says Etna. "But.. tomorrow, perhaps, though I would prefer that they are brought here."
[16:58] <Thrall> "Prefer the home ground?" Thrall asks, darkly amused. "As you like, I will pass along the message." Leaning back and stretching, "So how does this fit with your theories of what's happening around this city?"
[17:01] <Sober-GM-Rat> "Easily enough," replies Etna, musing. "We have a potential motive for the original capture of Isia.. perhaps Corvale is somehow involved in all this business- but he's no magician. And the sheer unprofessionality of the kidnappers.."
[17:04] <Sober-GM-Rat> "Do you believe in coincidence, Thrall?" she adds, glancing at you.
[17:04] <Thrall> "With as many groups as appear to be in on this, some are bound to be incompetent," Thrall shrugs. "I'm not sure what the mayor plans about it, though. He sent us off so he could send word to the capital - the problems in the weave could cover all of Tethyr."
[17:09] <Sober-GM-Rat> "I doubt he'll send you," replies Etna, dryly. "No, he'll send some proper messanger, with a fast horse, and all the pretty clothes. At any rate, Thrall, if there is a potential for unique magical power to be gained in Tethyr, then I daresay it would serve us well to procure some."
[17:12] * Thrall nods, not having expected to be sent off on that particular errand, anyway. "He implied the power was finite - probably why they're all fighting so fiercely for it," he notes, considering. "And also that the damaged Weave could affect Amn as well. Although spellcasters have even more problems up there..."
[17:14] <Sober-GM-Rat> "In truth. Let us consider our options," says Etna, leaning back. "Certainly, I would like to obtain some of this power. If everyone else is going to have some, we should have some too. That is reason enough to talk to your magely friends. That aside.. we do not plan on staying in Tethyr forever, Thrall. Elric may explain in more detail, but our short-term goal here is gathering information. Our moderate-term goal is to move ou
[17:16] <Thrall> OOC: is to move ou <-- cuts off
[17:16] <Sober-GM-Rat> Our moderate-term goal is to move our base of operations south, to Calimshan itself."
[17:19] <Thrall> "Heading to richer lands, eh?" Thrall muses, scratching his chin. "So how long have you been here, then?"
[17:21] <Sober-GM-Rat> "Around a month," replies Etna. "Elric and I decided that here would be a good starting point- a place to start rebuilding with minimal interference."
[17:24] * Thrall raises an eyebrow at that. She certainly holds a lot of influence to hear her tell of the decision making process. "So how large is the guild now, anyway?"
[17:26] <Sober-GM-Rat> "A few men in here are with us," replies Etna. "One of the Waukeenar has recently joined, and is angling to travel to Calimshan ahead of schedule. A few informats throughout Saradush.. yes. Quite small," replies Etna, staring up at Thrall. "Elric has decided to try a new route, this time. Instead of many weak, untrustworthy folks.. a few strong, slightly-less-untrustworthies. Quality over quantity.. loyalty over all."
[17:28] <Thrall> "Not surprising, considering he was poisoned by one of our own," Thrall nods thoughtfully. "But a small guild will have trouble muscling in on Calimshan."
[17:31] <Sober-GM-Rat> "Ah, yes. The same way a small guild was able to muscle in on Waterdeep," replies Etna, smiling. "Besides, some thieves forget what they are. A thief never reveals that he is about.. especially to other theives. Fear is no substitute for anonmnity."
[17:33] <Thrall> "Point," Thrall concedes with a nod. "Regardless, I shall take my leave, now. I'll pass along your desire for a meeting to the other two mages."
[17:34] <Sober-GM-Rat> "Take care, Thrall. Oh, yes. Remember to seek opportunities to train and to advance yourself," she says, cryptically. "In terms of equipment and yourself. No bodyguard of Elric should be without at least a magical weapon."
[17:37] <Thrall> "Hmph, this city is lacking in merchants who deal in such wares, I've noticed," the half-orc replies as he rises. "Besides, my current weapon has served me well."
[17:38] <Sober-GM-Rat> "It only need fail you once," replies Etna, ominously.
[17:40] * Thrall inclines his head. "True. I shall keep an eye open for opportunities to improve my equipment," he allows. "Farewell, Etna," he bids her as he departs.

[Ebiris]

[12:53] <Thrall> The Witching Hour finds a certain half-orc warrior relaxing in his spartan room at the Inn with No Name, currently seated at a somewhat battered old desk and polishing the pauldrons of his armour with an old rag. It's not something he does very often, so there's a lot of accumulated grime to work off...
[12:55] <Gamer-Rat> Time passes slowly, Thrall quietly polishing in the darkness. And they say wizards need preperation time- if a wizard had to do half the mundanity a warrior must...
[12:55] <Gamer-Rat> An indeterminable number of minutes has gone by when a soft, mocking voice sounds from a darkened corner of Thrall's room. "You missed a spot."
[12:58] <Thrall> "Hmph," Thrall snorts, carelessly setting down his rag and spiky metal shoulderplate as he turns towards the voice. "Didn't even hear you come in... it's been too long," he observes in his guttural tones.
[13:02] <Gamer-Rat> "I would be surprised if you had," replies the voice, the owner of which you can now see- somewhat. In the corner of your room you can make out a familiar face, the hard-fine features of a young elven man.. a little paler than usual, for an elf, the mocking smile seeming to fit his face perfectly. "But I suppose it has been a while. I suppose I can blame the press-gang for that."
[13:04] <Thrall> Young... appearances are deceptive with their kind, Thrall reflects privately. "The sailor's life wasn't so bad," he allows. "But I might have jumped ship sooner if I'd known you had insurance..."
[13:08] <Gamer-Rat> "Though, by all reports, your time was gainfully spent," replies Elric, walking slowly towards you. The shadows from the wall seem to cling to him, almost stretching like webs. "As for my insurance.. well, if I could have told you, I would have. But that's done, now.."
[13:08] <Gamer-Rat> He seems a little forlorn, at that, but who knows what his true feelings are? He's always been skilled at hiding them- perhaps especially from you.
[13:12] <Thrall> "Can bring a man back to life, but you can't change the past," Thrall admits philosophically. "But here we meet again, half a world away from Waterdeep... So what now, guildmaster?" he asks, an edge to the title that he wouldn't have carried the last time they met.
[13:16] <Gamer-Rat> "What now, indeed. In the end, that is up to you, isn't it?" muses Elric, cupping his chin with his hand. "What does Thrall want now?"
[13:22] <Thrall> "Now that's something you've never asked before," Thrall rumbles sardonically. "What do I want? Its why I left Waterdeep - got sick of seeing the same streets every day. The wanderer's life suits me - hunting bounties just ensures I get a good meal and a comfortable bed and the end of every day." Eyeing the pale Elf further, "I'd thought about heading East after a spell in Tethyr, but Etna mentioned Calimshan as your goal."
[13:26] <Gamer-Rat> "Ah, travelling. You see, that is what marks you as a free man, Thrall. Perhaps your name is no longer appropriate," replies Elric, meeting your gaze and tilting his head. "As far as Calimshan goes.. it is just a means, rather than a goal. Tetyhr is the preperation point for Calimshan, which is a preperation point of Chult, which is a preperation point for.. well, who knows? All of life is just moving from one point to another.. an
[13:26] <Gamer-Rat> All of life is just moving from one point to another.. and if you can wreak joy from that, then nobody can say you aren't living fully." (More.)
[13:33] <Gamer-Rat> "At any rate, travelling is certainly time well-spent. Allow me to give you some framework to travel in. You see, Thrall... it's no longer my goal to merely run a guild of cutthroats."
[13:34] <Thrall> "I wouldn't have thought so if you were going to Chult..." Thrall remarks, "So what is your goal, Elric?"
[13:39] <Gamer-Rat> "As Etna no doubt mentioned to you, my goal now is to assemble a cast of strength," replies Elric, rocking on his heels. "A guild of the powerful, you might say, rather than a guild of the weak..."
[13:40] <Gamer-Rat> "But there's more than money for the taking. No, there's knowledge of what lies beyond this life, and power over the powerful."
[13:42] <Thrall> "She did mention something about quality over quantity, yes," Thrall inclines his head. "But... power and knowledge? Hoping to found your own secret society to pull the strings behind the Realms?" He can't help but have some disbelief creep into his voice. Considering the trouble they had as a group of thieves in Waterdeep, playing with the big boys like the Zhents and Red Wizards seems overly optimistic.
[13:47] * Iddy (~iron_drag@c-67-163-114-219.hsd1.tx.comcast.net) has joined #dunes
[13:47] * ChanServ sets mode: +o Iddy
[13:48] * Iddy is now known as Thaeos
[13:48] <Gamer-Rat> Elric laughs- an unsettling chuckle. "In time, anything is possible," he says, amused. "But I don't plan to take on anything like that for a while- most likely not in your lifetime," he adds. "Goals are stepping stones, Thrall. My immediate goal is to win you over. My other goal at present is to gain sterngth in Tethyr. That goal will need to my next goal, which involves moving inwards towards Calimshan... do you understand? If the
[13:49] <Gamer-Rat> do you understand? If there was a final goal, I would be able to tell you, but one will always lead to another."
[13:49] <Gamer-Rat> *strength, *need = lead, (more).
[13:50] * NeremWorld (Nerem@c-24-2-6-87.hsd1.tx.comcast.net) Quit (Connection reset by peer)
[13:53] * Hotaru-chan is now known as Seraphin
[13:54] <Gamer-Rat> "For you, though.. your goals are up to you. I don't need to tell you how to survive or make a living, certainly. But if you joined me again.. then for starters, Calimshan. Later? Who knows what force we could wield?"
[13:55] <Thrall> "Hmph," Thrall rocks back in his chair. "Not like I have anything better to do... together again, is it?" he smiles, baring his tusks.
[13:57] <Gamer-Rat> "As it were. Etna will remain your primary contact," replies Elric, raising an eyebrow. "Strange. I was not sure if you would agree or not." He seems almost dissapointed... "Let me merely assure that I have learnt a few things in the past few years. Never again will I allow myself to die such an ignoble death."
[14:00] * Maz (~corwin@bzq-218-93-3.red.bezeqint.net) has joined #dunes
[14:00] * Thrall shrugs. "I'm a man of simple needs, Elric. And being in your employ wasn't so objectionable before... I'll be content enough to join your scheme, so long as I'm not expected to be a constant bodyguard."
[14:01] * Gamer-Rat changes topic to 'Maybe you should consider that there are disgusting maggots eating your flesh? | Bloody Fields is, in fact, on today.'
[14:03] <Gamer-Rat> "Bodyguard? I don't need one anymore," replies Elric. "No, but I need agents. And you and your little friends may be quite useful.. for now, doing as Etna requires will be good enough."
[14:04] * Thrall snorts. "I wouldn't call them friends... but they aren't wholly incompetent, at least."
[14:06] <Gamer-Rat> "As you say. As long as I can trust you, I can leave Saradush tonight satisfied. And as things stand, I should be leaving." He extends a hand to you. "To our reunion, Thrall.. and if I might ask, why did you keep that name?"
[14:06] * Gamer-Rat sets mode: +v Maz
[14:07] * Gamer-Rat sets mode: +v Serith
[14:07] <Thrall> Rising, Thrall shrugs once more. "Too used to it," he rumbles, before grinning toothily as he clasps Elric's hand. "I'll see about adding a second name if I ever slay a dragon."
[14:09] <Gamer-Rat> "Just one? That's not aiming high," smirks Elric, stepping back into the shadows. "Goodbye for now, my friend. We will meet again when it is time to leave this country.. until that time, try to stay alive." The shadows cling to him again, and he fades into them, as if he was never there.
[14:10] * Thrall snorts. He's heard that before... Resolving to do just that, though, he blows out the lantern and retires to bed.

[Corwin]

[22:34] <@Carthrat> "Hey! Hey! You're Thrall, aren't you?" comes a voice, a familiarity niggling at the back of the half-orc's mind, as he sits in a corner of the bar that has been his home for the past few weeks.
[22:35] * @Thrall looks up warily at the noise - familiar generally doesn't mean good, in his experience, and he's bereft of both armour and axe at the moment... Although his chair would probably serve as a decent club in a pinch.
[22:37] <@Carthrat> A rather surprising sight greets you. An almost-aristocratic human, wearing an overwised coat that looks like it should be weighing him down with the weight of the buckles and straps on it. A fine-hilted rapier sits at his belt, and a raking moustache completes the identity- one Pierre Lestat, one of the soldiers you happened to sail with, all those years ago. "I can't say I didn't expect to see you in a place like this," he says, grinning, sliding up to a seat beside you.
[22:42] <@Thrall> "Lestat?" the half-orc raises an eyebrow, more at ease, now - those days at sea were simpler times, after all. "I could say the same... we're a long way from Waterdeep. Pull up a chair, old friend."
[22:44] <@Carthrat> "Already did," he replies, winking. "Finally got my debt paid off, and decide to strike out inland, for a change. Heard about a brutal half-orc fighter around these parts, but didn't think it'd be the same one I knew!" You dimly recall that Lestat had managed to run up a large debt with the Red Wizards, though he never spoke of what it was actually *for*. Apparently, all his money had been diverted to Thay...
[22:47] * @Thrall snorts. "Brutal, hah! I think that's what they say about anyone with a bit of orc blood in them," he grins, baring his tusks. "I was only meant to be passing through, but got a bit sidetracked around here. What of yourself?"
[22:48] <@Carthrat> "I'm looking for work that doesn't involve getting wet," responds Pierre, snorting. "It's hard going on my own, though. I heard some nobles around here are looking for bodyguards, though, so I might throw in with one of them and see what happens." He signals a waitress, before leaning a little closer to you. "Things are troubled, these days. Can't say I know the details, but mages seem to be conversing in hushed tones more than they used to, if you know what I mean."
[22:49] <@Carthrat> hushed tones more than they used to, if you know what I mean."
[22:50] <@Thrall> "That I do," the half-orc nods grimly, taking a swig of his ale before leaning closer himself. "This town had a lot of trouble with its notables being dominated by the head of the Mages Guild, lately."
[22:52] <@Carthrat> "I see you're talking the past tense, which is a bit of a relief," replies the foppish man. "It's just as bad in other places, though. Particularly down south, or at least it was when I left. They say some new guild, composed entirely of outsiders showed up in Calimport and started flashing some muscle."
[22:52] <@Carthrat> "Authorities aren't in charge anywhere, these days."
[22:53] <@Thrall> "Did it, now?" Thrall strokes his chin, recalling Elric's destination. "What sort of Outsiders, have you heard?"
[22:54] <@Carthrat> "Oh, people from all over," replies Pierre, not catching your capital letter. "Harluua, Chult, Cormyr, hell, I even heard they've got renegade wizards, from places like Thay and Aglarond. Nasty business."
[22:55] <@Carthrat> "Pirate situation's been getting worse, too. It's like Cyric himself has belched up a new wave of bounties to hunt."
[22:57] <@Thrall> "So long as it keeps me in work," Thrall mutters. "Might be heading down South soon, anyway... just waiting on my friends to finish some business here in Darromar before we hit the road again."
[22:59] <@Carthrat> "Oh? You're going south? You could hitch a ride back on the Ravage, if you hurry to Freehold," says Pierre, perking up. "It's in port for repairs, but they'll be finished in a little over a week. 'course, I ain't going near the thing again. The next day I go near a beach is the day I die, mark my words."
[23:01] <@Thrall> "The Ravage? What are they doing this far South?" Thrall asks in surprise.
[23:05] <@Carthrat> "Arcane Brotherhood doesn't like us very much, right now," replies Pierre, growling. "Captain Windriver decided we're less likely to get blown up out of nowhere if we came down here. Personally, I think he just wanted to see his mistress down in Calimport."
[23:07] * @Thrall shakes his head. "Well, I'll keep it in mind if my friends are ready to go within a few days. Just so long as I don't get press-ganged again..."
[23:07] <@Carthrat> Pierre snorts. "I'd like to see what happens to the poor saps who try."
[23:10] <@Thrall> "Yeah, that's what I would've thought last time," the half-orc snorts. "Still, I've picked up a few tricks since then, and my friends are no slouches, either."
[23:12] <@Carthrat> "Friends are good to have. They don't like to press-gang people in groups," nods Pierre. "Though, we grew out of that behaviour a while ago, I think."
[23:20] <@Thrall> "Just until the next time the ship finds itself shorthanded, mark my words," Thrall nods knowingly. "Anyway, if you're looking for work of the bodyguard sort around here, I might be able to help you out - I know the apprentice of the former Mage Guild leader. Even if he doesn't need a bodyguard, him and his friends seem fairly well connected. Could probably help you out."
[23:22] <@Carthrat> "Really? I'll check him out. As leery as I am about hanging out about spellslingers, these days," he replies. "You'll be neck-deep in them if you head down Calimshan way, though."
[23:25] <@Thrall> "So it goes, but the rewards for dealing with them are all the better," Thrall grins toothily. "Who do you think killed the former head of this town's Mage's Guild? Made more from that than any merc job I've had before."
[23:26] * Halbarad is now known as Hal-work
[23:27] <@Carthrat> "Aye. As long as he didn't have any friends, you'll be fine," notes Pierre. "They deal with strange things, those mages, from beyond this world."
[23:28] * @Thrall does frown a bit, there. "He did have friends, true... that's part of why we're headed to Calimshan, next."
[23:28] <@Carthrat> "How ironic that you're heading south to escape the heat," chortles Pierre.
[23:30] <@Thrall> "You misunderstand," Thrall looks grim. "That new guild you mentioned earlier? I think that's where his backing came from."
[23:30] <@Carthrat> "I'm not hearing anything you're saying," notes Pierre.
[23:31] * @Thrall snorts, downing his ale. "Probably the wisest course, for you. No sense getting involved in the pit I've dug," he agrees.
[23:32] <@Carthrat> "Aye. I could lend you a hand out of it, if you want," replies Pierre. "Need a bodyguard?"
[23:38] * @Thrall shakes his head. "I appreciate the offer, but you'll be safer guarding some noble here than travelling with me." He looks down, briefly. "Got more enemies than I can count, lately, and they're playing for keeps. One of my friends was killed just a few days ago by Sharrans."
[23:40] <@Carthrat> "Ah. Risks of the trade, and all. Sorry."
[23:43] * @Thrall nods. "We're in a tough situation, that's why we decided to stick together and fight it out. No way we can hide from all our enemies, so that's all we can do." He shrugs, "No sense dragging anyone else into it, though."
[23:44] * Laggy is now known as Laggy|Work
[23:45] <@Carthrat> "Maybe I should stay away from you now, then," muses Pierre, only half-joking. "Y'think anyone's watching you now?"
[23:47] <@Thrall> "Who can say?" Thrall shrugs, taking a second to scan the tavern. "It pays to be careful, though - not likely anyone would start anything in here."
[23:48] <@Carthrat> "Dunno. Ain't going to get a heal quickly around here," murmurs Pierre. "Be a good place to off someone if you thought it through."
[23:52] <@Thrall> "True. No guarantees," Thrall agrees grimly. "But nobody chooses this sort of life."
[23:52] <@Thrall> roll 1d20
[23:52] * +Hatbot --> "Thrall rolls 1d20 and gets 11."12 [1d20=11]
[23:52] <@Carthrat> "But it's not like you're born into it, either."
[23:53] <@Carthrat> "Well."
[23:53] <@Carthrat> "For most of us," he adds, glancing sideways.
[23:55] * @Thrall chuckles dourly. "My friends were born into it... for me, it found me as a child. But all we can do is make the best of it."
[23:57] <@Carthrat> "Heh. That'd be the truth of it," he murmurs, finally getting a drink, and taking a long, slow sip from it, gazing silently into the wall.
[00:00] * @Thrall decides to flag down a waitress for another mug of ale, before leaning back in his chair. "Anyway, enough talk about my troubles," he declares. "What's that you were saying about the Arcane Brotherhood, earlier?"
[00:02] <@Carthrat> "You know the type, the mages from Luskan," he replies. "Got a hand in all the pirate dealings up on the middle coastline, right? Let's just say we sunk and scuttled a few of the wrong pirates. Found a bunch of crates with their mark on them, but the Brotherhood wizard who was on board got away. Next thing you know, we're the one's getting attacked."
[00:03] <@Thrall> "Know what was in the crates?" Thrall asks, settling in to listen to the tale.
[00:04] <@Carthrat> "Smokepowder," replies Pierre, glancing around the part, and pulling something out his coat. "Straight from Lantan. Got a few pouches myself, and this-" a wooden handle and a long, metal barrel extend from it, a wand-like implement- "to go with it."
[00:06] <@Thrall> "I've heard of those smokepowder weapons," Thrall nods, looking suitably impressed. "Never actually seen one, though."
[00:07] <@Carthrat> "You'll usually hear it before you see it," remarks Pierre. "Armour doesn't do much, unless it's magic. This thing packs more punch than an elven bow."
[00:10] <@Thrall> "Hmph... like a wand that anyone can use, eh?" Thrall nods. "I can see why the Arcane Brotherhood wouldn't want it getting out... though I wouldn't want to see more Luskan pirates with those things."
[00:11] <@Carthrat> "I think that's what the Brotherhood hates us so much. Those crates can't have been cheap," muses Pierre. "Probably wanted to figure out how it was made- the only source of the powder is on Lantan."
[00:13] <@Thrall> "True. If they could make it themselves... wouldn't bode well for anyone else in the North," Thrall agrees readily.
[00:14] <@Carthrat> "Still. The gnomes can't keep it a secret forever," replies Pierre, pocketing the weapon. "I suspect this stuff will become more common than I'd like in a few years. Then again, that's why I picked this up when I could."
[00:16] <@Thrall> "Gives quite an advantage while the stuff is still rare," Thrall agrees. "Been thinking about picking up a crossbow lately, myself, but if I had one of those..." he shakes his head, "Only problem would be getting more smokepowder."
[00:17] <@Carthrat> "I certainly can't afford any more. The ol' bow and arrows are cheaper. More efficient things. They could stand up to this- you can put more arrows in the air than you can shot. Not a crossbow, though."
[00:21] <@Thrall> "Unless it's a magic crossbow," Thrall notes. "Think those gnomes over in Lantan have magic smokepowder wands?"
[00:22] <@Carthrat> "Probably not, but they've got.. more things, there, I hear," replies Pierre, looking shifty. "I won't tell you the tales, but you'll hear plenty about crazy gnomes if you get on a boat around here."
[00:25] <@Thrall> "Maybe..." Thrall allows. "We are pretty near to it, after all. Might even head that way myself, after Calimshan... have to wait and see how things go, I suppose."