Emperor Eyrin sent word to his advisors selected group of adventurers. Guardsman and mercenaries were sent to collect and bring them to him with the offer of untold wealth. He was sat upon his fully amethyst throne, what looked to be a half-elf, but something was also odd about him, a bright hue shown around him as if he were blessed by a god. Around him his trusted Royal Guard, all clad in darkened steel plate armor, with the Royal guards symbol plastered on the chest and pauldrons.

"Sayrin are you ready for this important task? I am entrusting you with this, do not fail me." The Emperor's voice boomed forth in the still throne room. "I must have this dealt with quickly, and if possible without the loss of anymore precious life. Can you do this?"

A fully plated figure stepped forward his armor the same as the other Royal Guard, his arm over his chest as he bowed to his majesty. He said no words, just held his place until Eyrin told him to stand in front of him, and wait for the others to show so that he may address them all at once.

Talas stood, quiet as a mouse, in the darkness near the Emperor's throne, his hood pulled up over his head. He almost completely blent in, just slightly darker then the shadows surrounding him. He was seperate from the main body of the royal guard, his eyes flashing breifly underneath his hood. He stood out from the rest of the royal guard if he stood next to them, painfully obvious the difference in armor. His eyes flicked to Sayrin as he was spoken to, watching him step forward until he bowed to The Emperor.

He remained in his position, his eyes returning to scanning the area, listening carefully for any strange sounds. He would stay until he was called forward, for he was expecting that to be the normal. One simply didn't approach the Emperor without being asked forward. He could feel the energy flooding through him, his fingers twitching slightly. He was ready if necessary, as always, to react and attack any threat. Even if Sayrin had some weird inclination to attack. However unlikely, it was still possible, so he was ready. He offered no one any different scrutiny.

The familiar weight of his quiver with his strung bow inside of it, with his swords strapped underneath it in the shape of an X, one handle above each shoulder. For him it allowed easy access, and worked rather well. His how remained strung while he was at his position, his elven now able to handle the strain that it would put on typical bows.

Trotting and humming Mia was as a conjured flute played a soothing melody that sounded in her ears, her eyes closed as she walked absentmindedly around the entrance of the throne room all the while waving her baton as if she was at an opera house. "Oh that is some sweet rhythm! Let's play it again! She jolted as she hopped all around, ignoring the glares of the guards patrolling the area. Continuing her little concerto, the girl entered the throne room with her animated woodwind companion in tow, still oblivious of the ruckus she's causing thanks to her unwelcome instrumental, even as she was right in the presence of the king himself she was still moving out and about like she was dancing in some sort of jig. The girl was absolutely in a frantic trance as her instrument circled her and began to play at a louder volume, only when a loud cough followed by a stern "Ahem." did she cease.

Glancing around her surroundings, the teen was in shock when she realized that she was already in front of the king. She waved her wand in a circular motion once or twice as a faint glow appeared from the tip, as this happened, her animated flute disappeared in a pink puff of smoke. Her face turning red from the embarrassment she caused to herself, Mia coughed and stepped forwards to the king, bowing and muttering a quiet apology.

"I promise it won't happen again, your majesty!" The wizard said as she stood up straight. From the looks of it, it would seem that she wasn't the first one here, which was a thing that the girl was glad about...Wouldn't it have been more embarrassing if she was the first person here and THAT was her grand entrance? Among the others in the room was a gruff-looking man covered in a plate of armor, Mia looks at him with uncertainty and slight fear. The other person was a hooded figure, to which Mia pouted at the sight at..."So much for first impressions..." she mused to herself as she remained in position.

"Relax young Mia," called a soft voiced man, "for these men have the favor of gods on their side."

Brother Vas stood in the doorway of Emperor's Chambers, unceremonious in his entrence. He had quite enjoyed the girl's little song, a soft tone in times so bleak. He turned to the seated patriarch and his paladin, bowing to them respectably.

"His Grace Eyrin, Lord and Emperor of the World's House and Sir Sayrin Mordun, of the Royal Guard. The New Order sends their regard and their light."

Brother Vas looked away for a moment, a bandaged face staring of to the void. He smiled, as if a joke had just been whispered into his ear and turned back towards the Emperor's Throne.

"Ah, and Talas Thassil! Elven bow-master of the Royal Guard. Shadows speak in jealous tones in your name. Many a would-be assassin slain, I believe. Come friend, there are no poison daggers or dark hearts here."

Sam woke to a thunderous banging on the door of his rented inn room, lacing his hands behind his head under the pillow he invited his mysterious visitors into the room "Come in!". At once the door was thrust open, revealing the hallway outside to be filled with iron-clad soldiers, the lead man grandiosely unraveled a scroll with the Emperor's seal upon it. "Sam Arvarell? You are to answer the Emperor's summons" the soldier proclaimed. Sam relaxed his grip on the dagger beneath his pillow and began to stand up, "Well, I suppose I better get dressed".

Half an hour later, he stood in the doorway of the Emperor's chambers, garbed in tanned leather armour and dark hooded cloak, a basic but sharp shortsword swung at his belt, and a concealed dagger in his left boot. Surveying the room he saw his companions to be, as had been explained by the guard en route. An eclectic bunch, but none would be here if not skilled, "Good day", Sam nodded in way of greeting, pulling down his hood.

Eyrin had smiled as the small wizard had walked inside of the throne room. "Happiness is in short supply in these trying times, I welcome it even if my guards find it disruptive." He eyed some of the Royal Guard with a mischevious smile. "Talas, you may move to the front so I may address you with the rest of your compatriots, though we are missing one as of yet. You may relate the information that I speak to you all to her when she appears. I trust she didn't get into trouble with the guards that were sent to fetch her, though it is entirely possible." His voice seemed to echo around the room though he hadn't raised his voice.

"You are all given an important task, I have given Sayrin the honor of leading this expedition to Mount Daymon. The words that echo around my empire are demons. Demons that seem to have immunity to weapons, magic, and even the gods can't seem to send back to the depths of hell. They have been given the name Slysari, and all that I know about them is they live in shadow, they hunt in shadow, the kill in shadow. The forest that they started in on Daymon is eerily dark once you get inside, and the forces of these demons seem to get stronger with every life lost. I task you all to rid the menace from the Mount, survive, and clear any escaping forces. Do this and you will live happily wherever you desire, and will not want for the rest of your days." He finished his statement with a sad smile. "Sayrin do you have anything else to add?"

"Yes lord." He didn't move from his spot as he spoke in a strong gruff voice. "We will be heading to the city of Paron, I have word that there is someone who has survived an attack from the mount that is there still. I am putting my life in your hands. I hope you trust me the same."

A flash of distast went through him, watching the young human, a wizard he suspected, entered the throne room creating quite a stir. His face remained neutral, but he still scanned the girl for any particular signs of a threat, able to pick up on the signs quickly and easily. He could detect nothing from her. He fought back a grin as she realized where she was, his eyes shinning with amusement at her embarrassed behavior. His fingers tapped on his leg quietly, still feeling the want to move and act.

His eyes were already on Brother Vas before he even spoke, having spotted him when he first appeared in the door. Not very often could a person sneak up on him. Many had tried and fail, almost ending up with a arrow between their eyes, depending if he deemed them dangerous or not. As Brother Vas addressed him, he lowered his head slightly in a small bow, but didn't move from his position. The next person that came in certainly drew Talas's attention, scanning the person. He seemed to be much like him in behavior and tactics, however lacking a bow. At least that was a difference.

As Eyrin began speaking, his gaze changed to look at the King, nodding at the order to stand with the group. He split himself from the shadows, walking from the group, lowering the hood from his head as he did so, long blonde hair and elven ears becoming noticeable. Once he reached the group, he bowed to the Emperor, having much the same movements as Sayrin had done a few minutes before, but not remaining in that position. He listened carefully, his face keeping his blank expression, but on the inside he was raking is brain for possible tactics and ways to defeat these demons. He knew it would be dangerous, but with good fortune on their side they would succeed.

"Paron?," Brother Vas asked with a smile. "I hear that it is a beautiful time of year there. I know of a few kind inns and taverns if a meeting place has not been made. Word of mouth only, but I trust those who share recommendations to a holy man."

From what he knew Paron was not as glorious as the capital city, but a smaller community meant to prepare travels heading towards Mount Daymon and onwards. Streets of dirt and stone, small shelters of wood, and rustic people accustomed to a different form of life. Brother Vas wouldn't mind learning of there lives, a much different conversation then those of serfs or lords.

"This servent of The New Order is honored to help in these darkened times. If these beasts dare hunt and kill in shadows, then I will be there to shine a cleaning light. It is my purpose, as the gods command."

As the young magician stood still in her position she was surprised when a calm and mellow voice resounded from behind her, another cloaked figure appeared from behind, he eyes were wrapped in bandages and held a staff in his hand. He reminded Mia of the local hermit from her hometown, he would always back up Mia when it came to her performances, only when it was too loud that it disturbed his meditation did he not ally with her. The girl's short-term embarrassment was soon none when the emperor reassured her that her little escapade earlier was more than welcome, making her grin from ear-to-ear as she rubbed the back of her head.

Eventually, it would seem that a crowd of misfits had finally gathered in the throne, including her. And the emperor has gathered all of them this faithful day to exterminate the one known as the Slysari. Mia had only heard about them in the taverns she's visited, and her curiosity had been peaked enough for her to investigate this little mystery. But from the sounds of it, this mystery would be far from little. The emperor did not stress at all over the fact that these creatures were no less than demons, with their sheer power and the fact they live off of the life of every people, they need to deal with this plague quick...Who knows how long it will be until they become nigh-unstoppable?

When the emperor's announcement came to a halt, it was that gruff paladin's turn to speak. Speaking word of how they will travel to the city of Paron, a land that is unfamiliar to the girl. "Well, I'll be blunt; I only came here for fame and glory. But... Mia paused before giving a slight graceful twirl and pointing towards the sky, exclaiming: "If it means that I'll get to see less people die and more people with smiles, I'm in it for free!"

After briefly kneeling before the emperor he straightened and dwelled on their location, Sam had hoped never to return to Paron, or at least not for a very long time, not wanting to let on his distaste in case of offending his fellow adventurers his grimace was quickly replaced with a smile "Paron? Aye, I hear it's a good place as any to start". If the time arose, he committed to telling his companions of his 'unfinished business' with Lord Orill of Paron, however they might well avoid his estate entirely on their way into the little town.

Paron was not exactly on the other side of the known world, but nor was it a brief ride, so Sam was eager to depart. Tightening a strap on his sword belt he looked to their leader "I may not be a man of righteous virtue, but this is a worthy cause, when do we leave Sayrin?" Sam questioned, bowing slightly in respect.

Whilst Sam hadn't entirely expected the Emperor's missive, he would have to have been a very inept spymaster indeed to not notice all the signs of a great evil creeping over the land, even on the way through the splendid capital things seemed amiss. People shying away into homes, shopkeepers with doors firmly closed. Aye, evil was afoot alright, and it needed to be stopped.

“The capital if full of filth and corruption. It rubs off on everyone here, whoever they might be. I really hope that my visit here won’t take long.”
Tobias said under his breath. He was just by the eastern entrance of the capital. The huge towers of the gatehouse fired up into the dark gray skies. It is a windy day and the flags atop of the towers and wall railings are flapping non-stop and guards, patrolling the walls seem to wear cloaks today.
“Seems like a big storm is coming, this does not mean well for traveling.”
He sighed.
“That much for a short visit for supplies.”
The wind did not cut his skin as much inside the city, where he was surrounded by tall building made of stone. But the stone gave the city a cold and bleak look, combined with the horrendously gray sky, in which the first thumps of thunder could be heard.
As the thunder started booming, the whole city suddenly started to rush around, woman gathering up the drying clothes and calling the children home, men flailing about with their own businesses. The outside market stalls closed up and all the trading only happened inside the respective shops. The world seemed upset for some reason, as if the end was coming. And by the rumors, the end was coming. Something in the forests, ‘Slysari’ was the name Tobias heard mentioned all around. The world consumed by the shadows, the rumors said.

Despite the feeling of unrest and melancholy around, he marched through the lower parts of the city in his need of supplies. Merchants gladly sold their wares, even at a little lower rate, because it was getting more difficult to sell everything.
“It is not going well for us, merchants. People do not travel that much these days, trade caravans are not moving, mercenaries are increasing the price of their services and bandits have taken residence along the roads. It’s a bad time for us all. Hopefully, we will climb out of this hole, as I don’t like it one bit.”
The merchant went on talking about the problems they were facing recently as Tobias was putting everything into his backpack and pouches.
“I’ve traveled alone for some time. I haven’t ran into any highwaymen.”
“Well, I mean, look at yourself. A group of five people would have difficulty fighting you. No wonder they haven’t chosen you as a target. We, merchants, travel with much more valuable resources and items, and we’re much easier prey for them. So taking on us is much more worthy for them, than taking you on.”
“Thank you.”
Said Tobias and went outside of the shop, to the merchants surprise at this rash behavior of the human.

It has started to rain lightly and Tobias took the example of the people around and increased his pace and found himself a tavern. He was a little bit late, for the tavern was already packed and there was no place to even sit down. He slowly pushed his way through the people to the counter.
“I take it you’re all booked?”
“Ya’ sorry lad. The upcomin’ storm got everyone sittin’ ‘ere. Well, that’s good fo’ us, not as good fo’ ye. Ye’ just got into the city? If ye’ really need a place fo’ the night, I offer goin’ to ‘Mossy Jug’ just down the street, they must have a room or two free.”
Tobias put a few coins on the counter and pushed them towards the man and nodded as a thank you. On his way out, he noticed a fight going on at the end of the tavern, but he had no time to see to it and just went outside.

The rain had started to pour down really heavily already and there were barely any people out in the streets. The streets, who looked rather lively just moments ago now looked barren, with one or two beggars sitting under the roofs that provided them with shelter and dim lights shining through the windows. Finally reaching the ‘Mossy Jug’ he entered inside. He wasn’t surprised to see that this wasn’t exactly a tavern, but more of a brothel. He was welcomed warmly, with few of the girls taking a good look in his direction. Not often a client who isn’t fat or completely ugly would walk in here. To their disappointment, Tobias didn’t come here for the pleasures of lust. Coming to the counter, he put his hand up, before the girl behind the counter could speak.
“I’m going to pay double the price of your girls, all I need is a room for tonight. Would that possibly work?”
“No, that’s not exactly how this works, but for a price of three girls, I might just make an exception. And only because you’re a beautiful lad as well. You’re an eye candy for our girls.”
“That works for me.”

After paying for the ‘three girls’, he went inside of the room and sat down. The moans of pleasure, pain or even disgust could be heard coming from the surrounding rooms, but it was the only warm bed that was easily accessible for Tobias. He locked the door and started taking off his armor, but a feeling in his gut told him that he wouldn’t be staying here for long. So he sat down, with his armor on his body and meditated to rest himself after his travels.

Heath was trotting on a horse while singing, not too loudly, however, not to attract unwanted attention. In his left hand he held the reins of his grey-furred horse, an old and somewhat small animal, one that he stole a while back. Seed he called it. Nobody would say Heath's horse was a fine steed, but Heath could not say that it has ever failed him. The man's right hand tightly held a canteen half-full of wine, the other half already drunk by him en route. He stopped singing for a moment to take a gulp of wine. As he did that, his horse suddenly went to a full stop and Heath barely held himself in the saddle, as his head was slightly spinning from the second canteen of wine he was drinking.
"What the..."- Heath almost cursed, but was briefly cut off by a woman's voice in front of his horse:
"'scuse me, ser, me and me husband's cart broke its wheel, mayhaps you could help me man fix it?"
"Shut it, woman" a man's voice shouted at the first voice "Shall I need help, I'll ask for it meself."
"Ploughin' dumb are ye? Ye wanna spend a night 'ere in the open? I much rather reach Paron and sleep in me cozy bed, mere ten miles away.."
Even though Heath's head was spinning from all that wine, he did understand that the woman said "Paron".
"Wait, what did you just say?" Heath asked, interrupting their dispute. "Paron? This road leads to Paron?"
"Aye, it does, lad" the man answered. "And we're almost good to go, no need fer ye to help me."
Heath actually had no intention to help the man in the first place, yet only now he understood having taken the wrong turn two days ago, travelling in the wrong direction and not noticing it because of being half-drunk the whole time.
"Damn" he said and sighed, then took another gulp of wine. "Paron it is, I guess. Farewell you two, hope you fix the cart soon enough." Heath lead Seed around the man and woman and their cart and started trotting towards Paron, hearing disputes behind for quite some time still.

Brother Bas nodded as everyone made their pacts and their piece. This wanton band would surely be tested by these Slysari. An adolescent spell-caster, a shadowy marksman, an unemployed spymaster, a rough soldier of The Royal Guard, and a blind servant of The New Order. This would surely make for an odd expedition.

Brother Vas bowed to the Emperor, making his leave as he had no other business to speak of. He should have reminded their Emperor to pay his tithings or come by The First Temple, but he always felt like vomiting in his mouth whenever tried pushing for mere monetary donations. Gods care not for gold or silver.

Brother Vas would in spite of himself take any reward he might receive from this and donate it to the local orphanages and homeless shelters. The New Order would have no need for the money he would procure, and of course the gods would be please with the show of good will and selflessness. It was Brother Vas' place to serve gods, not men.

With a soft strike of his staff cane, Brother Vas left the Emperor's chambers and headed toward the capitol's busy streets. Brother Vas had no issue with the crowded stone and steel roadways, dodging horse-drawn carts as he made his way.

As the group moved out Sam took the time to take in the finer details of his companions, realising now in the light of the streets, that the priest had a strip of cloth covering his eyes. His first reaction being contempt, there was no room on such an important mission to be helping along a useless blind man, however he pushed these thoughts away quickly, Brother Vas would not have been picked if not capable. Turning his head to the sky, he observed the dark clouds that foreshadowed a storm gathering overhead, his mind wondered if Vas could sense change in the weather by other means or if he was left unawares of the weather until its arrival.

In an effort to break the silence that had followed them since the Emperor's halls, Sam turned his head towards Vas and asked "Forgive me Brother, but your eyes. Were you blind from birth, or did something steal you of your sight?".

"Ah Sam Arvarell, nice to finally have a moment to speak," Brother Vas replied as they walked. "Former spymaster of a high noble lord and lover of his wife. Fear not friend, for the gods care not for mortal adultery despite what my fellow brothers may preach."

The road Brother Vas took was much less crowded road towards the city's gates, a long stretch of homes and small businesses. If he took the next road south, he would be heading straight shot to The First Temple of The New Order. People here seemed a little better off then the usual citizens of the capital, planting small ferns or rose beds outside their doors.

"And as for my eyes, no. I had sight since first ripped from the womb...and to steal something means that there must be conscious thought of betrayal. What took my sight ripped and sliced away with claws darker then the night hoping to leave me a bloodied mangled corpse. Something beyond my comprehension intervened, so that I may live on. The scars left behind are grotesque and never fully healed right, even beyond the healing powers of The New Order. Now, I see without sight and sense beyond senses. A strange trade-off, it seems."

Sayrin bowed once more before leaving his Emperor. "We shall make haste, my liege. If I am to fall in battle, know that I will be reborn to serve you again." His gruff voice vowed. With that, he left the Palace making haste towards a traveling merchant caravan that had stopped into town a few days before to restock. He soon caught up to the Blind Brother Vas, that was being asked a question from the one known as Sam. "This is going to be a long road, a few days ride with a caravan that has been paid from the royal coffers to take us with haste." He smiled as warmly as his demeanor allowed. "Now what I am going to tell you is what I've heard about these creatures from passing bard." He lowered his tone so only people that were near him would hear.

"They come from the dark, they hide in shadow, they leave their mark, the earth becoming sallow. The blood runs cold, and the winds carry their cry, death comes untold, and men left to die. They walk with scythes, inhuman they scream, the living pay the tithes, an undertakers dream. Bound by no man, they steal his breath, faster than one can, they are the walkers of death."

He finished the rhyme bards had sung to him. "Now I do not blame anyone who wishes to turn back, You will still have your life left and the honor that you hold. You will find no fault within the empire, nor with the gods. These are unholy creatures, that no one has seen the ilk of in the existence of this world. But I will be honored to stay by each and everyone one of you until my final breath. The gods compel me to rid the lands of this foul atrocity and I will not fail."

_______

~GM SPOT FOR AFTER CONVERSATIONS TO KEEP STORY PROGRESSING~

Once the group had finished talking and getting to their destination of the caravan they were met by a large dwarf, his beard a deep brown and almost to his knees. "Well, wot can I do ya fer?" His voice surprisingly high for their kind, "I dun suppose ya are the band'a fools that plan on goin' to Paron are ya?" He shook his head quickly, "Why'm even askin' obviously ya are, clad up in ya metal armor thinkin' it will keep ya safe. Ya all are fools, daft ya hear me? Those claws'll rip that plate like it is a hot knife through cold butter!" He climbed aboard his wagon sitting down in what seemed to be a plush area. "Come aboard ya all are ridin' with Doric. No complaints, ya all can fit here."

_______

The woman in the brothel quickly ran to the room that Tobias was staying at, "You didn't get your summons!" She then handed him a small rolled up parchment, inside contained the words:

"By the order of Emperor Eyrin you are tasked to join an expedition to Paron, the group of adventures will be leaving within the day. Catch the caravan run by Doric. You will be paid handsomely for your assistance, and ask your compatriots what the task is, for it is too important to be written on this document should it fall into the wrong hands. Signed Marzio Caldwell, scribe of Emperor Eyrin." The royal seal was pressed in wax next to the signature.

The woman ushered him out, "You must be quick, Doric doesn't stay long in town!"

______

Chuckling at Vas' comment regarding his past, Sam smiled, "Word has a way of spreading does it not, and I hope the gods are as forgiving as you say, we shall need there favour". Pausing to ponder the word about the Brother's sight, it seemed he had been right not to underestimate the priest, he was clearly as perceptive, if not more so than any of his companions.

As they were speaking Sayrin had caught up, when he finished speaking Sam would be lying if the bard's words did not instill him with fear, but fear was good. Fear stopped you from underestimating your opponent. "I have pledged to lend my sword to this mission, and I will not back out now, I'm in this until the end." Sam uttered in a rare moment of seriousness, he appreciated the paladin's honesty though. A lesser man would have reassured them with false tales of an easy journey, at least they had caravan to lend haste to the first leg of their journey, they would need as much of their energy as possible for the trouble to come.

"I honestly had no idea who you were until you spoke," Brother Vas replied to Sam as Sir Sayrin caught up with them. "The skills I have learned in my time with The New Order helps me learn what needs to be know, when I need to know it. I know you are their, I know how relatively far way you are and what you are doing, an I know who you are. It is quite odd actually."

Brother Vas turned to Sayrin, listening to his memory of a bard's song about their future foe. He knew these things were of a dark nature and that they were bloodthirsty fiends. He knew what he needed to know, but not enough to understand. He knew what others knew, from the stories of peasants to the fears of noblemen. The Slysari were harbingers of the end, reapers of the darkest nature, and truly apex predators. But Brother Vas did not fear them. He knew his chances of falling to the horde was very much possible, but the god's had shined light into him before. Brother Vas would be this group's light.

"As do I, noble paladin," the holy man replied, "I know not if we share the same gods friend, but I know that they must be allies in this war we are about to wage. There will be a solution to this calamity, for their always is. Gods did not create The First Men so that their decedents would fall to demonic beasts."

With a goal set in her mind and nothing else to say to the emperor, Mia took her leave and joined the others. She mused to herself on what a ragtag bunch they are...Did the emperor picked ballots from a hat or something? There certainly was little rhyme or reason, but at least they'll keep her company throughout the entire quest. She can see it now...Their names being called and heralded as heroes of the continent! Wouldn't be amazing to be seen as a big-shot hero? Having quite enough of her all too hopeful reverie, the girl caught up with the group in the streets.

Once at the caravan, the heavily-armored man began to recite a poem that had been sung by bards it would seem. The little piece told of the atrocity that are the Slysari, much like what the emperor had said, these creatures are basically demons, perhaps moreso. The thought of facing them up close made Mia shiver...Imagine encountering one while being separated from the group? Creepy.

When Sayrin was done he began to talk about how there's no more turning back, and how basically these things need to be erased from the world.
The girl raised her voice in response, "Well let's get going then! The less chit-chat, the faster we can kill these things!" Even if her words were spoken with slight fear, her excitement was getting the better of her and made her more than ready to depart and start seeing sparks fly.

After a while of idle chit-chat, the caravan met to a halt and they were greeted by a dwarf. Mia never liked dwarves, she always saw them as crude...This one was no exception. The girl was trying to hold back all the comebacks she could shout at this little man but she knew that he would be vital to their quest and just decided to keep silent. "Hmph." She puffed at the thought of riding with the dwarf, but alas there's nothing she can do. Still keeping silent, Mia climbed aboard the wagon in what she thinks is a comfortable enough spot.

"Good day Doric," Brother Vas greeted with a smile despite the dwarf's attitude "Am I right in saying that I've seen your brother Floric at Emperor's Day Mass? Good man, but only seems to come to The First Temple whenever he is 'in need of luck'."

The holy man took the farthest seat he could, resting his arms against the backs of the cart. He was never bothered by cramp caravans like this, rather enjoying the obvious convenience and discomfort over walking. It was a pleasant day for a caravan ride, for the sun shined pristinely in the sky with a cool refreshing gust breezing past his face. Brother Vas removed his hood, revealing a completely shaved head and the outline of rigid scars that escape the bandages. His disfigurement was not to noticeable to warrant disgust, but he preferred keeping the marks of feral darkness hidden away from the sight of good people.