The Guardians of Sa’Renak

The moon cast an almost purple hue across the midnight sky; this eclipse would truly mark a turning point in the coming age of the kingdom. The air was cold and crisp, the autumnal breeze bit at the trees and what leaves had remained. Smoke billowed from the chimneys as villagers vigorously attempted to stay warm and cozy. This was the coming season they had expected here in Alo-Quin; a bitter winter approached as was foretold by the shamans, and their faith was rewarded with a bountiful harvest to prepare for the frost. You see, this is a time when magik and gods held power over man and beast. Many a race came together in these lands, forming cities, villages and settlements. Large and imposing temples were flocked to daily to make tribute, markets bustling with consumers, vying for the finest wares from Dwarven metals forged in the hottest fire to Elvish wood carved and cut from the strongest and finest timber. These times were quite prosperous for the kingdom of Sa’Renak and all its small towns and large cities flourished because of it.

......

However, dark days are on the horizon. It has been foretold that an army of undead and unwanted are growing not only in numbers, but in great power. Led by an Evil Necromancer, the Vile Cult is one that must be stopped, at all costs.

That is where you come in.

Your character has found out (that is to be determined in you “origin story”) that they have been called on by the ruler of the kingdom of Sa’Renak to travel to the northern capital city, Alo-Quin and provide aid to the kingdom in repelling this menacing force. Once you arrive you will be assigned to a group of fighters, mages, rouges, rangers and other such folk to stop the Vile Cult and their evil leader before they descend upon the kingdom and all is lost.

The city streets of Alo'Quin were rife with vermin and virtue alike. Beggars coated street corners and alleys while the pious and righteous preached in front of temples and taverns. The mercantile district bustled with commerce as the vendors peddled their wares. Merlin made his way through crowds of people to a tavern known by the locals as The Cup and Barrel, the outside of the building was tattered and derelict. Inside the small beat down structure emitted a cozy warm atmosphere and the chatter of its patrons provided a traditional ambiance. Merlin bypassed the bar and fun himself a large, nearly vacated table with its only occupant sitting near the head of the table. He was a slight man with large gray robes and a long beard the color of dirty sand. His eyes met Merlin and beckoned him to the table with a silent summons.

Upon reaching the table Merlin noticed the same piece of parchment that first drew him to the tavern sitting in front of the robed figure. Without a word Merlin took a seat at the table near the unknown figure and, assuming he wasn't the only person who received this message ordered himself a mug of mead and sat patiently.

People seemed to like a bit of fun. Roy was no exception. He had arrived in Alo'Quin a few days ago but had spent most of the time messing around. he figured that he should have a bit fun with the locals. That usually meant hitting on a different person a night. Currently he had hit on some guardsmen so Roy could get his hands on the route timing for the guards. This seemed to be the easiest way. After taking a bit of the guards gold, Roy left the room and onto the street.

He entered the room and smiled at the bar tender as he watched the room. He saw two men sitting at a table and went to join them. He gave them his best smile before he talked. "Well hello there. Nice to see I was not the only one to get the invite." He said as he looked at the two. Roy seemed to be studying the two.

“You're late newbie."

The voice was small, almost shy, and yet commanded a strange sense of authority. Or at the very least, it drew more power than the weak shells of mortal men that called themselves residents of this godforsaken town. Maribel sat in one of the back corners of the tavern, away from everyone else but not overtly so.

A small cup was already placed before her and it was half-full with a red liquid so smooth and pungent it would have made any soul hurl in disgust. So potent was this strange drink that it would even seem oddly familiar to those who peered inside the cup in some way.

"My name is Maribel and I'm drinking juice," the young girl announced before anyone got any ideas about her. As dangerous as Alo'Quin may have been, she would not break the law when it came to alcohol. Taking a sip of the smelling drink, Maribel kicked her legs out slightly since she was too short to actually reach the bottom of the tavern booth.

That being said, she did watch the trio of men carefully, not quite sure what the purpose of all this secrecy was for. Personally, she felt as if she really didn't belong among this group of no doubt hardened warriors. It didn't help that she was also the only female present for their little band of called travelers. It also didn't help that she looked like she could pass off as one of these men's daughters, despite the contrary and true difference of ages.

"BUWA HA HA! IS THAT ALL YOU GOT!?" A boisterous laugh came from a red-haired lass and she took a pouch of coin off the table. Across from her a man was vomiting his drink and lunch into a bucket, the unfortunate opponent of Raijin's drinking game. She had arrived to the tavern just to drink, but a cocky adventurer wanted to spend a night in Raijin's warmth. She agreed if he could beat her in a drinking-contest/arm wrestling match, both of which he lost miserably. He seemed rather offended at loosing his day's wages and had his hand on his sword. But before he could draw his blade, Raijin hefted her Thunder Rod onto her shoulder. "Go on big boy, take it out. I bet mine's is bigger." This threat was enough for the man to run off without another word, gaining another hearty laugh from Raijin.

As Raijin counted her coins she found a dirty piece of paper in the coin purse. Something or another about a mission of slaying undead or some sort. Whatever it was, it reminded Raijin that she wasn't just here to drink: She was suppose to be looking for someone about a job. Taking a look around she noticed a gathering of individuals who likely had something to do with the mission. If not they could at least point her in the right direction. So Raijin drained the mug of ale she was drinking from and went over to the table, her presence quite known. "Aaaaaaaye! This the group of warriors to fight that lich or whatever?"

---

Lan was no stranger to alcohol, as the druids made fine spirits, but he has never been in a tavern before. A den where men became animals, as the druids say. Somehow that did not bring comfort to the young druid himself. But he knew that the person he needed to meet was here, so regardless of his thoughts on the establishment the little boy went inside.

Fortunately for him Lan was hardly the oddest sight in the tavern, as there was a boisterous woman making a scene. Lan slipped inside, holding onto the dark brown cloth containing his staff. The little boy looked out of place among the dark and dreary warriors and patrons, and indeed Lan had no idea who he was suppose to see. Everyone looked as though they were busy or waiting for someone, and Lan did not wish to make the mistake of getting caught up in a fight he didn't sign up for. So Lan just stood against the wall and watched, trying his best not to appeared scared. He was failing, miserably.

As foul a mood as he left, just as foul a a mood as Alexei arrived at the port, finally touching down on the continent Sa’Renak. Such an ugly name he thought, allowing the negativity to cloud his moral and professional compass. Alexei's bitter behavior was fueled by the question that echoed throughout his skull in angry fashion, clawing at the simple concept that had bugged him to no end during his voyage; why was he here? The same question could be said for other previous circumstances but he had since got over them. This however he could not.

While it could be identified as childish thinking with all the venom built up inside, Alexei firmly believed he belonged back where he came from. He believed that there was a war back home worth fighting along side his battle brothers and sisters for the sake of glory and bountiful riches to be blundered from Dissidia's infamously rumored Vault of Gold. That and to be owed rightful payment and recognition from Horus too, cementing Clan Belka's power and influence within the region. But instead he was here because the royalty of Sa'Renak needed a corpse to be put back in its damned grave and his name in particular was specifically requested to carry out the job.

At least marching all the way to Alo'Quin, a word he was still trying to pronounce correctly, had kept him busy from mouthing off the friendly passerbys on the local road. That would had been admittedly stress relieving but he at least knew his manners and kept his personal baggage to himself. Alo'Quin seemed more colorful and obviously larger than the port town he had arrived in and felt strangely similar to home, just less House guards positioned at every section and corner.

Alexei walked though the bustling street, searching for a tavern called The Cup and Barrel - at least that made sense to him - where he would meet and join up with other warriors, like himself, whom agreed to take part in Sa'Renak's defense, unlike himself currently. He eyed every structure and building, observed the conversing and bustling of the citizen about, and analyzed the smells in the air. All these thing and then some allowed him to mentally visualize the nature of the city and his location as he sought out the tavern. Just as he believed to have sensed and pinpointed the social rendezvous point, a man of unequal stature collided into him and promptly fell backwards onto the pavement, nervously whittling within Alexei's towering resolute shadow. Alexei stared down at the man, unfazed by the run-in, where as this nobody whom showed clear frantic fear and embarrassment all over his face struggled to pick himself and bolted way.

Odd...

While he did not think to much of the encounter, Alexei looked forward to see a red haired woman of impressively equal stature several yards ahead, counting her coin purse and dressed in some kind of crude oriental attire. There was a word for this figure but it eluded Alexei but what he could confirm was that her presence was just as alien as his was. Eventually, she entered a fair sized tavern that upon closer inspection was in fact The Cup and Barrel he had been looking for. While most of the occupants, being nearly as visually varied as he was, had conversed amongst themselves, Alexei took a seat at the front of the bar while trying not to attract attention and produced a few pieces of the country's currency forward.

"Mead for a long travel, barkeep." he called out the bar tender, using the most friendly tone he could muster. Clasping the bottle in hand and pouring a small pint size of alcohol down his throat, he waited for everyone to arrive while drowning his worries and anger with the strong thick liquid in the company of others so uncanny.

Thalor help me...

As the hours waned into the evening and another day of hard work and hard leisure came to pass, the inhabitants of the city scurried off to their hovels to be with family. The rest of those who cared to chance the streets in the late hours made their way to various ale houses and brothels. Alo'Quin was the kind of place where people who wanted to forget about their problems (or gather a whole new cache of them), and this made frequenting alleys and walkways an act done with much trepidation.

Merlin was gazing around the bustling tavern as the patrons ebbed and flowed like the tide, the coin being exchanged for ale and services was a pleasant melody, however a tad distracting. A few figures had caught his eye, the first a petite fair skinned girl whose harsh and hardened gaze struck Merlin to his soul, though her physical appearance have led the average fool to believe she was far too young to be out at this hour. Merlin knew better, Alo'Quin held many surprises for the unassuming traveler or merchant. He kept feeling as though there was a familiar smell in the air, it wanted to turn his stomach; the air held a metallic odor, almost coppery. It reminded Merlin of his grandfathers shack where he would hang his various traps after a hunt, even the thought now made his stomach turn slightly.

Not to be distracted, he was soon attuned to the sheepish looking figure along the wall, Merlin could almost taste the magik in the air, like electricity, his hairs on his arm were standing on end. This feeling was amplified when a fiery-haired female approached the table in a manor befitting of her size and previous actions, which Merlin paid close attention to. She was, in fact so boisterous that Merlin hadn't noticed the foreigner sneak in and take a seat at the bar. His unusual attire and mannerisms gave him away from the drop, yet all this commotion made it rather easy for someone to blend in even if it was clear they weren't a local...most of Alo'Quins residents weren't from here anyway.

He almost completely passed over the gentleman who first joined him at the table. And then there was the old man in the large robes. Still silent and keeping vigilant watch over his drink which seemed to be bottomless. Without a thought or a hint the pile of robes stood up and the figure presumably inside addressed the entire tavern with a comforting yet powerful voice.



"I see you all have arrived, your reasons for being here are as diverse as your cultures, backgrounds, and personalities. If you seek to rid this land of a terrible infestation I bid you to my table and that you may hear my plea." The man assumed a more relaxed position as his voice lowered and took a rough gravely tone. Those whom had their interest caught leaned in for a better understanding of what the man was saying. "Your king has summoned yours truly to assemble a small pact, a group of fierce warriors, cunning rogues and passionate mages and druids, to campaign against an evil order of undead and unwanted. This axis has its sights on consuming Sa'Renak in absolute darkness, even now its cold unrelenting grip tightens it's vice over the southeastern plains. Where this army treads, only desolation and despair remain, I am charging you with a task that will lead you right into the maw of the Vile Cult. I do not expect you to fight a war on your own, you must understand this measure is being taken to prevent all-out-war. You will each be given a sum of 100 gold pieces to buy any remaining equipment or goods you may need. The rest of your payment will be made to you or your estate upon completion of the task, you leave at daybreak, should you choose to continue come to me for your payment and then speak with young Merlin here. Rest easy and prepare your souls for the dark and heavy burden they must bare."

Without a blink or a sound the figure seated itself and awaited the seekers of glory and fortune to approach. Merlin was curious, How had he known my name? he thought. At any rate he looked down next to his nearly vacant mug of mead and saw his payment had already been deposited at his place setting next to his beverage. For an old man he was sharp as an elvish blade and worked twice as fast. Merlin was certainly impressed, he could only hope that his soon to be flock of adventurers held the same gravitas. As he finished his mug he settled into his seat waiting for his comrades to approach.

Raising an eye, Maribel sipped at her “juice” as she heard the old man speak to them all. So then, the rumors of an undead army growing in force was true? Well, what better to combat the undead than another undead? When the old man had finished giving his speech, he directed all of their attentions over to the first young man who had arrived who went by Merlin.

Not wanting to waste any more time, the young girl finished her cup of red liquid before moving out of her seat. She walked calmly over to this Merlin and stood before him. Her eyes narrowed, searching him intently, before she blinked and bowed slightly.

“So you are Merlin, yes? It’s very nice to meet you. My name is Maribel and I was drinking juice a few seconds ago,” she continued to insist. “So we’re supposed to talk to you about…what now? I take it you’re going to become our inevitable fearless leader, right?”

She did frown to herself to the loud transactions of a certain red-headed woman, noting that the other occupants seemed to think the same thing. Still, she didn’t want to be rude and tell the woman to quiet down. So she settled for only crossing her arms and directing all of her focus onto the young man sitting right before her.

“Ignore them. Please, tell me what I’m supposed to hear.”

The gleaming armor of both knight and steed stood out from the streets of Alo'Quin, beggars could only look up in amazement as some of the braver sort even held out their hands to the passing knight for just the chance of coin. However it was not to be, as not only had her money gone into the armor and weapons that she wore but there was a very important meeting that she had to get to in time. Waving her hand over the beggars in a silent prayer she had to move on until finally she reached the bar known as the Cup and Barrel.

Val secured her horse to the post outside the bar, she knew she stuck out like a sore thumb in compassion to most here but if they wanted to meet here then so be it, besides she had little other 'outfits' that would spark just as much attention. Moving inside she discovered soon enough that she did not have to worry about standing out as a red haired oni was much more of a attention seeker than herself. It was safe to say that she had located her future companions.

"You're loud."

Her voice was muffled behind the helmet as she got up to the table, her observation blunt but she did not tell her to stop no that would be rude, she was just pointing it out in case she did not notice. Thinking it rude, and it was a little hard to talk and hear in the helmet anyway, she reached up and removed it, the feathers of the headdress she wore easily slipping out of it also as her dyed golden locks flowed down her shoulders and her silver armor and across her mark of the heart and sword.

The entire time that the speech was going on Val's eyes never left Maribel, the senses of the dark forces that she had picked up were going haywire by this point... Putting it aside for the time being she picked up the gold that was offered, always intending to take the mission anyway so after she took a seat. "The... Lady is correct. I, Valentine Sel'Lei, would like to know more Merlin." She clearly had a problem with calling Maribel a lady.

"Ora ora ora! Now that's not a nice thing to say, lil' girl! I got as much right to speak and listen as you do, I just exercise that right more." Raijin said confidently. She than went up to Mirabel, sizing her up. She could tell from her scent that she wasn't a mere mortal, but neither was she demonic. Possibly some sort of magical creature? The oni couldn't quite pin it down, but she knew something was up with Mirabel. Soon a knight came in but Raijin didn't pay her any attention until she took off her helmet and introduced herself. "A knight eh!? In shining armor even! It's almost a fairy tale. Well I'm Raijin, the Raging Lightning! Please to meet ya acquaintance. So what's this I hear about a necromancer stirring up trouble? I hear he's already got an army. Ought to make things interesting, eh?!"

The old man left directions to some human by the name Merlin. Raijin wasn't really impressed, but then again no one really impressed her. "So, Merlin, what's the big plan? Unless we're going to wait for the storm of the century, even I don't have a chance against an army of undead. At least not without a really, really good drink."

---

Lan was surprised to hear druids being specifically called for by the elder man. The boy knew it wasn't a coincidence: these were the ones he needed to meet. Though he was still nervous, he at least stepped forward and received payment. Only issue was, Lan had no idea what to do with his money. He had been given some by the druids for travels, but he had no idea how things were priced in civilization. To him simple commodities like apples were a natural bounty, as his forest doesn't really produce many fruits like that. The only thing he could imagine using the money to buy would be things related to his spellcasting, but he wasn't certain if anyone was knowledgeable of the druidic arts. Even Lan himself only knows enough of the basics to develop and grow on his own: the older arts are something he needs to learn from one who has experienced it.

Regardless of his uncertainty Lan still stayed with the group, taking note of the various... Colorful females. The first who spoke was Mirabel. Lan could tell she was no mere mortal, and what she was drinking was certainly not juice. At least it wasn't just juice. The smells were mired however, but if Lan ever got her cup he could likely identify the contents. Not that he had any reason too: Mirabel seemed a strange one, but she was nice enough. Pretty too. Next was Valetine Sel'Lei, an elvish knight of some sort. Seeing her made Lan's heart skip a beat. She was breathtaking, almost literally so. Lan has seen elves before, both wild and serene, yet she was a cut from a different cloth. But Lan could tell there was something... Unholy about her. Like she was linked to both life and death. A very peculiar feeling, one which Lan would have to figure out later. Then there was the red-haired woman named Raijin. From her name, appearance, and attitude, Lan pinned her as a demon. The fact that she hasn't already torn down the tavern meant she was at least in control of her urges, if only barely so. Lan would have to do his best to avoid her: he's dealt with many of her kind before, and none of those experiences were pleasant.

Lan stayed somewhat hidden, or at least doing his best not to draw attention to himself. Shouldn't be hard with Raijin being so dramatic, though Lan would have to introduce himself somehow. "H-h-h-hi... I'm Lan..."

After a long and arduous journey, The Smiling Wind's caravan set up camp just outside the eastern gates of Alo'Quin. Three of the four travelers hovered around their modest cart, each giving the other much needed space after being cooped up in tight quarters. An hour after everyone had settled in, Iko, the dancing fox woman, returned from her hunt. She carried a bucket of blood in one hand, which belonged to the hare she grasped with the other.

"Well done!" Said Yania, the troupe's elvish singing actress. She set down her cup of mead and rolled over to greet her dear friend, staring excitedly at Iko's hunt. "That'll go well with the seasoned yams and gold taters we picked up at the Orchid Market."

Iko nodded. "It's not quite the parting feast I wanted to give Zahir, but the company is where it counts, eh?" She flashed her white fangs into a smile.

"Speaking of which, where is the lad?" A dwarf appeared from the other side of the cart. It was Ironshard, acoustic musician and special effects wizard. His long brown hair and beard were meticulously braided, no doubt the work of Iko and Yania.

Yania shrugged. "He wandered off with Chuvalo. Said he'd be back." Ironshard frowned, but not because of Zahir's disappearance.

"Either drink the Ruby Ale I brewed, or hand it over to someone who appreciates its craftsmanship! We're low on resources making this unexpected trip to Alo'Quin as is." Ironshard snarled, pointing at the cup Yania had been nursing for the past hour. Yania growled, engaging in what would be her 22nd argument with the dwarf for the day. Iko laughed as she trotted toward the campfire. Without warning, a powerful scent stopped her in her tracks. Iko stuck her nose in the air and gave two sniffs, then let the hare drop onto the grassy floor.

"What is it?" Ironshard said, startled at Iko's behavior. Yania looked over, showing concern as well. The fox looked back at them both with a devious smile that sent chills down their spines.

"Boar..."



Zahir Kadmizahri smiled at last nights farewell feast with The Smiling Wind, cherishing the look on their faces as he dragged in a succulent boar on the back of his white-coated llama. The meat was roasted with a tinge of honey and spiced seasoning, washed down with Ironshard's tasty Ruby Ale. After the meal settled warmly in their bellies, and the ale kept their spirits rambunctious, they performed one more time as a quartet, singing and dancing to their heart's content. Their audience? the woodland animals and insects of the night. They filled every bush and tree branch in site, watching with zipping curiosity at these peculiar characters.

His thoughts wandered off to the late hour, when Ironshard and Yania were off asleep and it was just him and the beautiful fox...

Zahir clutched the aqua blue scarf around his neck, drawing it close to smell Iko's haunted scent of lilac and sunflowers. In his trouser pockets is a folded letter from Iko, one he can only open if his ears came across "their favorite song." His ears had been searching for its melody ever since. Another letter was folded in the same trouser pocket, one he opened time and time again. It was the reason why he now gathered with this group of strangers inside a tavern called The Cup and Barrel. Years of aimless travel with The Smiling Wind now seemed like a distant memory. The perilous adventure detailed by the robed man awoke something deep within the Gnome, a feeling he welcomed with much fervor in his heart. The time for song and dance is over. Now, it is a time for song, dance, and grim adventure!

The gnome swayed to and fro between the giants that lumbered about his path, whistling a joyous tune.



"Well, quite the task set before us, eh?" Zahir said aloud to no one in particular. He placed the mugs onto the table and hopped onto the closest open seat. All of the attention seemed to be focused on Merlin, so Zahir slid one of the mugs he brought over to him, clanking everyone's cups with his own. "To new friends and new enemies...May the former be the only ones sharing this toast!"

Once an acceptable number of warriors, rogues, and mages had assembled, and elder man Alexei had over looked, had risen up and gave his announcement. Alexei has turned his attention just slightly, still jugging instances of his mead as he listened. Just as Lokee had briefed him, the old man, in his rather powerful tone Alexei could respect, explained of this 'Vile Cult' as a clear and present threat that has already marauded its way into the South East of Sel'Renak. After explaining his part and supplying payment for this quest, the old man shifted the focus to Merlin, a man whom may have been but a few years younger than Alexei himself in order to fully seal his cooperation with the task at hand.

One by one, he watched his eventual party members introduced themselves, allowing Alexei to observe each one carefully, analyzing how they talked and behaved and how reliable they would in a fight. Some seemed impressive while others appeared more lacking but it was the coming battle that would truly prove their worth to him. The first to approach Merlin to agree to the quest was a young-appearing girl named Maribel who didn't seem to belong in a slug-fest but by the way she spoke however hinted towards something more behind the innocent looks. There was a degree of aged wisdom Alexei could pick up and questioned if her exterior appearance was validly true. He would find out later.

The next was a woman clad in glimmering and radiant armor, who stood high and pulled her own weight; a knight from the look of it. Almost reminded him of the near-gallant soldiers of Dissidia he'd occasionally bust heads against. While it was clear she had little tolerance for Maribel for some reason, the knight who'd later introduce herself as Valentine Sel'Lei - Gods, these names... - maintained her cool and professionalism before joining the table. Clearly capable; the fight will soon tell all.

The red haired woman from earlier finally revealed herself as Raijin, the Raging Lightning. Her behavior was respectably bravado, if not over confidence. But, if the fierce oriental figure was capable of wielding that large club with ease, Alexei was sure she was reliable enough in a fight. But what of her true potential? He could feel spiritual aura around Raijin but nothing he had felt before; it was foreign and...Godly? Time will tell and hopefully with a flashy display Raijin's title would entail.

Lan approached next but if first impressions meant anything, Alexei was not impressed with the boy's stature. Lan seemed shy, very shy, and his willingness was something that could eventually come in question. However, his robes and staff and the other belongings he carried gave Alexei the impression that the young man was a mage of sorts. While a factor that was most welcomed, the druid would have a lot to prove to Alexei before earning the warrior's respect.

Then came a Gnome who openly introduced himself, minus his name of course, but with a clear evident upbeat behavior, bringing several mugs of alcohol to the table. Admittedly, Alexei could not see anything of remarkable quality from the Gnome nor anything to bring to a fight. He did find a holstered knife on the happy character but it didn't appear that great of an advantage to be had in combat...Especially with for the Gnome's small size. Alexei's observations would have to continue more with this one.

Finally, Alexei gave a silent sigh and joined his party at the table, mead still in hand, further cursing Lokee for involving him in all of this. He found himself a seat and made himself some room, minding not to bump into anyone or anything with his equipment. Though he rather not have, he joined the un-introduced Gnome in with the toast.

"Merlin, yes? I am called Alexei..." it was normally customary to also give mention to his Clan, however he believed none of the individuals gathered at the table had never been to the cold Northern lands and probably would not understand of the culture or show interest of his Clan. Then again, he knew nothing of cultures each of his future companions originated from either. "...When do we depart?"

Merlin was quite surprised when he had been named the leader of this ragtag group almost by default. He had been so caught up in his own thoughts, wondering what was in store for the bunch he hadn't noticed how many people were now surrounding him, awaiting his first move. This was pressure, he thought, he hadn't known much of it before now however this was a whole new game. The first that seemed to approach him was Maribel, the young girl whose eyes spoke of centuries of pain and suffering. She scared the gods out of him, he couldn't explain it but she terrified him more than any quarry he had ever tracked. Then there was the gleaming bucket of armor that somewhere inside contained a holy elfish woman, this, is already quite the troupe. As the others came up and made themselves and their intentions known they received their purse and awaited Merlin's instructions.

The evil was growing in force in the south east and was not taking its time moving across the land. For an army of mostly dead and derelict soldiers they had a certain swiftness about them. The port city of Woodshore was under duress, they were right in the path of these invading armies. Merlin figured this would be a way to attempt to cut off the armies progress.

Merlin stood up to address the table of his companions; "Woodshore is in need of our help, if you aren't ready to leave tonight then be ready, time is most certainly not on our side." He paused to allow his allies to start amassing a list of poultices and other miscellaneous items they may need. "Meet me at the south gate at daybreak. We will leave toward the city of Feymere, from there we will make our way to Woodshore. If anyone has any questions please feel free to ask. I will be ready to fight this great evil and am glad I have a strong group of fierce warriors and adventurers by my side. Say goodbye to any loved ones you have for this may be the last time you see them."

Merlin grabbed his mug of ale, stood up ad he downed the drink and made his way for the door, He needed to get some more caltrops and could use some fishing line as well.

Maribel raised an eye, a little confused as to why this boy was scared of her. Had she done something wrong? She could easily smell Merlin’s fear since it practically polluted the air with its wafting scent. Before she had a chance to inquire though, Merlin ordered for all of them to properly prepare themselves for the dawn to come.

Well that wouldn’t be too hard. As a vampire, she didn’t have loved ones to give farewells to and tools weren’t really her standpoint in defense. She would have to stock on items of course for the good of the party, but staying any longer in this place did no good for her in the end.

“Whatever you say fearless leader,” she said with a shrug, moving back to her elevated position in the high chair and waving her hand for another cup of drink. The bartender looked a little hesitant in giving her what she wanted but who could deny the beckon and call of a lady?

And so she drank more of her prim, red liquid, keeping an eye on all those around her. The holy elf woman would be a problem since her type were usually the kind to kill first and ask questions later. Everyone else was really just a slight nuisance to her and made too much noise. Except of course, the feminine looking boy and their fearless leader.

Alexei silently listened and observed Merlin throughout his speech, taking in the information he had to give. For someone who had apparently been put on the spot, Merlin did not show any hesitancy despite the sudden pressure he would have received. A quality Alexei would respect and acknowledge from his new leader for the time being. Merlin went on to instruct his comrades of their destination to aid the port city of Woodshore but they would have to pass through Feymere first. This was of no issue to Alexei as he silently nodded in confirmation if not to hide the grumbling question why his boat he took here did go further South so he could address this undead problem faster. No Matter.

The meeting seemed to have expired once Merlin had suggested to everyone to prepare and give goodbyes to those that personally mattered. Alexei had both cases already dealt with though he was still sour from being pulled from the war against Dissidia and leaving his Clan to the spoils but mostly to part ways from his warband crew. He missed them and wanted to fight side-by-side in glorious struggle and valor; the truest sentiments of expressed life by his Clan's standards.

Once Merlin had retired from the tavern, Alexei was left with the rest of his party to whom the individuals of it probably had plans of their own. Maribel and Valentine seemed to have been stressing the other's presence while not openly staring at one a another. Alexei pondered if they would either repel from each other like similar magnets or settle their differences by steel; that would be an intriguing contest if Maribel was capable of proving more than her small stature credited her for.

Lan too appeared observant, if not in his case, wearied of those at the table but Alexei found the lad's eyes falling repeatedly on Raijin the most as if he was more fearful, cautious, or perhaps even both regarding the red-haired and her intimidating club that could pancake anything of lesser stature. It was an amusing thought to imagine the results of that massive and crude weapon coming down on the happy Gnome that sat with them. Granted, not that he had actually wished for such a misfortune on the small humble man.

Feeling that his mood had not been satisfied and drowned, he called upon the bartender for another round of mead, seeking alcohol's intoxicating council. Through the beverage's downing, he challenging whether the filled and fizzing mug or his mental endurance would triumph over the other. This was perhaps going to be awhile...

"Hah!Saving another village eh? As long as they pay well, I can work with that. I'll just use this coin and see what poison I could buy. Cheers!" Raijin roared as the gnome offered drinks. She didn't really notice him so much as the ale, and she downed the entire pint as soon as it was tipped over. Hefting her club onto her shoulder she was about to leave before she looked towards the elvish knight. "You there! Valley Seli!" Raijin meant to say Valentine Sel'Lei. "Come with me. I want to talk to you!" And with that Raijin left the tavern, offer to find another to be a patron of. She was expecting Valentine to follow, though the raging demon was more focused on the next pub at the moment.

---

Lan sat and listened to everyone. A newcomer arrived with drinks, though Lan didn't imbibe. Instead when Merlin told them where to meet up the next day, Lan simply bowed his head and made his farewells. "I-i-it was a pleasure to meet you all! I'll see you tomorrow!" And with that Lan made a quick exit out of the tavern. He was rather glad that he would have some time to prepare: he could use the time to gather ingredients and craft potions. Perhaps prepare some spells for later as well. And more importantly, know what he was getting himself into. As a druid knowledge of the land was important for many reasons. Not being lost was one of the simplest, but more importantly was that if they were to fend off the encroaching army, they needed every advantage they could get. The location of a river, the size of a mountain, even the direction of a breeze could mean the difference between victory and defeat. Lan wasn't entirely sure who to go to learn such things, though he could always try to commune with nature. Though she was quite a fickle mistress when it come to diverging her secrets.