The Chronicles of Dosei: Sands of Blood
A Dungeons and Dragons Tale by EWillden

- There are somethings in the world better left forgotten, better left beneath the sands for eternity. This is true with most objects hidden within the world. In the wrong hands they could destroy the world or unleash nightmares you only read in books read to you by your parents.-

There is a city on the sands right on the coast called Saphire, this city is one of many but is the largest. Some claim it is the countries capital ,but it does not hold its keep. It is only the largest do to the fact it holds a port to which it uses to trade with the rest of the world. There are many tailors, blacksmiths, alchemy, and of course a few magic shops as well. All magic shops have connections with the great wizards tower that made its home in the city. Run by the Mages Guild. Some are at aw of its immense size while others are completely terrified. A superstitious lot that believe perhaps the mages delve in the dark arts here and there. Only rumors though however it hasn't stopped a few inquisitions by the Order of Pelor. The other stores are privately owned and there is no telling if a guild runs them or not. The people within the city are all dressed in the typical attire of a middle eastern civilization. The guards dressed in similar fashion only that their silk is sown into the armor they wear. Their swords a mix match of flalchions and scimitars.

However, humans are not the only race that live here. A few halflings, maybe a dwarf or two and other races live within as well. However, not all races are entirely welcome, orcs being a popular hated species in the land. Like anywhere else in the realm orcs live in the deserts as well. Like every other orc tribe the pillage and burn small villages in the country. The lizardfolk that live in the desert are also unwelcomed, the tribes are not overly violent except against those that en crouch on their homeland. What makes them so hated is that they are ugly and quite fearful in the eyes of the people that live there. The final species on the hate list is another common race that is hated all over the globe, the drow elves of the underdark. Due to their horrific crimes on the surface it has painted enough of a picture to give people a need to hate them. What makes it more dangerous for them to enter the city is that they would be put to death on sight compared to the other hated races. This did not stop one from entering the city though. She put on a clever disguise though using her magic to create a illusion to those around her. Covering herself with the many silks in the land she came in disguised as a regular elf. Her being a sorceror disguising herself wasn't too hard. Through her eyes she was still the dark elf everyone feared and hated, in their veiw though she was a white surface elf with golden hair and blue eyes.

A smirk formed on her face as she looked the fools as they walked around her bowing their heads. If only they knew who they showing courtesy to. Then again it would only mean her death if they found out. Before she could ever reveal her true self, she would have to make a name for herself. That would take some time and money as well. Trusts would have to be made between people here. She carried with her a scythe, it was a charcoal black with little shine except that provided by the sun. It had little jewels except one. A large amethyst towards the top. The scythe was actually forged around its shape. Vivian took small glances around her as she moved through the crowds. Every so often some vendor would come to her trying to sell her his junk. Vases and pots mostly, she was not interested at all in them. Their design wasn't all that appealing. Event their concept of jewelry wasn't all that exciting. There were a few that did catch her eye though. However, she had to avoid such pleasantries, only because she could not fully try them on to see if she looks good with them because she would have to remove her illusion spell. She couldn't do that,.... not yet. She sighed as the heat was starting to get to her. She could not understand why the people wore so much silk around their bodies. It only made it even more hot in her opinion. I suppose its the sweat and the air hitting it that keeps them cool. The sun never agreed with the skin of a drow elf. It always seemed to burn so much more brighter. It was even worse being located in a desert. She took notice of a tavern door and decided it was best she wonder inside. What she found was a few drunks and others who just wanted to be left alone. She looked to a board on the wall next to the door and saw that there were job postings. Some of them were poor tastes... especially for her. The tavern was even looking for a spot involving cleaning their toilets. No she did not escape the dark horrors in the underdark and the deadly gazes of her mother to clean toilets.... Then she saw it.

"....The Mages Guild asks for brave souls to embark on a adventure to obtain a sacred artifact, A silver chalice long lost. A representative is sitting at a table in the back to the far right. He will explain details of this quest to those willing to see it through."

She turned heard and saw the table. There was some old man there. He looked frail and weak. Her eyes narrowed as she studied the man. Looks could be deceiving though,... she began to walk closer and noticed a staff leaning against his chair. That explains things,... he is a mage possibly a member of the guild. She walked ever closer and sat down at the round table. "Well you got...."

She was about to say but she was interrupted by the man raising a hand. "Silence,... the others are not here yet." He said. She rose a brow and leaned back in her chair. Others?.... what others.

Alyssa sighed as she wandered through the new city she found herself in. Sure Saphire was big enough, but maybe a little too big. The city watch sure did their job, which had led to more than a few close calls. So she found herself with the need to lay low for awhile, unfortunately her money was dwindling and her little shop wasn't seeing much buisness tuck away as it was admidst the grandeur of some of the larger establishments.

So she figured she'd hit the local tavern and drink her problems away. Stepping into the tavern she pulled her hood down and looked around. It was bustling as usual, the air was filled with the scent of the sand and spilt alcohol, she kept an eye open for anyone interesting, no need to go home alone tonight after all.

She spotted the flyer from the Mage's Guild. She'd done some work for them in the past, and to say they paid handsomely would be an understatement. She turned her gaze toward the table where she was to meet the recruiter and spied a tall slender elf talking with and old man. She eyed the woman up and down as she approached.

"I might kill two birds with one stone here." she thought to herself grinning.

The city was no stranger to Malkai. The Desert, on the other hand, wasn't something he was prepared for. While he packed the necessities like food supplies and a caravan service, he thought that perhaps putting on clothing would help protect him from sun burns. But his choice of attire was practically roasting him alive, and he was forced to strip down to his bare essentials. He would have gone entirely nude if the caravan master insisted he maintain some modesty. Malkai obliged, wearing nothing but his loincloth, leaning his hide armor draped over his shoulder to provide shade during the day, and warmth at night.

Flying in the skies, but also occasionally resting on Malkai's head, was his falcon "Falchion", who's eyes and wit were as keen as the blade he's named after. Falchion was much larger than most falcons of it's type, nearly as big as a halfling (which is quite big for a bird). Malkai and Falchion had a natural bond towards each other, or at least a partnership. Falchion would be Malkai's eyes in the sky, while Malkai would ensure Falchion's safety and health. They seemed to be an odd pair to outsiders, but regardless the two are staunch allies. As Falchion flew about, he would occasionally stop by to tell Malkai of his findings, typically things like enemies in the distance or possible ruins to explore later. Malkai would use this information to barter with the caravan master, and information like possible ambush locations have saved the caravan more than once. Though sometimes Malkai purpose stayed quiet so he could fight; he didn't like being bored.

Eventually the caravan reached the city of Saphire. This was Malkai's final destination with the caravan, as they only intended to stop by the city for a short rest. Here Malkai would seek his fortune and glory. With Falchion perched on his head, the orcish warrior moved into the crowds, disguising his true identity using magic. His skin became darker, hiding it's green pigment, and his mask ensured that no one could see his face or ears. Even if they saw his face underneath, they would see that he has quite human features. Though his tattoos were certainly tribal, they were much more complex than the sort of designs orcs would use, almost elvish in design really. His dress and overall demeanor certainly screamed "Barbarian" however, the bird aside.

The first place Malkai stopped to look at was the tavern. There was always jobs to be done there. Leaving Falchion to hunt outside, Malkai entered the establishment and was met with only a few stares. While certainly an outsider, outsiders weren't a strange thing in these lands, so no one aside from those curious about his origins bothered to notice him. Moving over to the notice board Malkai sought out any quests to slay great beasts or to topple a powerful band of raiders. However there were no such quests at the time; most of it was guard duties for caravans or excavation groups. Malkai was not a bodyguard; he would not sell his blade merely to protect peasants and merchants. He kept looking for better quests but the only quests he could find was one from the mage guild. Malkai has met with a few mages from the guild, most who had the decency to respect his druidic ways and his half-orc heritage, though those types were odd ones who also wanted to do things like commune with zombies or fuse plants together. Fools with more intelligence than they had insight.

The mage guild wanted a group of adventurers to find a silver chalice for them. Treasure hunts weren't really Malkai's preference, but it certainly beat guard duty. With any luck he might be able to take the silver chalice for himself, if he can figure out it's properties. Surely the adventure to obtain the chalice would be worthy of his time at least. Looking for the representative nearby, Malkai noticed two comely women also waiting at the table, along with an old man. Malkai assumed the old man was the representative and the two women possible adventurers. This would be... Very interesting. Malkai approached, his form hard to miss, and made himself known.

"You are the representative of the Mage Guild?"

Alyssa turned to the sound of heavy footsteps. Turning she saw a very large slab of man. She looked over his attire, he certainly had a "barbarian" vibe to his ensemble, but the tats didn't quite fit. Too elegent for most of the tribes she'd heard of or met with, but she was hardly an expert, maybe he was from a wandering tribe of artists? More interesting than that was the bird perched on his head, yes a bird, in a tavern, on the head of a very large man.

This would be interesting, and besides adventures were much more fun with large slabs of men standing between her and bad stuff. She cast a sidelong glance at the elf, as pretty as she was it wasn't likely elfy here would offer much in the way of protection in whatever crypt or tomb or whatever they intended to send her into.

She extended a hand toward the man. "Name's Alyssa, you coming along on this little jaunt? We could sure use you."

As the group increased by size it was only destined to be bigger. Outside and on his way was two hundred and fifty pounds of muscle. It was short with dark brown hair and a large beard that went past his waist. If you hadn't come to the answer of what this creature is then you never saw a dwarf. He wore mithril mail as his armor and carried a tower shield made of steel.

His weapon of choice was a war hammer. Made of solid gold and steel. The shaft was darkened steel where as the pummel and the head was made of gold. The symbol of Maradin on each side of it. A man walked up to him and before he could speak he got a stern look from the dwarf. "Look, unless its ale your selling I don't want any got it?" He said. The man gulped and nodded walking away. He continued his walking soon after. "How many curses does a dwarf have to give before he finds...." He saw the tavern sign and his face filled with relief. "About damn time I find a bloody tavern in tho dry forsaken sand pit." He barked and moved to the door slamming it open. He then walked in and eyed the place. He noticed the group forming and without having to look at the notice board he knew what it was there for. He smirked thanking the dwarf god for something to do. He then walked over to the bar counter. He tossed up a shiny hold piece. "Pint of ale, don't care what make as long as you keep 'em comin got it?" He asked. The bartender nodded and filled him a mug and handed it to him.

He had to shove his hammer into its place behind his shield. He then grabbed the ale and took several gulps. The azure liquid pour down his face and beard. He then made a loud sigh as he forced away. "Not bad,... Figured it would taste like goat shit." He said. Not caring I he insulted the man or not. He then began his move over to the table. He climbed into a seat. He looked up and saw the elf. He narrowed his eyes and sighed.

"Screw it,.... Jarvis you've been bored for several weeks. You can stomach the presence of the she elf." He then looked to the bird. "Reminds me,... Hey barkeep, if it isn't too much trouble I would like some chicken. Keep those coming too... If you can afford it." He said. He pulled out another gold coin tossing it to him.

He then looked over at the owner of the bird. He knew it was a overly large falcon. "Nice bird,... Scare green out of any goblinkin we come across. Big enough to pick one up and drop it from a good height.... Not too high. Got to make the ugly little bastard suffer a bit." He added. He then looked to the human. Decent looking one, not from around here. He could tell. She didn't have mud or shit on her face.She looked high class too. Well not palace high class but someone who is higher then the low class.

He then looked to the mage and raised a brow. Great, one of those missions. What a demon you summon get loose or something.... He was glad he said that in his mind. Wouldn't want the old man to strain a lobe. His veiw went back to the elf. Now that he studied her she wasn't too bad to look at. Her here she must not be a part of the typical elf groups. He shrugged and leaned back.

----------

Vivian started to notice the increase in company. A human, some thing, and a dwarf. With enough study she saw them as good prospects. Well she hoped they would. She had enough mana in the palm of her right hand to carry them from here to the frost lands and back. Then again she didn't know what was in store for them in this place that the chalice will be located. She raised her brow at the other woman as she was interested in whatever the man was. His skin was dark and there was also the mask. It was kind of interesting to be honest. The tattoos were some form of elvish though. She didn't know how to feel about that.

She knew one thing.... She wasn't showing her true colors in front of any of them. The dwarf would certainly kill her. The others... She really didn't know how they would react.

”Certainly. I am Malkai.” The half-orc nodded towards the girl as Falchion flew inside the building, peach ingredients himself on top of his head. Despite the confined space, the bird showed no fear as it ate a smaller, ripping it apart with its talons and shoving chunks of bloody meat into its mouth. On Malkai's head

He sighed but ignored his partners rude behavior as a dwarf arrived to the party. He appeared to be some sort of warrior, but aside from that he was like many dwarves Malkai met before. A heavy drinker with a perchance for biligerence and racism. Oh well. At least they weren't enemies… For now. The human woman seemed appricative of Malkai, perhaps expecting him to be arrow bait. He snorted at this thought. The elvish woman simply looked at him, and he looked back at her. Eventually he spoke up.

”My role as a warrior is secondary to the true power I wield. Tell me, what skills can you bring to the table?”

Catarina had been in the city of Saphire for over a month now. She's mostly been doing work as the personal guard of a wealthy fur trader, protecting him and his caravan from robbers and raiders. Mostly desert orcs. Her blade has felled many of the monstrous men, but they were hardly a challenge to the warrior. True they were a threat to merchants and common guardsmen, as their numbers and indvidual ferocity made them threatening opponents, but they were disorganized and unskilled. Catarina could take on a whole raiding party on her own, cutting down the Raiders one-by-one.

One month was the duration of Catarina contract, and the merchant had no interest in renewing. While grateful for her service, he has made an alliance with a merchants guild which would provide him skilled guards for all his caravans. Of course he wouldn't mention that for the price he pays Catarina, he could hire ten mediocre guild guardsmen. Catarina likes to think of herself as a noble and just woman, but she was not cheap. Her blade was not earned through sweet but empty words. Money was was a powerful force in this world, as strong as magic, and she wasn't hesitant time use either.

Hence why she'll work for the guild of mages. Catarina bad her father once worked with the Mages Guild once in the past, and it was a delightful experienced. She fought her first demon that day. Now, in this dingy tavern, the Mage Guild now needs adventurers to find a silver chalice for them. Perhaps it was some sort of holy grail or decanter of endless water. Whatever it was, Catarina looked for the representative and those who would later become her future party members.

First to catch her eye was some muscular man with a mask and a falcon perched on his head. His entire appearance screamed “barbarian” from the axe on his back and and tattoos on his body. Next was the hooded human talking to him. Her outfit indicated that she liked being lightly armored and flashy. Perhaps a Bard, or maybe a rogue. Catarina didn't immediately see any weapons or tools on her, so it was hard for her to say what she can do. Next was the dwarf warrior. A stocky, bearded fellow with a mug of ale, a big hammer, and bigger shield. Lastly, there was the elf mage. Though she carried a scythe the elf was dressed far too lightly to be a front line fighter, and the scythe was a common weapon for spell casters, if only for appearances. Typically used on foes who have fallen for a mages charms and enchantments, or wannabe necromancers. Catarina hoped it was the former and not the latter.

Approaching the group Catarina removed her helmet and let her hair down, smiling at those gathered at the table. ”Hello! I am Catarina La’Spada. I take it that you all will take part in this quest?” she then offered her hand to shake with everyone at the table, including the quite old man.

Alyssa shook the offered hand smiling. "It would seem so. I'm Alyssa, and I was just telling Malkai here that I have the honor of acting as this little band's resident scout and trap removal service." She waved her hand and made a small flash of fire. "Oh and bearer of swift and fiery death." She giggled evidently pleased with herself.

She eyed Malkai skeptically. "And Malkai here was just telling me he wasn't voted 'most likely to kiss ass' in school, or rather that he has an even cooler superpower than being huge." She made a show of stroking her chin. "Did you build a better goblin trap?"

Vivian's brow raised up as she noticed her staring took the notice of Malkai. "I am a sorceress, I bring to the table arcane magic that may just save us along the road. I highly doubt muscle and cunning will be the only thing we need on this adventure. With arcane magic on our side we will be able to fight magic with magic.... or angry spirits." She voiced. She didn't know what the others fears or if they had any fear at all. Which in her opinion was kind of ignorant. It was good to have fear as long as you dont let it control you. Fear sometimes kept you alive. She tons of it, the fear of dying with no one there to remember she exited. You die twice in the world, first by physical and the second is when you forgotten. Suddenly her attention was drawn to the mage as he stood up.

"Your group is now big enough. Each of you having your own set of skills that make you unique." The old man spoke. He reached into his robe and pulled out a map. Using one of the dwarf's mugs to hold it in place he then pointed to a spot. Vivian was able to conclude the location was north east from their current location. "The guild has waited many years for this temple to once more poke itself out of the sands. Within it is a very rare item, The Chalice of Silence. We no nothing of what it does or what it is capable of doing or why it is there. What we do know is that this is our only chance to grab it. However, the guild does not have the resources to go there themselves. That is where you all come in. You will go there and retrieve it for us. You will be paid in gold for your services." He said. "However, we will pay you after you bring it to us, we wouldn't want you to take our gold and then split." He then sat back down. "The person in charge of tracking can take the map." He added.

Jarvis nodded to the man's words drinking to every word. He did not like the sounds of this mission as it was voiced. A temple buried beneath the sand has unearthed itself. That doesn't normally happen out here in the desert. Unless something wanted to be found. This chalice maybe or something more darker. Which only meant he had to go now. Payment or not payment his god would not let him sit this one for a second. He reached over and took the map and looked over at the barb and the woman standing next to him. "You want to be our tracker right, then here you go." He said tossing the map. He could easily do it himself but she was the one bragging about it. He then looked to the woman that joined. A fighter by the looks of her. "Well hope you didn't come in hoping for some rest. We be going in a couple seconds." He said as he hopped out of his chair and onto his feet. He then used his feet to start moving towards the door. "No time to waste, the wizard said it emerged from the sand. You never know when the sand might swallow it up again."

Vivian listened to the mages words and then that of the dwarf. Either way she didn't care. The gold wasn't what she wanted. She could easily transmute some if she needed too. What she needed though was to do something that would make her noticeable. Something that would give her a name in this city. Something that would allow her to shake this damn illusion spell. No one knew how degrading it was to be the appearance of a elf. She sighed and rose up from her seat lifting her scythe up and followed suit. "Oh before I forget, seeing as we are all trading names. I am Vivian."

This caused the dwarf to stop midway and looked over his shoulder. "Fine,... I am Jarvis of clan Stonehammer." After that he kept moving forward.

Alyssa didn't like the sound of temples revealing themselves. Temples should do things, they should just...be. Vivian and Jarvis seemed on board though. Normally this would be too hinky for her to sign on, you didn't stay alive if you took every job that came your way, but Vivian was pretty, Catarina wasn't too bad looking either so eye candy was aplenty, and she was starting to think she might actually like Mr. Giant Malkai. Would be a shame if they all died in some damn tomb because the locksmith bitched out.

It takes courage to disarm traps, something most adventurers took for granted was the fact that one wrong move and any given hazard could blow up in your face. Scouting wasn't much easier, many in her profession had died alone in one dusty crypt or another because they forgot to mute their scent, forgot that undead don't breathe, or stepped on a damn stick. There were risks to being the first one down the scary hallway, under cover of darkness or not.

Mustering the courage and bravado only someone in her profession could understand she spoke. "Against my better judgement I'm in. Just make sure you bury me after you loot my stuff ok? Or at least a prayer or something."

With the arrival of the fighter, it seemed that the old man was ready to explain the mission. A desert temple has unearthed itself, and they were going to be tasked to reach it first. Seemed strange to Malkai that the Mage Guild would lack "Resources" to go after something they've waited years for, but it wasn't really his place to figure that out. More than likely the mage guild simply wants the adventurers to trigger all and any traps that could kill a less perspective mage. The fact they weren't going to be paid immediately, not even partially, made it all the more suspicious. But Malkai did not fear treachery; he was ready for it. He followed the dwarf out of the tavern, making a mental check list of the spells he has prepared today.

At Alyssa's comment about her dying, Malkai turned to her and spoke. "I promise nothing. Don't die, and you'll do fine." Fortunately for her, Malkai did have something in the event someone aside from him died. Of course that's assuming anyone is in such a sorry state that they are at the cusp of death, and even the method he has is not perfect. Still, considering the type of adventure they'll be going on, it was better safe than sorry. Falchion flew on ahead to scout around the city while Malkai followed the others.

Normally he would use this chance to purchase supplies, however he was running a bit low on money. Though he did have a few healing kits and other medical supplies from his past adventures. As for navigating through the desert, he also had a compass he obtained from a worthy opponent. A "Wayfinder", as it was called. Always able to discern north (Or the point of origin if caught in another plane) as well as being able to produce light on command. All he needed was Ioun Stones to further upgrade the wayfinder's ability, but that was something he'll look for when the opportunity presents itself. Right now he needed to focus on his quest.

"We'll need to prepare for the journey ahead. There's no telling how long this could take, or what we may face."

Only Alyssa took Catarina's hand to shake, but she didn't mind. Not all cultures recognized handshaking as a greeting. She was also impressed at Alyssa's display of magic, even if it was only a spark of flame. It was more than what Caratina could do, and magic always fascinated her. It's too bad she never could find the time to stay in place long enough to learn cantrips. Alyssa also confirmed that she was a rogue type, capable of spotting and disarming traps. That was also good; back when she fought as a mercenary traps often killed her allies more than actually warriors did. Even things as simple as a hidden shallow hole was enough to stop a charge and send everyone to their deaths. It was embarrassing.

The others didn't really pay Catarina much mind, though they at least introduced themselves. Vivian was a sorcerer and Jarvis was from the Stonehammer clan. Certainly sounded like a name for dwarven people. They seemed to be in a rush to leave, but Catarina wasn't so hasty. "Hold on! We can't just leave! I mean, we haven't even gathered supplies for traveling, or tools to get past traps and obstacles, not to mention that I'm going to need some joint oils for my armor-" But Jarvis gave Catarina a curt dismissal. That temple in the sand had just recently uncovered itself, so there was no telling how much longer they had before the sands covered it up again. Which is understandable, but Catarina disliked heading straight into danger without being properly geared. It wouldn't do them any good if they end up dying because they have forgotten to get something as simple as rope.

At least Catarina had some of her own gear with her. Ropes, Bedrolls, torches, trail rations, grappling hooks, and other things. Standard adventuring gear. But navigating through a desert temple may require more specialized things, and they don't even know what they're getting themselves into. "Hold on, what else do you know about this temple aside that it holds the Chalice of Silence? What does that even do? Was this temple once a tomb for royalty or maybe it's cursed by a demon? We need to know more if you expect us to actually succeed."

Alyssa frowned at Malkai, not exactly encouraged by his words, she'd hope he was joking for now. She turned to Catarina and patted a bag on her hip winking. "No worries, I've got just about everything I need to open doors and clear pathways for you mi'lady. From lockpicks to a telescoping pole. Oh and don't forget rope and his best friend bucket."

She did pause however. "But Cat here does bring up a good point. Is there any information you could tell us? Or are we to go in completely blind?"

The dwarf looked over at the woman then at the mage. "Do you even know anything about the temple?... I honestly don't care." The wizard just shrugged.
"We have never had a chance to study it. It has been underneath the sands for centuries. We know it is there because our seeing stones showed it to us. The chalice was said to be lost to the ages. No where to be found, but we found it." The mage answered. The dwarf shrugged and looked to the woman. "Good enough?... also stop saying we like you speak for the whole group. Speak for yourself,... are you a coward or not. If you are,... fill free to stay in the tavern and hope a much better quest pops up. If your not then come along. As for supplies.... if you haven't noticed this place is filled to the brink with merchants. Buy all the supplies you need on the way to the exit. As for me,... I am dwarf. I am actually looking forward to my next near death experience. Maradin be proud if I died fighting. Also,... Alyssa is obviously the one to disarm traps and likely has plenty of gadgets on her. If not,... well I guess I will have to hope the trap was meant for tall people." He added. He then looked to the elf sorcerer. "You can detect stuff right?.. you knowing arcane magic so of course you can. I am not just a fighter, I am a cleric. I can hold up my hammer and create water or food if I have to." He explained. He then looked to Malkai and then back to the woman.
"Or we can wait here debate on whether we should go or not and have the place sink back into the sand and we lose our paycheck and the only decent quest in this shit hole."

Vivian raised her brow and smirked at the dwarf. He was in a hurry, but he was right. On her journey from the entrance to the city to this tavern there were plenty of merchants. "Question is can we even afford the supplies. I don't know about you but I am short on gold....as in I don't even have a copper piece. Hence why I am here for the quest. Gold doesn't grow on trees sadly." She said shrugging. "Starting to wish I learned the spells that can let me summon steeds. Oh well.... maybe the rogue can steal a donkey or something."

The dwarf looked over at her and a grin formed. "I thought working with a elf was going to suck,...I am starting to think otherwise. As for a pack mule.... don't worry about that. My battle boar is in the stables we will use him. Judging from the map it is a three days away. Two if we try to stop as rarely as we could but even my legs cant wobble that far without needing some ale." He then considered the fact he might have to buy them some tents... or at least bed rolls. Sleeping on the sand ain't too bad. Hopefully no sandstorms occur. "As soon as we get there I am thinking I perform a detect evil spell. If the chalice does hold a demon at bay I will find out. Then again... I kinda hope it does. Be something to tell the boys at home about." He added. He then looked back to the human fighter and snorted. Well could be worse...

Vivian then looked to Alyssa. "Well we can easily get supplies if we need it. I just remembered I have a few charm spells. Perhaps I can talk a merchant into loaning us a few things. Either way the dwarf is right. We can't just sit around and do nothing. Now is our moment we either take advantage of it or let it slip. Either way it is your decision Catarina. You can come or stay... We got a barbarian and a dwarf. If you want to sit this one out go ahead." Vivian was seeking to make a name for herself. Turning down a mission from the mages guild would do the opposite. She proceeded to follow the dwarf looking to each merchant.

She did come across one that had some alchemy supplies. Mostly vials of ingredients and jars. The merchant walked over and saw her eyeing one set of vials. "Is that what I think it is?" she asked him. "A set of vials filled with acid" He answered and she nodded. She then looked to the dwarf. "Our rogue might find that useful." The dwarf looked at it and then back to the elf and sighed. He lifted up his pouch of gold and handed it to her. "Buy what you need only... by need I mean things for this quest only. Don't go buying shit like jewelry or anything." He barked.

Malkai snorted as the dwarf and elf chastised the knight about her desire to be prepared. However he himself took some offense, since through her, they mean to call him a coward as well. "Do not mistake my caution for cowardice, fool. Greater warriors than you have been defeated by mundane disease and weather due to their recklessness. But feel free to join the ranks of the dead, if that's your sole desire. I don't intend to follow your example." His trip over to Saphire resulted in the death of many young and foolish outsiders who thought their experience against foes would allow them to conquer things such as a deathly cold night, or sweltering heat. Malkai would have been one of them if he didn't wise up and prepare accordingly. That being said, he was surprised to see that the knight had not already taken into account her own provisions. Malkai simply wanted information. He had his own ways to gather supplies.

Calling back for his bird, Malkai spoke to the create in a low voice. Those who'd bother to eaves drop would not recognize the language, not unless they knew druidic. It sounded simply like incoherent grumbling, directed towards the falcon. Soon it flew off to do as Malkai commanded. The half-orc didn't have much gold to spend either, just 50 in his purse, but he did spend it on such things as additional healer's kit, as well as holy water and parchment. If the mages guild has yet to investigate the ruins, than there could be knowledge that Malkai could use for his own benefit. Not to mention possible treasures that the mage guild wouldn't know was there; all they wanted was the Chalice after all. Surely they wouldn't notice or care if a new magical rings or weapons were also "lost".

If by some point the ground finally managed to get near the exit of the city, they'd find three camels with Falchion sitting on a post them them. Had were already saddled and seemed to be waiting for them. Malkai quickly mounted onto one and spoke quickly to the others. "Let's be off quickly. The owners of these beast will come looking for them. Two of you will have to share, or join the dwarf." Falchion rested on top of Malkai's head once more, looking rather proud for freeing and convincing these camels to come and assist them.

Alyssa sighs and gives Catarina a shrug. Following the group outside she calls to Jarvis. "What if she needs something pretty to help seduce vampires? Jewelry can totally be an adventuring tool!"

As they moved about the stalls making their final preparations Alyssa 'helped herself' to a few trinkets, a couple sunrods, some tanglefoot bags. And a cheap but pretty necklace, you know, just incase. She giggled to herself and hurried towards the rest of the party when she heard herself mentioned.

She moved next to Vivian to examine the acid vials. "Good old cureall, with enough potency this stuff can melt hinges, boil down triggers and all sorts of nasty stuff." She turns one of the vials over in her hand. "I generally carry some on me, but I must admit my supply is a touch low."

She took the vials to the merchant and bought them with the money she had intended to use getting wasted. "That should about cover anything I need to pick up." Tucking the vials into her pocket she fell into step alongside Vivian. You do know the rogue has a name right? You can call me Ally, or Alyssa, but please not the rogue."

Catarina sighed in frustration at the dwarf's foolhardiness and the elf's arrogance. Another reason why she never joined the clergy or picked up magic; it made them too complacent. Magic was the easy answer to everything, but Catarina was certain that if they had to do this entire adventure without it, her suggestions to be prepared would sound more appealing. Regardless there was no sense in arguing against either of them. A dwarf and elf's ignorance were the stuff of legends. Fortunately unlike everyone else, Catarina still had some pay from her time protecting the fur merchant, and used her money to prep. She resupplied her essentials and added a few additional items; various magical potions and even a wondrous item, the traveler's any tool. A metal par capable of becoming any tool imaginable, and then some. Surely it'll be handy for tomb raiding. Lastly, she brought a Wand of Cure Light Wounds. While it's true that their cleric could fulfill all their healing needs, surely his spells could be better used inflicting damage on the enemy or bypassing a obstacle than patching them up. And if the dwarf for some reason refuses to use it, Catarina was certain that Alyssa had the magical knack to activate the wand.

Trying to keep up with the others whilst in her full plate, eventually they were about ready to leave. Somehow Malkai managed to get them camels, though she suspects that he didn't buy them. She would have denied them on principle, but then again she wasn't one to look a gift horse (Or camel in this instance) in the mouth. When he mentioned that someone would have to share, Catarina figured that she would be ruled out. Her armor didn't exactly provide much room on the camel. Indeed, she barely managed to fit in the camel's saddle. Admittedly her armor was far better on foot than it was on mounts, but she won't get far if everyone else were riding.

"If it is going to be at least a two day ride, then we'd best fine a strong shelter if we rest tonight. I hear from many of the merchants that a sandstorm will brew early morning before sun rise. With any luck it won't bury our destination, but we'd be taking considerable risks trying to cross through a desert storm." Fortunately Catarina had made adjustments to her armor to provide ample ventilation during the desert's days and insulation during it's cold nights, while at the same time ensuring that sand doesn't leak into her armor. Though that does mean that she'll need to constantly be wearing it, or at least keep the armored bits in a sealed sack. It'll be tedious, but necessary.

"You lot worry about sandstorms,... which if one does indeed come I will know. I am a dwarf after all and we can naturally sense things that have to do with the earth. Disease is a good fear but not from this temple. No I doubt it's last occupants would use such a thing. Disease is not a cleric's weapon... well not good ones anyways. If anything before we enter I will throw in a detect spell or two just to be safe. What I am worried about is the object itself. Any idiot could figure out that if the Guild wants it there is something magic about it. I won't expect too many traps,.. curses on the other hand. Now that is my field. I expect a good amount of those in there. As for vampires.... well they all deserve an ash filled grave. My hammer will see to that. Blessed by the clergy. The pig has all my other things. Holy water, symbols, a few bedrolls... I might have to buy a couple more. Wish there was a spell where I can summon that too but nope." He said. As he moved towards the exit he saw his battle boar. It was fairly armored and had a few bags which held essentials such pots and pans. It also carried on it's back a barrel and two bedrolls. He sighed and looked over seeing a merchant. "Grab me five or six more bedrolls,... I only got two." He said. He then moved over to Vivian and yanked the coin pouch from her hands and then back to the merchant handing him a couple gold coins. He began to feel it was a little lighter and sighed.

Vivian saw the three camels and then looked to the two and then to the boar. It was very huge. Not like most pigs. She wasn't sure if she was going to share with the dwarf or with one of the other girls. She looked to Alyssa. " I will ride with you then,... sorry for earlier, but just to clarify things. I am not just a sorcerer. Everyone looks at me like magic is the only thing I can do. I have been trained very well how to use this staff combat wise. My teachers made damn sure of that." She said. She then looked to the dwarf and then back to the group. "Also... there might be things in this temple that physical weapons can't destroy. Just something to add. Sorcerers aren't completely useless like most people think." She added. There were much sinister things in the world. Some that only magic or holy weapons could hurt. These people will thank her when she banishes a evil spirit. When all their weapons fail,... hers will triumph. The dwarf did bring up some good points though. Curses were..... well she cast a few herself in her time so she sort of knows what to expect.

Alyssa mounted her camel, and immediately named it George, it looked like a George so that should suit it fine. "I'm more concerned about any treasure of value being a two day ride away from a city. There's a reason no one's retrieved it yet. Way I see it either the mages are being forthcoming and it's a simple matter of timing or, and in my opinion far mor likely, whatever is guarding it is formidable indeed."

Alyssa offered a hand to help Vivian up. Once she was situated she spoke quietly. "About earlier, I over reacted a bit. Sometimes people call people like me 'the rogue' because it's easier that way. If we die we're just the rogue right? No name, no attachments. I get it, but I don't have any family, no one will miss me." She chuckled a bit. "Well maybe a few tavern maidens, but they don't really count. I just don't want to die without someone, anyone, knowing I was here."

After a moment she looked over her shoulder all smiles again. "And it's good to have a proper mage around. I have some magical talent, but I'd be hard-pressed to provide everything we'll likely need."

"Considering it's called the Chalice of Silence, I can imagine what it's capable of." Silence was a powerful spell that Catarina was quite familiar with. When she fought alongside other mages, silence was used not only so heavier people like Catarina could sneak by the enemy, but also make it more difficult of spellcasters to use their magics. After all they can't shoot a fireball if they can't say fireball. Though beyond that, Catarina felt it was pointless to continue voicing her worries. If the dwarf and elf was so certain that they could triumph over every disaster that struck, Catarina would allow them to handle it. If there was one thing her life as a mercenary taught her, it was that the best way to keep a person from boasting is making them prove it.

In the meantime Catarina was more focused on trying to ride her camel. She was no stranger to riding them, she just wasn't confident in her ability with mounted combat. Still as long as they don't go charging into a spear wall, she'll be fine. Riding up towards Alyssa and Vivian, Catarina felt like trading some small talk. "I never forget the faces of my allies, especially for jobs like this. While it's normal for mercs like us to not get too attached to each other, I think it's better if we have good memories with each other." Catarina didn't mention that she said this because it's likely that one of them will die. The point was that when they died, Catarina would at least remember the good times they had. "If nothing else, I'll make sure to protect you. I won't let them hurt you, not if I had any say about it."