The bloodied Mergoux howls at Nebulius for not stopping that one thief who, unknowingly to her, have escaped thanks to his telepathic communication. The blue alien was still looking more than calm as she faces the half-elven warrior straight in the eyes.

"It seemed that you have taken care everything under moderate control." he answers, "I simply watched as you acted upon your impulse. Even if I tried to fire upon the fleeing 'bandit', the trees and range limit the accuracy of my staff. It would've been futile to attempt in firing at him."

He was white lying at this stage, but his expertise in this for all the centuries he's been outside his home planet has its benefits.

@lmpkio

Mergoux snarls angrily but doesn't go after Nebulius beyond that. She looks at where the man went but again knows that chasing him would be futile. Instead she sheathes her weapon and roots through the bandit's belongings, pocketing some gold and a small silver ring before standing up.
"Alright. That's taken care of. What now? Think we can still track the girl? Or press onward to wherever it is we're going?"

@Overlord Thraka @Sophrus @JaceBeleren

Vaulthuz paused for a moment as he heard the voice of Kobasratha echo around him and felt the sound seemingly chill the room. After a moment of consideration he nodded slightly at the two necromancers "First we shall raid this village for corpses and supplies, we shall then find Kobasratha and seek out Karnarouri. He is a close alley of mine and possesses a variety of...talents that have proven useful in the past" he waved his hands dismissively at his own servants , causing them to shuffle away from them and to various areas around the cave that would be easily defended. Vaulthuz himself moved towards the cave exit before turning to the duo. "My servants will remain here, I will meet you at this village" the necromancer stated before his body seemed to melt away into a shadowy mist which quickly spiralled into the sky and began rapidly moving through the air almost like a comet, searching for this town.

After locating the town accompanied by the fort, Vaulthuz swiftly and silently returned to the ground just outside the village and surrounded by trees where he awaited the rest of his allies.

Mortan watched Vaulthuz, raid the village and take the fort. A wonderful plan, He would install himself in this captured fort and finally resume his work, and with a wealth of bodies at his disposal. Mortan called his force to follow him and left the cave in haste. Vaulthuz could teleport or fly or whatever it was he just did, but Mortan had to walk, it would take an hour or so before he arrived. By then however it will be dark and his troop of Vampires should catch up with him before they invade the town.

He walks in silence with a modest horde of the dead and his own followers, mulling over the problem of so many mortals in his company. The knights and Apprentices where all mortal which seemed to displease his counterparts, and that was less than ideal if he wanted a strong place among them. He stared for a long moment at one of the fallen Paladin. "You, knight... Marcus?" he said not sure if he remembered the trivial detail of the knight's name. The knight turned "Yes my lord?" he said slightly winded, and not bothering to correct his master. "I am curious, Knight.. would you ever consider being Turned?"

"Turned?"

"Yes, Turned. By our Vampire friends."

The knight's face changed with a hint of suprise and intrige. This could be an interesting way to grow his own power, Something each of the fallen paladins lusted after. "Yes my lord! my strength, speed would be unrivaled by any other knight save for those enhanced by magic... My lord, are you trying to found an order of Vampire knights. no, Blood Knights?"

The Lich stared at him for a long moment, "Perhaps. It is an experiment that, if successful would not only make you an even greater asset, it would potentially solve some of my problems. However i want an understanding"

"what is that my lord?"

"If you are turned, your loyalty does not change. You are mine, you will owe no loyalty to the Vampires and i will grow your power far greater than they will ever allow." Says Mortan gravely, just as the sun begins slipping behind the horizon and the fires from the town grow more visible off in the distance, very soon the town would lay in ruin and the fort shortly behind it.

TC wondered through Wesville, alone for the time being. Much to his chagrin his naked feet were now caked with mud, which was the usual for a small village like Wesville. TC would have much rather preferred the smooth cobblestones of New Bastion over this back water town, but Fionn and his Kindred seeked the aid of some fortune teller. TC didn't put much stock in their ilk, he new all the cons they would play to learn things about a mark, so they could tell them exactly what they wanted to hear. Even if the oracle was legit, and had powers either natural or given, the visions he was getting were coming from somewhere that TC didn't trust. I'm just a capo for The Greedfather, dis mook is just a hand puppet for something else.

Eventually TC found the alchemist shop. It's faded wooden sign was shaped like a sunflower, the words reading Ulfric & Sons. TC waited for a young women to enter before him so he could case the place while the staff was busy. The young woman was known by the man at the counter, either Ulfric or one of his sons, she was picking up something she wanted to be discrete about. This gave time for TC to look over the wares. The man kept a wide range of minor curative potions lined on the shelf behind the counter. TC's eyes ran through the names listed below the multi-hued fluids. Two Quick Cure Decoctions and some Holy Water ought to do it for this venture.I sure as the nine hells aint paying 150 gold for those, even though I can front it. I can't do a pushout cuz the merch isnt out front. I cant pull a milk spill cuz frankly, I can't reach the shelf. I'll have to get Ulfric to get me the pots. Okay, I guess I have to run a spell combo.

TC walked up to the counter as the woman was leaving with her package. He rapped his knuckles on its wooden base as he couldn't see over it. The shopkeep leaned over the edge to peer down. TC smiled his best disarming smile, " Hey ya Friend. It's good to see ya Ulfric." TC let the Charm Person spell slip past his teeth, he paused to see how it took. The man looked confused for a second then smiled back, "Oh hello good to see you too. Um, I'm Ulfred. Ulfric was my father." Oh of course kid, sorry you look just like your old man to the small eyes which I have. Listen, me and your Pa did a lot of business back in the day, good man, and I hope I can carry on this business venture with his capable young progeny. Imma need two of those Quick Cure Decoctions and a swirl of that Holy Water, preferably in something throwable and breakable." The man turned to fill up vials with TC's requests, " Sure thing sir. It is good to see you again, it has been some time I guess, I can't remember the last time we met. It is also good to hear someone speak fondly of my Father, not many do," Ulfred placed the three vials on the far edge of the counter above TC, " that will be one hundred and fifty gold pieces sir." TC winced, he realized he should watch how much sugar he added to his words." Oh sure thing kid, let me get that," TC reached into his bag, but instead of grabbing his coin purse he formed a somatic gesture with his hands, " say, Friend, have you heard anything about an Oracle coming to town?" Ulfric's eyes glazed again and a sinister smile crept onto his cheeks, " Oh yes sir. Some filthy boar-ploughing Orc set up his wagon outside the town gate, filthy green monster." The idea of robbing this man felt even better to TC, now that his spell had revealed Ulfred's racist nature. TC flicked his pinky ring and cast his minor illusion to the back of the shop. A cacophany of shattering glass erupted from his back room. " Oh, Ulfred you better check that, bet it's that orc now." White as a sheet, Ulfred ran to his back room, leaving the vials on the counter. TC plopped each one into his bag and quietly walked out the door.

Soon he was back on Skank, riding the dog to the town's edge to see this orc and it's travelling wagon.

@sophrus [@pyromaniac wolf]


Tiaz nods and watches Vaulthuz dismiss his summons.
"Very well! I shall meet you there!"
He grins maniacally and starts to limp towards the entrance. He follows Mortan silently, limping badly as he walks. He mutters under his breath, the occasional word being understandable.
"Walls... Burn... Yes..."
He limps slowly, leaning heavily on his staff until he stands, watching the idle village from the distance.
"Mehehehehee... It will burn!"
He starts moving rythmically and chanting slowly, dancing clumsily on the spot

The drone of insects humming started the usual routine of awaking dawn. Slowly, the forest came alive with layers of sounds echoing in the cold morning air. Little frogs croaked under large, broad leaves. Webs were strung with delicate drops of morning dew, glistening in the first shards of sunlight. While mankind slept, the animals in every corner of the world awaited the new dawn. All men except for those of Transport-C19.

In a glade fifty miles north of Wesville, Transport-C19 made it's final decent. It would be the day's first drop-off, and on it one of the galaxy's greatest guardians awaited permission to move about the cabin, that too which came about fairly soon. Upon landing, the guardian was first and last too step off the transport. Silently, he took in he scenery.

It was an early autumn morning and a frosty chill hung in the air. The sweet surrendering scent of the morning dew filled the forest with a scent that did not belong on Ecetopia. Autumn leaves from the tall trees lay scattered on the forest floor; each of them turning brittle brown; there was a sound like dried cereal being crunched underfoot, pushing their papery remains deep into the soft soil. The dark shadows of the voluminous trees and the surrounding bushes had become the backbone of the forest, standing as passive protectors of a peaceful place. 

"The fuck." Were the first words uttered from the guardian's mouth. On his shoulder, a chimpanzee lit what seemed to a cigar and sighed in contentment. He seemed unaffected by the guardian's words, and seemed further unaffected by the heavy stride his master employed as he made his way over to the pilot's window, too which he callously rapped his fist on.

The pilot, a rather scruffy, unkempt man revealed himself. "What can I do yer fer, sir?" he breathed, letting out a stench worse that the chimpanzee's diaper on Bombastic Bean Sunday back at the monastery.

"Dayum, clean ya' mouth first!" the guardian said quickly, flinching and covering over his nose with his hand. "And dayum, can't ya drop ah brotha off any closer to civilization?"

The pilot snickered. "Sorry, regulation has it that we keep a fifty mile gap between us that there civ." At that he leaned in to whisper. "The locals tend to start worshiping us."

The guardian sighed. "Well, could ya least point me in the direction of Wesville?"

"Fifty miles south. . .brotha!" the pilot jibbed as he lifted of into the air. With one last gust of hot air, Transport-C19 launched back into space, leaving the guardian and his chimpanzee stranded.

"Dayum!" the guardian sighed once again, his frustration accented by slight nod of the head. "Well, we betta start moving, else we gonna miss the team. Hey, why don't ya give me a beat?" the guardian acquiesced.

The chimpanzee on his shoulder removed the cigar from his mouth and cheered, with it releasing a cloud of smoke. As nimbly as a monkey could, he dropped down to the guardian's waist where a small machine rested. There he reached for a small dial, twisted it, and pressed a green button. Almost immediately a symphony of sound came forth from it's speakers, shattering the serenity of the forest.

When the guardian heard the music it was as if liquid adrenaline had been injected right into his blood stream - just enough to make him tingle and start to move his body. As he started his way through the forest he was a well oiled dancing machine, each movement in perfect rhythm. "Ohhh, Moses you know how to get a brotha movin' and groovin'!" the guardian laughed.

There was a reason why the guardian was known as the Grandmaster of Funk, or commonly as Aaron Young. And when Aaron Young wasn't Grandmasterin' back at Puff-Pass Peak or Guardin' and Savin' as a member of the Kindred, he was tearing up the dance floor. In this case, he had fifty-miles of dance floor to cover over before duty called. And when duty called, Aaron Young always answered.

As a result of his dancing, Aaron and Moses covered the fifty miles before noon and arrived in Wesville oddly as refreshed as he had been upon landing. Wesville was a maze of narrow winding streets, as complex as the heart. The streets were the veins, paved with dark red stones, and the people were the blood. The sound of the smiths, beating swords and breastplates into shape, was the consistent and dull pounding that let one know the town was alive.

Moses grunted twice and scratched at his head. Aaron nodded in return. "Yeah, I'm sure this is it." Moses grunted again. "Naw, that pilot know better than to trick the Purifiers. Now let's go find the team. Ain't no one tryna get left behind today."

Aaron and Moses set of into the town.

@CoyoteLovely@Lyla@LPRKN@Lmpkio@t2wave@LokiLeo789@Hekazu




"No, I do not believe I am, though it has been some time since I was on the world of my origin. Perhaps I simply do not recognize it anymore," she smiled somewhat wryly - there was no joy in the eye that he could see. She placed the trap in her bag and motioned in the next direction. "I do not understand what you mean 'world class'... I sense that you are from this world - yet you understand mechanicka - are there none among your world who do as I do? Where I am from I am certainly considered to be among the best, but I still have much to learn... or, would have, had I not left. And if I have not already asked too many questions, what are "Kindred"?"

Fionn simply walked with her towards the next trap as his new companion let out her slew of questions. It seemed that her ability to travel between worlds wasn't something she had mastered yet. Not if she wasn't even sure if this was her home planet.

"Well Ecetopia's name has never changed as far I know." He assured her. "So chances are good that this isn't your world. And I must correct you on something. Although I have been living here for the past year this is not my original world either."

An intentionally wide sideways step around a bush allowed his cloak to flutter open and reveal his obviously advanced armor. It certainly wasn't the gleaming platemail or chain one might would usually find on a knight errant on Ecetopia.

"As for the 'mechanicka' as you put it. Well, Ecetopia is swimming in mana. Bursting at the seams. So much so that unshielded or improperly constructed technology tends to fail if it spends too much time here. The combination of easy magic and the difficulties of progressing past clockwork means that technology is something of a secondary or tertiary concern here."

"And the Kindred?" Another smile. "We are a group of people spread out across the stars. Some of us settle in different places and open up hospitals, schools and charities. Others, like myself,
travel between worlds helping where needed. We help the poor and sick, do our best to guide nations away from wars and into more constructive directions. Fight when needed to protect those who cannot."

"The universe is a dark place Nak. It needs all the people it can get to brighten it back up."



Huh, guess we came the right place.

"We actually came to consult you about a set if ruins we are on our way to investigate. I don't know about any ancient might but the undead there are certainly acting up. What can you tell us about the old dwarven ruins a bit north of here?

".. well met.." Elise said hesitantly, but as ever, Fionn kept along as if everything was fine. She swore that Fionn and Scarlett were two of a kind sometimes as she watched Scarlett wander over to the shelves and peer over the bottles. Of course, one could hardly be surprised when visiting an oracle, but seriously? A pillar where some great evil existed? Sounded like they were headed into the beast's belly as it were. It made her even more glad that she had trained the girl, though she was just as much of a mystery as her captain was - switching from serious and almost acting completely innocent. Elise quieted wondered what it might be like to have lost your memory.

Scarlett had just waved earlier with a simple, "hi Grug!" She seemed to have little care in the world, poking lightly at the potions in cat-like curiosity. Eventually she spun on her heels and joined the group, flashing a soft smile to Fionn before looking back to Grug, seeming to also wait for an answer about the ruins north of the town.

Fionn's armor caught Nak's eye as he spoke, she raised her chin slightly, recognizing the look of the armor. She had seen it on one of the other worlds she'd been on - not an exact copy, of course, but the style was right. He certainly had been around...

"As for the 'mechanicka' as you put it. Well, Ecetopia is swimming in mana. Bursting at the seams. So much so that unshielded or improperly constructed technology tends to fail if it spends too much time here. The combination of easy magic and the difficulties of progressing past clockwork means that technology is something of a secondary or tertiary concern here," he explained.

"It is possible, then, that my machines will stop working as well? Though perhaps I am at an advantage..." she stopped walking and looked over at him. "Though I am unique among my people in that I cannot use magic as a sorcerer, I am still able to wield it in my own way. I apologize if what I am about to show you is disquieting, but I believe you may be able to help me with my answers, and for that, I must be honest with you."

Nak slowly lifted the eyepatch over her right eye. The glass eye beneath glowed with arcane power. The skin around her eye was scarred and rent, as though it had been torn by claws. But, most notable of all - when the eyepatch was removed, the faint whirring noises it made stopped, "My eyepatch is run on the magic I store in the glass eye I wear. It is of my design, I need it for vision and depth. I believe the eye itself is what would be called a battery on some planets. There are places I have been where I... ah, what was the phrase... interrupt instrumentation... I learned much of technology in those places, though because of my nature - true technology remains out of my reach. My machines are no more technology than a fireball from a wizard's fingers."

She replaced the eyepatch and turned to continue to walk. Within seconds, the faint whirring sound had started again, and Nak blinked a few times as the data fed back through her once more.

Fionn explained the Kindred, and she nodded her understanding.

"Darkness is not unknown to me. In my youth I fought it, however unsuccessfully. You will be an invaluable resource to me, Fionn. I hope that I am able to be the same for you. My journey through this... vast universe... has been through the underlying realm that connects us all, the realm of dreams. My steed, Anzu, is a Nightmare in many ways. He can walk through the dimension that binds us, and lead me to new places. It is because of him that I am safe, but it is also because of him that I am lost," Nak explained. She was usually quite reticent about opening up, however - her questions were many, and her answers few. If she trusted no one, she would achieve nothing. She needed to put forth her faith, and Fionn seemed a good candidate to receive it.

"If you are not from here, then how did you come to arrive? And by what means do you travel?" Nakreyya asked, curiously.

***

Nak listened to TC perhaps too earnestly as he road past her, but by the end of his statement, she had actually cracked a rare smile, "Pork-pegging peasant fuck..." Nak repeated the words carefully, one eyebrow rising in amusement as she tried to suppress her smile. "My dear TC, you are positively colorful. I do not believe it would be in my nature to state such to any who looked my way, however, I shall endeavor to remember that phrase in case I find proper cause to use it in the future."

All the same, TC's words had the desired effect. Her shoulders relaxed and she looked toward the town, "Well, Anzu, shall we? I have not seen a town in some months, it may be nice to shop, and we shall see if I can find a new brush for your mane, seeing as you burnt the last one."

The pitch black horse snorted as if amused, throwing his fire mane to one side. Nakreyya shook her head quietly. She listened to TC ask where they would meet, and waited for Fionn's answer before nodding and starting forward with Anzu's reigns still held in one hand.

"Ah, TC, before you ride off..." Nakreyya stopped him. "If you do not mind - would you perhaps be so inclined as to allow me to walk with you? You seem rather adept at the towns and shops here, and I believe you know the value of the coin. I would like to learn. I have a little to sell - meat, and the toy mechanical birds, perhaps you can help me find a place to trade them? I would be amenable to offering a commission to you on any sale I make this day, for your trouble."

She bowed lightly to TC as she made her request, wishing to respect his knowledge, and convey her sincerity.

@Silvan Haven @Lyla @LPRKN @Lmpkio @t2wave @LokiLeo789 @Hekazu

@Overlord Thraka@Pyromaniacwolf

Tiaz walked with Mortan's allies and minions, mumbling and chanting the whole way. Even with the lights of the village in site Mortan grew curious of Tiaz and decided to question him about it while his Vampires caught up to them. "Shaman Tiaz" he said conversationally "What is it you are doing?"

But even as he speaks the troop of vampires come sprinting from the mountain passes, their enchanced speed and endurance making them catch up to Mortan quickly. "Ahh, Baron Vincent. i was not expecting you so soon."

The Vampire bows shallowly, indicating that he is not truly subservient to Mortan "Yes, the sun was behind the mountain early and we left as soon as we could. We are hungry.." he said trailing off "we are hoping that we will have a chance to feed soon, and of course we will bring you the bodies."

Mortan nodded, "Of course" acknowledging their arrangement to feed the vampires and keep a steady supply of bodies for Mortan to experiment with. "And yes you can feed, we have made some new allies" Waving a hand at Tiaz "We have decided to take this town and fort" indicating the two. I think we are nearing our other ally... yes Vaulthuz is close We should discuss how we plan to take the village and fort."

Nebulius thinks for a minute before giving out a response.

"The girl is a lost cause, Mergoux." he explains calmly, "Wherever she is, she's out of our reach. I suggest we head to your destined route."

---

Shiluuki begins reading at the wonderful variety of books located within the library. There were many great tales and stories that have been told for the past several generations, but she still didn't find the exact books she was looking for. As she continues browsing the selection however, she suddenly finds a trap door in the very corner of the shop. It was just a random wooden trapdoor, though it was hidden very well under the dust and dirt that covered it. She was intrigued by it. Could there be any secret spell books under that door? Perhaps she can earn a few new spells and abilities to add to her ever growing collection.

But as she reaches down to open the handle, she'd be eyed by a scraggly old man, who gave her a nasty stink eye. Whatever was in there, it surely wasn't meant to be opened. The sphinx simply grins as she pretends to continue looking at any of the other books on the shelves. After a few seconds of looking at her, the man gives an old "Hmph" as he walks the otherway, eying her the entire time before officially leaving. Shiluuki should probably get going herself. And indeed she leaves shortly after. What's under that trapdoor may forever be a mystery to her.

With that, she flies into the air and perches on the town's tallest buildings, a cathedral, near the entrance of the town. As she looks down on the inhabitants below, she notices a certain individuals just coming into town. It was a black man, who has a large afro on his head, along with clothes that seem way too out of place for this realm, as well as a traveling monkey. The sphinx eyes him from her post, before taking flight back towards the center of town. She wasn't going to warn her new mates or anything, but rather just find where the others are.

@LMPKIO
Mergoux shrugs, rolls the bandit's corpses onto the small campfire and turns to Nebulius.
"I don't have a goal in mind, I was just wandering, seeing if I came across any scum like this that needed to be put down." she says, as the horrible smell of burning human flesh comes from the corpses.
"Anywhere you have in mind to go? I might as well tag along, seeing as how I still owe you."

Grug listened to the greeting provided, these people seemingly being somewhat flabbergasted by his... enthusiastic greeting. With the exception of the red haired girl, her name aptly reflecting this quality of hers. She had immediately went to see and check many of the trinkets he had around, the Orc carefully reaching towards her as a reflex. "Watch out now, I sell those things. You may look, but please do not touch. I don't remember what I have at each part of this wagon from the top of my head", he voiced his concerns, though his voice was more of the caring than stern sort.

As for the other woman, a simple nod would suffice. She didn't seem too excited about meeting him, so he would return the disinterest. It seemed as if she was almost dragged here by the other two, not a new sight to the Oracle to be honest. Many times a group of friends brought one along that wanted nothing to do with "the old orc's humbug". However, their company often wanted the Oracle to specifically look into their future just for that reason.

Yet this time that would not be the case as the man voiced what they were actually seeking from here. It was about the ruins they were heading to now. "Yes, while I have gazed upon those futures many times, let me do it once more. Perhaps something new will show itself", he ruminated and sat back down, setting his cane next to his crystal as he brought his hand above it again. "So let's see what the future will bring..."

Grug's magic awakened within him as a foggy pattern appeared in his irises, the gaze of his eyes leaving this mortal realm for the while as it moved beyond the veil of time, the many futures shaped by the choices of the people of the land unfolding before him. He did his best to filter them down, but as per usual the results varied. In the end, there were numerous outcomes before him and he could only resort to piecing together what most of them shared. "Gaze into my crystal, and allow my lesser magic to show you what I can", he instructed, summoning a minor illusion into the sphere.

In the sphere, a clearing appeared, in the middle of which the ruins they wanted to head for stood. Red lines of energy rushed among the shape of the land, the four currently in the wagon joined by a rider, a sphinx, an admittedly short fellow and a few more, not all of which Grug could muster to manifest with his weak power. "This is what I can certainly tell... where the evil resides, energy gathers. But we and more allies stand ready. Yes, I see myself among you. This old cripple might need to get on the road once more..."

@Silvan Haven@Lyla

On his way out of the town Nak stopped him. Luckily she didn't join him in the potion shop. Her presence may have put a damper on the play. Now she was asking about enlisting his help to to sell some of her goods, the mechanical birds he had seen before.

.... for your trouble."

" Sweetheart, you came to the right man. T.C. Bywater is a barker extraordinaire, a master salesman. Stick wit me and we'll both be coin flush. We can talk my commish after we empty those saddlebags. Listen, let's head to where the travelling merchants have set up by the town gate. We can find a spot there, and we will be where El Capitan took the girls trick or treating."

Anzu and Skank carried Nak to the edge of town. Local farmers, roaming merchants and trinket peddlers had lined the road leading into the town gate. People and other traders were milling about. " Why don't you stake your spot between that cabbage selling fuck and the broad wit the shitty rugs. Yeah you heard me you bug eyed fuck, mind your own business before I mind it for you, you bug eyed fuck you! Sorry, yeah right there. Put your birds out and bits out and give me a few minutes, capiche?"

TC hopped on Skank and rode back into town, parking her by the gate. Out of eyesight, TC cast minor illusion on himself to make his clothes seem just a bit nicer and more expensive. He even changed his hair color for the forthcoming performance. After several minutes, with the bravado of a man twice his wealth and a height three times, he walked back to Nak's impromptu shop. TC raised his voice to a volume that was not needed for small business dealings, but a volume that got the attention of other shoppers," Well whatta we gotta ovah here! Are these the Avian Artifices that are all the rage in New Bastion! Why, all the nobility and well to do as far as the Western Sea are clamoring about these birds. Humble saleswoman, please tell me the no doubt outlandish price these beauties will cost me." TC paused but didn't let Nak get a word out before continue, " Why by the gods! That is a flabbergastingly low price for such a coveted and prized item that would certainly become any families treasured heirloom. I will leave at once and return with gold in great store to be purchasing the whole stock so that these mere peasents won't be able to enjoy such otherworldly craftsmanship!" TC beamed a wide toothy grin at Nak, winked and waddled back to the gate, where he shed his illusion. After a few moments he would return to sit near Nak, but not too close as to ruin the con. Ever prideful, he wanted to see how the play worked.

Patiently he would wait to see how well she would make out, and subsequently him, and to see if Fionn would exit the wagon with the girls and the orc.

Kobasratha arrived in Eceterum Alacis University, having spent the past night and some of the next day moving from body to body as necessary to get there without drawing too much attention to himself. He finally got there using one of Mallen Jex's fellow graduates, Kola Trin, a woman chosen for a specific reason. Both Mallen and Kobasratha's host were continuing to higher degrees, and both were prodigies in the field of archeology.

He shadowed Jex until he found a suitable moment, and one came fairly quickly. Locking the door behind him, Kobasratha and Jex would have at least a few minutes alone before anyone thought anything strange was happening. Still, Kobasratha saw no reason to waste time. A gritty, black smoke began to seep out of Kola's skin as she fell to the floor, unconcious. Mallen, seeing the magic, ran for the door, but two deep black phantoms manifested in his path. They couldn't hurt him, but they definitely looked like they could. The smoke solidified and now Kobasratha was in his true form, a figure towering over the human. He covered Mallen's mouth with one hand before he could scream.

"Cry for help, and you die, the authorities think Kola did it while I walk free. You're rivals, there's a motive. With my capabilties it's not hard to convince them of the rest." Kobasratha removed his hand from Mallen's mouth and let him stumble a few steps away, ensuring to place himself between the door and Mallen.

"Wh- What do you want?" Mallen stumbled over his words, very obviously in fear. "I'm a university student, I'm not important, why me over anyone else?"

Kobasratha stepped forwards, making the difference in size more apparent and himself more intimidating. "You wrote something that interests me. You've been to Doch Mol. There are some who are, shall we say, interested in what lies there. You're going to take me there, and you're going to help me decipher its riddles."

"So- So you need information. And if- And if you need information, you can't kill me, can you? Because if you do, you've lost your lead." Mallen looked more confident now, genuinely believing he'd outsmarted the demon and saved himself.

Kobasratha was laughing, and Mallen's face falling. Kobasratha wasn't that stupid. Instead, he withdrew Notes on Rzailian Archeology, flicked through the first handful of pages. "How sweet of you. Putting dedications to your fellows in your book. I count at least half a dozen names here that could help me. You know you're the best of them. That's why I came to you first. Understand that this does not make you necessary, however. Your friends are my contingencies."

Mallen had gone pale, and the appearance of utter fear had returned. He seemed to shrink into himself, like he was trying to make himself seem smaller. "Fine. I'll help. But I'll need supplies for the journey, at the very least to keep myself alive."

"Wait. I don't want you betraying me. To ensure that, I suggest a contract. If you betray me, your soul is forfeit. If I get what I want, you're free from the contract. I assume you understand what I consider a betrayal." As this was said, Kobasratha withdrew a sheet of paper describing the exact terms he had just uttered.

"Do I have any other choice? I understand." Mallen said, biting his lip in pain as the barbed quill that put his blood onto paper bit into his hand.

"Excellent." Kobasratha took the contract back, and it faded from the physical realm to a store on his plane. "You have one hour to get what you need and explain the absence of yourself and of Kola. You will meet me at the north gate of the city when you are ready."

@Overlord Thraka @Sophrus

As the group neared the village, the same half solid shadow from earlier could be spotted moving towards the small force from the west. After several seconds it arrived next to Mortan and Tiaz before it melted away to reveal Vaulthuz standing in it's place. The necromancer quickly noticed the new arrivals and inspected them for several moments before simply nodding his approval "More allies of yours, I presume Mortan?" Not waiting for an answer, Vaulthuz turned to face the village and pointed rather lazily "This village should require little effort to overrun. It is small and would likely have been destroyed long ago if not for the nearby fort, I propose we wipe out the village first and use the supply of corpses to then attack the fortress."

After proposing his, rather simple ,plan Vaulthuz noticed a small light growing larger from the direction of the village. A single villager seemed to have noticed the group approaching, although he did not recognize it's intent "Hey! What are you doing out here at this hour? There be beasts lurking around and worse from what I've heard" the villager holding torch called out as he approached, trying to get a better look at the figures standing away from the light of the town. The Bonemelder quickly raised his hand and released a brief torrent of dark purple energy. The moment the spell made contact with the mans body he froze and dropped the torch. After a few moments he dropped to his knees and began to shake and sob. Before the man could make any truly hysterical cries, Vaulthuz fell upon him, drawing a small blade and using it to slit the villagers throat in one fluid movement. After spending a few moments casting a reanimation spell on the fresh corpse,he turned to the rest of the group "We should begin quickly." He said shortly.

@Pyromaniacwolf@Overlord Thraka

"We should begin quickly" Vaulthuz said, Mortan couldn't agree more. he pondered the attack briefly but seriously. They had the town out classed, probably the fort too. The peasants would fall to them like wheat to the scythe. He could have taken the town alone, perhaps the fort too but allies would make it easier. He looked to The group of Vampires first, "Go, eat your fill. Oh and fetch me the largest men you find. We will need a siege engine for the fort..." he started "Knights, circle around and kill anyone trying to make a break for the fort. hopefully we can attack both by surprise." Finally he glanced around his Ghouls and waved his hand dismissively at the town "kill them all." He walked with the small horde of Ghouls but didn't engage in combat for the first encounter, such things where below him. however several burly men with logging axes came out to meet the marching Ghouls.

They fought valiantly. Trying to save their homes from the rampaging dead, but their efforts where meaningless. Between the three of them they managed to mangle one of the Ghouls to uselessness, but where each dragged down in turn and killed, Mortan called them off before the Ghouls tried to eat the valuable materials. Mortan was distracted once the battle ensued in earnest, he crouched over one of the burly men with his tools, cutting him apart with practiced speed and laying slabs of muscle and sinew on the dirt of the plowed field.

"apprentices, to me!" Mortan called, still preparing to make an abomination. He ignored the battle entirely, trusting that between the Ghouls, Vamps, Knights, and others that they could take a village. He was making hasty and sloppy work and it disgusted him. The stitching was crude, the creature was lopsided and grotesque. It reminded him of his first attempts at reanimating a flesh golem. He continued regardless, This little necromantic cult needed a siege engine to smash down the gate at the fort, this creature and a reasonable tree would have to do. Before he was done butchering the second man the Vampires dragged several more exsanguinated bodies to him as building material.

Elise had glanced to Fionn before wandering over to the crystal ball, though Scarlett had been standing by all the bottles until they were all distracted, only to defiantly poke at just one more potion before hopping over next to the trio. After the images had splashed across the crystal ball, the warrior stood up and raised an eyebrow. "... so.. we're heading to a ruin with a bunch of undead.. and saying we'll end up facing some great evil?" Slowly, she crossed her arms. "I'm sure you're telling the truth, but.. how useful is that, really?" She looked over to Fionn then. "I'm not sure what you expected to find here captain, but he hasn't been able to see anything we couldn't figure out ourselves.. but I guess he's coming along? No doubt your doing.." At the last quip, she smirked slightly to the man.

Scarlett seemed to stare into the ball a bit longer than the other, brows furrowed as if she knew something the others didn't, but didn't share right away. Eventually she stood straight and pursed her lips in worry, brushing a strand of hair from her eyes. She looked to Elise and then Fionn, nodding. "I think.. we need all the help we can get.. I just.. get a feeling that we'll need it." To that, she smiled gently to the orc. "Thank you for showing us.. I somehow feel like there was a purpose in it, though.. I'm not sure what it is." She pondered her own words before shrugging.

Nak patiently allowed TC to find her a place to set up. She unfolded her table and made a small shop for herself, laying out the birds carefully as he spat mild insults at some of the others around. He said he'd need a few moments, and she was amenable to having some time to watch the crowd. People of all types bustled about. There were races around that Nakreyya had never seen before - though some she had. To her great relief, Anzu garnered a few looks, but no outward hostility or exceptional interest.

"This reminds me of the bazaar back home, Anzu," Nakreyya said to her steed. The horse looked up, and gave her a mildly unimpressed expression. "I know, you're not much for crowds, but if you want to eat more steadily, we'll need coin - and if I trust nothing else, I trust that TC will want to settle us in the most profitable location, meaning here."

The horse let out a mild snort, and settled himself down behind the makeshift stall. Nakreyya had just wound one of the birds up and set it singing on the table before her when she heard TC's voice call out from behind her. She turned slowly as he spoke.

"Well whatta we gotta ovah here! Are these the Avian Artifices that are all the rage in New Bastion! Why, all the nobility and well to do as far as the Western Sea are clamoring about these birds. Humble saleswoman, please tell me the no doubt outlandish price these beauties will cost me," he said, indicating to Nak. Her jaw fell open slightly, though no sound came out. He continued. "Why by the gods! That is a flabbergastingly low price for such a coveted and prized item that would certainly become any families treasured heirloom. I will leave at once and return with gold in great store to be purchasing the whole stock so that these mere peasents won't be able to enjoy such otherworldly craftsmanship!"

"Antolle ulua sulrim," Nakreyya swore under her breath in her native language. She wasn't often for swearing, but it was appropriate in this instance, and no one would understand her anyway.

Then TC beamed her a huge grin, and Nak smiled back, bowing lightly as if suitably complimented by his words. In her life before, she had learned the value of 'playing along', and she was not going to stare this gift horse in the mouth, no matter if it smelled of the other end. She had asked for his help after all, and he was every bit the swindler she expected him to be. Though, she saw the true enjoyment in his eyes from this farce. Perhaps it was less about the money, and more about the theater.

Nakreyya didn't have much time to think on it, a woman wearing clothing of some craftsmanship came by a moment later, pretending to be disinterested, yet eyeing the birds. Nakreyya inclined her head and swept a hand up to her heart, than forward in a traditional greeting of her people. "Sun light your path, may it guide you to blessings. May I answer any inquiries you might have?"

"These are the birds coveted in New Bastion?" The woman looked over at Nakreyya, studying her, as if trying to read truth from Nakreyya's perfectly masked expression.

"So it is said," Nakreyya said, skirting the edges of a lie. "A gentleman came by earlier and offered to purchase the lot."

"I see... would you be willing to part with one before he returns?"

"We did not bind a purchase to numbers. Until he returns, they are for sale," she said, offering a quiet smile.

"How much are they?"

"I told him a gold per bird," Nakreyya waited until the woman was looking at the birds again, and then surreptitiously looked over to TC to see if the price was too high or too low. If he shot her a hand gesture in any direction, that would alter her next barter with the woman.

@Silvan Haven @Lyla @LPRKN @Lmpkio @t2wave @LokiLeo789 @Hekazu