>>11428
Knowing when enough is enough, the ranger says "Sure, just something.
I'm guessing we are leaving tomorrow, there's still work to do. So, let's meet again when I'm back. I have no idea if you will be around, so I'll come and wait here around the sunset."
Saying this, Sureiya says good bye and leaves.

>>11453
Ilar looks a bit disappointed at Sariel's response, but nods simply. "It seems the world's becoming a more dangerous place these days." He sighs, and looks off into the distance nostalgically. "If we could donate more time bending our arcane power to peaceful uses, we might advance society a hundred years in a decade. But as long as vile fiends continue to make use of magic and deception to weave destruction, we must use our own to respond in kind. That's another reason we must strive to better master our power--so that those who would seek to unravel civilization would not best us. I'm glad there are those like you out there."

>>11454
As Torinn and Letharst walk to the ducal palace at a leisurely pace, the tiefling begins to explain the situation, "I apologize if I was interrupting anything. It concerns the monk we enlisted to fight alongside you, yes. It seems the time has come for him to depart on his own personal journey, and the duke does not wish to stop him. Therefore, we are looking to find another powerful adventurer to aid you."

>>11455
"Listen, bud, this ain't no group of ruffians threatenin' to cut yer throat if you don't hand over your wallet. We're talking Asmodeus and the Nine Hells here. Mephistopheles in particular is having a look at this one," the book imp warns, holding a finger up while continuing to read from its book. "Things like that ain't crawling between dimensions everyday. 'Rewarding' doesn't begin to describe the kind of power that's at stake here--you stand to gain a great deal if you cooperate, warlock."

>>11457
Another one? "Best of luck to him then," Torinn murmurs before speaking up, "But if I recall, the palace said that adventurers of our caliber aren't exactly commonplace. So who exactly did you have in mind?"

>>11458
Letharst tilts his head and nods absently. "Oh, yes, yes. We've found a small handful at most, but most rejected our advances, having their own personal struggles to overcome and such things. But this one, yes, this one I think has potential. We found him at Candlekeep, just to the south, rather engrossed in study. I believe he'd be willing to aid us, for a price of course, yes!"

>>11456
"Hah, sounds good," Thelkra says, watching Sureiya walk off. Where should the half-orc head to now? Perhaps to the inn, or did he have somewhere else in mind?

>>11459
"A mercenary, huh," Torinn says disdainfully, completely missing the irony.

>>11461
Letharst chuckles a bit at that. "Now, now, it is not so bad to be paid for your work, yes? Besides, from what I understand, the money is secondary for this one. What he truly seeks is something far more, yes, yes! Though he's not exactly the talkative type, so we didn't get much from him."

>>11462
"I suppose not," Torinn admits. Another quiet one, huh? They sure do have their fair share of those. "When can we meet them?"

"Sometime soon, yes! I believe he was summonsed to the palace..."

While Letharst and Torinn are heading for the palace, they encounter Sureiya, who was heading somewhere back from the Arcanimus.

"Ah, another member of your band, yes? Perfect!" Letharst exclaims, rubbing his hands together.

"Hey. Did the Duke summon us again?"

>>11467
"Not quite. Folka's leaving, and we're meeting up with his replacement now."

"What the..? That guy sure was silent lately. I guess he had planned not to tell us he was going to leave.
...So, let's go meet this guy then."

Torinn, Sureiya, and Letharst find their way to the opulent palace of the Grand Duke of Baldur's Gate. It appears to be well-guarded, but the armored guards allow passage to the group, seeing Letharst traveling with them. Once in the great entry hall, Letharst steps forward, and whispers something to a nearby guard, who nods, then goes down one of the connecting halls. He returns shortly with a rather intimidating, tall figure. It's difficult to make out the figure's features as he wears a large, purplish-gray cloak that covers his whole body and has a hood draped over his head. Sureiya's keen senses can see, however, that the skin of his face is a very deep violet, and a pair of pupiless, white eyes peer out from beneath the hood.

"These are two of the adventurers I was telling you about, yes, yes," Letharst addresses the cloaked figure. Looking back to Torinn and Sureiya, he gestures to the cloaked figure and says, "And he is the one I spoke of, yes!"

>>11470
in a small tone"It's a p-pleasure to meet you."

"Huh, that's an interesting skin color."
Sureiya introduces himself, stretching his hand for a handshake.
"The name is Sureiya. Good to meet ya."

>>11472
He looks at the man who talked.
"I can't stand orcs"

"Yeah.., call me whatever you want."

"And there we go for a great partnership..."
Noticing something's off, Sureiya moves back his arm and wonders.
"What is this guy problem?"

Without hesitation and regardless of the atmosphere, he closes his eyes and thinks for a second. Then, he goes to where Letharst is and murmurs in his ear.

" Are you sure these 2 are as good as you said? Look there is even an half orc here."

>>11475
Letharst nods enthusiastically, rubbing his hands together as he does so. "Oh yes, yes, yes! They even defeated a dragon or two a while back, you know!"

>>11476
The dragonborn tries to be friendly, "Well, Sir Whatever, you can call me Torinn. If you feel doubtful about our exploits, I happen to have those very dragon heads on my person." Realizing this is not the best choice of words, he tries to change the subject, "At any rate, I've been told that you wish to join us?"

>>11477
Without looking even one second at Sureiya, he takes a step forward to have a better look at the dragon heads.

" I have seen many things in my long life Mr. Tu, Torinn was it? But not many of that kind."

Like he did earlier, he closes his eyes and thinks for 2 seconds. "Yes, it will do"

"What I wish is more impressive and more worth than these incredible heads, Mr. Torinn, something that I only can obtain." He takes a step back, this time looking only at Sureiya as he goes back to his initial position. (talking to both)

"My place is with you. I want to join your group for the time being."

Sariel nods again, thoughtfully this time. "I suppose it is inevitable that we struggle continuously. Partly, of course, because these short-lived monkeys," she snorts derisively, "cannot help but rush towards their inane goals of longevity. With age comes wisdom, say the humans, and their lack of it is painfully obvious... especially in these trying times of crisis and international brouhaha."

>>11478
Torinn puts away his trophies and nods in understanding, assuming he understood the newcomer. Achievements of the sort he is thinking of are certainly worth striving for. Speaking on behalf of those not present, he continues, "Then I welcome you to our group," and says so with a smile made to inspire confidence and camaraderie. "Can you tell us what it is you do?"

>>11480

Having little interest about the discussion until now, he seems to be full of energy to answer that question.
"Everything I do and will do is by the rules of the lord of Knowledge himself. He lends me his power so that I can fulfil any challenge with success. I also studied a lot about healing magic, more than you can imagine." he looks at Sureiya "Well, you seems to have enough barbarism in your group already, tsk."

>>11481
"'Lord of Knowledge'? Sounds like a cleric of Oghma." Torinn muses to himself. The slight at his ally doesn't escape his notice, though. "Now, now, I know Sureiya looks a little rough around the edges, but he's very dependable and certainly not a savage."

"Oh man, this is worst than the guys at the Emerald Cabal."
"Hey, hey. I can show you some 'barbarism' anytime you want, but if we are gonna work together you better watch that tongue."

>>11488
Samel takes a good look at the Sureiya. Maybe he went too far, he thinks. What would happens if that half orc decides to be an obstacle between him and his objective.

" You have guts my new p-partner, I was always told to not judge a book by its cover, and it seems that I failed to do so.Everyone here thinks highly of you and of your skills, therefore I should too. Very well, maybe we will be able to communicate in battle more than with words." This time it is Samel that moves his hand forward for an handshake with the man. Will he accepts it? He thinks, "Maybe I should add a smile."

"Very well..." says Sureiya, accepting the handshake.
"Will you tell us your name now?"

>>11498
"It's been a while since anyone has asked me for my real name.I almost don't remember it myself. Let's think. Didn't I tell you to call me by anything you wanted..." Well, no point in hiding it now.

"My name is Samel."

"Alright, welcome to our group, Samel."
Throwing a look to the Tiefling, Sureiya questions. "Hey, Letharst. What about our next journey? Did the Duke say something about it? I believe we needed someone to get a pair of griffons."

>>11479
Ilar nods shakily, a bit taken aback. He maintains his composure, however, and says, "Well, it is getting late. Perhaps sometime soon, we can have a much more interesting discussion with Elayne involved as well--I'm sure she would love to discuss matters of the arcane once she has free time as well."

>>11503
"More than a pair, yes," Letharst replies, nodding enthusiastically. "I believe the duke intends to fully brief you in the morning, but we were able to reclaim five serviceable griffons at Waterdeep, which should be able to bear you safely to the earthmote, yes!"

>>11457

"I would hold said lowly ruffians in higher esteem than your illustrious devils, I think.

With a trademark smile, Myn flicks the imp out of orbit.

"That having been said, that worthless noble's payment has hardly been adequate for my time. Additional compensation should make this business somewhat more enjoyable."

"So they got them? Dammnit, I was hoping they would think on a more reliable transportation."
"Alright, we'll meet the Duke tomorrow at first hour."

Looking at Samel and Torinn, the ranger asks in a casual manner.
"Care to go out for a drink?"

>>11511
"Did he just say griffons??? Who are these guys? Maybe I will find more if I go have a drink with them."

"I will go with you, if Torinn decides to join us."

>>11511
>>11513
"Only a little drink," Torinn relents, "I want to be very sober by tomorrow."

As Torinn, Samel, and Sureiya head off to get some drinks--it should be noted they needed to head over to the Purple Wyrm Inn and Tavern, because no hard liquor or beer is served at the Helm and Cloak--it appears Ilar has something more to discuss with Sariel.

"Before I forget, there was something else," the elf says, holding up a finger. "Could you tell me a little bit about this 'Hemah' you encountered?"

Sariel reclines a little lazily in her chair. "An eladrin of the Court of Coral who, supposedly, saw prophetic visions and dreams. Those did not guide him to intelligent design, for when the first aberration came knocking, eager to gank his brain, he all too willingly accepted."

Getting into the tavern, Sureiya procures a decent looking table, and ask for three pints. Then he gets comfortable on whatever they have to sit on, and gives a large gulp to his drink.
"Oh man, nothing like a cold drink after a long travel.
...Hmm, well, tell us, Samel. Are you used to dangerous trips? We aren't going to a party tomorrow, ya know?"

"Hmm... dreams, and visions," Ilar repeats, seemingly lost in thought. "And they somehow... gave him strange powers, from what I recall Torinn saying earlier. Interesting... well, thank you again. I think I need some time to think about this, and perhaps discuss it with Elayne as well."

>>11527

Even if this question is natural and common, Samel has to take a pause before answering. He looks very confuse about what to say, he even things about going outside, but don't act as the others presses him to answer.
"I can't... answer that question. I was going to candlekeep mostly for the temple and the library, before that... Well, that's all there is to it. As if I went to dangerous adventures before, I do not know, the only things I know for sure are my skills my goal."

"The only things you know?" The ranger questions.
"You know, I don't know a lot about... you know, your kind" Sureiya whispers.

>>11531
After that whisper Samel slams the table with his hands and his expression completely changes.
" You want to know more about my race huh? I am starting to like you, even for an half orc.
"Samel puts his hands together and form what seems to be a religious sign. He also closes his eyes.
"Very well, me the great Samel will guide you through my voice,he opens his eyes and looks around him but let it be known that everything I tell you is something I have studied with the help of Oghma himself. What is it that you want to know, my new partners?"

"It seems we got a crazy one here."
"Calm down, calm down. No need to make a ruckus in this place. See, what you said a while ago sounded kind of weird, so I though it was amnesia or something?"

>>11536
Nursing a small ale, Torinn asks, "If you don't mind me asking, what are the tenants of your god?"

>>11537
regaining his composure
"Tsk, my apologies, I got a little bit carried away. To answer your question, there may be some blanks in my memory about the last century, but I wouldn't call that amnesia. No, more like Oghma doesn't want me to be distracted by the past."

>>11538
"Know that we preserve knowledge favored by the Binder, and preserve and protect knowledge and ideas. Now it is my turn, if I may ask, who is your deity? "

"...the last century? I wonder if Thelkra would like to share a few words with this guy later."

Sureiya then mutters a few words, before asking the bartender for another drink.
"So my guess was correct, you are actually a Deva. Well, I don't know if you'll find what you seek with us, but trust me, we really need to stop this big bad guy, or there might be nothing for ya to study later."

>>11540
Pushing to Sureiya his untouched drink.
"Here, drink this."

He thinks for a while.
"Friend, I don't know what would make a warrior like you anxious. With all due respect, this shall not be of my concern. To be honest, I accepted this job only for the reward and for the chance to reach my objective. To worry about a war between nations isn't in my list of priorities."

He murmurs to himself. "Tsk, a fewer orcs would even be benefict for the world.

>>11539
Torinn considers the ramifications of 'protecting ideas and knowledge'. That was like preserving history, right? Sounds like Oghma would have been a huge hit with the folks back at home. Torinn thumps his check proudly when asked to speak of his own deity, and declares, "I follow the Platinum Dragon, who champions the ideals of justice, protection, and honor."

Accepting the Deva's drink, Sureiya continues.
"A conflict over nations is not the greatest danger, but a war against forces from a different plane.
You might understand better once you see what this guy is capable of."

>>11548

>>11547
(talking to both)
"Maybe you are right." Samel thinks and then add" On the other hand, ive been looking for documents in the big library concerning the Fell King, but I did not find anything relevant. Does that guy even exist?"


>>11545
Samel is happy.
" A servant of Bahamut! By the lord this will be interesting.