The Halls of Agmar [Fantasy/IC/OPEN]

[The Armed Republic of Dutch Coolness]

The Halls of Agmar

Presented to you by Harbertia, the Armed Republic of Dutch Coolness, and the Titans RP Group

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Map of Aos, Agmar and its surroundings
Worldbuilding and Information thread
The Titans RP Group

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The Kingdom of Aos was in conflict. A magical artifact was gifted to the Kingdom as a token of goodwill during the signing of a peace treaty. At the time, we were unaware of the evil it held. Penelope, Princess of the land and heir to the throne of Aos examined the scepter before her. The artifact was, however, not to be used lightly - unknown to the princess, it had a will of its own. Slowly but surely, the artifact began corrupting the princess, whispering vile thoughts into her head. The scepter soon began to influence the Princess' decisions, and began to overpower her very own will. The artifact was no longer used by Penelope. The princess was used by the scepter, an extension of its will. Some began to note these changes, though most of them said nothing, fearing for not only their lives, but there very existence.

Thus the young prince of the city sets out to return this item accompanied by a band of local adventurers, mercenaries, and fortune seekers. The destination, the ruins Agmar.

Agmar, a once great city was ruled by a powerful sorcerer king, who delving into the winds of magic proved the lands undoing. On the final day of the summer solstice, he set about to forged a mighty artifact. Yet, the winds he drew upon where too great, and too pure a substance to be controlled. Chaos filled the streets of Agmar as the abominations formed, and the skys fell open to a hail of fire, and ice. The Earth it's self became like the sea, and all was laid to waste.

They must return the scepter to to the Royal Vaults of Agmar, yet, before they can do such, they must recover the Cleansing Stone, in order to free Penelope from the scepter's dark hold.

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The town of Riverdale lay close to the City-State of Aos and the ruins of Agmar. Thus, it was the chosen location for the Prince's assembled band of mercenaries, adventurers and glory- and fortuneseekers. Of Aos royalty, none had arrived yet, though most of the others were in Riverdale already. There was only one, large inn in the town, and thus it had been chosen as the meeting point for the group. The townsfolk looked suspiciously at every new arrival, those that weren't human in particular. Riverdale lay next to a river and in a dale - exactly as the name told it. The town was close to a lake, and many of the townsfolk earned their keep by fishing or growing wheat. All these adventurers were something different, something that rarely appeared in their lives - and never on this scale. Thus, most of the townsfolk decided, it was bad. One of them didn't agree with it, and that man was the innkeeper: he was, after all, making good money and, so he promised, if the villagers would be nice to the guests, he would invest some of his earned gold in the community. Thus, the town accepted these strangers among their midst and some, now that the inn was filled, even allowed some of them to stay in their houses - for a reasonable price, of course. Thus, the group had arrived and was now preparing itself for the journey to Agmar.

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The inn smelled of cheap beer and smelly peasants. The building was old, and mainly made of wood - some of it rotting. This was, in a way, pleasing to Sarisa Shadowrose. It did, after all, resemble some form of decay, be it of society or the building itself, and decay was one of the things her Patron liked very much. In another way, it wasn't very pleasing. She had stayed here for three days now, and she thought she had one of the best beds in the building - it creaked and was made of some wood and straw, yes, but there weren't any fleas hiding inside it, at the very least. She sat in the common room at a table, drinking one of those cheap beers. The water didn't seem very clean and nice, and the beer was clean, at least. She leaned back, studying the inn's patrons, many of whom she knew would set for Agmar with her and one of the Aos royalty - the prince, she recalled. Or Princess? She wasn't very sure. Nobody had invited her to come here, and she hadn't read any notices on the subject either. She had come here because her lord willed it, and she was his tool. She was to be used to enact his will, and she would bloody well do so. Why he wanted Aos rid of this Penelope and that artifact, she didn't know, but who was she to question a High God? Even if she had to go into the ruins of some city filled with monsters and dark magic, she'd do so - and so would the others, she assumed.

[Nuridia]

The Princess of Aos walked through the gates of Riverdale, her steel toed boots making a distinct noise on the hard cobblestone streets. She wasn't dressed like royalty for this occasion, in fact she had done it on purpose as not to draw too much attention to herself. Her slim but still feminine frame was dressed in a leather armored bodice over a simple white blouse and dark green leather trousers. The bodice was designed for protection and had thin steel plating inside of the leather which to Lumina's relief didn't serve to emphasize her bust in the way that traditional bodices would. She had been insecure about her small bust as long as she could remember, but that wasn't really important at that moment. Like everybody else on this quest, she had heard of the Princess Penelope and her dark affliction, but it was a personal one. Penelope was Lumina's older sister, and they were very close growing up. When the so calmed "scepter of good will" took over Penelope's soul and corrupted her, Lumina heard about this Cleansing Stone through her alchemy and jumped at the chance to save her family and kingdom. Lumina pushed a strand of her black hair that had strayed from its short bob away from her feline like eyes, one of which was green like an emerald and the other as purple as amethysts or wine. In the curly cropped hair she had a headband which on the side had the brass sigil of her house, House Hotaru. It was a discreet way of revealing herself to her allies. Yes, her looks were deadly but the deadly part was strapped to the small girl's back. Twin rapier swords, as thin, sharp and deadly as an insect's sting were worn in a dual scabbard. These swords, and her deadly speed and accuracy with them in addition to her small frame earned her her famous nickname The Wasp. She was also a Light Mage, although still an apprentice so she carried a Moon Staff with her as well. Finally she entered a tavern that doubled as an inn and the first thing Lumina noticed was a woman at a common table knocking back beers. The princess steeled herself and ordered a coffee before deciding to approach, this new woman seemed like she was here on an adventure, maybe the "great adventure" Lumina herself was on.

[Aurinsula]

He almost staggered through the winding alleys of the town, a shambling ghost hidden beneath billowing robes. In one claw, he held fast his staff, and upon it rest nigh the whole weight of his once-perfect body. The staff's rings sang softly, trilling like bells and giving his presence an announcement he'd yet rather delay. It wasn't the first time he'd wished the rings silent, but long had he rejoiced in their gentle keening nevertheless.

Old age... old age is merciful to none. Ever do I feel the weight of years, oh my Lady, and yet ever in your service do I carry them.

He was Zulikchai, and he had come far. Deep in his meditations, he had voyaged deep into the Cold-Blooded Dream and received a vision from the Hatcheress, the Supreme Mother Goddess of the Scale-bearers. Such a vision was beyond description, even to such a one as Zulikchai who had many times before achieved spiritual communion with Her. Nevertheless, Her message was clear; he was to go to Riverdale, and therein to join with a questing band.

The Hair-bearers had done a grievous thing.

It fell to him to make it right again.

There was an inn. It was a place of respite, of food and rest. They would gather there. He would await them there. Zulikchai entered, and sat, and waited.

[Verdo-Releignia]

"Hood"(Vindictus)

Hood arrived at the Tavern in full armor, nothing less than his entire arsenal. To the surprise of many if they wore it very little strain would be put on their shoulders, as it wasn't nearly as heavy as it looked. He had worn this armor the majority of his relatively short time as an adult and was used to it, which made it easy for him to work in it's confines. It wasn't unusual for him to attract funny looks, actually this was relatively normal. He took a sit in the same room as Shadowrose without giving her more than a glance...it's what he gave everybody. He took off his helmet temporarily to order a Beer and have a drink while he waited.

He pulled out a little book with nary a title or author and began reading it to pass the time, flipping through the pages delicately as he did so. He seemed a bit bothered by the people around him though, one of them was taking long glances at the scar on his face and he didn't really appreciate it. Half of him wanted to pull out his dagger and give the guy his own scars since he apparently enjoyed viewing them, and another part of him wanted to quickly put his helmet on and walk away. After a little while it simply turned into an inner argument.

[Lunas Legion]

Irontoof was already in the inn, but that was only for one reason: the inn was the only place for miles around where Irontoof knew he could find drink, and where one could find drink, one would always find Irontoof. Currently he sat atop his keg of 'special' ale, since no simple stool could support the weight of both him and his armour, and he'd had it reinforced especially for that use.

And so that on his travels the keg didn't rupture and spill it's precious cargo (at least to Irontoof) on the ground where it was utterly wasted. Currently he'd done what he normally did; place the keg in a shadowed corner, drag a table over, buy around 10 flagons of normal ale and place them on said table, lean back against the wall, and drink.

It helped him avoid attention, while still allowing him to drink in relative peace. Currently, however, he was only here since he was awaiting yet another band of adventurers to form here, as he'd heard, and then set off in search of something. Irontoof wasn't concerned about the something; he'd just heard incredible danger, lots of fighting and massive payment and almost immediately agreed. He was a mercenary; he wouldn't deny it, and if it wasn't for the prospects of fighting and pay, he'd just have clobbered the messenger's head in, taken his money and run.

But he hadn't; so here he was, drinking away and waiting for whoever had promised to pay him to show their face. If they didn't, well... The consequences would be rather messy, to say the least.

[Phalnia]

Ban Tarit
Riverdale

The halfling sat at the bar of the tavern. It was the same spot he had sat at since this morning. Ban had only gotten up to get fresh-air and attend to certain bodily functions. He had been watching as others had entered the establishment. He had noted a lone elf woman at one of the larger tables, whom the locals seemed reluctant to mingle with. She had been here before even Ban. The next person of interest was a young woman who carried dual rapiers and a staff. Despite her dress she carried herself with the bearing of someone with money, or at least someone who thought she deserved money. The next stood out like a mountain in field. The lizard was quite old, or maybe young. Ban could never tell with the lizard folk. No matter his age, he had sat down and failed to order anything.

The remaining two seemed to be warriors. One, a human, sat reading a book and ordered a beer. Despite this fairly normal action, he still drew the attention of one local in particular. The last was the most interesting to Ban. He was seated in a corner, and had been there before Ban, or at least had managed to enter without the halfling noticing. Ban considered this unlikely, given his size and cargo. Despite the distance and darkness, Ban could make out the distinct markers of an orc, his impressive size and hints of tough orc skin his mismatched armor.

Fairly certain he had noted all the team currently in the tavern, Ban took a final swig from his tankard and passed several coins to the barkeep. He hopped down from the stool and headed towards the common table. He ably avoided being kicked by patrons who barely noticed his presence. He sat at the table across from the elf. "So are you here for the same reason the rest of us oddities?" Asked the rogue, confident he already knew the answer.

[Nuridia]

As she walked toward the table the woman was standing at, Lumina decided to take a seat on the other side and wait for a response. Of course she just wasn't going to give out her name yet to somebody that she had not even spoken to. As her odd colored eyes looked around the rest of the inn, Lumina saw a whole array of characters come in, one was in a flowing bunch of robes and wielding a staff that looked a lot like her own except the top wasn't a crescent moon. Lumina's staff could do a cool thing, to save space the stave part could retract and the crescent grew smaller, allowing the princess to wear it as a pin or a pendant if she put it on a cord. She decided to retract the staff from it's full height and wear it as a pin on her bodice. Also there were two heavily armored men, one sitting on a large keg and one reading at a table with prominent scars on his face. Lumina caught herself staring a bit before she hurriedly looked away. Finally her coffee arrived and the dark haired girl thanked the barmaid before she took her drink. She drank sometimes, but not often as she didn't like to lose her wits. Then Lumina looked up and saw a Halfling enter, he bought a drink for himself then briefly looked at her before looking at the others around the room before seating himself at the table where she and the drinking elf woman were.

[Tomia]

The Huntsman
The Huntsman arrived in Riverdale that night. He came in an inconspicuous manner as usual, not drawing attention to himself. His footsteps were silent as always, as if he was hunting prey. Hunter, as he was called by most, was never much one for company and usually traveled alone, expect for his dog Lucky of course. Together Hunter and Lucky walked through the city until they reached a dingy old tavern, where he was supposedly meeting the other members of this quest he agreed to join. Hunter entered the tavern with his hood up and sat down at a table near the corner with his dog. He did not speak to those around him, but his eyes surveyed the room. He saw all manners of drunks and peasants but a few stood apart. Among them was a young girl, who seemed rather out of place. She was dressed in rather fine clothing but not the kind you'd expect a noble girl to wear. She wore two swords at her sides which made Hunter wonder if she was to be one of the people he would be traveling with. Hunter never cared much to travel with others, preferring to work alone, but this quest seemed like an opportunity for adventure. His eyes continued to scan the room as his dog sat by him, looking around curiously as well.

[The Armed Republic of Dutch Coolness]

Sarisa Shadowrose
Riverdale

Sarisa looked at all the newcomers that seemed to be arriving all at once. She saw a young woman with black curls enter the room, with a headband. There was an insignia on it she remembered from something, but she couldn't place it just yet. She'd have to approach her later - she most certainly did not look like one of those other peasants. She also watched one of the Lizard-folk enter. She had encountered some of them before, though not many, and the figure seemed to be quite impressive, despite his age. He seemed wise, and quite powerful. He, too, was much more interesting than those boring villagers. There was also this man in full armor - definitely not a common farmer or fisherman! - who entered the inn's common room. Instead of trying to impress everyone, as Sarisa had expected him to do, he sat down and started reading. He didn't look quite comfortable without his helmet on (or did he always look like that?). Her eyes went back to the Orc that she'd seen here before. The hulking creature always was an amusing sight, with his own reinforced keg he sat on. Another man entered the inn. He didn't look that special at all to Thulus' chosen, but there was something different about him. Not his dog, but... the way he walked, Sarisa settled on.

She was quickly distracted as the halfling, who had been sitting at the bar since the start of the day, stood up, walked towards her table and sat down. If she was here for the same reason as the rest of them. If it was an attempt at humor, it was a bad one.

"Does it look like I would spend my days here for no reason, drinking some sort of drink that they dare call 'beer'?"

[Nuridia]

As Lumina prepared to speak to the Elf woman who had finally recognized her presence, she saw that she was already talking to the Halfling so Lumina wouldn't interrupt. She looked around at the characters one more time and decided that perhaps they were here for the same reason as her. Then she saw another one enter. This was a young man with a dog at his side, he had long brown hair and his eyes were a curious mix between green and brown. He was very tall, nearly a foot taller then she would be if she stood up and had a very fit build. He looked about the same age as her, give or take one or two years and she caught him looking at her curiously. She thought her clothing was plain enough, but perhaps it was the well made look of the items that gave them away. She decided to speak to him while waiting for the conversation at her table to finish. She stood up and decided to walk over to him, stoping a few feet away and leaning against the opposite wall as he seemed like the kind of man who didn't want to be approached too closely. "Hello there." she called to him, hopefully her Aos capital accent wouldn't be too obvious. "You seem like the type who doesn't like people to speak too much so I'll be brief." "I trust that you're here for the same reason as the rest of us, about this "quest" that's been going around?" Lumina didn't want to reveal the personal nature of her joining, the symbol of her family house on the side of her headband was discrete and had gone unnoticed so far, which made her happy so she decided to pull some of her hair onto that side to cover it but it was probably already too late since the Elf had seen it. She then got a good look at the brown haired man and his dog and her eyes widened. She recognized him, his face had been all over as well as his nickname. "Wait a minute, you're the Huntsman!" "You're known the world over!" she whispered in shock so only he could hear. "Never thought you'd be in a place like this." Lumina added. Her nickname was a famous one as well, but since nobody knew who she was yet of course they didn't know her.

[Phalnia]

Ban Tarit
Riverdale

"Hmm." The halfling nodded in agreement. "This brew does indeed leave something to be desired." Out of the corner of his eye Ban noticed the young woman with the noble composure, looking on expectantly. Before he could invite her to join them, the door to the tavern opened and a man and his dog entered the tavern. The woman headed over to him, and Ban shrugged it off. He turned back to the elf. "My name is Ban. I'm a thief and a rogue. How about you?" The unabashed criminal rested his elbows on the table, awaiting the elf's response.

[The Armed Republic of Dutch Coolness]

Sarisa Shadowrose
Riverdale

Sarisa smiled a bit when the halfling agreed with her on the taste of the beer.
"I am Sarisa Shadowrose, Divine Warrior according to some, and clinically insane according to others. I prefer the first, obviusly. I was sent here by Thulus, Lord of Autumn, for reasons I do not know. Judge for yourself, Ban. Pleased to meet you."
Sarisa leaned back in her chair, emptying her mug as she winked at the halfling.

[Tomia]

Hunter was sitting as his table when he noticed the woman he had been looking at looking and him and approach him. His hand instinctively went to the hunting knife at his side as he watched her movements closely. He didn't know who she was or what she wanted, so he assumed she meant him harm. Hunter found that that way of thinking kept him alive. He noticed her stop a few feet away from him and lean against the wall. He relaxed a little when she stopped and took his hand from his blade. His eyes studied her closely. He began to notice her features an characteristics. She was shorter than he was, and had a small build. He also noticed that her eyes were two different colors, which was a very rare thing. He also noticed her head band which held a symbol he recognized. Being an expert at tracking he put the clues together, as well as the fact that she knew about the quest, he had an idea about who she was but wouldn't say anything yet. When she spoke to him he raise his head slightly revealing more of his face under his hood. When she asked about the quest simply nodded. Lucky meanwhile was curious, and walked over to this woman and looked up at her, wagging his furry blond tail. When she recognized him he wasn't sure how to react. He didn't want to bring attention to himself, but couldn't deny it. "That's what they call me." He replied simply to her. "This isn't where I would expect to find you either my lady. I don't like crowds, I prefer the forest." He told her, looking straight ahead at the table while Lucky still looked up at the stranger curiously.

[Nuridia]

Lumina noticed Hunter's hand dart to his knife when she approached but she said nothing. "Put your blade away, I mean you no harm." "You call me my lady." Lumina said. She figured that he probably recognized her already, or at least had a good clue of who she was. Well not many people had off colored eyes, or the royal sigil in their hair. Lumina tool off her headband and put it in her pack, it probably wasn't smart to go around wearing it. She nodded when he confirmed his identity as the Hunter. "Well I'm here because I have some...personal issues to attend to." she said at his last comment. "Don't worry, I won't breathe a word about who you are." "And since you've seemed to figure me out, I'll tell you something." "I won't tell you my name, but people who know me call me The Wasp." Luna smiled down at Lucky and petted the dog's fur. "I have a dog too, but I had to leave him behind at home for his own safety." Lumina said a bit sadly.

[Tomia]

Hunter listened to the girl in front of him. He wasn't surprised when she wouldn't tell him her name, he didn't plan on telling her or anyone else his name either. He had a good idea of what she meant by "personal business". Everyone in the kingdom knew about the princess and her sister. He wasn't surprised that she would be joining this quest. His suspicion was confirmed when she introduced herself as the Wasp. That was a known alias of Princess Lumina. "Well, whatever this personal business is it must be important, if you're willing to throw in with this lot that's being assembled." Lucky wagged his tail when she pet him and licked her fingers. Hunter heard her tone of voice and could hear a little sadness in it. "Lucky, don't bother her too much." He told the dog. His voice wasn't unkind or harsh though. He didn't want trouble when it wasn't needed, especially when a princess was involved.

[New Cinoth]

Ariani walked into the dimly lit tavern, her clawed feet making muffled scraping sounds. She opened her mouth to taste the air. Anticipation, greed, sorrow, joy, and the sharp tang of alcohol all mixed into one. She turned her heavily armored head to glance at a few farmers, they reeked of fear-scent, probably because of all the heavily armored people indulging in alcohol. Her own appearance was no exception, specially designed half plate covered her body with a few markings to display her adopted heritage. Her helmet was the oddest feature. It was elongated to fit her lizard-like skull while still allowing her to open and close her mouth wide enough to bit down on someone who got too close. She moved over to the group of armed people, her new compatriots or so she assumed. "Greetings. I assume we are all here for a little adventure?" Her voice sounded strange, almost liquid in quality and smooth as glass, quite unlike the normal of her kind. Ariani glanced about, noting there was another of her people in the crowd.

[Phalnia]

Ban Tarit
Riverdale

"That's quite the backstory, Sarisa. I think I'll reserve my judgements to myself, at least for the time being. Anyway, I'm in no position to judge. I'm not exactly a pillar of society." The halfing looked over his shoulder at the ever-filling tavern. As he did so another of the lizardfolk entered the tavern.

Unlike the other, this one seemed to be female. Again, Ban was uncertain when it came to their kind. She approached the table and spoke. The halfling was now sure that she was female. "You assume correctly. Please, join us." He motioned to an empty space at the table.

[Nuridia]

Hunter listened to the girl in front of him. He wasn't surprised when she wouldn't tell him her name, he didn't plan on telling her or anyone else his name either. He had a good idea of what she meant by "personal business". Everyone in the kingdom knew about the princess and her sister. He wasn't surprised that she would be joining this quest. His suspicion was confirmed when she introduced herself as the Wasp. That was a known alias of Princess Lumina. "Well, whatever this personal business is it must be important, if you're willing to throw in with this lot that's being assembled." Lucky wagged his tail when she pet him and licked her fingers. Hunter heard her tone of voice and could hear a little sadness in it. "Lucky, don't bother her too much." He told the dog. His voice wasn't unkind or harsh though. He didn't want trouble when it wasn't needed, especially when a princess was involved.

"Thank you, but he's fine." Lumina smiled, petting the dog some more. She saw another lizard man come in, but this one was a lizard woman. She gathered at the table where many of the others were stationed at. "Well Huntsman, I suppose we should go and greet our other adventure companions?" "We will be fighting with them after all, may as well go and see what we're dealing with." And with that, she went over to the table where everyone is and greeted them with a wave. "Well since most of us are gathered at the same table, we're all here for the same purpose?" Lumina asked the group with that trademark smile of hers.

[New Cinoth]

Ariani nodded at the halfling and moved over to stand near the table. "My name is Ariani of the Tybal family. May I inquire as to yours?" Most people would probably recognize they Tybal's name if they were into politics and especially so if they were into scandals as the Tybal family have named Ariani their heir. She looked across the motley assortment of people from all walks of life, Well this will certainly be an interesting adventure, if anything. She quickly tastes the air with her tongue, getting a general mood of the place, Well at least there's no brimming hostility, that's certainly a good sign. Ariani adjusts the falchion on her back carefully, readying it just in case her senses betrayed her and the crowd turned out hostile, although she suspected the orc would receive the burnt of displeasure as he was the only one of his kind that she had seen.

[Tomia]

Hunter nodded and Lucky wagged his tail as the princess pet him. Hunter heard her question but shook his head. "You can go on if you want, but I think I'll stay here. I prefer my privacy." He told her and then watched walk off towards the group. He did not trust strangers and was also not planning on getting attached to any of them. His experiences told him it was best not to get emotionally attached to anyone, as they would end up dead or betraying him eventually. Lucky whimpered a little as he watched his new friend walk off and instead of walking over to the table Hunter sat alone, petting Lucky and thinking about the situation he was in.

[New Roman Empire]

Tunguil was drunk as a dwarf could be, he was singing and dancing on a near by table when Hrok noticed the agent from Lord Thulus. "Tunguil don't start a bar fight while I go talk to that elf over there." Informed Hrok as he walked over to the elf and took a seat. "Well, well if it isn't Sarisa divine warrior of lord Thulus. Its been awhile, so what brings you to this neck of the woods?" asked Hrok as he noticed Tunguil was lying on the floor passed out then slowly walked over to the table and took a seat. Hrok pushed his brother off the seat and as soon as he hit the ground he was out. "So who is the halfing?" Asked Hrok as he made sure his brother was still asleep. he was going to need to make sure he slept it off to be ready to fight when they needed him too. The only reason they were here was a rumor of a great and epic quest and they hopped the rumors were right.

[Verdo-Releignia]

Hood began noticing the arrival of others and he lowered his head a bit more to not get their attention. He would get up later and go over to the bulk of them, as they were the ones he would adventure with, but he had no idea how to approach them. Some of the people seemed a bit odd(although he was a tad strange himself), and he didn't exactly feel the need to associate with them yet. One of the woman had noticed him, at least he thinks she did, and he glances at her quickly before turning back around and taking off his helmet slightly to sip the beer. The book he had was starting to get more vague in it's wording, as though the author had forgotten what he was writing about, and then it picked back up.

[Nuridia]

Lumina saw the man she had noticed earlier look at her briefly before turning away. She decided to speak with the folks at the table. "So, I see we all come from many walks of life, all species united for one common purpose." "It seems that this adventure has a little something in it for everyone, I'm actually excited to be going on it." She tried to sound as carefree as possible as to not reveal her real motive, all she wanted was to get the Cleansing Stone to free her sister Penelope from that evil scepter and to save her kingdom.

[The Armed Republic of Dutch Coolness]

Sarisa Shadowrose
Riverdale

Sarisa watched the lizard-woman introduce herself to the halfling. She was apparently a member of the Tybal family, who had been quite controversial concerning... something. "I am Sarisa Shadowsword. Welcome, Ariani."
She turned as one of he Dwarves walked towards her. She remembered him from... err, something. Yes. Something.
"Crap beer, master Dwarf, as you can see. In all earnest, Hrok, I think we all know why we're here.
Sarisa looked at the girl that had entered earlier, who now stood (or sat) with the rest of them.
"I do not know what shall be in it for me, nor do I care. However, does anyone know when the prince will arrive? After four days I'm growing tired of this... place."

[Phalnia]

Ban Tarit
Riverdale

"Pleasure Ariani, I am Ban Tarit" He thought he recognized the name Tybal. But, in the same thought he wondered about a lizard with such a name. He decided it best to keep his thoughts to himself, at least this early in their journey. From across the bar Ban could hear a great commotion.

He turned his head and caught sight of a clearly inebriated dwarf. Ban was a little concerned that he had missed this man when he scanned the room earlier. No matter, I've noticed him now. And it'd be hard not to, with the "interesting" dwarven take on the fine arts of dancing and singing.

While silently contemplating the dwarven fascination with alcohol, Ban noticed a second Dwarf, similar in appearance to the dancer, approach their table. He greeted Sarisa with a level of familiarity. Meanwhile, the drunken dwarf took a seat next to his counterpoint, only to have the stool knocked out from under him and knocked unconscious upon impact with the ground. As Ban looked down at the dwarf he heard himself referenced by the remaining dwarf. "The halfling is Ban Tarit." He responded, before posing a question of his own. "Who are the dwarves?"

Before an answer could be given, the woman with the high-born bearing reappeared at the table. She mentioned a common purpose for the group assembled. Ban chuckled. "I hate to disagree dear but, my purpose may not coincide with those wholly loyal to the Aos monarchy." Ban wasn't sure if any representatives of the city-state were present but, thought the idea of them leaving such a task to hired-swords preposterous. "I am merely on this journey to find any wealth and treasure I can." He figured he might as well get it out there, his king wasn't in Aos. It was in the purses and safes of nobility, and the chests and vaults of old ruins.