MTG: Curse of Jaryion (Alumni Quest)

[The BaRen]

OOC: http://forum.nationstates.net/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=287193

Dungeons of Jaryion, Plane of Karuthi
Karuthi: A plane under the complete control of the Infinite Consortium. Has been recently openly warred over by the forces of the Silver Golem and the Infinite Consortium. Several non-planeswalker resistant factions have sprung up to fight against the stranglehold of the Consortium. The Academy has recently found interest due to a strange concentration of Consortium Artificers.
Crenshaw has been sent to investigate, after another Alumni went to the plane and never returned.
Jaryion is a massive city, constructed of spires sky scrapers jutting up from the ground. For some odd reason, the sunlight never reaches the city, leaving it devoid of white mages.
And Crenshaw was captured.

Lars, Consortium Artificer and Torturer
Lars circled the Academy agent, or Alumni, as that bastard Professor insisted on calling them. Using his red magic, Lars sent another wave of agony through the Alumni.
"Why were you sent here!" he shouted, spit flying into the beasts face. The Alumni's appearance unnerved him. "How does the Academy know of the Curse!"
The dungeons were very deep underground. Around twenty enchantments were placed around the Alumnus, preventing him from tapping into his mana.
The dungeon was anchored beneath an abandoned castle.

[The United Remnants of America]

Dungeons of Jaryion, Plane of Karuthi

Crenshaw screamed out in pain as what seemed like red lightning shot into his chest. He looked around through his spotty vision only to see a dark room, the same human in a patchwork of armor and robes, and his staff, leaning against the far corner. Crenshaw's head cleared enough for him to think for a reply, to his torturer's demands. "Your mother sent me here. She told me you're her curse." Crenshaw's breathing was starting to level out, and he tried to grasp for something magical. He knew this damned darkened city was a natural shield for his white magic, but if he could just tap into green mana.... The power alluded him. It was like the mana was being kept at bay, like he was in a bubble.

[The BaRen]

Dungeons of Jaryion, Plane of Karuthi

Crenshaw screamed out in pain as what seemed like red lightning shot into his chest. He looked around through his spotty vision only to see a dark room, the same human in a patchwork of armor and robes, and his staff, leaning against the far corner. Crenshaw's head cleared enough for him to think for a reply, to his torturer's demands. "Your mother sent me here. She told me you're her curse." Crenshaw's breathing was starting to level out, and he tried to grasp for something magical. He knew this damned darkened city was a natural shield for his white magic, but if he could just tap into green mana.... The power alluded him. It was like the mana was being kept at bay, like he was in a bubble.

Lars, Consortium Artificer and Torturer
Lars glared at him.
"Why you little-"
"General," interrupted a Consortium Planar Soldier, one of the many non-planeswalker members of the Infinite Consortium, "We've secured the Cathedral of Darius."
Lars smiled.
So, he thought, we may find out what the Curse is...
Lars looked at the Alumnus. "Perhaps we shall meet again," he said, "And by that, I mean I will deal with you later."
Lars went with the soldier, traveling to the Cathedral of Darius.
Crenshaw was left alone in the dungeons.

Nevet, Resistance Commander
Watching the Consortium officer known as Lars leave Kruth Keep, which was in the middle of Jaryion on a hill, Nevet called forth his squadron. The motley assortment of rebels and outlaws watched the Infinite Consortium soldiers leave the Keep, which was relatively undefended.
Nevet gave the signal.
Nevet herself was a well accomplished pyromancer. Her second-in-command, Karzon, summoned 4 Griffons, which quickly set on the Consortium guards, killing them. The Consortium mages were instantly alerted, but were dealt with when Nevet summoned a massive fireball, and let it consume the keep in flames.
One of her soldiers discovered some enchantments surrounding the dungeon, and destroyed them.
Then the squadron stormed the Keep, excavating it, destroying any stragglers.
When Nevet reached the dungeon, she saw a creature, which seemed to have some intelligence.
"Who are you?" she asked.

[Northwest Slobovia]

Kordgem's Walk ended a few miles from Jaryion, as he intended. He was close enough to the city to get there before dusk, but far enough away that his arrival shouldn't be noticed. After checking that this was indeed the case, Kordgem found the main road to Jaryion, and began walking toward it.

[The United Remnants of America]

Crenshaw looked up from his daze at the thing with a female voice. For all it was worth, she was beautiful. Not just physically, either. She seemed to have a power about her, though it seemed untapped, like she hadn't reached her full potential.

"Cr... Crenshaw... Remnas Crenshaw... And who are you...?" Crenshaw struggled against his restraints, through the hole in the dungeon, he could see the glow of flames and the sounds of battle and chaos. Not only that, he was starting to feel energy rush back to him, like the mana-bubble had disappeared. Given a little more time, he may have the energy to cast a spell or three.

[The BaRen]

Crenshaw looked up from his daze at the thing with a female voice. For all it was worth, she was beautiful. Not just physically, either. She seemed to have a power about her, though it seemed untapped, like she hadn't reached her full potential.

"Cr... Crenshaw... Remnas Crenshaw... And who are you...?" Crenshaw struggled against his restraints, through the hole in the dungeon, he could see the glow of flames and the sounds of battle and chaos. Not only that, he was starting to feel energy rush back to him, like the mana-bubble had disappeared. Given a little more time, he may have the energy to cast a spell or three.

Nevet, Resistance Commander
Nodding, Nevet said, "Whatever you did to the Infinite Consortium, you really pissed them off."
Nevet blasted the chains that were holding Crenshaw up to the wall of the dungeon, releasing him. As he fell, Nevet dove to grab him, holding him up. The being was heavy, and Nevet motioned for one of her soldiers, a Dryad, to help her.
"I'm Nevet, commander of the Jaryion Resistance," Nevet told him. The Dryad cast a few healing spells on Crenshaw. The sounds of battle still boomed across the Keep as the trio moved onto the surface after a few minutes.
Karzon ran up to her. "Nevet, more soldiers are coming. We have to leave."
"Are the spell bombs in place?"
"Yes."
"Set them off when we are a safe distance away."
Karzon gave a small salute, and sounded for a retreat. The Resistance soldiers slipped into the shadows of the city surrounding the keep. Karzon, being an expert in teleportation magic, teleported the 4 of them (Nevet, the Dryad, Crenshaw, and himself) to the opposite side of the city, near the main road that led into Jaryion. Karzon collapsed, exhausted from the enormity of the spell, while the Dryad looked after him, and Nevet asked, "Can you stand?", referring to Crenshaw.

Kathda, Jaryion Roadsman, Main Road into Jaryion
Kathda had never seen anything so strange in his life.
Manticore.
Kathda had only heard rumors about the manticore, who are said to have set up an independent kingdom on the Southern Isles, but who knew he'd see one on the open road. Sure, some of them were very rich merchants in the Gold District in Jaryion, or soldiers, working for the Resistance or the Consortium.
Kathda approached the creature, and raised a hand in greeting as he came up beside it.
"Hello."

Lars, Consortium Artificer and Torturer
Lars gazed at the great Cathedral, towering over the Iron District. Several Consortium Planeswalker Generals were gathered around, staring in awe. It wasn't just the appearance, it was the pure Aether emanating from it. Lars shivered.
With this, they could experiment with the Aether, maybe even eventually creat warships that could planeswalk, like the Phyrexian skyship Predator, or the Weatherlight. They would control the Multiverse with such a weapon.
Which is exactly why those damn Academy pricks and the infernal Silver Golem do-gooders need to be kept away.
Why couldn't they just understand that this is for the good of the Multiverse?
"This way, sirs," said a Cathedral acolyte, "This way to the crypts."

[Northwest Slobovia]

Kathda, Jaryion Roadsman, Main Road into Jaryion
Kathda had never seen anything so strange in his life.
Manticore.
Kathda had only heard rumors about the manticore, who are said to have set up an independent kingdom on the Southern Isles, but who knew he'd see one on the open road. Sure, some of them were very rich merchants in the Gold District in Jaryion, or soldiers, working for the Resistance or the Consortium.
Kathda approached the creature, and raised a hand in greeting as he came up beside it.
"Hello."

Kordgem turned to the man beside him. "Oh, hello!", he said. Reading the fellow's marvelling expression, Kordgem went on, "Oh, we're not as rare as all that! It's just that like men, most of us stick with our own kind." Kordgem smiled in amusement at the man's obvious surprise that he talked. "I'm Kordgem. What's your name?"

[The BaRen]

Kathda, Jaryion Roadsman, Main Road into Jaryion
Kathda had never seen anything so strange in his life.
Manticore.
Kathda had only heard rumors about the manticore, who are said to have set up an independent kingdom on the Southern Isles, but who knew he'd see one on the open road. Sure, some of them were very rich merchants in the Gold District in Jaryion, or soldiers, working for the Resistance or the Consortium.
Kathda approached the creature, and raised a hand in greeting as he came up beside it.
"Hello."

Kordgem turned to the man beside him. "Oh, hello!", he said. Reading the fellow's marvelling expression, Kordgem went on, "Oh, we're not as rare as all that! It's just that like men, most of us stick with our own kind." Kordgem smiled in amusement at the man's obvious surprise that he talked. "I'm Kordgem. What's your name?"

Kathda, Jaryion Roadsman, Main Road to Jaryion
Kathda was still quite surprised. He didn't really expect the manticore to actually talk. "I'm Kathda," he said, reaching out his hand. Kathda took one look at the creatures paws, and quickly and awkwardly took his hand back. Kathda motioned to the city. "What's your reason for going to Jaryion? Business or pleasure?"

[Northwest Slobovia]

Kordgem turned to the man beside him. "Oh, hello!", he said. Reading the fellow's marvelling expression, Kordgem went on, "Oh, we're not as rare as all that! It's just that like men, most of us stick with our own kind." Kordgem smiled in amusement at the man's obvious surprise that he talked. "I'm Kordgem. What's your name?"

Kathda, Jaryion Roadsman, Main Road to Jaryion
Kathda was still quite surprised. He didn't really expect the manticore to actually talk. "I'm Kathda," he said, reaching out his hand. Kathda took one look at the creatures paws, and quickly and awkwardly took his hand back. Kathda motioned to the city. "What's your reason for going to Jaryion? Business or pleasure?"

"Looking for work. You might think that a soldier has more work than he needs, since there always seems to be a war somewhere, but the war usually isn't where the soldier is. But after the number battles I've fought, just guarding the houses of the wealthy would be enough for me", Kordgem replied. He continued: "And yourself? You seem to be a tradesman, but I can't quite decide which trade it is you follow."

[The United Remnants of America]

Crenshaw looked up from his daze at the thing with a female voice. For all it was worth, she was beautiful. Not just physically, either. She seemed to have a power about her, though it seemed untapped, like she hadn't reached her full potential.

"Cr... Crenshaw... Remnas Crenshaw... And who are you...?" Crenshaw struggled against his restraints, through the hole in the dungeon, he could see the glow of flames and the sounds of battle and chaos. Not only that, he was starting to feel energy rush back to him, like the mana-bubble had disappeared. Given a little more time, he may have the energy to cast a spell or three.

Nevet, Resistance Commander
Nodding, Nevet said, "Whatever you did to the Infinite Consortium, you really pissed them off."
Nevet blasted the chains that were holding Crenshaw up to the wall of the dungeon, releasing him. As he fell, Nevet dove to grab him, holding him up. The being was heavy, and Nevet motioned for one of her soldiers, a Dryad, to help her.
"I'm Nevet, commander of the Jaryion Resistance," Nevet told him. The Dryad cast a few healing spells on Crenshaw. The sounds of battle still boomed across the Keep as the trio moved onto the surface after a few minutes.
Karzon ran up to her. "Nevet, more soldiers are coming. We have to leave."
"Are the spell bombs in place?"
"Yes."
"Set them off when we are a safe distance away."
Karzon gave a small salute, and sounded for a retreat. The Resistance soldiers slipped into the shadows of the city surrounding the keep. Karzon, being an expert in teleportation magic, teleported the 4 of them (Nevet, the Dryad, Crenshaw, and himself) to the opposite side of the city, near the main road that led into Jaryion. Karzon collapsed, exhausted from the enormity of the spell, while the Dryad looked after him, and Nevet asked, "Can you stand?", referring to Crenshaw.

Kathda, Jaryion Roadsman, Main Road into Jaryion
Kathda had never seen anything so strange in his life.
Manticore.
Kathda had only heard rumors about the manticore, who are said to have set up an independent kingdom on the Southern Isles, but who knew he'd see one on the open road. Sure, some of them were very rich merchants in the Gold District in Jaryion, or soldiers, working for the Resistance or the Consortium.
Kathda approached the creature, and raised a hand in greeting as he came up beside it.
"Hello."

Lars, Consortium Artificer and Torturer
Lars gazed at the great Cathedral, towering over the Iron District. Several Consortium Planeswalker Generals were gathered around, staring in awe. It wasn't just the appearance, it was the pure Aether emanating from it. Lars shivered.
With this, they could experiment with the Aether, maybe even eventually creat warships that could planeswalk, like the Phyrexian skyship Predator, or the Weatherlight. They would control the Multiverse with such a weapon.
Which is exactly why those damn Academy pricks and the infernal Silver Golem do-gooders need to be kept away.
Why couldn't they just understand that this is for the good of the Multiverse?
"This way, sirs," said a Cathedral acolyte, "This way to the crypts."

Crenshaw stood slowly, feeling his strength returning. His senses came back and he quickly looked around, "Aw, dammit. My staff... I just made that one!" While he grumbled, Crenshaw slowly formed a symbol with his fingers, and a small green glow emanated in his hands, as the green glow climaxed in a flash, it quickly faded to reveal a multi-colored bird that almost shimmered. The small bird flapped its wings a couple times before landing on Crenshaw's shoulder. Once he accomplished this, he looked out at Nevet and smiled, "Oh yes, I'm fine. You guys forgot my staff, but I can always carve another. Even though it'll be my third one in the past month..." The Bird of Paradise on Crenshaw's shoulder gave a chirp.

[The BaRen]

Kathda, Jaryion Roadsman, Main Road to Jaryion
Kathda was still quite surprised. He didn't really expect the manticore to actually talk. "I'm Kathda," he said, reaching out his hand. Kathda took one look at the creatures paws, and quickly and awkwardly took his hand back. Kathda motioned to the city. "What's your reason for going to Jaryion? Business or pleasure?"

"Looking for work. You might think that a soldier has more work than he needs, since there always seems to be a war somewhere, but the war usually isn't where the soldier is. But after the number battles I've fought, just guarding the houses of the wealthy would be enough for me", Kordgem replied. He continued: "And yourself? You seem to be a tradesman, but I can't quite decide which trade it is you follow."

Kathda, Jaryion Roadsman, Main Road to Jaryion
Kathda revealed the inside of his travelers' cloak. On the inside, there were gleaming test tubes and alchemical apparatus.
"I'm a rogue alchemist," he said, approaching the Jaryion gate house. Kathda absentmindedly handed the guard several gold coins, who didn't even look up from his game of dice with his fellow guard. "You see," Kathda whispered, "The border laws are pretty lax."
Kathda spotted a group of people, that looked like they had just got out of a fight. A dryad, two humans and an elf
"Stay away from them," Kathda warned, "They look like Resistance to me."
(OOC: That group is Nevet and Crenshaw)

Nevet, Resistance Commander
Nevet smiled at Crenshaw.
Nevet glanced at an odd pair, a Manticore and a roadsman.
"You don't see that everyday," commented Nevet.

[Northwest Slobovia]

"Looking for work. You might think that a soldier has more work than he needs, since there always seems to be a war somewhere, but the war usually isn't where the soldier is. But after the number battles I've fought, just guarding the houses of the wealthy would be enough for me", Kordgem replied. He continued: "And yourself? You seem to be a tradesman, but I can't quite decide which trade it is you follow."

Kathda, Jaryion Roadsman, Main Road to Jaryion
Kathda revealed the inside of his travelers' cloak. On the inside, there were gleaming test tubes and alchemical apparatus.
"I'm a rogue alchemist," he said, approaching the Jaryion gate house. Kathda absentmindedly handed the guard several gold coins, who didn't even look up from his game of dice with his fellow guard. "You see," Kathda whispered, "The border laws are pretty lax."
Kathda spotted a group of people, that looked like they had just got out of a fight. A dryad, two humans, and an elf.
"Stay away from them," Kathda warned, "They look like Resistance to me."

"Resistance? War's here too? If they pay well, they're just another job to me", Kordgem said. "But I'll be careful in dealing with them, and it was a pleasure meeting you and having company on the walk into town."As an afterthought, he adds soto voce, "But as a 'rogue', perhaps roguish customers are your stock and trade as well..."

Kordgem begins walking towards the group. When he's close to them, he casually asks, "You look like you've had a rough day. Could you use a little help?"

(OOC: That group is Nevet and Crenshaw)

OOC: Nah, really? But thanks for speeding things up.

[The United Remnants of America]

Kathda, Jaryion Roadsman, Main Road to Jaryion
Kathda revealed the inside of his travelers' cloak. On the inside, there were gleaming test tubes and alchemical apparatus.
"I'm a rogue alchemist," he said, approaching the Jaryion gate house. Kathda absentmindedly handed the guard several gold coins, who didn't even look up from his game of dice with his fellow guard. "You see," Kathda whispered, "The border laws are pretty lax."
Kathda spotted a group of people, that looked like they had just got out of a fight. A dryad, two humans, and an elf.
"Stay away from them," Kathda warned, "They look like Resistance to me."

"Resistance? War's here too? If they pay well, they're just another job to me", Kordgem said. "But I'll be careful in dealing with them, and it was a pleasure meeting you and having company on the walk into town."As an afterthought, he adds soto voce, "But as a 'rogue', perhaps roguish customers are your stock and trade as well..."

Kordgem begins walking towards the group. When he's close to them, he casually asks, "You look like you've had a rough day. Could you use a little help?"

(OOC: That group is Nevet and Crenshaw)

OOC: Nah, really? But thanks for speeding things up.

Crenshaw turned to answer and he stopped when he saw the manticore, "Hey... Don't I know you? I swear I've seen you around the Academy. Your name, it's like... Cor... Korgem? Kurdem? Corgum?" As Crenshaw stumbles through the manticore's possible names, the Bird on his shoulder chirps again, leaning forward towards the manticore.

[Northwest Slobovia]

Crenshaw turned to answer and he stopped when he saw the manticore, "Hey... Don't I know you? I swear I've seen you around the Academy. Your name, it's like... Cor... Korgem? Kurdem? Corgum?" As Crenshaw stumbles through the manticore's possible names, the Bird on his shoulder chirps again, leaning forward towards the manticore.

Kordgem smiles as he greets Crenshaw, "Kordgem, yes. Hello, Crenshaw, I was sent to find you, but it looks like you've been found." Nodding at the Bird of Paradise and then the Resistance fighters, he continues, "...and it seems you've done a bit better than just being found: you have some new friends. Perhaps we can find someplace private and get caught up on what's been happening the last few days...?" Kordgem gestures to include the Resistance fighters in his invitation as well.

[The BaRen]

Crenshaw turned to answer and he stopped when he saw the manticore, "Hey... Don't I know you? I swear I've seen you around the Academy. Your name, it's like... Cor... Korgem? Kurdem? Corgum?" As Crenshaw stumbles through the manticore's possible names, the Bird on his shoulder chirps again, leaning forward towards the manticore.

Kordgem smiles as he greets Crenshaw, "Kordgem, yes. Hello, Crenshaw, I was sent to find you, but it looks like you've been found." Nodding at the Bird of Paradise and then the Resistance fighters, he continues, "...and it seems you've done a bit better than just being found: you have some new friends. Perhaps we can find someplace private and get caught up on what's been happening the last few days...?" Kordgem gestures to include the Resistance fighters in his invitation as well.

Nevet, Resistance Commander
Nevet looked from Crenshaw to the newcomer, the manticore Kordgem.
"There is a tavern, not far from here," she said, "The Rotten Pig. You can't miss it. They don't ask questions if you don't."
Nevet turned to the Dryad and Karzon. "Can you take care of him?" she asked.
The Dryad nodded.
Nevet turned to Crenshaw. "I hope to meet you again, someday," she said, "I would come with you, but the attack on the Consortium has yet to finish."
And with that, Nevet ran off down the alley, while the Dryad took Karzon to a sympathizers dwelling, to nurse him back to health.

[Northwest Slobovia]

Kordgem smiles as he greets Crenshaw, "Kordgem, yes. Hello, Crenshaw, I was sent to find you, but it looks like you've been found." Nodding at the Bird of Paradise and then the Resistance fighters, he continues, "...and it seems you've done a bit better than just being found: you have some new friends. Perhaps we can find someplace private and get caught up on what's been happening the last few days...?" Kordgem gestures to include the Resistance fighters in his invitation as well.

Nevet, Resistance Commander
Nevet looked from Crenshaw to the newcomer, the manticore Kordgem.
"There is a tavern, not far from here," she said, "The Rotten Pig. You can't miss it. They don't ask questions if you don't."
Nevet turned to the Dryad and Karzon. "Can you take care of him?" she asked.
The Dryad nodded.
Nevet turned to Crenshaw. "I hope to meet you again, someday," she said, "I would come with you, but the attack on the Consortium has yet to finish."
And with that, Nevet ran off down the alley, while the Dryad took Karzon to a sympathizers dwelling, to nurse him back to health.

Kordgem takes a step towards the Dryad and Karzon as they turn to go. He asks them, "How can we make contact again if we need to? From what your leader said before she ran off, we seem to have common enemies."

[The BaRen]

Nevet, Resistance Commander
Nevet looked from Crenshaw to the newcomer, the manticore Kordgem.
"There is a tavern, not far from here," she said, "The Rotten Pig. You can't miss it. They don't ask questions if you don't."
Nevet turned to the Dryad and Karzon. "Can you take care of him?" she asked.
The Dryad nodded.
Nevet turned to Crenshaw. "I hope to meet you again, someday," she said, "I would come with you, but the attack on the Consortium has yet to finish."
And with that, Nevet ran off down the alley, while the Dryad took Karzon to a sympathizers dwelling, to nurse him back to health.

Kordgem takes a step towards the Dryad and Karzon as they turn to go. He asks them, "How can we make contact again if we need to? From what your leader said before she ran off, we seem to have common enemies."

Karzon weakly lifted his head. "Listen to the booms," he said jokingly.

[The United Remnants of America]

Kordgem takes a step towards the Dryad and Karzon as they turn to go. He asks them, "How can we make contact again if we need to? From what your leader said before she ran off, we seem to have common enemies."

Karzon weakly lifted his head. "Listen to the booms," he said jokingly.

Crenshaw chuckled at the joke and nodded. "I assume there will be plenty of those to come here." Crenshaw then turned to Kordgem, "So... I'm still a bit wasted from the whole being imprisoned and tortured thing. And that tavern is a ways away. And you're four-legged..." Crenshaw scratched the back of his neck with his left hand and laughed awkwardly. He hoped he wouldn't have to explain about using Kordgem as a mount and that the fellow Alumnus would understand his intention. If not, that meant he'd have to summon a creature... Or strengthen this Bird of Paradise to fly him there...

[The BaRen]

Lars, Consortium Artificer and Torturer
The crypts under the Cathedral were very cold. Lars was hardly bothered. Using his red magic, he heated himself up. The others though clearly didn't care whether it was ot or cold. Their eyes were completely focused on the great skeleton that lay before them.
"What is it?" asked an insolent General. Some of the people that the Consortium recruited.
"It," answered another quickly, "Is the skeleton of a demon."
"But," interjected Lars, "That. What is that?"
Lars was referring to the mask that covered the demons skeletal face. The acolyte stared at Lars. "That is the curse."

[Northwest Slobovia]

Karzon weakly lifted his head. "Listen to the booms," he said jokingly.

Crenshaw chuckled at the joke and nodded. "I assume there will be plenty of those to come here." Crenshaw then turned to Kordgem, "So... I'm still a bit wasted from the whole being imprisoned and tortured thing. And that tavern is a ways away. And you're four-legged..." Crenshaw scratched the back of his neck with his left hand and laughed awkwardly.

"Presumption and defenselessness are a poor combination for people in our line of work, wouldn't you say?", asked Kordgem. He gave Crenshaw a wicked smile, and waved his stinger suggestively.

"However", Kordgem said mildly, "since you've looked better, and you seem to want a ride..." Kordgem let his voice trail off as his eyes took on a far-away gaze. Distantly, he renewed his connection to a Tolarian island not far from his home city, and seconds later, an Alloy Myr walked out of the alley Nevet had disappeared down. "It's cold, hard, and uncomfortable. I trust you'll enjoy the ride", Kordgem explained as he started off in the direction of the tavern. Over his shoulder, he added, "Either on its shoulders or its back, as you prefer... it's more than strong enough to carry you."

[The United Remnants of America]

Crenshaw chuckled at the joke and nodded. "I assume there will be plenty of those to come here." Crenshaw then turned to Kordgem, "So... I'm still a bit wasted from the whole being imprisoned and tortured thing. And that tavern is a ways away. And you're four-legged..." Crenshaw scratched the back of his neck with his left hand and laughed awkwardly.

"Presumption and defenselessness are a poor combination for people in our line of work, wouldn't you say?", asked Kordgem. He gave Crenshaw a wicked smile, and waved his stinger suggestively.

"However", Kordgem said mildly, "since you've looked better, and you seem to want a ride..." Kordgem let his voice trail off as his eyes took on a far-away gaze. Distantly, he renewed his connection to a Tolarian island not far from his home city, and seconds later, an Alloy Myr walked out of the alley Nevet had disappeared down. "It's cold, hard, and uncomfortable. I trust you'll enjoy the ride", Kordgem explained as he started off in the direction of the tavern. Over his shoulder, he added, "Either on its shoulders or its back, as you prefer... it's more than strong enough to carry you."

Crenshaw looked at the silvery creature and groaned. "I might as well summoned something myself. I'm sure it'd be MUCH SOFTER!" He yelled the words as Kordgem walked further away. He slowly walked towards the Myr and crawled haphazardly and uncomfortably onto its back. The Bird of Paradise that was until then riding on Crenshaw's shoulder took off and landed happily on the Myr's head. "Yip yip, you metal critter." "And with that, Crenshaw, his Bird and Kordgem's Myr took off at pace after Kordgem.

[Northwest Slobovia]

"Presumption and defenselessness are a poor combination for people in our line of work, wouldn't you say?", asked Kordgem. He gave Crenshaw a wicked smile, and waved his stinger suggestively.

"However", Kordgem said mildly, "since you've looked better, and you seem to want a ride..." Kordgem let his voice trail off as his eyes took on a far-away gaze. Distantly, he renewed his connection to a Tolarian island not far from his home city, and seconds later, an Alloy Myr walked out of the alley Nevet had disappeared down. "It's cold, hard, and uncomfortable. I trust you'll enjoy the ride", Kordgem explained as he started off in the direction of the tavern. Over his shoulder, he added, "Either on its shoulders or its back, as you prefer... it's more than strong enough to carry you."

Crenshaw looked at the silvery creature and groaned. "I might as well summoned something myself. I'm sure it'd be MUCH SOFTER!" He yelled the words as Kordgem walked further away. He slowly walked towards the Myr and crawled haphazardly and uncomfortably onto its back. The Bird of Paradise that was until then riding on Crenshaw's shoulder took off and landed happily on the Myr's head. "Yip yip, you metal critter." "And with that, Crenshaw, his Bird and Kordgem's Myr took off at pace after Kordgem.

Kordgem waited for Crenshaw and his mount to catch up. "That will have to do; all the other creatures I can cast from memory would have attracted much more attention, and they wouldn't be much more comfortable," Kordgem admitted.

He went on: "I didn't know how much trouble I'd have finding you. The Professor made it seem like I'd have to sneak my way in to the city and then probably fight my way to you, so I came prepared for that. Once we get to the tavern, we can get dinner and then some rooms, and regroup. If you're not able to cast enough for suitable healing, I can do that for you with a change of spells."

[The BaRen]

Hurav, Elf Barkeep
Washing down the counters at his own tavern, the Rotten Pig, Hurav began singing in his home tongue of the Southern Isles. Several of the other elves sang as well, along with him.
Consortium soldiers drank themselves into a stupor, shooting dice and playing cards. One of the serving girls, Elana, was dragged into the lap of one of the soldiers, who was making a large commotion about it. Elana laughed, and swatted him.
Must be her betrothed, thought Hurav, still singing, but much quieter, now that the other elves had resumed their own drinking. The doors to his poor tavern swung open, to reveal a Manticore and another elf. (OOC: )

[Northwest Slobovia]

Hurav, Elf Barkeep
Washing down the counters at his own tavern, the Rotten Pig, Hurav began singing in his home tongue of the Southern Isles. Several of the other elves sang as well, along with him.

[OOC: This is a bog-standard bad-fantasy tavern that acts like a modern hotel, restaurant, and pub, right?

Also, an interrupt before we go in:]

After dismissing the Myr, Kordgem asks Crenshaw, "What's our story and who's doing most of the talking? Nevet said the locals won't ask, but you the way you look is going to raise eyebrows, if not questions. I'm willing to talk, say that I'm your buddy who rescued you from getting beaten up, and all we want is a room and our food brought there. If you want, I'll summon a guard or two to shoo people away from our door so we won't be disturbed."

[The United Remnants of America]

Hurav, Elf Barkeep
Washing down the counters at his own tavern, the Rotten Pig, Hurav began singing in his home tongue of the Southern Isles. Several of the other elves sang as well, along with him.

[OOC: This is a bog-standard bad-fantasy tavern that acts like a modern hotel, restaurant, and pub, right?

Also, an interrupt before we go in:]

After dismissing the Myr, Kordgem asks Crenshaw, "What's our story and who's doing most of the talking? Nevet said the locals won't ask, but you the way you look is going to raise eyebrows, if not questions. I'm willing to talk, say that I'm your buddy who rescued you from getting beaten up, and all we want is a room and our food brought there. If you want, I'll summon a guard or two to shoo people away from our door so we won't be disturbed."

Crenshaw chuckled a little and looked around the room. "Yeah. I take it I'll be a little out of the ordinary. But so will a bright-colored bird... Hmm..." Crenshaw looked at his shoulder and he put a palm against it. "Here... Give me your energy..." As Crenshaw drew mana from the Bird, a little band appeared on his ring finger, a Sol Ring. Crenshaw smiled. "Good Bird. You've played your part, now, off with you." The bird gave a chirp and took to the air, flying up over the tavern before disappearing in a shimmer. Crenshaw turned to Korgem and waved his fingers as he smiled, "Well, you can do the talking, but if these soldiers get uppity, I'm, packing a bigger punch then most of them probably are."