Group 9

Akimoto · Post by **Akimoto** » Tue Feb 05, 2008 6:21 am

Akimoto had just fallen back in line since meeting the merchant, he didn't want any attention on him for the time being, but then a thought occured to him as Maeko and Rakia conversed.

"Maeko, perhaps we should consider using the scroll. It may be suspicious for a group of asur merchants to not all be able to speak atleast basic imperial, and the less Druchii we use the better. And If we can track our quarry quick enough the the limited time period that the magic can be maintained may not become an issue"

Brinnyunlimited · Post by **Brinnyunlimited** » Tue Feb 05, 2008 9:30 am

Everyone except Raneth & Sinfulblade: The merchant is eager to get going and orders the Ogre to set foot towards Altdorf while you mull over the details.

You are led up to the front gate of the city, the strong smell of Humanity is overbearing this close to the city and it's all you can manage to stop from wretching. Budkiz, with merchant in tow, makes his way up to the city Watchmen that guard the main road into the city. Apparently the Merchant has some standing within the city as he is nodded inside quickly despite the rag-tag group he travels with.

The streets are littered with people, tall buildings line the street. You have heard tales of this city, reported to be the biggest settlement in the entire World (or at least since the Elven and Dwarven fall from grace during the War of the Beard). It's sheer size is staggering. You feel the stares of the many peasants and traders who walk the street. The Storm of Chaos is still a recent memory and all outsiders, even High Elves, are treated with the upmost suspision by the populace. Fanatical priests stand on every corner, yelling about the end of the World and how only Sigmar can save Humanity from oblivion. Every notice board and bare wall is plastered with posters and notices, telling the citiziens of Altdorf to report anyone they suspect of mutation or heresy. These are dangerous times to be an Elf in Altdorf...especially an Elf with a culture as dark and as bloody as your own.

"Finding my trade caravan now will be like finding a needle in a haystack," moans the Merchant, still clinging to Budkiz's back. "I need to find an apothecary as soon as I am able, there is no dignity in being carried around by an Ogre."

OOC: There are now a number of options available to you, Athough you can travel individually, there may be some sense in travelling as a group to avoid danger. There are several places you can visit in a city as large as Altdorf:

Market Square: Home to the many traders and merchants how ply their trade in the capital city of the Empire. The location for Armourers, Fletchers, WeaponSmiths, General Stores, etc.

Barracks & Training Ground: Home to the City Watch and Altdorf's army. Although non-humans are not permitted in the Imperial Barracks, it may be possible to bribe a veteran soldier to give you some basic training.

Dwarven Quarter: The City of Altdorf is home to many Dwarfs who work as masoners, blacksmiths and architects. The place to go for a special weapon or armour.

Schools of Magic: There are eight colleges of Magic in the city of Altdorf and although their doors are sealed to non-magic users, the square and streets around these beacons of sorcery are usually teeming with alchemists and rogue wizards who will sell you potions and trinkets. Also the place to go to have a curse removed, hire the assistance of an Apothecary or to browse the extensive libraries of the Empire.

Temple District: Home to the Cult of Sigmar and the Order of the Witch Hunters.

Docks: Altdorf is connected to the sea by the river Reik. Docks are the location if you want to find work, hire muscle or wish to spend the evening with a harlot or prostitute.

Gambling Dens: Although technically illegal, many citizens of Altdorf spice up their dull lives with a game of chance.

Noble District: Home to the nobility. Peasants and strays are not permitted entrance to this district. Home to the finest inns, theatres and temples in the Empire. Also the likely location of Baron Von Strukham's estate.

The Angry Griffin: Budkiz informs you that this tavern is where all the ethnic minorities in Altdorf hang out. Home to Ogres, Dwarfs and Halflings. Taverns are always a good place to try and find information.

You may choose to visit any ONE of the above locations. Feel free to discuss and make a plan. You can try to track down the Merchant's wagon or get straight onto the job of finding Baron Von Strukham. The choice is yours.

Post Deadline: 10th Feb

Brinnyunlimited · Post by **Brinnyunlimited** » Tue Feb 05, 2008 6:45 pm

Sinful & Raneth: Raneth, you are slightly disturbed by the apparent pleasure Sinfulblade takes in carving up and setting his former comrade alight. There is a vicious malice in the eyes of the teal Elf and for a time, you wonder if you should have killed Sinfulblade while you had the chance. Still, Sinful has yet to draw his weapons against a living ally and so for the mean time, his company is appreciated, if somewhat uncomfortable.

That night you feast on Horse meat while you sit round a fire that smells of burning flesh. Around you lie the corpses of the Ogres...your only regret is that you were not here to fell the mighty creatures yourselves. Did Maeko and company kill the Ogres themselves? You think of Tiny, of Illiiya, of Drak'Ne, Akimoto and Maeko and can't form the mental image of those five bringing down Ogres. Perhaps they had help? Perhaps they were not responsible at all?

You are alone in a foreign land. There is no vessel to carry you back to Naggaroth and no sure sign that your former comrades are even still alive. For all you know the group may already be dead and you are stranded, doomed to live a life of hiding away in an alien land.

Morning breaks and the bodies, beginning to decay start to stink. You need to decide how to progress. Turn back? Pass through the mountains? You can either take the low road or the high road. The High road will mean lots of climbing and a longer, more tiresome journey, but should be relatively safe. The low road is the path used by the merchants and as a result, could be swarming with bandits and Orc raiding parties. However, it would be much quicker and less draining, provided you don’t get attacked.

Raneth · Post by **Raneth** » Tue Feb 05, 2008 9:11 pm

So much blood. Truly they must have escaped this place of slaughter, or we would have found more of their traces. Tiny is with them... no way she would have agreed to anything but an ambush.

Which means they are most likely still alive. At least I'd rate their chance of survival higher than the pair of us here. Heh, even though they lack strong combatants, they've still got their smarts to back them up. I wonder if that counts for anything in this place.

The first rays of the sun made Raneth flinch, dawn was coming to this Khaine forsaken land and interrupted his train of thoughts. Sitting quietly by the fire Raneth had quite enjoyed the scent of Barath's and various Ogres' burning flesh. Vivid memories of Death Nights past now filled his mind, and he mumbled a prayer to Khaine asking to see the sunrise over the grey shores of Naggaroth again.

Sinful was still sound asleep, at least that was what he looked like. Can't ever be sure about this guy. During the night, Raneth had considered offing the pyro in his sleep - however, stranded in foreign lands, he realized he would need Sinful's sword arm and quickly discarded the idea.

Now daytime had come Raneth's guard shift was over, and it was time to wake his fellow Khainite. From a distance. Throwing some leftover horse meat on the dying fire, Raneth cleared his throat before growling in coarse Druchii tongue at Sinful: Rise and shine, sleepy head! Both Death and Glory require your readiness!

Bloodyangel · Post by **Bloodyangel** » Tue Feb 05, 2008 10:55 pm

Illiiya

Along the long-walk to the city... Illiiya kept her druchii weapons stowed away securely... bearing her longbow and curved, Asur blade as if she actually had pride in them. The irony almost made her ill.

Rakia is right... we need an alibi. We carry no goods... so calling ourselves merchants is probably... unlikely. We could call ourselves mercenaries... Here in these lands for profit. Or use a half-truth, and claim that we are hunters seeking an enemy of the elven people. We can refuse to speak of whom without arrousing too much suspicion... and it will explain why we are armed. Illiiya will suggest as the group pauses a moment to coordinate their story, I agree that we should not so much as breathe the word Druchii in these lands... and we should avoid conversing openly in our tongue, if we can avoid it.

Illiiya laced delicate fingers together... putting them to her chin as she closed her eyes in thought.

Humans are stupid, cowardly things... but in groups they are quick to mob on things that they think they should fear. If we make a mis-step here... we will be in serious trouble. Let us try to stay together and avoid dealing with the humans as much as possible.

(Apologies for the short post... more will be added later tonight when I return!)

Akimoto · Post by **Akimoto** » Wed Feb 06, 2008 10:12 am

Once inside the city, Akimoto was quickly awed at how little difference there was in the treatment of human slaves between his father's kingdom and Altdorf. Many of those on the street looked as if they would willingly trade up to be a druchii slave...

However this was not the only thing on his mind. He had not forgotten the shattered dagger he had claimed from aboard the Black Serpent, and was determined to see it restored and have its magical properties discovered.

"Maeko, it seems a waste for all of us to accompany this one" he indicates to the merchant "to find an apothecary. I could take him, with the ogre's assistance, and return to the group once he has been healed, leaving the rest of you free to start the search for our prey. Then, I can meet up with you at the tavern the beast mentioned once my task is complete. That is, with your leave, of course"

Akimoto continued to look to Maeko, when suddenly his mind became clouded, he heard distant whispers

He will not listen to you. He does not respect you or trust you. You are alone amongst those who despise you.

The voices stopped. Akimoto glanced slightly around the group, no one else had seemed to hear the voice, and Akimoto's attention returned to Maeko, wondering if the voice really existed...

Warpix · Post by **Warpix** » Thu Feb 07, 2008 5:32 am

OOC: I'm Sean, I live in San Jose, California, USA, I'm turning 18 on the 16th, and I plan on majoring in history and hopefully becoming a professor. I'm also sorry for not posting of late, I tend to like waiting for someone to respond first so I can have something to work off of, but occasional, that habit makes me miss deadlines, so I will now post as soon as possible.

IC:

Drak'Ne made sure all of his gear was in order, his Sea Dragon Cloaks were folded and tucked inside of Barath's old armor, which was put in the bottom of his backpack, covered with the dagger and sword that used to belong to Barath. A clothe covered all of this, making it seem that Dark'Ne was just a neat packer. He wore the horribly bright colored over his normal clothes, his sword strapped further back on his belt, and his Bretonian dagger more located to the front of his belt. He pulled his hood over his head after leaving the cave, the sun was a little too bright for his taste.

When the group had walked into Altdorf, a shiver had run down his spine. Too many eyes..., he had thought. He listened to the group as they had all made their plans, the idea of anyone splitting up here disturbed him. He did think of the places that could be visited, and admittedly, the thought of having a Dwarven weapon did amuse him, but they would probably not take too kindly to Elves after the war of the beard. After listening to Akimoto, Drak'Ne had to put in his say.

Akimoto is right on the subject of the human, but at the same time, it'd be too risky to split up, so if we were to do that, I'd like us to form groups of at least two to three druchii. The smaller of the groups would proabably be the one to escort the human since he seems to have good ties here. The services of this city is alluring, but dangerous. I would love to have extra training or a Dwarven weapon, but I'd guess it'd probably be best to try to keep a low profile. The tavern seems like the only place safe enough to group up it, being surrounded by minorities, we may just fit in.

Great devourer... I will find out what the beasts of chaos had meant by that, I just hope for Akimoto's sake that he's not part of the cult of Slaanesh... Drak'Ne waited for a second to talk again, as he remembered something.

If we are to use the scroll, it would probably be best to not try and speak in the druchii tongue, something tells me that we'll only be able to speak in the tongue of man once it's used.

Bloodyangel · Post by **Bloodyangel** » Fri Feb 08, 2008 12:31 am

Illiiya Jaelrae

(Amazing how tonight turned into a few days... Stupid work schedule!)

Upon finally reaching the city, Illiiya kept close to her group... keeping a wary eye on the human and ogre. She did her best to look at place and comfortable in her Asur attire... carrying herself with a smug confidence amongst the human rabble around her. Having seen so many in chains, it was hard to even imagine them as anything more than cattle... and to look at them as they teemed around their city... the comparison began to seem unfair to cattle. The lash of a whip, and the guiding hand of Druchii masters could only give these unwashed hordes purpose.

I will go with Akimoto, if you wish it my lord. I too think we should not divide our forces too thin. She will say to say to Maeko in a hushed voice, keeping a wary eye out that no humans approach her group, We should mend the human so he is indebted to us and less of an obvious eyesore, but I do not trust him, or ogre.

Or Akimoto... She thought to herself. The brash noble had killed once already without a moment's thought... and had already suggested killing the merchant. Not to mention the rants about the devourer. She had a sneaking feeling that he should be watched, lest his foolishness cost them the mission.

Akimoto · Post by **Akimoto** » Fri Feb 08, 2008 10:03 pm

What did I tell you? See how they jump to make sure you are not left alone? They forget who you are, they insult you.

Akimoto seemed surprised by Drak'Ne and Illiiya's responses, but then let out a mirthful laugh, easing the mood of the group, and giving some passers by the impression that they were a band of joyful High elves.

"I was suggesting that I split from the group as I would be no help in the search for Xavier. I have never seen him, and most beings in taverns and downs will be able to spot me as nobility of some sort just as you all did, and so will not assist me if i question them. If you wish for any one to come with me then send Illiiya, she too would not be much help spotting Xavier specifically, but she might see trouble before it gets to us. However I hardly see why I would need an entourage to take a man to a healer, what is the worst that could happen?"

Discipleofkhaine · Post by **Discipleofkhaine** » Fri Feb 08, 2008 10:38 pm

This stench is nearly unbearable... Maeko thought to himself as he walked through the streets of Altdorf. The filthy humans surrounded him, and he desired nothing more than to wash the wretched streets clean with their blood in the name of the Witchking. However, that would have to wait. He was here for a different purpose.

Taking the Magic scroll from his pack, Maeko unrolled it and ushered the group of Druchii to gather round. I'll activate the scroll now, which should allow us to all understand Imperial Speech fleuntly for about 24 hours. I think now is as good a time as any to use it.

As for the groups, I think Illiiya and Akimoto should escort the human to the apothecary, while the rest of us venture over to the Noble District in search of Baron Von Strukham.

After each group has completed their task, we should regroup at The Angry Gryffin. If we haven't found anything by then, we can at least ask the usuals there.

Maeko surveyed the group to see if they agreed with the plan and so that there was something strange about Akimoto. Turning to him, Maeko addressed the Noble who seemed to be trying to make up excuses to travel alone.

Tell me Akimoto, do you think that any of us have seen Xavier before? None of us except Budkiz here have laid eyes upon him, and I don't completely trust a Ogre to profile a Druchii. Regardless, the reason you will not travel alone is simple: We are in the heart of enemy territory, and thus our best chance at survival rests in sticking together. Power in numbers is perhaps the most primative survival strategy, and I would have thought you would have at least been taught that by your house's many scholars and teachers...

With a final questioning glance toward Akimoto, Maeko turned toward Illiiya and ducked in close to her ear. Keep a close eye on Akimoto... he whispered to her, Don't let him out of your sight. There's something not quite right about him...

Maeko will attempt to activate the Magic Scroll of Imperial Speech, making sure not to read it too loud so as to draw attention to the group, and then split the group up to achieve their tasks.

Akimoto · Post by **Akimoto** » Sat Feb 09, 2008 6:10 am

((ooc))whoops, meant Bane. Oh well, what's done is done

Messiahofdeath · Post by **Messiahofdeath** » Sun Feb 10, 2008 6:54 pm

Once the growling waking call reached Sinfulblade’s keen ears he quickly jumped in his place shaking his head to hush away the sleep and glanced around a few times before hissing in an utmost irritated tone.

“Would an hour more of sleep had hurt you?”

Not waiting for a sarcastic remark to be mustered by his brutish companion Sinful stood up and flexed his aching muscles after a night of uncomfortable sleep. His aching body however was refreshed and even the most vivid thoughts of sleep faded away once the scent of scorched flesh that had lingered in the air hit Sinful’s nostrils.

“What a glorious day indeed”

The pyro grinned and looked around before sitting back down in his place and nodding to Raneth.

“With the pleasantries of sleep done and forgotten I think we should continue forwards, the rest of the group shouldn’t be TOO far away. However, if we hope to catch them we should take the easier route, climbing up the mountain might be safer, but by doing so we would risk of losing Meako and his lackeys’ trail for good. What do you say?”

OOC: Sorry for my short and incoherent rambling. But I’m still very much bogged down in paperwork, I hope to finish all that by the next weekend

Raneth · Post by **Raneth** » Sun Feb 10, 2008 11:31 pm

After his cruel awakening, Sinful made a good argument; their hopes of ever catching up with the group were far more realistic if they were to take the lower trail. However, that also had its downsides. Raneth pondered the scenario a bit, then replied: I'm as eager as you to join up with the rest, if not more so; right now they are our best chance of getting out of here in one piece. But you know as well as I do such a trail is ambush territory, and the presence of Ogres here indicates there is a great need for protection in these parts.

Our chances would be best if we were to be nearby a group of other travelers, which we could use as a quick diversion if some foul beast gets the jump on us. But we can't risk exposure to all those Mon-Keigh in our current state. I don't know if you've considered our appearance, but it is sure to raise some difficult questions. At least we should bathe before setting out for the trail, no way one of those weakling Asur would ever allow blood to dry upon them... in their lifetime. Grinning evilly with that remark, Raneth tossed the piece of horse meat he'd prepared to Sinful. Eat. Whatever happens, I'm sure you'll need it. As for myself, I'll go and find a place to clean ourselves up. With that, Raneth rose and began to scout the area around the encampment for a water feature.

Bloodyangel · Post by **Bloodyangel** » Mon Feb 11, 2008 2:41 am

Illiiya Jaelrae

Maeko trusts the nobleman as much as I do, it seems. Illiiya thought to herself, as MAeko slipped in close to give her his order.

She locked eyes with Maeko, giving only the slightest nod as indication that she had heard him. Better to not tip Akimoto off that she was watching him... at least outwardly. It would not take a great leap to assume that he was under suspicion... But she decided against saying so outright. If all was well, then no harm would be done. If not... well... she would deal with that if it came up. She did not relish the thought of having to face down the young noble in the streets using her blade... She was never amazing at swordplay.

Illiiya strode towards Akimoto with a faint smile, as if genuinely glad to be heading off with him.

Come on then, let's be off. The sooner we get off these streets, the better.

Akimoto · Post by **Akimoto** » Mon Feb 11, 2008 8:48 am

((ooc)) to avoid more confusion random voice will now be played in orange when it is talking, italics is akimoto thinking to himself

Akimoto realised his mistake too late, and Maeko jumped on the chance to question him about Xavier. The voice had caused him to make a terrible mistake, and with that he was back in the firing line. This was clenched by Maeko having a word to Illiya before allowing them to go on their way.

Well that was about as subtle as, well, the ogre Akimoto thought to himself. Maeko could have at least waited until i had turned my back or walked off. Well at the very least I now know for sure I'm untrusted, and being watched...

I told you. The voice cut clear through Akimoto's mind. He had, by now, formed an idea about what the voice was, and he decided enough was enough.

Silence Daemon! Get out of my head, your deception won't work on me

However, his thoughts were interrupted by Illiiya, who now made towards him with a care free look on her face, as if what had just happened wasn't obvious enough.

"Yes I agree, let us be done with this tedious business"

I think you should just slit her throat once we clear the corner, and be done with that. That will show the others you should be feared and respected

Akimoto turned away, pretending to be clearing his throat.

I am certain that I told you to be silenced. I know you can hear me, be gone, you waste both of our time

He turned back, this time to the ogre and the merchant, and addressed them both in well trained imperial.

"Good fellows, our group is in agreement. While my kin find us appropriate lodgings we" He indicates to the smiling Illiiya "will accompany you to an apothecary so your leg may be mended. When you are ready we shall be on our way"

Brinnyunlimited · Post by **Brinnyunlimited** » Wed Feb 13, 2008 1:58 pm

Maeko, Akimoto, Rakia, Drak’Ne & Illiiya: Maeko reads from the magical scroll given to him by Silver. Although you do not recognise the runes and letters used on this ancient parchment, your tongue rolls around the sounds beautifully as if with a mind of its own. As each rune is read it disappears from the scroll, leaving nothing but an empty, useless parchment.

At first nothing happens. The group look at each other with bewilderment, expecting a flash of light or some other sign that powerful magic has just been cast. Maeko, you approach the fat merchant who still hangs from his perch atop the ogre’s shoulders. “Merchant, before we part ways and my two colleagues escort you to the Apothecary, please state your name.” The words leave your mouth spoken perfectly in the Druchii language. “Why certainly,” replies the Merchant, he too speaking perfect Druchii. “My name is Heinrik of Nuln and I must say Elf, you speak Imperial beautifully. I had no idea.” With that, Maeko turns to the rest of the group and nods, indicating that the spell has worked and the group should now be careful about what they say and where they say it as they can now be understood by the Altdorf masses.

Akimoto & Illiiya: With the spell cast, Akimoto and Illiiya escort Budkiz and the Merchant to the closest School of magic. The Merchant guides the way, telling you he knows of the best Apothecary in town. Although very few citizens ever get to set foot within one of the eight Imperial Schools of Magic, the town square surrounding each college is usually filled with alchemists, druids, rogue wizards, magicians and any other practitioners of the arcane arts that wish to peddle goods or services.

“Ah, here we are!” exclaims the Merchant, “De Vilo’s Medical Emporium!” Before you stands a large building with ‘De Vilo’s’ painted in red above the door. The window display of this store contains skeletons, strange and exotic herbs, unpleasant looking gadgets and a selection of taxidermied animals from far off lands. “Perhaps you would like to browse the wonders of Altdorf while I get fixed up. We can always meet back here in a few hours?”

OOC: You can either stay with the Merchant and enter De Vilo’s, or browse the local area. Places of interest are as follows:

Magician’s Marketplace: The place to go to find enchanted weapons or armour, arcane trinkets and wards, spell books, potions and herbs. Practically anything arcane can be purchased here, for a large fee.

Alchemists Workshop: Alchemists specialise in (or at least, try to) turning base metals into gold. If you have any scrap metal or unwanted equipment, you can visit an alchemist and try and have it turned into gold which can they be used as currency.

Clairvoyant’s Tent: For a fee, Clairvoyants are able to seer events from the future or provide clues about certain peoples whereabouts.

Calcazar the Retired Mage: Calcazar has become a bit of a celebrity amongst the people of Altdorf. Unlike most mages, Calcazar is willing to wax lyrical about magic, sorcery and the arcane to the general public for a small fee. He is the man to visit if you want information about spells, a curse, the nature of magic, magical properties of items or anything else related.

Arcane Forges: The Arcane Forges of Altdorf specialise in the creation and repair of magical artefacts. If you want a magical blade commissioned or a shattered amulet repaired, this is the place to go.

The Mage’s Familiar: The local tavern. Usual patrons include mages, assistants and nobles. Mercenaries can usually find information or work here as there is no shortage of wizards who need a specific ingredient for their next concoction or experiment, such as an Orc’s eyeball or a Griffin’s wing feather.

Maeko, Drak’Ne & Rakia: You decide to press on with your mission without delay and make your way to the Noble District. The journey is long as the Noble District sits far from the slums of Altdorf. As you make your way through the city you notice the strong military presence. Men-at-arms patrol the streets, Witch Hunters and their retinues lurk in the shadows and alleys, listening for heretical conversation and looking for signs of mutation. Despite your best efforts to blend in, you constantly feel like you are on display with people looking and whispering about you. It is very uncomfortable to say the least.

Eventually you reach the border of the Noble District. High walls separate this part of the city from the rest and the only way in that you can see, the main gate, is guarded by a dozen Greatswords. Unless you can come up with a very good reason, you doubt you are likely to be let in, but it may be possible to talk to the Greatswords and learn some information about the Baron you hunt or other goings on in the city.

OOC: Post Deadline: Sunday 17th

The buoyancy of water · Fri Feb 15, 2008 3:19 pm

OOC: Sorry for not being around recently everyone. I've been busy at Uni and when I did get a chance to make a post my computer crashed when I tried to spell-check it

IC: Rakia had remained silent for some time. She didn't particularly like busy cities in general and one filled with humans was even worse. It was unnerving to see beings that she had always considered slaves walking around in great numbers, free from the lash of a Druchii master. They were a far cry from the humans back home. She now knew how it felt to truly be an outsider. Rakia quietly followed after the rest of the group.

Plans were made while she was nervously watching everyone around them with suspicion. Personally Rakia wanted the have a bath, a sit down, a drink and a hot meal, but it seemed that was going to have to wait for now. She wasn't even sure what the food would be like in a place like this anyway. With a quiet sigh Rakia took another snack from her rations. She turned back to the group as the final plans were drawn up.

They seemed good. Rakia didn't want Akimoto sneaking off anymore then anyone else, so thought that Illiiya accompanying him was a good idea. The scroll was read, but Rakia didn't feel anything in particular happen to her. It was only when Maeko addressed the merchant that it became apparent the scroll wasn't a fake. That done the group split up to complete their tasks.

The walk to the Noble District took a long time. While making their way there Rakia realised that the few times she spoke she didn't stutter; it seemed the scroll was making others think she was speaking Imperial perfectly. She smiled to herself, glad to be rid of her stutter, if only for a short while.

They stopped short of the gate into the Noble District. It was heavily guarded by well armed humans. It looked like all they could do was ask the humans for help. Rakia was the least threatening looking of the three elves, so it seemed wise that she talked to the guards. Also, milling around talking in front of the guards would raise suspicion. Her confidence bolstered by the temporary removal of her stutter Rakia decided to take the lead for a change. She turned to Maeko and Drak'Ne.

"Follow my lead" she whispered before turning and approaching the group of guards, trying to seem confident and friendly. Rakia felt being friendly to humans was not going to be easy. She stopped before the group and addressed them; hoping Maeko and Drak'Ne had followed her. Rakia forced a smile.

"Good afternoon gentlemen. My companions and I are looking for one Baron Von Strukham. We were wondering if you would be so kind as to help us locate him."

OOC: Brinny I hope you don't mind me removing Rakia's stutter for now?

Discipleofkhaine · Post by **Discipleofkhaine** » Sat Feb 16, 2008 12:29 am

Maeko rubbed his throat as he walked toward the Noble District with Rakia and Drak'Ne. He was amazed at the magic that had been cast upon them. Maeko had seen the powers of magic before, as his father had occasionally hired the aid of the convent, yet each time he witnessed it's power he was fascinated with it.

To imagine...the Witchking can perform such feats on top of being a mighty warrior of the blade. He is truly blessed by Khaine.

As they neared the Noble District, Maeko drew his Asur cloak tighter around him, making sure that no sign of Druchii could be seen about him. He did not want to be discovered so close to the heart of the enemy.

As they drew up to the gates of the Noble District, Maeko observed at least a dozen men carrying giant, Draich-like, swords guarding the gates.

It seems that we won't be charging our way in...

Maeko was about to speak, however Rakia jumped in before him to address the guards. Maeko could not help but smile towards his tiny companion, who was acting strangely confident. The power of the scroll even seemed to have improved her stutter.

Maeko will decide to merely stand behind Rakia as she attempts to converse with the guards, trying to look as pleasant as possible. If the guards seem to be antagonistic towards Maeko and the others, he will intervene and offer them a small ammount of gold in exchange for information.

Akimoto · Post by **Akimoto** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 8:10 am

Arh, her eyes burn holes into my essence

Look, it's your fault I'm being followed in the first place, now silence

Akimoto didn't need to turn to see what the voice was talking about; Illiiya was definitely doing her job. There hadn't even been a moment when he could slip into the crowd without her being fully aware, and he decided it was time to change this.

As Heinrik paused before entering De Vilo’s, Akimoto addressed him.

”Please, do not worry about us friend. Just see to it that you are mended and we shall meet back here later once you have been healed.”

Once he finished assuring the merchant they would be fine on their own, Akimoto drew Illiiya aside.

"Illiiya, I will be honest, taking the merchant was not my only goal in coming to this district, here, see this" he placed his pack on the ground, and withdrew a piece of wrapped cloth. Carefully he opened the package revealing the shards of the dagger he had found on the Serpent. "Kalivar left this when he fled his ship, and I took it from his cabin as we parted from it. I wish to see it remade, and have its magical properties identified. That is why I have been absent, in a sense, since the city has been nearing, and is why I now wish to seek out the forge that we passed on our way through the square”

Akimoto will carefully replace the dagger in its wrappings, then, with or with out Illiiya’s approval, will make for the forge to get the blade remade. If he is questioned about the blade he will say that it is a trinket he had acquired through his trade to the south, near Lustria. If funds are an issue, then he will attempt to barter the cost using his sea dragon cloak, another trade from Lustria, as the payment.

((ooc)) Sorry for the post delay, busy couple of days, not to mention a little sister stealing my computer for high school assignments... Also, out of interest, how many places in the square can we visit? I assumed only one…

Bloodyangel · Post by **Bloodyangel** » Tue Feb 19, 2008 3:20 am

Illiiya Jaelrae

Illiiya looked at the young noble with a mix of dibelief and contempt as he explained his plan.

Allow me to understand this... You were planning to split off alone... ignore your given order... and leave the human and the ogre alone so that you can rush off to fuss over a broken magical trinket that you found on the ark? A trinket that you have never mentioned until now... so I can only assume you stole. Illiiya will attempt to explain herself slowly... like one might speak to a child, You do this KNOWING that they do not trust you much, of late... Do you really think this is a good idea?

But Akimoto would hear none of it... rushing off too quickly to hear much of what she said. Anger burned behind her eyes as she watched him rush off.

Now I see why his family sent him out to be a common mercenary... The man is a fool and entirely self-absorbed. Illiiya thought to herself in irritation, It's as if some force is TRYING to rip this mission apart! If I pursue him, I leave the human alone unsupervised... If I do not... he could ruin everything for us with his recklessness!

Illiiya put two delicate fingers to the bridge of her nose, straining to fend off the headache that was forming from supressing her anger around the human cattle around her. The last thing that she needed was another outburst drawing attention to her while she was sorrounded by enemies. If the little nobleman wanted to rush off an endanger everything... there was little she could do but hope he retained enough sense to not give anything away.

Come on then ogre... it seems he has... something to attend to. She will say with a sigh, Let's visit the healers and be done with it.

Illiiya will stick to her task, and take the ogre and the merchant to the healer's place. She will claim Akimoto once that is done... assuming he is not back already

Warpix · Post by **Warpix** » Tue Feb 19, 2008 6:19 am

Drak'Ne simply stood as Rakia talked with the guards, she seemed to have everything under control. It was odd though, it seemed that not only did the scroll have one speak the tongue of man perfectly, it also got rid of Rakia's speech impairment. It was actually kind of odd hearing Rakia speak confidently. Drak'Ne smiled, knowing for once, a deal with humans would go fine, all his obviously Druchii equipment was safely hidden in his backpack, but he did wish he could drop some of the extra weight.

Messiahofdeath · Post by **Messiahofdeath** » Wed Feb 20, 2008 7:03 am

Sorry once more for my lack of speed, but I was not aware you were waiting for me.

Sinfulblade cached the slab of half-done horsemeat and began chewing on his rough yet quite succulent breakfast. It wasn’t the best tasting food, he highly doubted it was even that healthy, but it was, one way or the other, food and for the time being it’s all that mattered. As Raneth went out to search for some water to clean themselves up Sinful ate up as much of the horse meet as his stomach could let him and then threw what remained into the fire soon extinguishing it with dirt.

“What in Khaine’s name am I doing here?”

Asking himself rhetorically the teal khainate looked around for any other loose ends he might have to take care of, but couldn’t spot anything of their presence that he hadn’t burned already. Since Raneth wasn’t back yet Sinful pulled out his throwing knives and began sharpening them on a rough stone waiting for his turn to have a much-needed wash.

Brinnyunlimited · Post by **Brinnyunlimited** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 1:11 am

OOC: Sorry, serious problems at home so i will post when i can. sorry.

Discipleofkhaine · Post by **Discipleofkhaine** » Sun Feb 24, 2008 2:04 am

OOC: Sorry to hear that Brinny. I hope that whatever is going on resolves itself in the best way possible.

Brinnyunlimited · Post by **Brinnyunlimited** » Sat Mar 01, 2008 4:34 pm

OOC: Ok guys, after a week in hospital my Mum has passed away.

I shan't bore you with the details and I'll get straight to the point. I don't really have the passion to continue with the RPG at the moment.

How do you all feel about this? I did have a storyline planned that could have gone on for quite a while, at least for another 6-8 months, the way I see it, we have three options:

1) Put the group on temporary hiatus. This may be for as long as 3 months. Obviously there is a lot for my sister and I to arrange with regards to our Mother's death and to be honest, my mind won't be on anything else while this is happening.

2) End the group here and now. I shall put all of your characters back into the Character Creation group, all with your current upgrades and equipment, hopefully for another mod to pick up.

3) Resolve the current mini-storyline. Once again, I won't be able to do this for 1-3 months, but if you feel you want some kind of "ending" to the character's mission in Altdorf, I can make up a bit of story that may take about a month of RPGing time to resolve.

Let me know how you feel about the above options, or if someone else wants to mod this group and carry on the story, I'd be happy to talk to them about that option, too.