Clutch of the Dragon - Part One

(OOC: This series of stories was done on IRC, written by a conglomeration of people. Thanks to everyone involved, it was a blast! In case you didn't know, the name in brackets is the name of the person talking. Keep an eye out for bizarre cameos too!) 

<Barkeep> heh, never knew dwarves to be gentle in their tastes...

* Barkeep takes the mug, and pours it's contents back into his barrel

<Auroch> Well ye obviously don't know us, we love ale, but even we've got standards!

* Barkeep shrugs

* Barkeep puts the mug under the tap

<Auroch> Bah, don't expect me te order any more beer!

<Barkeep> ba

<Barkeep> it's a two drink minimum in this taver!

<Auroch> Well I did pay, didn't I?

<Barkeep> hrmph

<Auroch> And what about the silent guy in the corner? He's just asked for one water!

<Barkeep> i gave 'im a water

<Auroch> what bout the second drink?

<Kairune> he hasn't asked

<Barkeep> thats right

<Barkeep> i'm not a mind reader, you know

<Auroch> hehe, fine then

* Reiji is feeling uncomfortable with the attention

* Kairune looks suspiciously at the human

* Kairune whispers to auroch 'I dont know.. that one smells funny, if ya know what i mean..'

* Auroch laughs

* Auroch whispers back 'maybe he should take a bath'

* Kairune whispers to Auroch 'It's not funny.. He smells a bit like blood..'

* Auroch whispers 'Well what do you propose we do about it?'

* Kairune shrugs

<Auroch> Then let's forget about it, and enjoy the evenin

<Kairune> aye

* Reiji gets up from his chair, and leaves without paying for the water

*** Reiji has left #roleplaying

<Barkeep> Hey!!! get back 'ere!!! Ya filthy beggar!

*** Archimedes has joined #roleplaying

* Archimedes roars a great big dragon roar

<Auroch> Ddddragon!

<Barkeep> AAAAAhhhhhh!!

* Barkeep ducks behind the counter

* Archimedes looks around cautiously, as if looking for someone

* Kairune takes his pike out, attentively

<Kairune> what do you want, beast??

<Archimedes> I am looking for a huuuman

<Kairune> I'm a human…

<Archimedes> Bring him to me and I shall let you live

* Kairune brings his pike to bear

<Archimedes> No, not you. You are not the one

<Kairune> Then who? there is more than one human in these parts

<Archimedes> And I suggest you keep that pike away from my belly, unless you want to be eaten

* Kairune puts his pike aside

* Archimedes drops a picture from his claw, and lets it fall towards the pike man

<Kairune> For your information, I'd rather aim for the neck…

* Kairune looks at the picture

<Archimedes> This is he. I will return in a fortnight for him. If he is not here I will raze this tavern to the ground.

* Archimedes turns around, and leaves

*** Archimedes has left #roleplaying

<Barkeep> I..i.is it gone?

<Auroch> Aye, it's gone for now

* Barkeep stands up, cautiously

* Auroch picks the picture up, looking at it

<Auroch> I don't recognize this human, do any of ye?

* Barkeep looks at the picture and shrugs

* Auroch looks closer, and notices a tattoo on the side of the man's head

* Kairune shakes his head

<Kairune> wait a minute…

<Kairune> I think I've seen him pass through here..

<Kairune> might've been headed toward the Ru'Tok region to the west… But of course, I can't be sure

<Kairune> he simply passed through

<Auroch> Is that all you remember?

* Kairune nods

<Auroch> hmm

<Kairune> might as well follow him. I could use a job… but then again… the dragon didn't offer pay did he?

* Barkeep looks startled

<Barkeep> bah

<Barkeep> you greedy son of a goblin!

<Barkeep> I’ll pay ya!

<Kairune> How much?

<Barkeep> he's gonna burn me tavern down!!

<Barkeep> I'll pay ye enough, guardsman

* Kairune shrugs

<Kairune> maybe it'll lead to more treasure...

<Auroch> I'll help, but ye don't need te pay me

<Auroch> I used te serve the dragons, but now I think I need te protect people from dragons more

<Kairune> You used to serve those beasts?

<Auroch> I... I wasn't the same person I was now

<Kairune> hmm…

* Kairune shrugs

<Auroch> I saw life in them, and I owed a dragon my life

<Kairune> I see

<Auroch> hmm, but we need to focus on finding this man!

<Kairune> Agreed

<Kairune> i have not much skill in tracking

<Kairune> hwo would we go about this?

*** Aleloh has joined #roleplaying

* Kairune looks at the dryad

<Auroch> Hey, Aleloh!

<Aleloh> hello

<Auroch> Long time no see!

<Aleloh> yep

<Auroch> Maybe ye could help us, we need to find a certain man desperately, or else a giant dragon called Archimedes will destroy this wee tavern!

<Aleloh> I am an old dryad... I have heard rumors, and tales; I may know what you are looking for

* Kairune grumbles at the thought of traveling with yet another weak dryad

<Aleloh> weak? weak you say?

<Kairune> alright twig man

<Aleloh> may Rasha forgive you!

<Kairune> you heard him. are ya in or out?

* Kairune laughs

<Aleloh> I will help you

<Kairune> alright then

<Kairune> Rasha my arse

* Aleloh grumbles about the disrespect of people nowadays

<Auroch> Now, you said that you saw him pass by, perhaps that means some guards might recognize him

<Kairune> perhaps…

<Kairune> although they're lazy as hell

<Kairune> i'd doubt it

* Kairune grumbles

<Kairune> do you have any method of tracking a man, dryad?

<Aleloh> no… I am not good with magic that shows images

<Aleloh> weather and elements are for me

<Kairune> bah

<Auroch> All we need is the universal lubricant - money!

<Kairune> hmm

<Kairune> he didn’t speak with many people

<Kairune> but I can't be sure

<Aleloh> not even a description of the man you are looking for?

<Kairune> we have a picture

* Kairune shows Aleloh the picture

* Aleloh sees the picture

<Kairune> oh, and my name is Kairune.

<Aleloh> mine is Aleloh

* Kairune nods

<Aleloh> Can't say I have seen such a person...

* Kairune shrugs

<Aleloh> I do not have money laying around... gold does not grow out of trees

* Auroch is sure the tattoo on the man is important, and he says that to the group

<Auroch> It isn't like you can just ignore it, someone in this town must have noticed it

* Kairune inspects the picture closer, looking at the tattoo

<Kairune> yes

<Kairune> there were gawkers

<Auroch> Well, we can't just sit around, we gotta do something!

<Aleloh> Tattoos can mean anything...

* Aleloh looks at his symbols on his wings

<Auroch> yes, and they can mean something as well

<Aleloh> when did you last see him?

<Kairune> he passed through a few days ago

<Kairune> lets get out of here

<Aleloh> I agree

<Barkeep> and dont come back till ya found im!!

<Aleloh> unless you think the man will come in here to buy a drink

* Kairune shakes his head

<Kairune> he'd be long gone by now

<Auroch> Agreed

<Aleloh> goodbye

* Aleloh bows

<Auroch> Good day Barkeep, we'll do our best

*** Barkeep has quit IRC

* Kairune walks outside

* Aleloh begins to hover and heads outside

* Auroch looks outside the door, there is a main road to the west and one to the east

<Kairune> lets go west

<Kairune> that’s where he was headed

<Aleloh> Hmm...

<Auroch> Yes, that makes the most sense

<Kairune> Aleloh...

<Aleloh> yes?

* Aleloh stops hovering, his wings would get tired quickly

<Kairune> I've met one such as you before. Could you listen to the winds and ask them where someone has gone?

<Aleloh> I will try...

* Aleloh closes his eyes, and begins to glow a light green

* Aleloh stops...

<Aleloh> I am not too sure I understood them... but they said he might have headed quickly to the west, very quickly

<Kairune> hmm

<Aleloh> though maybe to a nearby town...

<Kairune> I'll check my map…

<Aleloh> what is the nearest town near here? I cannot remember... one of the curses of old age

* Auroch looks on his map

<Kairune> Dalermon

<Kairune> We're in Delur right now…

<Aleloh> hmm...

<Aleloh> best bet is to go there... maybe the guards are not as lazy as the ones here

<Auroch> hmm…

<Aleloh> and we can ask

<Auroch> How much time did that dragon give us?

* Kairune tries to remember

<Kairune> two weeks... I think

<Aleloh> the dragon warned you?

<Kairune> yes

<Kairune> he'd return in a fortnight and burn the tavern, if we don’t find this man

<Auroch> yes that was correct

* Aleloh looks back at the tavern

* Auroch starts walking westward

<Auroch> Well, best get goin now!

* Aleloh follows Auroch

* Kairune follows Auroch

<Auroch> …

<Auroch> …

<Auroch> …

* Auroch sits down

<Auroch> That was a long walk, I need a rest!

* Aleloh stretches

*** PackOfGrelks has joined #roleplaying

* PackOfGrelks growls at the party

* Kairune quickly takes his pike out

<Kairune> Grelks!

* Auroch brings out his axe

<Auroch> bah!

<Aleloh> I see them...

<Auroch> Bring it on!

<Aleloh> I got no weapons but my magics

* Aleloh hands' begin to glow

* PackOfGrelks charges the three companions

* Kairune stabs a grelk in the throat

* Kairune falls over under it's weight

* Auroch charges a grelk, swinging his axe from above

* Aleloh raises his arm, a strong gust of wind in a shape of a blade shot out, and stunned one of them

* Auroch misses

* Kairune 's pike breaks

<Auroch> Grr

* Kairune takes out a short sword

* Aleloh avoids one of the attacks

* Auroch rolls on the ground, narrowly avoiding an attack from a grelk

* Aleloh is hit by one and made to kneel down

<Aleloh> argh!

* Kairune avoids getting bitten by a loose grelk

* Auroch jumps back up, and runs to Aleloh

* Kairune slashes at it's eye

<Auroch> Arghh!

* Aleloh stands up

* PackOfGrelks slashes Kairune

* Auroch swings again, decapitating the Grelk

* Kairune rolls back

*** PackOfGrelks is now known as Grelk

* Grelk growls at Auroch

* Auroch circles the last Grelk

<Auroch> I'll grr ye!

* Grelk tries to chomp on the dwarf

<Auroch> C'mon!

<Aleloh> one grelk left... the dwarf can handle him

* Auroch steps back, and trips the grelk

* Grelk trips

* Grelk growls in pain

* Grelk rises

* Auroch hacks his axe into the grelks's back

* Grelk moans

* Grelk falls down, mortally wounded

* Auroch takes the axe out, and swings again

<Aleloh> the grelk is defeated

<Auroch> That was close!

* Grelk dies

*** Grelk has quit IRC

<Auroch> Is everyone okay?

<Aleloh> did we really need to kill it?

<Kairune> arg

* Kairune bandages his arms

<Kairune> yes

<Kairune> food

<Auroch> They were trying to kill us

<Aleloh> yeah... the hit simply shocked me

<Auroch> Sorry faerie, that's how the world is

<Kairune> we can use the meat

<Auroch> Aye

<Aleloh> you can use its meat...

<Aleloh> I do not eat meat

<Kairune> heh

* Kairune snickers

* Aleloh grabs a berry from one of his blue pouches

<Auroch> Excellent, more fer us!

<Kairune> damn

* Kairune looks at his broken pike

<Kairune> happens everytime i get out

<Auroch> hehe

<Auroch> Can it be fixed?

* Aleloh grumbles under his breath 'pigs..' and grabs another berry

<Kairune> naw

<Aleloh> a dwarf blacksmith can fix it

<Aleloh> or could

<Kairune> i lose one pike about every day

<Kairune> this one isn't special

<Aleloh> you should buy a more reliable weapon

<Kairune> what i need is a lance

<Auroch> I am a blacksmith, but I'd need a forge here

<Aleloh> do you really have money to spend? or are they cheap

<Kairune> i'd rather just use my short sword for now

<Kairune> it's served me well

<Auroch> Okay then

<Aleloh> are we ready to head out?

<Auroch> Say, Aleloh could you help us out and make a fire while we skin these grelk?

<Aleloh> yes, I can auroch

<Auroch> I'd be much obliged, Aleloh. I don't think you know just how much work it is to skin one of these ugly things

<Aleloh> do you want to gather the things to set fire upon or should I?

* Kairune begins skinning the animal

<Auroch> If you could get the wood, I'm sure it would help

* Aleloh stares towards the horizon

<Kairune> maybe after i get paid i'll visit your forge

<Kairune> i think we should set up camp tonight

* Kairune ponders using the twig-man's body as kindling

* Kairune chuckles

<Aleloh> wood? I'd rather use the twigs laying around, trying to set fire to the earth is rather useless

* Auroch joins in the skinning too, with his special skinning knife

* Aleloh begins to pick up the twigs around the group

<Auroch> Whatever, the fire is the important thing, not the how

<Kairune> aye

* Aleloh heads back

* Auroch wipes some sweat from his brow, tired of skinning

<Aleloh> this should be enough, with magic you don't need too much of a base

* Kairune nods

* Aleloh begins to move his fingers quickly

<Aleloh> whenever you are ready

<Aleloh> I will start the fire

<Kairune> as soon as possible

<Auroch> We're ready

* Aleloh small sparks begin to fly out of Aleloh's fingers, then one small fireball hits the gathered twigs and sets them

  quickly on fire

* Kairune throws a log onto the twigs

<Aleloh> cooking meat takes so much work...

<Auroch> But it's worth it

* Aleloh grabs another berry

<Kairune> it's worth it

<Auroch> hehe

<Kairune> berries huh?

<Kairune> heheh

<Aleloh> yes quite full of taste

* Kairune pierces a slice of grelk meat with his sword and sticks it out toward the fire

* Auroch gets a stick and starts roasting it

* Aleloh sits down by the fire, for warmth

* Kairune gnaws on the partially cooked grelk meat

<Aleloh> a bit chilly being near the desert…

<Kairune> eh?

<Aleloh> to the north west is the Mu'taku desert

<Kairune> very far though

<Auroch> Have you ever been there?

<Auroch> We must be getting closer to Dalermon if we can be feeling the cold from the desert

* Auroch bites into the meat, and devours it

<Auroch> MMM, this is great!

<Aleloh> yes...

<Aleloh> yes

<Kairune> i've never been outside Delur since i came here

<Aleloh> I have been searching Istaria for the thing that keeps me alive, been searching for over 300 years now

<Auroch> ...And what is that?

<Aleloh> one place I dare not venture unless needed.... the northern empire

<Aleloh> I do not know Auroch

<Auroch> Well perhaps if we please this dragon, he may offer to reward us

<Kairune> heh, i doubt it

<Aleloh> isn't leaving the bar alone a reward to dragons?

* Kairune nods

* Auroch sighs

<Auroch> With dragons, only Dru'ulk knows

* Aleloh grabs a rather large nut

* Auroch sticks another piece of meat into the fire

<Auroch> That is, if he even exists

<Kairune> fiddles around with the grelk claws he obtained

* Aleloh cracks the nut open

<Kairune> sharp little buggers

<Auroch> Maybe ye could use 'em

* Kairune tests the claw against his palm

<Aleloh> the one that hit me was young, and I thank Rasha for that

* Kairune nearly cuts the skin

<Kairune> hrm..

<Kairune> perhaps i could use it

* Kairune puts the claws away

* Aleloh looks at the night sky

<Aleloh> have you ever been outside the eastern empire Kai?

<Kairune> aye

<Aleloh> all the way to the west of the western empire

<Kairune> I am from Tazoon

<Kairune> used to work for the army

<Aleloh> my home village... was burned quite some time ago

<Auroch> Remember the Mire Seth Aleloh?

<Aleloh> ahh yes Auroch

<Aleloh> have you seen Andar or Iskarii after the mire seth?

<Auroch> Aye, we've built a tavern down in the Western Empire

<Aleloh> ahh... I think I can remember going there once... can't really remember

<Auroch> It is called the World's Edge Tavern

* Aleloh looks up at the sky, and looks at the star, he seems in deep thought

<Auroch> Ye know Kairune, the more ye travel, the more ye realize the old saying:

<Auroch> The more things change, the more they stay the same

<Kairune> heh

<Kairune> i guess so

<Aleloh> Tazoon, not my favorite of places

<Auroch> Not a place meant for dryads

<Kairune> It's the grandest city, with the greatest army

* Aleloh looks at the crackling fire, the little sparks seems like little fireflies

<Kairune> at least it was great

<Kairune> till i left

<Kairune> heh

<Aleloh> the biggest city... not the greatest

<Kairune> bah

<Kairune> the greatest city to you would be a forest.

<Auroch> Ahh, but we'd best not argue that one!

* Kairune shrugs

<Aleloh> yes... auroch is right, we have different views..

<Aleloh> Kairune, have you ever been in a mountain range before?

<Auroch> Me, I'd argue Berenhill is the greatest city in the world

<Kairune> aye dryad

<Auroch> It is a very subjective thing

<Kairune> that i have

<Kairune> I've been near to...

* Kairune triest to remember the name of the dwarven haven...

<Aleloh> Berenhill?

<Kairune> hmm

<Kairune> i dont think so

<Aleloh> dwarven haven...

<Kairune> I'll have to get back to you on that. It'll come to me

<Auroch> Take yer time

<Kairune> Ah

<Kairune> i remember

<Kairune> Gerak

<Auroch> The best part of any dwarven city is underground though, I doubt ye'd have been there

<Aleloh> I prefer the outdoors over the cities

<Kairune> aye i have actually

<Kairune> was a great battle that took place there

<Auroch> Oh?

<Aleloh> battle?

<Aleloh> in a city?

<Kairune> the orcs were raiding it

<Kairune> drilling the mountain's surface, and breaking through

* Aleloh growls softly

* Auroch growls

<Kairune> the traps were useless.

<Auroch> The savages!

<Kairune> that they are

<Kairune> We managed to fight them back though. By some miracle

<Auroch> Praise Brobbet!

<Kairune> Ever heard of a dwarf named Ishgar?

<Aleloh> do not think so Kairune

<Auroch> name rings a bell, but there're a lot of dwarves

<Auroch> What's 'e look like?

<Kairune> he'd be an old one

<Aleloh> old... dwarves tend to get more drunk the more they age

<Kairune> he's rather hefty

<Kairune> He's the one who nearly saved the city single-handedly

<Auroch> Impressive

* Kairune nods

<Kairune> I think their god may have had a hand in it...

<Auroch> Aye, Brobbet is very protective

<Kairune> but can't be sure. I never asked him

<Auroch> else what is the fun of getting old? hehe

<Aleloh> ahh... true, I take a drink once or twice

* Aleloh thinks... his favorite city is Lempte... but how would they know about it?

* Auroch yawns

<Aleloh> tired Auroch?

<Auroch> It's been a long day

<Aleloh> Oh, and by the way, thank you for the save Auroch

<Auroch> It is forgotten, it was battle

<Aleloh> my spell was a rather weak one, you guys got the attack, since I got two young ones

<Aleloh> I sure could use the music of some dryad bards

<Kairune> bah

<Kairune> bards make me sick

<Auroch> What does fairy music sound like?

<Aleloh> I cannot describe it... it fills you with emotion

<Auroch> hehe, dwarf music is like that, but it makes you want to jump up and sing with it!

* Kairune spits

<Aleloh> Kair, you should respect fine arts

<Auroch> And you should let him have his opinion

<Kairune> heh

<Aleloh> old people have a tendency to try and force their opinions...

<Kairune> anything fine is meant to be broken

<Kairune> bah

<Kairune> i'm not old!

<Aleloh> I was not talking about you

* Kairune is middle aged

<Auroch> hehe

* Aleloh chuckles slightly, and lays down on the ground

<Auroch> So I guess when you're 300 years old you're pretty crotchety?

* Kairune snickers

<Aleloh> I haven't met many who are that old... but from my own experience yes

* Aleloh grins

<Auroch> Didn't ye say ye were that old?

<Aleloh> no... I am older

<Kairune> heh

* Auroch laughs, just getting the dryad's joke

* Aleloh smiles at Auroch

<Aleloh> have you any of you read any books?

<Kairune> books?

<Aleloh> yes...

<Kairune> bah, what for?

* Aleloh sits up

* Auroch laughs

<Kairune> i already know all i need to know

<Aleloh> to entertain yourself when you are not spilling blood

<Auroch> A book canna teach ye how te swing an axe

<Kairune> taverns serve to that end

<Kairune> hehehee

* Aleloh sighs

* Aleloh lays back down

* Kairune leans against a tree

<Auroch> Me thinks it's time te rest, but I'll take the first watch

* Kairune nods

<Aleloh> yes.... I'll take last one

* Aleloh closes his eyes, ready to go to sleep

* Kairune leans against the tree, snoring

* Auroch sits closer to the fire, tossing a few sticks to keep it going

* Auroch cooks some more meat as the night passes by

* Auroch yawns, and decides to get Kairune up

*** Fly has joined #roleplaying

* Auroch kicks him gently

<Auroch> Hello

* Fly flies around Auroch's head

<Auroch> Wake up!

<Kairune> already?

<Kairune> bah

* Kairune gets up

<Auroch> aye, get rid of these silly flies too!

<Kairune> swats the fly

<Kairune> alright then

*** Fly has quit IRC

* Auroch yawns

<Auroch> Unless ye mind, I'd like to sleep

<Kairune> go ahead, dwarf

* Kairune pokes the fire

* Auroch curls up against a tree, and promptly falls asleep

* Aleloh begins to snore lightly

* Auroch starts muttering to himself in his sleep, something about wenches and bar stools

<Kairune> decides it's time for Aleloh to take his watch

* Kairune pushes Aleloh, trying to awaken him.

* Aleloh grumbles

<Aleloh> what? already?

<Kairune> yeah

<Kairune> get up dryad

<Aleloh> maybe you should have taken the last one for me too

* Aleloh stands up slowly

* Kairune leans against the tree and falls asleep

* Auroch rolls over in his sleep

* Aleloh pulls two blades of grass and puts them together

<Aleloh> ahh how nature is beautiful..

* Aleloh reaches inside his robe and pulls out a book

* Auroch begins to stir as light appears over the horizon

<Auroch> hmm, where's our breakfast?

<Aleloh> breakfast?

<Auroch> coffee, I need coffee!

* Kairune sees a bunch of flies buzzing around the dead grelk's exposed corpse

<Aleloh> you won't find coffee near here...

<Kairune> bah

<Kairune> who forgot to put the meat away?

* Auroch looks accusingly at... himself

* Aleloh eyes Kairune

<Auroch> oops!

<Kairune> ah well

<Kairune> we'll have to find more later

<Auroch> yeah, there's always wild game in these parts

<Auroch> If all wlse fails, the dryad can get us some nuts and berries

* Kairune spits

<Auroch> I mean, if all else fails

* Kairune shrugs

<Auroch> What is it with you and spitting?

<Kairune> showing my disgust is all..

<Kairune> contempt

<Kairune> you know, what spitting would imply

<Auroch> I know, but I don't have te care

*** Kerino has joined #roleplaying

<Auroch> Hello there, can I help ye?

* Kairune eyes the newcomer

<Auroch> Greetins, me name's Auroch

<Kairune> I'm Kairune, what's yer name?

<Auroch> So stranger, what is your name?

<Kairune> so stranger, you gonna tell us yer name? or are you not the friendly type?

* Kairune 's hand goes to his sheathed weapon

<Kerino> I am known as Kerino...

<Auroch> Good te meet ye Kerino, me name's Auroch

* Kairune stands back from the angel

<Aleloh> I am Aleloh

<Aleloh> good to see another child of Rasha

<Kerino> Pleased to meet you Auroch

<Auroch> i've known a few angels in me time, do ye know one called Darselemaine?

<Kerino> The name sounds familiar...but I have not met him as of yet

<Kairune> heh

<Auroch> Well I'm sure there are lots of angels, just a shot in the dark

<Auroch> Would you care to join us on a noble quest?

<Aleloh> what do you say about rasha now Kair?

<Kairune> Bah

<Kairune> Rasha this and Rasha that

<Kairune> just an excuse to tell us lesser folk what to do

<Aleloh> Yes, you can count, I've only mentioned the wonderful god twice

<Kairune> so have I

<Kairune> Rasha this, and Rasha that

* Auroch is laughing at the ridiculous Kairune

<Kairune> it's enough for me

* Kairune spit on the ground

* Kairune glares at Auroch

<Kairune> who're you laughin at?

* Auroch stops laughing

<Auroch> Who, me?

* Auroch tries to look innocent

* Kairune grumbles

<Aleloh> would you care to tell our angel guest our quest?

<Aleloh> we are here to help the tavern

<Auroch> ah yes!

<Auroch> We need to find a man to bring back to a tavern, or a dragon has threatened to destroy it

<Kerino> Where can we find this man?

<Kairune> he's headed west

<Auroch> We suspect he's in nearby Dalermon

<Kairune> we could use some tracking or divination skills to find him

* Auroch gets the picture out to show the angel

<Auroch> Does this help?

<Kerino> yes it does...

<Kairune> so you know him?

* Aleloh gets a canteen that is near his rib and drink some clear water

<Auroch> Well, we'd better get goin!

* Kerino looks at the picture

<Auroch> You comin angel?

* Aleloh nods

* Kairune nods

* Kerino nods

* Aleloh looks at the horizon

* Auroch starts walking eastward again

* Auroch then goes in the right direction

* Kairune follows Auroch

* Aleloh follows Auroch... uneasily

* Kerino follows aleloh

* Kairune snickers at the dwarf's sense of direction

<Auroch> You look uncomfortable, Aleloh

<Aleloh> will Kerino form too much of a problem in Dalermon?

<Aleloh> you were heading back to the east... but I need to follow you, I was doubting for a second if you would get us to the right place

<Auroch> it's a gnome city, isn't it?

* Aleloh sighs disappointedly

<Aleloh> it is a dwarf city..

<Kairune> that it is

* Auroch smacks himself

<Auroch> How could I forget?

<Kairune> heh

<Aleloh> I don't know...

<Auroch> I doubt the angel will be a problem, as long as we keep outta trouble

* Kairune eyes the angel suspiciously

<Aleloh> dwarves are not kind to magic

<Auroch> Then you'd best be careful

* Aleloh flies towards the head of Kair and smack him slightly

* Kairune growls at the dryad

<Kairune> keep your hands to yourself twig-man!

<Aleloh> how far till the city?

<Auroch> Shouldn't be too far, half a day's trip

<Kerino> Why is the man in Dalermon?

<Kairune> we dont know

<Aleloh> maybe I should have summoned my riding creature... but it uses my power, and a little workout wouldn't hurt

<Kairune> thats what we're trying to find out

<Auroch> In fact he might not even be there

<Auroch> you can summon a riding creature?

<Aleloh> a small one

<Aleloh> the one I summoned in the Mire Seth

<Aleloh> though I am left weak

<Auroch> Oh yes! Will you use your super ruby dagger attack too?

* Aleloh points to his hip

* Kairune scratches his head

<Aleloh> I don't have it with me

<Auroch> too bad, that might come in handy if we meet a lich and hordes of undead

<Auroch> Now, as to this man, we know nothing about him

<Auroch> The only thing we do know is that Kairune saw him going westward a while ago

<Kairune> and that a dragon is looking for him

<Auroch> Yes

<Aleloh> and we don't know why

<Aleloh> or at least I don't know why

* Kerino looks off into the horizon

* Kairune wonders why those two keep doing that

<Auroch> Can you see that? I think I see the tips of the city

<Kairune> ah

<Kairune> i see

* Aleloh squints his eyes

<Aleloh> I see them

<Auroch> If we hurry we might be able to grab a beer for lunch!

* Kerino rises into the air

* Kairune goes off toward the city

<Kairune> might as well. The guards may be able to tell us something

* Aleloh begins to hover and heads toward the city

* Kerino heads toward the city

*** threehumans has joined #roleplaying

<threehumans> stop!

* Aleloh stops hovering

* Kairune bumps into the humans

<threehumans> none shall pass!

<Kairune> outa the way mongrel

<threehumans> none shall pass!

<Kerino> Who are you?

<Aleloh> shall pass what?

<Auroch> E!

<threehumans> none shall pass!

<Auroch> Well we're goin into the city, try and stop us!

<Aleloh> are you three deaft?

<threehumans> none shall pass

* Kerino forms two psionic blades at his wrists and hovers toward the stranger

* threehumans bare their swords

* Kairune punches a human

<Aleloh> these are more dense than Kair

<Kairune> take that fool!

* Kairune gets ready to take the others on

* Kairune frowns at Aleloh

* Aleloh sighs in disbelief

* threehumans pummel Kairune with the blunt end of their swords

<threehumans> none shall pass

* Kairune falls back

<Aleloh> can a dryad pass?

<threehumans> none shall pass!

<Auroch> E! Tough!

* Auroch charges the first human, axe ready

* Aleloh begins to cast a spell

* Kairune takes out his sword,

* Kairune charges the second human

* Kairune stabs and misses

* Aleloh shoots out another wind blade, but it did nothing to the human

* threehumans parry the dwarf easily, but fail to follow through

<Aleloh> didn't even move one bit...

* Auroch swings the axe, hitting the first one in the foot

* Kerino appears in back of the last human and strikes its head with his psionic blades

* threehumans cries out as blood spurts everywhere

* Kairune punches the second human in the eye

<threehumans> none... shall pass

<Auroch> I'll pass ye!

* Auroch slices the second man's head through with his axe

*** threehumans is now known as two

* Kairune growls at the third human

* Aleloh looks back in disgust

* Kairune kicks the third human in the kneecaps

<two> none... shall... pass

* Kairune pounds him with the blunt end of his sword

<two> none...

<two> shall...

<two> pass...

<Aleloh> times like this I wish I had learned spells that didn't hurt but simply helped in battle...

* Kairune glares at the dryad

*** two is now known as twohumans

* twohumans passes out, after uttering...

<twohumans> none shall pass

<Auroch> E! take that!

<Auroch> hehe

* Aleloh turns back around

* Auroch passes

* Kairune looks for loot on the humans

<Aleloh> why would humans defend a dwarven city?

<Auroch> Do you see that?

<Auroch> The tattoos!

<Auroch> tattoos! Just like the man!

* Aleloh looks closely at the corpses

* Kairune notices the tattoos on the humans

<Aleloh> bodyguards?

* twohumans wakes up

<twohumans> none...

<twohumans> ...

<twohumans> shall...

<twohumans> ...

<twohumans> ...

* twohumans are dead

* Kerino kneels down and examines the bodies

<Auroch> Does this mean we're on the right track?

<Aleloh> I think so

<Aleloh> but if they were able to sabotage us...

<Auroch> ye think that means they're onto us?

<Aleloh> yes... which means that we need to hurry

<Auroch> Aye!

<Auroch> Did ye find anything on their bodies?

<Kairune> eh, no. just some gold

<Kerino> Other than their tattoos...I found nothing

<Kairune> i'm not familiar with these types of swords

<Auroch> Well at least you've got that

<Kairune> useless to me. but i could sell them

<Auroch> I know ye love yer money

* Kairune takes the swords

* Kairune frowns at Auroch

<Kairune> bah

* Auroch smiles

<Auroch> Take a joke

<Kerino> their minds were tainted...that I can sense...

<Aleloh> we seem to be picking on Keir a lot...

* Aleloh grins mischiviosly

* Kairune stares around intently

<Auroch> Let's get going!

* Kairune passes

* Auroch starts walking briskly towards the city

* Aleloh starts to hover again towards the city

<Auroch> I don't wanna be caught with another of their groups

* Kerino hovers behind Auroch

* Auroch wonders if the guards will be very friendly

*** twohumans has left #roleplaying

<Kairune> i doubt it

* Aleloh wonders if the guards will be sober

<Kairune> if these humans have been causing trouble for them

*** guards has joined #roleplaying

* guards look cautiously

<guards> Yes?

<Aleloh> Hail!

<Auroch> E! Can ye help us? We're lookin for a man

* guards snort

<Kairune> He has an odd tattoo

* Kerino lowers himself to the ground

<guards> Bah!

* Kerino stares at the guard with glowing blue eyes

* Kairune glares at the guard

<Kairune> Listen here scum!

* Aleloh sighs

<Auroch> Careful there, that's no way te talk te someone when ye need their help

<Kairune> you'll answer our questions with meaningful answers, or i'll have ta rough ya up

* Kairune growls

<guards> No!

<Aleloh> auroch is right

<Kerino> Calm yourself Human...

<guards> You'll be civil in our city, or we'll rough ye up!

<Kairune> back off bird man

<Kairune> i dont take orders from your kind

<Auroch> I'm sorry, he's a little riled up

<Kairune> Bah

* Kairune waves off the guards

<Aleloh> he is also disrespectful...

<guards> What is yer business in Dalermon?

<Kairune> we already told......

<guards> And this tattoo? What does it look like?

* Auroch gets the picture out

<Auroch> Like this

* guards whistle

<guards> This is Elias! Elias Barnaby!

<Auroch> You know him?

<guards> Aye, he lives in that big house over yonder

* Kairune frowns and looks at where the guard indicates

* guards gesture in the direction of a large house

* Aleloh whispers at Auroch "Did the dragon give a reason for wanting the human?"

* Auroch whispers back "No, he just threatened to destroy the tavern if we didn't get him"

<Kairune> Well, i guess we're just gonna have to pay him a visit

<Kairune> and where did that angel go?

* Kairune looks around

<guards> If ye'll promise to keep this guy under control, we'll let ye in the town

* Kairune grumbles

* guards gesture at kairune

* Kairune eyes the guards in disbelief

<Auroch> Angels... are strange - one minute here, other they're gone

<Kairune> bah

<guards> What??

<Kairune> nevermind

<guards> Ye want a piece of this?

<Kairune> maybe i .... no

* Kairune crosses his arms

* guards puff up, proud of their dwarven selves

* Kairune fights back the urge to aim right for their dwarven pride

* Aleloh whispers to Kairune "Maybe you should stop worrying about valuables and start worrying about saving the tavern"

* Kairune whispers to Aleloh "Valuables?"

<Auroch> Thank you sirs, we'll just be talkin te Elias and leavin town

<guards> You do that

*** guards has left #roleplaying

<Aleloh> what will we do once we get to his house?

<Kairune> Get our answers

<Auroch> Talk te him, and if we have te, capture him

* Auroch walks towards the house

* Kairune follows

* Auroch knocks on the door

*** Elias has joined #roleplaying

<Elias> Yes?

<Auroch> Are you Elias Barnaby?

* Auroch whispers to Kairune "That's him!"

* Kairune nods

<Elias> Yes, I am he. Come in, come in

* Kairune pushes his way past Elias and enters the home

* Kairune whispers to Auroch "He welcomes us to readily..."

*Auroch bows to Elias, and walks in

* Elias closes the door behind them

<Auroch> We need te talk

<Elias> What is this about?

<Kairune> You're a wanted man

<Kairune> we're here to take you back to the tavern in Delur

<Elias> I'm hardly surprised, who is it this time?

<Kairune> ?

<Elias> Who is wanting me this time?

<Auroch> A dragon

<Kairune> a dragon came by and threatened to burn a tavern, if we didnt find you and bring you back

* Elias sighs

<Elias> I'm not surprised.

<Elias> Sit, I'll tell you something you need to know

<Kairune> i prefer to stand

<Elias> Very well, that is up to you

* Kerino stares at Elias

* Auroch whispers to Kairune "Can we trust this man?"

* Kairune whispers to Auroch "not likely. he welcomed us as soon as he saw us at the door. isnt that just a bit suspicious?'

* Auroch whispers "good point"

<Elias> I am a dragon hunter by trade, part of the Spiked Hammer guild

<Kairune> thus the tattoo?

<Elias> er... yes that is our identifying mark

<Elias> I believe you already met my comrades

<Elias> They were... a little over exuberant

* Kairune glares at Elias

<Kairune> they were mindless!

<Elias> No doubt, they didn't try to kill you, they just tried to keep you from coming into the city

<Elias> They were not mindless, but they didn't want to say anything else

* Auroch whispers "And we can believe that because...?"

<Kerino> You are holding something back...

<Elias> ...

<Elias> Er... yes I suppose I am

<Kerino> Do not try to lie...for I am a psionic

<Kairune> ok enough talking

<Elias> You see, part of our guild's mission is to investigate dragonkind

<Kairune> give me one good reason not to club you here and take you to the tavern

<Elias> Will you let me finish?!

<Kairune> hurry it up will you?

* Kairune taps his foot impatiently

<Elias> You don't want to take me in without being sure you're serving the cause of justice, do you?

<Kairune> i couldn’t care less

<Elias> We stole a dragon's egg, it was costly but we did it

<Elias> We had to see, after all, if we could raise a dragon ourselves to help us

<Kerino> Humans...so foolish...

<Kairune> ah, justice.

<Kairune> You steal someone's baby and expect no retribution?

<Elias> We paid in full, half our guild was killed trying to get the egg!

<Kairune> i think the mother would've rather kept the egg rather than kill your worthless hides

<Elias> Possibly, but who are you to judge?

<Kairune> i dont care. i just want to get my money

<Elias> If all you care about is money, I can help

<Elias> I am a man of honor

* Kairune snorts

<Elias> Do not presume to judge me, you do not know me

<Kerino> This human and dwarf may pardon you...but I will not

<Elias> And what right do you have to judge me, angel?

<Kairune> wait bird-man

<Kairune> he might have an interesting offer

<Kerino> Do not tempt me human

* Kairune laughs

* Kerino glares at Kairune

* Kairune grins

<Elias> If you let me, my guild will follow you back to the tavern. We can ambush the dragon, kill it, and pay you twice what you would have been

  paid

* Auroch growls

<Kairune> where's your god's graciousness now?

<Kairune> hmm...

<Kairune> that’s the thing

<Kairune> we don’t know how much we'd be paid

<Auroch> And where is the justice for the dragon?

<Elias> Well for a dragon, you can name your price

* Kerino forms his two psionic blades

* Kairune nods

<Kerino> Justice will come in the form of punishment for his actions

<Elias> Decide tonight, you may stay as my guests until then

<Kairune> who do you think you are, angel?

<Kerino> I care not for money human...

<Elias> If you wish for me to accompany you as your captive, I will

<Kairune> an executioner and judge all wrapped in one?

<Kairune> heh

<Elias> However, I cannot guarantee my guild will not follow behind

<Kerino> would you rather the dragon decide?

<Kerino> if the man should live or not?

* Kairune now witnesses the mercy of the 'wonderful' Rasha

* Auroch mumbles "I used to be a Dragon Knight, I WAS judge jury and executioner"

<Auroch> No mortal can call themselves such

<Elias> You see, it is very likely no matter what, the dragon will die

<Kerino> I will not kill him, only have him feel the pain he has inflicted on the dragon, and his now dead guild members

<Kairune> you enjoy inflicting pain?

<Kairune> you would

<Kairune> i see how it is

<Auroch> Angel, perhaps you should contemplate mercy

<Kerino> my actions are mercy

<Elias> The only difference is, I will die if you do not go along with what I have suggested

<Kairune> mercy is unknown to men of principle

<Kairune> he only knows his precious god's law

<Kerino> I am not like others of my kind human

* Auroch mumbles "Angels, demons, all the same in the end"

* Kairune nods

<Kerino> if I were like others of my kind, this human would have died already

* Auroch tries to see the angel's point of view

<Auroch> Yes, that is true

<Kairune> that improves my opinion of angels soo much

<Kerino> The only punishment I see is that this human feels the pain he has inflicted...nothing more, nothing less

<Kairune> do what you will angel

<Auroch> And after that, what do you suggest? Do we help him?

<Kerino> I leave that decision to you

* Elias braces himself for the angel's mercy

<Kairune> i know

<Kairune> doh

<Auroch> Very well, angel

* Kerino approaches Elias with one psionic blade drawn

* Elias begins to shudder

*** kiran-afk has joined #roleplaying

*** kiran-afk is now known as Kiran

* Kerino plunges the psionic blade into Elais' mind

<Elias> AAAAGGGHHHH!

* Kiran wanders around until she comes to a house. Needing information Kiran knocks on a door.

* Auroch wonders who is knocking

* Kairune growls impatiently and answers the door

<Kiran> *At the door stands a young woman dressed in worn but usable leather armor, a sword on her back and long strawberry blonde hair.

<Auroch> M'lady, you seem to have arrived at a strange time

<Kairune> who're you??

<Kairune> nothing to see here, get going

* Elias crumples to the floor

* Kiran eyes widen as she sees the man fall to the floor. Rushing in she bends down to help him.

<Auroch> Kiran, I must admit, I'm surprised te see ye here

* Kairune looks from Auroch to Kiran

<Kairune> who is this woman?

<Elias> T...thank y..you

<Auroch> She is Kiran, and ye can trust her

* Kairune sneers at the angel's 'mercy'

<Kiran> What is going on here Auroch?

<Kairune> good

<Kairune> now we can get our money

<Auroch> This angel is forcing the man to suffer

<Auroch> it's a bit complicated

<Kairune> he stole a dragon's egg, and the angel took it upon himself to punish the man

<Auroch> He stole a dragon's egg, the dragon told us if we didn't bring the dragon to a tavern, he'd destroy the tavern

<Kiran> Since when do angels care about dragons?

<Kiran> They care mostly about themselves and their god.

<Kairune> since they're in need of a power trip

<Elias> I... suppose I deserved that

* Kiran frowns at the idea of angels

<Kairune> he just wanted to feel... 'just'

<Auroch> Careful, or he might want to feel 'just' by teaching you something

<Kairune> i don’t car

<Auroch> Kiran, this cynical man is Kairune

* Kairune grumbles

<Auroch> and the angel is called Kerino

* Kiran nods at Kairune

* Kiran glares at the angel

* Kerino returns the stare

<Kiran> Why would you do this to this man?

<Kerino> Tell me, what will happen when we bring this man back to the tavern?

<Kairune> i suppose the dragon will kill him

<Kairune> unless we take him up on his offer

<Auroch> Unless we let his guild protect him

<Kairune> which could be more profitable, if not dangerous

<Kerino> I do this to the man to teach him a lesson

<Kairune> what say you pious man?

<Kairune> pious one

<Kairune> does he deserve further punishment?

* Kairune glares at the angel

* Kerino ignores Kairune and looks at Elias

<Kerino> yes

<Kairune> i should expect no less from an angel

<Kairune> ignore me will you?

<Elias> How much more do I need to suffer?

<Kairune> are you challenged by what i say?

<Elias> If you were going to kill me, why did you torture me? for fun?

<Kerino> But before you question my actions human, you should understand exactly what I do

<Kairune> i know what you do

<Kairune> lording it over the 'lesser' races

<Kerino> I also feel the pain this man does during my 'probe'

<Kairune> trying to show us our true purpose as rasha's unwilling servants

<Kerino> I then discover what truly happened

<Auroch> Oh? What truly happened?

<Kerino> This man knows only the idea of profit just like yourself

<Kairune> you know nothing about me angel. dont pretend to

<Auroch> Regardless, he suffered your 'mercy'

<Auroch> Will you kill him now?

<Kerino> I said that I wouldn't...so I will not

* Auroch grunts

* Kerino glares at Kairune

<Auroch> Hrumpf

<Kerino> Your pride will be your undoing human

<Kairune> what are you talking about?

<Kairune> i have no pride left

<Kairune> i think i liked you better when you spoke of things you knew of, angel

<Kairune> go blabber on about Rasha or something

<Elias> Please... Do not fight inside my house

* Kairune frowns

*** Kerino has quit IRC

<Kairune> ack

* Auroch suddenly thought something

<Kairune> he's gone…

* Kairune puffs up

<Auroch> Kiran, what were you doing knocking on the door?

<Kairune> good riddence

*** Kerino has joined #roleplaying

<Kairune> bah

<Kairune> spoke too soon

<Auroch> hehe

<Elias> If you are done, I would like to extend the hospitality of my house to you for this evening

* Elias claps

* Elias smiles as five servants bring food, and fresh clothing

<Auroch> Thank you

* Kerino declines the offer for food

<Kairune> thanks

* Auroch notes that there is no beer offered

* Auroch sighs

* Kairune roughly grabs the food

* Kiran perks up at the thought of food

<Elias> The bedrooms are upstairs, the bathrooms are on the right

<Elias> Feel free to rest tonight, my guild will be meeting us tomorrow for the journey

<Kiran> Journey?

* Kiran slaps Auroch around a bit with a large trout

<Kairune> where'd you get that??

<Kiran> A journey to where?

* Auroch grabs the trout, and bites into it

<Kairune> and it's not that big

<Elias> For the journey to the tavern, of course

<Kiran> Ohhh

* Kairune nods

<Kairune> good

<Kiran> Taverns are always good places to go.

<Elias> I'm assuming it was from Delur that you came

<Kairune> yeah

* Kerino stands at the corner watching the others eat

* Kiran looks at the angel and motions him over

<Kiran> You can drink water.

* Auroch yawns, and finds his way to a bedroom upstairs

<Auroch> See ye in the morn!

<Kiran> Nite Auroch!

<Kairune> you can drink rot for all i care, angel

* Kairune waves to auroch

* Auroch waves back

* Kerino opens a portal

<Kerino> As much as you don't like me human...I will not let the human die...

<Kerino> he holds a secret that is too precious to die

* Auroch can't help but note as he falls asleep that the bed is very, very comfortable