The Ruins of Vargin

Raxion · Post by **Raxion** » Mon Dec 23, 2013 5:48 am

"Oh, thank you, V. Here" he handed over a clump of scrolls and passed it over to Valk. "I'm not very organised, so I don't know which ones those are, if they even have a pattern. Actually, I think I saw a philosophy scroll about nature gods and a book describing that big kingdom in the north continent, so there's definitely no pattern."

Rashidi turned to Adrias with a curiosity "You're of Thanos? Isn't that a tribe from Zeira? I've heard of it but never been there myself. I heard it's fascinating. What's it like?"

Charles Cerebella · Post by **Charles Cerebella** » Mon Dec 23, 2013 12:17 pm

"Thank you for your willingness to help Rashidi", Hasan said to Valk after he had packed the scrolls away. "But remember, the ultimate plan is to bring back treasure so don't over burden yourself too much".

"In terms of the short-term plan, first we have to wait for this damn storm to pass. Whatever skills of navigation our group might have, they won't be overly effective when all we can see is sand, and everything we carry is covered in it."

"Once that has passed though, we set off with all due haste for the ruins. I have no allusions that we will be the only people setting out there so we need to ensure we are the first, and are prepared for any eventuality. As for what lies in the ruins, well there are many legends. The good scholar here might be able to say more of the actual facts of the place, but as far as I know it was once the great capital of a powerful magical civilization, one that all but disappeared over night once the sands took over. What lies within could be riches beyond our wildest imaginations, or a slow and painful death. Perhaps both..."

Post by **shetef** » Mon Dec 23, 2013 1:37 pm

Kelikon turns to Rashidi and merely responds "I suggest you go there yourself and find out."

He then turns to Hasan. "How long do you expect the storm to linger?"

Charles Cerebella · Post by **Charles Cerebella** » Mon Dec 23, 2013 2:46 pm

"I suspect at least a couple of days. Should give people time to gather any last minute supplies if there is a need. We need to be ready to move as soon as it eases."

Raxion · Post by **Raxion** » Mon Dec 23, 2013 2:55 pm

Rashidi, having taught many people from all walks of life, was used to being patient with people. Without a hint of sarcasm he replied to Adrias "Wonderful idea. I think I have a map in here of that area. Right after our expedition I will have a visit myself! I always said that observing is learning, and observing the tribes myself will get me what I need." He smiled to him.

"Now then, Hasan, I must ask you something. What is that mechanism making your mask move? It can't be an automatic gear mechanism, nor a continuous piston... it surely isn't, because it moves at the same time as you speaking."

Treize Dreizehn · Post by **Treize Dreizehn** » Mon Dec 23, 2013 3:30 pm

After the introductory pleasantries, Shar was content to listen to the others plan, each sizing up the other in their own way. A few pieces of information felt pertinent, Vargin, ancient magic, treasure. Then the scholar raised the question he'd been thinking about since he sat down.

"You know, if you don't mind us asking, I'm with Rashidi here, except I'll go one further: why are your eyes glowing?"

George Holland · Post by **George Holland** » Mon Dec 23, 2013 3:39 pm

Anneb

Hastein grunted and shifted his weight, sending his assailant tumbling to the dusty ground of the training yard. He spun left, dodging his young godson's lunge and tapping him on the shoulder with his long stick. The boy over-balanced and fell to the ground also.

Hastein chuckled and looked around for the third of his three wards, ducking the teen's swing and lunging at him, taking him down to the ground. He wrestled with all three as they piled on, carrying one on his back as his rose, then dumped him to the ground.

A whistle rang out across the yard, and his god-son, the heir to the al-Salah family, looked up. Hastein took the opportunity to sweep his legs from under him and then helped him up.

"What is rule 1?" He asked.

The boy glared at him. "Always be aware of your surroundings."

"Next time you want to get distracted, make sure your opponent can't punish you for it." Hastein's hard eyes softened a little and he reached out and ruffled Ibrahim's hair. "Run along with your friends now, we'll pick this up tomorrow."

Hastein finally turned to the source of the whistle, one the al-Salah's pages. He stomped over to him and pushed him back against the wall. "If you ever interrupt one of my training sessions again, I will take a finger." He growled. "Now what was so important?"

"H-h-his Noble Majesty has a job for you." The page stuttered holding out a scroll. Hastein took it, reading quickly before turning back to the page. "When do I leave?"

"Immediately. Your camel is already packed and waiting for you."

Hastein grunted and stomped off to prepare.

*********************

Thebes, Hastein decided, was a shithole. The inner, richer neighbours aside, the entire city stank and he had only ever known sandstorms whenever he was in the place. Just like right now, actually. He stabled his camel, making sure his bags were secure.

He walked into the tavern, taking in the surroundings before sitting heavily on a chair near to Hasan. He'd been told there would be others, but he didn't expect such a motley group. He eyed them all warily, and slowly slid a small throwing axe out of his robes and into his lap.

He stared at Hasan. "You are Hasan. I have answered your call."

Venico · Post by **Venico** » Mon Dec 23, 2013 4:47 pm

V continued to sip from his cup and watched the brutish man walk in. As he sat down and announced his arrival, the assassin couldn't help but chuckle. "And who might you be? And man this tattered patchwork of a group we have becomes even more motley." Another swig.

Looking the masked man up and down, Valk shrugged. "Who cares if his mask works on magic? He's giving us an opportunity to make ourselves wealthy."

Raxion · Post by **Raxion** » Mon Dec 23, 2013 5:20 pm

"This permanent magic is absolutely strange. I conclude he must be either a cursed individual or a magical creature, though simple observances are not enough proof." Rashidi caught himself thinking out loud "Of course, how rude of me, Hasan. If it is a matter you would like to keep private, who am I to judge?" an apologetic smile went across his face.

"Now then," Rashidi turned to Hastein, not removing his smile entirely but weakening it "For what you've missed, I am Rashidi, the scholar of Heraf. That gentleman over there" he said, pointing at Valk "Is V... just V, whose been sent from Romule and was kind enough to carry my scrolls." he ended Valks introduction with a smile and nod "This man" he said, pointing at Adrias "Is Adrias Kelikon of the Thanos tribe of Zeira, and that man" he said, pointing at Shar "Is Shar Ericsson, who mentioned he was a... water summoner? Interesting. Of my studies, with your name and water summoning abilities and ethnicity, you must be from the Feifdom of Seidr. Wonderful! Are you of the Priesthood of... Odin or... Tor? Thur? For the life of me I- Oh, you sir!" Rashidi concluded at Hastein "Introduce yourself!"

George Holland · Post by **George Holland** » Mon Dec 23, 2013 5:44 pm

Hastein eyed Rashidi. "Hastein Hammerfell." He flagged down the barman with a look, ordering a drink.

"Representative of the Noble House of al-Salah." He turned to Valk. "Romule huh? Interesting place."

Honors