Subject: Itrav - The game 1,106 views

[Shiv]

It cold.

You are standing on a small outcropping in the mountains of Kaer Maeghol. The wind is biting into you thorugh your robes. As much as ones spiritual growth can help you to withstand the forces of nature, it's still ungodly chilly and you have to grit your teeth to keep them from clattering.

"You have been summoned. Sehk demands you". The words of the high preist echo in your mind. You have no idea why you've been called, especially not so close to your departure into the world outside the Salmaradim lands, but you are not stupid enough to anger the gods. And having the blessings of the temple before leaving, especially on a long journey like this, would most certainly be beneficial. The priest hadn't been specific of course, they never were, you'd simple been instructed to head east into the mountains along hang-mans trail and "see what you could find".

That was two days ago. You'd been shivering from the moment you passed the city gates, so hopefully you were in the right place. I.e. a precipice overlooking what seemed to be a small Salmaradim Camp, located outside a cave. Your birds eye view tells you that it's probably two cabals down there, or possibly a single large one, with the small copse of trees outside the entrance hiding five or six tents. You can also see two guards hanging lazily from their spears at the edge of the trees, trying their best to keep the wind away. Whoever is down there isn't trying to hide themselves though, as a banner-pole flying the black-sunrise-upon-white-background of clan Lazar (your parental clan) is hanging outside the mouth of the cave.

So far you are unable to discern what your purpose is, or even if this what you were seeking, but for now it's what you have to go on. In the dying light of the day you can see several routes down towards the camp that would allow you to move possibly undetected should you want to. Or you could simply take the fastest route down if you feel certain of their intentions.

[Racer Xonclar]

"Lazar...," he thought as the frigid wind blew his hair back again. "Even if this is the wrong place, not what the priest spoke of, it will be warm, and give me the strength to keep looking." He looked over the various paths before him leading down to it, quickly being distracted by a small pile of snow falling from a ledge. His head would have snapped to it crisper if his neck muscles had not been trying to shiver the whole time. His hand slipped out of the pouch at his waist, the leather crinkling with frost. Darts were hardly necessary against harmless snow.

Staff in hand, Itrav started down the path that allowed him to be sneaky, using the staff to judge the depth of the snow. "I know of no squabbles between my cabal and Lazar, but it has been two days," he thought between the subdued chatters of his teeth.

[Shiv]

You stealthily make your way around the side of the rockface, making small leaps from stone to stone as you descend. The guards, not keen on having the wind in their face, are keeping their heads down, and fail to notice your catlike approach. Finding a dead angle from their sighs is easy enough, and pretty soon you are standing at the edge of the trees, roughly fifty feet away from the tents whose silhouettes are hiding you from sigh of the posts. The wind is considerably less tangible in the cover of the trees and low voices can be heard through the light gloom and over its gentle whispering.

"Do you really think it was wise to let them go? Weren't we supposed to wait for someone else?", the voice is harsh, gravely, like pebbles being ground to dust.
"And be stuck with that harridan for another day? I think not. I don't mind getting in the face of Malav. He can't touch me", another voice answers. It's softer, less jarring, belonging to a woman, but still a deep bass, easily overpowering the wind.
"Well as long as I don't get in trouble over it. But if he shows up tomorrow and they've already come out. I'm not taking the flak for it."
"Uh-huh. So when I say I'm not afraid of Malav, you assume I'll have trouble with an initiate?" the woman chukles.
"No, not really, but I'm not going out of my way to make-"

Suddenly you slip on a small patch of ice previously hidden beneath the snow. Loosing your footing your arm lashes out and grabs a nearby branch for stability, which promptly -and audiably- snaps, sending you thudding into the ground. The talking stops and is quickly overpowered by the voice of the guards.

"Halt! Who goes there?"

SPOILER: Click to show

You know the name Malav. He was the priest on whos command you were sent here.

[Racer Xonclar]

Itrav took the moment to enjoy a deep breath now that the wind was not cutting him to ribbons, at least not as much. His hand rested on the tree trunk as he leaned just a bit closer to listen. "Some old woman...people leaving...people coming out of something or speaking up... At least they are expecting me, for better or w--dammit!" He apparently leaned too far forward.

A pile of snow dumped on his head from the branch he broke off, which was shook off as he looked around at all the sudden changes. "I hate winter," he thought as he climbed back to his shivering feet and looked towards the guards. "I am Itrav," he said with a shakey and cold voice, his teeth chattering on the 'r' of his name. "I was sent by order of Malav two days ago."

He stood leaned against his quarterstaff stuck in the snow, against solid ground this time.

[Shiv]

The two guards, chainmail glinting and spears lowered at you, relax slightly.

"Lady Maerah. The Monk is here", the one to the right calls out.

You see movement from inside the tent, and soon thereafter a tall woman, dressed in black leathers and a long green cloak appears from within. Lady Maerah strikes an impressive figure. Standing at 6'1'' tall and dressed in black, with her dual rapiers at her side and her flaming red hair falling behind her, the woman would still look regal even if caught naked and covered in offal at a royal ball. Her skin has a deeper complexion that that of most elves, and her form is not as emaciated as most. She has obviously been graced with both sun and good food, scarcities in Kaer Maeghol. Her visage is a mixture of calculating chill and haughty glares as she gives you an appraising look.

SPOILER: Click to show

"Speak of the devil", she intones with a sly grin. "We were just wondering if you'd arrive soon." With a gesture she dismisses the guards, who smartly -and now that she's looking much more attentively- return to their posts. She turns her back to you and moves back into the tent.
"Come into the tent, you've been hoodwinked and have some catching up to do", she says without giving you a second glance. Heading back inside the heavy walls of fabric, warm light spilling out beckoningly in her wake.

SPOILER: Click to show

Lady Maerah is a champion of minor fame within the Lazar clan. She's not important enough to be known outside, but as a member you've heard of her expolits the last few years. She's been an ambasador to the Valecian capitol of Tidehome and she was instrumental in defeating valecian force of near one hundred men who invaded southern Kaer Maeghol in search for riches from one of the Lazarian keeps. Using stealth, trickery, and fifty barrels of burning pitch she decimated the human lines before the battle was even drawn, an action that granted her great favour. She's not a powerful player in the Lazar clan, but she is currently very well liked, so staying on her good side is advisable.

[Racer Xonclar]

Itrav's head shifted slightly at the mention of the woman's name. "I know this name. Quite the accomplishments of late and......quite privileged by the looks of it," he thought as the woman stepped out of the tent. There was no denying he was impressed by the sight, if nothing but to see what one of his kind was capable of looking like outside of the barrens they fought over.

He tipped his head slightly to her as she approached, trying not to shiver uncontrollably. "Quite the convinence then, Lady Maerah," he said with a chatter at her name and his eyes following the guards as they walk off. "It is easy to be hoodwinked when I do not know why I was sent," he said, following behind her into the tent. "Thank, Sehk...warmth..."

[Shiv]

The tent is spacious, made for at least 10 people, though its now occupied by only four bedrolls. It is pleasantly warm inside, two large braziers with hot coals keeping the chill at bay. Lady Maerah is already sitting on one fo the three footstools near the central pole, the other being occupied by the male you heard speaking earlier. He looks like a more "standard" warrior of the dark elves, his long white hair kept free and his skin matching his hairs deathly pallor. As you move in to take a seat you do notice two large tattoos on the backs of his hands, one depicting the holy Salmaridon, and one the longswords of Lythis. His armor is ceremonial as well, full of patterns that worm and spiral their way across it. He greets you with a nod and a faint smile as you sit.

SPOILER: Click to show

"This is Kchisariol", Maerah intones, almost spitting out the ancient -rarely used- name. "He's my cabalite and first lieutenant, we are both happy that you've come."

"A pleasure". Kchisariol echoes with a rasp. When you look closer you can see a scar running across his throat. He has either been very lucky or very unfortunate, depending on ones point of view. Reaching behind him and dipping a wooden tankard in a small pot, the Salmaradim male offers you a warm wooden broth, small vegetable chunks of swiming at its surface.
"It seems updating you is in order", he says. "Lady Maerah and I were "conscripted" by the temple of Sehk to perform some simple duties on our way east. This involved keeping watch over a small challenge to some would-be travelers who were leaving Kaer Maeghol shortly. This would be you and...a few others", his eyes dart to his supperior as he speaks the words, a small question evident in them.

[Racer Xonclar]

Kchisariol's greeting gesture was returned in kind as Itrav seated himself. In the delightful warmth, his muscles had already begun to relax, the subtle tenseness of his neck and face start to slack off. "Mutual," he said to the armored kin as his eyes glanced about his various features. He fixed his gaze on Kchisariol's hands as the tankard was offered. Itrav took it with a lower tip of his head and spoke softly as to not interrupt, "Many thanks."

"They do not seem hostile; this should be safe. Though, they did expect me. This could have been prepared, and she seems privileged enough she might waste the vegetables for it. But she has no fear of Malav, and the guards would have been much quicker. Better safe," he considered before taking a small sip from the tankard. A small shiver shook his hand just enough to make the broth ripple, followed by a crisp glance to a sound outside the tent. His demeanor never changed, and just as quickly looked back to the two.

A neutral gaze settled on Maerah as her lieutenant cast a glance to her.

[Shiv]

Mearah ignores the look she is given and instead takes out a small note from one of the nearby bedrolls. Unfolding the paper she reads out loud from it.
"In these auspicious times...", she rolls her eyes, "...the temple of Sehk found it fitting to challenge would-be travelers before they setting out, to make sure they have the blessings of the guiding-brother. The first part was to simply find this location, and the second is to retrieve a small artifact from within the cave behind us. Lady Mearah will instruct you further. Signed Malav."

Kicking off her leather shoes and tossing the note aside, Mearah moves over to get some broth for herself. During the short lapse in the silence that follows Kchisariol skillfully picks up where she left off, the synchronisation between them quite astounding.

"Not too far inside the tunnels beyond the entrance lies an old ruined mining village, aptly named "charcoal", which was razed by the gnolls some five years ago.", he intones. "Two hours prior to your arrival we sent in a runner to hide something quite valuable in the ruins. Your task, as set by the church, is to find that something to prove that you are blessed by Sehk."

He quirks an eyebrow. "Any questions so far?"

[Racer Xonclar]

Itrav smirked at the read note, "Heh, I guess the monastery's tests weren't enough." He took another small sip of the broth, his eyes following Mearah's movement as they follow most movement.

"You mentioned others," he responded. "Are they tasked with the same and searching with me? And I suppose if it has been five years, this is a simple matter of finding the item and not driving back a horde of gnolls." Itrav smirked faintly at that, "If they think I share their feelings about Malav, they likely will be more forthcoming. They are true cabalites; there is no leverage between them from what I can see. Though, she's avoiding talking about the others. This should force a response of some sort...

[Shiv]

Maerah makes a face. "Yes, the other three. There was a another party that wanted the blessings of Sehk for their journey, so the temple decided that you were to compete for the favour", she pauses, her tongue polishing her front teeth to dislogde a piece of turnip. Her eyes betray some uncertainity.

"It's a bit embarressing really. But we sort of let the group move in ahead of you about half an hour ago. Their leader -Leria- was being such a pain the have around that I finally conceeded to her demands to be let in. The damn woman just wouldn't shut up about how important her mission was and that this "silly excercise" was delaying her needlessly. Spend a day with her and you'd understand", Maerah shoots you a meaningful look and takes another sip from her cup.

"So I thought, "what the heck, if as long as someone finds the ta-...the thing. Sehk will be pleased and I will be out of here. If nothing else I'll get the stupid girl out of my hair", she sighs, Kchisariol smoothily taking over the conversation.

"So you see. You're at an disadvantage. The three have left some time ago, and you are still frozen. You're welcome to stay here and heat up a bit before entering the challenge, but be aware that the game has already begun."

[Racer Xonclar]

"Two days of walking through frigid weather, only to find someone's impatience has put me at a further disadvantage," his mind contested. "I see," he said plainly, the tenseness of his neck and shoulders returning.

Taking a somewhat hasty and large drink of the broth, he asked plainly, "How well informed are they? Do they know to expect me, who I am, or that this was even a contest?" Another drink followed, his eyes staring more ahead as he rattled off the questions than to either of them, "Also, what is this...'thing' I'm fetching? Any clues or hints, or am I to wander around until I find something out of place?"

[Shiv]

Kchisariol chukles. It comes out as a deep gurgle. "With those questions, do you mean to ask if they are dangerous to you?" He smirks. " Be aware I only tell you this to even the score a bit, we did let them go after all: There is three of them, a mage, a ranger and a warrior. Leria's the mage, though her tongue is worse than her spells. The others; small fry. They know the temple sent a monk, which is not much more than we know -or care- about", he says with a dismissive shrug. "You seem competent enough, but so did they. That's what we know."

Again the two switch speaker seamlessly, Maerah taking command almost without breaking the pace of the conversation in her deep velvet voice.

"We are not telling you what to look for. I'm ready to anger Malav a bit with bending the rules, but the hunt stands as it is. You'll hopefully know what it is when you find it. If not, I guess Sehk has abandoned you. Also the caves should be cleared of gnolls, but we don' know what else might have set up shop, so do be careful. I'd hate to have to drag out a bunch of corpses from in there."

Lady Maerah takes a good look at your quickly draining mug, and another quizzical look at your backpack. "Leave what you wish here. We'll keep it safe if you don't want to drag it along, since it seems you're eager to go."

[Racer Xonclar]

His eyes shifted to Maerah, "In a few minutes, yes. Time is against me, and between this broth and the brisk jog to catch up, I should warm up quickly." "I hope. If I can find this before them, the task is simple. If they find it, I will either have to split them up and fight them for it, talk them out of it, or steal it when they are not looking."

Finishing off the broth in a quick but orderly fashion, Itrav stood from his stool and walked over to the braizer. A quick roll of his shoulder freed the pack from his back and he simply set it on the floor as he held his hands over the flame, standing the heat as much as he could as he spoke, "These three are kinsmen? I would think them foolish ones if they disrespected someone of your stature within your own camp." He glanced over at her with the faint hints of a smirk, "Even a 'simple monk' as myself has heard about your clever use of burning pitch."

[Shiv]

"They are no cabalites of ours if that is what you asking", comes the rasping answer. "We were simply on our way east when we got "conscripted" to oversee this game. We can't care less about the outcome of all this beyond the game ending so that we can be on our way", Kchisariol pauses, his voice taking a exagerated, disinterested tone.

"It would be a terrible shame if people lost their lives in those caves, but accidents happen, and whoever falls most certainly fell to whatever is hiding in the shadows of the rocks. It is not our obligation to retrive the bodies, nor in our interest to investigate."

SPOILER: Click to show

Please note anything you wish to bring with you. Also remember that you need to keep a torch in one hand when adventuring.