Red Valor: Ferindor's Grave (In Character)

[Elven Doritos]

[ic=DM Description]As Sunetos and Aromel descend down the stairwell, the light of the apothecary dims and the dim lantern's illuminates the winding stairwell as best as possible. After a minute-long descent, the pair can see a small alter, a gnome lying stationary atop it. Three other gnomes surround him, sacromonial candles strewn around the small antechamber, the only passage besides the stairwell- a heavy stone door on the northernmost wall-- firmly sealed with runes that glow a soft blue. Braddle waves over the two visitors as Nobble and another, unidentified gnome looks on. Upon closer inspection, the dormant gnome appears to be alive, though his breaths are slow and shallow.[/ic]

[ic=Braddle]"I am glad you could make it. As you can see, things are dire."[/ic]

[Captain Obvious]

[ic=Jae'kal]Back at the inn, a a tall dark garbed stranger enters from the rain. He is drenched and a spout of water runs off of his hat as he tilts his head. The man glances around the room and then stalks over to the bar and leans towards the barkeep.
"I am in need of lodgings and sustenance for the night. My horse as well. I do not wish for any cheery old inkeep routine, the room will be enough. However, I wouldst be interested to hear news of any strange folk here as well" And sliding 2 gold peices across the bar, he whispers "I can most assuredly make it worth your while".[/ic]

[ooc] i'll just join in with the rest when either you get back, Raynor leaves his room, or i have some reason to follow you[/ooc]

[Elven Doritos]

[ic=Barkeep]The gruff barkeep clears his throat and snorts indignantly. "Coulda said, 'please', ye know." Snatching up a spare silver key that gleams in the dim candlelight, he looks the stranger in the eye. "As for queer folk, some none stranger than ye were jes' in here, from what I reckon." He leans inward, looking briefly to the black-armored soldiers.  His voice was hardly a whisper. "Tryin' to put some distance with that breed, I reckon."[/ic]

[Captain Obvious]

[ic=Jae'kal]"That is intresting news. My apologies, it has been a very long day and the rain does nothing to improve my mood. You have my thanks." Leaning in close and glancing at the soldiers he whispers, "Did you hear these folk says where they be going? Or are they perchance staying in this establishment?"[/ic]

[ooc]Diplomacy check to appologize and befriend
[dice]1d20+6[/dice]
Also, do you guys have a certain time of day you like to do more of the game?[/ooc]

[Elven Doritos]

[ic=Barkeep]The barkeep nods and shrugs, keeping a cautious eye on the stranger. "I can't really say much more'n that they've got rooms here. Ye would be wantin' to speak with them about any business ye've got.... And the best time fer that is morning, by my reckoning.[/ic]
[ooc]I'm mostly available at nights, around 8:00 PM EST to 11:00 PM EST, though-- especially on Thursdays-- this isn't always the case.[/ooc]

[Numinous]

[ic=Sunetos]Sunetos remarks, "Well, this looks safe...  Anyone want to explain what's going on?".  He sighs and looks expectantly at the gnomes, absentmindedly crossing his arms and tapping his foot.[/ic]

[ooc]Sorry if I sound choppy everyone...  I'm really trying my best at this...[/ooc]

[Senkennomei]

[ic=Aromel]Gazing at the sacromonial candles and the rune-covered door, the Aromel shudders at the entire scene. I don't like this...and yet...I do...

Listening to Sunetos, the elf glances at his companion's tapping foot. Taking a step forward, he quickly tries to cover up for Sunetos' impatient actions. "I think what he's trying to ask is why are things so dire?" His eyes settle on the dying gnome, though he makes no move to rush to their aid without more information.[/ic]

[Elven Doritos]

[ic=Braddle]With a solemn expression firmly across his gnomeish features, Braddle steps out of the ritualistic circle, looking to the two approaching figures with a solemn expression. His eyes occasionally dart between the runic door and the dormant gnome, and with a sigh, he quietly begins to speak. "I am sorry to have to involve you in our concerns, but as you said, things are quite dire. My fellows-- gnomes all--  have been dispersed and hunted throughout Ketta since the end of the Third War. After the Emperor stopped attacking insurgent troops in Baltia, his soldiers began to focus on non-humans." Looking mournfully at the gnome lying in rest, Braddle holds back tears. "That is my eldest brother, Gribbin. A poison courses through his veins that has weakened him. Nobble's dweomers have delayed the poison, but he cannot last much longer." His eyes close, and his voice takes on a vengeful tone. "It was the blade of a Black Talon warrior that poisoned my brother three nights ago, and it is against them I have sworn a blood oath. Unfortunately, my skills-- those of illusion-- are of no use against such a mighty military power. This is why I called you."[/ic]

[Captain Obvious]

[ic=Jae'kal]"Very well. In that case, I will stable my horse and retire for the night. If they look to leave tommorow morning before i rise, I entreat you to find some way to delay them. I would be most greatful. A safe evening to you, sir." And with that he replaced his hat and strode out into the rain to see to his horse and gear, before departing for his room.[/ic]

[Senkennomei]

[ic=Aromel]"So you want us to fulfill your blood oath by killing the Black Talon soldiers who poisoned your brother?" Aromel thinks about this for a moment, a sinister grin creeping across his face. "How would you like it done?" No! Shaking his head, the elf's features become calm and serene again.

"I'm sorry, but I don't think I can fulfill your oath in cold blood. Your brother is not yet dead, so they do not yet deserve the punishment of death. I'm willing to help, but first I need to know a few things."

"First, do you want us to try and find an antidote? If these are soldiers then they most likely have one. Second," his dark green eyes flit about the room, "why are you in a place like this?"[/ic]

[Numinous]

[ic=Sunetos]Sunetos cuts in hastily, "Do you honestly believe that these men could deserve to live?  That this could be their first crime!?", and then to the gnome "Do you have any leads on which soldiers attacked him?  Where they went?  Anything?"[/ic]

[Senkennomei]

[ic=Aromel]"You may be right, but we do not know how many crimes they have committed." He grins and slips a slender but muscular hand out of the confines of his cloak. With another frightening smile the elf's hand erupts with eldritch power, the red energy sparking between his fingers and leaping into the air like small bolts of crimson lightning. "Let's find out first."[/ic]

[Numinous]

[ic=Sunetos]"I'll concede this point.", and then to the gnomes, "So?  Shall we have some answers today?"[/ic]

[Elven Doritos]

[ic=Braddle]The stern gnome nods slowly, listening to both men converse. "This.... This is not your matter. I could not bear the thought of what would happen to you in my place-- if you were injured or even killed, my concious could never be eased."  His deep brown eyes slowly look over Sunetos and then Aromel, and nods. "No, I do not wish for you to engage the Black Talon unless you absolutely must. I want an anti-toxin powerful enough to stay the poison... And then vengence will be mine." [/ic]

[Numinous]

[ic=Sunetos]"I see..."  with a mildly disapointed look, he continues, "Do you know of any such anti-toxin?"[/ic]