Meetup: Help Needed at Border

Mikilos has arrived. Eilrie has arrived. Terewin has arrived.

As you look around the meeting room, you see all sorts -- adventurers you recognise, and those you don't, and others who don't have the look of adventurers at all. In the centre of the room, a makeshift platform has been constructed from crates, barrels and planks, and three wooden chairs have been placed upon this. The chairs are empty, at the moment. In front of the chairs there's a wooden crate, with the lid open. There are some seats around the edge of the room, but in general it looks as though this'll be standing room only. In one corner of the room, a short, lithe sylvanori in tatty clothing leans against the wall, taking in the scene.

+views: Crate, Civilians, Listen

Mikilos peeks into the wooden crate on the stage. You take a peek inside the wooden crate, and see an arm, somewhat lacking in a body. It's probably supposed to be an oruchi arm, but it looks horribly, horribly disfigured and mutated.

Sapphire has arrived. Galadh has arrived. Eilrie gestures and the large tree moves forward to stand next to Eilrie.

There is a small uproar as the doors to the Guild are pushed open. A large... Tree is standing in the doorway and an elf wearing green and brown armor is riding on the tree's shoulder. The Elf scans around the room, looking around, then makes some signs to the tree. The pair slowly make their way through the quickly parting crowds towards Iadoth. Eilrie says "I got your message to meet you here. I came into the city for you!" She smiles warmly and asks "How is your shoulder?"

The elf in the corner pushes herself nonchalantly up from the wall. "Greatly improving, thank you," Iadoth says, brightly. Then her face darkens. "It seems that there is more noise from the borderlands. These folks---" she gestures to the merchants and farmers--- "seem to have the idea that the Adventurer's Guild might do something."

Mikilos arrives in his typical fashion. Which is to say, reading something, and nearly bumping into the doorway, before blinking around vaugely, as if not entirely certain where he is or how he got there.

One of the merchants, overhearing this, mutters something to the half-oruchi female merchant who stands amidst the others. Somehow she raises her soft voice above the other murmurings in the room. "Ladies and gentlemen, I believe it is time we brought this meeting to order. The sooner we discuss the matter at hand, the sooner we shall resolve it!" She makes her way to the stage, and takes a seat in the left-hand chair.

Sapphire has been in here for a little bit, working with a clipboard as she starts filling out an application in order to sign up. She rests a leg over another as she writes stuff down, only looking up to realize that HooooooOOoooly crap there is a tree in the lobby. She leans up to pay attention to the situation at hand, eventually standing up and hastily finishing off the last of the app.

As this happens, a burly farmer pushes his way through the crowd. "Listen here, buster," he shouts. "It ain't all about you damned merchants. I'll be blown backwards if you not going to let us have a say, too!" With that, and with a flourish, he mounts the stage in a hop, and sits upon the chair on the right-hand side, leaving on the central one empty.

The merchant sighs and holds the bridge of her nose between two fingers. "Very well, Malfor," she says, addressing the farmer. "Ladies and gentlemen, I am Hanoan, representing the Alexandrian Chamber of Commerce this evening. Perhaps we could have a member of the Adventurer's Guild to fill this vacant chair, and officiate this meeting?"

Mikilos mmmms mildly, steping foreward himself. Not to step up onto the stage, but to peer at the makeshift construct with obvious distaste. "....is this really the best we can do? i understand it's short notice and all, but there -is- a level of professionalism to maintain. If the two of you would be so kind as to step down for a moment? If you'd prefer not, it's most likely still safe..." The elf idly reaches into one of his numerous pockets, his hands starting to glow blue...

Terewin ambles on in with his sword at his hip. "I heard there was need of a good swordsman?" he says pushing his way to the front, a few winks and hand shakes to familiar folks. "If that is the case, look no further."

Hanoan stares at Mikilos for a few moments, then gestures to Malfor, who grunts. Both descend from the stage, and the crowd retreats a little to give them some space.

GAME: Mikilos casts Major Creation. Caster Level: 10 DC: 23 GAME: Mikilos rolls craft/carpentry: (2)+12: 14

Mikilos lays his hands upon the makeshift stage, muttering a few moments. The assorted woods seem almost to splinter and crack, growing fuzzy, before once more snapping into focus. Not quite the greatest stage ever, but for a literal five seconds work, rather impressive. And a large step towards a professional look. "...thank you."

The two spokespeople look at the stage, look at Mikilos, look at each other, then step back onto the new artifice, taking their old positions again. Hanoan speaks: "Thank you, Master, er..."

Mikilos says, "Mikilostravia Abrioudelanarchie Mithralla. 'Magus Mikilos' will do."

Iadoth gestures to Eilrie and wanders over to the swordsman. "Perhaps you could lead us in meeting, Master?"

Sapphire steps forward into the crowd proper, looking up at the situation at hand and seemingly gauging what exactly was going on. The mention of a swordsman has her excited, her thick tail thapping against the ground as the conversation continues forward.

Eilrie drops down from the Tree and stands next to Iadoth. She has been listening quietly so far, not having much to add and a little out of sorts from being in such a crowded place. From her dress and manner, it's not hard to tell that Eilrie is used to the Wilds and not to the population of the city.

Iadoth turns to take a look at the Sith behind her, and to speak to the mage. "Magus Mikilos," she says. "You seem to have way with crowds. Perhaps you could lead meeting?"

Terewin holds up a hand "I afraid I am not sure what the story is, I would gladly give someone more knowledgable to chance to lead. However should my sword be needed in the defence of innocence, you will find me ready and willing." he says with an easy smile.

Mikilos blinks, and hesitates, but shrugs and nods, stepping easily up onto the stage. "Would be my pleasure to assist as I may." Taking a moment to gather his thoughts, he addresses the crowd. "I am Mikilos Mithralla, owner and craftsman of Mithralla Merchandise, and a member of the Alexandrian Adventurer's Guild since the Sendor War." He motions to Hanoan. "If you could please briefly introduce yourself and state why you're here today."

The finely-dressed merchant rises to her feet, clearly pleased to be given the opportunity to speak first. "I am Hanoan Veddling, of the Alexandrian Chamber of Commerce. I..." she pauses, and waves her hand in front of her in a wide-sweeping gesture. ".../we/ are gathered here today to discuss some trouble arising on the trade routes through the borderlands."

Sapphire is here and listening about as intently as she could which...admittedly, is a little hard to notice when you don't have ears.

Eilrie stands next to Iadoth and has the large tree looming over her shoulder. She watches and listens curiously.

There's some disquiet and murmuring from the agrarian types in the crowd. "Listen up!" Malfor shouts from the stage. "Your trade routes might be interesting, but our /farms/ are at risk here! These /things/---" he jabs a finger towards the crate on the stage. "--- aren't just interfering with your blessed trade. They're eating my bloody sheep!" There's a loud cheer from the farmers in the room.

Mikilos nods to Hanoan, and starts to speak, when Malfor speaks up. "...I'm sorry sir, exactly who are you?" Mildly annoyed at the interuption, but understanding this is an upsetting situation.

The burly farmer rises to his feet, and places a thick hand across his chest. "I'm Malfor!" he cries, and another cheer goes up from the room. "Of the village of Felris!"

Eilrie peeks into the wooden crate on the stage.

Terewin moves over to Malfor "Sir, sir. There is no need for anger, you shall get your chance to speak. From the sounds of it you are all plagued by a common threat and if we are to face it we must present a united front on the matter, whatever our motives are for doing so. It shall be dealth with to everyone's satisfaction I am certain." he says trying to calm the farmers down.

GAME: Terewin rolls diplomacy: (19)+13: 32

The farmer nods, a calmer expression returning to his face, and sits down again.

Eilrie starts to open her mouth, then shuts it as Terewin steps up to keep things calm. She leans back against the Tree behind her and watches what is going on. She hooks her thumbs into her belt, next to the hilt of her scimitar, in case things start to get out of hand again.

Mikilos nods. "Let everyone speak their peace. We may all come at this from different sides, but there appears to be just the one problem. We can solve it far faster workign as parts of a team than with trying to out do each other."

Kira has arrived.

The farmers in the audience seem satisfied, and whilst there's a bit of a smug expression on the face of some of the mercantile folks, the atmosphere in the room becomes more genial, thanks to the timely intervention of the honourable knight Terewin.

Hanoan says, "Now then. In recent times, several caravans have been attacked in the borderlands between the Vast and Alexandros. In addition---" she glares at a rising patch of muttering, which dissipates. "---there have been reports of livestock going missing from farms in that region. Very few sightings have been recorded, but this disturbing item," she nods to the crate. "Has been retrieved from a recent scuffle. Its owner got away, by the way."

Shagara has arrived.

Kira steps into the room, curious, but also courteous. She moves to the side of the rear so she can listen without interrupting anyone speaking or interfere with anyone listening. The mention of attacks and missing livestock does dim her smile some.

Mikilos nods, having somehow gotten himself into acting as the MC/moderator. "Bandits have always been active in that area. And monsters feasting upon livestock is asdly nothing new. How do these attacks differ, and approximately when did they begin?"

Eilrie looks over at Mikilos "You seem to be both a Magus and a Scholar, perhaps you can tell us more about the arm? It doesn't look like a normal arm. Have you examined it yet?"

The farmer opens his mouth to speak. "Normal things we can protect ourself against, Magus. Not these --- these are horrid things. Take a look!"

Kira peeks into the wooden crate on the stage.

Walking her way into the guild hall, Shagara makes a bit of a face as she looks about. "This is....certainly different." She says as she shakes her head, before looking towards the farmer. "What happened?"

GAME: Mikilos rolls knowledge/dungeoneering: (1)+12: 13 (EPIC FAIL)

You paged Mikilos with 'The arm is clearly that of an Oruchi, but it's been changed by something. It's an aberration, in fact --- one of the Vast-Wrought creatures of the great wilds.'

Kira moves closer to look into the crate. Her eyes widen and she covers a gasp. "That is ...from what attacked the caravans?" Rather than something being transported on the caravans, which would be even more creepy.

You paged Shagara with 'One of the farmers at the periphery of the room explains that livestock and trade caravans have been going missing in the borderlands, and the mutated oruchi arm in the crate is the only piece of solid evidence. Hanoan, the merchant half-orc on the stage, is petitioning for the Adventurer's Guild to do something about it.'

Mikilos takes a moment to peer into the crate. "I intended to hear the tale of the appendage before examination. Hmmm... Void-taint is my first impression, but such magics have been on my mind. There's some similarity, but I think this alteration is slightly more local, in a cosmic scale. Anyway, obviously an Oruch orgin, but I would assume the mutation to come from the shifts of the Wild Lands. More specific than that, I'd need my lab, and likely wouldn't be able to say anything for certain. The Wild Lands are... a rather difficult case, to put it mildly."

Malfor says, "You're telling me, Magus. Mild is the word. Last week, something ate six of my sheep. I've no idea what, but my money's on something nasty like this."

Eilrie looks over at Malfor "Where is your farm exactly? I'll bet there are many things that could have eaten your sheep. How are you sure it was these things as opposed to anything else? Were there tracks? Did they leave any other traces?"

Mikilos ponders a few moments, and shrugs. "..can't hurt to look." Murmuring a few spidery phrases, the wizard gestures over the arm, before carefully poking at it with a pair of resin sticks, examining all sides and parts.

GAME: Mikilos casts Detect Magic. Caster Level: 10 DC: 18 GAME: Mikilos rolls knowledge/the planes: (11)+12: 23 GAME: Mikilos rolls knowledge/arcana: (2)+21: 23

Malfor looks at the sil carefully, a look of incredulity on his face, but in the interests of maintaining the peace holds his tongue somewhat. "Felris, in the borders. I've said it before --- normal beasts, even magic ones, we can deal with, and they never take that much. But six sheep in one night?" He shakes his head. "I can't fight that, Miss."

Terewin nods to Mikilos "Is is something we can reason with and convince to leave or will steel be the answer to win the day?" the knight asks of Mikilos. "If the former perhaps we can convince it to hang out in Dragonier."

You paged Mikilos with 'There doesn't seem to be any magical aura here, but you're fairly sure that the plane which caused the mutation is the Plane of Negative Energy.'

Eilrie asks "What was the exact circumstance where this arm was removed from the owner? That should tell us how tough these things are."

Malfor shrugs. "I don't know. Hanoan?"

The merchant woman starts to speak again. "A guardsman /removed/ it in a fight, but it was reportedly by chance. Something of a one-off. She did not survive, but the creatures ran off into the night, and those she was guarding were saved by her bravery."

Mikilos sighs, and steps back, blinking hard. "Not a lot I can tell. This arm appears altered by Negative Energy. Which holds a wide range of types. As for the creature it belonged to, my -guess- is that it's intelligent enough to communicate, but unlikely to chose to do so. Along the lines of a demon, though not actually infernal in nature. Maybe." The elf sighs. "There really isn't much to go on."

Eilrie nods as she thinks this over "How skilled was this was this Guardsman? Even if it was luck, perhaps we can gauge how much skill it would take to defeat these things."

Malfor scowls. "Bound to have been weaker than most here. The Chamber of Commerce never forks out much to protect their own. Look now! they're asking the Adventurer's Guild to do their dirty work. I bet they won't dig deep to solve this problem."

Mikilos mmms. "People are dying. That makes it, in part at least, a Guild worthy matter. Funding might need some craetive sources, the Temples, perhaps, but things will get handeled. If nothing else, my curiousity is roused. This isn't quite fitting any pattern which comes to mind." He glances towards the merchants. "Have goods been taken? What kind, if any?"

Hanoan says, "All sorts. Whatever comes through, really. We had reports of foodstuffs being stolen, at first. Later other items, too. Gold is always taken, and can sometimes be used to dissuade raiders from violence. But not all the raiders are alike. Some creatures are more animal-like than these twist Oruchi, and these mostly choose foodstuffs and live imports. The horses and ponies are often eaten, for instance."

Terewin nods to Mikilos "The farmers are being threatened by a foe beyond their ability to deal with and from the sounds of it well beyond what they can be expected to deal with and one that threatens lives and livelihoods. That alone makes it an endevour worth pursuing." he states to the room at large. "And if anyone else here thinks themself a moral individual, they would believe the same." he says looking around at the various adventurers present.

Mikilos mmms, and nods. "I'm speculating, but my guess is we aren't dealing with a single group. But rather a change of source. An event that made several groups in the area, wherever that is, go active. Some in feral manners, others more civilized, if still bandits. Regardless, more information is needed. We simply don't know enough to tell what exactly is going on, and thus how to stop it. Naturally, the bandits attacking the caravans need to be detured, as do those attacking livestock. Captured, killed, or merely scared away will depend on what we can manage when encountered. But also important, perhaps moreso, is why they started in the first place."

Hanoan nods. "I agree. We are willing to provide reward and recompense to those moral individuals who wish to assist."

Malfor snorts, but nods as well. "The village of Felris shall host any adventurers who come by to assist. Food and lodging, that sort of thing."

Shagara has left.

Fayde has arrived.

Sapphire , after so long, has actually started to lose focus, unable to really get what in the world was being talked about. She goes about unwinding and rewinding her bandages on her arms, unwrapping and rewrapping the pink sash on her waist and even working on a little bit of dental hygiene by using her tongue to physically check each tooth. At the end of the entire thing though, she snaps back at attention when a location and rewards are mentioned, peering at Hanoan excitedly.

GAME: Arisha rolls craft/gunsmithing: (6)+1: 7

Fayde the adolescent cosmic sorcerer strolls into the scene with his staff shouldered and big dog at the lead. He looks about at the unusual crowd of fellow adventurers and raises a brow before leaning over slightly to guide his big friend to a corner and keep him company whilst trying to figure out what's going on.

Right behind Fayde is a masked dark elf....and she's loading a pistol. It doesn't take her long to holster it before she looks about. "Thought I heard something strange was going on. Greetings, Fayde. May the grey lady smile upon you."

Kira has left.

Mikilos has disconnected.

You paged Fayde with 'One of the farmers in the room explains that livestock and trade caravans have been targeted by strange creatures out in the borderlands. She says that Mikilos the Magus has determined these creatures to be 'Void-Tainted' by Negative Energy, but has provided little detail. The Alexandrian Chamber of Commerce has agreed to reward adventurers willing to deal with this problem, and the farmers of the village of Felris have agreed to provided lodging and supplies.'

Hanoan, the female merchant sitting upon the stage, rises to her feet. "Ladies and gentlemen, it seems that this matter is to be resolved through a joint venture between the Alexandrian Chamber of Commerce and the Adventurer's Guild. Are there any further questions at this time?"

Arisha says, "Just show us where and what to shoot at." she says softly as she looks around at the other people here."

Terewin has disconnected.

Fayde shakes his head to the Merchant after receiving a whisper update about what this is all about. He glances aside with a smile to the greeting he got and replies,"And may the Silver Lady guard your dreams." He then looks to Hanoan,"Not from here. I'm happy to offer my services in this matter."

With at least two adventurers confirmed in the endeavour, Hanoan and Malfor glance at each other. Malfor nods grimly, then gets up from his chair and steps down from the stage into the crowd. Hanoan stands, looks about, and opens her mouth to speak again. "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for your time and consideration. That will be all. Myself and Malfor will be around to discuss matters further, if you wish."

Hanoan steps down from the stage, and returns to her throng of merchants.

Fayde rubs his chin as he makes his way along with raised brows, his faithful hound alongside him as they go.

Arisha makes a bit of a face...not that the mask would let see. She walks over towards the farmers and tilts her head. "I got word from a passing Oruch that someone mentioned Negative energy....."

Eilrie is leaning back against the large Tree that is oddly standing in the middle of the Guild Hall. She seems to be pondering the whole situation and listening.

Iadoth wanders over to where Arisha is standing. "Good day again, Mistress Arisha. There are strange things playing here. Negative or not, energies of the Vast work in odd ways."

Arisha says, "Yes they do." She says as she turns towards the door. "I'll see what Absolution I can rally to this. they will take particular notice of this.""