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--------------------------Chapter 41: City of Wonder-------------------------
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(DM:)
        You take off, and are careful not to stray too close to the ground,
infested with it's various malicious inhabitants. Many a time you spot the
evidence of crocodiles, now and then a basilisk. Luckily you are too high
for the gaze of these basilisks to affect you. Now and then, you see
humanoid-shaped forms rise from the mud, and amble along. They do not seem
to be giving any special attention to you guys flying overhead.
        The flight takes quite some time, but as you fly on, the crystal
citadel comes ever more closer. Slowly, the turrets, city-wall with
magnificent towers and bastions, marvelous palatial residences, and a huge
octagonal castle in the centre fill the very scope of your vision. You fly
high enough to fit over the wall, and as you approach, that that is pretty
much what you will need to do. You see no real city gates as such, only a
port area each side of the Crystal Citadel where the river first meets it,
and where the river parts again from the island on which the citadel stands.
        You now hover close to the city walls, and spot no guards or
anything on those fortifications. There is some activity along the wharf on
the side from which you came, though you never saw or passed a ship. The
design of the ship is strange also, and none of you recognize it's make. It
seems to be very impractical, and possesses many gewgaws unnecessary for
sailing, while missing some quite vital to effective navigation. It puzzles
you greatly.
        From where you are currently, you spot activity in the streets of
the city, and it appears as any normal city you may have been in, as far as
the business and commotion concerned. The kinds of inhabitants are quite
another matter though. It is a true melting pot of cultures and races. Humans
dressed only in colourful tattoos or paints walk next to illithid and huge
hippogriph like creatures. Here and there what seems a Death Knight or
Liche. Many mages and clerical types seem present, of many races. Also some
Gur-Rakhar, and antmen, similar to the entombed one you found in the mines.
Some of those also have many runes painted all over their bodies. It seems
as though no race or culture is not present.

(Keilan:)
As we float above the city observing the strange sites, Keilan calls
out to the magi, "Set us down.  This being dragged through the air
isn't quite the same as flying."

(Arlon:)
about the ship:
"Surely not a water vessel, air/ether/planes perhaps."

about the Citadel:
"Amazing, the powers that keep order here must be truly frightening for such
a mix of races, many hostile towards each other, to walk around in peace.
Fascinating."

"I don't think there is any way to make a spectacular entrance here; but we 
should still try to be as low key as possible.  Anyone see a fairly inactive
area nearby?  We don't want to stay in the air too long and bring unnecessary
attention to us."

Arlon will be in history mode, looking for anything to spark a memory or two;
so let me know if Arlon recognizes anything Whisper.

I guess once we get down, we look for the hall of mirrors.

(Falrun:)
After arriving at the city, Falrun seems rather absorbed in the sights and
sounds of this strange new city and almost absentmindedly responds to Arlon,
"Yes, let's get down."  At the sight of all the different races inhabiting
the city, including the ones with the more evil reputations, he starts
playing with the hilt of his longsword.

(Shade:)
As soon as he realize Falrun is doing it, Shadowdancer approaches his friend
with a slightly worried expression
"I understand this is going to strain you, friend, but I think we have
better wait another time for Illithid/Death-Knight/Liche hunting.- a moment
of silence, then a wicked smile twists his mouth - Unless, of course, they
try to hunt us."

(Falrun:)
Falrun jumps slightly as if coming out of a deep trance, "Whaaa... Oh, yes
Shade, of course."

(Silver:)
* Hmmm. Some form of ship for traveling between planes, perhaps * thinks 
Silver, and tries to communicate this concept to Tuft.

Silver will perch upon the shoulder of Shade, and try to see where the 
central building might be which holds the mirrors; or perhaps where
some form of place of learning might be; or what might be going on down
by the strange ship. 

More than likely she doesn't understand it all, but she tries anyway ...

(Shade:)
As the Silver-owl does so the drow slightly pets her and mutters with a grin
"...you know dear, your shapeshifting ability can be interesting, but I really
like your skin more than feathers..."

Shade gazes intensely at the strange ship: does it looks like a sort of
flying ship?

(Silver:)
Silver, still in owl form, will turn her head full circle, letting out
a low hoot. This will quite startle Tuft if he is anywhere near ... ;)

(Tatiana:)
*Wow* she thought to Tuft as they flew closer to the city.

She was totally uninterested in the ship or what ever it was.

Tuft cocked his head listening to Silver hooting at him as he flew 
ahead of the others.  Though the owl language was not most suited
for such complex he tried to communicate with her.

"I hear your words, just talk." he hooted back to her, the owl 
language inadequate to communicate well at all.  He could listen
and was interested in what Silver said but couldn't not talk back.

*How I wish I could talk to others as I do you.* he thought
to Tatiana.

*We'll have to work on such a magical device for you then.  Arlon
would probably know how.*

Tatiana crossed over the city wall and landed gently dragging the 
others down as well.  She canceled her spell of levitation on those 
she had cast it upon.  Then turned to see the sights.

(Dithion:)
Dithion is very quiet as the group settles to the ground...he
seems very absorbed with the surroundings.  Finally, he says, 
"This reminds me of a city that I once went to with my father, 
although it was on the astral plane, not the physical one.  Very
interesting."

(Keilan:)
Keilan drops Raoh to the ground, and then unties the rope around his
waist.  "Let's get moving.  If we stay on target, maybe we can find 
the mirrors before nightfall.  Remember.  Let's try not to do anything
that might attract notice."

(Tatiana:)
She smiled at all the strange cultures here and took a chance.  A 
passing Illithid went by and she worked up the courage to speak to 
it.

"Do you know of a good restaurant I might like near by?" she asked 
it with quite a bit of bravado.

*I wouldn't call that a wise move*, Tuft said to her telepathically.

(Keilan:)
(mumbling mostly to himself) "Never mind."

(Arlon:)
Arlon will quickly move next to Tatiana, taking a hold of her arm and then
speaking to the Illithid:
"Pardon us, sometimes the altitude has strange effects, sorry to bother you."
then he sort of pushes/pulls Tatiana along.  He will be more or less calm
about this, believing that the fear/respect of the guardians of this place
is a very subduing effect on one's hatreds/dislikes.

(Tatiana:)
She looked at Arlon quizzically not realizing she had done anything 
wrong.  "What's the matter?" she said with slight disappointment as 
the thrill of experiencing something new was left behind.

        Those checking on the defensiveness of the place get an eerie
feeling. Whenever you think of how to offensively approach the place, you
get the creeps and a feeling that the place holds many unforeseen surprises.
Those of you who have any feeling for such things, you get the feeling that
the defenses of this place are more of a sorcerous and mystical kind than
the physical protection of force of arms or number of men in a large army.
The entire place emanates swift destruction of those who would seek to do it
harm, and the sorcerous power coursing through the streets are heavy enough
to be felt by even those the most ignorant of mystical matters. Those who are
attuned to the arts magi feel that the entire city is a berg of magical
energy personified. Arlon's eyes virtually blaze forth bathed in magical
energy as they are.
        When you land in the streets of the place, you draw few stares, you
get the feeling that most of the visitors of this place arrive in manners
much more arcane than yours. You get the idea that the great citadel in the
centre of the city must be the great citadel with the portal mirrors. From
the descriptions you have gotten from the stories heard from Archion
Thissel, the citadel must be the place to find passage. The boat is strange
to all of you, even if you may be knowledgeable of the ways of Spelljamming,
this ship is a unique construction, looking very much more powerful than it
should be for it's size.
        Once you have landed, Tatiana seeks to approach an Illithid. She
asks it for the nearest tavern/restaurant. The creature gives her the
fish-eye, looking to see whether the question is posed in a mocking manner
or a legitimate question. When the creatures senses she asks the question
straightforwardly, the mindflayer begins to answer, but then Arlon barges
in, apologizing for Tatiana to the Illithid. Tatiana meanwhile, felt a
presence in her mind that gave an empathic answer that a tavern might be
found some three hundred feet down to the east, but before the thought can
form more clearly, Arlon's interruption dissolves the though into puzzlement
and hostility. Tatiana's last touch with the Illithid mind is one of a
nature saying 'if that's the way you want to be'.
        The Illithid moves away, and his presence is replaced by a multitude
of different races and beings....

(Tatiana/Tuft:)
The Mind Flayer disappeared into the crowd the contact leaving her.

*Sorry about that* she thought to the Mind Flayer.  She wasn't sure 
if it got through or not.

*Whoah, that was creepy* Tuft thought to her.

*What was?*

*I could hear what he said to you*

*Really?*

*I hope that what ever he could do to your mind, wouldn't happen to 
me as well*

*I doubt it, but I bet you would be able to observe it.  Might not be
pretty.  I thought he was rather civilized though.*

*Looks can be deceiving*

*You're as paranoid as the others!*

*Maybe with good reason*

(DM:)
        You are now all standing in one of the streets of the great Crystal
Citydell, or Reflex Point. Around you the hustle and bustle of regular city
behaviour goes on, safe that the races represented are too diverse for any
normal city, and the serenity as far as civility is concerned is amazing.
You still sense the hostility of some races against others that are natural
enemies, but none vent their angers or hatreds openly, and most are at least
nominally polite to each other.

(Arlon:)
"Uhh, even though this appears like a civilized place, we should probably
limit our interaction with those who we would normally consider our allies.
We don't want anything following us if they think we have offended them."
he says calmly and with compassion.

(Dithion:)
Watching Arlon and Tatiana brings a smile to his face, and he
says to Arlon, "We probably do not have too cautious here, but 
some would be advisable.  I would have to agree with Arlon and
speak only with those we are sure we can communicate with 
naturally.  It might be thought rude to try and force another
creature to speak our tongue when we initiate an interaction."

He pauses and then says, "Also, I agree with Tatiana, let's find 
a restaurant and tavern and settle in for the night.  A good meal
with drink would be nice and then we can ask about this hall of 
mirrors discretely."

(Falrun:)
"Ahhh yes, I agree with our wise friend Dithion.  It's getting late and I
feel like I haven't had a decent meal in ages.  Besides that, what other
denizens may live here and come out only at night? They may be peaceful, 
but I'd rather not meet them anyway."  He heads off, leading the party in
the direction of the nearest apparent tavern, while he still plays with the
hilt of his longsword.

(Dithion:)
Dithion marches along with Falrun laughing as he says, "Well, they
might not be that bad."  He scans the city streets looking for a 
tavern as well.

(Tatiana:)
"But you never know where you'll find allies.  Besides we'll never 
know what offends others if we don't experiment."

*You take that dizzy act a little to far sometimes*
*Do not*
*Do so*
*Not*

Tuft didn't want to play that game either and quit talking.

Tatiana was truly enjoying herself in this new adventure which hadn't 
even started yet.

She shrugged, dismissing the thought.  "Did you see how his
tentacles wriggled when I asked it the question.  Do you think
it was trying to talk to me?"

(Arlon:)
"More like he was wondering how your brain would taste marinated for a while."

(Tatiana:)
"He couldn't do that here," she quipped.

(Dithion:)
Dithion says, "Well, we really don't know that for sure...we have
just arrived.  If it is anything like the city I stayed in, then
whatever you could get away with was ok.  I guess that just makes
it like any other city."

(Keilan:)
Keilan is not greatly amused by the pretty lady's caperings, "Arlon, do
you want to put her to sleep or should I just knock her out?"

(Shade:)
Shade grimaces, then "ENOUGH! - he hisses - if asking a mind flayer about a
good restaurant can be dangerous startin' quarreling among us here would
even more useless, dangerous and silly!"
He turns to Keilan "Oh my Keilan, I understand your concerns, I known those
mind flayers maybe better than you do, but it is not necessary to be so
direct, don't you think?"
Then he turns toward Tatiana and Arlon, "'Ana, those guys with the
tentacles on their head are one of the most dangerous dwellers of the
underdark, I know you have a guy from _THE_ most dangerous dwellers of the
underdark among your friends, but sometime curiosity should be tempered by
caution. Even our professional streak, bard."

(Keilan:)
Without looking at the chiding Shade, "That was a joke, Shade.  I
wouldn't knock Tatiana out."

(Tatiana:)
Tatiana smirked at Keilan knowing it was a joke. 

(Shade:)
"Gu! Dumb me! - he bows with a smile to both Keilan and Tatiana - Forgive me
friends, sometime I feel soooo silly."

(Keilan:)
"Well ... I might, but I wouldn't ask Arlon's permission."  Keilan grins
just a little at this, but only a little.  He's obviously not too
thrilled about being in this particular city.

Raoh pads alongside Keilan quietly, but looks with some interest at the
varied denizens of this town.

(Tatiana:)
Tatiana laughed out loud with honest mirth.  Stepping back, she took 
a playful jab at Keilan's gut.  "You'd try."

Tuft continued to fly overhead of the party.

(Keilan:)
Keilan sidesteps her punch, and gives her a stern look, "Not now."
It's pretty clear Keilan doesn't feel comfortable in this city of magic
and unknown dangers.

(Dithion:)
Dithion says, "Well, actually, they are not really dwellers of the
underdark, but they do go there a good deal.  You find much more of them
off the physical plane."

(Tatiana:)
"I thought he was rather polite when he talked to me.  I hope he got
my apology for the way you all behaved."

(Arlon:)
"Polite?!  He was polite.  This is indeed an incredible place.  Too bad I
can't stay here for a while, the things I could learn."

Arlon is feeling incredibly vital and strong at the moment, the city is like
an adrenaline rush for him.  If you remember what he was like when he first
got off the boat at Dark Haven, he'll be at least twice as peppy now.

"Well, lets get to this tavern.  I wouldn't mind dwelling here for a while."

Arlon is moving at a good pace, he might start flying if he gets too absorbed
in the Citadel.

(Tatiana:)
Arlon was learning her well.  Change the subject if you want her to 
forget about something. "I am getting hungry."

(Silver:)
Silver will stay in bird form as the party move through the city, on
occasion flying low over their heads, but then settling back on Shade.

Silver, in owl form, hoots low at Shade and flies up a way. Having located
what looks to be the tavern that the party are in search of, she goes
higher. Her head turns this way and that, as if searching for something.

(Dithion:)
Dithion can't help but notice Silver's actions, and says, "What a 
strange bird she is...."  He smiles a bit to himself and then
says as Silver flies away, "We are going to have to work out
something, Silver, this cold shoulder routine is starting to get my 
feathers ruffled."

He says this as he heads toward the tavern.

(Keilan to DM:)
Keilan is not particularly pleased with the idea of being in this city
for any longer than absolutely necessary.  Some of the things Saicha
said about it have made him nervous.  But none of the others seem
to agree with him in this respect.  He's interested only in finding the
citadel with the mirrors and leaving.  The rest can look for bed and
breakfast if they want, but Keilan's scouting for the citadel.  If they
stop to eat, Keilan's most likely going to break off to continue
searching.  Hunger isn't as strong as fear right now.



Silver parts company for a moment to do some scouting on her own....

(Silver to the DM:)
Silver flies overhead looking for something. She will actually be
searching for a Centaur that may be wandering around. If she doesn't
spot one she will return to the party, otherwise she will land close
by, shapechange back to her normal form, and approach it.  Does she
find one?

(DM to Silver:)
        As you watch around where the Tavern is supposed to be, you spot
three centaurs coming from another bar type place, two males and a female.
They seem to have been drinking somewhat, as they walk a bit unsteadily,
even having four legs, and banter amongst each other. As you transform
yourself, they are a bit baffled at first, then give you a merry greetings
back. The female salutes you with a cup with still some green liquid
sloshing inside (and over) it. She appears to be the 'leader' of the group.
The most outspoken one. What else you say? It will not take long ere the
others get here too.

(Silver to DM:)
OOC: Ok, this is how it goes, unless I get some strange responses from 
     the Centaurs ... (all the conversation goes on in Centaur)

Silver smiles and nods first to all three of them, and then addresses 
the female leader. Speaking in well-accented Centaur, she says "Well met,
my friends. I am so pleased to have met you fine herd-fellows in such 
strange, and wondrous surroundings."

"My 'given' name is B'Raarth, or 'Silver' in the common tongue."

"I have traveled from far to this new continent of opportunities from
my home. I had thought not to meet noble Centaurs such as yourselves
this far from my glade ..." she says, describing the rough area she came
from, then adds "but perhaps you also hail from there, and know of the 
herd-elder D'Braan ?"

OOC: This will be a very ancient and wise Centaur, a very good friend
     to Silver a few years back. 
     Perhaps time for a few more questions, then ...

(DM to Silver:)
        The Centauress responds to your queries:
        "Naw. I never heard of yer D'Braan. But hey, I ain't even from this
world, so's no wonder eh? Wanna drink?"

        At that, she stretches out her arm, and offers the cup to you. Even
before you can accept or object, she prattles on.

        "Canna say much about this berg. Just arrived a few days ago meself.
Were mercenaries on a cargo ship from the Tears. Funky town this is, but
such racial mingling happens more out in space. The environment is dangerous
enough, with enough nasty things able to happen out there, so's everyone
behaves on land. Here I'll be nice to them Beholder bastards, but if we meet
a ship of theirs out there, their fair game eh?"

(DM to everyone:)
        Silver, in Owl form flew a bit ahead, and when she lands you cannot
yet see her though the press of alien bodies. The streets are a riot of
colour and strangeness. A menace to some, a wonder to others. However, you
notice few of the habitual hostilities shown. Here and there you see members
of races normally mortal enemies joke and drink and eat together, doing
business, dickering as you would have done with one of the humans back in
Dark Haven.
        As you get nearer, you spot Silver in natural (human) form, engaged
in a conversation with a trio of Centaurs.

(Silver to DM:)
Seeing the others approach through the crowd, she will add hurriedly,
"Aaah, here are my fellow travelers. A well-meaning group, but tend to
be too foal-like at times," she smiles. "Perhaps you would care to join 
us for a meal, before we search out the famed Hall of Mirrors ?"

"I would love to hear your experiences of this strangest of cities, and
how you feel walking amongst such a ... variety of other races ..." she
asks.

As the others come within earshot, Silver turns and with a sweeping 
movement of her arm, indicates the party to the Centaurs. "My friends,
meet my fellow travelers" she says in Centaur, and smiles.

(DM to Silver:)
        When you introduce your fellow travelers and mention your mission:
        "Hmpf. Buncha fairy elves, even a dark one eh? Strange company. But,
hey, you sais you have need to go travel the Portals. You in need of some
good warriors? Me and my friends are for hire. Three gold a piece a day.
What say you?"

(Keilan:)
When the group reaches the tavern, Keilan stops outside a few paces
away from Silver & the centaurs.  He seems to be waiting on Silver to
finish her conversation.

OOC: Is Silver speaking anything Keilan would understand?

(Silver:)
As Keilan approaches, Silver indicates him with a sweep of her arm, and
says something to the Centaurs. She is speaking in the same language as
the Centaurs are, and seems very fluent in it.

Silver seems to be talking mainly with the female of the group of three.

He can see that they are a little unsteady on their legs, possibly from
drinking a little too much.

Keilan and Silver remain outside while the rest go on to sample the tavern's
offerings....



(Dithion:)
Dithion walks on to the tavern, walks in and looks for an empty table.
As soon as he finds one, he sits down and waits for a barmaid/man/thing...
if no tables are available, then he goes up to the bar to order...

(Falrun:)
Falrun will follow Dithion into the tavern and attempt to find a seat that
will allow him to look out a window or door to observe Silver.  He doesn't
want to intrude on Silver's conversation but at the same time, he wants to
be sure that she doesn't get into trouble.

(Arlon:)
Arlon will get himself and Tatiana something to drink.  Then Arlon will want
to walk around looking and listening to all the mingling going on.

He will be listening for anything 'interesting'.  He will cast Tongues
discretely, selecting the 3 most populace creatures or most interesting in
the inn at the time.  Since I don't know which are around, I'll let Whisper
decide.

(DM:)
        Most of the Eidolon enter the tavern. The tavern is a strange
construction from the inside. As you had seen from outside the city and
walking through it a bit, all buildings are made from some crystalline
material or another. Even the streets are made of crystal, very similar to
the material found in the road and the bridge earlier. Once seeing the
tavern from the inside, you note that it seems as though the buildings have
been carefully _grown_, the growth of the crystal undoubtedly shaped and
accelerated by the mystical arts.
        The tables inside, and the bar are crafted from wood though, a shiny
black wood you have never seen before. The clients in this particular bar
are mainly Illithid, Drow, strange tall blue humanoid creatures and a bunch
of insectoids Tatiana recognizes as the fabled Thri-Kreen. Most groups are
of mixed races, who speak common, with some quick remarks in their own
tongues aside to their racial fellows. One group of Illithid stand off to
the side. They are completely silent, but their huge dilated pupils twitch
as much as the tentacle in front of their faces, suggesting they are in a
heated mental discussion of some sort. Most of the audible talk is mostly
regarding the gossip of strange worlds, and the ways of commerce among them.
        Here you hear snippets of complaints about a month-long blockade of
some port city by a band of pirates, there about the ridiculous (according
to the speaker) new laws in some asteroid city by a new legate, whom the
speaker, a Drow, swears is completely insane and a religious nutcase. When
you sit at a table, the waitress that comes to you is a beautiful medusa,
beautiful that is if you discount the writhing snakes that are her hair,
tied in a pony tail, thereby controlling the snakes somewhat. She speaks in
a low throaty voice what you would like to drink or eat.
        Meanwhile, Silver is still in conversation with the Centaurs. She
motions you guys (and girl), apparently introducing you as her friends. The
Centaurs are quite drunk, and the female in the middle is still clutching a
copper goblet with some green wine sloshing inside it. No one can understand
what is being said (unless maybe Arlon if he so chooses).

(Falrun:)
Falrun sits uneasily in the chair at the table trying to pay attention to
Silver and the group of Centaurs but unavoidably his attention is drawn to
the strange groups gathered around him.  When the medusa approaches and
asks what he would like, he tries to swallow the lump in his throat and
manages to mumble something to the effect of a white wine.  

As the medusa turns to leave he quickly calls out "Excuse me" and as the
medusa turns back to him he withdraws quickly, again realizing what it is he
is dealing with.  He reaches deep within his belt pouch and draws out a
gold piece or two and asks, "Is this manner of currency accepted in this
place?"

(DM:)
        Falrun hesitatingly orders a white wine and asks whether gold pieces
are accepted currency, upon which the Medusa responds in her low throaty voice:
        "Of course such is accepted. The mintage matters not, long as the
weight of the coins is standard. Otherwise we will simply have to weigh you
coins to calculate their worth. That would not seem to be necessary though,
as your coins look standard enough. As to the wine, what kind of white would
you like? I could recommend the Shilagh wine from the homeworld of the
Illirian Elven Empire. It is very good, and even though their world is
currently besieged by the Scro fleets, we recently got a shipment from one
of the last Elven High Command convoys to break through."

(Dithion:)
Dithion says to the Medusa..."An Ale, milady."  He seems nonplused by 
the situation although he is obviously interested in what is going on 
around him.

(DM:)
        Dithion's order for ale draws a short laugh. She says:
        "Friend, what kind of ale would you like? We have white, green, the
strong ale from the Dwarven Citadel Dramach among the Tears of Selune or the
house specialty, Spicy Medusan to name a few."

(Dithion:)
Dithion says to the Medusa, "What, my fair lady, would you suggest as 
a good ale?  Ah, answer not...I will take the house speciality and 
hope it is as sweet as you are fair, milady."

(Arlon:)
Arlon will not cast the tongues spell since most are talking common.  He will
(of course) sample the Shilagh wine from the Illirian Elven Empire.  "I'm
sure it is quite good."

He will look around the Tavern, trying to take it all in - creatures, structure
etc - and enjoy Tatiana's music.

"What a place, even the gaze of a Medusan is nullified here."

(Dithion:)
Dithion says with a smile and wink, "I doubt it is nullified...she has
chosen not to use it."

(Shade:)
The drow sits at the table and studies the people around for a while.
OOC: Whisper, is there any drow family I know of?

When the waitress comes he pops out from his study and asks to his friends
"I'd like to eat something, what about you?"

(DM:)
        As far as the Drow are concerned, they are mainly wearing the House
Insignia from House Isch'Ka'Rinn, a powerful house from a city not too far
from your own. Two drow wear strange insignia that you translate as to mean
something like 'Central Imperial Command', not a house but rather an
organization. You have only heard vague rumours about them, and never really
believed them. They are a group who work toward the reunification of all
drow peoples, with the goal of retaking the Upper World by military
conquest. They see themselves as the elite of the drow and are reputedly
extremely dangerous and powerful sorcerers, even lethally dangerous for
other drow, and even a minor member of that organization would receive
instant ambassadorial and House Matron like status and obeisance from other
drow when they visit drow cities.



(Keilan to Silver:)
Before Silver goes into the tavern, Keilan says quietly to her,
"Keep them here for a while.  I'm going to the Crystal Citadel.
I'll meet you back here."

(Keilan to DM:)
Keilan wants to go an see if there is any rhyme or reason to the Citadel
and its gateways?  Any gatekeepers that direct travelers or control
access to the gates?

After Silver's conversation with the centaurs, she heads into the
tavern to relay their offer of 'help'.  You see Keilan moving down
the street and out of sight.

(Silver:)
Silver talks some more with the Centaurs, who have now entered the
tavern with her. She looks slightly surprised at something the lead
female says, then says to the Eidolon "It seems we have some friends
who are offering their services. I thought they may have some news
for me from home," her face looks slightly toward the floor, she sighs
then continues "but they are not even of this world. However, when I
asked them to join us for a meal, they offered to accompany us on our
journey ... wherever that might be ... for a small fee, as they are 
skilled fighters - mercenaries by trade."

With her back to the Centaurs and facing the group she makes an 
expression which reads *Aargh, did I make a mistake or what!* then turns
back and smiles sweetly at the lead Centaur.

(Shade:)
As the others look too charmed by the weirdness of the situation to answer
his question ;) the drow sighs and ask for himself "I'd like to have something
To eat, if it is possible, and some water to drink."

Then he turns to Silver, what would you like dear?"

(Silver:)
"Well, some of the Elven white, chilled, would be welcome. And get our
friends some more of whatever they are having ..." Silver indicates the
green liquid in the large cup held by the three Centaurs. "Thanks ..." 
she replies to Shade.

(Tatiana/Tuft:)
*WATCH OUT!*

*JEEZE GIRL!  You're gonna get yourself killed here if you don't
start paying attention*

Tatiana snapped out of her amazed state.  The city was magnificent,
and the strange, and sometimes terrifying creatures was too much for
her to take in.  Her life was too short!  She couldn't possibly
experience everything she wanted to in her life time.

Somehow she had found herself sitting in a Tavern being served by
a Medusa, Illithids chatting silently in one corner and a band of
Centaurs had just been recruited by Silver.

She glanced around and tried to imagine entertaining in a place like 
this.  She started thinking that it might bomb horribly or go over 
quite well.

She had brought along a drum, her lute and her flute.  She selected 
he drum and nodded to the Medusa in quite an uninhibited manner.
"Would the proprietor mind if I try my hand at entertaining here?"

(DM:)
        When Tatiana asks whether she might entertain, the medusa says:
        "You may try. I know not what songs you know, as long as you do not
scare away the customers, go ahead." This last said with a wink.

(Tatiana:)
She smiled and nodded to Shade, "Join in if you want to, I'm gonna
test the waters."

She selected a spot that could gather the attention of the majority 
of the Tavern.  She removed her Lute from her case and set it aside,
leaving the case open she placed her flute next to the Lute on the 
table and set up to play her drum.  She began to beat out a rhythmic 
beat that got more complex and melodic as she felt the mood of the
crowd.  Slowly she was capturing attention if they were partial to 
listening.

She started to blend her voice with the beat of the drum.  It was a 
travelers song to lighten the heart on a long journey.  An ageless 
song that didn't seem to have any particular origin that she could 
recall.



(DM to Keilan only:)
        You go outside the tavern, and as soon as you have gotten some six
yards away from the place, you note some suspicious characters. You
recognize the garb of several humanoids and drow. They are extremely similar
as those worn by the Sons of the Empire you met and saw at the military
meeting right after the assassination of Lord Talon Clasp and the supposed
slayings of Mendahl and Daermon. When you study them a bit you see that they
are being furtive about holding an eye on the tavern. One short moment you
make eye contact with one of the Sons of the Empire, and you see the spark
of recognition. She knows who you are and what you are about to do. You get
the distinct feeling that if you travel much farther by yourself, you may
not reach the Citadel alive.
        As you look about you, you spot at least six suspicious looking Drow
and three Sons of the Empire. Throughout the street, other peoples and
creatures walk about their business, either not feeling the sense of
wrongness and oncoming violence, or too used to it to notice. You remember
that open violence sparks the anger of Az'Alion and the Shin'Moar, puzzling
you as to what the plan of these people might be.

(Keilan to DM:)
OOC: I *KNEW* this would happen!  Just because you're paranoid, it doesn't
mean people aren't after you!

Keilan's mind fills with curses for himself for being right all the time.
As he meets the gaze of the female who seems to have spotted him, he
narrows his eyes and purses his mouth into a half-sneer.  A moment later
as someone passes between them, he turns back toward the door of the
tavern, trying to keep the pedestrian between himself and his newfound
enemies.

He is tense, half expecting a blade in the back before he can make it
into the tavern.  If they attack, he'll try to block whatever attack
with the Shield Bracers and slip inside the tavern.




(DM:)
        In the tavern, people are settling down. Tatiana is checking her
instruments, Arlon and Falrun get some wine, Dithion the house specialty of
ales, and Shade is clamoring that his stomach is empty ;).
        To the question what Scro are, the Medusa answers:

        "You groundlings may not be aware of it, but out there, the Second
Unhuman War is raging. The Scro are an intelligent and stronger race of
orc-like beings. They lead the assault of the Goblinoid armies against the
humans and elves in revenge for their near annihilation during the First
Unhuman War. The Spheres are rocked by a galaxy wide war. Several entire
planets have already been laid waste. This sphere has not seen any major
action yet. Just some skirmishing near the outer planet H'Catha between a
Beholder Clan and a Scro scouting fleet. Enjoy life while you have it, the
Scro are pledged to destroy all human and especially elven life in the
universes." This last said with a mirthfully joking smile, _not_ of the
nasty kind.

(Silver:)
As the Medusa mentions the Scro being fought against by a Beholder clan,
she turns to the Centaurs and asks, in Common, "But if she is right,
then the Beholder clan would be our allies. Yet what you said earlier
about Beholders .... ?" Silver trails off, leaving them to answer.

(DM:)
        When Silver is bewildered about the Scro fighting Beholders and the
Centaurs fighting Beholders, wondering if Beholders should not be counted
friends, the Centaurs answer with a hollow laugh.

        "Friend, how can ya be so naive. The world ain't no thing of black
and white. Whoever thought up the saying 'my enemy's enemy is my friend' is
a fool not rooted very well in reality. The Scro are the enemy of all, and
so are the Beholders. Who your Son's of the Empire are I know not, but I
sure never heard of em. But, if ya need some mercs as extra protection, you
know we are for hire."

(Silver:)
Silver smiles at the 'naive' comment. "Point taken" she nods.

(DM:)
        Then suddenly, Keilan reenters the Tavern. The look on his face is
as though he has just seen a ghost.....(cue to Keilan ;) ),

(Keilan:)
Keilan steps inside the door and closes it quickly as soon as Raoh is
through.  His face is grim as he strides quickly over to the table
where the Eidolon (ick) sits cheerfully enjoying their tasty beverages.
Conversation stops as he walks up.  He places both hands on the table
leaning on it heavily.  "Sons of the Empire.  At least nine outside right
now."
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