The Planewalkers' Journies

[Besyanteo]

Phelan perked up noticeably, his tail lifting and his ears perked up, his mouth open slightly in a vague approximation of a smile. In response to Kongunvir, he replied simply:

"Phelan!"

[Idran1701]

Theller

"Oh, no worries about that, I think. There will always be a market for potions and whatnot. And besides, people will always pay for convenience." Brenn smiles, looking down at the main landing from the small side-area where the altar's been set. Heavy enough that it took a cart of four horses to haul, and eight men to tote it out of the cart, it seems to be fairly safe from thieves of any sort even without guard. "Besides, I doubt any of our healers will protest having something like this nearby." Looking back to Theller, he grins. "So then, what are you going to be following this up with? Something even more impressive, no doubt."

---

Garick

Though most of what he says seems to be beyond her grasp of Common, she understands enough to nod, following behind him as she watches up and down at the barely-visible flights of stairs extending in all directions. She takes it in with both interest and disconcertion, looking back forward just in time to step out of the way of a passing soon-to-be traveler. She turns back to Garick, gathering her thoughts before speaking. "Where is this? Like home, but...buildings and mist everywhere. Who built it?"

[darkknight61189]

Garick found the raptoran to be quite confusing. "You mean you don't know where you are? This is the Planewalkers' Guild, on the Infinite Staircase." He looked about trying to figure out where Theller might be. He had heard some people mention him in conjunction with an altar that had appeared around the time he'd gotten back. Garick then looked back at the girl. "How did you get here, anyways, if you have no idea where here is?"

[Idran1701]

Garick

After a short pause as she figures out what Garick said, the raptoran woman shakes her head. "Theller...go to 'Gild'. He tell us...dar? Dar in place name 'Blurophil'. All I know. Name and how to come, not...what." She gives a small shrug, now looking over the sea of tents that surrounds them. "This place is..." She trails off, searching for the right word, and frowning to herself as she fails to come up with it.

"...We can talk later. Need to find Theller. We need help."

[ChristianC]

Magpie looked at the dwarf and then nodded, her face breaking into the biggest grin she could muster. "Welcome Kongunvir Reginsmith! I am Magpie, and I am delighted that you want to help. I do not recognize you, are you a new member of the guild? Do you wish to apply? Perhaps I could show you around?" The construct shot out the questions like a spitfire, surprisingly talkative, but then again this was the first time she'd had the pleasure to welcome two new potential members of the guild, and she liked that.

[Kelne]

"Asperel Brighteyes," Asp said, extending a hand to the poor unsuspecting new arrival. Not that there was any malice at work, and in fact, the usual chatter of questions was surprisingly absent. He was rather surprised and pleased at Magpie's talkativeness, and certainly wasn't going to interrupt her while she was on a roll.

[Jak Snide]

Kongunvir clasped Asp's hand and shook it, more forcefully than he probably needed to, before releasing him and directing his gaze upwards at Magpie.

"Just joined a few days ago in fact. I've been taking stock of what this place has to offer since then. Not bad, though for what was described to me as a community of explorers and adventurers I find the accommodation a little lacking. The guild would appear to be nothing more than a shanty town were you to ignore the calibre those found within it."

[darkknight61189]

Garick looked at the raptoran, still very confused about the situation. Most of the words in the broken fragments of sentences she was spewing out didn't make any sense to him, so he just nodded wiht a slightly bewildered look on his face, then continued to move towards where he'd heard the altar had been brought to. He thought about what he had heard of Theller, which really wasn't much.

[Spleen]

"I thought it appropriate next to find...a fountain of youth, perhaps? Maybe an eternal source of the finest gourmet meals. I have not yet decided." He chuckled at his own joke, unfurling and furling his wings. "Now, perhaps you'll join me for dinner, my friend?" He led Brenn away, testing the balance of his brand new spear again as he did.

[Besyanteo]

Phelan's tail wags as he gathers more potential allies... but it stops as the influx seems to cease.

"This is great, but we might need more help. Maybe if you could find a couple more people to come with us? I'll wait right here until you get back."

[Kelne]

"You know, that's a good point," Asp said, "It's probably to do with the hassle of hauling building materials up however many flights of stairs. Plus it's communal space really, so unless you're here pretty much all the time, there's not a lot of motivation to put up any kind of big house which'll just sit empty and take up space on the landing. Third," here Asp raised three fingers, having apparently started checking off points at the very end of his list, "There's no actual weather. So nobody needs to worry about whether their shelter will stand up to the next big storm to blow through. Or about shelter at all for that matter."

[Nakibe]

While these various discussions were taking place, a red-skinned, horned figure was making its way back to the guild halls. Some would find the tiefling's presence familiar, though some others might stick with disturbing. For his part, Trivale Shalar didn't really care as much about their reactions as perhaps he normally would. A silver ring that MAY be familiar and several new bruises, bumps, and injuries, he muses. Perhaps this is a sign that the planes themselves don't want me to find out more just yet. A frown creased his face as he let himself get lost in thought. Were they his thoughts or the thoughts of another? It was getting a little harder to tell these days.

Maybe I should work on someone ELSE'S problems instead for a while. After a bath. With this in mind, he made his way back towards the still-familiar tents, thankful for at least one thing to count on in his current state.

[ChristianC]

"Indeed. Perhaps plans should be made up for construction of buildings in the future," The construct spoke back to the dwarf, "even if the members of the guild may move, it would be a more efficient use of space to have multiple-story buildings and properly constructed roads. However, those whom I have discussed it with find that the tents give the area a 'rustic' feel, although I cannot say that I agree."

Magpie's voice, Asp especially would notice, was a fair bit lighter in pitch at the moment, her voice now sounding like a deep-voiced woman, husky if one dared to use such an adjective.

"Asp, are you aware of who are currently in the guild? Is Zant still here? Lorraine?"

[Idran1701]

Garick and Trivale

Staying silent for now, the raptoran woman falls into step behind Garick. From what he can remember, the altar was brought to a small landing above the Guild's, not too many flights away. He heads down what he believes is the right direction, where his path brings him across Trivale's. The raptoran watches him from behind Garick, still staying quiet, her expression unreadable.

---

Theller

"Oh, certainly. I could use a good meal myself. After you?"

As Brenn follows behind Theller back to the Guild's landing, he continues to talk, careful to watch his step on these somewhat steep stairs. "I'll be heading off soon myself, I believe. I'm curious about this March, and I thought I'd follow along with them for a spell. Out of all the races I'd have thought were perfectly predictable, the modrons were first among them; with any luck, I'll be the one to discover the secrets behind this mystery, eh? Can't let you have all the discoveries, after all." His laugh trails off as he looks ahead, gazing over the tents. "Oh, this may be interesting. I believe I spy another raptoran near the library. A new member, perhaps? I don't believe your race is all that common here on the planes, is it? "

[Spleen]

"We are not," Theller confirmed. "To my knowledge, the settlement of Homespire is the seat of the only Raptoran flock outside of the Prime Material Plane. He looked into the distance, following Brenn's eye with his own keen sight, finding his cousin near the edge of where the persistent mists blocked his vision. "That...is my cousin. And she looks extremely distressed. I am afraid I will have to postpone dinner, at least until I know what is so urgent. Will you come with me to speak with her? I'm afraid our conversation will be quite boring unless you speak Auran or her own Common has improved beyond what it was."

[Kelne]

"Nah," Asp said, "Zant's back on Water, being contemplative and stuff, and Lorraine's off for a bit. I think she might be investigating Filiatierre still." He sounded slightly disappointe that he hadn't been asked to assist in these investigations, but if that had happened, he wouldn't be around to help Phelan now, so it had all worked out for the best.

"Garick's still around somewhere though, and we might be able to rope Shawn in. Or we could just spread the word that we're off on a perilous mission. I'm sure we'd get a few volunteers." This last part might ring false to anyone other than Asp, who would volunteer for a perilous mission in a heartbeat if asked. He had always been a tad hazy about how these things got so few willing participants.

[Shinigori V2]

Shawn puts her hands up and shakes her head quickly. "No, no no no. You do way too much for me as it is."

[Idran1701]

Shawn

"You're sure? We could stop back up at the caravan and look around, at least." She smiles. "I'm sure you had to see something you might want."

[Shinigori V2]

Shawn crossed her arms for a moment, thinking to herself. "...Alright, we'll look.

[Jak Snide]

Kongunvir had listened to Asp with a frown, clearly disagreeing with his pragmatic assessment of the matter. The conversation had moved on now, so he turned his attention to the wolf.

"Is there a reward on offer?" he asked Phelan. "Wealth often serves as the great motivator of those without an allegiance to your cause."

[Nakibe]

As Trivale made his way towards what would be a definitely welcome rest before another adventure, he passed by a new set of faces he hadn't seen before. "Hello there. Haven't seen you around here before," he says to Garick as he passes by. Nothing lost in being friendly, at least.

[Idran1701]

Shawn

With a laugh, Florence stands, leading the way back up to the caravan's landing. There, gathered to one side amongst the dozen or so guild members browsing the various goods, Magpie, Asp, and Kongunvir can be seen gathered around Phelan. Florence greets them with a wave before heading to one of the carts, thinking on what sorts of things she knows Shawn enjoys.

---

Theller

Brenn shakes his head, offering Theller a smile. "No need to worry; family first and all that, after all, especially if she's as bothered as you say. I'd be quite glad to meet your cousin, I don't have any other pressing matters, . And I'd never turn down the chance to greet a guest, especially family. Why do you think she's come, though? I'd assume not merely for a visit, from the sound of things."

[Spleen]

"Unlikely at best," Theller agreed.

He hustled the remaining distance to his cousin and greeted her in the language of the Plane of Air.

Auran speakers:

Spoiler:

"Cousin Eletta! I am so pleased to see you. What news do you bring? You look flown around by a great distress."

[Besyanteo]

Phelan looks surprised, and then shakes his head sadly, in a surprisingly good pantomime of the human gesture.

"I don't have anything to offer, no. I mean, the most expensive thing I own is my mithril teeth, and I'm kind of... attached to them, you know?"

It was unclear whether or not he understood the pun he just made.

"My friend might be able to pay some kind of reward, but I can't make promises for him. I don't think anyone would mind if a mage took some of the horrible little machines to study, either. Oh, and I guess the villagers might reward anyone who came for helping to save them. Would that be good enough?"

[ChristianC]

Magpie frowned as Asp revealed the absence of some of their guild-members, but let her displeasure slide as the conversation continued. Personally she had no need or interest in money...

"Phelan, I would like to help you, and these... machines you mention..." The eyes of the construct flared up briefly, "I would like to know more about them. I am sure there are others who would consider this undertaking without monetary reimbursement."

[darkknight61189]

To Garick, Theller seemed to appear from nowhere. He heard someone talking fairly loudly in the same gobbledy-gook that he'd heard the girl spew before, and turned around to see Theller talking to her. He listened, attempting to decipher something out of it, but to no avail. He could tell, though, it was some type of greeting. He decided to wait until the greetings were over before finding out what was going on

[Jak Snide]

The dwarf put on a show of being offended by Phalen's words. "I wouldn't know. The opportunity to explore and test my mettle are all I ask for." He dropped the act. "I'm sure there'll be some who find your terms agreeable."

[Idran1701]

Garick, Trivale, and Theller

Though she looks relieved at Theller's appearance, the raptoran's face still seems stricken with worry, as she replies to Theller in their native tongue.

Spoiler:

"Theller! I was worried I wouldn't even find you here! Homespire's been raided, attacked by fiery creatures. I don't know what happened, I was away, but the ones left said they kidnapped Grandfather and held him hostage, and forced all the eldest to come with them. Almost everyone else is gone. I didn't know who else could help...."

Frowning, she tugs nervously at her sleeve, glancing between the three guild members gathered around her as her toe-talons scratch against the rock.

Spoiler:

"You need to come back, Theller. I know you're on your journey, but there's no one else left but me, the elderly, and the children. We need your help!"

[darkknight61189]

Garick looked between the panic-stricken raptoran and Theller, a bit confused as to what was going on. Obviously, though, Theller's cousin needed some sort of assistance.

"Is everything alright?" Garick asked.

[Spleen]

Theller's features slackened as he heard the news. "My home has been attacked," he said, in Common for the benefit of Trivale and Garick, "and most of the adults of my city - of my people - taken away, if I believe my cousin's words. And my grandfather, the High Priest, has been kidnapped."

He hung his head, then spoke in hesitant Auran, asking a question to which he dreaded the answer.

Spoiler:

"My brothers are gone? And my father? Were they slain, or is there a chance they still might live?"

he asked.

Spoiler:

"Is there no one left who can contact the Air Lords?"

[darkknight61189]

"Oh," Garick responded intelligently. He decided to wait for the two to finish more of their conversation, then asked "Is there anything we can do to help? I'm sure there will be plenty of people here willing to help out. I know I am."

[Nakibe]

"I'm interested in helping out as well, if I can." Trivale offered just a tad TOO casually. If they don't want me along with them, then I'd suppose that will be fine too. In which case I'll settle for just the bath. And with that thought in mind, Trivale awaited his answer.

[Idran1701]

Garick, Theller, and Trivale

The raptoran shakes her head, looking between Garick and Trivale as she does, appearing a little grateful that (as far as she can understand) they want to help.

Spoiler:

"No, the priests were all taken with the rest of them. Everyone still lived when they were taken, they told me, but that's all I know. I wish I knew for sure, but I can just hope for now. Can you help, Theller? Please."

[ChristianC]

Magpie wasn't... entirely sure what it felt about trying to get people to come along simply for the sake of money. It could draw the logical connections to money, a full stomach would be a great motivation for someone who... well, needed it to survive. But having not really felt that need herself, she couldn't quite... see how it wasn't possible to do the noble thing and opt for helping out this poor wolf rather than get-

Wait, she remembered that person! It was Florence! And walking next to her was the much more plain and boring Shawn! The construct frowned a little, why had she stopped being a cat-human? She had been... a... adorable! What was wrong with being part cat and part human?

Oh well, at least... at least they might be interested in helping out... but then, cats and dogs didn't like each other... except they usually did, here in the camp... as a retriever had been looking after some orphaned kittens for a while... well... and Shawn wasn't technically a cat, and Phelan wasn't a dog. He was a wolf.

"Florence? Shawn?" Magpie finally decided to just call out to them, walking off towards where they were looking at wares.

[Shinigori V2]

Shawn stopped a minute, trying to figure out what the hell that thing was that was coming her way. "..Um...Yeah?"

[Spleen]

"

Spoiler:

Yes. Yes, immediately. I will gather the winds of whom I can from my allies in the Guild and we will free our people to the skies.

" He turned to Trivale and Garick, and spoke in Common. "Trivale, I thank you, and I believe I will need all the help I can find. And you, as well...Garick, it is, correct? I thank you for your offering of assistance and for guiding my cousin to me. Do either of you have others you can gather to assist us?"

[ChristianC]

The construct approached quickly and as she saw the look of confusion on the face of Shawn she broke into an uneven, and slightly lopsided smile.

"It is me, Magpie." She exclaimed, looking rather more cheerful than Magpie had looked the last time they'd met. Her voice wasn't... very emotional still, but at least with the ability to show some expressions in her face, the construct seemed to have undergone a rather major transformation.

"What has happened to you, Shawn? Did you... unstick yourself from being cat-like? Wait, yes, you must have... It did suit you, however." the construct nods a little for herself before pointing off to Phelan. "I have found a wolf that can talk, and he is asking for help. Are you interested in helping out? And Florence, that is a very beautiful fur coat."

[Kelne]

"There's a whole bunch of clockwork things attacking villagers on the plane of ice," Asp elaborated, popping out from behind Magpie. He was practically bouncing up and down with excitement. A brand new plane to visit, along with unknown horrors? Who wouldn't want to come along? All too many people, come to think of it.

[Shinigori V2]

"Um..Yeah...I'm not..stuck anymore." Shawn said, slowly and carefully. "..Um...Show me...where the...dog...is."

[ChristianC]

"He will probably not be happy to be called a dog, but I will show you." Magpie pointed out matter-of-factly, and then lead the two back towards Phelan.

"How did that work, Shawn? Are you able to change your form at will? That would be a very useful talent."