RP:Toward the War Effort

From HollowWiki

Part of the The Lesser of Two Evils Arc



Kelay Tavern

Built and rebuilt, torn apart and set like stubborn bone, this tavern is the pinnacle of Hollow's entirety, wrought around the premise of peace, equality, and consummate amity. And of course, the old place had seen all of the three, but so much more. Dire markings of claw and steel cut deep into wall panels and floorboards. Set against the land's usual motif of destruction are signs of comfort. Twisting shadows and smoothing out a careful blanket of light with soft, quaint fires, a candelabra dangles down by thick cords, gripping the circular holder. Each twists up, converging upon the center, where they snake about one another and form a thick, secure anchor to Kelay Tavern's high, accommodating ceiling. The candelabra rattle now and again from the inn patrons overhead, pouring down globs of wax to the center of the room, which is wide and unobstructed. Cheaply carpentered tables and chairs grow outward around the bare dancing area, keeping to the rounded theme, and also keeping to a dwarven barkeep's avariciously born taste for 'economical' furniture. Hardly any expense has been wasted on the actual upkeep of the public center though, as can be garnered from the smell of deep pine, rich tobacco, and even richer spirits. Stairs twist away dimly near the high bar. And atop that side rests the inn logs, quill, and ink. This establishment's fine keeper, Mesthak, can be seen smiling out from his post at the bar, straight across to the room's always crackling stone-wrought hearth. Behind him, atop lofty shelves, sits an array of dark, amber, and clear liquids. Food smells waft from somewhere near at hand. A carefully printed and hung sign details the purchasable items here in the place of merriment, loss, laughter, and life. Also, tucked into a corner near one of two windows closest to the tavern doorway is a thickly papered bulletin board. A sign has been added next to the board that reads, 'The management requires patrons be fully inebriated at all times and that no curing spells be performed in this tavern-Thank you'.



Kasyr meanders into the tavern, a fairly frazzled look on his face. With a a cursory glance offered to those currently present within the tavern, the Kensai simply allows his attention to divert to the tavern board- to try his luck with the mountain of muddled messages. "Maybe there'll be something worthwhi-" ..Kasyr is really beginning to wish he didn't read this stupid board so often. "..Eh. What kind of idiot..."


Lucrecia closes her journal with a sigh. She absently picks barely-visible flakes of dried blood from beneath her nails as she stares into her lap.


Kasyr just slowly shakes his head, before stepping over towards a nearby chair, and casually dropping into it. Maybe he could just ..out wait the headache that was brewing due to the sheer act of contemplating that message.


Lucrecia stands and wanders over to the bar, her long hair cascading around her face as she murmurs to the barkeep for a glass of red wine. She lifts the glass gingerly and returns to her seat. She slowly swirls the glass about, watching the waves of aeration lap against the edges of the cheap crystal.


Redovian is. Um. Here, I guess.


Kasyr spares a moment from his lamentations (those ones related to reading the kelay board drivel), if only casually wave towards Redovian.


Redovian waves back to his king, the templar's eyes scanning the tavern, falling upon Eboric for a moment before the boards takes hold of the majority of his focus.


Lucrecia tucks an unnaturally long strand of deep mahogany hair behind her ear as she sets down the untouched glass of crimson ferment. Her fingers trace over the once-empty page that is now covered with her elegant writing and various small diagrams. She slightly shakes her head as she closes the volume. The smallest hint of anguish flashes across her face, so quickly that it perhaps may not have happened at all.


Antonio slowly steps in the room, keeping his armor on this time, helmet and all, looking through the slits in the armor, he looks almost like some 'black rider' out of a cruddy story. The scythe is supporting him this time though, actually being used to walk, he sighs back out, shaking all over for a brief second. Making his way too the bar, he sits down, ordering the strongest thing he can hopefully down.


Lucrecia glances at the knight, noting mentally that he appears as though he has wandered through the underworld and returned. She contemplates speaking, but decides silence is her best virtue. However, she does not avert her gaze.


Ranok enters the room in a small gust of chilly air. Hand holding onto the brim of his hat to hold it in place. Eyes sweep the room in their typical fashion, as he'd found violence in the tavern more common then to his liking. The duster swept around his feet unusually, beyond the measure of the effect any breeze should rightfully have on the leather. He steps up to the board to check it out. On his shoulders sits a laconic dragon hatchling that throws off fine shreds of mist from delicate looking appendages. It was a small thing, recently hatched, but already showing signs of the rapid growth newborns have.


Antonio plucks the helmet off his head after some deliberation, along with the mask, his face was unharmed from previous problems. The human, by all appearances is nothing more then a human, a scar free human, wound free too from what flesh is visible. He downs the drink quickly, glass places on the table. He bristles a bit, but doesn't move, sinking into the chair with a tired breath. leaning his head back. Remaining like that in silence for now.


Ranok doesn't look like a knight, but something out of the wild west...had it existed.


Kasyr can't help but frown slightly as the paladin dissapears, likely incensed at the very same note that had caught the revenants attention. With his lips pressed into a thin line, the Kensai simply proceeds to give the present crowd a second cursory look- before it drifts back towards a particular individual. Rising out of his seat, Kasyr takes a moment to tug his trenchcoat up by the fur lining, before he proceeds to weave his way through the labrythine patterns created by busy-bodied patrons and haphazard chair placements alike- a journey that finally brings him over towards the table the barbarian is seated at, "Monsieur Eboric, I was wondering if you might have a few moments."


Eboric glances up from his mug of ale, giving Kasyr a critical look. His nose wrinkling in what appears to be disgust, he grunts, but shrugs his shoulders soon after, indicating that he is willing to listen.


Lucrecia averts her eyes from the knight. Her silver irises fall back onto the crimson glass. Her lips part and her tongue runs over them in desire. She grasps the glass and downs the wine in one swift movement.


Raziel enters the tavern, raven on shoulder, as she goes over to have her bird friend inspect the board. Sighing at the lack of finding what she needed she turns to go to a secluded table and rest once more, tossing her heeled booted feet atop the table.


Xzarren returns to the tavern after his absence of some time, taking a seat quietly and passing his saphiric gaze along the crowd.


Antonio takes himself from the seat, a shiver down his spine, and despite not showing, he still knew he was looked at. He stands, caring for company since he isn't all that happy where he sits. Joining the 'gazer' standing at her table for a moment, his own frosty eyes watching her. " May I sit? " Sleepy voice spoken with care.


Lucrecia places the back of her hand over her lips, sputtering slightly from the wine. Sickened, she leans over and places her head on the table.


Lucrecia glances upwards to the knight, mumbling, "Go ahead..."


Kasyr casually tosses a glance back towards the door when it opens, if only to take note of Ranok. After a moments thought, the Kensai simply offers a curt wave to the fellow, the likes of which promptly segues into a brief beckoning motion. Beyond that, however, the Kensai simply collapses into an available seat, offering Eboric his full attention for a moment, " I think, given your reputation- I will simply cut straight to the heart of this particular matter. I have a matter that would likely be of interest to you et that warband of yours, monsieur. Though, I suppose am obligated to ask, whether or not you're familiar with the situation in vailkrin a ce moment."


Antonio he sits down, across from her, the show with the wine drew a curious expression, and a question. " I take it don't order the wine? "


Eboric takes a long drink of his ale, studying Kasyr flatly for a few moment more before replying. "Vailkrin? I've been there once. Maybe twice. Not much for the living there, so I leave it to the bloodsuckers and corpses. Is there gold to be earned? Plunder?"


Lucrecia straightens her posture as she wipes her lips with fingers that appear delicate and light. She shakes her head as she feigns a slight smile to the only person who has bothered to attempt a conversation with her since her arrival. "It wasn't the wine, I don't think," she muses. "I'm just attempting to get used to this new... life... of mine."


Antonio tilts his head the littlest bit, " Oh... A new life? " He looks to perk up at that curious as so ever to what that could mean. He looks to the table, raising a finger to order another of what he had. Seems that he may drink a lot more then he planned too earlier.


Ranok adopts a fairly sour expression. With a roll of the eyes, he approaches the table Kas and Eboric were at, arms crossed over his chest. "Halright, vat?"


Lucrecia 's focus shifts onto the simple black book in front of her. She flashes another small smile as her hand seamlessly slides the book off of the table and onto her lap, so quickly that it's obviously unnatural. "I've been a bit... changed, as of late," she says. One hand still rests on the table, gently flexing as she watchings the sinew beneath the almost-sheer skin flex and fold. "So many sensations..."


Antonio lets his eyes follows the book right off the table, but he shrugs... People needed their secrets. He shivers a little, " Adjusting too new things can always be... Odd... " He lets out a little bit of an off chuckle. Thinking carefully, " Care if I pay for something... More... Wine like? "


Lucrecia 's face softens into a more genuine expression. She accepts with a demure nod. She remains silent for a moment, her argent stare attempting appraise the man before her.


Xzarren decides to work on his custom piece of equipment. A elegant looking vambrace is removed from his satchel and placed on a table as is several various tools to tinker with the gadget. The male starts to work on the piece, preparing an area for a sharp instrument to be housed as he pondered on what type of blade to house in the armor.


Kasyr gestures towards Eboric first, "Well, I'll sum things up neatly then. It's fallen into a state of Civil war, with the demise of the former governor, Ginger, et the subsequent dissapearance of the Lady Joliette. As of such, I believe there is a fair bit of opportunity for gold, et plunder- should an enterprising individual be willing to engage in this particular mess. To be exact, I do believe this will get partially summed under looting rights, with an overall stipend being covered by the Institute of the Black library et, well, Moi. Being one of the sole living representatives of the former Vailkrin government." Beyond that, the Kensai simply turns to address Ranok, "By the by, that was partially what I was going to address tu about- though I was also curious about something. You're a bit more..closely tied to Rynvale than I am. Would tu know if there's been any troop movements from Gamorg...be it through Cenril ..ou maybe..through the mines if it's been repaired? There's been an ogre spotted in Vailkrin along with these vampiric dissidents..et well. They've never really been the type to show alot of inititiave."A pause, and the Kensai can't help but quietly add, "Are we certain that the Parasite truly dissolved his allegiance with them?"


Antonio doesn't show much of anything, just a usually solid expression. He pushes back into the chair with a little smile, back creaking just a bit. As a glass of wine is put down, another drink of his own is poured, and drunk right down.


Raziel orders a vodka with a sigh as she removes her feet from the table, not lstening to much of anything. She was more concerned with her own matters at the moment.


Eboric gives Ranok a pitying look, as if he feels truly sorry for the man. Looking back to Kasyr, he says, "So I'll be installing a new leader there, and crushing any opposition by force? Fun enough, I suppose."


Lucrecia picks up the glass and stares into its contents. The colour seems a bit deeper than she remembered. Swirling the glass, she allows the aerating aromas to waft into her nostrils, inhaling the scent of fruit and ferment. She purses her lips to the glass and takes a very slight sip, nodding in contentment as it goes down a bit easier this time.


Mayumi walks into the Tavern, looking around. The child was alone today, which was odd. Under her arm she carried a book. A rather large, thick book, leather-bound with arcane symbols all over it. Mayumi glanced around at the patrons, chewing on her lower lip. She noted that a few of her friends were present, but she didn't bother them. She sat at her usual table in the corner, placing her book on the tabletop.


Lucrecia sets the glass down on the table and releases her strict posture, relaxing slightly into the encounter. She rests her slender forearms on the table before them and leans into the encounter. "So, Knight, tell me about yourself," she says with a grin.


Xzarren finishes the central structure inside the vambrace, the spring mechanism to load a blade of his choosing into. He sat and fine tweaked the instrument, measuring twice and cutting once. He wanted the blade to extend just far enough away from his from his finger tips as was proper, not wanting to cut the length too short where it could not be effective. The vampyre listens carefully to Kasyr proposition to Eboric, his eyes not betraying the interest he had for Vailkrin's political affairs.


Ranok looks irritated, "If dat jackass hesn' severed his tie vith Gamorg, hyu kan bet dat Hy'm not vun uf de pipple gettink de memo. Vo de hell knows?" A hand flicks dismissively, "If hyu vant to talk schtrategy, Kas, hyu know dis hain't de place to do it. But, Hy kan assure hyu: if dere vere noticeable troop movements out uf Gamorg, Hy'd notice und do zumddink about it. But kivilian movements? Hy kan' eksactly schtop doze, now kan Hy?" Translation: No, but there might be sneakier troops moving out at a slower pace.


Antonio watches the woman for a moment more, but sighs softly, standing after seeing the new entrance, " I'm sorry, but I have previous engagements to deal with. " He stands slowly, trailing over too Mayumi, he stands over the table, he looks different from yesterday. " May I join you Madam? "


Lucrecia 's brow furrows in confusion, but she merely shakes her head, chuckling softly as she takes a larger sip of wine and replaces the journal in front of her.


Mayumi looks up at Antonio and smiles brightly. "Of course you can, Mister Antonio," she said, cheerfully laughing. She sat down as Nancy came over, plunking a bottle of orange juice in front of th child. The child payed for the drink and popped open the cork. "How have you been, Mister Antonio?"


Antonio forces a bit of a smile, as he slowly takes a seat, using only one arm too, the other keeps a close to limp status, " Tired...I would care to say... Overworked. " A little bit of a laugh is let out, he tilts his head forward a little. " And how about you Mayumi?... Misses Mayumi. "


Raziel finishes her drink as a white owl flies into the tavern via that hole in the southern wall, flying over patrons heads until he reaches Raz's table to deliver a message. After the message is given she sighs and stands, allowing the owl onto her left arm as she moves to leave the tavern.


Mayumi chuckles. "No need to call me 'misses'. It's too formal for a child," sh said, "and I'm alright. Is somethign wrong with your arm?" She eyed the limp body part with a critical eye.


Ranok poses before Magik can.


Lucrecia imbibes another taste of darkened liquid before opening the journal once more. She turns to a blank page and procures an ink-pen. Instead of the elegant writing and cryptic, systematic diagrams that cover the pages before, she begins to sketch artistically, with free form and little direction or plot.


Magik poses better. Always.


Xzarren reaches into his satchel retrieving a stiletto dagger blade about a half inch thick at the base and tapered into a sharper point near it's end, typical of the stiletto style. The blade is inserted into the sliding mechanism and locked into place with the help of a previous modification of the metal blade and the current modification of the slider of the vambrace. The assassin then puts down his tools and fits the vambrace to his forearm; flexing the trigger that ejects the blade. It works but not as efficiently as the vampire would like. He removes the piece and sets off to tinker with the weapon more, wanting the motion to be fluent and smooth, also calibrating the circumstances to summon the wrist-dagger. His eyes wander over to Lucrecia momentarily to glance at the female, remembering her presence from earlier.


Antonio looks a little too his arm, then back too her, " After the speech of being treated like a child? " He smiles happily, looking too her, " Something or another. " His scythe leans a little, " Actually, on that note. Would you be able to travel too Vailkrin tomorrow. I'm going with or without you. No offense. " He smiles a little, " But I did say I would inform you. "


Firewing smiles happily as he strolls into the tavern, looking around with his crimson eyes and hair and walks around. Spying the familiar undead at a table he heads over to him and pulls out a chair. Brushing his red, black, and gold robes off, he sits down, smiling happily. "Hello Anton..." he spies another person sitting with him "...and...friend..." he leans back and calls to Nancy, the waitress. "Nancy, a round of red-wine, if you will!" smiling evilly and happily he leans back in his chair.


Lucrecia draws careful lines, ranging from short to long. Her motions become a bit more furious as the the picture begins to take a form of some sort dark, winged creature. Her motions begin to slow, and then eventually come to a halt. A deep breath fills her lungs as she drops the pen, staring emptily at the small piece of art.


Kasyr looks contemplative at Ranoks words, "That would make sense, J'suppose. I did not see others, after all- though that could have been indicative of a desire not to tip their hand." With a broad shrug, the Revenant simply redirects his attention to Eboric, "It's..less the installation of a new leader, and more ensuring the reinstitution of an old one. Close enough, however. If you're interested, I suppose the only thing we have left to do es discuss a fee, et then I can hand you documents containing..well, standing orders et such. As well as procedure for when you enter the city- so you're recognized as part of our forces." A pause, and the Kensai glances over towards Ranok, "As a note, considering the bit of..friendly fire that occured the evening before- ..understandable given the confusion. Well, I suppose I could get tu a pardon, et work out a similar agreement- if you'd be willing to lend us your aid, et all. You'd certainly have rights to whatever spoils you manage to acquire, in your own right."


Mayumi glances at the dragon who joined them, the child raising an eyebrow. "Make mine an orange juice," she muttered, "I've had enough encounters with drunk people..." She looked at Antonio. "I should be able to... as long as my scheddule stays clear."


Eboric said to Kasyr, "If I have to work alongside that craven, the fee is doubled."


Kasyr said to Eboric, "You'll be working in different areas. Entirely. Should he be willing to work for his pardon. So I would not state that you would be working alongside him."


Eboric said to Kasyr, "The fee will still be doubled, I'm afraid."


Ranok lifts an eyebrow, not at all impressed, "Hyu 'suppose'? Perheps it vas a tad onnecessary, but it vasn' like dey veren' dead hennyvays. Hy'm not a merc to be hired, Kas. Hyu schould know dat." He was insulted that he was being offered looting rights, as if the undead would carry anything of worth. Maybe a book of magic from a vampire, but given Ranok's approach to warfare, IE 'there is no kill like overkill', the offer was mildly useless.


Antonio blinks at the dragon, his smile droops a little, but he returns the greeting in the same enthusiastic manor. " Firewing... A pleasure.. " Though all his attention returns too Mayumi. " Glad to hear. I'm sorry for the manor I went about that. But I need to travel. "


Fadje 's entrance is made with a slick series of footsteps and her usual implacable countenance; those patrons who did seek to meet her gaze receiving little more than a grim showing of pointed teeth.


Eboric said to Fadje, "Warband's being hired. You still want to fight alongside?"


Firewing smiles happily as he sits in his chair. "yes...well..." he smiles again as his drink arrives from nancy as well as the other person's orange juice. "Thank you, Nancy..." he begins to drink from the red wine and sets the glass on the table. He smiles as he thinks for a minute. "Ahh...another succesful business transaction..."


Kasyr offers a slight shrug, before his hands extend outwards in a helpless motion, "Undead, peut-etre, but enough of them have a will et a mind. Et I'm fairly certain that the Dark Man likely didn't appreciate you mulching his troops." Not that it was all that easy to tell them apart, from the air. "Really, the pardon was the main offer, just so things function smoothly in the future- that..fee, just being a particular bonus- if you were present when we decided to engage the castle, for instance." Eborics' particular statement is met with a casual press of fingers to the revenants forehead, before simply waving it off to the side, "Well, he seems reticent towards the idea of helping- so I'm not entirely sure it's a concern, but. Even were it, I'd still do it- Some things need to be," The Kensai can't help but glance in the direction of the person Eborics speaking within once the world 'warband' is mentioned. "..done..er..right.." Fadje is being stared at so fixedly right now.


Fadje said to Eboric, "Who is hiring?"


Eboric replies first to Kasyr. "We can work loosely with specifications, but remember that in war, plans often go out the window. And after war, there is always rape and pillage, the warrior's way of celebrating life." To Fadje, he says, "This...man, here." He indicates Kasyr.


Lucrecia raises her right index finger to her lips, brushing the tip across the crimson skin. The tip finds the edge of one of her freshly-chisled canines, causing her to shiver slightly in her seat at the thought of what she has become.


Fadje meets Kasyr's gaze with a thinly veiled contempt.


Antonio quickly gets up, he draws himself up out of his chair unhappily, whole body shivering slightly. " I'm afraid I need to leave... " He sighs, trailing out, after saying too Mayumi, " I'll find you tomorrow. I'm sorry for cutting this short. " (Gotta go, so sorry.)


Fadje said to Eboric, "No amount of gold will make me fight for that lycan-serving scum."


Ranok says, testily, "Maybe if hyu schtopped treatink me like a merc und more like an hally, Hy'd be more inclined to assist. Dat night in Vailkrin vas a freebie, more or less." He drums his fingers on his opposite arm, "...Hy'll probably need dat 'pardon' hennyvays. More shenanigans like vat made me assemble de recon in de first place...are likely. Hyu're not eksactly subtle, Kas." He stops drumming his fingers, "Ve'll schpeak on dis later. Zumvere dat hain't grossly public, huh?"


Xzarren finishes fine-tuning the vambrace and once more slides and couples the wrist armor to his forearm. He is satisified to find the mechanism is more fluid now, inspecting the slender silver blade for a moment and grinning before pulling a small lever back and drawing the blade back into it's holster. Finished, the assassin gathers his tools, his tinkering down for the evening he was now interested in socializing.


Ranok mutters something, then, about rape and undead not exactly being very appealing, but it's mostly indistinct.


Eboric said to Fadje, "More gold and glory for me, then."


Firewing laughs slightly as he looks the woman up and down. "hmm...I give my name only to a select few...all you need to know is that I'm a red dragon..." he continues to lounge, obviously in a really good mood. He looks at Anton and nods. "Ahh...Farewell, friend..."


Eboric mutters something equally indistinct about vampires' good looking thrall women.


Lucrecia withdraws her curious digit and crosses her arms over her stomach. She stares at the dark, grotesque drawing that she created. The eyes of the visage are vacant and dark, and her ardent irises equal the vacuous stare.


Fadje said to Eboric, "May those you face tremble at your step and mourn the coming of your blade. "


Eboric said to Fadje, "Thank you; I am sure they will."


Xzarren would get up and speak to Kasyr but he seemed rather occupied.


Mayumi smiles a litte. "Very wel... I guess for now I'll just have to call you Mister Red." She tok a sip of her orange juice. The scent coming off the child wasn't that of a high-elff, like she looked... it had the scent of a dragon, a black one at that. She glanced at the red dragon. "...did you come here for any specific reason, Mister Red?"


Kasyr 's left foot casually moves off to the side of his chair, his right hand lazily drifting down to the inside of his trenchcoat. By this point, Fadje is kept clearly within the revenants line of sight, "Still carrying a chip on your shoulder, non? I suppose it es better than a rock, however." There's something like a dare held within the Kensais' expression- Still, he manages to address Ranok despite this impromptu staring contest, "I'll see what I can do. Red truly didn't appreciate that spectacle. ..Et I'm not asking you to do anything mercenary. En vrai. More scouting. But I suppose we'll talk on it later, if it's applicable." Which simply leaves, "Eboric. The spoils of war are -strictly- to be taken from the ones that have made themselves enemies of the institute. Es that clear?"


Ranok smiles, a little, "No. Hy imagine not." Nevermind having your parade rained on. Having grapeshot whack your undead minions tended to sour things. But it was worth it.


Eboric offers Kasyr a feral grin, and an almost friendly wink. "As clear as the fountain's sparkling waters! Who are you, anyway?"


Firewing smiles as he drinks from his glass of red wine and leans back in his chair. "no reason...just to celebrate another succesful business transaction...and..." he leans forward, smiling. "miss black dragon...you wouldn't mind me calling you that, would you?"


Lucrecia glances around the room, gazing at the unfamiliar individuals with empty eyes. Mayumi raises her eyebrow. "So, you know," she said with a chuckle, "call me what you wish. It doesn't matter." She burped, then took another gulp of her orange juice. "It's not like I'm going to rip your face off for a simple comment on my race."


Firewing laughs slightly as he nods. "I'm not one to insult people's race...actually, I prefer to spend my company with another dragon..." he smiles as he looks at her curiously.


Kasyr addresses Ranok first with a, "Well, You know where to find moi, generally. So we can discuss things then. Which leaves.." The revenant promptly points towards Eboric, "Kasyr Azakhaer, King-Consort of frostmaw..et a number of other titles you likely won't care for, beyond Dragonslayer, et the guy that beat Vuryals face in on Kelay road. Et the king of all dragons. Both of them on that street, once- now that I think about it." And the dragon guy twice. Huh.


Eboric said to Kasyr, "Good enough, I suppose. Who am I killing, and for how much?"


Jerica eases her way into the Tavern. It's crowded tonight. A quick glance lets her know this before she wanders towards the board filled with public notices. Skimming over the papers, Jerica laughs softly at one in particular, again. Still no answer but that was okay. Wandering among the tables, Jerica finds a spot near the fire and when a waitress passes she orders herself a coffee. Never ever again would she let that elf dare her into anything stronger.


Kasyr plucks a cigaratte out from where it's trapped by a partially folded ear, and some hair- before drawing it over to his lips. From there, the Kensai -very- carefully begins to nudge his chair back and to the side, with the leg he had already slid that way- his focus still majoritly fixated upon Fadje. "To be blunt? Likely alot of troops, unless you find yourself dragged into the actual push. ...If you'd be so willing to accompany moi to Vailkrin- I'm fairly certain I can clarify things fairly quickly. Et than we can talk about your fee."


Eboric said to Kasyr, "Alright, let's do it."


Ranok wanders off from Kas and strools over to Lucrecia. Without preamble, asking, or observing basic social niceties, he says, "Hyu look lost, gurl. Like hyu hain't hyu vere you place iz hennymore."


Lucrecia glances up at the one who now approaches her. Her eyes narrow as she focuses on his accent, but she soon nods and murmurs, "I suppose that's one way you could put it..."


Jerica looked up from pondering the contents of her mug in time to see Ranok approach a girl and Kasyr and Eboric get up to leave. Eboric is studied for a moment before cocoa brown eyes shift to Kasyr. Sipping the coffee she quickly abandons it to follow the latter two when they leave. Paid killing? That's something she could, and did, do well.


Kasyr murmurs a quick cantrip, a small gout of flame sputtering into life on his finger tip just long enough for him to light his cigarette. From there, he quickly shakes his hand off to extinguish it, before casually meandering off towards the door.


Ranok pulls out a chair, but not to sit. He leans on it. The mist dragonette on his shoulder, the gender of which Ranok actually had no idea what was, cracks open its eyes. The creature was a startlingly delicate thing, made of shifting mists made solid. Electric blue eyes regard the world with the curiosity that only the newborn can have. Such awakened, it begins to nose Ranok, which produces a slight jump. It was cold, which produced the reaction you'd expect, though some may be amused by seeing such a large man as Ranok jump at *anything*. Reaching a hand up to assuage the creature, he says to Lucrecia, "Hy'd ask if hyu kared to shere, but dis vun needs food. Onless hyu'd like to uffer komphenny vile Hy find und peg a rabbit, Hy'm afraeed it's a schtory dat vill hef to go zum odder time."


Hanging Corpse Tavern

This once-timber tavern has been rebuilt in sturdily vitrified blackstone and imbued with powerful protective magics that prevent occult fire and several other potentially harmful spells being cast within its walls. No effort has been spared to make what might otherwise be a bleak interior comfortable. The bar is made of polished stone with an oaken inlay, the space behind filled with a bustle of attractive barmaids, sundry barrels and a dazzling array of coloured bottles that glint in the light cast by a large wrought-iron candelabrum suspended from the ceiling overhead. Here, the one-eyed Steadman stands, ready to take orders for food or drink. Beyond the bar, stout tables are firmly bolted to the floor, though the high-backed chairs are freestanding. The hearth is a true feature, seeming to be cast from black lava into the shape of a colossal, laughing goblin's head, its maw gaping wide and deep, usually containing a merrily crackling fire. A delicious scent of roasting meats drifts in from the kitchens and a winding staircase leads to rooms upstairs. To the south are set cellar doors, usually kept locked unless a special event is taking place. The walls are hung with thick, richly woven tapestries depicting persons and events in the history of Vailkrin and the Vampiric race. There's also a notice-board near the entrance, where one may leave messages. Unobtrusive but ever-present are the security staff, staunch fighters ever ready to toss troublemakers out.




Kasyr leads the way into the corpse, the cigarette at his lips leaving a lazy trail of smoke in his wake. With a curt wave to Steadmen, the Kensai simply takes a seat at the bar, before motioning to a nearby seat, "Alright monsieur- pick your poison to drink, et than we'll proceed with this discussion of fees et standing orders."


Eboric casts a disapproving eye over the list of refreshments, but finally grunts out, "Ale," ignoring the fact that the list specifies that the ale is, somehow, dark. "This is a grim land you have."


Jerica followed Kasyr and Eboric with what she hoped was stealth. The average person would have found it hard to spot the small woman when she didn't want it to be spotted. That doesn't mean to the two she trails would find it hard but she's going to be extra careful and wait til the door closes, count to thirty then ease it open to allow for her own entrance. Afterwards, Jerica will find a place to sit not too far off from the males.


Kasyr glances over to Steadmen and shrugs, "A pair of ales, monsieur." A few coins are then placed on the counter-top, earning the Kensai an indecipherable grunt in reply before the one eyed keep heads back to collect a pair of drinks. "I find it honest, really. It doesn't particularily do much to hide the ugly underside of things." A pause, and the Kensai can't help but shrug, "Et really, people call Frostmaw bleak, too. Maybe I'm just drawn to these places." Offering a smirk in response, the Kensai simply waits to speak until the Ales dropped before them, "I suppose I ought to tell you what you'd be doing, before we formulate a price, oui?"


Kasyr gave 1 dark ale to Eboric.


Eboric notices Jerica. How not, when he had given the woman food and shelter only recently. He lets her alone for now, however, instead replying to Kasyr. "Frostmaw has its draws. Not so much the city, but...." He trails off for a moment, touching the bracers that encircle his wrists. "Killing vampires, aren't we?"


Jerica would figure she'd not be so inconspicuous given that there aren't that many folks with her stature or lack of. She kept her hood up even though it was rather warm in the Hanging Corpse Tavern just to keep her face from being recognized though she more than suspected there were other ways to be recognized by at least one of the two she trailed tonight.

Kasyr simply takes up the ale that's been provided, casually taking a swill of it, "As of this current moment, the Institute of the black Library has declared a form of martial law due to the current...problems in the city. Vampires that are not known associates of the Institute, et who are wandering the streets without an escort- are considered fair game. To be executed or incarcerated, in effect. It es... a touch extreme, admittedly- but understandable. Currently, the activities of our opposition es not able to expand all that far beyond their territorys, so I'd be requesting that you remain stationed there. Whether you choose to simply prevent them from expanding their borders...or to try et reclaim territory- be it from nightshade avenue, or the direction of the castle. Well, that es up to you. ..The castle would be a bit dangerous, however. In the sense of, spontaneously immolating- type dangerous." Pausing to take another drink, the Kensai casually adds, "Thoughts?"


Eboric downs half his ale in a single gulp, then belches. "How do I know which vampires are the enemy, and which are friends?"


Jerica listens with most of her attention the rest of it is given over to taking in her surroundings. It's an interesting place to be sure.


Kasyr shrugs slightly, "It is relatively unlikely that tu will encounter hostile vampires before reaching the fountain of blood. That being said- Vampires without an escort of Redhales forces, are generally assumed to be enemies. Ideally, You'll be provided with a contingent of the Dark Mans forces. I imagine you would be relatively free to attack those vampires which don't submit themselves to temporary incarceration, should they be found wandering without an escort of Red's forces, or otherwise have proof of being allied to our group. Et this lot does seem fairly arrogant et headstrong. They've passed up the opportunity to surrender, twice..or es it thrice now."

Eboric said to Kasyr, "What do these...forces look like? What manner of beings are they, and do they wear uniforms? As well, perhaps it would be good for my band and I to have authority to search the homes of the enemies we capture or kill, to see if we can find any information on the rest of their group..."


Kasyr said to Eboric, "They are relatively well equipped- groups of well armed vampires are fairly hard to miss, en fait. Especially when they gather themselves to make any sort of..push. They tend to be in..moderate sized groups, though these seem to be squadrons, et -have- been known to converge on areas that prove problematic, especially if you delve into their territory. They are frequently accompanied by the undead, though- their undead allies seem to be..effectively mindless. Broken shells that carry no real cognisance." The revenant pauses, before very carefully adding, "Should you be attacked by forces which emerge from a residence, you will have full authority to take the fight to them, and investigate. However, I would prefer you didn't sweep through the area et needlessly sack the entire place. ..if you're that hungry for spoils- you can accompany the push into the castle itself. I'm certain that there will be all sorts of prizes to be found, when dealing with the accumulates riches that powerful vampires might accrue.""


Jerica didn't bother to pretend she isn't listening anymore, shifting in her chair then to peer past the edges of her hood to watch the two. Perhaps, she ponders, she could or should interrupt now and offer her own services. Jerica opens her mouth to do that before thinking better of it for the moment.


Eboric said to Kasyr, "Well, let me think on it for a night, and I will give you a price for the services tomorrow. Sound fair?"


Kasyr said to Eboric, "That sounds acceptable."


Kasyr is just casually sitting there, drinking an ale and contemplating the situation. At least all the paperwork that's going to end up cropping up, isn't just his problem now.


Jerica watched Eboric leave and figured now would be as good a time as any to make her own egress. Her chair scraped against the floor when she pressed her toes against the floor to push it back and get up. Drawing her cloak firmly about her slight figure, Jerica keeps her head ducked as she walks towards the door unless her progress is interrupted, of course.


Ranok enters the tavern uneventfully. If you discount the airship he'd dropped down to get to street level as 'uneventful'. Deciding that the streets of Vailkrin weren't exactly safe, the man utterly bypassed them in typical Ranok fashion. "Kasyr."


Kasyr wasn't exactly blind to the fact that Jerica been staring at him, if only because of the peculiar feeling that occasionally accompanies being scrutinized..and the manner in which Eborics departure brought the Kensais notice to the girl who'd been staring at him. It's only when she gets up to depart that the Kensai can't help but inquire, "Madamoiselle- I do apologize if you're in a rush. But what has brought tu here?" Ranoks entrance simply requires the revenant to adjust his attention slightly off to the side, "Evening, monsieur. So- this es later, es it?"


Dulcinea slips through the tavern door, having taken care of a few things that needed to be done. A healer's work was never finished, it seemed. The human seemed unconcerned as to the current situation in Vailkrin, appearing very happy at once again being at the Hanging Corpse Tavern. Immediately her gaze finds the person she had known would be there, a smile of greeting given to Kasyr before the girl maneuvers around the others and takes a seat not too far away. She'd wait her turn before interrupting anything.


Ranok shrugs, "May as vell." He strolls over to where Kas was, duster billowing. He'd even brought along his new pet, which was currently fed and sleeping off the meal. As a hatchling, it wasn't moving around much since it spent most of it sleeping.


Xzarren walks into the Hanging Corpse holding a carcass devoid of life in his right gauntleted hand. In his left is a bloody serrated kama used against the guard, a casualty of an act to bring unruly vampires to justice. Without saying a word the vampire treks over to the notice board and prepares a message, throwing the slain body down.


Jerica knew it was too good a think to have about departing so she'll just turn towards the Kensai and ease her hood back to let the fabric pool and settle about her shoulders. Of course she had noticed Ranok. The man had a knack for showing up where she is. But, thank Gods for that since he distracts Kasyr from herself for a time.


Kasyr ||Though the Kensai is distracted from Jerica, the fault can't lie solely, or even mostly upon Ranok. The humans greeting is enough to warrant a fleeting glance from the revenant, before Xzarrens messy entrance is noted. Immediately the revenents attention flicks over towards that section of the tavern, amber eyes alight with a curious combination of feelings, "Monsieur. Start talking- I have some business to attend to." Which, is about the whole Kasyr says before he pushes off from the bar counter and begins to stride over towards the board. His cigarette, having been left to smolder and die at the corner of his lips as he drank, is retrieved long enough to relight it- before he steps over towards Xzarrens position, intent upon preventing him from scurrying out of the tavern, whilst trying to get a good gander at whats written on the board. "Er, You know- not that you need to explain yourself for the casual murder of a guard- but I do believe you're going to need to explain yourself."


Ranok crosses his arms, looking irritated, "Feh." Every time he tried to actually get alone with Kas to discuss business, someone else bebops along. He waits, albeit with mild interest at Kas and Xzarren.


Xzarren had no intention of scurrying anywhere nor hiding anything. The fact that he waltzed in with a corpse could have said as much. The vampire turns to Kasyr and raises a brow, "The situation is rather self explanitory and I'm confused as to why you are not more concerned about the matter since it is our brothers and sisters dieing in the streets.... I have read the board and see this is an act against anyone who does not sympathize or submit to the will of the Black Library. There are those of us who would not play to either fool's side however after being forced to defend myself when I did not surrender, I feel the answer may be clear. Are you involved with this?" The vampire asks.


Ranok stealthily edges over to Jerica, mostly to whisper to her.


Ranok whispered something to Jerica.


Dulcinea warily eyes Ranok, noting that he was the same very large man from the night before. Kasyr's abrupt movement was noted and given some attention, she had a job to do afterall. The healer sets her satchel on the ground, listening quietly to the words being exchanged by the board.


Kasyrs' right hand falls to his hip, his trenchcoat casually brushed back in the motion. And really, given Kasyrs reputation as a swordsman, that movement would likely be cause enough to put someone on edge- until it was revealed there wasn't a blade at the Revenants hip. Still, despite this apparent lack of weapons, the Kensai simply speaks- his words carefully measured, "Lovely- so you jumped right into the heart of this situation, without being properly informed. Well, Allow me the simple act of bringing you up to speed. First et foremost, this didn't start with Redhale. This started with Lucius forces breaking the minds et wills of the weaker undead that inhabit this city, et turning them into...disposable infantry. Disposable infantry that was then used in conjunction with his forces to perpetuate the violence on the streets, the crimes against those who want to live here lacking any sort of affiliation, the undead, et the surviving members of the old government. Et still, despite all this ...martial law was not put into effect until recently. Specifically when Lucius used a parley as a pretense for an ambush, et endeavoured to kill myself, my representative, et Redhale." Whilst that whole episode vexed the Kensai, he couldn't help but admire the strategic know how behind the move. "As it currently stands, the city is now within the throes of a civil war- so, ensuring the safety of troops, vampiric et undead alike, et the citizens- by means of an extreme, but temporary measure es more than understandable." The Revenant casually brings his left hand up to his lips, taking hold of the cigarette, "Now then. How many did you kill outside? I want to know. And I want to know what you intend to do now." The Kensais voice has lost just about any friendly pretense it held, by this point.


Xzarren : The vampire does not jar an inch as Kasyr's hands fall to his hip. Although it is most suggestive that he could have been looking for a weapon, Xzarren already had one in his hand: A bloody, serrated kama. He would lose that draw rather quick. Yet he was still a higher class of vampire than Xzarren and that was also taken into consideration. "I did not involve myself of this affair of my own free will. Nor did I jump in without any forethought. You claim to want to protect the vampires of this city and then I read here on this very board you and Redhale plan to meet out death to any vampire who does not surrender themselves to such an expressed authority. Do not hold it against me that I defended myself from men who wanted to put me in binds or kill me. It is not my fault these men are dead." Xzarren shrugs as the question surfaces of how many men he had killed. "As many as stood in my way." Is the simplest answer Xzarren can provide. "My first concern is the safety of my people. I do sympathize on the plight that almost robbed you of your life and the danger of Lucius' plans. However, I am not comfortable with anyone rounding up my kind like animals or slaughtering them. As it is I am not sure who to stand beside."


Dami crawled out of her quaint little hiding spot from upstairs, an empty wine bottle and an unlit cigarette in hand. Her sleepless condition paid off for once, the elf able to keep Steadmen's knife from slipping in between her ribs (and boy did he try). Dami leaned across the railing, looking down at the few present, picking up a bad vibe from the hostility in the air.


Dami eyes that Kama.


Xzarren still had a few thoughts of his own, though. Mainly, how much he hated the old kingdom of Vailkrin. It was a place where vampires and lycans co-existed and that in itself was a disgrace to his kind. He wanted the best for his people and that was also not living so close to their blood enemies. Especially not them moving in and taking over the heart of Vailkrin, the Hanging Corpse. With Ginger gone and Joliette MIA Xzarren pondered the possibilities of a different Vailkrin. One true to the vampire heritage. However, following Lucius who was so cravenly power hungry it was obvious as to go about it the way he was; with violence, was clearly just as inane.


Kasyr stares flatly towards Xzarren, a look of keen aggravation painted across the Revenants features. This ire was also beginning to manifest itself in much more dramatic ways as well, a faint series of popping noises starting to sound off in the air around the trenchcoated Kensai, the occasional arc of electricity making its' presence known. By this point, the scent of burnt ozone would start to become noticeable around Kasyr, though it didn't seem to be enough to cause him to deviate from his actions- the cigarette at his lips lightly flicked before it was returned to his lips, the Revenants left hand simply coming to hold his right arm at the elbow, "At about what point es murdering a group of guards who are tasked with the act of protecting the citizens who aren't siding with Lucius, and further fueling hostilities proving your concern for 'your' people. Vraiment, there es plenty of citizens who are still here- who still are living in their homes, or going to the corpse- and simply enduring the inconvenience of getting an escort from Redhales forces. The only ones corral'd, as it were, are those who did exactly what you did, but without as much success." Kasyrs eyes narrow dangerously at this point, the sanguine flecks within their depths glimmering dangerously. "I have been -very- careful to give the people I've encountered the options of -leaving- or bending the knee, as it were. They chose neither. Et even here- the only thing that's endangered tu, es your pride. Rather than work within the system meant to protect the citizens- you chose a rash action that only serves to further fuel tensions between communities. ..Just, like, who, we're, fighting."


Dulcinea starts to look distinctively uncomfortable. Shifting in her seat by the fire, she watches Kasyr and Xzarren with a wary fascination. She could feel the undercurrents of emotion in the air and she worried that a fight was about to break out.


Dami kept the bottle held loosely while she pinched a bent cigarette between her lips. She wrinkled her nose, that familiar smell stinging at her nostrils. The elf had already been hit by that attack once, and she didn't care to see it again; what poor bastard was trying the Revenant's patience? Dami gave Xzarren a look over from top to bottom, the bloodied weapon and dead corpse raising a brow of suspicion.


Xzarren notices Kasyr's emenations and they aren't met with humor, in the least. Or worry. If anything it is met with a glower of annoyance from the vampire that seemed to contemplate severing the chords of Kasyr's power indefinitely and silence him of the arrogance that preceded his every action. Not that he thought he could best a Revenant he simply did not react well to intimidation. Kasyr was a big catch, to be sure, but in certain men that was desirable of prey. The vampire white-knuckled the shaft of his kama and felt the urge to draw another of the crescent-shaped blades from the sheath at his hip; the sister weapon to the plain yet deadly weapon. Kasyr had already made the first move by twitching Xzarren's defense mechanism to defend himself further. Much more, and things would get ugly. "Let's just say I don't agree with either of you, after seeing both sides...." The vampire begins to step around Kasyr in a circle, his light boots sending the floorboards rebelling with every heavy step. Deftly, the vampire plucks the other kama from his side, spinning the weapon 'round before finding a loose, relaxed grip in the vampire's other leather-cased hand. "I don't want Ginger's vision returned and I don't want Lucius rampaging around with an army of his own. I also don't appreciate being backed into a corner and told to obey because you and Redhale believe it is for the greater good... it seems we have a problem, on our hands, monsieur."


Dami shakes her head, about ready to cover her eyes.This was going to get messy.


Kasyrs' solitary reaction is to offer Xzarren a look of faint disgust, "Obey? I offered people the chance to backdown et be uninvolved. The ones who have taken to my side, are the ones who did so out of loyalty." During these words, a familiar miasma's rushed out from the Kensais sleeve, near immediately solidifying into the form of a sheathed Obsidian Katana, "But enough talk, Monsieur. At this juncture, I have no recourse but to take tu into custody- So that tu can be put on trial. You can express your reasoning with a jury of your peers to judge tu." A pause, and the Kensai casually adds, "Which is to say- it's about time you put those weapons to use, or turn yourself in."


Ranok looks bored. He contemplates strooling out to the airship he'd ridden in, but then he might miss the fireworks.


Kasyr is, by this point, cracking with enough energy that the burning smell is effectively present -everywhere- in the tavern, not even mentioning the unpleasent feeling of static that was clinging to everything. Still, at least Xzarren might take heart in the sight that whatever it was the Revenant was doing, it seemed to be slowly turning some of the skin upon the Revenants beck into energy - effectively, it's a form of ionization and causing fresh bleeding wounds in it's wake.


Dulcinea sighs, frowning as she feels Kasyr's emotions coalesce into a pattern she was rather familiar with. Wordlessly, she glances down at her satchel, ensuring that her healing supplies would be near if she had need of them. Her skin prickles at the feeling of static, causing the human to shiver. Well, she had wanted to come back.


Xzarren sniggers at Kasyr's justification, "Uninvolved as long as they bend a knee to yours, truly. What divine right let's you decide the fate of these people. I didn't come in here to fight you despite how things are presently looking..." The vampire listens to Kasyr's incitation of action but it was truly in his nature not to attack anyone, but simply defend himself. "And I'm not leaving with you, that much is for sure. I think I will seek out this Lucius, afterall, he seems to have more of a head here than what I have seen so far." The assassin does not take his eyes of Kasyr, they rest on the body of tiefling, his core and seeing what his next move was with his dark weapon. Chances are in an outright fight he would lose but that did not mean he would accept this. Regardless of what Kasyr did the vampire had a few tricks up his sleeve.


Shishi gently pushes through the doors still dressed for Frostmaw and bringing with him a pronounced limp and a small fox-like creature nestled in the hood behind the vampire's head.


Dami twitches.


Kasyr let's out a slow exhale, endeavouring to restrain himself from drawing his blade. That is, until he mentions Lucius. It's about that point that a sinister sibilant shriek fills the tavern, a number of abysmally black 'cracks' forming in the air- shredding into existance near the window and door. All and all, there was 24 of those ominous blackened 'gouges' lingering in the air, the likes of which swiftly bein coalescing into shapes which were nigh identical to the Kensais sheathed Katana. With a look of disgust, Kasyr spits his cigarette off to the side.


Kasyr said to Shishi, "Move."


Kasyr||It's those words which serve as the cue to the Kensais actions, as the surnaturally swift swordsmans left hand sweeps down his right arm in a fluid motion- fingers caressing the hilt of his blade as like long-lost lovers reunited. Empowered as he is by his nature as a revenant, and by the myriad souls he had devoured as a tiefing (which had been effectively fused into his soul), it's fairly unlikely that the precise moment the sword clears the sheathe can be traced with the naked eye. The only thing that is certain, is that by the time the noise of metal singing against metal has sounded out, the Kensais Katana, Gospel, is already blurring in an upwards diagonal arc, in an attempt to shred through Xzarrens left leg, and cross up towards his arm. That's hardly the worst of the matter, however, given that Kasyr is outright hoping for Xzarren to get one of his weapons into the way (A process the swordsman fully intends on helping along), if only so that the techique he had invoked through the ionization of the flesh upon his neck can be actualized. After all, whilst the Kensai certainly has the celerity and outright strength to murder a dragon with brute force, it certainly doesn't hurt to generate a shockwave of kinetic force focused outwards from the area his sword impacts into. Which, with any bit of luck, would remove one of Xzarrens Kamas, and provide the Kensai enough momentum to redirect his blade to intercept any clever counter-attacks coming his way- or just offer a nice gash across the other vampires chest before the hopefully created kinetic force sent him bouncing into the wall of swords blocking the door.


Kasyr ||The cigarette lands, by this point.


Redhale ||At the bar a rather nervous man remained focused on his ale, praying to the gods that the situation unfolding behind him would stay exactly that: Behind him. His worried thoughts were given reprieve when a drop fell from the ceiling to land in his drink. Perplexed, the customer looked up. It wasn't raining outside, and even if it was it seemed unlikely that both the roof and the floor above should leak so. He looked back to his mug just as another drop fell into the dark liquid. Leaning forward the man prepared to dip a finger in to fish whatever it was out before jerking back when he saw that his ale appeared to be boiling in its glass. The thrashing liquid sloshed around and spilled over the vessel's lip, and streams of dark liquid began to expand and solidify as they ran towards the ground. The owner of the drink overcame his fear of the two who were arguing at his back and bolted for the door just when the puddle of muddled masses began to coalesce and mound upwards to take the shape of the dark man himself, strands of cloth twisting together as they rose out of the spill on the floor and weaving into his unmistakable cloak. Just as his mask rose to the surface of the figure so did his presence fill the tavern with a cold and heavy feeling, squeezing the air around all present and filling those unprepared or unexperienced with the being's company with a deep, sick dread.


Shishi and Sunny both stiffen, the former's spine straightening from it's usual casual slouch. The single word from Kasyr is met with a few blinks of the assassin's blue eyes before his attention is drawn behind him where the swords have formed out of thin air. It is with a hop skip and jump that The Blue Demon distances himself and his foxy companion from the floating weapons that have trapped everyone present inside the tavern. During his less than graceful hopping Shishi performs a bit of a summoning act of his own; a dark colored wand finding it's way into his left hand and is held pointing upward in a non-threatening manner to anyone on the ground floor of the Corpse. A living being forming out of a puddle is seen out of the corner of Blue's eye and the situation that he's walked in on seems to become too much for him to handle on his own as his irises shift their shade from their usual oceanic shade of blue to a curse carrying crimson. Still, he and the wand he's pulled from up his sleeve remain merely spectators for the moment.


Ranok pulls his duster around himself tighter, perhaps, and lowered the brim of his hat. He knew what was coming, and was fully prepared to make use of anything necessary as cover. Kas was never subtle, and Redhale showing up didn't really improved matters. Add into the fact that the airship he'd ridden in on was still hovering about the Hanging Corpse, he probably wasn't really in a nest of friends, at the moment. At least he hadn't slaughtered any guards...knowingly.


Shishi is also too focused on the scene in front of him to take notice of the pulse that moves through every shadow on the floor and walls accompanying the appearance of the Blue Demon's red eyes.


Ranok frees his sword, however. Just in case. A hand tight on the grip of the holy weapon helps curb the pressure from Redhale slightly.


Kasyr ||That poor fellow that had fled from Redhale, met with such an overwhelming amount of peculiar phenomenon from all sides, does the only intelligent thing he can do. He retreats towards one of the walls, and slowly inches his way off towards the bar, so he can find a place near the only person that doesn't register as a terrifying threat.


Xzarren isn't prepared for the quickness of the Revenant; but he catches on to his game as the elements of the tieflings calling change the very essence of the space around the two. The assassin leaps back, dodging the slashing blow but feeling the sword's energy pass just a few inches from the man's face, the electricity jolting from wherever also a concern. The kama in his hands want to strike out at the Revenant, yet even more attacks are incoming before retaliation becomes even a passing thought. The assassin cringes with deep hatred filling his breast for this massively powerful being before him. He empowers his kamas with the fury of his blood, calling the techniques of an ancient craft into mind and body. His blades burn deep red like the cloak around the assassin's shoulders and are crossed in an "X" like fashion as the Revenant's illusory sword comes down again in a wave of kinetic force. The two magic'd forces strike, and Kasyr's comes out the stronger, breaking the guard easily and sending the raw power of it reverberating through Xzarren's bones, but somehow deflecting a majority of the energy of his magical blades. Kasyr was out of his league, this much he could see. Biting his tongue the assassin lets the magic in his kama's burn out violently, and takes a kneel before he even swings them, placing the weapons upon the ground, "Stop... it is foolish for me to fight. I will go willingly." He hated that it came to that, but he was far too beneath Kasyr to even provide a challenge to the man.


Riss found his way in through the cellar via the Coffin Maker's secret passage: blocked door called for creative means. Clumsy stumbles and thuds up rickety steps -- dampened by the ruckus -- led Christian to a door which, once opened, ushered in an unbrazen, unenthused poking of head to more properly analyze the commotion. "Idiots. All of them," left cigarette-holding lips. By now, Kasyr should have at least noticed his presence; hell, it may even throw him off his game. He could only hope. Stay tuned to find out.


Dulcinea leans around the edge of her chair, watching as Kasyr engages his opponent with a worried look on her face. Sense she had the utmost faith that her boss would be alright, it was likely caused by the overwhelming sense of trepidation that washed over her. Her skin fairly crawled with the sensation of horror that accompanied a puddle-formed person appearing near the bar. Deciding it would be best not to draw any attention to herself, the young human draws back into her chair, intending to keep out of the way and wait until everything was over. Which would seem to be sooner rather than later as Xzarren kneels on the ground.


Redhale approached the scene without pretense, he hadn't needed to see the body slumped by the board to know what had happened earlier, and was determined to make up for his late arrival which had cost his men their lives, "Go where? To your death? Traitor to the lands and murderer of my people, wont you deal with him, Kasyr?" It had been a long, long time since Redhale had done anything 'nice', but considering the recent genocide of his people he was a little tetchy, especially when it came to further thinning of his forces, "We can't afford to have people like him around."


Shishi wrinkles his nose a bit at the outcome so far of the apparent disagreement he's stumbled in on and would probably spit in disgust if he were a crude dude capable of such. The fox curled up on the vampire's hood lets out a yap or two and is silenced by a couple pats on the head from Blue's right hand, his left still holding that dark wand pointed upward, itching for an excuse to be used. A few steps are taken, maybe subconsciously away from the wall and towards the kneeling man and the Revenant that put him there.


Kasyrs' posture is one befitting of a warrior, the katana having snaked back the very moment he had broken through Xzarrens guard- poised and ready to continue the conflict. Which, is about the point he finds himself surprised when someone actually -doesn't- continue fighting until the death. The vampires eyed suspiciously for a few moments, the Revenant having almost become used to the seemingly boundless depths of the deathwishes possessed by his opposition. And yet, he finds himself pleasently surprised by the fact that Xzarren does not proceed to sneakily through himself onto the master swordsmans blades. With a quick set of glances cast in either direction, the Revenant opens his mouth to speak- and then stops. A brief look over his shoulder confirms Riss' presence, the Kensai giving him a very fixed look- before Kasyr redirects his attention to the one before him, "Well. That works, then. Et bien- the other person who needs to be present, es here. So. We could probably have a trial for you right quick-like." From there, the Kensai simply meanders over towards the bar, and takes a seat near Ranok. Near, since there's this fellow between the two, shivering profusely. He seems pretty harmless, though.


Kasyr said to Redhale, "I said he could have a trial. Et we certainly have a wide assortment of peers present."


Kasyr said to Ranok, "I feel it's quite likely that we need to talk shop, quite quickly, monsieur."


Kasyr said, "Although, I suppose there es always some form of plea bargain one could make- to avoid the whole, dying miserably in case the majority of your peers determine you're guilty, type of thing. Hrm."


Ranok bites back a sarcastic retort. Kas probably wouldn't attack him, but Redhale was both testy, and unaware that Ranok was on their side. Pending, but closer to helping then hindering, "Uh, yah. Hy tink so. Earlier de betta. Maybe not here. Hy tink zumvere vere dere von' be interruptions, eidder. ...dere seems to be bad luck vith doze."


Riss should have known better than to get anywhere near this mess, already dragged into the tribulations of a trial, and due to such, a full entrance was required. "A trial shouldn't be quick, Kasyr. A quick trial implies the verdict of biased individuals with a common goal, completely incosidered toward the subjectivity of experience. That said -- I'm not entirely behind you on this one."


Redhale issued a bristling growl, "Aren't we at war? Would you give Lucien his trial? This man has as good as proven that he is on the side of our enemies. I say we make him gone."


Xzarren summons up a sound akin to a scoff. "I did only what I was bred to do.... Red's men came after me when I refused to follow their orders. I didn't know what purpose they served till after I came here... so, don't make me sit through this mockery of a trial....I can be of use to you." The vampire looks up through his shadowed hood quite bitterly, "I know it doesn't quite make up for a retinue of soldiers but I offer you my blade and... apology." The assassin turns a sideway glance to Redhale. Just glancing at him. It is fleeting as the assassin turns his attention back to Kasyr, "Name your enemies and I will fight for your cause until my last breath." It was better than death, even if Xzarren didn't have the same view point as the Kensai.


Riss said to Redhale, "With your close-minded thinking, it's no surprise war is upon us. No desire for compromise, only death. Your inhumanity is showing."


Ranok raises a hand...then lowers it. He had an idea, probably the best that would give Xzarren a chance to live through the day...but he dismisses the notion. Naaaah.


Kasyr casually extends his hands out in a shrug, "Well, If my empathy has any sort of clout towards the veracity of a subject, he was actually unaware of the reasoning behind all of these developments- which places a partial degree of blame upon us. After all, it es not like we'd made sure to keep the surrounding regions up to date on the political system. Lucius, on the other hand, has such a long list of willful crimes to his name, that a trial would retroactively grant him more time than he had a right to." It's on this note that the Revenant pauses, and casually twirls his right hand through the air, "Still, it's like you said. We're at war. At worst, should he be found guilty- we can given him the option between death, et perhaps being put to work towards the war effort. He would become contractually bound to moi- so he would not be a loose cannon any longer. More than that, we could use him as a intermediary between vampiric et undead forces, et the outside regions as a whole. Until this situation was resolved, he'd be tasked with making sure outside regions were aware of the situation in vailkrin was, to prevent any other unforunate incidences- when he wasn't keeping the peace between the two parts of the populace." The revenant can't help but flash Riss a grin, "I mean, only if he's found guilty of resisting an arrest in war times, killing a squadron of individuals he recognized as part of Redhales forces, et then resisting arrest again, et a trial. Not to mention that mention of going to hear Lucius out? I think we can place that under conspiracy." Kasyr looks positively elated, cattish ears perked up to compliment his chesire-like grin. "But yes, you know. Potentially we gain someone who did in a squadron, we kill them so they're not on the other side. Or we let them go, after making sure the populace knows the person responsible for an increase of tensions es being released."


Shishi , now that Kasyr had taken a seat, was at the very least the second closest person, proximity-wise to Xzarren. With his next few steps he is most certainly the closest one to the kneeling vampire, tiptoeing around him so that they are face to face when Shishi, without much warning and no verbal explanation drops down onto one knee and starts to exam the dull shadow Xzarren casts on the floor from the dim lighting in the tavern, the Blue Demon scraping the tip of his wand across the silhouette with a disgusted look still on his face. The cursed assassin pays little attention to the conversation being held to determine the fate of the owner of the shadow he is dissecting.


Kasyr reaches over the gibbering fellow sitting next to him (which causes the fellow to curl into the fetal position), and gives Ranok a prod, "Er, what did tu have to say there? Also, My original offer. Tempting, yes, no? I just want someone to scout about, keep an eye on the streets ...and also make sure the civilian quarters et such remain safe. It'd also be good just to make sure nothing gets stirred up in the woods."


Redhale was hardly being encouraged to calm down by those around him, but the murderer had one thing on his side: Redhale's forces were spread dangerously thin, thanks in no small part to the airship currently hovering overhead, "Well, if you speak the truth…" His voice was raised once more, "And if you don't, then next time it wont matter how many people attempt to dissuade me!" A calming moment was taken as Redhale observed the curious acts of Shishi, confused but content that his clan mate wouldn't be working against him, "But if you mean what you say, perhaps we can use you. However, one man is not enough to make up for the damage you caused today…" Similarly, Ranok must have worked himself into quite a debt the other night.


Ranok scowls at the contact. A hand that brushes off a bit of imaginary grime that Kas hadn't left on the sleeve, "Dead men need not fear much else. Hy tink dat simply sendink him into situations vere hyu're gunna lose resources to be de most kost effectiff solutions. A fev bindinks und it's hall goot to go. Suicide bomber, bait, usink him to plug a leakink rouf...de list goes on." Hand does back down to his pocket, "As for you uffer...Hy vas here to schpeak about dat. But, vell. Hyu know." He inclines his head towards Xzarren.


Riss cracked a grin, breaking stoic features during Kasyr's list of allegations and Redhale's newfound zen. "Using him isn't going to change anything. If nothing else, it reinforces that you all can't be trusted. If your actions are, in fact, just, then he should be able to come to the decision on his own instead of being forced via contract into obedience."


Xzarren moves to his feet, tempted to place both leather palms to the shoulders of Shishi and push him backward from his space. Instead he raises his lips in a snarl and growls, the kama's removed from the floor. After seeing what Kasyr was capable of it was not as if it would make a difference whether or not he had his weapons about him. He puts them back along the belt loop of his body, one on each side. So many creative ideas about how to use him, or how to send him to his death filled the assassin's ears. Yes, he could see Ranok was quite enjoying himself. Shaking that thought off the assassin listens to Kasyr and Redhale, listening as the man states a however clause. He waited to hear exactly what this would entail.


Kasyr said to Riss, "He did offer."


Dami whistled down to Riss, hoping to get his attention.


Riss said to Kasyr, "Begrudgingly. Use big-boy words and talk it out, champ."


Ranok speaks up again, "If Hy might make an actual suggestion...Hy tink ve schould moff dis along. He hain't gun hennyvere. Surely hyu must hef zum sort uf holdink facility...hm?" A sort of sly smile was spreading across his face. That meant he was cooking up something. A pretty good plan, if you asked him.


Kasyr fishes around in his pockets for a cigaraette, before he pops it into his mouth, murmurs a quick cantrip- and lights it with the flame that bursts into existance upon the tip of a finger. A simple snap of his hand forward is brusque enough to put out the flame, before the Revenant simply takes a nice long drag, "Aye. Je sais. These things happen. So, did you have anything to say to the particular offer I made. Feel free to chit for chat, I -am- listening. Et I imagine so es the other guest of honour. Since the thing sitting out front es fairly hard to miss. " It's at this point the Revenant redirects his attention towards Xzarren, a slight grin offered to the fellow, "Well, despite Ranoks cheerful list of suggestions- I do believe we need a liason more than we need a carrier monkey strapped with explosives et a bullseye painted on his shirt. So, here es the deal. You will serve under both myself -et- Red, acting as a liason between the vampire and undead communities here, et ensuring more complications like the one today don't occur. Moreover, you'll also be tasked with keeping the regions outside of Vailkrin up to date with..well, news of the fledgeling government being reinstated- et important notices such as the current martial law. Et, obviously, should military action be necessary, you will be called for. In return... In return, I'll take you within my Coven, granted the full priviledges that come with such an allegiance- so long as you do nothing to break the terms you would be agreeing to." It's on that note that the Revenant casually fishes into his trenchcoat and hucks a scroll over towards Xzarren, "If you accept, sign your name in blood, monsieur."


Riss had put in his two-cents, plus a whole haypenny, and Dami wasn't one to ignore. Dami ho! (directionally, of course -- not the other kind. Anymore, at least.) Once reached, he'd sit with her, and offer his best smile. "Ravishing as always, oh slothful one. There's nothing like a woman who smells of tobacco and shame."


Shishi blinks once or twice when Xzarren rises to his feet. The vampire doesn't bother to look up towards the the man when he pushes himself to his feet, but the Blue Demon does smile faintly at the new posture of the silhouette cast on the floor, "Ah~. There it is." Shishi finally speaks, more to the ground than to anyone present. With a sweep of his hand and wand across the floor the shadow cast by Xzarren's right arm bursts into black flames and slowly rises as Blue picks himself up off the floor as well, standing to his full height .and trying to control the snickering that has overtaken him at the sight of the other vampire's shadow on the floor missing an arm while the dark mass of black flame that once made up the shadow of the arm hovers at Shishi's side, "Incredible." Again the assassin speaks just to hear his own voice it seems and has half a mind to ask Kasyr to include forfeiting this bit of his shadow permanently to Xzarren's agreement.


Kasyr coughs loudly.


Dami thinks that's Dami in a nutshell.


Redhale held out one twisted, bony palm as Kasyr offered his deal, "He may be your kind Kasyr, but his crime is against mine. His actions will not be forgiven here until he has replaced every man that he killed with another, capable soldier." He turned to Xzarren, "You can bring them turned or still living, but I want my soldiers."


Dulcinea started to relax the slightest bit now that the threat of violence seemed to be subsiding. The healer glances between all the people who seem to be involved in this strange situation. Dulci sighs and slumps back in her chair, warily eyeing the mane who had formed from a puddle on the ground. That didn't really seem very natural. Somehow.


Kasyr offers Redhale a pointed grin, "Hey- He -es- obligated per this agreement to follow your orders as well. I leave it to your discretion to state when he has paid for his particular err."


Dami rolls her eyes, in a friendly manner of course. "Give me that-" She pointed to the fur lined jacket on his shoulders. "You can have this one for now." Frostmaw seemed to have a different chill to it as of late, at least for the Terramancer. Holding her arm out, she presented the trench coat she often wore, hoping he was willing to trade.


Dami said to Riss, "And just tobacco this time, sadly."


Xzarren was not in a position to decline the offer made by Kasyr, so he bows his head. However the signing of a scroll in blood was a matter of some concern, as one never knew whether their soul would end up in hell on account of a contractually binding signature. Still, his cards had been played and he was for without a better plan. "I will do as you say until the war is over and the spoils are your's, commandant." The vampire looks at Shishi with agitation and runs clawed fingertips about the busy male's cheek, cutting him open and taking a gob of red blood to sign the scroll with. Perhpaps, more than is actually necessary. He writes as follows 'Xzarr' in red letters. "Here is your signature. I will be at your call in the morning." Xzarren looks at the ground as he notices he is missing an arm and speaks a quick enchantment, returning his shadow to it's rightful place.


Xzarren said to Redhale, "You will have them. "


Kasyr casually snaps his right arm out towards the side before flicking it straight in front of himself. The trick was that in conjunction with a particularily well focused bit of electromancy, this would serve to dislodge one of the many scalpels that Kasyrs armoured trenchcoat held hidden. That, and effectively serve to railgun the scalpel straight towards Xzarren to plant the thing into his gut, if he wasn't able to stop it. With an aggravated sigh, the Revenant tosses a secondary scroll at the man, "With -your- blood. It has to be yours. I'm not made of scrolls, you know." ...Even if he does have a good few on him at all times.


  • Glossed over cause he had to sleep n' such* >>


Xzarren signs the scroll in his blood.


Kasyr is quick to retrieve the scroll, and sign it in Revenant-brand blood ink. Which is to say, he signs it in blood too.


Kasyr would bother to explain the manner in which the scroll erupts into a spectacular display of shimmering blue and amber sparks, the likes of which swirl about the scroll in a dizzying array. He'd even detail just how those sparks contract around the piece of parchment, and how the glimmering masses of blue slowly turn to amber as well- until the scroll shimmers with a golden sheen. But really, since it's happening, he doesn't need to explain anything- his actions reserved for after the scroll folds upon itself, and is sealed by a ribbon of light. Only then does he stuff the scroll into his coat.


  • end gloss*


Riss allowed Dami's coat to fall from his shoulders, and to her hand. "I don't need a coat. I'll get a new one eventually." Then-- he left-- inexplicably. Eccentricity had its perks.


Dami said to Riss, "You sure? I don't need to carry two coats around, It's just getting damn cold up there."


Dami shrugs, and keeps her trench coat slung over her arm. As if content with that, she'd push off the wall, and quietly sneak back into the Den of Vice. Seems things down here were under control.


Dami finds herself twisting a pinky finger in her right nostril this time.


Dulcinea watches Dami with fascinated horror and disgust. Ladies should not act that way in public.


Dami wasn't really quite the 'lady' everyone thought she was.


Dulcinea is blissfully unaware of the source of Dami's manish ways.


Dami occasionally pencils on mustaches. She does this in secret.


Redhale thinks Dami should be less vague about on whom those mustaches are pencilled.


Redhale , after standing still for apparently about an hour, moves to pick up the body Xzarren had dropped in the tavern and proeeds to shove it in a large bag labelled, "spare parts."


Kasyr can't say he isn't displeased with the whole...discharging an electrified scalpel into someones' gut. It still left much to be desired, though. With a casual glance towards Ranok, the Revenant adds, "So- let's talk shop?" Given the fact that the blade-y barrier is no longer really needed, those caliginous weapons finally dissapear.


Ranok fehs, and strolls outside. He grabs a rope ladder that was dangling there, "Step into my office." Without further ado, the ropeladder pulls him up and into the airship.


Shishi huffs and kicks at the ground. Irises shift back to a calm blue and the assassin heads towards the door after setting Sunny down on the floor.


Shishi , on his way, looks enviously at the arms of the shadows of everyone he passes by. "I want those..." he mutters to Sunny.


Kasyr stuffs his hands into his pockets, before he follows after Ranok, "Monsieur Red- I do believe this is a meeting you ought to attend." A pause, and the Kensai casually adds, "Those of the Coven who desire to listen in- since the welfare of this city is your concern too" Some more than others, "Feel free to join in. Your opinions are valued. Et Dulci. You're my secretary, you need to be here, obviously."


Vailkrin City Road

Hemlock Way has broadened to become a wide City Road carrying locals, travellers and merchants through its bustling thoroughfare. The general air is one of cautious calm, probably due to staunch City Guard patrols being particularly present here, ensuring that visitors and locals alike can stroll the dimly-lit blackstone streets under the glow of streetlamps and the silvery moon relatively unmolested. To the north is a well-fitted shop, its sign suggesting supplies fit for necromancy and other dark magics. A short southern street leads to the entrance of Vailkrin's most stylish -and notorious- tavern.




Ranok waits patiently for Kas to choose whichever over the top fashion he wanted to leap up onto the airship with.


Kasyr is just lazily taking the ladder up, since he's wearing his coat and all. Plus, he's probably not going to be alone.


Ranok gets right into it, "Right. So. To begin vith, vat eksactly do hyu vant me to do? Hy'm assumink hyu vant to make use uf me...services. Und resources. Namely de vun hyu're schtundink on."


Shishi appears from the south.


Shishi waves at Kas, "I'm not coming." and lies, "Hate heights."


Redhale tore a rotten arm off of the corpse in his bag and held it out to Shishi as he walked past, apparently struck in a daze after picking up his fallen comrade, "This one is already disconnected. Good to see you..."


Ranok || For no reason at all, the Super Mario 3 Airship theme plays in the background.


Dami shuffles. Urryday.


Kasyr glances over the airship railing down at Redhale, "Monsieur- up here." Beyond that, the Kensai simply peers over at Ranok, "Well, we currently have an opening for inter-regional liason, I'm not sure about vampire- undead liason, but I'm sure we could figure out something. As for resources, -I- simply want a scout. Though, er, not of the castle. I wouldn't get close to that. ...Not sure what Red wants, en fait."


Dulcinea follows Kasyr out of the tavern, lugging her ever-present satchel after her. It never surprised her the things that happened at mundane meetings. To her surprise the large man (whom she still didn't know) disappeared straight up. Blinking in surprise, she tilts her head back and beholds the sight of her first airship. "Oh d-d-dear." Now how was she to get up there?


Kasyr wiggles the rope ladder at Dulci.


Redhale looked up and down the ladder several times before deciding he didn't like the idea of moving his body in the way the device would require, so instead he simply grows a little taller. The folds of his robe stretch out, cascading like waterfalls until his "body" is at an appropriate height relative to the ship's deck, allowing him to simply step onto the airship, "Talk to the other cities. Tell people they have nothing to fear from us; we just want our own land to be safe for us and our own." Of course, convincing the living they had nothing to fear from Redhale might be a somewhat difficult task after Redhale managed to replace the troops lost the other night.


Dulcinea worriedly looks at the wiggling ladder before gingerly stepping over to it and starting to climb. Other than the extra weight of her satchel, it wasn't that hard. Once she pulls herself over the side and onto the airship proper, she looks back down over the side, smiling to herself in happiness. Only two days back and she was on her very first airship. How exciting!


Ranok had rather hoped that it'd be just Kas. He was a little easier to deal with then Red. But, such was life, "Gadderink hallies, huh. Vell, Hy kan' eksactly drag Rynvale into dis. Hy hed to drag dem to protectink *demselves*. Dere iz absolutely no vay de elves vill kare dat Vailkrin iz tearink itself apart. ...Hy'm sorry. Noddink dere Hy kan do. Nor kan Hy trow hall uf De Fold's resources into de fray viddout askink De Round. Ven Hy kan keep dem schtill enough to do so. Und, forgimmee for sayink, but it looks to be gray against gray. No morally superior side, no goot or bad guy. No vrongs to right." As Ranok spoke, the night watch on the airship stirrs a little. The new passengers was cause for interest, as well as the boss showing up to whip 'em into shape if they slacked off. And maybe if things went sour, too. Didn't hurt to be prepared. "If Hy vill be frank vith hyu tvo...no vun else kares. Rynvale iz schtill recoverink. De Ravine...a horrible scar. Hopink to get a memorial erected dere. But Hy digress." Ranok leans on the railing, unworried about the ground below. The airship wasn't hovering at more then a hundred meters and change. But that was more then enough to kill. "So...basically, Hy kan uffer qvite liddle in de immediate. Chust my hends, my knowledge...de Doorknockers. Und, technically, de SCHpectre." Technically, because he'd stolen it from Ehli and hadn't really gotten around to completely giving it back. Those little wars kept springing up.


Kasyr , after having said his piece, has been admittedly stuck in his own little world. There was quite a few matters to contemplate- and the reinforcement of their troops was one of the most pressing. Obviously, random stragglers that ventured into the woods were the most viable candidates- since whatever happened to them was their own doing. Other actions, on the other hand, tended to fall into the realms of diplomatic faux pas. That is, unless they were imperial. It was unlikely that many people would give too many damns whether or not imperial forces went missing, here or there- and would likely have cause to rejoice. Mind you, there were distinct problems involved, there. Rynvale was quite distant- and most areas weren't all that efficient to reach. Trist'oth...was full to the brim with drow. That was problematic in itself, really. And technically, it could deny official allegiance- even if the Lich drow had blatantly carried out Vuryals will in the form of Leoxanders murder. ..Really, it could just be played off as a simple meeting of common interests- which could make for tricky politics, not to mention the general shenanigans involved with the drow. But.."The naga. Red. You want troops, right? We need to punch through to Lucius. And soon. I don't care how- but we need to end this. There es a guild in Naga-ville, that..well, it's resources could be applied towards the gradual acquisition of bodies. Whittling down an imperial force bordering on our territory, and empowering our own." It's at this point kasyr pauses and eyes Ranok, "Et I believe if we work at slowly whittling down Vuryals forces- you might be able to lend us more aid, non? Though, the whole of what's been put forth so far sounds sufficient. I really just want to avoid more theatics like the ones that occured this evening."


Redhale wasn't sure about attacking the Empire in such a way given the delicacy of the situation they were already in, "You think that because we don't have enough troops we should insult the time lord? You're not thinking straight. There are plenty of viable candidates for enlistment. We'll take a stroll this week. As for you," He turned his heavy focus to Ranok, "You shouldn't insult me with excuses. We don't need you to convince people to be on our side, they just need to know that we are better than the alternative. I don't care if you think you have to lie to do it, just make them fear Lucien, and trust us as much as they will." He may have been a bit bossy, but apparently felt as though he were perhaps owed one, "If you don't feel comfortable doing this, then I suggest that you bring me a hundred odd healthy bodies. You should be able to transport them easily enough with this contraption.


Ranok shakes his head, "...Vuryal hes retreated to his kestle like a punk. But, killink his men...probably vould drav him out. Frankly, Hy'd like to avoeed dat." They'd won with so little bloodshed because he just left. Ranok didn't want to risk the lives of the people he's looking out for by simply poking a bear in the eye. "No...how fresh do hyu need dese bodies? De men dat died in de Ravine are gone to hyu. Not let hyu take dem. However...dere are mass graves in Gamorg. Not even a month old. Barely rotted, by hall accounts." But then Ranok frowns, and begins to pace, "Or do de Ogres eat der dead? Hy kan' remember. Might be tricky to schteal de korpses. Dey'd be pissed. Tryink to improff relations. Maybe trickle zum grain in, or 'lose' a schipment uf medicines."SCHpeakink uf vich. Hyu mentioned an ogre. Asked me about movements. Vat do hyu know? If Gamorg iz hidink resentment, enough to act...dat komplicates matters." Complicate nothing. That would change pretty much everything.


Dulcinea settled on the deck of the airship, quite comfortable to look up at those speaking and listen to everything going on. A dutiful secretary always kept herself apprised of things that might affect her job or her boss.


Redhale maybe said that before Ranok?


Dulcinea settled on the deck of the airship, quite comfortable to look up at those speaking and listen to everything going on. A dutiful secretary always kept herself apprised of things that might affect her job or her boss.


Kasyr purses his lips a bit, before offering a helpless shrug, "Well, I just have a certain awareness of an assassins guild that es -located- within the underside of that city..et which we have an almost direct connection to through a..er. Portal. As it were. A naga going missing here or there, whilst it was wandering through those particualar locales could hardly go amiss, and could certainly provide a useful bit of...backbone to the forces, over time." With a slight waggle of his fingers, the revenant does helpfully reply to Ranok, "I'm not sure we can count on the bodies- I mean, it es possible they might not have eaten it, due to that dragons taint. Though they will eat just about anything. Though..there are those beast dragons. Any of those bodies would be. Well. It's really enough said, right there."


Ranok stops his pacing and leans on the railing again, "Hyu kan...recruit on you own time, Hy'm afraeed. Doink bodysnatchink iz perfectly fine...if hyu keep it avay from my men. Hy von' schtoop to petty treats, but ve're hall friends, yah? Vy take from a friend ven he may simply giff in time?" A slight smile offered. About as close as he got to a winning smile without being a pain in the ass or ironic. "If hyu ask me, tough, might be a vaste uf time to devote resources to schnatchink pipple. Dey tend to ask qvestions, und den hyu get de *nosy* vun, und hall de silencink...ugh. Doze meddlink kids und der nosy dog..." He takes a moment to blink, shake his head slightly, and continue, speaking to Red, "De issue hain't so much...lyink, Hy suppose. Rebels usually hef zum sort uf grievance dat dey build momentum on. Hy'm not a man dat jumps headlong into tinks. Und, if hyu tink Hy'm vorth much uf hennyddink to hennyone in de vorld schtage? Hyu're sadly mistaken." More or less the truth. Not holding any official office, and merely keeping Rynvale from tearing itself apart, he was rather tied in terms of what he could and couldn't do. The racism, too, from the elves, helped not at all. "Hy'm really kurious, however. Vat do hyu really ekspeck from me? Hy go und tell pipple dat hyu guys are de right guys...but vat after? De populaces uf de lunds don' giff vun krap about de Darklunds. Hed Kelay not nearly erupted into flame...vell." He wouldn't have stuck his nose in at all, had that not happened. Lucien really shot himself in the foot, there. "Alright, tell hyu vat. De schip iz schtocked for a month. Not dat Hy intend to let it fly around dat long. Hy kan schtick around a fev more days, keep up a presence. Fly de flag uf Rynvale a liddle. Scare doze rebels around. Estableesh hyu guys vith zum legitimacy. But. If hyu vant de schip longer? Hy'm gunna need anodder vun. ...hyu kan help me vith dat, actually."


Kasyr said to Ranok, "Legitimacy...Et bien, I certainly like the sound of that."


Redhale coughed up some sort of a sigh, "It's not so much whether you have power or not, it's more that you're warm, and we are not." He took a step closer to Ranok to illustrate, pushing the chill aura further around him, "Maybe they don't care if we tear ourselves apart, but they'll care what we do when this is all over. We aren't just in it to get Lucien out of here. As for the airship… I'm not sure what use it'll be, but then it is hard to see how the battle will end up. Getting Lucien to show himself could require a little flushing out I guess." He turned to Kasyr, "Wherever we decide to pull troops from, we'll need some extra hands just to find them. I'm considering opening up the graveyard."


Kasyr scratchs at his temple, before he simply draws both his hands out behind his head and clasps them together, "Honestly, If we opened the graveyard, it would turn the tides for a bit- though that would likely require us to push forward -swiftly-. They have shown a rather unpleasent propensity for..well, er, stealing your citizens as it were. Were that advantage not pressed, it would become theirs." A pause, and the kensai simply perks up, "Oh, et , er. We have bits of the home guard, as it were. At least the ones that had been..assigned to craughmoyle. Et likely the loyalists which remained here. They've not forgotten where their loyalties once rested, et I imagine if called upon, they would be ready et willing to fight for what the foreign liason had died for." Kasyr looks -very- pleased with himself there.


Ranok scowls enormously. It took a lot of effort not to call up the men on the ship to encourage Red to cease the pushing of the aura. Through mostly gritted teeth, "Hy vill do vat Hy kan. Not pissink uff you neighbors helps. Dat means hyu don' vant to tangle vith hennyone else." A fist knocks on the wood of the railing, "Kan' see de use uf de airship? It blev a pretty big hole in tinks, in only a hendful uf salvos. It reqvires neidder food nor konstant maintenance, und schtays in de air konstantly. Used right, dis schip kan be a symbol uf de superiority uf you...institution. Hyu see? But Hy kan' eksactly schtrip Rynvale uf it. Hence vy kan only schpare it for a fev days." He makes a 'my hands are tied' gesture, both hands wrist to wrist.


Ranok said to you, "Vere iz Vox ven hyu need him, eh?"


Dulcinea seems to be following the conversation with amazing alacrity. If only because she knew exactly what they were talking about through unconventional means. The healer doesn't really have anything to add to the discussion, so she continues to sit quietly and unobtrusively, making sure to note anything that might be needed later on.


Ranok spends a few moments wondering where the lich's skull turned up, anyways.


Kasyr said to Ranok, "Vat iz V-..er is V..wait. Ahaha. Evil laugh? Boney?"


Ranok said to Kasyr, "Hyu know, de vun vith hall doze really bad death traps. Kept kryink about his krown? "


Kasyr said to Ranok, "That was such a good day."


Redhale growled in response to Ranok, "It also took out at least as many friendlies as it did enemies. If you're going to pull a stunt like that again then have the decency to do it before our bones are caught on theirs. But the bones from the graveyard..." He glanced to Kasyr, "Wouldn't go down as easily. Nor will they be turned like the citizens have been. Most of them at least. There are old beings in there..." The primary reason he had left them alone until now.


Ranok coughs, "Vailkrin hain't de only vun vith a graveyard, yah? Dere hes to be odders. Like Hy saeed, go for Gamorg. Hyu're bound to find bones in de graves dere. Hes to be."


Kasyr leans back heavily against the railing, scarf flapping dramatically in the wind behind him. And even if there was no wind, it'd do that dramatic flapping thing anyways. Taking a moment to consider what he's been told, the Revenant finally offers a slight nod before he adds, "Either way, it's tactically useful. As both a scare tactic et scouting tool. That can't be denied." Redhales addressed by this point, the kensais one of careful consideration, "Considering the abilities of their leader- such aid might be necessary. Though the sheer benefits provided by sheer virtue of both numbers and powers can't really be overlooked either. Especially if they aren't idle in their own actions. If one of them gets desperate et cuts a deal with Vuryals forces... Well. That could prove. Interessant. Et they are certainly in a position to make sure such a message could reach one of his cities." It's only when this is all said that Kasyr brings his hands over to his ears, and casually plucks them. "You know, it's occured to moi, that we have still left a particular issue unaddressed."


Ranok sighs, "Und dat iz?"


Redhale shrugged, "There are other bones, but it takes more than a skeleton to make a soldier."


Kasyr said to Redhale, "In what I only hope es the likelihood of us winning, there es still the matter of how this government es going to be run, Monsieur. Something I've been thinking on, for a little while, now."


Kasyr gives Ranok a sidelong look there.


Ranok suddenly finds the need to bark a few orders to the sailors. No way in hell he was getting tangled up in *that* particular discussion. Not without a heavier investment from himself, anyways. The airship had been sitting still too long, anyways. The men on deck hop to, unfurling tied sails. The airship would lurch, then glide smoothly out over the city.


Dulcinea shifts to find a more comfortable place to sit.


Redhale said to Kasyr, "You agreed to help me by organising the vampires, right?"


Kasyr said to Redhale, "Correct. Something which you have very little interest in doing, vrai?"


Redhale moved to one of the railings as the airship began to move. He considered taking in the view, but wasn't sure whether it would be worth it considering he knew less about the ship he was on than the lands beneath, "I just need to know they will follow the rules put in place for them. What they do amongst themselves I have no interest in; your kind have never quite gelled with me." Not that either side of that clash had tried very hard to make amends.


Kasyr stretches out a bit, before he simply turns his gaze heavenwards, a thoughtful expression upon his features. There was something about this scenario that struck him as almost nostalgic, "Aye, I recall this. Which is part of why it occured to moi- if your focus is your folks, et mine es les vampires- would it not make sense to have some form of joint government. It certainly makes it aggravating to assassinate the current leader et take control. Moreso, if we form a council, pick our own successors. Et perhaps appoint a few individuals to deal with certain tasks that we'd rather not deal with. Et if the transition from this chaos to an orderly state is smooth, it reflects far better upon us."


Ranok leans over the railing. His attention had been directed to a certain area by one of the chaps who was supposed to be looking over the edge. He whistles over another sailor, who them scurries off after a short exchange between the two. The crewmen goes to the far edge, towards where the entrance to the underdeck was and grabs a box that seems to be on a rail. The railing that Ranok was leaning on, to be specific, "Oi. Hyu tvo. Doze chaps yous?" He points to a trio of dark figures scurrying along the roads, trying to keep out of sight of the airship.


Redhale couldn't see that far as he was, "Mine are painted so their faces match my own, and save the few patrolling the streets they should be waiting at a camp deep within the woods." In reply to Kasyr he had to remain vague, "We will have to see what the old ones think; I would not presume to make such a decision on my own." Undead, they always had to get all spiritual.


Kasyr shrugs faintly, before he simply continues to take in the view, "So long as it gets addressed. Preferably, before Lucius bites the dust- though I can't say I'm going to drag my heels when it comes to murdering him."


Redhale nodded, "I think the concern would mostly be who has the power, rather than how it is split. I have no reason not to trust you, so I doubt the others will."


Kasyr said, "Oh, et by the by, I hired a war band to provide additional support. He should be returning soon enough with an...estimate, for his services. If you'd care to accompany me when he visits anew.." A shrug, "Beyond that, I do believe that sums up any business I have to bring up."


Kasyr said, "He, being the leader of the war band. That..Eboric person. The barbian, ou quoi-ce-soit."


Ranok said, "He's an ass."


Dulcinea props her elbow on her knee and then lets her chin rest in her hand while she watches the conversation. Being quiet didn't bother the healer nearly as much as it might a normal person. She found it rather useful on occasion. With her attention still on the conversation, she lets her eyes wander over the deck of the airship, curious as to how everything worked.


Ranok shrugs at the retreating figures, "...not my problem." A glance to Kas and Red, "Chust, ah, jump off ven hyu two are done dicink de kake, dere."


Redhale said, "Right, you get your warband together, I will find someone to help me crack open some graves." He turned to Ranok, "You keep an eye open and do what you can to keep news abroad positive." His heavy focus drifted slowly to Dulcinea, the quiet one mostly forgotten until now, but an image springing to mind of the battle she had found herself amidst earlier, "If she wants," Apparently not comfortable speaking directly to the woman, "She should bring any failed healing subjects to the arena. Fresh corpses make for better soldiers."


Kasyr affords a salute to those present, "Well, Monsieur Ranok- I look forward to you helping ensure that no more ...incidents like what occured today happen. Dulci, enjoy the ride, et all. I'll be giving you a list of names to keep track of soon enough- you'll be directing messages to them, now et then. Er, beyond that..." And beyond that, there was alot of nothing, since the Kensai simply tips himself over the railing- intent upon doing that whole..dramatic landing in a crouched position Solaris did once. It was pretty dramatic when he did it, admittedly. Beyond that, well, the Kensai just goes off to do what he does best.


Ranok contemplates pushing a cannon ball after Kas. That would ruin the dramatic fall for sure. Only belatedly, he realizes, "Vait, vat? She's schtayink on de ship?" He jerks his head in the direction of Dulc.


Redhale tipped himself over the railing shortly after Kasyr did it, although despite the audible whipping caused by the wind through his cloak there was never any final thump to indicate he hit the ground at all, nor could he be seen suspended in the air at all. Then again, he had arrived in a glass of ale, it wasn't so strange to think he had left in a cloud.