IC: Part 3: House of the Templar

[Blazeguard]

I made an Intelligence roll in my previous post but only rolled a 5 so apparently I can't make heads or tails of the information from the map.

Sargon will hang out outside the tavern, keeping an eye out for any signs of trouble (guards or others).

[Todd Spengo]

Arngrim finds a place to stand inside the tavern, by the door. He orders a pint of ale and drinks it slowly.

[imperialus]

After laying low for about an hour or so (giving Mukuli plenty of time to copy the map) the games let out and you are able to blend in with the crowds. You make your way to the tavern easily enough.

Ari-Nasar: While the others are waiting for the games to finish you slowly come too. The world is spinning, and somehow feels less real than what you know... think to be the dreamworld you were in. You've never experienced anything like this before...

Upon arriving at the tavern, Blathu is there, and waiting for you. Arngrim is the first one he notices, and he makes his way through the crowd.

Did ya be gettin da map? If so I be meeting you outside and we go drop it off. Then, you buy me a drink. I'm not for this skulking around.

Once everyone is gathered together outside Blathu escorts you back through the twisting maze of streets to The Lizard's warehouse again. You're not sure if the Draki can smile, but you're pretty sure that this one is trying to once he sees you.

You have returned? Sucesssful I am hoping? He reaches out his hand expectantly.

[MrHemlocks]

***Mukuli, Lizard and Map***

Seeing the Lizard's scaly hand stretch out toward him gives Mukuli the shivers. For he even thought of cutting that blasted thing off all the way up to the lizard's shoulder. Handing the map over, Mukuli, steps back and waits to see what comes next before he mentions anything about the Templar house and an occult connection.

[imperialus]

As he unfolds the map the Lizard traces down the line of the river with his claw for a moment before flipping the map over and looking at the writing on the back.

"Yesss. This is it. Now, as you have your payment, our buisness is concluded... Unlesss of course you may be interested in carrying this further? You see, at the location on this map is a particular artifact... a stone, that I would... like. Now, this temple was once a great center of power for Nythura Daldrax where her priests undertook great and terrible rites in her name. Of course, like all priests they horded gold, jewels and other treasures. Should you desire it, all within may be yours. I only ask for this one bauble in exchange."

[MrHemlocks]

***Mukuli, Lizard and Map***

Eyeing up the lizard and surprised about a possible new mission, Mukuli steps forward. "I would be interested in such a mission. It can be very rewarding to all parties concerned. But maybe you can tell us more about this place and what dangers we can expect?"

Tapping the lizard's desk, "also I, at least, will require a few thing from you. First I need a new recurve bow and plenty of arrows and second some of this cities most lethal poison."Looking up into the creatures cold eyes, "also some spending cash for personal items I need before venturing forth. We got a deal kind sir?"

[Rostranor]

Ari-nasir was not his usual self when he came to. The bronzed sailor of the sands had trouble thinking clearly and was slow to respond when questioned. Everything was as his brain told him it should be, but things seemed dull and slow and quiet. The place he went to in his mind was full of vegetation, and so alive. Everywhere he looked there was green life. The ceremony that he beheld seemed so real in his mind. The rouge even looked to see if his hands were dirtied from such a wet and living land.

Ari-nasir went along with the party, but said little. All the questions put to him were answered in the form of grunts or shrugs and he mumbled answers when pressed. Until that is he stood before The Lizard and heard the name Nythura Daldrax.

Nythura DALDRAX! And the rivers of blood flowed from the top of a great temple and the jewel drank the offering blood in a shimmer of light while man and lizard battled upon the very steps.

Ari-nasir spittle flying from his mouth pointed at the Lizard,
“Whom do you serve? Nythura Daldrax and her spawn or the rightful Priest King of your folk?”

The punctuation of his question was followed by a swoon that shook the rogue and left him leaning on Arngrim for support.

[Blazeguard]

Sargon is surprised by Ari's outburst. His eyes narrow slightly but he remains where he is. He watches both Ari and the lizard closely trying to gauge what is really going on and why the lizard is so interested in a stone. He will try to sense whether Ari's outburst is simply aftereffects of the poison or whether it has somehow changed him on a deeper level. He will also try to figure out whether the lizard has an evil intent towards them or whether he does simply need some hired mercenaries.

Sense Motive: [1d20+2] = 20+2 = 22 Wow! That should give me some insight.

[Rostranor]

Well it's up to Imperialus what Sargon figures out, but Ari-nasir's response is genuine according to how he understands things. That should be readily apparent at least.

[Todd Spengo]

Arngrim stares down any patron that shows too much interest in Ari-nasir's outburst.

[imperialus]

The Lizards reaction is shocking to say the least. A piece of skin around his neck expands like a frill around his head and with a hiss he lunges towards Ari-Nasir slamming his fists against the table.

"I am Kissarth Har-Sseth of the Drakai! We serve no man! We seek out those things that the hubris of man would use to bring about the ruin of this world! You know nothing! I seek the stone to remove it from the reach of fools such as Daldrax. What do you know of this temple? And those that fought over it? I was there! My kin's blood stain its steps! Speak now, or your own blood with join theirs."

Sargon: You're not entirely sure what the heck is going on. That said, the Lizard (or Kissarth) certainly seems to be genuinely upset at the accusations Ari-Nasir has leveled at him.

[Rostranor]

Ari-nasir points to the map.

“There, I saw it when the chest was opened. I great temple flowing with blood while demons waged a war against Drakai and men. I could not turn from the sight of the battle. Then I saw him, their leader. He pointed at me, pointed at my very soul and spoke. He said that her followers must not get the gem. I believe he spoke true to me. When I awoke a great deal of time had passed."

[Todd Spengo]

Arngrim continues to survey the rest of the tavern-goers, searching for anyone who might be playing too close attention to their conversation.

[Dogma]

Ptah-Kahtmak listened closely to the conversation between the Drakai and Ari-nasir. Vivid dreams were not uncommon for one in the grips of the lotus flower, but to have true visions of events of the past and receive dire warnings of event yet to be...that was quite unusual. This stone that the spoke of seemed to be a artifact of great power..and thus great interest.

[MrHemlocks]

***Mukuli, Lizard and Map***

After making his offer, to the Lizard, and now hearing what was said between Drakai and Ari-nasir, Mukuli backs away and says,"sorry Drakai, but may I have a moment with my friends in private? I think both parties need break and time to cool off some. I just want to make it right with you and profitable for us." Walking to the door, Mukuli waves his hand at the others and beckons them to follow outside the lizard's door where plans can be better prepared.

I hope you guys follow Mukuli outside the door. Mukuli needs to discuss an idea he has spinning around in his head, and done so away from the lizard.

[Blazeguard]

Sargon follows Mukuli and steps through the door.

[Todd Spengo]

Arngrim will follow last.

[Dogma]

Ptah-Kahtmak watches with expressionless eyes as the others follow Mukuli out the tavern door. After a moments hesitation he too gets up and follows the thief.

[MrHemlocks]

***Mukuli, Lizard and Map***

Shutting the door and stepping away from it a few feet, Mukuli whispers to the party. " Ari-nasir, you believe that the Drakai wants this stone, or whatever the hell the item is, for evil reasons...like enslavement of humans. I believe you! The Drakai is NOT human...that is for sure. He is like those sneaky gators that lurk in the swamps eager to snatch up an easy meal. This is what I suggest we do. So, we kill him, take the map and burn this place to the ground. We capture the stone, for ourselves, and if it does hold doom for the human race than we lock it away so no lizard will ever get it."

Taking a deep breath and relaxing, Mukuli continues. "Whatever we do, we can not let the visions Ari-nasir had be allowed to come true again."

[Blazeguard]

Sargon weighs in, "Let's not be too hasty here. I've no doubt the lizard has spent much time and effort in cultivating a profitable 'business' here and removing him by any means would surely bring more trouble than we would want or could handle."

"Ari, what was your question of the lizard?...Does he serve Nythura Daldrax OR the Priest King?...It is my sense that he was sincerely and truly upset and insulted that you would accuse him of being aligned with Nythura. My suggestion would be to accept this new offer. If we do find the stone we can return here...either to claim our reward or to kill him...but we will surely have gained some additional insight in the meantime which will aid us in making a decision one way or the other."