Death comes knocking. (Ongoing plot)

[DM_Absolution]

A robed figure knocks on the door a few times, and within moments the door opens. As he enters the inn he pulls back his hood, revealing himself to everyone present, when getting no sign of recognition, the figure proceeds to the bar.

"A bottle of berduskan dark, and some information if you would be so kind"

[Servin]

At that time, Xercia was just finishing off the bottle of Lichen wine, celebrating the downfall of a Master Conjurer she helped to subdue. She cannot help to shrug the feeling that those who present the least information, hold vaults of them and some very useful, perhaps for own gains.

Kind? - she repeats after the stranger analysing who he might be and what are his intentions - Xas, there are many kind folk around. Just naut many of them are of any use to anyone... Have dos come here to seek information... or good company? - a flash appears in her eye, remembering what happened to the last jaluk vowing that he will be with her till death do them apart. Suffice to say Xercia negotiated past that time and he now follows her whenever summoned...

Choose wisely. Perhaps Usstan can help dos with one of those choices...

[DM_Absolution]

The handsome male turns to look at Xercia, his lips curling into a broad and charming smile. His features as illythiiri as they come, with sharp features and eyes of the brightest amber.

"Well i am a new to this city, and come here to learn her politics and history. There are many opportunities here, and i seek to explore them further."

He gestures for the barkeep to fetch another glass, his eyes and attention never leaving Xercia.

"Tell me, which are you? good company? or here to provide me with answers to my questions?"

He pours some berduskan dark into the glass the barkeep just brought, filling it to the rim.

[Servin]

Interesting... - she replied resting her elbow on the bar tap and her head on the hand. She smiled with a slight dose of loathing, remembering that an ambition dose too high had lead to many downfalls of many illythiri in the past.

A political opportunist then... - she continued - A career path never succeeded by mere wanting. - she paused - But it seems dos are in luck. This place houses many jaluk faerns in seats of power and was found favourable to many of the Ilbith as well... Something naut imaginable in other dark spots in the Underdark.

Apart from the official seats of power, there is the rabble known as the maw. Petty fighters not having the skill to be accepted elsewhere. The temple might be looking for craftsmen jaluks if dos have any skills with... menial labour... And the 7th circle, trader, faern organisation lead by a powerful phantom faern. Then there are the heretical dancers of the dark maiden, overturning everything the illythiri are upside down and sparking anarchy in souls of mere individuals... Of course the conclave, holding power in S'shamath, holds their own... secret societies... as well... - she pauses to give him a piercing look in the eyes.

So... What use would an organisation have with dos in it, hm? Oh and to answer dosst question... So far it is dos that provides the entertainment, jaluk... - she grins.

[DM_Absolution]

The handsome male listens intently as Xercia speaks, taking a sip of his wine every now and then. As she is nearing the end, he looks down at his sleeve, stretching out the cloth to straighten out a few wrinkles.

"Tell me Jalil, who do you represent? perhaps the information you are sharing with me are coming from someone with a conflict of interest?"

The male turns to get a overview of who is present inside the tavern, leaning up against the bar in a casual manner, though he quickly turns to give his attention to Xercia again, eagerly awaiting her reply.

[Servin]

An interesting answer... One bearing a question about relations between fractions... - she narrows her eyes thinking she has seen past the small deception of the jaluk - But the answer is: Hardly. Dos may see ussa join hunting with the dancers, as well as plotting and providing service for the temple, their religious opposites. Usstan wield the power of the arcane, yet am nau faern and have had little contact with the seventh circle. As for... brash words towards the maw... Their leader and one of their minions have been publicly banished from the city last cycle, but dos are yet to find witnesses of ussa hurling stones at their direction, despite being present at the event... - she plays her glass of wine in her fingers enjoying putting the jaluk into a maze of true facts.

Usstan represent the illythiri udos are. The culture, the society, the heritage, the history. However others might have gone astray on that philosophy... - she fangs yet again taking a sip

[DM_Absolution]

The male eagerly finishes his glass of wine, nodding somewhat absently to Xercia as she continues to talk. His focus seeming to be elsewhere, though he replies to her in a wry manner.

"It seems i have come across a Paragon then? Well, as interesting as this has been, i need retire to my estate, until next time Jalil."

He inclines his head politely and gives her a warm smile, then turns around pulling his hood back up and wanders out the door of the inn, and back out unto the streets.

[DM_Absolution]

Null'afae goes through her newly arrived stock, looking at rarest items first and then at the more common ones. As she is midway through she notices that one item is missing, and shouts in anger and frustration.

"Blasted! he did not bring that sword he promised me, next time he better give me a discount"

She grabs a hold of a stunning red robe, made with the finest cloth she has seen in a long time. Several beautiful patterns are sown into the dress, with a golden thread, along with several stunning embroidery.

Just as she is about to place it amongst her most priced items, she spots a mask that was lying underneath the dress. A silver mask with a flawless sapphire adorning the center of the forehead.

"This is really a treasure, and i can sense it has several handy enchantments on it. But i can't see it on my list"

She shrugs it off and adds it to the list, placing it next to the red dress, her movements becoming jittery from thinking of what profits she can make of those two items alone.

As she turns around and steps out of her tent, she jumps in surprise as she notices there is a handsome Jaluk standing right next to her. Where did he come from? how did he get this close without me noticing before?

"What are you doing here stranger? can't you see i have not opened yet?"

Her voice comes out a bit harsher then intended, after all this man could be a customer, and an attractive one as well.

"Oh, i my apologies, i just happened to spot you coming out, and i was hoping to get first look at what you have for sale?"

His charm and soothing voice is enough to make her forget the incident, and she begins showing him, her the most priced items.

[Gruk]

Kar-myr has always kept a close eye on the magical artifacts that moves through the city of Dark weaving. Her lust towards such trinkets is a thirst never fully quenched. Kar buys a few unique scrolls from the beholder and heading towards sshamath's auction she moves by Null'afae's tent.

The sexy jaluk has her attention a moment but he stands no chance in Kar's priorities when she spots the mask it's all she has eyes for ;

- Bweal bweal bweal , what's this now ? dos received new inventory and naut send for ussa ?

Kar steps close to the jaluk , a bit in front of him and examines the robe and mask carefully...

[DM_Absolution]

Null'afae seems a bit caught by surprise as Kar'Myr steps in front of the Jaluk, though seeing this as a chance to get an even higher price of her goods, she merely hands them both her most charming smile and begins explaining.

"Well this robe is exquisitely done, as you can see for yourself. You simply won't find an.."

The handsome jaluk cuts her off and merely raises a hand and points at the mask, turning to look at Kar'Myr, his lips drawing back into a seductive smile.

"I think that one will fit her just perfect. Someone -that- attractive ought to cover herself up, so she does not draw unwanted attention from the rabble, but only from those who are worthy"

He unfastens a leather pouch from his belt, and hands it to Null'afae. She opens it, only to see it full of platinum coins.

"This ought to cover the price i would think?"

Null'afae nods, looking at the male with a blank stare for a moment, then turns around to pick up the mask and hands it to Kar'Myr.

//Contact me in-game for the mask Kar'Myr

[illithid]

*From the booth at which he sits, displaying the trinkets he acquired from recent forays; Izzrar casually glances over to Null'afae's stand as patrons wander up to examine the latest shipment of her goods. He shows a hint of recognition as a well built jaluk's smile and choice words leave the trader groping for conversation, mumbling softly to himself "hmm... the same from the tavern last cycle perhaps...". He continues to watch as Kar'myr meanders in and postulates over both the jaluk and the mask. He watches the mask trade hands and gives a shrug"

[Gruk]

Kar examines her new acquisition with a satisfied corner smile. The jaluk claimed to have bought it for her beauty , Kar is inclined to believe him mainly because it flatters her vanity. She accepts and is mesmerized by the finely crafted silver mask. After exchanging a few pleasantries about politics , the mysterious handsome stranger leaves. Leaving Kar'myr with her new toy.


It doesn't take long for the Faernz'unn'arr to discover that a gem adoring the mask is magical by nature , she takes it into the alley behind Nul'afae 's with some discretion , and then begins to examine it closer and cast spells on it.

Suddenly , an undead knight appears , dual wielding vicious swords the apparition attacks kar almost slaying her on the spot , but the wytch removes herself from his dimension , prepares a few wards , entering a state of flux and divination she returns and atempt to subdue the creature. The knight, unable to strike at Kar, had turned on a strolling citizen , hacking her brutally . Kar blasts the undead and then uses this respite to attempt and control the knight but with it's diversion bleeding to death she decides to put it down with a final series of magical strikes.

Kar'myr moves closer to the bleeding citizen , her wounds are severe .

- i ... i Will report this ... i must .. , she says gasping for air

- Shuuush now ... close dos eyes and rest , rest ... , Kar hushes like a mother to her newborn child while driving her fingers into a large gash in the jalil's throat , letting her bleed out quietly and quickly.


Still in a state of displacement and warded , Kar turn to a sudden hail from a masculine voice , a guard of Ssamath steps back as she turns .

- What happened here ? he asks while remaining cautious of the jabbaress.

- She is wounded and needs help ...

Kar wraps the guard around her little finger lying and charming , despite incriminating circumstances , he doesn't demand she removes her wards or her displacement , distracted by the corpse in the street , he accepts to let Kar go with only her name to report for further investigation from the charnag ...

* wicked corner smile from the jalil * - Xercia ... ussatan's name is Xercia ..


Kar returns to the Yath after circling around the bazaar to fool off any curious followers , content with the situation she has a last look around before laying back on a bench invoking Lolth . She gazes at the mask something has changed and it seems to upset the young faern somehow.

[Gruk]

Yathallar Lilith walks by Kar as she examines the silver mask. Lilith inquires about the mask and the faithful Faerz'un'arr of house Sshamath relates the story. Kar of course omits certain elements from the story to look better before her yathallar.

Together they decide to attempt to liberate the creature once again , but this time in a controlled environment . Kar charms a some random jaluk in the street and convince him to hold the mask while she dispels the blue gem.

The plan works , unfortunately the creature does not take the jaluk as bait and the iron cell he spawned from does not hold it. The creature is incredibly powerful , and motivated. It brakes the door and comes straight for Kar-myr. In complete awe , Kar attempts to turn ethereal , remove herself from this threat and has no second thoughts for Lilith standing next to her. ''Better her then me '' the young jalil figures as she attempts to cast , but her magic fails her the spell wont come out , the death knight hacks and slash at her wards , braking them one by one as a panicking Faerz'un'arr desperately try to turn ethereal even teleport away ... but all in vain ... her miror image gone , her premonitions fading away ... she braces for the inevitable ...


Intense bright light , so white ... Kar squints and feels dizzy. She looks around in complete awe once again. She appears to be in a human house , on the surface. A women is setting up the table , childrens are playing in the living room. Yet nobody seems to notice her. Kar turns and spots Lilith. after a quick exchange between them , Lilith attempts to comunicate with them , or get noticed but nothing happens. The women calls for her husband , he answers and the voice sends shivers down Kar spine ...

The two drows move upstairs to investigate, they enter a room where a man in white works on a sword. He sees them ... and is not happy. He inquires about the safety of his family downstairs , Kar lies and tells him they're faith are in her hands... with that leverage she and Lilith begin to question the man ;

- Who the virth are you ? Kar inquires

- Thomas Brightmore , servant of the loyal Fury. the man answers

Kar notice his holy symbol and attire , she faced one kivvil resembling him once , warden of Beregost he was called , this Thomas is a paladin ! But his voice , something so dark about it.

- Where are we ? demands Lilith

- My house in Baldur's Gate , and i want you to leave now . the man threatens.

Kar wiggle lies and implicite threats to his loved one like she would a linen string in front of a cat , he takes bait and she pursue her interrogation with a eerie feeling that she already knows the answer ;

-WHEN are we ?

- What kind of question is that , it's early spring of 1312 !

The past , they have travelled to the past !

Kar then thinks quickly and discuss in Drow with lilith ;

- Virth ! we have moved in the past somehow. We must be careful not to screw the timeline or we could change the future in terrible ways !

Kar makes a quick count ... 35 years ! she's not even born yet . Lilith ponders a few moments and Kar continues in drow tongue , certain the paladin cannot understand their conversation.

- Then again , the time line we were in we both end up slain by this very man ...

There is no doubt anymore , this knight , this Thomas Brightmore is the damned knight from the silver mask . Or he will be anyway. She and Lilith decide on a course of action...

[DM_Absolution]

A woman clad in a tight fitting black dress runs past him, and towards the entrance to the tombs. For a brief second they exchange glances, and his eyes glows brightly at that very second.

So that is who you are? He chuckles heartily and continues forwards, towards his new estate. i commend you maiden of dance, that you dare infiltrate a city such as this.

After only a short minute he spots two darkly clad female drow, both carrying the sinister expression of the Spider Queens worshippers. But of course, why would an Eilistraeen run? if not from the daughters of the Spider Queen. As the two females approach him, he inclines his head politely to them.

They trade words for a short minute, and after having extracted what information he needed, he decided to give them a straw to hold on to as he leaves their company.

"Isn't it peculiar? that there is guards posted at the tombs. He shrugs somewhat casually before turning around and wanders off Just a thought. "

Just before he is too far away to be heard, he turns around to say.

"Do give my regards to Kar'myr, i do hope she appreciates that mask i bought for her"

[TalonofWindspeak]

As Mili wanders off from the discussion with Kar and Lilith, thoughts whirled in her head about the endless possiblities - this is what comes from getting involved with a Llothite.. *grinning to herself*

Risky business this, but payback could be enormous..

As long was we don't do the wrong thing... at a crucial time.. "time" being the keyword here... and just what time is all this happening..? And who really is this "Untainted One"? That dam mask and gem...! *Cursing under her breath.*

Quite frankly don't care to release some high fa-loutin' goody from some trapped existence when one can put a powerful Death Knight to good use... imagine the power, why even fame and riches...

Hoping Kar gets that ritual right.. *smiles to herself*

Goes to prove, most, if not all surface-rs are complete fools.. oh that was entertaining... that Paladin Brightmore, succumbing to a Lich and turned into a Death Knight *laughs*

But in the back of her mind, behind those beady, greedy eyes of her's, Mili has an uneasy feeling of all this..

Lilith having said she recognized Shangalar's voice even.. from Sshamath?

Since dealing with undead and Fiends lately.. Mili thinks to herself.. must get this axe's power increased.. not a problem with Lilith around, but she's not always going to be around...

That will be expensive.. but worth it.. maybe a temporary loan from the Circles coiffure's? No one would ever know the difference, then the money would be paid back, over time of course... no interest payments... going to have to get Ushdui on her side to cook the books.. he's far too loyal a servant, must go along with being insane... *chuckles to herself*

I know just the thing... as Mili heads to the dancers in the Spider's Kiss.. and thinking of the weapon-smith to approach...