[Welcome, Traveller. You have come to an adverture to be shared by all. It begins with a not-quite-simple mage entering a dimly lit tavern in the mid afternoon rain. A mage who has a feeling that adventure is close at hand in his search to unravel the past, and bring about the future.

Feel free, and encouraged, to add to the adventure and become a part of a tale that will unfold in many directions. Please keep in mind common courtesy, or the lack of it, depending on the role you chose. =)  Adding subject names to fit your scene would be helpful to all, but is absolutely not required.

Whether you partake in the adventure, or simply follow along without adding to it, I certainly hope you enjoy it.]

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<Korenzus enters the dimly lit bar, hood drawn over his head, and chooses a seat with his back against a wall in a corner. He orders a glass of wine, drawing a curious glance from the tavern keeper who notices the hood remains concealing most of his features.>

<Looking around he sees that the tavern is nearly empty on the cool afternoon he entered the town in.>

<After a time, he pulls a long wooden pipe out of the depths of his robes, and fills it... and gently puffs it, still taking a sip of the wine every now and then. Evening descends on Aden, and yet he waits... puffing his pipe... sipping his wine... waiting for more to enter the tavern.>

[Edited by Korenzus at 1:03 PM on 8/4/2004]

<The rain battered the outside walls of Aden, and the townsfolk doing their daily errands start to run to avoid the rain. A cloaked figure slowly moves along the town towards the tavern, embracing the rain water, almost declaring that he is a Spellsinger.>

<He opened the tavern door, not really filled, and sat in the corner with some elven wine that he had carried. He drew back his cloak hood, to reveal mid length blonde hair, his pale, elven skin and his deep blue sapphire eyes. He briefly glanced at Korenzus noticing his damp clothing, and the glanced at his own cloths, damp and darker then usual. He bowed his head slightly and begam mumbling to himself, meditating quietly.>

<Korenzus noticed the man enter the bar. He was the only other inside who wore robes. After scanning the few other patrons swiftly he drew his robes around him, lifted his now empty wine glass, and moved silently towards the robed strainger, drawing little attention to himeself.>

"Hello, Elven one. My name is Korenzus. I hope I am not disturbing your meditations. I noticed you sitting here alone, with what must be the fine wine of your race. I am in search of someone to share a tale with... or possibly an exchange of clever jokes and riddles... or even to recieve, or pass on some bits of information. I am a traveller of lands beyond, and I grow weary of having no conversation with another."

<He waited, holding in one hand an empty wine glass, and in the other holding an unseen dagger in his sleeve, in case this elf recognized his name and did not like it.>

[Edited by Korenzus at 1:05 PM on 8/4/2004]

<Hydro glanced upward at Korenzus, motioning that he may sit with him and talk>

"So your name is Korenzus, unusual, ive never heard it before. I am Hydro, head Spellsinger of the elven kingdom Sudenessalar, i have traveled many miles through danger, and am resting here till 3 days pass, i have to restock on supplies, run some errands and talk with the elven Magister here. Are you farmiliar with this area? as i am new"

<Hydro, noticing Korenzus' empty wine glass, took it, put it on the table, and poured some elven wine into it. Then out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a dark elf approaching the table. Hydro sensed trouble. He camly waited mumbling the beginnings of a shield spell, ready to stop an attach such as a quick stab or an arrow. He waited....>

<Korenzus saw the elf's invitation and lowered himself into a wooden chair, a plain and unadorned wooden one that matched the rest in the tavern, sitting with his back to a wall. He reached out with his awareness, and sensed no hostilites from his new companion. He allowed himself a comforable amount of relaxation, enjoying another person's company for the first time in many months... but as always, he let a bit of his attention focus on all that was transpiring around them. Realizing that he did this, he found it humorous to himself... but let none of his humor show to the elf, knowing that it's cause would not be understood without explaination. He rarely enjoyed explaining himself.>

Even among these commoners, simple patrons, and this one who clearly means no harm, I must constantly analyze them all. I expect death, know it to be the ture release of one's soul, and know I will savor it when my time finally comes... but yet I attempt to always prevent it through paranoia, and constant analyzation of all that I can. Ha. Maybe someday I can truely bring myself to no longer care, even on the mental levels which are not conscious.

<Bringing his attention back to the elf, he studied him further. He used many senses that few outside the realm of magick understood, touching his companion with mental and magickal awareness.>

... I know this one. Hmm... ... ...no I have never met him, or laid eyes on him before. But, this Spellsinger is known to me. He will do me no harm, unless provoked otherwise. This I am certain of.

<Certain of his convictions towars the elf, he returned his dagger to the worn sheath attached to his forearm, making no visible motions of such, knowing that his companion was most likely aware of it but not alarmed. Appreciating the fact that he would not have to resort to such crude measures in dealing with another, he listened to the elf introduce himself.>

Ahhh... Hydro. This must be...

"Your name is Hydro. Hmm... I believe I have heard of you before, or possibly another who is very simmilar to you. Hydrolicide, The Water Sage is the one I refer to."

<Korenzus felt another's presence moving towards the table as he spoke. He prepared words in his mind in the spidery language of magick, in case defense or force would be needed. He continued to speak as if unaware or uncaring of the approaching person, noticing that Hydro also sensed something peculiar about them.>

"Unfortunately, I am new to these lands and can offer little help in regards to this area. I have been on a search to continue my studies for... a very long time, and have never had need to travel here before..."

<He became silent as a dark elf reached the table. The dark one had the looks about him as one has who is paid to carry out many forms of tasks... including undesireable ones. Korenzus did not recognize him, and was not able to detect any of the dark elf's intentions. Glancing at Hydro, he doubted the elf recognized the dark one either. He had encountered many such as this, some who had to be killed, some who proved to be allies, and some who had but a simple question or such and deserved no second thought.>

<Korenzus waited for events to unfold around him, until action would be required.>

[Edited by Korenzus at 1:07 PM on 8/4/2004]

<Hydro noticed the skin think sword appear from the darkelfs scabbord silently. The dark elf thrusted the sword at hydro but was stopped. Hydro had gotten up, finshed his spell and the blade was stopped by a gold wall of magic, only inches tall. Hydro swung his right hand out at the drow, but the dark elf pulled back hs head to doge, during this Hydro had managed to withdraw his own sword ad statred clashing with the dark elfs blade, with his right hand clashing in swordplay, his left hand gathered pure energy, and when the oppotunity arised, he shoved the ball of energy in the dark elf's stomach whic pushed him to the opposite end of the room.>

"Who are you!? Why are you attacking me !?"

<The dark elf got up and prepared his sword again. Hydro returned to his stance ready for an attack. Also Hydro prepared a buffer shield spell to stop another attack from the mysterious attacker.>

What in the world is this guy thinking!? What on aden is going on. I hope Korenzus is aware, and hasnt had too much to drink! Get up Koren, defend yourself!

[Edited by AlanB at 11:03 AM on 8/4/2004]

<As the dark elf drew his sword, Korenzus began chanting words to the first offensive spell to come to his mind... but immediately stopped as he saw the initial attack wasn't directed at himself. He understood little of the situation, and disliked taking action in matters that were shrouded in nothing but questions without answers. He would help the elf if it became necessary, since the elf was kind enough to have shared his fine wine and given nothing in return... yet. But, at the moment the elf seemed to be quite capable of holding his own, and Korenzus was very interested in seeing if he could maintain the upper hand.>

<Korenzus' visit to the city was not merely a social one. He was searching for persons in which to recruit for a task ahead. He considered it good fortune that he may see how this elf reacted to an unprompted hostile situation so early upon meeting him. He had a feeling that this elf could prove very valuabe... but knew very well that feelings were merely guidance, and not absolutes. A well trained survival trait was needed, he knew, for upcoming hardships he faced, and any company he had with him that lacked this trait would certainly be dead before long.>

<It was clear that none of the tavern's few other patron were going to help in any way, but it was obvious that fear compelled them to this decision, rather than any other emotions or thought. Most of them grabbed drinks and tried to become as small as possible behind tables or against walls.>

<Korenzus was impressed at Hydro's ingenuity as he launched the drow across the room, sending him crashing through tables and chairs, and demanding to know who the drow was and why he was assaulting him. Instead of immediately attempting to dispose of the problem, he wished to understand it first. Korenzus wondered if his initial actions would have been as nonlethal if he were the one attacked.>

... maybe I have given up trying to understand why people attempt to kill me. Or maybe I know why... Not the specific reasons each encounter... There are too many reasons to try to keep track of and question. But, no... I do not believe this dark elf is the one to gain answers from. The ones who sent him are the ones to question. If he would have attacked me, he would be but ashes at my feet before a word could have escaped his mouth... or I would be dead before I spoke a word outside of magick.

<After gaining his feet and seeing that Korenzus was not attacking as well, the dark elf focused all of his attention on Hydro. It was obvious that he was not here to assassinate Korenzus, and he no longer considered him a hostile.>

This Dark One is not the most intelligent about combat. Inexperienced. Probably used to overpowering single enemies before they are prepared to react. I am certain that he is not here of his own accord, and has been sent by another. Well... his inexperience will cost him his life this day, of that I am most certain.

<Korenzus moved slowly towards the far end of the room, as the dark elf worked his way closer to Hydro. Only a few moments after the dark elf regained his feet, Korenzus was behind him. He made no aggressive action towards the unidentified assassin, but streched his awareness towards that of Hydro, waiting for any form of signal that would prompt him to attack.>

I am in the debt of this elf's hospitality, and if possible, I will allow him to choose the time when I may repay him.

<And so he waited.>

[Edited by Korenzus at 1:08 PM on 8/4/2004]

<The drow rose back up on his feet, but instead of again attacking Hydro, he used his elven speed to wiz out of the door, even to hydro this was too fast to track. Hydro glanced arond the room, still aware before stiitng back bown to catch his breath.>

I still dont understand why the drow attacked me! Humm....he must have been sent by another. Why didnt Koren assist me? Well i suppose i would have dont the same, considering i dont know him well enough to trust him.

<After moments of sitting down hydro noticed his hand was cut from pushing that spell into the drows stomache, he must have been wearing professionaly made armour, spikes under the main armour to decieve and harm an opponent. Upon analysing the wound, hydro imidiatly used self-heal, as the wound was small and didnt do much damage>

Goddess of water, lend me the ability to heal myself, and help me to concieve why this misguided cousin of mine attack me.

<And with this mumbled thought the wound was gone, not a scratch left on him. Hydro knew he wouldnt stay long now after this attack. He decided to wait 10 more minutes before leaving for the Open Arm Inn he noticed near the entrance to Aden.>

I shall get a room and secure it with elven encrytion spells to protect me for the night, then i shall figure out what i will do in the morning. Thats another thing added to my list, find out about the drow. I shall talk with Koren tomorrow and see if he noticed anything i didnt.

Draconious steps into the tavern eyeing the elf from the door. He asks the barkeep for a pint of rum and slams it on the table. His syes grow wider and he moves closer, then suddenly drawing his sword he screams and charges at the elf.....

<As the drow dashed for the door, Korenzus considered an attempt to stop him. But, he did not realize how quickly the dark elf could move. The drow was to the door, and then out before he could have been stopped. But, as the assassin reached to slam the door open as he fled, Korenzus noticed a rune burned into his flesh on the back of his hand. He recognized the mark and wondered if Hydro had seen it, or if he would have recognized it.>

I must find out!... but this is not the place to do so. Too many ears and eyes have already taken notice to us. I wonder... is this a common enemy we share, or was this assassin sent only to kill Hydro so that I may not further my purposes and find others to assist me?... Why didn't the dark one attack me?! Surely he must know who I am if he is one of... them. ...Hmm... Too many questions are unanswered. It seems I should have taken action against that drow, if only to gain information. Although, I doubt I would have aquired much before an interrogation would have killed him... Even under the most intense pain and agony, these ones remain very loyal to the ones they serve.

<As he mused, he noticed Hydro had seated himself again and had repaired a small injury to his hand. Thinking that he had wasted enough time already, he walked back to his chair and resumed sitting across from the elf, leaving the overturned tables and chairs as they lay. As he sat, he pulled his hood back for the first time, reavealing his short red hair, angled features, and eyes that were completely black. He looked with distaste at his glass of wine which had been spilled during the quarrel.>

"A sad waste of a very fine drink, my elven friend."

<Looking back up to the elf, he knew that more of a response was expected. Korenzus was beginning to see possibilites open up between the two in the near future, and was hoping to count this elf as an ally.>

"I apologize for my lack of action. I am one who hesitates when circumstances are not understood. I believe there are matters at hand we should discuss when possible. But, the shadows are descending upon us and it grows late. I feel it is best to talk more when we are both refreshed again. I will be staying here tonight, for I await company that will hopefully arrive soon."

<As Korenzus speaks, a strange man enters the tavern and orders a drink. Soon after, he draws a blade and charges at  Hydro screaming. Korenzus stands, knocking his chair out from beneath him and qucikly casts a spell of sleep upon the agressor, rendering him into a state of temporary stasis. Moving around behind him, he draws his knife... and smashes the hilt against the base of the man's skull, rendering him unconscious. Searching the man with his eyes and senses he detects nothing of the mark of the dark elf assassin's masters. Looking to the elf again, he speaks while standing over the attacker's limp form.>

"You seem to have many out to harm you. If you return tomorrow, we can discuss what to make of all these recent attacks."

<Without another word, he bows to the elf and exits the tavern to attempt to find more information before his upcoming meetings.> 

Mark Quit ruining the story, sry Koren, its my brother, dam hes dumb..anyway...

<Hydro waited another 10 mins before leaving the tavern, it was still raining outside. Hydro drew his hood back up and slowly moves accross the town square toward the Open Arm inn. He went inside, booked a room and went upstairs, first securing the room.>

"Hobediy, Lamora, Cestna"

<These words emitted a spark of blue magic in the centre of the room, the spark moves up to the centre of the ceiling, and a clear-blue dome surrounded the room. No1 was going to get in without Hydro noticing. Hydro then opened his journal, and began to document his thoughts and feelings to the days events, noting a possible friend Koren. Later he replied in his journal to a comment made earlier, it read, 'Thats fine Koren, i would have done the same considering i do not know you well enough.' He closed the journal and medidated some more, opening his mind, concentrating all he knew on dark elves and their assasin guilds.>

I wonder as to why this drow attack me, still i am at a lost, i go over all my knowledge on the drow but still the answers continue to elude me. I MUST know! As for Koren, can i trust him, i know i have problems trusting others, but is this guy genuine, or is he in league with the drow, afterall he did not assist me when i was attacked, but i feel im over-analysing that situation as i would have done the same. I must remain warey as Koren seems unpredictable, i know he is a mage so i dont believe i can delve into his mind unoticed, what to do?......Can i trust him......Ill see what tomorrow brings.

im not a dark elf for starters and i was just playing along jez!

An orc walks into the tavern and takes a seat the the nearest table, he noticed some spilled wine on the table, he though to himself "Pigs, don't clean up there own mess." He raised his hand and asked the bartender for a Dwarven Ale, then he patiently waited for his drink.

*Following but a few steps behind the orc he decides to take the opposite direction of his step,heading to the far end of the tavern a small excited grin hides under his old cloak and straw hat.Slowly sitting himself in a dim lit corner he raises one eye in the dirction of the human and elf, looking them over he nods seeing they know nothing of the power he seeks.nodding to himself he rests his eyes closed gently falling into the very own outreach of his mind.*"Water.."he gently wispers in the direction of the bar tender*

<After the nights rest, hydro seemed more relaxed, thinking he was safe...for now. He stood up, changed from his old cloths and put on a tunic of magic and some stockings of magic....his knowledge set would need to be washed. Hydro left a pouch of money o the innkeepers table with a small note atached saying who it was from. He left the main door to find the sunny day in front of him. Again he felt safe and happy, as a good day would usually mean no hostilities except from monsters. He passed the local market, buying small anemities before moving back to the tavern, he though this wasnt a wise move, but he knew if the dark one came back with reinforcements, he should be able to take them.>

I ponder still as to why i was attacked, i like to think i am not that well known, but obviously i am more popular then i think. The galring eyes of the humans tell me they know me, some fear me, some wish to challenge me, but dont speke up and start the challenge. I pity these humans, living their lives in towns, not truely knowing freedom, and their life span is so short. We elves live for thousands of years, i myself am 220 and i am still considerd yound, this would be 3 generations of a humans life.

<Hydro re-enterd the tavern, no hood drawn this time, his elven hair and pointed ears looked remarkable to many humans. As they have seen no elf with brown or darker hair. Like humans. He sat down and waited, mabey for Koren to return, and considerd speking with the orc. He glanced at the smirking guy in the corner, wondering what was so funny that he had to show an outward display of emotion.>

Why do they reveal their emotions, it is only weakness. Your opponent can predict your moves if your in an angry rage, you would be reckless, as you would be if you were sad. This smirk makes me think this guy is cocky. But i musnt jump to conclusions, we havent even introduced ourselves yet...and i dont intend to.

Draconious shoves the door aside and enters the badly lit room, his black cloak and armour make him seem evil. He notices the stares across the room and returns the gazess flicking his eyes into the dark corners of the room. he orders no drink and carlmy sits down in one of the darkest corners and waits.....

He looked at the door as the noble elf walked in, he had his drink this time and slammed it down on the table as he walked to the elf he held his hand out in a friendly gesture "Well met friend, what is your name?" his mouthed formed into a smile as he gestured the elf to the table.

<Hydro chose not to shake the orcs hand, not as a rude gesture, but Hydro never really learned to trust anyone. For all he knew, this orc was associated with the dark elf that had attacked him the day before. But he did speak a little, he didnt want to seen compleatly rude.>

"Yes, hello to you orc. I hear your kind are much beyond the local hype, the humans here see orcs as bloodthirsty and unintelligent savages. What say you to this? Are you from the far reaches of Elmore, over the border pass north of Aden?. I am Hydrolicide, head Spellsinger of the elven kingdom Suldenessalar. My business is my own. Would you care for a glass of my elven wine made by the brewers of Suldenessalar"

This orc seems friendly enough, i believe he is genuine, i wonder where Koren is, i am anxious to speke with him 

[Edited by AlanB at 7:46 AM on 8/5/2004]

"Yes, My kind are bloodthirsty and savages, but anything but unintelligent. I am not a bloodthirsty orc, and I am only a savage when in battle." He drew in breath and continued "I am from Elmore, but I am outcasted from my own town. I am Rhoen, pleased to meet you." raising his Dwarven Ale "I got my own drink." A grin formed on his face, hoping the elf didnt despise him as most elves would.

i am not offended by this orc, i mearly want to understand him, he says he is an outcast of his home, but he remains smiling, is this an attempt to decieve me? or is he mearly trying to fool himself and is unhappy inside, i would read his mind, but this orc seems more intelligent then the usual. i think i better stay out of his mind...for now. Also he claims he is a savage in battle, does he mean reckless? or powerful? mabey there are more to these orcs then i first though.

Yuk dwarven ale, tried it once, it has the taste of rotten earth in it, i cant stand it personally.

<Hydro looked away from the orc, keeping one eye on the man in the corner. Still waiting for Koren to return. Then he brough his attention back to the orc and asked,>

"I hear your orcish magic is weak, i am not implying you are a weak race, far from it actually, but i have heard your shamans are not very experienced mages. What happened also, why were you banshied? i hope you trust me enogth to tell me, you do not have to if you dont want to, i dont want to intrude, mearly to understand."

Pahaps i should kill the elf, he may be an one of the bloodreaver assassins send to hunt me down, but he hasnt even glanced at me. No i am being to wary this is an opptutuninty for rest against the darkness and im sure i escaped the trackers for long enough to warrnet a night or two in this inn. Yes i will take my mind off things and talk a while.

Mark aproaches the orc first but grows senses something and keeps his hand on his sword just to be safe.

"well met my orcish friend pahaps i can buy you another drink to quench your thirst and you may tell me of news from your homeland and your name if ive earned it?"

<Korenzus had not spent the night at the tavern as he had expected. Instead, he had gone to a secluded location where he was confident that none would be able to follow him to. As a magick light eminated from his hand, he had poured over pages and pages of the lost histories his master had rediscovered and had translated with Korenzus' help. Histories of why the world was, and how things had come to be as they were. Histories of the gods that were the true accounts, and not the twisted mockeries that were preached now.>

I must try to find any clue to who leads this plot against me. I have seen that mark many times before... And everywhere I have seen it, death has followed for either the mark bearer or the ones seeking to unlock these histories...

<As he paused a moment to look up from the books, he noticed the sun had come up and it was already midmorning and he no longer needed the light still eminating from his hand. He sighed... Not a single clue as of yet to who was the true leader of these dark ones. With a groan, he stood. He hadn't realized how sore his muscles had become, and he had to strech the worst of them for many minutes before he was able to travel.>

I must keep from losing myself in these writings as I do. It will not do for me to miss an appointment with another, when so much is hanging in the balance.

<He made the journey back to the tavern. Upon entering he saw Hydro conversing with an orc... a strange man approaching the orc.. and...>

<His eyes widened. He approached a man sitting in the shadows that wore a cloak and straw hat. Reaching the table, he folded his arms in his sleeves and stood talking.>

"I know of you. I had not noticed you following me, but I should have known our encounter was inevitable... I feel we have much to talk about. I will be renting a room here. You are welcome to come and discuss our fates, along with the elf and I... but know now that if you do not, I will consider you my enemy and any encounters we have from then on will be hostle."

<After saying this, Korenzus approached the bar, paying for a room and seeing if his expected company had arrived. None had, other than the elf. He wondered what to make of this, but decided he must not delay further with the elf or the cloaked man at the table. Crossing the tavern to the elf, he glanced at the orc, and then back to Hydro.>

"I believe the time has come to discuss our futures. I have secured a room here, and we may talk there. If this orc be an ally you may bring him, but after yesterday you know of the dangers we face and I'd advise you to think carefully before you put your trust in... anyone."

<With that, Korenzus walked away, past the side of the bar into the hallway leading to the tavern's rooms. After entering his, he glanced over it, finding it small yet comfortable. Glancing at the bed, he realized he was not even tired after missing the night's sleep in deep study. Instead, an inner ambition sustained him... a feeling of being so close to the next step in his journey. He had waited a long time for this... a very long time. He lowered himelf into a chair that allowed him to watch the door. He did not mind waiting a little longer...>

< The tavern door slowly opened, the rusty hinges creaking softly. Light shone in through the entranceway and a dark silouhette(sp?) stood in the doorway. The figure moved to step foward, but the tip of his foot caught the step in front of him and his frame lurched foward, falling on to the ground and skidding slightly. >
"erm whoops"
< The elf lifted himself up from the ground and looked around him. He smiled sheepsishly at the smirks he was being given by teh tavern's other guests. He brushed off his pristine white leather armor and sat himself at the bar. >
"hiya, names sidheru, you wouldnt happen to have any elven scotch would ya?"
< the bar tender passed him a glass full of the brown liquid. Sidheru swirled a sip in his mouth before swallowing. Sidheru eyed the elven mage sitting next to him and smiled.>
"hi"

[Edited by sidheru at 2:19 PM on 8/5/2004]

<Hydro listend to what Koren had to say. He then signald to  the orc he was leaving for a while, he spoke.>

"I must apologize sir orc. I must go upstairs and speak with Koren, the human mage. Things....happened yesterday and i must discuss them. Farewell"

<Hydro left his bottle of elven wine with the orc as an apology and a gift. Slowly he made his way to the desk, renting his own room for after his discussion with Koren, and made his way upstairs. Hydro noticed multiple rooms upstairs, with numbers on, his room was number 4, he entered and left his belongings in there, magically sealing the window and locking the door behind him, he sensed a magical feeling behind door number 3 so he knocked and waited.>

I am anxious to learn what Koren has been doing. Has he researched the dark elf from yesterday? what is the mark he bares. I sensed something evil on him yesterday but i dont think HE is naturally evil. I guess i shall see in a moment.

[Edited by AlanB at 1:52 PM on 8/5/2004]