Zaar's Investigation - The Conflict Heats Up

ACT I

Having been given the directions by his father to investigate their neighbors to the south for any clues about the sudden darkness that originated over Shasarazade, Zaar makes his way to Rheydin to gate the situation. Where do the Rheydinian's stand? Do they suspect the elves as the minotaurs do?

Setting: Rheydin*

Seen through Zaar's eyes.*

Edited for Length, Grammar, Spelling, and redundant message that reflects how cold it is.*

Hava rides in.

An Alsatian walks in.

Hava sheathes his weapon.

You snort derisively.

Hava peers around himself intently.

Hava looks at you.

Hava says 'Hello.'

The frigid air causes Hava's breath to coalesce into fog.

A Shrouded Minotaur speaks to you as one would speak to a child, 'I am looking for someone of the House of Rheydin.'

Hava pats an Alsatian on his head.

As the warmth escapes your mouth, it is immediately turned to fog by the frigid air.

You say 'Well?'

Hava says 'Perhaps you should be looking close to that city.'

You say 'Bah. Useless.'

Hava shrugs helplessly.

You say 'If you see one who holds authority over that city.'

You say 'Let them know that Zaar seeks an audience.'

Hava says 'That would be the Tribunal, i think.'

Hava nods.

A Shrouded Minotaur draws his cloak around his body for insulation from the temperature.

You say 'Very well then.'

You yell 'Who holds authority for this city?!'

Daeni yells 'Mah Do!'

You yell 'Then come.'

[50 Half Ran] (Sacred Oak [V]) [Male] Daeni Bloodbruda the Vengeance of the Forest

Daeni rides in.

A large raven flies in.

A large mammoth walks in.

A large spotted leopard walks in.

Daeni giggles.

Daeni flexes his muscles...what a stud!?!

You nod.

Daeni looks at you.

Daeni says 'We figh?'

You say 'You hold authority for this city do you?'

You say 'Fight?'

Daeni says 'Mah will destroy da city, mah authority say city go buh bye!'

Daeni says 'Mah hold city life in mah wittle 'ands..'

A Shrouded Minotaur rubs his chin for a moment, 'Though I would love nothing then some quick action, my mission does not include combat.'

You say 'You are a Tribunal then?'

Daeni says 'Wha yas 'ere for..'

Daeni says 'Noppers'

Daeni says 'Mah Wanns kill dem lawguys!'

A Shrouded Minotaur growls, realizing that there is a possibility he may be wasting his time.

Daeni says 'Mah gonna be Watcher!'

You say 'Listen you! I am Zaar, of the Mahn-Tor Herd....'

Daeni nods.

Daeni says 'Ands?'

You yell 'AND I DEMAND AN AUDIENCE WITH THE AUTHORITY OF THIS CITY!'

Daeni seems to measure you up and consider your size.

You say 'If that is not you, then BE GONE!'

You yell 'Help! I'm being attacked by Daeni!'

You can't yell.

Daeni kicks dirt in your eyes!

Daeni draws his weapon.

Daeni wields a staff of nature's spirits.

You trample around loudly again.

Daeni's kicked dirt scratches you.

You can't see a thing!

Daeni says 'Big Meanie!'

The frigid air causes Daeni's breath to coalesce into fog.

• Zaar proceeds to place a beating on Daeni, forcing the halfling to retreat *

You peer around yourself intently.

You yell 'I DEMAND AN AUDIENCE WITH THE AUTHORITY OF THIS CITY!'

Grrrrrrrrrr...

Gromli rides in.

The Blood Guard walks in.

Ceria rides in.

Grrrrrrrrrr...

Ceria giggles.

Ceria beams a smile at Gromli.

You say 'You!'

Gromli beams a smile at Ceria.

look ceria

Ceria is in excellent condition.

Gromli says 'Wut are it, feller?'

You say 'Who is the authority of this hogpit?!'

Ceria says 'You can't see it, Sir.'

Ceria looks at you.

Gromli nods at Ceria.

Ceria gives something to Gromli.

Gromli says 'Ah dunno it's such a Hogpit, as ye call it.'

Gromli says 'But ah'm Royal Gromli o' Tribunal.'

Gromli thanks Ceria heartily.

You peer intently at Gromli.

Gromli says 'Are there a problem?'

Ceria seems to measure you up and consider your size.

With one leap, the Shrouded Minotaur flies to the top of your tower, and enters - brazenly.

You say 'Yes.'

Daeni walks in.

A large mammoth walks in.

A large raven flies in.

A large spotted leopard walks in.

You say 'I seek an audience.'

Gromli says 'Ye got one. Speak up, feller!'

Daeni giggles.

Daeni flips head over heels.

You wield The War Axe of Mahn-Tor.

You sheath your weapon.

You say 'My name is Zaar, son of Tor, the Mahn of the Herd.'

Ceria giggles.

You say 'I come to discuss relations with this city.'

Gromli says 'Gromli Uwald o' Khorandain. Coucil representative o' Tribunal.'

Gromli says 'Aye.'

Ceria says 'Ceria Cylesta of Shazarazade.'

Ceria giggles.

A Shrouded Minotaur looks at Gromli, clearly not impressed with what he sees, 'Gromli is it? What is this city's intentions?'

Grrrrrrrrrr....take that, Ceria!!!

Ceria grins evilly at you. Hmmm. Better keep your distance.

Gromli says 'Th'intentions of th' city?'

Gromli sits down and thinks deeply.

Daeni walks in.

A large mammoth walks in.

A large raven flies in.

A large spotted leopard walks in.

Daeni tosses a small handfull of thick pollen at Gromli.

Gromli yells 'Help! Daeni just tried to send a swarm after me!'

Daeni draws his weapon.

Daeni wields a staff of nature's spirits.

Gromli draws his weapons.

Gromli wields a fiery dagger.

Gromli wields the Planar Blade adorned with a glowing ember in his off-hand.

Daeni's pollen scratches Gromli.

A Shrouded Minotaur does a backflip from atop the tower, landing squarely on his feet.

They fight, Daeni calls Thunderstorm which causes Zaar to enter combat and once again force the halfling to retreat.

You yell 'YOU DARE ASSAULT AN EMISSARY?!'

You say 'Very well... your position is made clear!'

Daeni yells 'Mah assult any official of towns!'

Grrrrrrrrrr...

look ceria

Ceria is in excellent condition.

You say 'And we know about your people too!'

Ceria raises an eyebrow at you.

You say 'What are the elves planning?'

You say 'This weather is your fault!'

Ceria smirks.

Ceria says 'Hardly our fault.'

You say 'We are being punished for your people's prophecies!'

Ceria raises an eyebrow.

Ceria says 'Our prophecies?'

You say 'We have heard about your scrolls.'

Ceria says 'They were not owned.'

Ceria says 'They were found.'

A Shrouded Minotaur narrows his eyes, 'You lie.'

look ceria

Ceria is in excellent condition.

Ceria says 'Perhaps you did not hear correctly.'

You say 'How... dare you...'

Ceria says 'Perhaps your messengers were misinformed.'

Ceria says 'Ever think of that?'

A Shrouded Minotaur slaps Ceria! 'Do not insult me!'

A banshee's wail cries forlornly along a freezing wind that bites to your bone.

Ceria raises an eyebrow.

Ceria smirks.

Ceria says 'I hardly insulted you.'

You say 'You insult the house of Tor with your words.'

You say 'We know that it is the elves.'

Gromli rides in.

The Blood Guard walks in.

You say 'The darkness originated from your home!'

Gromli says 'Fergive meh.'

You say 'Gromli. Does this city support the Elves?'

Ceria says 'I merely said that it would seem your messengers were misinformed, for it is not at fault of the Elven nation.'

Gromli says 'Aye, relations with Shasarazade are in good order.'

Ceria beams a smile at Gromli.

Gromli sits down and rests.

A Shrouded Minotaur mutters something foul.

Ceria says 'Seems this beast blames the Elven Nation for this darkness.'

The frigid air causes Ceria's breath to coalesce into fog.

Kalvidar rides in.

Kalvidar smiles happily.

Ceria curtseys gracefully to Kalvidar.

A Shrouded Minotaur crosses his arms, clearly this one is pompous. 'You call me a beast?'

Kalvidar says 'OHh, NnOot NnootIceh YOuh dERE. hhulLoo MinOotauhhR.'

Kalvidar nods at you in agreement.

You say 'But it is your people who bring this calamity upon us!'

Ceria says 'You would place blame of such evil upon the Elven Nation?'

Ceria says 'Seems you do not get out much.'

Ceria giggles.

A Shrouded Minotaur pokes an accusing finger at the forehead of Ceria, 'Where did the darkness originate? It was directly over Shasarazade'

Ceria says 'Perhaps it did, does that condemn us?'

You say 'If the shoe fits.'

Ceria says 'It is a shame you blame everyone else for the problems you have.'

You say 'Oh?'

Ceria says 'Grow some courtesy and perhaps you and your nation would not have so many problems.'

You say 'Gromli. Rheydin supports these ... people and the calamity they bring?'

Gromli says 'Ye must understand 'is concern, Ceria.'

Ceria says 'I understand him completely.'

You say 'They walk around spouting their prophecies!'

Gromli says 'T' be honest, ah weren't aware it originated over Shasarazade.'

Gromli says 'However, are th' elves t' blame?'

Ceria says 'But he blames the wrong folk for such events.'

Ceria says 'It may have started above Shazarazade, but it does not mean it to be our fault.'

Gromli says 'Agreed.'

You raise an eyebrow at the notion.

Ceria says 'If you would like to place blame upon anyone, perhaps the Heralds they are the ones that wished the scroll's founding. But who could blame them for all they saught was knowledge.'

You say 'You excuse their foul magics?'

Gromli says 'How are it t' be determined that it are their magics that brought this about?'

A Shrouded Minotaur grumbles and growls.

You say 'Look at the facts...'

You say 'These scrolls were written by their hands...'

Ceria mounts on the back of the Goliath.

You say 'The moment the hunt begins for them... this happens...'

You say 'With the darkness originating over their homeland.'

You say 'And spreading outwards...'

You say 'Bringing this night and frigidness upon all our heads!'

Ceria says 'Aye? Are you sure? Perhaps it was those of Nexus, using the few scrolls they have found?'

Gromli says 'Th' Elves o' Shasarazade wrote th' scrolls?'

Ceria says 'Elven hand wrote them, long long ago.'

Ceria says 'So you would put blame on Elven folk that had nothing to do with this?'

Gromli says 'With what intentions?'

A Shrouded Minotaur says 'Exactly!'

A Shrouded Minotaur says 'What were their intentions!'

Gromli says 'With what intentions were th' scrolls written?'

Ceria says 'I would not have any idea.'

Gromli scratches his head, looking very confused.

A Shrouded Minotaur opens both of his hands and turns around in a full circle showing the current predicament.

Ceria says 'It was far, far before my time they were written.'

A Shrouded Minotaur says 'I think it's clear.'

Ceria smirks at your saying.

A banshee's wail cries forlornly along a freezing wind that bites to your bone.

Gromli shivers uncomfortably.

A Shrouded Minotaur says 'You have brought this upon us with your searches into things that should not have been sought!'

Ceria says 'Have you ever thought it could be the hand of Nexians? Using the few scrolls they have?'

A Shrouded Minotaur says 'Pfff.'

A Shrouded Minotaur waves away the suggestion much like one would wave at an insect.

Ceria says 'Well?'

Gromli says 'As unpleasant as it are, ah'm not gonner condemn th' Elves until ah've further investigated th' matter.'

Gromli says 'Ah dunno their intentions...'

Gromli says 'Ah dunno how th' scrolls were used.'

Gromli says 'Ah dunno what were written on them scrolls.'

Ceria says 'Hmm...you do not answer now?'

Ceria says 'As I had thought. It is not known who has caused this darkness.'

A Shrouded Minotaur says 'Why do you not speak to their Queen?!'

Gromli says 'Th' Duchess?'

A Shrouded Minotaur nods.

Gromli says 'Surely.'

Ceria says 'I shall go speak with her now.'

Ceria smirks.

A Shrouded Minotaur says 'I do not think the Nexus are behind this.'

Ceria smirks at your saying.

Ceria rides north.

INTERMISSION

While Ceria heads to Shasarazade to seek an audience with the Duchess, the conversation continues between Gromli and Zaar continues

You say 'Why not ask Lady Anume of their tower?'

Gromli says 'Lady Anume are not t' be trusted.'

You snort derisively.

You say 'But SHE is?'

Gromli says 'Not necessarily, naw.'

Gromli says 'Ah'm jes' ill-informed at present.'

You nod.

Gromli says 'Ah'll ah've heard are accusations, ah ain't seen no proof.'

Gromli says 'Or heard no admittance o' fault.'

You say 'The official position of Mahn-Tor is that the Elves are to blame.'

Gromli says 'An' how will Mahn-Tor respond?'

You say 'She admits that the source of the darkness comes from her hometown!'

Gromli says 'But do th' fault lie with th' Elves?'

You say 'Allow me to ask you a question.'

Gromli says 'Certainly.'

You say 'You hear a loud blast from the invoker's guild. When you arrive, you find a fire, and someone standing there with explosive powder in their hands... '

Gromli listens intently.

You say 'What would you believe?'

Gromli says 'Ah would believe th' feller with th' powder caused th' blast.'

Gromli says 'However...'

Gromli says 'In mah line o' work, ah kinnot act on premonitions.'

Grrrrrrrrrr...

Gromli says 'Ye see, if'n ah didn't directly witness th' event in question, ah'm not t' determine guilt.'

ACT II

Ceria makes her way to Shasarzade to converse with Duchess Destelandara, in hopes of getting a better understanding of the situation. Is there any basis to the seemingly outlandish claims of the Minotaurs? What does this mean for her people?

This part is seen through the eyes of Ceria.*

The Duchy

It is here that the Duke and his wife receive their subjects, seated upon

huge platinum thrones flanked by their Elite Guards. Occasionally Tuo the

Arch Mage or Lallinthenera the High Priest will attend, though both dislike

such officious business. Your footsteps echo about this pillared hall as

you tread slowly upon the marble floor. You can feel several pairs of eyes

on you as you travel, and suddenly find yourself eager to be gone from the

room as soon as possible.

[Exits: north east south west up]

A mighty Fortress looms over the area.

A Citizen of Shasarazade strolls idly by.

(White Aura) Duchess Destelandara stares imperiously at you.

(White Aura) Duke Stalatharata, ruler of the Duchy of Shasarazade, stands here.

You smile happily.

Duchess Destelandara says 'How can we help you, Ceria?'

The frigid air causes Duchess Destelandara's breath to coalesce into fog.

You say 'Dear Lady, might I ask you a question?'

Duchess Destelandara nods.

You say 'I search for reasons of this darkness. Seems an emissary of Mahn-Tor thinks you know of these dark days and the cause of such.'

Duchess Destelandara raises an eyebrow.

Duke Stalatharata sighs, and rubs his tired face.

You say 'Is that true?'

Duchess Destelandara says 'Mahn-Tor? The Minotaurs?'

Ceria nods slowly.

Duchess Destelandara says 'Have you consulted the fragments?'

You say 'I have but is not easily read, peices are still missing.'

You say 'Do you know of the meaning of these scrolls? It is said they were written of Elven hand.'

Duchess Destelandara says 'Yes. They were written by our people long ago.'

The frigid air causes Duchess Destelandara's breath to coalesce into fog.

Ceria nods slowly.

You sigh.

You say 'The Emissary blames the Elven Nation for these dark events.'

Duchess Destelandara shakes her head, 'I do not think we are to blame. But you cannot reason with Minotaurs.'

You giggle.

Ceria nods slowly.

Militia Ceria: 'Gromli, is that minotaur still speaking with you?'

You feel less protected.

Militia Gromli: 'He are.'

Militia Ceria: 'What is he saying if I may ask?'

Militia Gromli: 'He are speakin' out against Shasarazade.'

Duchess Destelandara says 'We have some reason to believe that they maybe tied to the Nexus.'

Ceria nods slowly.

Militia Gromli: 'In a vain attempt t' change mah stance on th' matter, it'd seem.'

You say 'As I told the minotaur.'

Militia Ceria: 'Duchess Destelandara seems it is the Nexians at fault, or atleast they are tied into such.'

You ponder the question.

Duchess Destelandara says 'They may even have a hand in this.'

The frigid air causes Duchess Destelandara's breath to coalesce into fog.

You say 'Is there anything more you know, Miss?'

Duchess Destelandara says 'We are sending some spies currently to investigate the matter.'

Ceria nods slowly.

You say 'I wonder if Lady Anume or the Demon Lord would have had a hand in these events.'

Duchess Destelandara says 'We will keep an eye on the Nexus and the Minotaurs.'

Ceria nods slowly.

You say 'If anything is found, please contact me, Miss?'

Duchess Destelandara says 'We will my child.'

The frigid air causes Duchess Destelandara's breath to coalesce into fog.

You smile happily.

You say 'I thank you for your time, Duchess.'

You curtsey to your audience.

ACT III

With new information in hand, Ceria makes her way back to Rheydin where she finds that Zaar and Gromli had been continuing their conversation in her absence. What will she do with the new information she has been given?

This is seen through the eyes of Zaar.*

You say 'Then they commit the perfect crime...'

Gromli says 'Eventually, all criminals are brought t' Justice.'

Gromli says 'It are jes' a matter o' time until th' events unfold an' there'll be no question as t' who t' blame.'

You say 'We will not risk such calamity on good will!'

You spit in utter disgust.

Gromli says 'Then how will ye respond?'

Gromli says 'What action will Mahn-Tor take against Shasarazade?'

A Shrouded Minotaur rubs his chin and grunts, 'We will take whatever measure necessary!'

You say 'To save our people!'

A Shrouded Minotaur draws his cloak closer against his body for protection against the cold.

Gromli says 'Absolutely. But do ye honestly feel threatened?'

Gromli says 'Or are ye bein' a bit quick t' pass judgement?'

You say 'Are you blind?! Do we feel threatened?! Of course! Look what we currently experience!'

Rakith flies in.

Rakith's Knight Avatar flies in.

A War Golem halts his marching to survey the area.

A War Golem says 'Don't get in the way of the Iron Hand, Rakith.'

The frigid air causes A War Golem's breath to coalesce into fog.

Mephizex narrows his eyes.

Rakith yells 'Die! Mephizex, you sorcerous dog!'

A sinister dark aura envelops Rakith and he falls to his knees.

** More fighting **

You mutter quietly to yourself.

You peer intently at Ceria.

Ceria says 'So you are still here, it seems.'

A Shrouded Minotaur says 'And you did not get slain by robbers along the way.'

A Shrouded Minotaur says 'A shame.'

Ceria says 'After a short discussion with the Duchess.'

A Shrouded Minotaur raises an eyebrow.

Ceria says 'She too thinks it be tied to the Nexians.'

A Shrouded Minotaur says 'Is that not the elven way?'

A Shrouded Minotaur says 'Shirk all blame!'

Ceria smirks.

Ceria says 'You do not know your own facts, beast.'

A Shrouded Minotaur says 'Turn your nose against us all will you?'

Ceria says 'A shame you beasts are so arrogant.'

A Shrouded Minotaur says 'I swear! By my horns you elves will suffer for this!'

Ceria says 'Not so long as I am here.'

A Shrouded Minotaur draws his weapon.

A Shrouded Minotaur wields The War Axe of Mahn-Tor.

A Shrouded Minotaur says 'Yeah?'

Ceria smirks.

A Shrouded Minotaur growls dangerously, but thinks twice about it.

A Shrouded Minotaur sheathes his weapon.

Ceria says 'Hmm?'

A Shrouded Minotaur says 'As an emissary, I will do no such thing.'

Ceria says 'A shame.'

A Shrouded Minotaur says 'I will not violate my diplomacy for one such as you.'

Ceria sits down and thinks deeply.

A Shrouded Minotaur says 'But we will meet again on the battlefield.'

Ceria says 'Let it come, beast.'

A Shrouded Minotaur says 'And it is then that I will slit your neck.'

Ceria smirks at your saying.

A Shrouded Minotaur says 'And let your sacriligeous blood spill upon the battlefield.'

Ceria says 'We shall see when that day comes.'

A Shrouded Minotaur yells 'It seems that this city binds its fate to the Elves then!'

Ceria says 'What, will Mahn-Tor boast war now?'

You tell Gromli 'As you wish then.. allow them to lead you to annihilation.. but the Mahn Herd will not stand idle.'

A Shrouded Minotaur says 'I will report to my Father.'

Gromli says 'Rheydin have not taken sides.'

A Shrouded Minotaur says 'And his decision will be his decision.'

Ceria says 'Let us hope he is more reasonable that you.'

Gromli says 'An' will not do so uninformed.'

A Shrouded Minotaur says 'This city cannot hide behind its veil of neutrality for too long.'

Gromli says 'Rheydin do not hide behind a "veil".'

A Shrouded Minotaur says 'By the time you gain your information... all may be lost.'

Gromli chortles mischieviously.

Ceria says 'You honestly think your small village could overcome?'

Ceria smirks.

A Shrouded Minotaur growls.

Gromli says 'What d' they have t' overcome?'

Gromli raises an eyebrow at Ceria's weird actions.

Ceria says 'From what I have seen of your warriors, I doubt it would happen.'

A Shrouded Minotaur tightens his grip on his weapon. Yet still refrains from action.

Gromli nudges Ceria.

Gromli says 'Shh. Dun taunt 'im.'

A shrouded Minotaurs eyes begin to turn a dangerous shade of red!

Gromli says 'Easy, feller. No problems 'ere.'

A Shrouded Minotaur spits in utter disgust!

A Shrouded Minotaur says 'This diplomatic visit is over.'

A Shrouded Minotaur turns and walks away angrily.