Game: Great minds think alike

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Finwe's picture
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Game: Great minds think alike

'Well g-good,' the tiefling looks around some more. 'Oh, I'm in the Burned Torch! Unity of rings indeed, how convenient.'
His teeth stop chattering and he rubs his hands. 'Time for some hard-earned bub.'
Only now does he turn around to see what everyone else is looking at.
'Wh-... That's new,' he says dryly as he's staring wide-eyed at the 9 ft diameter sphere of ice.

[OOC: Thank you! It's great to be here Laughing out loud ]

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While more than half of the patrons ignore the new arrival, a couple of guests jump up or at least get into a defensive position as the baatezu-descendant appears. From certain points of view, it appears as if he'd come right out of the sphere.

At first, even the barkeeper jumps backwards, obviously shocked - then gives out a sigh of relief as he understands what has happened. "Powers-cursed portals, cursed blek!" he hisses.

Ophelia turns to the newcomer, but does nothing but observing him yet.

[OOC: Welcome, Finwe! Glad to have you in our little group, and I hope we'll all have lots of fun together Smiling ]

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"Unity of rings? Did the Burned Torch play a part in your departure?" ian askes, never turning toward him.

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The hulking gnoll that is standing next to Ian turns his head to the new patron, looks him up and down through his skull shaped masked, then calmly asked with a child-like innocence...

"Are you a good fiend, or a bad fiend?"

then starts to wisper rather loudly to himself with fingers crossed "please be good, please be good, please be good..."

occ:Howdy Finwe! I hope you have fun adventuring with us!

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The tiefling looks at the masked gnoll with a peery eye for a moment and thinks Uh-oh, the Bleakniks lost a barmy. He then cheerily replies: 'Good fiend or bad fiend? Well, since all fiends are bad fiends and no fiends are good fiends, that makes me no bad fiend, but a good fiend since I am no fiend!' He grins.

'It sure did,' the bald and slightly scaly man replies to Ian. 'When I'm not travelling this is the prime place I go to for bub.'
'So what's with the chunk o' glass over here?' He points to the sphere. 'What's it doin' here?'

'Oh, by the way, the name's Saath.'

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"Oh, that? Just a recent aquisition from the plane of Baator. In fact," Ian says, looking at him out of the corner of his eye. "my companians and I will soon be departing to determin its exact origin."

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'Baator? Are you meaning to tell me Charrdh went all the way to the fifth to get a block of ice this size to display to the bubbers, without a baatezu knowin' or carin' about it?' Saath scratches his head.

'Well, it sure has a nice glow to it. Wouldn't want this place sacked by a couple of pissed off 'zu looking for their property, though.' A look of concern crosses his face.
'Maybe I should have a talk with Charrdh, try and convince him to get rid of it,' he says to himself.

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"You speak as if you knew Charrd personally. Is this the case?"

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'Aye, certainly. I've had a chat with him on occasion. He doesn't come up here too often, though. Spends most of his time downstairs in his room, but he shows himself sometimes when it's not too busy.'

'So I take it you and your companions are here to see him as well?'

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Ian shruggs. "He has a small matter that needs taking care of. But it is a relatively minor concern, and as such is not worthy of his full attention. That is where we come in."

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Behind the bar, the door to Charrdh's rooms opens. The barkeeper hurries to step to the right edge of the bar, as far away from the door as possible.

A dark figure walks up from the stairway: Dead skin on a thin, bony body, a grinning face with large fangs and eye sockets filled with glowing yellow lights (and no eyes). The creature wears a bejeweled robe, tattered by probably a couple of centuries, and a large king's crown on his bald head. The humanoid is about seven feet tall, and appears strong and powerful despite the almost skeletal appearance.

He is followed closely by another creature, resembling him almost like a twin. The main difference is the fine, pitch black robe that the second humanoid wears, and the gnarled staff he holds which crackles with blue magical energy.

The two beings position themselves at each side of the door. The one on the right pushes his staff on the ground with a loud Slam!, then announces in a creaky voice:

"Free a path for Xanarox, apprentice, ambassador and personal assassin of the great Juiblex, traveller of time and traitor extraordinaire. Those who stand in his way will suffer a terrible death."

As the creature finishes his speech, a young man - no more than sixteen years old - comes up the stairway. His light brown clothes are fine, but not outstanding, as is his entire appearance: He could fit in almost everywhere, from Hive to Lady's Ward, from the Abyss to Mt. Celestia. The most outstanding thing about him is that there appears to be absolutely nothing outstanding about him.

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[OOC: I've posted an invitation for one more player in the "Behind the Scenes" forum. Let's see what comes out of this Smiling ]

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Ian takes a large step back from the path from the door downstairs to the door outside, and bows.

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Saath follows Ian's example, but rather than bowing he tries to stay out of sight.

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An assassin? Why would Charrd need an assassin? He's a traitor too? Why would Charrd work with someone whose a traitor? TERRIBLE DEATH??? Why do I even hang out in the hive? Why i'm I asking myself all these questions? And I still can't tell if our new friend is a good fiend or a bad fiend!!!

MG stands where he is and scratches his head, confusing himself more and more with each passing second.

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OOC: Blackthornes? I think we're waiting on you.

And heres hoping that the masked gnoll is not in the way.

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[OOC: Yes, we're waiting for Blackthornes, and no, MG is not in the way - though he's close Eye-wink ]

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[OOC: Before our game falls into hibernation, I'll just go on...]

Xanarox, followed by the two probably undead humanoids, rounds the bar and walks straight to the door. He's smiling amused and obviously pleased. Short before he reaches the door, a human bubber raises from his chair, and tumbles right into his path.

"Jubi.. Jubber... Juiblex, ye say? I say he's just Blek! Eh-hehehehehe!"

As the drunken and dirty man laughs out, everyone nearby hurries to get as far away from him as possible.

Ian, Blackthornes, the Masked Gnoll and Ophelia hear a well-known cat-like voice in their minds. You need to see this. You need to realize his power.

Xanarox stops only an inch away from the bubber. "You're not worth the trouble of slaying you," he speaks in a clear, but oily voice. "For your offense, you will be... unborn."

Xanarox continues his path, opening the door and leaving the tavern.

The man who offended him - is not there. He never has been. Despite the fact the planewalkers remember the bubber, they know he has never been here.

Everyone else sits or stands just where they were before the bubber's offense. Noone seems to notice what has just happened.

[OOC: @Finwe: Saath also hasn't noticed what just happened.]

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'Huh. What's a blood like that want with Charrdh?' Saath says while coming out of hiding after Xanarox has left the tavern.
'Well, time to be Charrdh's next visitor!'

Saath walks up to the door to the office and asks the bartender: 'Oy, Charrdh's free now, right?'

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Ian is momentarily dumbfounded by the drunken man being negated from existance.
Holy Hells... there goes one cutter I can go the rest of my life without seeing again, powers willing.

Quote:
'Well, time to be Charrdh's next visitor!'

Saath walks up to the door to the office and asks the bartender: 'Oy, Charrdh's free now, right?'

"Sorry to interrupt, but we have business with Charrd, and we have been waiting for his meeting with Xanarox to come to a close."

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'Oh, 'scuse me cutter,' Saath apologizes. 'Didn't think Charrdh was so popular today.'

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The bartender nods to both Ian and Saath. "Under 'ese circumstances, I think Charrdh won't mind if ye go down together."

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*Blackthornes seems a little taken aback by the young man with undead bodygaurds, and seems a bit at odds about this new fellow.*
""well, not only did our wait finally end, but now we have to go down with another? ian I need to speak with you."
*with that he well list to speak into ian's ear, taking care to not be heard by saath*
"do you think we can trust him, I mean he did just appear out of nowere, and we don't know who he is. Sure, he knows charrd, but from how the last fellow was announced, Idsay that doesn't make him look very good. I think we already have enough backstappers hanging around in the group, if you take my meaning."
*Turning back around to saath*
"oy, there sir sorry I haven't spoken before now, I was deep in thought. People call me Blackthornes and Blackthornes I am. Might I employ your trade and what brings you to see charrd."


OOC: Sorry I haven't been on guys, my computer has not been working correctly, so I haven't been able to read the thread or post in it. I can get on at school, and hopefully I can fix the problem before too long. finwe, welcome to the group.

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'Thanks mate!' Saath says to the bartender. 'That should speed things up a bit.'

'Eh? No need to apologize,' he says after Blackthornes adresses him. 'Me name's Saath and I don't really have a trade. Well, no, I suppose I'm a planeswalker now, as I've been around the Wheel here and there..'
'I don't think you need to know my business with Charrdh, but as a gesture of goodwill and since we'll be seeing 'im together I might as well tell you that I only want to know about that sphere,' he nods to the thing, 'and ask him to get rid of it before fiends will gain an unhealthy interest in my favourite bubhole. Though that might be a bit too late considering his last guest...'
'So what's your trade and business with Charrdh then, Blackthornes?' Saath grins.

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[OOC: Glad to have you back, Blackthornes! I was already afraid you'd be gone for good, too... hope you'll have your problems solved soon!]

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Before Blackthornes has a chance to respond, Ian jumps into the conversation. "I'm afriad that our business with Charrd is not yours to know. Client confidentiality."

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As the planewalkers are talking, the door to Charrdh's room opens again, and Charrdh comes out, obviously nervous. As he sees the adventurers and Saath, his face lights up, and he waves for them to come over.

"I'm glad you're here, oh, and Saath, welcome back! Come on in, too - if you have time for a well-paid job, that is!"

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Saath laughs. 'Very good!' He says to Ian. 'I can tell you have a proper brain-box on those shoulders. I highly value client confidentiality meself you know.'

As Charrdh waves them over, Saath comes down the stairs. 'Ello Charrdh! There's always time for a well paid job!'

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Ian pivots around to face Charrd, his head slightly bowed. "Evening Charrd. I hope your day has been more fortunete then ours."

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*To ian, a bit angered, taking no means to be quiet*
"Thank you for underminding me Shadowknife, though I am not as stupid as you may think. I guess that as long as Charrd trusts him, we should too."
*he turns to Saath, calming down considerably.*
" As for my profession, I do what I do best, and that's what ever I can be employed in. I cannot tell you my buisness with Charrd, as it is not my place to tell you."

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"You silly fiends are all the same! You get so angry over silly things then you say your not fiends when your both obviouslly fiends. Just cause your grandmas gave it up to to some 'liths doesn't mean you can be you can be rude and inturupt your employer. Now you to knock it off before you upset Ms. Daisy!"

MG then looks down into his knapsack and starts to whisper.....

"Don't let those scary fiends scare you....sshhhhh......it's ok.....sshhhhhh....."

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Charrdh sighs, replying, "Let's just say I'm increasing my payment to you... but only if you get into my rooms NOW."

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"Now thats what I call incentive." Ian says. "Come on, you heard the man."
Ian heads toward the stairs.

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[OOC: What about everyone else? Do you follow?]

Ophelia follows Charrdh silently, waiting for the others at the door.

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[OOC: Saath is already there, he went down the stairs last week Smiling ]

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*Blackthornes seems to change mind*
"Im game. Lets get down stairs and get everything over with."

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"I think it would be best if I wait out here. Talking buissness kinda confuses me.....and this way I can keep an eye out for Tiger Fury Or the Illumian. You can just fill me in after the meeting. Ms. Daisy will keep me company while I wait."

MG starts tickling his knapsack and giggling like a child....

"Oh how I love you Ms. Daisy!"

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Charrdh, only slightly irritated by the Masked Gnoll, shakes his head.
"I want you to go portalhopping right from my room - and right after we finish business. Come along, I don't wanna waste time."

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"hhmmm.....O.K. you talked me into it."

The Masked Gnoll follows the others

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As the group heads down the stairs, Charrdh signals Ian to wait for him. As they walk down at the end of the group, he whispers to him, "Who or what is Miss Daisy? Anything I should be wary about?"

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Ian whispers back. "This is the first I've heard of a Miss Daisy, to be honest. It's entirely possible that he's named his knapsack."

Ian looks at the Masked Gnolll for a moment, and then back at Charrd. "I wouldn't be too worried, but keep in mind that he doesn't think like most people. He has some sort of new and interesting form of logic that makes a decent substitute for the real thing."

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Charrdh scratches his chin, then nods. "Maybe he's just perfect for Baator."

As everyone comes into his room, he closes the door and takes place behind his table.

"Fine... the important stuff first: I want you to start your trip right after we finished talking here. You'll first go to a place in the Abyss, a nameless city, where you'll find a tower. Within that tower, there's a magical gate... a gate of time. You'll travel into the past to ensure there are solutions prepared for all the trouble I'm in right now. Once you've used the gate, you'll make the trip to Baator as we discussed."

He looks at Saath, signaling him to come closer. "Quick information for you - I'm in a hurry to get this done. There's a fiend in the sphere up there, and while I don't know who it is, it's obvious he must have been important. I want you to find out who it is. Also, I want to know who's interested in him and why, and how we can deal with those people... like my last visitor."

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Ian raises an eyebrow. "A time gate? Sensitive thing, time."
"Obviously we'll need to know how to use it, what you need done and how you feel would be the best way to handle it, how far back we will be going... as much general knowledge about the gate and the process as we have time for."

"As an aside, did you write up a log of the strange occurances surrounding the sphere like I asked?"

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"As far as time allowed," Charrdh replies, pointing to a bundle of sheets on his table. "The gate can be activated by this key" - he pulls a large iron key out of a trouser pocket - "but there's a possible problem: I've never been there myself, and I know neither how the tower looks like, nor where the gate is inside the tower. There's a rumour it's at the tower's deepest chamber, but that may be no more than a rumour."

He looks at the door, appearing somewhat frightened for a moment. "The time... 500 years should suffice. That's before the birth of Xanarox, and as far as I know, he can't travel beyond the time of his own birth."

Taking a deep breath, Charrdh closes his eyes for a moment.
"What do I need done... I need you to find out everything about the fiend in the sphere, how and why he got there, and who's interested enough in the sphere to become a troublemaker for me. Any troublemakers you can... untrouble on your trip, feel free to do so."

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"So we're basically going to do what we would have done, but in the past. Convientally 500 years before anyone knows that they need to stop us. Clever." Ian says, pocketing the proffered key. "I assume that this can get us back as well? As much fun as staying in the past could be, the less time we spend there the better."
Almost as an afterthought, Ian picks up the bundle of papers and places them in his handysack.

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"I assume so. The tower was originally built in Sigil, and if my sources are correct, the gate is linked to standard Sigil time. It was, well, moved into the Abyss a couple of millennia ago, and it goes both into the past and the future. No single being can use it more than three times, though."

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*Blackthornes seems to pay attention to everyword of Charrd's statement*
"Going back in time to stop this is a grand idea, but I have a consern: Does this tower have any residents that we should be aware of?"

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"Honestly," Charrdh answers, "I don't know. I've never been there, and while my source is a good one, there's very little knowledge about the tower itself. To be precise, the city itself is quite unknown."

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Saath, appearing much more serious than before, says:
'500 years is a long time... So this Xanarox can... travel through time? Wow, I took him for a run-o'-the-mill diplomat of the knife with bodyguards stronger than himself.' He frowns.

'One practical question: should we have the need fer it, how or where would you propose we leave a time capsule? For that matter, any chance we already left a message for ourselves from the past?' Saath grins.

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hiding a confused look under his skulled shape mask, MG ponders out loud about time travel.....

"What if i mess up the future by doing something in the past? I mean, I've heard stories of people no longer existing cause they messed up in the past. If something where to happen to Ms. Daisy or I......that would be horrific! It takes a real dummy to not see that I could bare handedly handle any threat that comes our way, but time isn't something I could just wrestle into submision......"

Flind eyes widen as enlightenment hits

"Or is it?......"

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