Gritting his teeth, Aras charges headlong at the portal, his step not faltering, his stride not slowing.
As he reaches the last few feet before the gateway he bunches his legs and pushes off into a bounding leap that will take him sailing through the portal to... whatever lies beyond.
Dreer smirks softly at the comment. "I have a meeting in a couple days, but I'm not sure what else is in store. What does your schedule entail and when would be best for you?"
I have no bar duties, nor any independent employment offers in the coming week, anytime is fine.
Looking hopeful, then pensive:
Perhaps we could promenade somewhere interesting? I know of a few places underneath the Mortuary though they aren't the safest areas in the Cage. I would have given you a personal tour of the Underground if they hadn't restricted it in light of the recent attacks on the Mortuary. The Sensoriums are never a bad bet, though I doubt they would match the charm of the former.
What would interest you?
Dreer could swear he hears faint rain pattering (though not nearly what it was inside the Necromancy Shop) as Aya leans in close and waits for a response.
The hobgoblin feels himself being sucked in. For split second he is weightless, and then pushed forcefully into the courtyard, which loses it's pale blue ambiance as the portal is no more.
Aras is walled in. The courtyard, now that he sees all of it, is more of an octagonal marble 'arena' with pillars (seemingly) thrown arbitrarily about it.
THAT MAKES 8. FINALLY!
WE SHALL START IN ONE HOUR
A squeaky, cold voice booms from everywhere, or so it seems.
Aras then feels very light, and blacks out for what seems like a short second.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
He awakens in a much smaller room that is shaped like a rectangle. This one, appears more like a prison cell than an arena. An opaque, marble door lies to one side, and a circular, marble pedestal at the center of the room- between Aras and the door.
On the pedestal is (what Aras conjectures to be) a Sensory Stone. Unlike most Sensory Stones, this one is hovers several inches above the flat top of the pedestal. It gives a soft green glow.
He then comes to the horrifying realization that his person has been completely stripped- he is still wearing his clothes, but nothing else.
Aras' first reaction is to approach the door. Once there, he listens carefully to try and hear if there is anyone, or anything, on the other side.
OOC: This is probably glaringly obvious, but I have to ask as I don't have my books with me... What kind of roll would I need to use if Aras tries to break the door down?
Listen: 9
OOC: hey Cern, I'm actually not that sure, but how does a Strength check sound? It's going to be DC 25
Nearly a quarter-hour later, the summoned creatures (creature- at least the one that was supposed to) have not returned to Xasskorn
I have no bar duties, nor any independent employment offers in the coming week, anytime is fine.
Looking hopeful, then pensive:
Perhaps we could promenade somewhere interesting? I know of a few places underneath the Mortuary though they aren't the safest areas in the Cage. I would have given you a personal tour of the Underground if they hadn't restricted it in light of the recent attacks on the Mortuary. The Sensoriums are never a bad bet, though I doubt they would match the charm of the former.
What would interest you?
Dreer could swear he hears faint rain pattering (though not nearly what it was inside the Necromancy Shop) as Aya leans in close and waits for a response.
Listen: 15
Sense Motive: 16
Dreer face is expressionless for a moment before breaking into another wan smile as he relaxes. "A promenade would be pleasant. Whatever place best suits my lovely hostess will do."
She gives a faint smile, her eyes brighter than ever. Then let's meet here in two days .. same time.. unless you have something else in mind?
Dreer can still hear the pattering, though it remains very light. Rather than menacing or intruding, the rhythm of the sound now has a calmer... perhaps more sensual beat.
His intuition tells him that Aya is definitely more than she appears to be, or has told him so far - she exudes an aura of mystery (which is expected from a Dustwoman) and adventure (which isn't). Furthermore, Dreer can sense that her motives (at least toward him) are not malignant.
OOC: What day is that meeting with the crew? Then again, Argint doesn't have to show up at that either, depending on the plot arch you want to work out
Oh, and the patter of bugs...ominous, ooky, and completely intriguing 
The meeting with the rest is tomorrow? Crap- I'm probably gonna go back and check on that. In any case- the times don't coincide (meet with Aya BEFORE the crew- and oh yea- seeing as how you don't have to... it's totally up to you)
ps. I'm glad you like the bugs- or if not like them, at least you're intrigued 
Dreer's eyebrow arches slightly as he continues to smile and says with a false deliberation. "Always busy...but I can always find time for such a sparkle."
He rises from his chair and slides to the side of the table that gives him an easy angle to the door. He gently adds, "I shall see you in two days' time, Miss Aya."
He gives a cursory glance to the group of Dustmen in the back of the bar before turning to leave.
Bluff: 21 to disguise his last study of the Dusties
Spot: 13
Search: 5
Listen: 22
The few remaining Dusties of the original group don't seem to notice his departure.
From what Dreer can hear, the conversation has changed- judging by the snippets he gets, the talk is now about portals within the Mortuary. One odd word catches Dreer's attention "Kaleeha" Muttered by one of the women.
(Knowledge: judging by the context of the conversation- it may be a portal key)
Dreer logs the word in his mind as he turns and waves goodbye to Aya. Once he leaves, he shrugs his shoulders and becomes a tanned man with a moderate bulk. Entering an alleyway, he sheds the cloak and exits the other side with only his leather armor and regular garb.
"Alonso" continues onward back toward the Foundary, stopping only if he catches any clues on the phrases he overheard during his stay at the Dusties' bar.
Gather Info: 28
"Kaleeha"
"Baator......Gehenna.... open the doors.....Aasimar.. heretic.... Resurrection"
On his way to the Foundry, he passes by several 'questionable characters. A group of about 10 armored githyanki, a lone barbazu humming to itself...and the such. None, fortunately, cause any trouble for Alonso, and for the most part, the pit-pattering of the rain has subsided.
That is until he reaches the Ditch. As he walks over the tenuous bridge, the rain assaults his senses. The sound is unfriendly once again, up to a dull roar... and then he finally spots a large human right in front of him (who didn't seem to be there before) blocking his path on the bridge. The man wears Dustmen's robes - but it is a pretty good bet that he isn't.
He begins in an unusually high-pitched voice: Ye shouldn't be walking around these parts at this time, cutter, it isn't safe.
He looks up at Alonso with faux pensiveness and a melodramatic furrow in his brow. Without waiting for a response, he continues: Though I can make sure you make it across the bridge..for some jink, of course. You watch my back, and I'll watch yer's.
Alonso, for the first time, notices three other (human) men in similar dustie garb standing right behind him on the bridge. He did not hear them walk up.
There is no other avenue across than through these men.
OOC: No other pertinent info gained by the Knowledge check on the above queries
Listen: 17 (bugs origin)
Sense Motive: 18
Spot: 17
Search: 10
(Scanning the man and crew beyond
Bluff: 27 (to appear surprised)
How wide is this bridge? And how behind him are the other Dusties??
Alonzo's eyes widen slightly when the man talks to him, seeming to wake up from some internal reverie. His voice thick and fluid, full of unexplainable energy, the swarthy human replies, "Oh, I didn't realize where I was...(whispers, but still audible)Alonzo, mustn't get distracted with your craft duties!...I am sorry, but you will have to face them alone. G'day"
Unless challenged, Alonzo starts walking back down the bridge, though he casts a furtive glance every so often to see if the man's attention turns to the away (if only for a moment).
the bridge is 6 feet wide - Alonso can try to make a run for it, but the man ahead is large, and probably would end up tackling Alonso without much trouble.
As Alonso turns around to walk back, he realizes that the three other Dusties are directly behind him - effectively blocking his path.
One of them gives Alonso a hostile glare, and he too speaks in an unusually squeaky, high-pitched voice.
Someone needs to learn manners... and not turn his back when de boss is preachin'
This man has a broadsword drawn (but lowered), and the other two dusties also have weapons (one with a quarterstaff and another with two short-swords) drawn.
OOC:
The "bugs" origin are inside his head... there can be no doubt about that from Argint's perspective.
Sense Motive: This is one of the nicer, more 'civil' ways of extorting money in the Hive... at least with these Thugs, the victim has a chance to live.
[mod]Original post edited by moderators as off-topic to this RP thread. If in doubt, read the rules.[/mod]
Bazimem, the half-djinni : Please check your PMs (see the link highlighted in green at the top of this page labeled "Private Messages".)
Down beneath the bridge, the "waters" of the Ditch gurgle and splash unexpectedly, and a sound creaks forth, like the sound of a tree slowly being torn in half...
Aras's caution is uncalled for (at least for the time being). No hidden assailants make themselves known as he approaches the portal.
Ahh the portal. Aras feels an anxiousness to enter it excited though slightly fearful of the unknown. There is no turning back.
The portal beckons with a soft hissing noise. Through the counterclockwise, pale-blue swirls, the hobgoblin sees a magnificent, decorated marble column partially hiding what appears to be a courtyard.