Earlier in the day various people were having visions of a Kaldar smashing the city of Crossings to ruin

Earlier in the day various people were having visions of a Kaldar smashing the city of Crossings to ruin. Mages, Clerics and those in touch with Nature kept sending their thoughts across Zoluren indicating something was amiss. I, Renwulf, happened to wander past the gate into this...

You see Earth-Born Zadieus Xanthious, a Kaldaran Cleric.

He has sharp cheekbones and a square face that frames deep-set silver eyes that dance with malice. Flowing hair the color of night falls across his cheeks, obscuring much of his neck. He is unusually thin and lanky for a Kalar, and appears almost sickly.

He is just under average height for a Kaldar.

He is an adult, though it looks as though age has hardly touched him.

He has a tattoo of brilliant green vines that circle both wrists before climbing the full length of his arms to wrap the shoulders in an intricate maze of green leaves.

He is in good shape.

He is wearing a target shield, a blackwood helm carved with a raven's visage across the brow, a rough blackwood quiver, a sturdy woven reed rucksack with knarled blackwood hooks, a heavy woven reed robe covered by myriad polished bone and lacquered blackwood panels, a pair of dark leather gloves with jagged bone knuckleguards, a wide bone band inlaid with a raven in flight mosaic, a pair of dark leather moccasins with beadwork ravens and a heavy blackwood crossbow with dangling iridescent raven feathers.

Zadieus says, "My people have learned that walls and cities do not make you safe. Only nature can do that."

Loreali says, "You will notice that none of us are taking refuge within the walls or city."

Zadieus says to Dalkin, "I know your kind. Soft, city folks, running about. Sure they are free of nature and her ways."

Zadieus shakes his head.

Zadieus asks, "And I am supposed to pat you on the shoulder?"

Zadieus raises an eyebrow in Dalkin's direction.

Dalkin says to Zadieus, "only if there's an empath around, I"m afraid I might catch something."

You say to Zadieus, "I wanted ta introduce meself since we'd nae yet met. My name be Renwulf."

You bow to Zadieus.

Zadieus says, "That was almost witty. Almost."

Catriona chuckles.

Dalkin says, "as was your patting me on the back"

Dalkin nods to Zadieus.

Zadieus gazes at you.

You say, "Ye, look like some Kaldar spoken of in recent visions. "

Zadieus says, "Zadieus."

You ask, "To what can we owe the pleasure?"

Loreali gazes silently at Zadieus.

Zadieus says, "I keep hearing folks talk about visions. Perhaps you all drink to much."

Zadieus ponders.

Catriona nods to Zadieus.

Catriona says, "They do. All of them."

Dalkin says to Zadieus, "Dalkin Mag'hrit of Aesry, resident student of Agonar"

Dalkin nods politely to Zadieus.

Brilliant green tendrils dance between Zadieus's fingers briefly before flickering out of existence.

Loreali asks Zadieus, "Your Gods do not give you visions?"

You say to Zadieus, "Ahh, now cmon. Our ancestors took great pride in their gnomish prophets, even if some of us have wandered from such things."

Zadieus says, "My tribe and I wished to visit the grand city of The Crossing."

Zadieus shrugs.

Catriona says, "It's not so grand."

You say, "Oh splendid. I'd nae heard of any other Kaldar tribes in these parts."

Zadieus asks, "Agonar? You speal this name as if it is of importance?"

Catriona says, "Actually it's a dump."

Zadieus glances at Dalkin.

Loreali covers her mouth with her hand.

Zadieus chuckles at Catriona.

Dalkin rubs a silver ring bearing the crest of the Barbarians' Guild.

Dalkin gazes at Zadieus.

Brilliant green tendrils dance between Zadieus's fingers briefly before flickering out of existence.

Zadieus says, "At least we agree on something."

You scrunch your eyebrows together and furrow your brow.

Zadieus smiles at Catriona.

Catriona says, "If you rever nature so much why go in there..it's a cesspool."

Catriona glances at the Northeast Gate.

You say to Catriona, "It is what it is. And some of us do try ta improve its condition."

Dalkin sternly says, "my guild leader is of importance, to me"

Dalkin gazes at Zadieus.

Zadieus says to Catriona, "Nature has a way of clearing of such cesspools, as you call them."

Zadieus smiles at Catriona.

Catriona says, "I'm a ranger Ren, you know better then to tell me that. I don't care if it's made out of diamonds it's inside the gates."

You shift your weight.

You ask, "So leave?"

You scratch your head.

Catriona points at the Northeast Gate.

Zadieus smiles.

You say, "I'm nae sure who's forcin folk ta go ta places they dunna like..."

Catriona says, "I am OUT of the gate."

Brilliant green tendrils dance between Zadieus's fingers briefly before flickering out of existence.

Zadieus says to you, "Soon enough."

You say, "But yer in it often enough."

You shrug.

Catriona asks, "really, when was the last time you saw me around here?"

Zadieus raises an eyebrow.

Dalkin grins at Catriona.

Dalkin chuckles.

You say, "I've never understood folks that need ta put down that which really isna affectin them in the least."

Zadieus asks, "Lover's spat?"

Zadieus glances at Catriona.

Zadieus glances at you.

You act puzzled.

Catriona shrugs.

Catriona says, "I'll go."

Brilliant green tendrils dance between Zadieus's fingers briefly before flickering out of existence.

Loreali frowns.

Catriona just went north.

You snort, loudly.

Zadieus chuckles.

Zadieus pats you on the back.

Zadieus says, "The stronger is always right."

Zadieus nods to you.

You say, "I be workin verry hard ta see this city rise from the squallor that be consumin it."

You say, "Its nae perfect, but some folks are not made fer livin outside of city walls."

Zadieus says, "Because they are soft, take away the candy and the baby will not grow fat."

Zadieus smiles at you.

Dalkin chortles softly at some secret joke.

Zadieus says, "Take away the walls and folks will not depend on hiding behind them."

Zadieus shrugs.

Dalkin looks upward from the wall.

You say, "Walls are a tactical advantage in any war."

Dalkin nods at you, obviously agreeing with your views.

Dalkin says to you, "aye, ask Daku"

Zadieus waves his hand casually at the wall.

Dalkin chortles softly at some secret joke.

Loreali says to Zadieus, "People hide regardless of a wall or a gate."

You say to Loreali, "Aye, look at the bears and their caves."

You ask, "Would ye call a bear weak and pathetic because it has a home, eh?"

Zadieus says, "Only if they are left with something to hide behind."

Zadieus smiles at Loreali.

After a moment, it seems to calm down.

Zadieus says, "If I could walk into his home and claim his head, then it would be my right to call him weak."

Brilliant green tendrils dance between Zadieus's fingers briefly before flickering out of existence.

Zadieus glances at you.

Zadieus says, "That is the way of things."

Loreali nibbles her lip thoughtfully.

Dalkin asks, "and if you were to fail?"

Dalkin gazes at Zadieus.

Dalkin asks Zadieus, "would you than be weak?"

Zadieus says, "Then it would be his right to eat me if he so chose."

Loreali wrinkles up her nose and crosses her eyes to look down at it.

You ask, "If the cave gives him an advantage against yer attack, then why fault him fer tryin?"

You ask, "Do ye not use weapons in battle?"

You ask, "magic? Is everythin ta be considered a crutch then save yer flesh and bones?"

Zadieus says, "A cave belongs to nature, as does the bear. I fault it not."

Loreali softly says, "The bear has to come out of his cave to fight however. Or the battle is lost before it even begins."

Loreali gazes at you.

You say to Loreali, "Eh he could just sleep and forget there be folks consumed with power walkin the lands."

You chuckle.

Zadieus says, "If it took to building walls around its cave. Well that would be a diffrent story."

Zadieus smiles at you.

You squint at Zadieus.

You ask, "What manner of magic is that might I be askin?"

Zadieus gazes at you.

You stroke your beard in thoughtful contemplation.

Zadieus asks, "You wish to see my magic?"

You say, "Yer..fingers there keep flashin and catchin me eye."

Zadieus grins slowly.

Loreali slowly empties her lungs.

(Loreali nods her head very slowly.)

Brilliant green tendrils dance between Zadieus's fingers briefly before flickering out of existence.

You say, "Oh I'm just curious. I practice magic of me own."

You ponder.e that command.

>gesture ren

You gesture, and an icy snowball forms in your hand.

You lick the snowball and discover that it's quite refreshing!

Dalkin asks, "practice?"

You drop your icy snowball. It hits the ground with a faint *PIFF* and flattens out from the impact, but somehow draws itself back into a spherical shape.

Dalkin asks you, "you've not perfected it yet?"

Zadieus says, "I am sure your tribe is proud."

Dalkin grins at you.

Dalkin chuckles to himself.

Zadieus smiles at you.

You say, "My tribe no longer breaths I'm sad ta say."

Loreali turns her gaze to the sky for a few moments.

You say, "Wiped out by a force several thousand times larger than it, and aye we had no walls..."

Zadieus asks, "But your heart is with them?"

You fold your arms across your chest.

Zadieus glances at you.

You say, "Always."

Dalkin glances up at the sky.

Zadieus says, "Then you are Kaldar."

Zadieus nods to you.

Zadieus says, "The Earth-Born speak to the ancestors of their tribe, perhaps you should find one."

Zadieus smiles at you.

You scrunch your eyebrows together and furrow your brow.

You say, "I, see.."

You ask, "Could ye explain that some more ta me please?"

Zadieus says, "Any flight worth its salt should have one."

Zadieus smiles at you.

Zadieus raises an eyebrow.

Loreali asks Zadieus, "So it is not your race that makes you the embodiment of Nature, it is your spiritualism?"

You say, "I was not old enough ta learn of such things from my own tribe."

Zadieus says, "Explain what? You tribe had no Earth-Born."

Zadieus frowns.

Zadieus says, "Come sit then."

Zadieus nods to a tall bench.

You settle yourself on the tall bench.

Brilliant green tendrils dance between Zadieus's fingers briefly before flickering out of existence.

Dalkin leans back.

Zadieus sits down on the tall bench.

Zadieus says, "All tribes of Kaldar have a flight, some many."

You say, "Our tribe was consumed with black flame before I was instructed in all of our ways.."

Loreali takes a seat.

You nod to Zadieus.

Dalkin says to Loreali, "and me with no ale...."

Dalkin furrows his brow.

Zadieus says, "Those flights have a talons, the regualar soldiers."

Zadieus says, "And Flight commanders."

You stroke your beard in thoughtful contemplation.

Zadieus says, "That head each talon."

Zadieus smiles softly.

You nod to Zadieus.

Zadieus says, "Each flight is headed by a Flight general."

Zadieus says, "Kaldar are strong people, The most powerful take their first choice of what they want. The rest filter what is left."

Zadieus shrugs.

You ask, "So the Earth-born are their link ta nature then?"

Zadieus says, "All Kaldar follow the ways of nature."

Loreali takes on a studious look.

You say, "Follow aye, but some might be holdin a special connection ta it not matched by the rest."

You arch your eyebrow.

Zadieus says, "The Earth-born like the Sky-Caller are advisors. The Earth-Born usually a priest, the Sky-Caller usually a scholar."

You stroke your beard in thoughtful contemplation.

Zadieus says, "As Earth-Born we are raised as apprentices for our master. Only one Earth-Born is choosen, and only when the master dies."

Dalkin leans back.

You say, "Hmm, I see.."

Brilliant green tendrils dance between Zadieus's fingers briefly before flickering out of existence.

Zadieus says, "We speak to the fallen."

Zadieus says, "They give us insight on battle."

Zadieus smiles at you.

You nod.

You say, "That would be makin sense then, though I was but a child when I witnessed such things."

You lean against a tall bench.

Zadieus says, "Your tribe has gone on into nature, and thus they are honored. I can forgive your misdealings with magic, for you seem to have become strong enough to earn that."

Brilliant green tendrils dance between Zadieus's fingers briefly before flickering out of existence.

Zadieus says, "Though why you keep with this lot, I am unsure."

Zadieus shrugs.

Zadieus stands up.

>chuckle

You chuckle.

Loreali leaps to her feet!

Zadieus gazes at the gate thoughtfully.

You say, "Even the strong may fall in the shadow of a stronger foe."

You sigh.

Loreali asks Zadieus, "You really believe something will change if the gate is gone?"

You say, "I only wish ta do what I can ta improve the lives of those around me."

Dalkin shrugs.

Zadieus says, "A time is comming, the fallen of my tribe have forseen it. A time when all these walls will fall and nature will return to own this place."

You say, "If that means spendin time in this city, for now, then I will."

Zadieus fixes you with a proud, defiant stare.

Zadieus says to you, "Careful you do not fall with them. Grow soft and perish as is the way of things."

Loreali quietly says, "Well I can think of a lot of people who will be pleased with that."

Brilliant green tendrils dance between Zadieus's fingers briefly before flickering out of existence.

Dalkin gazes at Zadieus.

Dalkin leans back.

You say, "My ambitions ta protect the weaker folks have spurned my seeking of knowledge and self betterment I assure ye."

Zadieus's eyes twinkle briefly as he gazes at the walls.

You say, "Without such challenges ta guide me, I'm not sure I'd have grown as much as I have."

Zadieus says, "The weak fall, there is no room for them."

Zadieus says, "Why protect what needs to die."

Zadieus glances at you.

Dalkin says, "the weak don't need to die, they need a hand to help flourish"

Dalkin gazes at Zadieus.

You say, "Death is always avoidable."

You say, "If those with the power ta grant life, do so."

Zadieus says to Dalkin, "A sentiment for the weak and feeble."

Zadieus glares at Dalkin.

Dalkin raises an eyebrow in Zadieus's direction.

Dalkin asks, "why do you keep at that?"

Dalkin shakes his head.

You say, "My own hope was ta be an example fer the lands."

Zadieus points at you.

You say, "Of what strength, and skill and organization, and compassion could do."

Zadieus says, "He may speak, you may be silent."

Zadieus glances at Dalkin.

Dalkin laughs!

Loreali gazes at you.

Dalkin asks, "and?"

Dalkin raises an eyebrow in Zadieus's direction.

You say, "I often dread the day when Gorbesh fleets dot the horizon, and consume everythin again.."

You say, "Or the Outcasts, or whatever foe it might be that day."

You say, "I only hope we can be ready."

Zadieus says to you, "compassion breeds weakness. Leave it where it belongs, with your woman."

Loreali blinks at Zadieus.

You make a grunting noise.

Dalkin says to Loreali, "I'm now begin..."

Zadieus raises an eyebrow in Dalkin's direction.

Dalkin gazes at Zadieus.

You pat Dalkin on the back.

You say to Dalkin, "At ease."

Zadieus asks Dalkin, "Why are you still speaking?"

Dalkin sternly says to Zadieus, "I need not ask your permission"

Dalkin raises an eyebrow in Zadieus's direction.

Zadieus glances at you.

You ask, "As I was not old enough ta learn as such, how does a Kaldar tribe treat its elders?"

You ask, "Are the old left ta die from infection and malnutrition?"

Zadieus says to you, "Best keep your pet on a leash for it ends up shaved."

Zadieus says, "The old are treated if they earned it in battle."

Zadieus says, "If not, they die."

Dalkin says, "Zad best to keep insults to yourself least you find an empath for your tongue"

Zadieus chuckles.

Dalkin leans back.

Zadieus says to you, "He trys my patience."

You ask, "So what is stoppin ye from silencin him?"

You scratch your head.

Loreali glances at you.

You say, "I've asked him ta please be quiet whilst I learn what I can from ye.."

You glance at Dalkin, a male Rakash.

You sigh.

Dalkin raises an eyebrow.

Zadieus smiles.

Loreali stands near a hardened woven basket with a sturdy lid.

Zadieus says to you, "Your learning keeps him breathing."

You say, "It has been many andu since I had any Kaldar from which ta discern my heritage."

Dalkin rolls his eyes.

Dalkin shakes his head.

Dalkin leans back.

You say, "I might disagree with it, but I do wish ta know it complete before makin a decision."

Zadieus says, "Ask."

Zadieus nods to you.

You ask, "What is yer goals as a tribe?"

You ask, "Are ye driven by premonition like our Gorbesh ancestors?"

Zadieus asks, "To live. What anyone's goal?"

Dalkin whispers something to Loreali.

Malachynt just arrived.

You nod politely to Malachynt.

You say, "Most people have goals beyond mere existance."

Lashes lowered, Loreali sinks down in a deep curtsy before Malachynt.

Zadieus says, "We are individual. Each seeks his own."

You ask, "So the tribe itself has no goals upon which ta direct the rest?"

You nod.

Malachynt says, "Existance is pretty good for me, typically."

Zadieus looks at you and shrugs.

Zadieus says, "They may or maynot. Thats for the flight general."

Zadieus glances at Dalkin.

You ask, "I take it ye seek favor from the Immortals then?"

Zadieus chuckles.

You say, "My own tribe had, some conflictin views at times regardin the old gods and the new.."

Zadieus says, "Depends."

Zadieus says, "On whos immortals you speak of."

You say, "Lanivals return."

Loreali asks Zadieus, "Which do you speak of and for?"

Dalkin raises an eyebrow in Zadieus's direction.

You say, "Versus say, the immortals found in the planets."

Zadieus says, "What do I care of it, silly human tales."

Brilliant green tendrils dance between Zadieus's fingers briefly before flickering out of existence.

Dalkin asks, "what?"

Zadieus looks at you and shrugs.

You ponder.

Zadieus gazes at Loreali.

Brilliant green tendrils dance between Zadieus's fingers briefly before flickering out of existence.

Loreali gazes silently at Zadieus.

Dalkin gazes off into the distance.

You say, "I was under the impression that most Kaldar refugees only settled here as a result of Lanival's return, but I must be mistaken."

Zadieus says, "My gods are not yours, and yours are not mine."

You say, "I wish ta know who your gods are, that is all."

Loreali says to Zadieus, "I had no doubt, I only wished you to educate me."

You say, "I'm not debatin the rightness or wrongness of such things."

Zadieus says, "Perhaps some did. I am not a historian. I am a warrior."

Zadieus looks at you and shrugs.

Zadieus asks you, "Why do these people insist on speaking?"

Brilliant green tendrils dance between Zadieus's fingers briefly before flickering out of existence.

Dalkin whispers something to Loreali.

Zadieus glances at Loreali.

Loreali quietly says, "You never told me to be silent."

Loreali frowns slightly.

You sigh.

Zadieus says to Loreali, "This is for big folks little one. Sit and be silent."

You say, "Curiosity I suspect."

Loreali blinks at Zadieus.

Dalkin whispers something to Loreali.

You say, "It is amusin ta me how similar true Kaldar culture is ta that of the Outcasts in the north lands."

You ponder.

Zadieus nods to you.

Malachynt says, "The Kaldar are a diverse people..."

You say, "I suppose that is why this land keeps gettin itself smacked silly when an army shows up."

Zadieus says, "Perhaps. Though no race, not Kaldar, could understand our ways."

Malachynt says, "As are the Outcasts, it's not surprising they'd have similarities"

Dalkin whispers something to Loreali.

Aathos just arrived.

Loreali covers her mouth with her hand.

You ask, "So ye wished ta speak with us about our walls, and regardin the impendin doom ye feel?"

Zadieus says to you, "It is because they have all grown soft, no heart for battle. No skill."

Aathos says, "Good to see you too"

You say to Zadieus, "I agree with ye there. The tactical problems with defendin these cities are many."

Zadieus says, "I wished to look upon these blemishes you call walls."

Zadieus smiles at you.

Loreali glances at the battlement wall.

Loreali looks upward from the wall.

Zadieus says, "I wished to watch you all hide behind them, and scaper like rats."

Zadieus chuckles.

You ask, "If a society exists in relative peace and doesna threaten ye, then why go out of yer way ta provoke it?"

Loreali whispers something to Dalkin.

You ask, "Is that not unwise ta a tribe's survival?"

Zadieus says, "Nature stood before it was demolished for this city."

Zadieus glances at you.

Zadieus says, "Nature owns this land, not these walls."

You say, "Rather, why poke the hornets nest? I am just curious."

Loreali scoffs.

Loreali covers her mouth with her hand.

You say, "Weak many of the people here might be, but yet the armies can be strong."

You ask, "So are ye sayin Nature should be takin the lands back?"

Dalkin blinks at you.

Zadieus says to you, "Perhaps, we shall see."

Zadieus says to you, "Nature always takes back what is its."

Zadieus tilts his head back and raises his arms as vivid green sigils sweep out in an arc around them.

Within the glowing viridian circle, the earth begins rumbling and quaking until a final sigil bursts out with a cracking roar and forms itself into a mystical pattern.

Zadieus seems to be concentrating intently on something.

Zadieus gestures.

You observe Zadieus with fascination.

Malachynt says, "The Wheel turns."

Zadieus's eyes flare with a brilliant white radiance.

Brilliant green tendrils dance between Zadieus's fingers briefly before flickering out of existence.

Loreali gazes intently at Zadieus.

Zadieus sighs.

Malachynt rubs a gold lapel pin shaped like a seven-pointed star.

Zadieus says, "They still sneak about."

Zadieus shakes his head.

Loreali casually observes the area.

Malachynt says to you, "THe Kaldar is right. All civilizations fall to the wilderness in time."

You nod to Malachynt.

You say, "I'm not disagreein."

You hear the voice of Raecear say, "Just because I'm harder to see than "big people" doesn't automatically classify the act as sneaking."

Zadieus says to you, "I am starting to think they are threatening my visit."

Zadieus narrows his eyes.

You say, "I assure ye, ye've no need ta worry at the moment fer yer safety."

Loreali quietly asks, "If you are so fierce, why do you fear what is in the shadow?"

You say, "If everyone be calm there'll be no trouble."

You look around, trying to appear nonchalant.

[Northeast Wilds, Outside Northeast Gate]

You are before the Northeast Gate of the Crossing, surrounded by wayfarers and adventurers also in mid-journey. Above, guardsmen stare down from the thick stone wall that encloses the city, wary for hostile visitors. Whether they travel to destinations in town or farther west, or to the north and east, they all appear to be seeking something beyond themselves. You also see a Wayerd pyramid, a tall bench, a very long bench, a small bench that is low to the ground, a smooth timber bench, a hardened woven basket with a sturdy lid, a large firepit, a narrow footpath, a bucket of viscous gloop, and a leaning weathered roadsign.

Also here: Aathos, Alley Cat Malachynt, Bloodwraith Dalkin, Zadieus, and Acolyte Loreali.

Obvious paths: north, east, southeast.

You lean against a tall bench.

Loreali quietly says, "It is part of nature, after all."

Zadieus asks, "Safety?"

Zadieus laughs!

You hear the dry voice of Raecear say, "Besides, I would hate to make you feel threatened by speaking like the others apparently do."

Zadieus says, "You jest."

Zadieus chuckles at you!

Zadieus says, "Funny that."

You ask Zadieus, "Do ye know much of the ...weaponry of the Kaldar people?"

Zadieus raises an eyebrow in your direction.

You ask, "Is it the flight generals that wield the slaughterswords?"

Zadieus says, "Sword and steel. Shield and spear. We know it all."

Malachynt nods to Zadieus.

Zadieus says, "Some do."

You nod.

You say, "I see then.."

Malachynt says to Zadieus, "I met one of your kind, was quite proud of shield and spear."

Zadieus searches around for a moment.

You say, "I suffer some embarrasment fer not wieldin my own at present."

Zadieus gazes at Malachynt.

Zadieus draws forth a curved steel hunting sword with a leather-wrapped bone grip.

Zadieus gazes at his sword.

Zadieus points a curved steel hunting sword with a leather-wrapped bone grip at you.

Zadieus shrugs.

Zadieus puts his sword in his reed rucksack.

Zadieus says, "There are many ways to battle."

Malachynt appears to be fiddling with a reinforced pine chest.

Zadieus glances at a heavy blackwood crossbow with dangling iridescent raven feathers.

You ask Zadieus, "Ye spoke of my magic earlier, and said ye'd forgive me havin learned as such. Is perceivin upon the elemental streams discouraged in yer tribe?"

Zadieus says, "Magic is for priest and healers. And some Talons if its is warranted."

Zadieus fixes you with a proud, defiant stare.

You hear someone muttering about calling a rose something other than a rose..

Loreali quietly asks you, "And which are you then?"

Zadieus says, "The shadows have a sharp tongue, shame if it fell off."

Zadieus glances at you.

You ask Loreali, "Which what?"

Zadieus says, "At least he is quiet. Seems you can teak a dog new tricks."

Zadieus glances at Dalkin.

Zadieus chuckles to himself.

Dalkin clenches his fist.

You hear the voice of Raecear say, "I do have to admit that was one of your more useful tricks."

(Renwulf winces slightly, but quickly regains his composure.)

Zadieus asks you, "Does he roll over?"

Zadieus glances at you.

Dalkin says to Zadieus, "your coming mighty close to havin a sword slashed across your ankles"

Loreali groans.

Zadieus smiles at Dalkin.

Zadieus stretches out a hand imploringly to Dalkin.

You say to Dalkin, "Ye may wish ta leave, the insults are not going ta stop."

Zadieus winks at Dalkin.

Dalkin says to Zadieus, "the only thing keepin me from strikin out at you, is him asking me not to"

Dalkin nods to you.

Dalkin glares at Zadieus.

Zadieus laughs!

Zadieus says, "Big talk little puppy."

You shake your head.

Dalkin gazes down at the ground.

Dalkin gazes up at the sky.

You hear the voice of Raecear say to Dalkin, "Don't take it personally. Some Kaldar haven't learned to look beyond brute strength to understand the value of words."

Zadieus tilts his head back and raises his arms as vivid green sigils sweep out in an arc around them. Within the glowing viridian circle, the earth begins rumbling and quaking until a final sigil bursts out with a cracking roar and forms itself into a mystical pattern.

Zadieus seems to be concentrating intently on something.

Dalkin says to himself, "Mrod, help him"

Zadieus seems to be concentrating intently on something.

Zadieus gestures.

Zadieus's eyes flare with a brilliant white radiance.

Loreali softly says, "Such magic."

Koduis Danxiuls came through the Northeast Gate.

Loreali gazes at Zadieus.

You hail Danxiuls with a clenched fist over your heart and a respectful nod.

Lashes lowered, Loreali sinks down in a deep curtsy before Danxiuls.

Danxiuls hails you in the traditional Kaldar greeting.

Zadieus says, "As it were."

Zadieus smiles at you.

Danxiuls says, "Evening"

Brilliant green tendrils dance between Zadieus's fingers briefly before flickering out of existence.

Zadieus asks, "Has your thirst been quenched?"

Zadieus raises an eyebrow in your direction.

Dalkin says, "his insults are just a way to try to provoke me Raecear, so as I tell children, let it go in one ear and out the other."

You ask, "Does yer tribe have a chief then?"

Danxiuls asks, "A fight brewing Dalkin?"

Dalkin says, "sometimes it takes a bigger person to turn the other cheek"

Dalkin shrugs.

Zadieus asks, "What wench did you find to bear your puppies, lout?"

Zadieus glances at Dalkin.

Dalkin asks, "yours?"

Dalkin gazes at Zadieus.

Zadieus nods to Malachynt.

You say, "Ours had a council of elders, in part."

Zadieus glances at you.

You say, "Originally we had a chief I suppose, our leader. After his fall in battle the tribe took a less organized approach it seems ta leadership."

Dalkin says to Danxiuls, "not a fight, seems he likes to insult where he can"

Dalkin nods to Danxiuls.

adieus says, "The flight General leads all but the council, or so they think."

Zadieus chuckles at you!

Malachynt says to you, "From what I've heard many of the tribes have been redefining themselves since heading north into these lands."

You say, "Ahh."

Zadieus seems to be concentrating intently on something.

You nod to Malachynt.

Zadieus seems to be concentrating intently on something.

Brilliant green tendrils dance between Zadieus's fingers briefly before flickering out of existence.

You say, "It seems the lands change our people."

Zadieus gestures at Dalkin.

A sparkling cloud of silver motes envelopes his body like a mist of stars. Dalkin is moderately stunned by the haze of Holy energy whorling around him.

Zadieus says to Dalkin, "be silent."

ou say, "Rather, our encounters with other peoples."

Loreali takes on a studious look.

Danxiuls asks, "So what are we talking about anyway?"

Zadieus smiles at you.

You say to Danxiuls, "This Kaldar here is from a tribe that wished ta visit the Crossings."

Zadieus says, "The Sky-Caller generally deals with other races."

Dalkin growls at Zadieus.

You gesture at Zadieus.

Dalkin leans on his jambiya.

Loreali says to Danxiuls, "Nature, Kaldar, and History a bit."

Malachynt says to Danxiuls, "Mostly Kaldarn culture, courtesy of our present experts."

You say, "And, I took the opportunity ta learn more of our culture."

Danxiuls asks, "Oh really?"

You say, "Seein as how I lost my tribe at such a young age.".

Danxiuls says, "Thats rather interesting"

Zadieus gazes off to the north.

Zadieus shakes his head.

Malachynt asks you, "You lost your tribe, or they lost you?"

Malachynt scratches his head.

You say, "They are gone.."

You sigh.

Danxiuls asks, "So, you come from Alberia then?"

Zadieus glances at Danxiuls.

Zadieus says, "My origins are or no conern."

Zadieus smiles.

Malachynt asks you, "Gone? Destroyed in battle?"

You nod to Malachynt.

Danxiuls smiles slightly

You say, "A story fer another time."

You say to Malachynt, "I am one of but a few survivors of the devestation wrought in that time."

Malachynt asks you, "Hrm. Before of after the migration?"

You say to Malachynt, "After of course, my tribe settled down in ilithi."

Zadieus says to you, "Your friend seriously tries my patience. If he sneaks back in here, I will assume it is to do me harm and act in accordance."

Zadieus glances at you.

You scrunch your eyebrows together and furrow your brow.

Brilliant green tendrils dance between Zadieus's fingers briefly before flickering out of existence.

Malachynt asks you, "So it was during the Outcast War then?"

You nod to Malachynt.

You say, "Aye.."

Zadieus runs a hand down the wall checking its surface.

You observe Zadieus with fascination.

Zadieus seems to be concentrating intently on something.

Malachynt nods to you.

Zadieus seems to be concentrating intently on something.

Zadieus gestures.

Zadieus gazes at you.

Zadieus's eyes flare with a brilliant white radiance.

Malachynt says to you, "I'm sure it is a difficult subject, we can leave it at that, for now."

You say, "It is, not somethin I wish ta talk about anymore."

Danxiuls asks, "Wel, then what exsactly brings you to the city of Crossing?"

You sigh.

Zadieus gazes at Danxiuls.

Zadieus says, "Judgement."

Zadieus smiles at Danxiuls.

Malachynt says to Danxiuls, "He's inspecting our walls."

You stroke your beard in thoughtful contemplation.

Loreali says to Danxiuls, "He means to return the city to Nature."

Danxiuls says, "Oh, really that interesting"

Malachynt says, "I'd pay to see somebody return the Crossings to Nature in less than several hundred years."

Zadieus says, "Soon your walls, and your windows and your streets will stand before nature, and she will decide if they remain."

Malachynt says, "Well, in my lifetime."

Zadieus looks at Danxiuls and shrugs.

Brilliant green tendrils dance between Zadieus's fingers briefly before flickering out of existence.

You shift your weight.

Malachynt asks, "A natural disaster looms, eh?"

Zadieus grins slowly.

Malachynt angles his ears forward, gazing curiously at Zadieus.

Zadieus says, "Of sorts."

Zadieus chuckles to himself.

Danxiuls asks, "Who decides this nature you say?"

Brilliant green tendrils dance between Zadieus's fingers briefly before flickering out of existence.

Zadieus glances at Danxiuls.

Zadieus sighs.

Zadieus shakes his head.

Zadieus raises an eyebrow in your direction.

Malachynt asks you, "Better question, does the Flight General serve nature?"

Loreali says, "Nature."

Malachynt snickers.

Loreali gazes at Danxiuls.

The bucket burbles suddenly as its contents begin to dissolve....

After a moment, it seems to calm down.

Malachynt asks you, "And is he leading an army after this fellow to level the Crossing?"

You shift your weight.

Danxiuls says, "Yes but nature is a rather general term"

Zadieus chuckles.

Malachynt angles his ears forward, gazing curiously at Zadieus.

Brilliant green tendrils dance between Zadieus's fingers briefly before flickering out of existence.

Zadieus says, "An army is not comming."

Zadieus smiles at Malachynt.

Malachynt says, "Or maybe he's just communed with the planet and senses it's ire."

Zadieus says, "One is not needed.

You ponder.

Malachynt searches around for a moment.

Zadieus says, "No."

Loreali takes on a studious look.

Zadieus smiles at you.

Danxiuls asks, "What is a flight general?"

Malachynt says, "I see no halflings in shadows..."

Zadieus says, "I am here on behalf of myself."

You ask Danxiuls, "I can explain the structure of their tribe later if ye wish?"

Malachynt says to Danxiuls, "Apparently the command figure in his tribe."

Danxiuls nods.

Zadieus shakes his head at Malachynt.

Zadieus sighs.

Malachynt shrugs.

Malachynt says to Danxiuls, "I only got half the story. He's important though."

Zadieus quietly says, "Idiots. They dont listen. "

Zadieus says, "The flight general is the head fo the flight. The council leads the tribe."

Malachynt says to Zadieus, "Oh, I listen quite well, when I'm present to hear it."

Danxiuls says, "Not as important as the judgment of nature however I would assume"

You ask Zadieus, "So I suspect this judgement shall be takin place before too long?"

You nod politely to Solstitia.

Solstitia hugs Loreali, who wraps her arms around Solstitia with a warm smile.

Solstitia grabs you by the shoulders and shakes you!

Zadieus says to you, "Perhaps. If I decide it."

Malachynt asks, "Anybody got an orlog?"

Malachynt snickers.

Malachynt leans on Solstitia.

You ponder.

SYou hear the voice of Raecear say, "It's 2 roisaen before the Anlas of Revelfae."

Zadieus says, "Your presence here has kept them breathing so far."

Zadieus smiles at you.

Malachynt asks, "So, judgement should be around when... half past the Anlas of Revelfae?"

You ask, "What benefit is to be gained fer the land if the city is raised?"

Zadieus says, "How much longer it will hold."

Zadieus shrugs.

Danxiuls asks, "What authority do you have to decide the coming of said judgement?"

You ask, "I am somewhat confused. Better the people kept here, then wanderin the wilds burnin the place down, no?"

Malachynt says to Danxiuls, "His authority. Much like your authority gives you right to question his."

Danxiuls says, "Which would be none"

Malachynt says to you, "I think he means us non-Kaldar."

Zadieus says, "Nature reclaims her domain, streets become grass. No longer will trees be cut for housing, stone tore from the ground to make steps."

Zadieus snorts, loudly.

Malachynt says to Danxiuls, "I dunno, I'd say my authority is on par with that of the prince... just not in front of him."

Zadieus gazes at Malachynt.

Malachynt says, "And if we take my first presumption as true, it'd follow, logically, that his autority is equally as authoritative."

Zadieus says to Malachynt, "Then give him a message for me."

Malachynt angles his ears forward, gazing curiously at Zadieus.

Zadieus says, "If you know this prince."

You hear the voice of Raecear say to Danxiuls, "It's something in the air. People from far away always feel compelled to preach some sort of hard line philosophy without regard for the opinions of others whenever they show up here. Just look at our history - Yhaman.. Raenillar.. Whatever that Ogre guy's name was. Maybe they're related."

Malachynt says to Zadieus, "I know of him. Your fellow Kaldar here..."

You say, "I suppose peace just isn't a common trait amongst those with power."

Malachynt nods to you.

Zadieus says, "Tell him nature comes soon to reclaim what is her's."

Zadieus smiles.

Malachynt says to you, "Has met with him on several occasions."

Malachynt nods to Zadieus.

You nod to Malachynt.

You say, "That is true."

Malachynt says, "I'm sure somebody can deliver the message to him, for you."

Malachynt says, "Or myself."

Malachynt nods to Zadieus.

Zadieus says, "Where is the pooch. I am knew he was soft, but I didin't expect him to tuck-tail and run."

Zadieus ponders.

You say, "However my current endeavor was ta provide a means by which ta properly raise the youth livin here, not turn them to the wilds to die."

You stroke your beard in thoughtful contemplation.

Danxiuls says, "Dalkin I assume"

You nod to Danxiuls.

Zadieus points at Solstitia.

Solstitia ponders.

Malachynt says to you, "An issue for your fellow Kaldar, I'd imagine."

Brilliant green tendrils dance between Zadieus's fingers briefly before flickering out of existence.

Solstitia searches around for a moment.

Solstitia points at Zadieus.

You say to Malachynt, "I had no idea Kaldar disdained the cities so much."

Ficiex peers quizzically at Loreali.

Loreali peers quizzically at Ficiex.

Malachynt says to you, "I don't think it's all Kaldar. The tribes are many and diverse from what I understand."

Zadieus asks you, "The strong thrive from nature, live with it. The weak die, it is the design of nature. Why change it?"

Danxiuls says, "Most don't however there is not as much love for them as others"

Bloodwraith Dalkin just arrived.

Dalkin says, "I didn't tuck tail and run either"

Zadieus gazes at Dalkin.

Dalkin glances at Zadieus.

Malachynt says, "Though that's a sentiment that would carry across several tribes of Kaldar I'm sure."

You ask, "Because we can strive fer a better life? A balance of nature and civilization that benefits us all?"

Zadieus says, "ummm huh."

Dalkin leans back.

Zadieus says to you, "There is no balance wanted or needed."

Zadieus looks at you and shrugs.

You say, "A society with walls and streets and buildins stands ta accomplish more in some ways, less in others. "

Dalkin nods to Malachynt.

Sorceror Damian came through the Northeast Gate.

You hear the voice of Raecear say, "Hey, way to one-track-mind it there."

You say, "Such as the grand ships they construct down in the docks. Or the reseach in magic progressin in the guilds."

Lashes lowered, Loreali sinks down in a deep curtsy before Damian.

Zadieus says to you, "They stand to accomplish nothing, but big bellies and bottoms."

Zadieus looks at you and shrugs.

Loreali quietly says to Damian, "We have been waiting for you."

Damian chuckles at Loreali.

Loreali winks at Damian.

You say, "That is assumin the people livin in the city are slovenly and lazy."

Malachynt says, "That's the purpose of this town."

Danxiuls says, "Well, it has most certainly paid off for the Gorbesh people"

Malachynt says, "It's roots, it's history, it's origin."

You nod at Danxiuls, in complete agreement with his views.

Zadieus asks, "No assumption, have you not seen them?"

Zadieus glances at you.

Malachynt says, "It is the RiverCrossings, in full name."

You say, "I see a place fer both idealogies in the world."

Malachynt says, "It was built for the convenience of the many foreign traders that meet here to exchange goods."

Zadieus says to you, "Then you are growing soft like the rest."

Zadieus sighs.

Loreali gnaws on her lip.

Loreali glances at you.

You glance at Loreali, a female Elf.

Zadieus says, "I had hoped you would remember your roots."

Zadieus shakes his head.

You say, "Soft is a convenient term I suppose."

You say, "Oh, I remember them well. Our tribe often traded with towns such as this fer supplies."

Malachynt says, "I think I'm going to take my leave...."

Malachynt bows.

Alley Cat Malachynt went through the Northeast Gate.

You say, "They didn't wish them burned and destroyed so long as they didn't threaten their existance."

Damian grins at Dalkin.

Dalkin grins at Damian.

Zadieus says, "A hawk trades with a mouse for good also."

The wings of Damian's boots flap for a moment.

Dalkin nods to Damian.

Ficiex says to you, "Soft is easy to use."

Zadieus smiles at you.

Zadieus says to you, "Then your views differ from mine."

Loreali asks, "What does the hawk do when it has devoured every single mouse?"

Loreali gazes at Zadieus.

Leonidus came through the Northeast Gate.

You say, "As they very well could."

You nod to Zadieus.

Loreali bows to Leonidus.

You ask, "And is that such a bad thing?"

Zadieus glances at Loreali.

Zadieus says to Loreali, "Eats rabbits."

Leonidus grunts at Loreali.

You ask, "People havin their own opinions?"

Loreali takes on a studious look.

Leonidus nods to you.

Loreali nods to Zadieus.

You hail Leonidus with a clenched fist over your heart and a respectful nod.

Sorceror Damian went through the Northeast Gate.

Danxiuls asks, "So your tribe then as returned to the roots of the early Gorbesh before the empire?"

Dalkin raises an eyebrow in Zadieus's direction.

Leonidus peers quizzically at Danxiuls.

Dalkin asks you, "why does he keep doin that? have I missed a bath?"

Dalkin pats himself down looking for something!

Dalkin scratches his head.

Zadieus says, "Gorbesh were part of our history, We are our own. They are their own."

Zadieus looks at Danxiuls and shrugs.

You shake your head at Leonidus.

Zadieus asks Dalkin, "You bathe?"

Zadieus smirks.

You say to Leonidus, "Our guest here is speakin ta us of his tribe, and other things."

Dalkin says to Zadieus, "more than you as we can all smell"

Dalkin looks at Zadieus and shrugs.

With some difficulty, Solstitia manages to squeeze her hands into the leather gauntlets. She wiggles her fingers and stares at the gauntlets, fidgeting as if they did not fit properly.

Solstitia claps her gauntleted hands sharply together, sending multicolored leaves and thick brown roots coiling suddenly from the sigils on the backs of her leather gauntlets!

Zadieus ponders.

You glance at Solstitia, a female Prydaen.

Leonidus raises an eyebrow.

Danxiuls says, "Well the Kaldar and Gorbesh are all the same in the end it is simply a matter ot politics"

Zadieus raises an eyebrow in Solstitia's direction.

Zadieus glares at Danxiuls.

Solstitia winks.

Loreali gazes at Solstitia in wonder.

Zadieus says to Danxiuls, "Careful of your tongue."

Loreali softly asks, "Isn't she breathtaking?"

Danxiuls smiles slightly

Danxiuls asks, "You seem to find that assurtion displeasing?"

Zadieus says, "Might as well to say we are just big humans."

Zadieus snorts, loudly.

Loreali says, "That is like saying all gnomes are chipper."

Loreali nods to Danxiuls.

Zadieus nods to Leonidus.

Dalkin whispers something to Loreali.

Danxiuls asks, "Really?"

Zadieus clenches his fist and glances over at Dalkin.

Dalkin winks at Loreali.

Danxiuls asks, "You take offense?"

Danxiuls asks, "Why such anger?"

Zadieus says to Leonidus, "This one has grown very soft."

Zadieus glances at Danxiuls.

Loreali whispers something to Dalkin.

Danxiuls says, "An interesting response to be sure"

Dalkin chuckles to himself.

Zadieus says to you, "I have come and tried to explain the ways of nature, and folks hide and sneak about. This dog insults. I grow weary, the fallen scream to end this."

Zadieus gazes at you.

Zadieus paces back and forth.

Zadieus glances at Dalkin.

Ficiex says to Loreali, "But I am certainaly not Kaldar, so I won't inject my opinion."

Ficiex whistles a merry tune.

Loreali appears to be listening intently for something.

You say to Zadieus, "Well, may yer travel back home be safe then and uneventful."

Dalkin points at himself.

Dalkin uses his index finger to trace an X across his chest.

You say, "I'm sure our walls will be just.. fine."

Solstitia says, "...the ways of nature."

Solstitia gazes at Zadieus.

Zadieus grins slowly.

You say, "As long as they keep patchin them when the mortar breaks out."

Zadieus nods to Solstitia.

Zadieus asks, "Shall we test that theory?"

Zadieus glances at you.

You hear the voice of Raecear say to Zadieus, "You haven't really contributed a lot, but you know, good luck with that. Enjoy dying alone, without ever knowing a willing woman or producing any meaningful offspring that will remember your name."

You ask, "Are ye sayin ye can break down our walls, here and now?"

Zadieus seems to be concentrating intently on something.

Zadieus gestures.

Danxiuls says, "I keep hearing this about the judgement of nature about your authority to call upon this judgement"

You say, "I'd enjoy seein ye try."

Zadieus's eyes flare with a brilliant white radiance.

Zadieus chuckles.

Loreali says to Danxiuls, "Natures."

Loreali covers her eyes with her hand.

You say, "As I dunna feel it is possible just as easy as that."

Loreali shakes her head.

You stroke your beard in thoughtful contemplation.

Zadieus says to you, "Done."

Dalkin leans back.

Zadieus slams his fist into the ground in a sudden violent rage. Brilliant green tendrils shoot outward, forming a large green pool several feet away from him.

A soft glow of light emanates from Solstitia as she begins to chant out odd rhythms in a soft voice. As her voice rises, the light responds, growing in strength and size until Solstitia stands in the center of a column of bright light reaching up several times her height!

You observe Zadieus with fascination.

Ficiex says, "Well, this will end well. An angry Kaldar is a great thing"

The pool dances in green rage, tendrils violently swirling over one another. Suddenly, they shoot upward to form a verticle gate that extends several feet into the air.

Ficiex grumbles.

A strange clicking sound pours forth from the gate as several insectoid creatures rush out just as the opening slams shut and winks out of existence.

A vykathi soldier marches in.

A vykathi soldier begins to advance on Dalkin.

A vykathi reaper stomps in.

A vykathi soldier marches in.

A vykathi reaper stomps in.

A vykathi soldier marches in.

A vykathi reaper stomps in.

A vykathi soldier marches in.

A vykathi reaper stomps in.

A vykathi soldier marches in.

A vykathi reaper stomps in.

With that, the battle was joined. We fought bravely but lost many defenders. This, Kaldar Earth-Born killed Renwulf while his back was turned fighting the invading Vykathi. Thankfully the combined efforts of all those present resulted in the death of Zadieus, and peace for the time being.