In the Halls of the Mad Mage (D&D; Undermountain)

[B4UTRUST]

Etvar followed them in as they shuffled through the door. He cast a glance at the doorman, thinking he had seem something. But no. It had to have been a trick of the light. The door shut behind them.

This day had definately taken a turn for the mysterious, but he had to say he wasn't disappointed in the slightest.

[Rogue 9]

The guard closed the door behind the three, shutting out the morning sun. "Second left," he said, pointing to an aisle between the rows of stacked crates.

They followed his directions, which quickly brought them to a cleared area where the crates had been stacked away. Two men were waiting there; Ciaran and Eralis.

"Hey, Ciaran," said Reggie casually. "What's the lowdown and who's this guy?"

"This is Brother Eralis. The Church of Tyr wanted one of their own along for this. Procedure, you know."

The look on Reggie's face was one of poorly concealed disdain, but he didn't express it in words. "Well met," he said instead, nodding curtly.

[Havoc, that's your cue.]

[General Havoc]

"No sir," said Eralis as they walked along the streets towards the staging point for their raid on the slavers. "I hail from Cormyr, or thereabouts. I was brought up by a sect of Tyrian Priests, but..." he smiled softly, "my temperament is not well suited for the cloistered life. I sought to serve Tyr in another manner. I came to Waterdeep because I had heard of the Knights of Samular, and that they accepted lay clerics, as well as paladins within their order. The rest awaits writing."

*----------------------------*

Minutes later, Eralis and Sir Ciaran stood within the staging area, as one by one, the rest of the team entered. The newcomers did not bother to identify themselves, and the leader was quite plainly not happy to see a priest of Tyr, and Eralis frowned.

"Indeed, well met," he said darkly to the newcomer. "I am Brother Eralis Vidrian, servant of Tyr. Who, may I ask, might you be?"

[Rogue 9]

"Sorry," Reggie said, smiling. The momentary expression was gone, replaced by charm. "I'm Reggie Cartwright, and this is Jarvis Hernan. That's Etver Rothsan over there. We're friends to the Vara'Dome, and heard that Lord Ciaran needed help with a gang. We're always ready to..."

He didn't get to finish his sentence before a loud pop of displaced air heralded the arrival of a sixth man by teleportation. Everyone in the room jumped.

The new arrival was dressed in rust-red robes, with blond hair tied back. He examined the people in the room with his green eyes, a faintly surprised look on his face.

Ciaran was the only one who didn't look shocked, but he did raise an eyebrow. "Lord Amargein! What brings you down here from Silverymoon?"

"A vision. It's been years since I was last in Undermountain, but I know it when I see it. Something's gone horribly wrong for the Mad Mage."

"Something important enough to ignore the teleport targets?" Ciaran cracked a smile. "The Watchful Order won't be too happy with you if they find out."

"There are bigger worries. I take it something's going on if you have these men here?"

[rhoenix]

Musing about his odd dreams last night gave Kergan something to keep his walking pace steady. Returning his mind to the present moment, Kergan now estimated he was less than a good mile's walk from Waterdeep now, and should be there by late morning.

Somewhat unkempt brownish-black hair long enough, were it combed and kept, about halfway down his ears, a few wisps of which drifted over his eyes. He wore a long cloak, which didn't cover a long, straight handle sticking out above his right shoulder.

If his dreams were in any way accurate, then there might be a journey ahead, one that would require him to bring all his mettle and skill to bear, and then some. He relished the prospect with a grim smile.

At last, he reached Waterdeep's northwest gate. He got a curious stare or two from the guards, but went by unchallenged. He threw back the hood of his cloak, relishing the sunshine.

As he walked, he saw what apparently were upper-class dwellings, with regular patrols, well-dressed people, and no beggars. Most looked either curiously or with suspicion at the handle of the greatsword on his back, but he paid them little heed.

Following the paths, he eventually found the Maiden's Tears tavern, and got a few eyebrows raised by the patrons inside when his eyes adjusted. Walking to an empty table, he removed the greatsword from his back, and set it resting on the ground, near his chair. A rather pretty serving-wench came by, and he flirted gently before deciding to order an upper-class breakfast, along with some watered wine.

As he waited for his breakfast to be brought out, he mused to himself about the dream...and his eyes, filled with rage and sorrow. There had to be a good story there, and he'd deeply enjoy finding out.

When the serving wench came back, he asked her casually about any odd occurrences, visions, or the like recently - watching her reaction change was curious, since she nearly instantly told him about the Yawning Portal.

Thanking her, he finished his breakfast, left her a small tip, and walked purposefully out of the tavern after securing his things. He quickly realized that Waterdeep was much larger than he had previously thought, as he had walked for more than an ten minutes without getting to the next landmark the serving wench had told him about. Another ten minutes however saw him arriving at the in and tavern named Yawning Portal. Pulling back the hood of his cloak, he stepped inside, and looked for a place to sit.

[B4UTRUST]

Etvar was looking at the two men from the holy order when Reggie introduced them. He was wise enough to keep his mouth shut though, especially when someone suddenly teleported into the room.

This someone was apparently Lord Amargein. He had heard the name somewhere but had never seen the man in person. And he was no doubt a very important person. So he remained silent and waited for his cue from Jarvis or Reggie, trusting them not to lead him into trouble they couldn't get out of.

[LadyTevar]

Like every other patron of the Yawning Portal, Rauri was looking over every new arrival. The tall human with the large sword hilt sticking up from his back had two qualities that Rauri liked instantly.
1. Big Sword
2. Cute looks.

"Elias... have we room for the warrior who just came in?" Rauri asked, her gaze on the newcomer, not the the gnome across from her. She hoped to catch the man's eye, and let him know he could sit with her.

[Rogue 9]

"Aye," Ciaran answered. "A slaving ring."

"Hmmmm." Amargein frowned. "Important indeed. But given what I saw, I believe Waterdeep may be in terrible danger. You must assemble an expedition, without delay."

"What about the slavers? If they keep snatchin' people..." Reggie trailed off at a glare from Amargein.

"This is more important. We can split forces if you wish; some of you can go get some hireswords and go while the rest take care of the slaving ring, but this can brook no delay," the sorcerer insisted. "If you feel you need it, I'll go blast the miscreants to the Fugue Plane myself."

Ciaran nodded. "As you say." He turned to Eralis. "Brother, would you be willing to take this expedition? I think it would be a more worthy test of your mettle than what we were about to do in any case; I'm sure the Knights would find it more than acceptable." He looked over at Reggie. "And any of you? I still need some to come with me. There are always mercenaries and sellswords at the Yawning Portal, looking for companions to brave the dungeon with them, so you'll have no trouble finding people to help."

[Comrade Tortoise]

Elias looked over at him "No problem by me, the more swordslingers the better. In fact, I would worry if there was just the one..."

[rhoenix]

Noticing a rather tall, but pretty blonde woman across the room giving him a coy smile, Kergan met her eyes and smiled back.

Making his way across the room, he stood next to an empty chair across from this woman. He noticed then that her hands had calluses where those who used a weapon often tended to develop them. More obviously, the battle-axe and the painted buckler resting on a traveler's backpack were broad hints. He smiled as he looked her in the eyes again, his blue eyes giving hers a knowing look. "Good morning, madam. May I take this seat?"

[General Havoc]

The shift in priorities was rather surprisingly rapid, but then, Tyr always did work promptly...

Still, Eralis had reservations about this one. "My... understanding of the Undermountain is rudimentary at best," he said. "I am of course willing and eager to serve Tyr in any capacity, but... I am afraid I do not know what it is you or Tyr would have me do in that place. All I've heard from the Undermountain is that it is a location filled with all manner of unpleasantries."

[B4UTRUST]

Etvar looked up and over at Ciaran. Then he looked over at Reggie and Jarvis in askance. From Reggie he saw a strong desire for the slavers. From Jarvis the look was one of more indifference. Reggie was obviously leading up the Slaver ring and Jarvis would probably be joining him. He didn't know that for sure, but he made it a good guess. And obviously they wanted someone to go into Undermountain for this other purpose. His cue, obviously. He turned back to Ciaran and looked him in the eye.
"I'll go."

[LadyTevar]

"Always nice havin' a strong arm at yer back," Rauri agreed with Elias, meeting the eyes of the warrior at last and smiling wider as he headed their direction. "Here he comes now..."

He smiled as he looked her in the eyes again, his blue eyes giving hers a knowing look. "Good morning, madam. May I take this seat?"

"Of course, sir, please feel free ta join us." Her accent, once again, said she was NOT from Waterdeep. As he'd looked her over, so she did him, noting callouses from swordplay, noting again the hilt of the greatsword at his back, and his armor under his cloak. "My companion Elias here was just sayin' it's a good swordsman we'll be needin' when we go below. I'm Rauri NicIomhair, of Gwenyth." If he had the knowledge, Gwenyth was one of the Moonshae Isles to the west, and it would explain her accent.

[Rogue 9]

Amargein turned to Eralis. "Brother Tyrran," he said - if Eralis looked, he would recognize twin holy symbols worked into the designs of Amargein's cloak; those of Mystra and Torm - "This will tell you what you need to know about my vision." He handed the cleric a sheet of folded parchment. "I'm unsure of the significance of some of it, but I feel the Triad has important work down there. I shall delve the depths of the Undermountain myself when our business with the slavers is concluded, but the vision made it clear to me that there could be no delay. If you will accept this charge, you have my gratitude."

[Comrade Tortoise]

The big man had not seemed to notice him directly, though Rauri had taken pains to mention his existence. For that he was grateful, as it made sure the larger man did not sit on him. That would be awkward and unpleasant.

"Indeed. I would be worried if we only had one sword arm, I am alright with a crossbow and my spells, but for some reason I never took to physical combat. The weasel is better at than I am"

a chittering sound was heard in his pocket

"Well met, Elias Ebenstein at your service... and the weasel is Glockenspiel the Magnificent"

[General Havoc]

Amargein... he had not recognized him before, for the teleportations had added so many to their ranks, and he had not seen him before in person, but when the champion of Mystra and Torm turned to him, there could be no doubt.

And obviously, also no other answer.

"Then I shall accept the charge, gladly," he said, taking the scroll and delivering another half-bow. Amargein might not have been a priest of Tyr, but a champion of his caliber was due deference regardless. "Tyr reveals his will in mysterious ways, and if I am in a position to be offered such a thing, then I choose to believe it is his will that I go, and see to whatever is afoot beneath the mountain."

[Rogue 9]

"Very good," the sorcerer replied, also giving a nod to Etvar. "The easiest means of reaching the dungeon is the entry well in the Yawning Portal. As Ciaran said, the two of you should have no difficulty in getting help there, and I recommend you do so; the dungeon is not for the faint of heart or ill prepared."

[rhoenix]

"Indeed. I would be worried if we only had one sword arm, I am alright with a crossbow and my spells, but for some reason I never took to physical combat. The weasel is better at than I am"

a chittering sound was heard in his pocket

"Well met, Elias Ebenstein at your service... and the weasel is Glockenspiel the Magnificent"

"Of course, sir, please feel free ta join us." Her accent, once again, said she was NOT from Waterdeep. As he'd looked her over, so she did him, noting callouses from swordplay, noting again the hilt of the greatsword at his back, and his armor under his cloak. "My companion Elias here was just sayin' it's a good swordsman we'll be needin' when we go below. I'm Rauri NicIomhair, of Gwenyth."

Though he had not seen the gnome directly when he had walked in the door, he had seen this gentleman as he had approached. Stepping back to view both human lady, and gnome gentleman, he bowed formally. "I am honored to meet you three, Elias, Glockenspiel, and Rauri. I am Kergan Mehrimat, a traveler from Semberholme, in the Dalelands region." His accent had a subtle hint of elvish, as did the manner in which he formally bowed.

He carefully set his greatsword near the chair next to Rauri, set his cloak and backpack next to it, and sat, ordering a small breakfast and an ale from the serving wench as he sat comfortably. "I also had a peculiar dream last night, one that led me directly here. Do either of you know anything about a powerful Mage, or an underground fortress of sorts?"

[Comrade Tortoise]

"Why yes, yes I do. I too had such a vision. Indeed, I saw a horn Medallion that seemed to be of some importance. The vision was of Halaster the Mad Mage of Undermountain. Undermountain being his labyrinthine lair that exists in and under the Mountain you see in this city. In this very inn, there is a winch that leads to one of its levels... We have been waiting on people to go with us, and you are welcome to do so... But be warned, most who go there never return...."

[LadyTevar]

Rauri raised an eyebrow to find that they had both had the visions, but it had seemed to hit many folks in Waterdeep. Still, she was quick to dispel Elias' gloom and doom about going down.

"Those who do return are rich. The tavern-owner made his wealth that way, we've heard," she said, repeating the words of the patron who'd spoken to them earlier. The gleam in her eye clearly said she was willing to take the risk. "Two swords are better than one, I'm thinkin'. Elias knows somethin' of magic, which is always a bonus. What say you, Kergan... shall we be hunting this Mad Mage and his medallion together?"

[rhoenix]

Kergan nodded after a moment. "My vision was nearly identical to yours, Elias, and I too am curious. As they say, nothing worth discovering is without risk, and I am willing to find out. Besides, if I manage to learn more about the arcane or more about combat during the course of that discovery, so much the better."

"Those who do return are rich. The tavern-owner made his wealth that way, we've heard," she said, repeating the words of the patron who'd spoken to them earlier. The gleam in her eye clearly said she was willing to take the risk. "Two swords are better than one, I'm thinkin'. Elias knows somethin' of magic, which is always a bonus. What say you, Kergan... shall we be hunting this Mad Mage and his medallion together?"

At this, he smiled somewhat predatorily. "I fear the Mad Mage may have already met his end, but hunting his medallion and his secrets certainly sounds fun to me."

[Comrade Tortoise]

"Good, good. And I agree. Though we will need a priest, we would not want to go anywhere without someone who can heal us, and we may want someone who has... what I shall call assorted talents as well. That place is probably trapped and we wont get anywhere unless we can get doors unlocked."

[LadyTevar]

Rauri grinned at the little gnome, before her eyes slide over Kergan's body. One didn't use a sword that size without having a few muscles. She herself was well-built for her size and sex. "If there's a stuck door, between the two of us we'll get it open, I'm thinkin'."

[Comrade Tortoise]

"Not all doors are amenable to being forced open.... We are not talking about your mothers door. We are talking about iron gratings with complex locks, puzzle locks on sliding granite panels... and that does not avoid the traps. If you play your cards wrong you will be doused with acid, or stabbed with sharp point spikes"

WIth that he made a bear-trap motion with his tiny stubby but disgustingly dextrous fingers.

[rhoenix]

"Good, good. And I agree. Though we will need a priest, we would not want to go anywhere without someone who can heal us, and we may want someone who has... what I shall call assorted talents as well. That place is probably trapped and we wont get anywhere unless we can get doors unlocked."

Rauri grinned at the little gnome, before her eyes slide over Kergan's body. One didn't use a sword that size without having a few muscles. She herself was well-built for her size and sex. "If there's a stuck door, between the two of us we'll get it open, I'm thinkin'."

At this, Kergan smirked. "Stubborn doors are one of my specialties. More support couldn't hurt though."