In the Dark of the Night (Quest Participants Only)

[Seth]

20th of Spring, 511 AV. Dervish, Zaphe, Robert Cithon, and Nyahna Sasin: The guard patrols have had a lot of trouble lately outside the city, and just a mere day ago, the captain requested aid from the Ebonstryfe. The Stryfe, busy with other things, sent him Dervish, and simply told him to start doing better at his job. if things do not improve. One untested recruit (who wasn't even really a recruit yet) was not enough in the captains mind. He hired outside help from his own pocket including Robert Cithon and Nyahna Sasin. Zaphe, one of the guards, is also along for the patrol. The combined might of the two mercenaries, plus an expendable recruit was enough to satisfy the worries of the patrol captain, and rounds would continue like normal. Dervish, Robert, and Sasin were given a brief description of what was actually going on. Zaphe already knew, as he had encountered some of it. There had been attacks on traveling slave caravans from Sunberth, purchases the Black Sun had made in an attempt to boost the recently slow slave market within Ravok. At the same exact time, some attacks had actually gone on in the city, freeing the slaves at night, and quickly porting them across the lake. Several abandoned boats had been found at the edge of the lake every other week or so, but lately, the abandoned boats had been showing up more often. Whoever these attackers were, they were getting bolder as time passed by. Both the attacks on incoming caravans and inside slave operations were increasing in frequency. Something had to be done, and something had to be done fast. The Patrol Captain would let the inside City Guard deal with the attacks happening inside the walls. If they couldn't handle a little bit of trouble in their own home, they didn't deserve to be guards. It was his task to handle everything that happened outside. Tonight, he was taking a tight circle around the outskirts of the Lake, hoping he would manage to catch a glimpse of some oncoming boats. He would love to get his hands on whoever was doing this. Including Zaphe, there were three other city guards, along with the Captain. With the additional help that had been recruited, that made quite a large patrol party. They were currently skirting along the western side of the Lake, and their walk would take them fully around it by dawn. Perhaps twice, depending on their pace. "Stay alert. Keep all eyes scanning the lake. Even you, recruits. It will be hard to spot a tiny boat on the dark late, especially with this kind of night." It was quite dark out. Clouds were over the moon and stars, keeping most everything hidden from sight. The immediate area around them was lit by two torches held by two of the city guard, but the rest of the world was a dark black, with only a few beams of starlight able to seep through the cloudy sky. It was a rather normal night, but there seemed to be a sense of tension in the air. Someone daring to incite something of a rebellion within Ravok? They were mad. Suicidal, even. __________________________________________________________________ Nex and Ren: Some distance away, the Patrol Captain's fears were coming true. A duo of boats was crossing the Lake, quickly and quietly heading for the shore under the cover of night. They had just freed another small bunch of slaves from their oppressive captors and the sickening slave trade within Ravok... and they had cleanly gotten away with it. Perhaps they were being a little too bold, but they couldn't stop now. They were throwing the underbelly of Ravok into havoc, which is exactly what the first step of their plan needed them to do. This plan was a foolish one, and might take months to accomplish... but it started here. In these first few weeks. They would slowly demolish the slave trade of Ravok, and win even more people over to their sides. Nex and Ren had been traveling together about a week ago when they had stumbled upon the conspiracy. The very people that were in these two boats had been the ones to attack a traveling slave caravan, one filled with Kelvics bought from Sunberth. Nex and Ren had barely had time to react back then, as a man by the name of Harrol had been quick to demolish the caravan. A whirlwind of fists and steel, he had torn the guards to shreds, and easily released all of the captured Kelvics. He had taken notice to Nex and Ren, and then and there, had openly explained to them what he was doing. For several seasons, the Rising Dawn had plotted in secret. It's mission, to take down the Black Sun and ultimately end the tyranny of Rhysol, The Defiler. This Rising Dawn, they were planning to overthrow a God, and everything that stood under him. Then, the man had offered Nex and Ren a deal. They, being Kelvics themselves, could understand the cruelty of containing slaves within Ravok... especially Kelvic slaves. What kind of Kelvic was one who was not allowed to run free? All of them desired masters, but few of them desired true slavery. Abuse and neglect was all that would await them within the walls of Ravok. For a few gold coins, the man was hoping Nex and Ren would keep their mouths quiet about what had conspired here on this day. He didn't know who they were, if they were from Ravok, or if they even had any idea what he was talking about... but he didn't want word getting out, and he wouldn't take any risks. He was hoping the treat of gold as well as their concern for their fellow Kelvics would be enough to keep them quiet. He had even offered them another deal. If they would meet him on the edge of the Lake tonight, then he would have them help him free even more Kelvic slaves. It would be a chance for them to help fellow Kelvics, perhaps even fellow wolves. All they had to do was show up, and he would put them to good use. The boats finally reached the shore, and Harrol was the first to jump to the sand, grabbing both boats and effortlessly tugging them to rest. He was a giant of an Akalak, tall with great and impressive rippling muscles curving throughout his defined figure. He was shirtless, smeared with black mud and dripping with water, only wearing a short pair of britches with a single Lakan hanging from his belt. Two more armed men jumped from the boat, helping out three slaves that had been carried across as well. The slaves were identified by the tattoo's on one of their hands, along with the shackles binding their wrists. The armed men (short swords hanging from the hip) quickly went about removing the bonds, while the giant of an Akalak stood talk, keeping both a look-out for any patrols, as well as the two Kelvics that he had decided to invite. Would they show?

OOCThe posting order doesn't matter for now. After the first round of posting, we will determine by that in what order we go. Just to clarify, the first group cannot see the second group.

Have fun, and PM with any questions.

[Nyahna Sasin]

(In case it wasn't clear, Sasin is in his Dhani [half man half snake] form.)

Ah, the life of a mercenary. Only two weeks, and he was already risking his life for what would no doubt turn out to be a tiny amount of coin. Still, anything was better than the mind numbing boredom that had been his life back in Syliras. Even patrolling the lake. At least he wasn't alone. He had a delightful group of people with him; the patrol captain who had hired him, one Ebonstryfe novice, four guardsmen, and another mercenary. He was going to have such a great time.

Sasin had only really half listened to the briefing. He honestly didn't care, as long as he was paid. There were slaves, there were abandoned boats, and there were escaped slaves in not yet abandoned boats. And caravans, but he didn't need to worry about that for a while.

Slaves. Honestly, he didn't see how it could be worth it to keep one. Yes, things needed doing, but paid servants were just as good, and less likely to kill you in your sleep. And freeing slaves just meant a miserable person who didn't know how to function in society.

He followed the captain around the lake, absentmindedly fiddling with his dagger. He hadn't brought his bow along, knowing it would only be a liability. There had been nothing so far, no signs of any boats, slaves, or revolutionary. He hadn't seen, smelt, or heard anyone, not that he could have heard anything over the sounds of the guardsmen stomping.

Sasin smirked softly as the captain spoke again. "You want to find people on a dark night like this, don't just take humans." Grinning cockily, he added, " Lucky for you, you've got me." He had come on this patrol in his dhani form. He personally doubted that any of them were happy about it, but as long as he was paid, he didn't care.

There was nothing out there, at least for now. It was just the eight of them, wandering around a lake. Lovely.

[Zaphe]

Zaphe tread the dark path along the lake confidently. The patrol was familiar, and he scarcely needed the torches anymore, his eyes rarely left the lake. The captain was pushing the group faster than usual. Clearly he was hoping to find somebody. That was fine with Zaphe. He was hoping to find someone as well. It was unnerving, going out and finding empty boats and dead guards after a night you though had passed harmlessly. It would be nice to find an enemy to sink an axe into. And with a patrol almost doubled in size, this would be as good a night as any for it.

Finding nothing but water in the lake to concern his thoughts, he turned them to his impromptu companions. There was the big sell-sword, Robert, who had clearly been in his share of fights. He was the only member of the party(besides the snake man) at least as large as as Zaphe himself, and he carried his weapons like he knew how to use them. Zaphe marked him as someone who could be counted on should they find a battle tonight.

He had his doubts about the other hireling though. Mistrust of not-humans ran rampant in many parts of Ravok, and Zaphe tried not to fall prey to that. True, he had only really known one sentient being who was anything other than human, and odds were they were dead by now, but anything categorical, was something he attempted to avoid. Still, working with a giant snake seemed like asking for trouble. But as he continued to observe the big demi-human, he realized which side of a fight with the man he would rather be on. Zaphe decided to reserve judgement on this on.

The third addition was even more a mystery. Zaphe had been told he was "from the Ebonstryfe", but he wasn't sure if he believed that. The guard had seen a few agents of the 'Stryfe in his time in the city, and this man didn't seem much like them. They all seemed to carry an air of barely controlled insanity that was hard to emulate. Possibly another mercenary hired to increase the resolve of the guards? Zaphe knew firsthand that "Ebonstryfe" was the magic word to much of Ravok. Then again, he considered, there must be 'Stryfe who don't, at first glance, appear to be 'Stryfe, otherwise it would be difficult to operate in secret. But why send one of those to assist in a fairly overt patrol around the lake? Actually, to the best of Zaphe's knowledge, it was out of character for the Ebonstryfe to send anyone for a routine patrol at the request of a Guard captain, attacks or no. This whole situation seemed outside of his knowledge.

Zaphe finally sighed in resignation and concentrated on putting one foot in front of the other. He didn't really need to do this, but it was better than chasing himself around in mental circles all night.

[Robert Cithon]

The patrol around the lake was peaceful to Robert. He often escaped the confines of the city limits, seeking peace in the wilderness. He would often come to open clearing along the lake shore, Ravok in sight, and practice his skills. Honing your skills was the only way to become a Master and he was determined to advance that far one day. Just not today, or tomorrow. He was wearing his usual armor, Leather. It was worn and old. But well broken in and easy to maneuver in. His decided to leave his coat at home tonight, doubting he would need any daggers tonight, though he still had three concealed on his body. His long sword was strapped to his back, easy to each with his left hand. And his battle axe was strapped to his right hip. Never knowing when you needed a back up weapon, he never left them home. Most the time he was lost in his own thoughts. The quite dark night showing no signs of danger, he allowed his mind to wonder. Never for to long though, every few minutes he would scan the surrounding area again, searching for the mysterious party that was causing so much havoc in Ravok lately. Being hired by the City Guard was comforting for him at least they know which side he was on. That is if the events turned into something large scale. He was not the only mercenary on this patrol tonight, a dahni had accompanied them to. In all of Robert’s years as a sell sword, he had never came across a dahni merc. It seemed unusual to him. I have seen odder He admitted to himself silently.

[Nex Paciscor]

He padded through the darkness, heading with all speed to the agreed upon meeting place. Earlier that day, he had concerned himself with dumping his gear in the hollow of a dead oak stump he'd come across. It had been a very long and arduous travel from Zeltiva to here, but he of course came here on the beckoning of a friend. In fact it wasn't too long ago that they had been traveling together towards here, but upon meeting a couple of people, they managed to establish a stronger contact with the effort.

Before they had been a little bit aimless, but upon meeting Harrol, they soon had purpose, and so tonight was the night that they would finally meet and be able to help. Nex silently wondered when Ren was going to show up, a few days back they had split up, agreeing to meet Harrol, and in effect regrouping with each other.

It was very hard to see on this dark night, and even his keen sight only allowed him a slightly improved field of vision. He had figured it would be better for him to carry nothing and just keep his wolf form for a bit. Even in human form he could handle himself without the burden of cloths or weapon, his fighting art being unarmed combat as it was. If cloths where needed to appear inconspicuous then perhaps the man would provide him some, or else he could always do guard duty.

He soon caught sight of a group of people near the shore, but stalked towards them carefully as he had no idea if they were friendly or not. It could be a patrol, but then why where they standing still. Soon though he came close enough to determine what they overall looked like, and determined that they were indeed not the patrol, and in fact the people he had been searching for through the better part of a day. Padding closer to them he quickly melted into his human form, and stepped into their line of sight. " Greetings my friends, how goes the effort on this night? " he asked in hushed tones, wary of any that might be lurking nearby. He didn't notice Ren among them, but figured he would arrive shortly.

[Ren Tanor]

Ren walked slowly the the forest the cool night air carresing his nude body, the only light illuminating his was the bright moonlight shining, only patches of ight hit the ground as the rest was blocked out by the many trees. Ren wondered if he should've wore clothes.....maybe Nex was wearing clothes, Ren hadn't thought of Nex for the last week his mind had been clouded thinking about the mission ahead. Ren had been traveling whith Nex about a week ago when they had come across a man by the name of Harrol Ren stared dumbstruck as we had watched him singlehandedly take down a platoon of caravan guards, his noble cause had freed many kelvic slaves. As Ren watched a dumb look masking his face Harrol tried to persuade him to join his cause, to overthrow the god Rhysol of Ravok it would be a hard Task but it could be accomplished through an iron military grip. Ren hadagreed to meet up with Nex on the shore where they would continue across the river together, Ren was wondering when he would find Nex.

Ren's walking turned into a brisk walk which then morphed into a run, Ren was going to get to the meeting point as fast as he can but the faster he went the more noise he made. As Ren ran on he figured out that if he was in his wolf form he would be able to make faster headway with minimal, because in addition to agility and stanima the wolf had soft padded paws wich would help him to not mak much noise. As Ren contiued running he quickly morphed into his wolf form imediatly contining his running pace not even missing a beat. Ren came across a clearring in the tree where on hallowed fern layedRen sat there trying to gather his bearings when he heard a voice.

"Greetings my friends, how goes the effort on this night"

"Is that you Nex" Ren said softly.

[Dervish]

Dervish walked second to last in the patrol, looking rather unlike the part he was to play, with his brown leather armour and ragged looks. He did not appear much like other stoic and imposing, yet also eerie and perhaps even mad Ebonstryfe soldiers. He kept looking from side to side under his dark hair, which concealed the stress and nervousity he was feeling. He was unused to the wild, and every brush of the wind in the leaves, every rock and stick being kicked by the party on their walk through the dark path made him itch to be gone from the forest. The trees looked like crooked old crones and old men bending over to snatch them, and although he knew his childish fantasies to be foolish Dervish couldn't shake them. An entire life spent in the straight and clear shadow of houses made the twisting shadows of the trees unnerving, if not terrifying. He murmured a curse under his breath, and forced himself to stand abit taller, looking around at the rest of the patrol. His hand kept straying to the handle of his dagger - Touching it gave him a feeling of recognition and calm to counteract the forest. Immediately upon looking up, Dervish noticed the disturbing 'snake' leering ahead of him, talking a phrase or two with the Guard Captain. There was one who definetely didn't add to his feeling of calm, a giant predator, a kind he only knew little of except stories told by people in the streets; of snakes that preyed on humans, and on anything else that would cross their path. He clutched his dagger, and let his gaze run over the rest of the group, the average city guards, and a completely inconspicuous mercenary, armed with both a longsword and a battle axe. He started and stared intently into the brush as one of them fluttered, and saw a bird flying out amongst the dark trees. Dervish sighed, and composed himself. There was nothing to worry about, except perhaps the ones they were hunting - And it was surely better to be the predator than the prey. He started to look out onto the lake intently, trying to catch a glimpse of a boat, despite the dark and clouded night.

[Seth]

Ren and Nex: Harrol smiled as he saw Nex approaching, and stepped forward, offering the man a quick handshake. He also heard Ren whisper out, and turned to the forest, whispering back. "Over here, good sir. Your companion has already joined us." With that, he turned back to Nex, quickly going to business. "Thank you for your help tonight. We need someone to guide us swiftly through the darkened forests, as it isn't wise to take the main roads. We have a small camp near the Cobalt Mountains, and that is our destination. With just me guiding us, sometimes it can take longer than needed to get to where we are going... but with a wolf, it should be one straight path. We have discreet markers that give us a path to follow... we simply want the two of you to take the lead, so we can make good time." Harool sucked in a tight breath, glancing back and forth along the Lake edge, a bit of worry crossing his strong blue features. "I... just have had a bad feeling lately. We are getting brave in releasing this many slaves so often, but..." He turned his head, casting a glance at his fellow men, who were still trying to unshackle the slaves they had just shipped across the river. "...I can't help but want to help more of them, every time I free one. It is a long path to walk, but soon, we will be near the end. Praise Priskil." After a few moments worth of silence, the giant blue Akalak would show Ren and Nex a nearby tree marking, a small scratch that pointed in a particular direction. Another tree was near it with a marking, then another, then another. That was the path they had to follow. Ren and Nex would lead, with the slaves holding onto them, and then the Rising Dawn holding onto the slaves. They would quickly go in two lines, as silently as possible, no matter how it slowed their pace or not. Silence was of the upmost importance. Soon, the slaves were unshackled, and everything was ready to go. When Ren and Nex shifted, the two lines would be formed, and the Rising Dawn would begin their escape into the forest. Ren and Nex would have to find the perfect balance of speed and silence, all the while allowing the slaves to keep a good grip on them. ____________________________________________________ Dervish, Zaphe, Robert Cithon, and Nyahna Sasin: The patrol soon stumbled across an old boat, one that looked as if it had been docked ashore quite a few days ago. The wood was soaked, a little bit of water in the actual vessel, as if rain had caught it unaware at some point. The guard captain paused upon seeing it, then made a few quick hand motions to his guards. Everyone that was apart of the city guard would know this meant to keep an eye out, both on the lake, and the forest. To the rest of the group, the captain motioned, pulling them to examine the boat with him. There were three old and rusted shackles in the boat, ones commonly used to hold slaves captive at the slave market. Other then that, it was completely empty. The captain cursed a bit at the sight of the shackles, grabbing one, pulling it from the watery muck that it was sitting in. He spoke softly, but there was a undertone of anger to his voice. "Sometimes they just leave the escape boats on the shore, and sometimes, they just push them out to the lake so we won't find them. This is one that was pushed out, and just recently washed ashore." Most of the group would be able to examine the boat for a few moments longer before the captain made the signal to gather up again. "Come on. We keep moving. A few of you pull that boat farther ashore. Then, we continue, but at a quicker pace. This boat is a good omen, I think. I feel good about tonight." There was a violent flash in the eyes of the captain at these words, a tight smile drawing across his face. He expected to run into these folks tonight, and one got the definite feeling that he wasn't going to just arrest them.

[Nyahna Sasin]

Aaand, there was a boat. That was empty. No people, escaped slaves or otherwise. Sasin was not impressed.

He slithered a little closer as the captain indicated for them to inspect the boat. It was a boat. That was all Sasin could say for it. It was empty, except for something metal that he was not touching, and was, apart from that, completely unremarkable. Why the man wanted them to see this, he had no idea. If what the guard captain said was true, the scent of anyone on the boat would have all but disappeared, which was inconvenient. It was no doubt too much to hope for a note written to an especially stupid member of the group, spelling out where they were going, and why they were doing this. A list of members would have helped as well. He looked down at the boat again. No? Things like that seemed to happen in every story. Of course, he mused, it always happened to the villains, which seemed to be the role he was playing here.

Since the boat offered nothing, Sasin opted to take a closer look at the others. The mercenary was obviously going to be the muscle of the group, with a longsword and a battle axe, both of which he seemed to know how to use, from the way he wore them. He, at least, seemed quite relaxed today. The guards appeared to be keeping an eye out for anything, no doubt on a silent command meant only for them. That worried him a little, but he dismissed it from his mind. Nothing to be done, he supposed.

The Ebonstryfe, now, there was in interesting person. On one hand, it was fairly obvious that he was quite jumpy. He kept glancing at the trees, and looked like he would run in terror if he so much as saw a rabbit. Assuming the man wasn't just a coward, he was obviously not at home in the forest. On the other hand, there was something about him that seemed somewhat, well, animal. There was no other way to say it. Maybe it was the hair?

Whatever it was, this one was to be kept an eye on.

[Ren Tanor]

Ren Tanor Ren listened to Harrol intently trying to memorize the plan that he had created. The plan seemed simple enough to Ren but he hoped Harrol had thought of different scenarios that had a possibility of happening, but ren shugged the doubt away against his better judgement. As Ren started shifting into his wolf form the dark night started to become less dark in his own eyes and he began to feel the tingling feeling that usually accompanied him shortly after shifting. Ren walked leuisurely to the front of the group and waited for the rest of them to start doing their part in this elaborate plan, he wondered how long that would take.