CH. 5: Vying Factions

[HorizonsDream]

"Well, I guess before my husband sends the guard out looking for me, I should go," Kendra says. "Oh, I forgot to ask. What do you think about this giant slaying thing?" she asks the gully dwarf curiously.

[BishGada]

Tulbas steps forward in determination. His back is straight, his look as cold as ice. He raises his hand to stop Gregeddin. "We have met before." he says in a low voice that surprisingly is carried perfectly to the others ears. Then he looks at Magnus, "I'm aware of the danger. I came here to seek you. My friends told me you know of Raetmal's condition and that you believe Darewind is somehow responsible for that. Do you know what had stricken Raetmal and how can we help him?" Tulbas asks.
As a mage to another Tulbas respects the person in front of him. He obviously came a long way, and his bravery is apparent wearing his robes in public. But he made choices which are not to Tulbas's own taste and therefore even that he respects the man, trust is completely another matter. Especially with the dwarf mentioned something about the mage intentions regarding the mageware shop.

[JadedDM]

Gregeddin and Tulbas (River Way, Harbor District)
"Yes, we met once before, briefly," Magnus says. "I would have liked to had the opportunity to get to know you better, but circumstances didn't allow it."

Do you know what had stricken Raetmal and how can we help him?"

Magnus raises a brow. "It was my understand that he was 'stricken' with a dagger, several times. There is, as far as I know, no cure for that. It was an ambush. Darewind tricked him, sending him a note in the Conclave's name to trick him into going to the ambush spot. When he arrived, Darewind and his goons attacked. He was lucky he was able to get away in time." He looks down at Tulbas, right in the eye. "For now, Darewind has his sights on you."

[BishGada]

Tulbas nods, "Yeah, and I just stepped up his hatred to me. I tried to force him to prove his so called 'divined powers' and told the crowd not to trust his actions until he actually heal someone. I'm not sure it helped. They all fear him or too blind to see the deceive."
He then reflects on Magnus statement. "Raetmal did receive an invitation to quickly attend to a meeting in the Tower. Do you think he was ambushed in the Tower itself? And these goons, do you think they are here with him in the warehouse? Can you tell me why did you seek Raetmal in the first place and how did you know about Darewind's intentions?"

[JadedDM]

"Can you tell me why did you seek Raetmal in the first place and how did you know about Darewind's intentions?"

"As I told your friend here, I was sent here by the Conclave to investigate Darewind as a suspected Renegade. I was working with your uncle to find him. Darewind realized we were on to him, lured Raetmal away and attacked him. I've sent word to Wayreth for backup, but it may be a few days before they can arrive. Until then, we're on our own. And he's grown more powerful than ever."

[djhyland]

Darga watches, half confused and half amused, as Haahqae appears to ask Kendra for advice with women. But with little advice to offer of his own, he keeps his silence.

When she asks him his opinion of fighting the giant, Darga studies Kendra for a moment before answering. "I s'pose that if yer lookin' ta get back ta yer husband, I won't go inta it all. But I don' think that fightin' th' giant is a good idea, no. I know th' giant is a threat ta th' refugees an' all, but I don' like how wrapped up Darewind's cult is wit' fightin' it. Seems ta me that if we go after it, we either take Darewind's people with ta help an' do his work fer him, or we go it alone an' put our own lives at great risk." He sighs heavily. "I don' think th' others're gonna be talked out o' fightin' it, though, an' I don' like lettin' 'em go alone."

[HorizonsDream]

"Well, they do have help from the cultist, so maybe they will be okay," Kendra says. "Besides, I might actually end up more of a hindrance towards the group considering that I was a Seeker guard," she explains. "But, if you don't plan on going, maybe you and I can check out that thing for the thieves guild?"

[Haahque]

No surprises here, looks like the Steel Tankard's full again. Also no sign of the huntsman around. His name was Jaymes or something. Chances are I'll be able to catch up with him in the morning before we go meet the others and get a fast plotting planning session in. As for now, Haahqae thinks, it's getting dark outside and I'm getting hungry. I better fulfill my duty in order to keep a roof over my head and a meal on my plate.

Wandering over to where Ro.. Ro.. The Bartender keeps himself busy, Haahqae announces to him that he's ready to put on his nightly performance and that he hopes to have a plate of food once he's done, if that's alright with everyone.

[BishGada]

"What do you plan to do with Darewind? And can you prove he is fraud in face of the crowd? That will strip him of all the power he has." Tulbas asks, still not revealing his own concerns.

[mgbevan]

Gregeddin listens intently to the conversation between Tulbas and Magnus.

[JadedDM]

Haahqae (Steel Tankard Inn)
The barkeeper sends one of his people into the kitchen to prepare a meal for Haahqae to eat after his performance is over.

Gregeddin and Tulbas (River Way, Harbor District)
"Exposing Darewind is no longer top priority," Magnus replies. "With Raetmal disabled, I need to focus on protecting you, at least until the backup arrives. Raetmal would never forgive me if I let something happened to his only living relative."

[djhyland]

Darga nods cautiously. "So ya don' think yer goin' with ta fight th' giant?" He considers a bit. "I s'pose if yer not goin', I don' feel too bad 'bout not goin' either. An' if ya got business wit' th' thieves' guild, I'll be happy ta go wit' ya."

[HorizonsDream]

"I don't want it to be just the two of us though," Kendra admits. "We have no idea what is down there. We can always ask Tulbas. I doubt he is going on this giant slaying mission."

[BishGada]

"Hmm... So with Raetmal disabled, you think I'm Darewind's top priority now? That means that if I stay away from Raetmal, it will in a way draw the attention away from his whereabouts and so keep him safer, right?" Tulbas contemplates.
"All things considered, I guess going to stop the giant will be the lesser of evils." Tulbas says grievously. "Being with a group of warriors, on a publicly know expedition, that already considered heroic actions helping the refugees, that we are almost sure Darewind will not join, but most certainly will be very interested in, will both increase the distance between us, raise the favor of our group in the eyes of the cultists and draw attention from Raetmal."

"How long and how well do you know Raetmal?" Tulbas asks Magnus. "Forgive my insolence but your meeting didn't seem friendly."

[mgbevan]

"Sending Biggs and Wedge our like that looking for you would indeed suggest that Tulbas." Gregeddin cautiously adds, "While that second string of logic may be true, there is the possibility that Darewind hurts RRaetmal to hurt you... I wouldn't put it past him..."