Flashbacks:

Tana sleeps well through the night, going to the aft of the ship where there is 
a little more room. With the gray tinges of the false dawn he awakes. The only 
ones that appear to be awake at this early hour are the night watchmen of the 
crew. Stripping down to only a loin cloth, Tana starts his morningritual. After 
his practice he pours a little water into a bucket and cleanses himself before 
getting dressed. The sun has just started peeking over the waves at this time, 
and the morning activity of the ship coming to life after night can be heard.
 
Tana heads to the galley to get something to break the nights fast, looking to 
see if any others of the group are early risers.
 
Kyran, as a wolf, observes Tana quietly with glinting red eyes.  He quietly 
whiffs the breeze and looks around, particularly at the primary moon as the sun 
starts to rise.  Padding his way behind Tana, he steadily, but not very 
stealthily, makes his way to the galley behind the early riser.  He's unaware of 
the practices of the ship, but Tana seems to know what's going on.
 
Lannstucht is on deck with the first light, checking on the horses, 
feeding/mucking out etc.  Enjoying the quiet, she sings softly under her breath 
in Rochladisch as she works.
 
During the week-long voyage, Segev posts a sign on-deck.
 
Scrolls scribed or miscellaneous items enchanted,
             75% market cost.
     Materials cost must be paid up front.
         See Segev in his cabin to
          inquire about specifics.

Drakar spends the mornings in meditation perched atop the main mast, far away 
from the bustle on deck.  THe day after Segev posts his sign on deck, Drakar 
approaches both Katrina and Segev during one of their scroll exchanges.
 
"I...have a problem that I think I need to address before we reach Caer 
Ritaegno. My companion, Narush," The half-ork waves at the dire wolf resting on 
deck next to the horses, "is not going to pass easily in a civilized city like 
Caer Ritaegno. Yet I can not simply leave him aboard. For one he only half 
listens to me, and that's after several years of him growing accustomed to being 
fed by me, I'm not sure he wouldn't eat the rest of the crew if left here. Two, 
he IS useful in a fight. I'd like to smuggle him with us, but I am not sure how, 
short of magic. Can either of you help me?  I would be willing to pay you in 
gold once I get the opportunity to sell some items in Caer Ritaegno."
 
Roland speaks up about this matter. "I believe you could put him on a leash and 
feign blindness."
 
Segev looks up from the table covered in scrolls and a pair of spellbooks. "1000 
gp, and a scroll of Disguise Self. I can make you a collar that will cause its 
wearer to appear any way he desires." He thinks a moment, before correcting 
himself, "No, it would be of more use to you if I gave it a leash, or other 
command control item so another other than the wearer can control the spell. 
Narush is unlikely to consider an appropriate disguise; you should control it 
for him. What form would you prefer the control item take? If you believe Narush 
would submit to it, a leash, as Roland facetiously suggests, may be most 
logical. Otherwise, you must choose some other type of trinket for the form. It 
will take me approximately one day upon receipt of the scroll to create the 
item. I trust you can leave Narush on the ship, perhaps in Kyran's care, while 
you acquire the gold and requisite scroll."
 
Turning his cold, business-like attentions on Roland, he continues with almost 
no break in cadance, "What can I do for you? As I lack the spell to complete 
Drakar's request before we reach the city, my time is open."
 
Off to the side, you can see Kyran (as a wolf) and Narush playfully pouncing and 
rolling on eachother, trying to get the upper hand.  Narush is easily bigger and 
stronger, but a lot slower too, giving Kyran a slight advantage in that part.
 
Drakar turns to Segev, "I don't believe he'd take to wearing a leash so well. 
Can you put the enchantment into the collar? I only need one disguise for him, 
say, a bull. Large, heavy, and dangerous enough that people won't be running up 
to pet him or ride him.  I'll fetch you the scroll once we get to town."
 
Katrina considers for several moments. "An ilusion spell, perhaps, though it 
would have to be renewed often. Or you could charm him. The most effective way 
might be to just see if he'll consent to being leashed, but somehow I doubt 
either you nor he would enjoy it.
 
Ananzi will be sent to scope out the countryside. They could perhaps travel 
together? Foxes are quick, but do not tend to do well in head on battles."
 
Korg keeps himself busy during the week's of travel time... from any number of 
things to help keep the boat sailing, to performing rigorous workouts with his 
greatsword.  Those take several forms; from executing and pulling swings with 
the already large blade weighted even further, to cleaving some things here and 
there, to training with some others and practicing bring his blade to bear in 
close quarters.  He does enquire with Segev about enchanting items, but more in 
the vein of finding out if Segev would be able to further enchant his blade or 
other gear (Korg doesn't have the money for *that* but it's good to know 
people).
 
The evening went by way to slow for Menaria, as she tossed and turned with 
restlessness most of the night. Before the crack of dawn she got up and quietly 
left the Captain's quarters and went above deck. Taking the furthest area away 
from people she can find, she kneels and prays her morning prayers. Head bent 
and shoulders slouching slightly, she asks for guidance and strength to make it 
through the next few days of their journey to the Caer city.
 
For the next couple days, Menaria will meditate heavily and pray often as she 
slowly overcomes the horrible past occurances that she had been apart of - her 
HP murder, the killing at the one town not far from her Temple, and the town 
guard(s) murder.
 
Tana spends the week pretty much as he did the first day, sleeping on the deck 
waking at the coming of the false dawn. He morning rituals, then bathing before 
going down to break his fast. After each meal he heads back in the galley to 
help wash pot and pans. When he is not engaged in some task he is not far from 
Menaria, always keeping a discreet distance.
 
  Kyran spends much of the time above decks, looking over various things and, 
particularly, trying to bring his combat ability up to par with much the rest of 
the group.  It would make sense, then, that he did spar on occassion with Korg, 
by the end of which he's made considerable improvement in his normally more 
feral approach to combat, utilizing his shield as well as his sword as a weapon.  
With some very mediocore sewing skills, he eventually manages to piece his 
ripped clothing back together.
 
During the night, he spends his time above decks as a wolf, either sleeping or 
just on watch, almost always restless while up there.  He doesn't try to worry 
or threaten the crew, and in fact is rather well-behaved around them in this 
form.  He *does* try and keep the fact that him wolf is different from him 
person, always changing form in the closest thing to private quarters.  This has 
undoubtably arose suspicion from the more observant and suspicious of the crew, 
but nobody, as of yet, has actually asked him on the matter.
 
Katrina spends much of her time after trading her scrolls with Segev looking out 
over the water, seemlingly distant. Ananzi, on the other hand, seems to take a 
perverse joy in getting underfoot at every opportunity, and darting out of the 
way before a broom or foot touches him in retribution.
 
By the end of the week, Menaria is just about back to her jolly self, though 
there is a noticeable lack of her innocence that normally shinned in her eyes.
 
Later during the week, after a some discussion with Tanda, Drakar approaches 
Menaria & the others."Tanda and I estimate we've got maybe 2000 gp worth of 
regular arms and armor left by the previous crew, and 7700 gp worth of unclaimed 
enchanted loot. That makes for 9700 gp to be divided up. Should we mark out 
equal shares? More for those who took less of the enchanted items? Or just put 
together a purse for group expenses, say give half to the group going to Caer 
Ritaegno and the other half to the group headed to Marach.  And if so, who do 
you think should hold on to each of the purses?"
 
"I'd hold onto our group's purse if I can be trusted. If not, I'd prefer to 
volunteer Menaria," says Walker, speaking up.
 
"I would say sell it all and split the money for each party," Menaria states. 
"As to whom to carry the gold...I'm not for certain. I'd be willing to carry it 
for our group if the group wanted me too." She shrugs.  "But before we sell 
everything...is there anything in the loot that could be used for group 
purposes?"
 
"Not really. All we have left are splint mail, bows, swords, masterwork 
breastplate that fits me, and a pair of mighty composite longbows; plus a 
begining set of bracers of armor.  We should maybe keep the Heward's Handy 
Haversack for someone who does not already have one.  I know that Tanda and 
Kyran both carry one already."
 
"I'll take the haversack if no-one else needs it," Roland mentions.
 
"I could use one," Katrina counters.
 
Present:
 
Therro is a bustling city, and the docks where the party's pulled into are 
filled to capacity with barges and other ships loading and unloading cargo.  In 
various places, soldiers carrying muskets and swords, wearing little more than 
leather armor, can be seen, patrolling the docks in pairs.  They frown as they 
get a glimpse of Segev's silent minion--is it the armor, or is it the way the 
minion is completely silent?
 
Therro is laid out like most coastal cities: the docks and warehouses are on the 
coastline, surrounded by the merchant district, with an open air marketplace 
where the merchant and residential districts meet.  The residentials range from 
slum neighborhoods to the mansions of the minor nobility.  A medium-sized keep 
dominates the far end of the residential areas; beyond that, the city begins to 
resemble a military fort.  There is no far wall or city gate, as near as anyone 
can tell; the city fades into farmland not far past the military sector.
 
A vendor near the docks is selling maps of the city for a few coppers.  These 
maps have the usual places marked: temples and shrines to the various deities, 
magical guilds, psi-town, city guard stations, notable merchants, etc.
 
Drakar heads off as soon as the ship reaches harbor to find a magic shop.  He 
takes along with him a magic ring inscribed along the inside with the shapes of 
animals of all kinds. Lannstucht and Katrina have informed him that it is a ring 
that allows the wearer to command many animals, but the half orc has no desire 
to command anyone really.  He'd much rather just tag along and help others in 
need. After questioning the map sellers, he heads off to the shop.
 
Tucked away down a narrow cobbled alley less than a stonesthrow from the busy 
harbor in a curiously quiet part of town, he finds the shop. It has a narrow 
shopface, with wooden shutters thrown open to catch what light there is, and 
iron bars over the glass windows...a rarity.  Out front hangs a sign that reads, 
'The Dragon's Den' in fanciful script.  The inside is much like most magic 
shops, a little dusty and crammed full of books, curios, jewelry, and knick-
knacks of every kind. Robes are hung next to a dusty mirror leaning against a 
stack of weathered leather bound tomes sitting on an antique looking iron-bound 
chest tucked under rickety looking steps that are bound with ivy growing from a 
tiny thimble that looks far to small to support the entire, lush, green plant.  
A case full of rings and bracelets sits between mug bookends holding quills and 
feathers, and overflowing with cheap-looking beaded necklaces.
 
Half expecting to find a gnome in the shop, Drakar approached the proprietor of 
the shop, a burly human with bushy muttonchops who would look more at home in a 
blacksmith. "Excuse me, I'm looking for the owner of this shop."
 
"You're looking at 'em.  Charles Feasle Merlyburk the Third at your service.  I 
also do enchantments & what not." Merlyburk waves at the cotton gunnystack 
Drakar is carrying over his shoulder stuffed with the mithril breastplate.
 
"I'd like to know how much this ring is worth, and if you would buy it from me."  
Drakar hands over the ring engraved with animals.
 
Merlyburk holds up the ring and scrutinizes it for a moment.  "Hmm...haven't 
seen one of these editions in many years.  Second edition Gnomish work, if i'm 
not mistaken.  You sure you want to part with this.  It carries a fair bit of 
power that most people can't get themselves anymore."
 
"I've been told that it gives the wearer command over many animals, I've no wish 
to command anyone."
 
Merlyburk eyes the half-orc for a moment.  "Still you'll find yourself in that 
position soon enough I daresay.  I'd say it's worth about 8000 gold pieces."
 
Drakar stares steadily at the shopkeeper having been formerly appraised of its 
value.  "I'd say more like 9 and a half.  Do you have a scroll inscribed with a 
spell for disguising onself?  If you do, then I'd like that and to see if you 
could place some new enchantments on this armor in exchange for this ring."
 
The shopkeeper nods and motions for drakar to follow him deeper into the shop. 
Clearing off a table he says over his shoulder.  "Lay the armor out here and 
I'll go get that scroll for you."  Drakar empties the armor onto the table and 
the shopkeeper returns with a scroll.  "Here it is. That's a nice piece of 
armor, and already enchanted."  He brushes his fingertips across the mithril 
breastplate.  "What did you have in mind for it.  More protection?"
 
Drakar shakes his head. "No, I'd like enchantments of silence and concealment 
laid upon the armor if possible."
 
The shopkeeper whistles.  "Two different enchantments?  That's going to cost you 
boy. That ring and a thousand gold pieces."
 
A growl rumbles in Drakar's throat. "The ring should be more than enough for 
both the scroll and the enchantments on the armor and you know it. If you don't 
think that you're up to the task I can pack it up and find someone else who is."  
The half-orc moves to pack up the armor and the shopkeeper catches his hand.
 
"You're right. The ring is rare, and it's a worthy trade.  The enchantments will 
take a little time though, three or four days at least, and there's none in the 
city who'll give you a better deal than that."  Drakar considers for a moment, 
staying his hand on the armor.
 
"If you can finish it in three days I'll give you another 200 gold.  Two and 
I'll make it five hundred gold pieces. Do we have an accord?" The half orc spits 
in his hand and holds it out to the shopkeeper. The man grins at the half-orc's 
traditional binding for the agreement and does the same.
 
"Fine. I'll work my assistants night and day for another five hundred.  Check 
back with me in two days and we'll see if we can't snag your gold from you."  
Drakar nods and leaves the store with the scroll, heading back to the ship as 
the sun rises to its noonday mark, to see Segev about the previously discussed 
collar for Narush.
 
Drakar makes it back to the boat and hands Segev the scroll. After that, he 
starts loading up his packs and getting the barding ready for Narush to wear. 
Around five hours later, as evening approaches, Drakar takes the finished collar 
from Segev and hands over a small pouch with gold pieces within, thanks the 
necromancer, and fits the collar around Narush's neck.  
 
As the buckle closes, an illusion shimmers into place around the dire wolf, and 
suddenly Narush is a large black bull, with an evil glint to his eye. The 
necromancer is revealed to be not entirely without a sense of humor; the 
illusion the collar itself takes on includes a cheerful-looking cowbell.
 
Segev, for his part, hefts the pouch, and looks mildly suprised at the weight. 
Opening it, and examining its contents to confirm it is all gold, he comments, 
"This is more than 450 gold pieces."
 
Given the time Kyran has been granted, he proceeds to purchase some new clothing 
for those of his he has ruined recently, as well as some other miscellaneous 
goods.
 
Before departing the galley, Korg takes Arzosa aside.  "This is for various 
things that may come up, for stores and the like.  I trust that we will see you 
again?" he asks as he hands the Kobold a pair of well-filled money pouches, each 
weighing about what 100 gold would.
 
Arzosa nods emphatically, especially after seeing the gold.
 
"Yep yep," he says (although it comes out more "Yip yip!").  "I figure we'll 
land a few cargo hauls between the two nations while we wait for you."
 
Korg nods to Arzosa.  "Fair enough, but not trading in slaves... I and most of 
the rest find it distasteful."  With that, he leads Grithak, his warhorse, off 
the boat after Segev.
 
Segev speaks up from behind Arzosa, probably startling anyone who wasn't 
watching closely for his arrival. His voice is frozen velvet. "Excellent, Mr. 
Lorezhohaz. I wish you safe transit. I have left four everburning torches in my 
cabin; perhaps they will help with night work." With that, his minion arrives 
behind him, presence announced by the light clanging of its plate mail. Segev 
and his minion disembark; the minion is carrying what of Segev's belongings the 
necromancer is not.
 
Katrina unties Alastyn and leads him over to join the others disembarking, 
making her stance on the matter clear. Ananzi joins her, more sober than he's 
been all week.
 
It doesn't take long for the illithid hunters to make their way onto the docks; 
Narush's disguise as a bull being led off the ship doesn't phase any bystanders 
at all.
 
Kyran looks about the city as he walks from the ship to dock.  He's a human 
right now, so's not to scare the locals.  Taking in the smells, he idly searches 
for the scent of his quarry as he avoids bumping into people.
 
Lannstucht goes ashore with Jonahli and does some shopping.  If suitable 
hardware was unavailable on ship to remove Jonahli's manacles, that will be 
arranged in town as well.
 
Korg glances around the docks, casually sizing up the soldiers and noting the 
musketry, how they patrol, etcetera... not considering fighting anyone, but as 
part of professional interest.  Better to note things on the way in than 
possible have to try to figure them out quickly later.
 
He stays fairly close to Segev as they walk in to the city, guiding Grithak by 
the reins.  "How do you think we should proceed?" he asks Segev quietly enough 
for the words to not carry beyond the immediate group.
 
Kyran obtains one of the maps, catching up to Segev and Korg afterwards. 
"Proceed with what in particular, may I ask?"
 
Segev is already perusing one such map, and does not look up from it as he 
replies, "Presumably, the hunt for our quarry. First, however, I must acquire 
some magical supplies. I will meet you at this inn," he points to one on the map 
in a good section of town, "in two hours."
 
Drakar nods and heads off with Narush following Korg and presumably Kyran to the 
inn.  Walking alongside the hulking human warrior he says quietly. "I have not 
often been in towns this size. What can I expect in an inn such as the one the 
Necromancer has chosen?"
 
Kyran shrugs, grinning sheepishly.  "I am unsure myeslf.  I... tend not to stay 
in large sleeping establishments, as they make me uneasy.  I prefer to wander as 
I will under the moons.  Perhaps we can guess it shall be large enough to 
accomidate all of us, as well as giving a degree of privacy?"
 
Seeing that she has the time, Menaria, accompanied by Roland and Tana, heads 
ashore to do some shopping. She buys several 'skimpy' outfits of variety of 
colors of blue and green. And also a very nice presentable outfit as well. 
Lastly she gets the herbs that she still requires for her herbalism 
balms/ointments/etc.
 
Both Tana and Roland buy some new clothes while they are ashore as well.
 
Drakar, Kyran, Korg, Katrina and Ruathor eventually all make it to the 
Whispering Horse Tavern, the inn indicated on the map by Segev.  Drakar and 
Katrina see to the stabling and provisioning of their animal companions while 
Korg, Kyran and Ruathor head inside. Drakar winces as the big human slaps Kyran 
on the back as he laughs about 'initiating the boy into the world of men' or 
something like that.
 
Drakar shakes his head and goes back to feeding Narush surreptitiously with a 
haunch of venison as he keeps an eye out for passersby, having paid the 
stableboy to give Katrina's horse a good rubdown and stay away from the 'bull' 
in the stall at the end.
 
The Inn Segev has selected is a fairly decent sort, quite unlike the slums and 
flophouses the party's been in lately.  It's laid out like most other taverns, 
with a large common area, and private rooms for customers on the upper two 
floors.  The place is filled with card games, dice games, and serving wenches; a 
pair of minotaurs dressed in the livery of a local minor house stand near the 
door.  In addition, a hawk sits in a chandelier, observing the crowd intently.
 
A faint scent lingers on the air, detectable only by Kyran and the animals.  
Ananzi indicates a sense of familiarity with it, but also seems confused because 
the scent is different as well.  Kyran can also tell that he has smelled 
something close to this scent before, although the details are escaping him at 
the moment.
 
Segev finds the local wizard guild storefront, where a number of pearls of 
assorted colors are available, as well as the usual wings of bat, eyes of newt, 
baby's blood, stools of toad, tongues of snake, amethyst and quartz crystals, 
etc.
 
Rumors at the guild store: "Some say a flayer's moved into town.  Dunno what 
he's after, but someone better stop him soon.  You, ah, buying those pearls?" "A 
dark elf's been spotted in town?  I didn't think there were any of them left."
 
"I am more interested in acquiring some materials, and selling this." Segev 
places a wand that can be recognized as a Wand of Darkness by a trained eye upon 
the counter. He pushes a list of materials across the counter. "I believe these 
should be an...equitable trade for it."
 
The somewhat overweight apprentice behind the counter opens his mouth, obviously 
about to demonstrate his haggling abilities, but something in the older man's 
cold eyes freezes the banter in the young man's throat. "Y-yes. I-I'll get them 
for you, sir. W-will there be an-anything else?"
 
Segev slides an extra gold coin to the youth. "Quick service." The apprentice's 
eyes widen and he performs a rather mundane trick of making the coin, followed 
quickly by himself, vanish. While he's gone, the cold-eyed necromancer turns to 
the knot of conversational wizards, and inquires, "A dark elf? What could one 
such as they desire here, to you think?"
 
"What would anyone desire in this city?" comes the reply with a shrug.  "Maybe 
he's tracking something or someone?  Or maybe he's looking for the rest of his 
kind.  Ain't too many dark elves left in the world, I hear."
 
With that, the rumor mill disappears with their purchases, and disperses.  
Segev's own purchases arrive at the counter within a minute.
 
The necromancer takes the finely crafted glove and the bundle of arcane 
components and examines them carefully, smiles coldly over them, and puts them 
in a small bag. "Thank you. Continue to be this swift and accurate, and you will 
surely advance quickly." He reaches over and picks up one of the pearls. "I will 
take this, after all," he says, before dropping four bags of 25 gp each on the 
counter and gliding out of the guildhall. He heads to the inn immediately 
afterwards.
 
Rumors overheard in the inn: "A lot of movement along the southwestern border.  
A lot of people are migrating north.  Almost like something's herding them."  
"Several outlying villages have been destroyed in the past week.  No pattern to 
'em."  "Seems something's got the local druids in an uproar.  A pack of 
thunderlizards just ate a village not too far from here."  "They say a priest of 
Su'kal is dominating a border tower, having turned the soldiers there into 
skeletons.  Wonder what he's planning."  "They say someone's been hijacking 
black powder shipments from Rinkasae.  If someone could crack their secret 
formula, we could make our own."
 
Kyran glances about the inn uneasily, clearly offset by the large number of 
people inside and loud noises.  He sniffs the air concernedly and coughs, 
glancing over at Korg and Ruathor to make sure they're still there.
 
Drakar seeks out the owner of the tavern, "I'd like to get four rooms here, and 
dinner for six.  Also we have a pair of horses and a bull stabled out back. How 
much for food and lodging for my party for one day?"
 
Ruathor suggests they all take a table and discuss a few things...such as the 
rumor concerning this priest of Su’kal. After ensuring no one else is listening 
nearby, he begins, "Let me relate to you what the Oracle told me:
 
"'Those visions show many things; only possibilities.  Always in motion is time, 
and neither the past nor future--nor even the present--ever truly happen as 
seen.  You have seen your Destiny, yes.  And your Fate.  It is the choices you 
make that will determine which one, or  which ones, come to pass.  Go now, and 
let Navor's knowledge and Ryl's wisdom guide you.  And beware Hiini's 
deceptions.  You may find help in fulfilling both your Destiny and your Fate 
with a student of Su'kal.'
 
"I feel that we have a possible lead...this priest of Su’kal--what could also be 
construed as a ‘student of Su’kal’--we’re hearing about amongst the patrons of 
this fine establishment.  Segev, I apologize for my assumption earlier."
 
"Appology accepted," replies the necromancer from his chair against the wall - a 
position from which he can observe any who would approach, though his minion's 
presence between the table and the door may be more of a deterrant to any would-
be eavesdroppers or other troublemakers.
 
"However, unless this priest is massing a host to seek the daughter's weapon, or 
is associated with the mind flayer, it is likely not to our purpose to seek him. 
However, I would not object; I could do some rather interesting trading of 
knowledge with one of Su'kal's servants right now." He holds up a black leather 
glove of plain but obviously masterful craftsmanship, studying it almost not 
dispassionately.
 
"Then let us locate this priest and find out for ourselves."
 
Segev cocks an eyebrow. "Have we then no other leads? Our quarry -is- an 
illithid. Perhaps, if this is the best we have so far, we should remain here and 
gather a touch more information. Illithids are never masters of covering their 
trails - they can't wipe every memory they encounter, and the holes left in 
heads by a hungry one are hard to mistake. Therefore, if it has been here, there 
must be some information, or at least rumor, we can find to help us track it."
 
Kyran clears his throat, possibly afraid of speaking up.  "Yes, the illithid is 
the enemy we are planning on eliminating."  He turns to Ruathor.  "I'm sorry, it 
isn't really my place to question, but are you positive you wish to place so 
much stock in to the prophecies that may not come true?"
 
Ruathor nods in affirmation of Kyran's question, "This illithid has assassinated 
several Sisters of Menaria's sec, yes? Menaria has also confided in me the spear 
stolen...or at least a portion of it in the possession of her Order. It is my 
suspicion that the mindflayer is somehow linked to the spear...perhaps a 
coincidence, but my people have never put stock in coincidences."
 
"Your logic is remarkably sound, however Kyran's question was of the veracity of 
your vision. It would behoove us to hold to a train of hard evidence, rather 
than following blindly after a story told in a dream. Even if it is backed by a 
god, gods are not infallible, and often have their own agendae."
 
"Point taken. However, what harm can come of finding out...possibly gaining more 
information, or at the very least, eliminating the priest from the chain?"
 
Korg chuckles at Kyran's unease as they enter the inn, and orders food as they 
get a table and the thinkers of the group (nearly everyone else) start hashing 
out what their course of action should be.  To his mind, they'll probably come 
up with something useful by the time he finishes eating.
 
Kyran looks over Korg's food as the very slight orcish human digs into his food.  
"Is the food any good?"
 
Korg tears off a hunk of meat from a large drumstick and chews thoughtfully for 
a little bit before answering.  "'s'not bad," he comments before taking a swig 
from a mug of weak ale.  "A bit dry though."
 
At this complaint, the necromancer makes a sprinkling motion over Kyran's food - 
if one were observant, one would have noticed him doing something similar to his 
own before he started eating. Nothing seems to actually fall from his fingers, 
and the food looks no different when he's done, but there's a definite 
impression that it is jucier and fresher, somehow.
 
Drakar pulls a hand-carved wooden pipe from a pocket, fills it with pipeweed, 
lights it and puffs on the long wooden stem as he listens intently to Segev 
relate the rumors he heard at the guild shop, and what Ruathor has to say before 
responding.  "I agree with Segev. Plus we'll find out more in a town like this 
than roaming about the wilderness hoping to run into him, much as I'd rather be 
out in the wild."  
 
The half-orc grimaces with his distaste for the close walls about him before 
continuing. "What can we do to prove whether this mind-flayer is already here? 
Will the priest or wizards of this town know more information?  I was told that 
this mind-flayer was headed to this town, one would suppose he had a purpose in 
coming here, and that if he were behind the murder of Menaria's high priestess 
then he might seek out the temple of Akanksha here as well."
 
Drakar trails off, blowing out the fragrant smoke in a disordered plume above 
the table. "One of us should check with whatever order of wizards there might be 
in town, they might know more about a mind-flayer if there is indeed one in this 
town. Some of us should check with the temple of Akanksha, and let them know 
that we are here on the behalf of Menaria and her temple, and the rest check the 
inns and waterfront for whatever other rumors we can find, then meet back here 
by tomorrow evening."
 
"I think I'll go to the temple of Akanksha on the morrow as I've never been 
inside a temple of the Goddess Akanksha before.  Best know the layout in case 
something does happen.  I suppose we'd best leave the wizards to Katrina and 
Segev.  You'll probably have an easier time talking to your fellows than any of 
us would.  Korg, you seem familiar enough with the folk in taverns, if you could 
check the other taverns in town for rumors it would help. 
 
"Ruathor, Kyran.  I suppose the two of you could help either Korg or myself, but 
I think it best for each of us to have someone there to watch their backs, so 
one of you with Korg and one of you with me.  What say you all to this?"
 
Grimacing momentarilly at the smoke, the wizard mutters something and waves a 
hand at it. It twines into knots and swerves away from him, leaving Segev's 
personal breathing space clear of contaminants. When he speaks, his voice is as 
cold as ever, and no more. "I will return tomorrow to speak to  the guild 
members. I'll leave Katrina to do the rest herself on any following days; I have 
some work I wish to do, of a private nature."
 
Kyran looks back at Drakar.  "I would not object to assisting you with 
contacting the temple of Akanksha.  If the Flayer is quick, he may even be near 
there when we reach there, and you'll want someone who can find him out, that 
you will."
 
Korg nods in agreement, though he does comment that, "Usually I just go into 
taverns to eat, drink and get into fights... but a lot of talk and a lot of 
rumors to be found there, yeah."
 
Ruathor glances at Korg, "Then I shall remain with Korg. I'd still like to find 
more information on this priest of Su'kal and the tower he's alleged to have 
taken over. Perhaps we might locate an information broker in this city."
 
"Fair enough.  About the priest I don't know, but sounds good."  Korg waves off 
any explanation as probably more than he needs to know.
 
The rest of the evening passes easily enough, with the group slowly getting to 
know one another better. After retiring that night, Drakar wakes early in the 
morning, meditates to the spirits, and then heads off to the temple of Akanksha 
with Kyran to find some answers.
 
Kyran was, as far as anybody could tell, up for most the night.  He didn't take 
a room in the inn, instead wandering outside of the city and probably resting 
there.  Eventually he meets up with Drakar as he finishes up his meditations, 
ready to get some answers as well.
 
Segev is, uncharacteristically, up before dawn, waiting in the common room of 
the inn for Katrina to get up. He is nursing a portion of whatever the innkeeper 
serves for breakfast here, and reading out of his spellbook in the meantime.
 
The party splits up to follow their various leads.  Drakar and Kyran hunt out 
the Temple of Akanksha, Korg and Ruathor go bar-hopping, and Segev and Katrina 
hit the mage guild and magic shops.
 
In the temple of Akanksha, the two rangers are again asked to check their 
weapons and any armor at the door.  They are allowed an audience with one of the 
older Sisters of the temple, although they are not allowed in to see the High 
Priestess.
 
"How can I help two strong, rugged adventurers like yourselves?" she asks when 
you're allowed into the office area.
 
Korg and Ruathor drift through the various bars and taverns in the town.  In the 
first bar, they see an assortment of low-lifes: goblins, hobgoblins, dwarves, 
humans, and assorted drunks.  They look at you, and go back to nursing their 
drinks.  Several dwarves make rude comments about elves needing bodyguards.
 
Segev and Katrina track down the main office of the wizards guild, while Ananzi 
sniffs around town, skirting from one back alley to the next.  The guildhouse is 
a good-sized brownstone building in the better part of town with an exquisite 
entry foyer.  A woman looks over at you from a half-door.  "Can I help you?"