video; un: feywild

[imperceptus]

[ It's your friendly neighborhood drow, hanging out somewhere in the jungle. He's idly tossing a dagger into the air, then catching it, then tossing, and so on. ]

Good evening, my friends.

[ He hasn't met nearly so many of Riverview's population as he'd like, but he's comfortable speaking warmly, casually, as though they've all known each other for years. He leans against a tall, mossy tree, eyes on the dagger as it glints in the low sun's light. ]

I happened to be doing a little light exploring, a little minor surveying ... and I came across something interesting. Ruins of some sort, absolutely emanating with mysterious power. I couldn't quite map the shape of the place, unfortunately--as soon as I began drawing near, the jungle came even more alive than usual. Even the lovely birds were angry with me.

[ He catches the dagger for the final time, then slides it into some unknown recess of his jacket. ]

Now, I am of humble merchant stock, but I can defend myself, if I must. I progressed as far as I dared, but something began to feel wrong. I heard voices--strange, incomprehensible chanting. I felt dizzy, woozy. I took the wise path and retreated.

[ He shakes his head. ]

But, before I escaped, I saw a few artifacts scattered through the underbrush, marking a haphazard trail into the ruins. I dared not take one, but they were all inscribed with a certain symbol.

[ He steps aside from the tree he's been leaning against. This symbol is carved into the bark. ]

Not sure what it means, but I have an uneasy feeling just looking at it.

[ He seems thoughtful for a second, then shakes his head. Brightens up. ]

Anyway! I would very much like to get to the bottom of this, but, as mentioned, I'm merely a merchant. My meager skill is not enough to overcome those ruins alone. Any help would therefore be appreciated.

And--one more thing. If you see this symbol anywhere in town, I'd turn around and walk away.

Comments

video; un: d.pavus

[tevinteraltus]

[All this talk of mysterious ruins and strange chanting has caught the researcher's attention and his eyes positively sparkle with interest as the video feed initializes.

He smiles, because really, this sounds like just the sort of place of his dearest friends would drag him were they in his own world.]

Strange ruins and mysterious chanting, you say? How delightful. I wonder, though, what's a merchant doing beyond the walls alone in the first place? Isn't it a bit dangerous without an escort?

[imperceptus]

[ He definitely deliberately crafted his description of the place to entice the adventurous types. Danger! Mystery! Intrigue! Possible madness? Everyone loves that. ]

Extremely! But I do know a few things about self-defense. Not enough to simply waltz in there alone, mind you. But enough to keep my skin intact.

[ And absolutely nothing more, of course. ]

[tevinteraltus]

[Is Dorian an adventurous type? Well, he's certainly not afraid to go into dark caverns in search of hidden knowledge. Normally, though, he drags someone in plate along to stand in front of all the dangerous things while he throws fireballs at them.]

So noted! [He chuckles.]

Now, there were chanters present, so the cavern is obviously not abandoned. A ritual, perhaps? Was the language familiar?

[imperceptus]

[ He rubs his chin. ]

Sounded like garbled common. I didn't quite recognize it, but it's possible that I was just too far away.

[tevinteraltus]

I see. And was there any dancing involved or was it too dark for you to see?

[imperceptus]

Nothing is too dark for me to see.

[ Not quite true, but almost. His vision is nearly infrared, and looks it: his eyes burn against the night. ]

But, no. No dancing. Huddling, I think.

[tevinteraltus]

Huddling?

[That was strange.]

No motions?

[imperceptus]

Not that I could discern.

[ He shrugs. ]

But I didn't get too close. Curiosity kills the cat, you know.

[tevinteraltus]

Yes, that's true, but I also seem to recall hearing something about its mysterious resurrection related to satisfying that curiosity.

[He's preoccupied with thinking of what this ritual may be.]

We should investigate when the ritual cultists have departed, see what there is to see.

[imperceptus]

True enough. But sometimes resurrections fail, you know?

[ He smiles. ]

Anyway, that's the plan. Me, the ruins, somebody to protect my frail self. A lot of somebodies, preferably.

[tevinteraltus]

That's true. You're right about that.

[He smiles.]

I would also suggest you find someone to tag along that's large, intimidating, and knows how to swing a sharpened piece of metal about with some degree of skill.

[imperceptus]

[ Rin's the kind of person who's pretty sure he's right about everything. ]

Wise idea! Let us hope one such person steps forward. Perhaps if I can make my eyes even more helpless and doe-like than usual.

[tevinteraltus]

Or we could simply request an escort from the guard. I believe that do that sort of thing.

[imperceptus]

Do we?

[ He shrugs. He's part of the guard, but admittedly it's just in an exploratory capacity. ]

I'd rather just see who lends a hand. If I need more than that, I can seek them out.

[tevinteraltus]

You're part of the guard? How did you not know this?

[Ah, well. No matter.]

Well, if you find a strapping shield arm for the journey, I'd love to accompany you. History is something of a passion of mine.

[imperceptus]

I don't go to the meetings.

[ HE WORKS ALONE ... ]

Oh, I'm sure someone will turn up. I'll let you know, though. Yes?

[tevinteraltus]

[He nods.]

I would appreciate it, thank you.