• PM To Join • [Port Diablo] Shadows over Almund

[Rakvald]

Port Diablo... And Rakvald thought the Decked Halls had its share of rough-around-the-edges characters. Here, everyone seemed to have a chip on their shoulder and an axe to grind with every newcomer. But people for the most part left the scary-looking chimera wandering the streets alone, his tentacles drooping from his face menacingly. His robes obscured much of his writhing flesh, as he moved forward, wearing the totem of the gestalt ascended mantis. He did so for protection and also for the alien look. Few would bother him while he was in this form.

He'd sent a note to Balthazar Black, hoping that his old brawling buddy and champ of the Feats of Strength would give him a hand with the errand he had in mind. He wanted to see what was up with rumors that sprung from the lips of another fighter at the Decked Halls, of a disgraced biologist from Viden who was hanging around there, selling all manner of substances, and spilling stoires about outlandish beasts that he had experimented upon while in Viden, that had subsequetly been let loose in Sclavoris.

It was a little much for Rakvald, he didn't think the story was all it cracked up to be, but the eccentric biologist if he exissted seemed to have loose lips. Best to consult those lips before someone sealed them for him. Doubtless if there was any truth to the reckless science he'd purveyed, there would be hell for him to pay.

So Rakvald sent out for Balthazar to join him, but Rakvald wasn't going to wait for him to arrive before questioning this scientist.

The chimera found him in his shack, just as the directions had led him. It was a dilapidated, roofed stall more than anything, with a closed shack behind it. Rakvald tapped on the wooden counter, trying to summon whoever was there. "I'm here for questions, about this 'Ishkhal'?" Rakvald muttered.

Soon enough, a blue-skinned man emerged from the shack, into the stall. "Ahh yes... the Ishkhal." He seemed devious, although Rakvald was mostly oblivious to his manners. He didn't seem to enjoy the appearance of Rakvald much, but that never stopped the chimera from being as outgoing as he was inclined to be.

"Hey! You k now about this Ishkhal? Sounds like a worthy hunt."

"Yes, as it happens I was looking for a few good hunters to track it down... but I'm afraid you'll have little luck against it with conventional methods." The eidisi said apologetically. Rakvald had to look at him sideways, wondering if he was off his rocker.

"I'm a mage! I'm totally a mage, just look at me. Now tell us where this thing is!"

The eidisi hid a smile, but nodded, "You'll find them in the eastern mid of Scaltoth. They've been hunting many of the greater beasts there, but its hunger is insatiable. It's got several strange biological refinements to it..."

Rakvald's mouth salivated at the idea of incorporating those triats for himself, whatever they were. "Yeah yeah, tell me about that..."

[Balthazar Black]

30 Ymiden 724

Balthazar hadn't expected a message from Rakvald but after reading he thought it would be the perfect opportunity to blow off a little steam. Between the Merchant's Guild and the Black Cats he found himself constantly at work on something. Even when he was relaxing he would practice his smithing or fighting instead of napping or reading a book. Anything to keep his mind off the one he missed the most. A monster hunt was just what he needed to get his mind off sorrow and refocused on something new.

Port Diablo wasn't far from the Black Cat's headquarters but Balthazar stopped by his house in Almund to grab a few things he didn't have lying around the office. His good sword, his enchanted boots and a bag full of other trinkets that he wore slung across his body. Balthazar left instructions for Robin and Lyanna incase anything happened when he was away. Thanks to Winston's devices, communication would be quick if he was needed. So Balthazar set out for the port, fully prepared for the trip to come.

Finding Rakvald was a rather trivial matter as soon as Balthazar reached the port. He heard whispers about something moving through the streets. It was hard to be sure what form Rakvald would take but what were the odds there were two sorcerers of their own shape lingering around the port on the same trial?

He arrived outside the edisi's shop just in time to hear Rakvald shouting and proclaiming that he was a mage. His friend certainly had an interesting interrogation method but Balthazar had used that line in the past too. Sometimes it opened doors and sometimes it slammed them shut. Rather than interrupt, Balthazar leaned against the wall and waited for Rakvald to wrap up with the man he was talking to. He listened to what they said but that was more so because he needed to figure out what it was that they were after.

The man Rakvald was talking to seemed slimy enough that Balthazar changed his mind. He knocked on the door and then let himself in. "So, where are we going?" He asked as if Rakvald had known he was outside the whole time. "And what exactly are we after?"