You arrive at a lonely structure. A tall, seven-sided spire of pale green stone that doesn't quite match anything else in town.
There are chairs aplenty forming a semi-circle around the stage, where you see the Host Wizard and owner of Septarch's Tower, Nimozaran.
Nimozaran raises his arms and with a magically amplified voice, calls out to the crowd.
"Please find your seats, the show is about to begin!"
You see the amassing people find a good place to sit. Young children racing each other to get a good seat up at the front of the stage.
After everyone is seated, a small chime can be heard, hushing the crowd in anticipation.
The chime gets louder and louder until you cannot hear anything but.
With a loud thunderclap and a flash of bright light, great, dark storm clouds fill the sky, billowing over each other until they block out the Sun, casting the town in darkness.
The wind picks up, whipping your hair in all directions.
Then, a voice can be heard over the rolling thunder and roaring wind.
"Today, you will bear witness to the power of the Arcane!"
When the voice stops, the wind calms, and the air is dead still.
Nimozaran is standing alone, center stage, dressed in old black rags.
He raises an old withered hand up, directly overhead, palm pointing towards the sky.
An orb of menacing red energy slowly emerges from his hand, drifting purposely towards the sky.
Upward it climbs until it seems to reach its peak. The orb begins to pulse, getting faster and faster, threatening to explode.
It finally, after several intimidating moments, explodes with a burst of colors and sparks, the sky clearing instantly to a bright, clear blue. Rainbow streaks fall down to the crowd, flying by and teasing the children, while hundreds of flower petals rain down from the multi-colored sparks.
The crowd is in awe as they continue to watch the jovial entertainment of Nimozaran.
As you sit watching the festivities, an older man approaches, you recognize him as Parle Cranewing, a local scholar of some renown.
"G'day friends, If you aren't too busy, might I inquire to you about an opportunity to earn some gold for your pockets?"
You see Parle nod to Murgeddin, the rugged dwarf sergeant winks back then wanders off into the crowd.
"You see, I am a scholar. And as such, it is my duty to know all I can...well...about everything. I have recently been documenting the history of the King's Road and many of the locations near it. One such location I have gotten wind about is a Keep from a hundred years ago. One in which the nearby town of Winterhaven is supposed to reside by. Now, if I could ask of you to find this old Keep and map what remains of it, I would reward you handsomely."
"But!" The scholar continues without stopping, "I must have a complete rendering of the Keep! No floor, room, or corner can be missing!"
"So, are you interested in my offer?"
Haveing been silently following the group that had caught his attention at the bar, Nuit speaks up haltingly, "That sounds...like a task I would be... well-suited to assist with."
Turning his head towards the stuttering fellow lurking behind the group and then turning back towards the scholar "Now ya wait jus a dern second der, How much gold we be talking about? I am all fer goin diggin around in somebodies long-lost grandpappies backyerd but iz be needin ta know what it be thats in it fer me. As fer da mapping ov such a place, iz be needing ta ask why it is dat ya can't be doin dat ye self, I recken if the coin is good then we can take ya der, dat way you be gettin what it is dat ya be needing but as fer us goin and getting ya what ya be calling a "complete rendering" and not be payin us unless wez be gettin ya what ya want, den dat sounds like a fools mission dat ya be offerin. but Since ya be knowin wherz it be dat wez be headen and youz is da only one datz be knowin what it is dat youz be wantin, den I be figerin dat whatz ya be wantin ta do iz pay us yer good coins ta be escortin and protectin youz while youz get da renderin dat youz be needin." Varro's accent seems to be getting thicker with all the mead he has in him. He still isn't even close to drunk but his accent is getting thicker. Varro waits while the Scholar seems to think the offer over.
Ehud's mouth waters at the chance for some real work, but knows where his strengths lay and let's the others negotiate the details.
Belimir had dificulties following what the scholar was saying, and doesn`t really understand this concept of "mapping some keep". Go.....where?............Renderning?........And then the dwarf started rambling. Belimir shook his head a few times, cursing at why these creatures had to be so complex. He understood this was what Vid called.........Diplomatic negotiation........Or was it something that has to do with noble townsfolk?..........What`s this dwarf talking about?......."grandpappies backyard"............"you be gettin"........."we be gettin".................."you be needin"..............."us goin and gettin".................."wez be gettin".............."ya be knowin"..............."ya be wantin"........Pleeeeeeease stop.
Belimir shakes his head, shrugs and decides to take a look at the magicians. Arcane mysteries.........I heard of those once. Vid says it`s worth as much as rabbit poo. Silvanus where have you brought me? He raises his hands to the sky, a look of disbelief on his face. I wish I was back home..................Never mind. Have patience. Maybe this will lead to something good. He turns again to the scholar and others gathered around him and focuses all of his attention on what`s going on. I`ll get the grasp of this......
The scholar allows the dwarf to finish his rant, then begins to explain.
"Aye, I can understand your reasoning Sir Dwarf, but the fact is, I have other business to attend to that demands my time, or else I might be available to venture off to find said Keep. But unfortunately, I also have need of both the map of the Keep, and the tasks I am setting out to accomplish, at the same time. So, I had to ask Murgeddin to find a few capabale individuals to get this job done so that I may finish my assignment on time. Seeing as how Old Murgy is so fond of you, he recommended you for the job. The Sergeant has a lot of faith in you, Varro."
The Scholar smiles lightly at the group.
"As for your payment, I am able to offer you 250 gold for the mapping of the Keep, and, as long as you bring me anything of *historical* value, you may keep any extra treasure in the ruins you might happen to find. There is bound to be some undiscovered valuables in the ruins, it's last inhabitants did just *disappear* as legend has it. So, is that enough to wet your beak, as they say?"
"Hmm, a chance to view some historical sites and artifacts, you say? Sign me up!"
states Bronn, eager to see the sights.
Eager for his job to be completed, Parle abruptly states:
"Splendid! The last known location of the Keep was near the town of Winterhaven, which lies due West of Fallcrest. Follow the King's Road for just shy of 3 days and you will arrive at the gates. Hurry! Hurry! I have a schedule to keep!"
With that Parle, pushes Bronn along, obviously focusing on the one so eager to complete the assignment.
Parle rushes off towards his study muttering to himself about 'gathering his belongings for the trip,' and 'contacting his colleagues in Harkenwold.'
"Well well, looks like we have ourselves a Keep to go map. Let's hope it's more exciting than it sounds eh?"
Belimir comments with a serious face. "Let`s hope it`s not."
Varro feeling a bit like a mushroom (kept in the dark and fed a bunch of shite) *shruggs* "Guess we be under contract now ta be mappin ourselves a keep. I be hopin dat onez ov ya be bringin someting ta map wit" Varro looks to the Bronn "Well Dragon, I seez ya can read, can ya draw a map?" without waiting fer a response. "I recken I best be gettin me gear, Meet up back here in say an hour or so?" Varro looks towards the crowd for sergeant Murgeddin and once eye contact is made, nods to ol' murgy in appreciation. and mouths the words "I owe ya one"
"All right. In an hour then," Ehud says before slipping off back to Neptali's to get his gear. He hears her loud drunkin' snoring coming through the wall of the other room as he writes her note letting her know where he's off to. Dear Nep, Gone adventuring to keep near Winterhaven. Big moneys! Will see you in a week or two. Bye, Ehud.
Then he heads off to meet up with his new crew.
"I`ll wait for you at the bridge.".........."The west bridge in one hour." Having said that, Belimir goes to the west bridge, wildshapes into a white puma, sets out scouting on the road for about 20 minutes and then returns to the bridge to wait for others.
Belimir keeps his senses wide open and stays as stealthy as he can.
Varro returns to his room and gathers his gear. Stops by the artisan shop of one of the few remaining Marblesmiths in the area (the place Varro has been helping out with the heavy lifting for the past several months) and lets the owner (a dwarf by the name of Adrik Beardedhammer) know that he will be unavailable for the next couple of weeks but that he will let him know when he is back and the he is sure that ol' Murgy will be happy to help out or find someone who is willing while he is gone. Varro then makes his way with Greataxe in hand back to the Arcane Show to meet with the others and then head to the West bridge to meet up with Belimir.
Varro arrives back at the Wizard's Wonderous Weaving of Wickedly Witty Wonders, he stands at the rear of the crowd to avoid any un-needed stares and questions and waits for the others to show up. Maybe he will get a chance to develop an appreciation for this kinda exibition while he waits.
Bronn arrives at the Wizard's Wonderous Weaving of Wickedly Witty Wonders, and finds Varro.
"Hello friend." Bronn then mutters to himself This should be an easy task, right where my specialties lie.
Varro Leans on his Greataxe and psudo-watches the show. As the Dragonborn, approaches he smiles a bit and accepts his greeting. "well met, Dragon, Ya be getting what ya be needin?"
Already having everything he would need for a journey as he rarely stays in a settlement too long, Nuit makes his way to the gate. Once there, he finds a comfortable area and begins to meditate. As he does so, almost imperceptible whisps of black colored magic lazily swirl around him.
Ehud arrives at the gate and rests lazily on his spear. As his eyes adjust to the dark he notices Nuit meditating and shudders a little as he sees the black whisps swirling from his skin and clothes. Then he stiffens as a white puma comes walking down the road, sits and licks its paw. He watches it for a few moments and then relaxes after a few minutes.
Belimir was a bit too comfortable in his other skin. He realized his mistake when he saw Ehud tense for a moment. He quickly changes his shape, clearly uncomfortable at the reaction he caused. He`s among humanoids now and he`ll have to be more careful. As he was thinking what to say, he notices the black wisps around Nuit. He darts toward him, clearly upset. "What is this black witchcraft!" I don`t like it one bit......"Explain."
Brann has been back to collect some of his supplies for the journey ahead. He arrives back at the the Wizard's Wonderous Weaving of Wickedly Witty Wonders and looks for the others. "Greetings Varro, Bronn. Are we all set to begin our journey? We should soon head off to meet the others at the west bridge."
"Well met. I be glad ta be seein ya brodder. yas got all ya be needin if things be turning fer da worst?" Varro seems to be sobering up a bit and focusing more on the task at hand " ya never know what ya be runnin in ta when ya go diggin around in someones long lost grandpappies backyerd. dat is if ya be knowin what I mean, brodder." Varro Notices and recognizes the symbol of Moradin that his friend Brann carries "It wills be an honor ta be standing wit a follower of da creator on da field ov battle, if it comes ta dat. I be wantin ya ta know dat I will be doin whatever it be in me power ta shield ya from any baddies da come ours way, brodder. Its been a long time since I've had such an honor." Varro runs his finger over the symbol of Kord engraved on his Greataxe "not many around dez parts still honor da fadders gods, it be a blessin ta be wit a fellow believer. I mightin not be as devote as yourself der brodder but I still be knowin what it be ta follow da fadders gods. and I still wish ta be bringing dem and me fadder honor" Varro bows his head to his new friend "May da fadders gods bless us on our journeys" with that Varro has given his permission to the cleric to use his divine gifts on Varro, at his discretion.
"Brodder, fer honor and riches" (Varro's unofficial battle cry)
Varro thinks to himself, "I be hatin da "easy contracts" dey never be as easy as dey be soundin and de pay never be enough ta be makin up fer all da trouble dey be causin"
An hour passes, and Brann, Varro, and Bronn arrive at the West Bridge out of Fallcrest.
Meeting up with Ehud, Nuit, and Belimir, the party moves West along the road, over the bridge and towards the town of Winterhaven. The initial day comes to an end and you make camp along the side of the King's Road. The party discusses the order of watch, and other minor details while they setup camp.
Varro curses and grumbles as digs through his gear looking for something ... Finally he digs out his hammer and drives pitons into the corners of his bedroll. "Der ya bloody buggers, now ya can't be dragging me off in me bedroll while I be sleepin." Varro shouts to the trees. Varro then turns to his companions and asks "So who be pullin first watch? If I not be getting any volenteers I guess I will have ta be pullin it den"
"I'll take third," Sober says stretching out on his bedroll. Amazingly, he seems to go right to sleep, as if he's used to having to sleep in strange places with little warning, much talking and in shifts.
"I`ll take the first." Belimir changes shape to a white panther and quickly dissapears in the near thicket. He`ll patrol the surrounding area the entire time of his watch.
Belimir maintains his stealth and perception.
(Continuing the conversation started earlier) "This black whichcraft as you call it is the divine might given to by my goddess, the Raven Queen."
"I would like to take the fourth watch." Nuit explains.
Belimir stands down, but will watch Nuit closely for the time being. No good ever comes from black gods.
Why do you fear the Raven Queen? Death is a natural part of the life cycle. Belimir thinks quietly.
"Well I recken that leaves second watch fer me" Varro gathers some firewood and makes a campfire, nothing too large, just big enough to warm the bones. Varro then enjoys some rations and nods off to sleep.
Varro takes his 2 hour watch and is stealthier than an average dwarf would normally be.
The night passes with each of you taking your respective watches, and sleeping as soundly as possible in your makeshift camp. The conversation is light and the air is warm. You wake early the next morning, clear camp, and begin down the road once again.
Continuing conversation can be heard between the party members, eager to reach the town of Winterhaven.
Nuit walks in silence unless directly addressed.
Varro marches with his Greataxe on his shoulder and keeps a stout pace for his short legs. Varro marches right up to Nuit and asks him "Wat be ya story ... ya ever been ta Winterhaven? I me self have never passed through their pearly gates .. a bunch ov snoby buggers is what I gather ov de bunch ov em. Not a decent brewmaster among em. least dat what I be hearin, nuttin much ta bast it on but I recken dat dos feller dat I helped ol' Murgy guard in da jail musta been knowin what da be talkin' about." Varro pokes the strange feller with the pommel of his greataxe ... " what ya be thinkin ...Lad" since Varro's recent error in the alehouse with Belimir's gender, Varro hesitates with the "Lad" part.
Ehud walks with his long spear looped through his arms across his shoulders, whistling a bawdy tune, the lyrics of which describe how three old spinsters seduce a rich young man of the town and then put him in a barrel of fish and roll him down into the river. Ehud likes the song because he feels the young man reached a fitting end.
I have spend most of my life that I can remember living off the land and avoiding settlements. Now that my mentor has left me, I wished to learn more about those who gather in groups, hence my arrival in town in order to meet up with this group just in time to hear about this request. Nuit has a small smile on his face as he thinks of living out in the open before he remembers sevearl of the things that also make their home out in the open and makes sure to pay attention to the sides of the road.
Belimir walks by himself, at the side of the group. He`s with the group, but he is clearly uncomfortable traveling in a group. I guess they`ll start dancing next. Strange....Strage strange strange strange strange...........Oh why did master Vid ask me to go to the world? I should have stayed in the forest, with him and Valya. Sure, Valya blabbers stuff.....Oh damn it. Might as well try to learn a thing or two about the others. Belimir starts to walk around Varro, the most talkative in the group, in a very strange way, like he is stalking him, or preying him.
Varro notices the Stalking behavior of Belimir but doesn't give him the satisfaction of saying anything. "Well Lassie What be your feelins on Winterhaven, just anudder city ta ya isn't it, I be reckenin ya don't get out of da woods much. If ya did ya would be more at home in da city and less at ease out er in da wilderness. dat be me reckenin." Varro pokes Nuit again with his axe to break him out of his daze he is in .. musta be more at home talkin ta himself den ta udders
Brann settles down to finish his daily prayers to Moradin. As he completes them he looks around to take in the sight of his companions. An interesting bunch, I'll have to find out some more about these other races. Occasionally they even seem a bit Dwarfish but I'll have to remember they have their own customs and beliefs."Moradin aid us all" Brann softly finishes with as he wanders over to Varro.
Belimir ignores the lassie comment. He walks up to the dwarf and says: "Why do you talk so much?"
Ehud snorts in the middle of humming at Belimir's question.
Varro looks right at Belimir and plainly states "Well I be tellin ya, I would rather be talkin den sulkin around like a spoiled toddler dat be bein forced ta do someting he not be wantin ta do. I be tryin ta make da best ov dis situation and get ta know dos dat I am wit. So I be askin ya da question why da not talk when asked a question.. can ya be telling me dat lassie?" Varro looks to Brann and speaks in dwarven "I not be understanding des races ... ya try ta be social and da bite ya in da ass fer it, dis trip through da wilderness is a bit too quiet fer my liken. Wish I had someting ta sink me axe into... dat white haired beastly feller is startin ta look like a nice target" *Belly Laugh*
"So you talk so that it`s not quiet? But it is not quiet. The nature says plenty of things that you don`t listen to. An If ya won ta no dos yar wid, ya chad jos azk." Belimir tries to mimic the dwarfs speech, (obviously not succeeding much in it), and ends it with a broad smile on his face. He finds this very amusing.
Ehud's now chuckling at the banter. He swipes a long dry blade of grass from the ground and sticks it in his mouth, chewing on it as he goes.
Varro shows a teethy grin "Now we be talkin... *Belly Laugh* ... ok Nature boy, Who I be wit? ... Cuse I be wantin ta know" Varro is obviously starting to warm up to the wildish elf now.
Varro nudges Brann with his elbow *in dwarven* "dey be startin ta come around, brodder"
Varro's ears perk up ... "did ya hear dat?"
Varro cocks his head to the side, trying to listen clearer.
"Hmmm ... Musta been me stomach ... maybe we should stop fer a quick bite"
"Your stomach talks as much as you do. If we stop everytime it whispers, we'll be fifty before we get there," Ehud laughs.
"BAH... I recken I got used ta da city life a bit ... ya be right lets keep on da road and make up some lost time"
Varro tries to kick some rocks out of his boot that have made the walk a bit uncomfortable.
“What kinda city life you mean? My kind don't allow for no afternoon nappin," Ehud jokes. "Where you from Varro that you get so soft, so quick?"
Varro is a bit offended that Ehud would call him soft "Who says I be gettin soft ... I was just sayin dat I got used ta eating when I got hungry and resting when I wanted ta rest ... but ta hell wit me getting soft"
hud busts up laughing, nearly falling on the ground as he walks. "Easy dwarf-friend-Varro. I'm just pullin your chain mail a bit... WAIT WHAT'S THAT?! Oh, your stomach says you should visit your momma more oftin."
Varro visable resists the urge to lay Ehud out for talking about his Momma "Ok ... Ya didn't know ... I be telling ya one time friend, Ya not be talkin about me mudder... I can take it as much as I be dishin it out but I won't be havin anyone talkin about me dearest mudder" Varro stands his ground for a moment to make sure he is taken seriously then he relaxes his stance and then jabs Ehud with the butt of his axe, not hard enough to hurt him but enough to let ehud understand that he is serious about his mother and also to let him know they was good now. "So what ya saying about me belly again, ... Ohhhh I be thinkin dat your belly might be sayin someting too"
Ehud rubs the sore spot on his belly and laughs. "Aye, it's talking now all right.” Says Ehud, shut the hells up before that axe robs me of my food crusher. ”And so I says back, 'Hey my head does more'n crush food for you!' And it says, 'No it don't."
Varro holds his head in a crooked way ... Like a dog looking at something it don't understand "What da hell be wrong with you? ... I bumped ya Belly not ya head. Lad... Lad ... You going ta be ok ... or should I be tryin ta fix ya wit a bump ta da noggin?"
Varro notices although Brann, Ehud, Belimir,and himself are having a good conversation, Bronn (with his nose buried in some tome about the way frogs make love) and the others are getting ahead of them "We best be double timin it ta catch up ta dem or dey liable ta get em selves in trouble." with that Varro Lifts his Greataxe to his shoulder and Double Times it with Brann to the rest of the group.
Varro and Brann take off running, racing towards the group.
"That's using my head," Ehud grins and follows the dwarf.
Varro and Brann catch up to the others ... Varro takes point at the front of the group as he regains his breath after the short sprint. Ehud is close behind as well as Belimir who bearly even noticed the change in pace "suddenly Varro stops and signals to the others to stand their ground
Varro tries to listen again.
"I be thinkin I heard something."
Varro, on his toes with his eyes and ears tuned to his surroundings hears something coming through the brush at the side of the road.
Tension builds as whoever, or whatever, emerges from the underbrush of the woods.
Varro, readying his axe, ready to strike at a moments notice, coils his muscles in preperation.
.....Out walks a squirrel from the underbrush.
The little creature stops and looks up at Varro, tilting its head to the side curiously staring at the towering Dwarf. The squirrel sniffs the air a few times, then turns around and walks back into the woods.
"I told ya I be hearin someting ... Supper!"
Varro dives into the underbrush after the squirrel Greataxe and Helmet leading the way
You see Varro charge off into the brush, howling at the top of his lungs, axe in hand, spiked helmet leading the assault.
A split second later you hear a huge crash, birds fly out of the tree tops, and you see a squirrel hop along a branch overhanging the road, look at the group, then jump off into the trees, chittering (comically) as it runs away.
Varro doesn't emerge from the brush right away.
Curious as to who the victor was between the onslaught of Varro vs. The Squirrel, the rest of the group pushes through the brush and are amazed at the sight before you.
Varro is stuck, head first into the side of a large Oak tree. His horned helmet holding him aloft, completely horizontal from the ground.
Groaning, Varro notices the group approaching.
Kickin and squirming Varro tries to free himself grumbling and cursing "Dag blasted fuzzy-tailed orc, He cheated, He cheated I tell ya, Bloody uncle of a beardless Gnome, He swindled me ... I get unstuckered and I be showin dat tree huggin rodent"
Varro continues to flail about helplessly, trying to free himself to no avail.
Ehud tries to get Varro out of the tree. "You were right. Not soft. Too heavy."
Ehud tries to get Varro down again.
As the group gathers around the Dwarf Dart, Ehud walks up and begins working Varro loose.
Grabbing him by the shoulders, Ehud tugs and pulls at the dwarf to free him from the tree, he doesn't budge.
Taking a step back, Ehud rubs his palms together, plants his feet and grabs the Dwarf's ankles. He takes a steadying breath, counts to three, and pulls with all his might.
With a resounding *Pop!* Varro flies free of leafy assailant and crashes back out of the foliage, landing straight up on his feet, axe in hand on the road.
Varro flys to out of the tree and lands hard in the bushes not to far away.
Belimir shakes his head at Varro`s feeble attempt to catch the squirel, and after the dwarf got caught up in the tree, he burst out laughing. "Next time, leave the hunting to hunters." He goes to where the dwarf landed and helps him get up.
"Squirrel killer always lands on his feet," Ehud grins at Varro.
*grumble* "Damn twig got in da way ov me dinner."
"Ok, Belimir... Yes Me friend I be leaving da huntin ta da hunters ... dat is till da next time a fuzzy-tail Orc taunts me like dat. Did ya see how Dat devil rodent taunted me?
*Full Belly Laugh* "VARRO DA TREE WRESTLER!" *Full Belly Laugh*
Tank ya much der Ehud, Dat tree had a firm grip ov me helmet it did."
Varro easily unbuckles the strap and removes the helm and inspects it for damage.
"If it weren't fer ya, I mighten have never got out ov dat blasted tree."
The Helmet passing Varro's Inspection, is returned to Varro's over-sized Melon and strapped back into place.
"dat blastfemy ov a twig had one hella ov a hold ov me ol' brain pan, I woulda been stuck up der fer a long while if ya hadn't pulled me free."
Varro straightens armor and inspects his axe. Not really shaken by the experience but thankful for Ehud's help the dwarf readies himself to continue on ... not in silence but perhaps more quietly then before.
Brann sidles up to Varro as they are walking along. "A mighty fine attempt Varro, my stomachs rumbling for some food or adventure....or both."
Brann peeks around the foliage for any other entertainment.
"No problem," Ehud continues behind them.
After a few laughs, the group continues on down the road.
Still a bit disoriented from the fight with the Fuzzy-tailed Orc, Varro can't find his butt with both hands
Varro takes both hands and firmly presses down on his helmet and then wiggles his head to get it on straight "Dats better, dang bucket was coverin one ov me eyes" Varro motions to the others "Move ya asses, Let's get dis goin ...funs over ... nuttin ta see 'ere... we need ta make WinterHaven by mid-day ta'morow."
A squirrel watches silently from a high tree branch at the group of curious beings walking along the path with their nose to the ground, obviously searching for something that doesn't exist.
Such curious beasts these are. Looking Looking always looking. They look so much they might not see whats in front of them they're so busy looking.
The squirrel chitters to itself. It pauses for a second longer, staring at the group, then hops off back into the cover of the trees.
"We should make WinterHaven soon. It's up along the end of King's Road. Of course we'll need to make sure to keep an eye out for anymore Orcs."
"Aye Brudder, as I be sayin, we need ta be movin dos orcs be everywhere"
Belimir starts looking around, searching for signs of orcs he might have missed. "There`s no orcs near us." He is obviously confused.
*Belly Laugh* "It be ok, Belimir, Ol'Brann were just ribbin' on me"
"But keep yer eyes peeled fer any baddies"
Belimir`s face is serious. "I`ll watch for baddies. It`s been quiet so far."
"Dag nabbit .. Ya need ta look harder .. Ol' Brann and Meself be itchin' fer a fight ... Find us someting ta brighten our moods"
Belimir looks at the dwarf, still with the serious expression on his face. He then shapeshifts into a white saber-tooth panther. He dissapears in the thicket praying for "baddies".
Belimir scouts the entire area.
Trying still to master his ability to shapeshift, Belimir is only successful enough to shift into a normal black panther, with two different sized fangs.
"Ha, Elf thinks he's a kitty. Always something confusing about em eh?"
"Meow"
Varro stands slack-jawed with eyes wide open, possibly twice their normal size and stares at the elf turned panther ... in awe and totally stunned by the transformation, Varro for once is totally speechless.
