(Mis)Adventures of GarThog

[garthog]

Personal Storyline Title: The Tome of Grim Power
Players Involved: GarThog & Kythin
Story Summary: The two made an agreement on the Tome, a loot item from "The Maze".and also discussed future possibilities involving Kythins castle & court (Philosophy discussed).


scales change: Spend a week or two confined to his castle in Kullyr and the
Obsidian Heart found it sensible to be taken to the torch. Kythin looked upon
the repairs of the damage he'd only heard about. They did do a decent job in
reparation..
scales change: perhaps seeking their aid in repairing Castle Dunsany wasn't
a bad idea after all.. besides those undead in the basement were becoming
bothersome .. best to consider that after a drink had been procurred. The
Black Knight, in name
scales change: only, had taken a seat at a table.. and awaited whichever of
the employees Maria had shuffling about to bring over a glass of whiskey. -d
Mighty Gar thog: ~he wandered on in, wearing the black robe with red runes
upon, a backpack and belt with pouches. he had a shield in one hand, not
actually on the arm and a morning star in the other. He went straight to a
corner seat
Mighty Gar thog: mumbling about thieves and mages as he leaned the shield
against the table and placed the morning star atop it, paralell to the chairs
back, handle closest to his right hand as he then took his seat~
scales change: Kythin did not possess a high opinion of the disguised dragon
that had just saw fit to interrupt his relative peace in the inne.. just by
his arrival alone. Still.. he recalled the beast possessed something he did
have some interest
scales change: in.. even if his lack of arcane skill could prevent his usage
of it without a proxy. The mumbling, what he heard of it at least, brought a
smirk to the dragonkin's features.. well that was a interesting bit of
murmur. " Having probl
scales change: em's, Dragon? " -d
Mighty Gar thog: ~he looked up at the man, frowning still, nodded, waved the
waitress over~ Mead. ~then looked back to the man~ Yes... damn mages are too
slow with dere creations and rarely ah-bout to make wha GarThog needs... da's
a
Mighty Gar thog: good start wif problems... den, so few seem interested in
training dere animals to do much... may open a library next...
scales change: " Perhaps what you should consider.. that if the arcanist
decided to quicken his pace.. your desired creations would be far less..
stable. Shouldn't let your wants endanger yourself. " Even if he did not
paticularly care if Gar Thog
scales change: continued his existence.. the dragon avoided proper combat
too much for his liking.. but there were other uses.. and the tome to
consider. " Just which mage did you commision? " -d
Mighty Gar thog: Oh, GarThog had hired Ah-kana... got her stuff... was gonna
use anudder... she had a wait. garthog needs armour enchanted immediately and
an object made to use dat armour. ~he then smiled a bit~ Jus her stuff took a
bit
Mighty Gar thog: of time and da udder seems rarely about... Rhyss, tink his
name is.
scales change: " Ah, the Dragonblooded Warmage.. you haven't considered that
something about your.. not being a metallic dragon has something to do with
why he's not often around you? " Both the Bronze blooded warmage and the
steel dragon blooded
scales change: Kythin were of the metallic dragon bloodlines.. Gar Thog..
well.. he just couldn't claim the same at all.. even if he were an actual
dragon. He didn't much care for the Island Woman.. largely ignori ng the
mention of her. -d
Mighty Gar thog: ~shook his head~ guess GarThog forgets all no like GarThog,
accepting of all wif no prejudice. ~he sighed as the mead was brought over
and placed on the table~ tanks. ~the waitress moved back behind the bar, the
dragon
Mighty Gar thog: looked over at the other man~ and so many complain...
GarThog heals, dey say ... you no fight... GarThog fights, dey say you no
doin healing. ~shakes his head again, then grabbed the stein of mead and took
a long drink~
scales change: Didn't seem the dragon had realized it wasn't his methods but
how he went about it that drew the ire of others. How did Kythin notice this?
He was hardly well liked among some of his fellows.. overtime it'd become
known he was good
scales change: person.. even if there was an honorable core.. the title of
knight was not wholly in name only.. even if he was not of that lesser
nobility.. yet. " You care too much what the naysayers spout.. its a wonder
you have not considered..
scales change: ah thats right I've not made such an offer have I.. you
should join me in Dunsany, become my court healer.. after the undead have
been purged from the castle in whole of course.. there will be a price for
joining of course. " -d
Mighty Gar thog: ~he tilted his head at the idea~ Court healer?... GarThog
can work on minor poisonings and simple healings... How much does it pay?
And, can GarThog move his anikmal training shop dere, as well as have space
for a very
Mighty Gar thog: large library... maybe even open it to udders who will
contribute tomes and scrolls to view dose already present? ~the dragon was
considering the offer, but was unclear about the areas location~
Mighty Gar thog: *animal
scales change: COnsidering how the people of Kullyr disliked him.. , it came
with the matter of murdering some of their people during Aaron Hexenthal's
short reign. Why bother providing that bit of information. he frowned at the
idea of having
scales change: common animals anywhere near his castle.. what point was
there in having served Hexenthal and inherited the castle if he was going to
allow animals to inhabit the place? " Dunsany is not recognized the the
nations surronding it, you
scales change: will be unlikely to find pay involve until that matter
changes.. " Through force of course.. something he would need allies for..
which was what drew on this sort of recruiting. " You will be free to start a
shop in the village
scales change: surronding the castle once settlers can be drawn..to this he
grinned all of a sudden. " Dunsany will be losing its links to the undead
soon.. the Hexenthals are no more and all that remains shall be a new home
for the dragonblooded
scales change: of this world. " Those who would fall under his banner at
least. -d
scales change: " And all it will cost from you.. Gar Thog.. is that tome you
pilfered from the Maze House.. after all its useless without my key. " =d
OnlineHost: questing requiem has entered the room.
Mighty Gar thog: Da library needs to be more secure, like within da castle
walls... Mayhaps GarThog can see your defenses... ~he smiled hugely then~
Sieges of a castle can be deadly and gold is needed for its defense... dere
is burrowing
Mighty Gar thog: defense, foot man defense and aerial defenses. If you ever
seek to attack, need siege weapons. GarThog has a few dat no one else seems
to have used for simple footman defense and... well... ~he sipped his mead,
then the
Mighty Gar thog: tone changed, coller, slower in speech~ That will be
discussed in time, if we can agree upon GarThog working for you and at what
price....~hearing that last comment he then stated clearly~ You seem to want
services and
Mighty Gar thog: payment for serving. Afraid you have no concept of
business.
scales change: What need for a business savvy mind did he need beyond
scaring the merchants he dealt with for a discount? " I am not a diplomatic
man, Gar Thog. " Kythin would state as if that explained all with ease. "
Besides.. I have other
scales change: considerations in regard to my defenses. " Which meant the
dragon would find no means of swaying his opinion on that front. " Its a
simple matter, I have the key and you have the tome. Neither possesses
something useful to himself..
scales change: but its useful to the other.. it seems that my offering of a
place in Dunsany is a fair payment for that deal. The matter of your healing
services are another matter.. " -d
OnlineHost: questing requiem has left the room.
Mighty Gar thog: ~shook his head then~ GarThog shall be robbed at no time,
if that can be helped. Your so-called offer, while interesting, seems just to
be a feeble ploy to attain the book of magic that GarThog now owns. A spell
can be
Mighty Gar thog: used to unlock it, or mayhaps even simple lockpicks. The
book will remain GarThogs. Any power it may contain will belong to GarThog.
~he then gave a wicked grin~ GarThog thinks he may know what magic lies
within the
Mighty Gar thog: pages contained therein. That magic, if GarThog is correct,
will be a great weapon for wars as well as simple combat and even finances.
scales change: " I see you know little at all of Pendar, fool Dragon. "
Kythin presented a knowing smile.. a fierce expression from the dragonblooded
man, even a true dragon couldn't deny the fact. " You'll find no mage among
the Heart nor easily
scales change: found on this plane to open that book by spell. " Just a
little information.. after all there were various methods to getting folk to
do what you wanted of them. " And Dragon.. you are just as horrid at
bargaining as I. Stop trying
scales change: to make the tome sound lucrative, I am well aware of all it
does.. and you have no inkling of its secrets. " Granted there was no way to
be certain of that now was there? If the dragon kept it up.. well.. they'd
see how well he
scales change: could hit a dragon.. -d
Mighty Gar thog: ~He chuckled~ You do realize every time we gate somewhere,
a mage is doing a spell? Some simple gold should acquire the services of a
Gatesman to use a spell to open the Tome. As for what the Tome contains,
GarThog shall
Mighty Gar thog: be the first to open and read the pages therein. Believe
what you wish about the contents. The Gods that be will give knowledge to
GarThog. GarThog assumes the offer of court healer is now revoked, no?
scales change: " It is not a matter of gold, fool, its matter of skill and
the mages at our disposal are not capable of opening that tome by magical
means. Clearly you've not the intelligence to realize this. " What he lacked
in knowledge of how
scales change: the arcane functioned, he made up for in being well aware it
took much more time than the mages who sold their spells for a living could
muster. " You'll see shortly that the key is the only means to open that
tome. " At that query
scales change: of his offer though.. he laughed. " Now when exactly did I
ever mention such? " -d
Mighty Gar thog: We shall see on that. ~he continued that wicked grin, the
red sparkle in his eye glowing nearly~ Or... signing and joining payment
could be that very key, to save GarThog the trouble of trying to open the
book another
Mighty Gar thog: way. ~he lifted the stein of mead again and took a sip,
eyes not leaving the man~
scales change: " Or .. I can beat some sense into that thick skull of yours
and save myself the trouble of continuing to deal with a fool who believes he
possesses an advantage over me when none exist. Healers are a copper a dozen
and those of
scales change: dragonblood are not as rare as some may think. You and your
skills are always easily replaced.. " Kythin then proceded to get right up
close and personal to that wicked grinand struck the dragon's with an open
palm. Fool or not..
scales change: he'd give the dragon another chance before he took to
bloodied means of removing that grin.. " Never forget Gar Thog.. you are more
useful dead and becoming my next set of blades than alive. " -d
Mighty Gar thog: ~he rose to his feet and simply tossed the mead in the mans
face~ You are of no use to GarThog. The key will be acquired another way, if
so needed, if other ways to open the book fail. ~and he looked the man eye to
eye~
scales change: " They will fail and you will die if you seek to act against
me dragon. Or have you not learned how foolish it is to assualt a fellow
member of the Heart? " Even if Kythin's alliegence to the Heart was tenous
due to how the others
scales change: viewed him.. after all he worked far more open with Maria
than he did his peers.. including Gar Thog. As for the mead being thrown in
his face.. well that would not be working in Gar Thogs favor at all, after he
swoshed the liquid
scales change: from his features, the hand dropped to touch his dragon
ensigned brooch..setting that half-plate armor to covering him now that the
brooch's magic had been activated. " Tell me then Garthog.. how would you
like to die today.. " -d
Mighty Gar thog: ~The dragon simply watched him, and still had that wicked
grin on his face~ Here you said assaulting a member was foolish. Draw your
weapon and display how foolish you are, then. ~the dragon in human form
simply reached
Mighty Gar thog: over, picking up his morning star with one hand and the
shield with the other~
scales change: " I said die, I said nothing of assualting you. You take
words far too in line with melee.. " That was something he was suppose to
do.. fancy that fact. As of yet Kythin hadn't bothered doing more than
activating the magic item that
scales change: provided his armor, what weapon was there in his hand? Not a
one.. and with Gar Thog picking up his morning star, he'd officially drawn a
weapon on an unarmed member of the Heart. " I do believe you should
reconsider your actions,
scales change: else you show how foolish you are. " -d
Mighty Gar thog: ~he still kept his eyes on the man, unmoving was his
vision~ GarThog has done all good here. Assault was your physical striking.
Attempting to kill would be a second. GarThog is merely in a defensive
stance, lad.
scales change: Again Kythin shook his head. " I struck you with an open
palm, if I meant to assualt you I'd have done far worse. " Such as strike
with his vemonous axe.. nulling the nuisance of the dragon's healing
capability. " Its a pity..
scales change: too foolish too see oppurtunity, and incapable of
understanding that what you do and what you are is far from morally good.
Least that will be how its seen until you are among those who do not jump to
conclusions over matters of
OnlineHost: Elusive Fix has entered the room.
scales change: race and heritage.. among those of dragonblood.. " Yes, still
on the path of nudging the dragon towards his idea of setting up that village
around the Dunsany Castle.. see eye to eye they did not.. but why let that
keep him from
scales change: guiding his ideals forward? -d
Mighty Gar thog: ~he shook his head~ Depends on how one defines assault. As
for species, GarThog sees all as what they do, species is irrelevant. If the
metalic dragons dislike that... that will be their problem, never GarThogs.
No
Mighty Gar thog: species is superior. All have strengths and weaknesses.
Thinking one is better is foolish. No one is perfect as yet. Even the Gods
have failings. ~he was still looking into his opponents eyes~
OnlineHost: Elusive Fix has left the room.
scales change: " Your words do not ring true until you've broken from that
draconic greed and arrogance of yours. Accomplish that and perhaps I'll start
to agree a little more. " Really he'd already come to the simple conclusion
that everything
scales change: could be killed and no one of born better.. but when you
earned it, fought for it, killed and bled for it. You are better.. by action
and faith.. Kythin whole-heartedly knew he was better. " Gods fail, ideals
succede. " Not that
scales change: most faithful humanoids, such as himself would agree to such
an idea.. but Kythin had shifted his religious alligence.. not to a god.. but
to an ideal.. one that was quite .. poetic in its justifications. " Realize
how flawed you
scales change: are and how wrong you can be.. " He acquired a rather
mirthful grin. " And perhaps we'll yet make a mutually beneficial deal for
the key and tome.. " -d
Mighty Gar thog: Whether you agree bor choose to deny the truth is your
choice. It is GarThogs concern over what you think why? Some will see the
wrongness of their ways, some refuse to. If you seek aid in finding the
truth, GarThog will
Mighty Gar thog: aid you. All are flawed, Thinking otherwise is simply
wrong. GarThog being perfect is as absurd as any other being so. One can only
attempt to stay alive and aid others whilst trying to improve themselves. ..
Mutually
Mighty Gar thog: beneficial how? ~his head tiltesd to the right~
scales change: " I acquired the key and you acquired the tome. I will not be
parting with the key, but little stops me from unlocking the tome without
opening it myself. I simply require a share of the benefits of the tome. " Or
in finding a way
scales change: to bind some unpleasant thing that might be unleashed from
the tome.. were his suspicions found to be correct. " I warn you though Gar
Thog.. opening that tome may not be wise.. if you seek to retain your current
ideals. " -d
Mighty Gar thog: ~barely noticeable was his placing the morningstars head
back upon the table, but the handlegrip was still held~ mmm... GarThog will
take that risk. Rewards are rarely gained without risk. Sharing benefits.
GarThog reads
Mighty Gar thog: the tome first... you read it second... but, GarThog wants
the key. If GarThog becomes court healer, if the book can be left in a
location while its benefits are used, it will rest within your castles
library which we
Mighty Gar thog: shall share. Sound fair to you?
scales change: " You'll find that the contents of that tome would be
dangerous, something unwise to leave where those not concerned with the havoc
they wreak can study it. " The fact that he doubted he could actually read it
was not really a
scales change: matter long as Garthog could be talked into playing the mage
and casting a spell or two. " You'll not be getting the key, spout what talk
of equality you wish.. but I trust only those who have proven themselves. "
Proven themselves
scales change: useful at least.. " Until we see how the tome will affect
you.. I'll be keeping the key. It is non-negotiable. " -d
Mighty Gar thog: Until we see how it affects. ~nodded to that~ GarThog will
stand over you as you read it. It will then be locked anew if GarThog decides
it needs to be. This way, if it has no ill effects, and contains spells and
Mighty Gar thog: enchantments, they will be of use, even though you still
have the key. agreed?
scales change: Tolerable conditions.. why the dragon had to be so insistent
on keeping the tome when its most likely effect would be to restore him to
his race's usual moral identity - evil. " Agreed then. " None of this talk
really mattered if
scales change: they were unwilling to get in the same room while they
possessed the key and tome respectively though. -d
Mighty Gar thog: ~he nodded to him~ agreed then. GarThog will await here
with the Tome. When can you bring the key? ~he stepped back, releasing the
handle before doing so, and placing the shield down again, leaning against
the table as
Mighty Gar thog: he swung off his pack~

[garthog]

Personal Storyline Title: The Tome of Grim Power (part 2)
Players Involved: GarThog & Kythin
Story Summary: The two made an agreement on the Tome, a loot item from "The Maze".and opened the Tome

Mighty Gar thog: ~he was sitting in his usual corner seat, but instead of wearing just the black robe with red runes on the collar, he had beneath it, poking through, scaled armour. On his head was a helm, and he had a ring on each hand.
Mighty Gar thog: Shield rested against the table by his left arm, the morning star atop the table by his right with the Tome in the middle, beneath a scroll~.
scales change: Bothering to make the long journey from his castle in Dunsany in Kullyr all the way to Sarkotos did not leave Kythin in the best of moods. After all the chances of being forced to deal with Kullyr's Red Armored Knight's increased
scales change: with each trip no matter the direction. The Inne's door earned a turn of its knob and the impact of his fist to force it open the rest of the way.. his stroll inward bringing the dragon-in-humanoid form to his attention easily
scales change: enough. The Dragonblooded man was clad in the crimson attire he'd replaced by way of shiftweave.. after the originals unforunate introductin to magma.. making him an distinctive and easily noticed figure.. even for a Dragon in a
scales change: shape other than their own. " Trying to style yourself as some spellslinger, Gar Thog? You'd be better off passing yourself off as a would be White Raven.. " The reason for that 'suggestion' wasn't given.. wasn't it common know-
scales change: ledge?-d
Mighty Gar thog: ~He looked up from the scroll with a grin~ Actually, GarThog loves knowledge and books. magic comes naturally to many dragons. GarThog has been using his to heal more, but... time to expand dat knowledge. just started
Mighty Gar thog: making own objects of magic. may even sell dem, as well. Gold seems so important in dese lands. ... How goes the clearing of da castle of undead and getting peasants on da lands?
scales change: " My paticular talents are not the best for handling an undead threat.. time will tell of peasants once the matter of the unliving monsters has been dealt with. " Kythin did not really care about Gar Thog's want of knowledge, ..nor
scales change: did he care for being treated as if he knew nothing of dragons. The Dragonblooded could be a tempermental sort after all.. " A Dragon should know the importance of gold without the nuisances of humans to figure it out.. " -d
Mighty Gar thog: Bah. gold is jus metal... ~he reached down, sliding an amethyst out of a pouch~ Gems and jewelry are so much more... interesting... ~he gazed at the stone a moment, then recalled what he was doing~ Knowledge is power and
Mighty Gar thog: should be maintained and gained. Gold is jus useful. ... Any idea who will aid in disposing of da undead? And, will da local nobles move against a new owner of a castle?
scales change: " Within a Barony such as Kullyr, any nobleman is capable of being an annoyance to the Baron. He'll want to remove that.. " Unless he sided with the Baron of course.. it was all a matter of how the Kullyr Baron saw his influence ove
scales change: his own people and how well Kythin fit into the picture ... allied with or executed as a murder. Which meant.. Kythin was not going to be risking it. " Knowledge lasts only as long as you've a head on your shoulders. Once you die it
scales change: becomes useless to anyone still among the living. " Barring necromancy.. " I thought we had a book to deal with, Gar Thog. " -d
Mighty Gar thog: GarThog suggests kythin discovers da weapons da usual soldiers use. different weapons require different defenses. crossbow are actually good to use versus most armours, Dey penetrate well. But, GarThog knows da armour to
Mighty Gar thog: protect best versus crossbows. ~he then smiled at Kythin~ Again, Kythin may wish to consider hiring GarThog as Healer and military advisor. the book... ~he shifted the scroll to the side, revealing the Tome beneath,
Mighty Gar thog: then looked back to Kythin~ Da key?
scales change: " A healer requires the wounded, a military advisors requires a military neither of these do I possess.. yet. " He didn't much care for how much the Dragon thought to make himself look good. Kythin did not care for it.. especially
scales change: when experience and cunning was something he thought much more worthy in such advisors.. cunning didn't involve being a thorn to your Lord. " You are not making much of a case for yourself, you speak as if better and no Lord of a
scales change: Castle would ever accept such and still be respected. " Or feared.. " I have it.. " He stated simply before his approch, still he didn't trust the dragon. Which meant Ky sought to shift to tome his way before ever bringing out the
scales change: key and seeking to deal with the locked clasp.. turning the purple-hued key and then withdrawing it once the tell-tale click was had.. and the key would be restored out of sight of the Dragon. After all that part of the deal remain
scales change: ed no trust when the effects of the tome were an unknown. -d
Mighty Gar thog: Hmm... first, remove da undead, den. Next, bring in peasants to cultivate land. grow foodstuffs and papyrus. A lord rules via power... but appoints advisors for dere wisdom. War tactics, siege weapons... GarThog lead
Mighty Gar thog: wars in udder lands long ago, far away. ~the dragon-in-human-form opened the book then, and began reading the pages slowly turning the page, then the next. A faint light surrounded the book and reader~
Mighty Gar thog: ~then faded into the dragon-man as he finished the last page~ Ahhh... GarThog sees... GarThog haath jus learnt usage of a spell... ~he looked up at Kythin then, smiling~ Portals indeed.
Mighty Gar thog: ~He stepped aside~ Kythin may read now.
scales change: It did not take wisdom to take away from the dragon's words a simple truth about the book. If the bloody tome only served to push a spell into the reader's mind.. then what use was it to someone, even dragonblooded, who hadn't harne
scales change: ssed the means of exercising magic? Kythin saw the answer to this as simple.. reserve the oppurtunity until he'd claimed the magical potential of his bloodline. " If its only of use to a spellcaster, its of no use to me.. yet.. "
scales change: Which most likely meant the key was going to be staying in his possession unless Gar Thog could provide a damn good persuasion to relinquish it. " I believe I'll wait.. for a time at least. " -d
scales change: It did not take wisdom to take away from the dragon's Mighty Gar thog: Hmm... It allows a spell to be cast... mayhaps it allows a noncaster to learn a spell... look at a few pages to see. ~he would have kythin test it out, to see if it had an affect upon the man~ If it no work now, Kythin
Mighty Gar thog: can read it later, no?
scales change: " If I do not possess the knowledge to contro magical energy, knowing how to cast a spell will do little good. I'll wait.. but the key will be remaining with me until then. " Gar Thog of course could trust persuading him otherwise,
scales change: but neither dragon had proven easily negotiated with in the past. -d
Mighty Gar thog: Oh?... wha good is da key to Kythin then? ... GarThog could keep book and key safe til kythin had da ability to try to use it. ~he smiled wider at kythin~ It would be a symbol of our future unity and working together in
Mighty Gar thog: da clearing of Kythins castle and protecting da lands... mayhaps we should discuss dat now, as well.
scales change: " That would require trusting you Gar Thog, I don't. " Clearly that was a point the Dragon did not comprehend, the entire matterof the tome and key had revolved had it from the beginning. Kythin did not trust easily and Gar Thog con
scales change: tinually sought to hold a place of superiority against him.. something he simply could not allow. -d
Mighty Gar thog: You no believe dat GarThog will follow through on his word? GarThog no lie. ... was told dat was one of GarThogs weaknesses. ~he reached for his mug and took a sip of mead~ GarThog will break bread wif you, and aid you
Mighty Gar thog: in your goals. wha more do you seek? ... GarThog will even enchant your weapons far below da usual cost, if you so desire.
scales change: " Everyone has an ulterior motive, especially Dragons, Gar Thog. " And the Dragon came off as fairly desperate to possess the key. As depeserate as a Dragon could be.. which was never easily conveyed by the magical beasts. " Only
scales change: time and effort will bring fruititon to my goals.. I doubt a healer such as yourself will be approving of many of them. " Murdering 'innocents' had a way of leaving bad tastes in folk's mouths when they weren't morally.. black. -d
Mighty Gar thog: Thus far, kythin has stated he wishes to clear a castle of undead. dat is one. Den, create a home for dragonkind, dat is two. Have a land dat propers, dat is three. ~he tilted his head~ GarThog can aid Kythin, and advise
Mighty Gar thog: in many ways, so dat dere are fewer enemies and more allies in kythins future. Da ulterior motive? ... to influence Kythin, mayhaps get kythins gold for da creation of enchanted objects and have a place far more safe
Mighty Gar thog: den most and even an ally against dragon haters GarThog has met.
scales change: " I haven't seen much evidence that you are fit to earn fewer enemies for one such as I.. or yourself. " In fact Gar seemed to blunder into it.. if his prior issues with Maria were any evidence. " We'll see, Dragon. I've other
scales change: matter to attend to while I'm here in Sarkotos. " Which meant the Dragonblooded came to leave Gar's presence.. and make for the inne's door. It had been awhile since he'd graced the presence of the Gypsy and Logen.. it seemed a fine
scales change: time to ruin their day with it. -d
Mighty Gar thog: Ah, well... GarThog advises better den doing da actions himself. good eve til den.

[garthog]

The dragon-in-human-form decided to explore the streets of the capitol in his human form. Walking in the city as a dragon would likely cause a panic and ruin the merchants business, after all. He stopped and looked over items in different shops, looking for better prices with good quality. In one he lifted a used short sword... and the blade fell off the pommel. He simply shook his head, placed the handgrip down upon the table and walked out.
So, finding good shops would not be an easy task. As he moved through the city streets he stepped into a shop selling drinks, he thought, seeing a tea cup with a saucer on the sign. Either drinks or cups, he thought. He entered, noticing cocoa beans, coffee beans and leaves of tea. A good place to note, as were some of the prices for a small pouch of beans. This was clearly a shop for all, with prices ranging in the coppers to tens of gold for such a tiny pouch. He shook his head, stepped out and moved on.
He saw another, smaller weapons shop with a gorgeous blue circle painted on the wall, seen through the window. He stepped in, and looked about. The weapons were unusual. There were no two alike, except when placed together with a dried vine band holding the pair. He lifted one set and asked "Wha are dese called?" The older man behind the counter smiled hugely, "Ahhh... those, are specialized weapons. Rather uncommon. Used mainly by a few trained warriors, such as monks". The dragon tilted his head. Knowledge was always welcomed, but the man did not answer the question, "But wha are dey called?". The man opened his mouth with a light gasp and then spoke "I do apologize. those are called sais. They are used to attack and defend, if a warrior has learnt how to use them". The dragon nodded, having seen them elsewhere before, but never had caught the weapons name back then. He placed them back in place and moved to the next objects that looked like mini clubs with handles. he lifted one up by the end furthest away from the handle, "And dese are...?". the older man smiled again and replied "Another pair of specialized weapons, called ton-fas". The dragon nodded "Used by monks?". The man said "Usually, yes, in this area". Well, maybe the sign should have said that. "All dese weapons for monks?" the dragon had to ask. "Oh no, no. No sir. we have a cutlass, scimitar, various pole arms, nearly anything you can think of, I can get for you". The dragon nodded, but was thinking it would always take time. he was usually in a rush, but, if he remembered, he would show the man his butterfly blades later. It would be nice to know what they were called, instead of just calling them "twin short blades".He looked at that blue orb now and smiled, "dat blue is very pretty.". The mans smile remained as he nodded "Yes, yes it certainly is". The dragon smiled back, not showing his human teeth, "GarThog has a shop for training animals. Maybe GarThog will put a few of dose blue circles on his sign, round da eyes of a bird or somefin". The man blinked a moment, thought it over then replied, "If that is your wish, then by all means, do so". The dragon nodded, then added "Or... maybe have a dog chasin da lil blue ball... or a horse, even, since dey need more training". The man looked a bit puzzled at the dragons small talk, then asked "Are you, perhaps... interested in a weapons purchase this day?". The dragon shook his head "No. Jus lookin around... but dat blue circle caught GarThogs eye... may catch da eye of udders". The man was no longer smiling. The dragon thought it was from the loss of a sale, but the man then said, straight out "The blue... ball, is a symbol of prosperity and luck for a business that has been around a good deal of time. If your shop is new, it would likely bring bad luck, like... lanterns tipping over starting fires to burn your store. You should wait a few years before adding the... blue ball to your store". The dragon blinked at that. Who ever heard of a colour being lucky. But, being nice, he simply replied "Well, GarThog needs no luck... but da blue is pretty... GarThog will likely wait on adding a blue ball to a sign" and with that said, out he went to see more of the cities stores and shops.

[garthog]

It was a beautiful day out. The sun was shining, he heard birds a singing and even a bard, in the distance, playing a lute. So the dragon in human form decided to stroll the city and see how things looked on such a warm and nice day. As he walked along, he saw humans going about their daily business, horses being led and riden, an occasional mule, a lone elf here and there, a grumbling dwarf and even a goblin he did not know. he wandered by shops selling food stuffs, uncooked, drinks, woodsmens axes, hunting gear and even saw a new shop trying to sell something with a gnome outside smiling. He did not feel like talking, just wandering the streets, noting where woods were, grassy areas, churches, watery areas including wells, and other such trivial things.
Then, he rounded a corner and saw a long line of small groups of people moving in one direction from the other and not very quickly. Well, that had him rather surprised. he moved closer to an elderly man with a long white beard "Whas goin on here?". he thought he used the terminology correctly, and awaited a reply. "Go ah-way! Go ah-way!" the old man said, raising a bent arm up to cover his head. Well, GarThog just moved along up the line towards its source. the next male he questioned was younger, with a brown mustache and hair. "Wha is goin on ere?' he asked the human. This one responded a bit with "The hells have come to our land. We all mus leave 'fore tis too late!" and he was moving away quickly now with a woman and a hand-drawn cart. Next, the dragon targeted a child, perhaps eight years old. He went near the boy and started walking along side the lad; "So, wha is going on?". The child was shaking as he spoke quickly "Th sky is fallin. the ground shakes and buildings break and stuff falls from em. Th water crashes over the docks and washes ships ashore, the sun is hidin and we should all run til the sun returns". That was quite a lot to take in, so he continuerd to walk by the boy and talk further "GarThog sees da sun here... sky okay, no ground shakin or buildings falling". The boy shook his head "Noooo. Thets at home! It's why we stepped through the tradin gate and came here". Now, that could be very important, if it was all true. So the dragon, still in human form, walked along the line heading in the direction they came from. He went around a block, up a street and around another block before he saw up ahead a portal with a mage beside it and two armoured guards on the other side. He headed for the mage to inquire further.
GarThog walked right up and recognized the man. The mage was an elf who works for the Port Union and had opened the portal for them a few weeks ago. So, he simply walked up and gave a smile, showing no teeth "Greet-tings to you dis day... jus wha is goin on now?". The elven mage looked at him and replied "Union is aiding a city. Seems they are having trouble with an upset god or something. Tidal waves, earthquakes, even volcanoes". The dragon blinked. That seemed very strange. "How? Did dey do somefin to offend a god? Are dey all paying for transport through?". The elf shook his head "Town leaders here in the capitol passed along the order. Open the portals and let em all pass through. We have several portals open, but so many people and who knows how long the city has". The dragon sighed "So, need more portals den?". The elf nodded "Of course, but that magic is rare and few wish to risk their well-being to go there and open portals for the poor to travel through". Oh, that struck a note with him immediately "GarThog will... but need to get gear first". The elf looked at the small human before him "GarThog? The black dragon that works for the Obsidian Heart? Maybe". The dragon was about to object, but then realized... most recognized him more in his dragon form, and few even knew of his human looking form. He usually maintained that illusion so as not to be pursued by dragon slayers, those foul, dull-witted buffoons that saw all dragons as nothing more than things to be "heroically" slain in battle. "GarThog will help.", he thumped his chest, "GarThog go get gear now, come back and transform to true form". The elf tilted his head, comprehending but did not comment further as the dragon in human form went off to gather his gear.
GarThog returned after nearly an hour, carrying gear and leading his mule and a goblin. He took gear off the mule, then walked into a dark warehouse, usually for storing grain, but which was now empty. It seems guards had moved the stored grain, bakers were making breads and food was being given to the refugees. The capital city of Sarkotos had united to help the members from a poor beleaguered city nearby in the country. This pleased the dragon greatly, to see the good of people coming out in a time of disaster. The black scales on the dragons thick hide absorbed the sunlight as he stepped forth into view. He had been practicing with his claws more and the morning star far less as he walked over to the elf again; "GarThog wishes to go through da portal... for free, to da udder city". The elf nodded in response, "I've heard of you GarThog. You aided in clearing the church in the one city, where that foul creature had spoiled the consecrated ground and you revived the grand druid far from here. You may pass freely, but... the incoming crowd is constant and will not cease". The dragon simply nodded in response, making certain he had his bracelet/ring of adaption to survive the lava if the volcano sent lava into the town. He leapt into the air and flew deftly through the top of the portal as his goblin lead his mule back home.
Going through the portal, the dragon saw Withernsea was covered with ash and the sky was dark, black as Obsidian. He flew through the air feeling it clinging to him as he moved, thus he landed very quickly. As the dragon walked, he saw several portals open, leading who knows where with lines of people passing through them in an orderly manner. In no time, a man approached and told him that the portals went to different places, for evacuating the city itself. So GarThog went near the Sarkotos portal and began opening his own, allowing more people to pass through to the capital at a quicker pace. He had learned the spell to make money, mayhaps even compete with the Union, if they did not employ him, but this was an emergency situation. He stood and watched his first portal open up at the base of an alley leading into a main street. He called out "Nudder portal to Sarkotos, brought to dose in need by GarThog" then moved along to a spot to open a second. Then a third, a fourth and fifth. He was opening portals when another came up to him and asked him to open one to another place he had been. The dragon continued, opened several portals, casting all his spells for the day, then asked for a barn or warehouse to sleep in. The mayor happily obliged to his request and the dragon slept. This routine continued for two days, until the Obsidian Heart finally made an appearance.