The Twisted City

Gurren

Gurren watched sat on her roof and watched as the villagers went about their business. Long ago she would have seen them as nothing but marks. People she could steal from to provide for herself. She noticed a man approaching her door so she leaped from her perch and landed gracefully in front of her.

“We are here to request the aid of Marinea.”

She looked at the man over he looked official enough.

“I’m afraid she’s been dead for quite awhile,” she said.

The man looked unhappy about this and started leave.

“Of course I’m her student so I could help with whatever services you require.”

The man looked me over. “Sorry we need skilled individuals,” and he turned away from her but Gurren moved so fast she again stood in front of him. Before he could speak she was behind him again and she tapped him on the shoulder.

“Like I said I can handle whatever situation that Marinea was meant for.” Gurren said
He looked at her for another moment then handed her the rolled up scroll. “I suppose you can.”

Gurren didn’t respond but disappeared from the man’s sight and landed back on her roof before the man could blink.

So it was a summon she thought as she read. It was rather vague but it was clear that whatever the situation was had to be serious. Gurren opened the flap door to her roof and dropped into her house

She would not need much a few clothes and her gloves would be enough. She’d get food along the way. Since she was going by foot she needed to pack light. She put a few clothes in a beat up looking pack, and then tossed in her cloves and boots. The added weight of her metal would slow her down but she this didn’t bother her much. She hadn’t run a great distance in a long time and the exercise would be welcomed. She put her hands through the straps and walked out her door.

She prepped herself to run and made one final thought. This mission is for you mother.

Full Name: Arturai
Gender: Male
Age: 78
Birthplace: Saratov
Father's Name: Lucio
Mother's Name: Jynx
Race: Human
Eye Color: Blue
Hair colour: Very light brown, greasy and shoulder-length.
Height: 5'11"

Personality: Generally wise and independant, he's nosey but smart and that's what's kept him alive. He can be grouchy now and again, but that comes from experience.

Occupation: Market Dealer.

Clothing: A long black robe.

Weapon(s): A long iron sword and intelligence!

Special Skills: Very intelligent and wise, he lives amongst the people in poverty in the kingdom. Listening to rumours, sounds and hints to new information.

Natural Abilities: Confidence, relaxed.

Classification: Traveller, Medic, intellect.

Brief History: Lived most of his childhood in a rich, wealthy family but soon took to the streets, learning the ways of people and trade. He travelled all over the world learning new crafts and arts, gaining knowledge everyday. He visited libraries, founding his own by the time he was 56. However, it failed quickly and he returned to market trade. Heroes visit him for information, intellect and hope.

Alignment: Neutral.

Saeti Haegindi

The dwarf walked through the near-darkness, pacing himself yet not spending too much time in one place. He was still in friendly territory, but because of the state of things, he didn't want anyone asking too many questions. Not that he'd know how to answer them if they did...

His path was, for now, lit by a warm glow from the torches that had been put in place for the sake of visitors. As he got farther away from the mines, the earthy scent was replaced by that of fresher, crisper air with maybe a hint of water. He still had a fairly good way to go, he surmised, looking at the map he'd packed with him. He just hoped he wasn't reading it upside down...again.

Finally, he came to the end of his race's territory. Neutral territory started there, so technically, Saeti had nothing to fear. But he couldn't help being a little afraid. He was leaving his home, friends, and family for a quest that would prove arduous and probably terrifying for someone who'd never before left the safety of home. He checked the map again, though he didn't really need to because he knew exactly where he was. Then he took a deep breath followed by his first step into the unknown.

After a few hours he came to what he figured was the place. Amidst a breathtaking field much different than anything he'd ever seen before stood a tallish building. The delicate sound of a harp permeated the air, and Saeti followed the sound until he came to the door. He fished out the summons in case he needed proof and rapped on the door four times.

A man, taller and slimmer than Saeti opened the door moments later. "Yes?"

The dwarf showed the scroll. "I am here to answer the call," he explained, hoping he didn't sound too stupid, and that he was even in the right place.

"Wonderful. Come in, Mr.--?"

"Saeti Haegindi," he said with a slight bow and thanked the man on his way inside. Well, he thought, no turning back now. He just hoped it was really for the greater good.

Arturai

I walked along the trail of fields that surrounded me. It had been a long while since I'd left my own territory and got off the Horse and Cart. Can't go out of here, Artie, the poor sod said, Can't go no further. So, I had to walk. Staggering slowly step by step, the only assistance being a trusty walking stick that supported my every move.

Then, I noticed a large tavern. Guessing it were to be my destination, I headed for it. Despite being frail and old, I was still fit and healthy, along with my knowledge of general ignorance and of the human body, I could do long trips such as this on a daily basis.

I walked up to the door and knocked three times, only to be greeted by a young gentleman.

"Can I help you?" He muttered.

"Indeed, young man. I'm looking for the place where I can answer my calling."

"You've got it," he replied in confusion as he scanned me up and down.

To that, I showed him my scrolls and he let me inside. Ignorance, I mused.

Lireal

It hadn't been predicted by anyone that one of the most renowned Assasin would end up without work. Sitting in a bar she swallowed some of bitter beer before looking around. Her nerves were taut, even when drunk she knew she could take all these wimps.

But then most stayed away from her, all afraid that she was a Drow, even the alliance hadn't helped, fights were such a common occurence. That bars had stopped serving all three speices in same place. So much for any differences.

The stink of humanity reaked from all these fallen mercs. None of them could take her let alone defeat her.

A person tapped her shoulder, swinging round she looked at him, twisting hia arm back as he yelled in pain, "You're not my type boyo, now bugger off." He nodded as she let go, seeing a letter he dropped.

It clearly spoke of work.

Downing her last glass she flounced out.

Lireal had work again.

~Nerissa~

The night was calm. A soft cold breeze blew softly across my face, and I remained silent, and watched. So far, at least five people had entered the building, all muttering something about their calling.

Obviously something was being planned. An alliance, perhaps? There had been dwarves, elves, and a human who had each entered the tavern with furtive glances cast behind them and hushed whispers exchanged. Another approached and followed this routine in almost exactly the same way as each of the others, hurrying into the building secretively. I was not seen, barely visible in the shadows of the alleyway opposite, my white hair covered by a dark hood.

Finally, I stood up, shaking the dust off myself. Not one drow had yet entered the tavern - what alliance could possibly survive without drow influence to push forward superior ideas? I hesitated after this thought. Was I actually, honestly considering helping another group of people? Selflessly helping others with no hope of personal gain?

This thought was easily brushed off with some relief a few moments later. Obviously the rewards of joining this alliance, or at least finding out it's purpose, was the reason for my curiosity towards it. Of course.

Picking up my bag, I made my way to the tavern door, knocking on it purposefully. I had seen enough people approach this door to have a reasonable idea of how to behave. The hinges creaked as the door opened, and the now familiar face of the door-elf greeted her.

"Yes?" he asked surreptitiously, and I adopted the same secretive attitude I had seen of the others.

"I've come to answer my calling." I murmured, and he nodded, glancing down expectantly. "...Papers?" he queried. A frown spread over my face.

"I assumed they would not be necessary. How else where to come to answer the call if I had not received them? I destroyed them yesterday so as not to alert any... unexpected attention to this place." I answered, looking offended.

The wood-elf hesitated, then sighed, looking down at me distrustfully. "I suppose... I'll see what the leaders say later. For now... Very well." He moved aside, and I entered the building with a sense of satisfaction. Dealing with 'the leaders' whoever they were, should be easy enough once I had figured out exactly what this calling actually was.