Bernard arrives in Wati

Bernard the Admirable steps foot off the barge onto the solid ground of Wati.

As he steps off the vessel, he comments to the operator "Well met, I am glad I was able to educate you on the differences between crocodiles and alligators my friend, though I must agree with you that the former are certainly more dangerous, though I'd not tell that to an alligator. Farewell!"

He looks around at the hustle and bustle of the Half Dead City, then seemingly speaks to himself. "What do you think Gertrude? Shall we find adventure here?" He then appears to be listening to something inaudible, and says "You are correct as always my friend, yes, it is probably a good idea to take precautions until we can procure a secure domicile."

He makes some small gestures and mutters an incantation, and a flash of wan blue light ripples across his form as the spell takes affect.He then looks around, seemingly about to start to head in a random direction.

Jaware is drinking some sweet tea at a nice Teashop near the port with his feathered and perfectly polished bronze helmet at the table. (it was treated with vinegar to make it look like gold and he used prestidigitation to polish it).

As he sees the obviously out of place scholar steeping out of the barge, he feels sorry for the man for a moment, almost sure he will be stripped of his belongs at any second. As the old man makes a gesture Jaware is puzzled.

"Was it magic?", he questions to himself.

Jaware makes a little gesture with his hand to cast Detect Magic.

Noticing the obvious ability of the old man he decides to approach him.

Speaking in perfect Taldane, Jaware salutes the scholar:

Greetings, my name is Jaware, archer and a magic-user like yourself. I must infer that you came here looking to explore Osirion history and legends. I would like to offer you my services as a local man and a fellow explorer as long you have the funds to finance such endeavor. The first advise I give to you is: Let’s leave the port, although it is a lovely place to drink some tea, it also attracts the kind of street rat that would want nothing more than to take some bites in a fat cheese like yourself.

Jaware is a little extravagant and a bit pedant, but he also looks capable. He is a 5’10’, well build and slim Garundi man.

Iseret considered the golden coin in her hand, making it dance across her knuckles. She was bored. It had been several weeks since the last expedition had called upon her services and she was beginning to get low on coin. Something would need to be done, and soon. That was when she noticed the newcomer. As he exits the barge, he makes a gesture that might be magical in nature (or not, she really couldn't tell). He was quickly approached by a slim Garundi man. Probably offering his services as a "guide". More like he would guide the victim to a dark alley and his cronies.

Iseret rose and quietly slipped into step behind the pair, just to keep the newcomer safe, she told herself.

"Well met good sir, though I highly doubt you are in fact a magic user like myself if I do say so! But it would be nice to converse with someone at least capable of a basic cantrip, so beggars can not be choosers as they say.

I will take your advice - do you know of a good place for accommodation? I intend getting involved in this lottery I have heard about, so somewhere that would be a useful base camp for expeditions into the Necropolis would be ideal."

Having discussed his decision with the Commander of the watch, as well as with his family. Gethean is sitting at his table enjoying a glass of wine at his favorite Inn, enjoying the sunlight and the excitement that is building in the city. Preperations for this historical event have been the highlight of the past year or so. Getheal can't imagine what might be discovered when the lottery begins, but he knows one thing for sure, that he will be a part of it in no small way. He has long grown bored with just patrolling the city and chasing the same people over and over as the years go on.

Who knows, in a year from now or 100 years from now, he may just wind up back in The Watch. For now he intends to enjoy the changes to the city and to his lifestyle. Now to find a company to hitch his cart to!

Jaware laughs a little at the old man's boasting and decides to ignore it.

There is a Inn nearby that is well attended. The men of Guard likes to drink there, it will be safe and the beer is good. Osirion beers are the most authentic you will find. We are know as first people to have ever brew beer.

Herc stand just over six feet or so tall. Till you get a good look at his face and such you might think he is a husky man, but it is obvious with those tusks and pointed ears that he is half-orc. He clothing says he ready for travel in the heat, but there is a define monk'ness about him. Perhaps the few weapons and he has some defiantly monkish ones. Could be the quarterstaff and Nunchaku. He just looks like someone that belongs in a monastery.

Seems he has overhead some conversation as he approaches, Yes. The Lottery. I look to form a group for such. Was thinking to call it "Destined Delvers" Would that be of interest?

As Khadi walks through the city she greets everyone she recognises, and also everyone she doesn't. A smile, a wave, quick greeting. Sometimes such things could brighten someone's day. Not as much as the sun as it crossed the sky, but sometimes it felt good to be seen, noticed. Especially the labourers of the city. Those many took for granted, yet without their hard work there would be no city to live in.

As she walks her eyes often glance away from the crowds to the ground, making sure that her guide was still in sight. A beetle, invisible to most, and the cause of disgust in many who did spot it. Yet they too were hard workers, and also messengers. At least for her. She had been at her Dad's latest building sight, hanging out with the workers and running small errands, making sure they were okay when it had appeared, and then left. Many would think her crazy, but she had grown used to the way Khepri spoke to her.

As she broke into the docks the beetle ran to a small group and circled it, before disappearing into a crack. This was her goal. She already began to see what Khepri wished her to see. Not many in the city had gear such as these in front of her, especially not weapons. Yet more and more were arriving each day, drawn by the news of the lottery. She had been keeping an ear out for such individuals, yet for now her feelers for companions into the necropolis had been unanswered.

Most people would think it rude to barge in on a conversation with strangers, but if you always avoided them, you would never make more friends. Besides these were Khepri's choice and she wasn't about to ignore his guidance.

'Greeting of the sun my friends.' She strolls right up to the group as if she belongs. 'Some of you I am sure I have seen around here before, others you are new, no?' She focuses on the older man at the last part of her sentence. She prided herself on recognise faces and his was not one. Though she herself likely looked like a foreigner, with her pale grey skin and white hair. Yet her accent and voice is true for the many years she was brought up in the city.

'A little beetle told me we you are an interesting bunch, and I enjoy interesting.' She winks gives a wink and she stretches, the necklace depicting a blue scarab beetle clear around her neck. 'Plus I think someone said the word inn and I very much like that word.'

"Ah, my friend, that story of Osirioni beer is merely a quaint local urban myth, why there are many older civilisations than this one where artifacts of brewing have been discovered, why I once read about a particularly complex setup that used magic in the filtration. You see, Cayden Cailean is a relatively new god as we know, so it makes one wonder, who fulfilled the role of god of Alcohol further back in history, why...

Fortunately for Jaware, Bernard is interrupted by Hercs arrival.

"Well met, umm, what is your name?

Bernard appears mildly perturbed my the interruption, but has no chance to hear the reply before Khadi interjects.

"Ah, is it customary in this part of the world not to introduce oneself? I had not read that all, most irregular. I am Bernard, and this is all strangely, abruptly, convenient. Shall we all find this inn, and you may all tell me what skills you possess in order to aid in my efforts yes?"

I be Herc. And I come from the mountains far away. I only came for the Lottery with its chances. Inn would be much cooler. The heat of is no place to be outside.

As Esmae sits alone in the inn, drink her tea, she sees a motley crew of new faces she has not see before.
Esmae smiles and waves them over to have a seat..
I take it ya'll are here for the lottery, I would be delighted If I may come alone.
If I am accepted, than maybe the Guild will respect me more, after all this is the home of my ansetors she says to herself.

Gethean overhears mention of the lottery and turns to see who has just arrived. He notices a few familiar faces, and some that he has never seen before. The young lady sitting a few tables away looks familiar from the the temple, though he has never met or spoken with her. The tall Garundi man as well as the white haired woman are familiar to him, but never has he spoken with them. He does notice that they don't look like anyone he has ever had to deal with in his duties as a member of the watch.

Looks like a new company is forming, and it also looks to be a well balanced group. Then he notices the woman trailing back a few steps, he has seen her in the shadier parts of town perhaps, but has never had a complaint raised against her it seems.

"Have I heard correctly? I know that some of you are from Wati, or the surrounding area. Might you have another position open in your company? Forgive me, my name is Gethean Jael, formerly of the city watch until this morning. I have taken leave to partake in the lottery, and would be greatful for a position if you have space."

"I have lived here my whole life and would offer myself as a guide if you would have me."

"I think we’re all jumping to conclusions here, and I for one find it poor form to make decisions with such haste. I intend to first arrange at least a modicum of accomodations, and I shall assume there will be a need for more than just myself. Once that is done, I suggest we have a meal, and then I shall allow you all to interview for positions in my adventuring party. Yes?"

Gethean looks at the old man and has to agree with him, he nods his head to what seems to be the second oldest being present amongst this motley group of people.

He continues to observe the group individually, trying to assess the strengths and weaknesses of each. It seems that the young lady of Sarenrae is either a Cleric or a Paladin. The Half-Orc is going to take a minute to figure out. The white haired woman doesn't look like a fighter. The tall Garundi man seems to favor the bow. And the rest will be announced shortly it would seem.

Ha! I arrived here from Sothis a week ago. I'm also staying in this inn. You will certainly like it to.

Jaware then raises his voice to talk to the innkeeper across the room:

Old Man, when I ask you about how to find a company to explore the Necropolis, you said I just needed to take a walk through the port that I would eventually bump at fortune seekers from all the world to die with me. And thought you was making a joke

After laughing a little and keeping the same tone and loudness, Jaware talks to rest of his future crew:

It seems with are having a lot of volunteers and a suggestion of a name. You said Destined Delver, right Herc? I liked it, but I think it is better if we let Barnard rest a little. Let's meet again in the evening.

Iseret approached the others and spoke up. "My name is Iseret and I am a native of this city. I do not mean to invite myself to your gathering, but if I am allowed an opportunity, I think that you might find my skills useful in this endeavor."

It seems all the winds blow well today. I fathom that we have eagerness. One could not wish for more. Lottery is soon and I believe my hopes for "Destined Delvers" has come to life. Herc is indeed a strange Half-Orc.

Esmae approaches the strangers in a polite but bold fashion...
Excuse Me, My name is Esmae Lightbringer, I am a Paladin of Sarenrae, my guild has sent me out for the lottery...
I am also staying here at the inn, so please if you are looking for someone to shed some light on the darkness that lies ahead, I am your girl.
Esmae proudly walks away, Sporting her shield and Scimitar both with the symbol of Sarenrae that shines like a beacon of hope..