Episode 0: The Arcadian Rose

After sharing this info with the rest of the table, Rhodrick crosses his arms with a wry smile, "Well, a merry band of adventurers are we! Unless there's a better cover we can think up?"

To no one in particular, "So we're showing up as monster hunters? We probably don't want the celebrity. Doesn't sound like any good reason to go to the island. Vacation? Fishing trip? Bachelor party? Long lost relative? Rumor of a rare herb? Split into smaller groups to not attract attention?"

Something then occurs to Parallel. He asks Rhiann, "So where did you find this rag-tag bunch, and how do you know we can trust them?" Then to the group as a whole, "I mean, I know that I'm committed to the Diva and the struggle against Caer Tan (spits), but who are you all, why should we trust you, and what do you bring to the table? Speaking of bringing to the table..." he glances at his empty plate and looks around for Morena.

Heash looks intently at Parallel and says, "I'm pretty sure the Deva would not oust themselves by pulling together a crew they couldn't trust!"

He then picks up the plate set in front of him and begins to spin it on its side on the table.

"If we need a plan for our identity we could simply say we are escorting fancy mask man on a trip." He says as he motions to Jandral.

"What I want to know is what you can tell us about this ship and the crew. Are they friendly to our cause? Do they know anything?" He asks Rhiann.

"You can make up whatever story you want for why you're at Whitburn, but Captain Yokgrumli has been hired under the impression that you are answering the summons of a small village beset by monsters," says Rhiann. "The Red Cutter is not affiliated with the Pale, but she honors her contracts."

Morena has disappeared into the kitchen.

"Well, it's settled," Jandral says in a tone that brooks no argument, "Monster hunters, then. After all, there are monsters everywhere. Now I think I shall retire." He rises from his chair. "Unless there is something else?" he adds, looking at Rhiann directly..

As if in response, Morena returns and places a large bowl of garden salad upon the table, followed by two baskets of bread. She proceeds to fill your cups with a hot spiced alcoholic cider.

A blue-skinned water genasi appears from the kitchen, dressed in a stained apron over common clothes. Hair in the appearance of fins is tucked under a scarf around her head. A large bundle is slung across her back in the vague size and shape of an infant.



The genasi carries two large plates of steamed whole fish prepared with a hot oil of ginger, scallions, and soy. These plates are placed in the center of the table. With a nod, she silently gestures to the food, hefts the bundle on her back, and returns with Morena into the kitchen.

Jandral considers asking for food to be brought up to his room instead. He would of course have to take the mask off to eat in front of these people. But then he decides it can't be helped - it'll happen sooner or later. He resumes his seat with an audible chuckle. He sheds the mask, revealing young, almost boyish features: high cheekbones, a delicate nose, laughing eyes. His manner is noticeably different: gone is the imperious bearing, replaced now by a casual demeanor. He reaches for some fish.

"Aye, good thought, lad. Let us not leave port on an empty stomach." Rhod moves quickly to fill his plate with a fair portion, with a dark glance in Parallel's direction.

He remembers his manners before returning to his seat and with a sheepish half-bow he blurts out to the retreating genasi chef, "Umberlee's blessings and fair winds on you and yours, marm."

Rhiann places her hands on her hips. "Any other questions? If not, enjoy your dinner, and I'll see you in the morning before sun-up."

Haesh stops spinning the plate and stares in disblief as the fish is set in front of him. He sees Jandral take off his mask. Heash opens his mouth to say something, but then decides not to say anything. He quickly takes the plate of fish and scoops one up with his bare hands and sets it on his plate. "Oof! Still nice and hot!" he exclaims shaking his hands and flinging drops of the sauce onto those nearest him.

"I cannot remeber the last time I ate like this!" he says after tearing at the fish with his teeth. Periodically he sloshes down a bit of the cider and wipes off his chin with his hands.

"Guys! Pass the bread already!"

Parallel hits the cider first, helps himself to the fish and bread, then tucks in. He tosses Haesh a hunk of bread, then nods at him with a big oily grin.

"Mmmmm! Compliments to the chef!"

Rhod finishes his meal quickly and forgoes the cider. He glances toward the stairs that lead to their rooms.

Haesh catches the chunk of bread and uses it to wipe off the oil and sauce from his hands. He then takes a bite of the bread. "Jandral, whats the deal with that mask of yours? Someone out to get you?" he says while using his bread to point in Jandral's direction.

"You might say that." Jandral replies with a wry smile. "Let's just say that if it became known in certain circles that I am working for the Pale then things will be very, very bad. For a LOTof people."

Rhiann has since moved behind the counter, tidying up the bar and away from your conversation. Morena and the genasi have not emerged from the kitchen, leaving your group alone in the middle of the common room.

Parallel heads for the stairs.

"Nite gents, Ms Rhiann. Off to get my beauty sleep. Some of you mutts look like you could use some, too. "

Jandral rises. "I will retire as well. Good night."

Haesh pushes his seat back and heads for his room as well.