Chapter One - Missing

[Yaztromo]

Tromo just smiles politely and looks around curious.

[tarlyn]

Approaching Johanna, Niyef greets the proprieter with a friendly smile. "I thank you for your hospitality." She begins cordially. "My name is Niyef El Hasheem of Hazlan." She says through her hazlani accent, her smokey slurring speech giving her home of origin away.
"I find mordent quite welcoming, and peaceful. Such a relaxing country. And your inn is really quite lovely. You have been most accommodating" Niyef smiles as she sidesteps the conversation. "Mistress Johanna, I believe I am not alone in having never before met our host. What can you tell us of Balfour De Casteeles?"

The woman smiles demurely. She speaks for all of the group to hear. "I have known Balfour de Casteeles for many years. He is a well respected noble of Mordentshire.
I believe he has more than one interest and takes to heart Morsdentshire and Mordent itself. He's traveled abroad more than once. He is knowledgeable in many areas
from what I've heard. Now, please follow me."

She leads you to the back of the room and to the right to a door. She knocks once then opens the door, standing aside. "Here you are. Enjoy your meal and evening."

Inside is a large room with a large rectangular dining table. At the end sits an elderly gentleman. A birds perch sits to his left and back. Atop resides a white owl.

"Come in, come in, " the old man calls out as he stands. "Sit, sit. Let us pass on all the noble business of etiquette for this evening. Please, I am your host Balfour de Casteeles. Welcome and thank you for coming."

[Lot]

Clad almost completely in black, Lot appears a tad ghoulish, more prepared for a funeral than a dinner party. Yet he feels quite comfortable in the role he assumes de Casteeles intended... He waits for everyone to seat themselves before he takes his own chair. He is still grinning impishly. He tips his hat to de Casteeles, showing off his gleaming bald head, and says: "No. It is I who must thank you for your all your hospitality and these fine clothes. I don't know how can I repay you for these? I've been having financial problems for the past few years." Before he sits down, Lot turns to the others gathered in the room and introduces himself. "I am Lot Crowther of Martira Bay. I am a student here in Mordent, thus my financial trouble".

Slightly nervous, Lot attempts speaking in the manliest voice he can muster, and raps his cane on the floor after he finishes each sentence...

[ail]

Lukasz sits, quietly. He nods to Lot, and says after sitting

"Thank you very much for the invitation, Lord de Casteeles. I am very curious to hear what you have to say."

He then waits for the others to talk, watching everyone carefully, eager to learn what kind of people his companions are for this night.

[Death By Pumpkyn]

Tromo just smiles politely and looks around curious.

Niyef gives a double take as she realizes the young man from the front door has joined them. "Uh...oh my, sir. I am so sorry. I mistook you to be the butler. I apologize." The young woman gives a deep curtsy, her face flushed a brilliant shade of red. "How truly embarrassing.

[Yaztromo]

Tromo wincks to Niyef, bows to the host and the other guests and goes straight to observe and play with the owl.

[RobJN]

Melora sketches the briefest of curtseys, her eyes never leaving those of her mysterious host.

She watches as the others take their seats at the table, and when she finally takes a seat, it is at the end of the table furthest from Casteeles, closest to the door, keeping it on her left, if possible.

[tarlyn]

Your host looks at everyone, taking in your attire, mannerisms even comments. Juergin has since left Melora's side and gone to sit near his master.

"Very well, I am sure you are all wondering why I have assembled you all here. As all of you are aware, except for Miss Melora perhaps, an earthquake shook the lands not
too long ago. Slightly before this, several of my acquaintances have gone missing."

He pauses, looking at Melora with a reassuring smile.

"I am very curious to know more of your city and where you hail from, Miss Melora. In case none of you else know, a city appeared north of Mordentshire almost as if by
a miracle. Out of the blue to be precise. It coincided with the earthquake here which I deem to not be a coincidence. The reason I have gathered you all here is to investigate
the earthquake and as well, find my missing acquaintances. Some of you might have heard of Dr van Richten and George Weathermay. The third person is a dear friend of mine Fenrick Buerle. Rudolph and George are Hunters but Fenrick is but a scholar and minor illusionist. All three were last seen in Barovia, in Krezk."

[Death By Pumpkyn]

Niyef looks at DeCasteeles in disbelief. Of course she had heard of VanRichten and Weathermay. The two men were common enough names for one such as her who hunted for a living. Though Rudolph VanRichten and George Weathermay did not hunt criminals. They hunted other things. Things of the sort that rational people didnt believe in.

[Yaztromo]

Tromo is still playing with the lovely white owl.
"Interesting!"