Chapter One - Missing

[RobJN]

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."

"The city to the north is called Vestfold, and is the second largest city in the North. It was the capital before Uther's rebellion." The way she speaks the word makes the capital "N" unmistakable. Melora looks 'round the table, hoping to see a spark of recognition in any of the several pairs of eyes. "Some weeks ago, there was a great explosion in the night, and with the dawn, we found the Cabal's tower destroyed, and the lands around anything but the familiar lakes and fens. I say 'we,' but I really mean 'me.' I can only hope that the folk missing from the city have been left in Blackmoor. Nake has sent what few people he has to scour the streets for survivors, and they've mostly taken refuge under the tents on Circus Hill." She chews her lower lip, frowning, her expression troubled.

"Up until now, I had thought the disappearances from the city another of the Twins' mad little games. But to destroy the seat of the Cabal? Plane-shift an entire city? They may be mischievous little witches, but even this seems beyond their mean streak. They would embarrass the High Spellwise, not blow him up. No, this magic seems a much darker sort..."

Melora looks down the table, towards her host. "I do not know this Van Richten, or Weathermay or Fenrick, but if they know of some way to return me and my city to Blackmoor, then you can count on me to help find them."

[ail]

Lukasz listens interestedly. He is well aware of Van Richten and Weathermay. But Fenrick does not ring a bell. He looks at Balfour, and around to the others trying to gauge them. Then he asks:

"Fair enough, but why did you choose us in particular? If we are to work as a team, can you tell what you found to recommend each of us?"

Then he goes on

"But I feel you are not telling everything. A city appears to the north of Mordentshire, and sure enough, that is a portent worthy of a Hexad prophecy, but Barovia is to the south. Why do you think the disappearance of your friends and this new city are related? And when, how long before the earthquake, and how did you learn of their disappearance?"

[Yaztromo]

"I travelled quite a lot, but I met people that travelled much, much farther than me. At the evening, in front of campfires, we shared stories of our travels and the places we visited... I never heard the names of the places that Melora mentions."

[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."

"The city to the north is called Vestfold, and is the second largest city in the North. It was the capital before Uther's rebellion." The way she speaks the word makes the capital "N" unmistakable. Melora looks 'round the table, hoping to see a spark of recognition in any of the several pairs of eyes. "Some weeks ago, there was a great explosion in the night, and with the dawn, we found the Cabal's tower destroyed, and the lands around anything but the familiar lakes and fens. I say 'we,' but I really mean 'me.' I can only hope that the folk missing from the city have been left in Blackmoor. Nake has sent what few people he has to scour the streets for survivors, and they've mostly taken refuge under the tents on Circus Hill." She chews her lower lip, frowning, her expression troubled.

"Up until now, I had thought the disappearances from the city another of the Twins' mad little games. But to destroy the seat of the Cabal? Plane-shift an entire city? They may be mischievous little witches, but even this seems beyond their mean streak. They would embarrass the High Spellwise, not blow him up. No, this magic seems a much darker sort..."

Melora looks down the table, towards her host. "I do not know this Van Richten, or Weathermay or Fenrick, but if they know of some way to return me and my city to Blackmoor, then you can count on me to help find them."

Casteeles listens intently, definitely interested to what the woman has to say. He nods to himself when she is done. "I think that you, Melora, are what people of these lands might call an outlander. Meaning that this Blackmoor you speak of is another plane of existence entirely. I have never met an outlander personally. You are my
first. Scholars speak of a few outlanders roaming these lands presently."

He pauses, sipping from his wine glass. "Is this Cabal you speak of something arcane in nature?"

[tarlyn]

Lukasz listens interestedly. He is well aware of Van Richten and Weathermay. But Fenrick does not ring a bell. He looks at Balfour, and around to the others trying to gauge them. Then he asks:

"Fair enough, but why did you choose us in particular? If we are to work as a team, can you tell what you found to recommend each of us?"

Then he goes on

"But I feel you are not telling everything. A city appears to the north of Mordentshire, and sure enough, that is a portent worthy of a Hexad prophecy, but Barovia is to the south. Why do you think the disappearance of your friends and this new city are related? And when, how long before the earthquake, and how did you learn of their disappearance?"

"I might be older, but have resources at my disposal. I make it my business to know who is in my city through my network of informants. I have chosen you because I feel you all will accomplish the task I am asking you to do. As for my friends and this new city. I do not believe in coincidences, Lukasz. Those two events at the same time are not a hazard at all. I think maybe with Melora's knowledge of this Cabal we might determine what better has happened. I suspect this Cabal is very arcane in nature, but she can further tell us what she may know."

He takes a breath. "I am unsure as to the Hexad prophecy. I think that the earthquake and the appearance of the city are somehow related."

[tarlyn]

"I travelled quite a lot, but I met people that travelled much, much farther than me. At the evening, in front of campfires, we shared stories of our travels and the places we visited... I never heard the names of the places that Melora mentions."

"This further reinforces my idea that this Vestfold is an outland city." The owl hovers near Tromo, curious but cautious. It decides otherwise and lands on his shoulder, hooting once.

"I think Lupzig wishes some food, Tromo."

[tarlyn]

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...

"Ah, Lot. Yes. I know of your Master and with some persuasion he has permitted me to keep with this fine group. He feels it will beneficial to your education. As to the
clothing, fear not. I can afford to give them to you and it is the least I can do considering you will be helping me."

[tarlyn]

De Casteels looks to Niyef. "Young lady, have you anything to add or say? I get the impression you are holding back."

[ail]

Lukasz nods, almost satisfied with the host's answer.

"Very well, I thank you for your confidence. And can you tell me something about the disappearance of your friends? When did it happen? How long had they been in Krezk? If it can be said at all, who had they been seeing and talking to while there?"

"I have to ask a more practical question too, of course. I can see that you are a gentleman and that you will probably even be offended by it, but can you in any way finance our expedition to Barovia, as it seems we will have to begin there or in ... Vestfold?"

[RobJN]

"Scholars speak of a few outlanders roaming these lands presently."

He pauses, sipping from his wine glass. "Is this Cabal you speak of something arcane in nature?"

"Well, there is a refreshing thought," Melora says, her voice drier than the white wine that she sips. The wavering of the wine in the goblet betrays the tremor in her hand.

"The Cabal, you could say, is the very essence of arcane. They are a brotherhood and school of wizards, brought together for learning and study of magics for use in the betterment of society, rather than being used for the destruction waged in the Mage Wars. That is what we are taught at the University, at any rate." She shrugs. "I do know that the University will only accept a Cabal-trained wizard into the student body. We have quite a few of them in the ranks of the Bailiffs, but I never worked much with them."