In the small town of Svatsvick is the western portion of Russia, There was a large commotion brewing. Lately, rumors had been heard all over the countryside, and it was causing panic. It wasn't simply because someone had done something to someone else, or that there was some sort of localized natrual disaster taking place nearby. It was far worse.

Many years before this point in time, the had been a war. It wasn't just any war, but a war that tore the world to pieces and created great animosity between the survivors. The survivors segregated themselves into separate cultures, each developing in three different ways. For in this world there are three different kinds of technology; alchemy, magic, and science. They used to live harmoniously, working together in peace, each kind of technology supplementing and helping the others. But then a simple object was found by someone; a stone, simple in design, but unknown in origin. And had caused this great war which shook the world and tore its people apart. Eventually peace had been achieved, but only after the stone could no longer be located.

And now supposedly it had resurfaced. And that wasn't the only distressing part. After the war ended, the three nations took their respective lands they had conquered and developed it as they saw fit. Most of the people found in those areas practice the respective technology, and those they don't are treated worse than slaves. The only place still not segregated is the area where the stone had originally been found, Eastern Europe and the Middle East. The Americas were now being developed by the scientists, making it a mechanically-dominated area. Western Europe and Africa are dominated by those who strive to understand alchemy, and science behind it. Magic has taken hold of Asia and Australia, and has prospered since. And everythinghad gone well since the end of ther war, until the stone had been allegedly sighted again. And in Eastern Europe.

The townsfolk had gathered in the town square of Svatsvick, the largest town in Eastern Europe. In the center of the square was a large circular platform set up. Along the edges were wiring and small boxes, which someone had said were "speakers". Most people acted as if they knew what that meant, and continued on their way. The wires were all stemming from a small ball of lightning, which was supplying power to all of the equipment. In the center of the platform were three tables set up in a triangular fashion, each with three seats behind them and a "microphone" set on it. And in the center of these tables, hovering high above the tables was a ball of fire, burning eternally and simply casting a soft glow onto the tables below. And if someone had takne the time to make note, on the outside of the platform were an occasional alchemic circle, which someone else had might have said was there so that someone could create the tables, chairs, platform, and metals needed for the mechanical equipment. If someone had asked why everything was done as had been, it was meant to symbolize the synergy of all the technologies.

As the square continued to fill with people of all shapes, sizes, colors, technologic backgrounds, etc.; more rumors seemed to pop up and spread like wildfire. Within a few hours, with the sky growing dark, the poeple began to quiet down as they noticed nine people headed onto the platform and taking a seat at a designated chair. Those who were socially inclined would have noted that the nine people were all noted personalities of different sorts. There were two gentlemen who were gifted politicians, one an alchemist, and the other a magician. A young female magician was known to be a dedicated Aether-researcher. An older male scientist was seen on the stage, well-known as one of the best medical doctors of the time. Many of the others were good in a specific field, such as botany, chemistry, ethics, and two that were high ranking military officers. This mish-mash of peoples were all assembled to address one topic; the stone and how to deal with it.

The discussion began with one of the politicians describing the situation, and posing a question as he had finished. Some answered as best they could, and posed a question back. It continued on like this for about an hour in half, meanwhile the discussion got more and more heated along the topic of how this should be handled. There were three ideas going about. One idea was to reason with the three superpowers, another was to ignore the problem and let the superpowers realize that this was all foolishness, and the last idea was to supplement the current army with more recruits so that they could properly defend themselves and perhaps fight back.

The arguments got so fierce that suddenly someone climbed onto the platform and shouted above the nine, "STOP IT!!!" The nine stopped and turned to this lone figure. It was a young boy that appeared to be in his late teens/early twenties. Suddenly, the doctor was able to made out the figure in the dim light he was standing in, and was almost shocked to see the young man.

"Nathe!? What is the meaning of this?!"

Nathe Regale was a young alchemist who was skilled in healing using the water alchemy he was able to wield almost seemlessly, as if he was born with the ability. However, Nathe, like most people in the audience, had gotten tired of hearing the nine bicker, and had decided to do something about it. He walked up to the doctor and grabbed the microphone on his table.

"The meaning of this, sir, is to put a stop to this nonesense you nine call a debate! In fact, I, as well as most of the other people in the crowd see one simple way to end this debacle. One option you nine obviously haven't thought of!" The nine stared at Nathe, waiting for him to continue, "That, good ladies and sirs, is to simply put together a small cadre of people to go find this "stone" and destroy it!"

The nine murmured to each other, and then the young female Aether-researcher spoke up. "We had discussed this at some point, but we decided that it would take too long and that we had better come up with a faster solution."

A politician then spoke up saying, "Plus it would be fruitless! Everyone knows that this stone doesn't exsist! We should talk to the nations and..."

"Talk to them!" The other politician shouted, "I agree that this stone does not exsist, but since it does not, then we should not worry about it!"

"And that sirs," Interjected one of the militray officers, "Is exactly why we should arm ourselv..."

"HOLD IT!!!" Shouted Nathe loud enough so that he did not need to use the microphone. "You see what you all are doing?! Nothing! Bickering and arguing till noone has conceeded and agreed! I agree that this stone most likely does not exsist, but that is exactly why it will be for the benefit! We should look for it to prove to the other nations, as well as ourselves, that we have nothing to fear or fight over! It would be the simplest solution, and the most effective. You can decide what you do in the meantime, in case we take longer than expected."

The nine looked at each other again, murmuring to each other, when the doctor turned to Nathe again, "We all agree that this is a valid idea, and one that we would support, but who will do this task? Everyone knows it would take many years, years that will take them away from their friends and family. So what do you propose to do about this?"

Nathe looked around abit, then turned back to the nine. "I'll go, since I doubt that any of you are willing to go. And since I know that I cannot go alone, I will ask the people here for their help. If any out there are willing to go with me, I will be in the local inn and tavern, 'The Laughing Mule'. Also, please let those in your towns know, so that they may send others that may be interested." Nathe then turned back to the nine, "Is that an acceptable solution?"

The nine agreed that they were all okay with it, and began to continue a discussion about what to do meanwhile, but Nathe had said his peace and was no walking off of the platform, heading towards the Laughing Mule. As he passed through the crowd, many people shook his hand, slapped him on the back, and thanked him for what he had done and said. He even heard someone say to someone else, "THAT is how politics should be done."

Nathe passed through the crowd and entered the tavern portion of the inn. He walked up to the bar and put a sixpence down on the table, ordering a drink while he waited. The bartender looked at him, put the drink in front of him, but denied the payment, stating that the first drink was on the house. Nathe thanked him and waited for what he guessed would be the few people that would show up.

He wasn't a pessimest, but he was known to be a bit of a cynic. He also knew that the nine had been right, it would quite a task, and most likely fruitless, but it needed to be done nonetheless. Nathe also knew that most people, when it came right down to it, were for the most part against inconveniencing themselves. Nathe had noone waiting for him, and no real future that he could see. He had decided on stage that if he was to make a name for himself, he needed to take charge of his life and do something drastic. As he sipped on the drink, he began to wonder if it was a mistake...

((OOC: OI! Finally got that done! Okay, sorry for any mistypes, I will fix them later. Oh, and HAVE FUN AND WELCOME! If you want to join, and please do, then just post in the OOC topic!))

"Kiev? Kiev.... Kiev!" Was the loud and demanding yell echoing from the mouth of his friend Reina.

Is he ignoring me? Where is he?
And after pondering those thoughts, Janus - Of whom had been woken from his nap as it was quite an ordeal of her loud and rampant yelling to be taking place. "Eh, the boy is over in the trees there messing with some contraption he bought in town in order to fix his Steam mobile." Reacting with a bit of disappointment, she walks steadily toward the location Janus pointed to, "Argh...... That bloody fool - He is holding us up again! We'll never get to Svatsvick at this rate..." And thus she moved onward to go confront him.

--

Working on his vehicle, he is interrupted by the yelling of Reina. "Calm down Reina, it is pretty well fixed, I just need you to transmute some materials into coal for me while I go get Janus to use those ember magics of his to help me heat the compressor - And by then, I can activate the engine and have us on our way to Svatsvick. Be patient." And with that, he ran off to wake Janus.

--

"Who does he think he is? I give the orders, not him!" Although I really do want to get to Svatsvick already. Why does he continue to use this unreliable contraption anyway? Couldn't he build some kind of a simple mechanism to improve it? But then again, this was a gift from that nice man from Paris, one of those minority scientists.....

Nathe continued to wait at the bar, but decided to pass his time by seeing who happened to be in the tavern, and maybe what was buzzing about in conversations. He stood up and grabbed his drink, walking around the room, seeming as if he was looking for a seat.

He passed by a few tables with some half-drunken men gambling away, talking about women and their greatest accomplishments, each accomplishment becoming more and more extravagent until they just sounded more like nonsense. Nathe sighed and walked on. The next table he passed had two attractive women sitting across from two not-so-attractive men, who were busy chatting up the one across from him. THe women looked bored, but still talked. With a slight smirk and shake of the head, Nathe continued on. At one table he passed were the gossip-mongers, talking about any and everything that was current and probably slightly scandalous. AS he passed by, they quieted down, but continued to talk when he had passed by, he could only assume they were discussing him and his "fool's errand".

Nathe got tired to walking around, now having reached the other end of the tavern, and sat down at an empty table. He took another pull from his drink and sat back in order to feel its effects on him. A few seconds later, another person walked in the bar, looked around; and, having spotted him, approached him as if he was a man on a mission. Or least wanted to be.

"Mr. Regale, I would like to join you! My family was greatly affected by the war, and if I can help stop it, I want to!"

Nathe stared at this man and stood to look him eye-to-eye. After sizing him up, Nathe decided to test this man.

"Mister!... since I don't know your name, I'm going to call you Gibbs for right now. Mr. Gibbs! Do you have the courage and fortitude to follw me into danger and possible death, from which you will not see your family for an exorbetant amount of time and may never see again!?" Nathe paused for his response.

"Mr. Gibbs" stopped and stared at Nathe, not sure of what to make of this odd behavior. Nathe noticed this and added, "Well?!" After some glances at the floor, neverous "um..."s, and involuntary twitches, the young man looked at Nathe with sadness in his eyes and said to him, "I don't think I could sir. My family is my life."

Nathe patted him on the shoulder and looked at him in the eyes. "As they should be. Go take care of your life."

The man turned and left, and Nathe took his seat again. As soon as the man left, Nathe raised his drink and muttered into it, "And let those that don't have one take care of this." AS he took another pull from his drink he half-smiled. Well, he thought, That should give the gossipers something to talk about for the next half-hour to an hour.

Nathe looked at a little contraption on the wall which he had heard called a clock and took note of the time. He was glad to have the scientists around, they made simple life that much simpler, and took a look at things much differently than magicians or even his fellow alchemists. he couldn't imagine how any technology got along with the others.

After checking the time; Nathe finished his drink, got up, and asked for another. He gingerly put another coin down, and after seeing a smile for the bartender, left it lie and walked back to his seat. As he walked back, he hoped that more people would have taken interest in helping him, not just simply supported him. He hated that about people. All talk, no action. He sighed and sat down, looking around at a few people, then staring at the door.

Kiron gently led his horse with his knees, his mind wandering the depths of the rumors of this 'stone'. If all he had heard about it was true he could learn, and he was always taught knowledge is power. The road he wandered usually left him to the silence of his mind, yet today was different. People were rushing past him in many different vehicles. Ever since he left his home of Britain just a few years ago, he met many different types of people. Some hated him just for usually alchemy. "Whew." he breathed, as a town sprung up from the horizon.

As usual the first place he headed for was the bar. He tossed a bronze piece at a stable hand and moved in, placing his patented dark glasses over his eyes before he pushed the door open. A normal bar he thought, nothing major happening, nor could he tell that anyone was watching him. As he went to the counter he heard the end of a conversation. Some sort wuss, looking for a job no doubt. "A gin and tonic." he said, throwing two bronze coins at the barkeep. He turned and scanned the room, drunks talking to themselves and 'pleasurable company' looking to sell their 'services' to anyone with enough money.

A slam on the counter told him his drink was ready. As he reached for it, his eyes stopped on a man, not much older then himself. With drink in hand he moved over to his table asking "Is this seat reserved?" eyeing the man with interest.

"Is this seat reserved?"

Nathe looked up at the young man that had asked him this. He looked him over a bit, oting his clothing and appearance, wondering what this man wanted. He hadn't opened with, "Let me join you," so things were still going good.

"No. You may have a seat if you like." After the man had a seat, Nathe took a sip from his drink set it down in front of him and looked at the man across from him. "So what can I do for you?" Nathe said this almost dryly, not out of disrespect, but simply because he didn't want to waste his time with another person that wasn't ready to give up just about everything for this cause.

Riot stood outside petting the giant of a cat. "Now now, calm down, I will just be minute. Than again," After a moments hesitation, he threw up his hands, and the giant hell cat turned into a helpless little black kitten. He walked inside carrying the kitten and looked around until he saw the man from the stage. Noticing a man walking up to him, and then talking, Riot walked up to them his hood down, and his shirt tied around his wait, revealing his horridly pale body. Riot loved cloudy days, he could walk around with out worry of the sun burning him. He sat the kitten down on te table, and then a little high pitched voice spoke as the purple imp climbed over his shoulder, and lept onto the table. Eyes looked at the odd trio of cat man and imp. This was Riots first time in the little town, and he was just in time to do something to help the triplets.((Referring to the twins and their brother)) He sat down as the room got louder. "Sorry to interrupt, but I thought I would join you in this little skirmish." He smiled and looked at the two men.

Before Kiron had time to reply, another strange one dropped from the sky to sit down as well. After clearing his throat Kiron answered "I happen to be looking for a job, really not anything specific but if you happen to be looking for a stone I would be more then happy to help." Kiron almost forced the word 'stone' out as he could tell the fellow knew of what he spoke. He didn't even respond to the strange fellow who just dropped in, rather Kiron acted as he wasn't there.

Nathe stared at the large, white man; and had just opened his mouth to answer when the other man answered his original question. He smiled and turned to the other man.

"Sounds as if you may know something of it. Okay, I'll bite. What do you know, and what do you want in return?"

And after he asked this, he then turned the other man with the creatures, stared at the creatures, and smiled at the kitty. His gloved glowed softly as he formed a small hardened ball of water on the top of his glove and rolled it to the kitty, hoping that it would take interest in it and play with it. He then answered the man.

"You must be a summoner of sorts. Either that or you know a summoner. Oh, and I don't plan on fighting anyone. I'm just hoping to find this stone before anyone else does and smash it to bits. ...IF it exsists. Which I doubt it does. Nothing that powerful would be lost for so long. So if you don't mind not fighting, and very little action overall, just alot of travel, then you may come. As long as you..." Nathe then turned to both of the men at that table, "BOTH of you are willing to put everything on the line. I may not plan on fighting people, and I may expect a very boring trip... but I will not say there may not be people who will attack us. Bandits and the like. Or perhaps someone gets there when we do, if there is somewhere to go to."

Nathe leaned back in his chair and spread his arms open to both men. "So gentlemen, do we have a deal?"

"So gentlemen, do we have a deal?" asked the newly identified Nathe. "You had me before you opened your mouth." Kiron answered, a wide grin spread onto his face. "About what I know, I believe that the stone is real, and with it many new and interesting things to gain from bringing its mystery to the light of knowledge. I have my own reasons to want it, as do both of you I am guessing but we can worry about that after we find it. About fighting people, I don't mind that, thou I doubt anyone would really mess with three men as powerful as we." Kiron chuckled at the end of his speech, glancing at the other two as he finished his drink.

Riot nodded his head, then put out of his hands for the two men to shake. "Name is Timmy, but I prefer Riot, cause of the smale scale imp riot about ten years ago in a small town just south of here, the news was every where, I am sure you heard of it." He stopped talking as the cat attacked the ball, and then it fell apart onto the cats head, making it hiss. "Yes I am a summoner, as well as a skilled weilder of the Rapier." He snapped his eyes back to the two gentlemen. "Note though, that if we fight, I will not the one who turns fear, though I am worried that if other countries learn of our excavation, they may try and stop us, that itself is just logic." He continued into a ramble of sorts that ended about half a second later, his hands still sticking out to be shaken.

Nathe looked at Riot's hand as he leaned forward in his chair, and then looked at him.

"Sorry, but I don't shake. Personal reasons." He then leaned back again as he listened to Riot explain the meaning behind his nickname, which he wasn't too keen on listening to. He was instead watching the cat play with the ball, tossing it up and catching it, batting and toying with it. As the cat tossed it up at one point, Nathe gently snapped his fingers together, disipating the ball just over its head. With a stifled giggle, he said out loud, "Whoops, sorry. I must have lost concentration. And actually, I must be one of the few that didn't hear of it. I tend to not listen to the news much. No need to."

He listened to the man ramble on a bit more and replied as he finished, "You sure are a talker aren't you? And I do agree, but that's only if we have to dig. I doubt we will. More likely it's being held somewhere, if it is real."

With a sigh Nathe raised himself from the table and began to walk away. He looked over his shoulder to say to the gentlemen, "Well, I do believe that it is time for me to retire. Have a good night gentlemen, we will meet here when the sun rises." As he passed the bar, he set down the mug he had used and put a few more coins in front of the bartender. "If anyone comes looking for me, send them up to my room."

"Which one's that?" Was the bartender's reply.

"Eh... number four I guess. It taken?"

"Na."

"Four then. Please tell them to knock." Nathe left the bartender and the tavern, and walked up a short flight of steps to where there was a fairly long hallway with five doors on either side. Nathe located the door that had a four engraved on it and entered. He took off his coat, vest, and gloves; and laid them as well as his scarf on the table by the head of his bed. He then laid down and feela sleep on top of the covers.

[Three hours previous]
"........" Was her expression as Janus and Kiev came slowly wandering in after the while of making her wait, her being long done with her task of transmuting material into a coal-like substance for fuel. "Where have you two been? Can we not get going by now?" Kiev chuckled as he told her the interesting news. "We have been camping outside of Svatsvick this entire time. The irony is that I misread the map - We where about to head more north than we were intending to go." Reina, now fuming comes and bangs the two over the head with a balled up fist. "Come - Let's go into town before we hold up any longer. I am sure there is a library there holding information that may be considered useful to our goal of research." Janus nods his head in agreement as he walks forward and starts the Steam mobile with the help of Janus and His fire magics.

-----

As they moved from the outskirts deeper into the town, They decided it was necessary to go and visit a bar they had come across - As they intend to go about questioning locals and travelers about the mysterious stone and any information they can provide about it. Janus was the first one to enter - Noticeable by his black monkish robes and his black face mask. Reina was the second to enter, Slowly pulling down her hood, straightening her glasses and exposing her long black hair. And third was Kiev in his black trench coat worn as if he were it were a lab coat, His iron excavation helmet on his head. He was checking through maps as he placed their paperwork on a table. From his inventive designs to to their maps and logs. They sat around the table, likely odd looking to those around as Janus walked over to the bartender asking if he knew anyone with information on the mysterious stone that had been rumored to exist within the region. That he and his companions were interested in what ever information can be brought forth (as he pointed over to Reina and Kiev).

((OOC: OOO! Time for some NPC action!))

The bartender looked at this strange man, try to make out if he meant any trouble or not. He peered over the man's shoulder at his two friends, and ecided that if they were going to start anything, there were a few people who might be able to do something of it.

He grabbed the empty mug in front of him and began to scrub it down. "Whell, tose two sitting at that table right t'ere", he quoted as he pointed with a grubby finger at the two that Nathe had just left, "may be able to 'elp you."

He stared into the mug, spat in it and scrubbed it some more. "Howe'er t'ere is a young man up in the rooms, who would know sometin'. 'E's in room fou', but howe'er," the bartender said as he set down the mug, now content with how clean he was going to get it, "I'll be expectin' some coin before I let you go up 'ere to chat with 'im. Oh, and he asks that you be kind 'nough to knock."

Janus shows a hit of amusement in his voice as he takes out a bag of one hundred gold shillings and forty minted silver coins, handing it to the man without even a hint of hesitation. He pulls out another ration of coins enough for a few beverages. "Thank you kindly. There is your payment. As for the second bag, it is to cover three cold ones. I prefer mine strong, mixed with a little ginger flavoring. I would like that one for the man, and that one for the woman." He points to vodka for himself, red wine for Kiev, and White wine for Reina - He then requests he has his first, and to have the rest brought to the table, Knowing their tastes well." He then walks over to Kiev and Reina, notifying them that they have a few drinks on the way. Walking back to the bar, he speaks. "My name is Janus - If you need to verify the tab with anyone. I've traveled through this region before, I assure you that the coins are not false."

The clouds above were dark and threatening, and light snow fell from the sky as Jack Spent and Russell the Kelpie stood on the main dock in the port city of Kashniska. The pair drew a number of strange looks, due to the fact that he was in all likely-hood, the first Bushranger anyone in that particular part of the world had ever seen, and also, the fact that both him and his dog were shivering violently, and Jack, was nearly blue all over!

‘Christ almighty Russ! They didn't tell us it was gonna be this cold! Some warnin woulda bin nice!’

Russell ignored Jack completely and buried his nose further into Jacks rucksack, which now lay on the ground as Jack fervently pulled out any and all forms of clothing that he could use to warm himself. As far as Russell was concerned, this was all Jack’s fault, so he wasn’t going to listen to him complaining about it.

‘Jeez mate, we gotta pick us up some warmer clothes, otherwise we’ll be catchin our deaths here.’ Jack bent down and picked Russell up, holding him close to his chest, both to keep himself a bit warmer, and also to stop Russ from being trodden on.

He pushed and bumped his way through the crowd managing to find his way to the edge of the main roads, and amazingly, a tavern.
‘Well mate, we’d best have a poke in here, cold drink and some news might be good, maybe even get you a good spot by the fire.’ Russell’s ears perked up at the last comment, he couldn’t remember a time when he’d ever been this cold before. ‘Yeah, that’s what I thought too Russ.’

The tavern they passed into seemed to be one of the quieter ones, although, men fresh off of a ship generally rolled into the first bar they came across, this one seemed to be an exception. The floors were a quality wood, and Jack figured it to be Blue Gum, strange, considered it was an Australian tree, but then again not so much. The wood most likely came from the southern states, who were always willing to hack away at nature for money.

‘I’m terribly sorry friend.’ A young man with a serious face standing behind the main bar said, ‘But animals aren’t allowed here, the smell of a wet dog stays for days.’
‘I don’t get it, he’s cold, not wet, can’t he just lie by the fire?’
‘He’s got ice and snow hanging off of his coat, when it melts, it well become water, and then, he will become a wet dog.’
‘Surely there’s something we can sort out, you seem a decent enough fellow, though you talk pretty strange.’ The look on the young mans face clearly said he thought the same of Jack. ‘If you lend me a towel of some kind I can dry him off. We’ve been at sea for months, and we just want a proper rest.’ Jack emphasized this by holding Russell looking for all the world a dog on it’s last legs, up in front of him.
The young man seemed to give this some thought, and rubbed his forehead as he gave his reply. ‘Fine, my father is going to kill me, but fine, the dog can stay.’
‘Cheers mate, we appreciate it.’
‘Don’t mention it, in fact, please don’t mention it, ok?’
‘No worries mate.’
‘Thank you, I’ll go get you and your dog something to dry yourselves with.’
The young man behind the counter turned and walked through a door to the backroom, meanwhile, Jack turned and rather un-ceremoniously dropped Russell on the ground and pointed towards the hearth crackling against a wall. ‘Go on Russ, she’s all yours.’ Russell turned to Jack and bared a number of fangs in what was either a smile, or a threat, then padded softly towards the warmth of the hearth.
‘That’s a rather unique dog you’ve got there friend.’ A small man with a distinctive nose said. ‘Would you care to guess his background?’
‘No idea mate, I picked him up when he was only a pup, I always figured him for a mongrel.’
‘That’s fine, it’s just that I’m a dog breeder, and I’m always interested in dogs I’ve never seen before. He’d be worth quite a bit of money if you could find another to breed him with.’
‘Ha! Like I would ever sell Russell. He’s the only person in this world I would trust my life in.’ To show this Jack walked over by the hearth and laid his hand on Russell’s head. ‘He’s my one and only companion’
‘It’s still just a dog’ He said this last bit with a note of contempt in his voice.
‘No doubt mate, but do you fancy tellin Russ that?’ At the sound of his name, Russell turned and bared his rather large fangs at the man by the bar, adding a snarl or two just to get the point across.
‘Ah, well, I guess not. Still, he’s a fine dog.’ The man slowly muttered off and returned to his drink.

The young bartender returned from the back room with an old towel, looking slightly dirty. ‘I hope you don’t mind, it was all I could find. My Father would notice if I used any of the better ones’.’ He said by way of an apology.
‘Nah, don’t mention it, he’s been dirtier before, I think he’d just rather be dry.’
‘Well this should do the trick.’ The young man hesitated, then; ‘If you don’t mind me asking, from where did you come from? I’d put you as Australian, but you talk, and act completely different to any I’ve ever met. My name is Hayden by the way.’ He handed the towel to Jack who leant down and started to dry Russell before answering.
‘Well, your right, I’m Australian, and my name’s Jack.’ Jack reached out and offered a hand to the young man, but upon seeing it covered in water and dog hair he withdrew the gesture. ‘Sorry mate, damn dog always loses hair when you towel him. Anyways, me and Russ here are from the country. You’ve probably only met the city-folks, not to be impolite or anything, but they’re a bit up themselves. We’re a bit more relaxed in the country. More easy goin. We’re happy to just let the world go past and do it’s own thing.’ Jack finished drying Russell and handed the towel back to Hayden, who threw it back behind the bar.
‘You’re a far way from home then aren’t you, what are you doing on the other side of the world?’
‘Well, I seem to always get this urge to find out what else is out there. Not like some folk who want to see what other cities have to offer, but rather, what the rest of the world has. Me and Russ here spent four years traveling Aus, and we just about saw it all. So, we thought we might just have a peek at the rest of the world. This bein the only place that seems to accept a lot of different people, we thought it best to come here. Wish I knew it was so damn cold though.’
‘You must have quite a few stories then, to have traveled so far and wide. Care to share a few?’ Natural curiosity had taken over the young mans aversion to the soaked through pair of travelers, and Jack’s laid back style of speech was beginning to draw him in, making him seem to want to keep hearing this unique man continue speaking.
‘Well, good barkeeper Hayden, pour us a couple a drinks, and I might just tell you some.’

Jack and the bartender talked long into the night, even after the other patrons had left. By the end of the night, they were talking more as old friends than strangers just met. When the night did eventually wind down, Hayden allowed the Jack and Russell to sleep in a small cot in the backroom of the tavern.

Jack bid him farewell not long after midday, but not after getting some advice on where to head next. ‘Svatsvick, would be your best bet friend, it’s not too far, and if you set out now, you should reach it by sundown, and there’s been some commotion up there recently, no doubt the sort of thing an explorer like yourself would find interesting.’
‘What do you think Russ?’ Jack looked down at Russell who looked back up at Jack, and barked once. ‘Sounds like he agrees mate, well, we’d best be off, I don’t really want to spend a night camping in this freezing weather.’ Jack held out his hand to the young bartender, and the two men shook hands in a gesture as old as time itself.
‘Make sure you come back okay? I want to hear all about what you’ve seen.’
‘Sure thing mate, just make sure you don’t give me any of the vodka stuff again, I’ve never had a headache like this one before.’ Hayden laughed and gave him a wave as he set off into the bustling crowd with the dog following him closely. ‘What an interesting man.’ Hayden thought to himself. ‘I really do hope he doesn’t get himself killed.’ With a sigh he turned back into the tavern and started to prepare for the people who would come in tonight.



((sorry if this is a bit long, it just helps me establish Jacks personality a bit better, the rest won't be this long, i'll post a new one tomorrow.))

The young pale man walked up to the partender as the odd man walked away. Riot stood at the bar and looked at the table for a minute, obviously calculating. He then shrugged his shoulders and walked away. As he did, the kitten jumped ouot of his arms and onto to the table were the group of obvious out-of-towners such as himself sat. The kitten insisted on playing with the papers on the table, and attacking the curled up corners of the map. Riot stopped and stared at the ridiculous cat. Then laughed at the thought of the kitten in its hell cat form doing the same thing. "Would you stop that Baby," a high pitched voice spoke as an imp about one foot jumped onto the table. "I really do appologize, honestly I do." the imp said before attempting to pick up the cat, and then getting pounced on himself. The pale man then picked up the two fighting creatures.

"So sorry gentlemen, and ma'am," Riot said.

ooc: the odd outsiders would be your group Agent, sure you knew that, but just clerifying.

Reina panicked as the paperwork was being interrupted by the cat. "Get this bloody cat off of the paperwork! - We can't afford to have it ruined." Kiev, straightening his iron excavation helmet and easily fixing the paperwork decides to give off a bit of a sigh. "Calm down Reina - Nothing was damaged... You worry a bit too much." He turned to the pale man, and gave a formal bow. "My name is Kiev Asente - Inventor, scientist, and mechanical operator from from the Brache Empire. That is Reina Merle - A friend of mine I've met over my travels to Stonehenge who continues to stick with me to this day. She is a material transmutation Alchemist, dealing in metals and earth. That strange man with the black face mask and monk's robes is Janus Orun - A fire magician we picked up over in the Black Forest - He claims to hail from the capitol of Euronias. He also claims to be quite proficient in his ability - Rather nice man, just a bit enigmatic from our view." He also notes another important fact. "We are three of different ideologies trying to merge them together for the greater purpose of knowledge. We believe that no one way is right, but all of them play a part on the greater scale - Together, they can bring about better results."

He turns to his paperwork regarding his newest invention - Something he intends to build as a protective measure. A form of primitive tank that he has been visualizing for the last several weeks (The equivelant to the WW1 models, but without the machine gun, while having a prototype mounted cannon turret, and an attempt at a new model of steam variant engines. The tank is meant more as a slow paced armored shield than anything - But his idea is just speculation.). Reina apologized and makes it known she has a bit of a temper. Janus still waiting at the bar for his vodka and for the alcohol to be brought over to the table for the other two.

((OOC: Geez, impatient fella, isn't he? ))

The bartender smiled as he was paid a wealthy amount. Looked like he could put in a few new items to make this place a bit nicer.

He quickly got the drinks the man had asked for and set them down in front of Janus.

"Thank you fer the coin. 'Ere you drinks."

The vodka was in a glass cup that was rather wide at the mouth, but short in height. It was filled to the brim with ice, and all the cracks between them were filled with the vodka. The two wines were in tall, thin glasses filled nearly to the top.

The bartender took the coins and set them in the back until he had a chance to put them in his safe.

Tipping his hat to the bartender and pulling up his face mask, wearing cloth with only four openings - two for eyes, one for his mouth and another for his nose with his face still blocked out. He sips his vodka as he walks briskly up the stairs, and knocked three times at the door of which was suggested by the bartender. He then quietly sips his vodka as he awaits the tenant to answer.

---------------

As for Reina and Kiev - Downstairs near the pale man, They were studying and commenting to each other about Dalton's vehicle designs and such, accidentally forgetting for a few moments that the man was there. "Kiev, that looks a bit hard to assemble, how do you think we could assemble such a thing?" Kiev chuckles as he notes to Reina - "A crude belt and pulley system driven by a chain link should do it well When set up over an elevated position. A crane so to speak. I can have this thing fashioned once we take time after I finish these designs to test it out - We will modify the steam-mobile to do it." Shocked, Reina gasps with confusion as she replies "But that machine isn't reliable in the slightest. How do you intend to do that?" He calmly says "I'll modify it of course - Such a thing is my specialty after all."
They place their attention back toward the pale man and noticed he was still their "Oh, our apologies!"

Kiron watched the three new arrives took their drinks. First what looked like the leader headed up the steps to the second floor, then the other two and the pale man Kiron had just met began to speak. At first Kiron didn't want to move, then his curiosity got the best of him. He stood up and left his table, his half finished drink still there. He bounded over to where Kiev, Reina and Riot sat. He grabbed a chair and brought it up to the table, sitting down without asking. He glanced up the steps as if to see someone come down yet no one did. After clearing his throat he asked "So, what do you two do for work? Any special talents?"

((OOC: Orig - How'd he do that? They were in the back room...))

Nathe's eyes snapped open as he sat up, staring at the door after hearing the knock.

Wow... I guess I wasn't THAT unpopular...

He rose from the bed, rolled up his sleeves and put on one glove, just in case. Nathe then walked over to the door and opened it. As he gazed upon the masked man, Nathe nearly tackled him to the ground, but seeing no ill intentions, held himself.

"Hello there... sir? What is a man dressed like a bandit doing waking a man like me?"

Nathe turned and entered him room, walking into the batroom and washing his face. As he entered into the bathroom he called to the man.

"Come on in, just don't try to filch nothing, I don't have much and all my items are easy to keep track of."

When Nathe had finsihed washing his face, he turned off the water almost all the way, leaving a small stream running, but it could not be heard. He then grabbed a towel and walked out of the bathroom, drying his face as he went. He then sat down in small chair between the bed and the bathroom, and stared at the man.

"So... what can I do for you?"

(OOC: I don't get how he did it either - I had no intention of taking the coins back, I sense a bit of unauthorized character control. Not only that, but one character went to see Nathe, and the other two are across the room at a table.)

Janus, looking toward Nathe sipping from his Vodka while closing the door behind him, locking it and walking in.

"I am a Janus Orun, servant of a faction that resides within the Grand Arcane Council from the capitol of Euronias. I have served in various areas of the council throughout my time, and I seek the stone for a different reason than most - As our faction sees the stone as a threat to the stability of relations throughout all regions of Humanity. We feel it best that the stone be tracked down and destroyed. I stand before you as I was told you may have some possible information that may be valuable in our pursuit of the stone. We also as a faction wish for the days when all of Humanity lived side by side regardless of their affiliation in the quest for knowledge and truth. Alchemist worked alongside Scientists, And so on and so forth. Although we intend to document information about the stone before it is destroyed as a reference for future generations - We seek to end the possibility of another war erupting from the stone. I currently travel with a Scientist and an Alchemist as they are my travel companions - unaware of my position and mission. They have a valuable idea forming. Reviving ideologies of old as they work alongside each other and myself to accomplish with the combined forms of knowledge."

He bows and leans against the wall closest to the door.

"I had locked the door as I do not need who I am and what my mission consists of to be too public. But yes, will you cooperate? It would be well appreciated."

He continues to sip his vodka as he hopes for a positive response from the man.

Wilhelm marched down the road alone, carrying his rifle in one hand. His parang sat in its sheath, hung from his belt, on the left side.

He took in the cool air, walking on and looking for a town where he could get some supplies or find some work. As if on cue, one appeared before him.

Hmm. Better be careful... Something's not right about this place. He felt his gut become a little more tense with each step that he took. Rarely were his instincts wrong; hunting had made his senses more sensitive than that of the average person.

He picked up the pace, intending to reach it as early as possible. If he wanted a place to stay, he would have to reach there before the inn was closed.

He reached the town later that evening. As soon as he entered, he observed human traffic and listened to conversations, as he had always done. Rumours and body language were his main source of information; body language showed exactly how panicky or relaxed a person was. He would then be able to determine which rumours were worth investigating.

His first stop was the tavern. He walked in, and made his way to the counter, standing until he was attended to.

"Having a drink?"

Wilhelm shook his head. "I need a room." He reached into a pocket and produced a few coins. "Is this enough?"

"Hmm... These coins are genuine, all right. There's an unoccupied room upstairs. I'll show you the way."

"Thank you." Wilhelm followed the man up into the room, and took off his bag as soon as he left. He placed his rifle by the side of the bed, and removed his belt. He unsheathed the parang, placing it on the floor in front of the rifle. If needed - if he were attacked - he would first use his rifle. If instinct demanded otherwise, he would grab the parang and use it instead. Phew. Time for some rest...

Nathe steeples his fingers together as his elbows rest on the arms of the chair while he listens to the man explain his position. Looking at the man as he finished, Nathe rose to his feet and turned to look out the window while he gathered his thoughts. He then turned to the man and looked at him, his eyes trying to gather what information he could about this man. SOmething seemed off, but he ignored it. That was he always thought.

"Well sir Orun, I am sorry to say that your quest will come to rather poor conclusion. You see, the stone simply does not exsist. Taht is what I and a few other intend to prove. And as for the information you want to get from the stone... I'll just say that you should get the 'stone' before I do, if it IS real. I intend to destroy it on sight. It has no rightful use in this world, especially with evil men in this world. However, I do see your cause as noble, and I am willing to back you. However, you must understand one thing..."

With this nathe turned around and scratched the back of his head.

"I really have no more information than you probably do. I have someone travelling with me who says he knows some about it, but I tend to think most of the information we gather will be from townsfolk... probably drunk ones."

Nathe turned around again and spread his arms wide.

"If that does not bother you, then I will be willing to travel with you and your group. As long as you are willing to take my group as well. Strength in numbers and all that."

Reina and Kiev look up to Kiron while telling Riot to hold on a minute or two again as they had been quite busy to start with. Reina was the first to speak. "I am Reina Merle - Material transmutation alchemist. My specialty lies in earthen and metallic material. Alloys of material I can form with alchemical circles. I make my living off of selling materials refined through transmutation." Kiev, looking toward Kiron notes "I am Kiev Asente - Inventor, a scientist and a mechanical operations specialist hailing from the Brache Empire. I thrive on inventing, redefining and modification of technology. I am exceptionally proficient in the use of long-swords, cartridge rifles, small revolving shot fire-arms such as pistols and crossbows. We are traveling companions - Our third member, a user of the arcane element fire is currently conducting some business. We work together in the better pursuit of knowledge by combining our talents." And he marvels at his invention - In - progress (The ww1 type tank) as he continues running through notes and sketching designs with the skill of an engineer.

-----------

Janus - Considering Nathe's offer nodded in agreement. "I believe that would be a splendid idea. My group is downstairs - You can meet them when ready. I am going to go head down."
Giving off a bow to Nathe, he unlocks the door, heads out while closing the door behind him - Striding downstairs still slowly sipping vodka in order to make sure he does not waste his beverage too quickly.

Kiron perked up at the mention of inventing. After Kiev finished his introduction Kiron asked "Would you be able to make me a mechanical arm? Nothing to fancy, just able to bend at the wrist and elbow?" He fiddled with a coin and looked down at the picture of the moving carriage without horses (the ww1 tank) while waited for Kiev's answer.

Noding as the other man appraoched and began to speak, Riot, still standing, picked up the cat, and the imp climbed up onto his shoulder. As the other two finished, he looked at the odd man as he said some thing about a metal arm. A mental flash back of the golem and the 'Little' mess it made in town made him giggle slightly, though not noticeably. Then something comepletely unexpected happened. The cat took on its giant form. People started screaming, and others ran from the building. Riot, knocked to the ground looked at the cat confused. Then it hit him, the transformation spell had run out of time. He began to stand, and put his arm over the cat. Most people now out of the building, and the table the were at was smashed, though the papers survived. The imp sat on the cat now, and the Baby simply looked around confused by all of the comotion.

"So sorry, I didn't mean to, forgot about the..." He stopped talking and shrugged his shoulders. "Sit Baby," and the cat did as Riot grapped four new chairs, two trips, two at a time. "Sorry about that," he said, handing everyone a chair, then taking a seat in the last.

Janus - walking toward the situation that he had just witnessed he holds one hand up as a sign to Riot of what he would work to do if that happened again, He began forming a ball of condensed flame energy charged within his free palm as he made note that he had half a glass of vodka remaining. "I could simply double the power of flame by using alcohol as a medium and use it on you. I do not want my comrades hurt - Understand? You should give off warning as such. You put people at risk otherwise! Magic is to be placed within all considerations by those who wields it." He then looks to Reina and Kiev and notes to the man. "What do you think would have happened if it attacked them in that state? Not to mention there could be of been severe damages that the man at the counter would have to extract. Forgetfulness when implementing such spells is a very dangerous notion. What do you have to say of that?" And he takes a seat around the remaining people while discharging the flame from his scorched palm protection - He then proceeds to remove the burnt wrappings - replacing them with spares, while re-wrapping the fireproof used cloth over his hands. Reina looks in horror as she noticed that Dalton's inventive design is ripped straight down the center from the incident. "Dalton! Your invention!" He smiles and points out to the door - Don't worry, I always take time to re-draw copies for this very reason. Everything is fine."

He looks toward the one who had asked about the mechanical arm - "Do you think you could provide compensation for the work? It would take quite a bit of time and effort on the part of my group."

Riot gave the man a dirty look, "I can gurantee that this cat would not have hurt a fly, unless it coming at me with intention to harm, and I say this as a fare warning. Hell cats are fire proof. As for the small damages, got them covered. Oh, and one more thing. My little imp here weilds fire pretty damn well. Then again, I have yet to see what you are capable of, so let us leave it at that." Riot then turned around, and headed to the counter, untying a small bag of gold coins from his waist, as well as a few diamonds, and handed them to the man at the counter. "I am truly sorry about this, I will take the cat outside now." With that, he and Baby, and Brat all headed outside and in an alley, they all next to the inn, they all three lay down for a short rest.

Janus looked toward Kiron and asked - "Do you think you could provide compensation for the work? It would take quite a bit of time and effort on the part of my group." Kiron chuckled at Janus, "Money is no concern, if you can build me the arm I am sure that you will receive payment in full. All you have to tell me is what your cost is." Kiron grinned as he dropped a sack of coins, (mostly silver yet a few gold were in it as well) on the table. While he waited he began patting himself down looking for something.

((Once again, I apologize for the wait. I will post the action first, and me and Katyusha will follow up with our explanation posts. This is all completely possible within the limits of this world.))

Tap. A single rain drop, water molecules collected around dust, an insignificant amount of water when compared to the world itself, and yet, noticed by many of the visitors to the central Telekinetic center in the Euronia Capital. Tap, tap, tap. Three drops this time, now unnoticed. The fact that it was about to rain was already established within the people's mind. The inevitable goes ignored by the masses, just so long as the masses accept that the inevitable is indeed inevitable. What reason have they to step in front of the train, to attempt to stop the progression of reality? Life continues for all human beings, regardless of their specialization, even in the face of the inevitable. Tap, tap, tap, tap, now a continuous drizzle, a shower from the slate gray heavens, a depressing reminder that Life was never as good as it appeared to be in dreams. Bubbling, buzzing masses of faceless shadows toiled in their labors, traveling back and forth on errands ran for either their spouse or their boss, but always errands. Little tasks that were inconvenient for the person who was assigning them, and yet still a hassle for those who completed them. Of course, those who assign do not think for a second about those who complete, but this is already an established fact, ignored by the populous. Sic Semper Tyrannis, so always the tyrants. Through their own ignorance, people bind their own shackles, willingly separating themselves in to the various sects that were causing so much tension throughout the world.

As the rain turned in to a storm, the crowded streets began to clear, faceless men and faceless women running in to faceless buildings for trivial reasons. The Central Telekinetic Communications building was one such hub, being on the most populous street as well as the tallest building within the capital. Crafted from the stone of the earth, and decorated with a massive spire of twisted metal, the building was a testament to Geomancing might and Euronian ingenuity. Floors upon floors of stone rose in to the air, supported by various Aeromancers who ensured that no buffeting winds would cause the symbol of hope to come crashing to it's knees. In the current conditions, there were several teams placed on duty, battling against the ever increasing winds. Thunder clapped, windows shaking from the shock wave that emerged from the super-heated air. The gale drove the rain forward, flooding the streets within seconds, but never rising beyond the side walk. Those brave few that remained on the streets crowded in to the open buildings, seeking protection from the harsh weather, some of the more ignorant ones entering small tirades about the government's limitation of Aquamancing during storms such as these.

It was from the midst of these masses that a man emerged within the Telekinetic communications building. His coat hung to his knees, normally gray but now almost black from the sheer amount of water that he had been hit with. He stood up on the desk, and with a fluid motion, removed from his jacket a revolver, and shot in to the air. He pointed it at the receptionist's forehead, a sign for the guards there that they should not interrupt him lest they lose one of their co-workers. "People! Be silent now, eliminate the buzz of every day life for a single second please! I am glad for this storm, for now I have the chance to speak my mind! Perhaps you do not recognize what is happening, but I do friends! No, they do not want you to see, but they know that in the end, they cannot stop we the people from seeing the inevitable! There is a war coming, an artificial war, one to put power in the hands of the wrong people! The Rich, comrades, the RICH want to enter this war, to have us fight and die so that they may achieve powers unlike any that we have known!" He kept the revolver steadied on the receptionist's head, members of his sudden and seemingly random audience murmuring amongst themselves.

With a practiced and nearly invisible motion, the man pulled apart his jacket, placing the revolver on the inside of the pocket. On his chest was several columns of red cylinders, several wires, and a strange looking handle. He removed the handle from it's "holster" on top of the columns, and squeezed it, causing several lights to blink on the columns, indicating that the device, an obvious weapon, was armed. He began to speak once more, his voice now booming with command. "It seems that you aren't paying close enough attention! Perhaps now, with your life on the lines, you will see what is happening to the world around you!" His left hand still free, he removed the revolver, and pointed it towards one of the guards. "What I have on my chest is Dynamite, enough of it to destroy this bottom floor. If you kill me, I will release the handle, and you will all die. I have six shots here. Each time I hear a noise, I kill one person. Perhaps now you will pay close attention to my message." A small gasp emerged from the mass of terrified people, a single gasp, uttered by what could have easily been a terrified child, although in the current setting, the difference between children and adults was nominal. A loud bang, too sharp to be thunder was heard in the crowd, followed by a small trail of smoke emitting from the silver barrel of the revolver. "I am not bluffing." the man stated, a bullet now lodged in the wall directly behind the guard's neck.

"Ignorant masses, you do not seem to understand that I have come as a benefactor. I have come to force the gift of sight upon you, to tear the clouds from your dark world and reveal the harsh light. There is a war, and you will die for it, and because of it. The men within the government do not care about your safety or about your lives, they care for naught but their wallets and prestige. Do not worship these men! Cast stones at them when they walk the street, burn their houses and their whores! They do not deserve to live with the suffering that they have caused!" He began to chuckle, his knuckles white against the metal handle, his body shaking from the madness that was slowly overtaking his already broken psyche. "Oh people, people...you do not believe me now, but give it time...in time, you will realize that what I say now is true." He released the handle, and the entire room ducked in one collective act of cowardice. Only four men remained standing, for even the guards had found cover. But there was no explosion, no death, no fire and no hell. Just tears and terror. The man cackled, his face now incredibly pale and sweating. In his hand he held a blade, several inches in length, glistening in the artificial light of the building. He yelled out one last phrase, a single act of defiance. "Sic Semper Tyrannis!" The voice that followed was low, menacing and threatening, and yet somehow benign in it's darkness. "Thus always the tyrants..." With his message completed, he brought the blade to his neck, cutting through skin and veins, dark ruby blood pouring on to the clean shine of the blade, down his coat and on to the table, a waterfall of death that at once both terrified the men and women, and changed them, uniting them in to a temporary collection of human beings who were bound together by the inevitable knowledge that they too would die.

To the observers outside the building, what had just passed remained a mystery. What followed though, was known to all men within the city. Five explosions, each occurring simultaneously, but distinguished by their effect, rocked the largest building in Euronia. Stress points collapsed under the sheer weight of the building above, having never been engineered beyond artistic form. The force of the blast, shook the building down to it's foundation, throwing the defensive teams from their posts atop the spire, sending some of the best non-military aeromancers to their deaths. A now defenseless building collapsed under it's own weight, the men and woman still alive crushed by the falling stones, either too weak or too surprised to act against the forces that brought them to meet with Death himself. Buildings adjacent to the tower were either blown to pieces by the same explosions that destroyed it, or by the falling hunk of twisted metal which had once proudly adorned Euronia's greatest building. Fires that had started as result of the explosion burned through the rain, the unnatural rain which had cleared upon the collapse of the building, leaving the opposite element to take it's toll upon the city. Clouds of dust poured in to the streets, overwhelming people and buildings, turning corners and removing any hope of being able to see anything in the wreckage. A small circle of death now rested where greatness had once stood, a symbol not of hope, as the man had foretold, but a symbol of both shame and of terror, a sign that the tentative peace that had gripped the land had finally come to a close.

((Excuse the tl;dr))

Nathe, upon hearing the commotion below him, sighed and reached for his other glove, slipping it on with a fluid motion that had become second nature to him. He then entered his bathroom, and stood tfacing the faucet, both palms open, facing the thin stream of water. The backs of his gloves shone with an unnatural light, using the power of alchemy to draw water from its natural course and into the palms of nathe's hand. Gravity no longer had a grip on this water, and Nathe knew this. He let his fingers curl slightly around the balls of water in his palms and walke downstairs.

Before he reached the bottom of the stairs, he stops and listens to the words shared between Janus and Riot, smiling as he hears them. At least he knew that someone he is travelling with had a grasp on things. He threw one of the balls into the air, catching it as easily as he threw it.

After things had settled down, Nathe walked down and sighed so the reaiming people would hear him. He ten approached the bar and looked at the bartender, with a new bag of money now sitting in front of him. Nathe smiled and stated, "Wow... looks like you're not making off half bad tonight..."

The bartender simply smiled and grabbed the bag, putting it in the back as well until he had a chance to put that bag in the safe as well. Coming back, he wiped his hands and look at Nathe. "What'll it be?"

"Two glasses. One filled with rum and gin, shaken; the other empty."

As the bartender put the respective glasses on the bar in front of Nathe, he positioned his hands over the empty glass and let the water balls come again restrained by the laws of gravity and scientific physics, allowing the water flow into the empty glass. He then picked up the drink and turned to the remaining patrons as the bartender walked back into the back to put his newly acquired riches into the safe.

"Well, that was all fun and whatnot, but I think we all get down to business. Or at least as much of what we can. These three," Nathe stated as he thumbed at Janus, Reina, and Kiev, "Are now our travelling buddies. And by the way Janus, very nice to see that you're a fire mage or whatever you guys like to be called... It will come in very handy. And now if we cana ll keep ahold of ourselves and our techs, we can..." Nathe was interrupted by the bartender now tapping him on his shoulder.

"Oi? Ah! What is it?"

"Sir, 'eres a man upstairs 'oo might join you. He seemed a trite odd, like 'e was military or sometin'. You might like to meet 'im."

"Excellent! Well, you all.... do whatever, and I will chat him up!"

NAthe grinned as he grabbed the glass of water and walked back up the stairs, stopping at the top, realizing something. Turning around, he shouted back down, "Which room?" After he got his reply, he then approached the stated room and knocked rasply on the door. His glove glowed again as he forced the water to keep its shape as he placed the glass against teh door, followed by his ear touching the glass; as to let him hear any possible shifting, or possibilty of danger.

"Who disturbs my sleep?" asked Wilhelm, stirring quickly. He was a habitual light sleeper. He reached for his rifle, pulling it up silently. He brought it to bear on the door and looked down the iron sights, checking his aim before focusing again on the door. "Enter; hands where I can see them."

Nathe righted the cup in his hand and put both hands up around shoulder height. He then tried to enter the door, but realized that he couldn't with his hands like they were. Trying to figure out this problem, he decided to try with his teeth, but decided that he'd better just use a hand. So after he used a hand to push the door ajar, he then pushed the door open with a leg and walked in, his hands where they were.

"Hi there!" Nathe said with a dumb grin plastered on his face. "I heard from the bar keep that you were up here, and I decided to come visit. Why?... well the commotion with everyone screaming and such, since it didn't cause you to come running out of the room, I thought that you were probably not concerend with such things, which interested me."

Nathe looked out of the corner of his eye at the cup in his left hand and nodded towards it.

"Want some water?"

Practically unnoticeable, Nathe was also eyeing the gun in the man's hands with great caution, since he definitely didn't like where he was standing in relation to the barrel.

"What business is it of mine what other people do and talk about?" asked Wilhelm. He did not detect any hint of malicious intent on the part of his uninvited guest, but he kept his weapon trained on him just in case. "I could use some water. Please, you first."