Back to Basics Chapter 1: Where are we ?

[kintire]

Alia smiles at Arnulf

"I'm not nearly as brave as a warrior who will fight unknown foes to save strangers. Your courage is unmatched! In any case, I entertain in places of refreshment and relaxation. I rarely take a stage on my own account. Those I do not please will just ignore me usually"


She nods to Dalorna

"Indeed your land is a place of myth and legend in my own homeland. I suspect we have just been moved a good long distance. Dobtless this sage can direct us... if he chooses"

[Roofdrak]

Isidar sits cross-legged, looking out across the water. She is brought to attention by Dalorna's question. "I think that villager's story of how the shrine to Algor came to be is an interesting tale. Algor must be smiling on this village to send him those dreams," she muses.

"But, that is not the important question. We must locate our friend, the professor. I think now that the 5 of us have rejoined one another we should stay together. Master Ping may not have evil intentions, but then again, he may. We are strangers in this land and may need his help, so I would not try to insult him. I do not think it an insult to go together to see him. If he has no evil intent, then he should not mind seeing us at the same time."

She turns to Arnulf, "Are you planning on fishing much longer, Arnulf? I am interested in seeing that shrine and would like you all to come with me. I think we may learn more about this place by visiting the shrine. And I think it best to learn as much as we can, as quickly as we can."

[ewancummins]

Dalorna says-

'' I like Isidar's idea of visiting the shrine together. Then, as she suggests, we ought to go all together to look for the Professor and Ping. A friendly visit. Alia, Sara, Arnulf- what do you think we should do?''

[kintire]

Alia looks a little cautious

"I would be wary about insulting a local dignitary by disobeying his desires. But paying our respects at the local shrine seems wise. As does keeping our eyes open while there"

[steveflam]

"I guess I can stop fishing if you want me to accompany you to the shrine." The lad puts away his fishing pole.
"So, shall we go then? Hey if that old slanted eye fellow wants to speak to me I won't go unless it with all of you guys.
We shouldn't split up and he isn't my father or boss for that matter."

[VAN]

Sara was lost at her thoughts trying to figure out the meaning of all this. Why mists picked her and the others and brought them there. Why only she was from Richmulot and all the rest from a place she has never heard before. Who was Ping and what he really wanted from them. If they can ever return to their homelands. All these questions are burning to her mind. But when she hears her name she is back to reality.

"Ah.. the shrine...sure lets go. Maybe we can find some answers there."

[ewancummins]

Dalorna heads for the shrine...

[Lord Skybolt]

Huln Interview

"I thought you were a learned man by your questions, but why would I retire here if I could have gone home my self . The goblins would have been no trouble for me, but I never said I could get your group home . I did say this is were I retired too . Don't you think I would have already left this place to retire at home if I could ." Ping pauses . "There may be some possibility of you getting home to were your from but I have given up on it . There is a cave to the north of here that is said to have some type of portal to other places . But it is just some old wives tale I have heard, so I put no credence in it . This interview is at an end so please leave me to think about what you have told me . "

[BigBadQDaddy]

Huln's Interview

Huln stands up unceremoniously after Ping seemingly all but tosses him out in the street. Why the old man lost such composure at such a time alluded to frustrations at his own ineptitude at discovering a means to get home.
He turns to leave, taking only a few steps before stopping and turning to face Ping before adding his own thoughts to Ping's dismissive air.
"One would do well to place stock in old wives tales, Mr. Ping. Every rumor lends credit to some truth for the willful man to unlock be he patient and resourceful.
"Good day, Mr. Ping."
Huln then turns away and exits the old man's home and immediately seeks out his fellow travelers.

[Lord Skybolt]

Huln's Interview

"Before you leave . So why are you such a feeble old man that you could not have dealt with the Goblins by your self ? Ask your self that question on your way out ."Pings says to Huln on his way out . Huln see's Pings get up from the table to go do something else just after he says this . Huln see's this just as he is leaving .

[BigBadQDaddy]

Ping's last remarks took their sting upon the Professors emotions. Despite his anger towards the old man, Huln pitied him for his cruelty. One would have had no choice but to become embittered when faced with a lifetime of isolation from ones family and friends.
As he made his way out of Ping's home, the facts of his condition made themselves apparent once more, a rarity since Huln had found his way here to this strange place. managing to mask a grimace as a twisting pain shot up his legs is all he could do as he put more weight upon his cane and after a dozen or so paces it is gone again.
Through thoughts presented in red, Huln decided if he and his comrades found a way back home, through this portal or some other means, he would tell Ping. though from this point to that he would have nothing to do with the strange and cruel old man.

[ewancummins]

On her way to the shrine, Dalorna keeps an eye out for some sign of the Professor.

[BigBadQDaddy]

*assuming nothing impedes Professor Huln and he happens to find the group after some searching*

After some searching, Professor Huln come across the his fellow lost travelers. Looking somewhat dissatisfied he approaches them, by now his momentary relapse of pain having fully diminished. He is surprised by the passing thought that it may not be too much longer before he will not require the use of his cane.

"Well, I managed to learn a couple important details from our mysterious host. One is that there is an old tale told by the locals of a cave in which there might be a portal to other worlds. He made a point that it lay due north. We may be able to find out more information about it from the villagers.
"As for our host, he is at once an elitist and a defeatist. He is overly confident in his abilities yet lacks drive to put his abilities to practical use in finding his own way home. I believe there is little help he can be to us, but I do intend to inform him of a possible way for him to reach his home if we can find one."

[steveflam]

Arnulf listens to Huln then speaks up. "First of all I have no idea what a ideelist is or a realistical person is. If he can't help us, then we should concern ourselves more with the village people then. As for this place he says might lead to other places, we should look into it. We are going to the shrine of some bo-o-ring god they worship if you wanna join us. What else is there to do here anyways? Wait around like that old man for people like us to show up? Not me. The shrine sounds good to me before we eat." Arnulf belches unceremoniously and walks ahead towards the shrine with his long strides.

[ewancummins]

Dalorna just rolls her eyes at Arnulf's impious remarks.