TownCrier/Faction Attraction/The Dae'Randir

Onar. He is known as the assassin Arkati, who works for coin at the behest of the Arkati, eliminating threats without judgment or remorse. These acts of elimination occur away from the forest hunts, affluent merchants, and lavish mansions where people live comfortable lives. Instead, it is in the rumored underbelly where one can acquire jobs for coin, be it a shakeup or a robbery, some intelligence gathering, or even murder. Some would call these skullduggery acts brazen, callous, and even deplorable. But what happens when followers of Onar take up the assassin's blade in the hopes of maintaining balance? Is it possible to take up the act of elimination with as much indifference as the dagger used? One such organization has taken up this charge in the name of Onar, maintaining Order when the scales go from one end to the next. This is The Dae'Randir.

Carefully laid coordinates placed me in swampy terrain far from the grasslands, making quiet travel rather difficult to head in or out. A likely obstacle created by a group that valued secrecy and anonymity. Upon my arrival, I was greeted by a quartet of representatives of the Dae’Randir; among them, my Mentor, Wolfloner

Hosts

You see Wolfloner Nao'Javar the Guardian of Icemule Trace

He appears to be a Half-Elf of the Tehir tribes.

He is tall. He appears to be in the prime of life. He has piercing shadow grey eyes and tanned skin. He has short, silky black hair streaked with silver. He has a flaring nose.

He is in good shape.<be>

He is wearing a silver-bladed dagger medallion, a hooded ridgeweaver silk cloak in gradients of grey, an enruned gold buckle, an obsidian-bound fireleaf badge, a small bone periapt, a shadowy grey cracked skull pin, a dark leather weapon harness slung over his shoulder, a zelnorn buckler slung over his other shoulder, a grey silk knapsack, and a sun-weathered black leather vest over a black silk shirt with silver cuffs, some darkened vruul skin gloves etched with Tehir runes, a black thrak-hide highwayman's belt with a silver buckle engraved with two crossed knives, a silvery mesh coin bag, a loosely woven spidersilk sack, a neutral-toned pouch of diamond-scaled rattlesnake skin, some deep black leather pants, a leather myklian-scaled toolkit, and some nightmare hide boots.

Twisting vines writhe around Watcher, obscuring her in an ever-shifting barrier of thorns. You see the Watcher.

She appears to be a Sylvankind.

She is tall. She appears to have come of age. She has gold-variegated foxfire green eyes and soft, creamy white skin. She has waist length, honey blonde hair threaded with pale blonde highlights. She has an aloofness in her eyes that contrasts the warmth of her upturned lips. She has opalescent urglaes-hued lacquer brushed onto her sharpened fingernails.

She has a collection of inked tendrils on her forearms.

She is in good shape.

She is wearing a tangled sephwir branch choker carved in jet, a shadowy enveloping mantle, a suit of steel splint mail patterned in alternating smoke grey and ebon scales, a soft dark cotton tunic side-split from hem to waist, some black alloy vambraces, a hip-slung ashen leather kit, and a black chainsil loincloth draped from a series of shadowglass rings.

You see Xanlin the Master Rogue

He appears to be a Human.

He is tall in stature. He appears to be in the spring of life. He has dark-lashed umber eyes and sun-kissed, lightly freckled skin. He has chin length, tousled brown hair with dark ebon streaks. He has an unshaven face, a classical nose and dark, well-defined eyebrows.

He has a pair of curved obsidian spikes in his left eyebrow, a polished black diamond stud in his lip, and a trio of jagged claw marks tattooed across his forearm.

He is in good shape.

He is wearing a gold and golden topaz crown, an emerald-set pewter torc, a small silver talisman, a wrist-buckled black leather jacket split down each side, a solid ghezyte egg pin, a shimmering trinket, a quintuple orb brooch, a glowing dark crimson rose, an opal-inset silver brooch, a hammered silver trefoil set within a disc of pale mistwood, a black-edged brown leather satchel, a shadowy aqilorn haversack, a black knapsack, a loosely woven kaftan, a half-buttoned dark blue silk shirt, a coiled mithglin chain armband, a tooled dragonfire opal armband, some dark leather brawling gloves, an inlaid gold ring, a full-finger dark steel band encircled by thin barbs, a small copper buzzer, a thin black leather belt, a lacquered hip-satchel woven from green reeds, a belt pack, a black pouch, some ebon leather pants side-secured with a trio of dark crystal buckles, a thigh-strapped slim vaalorn kit, a black leather disarming case, and some dark leather brawling boots.

You see Thirteen the Shadowwalker.

She appears to be an Aelotoi of the Gaeh'deh Clan.

She is tall. She appears to be in the bloom of youth. She has thick-lashed dark hazel eyes and dusky skin. She has mid back-length, glossy jet black hair held back behind the ears by a glaes avian skull suspending a golden Imaera lacewing butterfly from a hollow eye socket. She has an angular face, a slender, delicately flared nose and well-groomed, thin dark eyebrows. She has a pair of glimmering black-veined wings bordered by opaline snow white droplets.

She is in good shape.

She is wearing a tall choker of thick golden bands, a deep black silk taffeta robe, a mesh cloth-of-gold carryall slung over her shoulder, an off-shoulder black silk blouse with loose sleeves, several stacked gold armbands arrayed in channels of iridescent blue peridots, a set of sleek scalemail, a wristcuff of twined bands of lustrous bronze and textured gold, a long-cut alexandrite band, an ornate gold finger talon, a vaalin-laced keyring, a distressed russet leather toolkit, a black silk veiled skirt, and a pair of gilt honeycomb lace high-heeled shoes.

You see A Deadly Shadow.

He appears to be a Dark Elf.

He has vacant matte black eyes and rough, coconut brown skin. He has long, sleek black hair held back in a ponytail with a simple band. He has well-muscled shoulders and arms.

His face is concealed by a darkened spidersilk mask.

He has an eahnor-inset dragonmist crystal shard in his right eyebrow, and an illusory shadow pattern inked on his neck.

He is in good shape.

The spidersilk of his robe writhes unnaturally about him, concealing his form.

Introduction

A dark obsidian pathway bisects the large courtyard leading to an archaic stone monastery. A looming tower rises from the top of the ancient building, sparsely lit from within by a candle at a solitary window. Covered bronze lanterns light the pathway and the steel-reinforced solid wood entrance door. The quiet rustling of woody vines fills the air. You also see a stone bridge.

Thirteen flutters her wings at you.

Yardie: I am rather surprised. I did not know you were a part of the Dae'randir.

Wolfloner: Blade Yardie is with the Town Crier. Seems the crier wants to talk to us.

Wolfloner: Ondreian sends his regrets. He was unable to attend. But he consents for me to pass along some of the histories of the Dae'randir.

Yardie: Well, to be fair, it's not just the Town Crier. I'm doing it on their behalf, but I am learning, discussing, and trying to show Elanthia these different groups."

Watcher: To what purpose?

Thirteen: Gathering knowledge is its own reward.

Yardie: To feature them, to promote them, to learn about these different groups and perhaps pass those who might be interested. Most people are in the dark.

Watcher (chuckling): There is a certain irony to that.

Wolfloner: Introductions perhaps; he may not know all of us?

For those unfamiliar, most assassins operate under the strict discipline of anonymity. As I am quite familiar with this line of work, understanding the etiquette requires maintaining that veil. Therefore, some of the members of the Dae’Randir chose to use their professional monikers, and I have chosen to honor that request. The introductions provided have given their aliases unless the person indicated otherwise. Failure to comply might be hazardous to my health. Most of them expressed some talents in stealth that challenged my keen eyes. But their presence was amiable with a hint of menace.

Thirteen turns to you and bows low, spreading her wings for all to see.

Yardie: I've seen you about a few times.

Xanlin nods in agreement.

Wolfloner: Deadly Shadow is a veteran of many campaigns.

Yardie: I've also seen you.

I felt a sense of calm and camaraderie that could easily burst into flames had I not been familiar. It was like a high-stakes Lich Bones game where the room could break into a knife fight if someone was cross or deceitful.

Wolfloner: You want to talk first. Or would you like to take a look around?

Yardie: I presume we can do both. I take it we're amongst shadow walkers and the like, yes?

Wolfloner smiles at you.

Watcher nods in agreement.

Wolfloner: Watcher is the designer of the upgrades to the monastery and the grounds.

Yardie: So, I begin with this disclaimer: if there are matters you do not wish the public to know, please inform me. I would not wish to be a....mark or client.

Deadly Shadow: I'm unsure if I’m publicly known as a member.

Watcher: You will have to excuse us. Many of us are not very talkative. You are not going to be marked, or a ... client.

Thirteen: Yet. Thirteen smiles.

Even with my familiarity with this world and even in knowing the charming Thirteen, it remained difficult to tell when one was joking, and one was not.

Watcher (agreeing with Thirteen): Yet.

It is not uncommon for businesspeople to find themselves contracted as a mark. The risks are understood. Generous as they were, I was being studied, and I did the same to them. One never knows when someone might take an interest in one’s disappearance. I had no desire to fade away any time soon.

Deadly Shadow: I figure they will know soon enough. It's fine.

Wolfloner: Refer to him as a deadly shadow.

Watcher: I prefer to be known as the Watcher.

Xanlin: Xanlin is fine for me.

Xanlin's shoulders shake subtly as he struggles to compose his features, revealing a glimmer of mirth before returning to a poker face.

Yardie: So I can keep to the anonymity. Are you fine with descriptions or....not?

Watcher quietly says, Vague.

Thirteen: "You want my real name?"

Thirteen raises an eyebrow in your direction.

Yardie: Only if you wish to share it.

Xanlin waggles his fingers mystically at you! Ooh! Scary!

Yardie flinches.

Thirteen: Thirteen.

Thirteen nods to you.

Wolfloner grins coldly, his eyes reflecting no emotion.

Yardie: Thirteen it is.

Watcher looks thoughtfully at Thirteen.

Thirteen smiles.

Yardie (to Wolfloner): And, of course, I'm not hiding your information.

Wolfloner nods to you.

Thirteen: Shadowmaster is our face, after all.

Wolfloner: "Shall we take a quick around the monastery? In more ways than one."

Watcher chuckles.

You nod at Wolfloner.

Logistics

Wolfloner: Ondreian chose the location for the monastery carefully. He used the same ground during the first Griffon Sword War. It has tactical advantages.

Yardie: Why here, then? I was er...elsewhere...during the Griffon Sword War.

Watcher: Swamp is hard to travel through.

Wolfloner: And yet you excelled.

Thirteen flutters her wings at A Deadly Shadow.

Deadly Shadow: Only for those who do not walk on water. I've been training

Yardie: Hard to hide in a well.

The Nexus

Wolfloner darkly says, This is a nexus. It leads to many places within the monastery.

Round tapered sandstone columns tower overhead, extending upward to a vaulted ceiling. A crimson embroidered rug extends from the entrance to arcading arches flanked by two brass pedestaled braziers displayed beneath an arched doorway on the second floor balcony. A flight of flagstone stairs scales one wall and disappears behind a bend, while a flight of spiral steps descends through the floor into darkness.

Wolfloner: Here is our underground lake...You can fish here, and cook what you catch on the firepit.

A long flight of stone steps descends into an enormous cavern, the ceiling above fading from sight as the grotto stretches upward. Almost completely concealed in shadows, a generous lake nearly consumes the entire area, water gently lapping against its bank. A small firepit sits centrally within a large rock circle, and a pile of sticks and short logs has been placed on the ground outside the formation. Secured to a short pier, a plywood dinghy bobs up and down in the water.

Watcher: We have many amenities for our members.

Amenities were a generous word. Supplies for a hideout away from attention, away from traffic, and away from the public eye made the hideout just that. If attention grew too hot, they had an escape and enough to survive.

Wolfloner: It is a grand place for telling stories.

Yardie: Self-sufficient.

Watcher nods in agreement.

Yardie: Were you all in danger from the Griffin Sword Saga?

You gaze with interest at a small fire sheltered in a circle of stones.

Wolfloner: It was a different time. But dangerous certainly. This is the observatory.

Wolfloner grabs the telescope and turns it to the north. Wolfloner peers into the telescope.

Hanging from the central timbers of the arched steeple is a grand bronze bell. Four arched openings offer a panoramic view of the sky and surrounding swamp. Platform scaffolding runs along the inner stone wall, with small wooden ladders hanging down at equal intervals. Perched on the northern platform is a massive multi-lens telescope with a large wooden stand beside it, with several tables and chairs ringing the scaffolding. The stone walls seem to glimmer with an afterglow from the pale moonlight.

Yardie: Keeping tabs on anyone coming or going.

Wolfloner (nodding): Some of us do track the movements of celestial bodies." Wolfloner nods at Watcher. "The bell has some history."

Accused at the Dais

Moving deeper down the flagstone stairs, my eyes took in the room, and my attention immediately fell upon the dais.

Round tapered sandstone columns tower overhead, extending upward to a vaulted ceiling. A crimson embroidered rug extends from the entrance to arcading arches flanked by two brass pedestaled braziers displayed beneath an arched doorway on the second floor balcony. A flight of flagstone stairs scales one wall and disappears behind a bend, while a flight of spiral steps descends through the floor into darkness.

Watcher quietly says, "One wonders what might be done here."

The sleek obsidian floor and walls of this circular chamber disperse light so completely that it is difficult to discern where one ends and another begins. A domed ceiling with an oculus at its apex allows a focused ray of moonlight to pierce a raised dais in the center of the room. Curved benches are lined up along the perimeter, and an ebon statue of a figure draped in black cloth stands next to an elaborately carved high-back seat, sculpted together out of a single piece of stone.

Speaking to Wolfloner, you say, "Now, this is peculiar."

Temptation proved too great to bear. I approached the dias.

Thirteen flutters her wings, stirring the air slightly.

Speaking to Wolfloner, you ask, "What is this about over here?"

You point at a raised dais.

Speaking darkly to A Deadly Shadow, Wolfloner says, "Here stands the accused, Yardie."

Wolfloner glances at you.

Thirteen appears to be trying hard not to grin.

You blink at Wolfloner.

A Deadly Shadow says, "I did it."

A Deadly Shadow says, "Whatever it was."

Wolfloner smiles at A Deadly Shadow.

Speaking confusedly to Wolfloner, you ask, "Wait, what?"

Watcher solemnly intones, "Death to the accused."

Speaking darkly to you, Wolfloner says, "Giving you a feel for where you are."

A Deadly Shadow says, "I did it."

Speaking darkly to you, Wolfloner says, "You stand on the proverbial spot."

Speaking to Wolfloner, you ask, "So this is....a place where criminals or targets are taken?"

Speaking darkly to you, Wolfloner says, "A Deadly Shadow scares me too. It is okay."

Wolfloner darkly says, "This is the Hall of Trials."

A Deadly Shadow says, "I'm not scary." A Deadly Shadow laughs!

Speaking darkly to you, Wolfloner says, "Rysus once stood on that dais as you are now."

Speaking quietly to A Deadly Shadow, Watcher says, "You are a teddy bear, I keep telling everyone I know."

Speaking to Wolfloner, you ask, "For what charge?"

A Deadly Shadow nods at Watcher.

Watcher gives a sidelong glance at Wolfloner.

Speaking darkly to you, Wolfloner says, "Was a negotiation. Negotiations, initiations, contracts. All in the Hall of Trials

Speaking to Wolfloner, you ask, "And what were you negotiating for, if you don't mind me asking?"

Speaking darkly to you, Wolfloner says, "Want to give you a feel for where you stand. Is that not what you came for?"

Thirteen raises an eyebrow.

Thirteen glances at A Deadly Shadow.

Wolfloner glances at a dark alcove.

Thirteen shakes her head.

A raven-hued tapestry is stretched across one side of this dark alcove, aiding in muffling sounds from the outer chamber. Wrought iron sconces are hung on either side of the entrance, and a carved pedestal is centrally displayed. A cracked white skull is suspended over the platform, its hollow sockets directed at the tapestry. A decorated altar rests against the wall at the far end of the chamber.

Speaking to Wolfloner, you say, "To get an understanding of the Dae'randir, definitely."

Prayers to Onar

Wolfloner darkly says, "This is a quiet place for reflection."

Reverently, Watcher bows her head as she touches the altar, murmuring a prayer to the god Onar. After a long pause, Watcher lifts her head back up and looks around.

Watcher smiles.

Thirteen touches one finger to her lips.

Thirteen smiles.

Pedestal - A metal offering bowl sits atop the pedestal and is filled with scraps of paper. Every few minutes, one of the scraps bursts into flames and disappears.

Altar - A long, sharp-edged slab of obsidian rests upon a basalt base embedded with obsidian shards. Wisps of smoke drift lazily up from dark glaes bowls that are filled with incense. A thin mottled black tablet lies atop the altar.

In the Common language, it reads:

"I honor you, Lord of Assassins!
Lend silence to my steps and swiftness to my blade.
Grant me the boon of cold efficiency, for you are its purest embodiment!"

Tapestry - The purpose of this tone-on-tone black tapestry appears to be for use as lining for the chamber walls. The tapestry's design reveals detailed scenes, some involving gruesome violence, deliberately woven into a subtle sheen of the embroidery. Illustrations of cloaked figures and blood-covered nobility decorate the entire surface.

Tapping the Altar, Yardie asks, "Wha...what does that say?"

Watcher raises an eyebrow.

Speaking sheepishly to Watcher, you say, "I am...still learning how to read."

Watcher nods slowly.

Speaking darkly to you, Wolfloner asks, "You need me to decipher it?" Speaking to Wolfloner, you say, "Please."

Thirteen reaches over and gently rests her hand on your shoulder.

Thirteen says, "Don't feel bad."

You blink at Thirteen.

Thirteen says, "I only know elven."

You nod understandingly at Thirteen.

Thirteen says, "Common still looks strange to me."

Wolfloner recites darkly:

"Ondreian gave me some of the history to answer some of the questions. The Dae'randir was originally founded 21 years ago during the Griffin Sword War."

Thirteen says, "Coyote read it to me though."

Wolfloner darkly says, "Sorry."

Wolfloner recites darkly:

"I honor you, Lord of Assassins!"

Thirteen smiles looking a touch dreamy eyed.

"Lend silence to my steps and swiftness to my blade."

Wolfloner recites darkly:

"Grant me the boon of cold efficiency, for you are its purest embodiment!"

Wolfloner darkly says, "Mamu donated the tablet."

A Deadly Shadow bows to an altar.

You shiver.

Wolfloner darkly says, "Look at the pedestal Yardie."

Speaking to Wolfloner, you say, "Mamu." A metal offering bowl sits atop the pedestal and is filled with scraps of paper. Every few minutes, one of the scraps bursts into flames and disappears.

Wolfloner darkly says, "Notice the paper bursting into flame. Sanctions. Exactly that."

Wolfloner nods at Watcher.

Speaking to Wolfloner, you say, "I've never heard them referred to as sanctions, but....I...obviously know what you speak of."

To translate loosely, sanctions go by many names. Contracts. Jobs. Missions. Once obligations are fulfilled, many discard any proof of work. It is quite clear that the Dae’Randir take in many “clients” for the work, operating on their own accord. For this reason, while the organization is known, some of the members choose other aliases.

Wolfloner nods to you.

Speaking darkly to you, Wolfloner asks, "Shall we continue?"

You nod at Wolfloner.

Watcher quietly asks, "Do you have any questions while we tour?"

Wolfloner darkly asks, "Watcher, want to describe this area?"

Wolfloner bows to a plainly dressed monk.

Speaking quietly to a plainly dressed monk, Watcher greets, "Good evening, Gilmirie."

The tall sylvan female wears robes that are of thin black linen cinched at the waist by a quintuple white ora belt, the hood covering honey-hued hair and allowing for rare glimpses of foxfire green eyes. Her fingers are bare of rings, while a simple cracked white skull emblem hangs around her neck.

Speaking to a plainly dressed monk, you ask, "Gilmirie?"

Watcher quietly says, "This is our distillery, where we brew the finest absinthe. She is quite adept at balancing the flavors, as you might experience later."

Watcher quietly asks, "She came to us fairly recently, did she not?"

Watcher glances at Wolfloner.

Wolfloner nods at Watcher.

Speaking to Watcher, you ask, "Do you sell them? The absinthe?"

Speaking to Watcher, you say, "A lovely distillery."

Watcher quietly says, "No, it is for our members to enjoy."

This statement caught me by surprise. Trading and transferring of all sorts of goods is quite common in the underworld, but an organization rarely has direct access to a distillery. It could make for a decent front as they do other…tasks.

Bathed in an intense crimson glow from the burning brazier, the smooth stone walls appear like blocks of fiery coals. Orderly rows of stacked wood have been placed next to the brazier, and an assortment of exotic bottles and multi-colored vials fill two long shelves. Tied bundles of herbs and grasses, hung upside down for drying, dangle from the low ceiling. An old alembic still has been built into an arched recess, and a solitary wooden table sits beneath a shuttered storm lantern.

You nod at Watcher.

Watcher quietly says, "She can answer some questions."

Speaking to a plainly dressed monk, you ask, "You...can answer questions? What can you tell me about the batch?"

The monk turns to you slowly, responding, "This batch is not ready yet. If you look on the table, the previously finished batch is there for our members and visitors."

Inching closer, I moved to touch the still. Gilmirie disapproved.

Gilmirie: "Do not touch the still. It is complicated, and I just finished repairing it."

Thirteen smiles.

Sitting on a masonry brazier, a round-bottomed glass retort is positioned so that its slender descending tube distills liquid into a large flask. The green elixir within the retort boils as its vapor rises and flows into the descending tube, where it then cools and condenses into an emerald green liquid. Inside the flask, the liquid swirls, its green color changing from dark to light hues.

Wolfloner smiles at you.

This spacious kitchen is centrally divided by a corbelled arch that extends across the pale-colored flagstone floor. On one side is a massive fieldstone cooking slab, and the opposite side is filled with sinks, cupboards, and a long wooden counter that extends the length of the wall just beneath a stained-glass window. Moonlight pours through the arch from a connected glass-framed greenhouse, several rows of raised planter boxes decorating its interior.

Watcher quietly says, "Oh."

Absinthe-Minded Botany

With all the talk of absinthe and work on such libations, I needed to taste it for myself.

You pour yourself a flute of emerald green absinthe.

You take a drink from your emerald green absinthe. If it were possible to get past the shockingly bitter taste, there might be something to appreciate in the complex blend of flavors.

Thirteen shuts her eyes for a brief moment.

Xanlin pours himself a flute of emerald green absinthe.

Xanlin takes a drink from his emerald green absinthe.

Xanlin looks rather relaxed.

Speaking to Wolfloner, you ask, "This isn't poisoned, is it?"

Because of past occurrences of being poisoned, I rarely take food or drink from everyone. Nerves seized at me once I realized what I had done. As for the absinthe, there was potential, starting with killing that bitter taste.

Thirteen pours herself a flute of emerald green absinthe.

Thirteen appears to be trying hard not to grin.

Xanlin holds up two fingers and slowly pinches them together until they are almost touching.

Thirteen takes a drink from her emerald green absinthe.

Thirteen looks rather relaxed.

Speaking darkly to you, Wolfloner says, "I am impressed. You are the first guest to drink the absinthe here. Everyone else assumed it was poisoned."

I panicked for a moment. Not the comment I wished to hear.

Watcher plucks an ivory skull-faced orchid, and holding it to her nose, she inhales deeply.

Speaking to Wolfloner, you say, "Well, I dont' often drink from strangers, but I hoped that my mentor would poison me....or that you would poison your own."

You accept Watcher's offer and are now holding an ivory skull-faced orchid.

Speaking to Watcher, you say, "Thank you kindly."

Orchids are rather amazing and lovely to give to a loved one. They represent charm, love, and sensuality, though I do not think the Watcher was trying to entice me into a relationship. Still, for such viciousness coiled and ready, the serenity of plants, absinthe, and normal life in the halls made for the most tranquil sanctuaries. One could reflect on anything but the job, providing focus when work calls.

Watcher quietly says, "You are now the only outsider with one."

You bow to Watcher.

You nod at Wolfloner.

Xanlin nods in agreement.

Watcher inclines her head.

The Interview

Wolfloner darkly asks, "Shall we take a seat in the Great Hall?"

Speaking to Wolfloner, you say, "Certainly."

Arcading arches open up into a large octagonal hall with ashen stone walls stretching up to an elaborately painted ceiling. Long rectangular flags of silver-trimmed black silk hang from thin steel rods that jut out from each side. A polished ash table is perched on a raised platform with two granite tables coupled with chairs flanking each end. An obsidian slab hearth fills the open side of the arrangement. You also see an oak door.

Wolfloner darkly says, "Have a seat."

Wolfloner takes a wooden stick and tosses it into the fire and watches as the flames leap higher. You find an empty chair and sit down at the table.

Thirteen just took a seat at the table.

Watcher sits down next to an ash table.

Speaking darkly to you, Wolfloner says, "Take a look at the ceiling. It is a tale of consequences. And of interest to you."

An enormous mural has been painted onto the ceiling, four segments detailing a different scene. The first scene portrays a lifeless Faendryl woman laying on the deck of a ship, a Nalfein hidden in the mast's shadow. The second scene depicts a seated monarch and three kneeling Faendryl noblewomen, tears on their cheeks. The third illustrates two flotillas, one of House Ashrim and the other of House Faendryl, and the fourth mural shows four islands beneath an ominous smoke-filled sky.

I recalled the mural. Wolfloner provided me with some educational artwork about a few months after my rebirth. It was this mural that gave me pause to consider that life is not always what it seems.

Speaking to Wolfloner, you say, "You showed me this when I first started. I did not realize I was here."

Wolfloner nods to you.

Speaking to Wolfloner, you say, "This is...a month or two after I was...er...reborn in Icemule."

Speaking darkly to you, Wolfloner says, "Because you are Faendryl."

You say, "I am."

Wolfloner glances at some silk flags.

Speaking darkly to you, Wolfloner asks, "You have questions?"

You say, "Many."

What is the Dae’Randir

Speaking to Wolfloner, you say, "So, I wanted to know, if you could explain to people what the Dae'randir is all about."

Wolfloner darkly says, "Per Ondreian…: We provide balance between the two pantheons that seek to impose their will on the mortals of this world. Speaking to Wolfloner, you say, "That's an interesting concept. Tricky too. For many, they would consider Onar to be on the darker end of that spectrum."

Speaking darkly to you, Wolfloner asks, "It is a matter of perspective is it not?"

The Name Dae’randir

Speaking to Wolfloner, you ask, "Many religious followers have said the same. Does the name Dae'randir have meaning? What does the name originate from?"

Wolfloner darkly says, "It is very old elven..."

Wolfloner darkly says, "Dae translates in Shadow."

Speaking to Wolfloner, you ask, "And randir?"

Wolfloner darkly says, "Randir translate into wanderer or walker."

You nod understandingly at Wolfloner.

Wolfloner darkly says, "Some say it has Drow origins."

You raise an eyebrow in Wolfloner's direction.

Wolfloner darkly says, "Very old elven."

Speaking darkly to Watcher, Wolfloner says, "Something Turinrond left behind."

Diving Deeper into the Dark World

Speaking to Wolfloner, you ask, "I don't think I've heard that before. But probably before my time. So, I ask this out of my realm of questioning, but I ask it carefully. For most, they do not know of the underworld, the network that deals with assassins, interrogations, infiltrations, and matters of subterfuge and skullduggery. I assume you all operate as your own network?"

Wolfloner darkly says, "The Dae'randir was formed during the First Griffon Sword War by Turinrond."

Watcher vaguely says, "We are networked, but each our own."

Speaking to Watcher, you ask, "And do you work with other networks?"

Watcher ponders.

Watcher quietly says, "We have in the past, yes."

Speaking darkly to you, Wolfloner says, "We are not arrows in anyone's quiver. We are not whores to the highest bidder. Nor do we have souls so dark that no amount of killing could fill it. Nor to we act without reason or just cause."

Speaking to Wolfloner, you say, "So...freedom fighters, if you will."

Speaking darkly to you, Wolfloner says, "We act in our own interests."

Speaking carefully to Wolfloner, you ask, "And what are those interest?"

Watcher raises an eyebrow.

Watcher quietly says, "Balance, of course."

Speaking darkly to Watcher, Wolfloner says, "The wormwood in the absinthe seems excellent. Perhaps it is the company."

Speaking to Watcher, you say, "I had to ask."

Watcher nods once to you.

Wolfloner darkly says, "I may have missed your question."

Wolfloner darkly says, "Ah."

Wolfloner darkly asks, "An example perhaps?"

Speaking to Wolfloner, you say, "F--er....Vague...answered it."

I nearly slipped here and outed the Watcher. Perhaps the absinthe and the company made me a bit lax.

You nod at Wolfloner.

Watcher chuckles.

Speaking to Wolfloner, you say, "If you have one, certainly. Forgive me, Watcher, I had to get my information right."

Watcher noncommittally says, "Mm."

Watcher cocks her head at Wolfloner. Wolfloner darkly says, "I asked Lyllenyn to accompany Zyndur and his Shades of the Rose and the Landing heroes in their attempt to capture Dragnell. I asked him to contact Zyndur and see if there were some areas of interest between the Shades of the Rose and the Dae'randir."

Wolfloner darkly says, "Failing that I asked him to take advantage of any opportunity that was in the interests of the Dae'randir."

Speaking to Wolfloner, you ask, "And was he successful?"

Wolfloner darkly says, "The mission became a complete bloodbath, the heroes and Zyndur fell quickly...."

Wolfloner darkly says, "And yet Lyllenyn used stealth, searched the lair of Dragnell. Found the secret entrance to the hideout. And made him surrender. Then Lyllenyn messaged the heroes where Dragnell was and he was taken into custody."

Watcher nods approvingly.

Speaking to Wolfloner, you say, "As a professional would and should do. Well done."

Wolfloner darkly says, "We assumed he would be executed. But the the Landing chose another path."

Speaking to Wolfloner, you ask, "And what path was that?"

Wolfloner darkly says, "The Landing made an accord with Dragnell against the lich king Barnom Slim."

Wolfloner darkly says, "And when fate turned and Talador invaded the Landing Dragnell turned out to be a very good ally against the imperial horde."

Wolfloner darkly says, "We were content the outcome of the war. Estoria's fleet lies at the bottom the the ocean. And Talador untimately was defeated and eventually became a wasteland."

A Deadly Shadow says, "Not that I see."

Speaking darkly to you, Wolfloner says, "Prior to the war..."

Wolfloner darkly says, "Talador's condition for a peaceful resolution to the War was that all of Lornon and those that aided them were to be put to the sword."

Watcher quietly says, "Imbalanced."

Speaking to Wolfloner, you joke, "Which would have resulted in almost all of the Landing."

Wolfloner darkly says, "Would seem that fate decided differently."

Xanlin laughs softly, trying to hide his amusement.

Watcher nods in agreement to you.

Speaking darkly to you, Wolfloner asks, "Was that helpful?"

Onar and Balance

Speaking to Wolfloner, you ask, "It was. I wanted to talk about Onar a bit, but I think we covered that. The assassin who works as a weapon, doing the job without any emotion or...well...you get the idea. Are you all followers of Onar and do you demand the same for its members?"

Speaking darkly to you, Wolfloner says, "Commitment to balance, without darkness there is no light."

Watcher quietly says, "Without light there is no darkness, either."

Speaking to Watcher, you ask, "So when do you think balance will be achieved?"

Watcher quietly says, "Never, so long as there are intelligent beings."

You snicker at Watcher.

Watcher quietly says, "Nature is the only balance, and even that is constantly in peril."

Speaking to Watcher, you say, "Sounds like something Imera would say."

Speaking to you, Xanlin says, "I don't follow Onar, but the creed of balance is what brought me to the Dae'randir."

Watcher quietly says, "To answer your question earlier, we do not all follow Onar, though it is the majority."

You nod at Watcher.

Watcher smiles at Xanlin.

Wolfloner nods at Xanlin.

Speaking to Xanlin, you say, "So you all feel that the world is....constantly shifting, and that in order to right matters, balance must be achieved, but not favoring one or the other."

A log crashes and falls over into the fire. The flames grow upon it slowly, like roses awakening, until the whole log is aglow with a garden of embers.

Thirteen flutters her wings at you.

Thirteen smiles.

Watcher glances at Wolfloner.

Wolfloner nods at Watcher.

Watcher quietly says, "We do not all agree on some topics, what you get from Xanlin might not be the same as what you get from A Deadly Shadow or myself."

Xanlin glances appraisingly at Watcher.

Xanlin appears to be trying hard not to grin.

Wolfloner nods.

Watcher quietly adds, "Not that we do not agree on this particular topic, but it bears saying."

Wolfloner darkly says, "Each member has autonomy."

Watcher smiles at you.

Speaking to Wolfloner, you muse, "Makes it easier to take individual jobs if needed."

Wolfloner darkly says, "For example. Some members of the Dae'randir chose to Nysina and Elithian Cross in their raids into the empire. Others did not."

Wolfloner nods at Xanlin.

Speaking darkly to Xanlin, Wolfloner says, "Mention to Yardie."

A Deadly Shadow's ethereal bracer flares to life as the ethereal runes covering the surface glow before fading back inside.

Recruitment & Requirements

Speaking to Wolfloner, you ask, "Are the Dae'randir seeking new recruits? And if so, what are the requirements to join?"

Speaking darkly to you, Wolfloner says, "We are open to the possibility."

Speaking to Wolfloner, you ask, "There are many always looking for steady work. What do they need to do to join or to show interest? Or do you seek them out?"

Speaking darkly to you, Wolfloner says, "We have done both."

Watcher quietly says, "Dedications are needed. Knowledge attained. Trials undergone."

Speaking to Watcher, you ask, "Can you speak more on the trials?"

Watcher quietly says, "I cannot."

Watcher quietly says, "Each person experiences them differently."

Watcher smiles at you.

Speaking to Watcher, you ask, "So....no examples?"

Watcher quietly says, "No examples."

Speaking darkly to you, Wolfloner says, "Each member has autonomy. We never undertake anything in anger of without just cause. Each member has to decide that."

Watcher quietly says, "The others are free to share their examples should they wish."

A Deadly Shadow says, "Well.. I can only give my experiences."

You steeple your fingers in your lap as you glance at A Deadly Shadow.

A Deadly Shadow says, "Most of what goes on is compartmentalized so everyone doesn't always know what is happening. We were working on an operation once, and someone intruded or invaded the operation, causing some issues. It was determined that an example should be made, and that task was given to me in secret. I tracked my project to a location near town and I considered it to be my best opportunity, although others were present. Not ideal, of course, but I was younger then, and a new member so I knew I had to do somehting. Ultimately, the lesson was conveyed."

Wolfloner quietly says, "Indeed it was."

A Deadly Shadow says, "Many don't know this, but I was spotted. Nobody knows what happened but a few of us, via word of mouth. But another member witnessed it at the time. A highly skilled rogue with great eyes... but he was one of us. That was early on, but I've been resting on my laurels ever since.. We have had quite a few "projects", but that one stands out."

Thirteen says, "There was the field trip to Chastonia."

A Deadly Shadow says, "Ahh.. the earl. I still have the blade."

Wolfloner smiles at A Deadly Shadow.

A Deadly Shadow says, "I don't remember why that happened. Just that it happened."

Watcher quietly asks, "Too much absinthe?"

Speaking to A Deadly Shadow, you say, "I see."

Speaking darkly to you, Wolfloner says, "We do not prey on the weak. But we do prey on predators."

You nod at Wolfloner.

Yardie: For anyone who might be interested in joining, who should they speak to?"

Wolfloner darkly says, "Ask, then we will decide who best to answer."

Watcher quietly says, "Many of us are happy to speak with people."

Watcher quietly says, "Joining, for now, we pass to Wolfloner."

Thirteen says, "Hmm rather, unopposed to speak with people."

Watcher quietly corrects, "Unopposed, yes. A much better phrasing."

Thirteen says, "Common is fun."

Speaking darkly to you, Wolfloner says, "There are many kinds of assassins. As mentioned before...."

Speaking knowingly to Wolfloner, you say, "I'm...quite familiar."

A Deadly Shadow says, "They need to be self sufficient and able to think on their feet. Opportunities may only be available for a very short window."

Watcher quietly says, "Knowledgeable about the shadows."

Watcher quietly says, "Or misdirection."

A Deadly Shadow says, "Preferably... experienced."

Watcher chuckles.

A Deadly Shadow says, "There was the girl..."

A Deadly Shadow shakes his head.

Wolfloner glances at A Deadly Shadow.

A Deadly Shadow says, "I don't really want to get into that one."

Speaking darkly to A Deadly Shadow, Wolfloner asks, "The one that Dragnell slaughtered?"

Watcher quietly says, "That turned my stomach."

A Deadly Shadow says, "Bad memories from that time.. I consider it unfinished business. A lot of "moving parts" in that one, and we had a short window to act. We learned that day, we can't always win."

Wolfloner darkly says, "Dragnell was a force of nature. He could be unleashed but could not be controlled. The plan went sidewise once the Landing tried to rescue her.

Speaking to Wolfloner, A Deadly Shadow says, "They should have only sent us." Speaking darkly to A Deadly Shadow, Wolfloner says, "Perhaps.”

The extent of their memory concerning tasks astonished me. Often, the idea is to forget and move on to the next. The extent to which they discussed details meant that these assassins were very thorough and very dangerous.

Watcher noncommittally says, "Mm."

Watcher quietly asks, "Did you have more questions for us?"

Events

Speaking to Watcher, you ask, "I do. Events. Are there any future events that you all will be running?"

Watcher quietly says, "We do, in fact. The 12th and 13th of Lumnea, pending finalization of plans.

Speaking to Watcher, you ask, "What event will that be?"

Wolfloner darkly says, "May changed the latter to the 14th. But during that week. A guild night, then perhaps a discussion on balance. Since the Landing seems so unbalanced now.

A Deadly Shadow says, "Sooner or later we will need the landing to come together. Enemies grow stronger. They always show up looking for something.

Speaking to A Deadly Shadow, you say, "Between the Landing, the Thorns, the Reivers, and all else, it is all out of sort."

A Deadly Shadow says, "Maybe we should stir them up and see what they do."

Watcher chuckles.

Thirteen grins at A Deadly Shadow.

Wolfloner darkly says, "When perusing the old archives, I found an interesting tome about the Reivers."

Watcher quietly says, "A threat closer to home."

A Deadly Shadow says, "I havent seen a reiver in decades."

Speaking to Wolfloner, you ask, "Something of concern?"

Watcher quietly says, "They haven't changed much."

A Deadly Shadow says, "I do remember when their land was first discovered. They don't seem like they could be much of an issue.

Speaking darkly to you, Wolfloner says, "More irony than anything else."

Watcher quietly says, "They have made some new friends."

You nod at Wolfloner.

Speaking darkly to A Deadly Shadow, Wolfloner says, "The Reivers of the Vale are cut from a different cloth."

A Deadly Shadow says, "I haven't met their friends. I have been away, training. I don't know all the details about what is happening lately.

Speaking darkly to A Deadly Shadow, Wolfloner says, "I take comfort in your return."

A Deadly Shadow says, "I sense that we will be dragged into whatever happens."

Watcher quietly says, "When have we not."

A Deadly Shadow says, "I intend to make sure they know not to come back."

You nod understandingly at A Deadly Shadow.

A Deadly Shadow says, "Or make sure they stay here forever."

Watcher quietly says, "The flowers could use some nourishment."

Speaking darkly to you, Wolfloner says, "For some, it is a matter of coin and the highest bidder. Then there are those with hearts so back that no amount of murder could fill the depth of emptiness they feel. Though they try...."

Watcher shakes her head, totally at a loss.

Speaking darkly to you, Wolfloner says, "And for others, it is a higher calling."

Speaking to Wolfloner, you ask, "And the Dae'randir is open to any of those, yes?"

Speaking darkly to you, Wolfloner says, "No."

Speaking darkly to you, Wolfloner says, "For us it is a higher calling."

A Deadly Shadow says, "In some cases, it needs to happen, and is well deserved."

Speaking darkly to you, Wolfloner says, "We do not prey on the weak."

Watcher quietly says, "I personally do not accept payment."

Thirteen says, "If one must kill, it costs us nothing to be polite about it."

Speaking to Thirteen, you say, "One can kill someone that they respect."

A Deadly Shadow says, "Generally I work with internal security matters. Defense of members."

Thirteen whispers, "That sounds better in Elven." You grin at Thirteen.

Speaking darkly to you, Wolfloner says, "One can judge the merits, and decide if the target is deserving or just as importantly not deserving."

Speaking darkly to you, Wolfloner says, "We certainly have turned down request on the merits."

You nod at Wolfloner.

Prominent Members

You ask, "My last question is are there prominent members of the Dae'randir that you would WANT to mention by name for familiarity to the masses?"

Wolfloner darkly says, "Some are known and are recorded in the lore."

Wolfloner darkly says, "Turinrond & Ondreian certainly are known."

Wolfloner darkly says, "Tothers, we prefer to remain shrouded." Wolfloner darkly says, "I am known to be a member as well."

You nod at Wolfloner.

Thirteen says, "Anonymity has its benefits."

You say, "I'll be certain to keep that anonymity for those who wish to have it."

Wolfloner darkly says, "The abduction mentioned earlier...."

Wolfloner darkly says, "Was hard for the Dae'randir membership to accept...."

A Deadly Shadow says, "Some of us still haven't accepted it."

You nod at A Deadly Shadow.

A Deadly Shadow says, "And we are still seeking redemption.."

Watcher quietly says, "Minor setbacks. "As the plan discussed did not turn out as planned. It was a desperate gamble to turn the tide of the war. And while it succeeded in doing that the cost was very high.

You nod understandingly at Wolfloner.

Wolfloner darkly says, "But I also regret all the innocents of the Landing that fell to the siege weaponry of the Talador invading army. And seem no one wants to weep for them."

A Deadly Shadow says, "That was a bloody timeframe. Lot of deaths when Talador showed up.

Wolfloner darkly says, "Ultimately the Landing survived. The cost to do so was extreme."

Speaking to Wolfloner, you ask, "And should peril arise once again, I presume the Dae'randir will be there to restore that balance, yes?"

Thirteen flutters her wings at you.

Watcher quietly says, "The landing does swing like a pendulum, I have noticed. With the balanced forces of all behind it, I have no doubt that we will survive what comes."

Speaking smoothly to you, Watcher says, "Thank you for spending so much time with us."

Watcher stands up.

Wolfloner glances at you.

You say, "Thank you for having me."

Speaking to Wolfloner, you say, "Always a pleasure."

Watcher quietly asks, "Shall we find you a belladonna to complete your visit?"

Speaking darkly to you, Wolfloner says, "We will act in our best interests. In the way I already detailed."

Speaking to Wolfloner, you say, "I will be eager to see what becomes of it."

Speaking darkly to you, Wolfloner says, "Even if it is a hard decision."

Speaking to Wolfloner, you say, "Understood."

Speaking to Watcher, you ask, "Oh, you said a flower?"

Watcher plucks a virescent ebon-spotted belladonna, and holding it to her nose, she inhales deeply.

Watcher quietly says, "Be careful with that."

You accept Watcher's offer and are now holding a virescent ebon-spotted belladonna. Speaking to Watcher, you say, "It's a toxin...slows muscle movements. Can be fatal."

Professional ties. They never go away, like learning how to walk or picking up your first dagger.

You nod at Watcher.

Watcher nods in agreement to you.

Watcher quietly says, "You know your plants well."

Speaking to Watcher, you confess, "Professional ties."

And study from more savvy individuals concerning plant life.

A Deadly Shadow says, "It works well in drinks."

Wolfloner nods at Watcher.

Watcher begins chuckling at A Deadly Shadow!

You nod at A Deadly Shadow.

A Deadly Shadow says, "From what ive... been told."

Watcher nonchalantly says, "Mm."

Speaking to A Deadly Shadow, you agree, "It does."

Speaking to Wolfloner, you say, "Thank you again. I'll....need to figure out the exit here, but this place was great."

(Xanlin tosses a knowing glance toward you, taps his nose, and then points at you.)

Speaking darkly to you, Wolfloner says, "You cannot leave. Thought I made that clear."

Wolfloner smiles at you.

You raise an eyebrow in Wolfloner's direction.

You snicker at Wolfloner.

Wolfloner glances at a stone bridge.

A Deadly Shadow says, "We've told you too much." Watcher quietly asks, "Oh, the new compost, this is it?"

Speaking to Watcher, you say, "I'd...make a terrible compost."

Speaking smoothly to you, Watcher says, "That is for the plants to tell me."

Speaking to Watcher, you say, "Someday....hopefully, not anytime soon."

Watcher just slipped quietly across a stone bridge, with her group following closely.

Tufts of dead grass poke up through the deep mud and provide you with a convenient, though slow, means of crossing the black waters of the swamp. Unseen bubbling and splashing can be heard off in the mist, but who or what is causing it is veiled in the oppressive grey of the thick air. You also see a stone bridge.

You say, "Be safe, all."

Watcher quietly asks, "Do you need an escort back to town?"

Speaking to Watcher, you say, "No, I know my way around. I should be fine."

Xanlin says, "Good evening all."

Watcher quietly says, "A pleasure to see you all."

You say, "Evening to you all, and thank you. Thank you so much."

Watcher quietly says, "Ah, thank you."

You say, "You're quite welcome."

Closing and Final Thoughts

As I crossed the stone bridge and returned to the Landing while keeping an eye on any nocked bows from those that might take issue with my inquiry, my time with the Dae’randir ended. I had always been impressed by Wolfloner’s knowledge and savvy, but never in a million years did I think there was such a low-key detail group of Onar following killers in such proximity to the Frontier. I would not recommend the Dae’randir for those looking for a way out of the life, trying to get clean and stay away from the dark world that lurks while others sleep comfortably in their beds. However, for those who wish to steer clear from emulating brigands mugging for coin, those who wish to put their talents to use without allegiance, or those who wish to achieve Balance in the name of Onar, The Dae’randir might be the perfect organization to call home.