That time I Returned Home to my home on fire and 2 invasions

You join the Merelew driver.  "Right this way, sir."

[Aboard the Mammoth, Platform]
Thick, barnacle-encrusted ropes secure the platform to the mammoth's back.  The wooden planks follow the curve of the beast's neck, allowing the driver an elevated vantage point as he does his best to lead the sea creature to and fro across the vast ocean.  Birds' nests can be seen all around the platform and are woven intricately into the fur.
You also see a barrel of fishing poles, a bucket of hooks, a barrel of fish bait and a basket of normal fishing line.
Also here: Shadow Hunter Maltris.
Obvious exits: down.

Your mind hears Nefis thinking, "Xedis, I am FROM Basalt Isle."

Your mind hears Zehira thinking, "oh war mage do not start when you opened a portal and let things invade Crossing"


 Your mind hears Mazrian thinking, "Point of order, the stuff coming through was happening anyway.  Nothing to do with the portal."


Wintidal just arrived.


You twiddle your thumbs.

Your mind hears Collain thinking, "I thought this was an incitement to the serfs of Ratha to rise up?"


Maltris ponders.

Maltris peers quizzically at you.

Maltris asks, "Why do you look familiar?"

> look khear
You are Protector of the Innocent Khearkrash NoRoken'Vilks, Champion of Arms of Elanthia, a Rakash Paladin.
You have a wolfish face with a severe overbite, gold-flecked eyes, one crystal green and one crystal blue and a scale-etched ka'hurst nose ring resembling a viper hooked through the left side of an elegant muzzle, a silver and white coat with silvered black masking, a thick tail and a well-defined build.
You are one who towers among others for a Rakash.
You are a pack beta.
You have an elaborate arrangement of several Syrin's heart rings piercing the flesh of your lower lip, that have been attached to each other with thin lengths of diacan chain.
Your right wrist has a tattoo of a kneeling Rakash thrusting a sword skyward as he is encircled by a ring of spectral apparitions.

You say, "Its the face."
>
Maltris says, "I know, it is what disturbs me."

You say, "All the canine." (was moonskin)

You twiddle your thumbs.

Maltris says, "More of your aiding the necromancers and a pirate."

Maltris asks you, "Is that your reason for gaining passage to Ratha?"

Your mind hears Collain thinking, "Well, Ratha doesn't seem to be revolting. Against the Great Houses, anyway."


You ask, "I live on Ratha?"

Maltris ponders.

Your mind hears Mazrian thinking, "Ratha doesn't seem too concerned about it."

Maltris asks, "So my statement prior isn't true?"

Your mind hears Collain thinking, "You're asking sailors what acceptable risk is? Bold of you."

You say, "Oh, no I helped the pirate."

Maltris nods.

Wintidal lifts his chin proudly and says, "May Kuniyo guide my steps in the wilderness and my blade in the midst of battle."

Maltris nods to Wintidal.

Wintidal's ears wiggle with joy.


Warrior Priest Wintidal went to the beach.


[Shore Walk, Beach]
Small groups of sandpipers play tag with the waves as they dash along the beach.  The little birds occasionally pause in their game to investigate bits of seaweed or gobble up sand lice.  The waves, forced to travel around an offshore jumble of rocks, hit the beach at an angle.
You also see a blue-eyed ebony kitten.
Obvious paths: northeast, west.

....and were moving...

>
[Paladins' Guild, Eamonn's Office]
A black marble desk, flanked by two brightly burning platinum braziers, sits directly in front of a large open window that overlooks the city.  The vaulted four-paneled ceiling is decorated with beautiful images and deep green ivy overflows from gold-leaf planters in the corners of the room and winds its way up the adjacent marble columns.
You also see an embossed scroll and the Paladin Guild Leader Eamonn.
Obvious exits: out.


"Well, Khearkrash," the guildleader says, "You have some work to do..."

[Paladins' Guild, Storage Room]
At the bottom of the stone steps is a poorly lit narrow room filled with large wooden crates and boxes.  Packing paper and straw are strewn haphazardly on the floor that is in dire need of sweeping.  Hanging in the far corner of the room is a large lantern, lighting up a makeshift table that is covered with a variety of exotic wares.
You also see a dragonwood mannequin with several things on it, a darkened stairwell and a mistwood mannequin with several things on it.
Obvious exits: none.

On the dragonwood mannequin you see a pair of dusky-grey padded sleeves with silver buckles, a pair of black quilted pants with a wide leather belt, a black quilted mask embroidered with a jade mongoose, a black cloth robe with a dark grey belt hanging loosely, a pair of dusky-grey cloth gloves with silver buckles on the wrists, a dusky-grey cloth hood with silver studding, a pair of dusky-grey thick cloth pants cut to fit around a boot, a dusky-grey quilted vest with silver buckles and clasps and some black quilted gloves embroidered with a scarlet goshawk.

 Your mind hears Xedis thinking, "Well im a free Tog and dont tell me how to live how about that"

 Your mind hears Collain thinking, "I mean, I'm not really against turning Ratha into ash. Might be an improvement. But I feel like you're not respecting their choice."

 Your mind hears Khurnaarti thinking, "It seems rather wasteful.  Think of the marine life."

 Your mind hears Nefis thinking, "We will burn your city and the fields so that your people will starve"

 Your mind hears Xedis thinking, "Collain why dont you care about Ratha being turned to ash why not the crossing"

 Your mind hears Kretona thinking, "the stables are ablaze"

 Your mind hears Collain thinking, "Some reconnaissance would have helped you there. Ratha's a trading city. Mostly sand on the island."



Your mind hears Nefis thinking, "As I stand in the fields, I would beg to differ, Collain"

Your mind hears Xedis thinking, "we have herds of pigs also large ones"

 Your mind hears Kolja thinking, "They are setting everything on fire! All the supplies on the docks!"

Your mind hears Khurnaarti thinking, "Those are pigs?  Huh.  I thought those were Humans."

Your mind hears Comfrin thinking, "Nefis, Did you cook our horses for us? That's very thoughtful. Not quite the "starving and dead" i'd expect"

 Your mind hears Xedis thinking, "go out the gates of Ratha you'll find the pigs Khurnaarti"

[General][You] "no one will ever want to eat again if that fire reaches the sewers."
You concentrate on projecting your thoughts.

 Your mind hears Kolja thinking, "The sky is literally burning now here!"

 Your mind hears Nuzack thinking, "Lower Bank of Ratha is burning!"

 Your mind hears Eyst thinking, "There is an awful lot of fire, although I'm not sure it's the creatures doing it."

Your mind hears Mazrian thinking, "That's probably me."

Your mind hears Collain thinking, "Very nice light show. Looks pretty beautiful from out in the sea."

Your mind hears Lasaia thinking, "I don't see any fire."

Your mind hears Lasaia thinking, "nevermind I see it now."

 Your mind hears Nuzack thinking, "Carousel Square is burning!"

Your mind hears Lasaia thinking, "we put it out."


Your mind hears Nuzack thinking, "fish buyer is burning!"


Your mind hears Mazrian thinking, "Does this seem more likely to convince the worthies of Ratha you need to be crushed, or less?  I'm not clear on your goal here."

You swagger out.

[Ratha, Processional Way]
The south end of the great Processional opens onto the Palace grounds where the trees spread their branches as if in greeting.  They beckon one to take the pleasant stroll northward to the Great Waymeet and Angels Flights.  Several stores and guilds can be found down the Promenade to the east.  The west path leads off towards the temple grounds.
You also see the Paladins' Guild.
Obvious paths: north, east, west.

Tempest Knight Saragos just arrived.

Tempest Knight Saragos strides west.

(woop woop woop back into guild)

Your mind hears Lasaia thinking, "We're putting out all your fires."

Your mind hears Inauri thinking, "I appreciate the updates on this very hot topic."

You rub the baldric...
It hums softly and emits a pure white light! (6/7)
You find your mind drifting to random thoughts.  Your concentration returns the moment you recognize it happening.

Your mind hears Lasaia thinking, "There's no burning."

===leaves guild again===

.....and the khear keeps runnin' runnin'......

[Ratha, Port Walk]
The walk broadens into a wide platform lined with strong, iron mooring posts at wide intervals.  A vessel fills every slip, and others wait in the harbor, anchored until it's their turn to dock.  The day-time bustle of the port has subsided now, and even the lap of the water can be heard.
You also see a feral pain-wracked banyakea, a feral wretched banyakea, a feral twisted banyakea, a medium magenta agate, a small amber citrine, a veteran pain-wracked banyakea, a feral pain-wracked banyakea that appears stunned, a feral pain-wracked banyakea which appears dead, a feral many-armed banyakea which appears dead, a moldy pine coffer, a small indigo tanzanite, a small mauve andalusite, a tiny silver nugget, a feral mutilated banyakea which appears dead, a medium iron nugget, a smelly Lost Crossing monkey, a champion champion banyakea which appears dead, a veteran veteran banyakea which appears dead, a majestic snow white mountain lynx with glowing sapphire eyes that is sitting, a swinging door with a painted sign on it and some junk.
Also here: Demonic Nefis who is covered with whitened ridges, Carnage Darling Dantia who is surrounded by a shimmering shield, Solitudines who is shrouded in ghostly flames, Shadow Hunter Maltris, Smuggler King Collain, Satirist Navesi is surrounded by an elemental maelstrom, Mazrian who has a fiery visage, Aes-Amachi Casari, Mountain Lord Ezerak who is surrounded by a shimmering shield, Lady of Elamiri Ayrell who has a stony visage, Knight Templar Nanakii who is surrounded by a shimmering shield, Art Historian Zymi who is surrounded by a shimmering shield and Sir Madigan who is surrounded by a shimmering shield.
Obvious paths: northeast, southwest.

(big brawl happenning)

Navesi turns to face you.

You ponder.

(walked away back to my guild)

..........travel.......

[Kygar's Pub, Common Room]
Long tables lined with matching benches fill the roomy pub, standing over a sawdust-covered floor swept clean every day.  Bunches of drying herbs hanging from rafters add spicy scents that mingle with the aromas of meats roasting on spits and the freshly-popped corn kernels that fill wooden bowls.  A small stage has been set up in one corner for minstrels, storytellers and other entertainers.  Contrasting shouts of glee and groans of dismay come from rooms set off to the east and the west.
You also see a black and white cat, a small plump cat, a swinging door, a serving counter, Rog, a waitress, a handwritten menuboard and a large sign.
Obvious exits: north.

> read menu

              -----------------------------
              ||      Kygar's Pub        ||
              ||  The Best on Reshalia!  ||
              -----------------------------

Drinks:
 1 - Reshalia Stout                               - 30L
     A thick, molassesy ale
 2 - Kygar's Roast Coffee                         - 25L
     A gourmet brew with a hint of cinnamon
 3 - Root Beer                                    - 15L
     A spicy carbonated beverage
 4 - Fresh Milk                                   - 10L
     Wholesome and refreshing

Entrees and Side Dishes:
 5 - Beef Waldrin                                 - 60L
     The finest rare beef in a flaky pastry crust
 6 - Grilled Lamb                                 - 55L
     Marinated in a chili yogurt sauce
 7 - Curry-marinated Sea Bass                     - 40L
     Served on a bed of julienned cucumbers
 8 - Steamers                                     - 25L
     Steamed littleneck clams with garlic butter
 9 - Herbed Dumplings                             - 15L
     Fluffy dumplings made with chives
10 - Homemade Dill Pickle                         - 05L
     Crunchy and sour with a hint of red pepper

Desserts:
11 - Strawberry Cake                              - 20L
     Fresh berries with a dollop of whipped cream
12 - Persimmon Tart                               - 25L
     Custard and persimmons in a buttery pastry
13 - Watermelon                                   - 10L
     A wedge of the freshest fruit
===decided against it and left=====

The high guard scans the area with a watchful eye.
The guard stares in your direction for a long moment, then charges straight for you!  You are unable to evade the onslaught, trapped by the guard.

With deft actions, the guard binds your hands behind your back, and marches you off.
The guard brings you to the jail, where several companions aid to hold you down and strip you of all your possessions.  They are placed in a sack under the watchful eye of the jail warden, and then you are ushered to a cell, the door opened just long enough for you to be shoved inside.

[Ratha, Jail]
A loose scattering of straw cannot conceal the stinking remains of rotten refuse.  By the look of the yellow substance that also stains the floor, someone was not able to handle the smell.
Also here: Demonic Nefis who is covered with whitened ridges.
Obvious exits: none.

Nefis mutters to himself.

You ask, "What did I do?"

The cell door opens, and an armored guard enters, pointing a finger at you.  "Come along, Rakash, it's time to face the judge."
You are quickly escorted out, and the door closed behind you.

[Ratha, High Guardhouse]
Marked by mud, bread crumbs, and apple peels, this guardhouse is the epitome of filthy.  If the high guard runs inspections, it obviously missed this post.
You also see a small sack and a scratched oak table with several things on it.
Obvious exits: out.
The judge gazes down at you with stern eyes, "Khearkrash, you stand before this court accused of disturbing the peace.  Though the evidence against you is considerable, final judgement has not yet been reached.  How do you plead?"

You raise your voice and firmly declare your intent to prove your innocence!

The judge nods solemnly, "You shall be given a chance to present your arguments in your defense, then."

Doing your best to muster the entirety of your eloquence, you argue the case that you should be found innocent of the crimes before you today.  The judge listens intently, comparing what you say with notes upon his desk, and when you finish your summation, you can only hope that he was adequately moved.

After a long deliberation, the judge finally says, "Khearkrash, this court finds you innocent of the charges brought upon you.  You are free to go.  Guards, please return this man's things."
The guard releases you, and somewhat reluctantly hands you a sack containing your things.  You are shunted to a small area in the corner where you redress in relative privacy.

.........


[Ratha, Port Walk]
The Port Walk skirts a small building jutting onto the path.  The traveler who moves to the water side of the walk to avoid it has a good view of the entire harbor, crowded with vessels small and large -- fishing smacks, the schooners of traders, galleys from far off -- an ever-changing, ever-moving testament of the wealth and power of Ratha.
You also see a majestic snow white mountain lynx with glowing sapphire eyes that is sitting and a ramp.
Also here: Lady of Elamiri Ayrell who has a stony visage and Aes-Amachi Casari.
Obvious paths: northeast, west.

Ayrell glances at you.

Lady of Elamiri Ayrell goes northeast.

You say, "Woop."

[Kygar's Pub, Common Room]
Long tables lined with matching benches fill the roomy pub, standing over a sawdust-covered floor swept clean every day.  Bunches of drying herbs hanging from rafters add spicy scents that mingle with the aromas of meats roasting on spits and the freshly-popped corn kernels that fill wooden bowls.  A small stage has been set up in one corner for minstrels, storytellers and other entertainers.  Contrasting shouts of glee and groans of dismay come from rooms set off to the east and the west.
You also see a black and white cat, a small plump cat, a swinging door, a serving counter, Rog, a waitress, a handwritten menuboard and a large sign.
Obvious exits: north.

The black and white cat catches sight of his tail twitching behind him.  He lets out a startled yowl and spins around in circles trying to catch it.
>
A fiddler steps up to the stage and plays a rowdy tune.  Several couples get up and manage to dance energetic jigs between the crowded tables.

===leaving the bar===

You peer southwest and see ...


[Ratha, Port Walk]
The walk broadens into a wide platform lined with strong, iron mooring posts at wide intervals.  A vessel fills every slip, and others wait in the harbor, anchored until it's their turn to dock.  The day-time bustle of the port has subsided now, and even the lap of the water can be heard.
You also see a throwing blade, a throwing blade, a throwing blade, a throwing blade, a throwing blade, a throwing blade, a throwing blade, a throwing blade, a throwing blade, a throwing blade, a majestic snow white mountain lynx with glowing sapphire eyes that is sitting, a veteran monstrous banyakea, a spotted leopard that is sitting, a veteran wretched banyakea, a feral pain-wracked banyakea, a feral wretched banyakea that appears immobilized, a veteran monstrous banyakea, a feral mutilated banyakea, a feral wretched banyakea, a veteran wretched banyakea, a feral twisted banyakea which appears dead, a feral mutilated banyakea, a feral wretched banyakea, a feral pain-wracked banyakea that is lying down, a veteran twisted banyakea, a veteran wretched banyakea, a tiny turquoise, a small yellow-green star-stone, some gold coins, some silver coins, some bronze coins, some copper coins, a swinging door with a painted sign on it, a feral pain-wracked banyakea, a veteran twisted banyakea, a feral twisted banyakea and a veteran wretched banyakea.
Also here: Atuen who is shrouded in ghostly flames, Scurrilous Reprobate Enthien, Arcane Lord Somniumvisum who has a stony visage, the body of Lady of Elamiri Ayrell who is lying down, Ershta Zehira who is covered with whitened ridges, Dragon Boss Jeffe who has a stony visage, Kakhal Uthgaar, the body of Smuggler King Collain who is lying down, the body of Field Medic Darkewolff who is lying down and the body of Mazrian who is lying down.
Obvious paths: northeast, southwest.

Dantia just arrived, dragging the body of Mazrian behind her.

Dantia grabs Mazrian's body and drags it east with her.

You swagger east

[Ratha, Port Walk]
At this eastern end of the port drydock, heaps of naval stores stand stacked behind a sturdy fence.  Timber for spars, decking, or planking, barrels of tar and oakum, sailcloth wrapped in oiled sheets, kegs of nails -- the hundred-and-one items that keep a ship afloat are arranged in orderly rows ready for use.
Also here: the body of Mazrian who is lying down and Carnage Darling Dantia.
Obvious paths: northeast, west.

You ask, "Where ya headed?"

Dantia slaps you across the face!

Dantia grabs Mazrian's body and drags it northeast with her.

You say, "Hey."

From all around you, primal noises trigger an atavistic prey reaction from you and you freeze in place, terrified of Enthien.

You don't seem to be able to move to do that.

Enthien leaps from hiding and ambushes you, completely surprising you.

=====Dead as heck=====

Ungodly Kretona wanders west.

Dantia just arrived, dragging the body of Collain behind her.

Dantia smirks.

Carnage Darling Dantia goes west.

A smelly Lost Crossing monkey arrives scratching its backside and yawning loudly.

Something grabs your body and drags it . . .

You say, "Im fine to just depart."

You hear a voice say, "If thats what you wish."

You feel yourself lifted gently, cradled as if by a mother's hand.

You suddenly find yourself floating upward, the light dimming slowly around you.  Eventually, everything vanishes as the distance increases and you are enveloped by a sparkling panorama of brilliantly lit stars.

[Temple of Hodierna, Berengaria's Bridge]
The influence of the Pantel family is evident here.  Tapestries dedicated to Berengaria adorn each wall.  One depicts the goddess walking through a desolate field dropping seeds to the ground.  Another shows her watching over farmers as they harvest their abundant crops.  Worshippers of Berengaria have paid tribute to the goddess by offering wheat and other grains at the foot of a statue in the corner.
You also see a gold-flecked alabaster altar.
Also here: Tempest Knight Saragos.
Obvious exits: west.
==========
Dantia glares at you.

Dantia says to you, "Your side has been noted."

Dantia stands up.

You say, "Hey, i just live here."

Tempest Knight Saragos strides west.

Dantia rolls her eyes.

Carnage Darling Dantia goes west.

You stand back up.

You dust yourself off.

You twiddle your thumbs.

You rub your stone gwethdesuan.
The chain snaps in two places and falls to the ground as the stone stones crumble into a fine powder.

You sigh.

.....

(kenamer arrives)
Kenamer leaps to his feet!

You twiddle your thumbs.

You sit down.


Kenamer mutters to himself.

Kenamer says, "Buffing."

You ask, "Has the chaos died down yet?"

Kenamer says, "No."
.....

A gust of warm wind blows through the area, and a sparkle of silvery light flickers.  When it fades, Saragos has appeared on the altar!

Saragos stands up.

Saragos begins to advance on you!
Saragos advances from nearby and is closing steadily.

Saragos closes to melee range on you!

Saragos scowls.

Kenamer says, "Join me."

Saragos says, "Wait before we go."

Kenamer says, "We are buffing here."

Saragos says, "There's a ton of them.  Unless we outnumber, we're done."

You can hear a crier call out that the Malk'smo are pushing to retake Ratha, re-establishing justice!

You say, "This is them."

Kenamer says, "Join me for paladin buffs."

Saragos says, "You'd already be dead if this place wasn't warded."

You say, "Seems fair."

......

Kenamer says, "We are going to move out in a moment."

Kenamer says, "Get ready."

Kenamer says, "Moving now."

Saragos nods to Kenamer.

Battle Lion Kenamer goes west.

Saragos retreats from you.
Tempest Knight Saragos strides west.

.....
(Enthien arrives)
Enthien stands up.

Enthien hums to herself.
(she leaves)
You chuckle.
.....
You twiddle your thumbs.
...

You peer west and see ...

[Temple of Hodierna, Grand Hallway]
The high vaulted ceiling towers above, drawing your gaze upward to its gleaming apex.  The ceiling itself is made of many fragments of clear and frosted crystals that refract the light, showering the walls and marble floor with tiny rainbowed circles.  A detailed statue of a unicorn is the main centerpiece, standing gracefully in the middle of the room.  The arch leading into the main shrine is made of the finest ivory with images of Hodierna carved into it.
Also here: Shadow Hunter Maltris, Satirist Navesi who is surrounded by a shimmering shield and Tempest Knight Saragos who is surrounded by a chilling mist.
Obvious exits: north, east, west, out.

s>
You search around for a moment.
You don't find anything of interest here.

You stand back up.

You swagger west.

.......
[Paladins' Guild, Eamonn's Office]
A black marble desk, flanked by two brightly burning platinum braziers, sits directly in front of a large open window that overlooks the city.  The vaulted four-paneled ceiling is decorated with beautiful images and deep green ivy overflows from gold-leaf planters in the corners of the room and winds its way up the adjacent marble columns.
You also see an embossed scroll and the Paladin Guild Leader Eamonn.
Obvious exits: out.