RP; Greed's Embrace

After returning from the tiring adventure to the ancient tombs, Meren could not sleep peacefully. Every night the serpent which he first saw in that strange of state twilight has continued to haunt him by night. He never dreamed Maladon to be a paradise of any description, but this, this was something else. Never had any of the deeds he committed followed him as persistently. None of them, none! Meren might not be among the cleverest of men on this island but he is no fool. He needs power, power to overcome his adversaries, in whichever situation he finds himself. Gods are incredible sources of strength for those who choose to believe. But the blessings of the divine are not for Meren, for his path lies elsewhere. That much is certain to him. Syvil, that smug elf, had mentioned the name a of a person who Meren thinks could possess knowledge of the type of power he seeks. A half-elven man called Reskin resides somewhere in Haven. And Meren is eager to find where...

As you awake the next day, and head down into the Tipsy Mermaid, you see a lanky man wearing a dark black cloak, which seems well worn. He is wearing casual clothing, with leather armour strapped on under the cloak. He seems lightly armed, with only a crossbow and a few daggers. His hair is a dark brown. From what you've heard, this is the man you're looking for.

Meren observes the man from behind a corner until he is sure that the man is in fact alone. He gets a drink himself after which he approaches the hooded man, sitting in a quiet corner. Just before opening his mouth he hesitates a second, he isn't wearing his normal fighting gear. Should this turn out badly, he would be in a disadvantage. But such hesitation only leads to regrets, it was time to act. "Good day sir, might you be the man they call Reskin?" Meren lowers his tankard onto the table and sits down while keeping the slightest smile. The question was superfluous, he already knew. "I've heard of you. From that unpleasant elf Syvil." Meren takes a sip and leans slightly backwards. The other man has a stern look in his eyes.

Reskin looks up, and the stern look turns into one of boredom, and his grey eyes dull. "Indeed, I am Reskin, and don't listen to everything Syvil says, I distrust the man, or elf I suppose, about as much as he distrusts me." He pulls out a well worn book, and looks at the back of the book, and sighs, but this time seemingly in defeat, though you see a shadow of a smile on his face. "What can I do for you, and if you're just here to ask pointless questions, you may take your leave."

"Straight to business then? Ha, I like that." The carefree look on Meren's face does not persist. It has turned into one of curiosity, and excitement. "I come to you with a request. I seek power beyond that of normal man. During my last trip outside the city it became clear to me that if one is to survive out there, he needs more than just brawn. Magic! Magic is what I'm after." After saying this he looks at his attire and seems to slump ever so slightly. "But I'm no mage. And not a holy man for that matter." Meren raises his head, leans over the table and grins, widely. Then, pointing at the book Reskin is holding he says: "Yet I know those aren't the only ways to attain power from afar planes."

At the mention of magic, Reskin stiffens, and then leans back casually, but Meren hears a voice in his head. "Power you say... Are you sure you want to bind yourself to such a contract? It is something which is done rarely..." Reskin then looks back at the book and sighs. "I already know you're answer, so let me warn you. This power is not like the power of a Wizard, for they use incantations. Nor is this the power of a Sorcerer, for their power is innate. This magic is similar to that of a Cleric, for we are granted this power, but our power is greater, and thus comes with a greater price. I cannot grant you power, but I know two beings which can. One is a creature of decay, and one is local to this area. Choose, and I shall help." At this, Reskin picks up his forgotten drink and takes a short sip, and a look of distaste spreads across his face. This time, you hear his voice aloud. "And what does it take to get some decent drink around here?"

Meren is taken back witnessing such an ability. Yet he is in an awe of a sort. Much to his surprise, the man has agreed to help him, and asked for nothing in return. He contemplates asking why but chooses not to. "I shall take up your offer. The creature of decay does not sound like something I'd be interested in associating with, but you say there is another being. A local one at that. I'm sure it'll fit my needs just fine." The grin on Meren's face fades. He finishes his drink and offers his hand to Reskin. "It's a deal then. Is it possible to forge the contract right away?"

Reskin smiles, and whilst it is not an evil one, it is not a kind one either. "Perhaps. Perhaps not, depends on how it is feeling." He drains the rest of his drinks, coughs, and then stands. "Follow me, and pray we don't run into Syvil on the way." At that, Reskin stands and walks out of the Tipsy Mermaid, and along the path to the Forest of Shadows, and turns and beckons for the man to follow him. He remembers that the time when he went, it did not appear until a stone was removed from Syvil's pouch. Though he recalls that the creature did say that it would place no barriers in his way, so maybe it was removed. Reskin shrugs, and mutters to himself, "No use pondering on such thoughts."

Meren is feeling somewhat uneasy. Even the slightest movement in the brush gets his attention. "Are we required to perform a summoning of some kind? He gets no answer and so ponders if the question was foolish. Reskin knows what he's doing, no need to worry. But is it really so simply achieved? This contract with a being of eldritch origin. And what is it with his sword giving off a strange sensation? As he finishes this thought, he see's Reskin has stopped and turned around.

Reskin turns, looking to see if they are being followed, but determines it not. As they approach the cave, Reskin walks in. He gestures for the man to follow. Whilst traversing the bridge he reaches out with his mind, to see if he can feel the presence he felt before. Just as they are about to scale the wall, Reskin turns around and speaks to the man. "Are you sure about this? As far as I know, no contracts have ever been broken, so this is a contract that you cannot go back on." Waiting for his reply, he reaches out again with his mind, trying to sense for the eldrtich being.

OK you two; since you've gone to the cave and described moving stealthily, can you both make me stealth checks (that's a Dex check if you are untrained). Roll in the VTT and post your scores here please.

Rolled crit 25

17

Their archenemy confirms; good rolls.

Ok; go over to discord now; no observers please

would i be able to see this knowing that im around the area 

Make me a perception check

12

You don't see them; they sneak past

ok but im still there doing my thing i don't no if you get my last pm but you never sent one back 

As Reskin leaves the cave, he inhales the smell of air. He has a lot to think over, especially this cloud of fog that now surrounds his mind. It does not seem hostile, so he guesses it must be some sort of shield. As the man walks out again, Reskin turns to him. "I did not catch your name, and now if we are to be fellow warlocks, I will ask for it now." Reskin continues walking, out of the forest and back to Haven.

"Meren Denn is my name. I arrived here in Maladon but a short time ago. And now that I have a purpose again, I don't think I'll be leaving anytime soon." (laughter) Meren catches up to Reskin and passes him. His left eye glitters in colors of blue. /END OF RP