Law and Honor, SR

Opening on the ship they had "chartered" to take them to D'quan, the party stands around the main deck, realizing they know very little about their traveling companions.   After getting to know each other a bit, joking a bit, and drinking a bit, a moment arrises that would change everything - a moment, one fleeting moment that planted a seed that would become a sprout and then a mighty tree. A moment when their youngest companion, who is currently called Peter, asked a barrage of questions.   "What were those flashes of light when the island disappeared?" "Can I have some wine?" "Where did that Scorpion come from?" "Why did you steal all that money?"   Although the party had a bit of disagreement about how young is too young to drink, the major issue was when Lance Mayr and Issac Miller had a major clash in ideology when Lance petitioned Peter that stealing to survive was not wrong at all, rather a necessity.   Isaac naturally disagreed and scolded Lance, which resulted in a minor debate about their differing walks of life. However, this moment would be referred to for years to come, because it marked both a chink in the companions relationship and the seed that would become an amazing friendship.   After also debating about renaming the young lad called Peter, who himself claimed the title "Gemslayer", but not coming to an agreement as to what to call him, the lookout called "Land ho!". Among the names were Desmond and Nathan - the latter of course triggering a sour memory in Isaac - one of his brother before he died.   Timothy Braxson managed to learn a bit more about Jackson Addler and Lance before the ship was close to the bay.   With the group returning from their expedition to Isle D'quan, they met back with the Queen who was eager to learn of their exploits. Of course, Lance, having business in the city, declined to meet back with her. Although, the rest updated her and young Peter even gave a secret stash of gems to Ellen, bringing a sense of pride to the group as well as a humbling moment for Ellen.   Now it was time to find an army. However, the party had no idea who to recruit. A long debate ensued on a number of topics, but ending with Garrett's research on the gem that Lance found in Xul Swamps. At this point, with Lance returning to the party, the debate became heated as far as the existence of Lorkin at all.   Shocking the group, Clare Waters stood and transformed into a Raptwilde before the group's eyes.   Clare answered questions and scolded the party for being childish. Eventually, the path ahead was clear - more information needed to be gathered on the Lorkin, the gems, the strange phenomenon on the mountain as well as Isle D'quan, and where to find people willing to fight for Queen Ellen.   Ellen suggested the party use the evening light to check with Captain Quill, who had been helping at the Coin Guard Barracks. Upon meeting and updating him, he offers to help train the party on their downtime. He recommends to find Terbius, his brother, at the Forbidden Fork Tavern.   ----------------   This is where the party separates. Timothy Braxson and Isaac seek to learn more at the local libraries, however Timothy knew an outsider and a Balancian would never be accepted into the Hall of Knowledge, most likely where they would find answers. After a quick conversation with Isaac, the duo decided to go back to Clare, the leader of the Chaos Sector, to ask for help.   Isaac succeeded in convincing Clare to allow him to join House Chaos, the defenders of Forbidden Knowledge, provided that he complete the trials, which would be administered at a later date. On merit, she allowed Isaac and Timothy entry into the Hall of Knowledge, provided they are guarded at all times.   At the Hall of Knowledge, both Timothy and Isaac find what they are looking for relatively easy. Timothy learned all he could about Isle D'quan and the strangeness that surrounded it. Isaac, on the other hand, in only one night becomes so enthralled by the abundance of Lorkin in the books, became very knowledgeable about the species' (Acquiring Hidden Lore, Lorkin).   Jackson and Lance continue to the tavern... but chose to go to the Proud Pelican Inn instead of the Forbidden Fork. Upon entry, Lance takes position to look for easy targets for his sticky fingers as the proud and boisterous Jackson challenges several people to a drinking contest. The first of which accepts if he buys the drinks - a beautiful brunette woman with deep green eyes, leather and fur armor, and a well-kept sword at her hip. With no money to his name, Jackson moved on to a man who looked to have just gotten there. He, in turn, referred him to a man who looked to take his drinking very seriously.   Over the next few hours Jackson would get to know this old man, how he loved and lost, how the plague took his wife, and how he tried everything to save her. After listening to the story for the remainder of the evening, and talking about the pain of his own encounter, Jackson would be surprised as the old man took out a small box and handed it to him saying "This is all that's left - soon I'll be gone too, but you... you remind me of someone. Take care of yourself."   The box was full of jewels and gold.   As the night unfolds, Lance ends up picking a few pockets - one of which held a brilliant white gem that pled "Save me" in Lance's mind.   The next morning, Lance awakes in bed having spent the night with the beautiful brunette who was at the bar earlier. She claims that the night was "The best night of your life, your words, not mine." and leaves, taking the crystal with her. Lance quickly realizes and chases after her.   Meanwhile Timothy and Isaac have awoke in the library, having learned all they could. They then head to the Proud Pelican to have breakfast.   Jackson awoke at the Waters' mansion with Peter rasping on his door. Upon learning that his party didn't return the night before, he went out in search of them.   Back at the Tavern, Timothy introduces Theresa, the Innkeeper, to Isaac - a older, staunch woman who is also the cook. After ordering and talking a bit with her, Jackson walks in, sits down, and the three begin breakfast.