Submitted: 24 December 1999

'Elderly' Bloodlust and a Non-physical strike

by Taerus Kei'Urden

"Get me drunk.. quickly," is all he says. Baresh places a few shots of whiskey on the bar.

"Ahh, Baresh, been awhile since I've seen you. And today I've actually got 2 reasons for being here. So I'll dive right in."

I've seen a lot in my days as an Elanthian adventurer.. but recently, this whole deal with Sorrow, and how our 'Elders' are dealing with it absolutely sickens me."

"Now, don't get me wrong, there's a great deal of the more revered folks in the realms who've got their heads on straight, and know how to reason as well as fight. And for each and every one of them I have great respect. All of you know who you are. It's those few who lust more for the battle and death that their skills can bring than for the betterment of the masses. You ALSO know who you are."

He downs the first shot, making a slight face before placing the glass upside-down on the bar, continuing.

"As I sit back and observe the interactions with the 'Threesome,' Darkensi, Prayk and Sadiaer, I can't help but wonder; have all senses of logic, diplomacy and reasoning been stripped from this land, leaving nothing but the primal lust for blood in it's place? Even when these three speak peacefully people incite them to fight just to try and see if they can get bragging rights over them. Many people've covered this in recent weeks, so I won't go into it."

He downs the second shot, not even flinching as he places the glass upside down next to the first.

"The real reason I've come here is to expose some sort of logical 'battle plan' for getting the best of Sorrow and his men."

"As anyone that I trust would more then likely know, I've met with Darkensi on two separate occasions now. And your friend Dreamheart was present for one of them. At any rate, I've found Darkensi to be a most reasoning person despite his constant readyness for battle and efficency at killing. Now, many know why Darkensi serves Sorrow, but not many know the reasons why he won't turn against him."

Taerus quickly downs the third shot, placing the glass on top of the first two, right-side up.

"No more, thanks."

"Now, Darkensi feels honor-bound to Sorrow because he gave his word to him, and had, as of about a week ago, found no reason to distrust him. With Marstan and company's passing, this is the reason we needed! A few others realized this, but haven't really considered playing this card yet. This will perhaps be what we need to get Darkensi to turn his back to Sorrow, greatly weakening Sorrow's overall strength, and also giving us intimate knowledge of not only the interior of Sorrow's Keep, but of Sorrow's plans and other things as well."

"At present time I am powerless to do this myself, however . . . I'm currently on the run from that big 'tog tax collector. So I implore anyone within earshot to try this course of action. Darkensi trusts few people, and I reccommend that one of the few whom he's met with before try this and not a new face, as it will make it easier for him to absorb. No hotheads either, for obvious reasons. A neutral or trusting face. As it is always best in a 'diplomatic' situation."

With a long breath, he finally finishes.

"Thanks for letting me talk your ears off, Baresh, but I had to voice this to someone."

He quickly fishes out a few silver coins, placing one on top of each shot glass and then leaves in silence."

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