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[Tonash Drahow]

"Ah, good old Beremond. He is a kindred spirit that one," Phineas recollected his prior dealings with the holy paladin as the small group journeyed towards the cathedral,"The man is a paragon of light, understanding and justice. He is as wise as he is strong. The paladin single handedly defended a frontier town against an entire clan of ogres, led by a fire giant. In the same week, he denied the reward the villages offered to him and told them to make use of it in rebuilding their homes. As I said before, if there is one man who will listen to reason in this city, it will be him. Ah! Here we are."

Phineas, Tjaden, Erron and Prometheus made their way towards the Temple District. The grand cathedral of Balpheron was a beautiful sight, marvelous stone pillars with upraised braziers that glowed with white flames. You walk up the large central staircase, leading into the main foyer. The main entrance was a grand view, the floor was pure marble and the rugs were a deep crimson and gold, leading in three separate directions. Two towards side halls which likely led to the Knights' quarters as well as other storage and the main path leading to the sanctuary itself. From those doors, you observe as a man with a braided golden-white beard, clad in a silver breastplate and a crimson cloak descended the sanctuary stairs.

"Ah! Beremond! It is wonderful to see you again, you almost appear to be a dwarf from a distance! I spotted your beard before I managed to see you! Haha!"

The paladin shared a hearty laugh with the caravan master.

"It is good to see you again as well, my old friend. I see that you've sustained some injuries. Allow me-"

Phineas began to object, suggesting the wound was hardly worth the effort, but the kind-hearted paladin smiled and quieted him as he placed his hands on the elf's injured arm. The limb glowed blue for a moment then the light faded. Phineas then unwrapped the bandages himself and stuffed the bloody linen within a coat pocket before moving his arm into a soft punch against the steel-clad holy man.

"It would've healed on its own in a few days."
"And it is healed now. Let it be. Hehe. Not to change the subject too quickly, however, I notice you have some unusual traveling companions."

Before the ever-charismatic and talkative Phineas could introduce the trio properly, Beremond now stood before them.

"Unusual robes you wear. You are certainly no man of the cloth I am aware of, I would say it is safe to assume you study the ancient art of Ki. Perfection of the body and mind. It is a noble path my friend, but do not allow your pursuit to become your undoing, I've heard that 'Edge' one of our oldest residents within the city was a practicioner of the same art. You should attempt to find him in the Docks District on the southeastern side."

With a pat on the monk's shoulder, he moved to the next in line.

"Ah, a druid of the forests. I had not expected to see one so close with nature walking the streets of the city. You really ought to ((CHECK IN WITH THE DAMN GM >.>)) talk to Mira Shadewright. She's been studying the habits of animals that roam the nearby lands, particularly wolves, I have a feeling she'd be very interested to meet with you. You might find her near the city gates."

It was then that he turned to the orc.

"You are most certainly not someone I would have believed would have been allowed into the city, given our current circumstances with your native kin to the north. Phineas' ties are obviously very strong in more than just myself apparently. Not surprising. Though it is Balpheron's creed that dictates that one is defined by his own character, not by the character of those whom he cannot speak for. You carry yourself with an air of confidence and honor. Tell me, noble one, what is your name?  

[Tonash Drahow]

"Well, it is my honor to meet you, Tjaden. Balpheron welcomes you in his home. Here, wear one of my personal seals, none of the townsfolk will think twice when you pass by wearing it. Do not think of it as a brand, showing that you are a 'tame beast', but think of it as a badge of honor. You have shown your confidence, eloquence and dignity in a way that surpasses most of the people within this city."

Before Tjaden could object, he placed into his hand a golden sun shaped pin, with a crimson "BT" emblazoned within its center.

"Beremond, thank you. Let us return to more pressing matters.. What do you know of this war between Haven and Two-Tusk?"

The aged paladin gave a labored sigh as he turned back to the merchant.

"It began only a few weeks ago, several of our outlying villages and outposts were being overrun by the orcs with no explanation. Our emissaries sent to the citadel were all turned to corpses and sent back. The only clue we have as to why this war has begun is that they believe we struck first. I have already spoken with General Isenheart and he has ensured me that if there had been any military movements against the orcs, he would have known about it."

The paladin turned to the druid for a moment.

"To make matters worse, I have heard similar rumblings that the very same thing has occurred to our elven and dwarf allies. The only difference being that they are fighting one another! Scores of dwarves and elves have left Haven in an attempt to reach Deepanvil or Telanor Dera'na. These are mad times we live in, mad. I would go myself to any of the capitals and attempt to reason with them to stop this madness, but with the threat of an orcish attack, my hands are tied. The elves have always had a deep animosity towards the dwarves and vice versa ever since the War of the Beard took place at the beginning of the Age."

Beremond turned away from the group, placing his hand on his beard and ran his fingers through it.

"This all seems too convenient. Why would all four capitals of the peninsula become involved in a war at the same time? I fear that there is a darker presence behind all of this, as if someone or something is pulling the strings behind my vision. Might I ask a favor of you all? If you would speak with the Archmage Alanna in the Fate Tower of the Mage District, she might be able to discern a proper course of action."