You strive to peer into the dark shroud but can perceive no features. A few about the room wipe at their eyes to clear them to provide a better view but can muster no better vantage. But a sense comes over you as you stare at the figure blocking the door, a sense that the figure is smiling approvingly at the gathering.

The hooded figure scans the room looking for an open seat. Noting one next to the Monk that goes by the name of Rose, the figure moves to it and stops. Drawing the seat out, the figure looks toward her seeking approval to join the table. Noting a small nod from Rose the figure sits and draws the chair in.

In a gentle voice the figure speaks... *

Greetings all. I bring favored word from friends in distant lands. *the figure scans the room for reactions and proceeds* I am the Second Voice of the Triumvirate. I am here with my allies to offer you an opportunity to participate in something friends. Something that you may find that compliment your own interests while providing service to your fellow citizens.

But before I go further allow me to provide you with some background to our meeting today. Two moons ago, your friend Lady Tiarella, *motioning a hand toward her, you note 3 rings upon her fingers, each adorned with a sharply cut gem*, journeyed to her homeland near the ruins of Ascarle. Traveling across the Trackless Sea, she came to us with tales of your situation here in the land of Dysotopia. If she is willing I shall let her continue the tale... *leans back and looks toward Tiarella*

*shifting in her seat, Tiarella begins to recount her tale*

Well friends, two moons ago I set sail upon the Trackless Sea to my homeland to meet with members of my family. Specifically my travels took me to the brother of my father, The Wizard Slarkrethel. *looks about the room to note any recognition to the name and then continues on* My travels to home were motivated by events happening both here in Dysotopia and in an effort to secure a degree of independence for all of you, my dear friends. *smiles and motions across the room to acknowledge all those present*

You see dear friends, the times recently past have not bode well for us... not well indeed. A dark force has begun to spread across the land, creeping upon us in both the darkness of night and the brightness of day. Unknown to you this force has spread upon you without your knowledge, instigating itself into your being without your knowledge and approval. And tis a dark force indeed folks.... one that would bring about your undoing if I did not intercede on your behalf.

*standing now, Tiarella continues* I speak now of the Dark Sun.... the Dark Sun of Cyric. *looks across the room meeting each eye to eye* I need not explain who Cyric is my friends, for you all know the Prince of Lies and the chaotic evil he represents. *nods in agreement to the others who nod their heads* Many of you have recently been recruited to support the citizens of this land by way of service in the Garde Imperial of the Lost Guard, an organization that was proffered to do good deeds for the citizens of Elerina and its surrounding lands. But what you did not know friends was that the Garde Imperial was really an organization created in order to establish the reign of Cyric in this land. No doubt many of you have seen the Cleric Glorin of Many Faces going about the land spouting the rhetoric of Cyric, beseeching others to follow him down this path of ruin. I fear that he may have come upon the Cyrinishad. *looks down and shakes head sadly*

*after a pause, she raises her head and goes on* Well. As I stated, I was not about to permit such evil to come upon my friends so I acted. I have seen the face of this evil and do not wish for you to be tasked with confronting it. With that foundation principle, I set forth to seek Slarkrethel's permission to form an enclave in this region. He has seen favor with these words and has sent his counselors, The Voices of the Triumvirate, *motions toward the three figures*, to assist us in our endeavor. They are representatives of a name not heard by many in these parts, the name of The Kraken Society, an order of my blood.

*bowing to The Voices of the Triumvirate, Tiarella returns to her seat*

*the Second Voice of The Triumvirate stands and prepares to speak*

Thank you Tiarella. *nods in her direction* My friends. The Kraken Society is a powerful and respected organization formed by the powerful Wizard Slarkrethel. Upon his discovery of the ruins of Ascarle, an elven city destroyed by drow and submerged by the northern ice, Slarkrethel learned of the former glories of his race and desired to reclaim them. Over the centuries he has created a network of associates, strengthening his empire. Eventually, he found means to rescue drowning sailors, offering them life in exchange for loyalty as his agents on the shore. From these beginnings, a powerful organization of information traders has grown, an organization that has accumulated vast wealth, favor and influence.

We come to you with an offer to join with us. We have listened to Tiarella and sense an opportunity here in this land. We wish to assist you in endeavors that can both benefit you and ourselves in a mutual manner. We restrict no churches from our guild and do not judge by race nor avocation.

You are free to leave if you do not see a benefit to yourself with us or if you cannot see a place for yourself in our house. We hold no bindings upon you restricting your motion. But I do believe that you will see a justification for belonging in our words to follow.

I suggest you all refill your ales now for next we speak of skills that we will assist your development in.