As the group is leaving the building, Magus asks them to wait for a minute. He reenters and walks up to Sir Ryan Trawl.
Magus: Greetings, my lord. I have a proposition for you. I fear sending a small band of knights will only end in disaster, and disgrace to the Order. Instead, I recommend you put aside your natural distaste of the Shadow Thieves and their ways, and join them to fight a common enemy together. You must admit, they are the lesser of two evils, and essential to this city's economy. Without them, crime would be a much more chaotic and unpredictable thing, and it is the duty of the Knights to uphold order. Aran Lindvale is a good friend of mine, though I don't always agree with his choices or his methods, and he has always aided me in the past. I will be leaving soon, and I would like to assure that he isn't alone against this vile threat. Would you agree to work with him for the time being?
Sir Ryan Trawl: Helping thieves? Our honor could not allow it!
Magus: Please, Lord Knight. You wish to rid the city of this foul evil, correct?
Sir Ryan Trawl: Why of course!
Magus: And you admit that sending a lone party into the crypts is uncertain at best, and suicide at worst?
Sir Ryan Trawl: I see. But thieves? It would forever be a tarnish on our illustrious reputation. There must be another way.
Magus: I'm afraid not, Lord Trawl. The situation is much worse than a mere guild war. The existence of an artifact of immense magical power has been discovered by an evil cavalier named Weasel, and I fear knowledge of it has leaked far and wide. Too many questionable occurences have been happening lately for it to be just a coincedence. A powerful necromancer named Ubik knew of Weasel's plots, and word has it that he has joined with Bodhi. If somebody with evil intent got a hold of the artifact...it could have dire consequences for all of Faerun. For this reason alone, Bodhi and her accomplices must be stopped, whatever the cost.
Sir Ryan Trawl looks tired, and for the first time his age seems to show. "Then I was not mistaken. I gathered from my God that something was terribly amiss, but I didn't want to believe it. Now I cannot deny it any longer. Very well, Magus (he sighs). I shall cooperate with the Shadow Thieves.
Magus: One more thing, Lord Knight.
Sir Ryan Trawl (wearitly): You need not call me such. You have proved you are a wise man, and certainly my equal. Now what is it?
Magus: I mentioned earlier I needed to leave the city. I normally wouldn't leave during such a time of need, but outside circumstances demand it. My dearest love, Aerie, has been abducted by an accomplice of Bodhi, Omar. Do you know of such a person, and where he could be heading?
Sir Ryan Trawl: The name sounds vaguely familiar...yes, I've heard the Cowled Wizards know something of him...he's a powerful member of the underworld, and has crossed their path many a time. Go see them for what you seek. I'm sure their enigmatic ways would suit your tastes better than this old servant.
Magus: Thank you...Sir Trawl. Your help is most appreciated. I'll tell Aran that he has a new and much needed ally. I hope he's alright...he never even told me that this Omar showed up in town... Farewell, and may your Order prevail over the foul evil invading this once peaceful city.
Sir Ryan Trawl: Farewell, good mage. I trust when you get back you shall regale me with your beautiful partner?
Magus (gives a wistful smile): I shall, Sir Trawl. I shall.
Magus walks out to rejoin the others, and they set off to the Circus.
Sidenote: I think I should get a reward for sheer length
![Image](http://www.gamebanshee.com/ubb/biggrin.gif)
...but I couldn't help it. I was really trying to simulate a realistic conversation.
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Magus, mighty conjurer, and summoner of hordes of...magical flying swords
[This message has been edited by magusg (edited 01-16-2001).]
[This message has been edited by magusg (edited 01-16-2001).]
[This message has been edited by magusg (edited 01-16-2001).]