[center][h3]Drosil, South-Western region of Barcea[/h3][/center]

As the group of Sentinels continued on their way, they'd begin to notice something strange. A low rumbling noise that seemed becoming somewhere from the west of them. If they turned to look they'd see a cloud of dust making it's way towards them. Within minutes the dust cloud would be close enough for them to see the cause of the disturbance; a man on the back of a giant centipede-like creature seemingly on the run from a group if dark triangular shapes that were plowing through the ground at a frightening pace. So focused was the man on escaping his pursuers, he didn't notice the group until he was almost upon them, his dual-colored eyes widening in surprise as he yelled out a command in some harsh tongue to his unusual steed, causing it to just barely swerve to the side, barely avoiding plowing through on of the horses as it did so.

The man and his mount slides to a halt a short ways past the group, drawing his gun from with one hand and a staff with the other, looking around to find the creatures that had been chasing him, only to see nothing but marks in the ground where they had mysteriously stopped. As he kept a look out for signs if the unusual, the group of travelers would have ample time to study him as well. The man was somewhat tall, wearing well worn clothes made from tanned leather and furs, with arcane runes inscribed throughout the garb as well, seeming to glow a dull gold even while the sun is shining all around them. His skin held some darker coloration do it, a sign of his southern heritage, but it was easy to see he was not the type that got out much as his tan skin held a paleness to it no seasoned warrior or explorer would have. Along with that were his strange hair and eyes, both seeming to glow ever so slightly, as well as being made up of two colors. The hair, which looked like it hadn't seen a comb in sometime, was both the deepest of blacks and the purest of whites, while his eyes shown with the colors of riches, holding within them the green of the finest emeralds, and the bright yellow-ish sheen of golden luster, mixed together in an odd firm if harmony with each other. These strange features were set ion an angular face, one that was not displeasing to the eye, though it was clear that it was one not made for the frown he was currently making as he looked around.

More importantly to the group then his looks, however, were his weapons and his strange mount. The gun was a intricately engraved flintlock, covered in arcane runes similar in design to those adorning his clothes. His mount, who was also keeping an eye(and antenna) out for danger, was also watching the group with a wary eye, it's large mandibles clacking in warning invade they tried anything. The insect  nearly reached the shoulders of their horses, and was nearly two times a long with many sharp, pointy legs made for stabbing and holding down prey. Most unnerving about he creature, however, is that it had an almost human level of intelligence in it's compound eyes, watching those assembeled with a very disturbing intensity. But even more eye-catching than the monstrous insect was the man's staff. It was a beautiful object, over a meter and half of intricately carved crystalline material that caught the light around it like prism, allowing it to sparkle with all the colors of the rainbow. It's length was carved with runes and scenes of arcane mastery, and topping the masterpiece was a small orb, floating over the crystalline base with nothing to support it. The orb itself was a dull black and seemed rather unassuming and boring compared to the rest of the staff.

After a short mount of time, where nothing seemed to be happening, the man gave a small sigh of relief, before finally turning his eyes to those who he'd stumbled across. A smile was quick to adorn his face, though it was carried with a slight embarrassment and anxiety as hey kept looking around for any signs of anything out of the ordinary, the grips in his weapons never loosening, even as he introduced himself to the group, though he made sure to keep them l peered to show he meant no harm.

"Hello there, fellow travelers, my name's Drosil Maeneld of Jasi, and I'm sure you have a few questions/concerns, but I think it'd be best to keep moving. You see-" Before he could finish his sentence, his eyes went wide as he seemed to notice something, thrusting out with his staff as he spoke again, this time the language was more flowing and charged with power. The orb on his staf took on a bright green color before a small ball of compressed air shot forward, smashing into the ground right next to the girl cloaked in white. From the cloud of dirt that erupted from the spell came the shattered remins of a strange shark-like machine covered in old runes, it's mouth open with a strange barrel poking out of it. "Okay! I'm sorry for he scare bit we need to leave now. I'm not sure how far these things can I away from the ruins they're protecting, but they've got a nasty bite, can shoot mini rocks at you, and are persistent little buggers. So, before we're killed by mechanized land shark hinges from hell, let's get moving."

As he spoke, he pointed at the ground again, sending out another ball of concussive air to take out another Automaton. They seemed to be getting more used to the increased number of people, closer and closer to launching their assault. If they didn't leave soon, then bad things were very likely to happen.

[@The Darklight Project]