Tilwic's Intent

----> The party is intrigued. They each simultaneously demand to know what possible business a Blackrobe could have on a deserted island. The two marryk do not seem surprised that the Blackrobe has an agenda other than their recovery.

----> "Why do you think the reconnaissance team was sent here to begin with?" he asks, as if this question should have already been floating about their heads.
----> No one answers. There seems to have been an unspoken taboo against even asking about the Blackrobe's business, as if it was information dispersed on a need to know basis, the party not being in that category.
----> "The marryk are a very superstitious people," Tilwic explains. "Although I see much of their iconoclastic religion and omens as drivel, some of it is real. The marryk believe in So-ju. It means 'Balance'. It also happens to be a very powerful alcohol, which they use to see visions and spirits. Hai-Shalyk Quigh felt a disturbing unbalancing in So-ju, originating from somewhere on this island." Taer Tilwic glances back in the direction of the two marryk soldiers. "Their reconnaissance team was supposed to gather information and bring it back to Quigh so they could organize an appropriate force to reestablish balance."
----> "But they never made it back," Meggana finishes the tale.
----> "Correct. Only these two escaped with their lives. When they rendezvoused at the beach, they found their boat had been demolished by the monsoon that passed a few days ago."
----> The group can easily identify with and understand the effects of that huge storm.
----> "So what exactly are we up against here?" Cyrdan asks.
----> "And give it to me from beginning to end," Grant adds.
----> The silent, downward glances from the two marryk are unnerving. After a sigh, the silver-eyed marryk answers.

Grim Tales