Then, on the evening of December 26th, Occa teleports in to pay a visit. He finds most of the party in the large kitchen of the castle. Outside, it is a cold winter night (it is about 0F right now), but a large fire burns in the grate and it is quite cozy here. He finds the mighty arch-mage Stiff in the midst of some renovations - indeed, he is currently applying plaster to the kitchen walls - while everyone else cheers him on from the sidelines.
Also present - among others - are Orlon, Arrrrgh!, Who Knows, Al, Vardui and Tracey.
Occa says, "Hello everyone! How have you been? What have you been up to? Our group has been exploring Mestom and Hell. In fact, our next trip will be to hell again. How are you all?"
"Hey Occa, all is well, Hell, ah, now that is a quest fit for a cavalier of Thor!" Al replies, "want some help ?"
"We are always happy to have a mighty warrior. You are always welcome to join."
"Thanks, Occa," Al replies, "time to take Thor's name to new places."
"Ooh, that sounds like a place where there is some real action!" Orlon remarks to Occa. "Are you holding out OK?"
"We are strong with fighters, but weak in everything else. We have a bunch of greenhorns in our group now...they tend to die a lot and need training alot."
"Cool!" replies Vardui. "We found a portal into a strange place called the nexus, which leads to other portals leading to other places."
He tells you the story.
Occa says, "The nexus. Cool name. We will have to come see it some time. Another thing I was wondering is if the community chest is here? We have been sorely drained and haven't found much in Mestom."
"Sure it's here," says Vardui. "Do you need to raid it?"
"Yes, I do."
"You, being part of the main group, are welcome to use the items, if it will further the cause of our party," Orlon tells Occa.
"Thank you Orlon."
Occa goes rummaging.
Hearing that they are weak with every group but fighters, and the fact that he is getting restless sitting around, Orlon would like to transfer over.
Occa completes his rummage through the magic.
Somewhat to his surprise, Occa spots Hardboard wandering about.
So, when Occa departs, he takes Al and Orlon with him.