ACT 1 : Heroes
In 5 different parts of the City of Kings Port, five very similar notes are delivered...
Dear Sir/Madam,
It has come to the attention of House Galstaff that you may be looking for work.
If such is the case, please come to Galstaff Manor in the noble quarter by 11am this morning. Your efforts are sure to be amply rewarded.
Simon Rutledge
Seneschal, Galstaff Manor.
Looking up to the clock tower in the centre of town after finishing the note, you can see that it is just after 10.
Having just finished his morning training and breakfast Ebenezer goes over the note. This better not be some sort of sick joke... the offer of a job soon outweighs Ebenezer's suspicions. he packs all his possessions into his backpack (afraid someone will break in while hes gone and steal everything) and makes for Galstaff Manor.
As she makes her way through the streets of the city, Ranah considers the note that she received this morning. The letter gave no indication at all as to the nature of the job being offered. However, she reasoned that it did no harm to find out what this job would be about - afterall it wasn't a definite acceptance of employment. Thus, she had set out towards Galstaff Manor that morning once she had some free time to spend. Glancing up at the clocktower, she notes the time on its face. Nearly an hour to reach the house. Plenty of time, hopefully.
As soon as Alexander reads the letter, his eyes widen,"employment," Alexander then shows the letter to his rat on his shouder, "Finally, we can make some gold." Alexander grabs his pack and cane. When he realizes what time it is, he sighs and keeps on going toward Galstaff Manor.
Watching the messenger leave, Atruen takes the last taste of his Sage tea. He wonders how anyone in this town is even aware of his presence already, hoping that his older brother hasn't gotten himself in trouble again.
Calling politely for the waitress, he asks her if she has heard of the man that signed this note. Regardless of her response, he leaves for the manor shortly thereafter. "I believe my journey may be beginning," he mutters to himself as he enters the cluttered morning street of the city.
Cracking an eyelid at his roommate in the tiny tenement Shale calls home. "Hey mate this came for you bout a quarter hour ago." Shale reads the note. Looking out of the window at the clock tower stopping only long enough to grab up his tools and weapons. Leaps out the second story widow to roof of the overhang down the slates to the streets below. Without so much as backward glance at his startled roommate or the people in the street. Runs with his customary long legged lope to his appointment. "Even if I don't get the work, nobles always have good stuff to acquire in their homes." Shale thought to himself happily.
Sitting only a few hundred yards or so from the Royal palace itself, Galstaff manor is a lavish estate with a sturdy wall surrounding it's well appointed grounds and a manned gate at the front. There, three guards can be seen. One stands by the gate at attention and watchful, the other 2 can be seen just inside the gatehouse itself playing what appears to be chess.
This is one of the most presigious areas of the city, with proximity to the royal palace itself often denoting great honor and position.
"Ebenezer, at your service" bowing slightly to the guard by the gate. "Here you better take a look at this" Ebenezer presents the note he got this morning.
While rounding the corner to the manor, Atruen sees an older man, somewhat hermit like, talking to the guards and presenting them with a similar letter to the one he received. He immediately stops and waits to see what transpires before going forward.
Atruen's dark eyes fix upon the large manorhouse as he thinks, "What gluttony. So much gold wasted."
Assuming the monk is allowed in the manor, Atruen approaches the guards, presents the letter, and asks, "Excuse me, young fellow, but can you tell me what the Lord of the house does for a living? Excuse my ignorance, but I must admit that I have never heard of Lord Galstaff and would like to know a little about the man of the house before entering it."
Alexander walks up to the right next to the elf and stops and then looks at the guard, his rat stands on his feet sniffing the air.
"Excuse me, sorry to bother you, but would you help an old man and point me out where to go?" he holds the note to the guard, then looks at the elf, "I am sorry , sir."
The guard looks at the note, a look of relief breifly crossing his features before he scholls them again. turning to the guardhouse, he calls out. "Hey Wulfric, A few of the guests we were expecting are here. Escort them into the manor would ya?"
The younger of the two guards inside sighs and makes his way out, taking a longing glance at the chessboard before giving you his full attention. "If you would come with me good sirs. I will take you to the manor, although you are likely to have a small wait as we are expecting others this morning." With that, Wulfric unlocks the gate and opens it for you to come through.
A few moments later, Ranah approaches the gates of the manor. She heads over to the guard standing attentively and produces the note that she received this morning before greeting him.
"Good morning. I received this letter this morning - it stated that I should come here. Can you tell me where I should go?"
She holds out the note to the guard as she speaks.
Shale runs up and skids to a stop in front of the guards. "Good morning gents and lady.....I have a note here somewhere here it is, hope I'm not to late."
Alexander walks up to the right next to the elf and stops and then looks at the guard, his rat stands on his feet sniffing the air.
"Excuse me, sorry to bother you, but would you help an old man and point me out where to go?" he holds the note to the guard, then looks at the elf, "I am sorry , sir."
"You have nothing to apologize for, good sir. It appears as though we are here with the same invitation. I wonder, have you any idea who this Lord Galstaff is? I, myself, have never heard of the man." Atruen quickly glances over the old man while he inquires about the host. His left hand instinctively wanders to the hilt of his rapier, lightly touching the polished steel before coming to rest on the front of his leather belt.
"Ah, but where are my manners. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Atruen Roualt and it is my distinct pleasure to meet you."
Alexander looks at Atruen nodding his head, "It is a pleasure to meet you, i am Alexander Dakota,a performer." Alexander then looks on his shoulder, "and this is my friend, Miyack" He put his hand toward his shoulder and the rat jumps to his hand.
As he is about to head in the manor, he says, "Never heard anything about this place, i usally stay out of places like this... to fancy for my performances." Alexander laughts for a little bit then heads toward the manor.
You're escorted into the stately home, through a set of beautiful hardwood doors and into a massive ballroom. The guard points to a stately parlor to the right and you move to fill the beautiful crushed velvet seats within.
You've barely managed to sit before servants enter and offer you hot tea spiced with some exotic and unusual scent you've never smelled before. A few minutes later a tough-looking white-haired man in his early 50's enters the room. He is dressed in black pants and a silk scarlet shirt - the Galstaff family colors. "Greetings good sirs and madam. My name is Simon Rutledge. I am Jacob Galstaff's personal advisor.
My Master, Jacob Galstaff, needs an urgent message to be delivered to his son, Trabian. Two days ago, Trabian set out to explore a new Sa Karen ruin found in the foothills of the Dread Mountains. We don't know exactly where the ruins are, but a friend of Trabian's a ranger named Bareena, will.
You will likely find her in the King's Shadow.
Find Bareena and get directions to thye ruins. Master Trabian and his companions are accomplished adventurers, so they should have cleared out whatever dangers they might have found there themselves. You need only worry about the possibility of orc and bandits along the way.
Deliver the message and get the Scarlet Riders back here by no later than dinner time tomorrow and we will pay you 50 suns each. Success may also mean that you are hired for more challenging tasks in the future. I'm sure I don't need to tell you that my master is quite wealthy and powerful. In fact, it was the Galstaffs who gave The Seven their start.
This is a matter of great importance, so please deliver the message as quickly as possible."
With this, he hands a sealed roll of parchment to Atruen.
"Thats quite a journey on foot may we make use of his lordships stable?"
"Mr. Rutledge, I would first like to thank you for this opportunity but I must admit, I have a few questions before accepting. First, you must excuse my ignorance, but I have never heard of a couple of the groups you referenced. Who are the Seven and the Scarlet Riders? I was also wondering why the five of us were chosen for this task?
Also, how are we to recognize the ranger Bareena?"
Atruen watches the assistant's demeanor as he responds to the questions, hoping to assess his intentions.
Alexander looks at Atruen nodding his head, "It is a pleasure to meet you, i am Alexander Dakota,a performer." Alexander then looks on his shoulder, "and this is my friend, Miyack" He put his hand toward his shoulder and the rat jumps to his hand.
As he is about to head in the manor, he says, "Never heard anything about this place, i usally stay out of places like this... to fancy for my performances." Alexander laughts for a little bit then heads toward the manor.
"Ah, fancy indeed. A bit ridiculous if you ask me. I believe I would much prefer the company of your friend Miyack over the lord of a house such as this." Atruen reaches slowly toward the rat and pets him on the shoulder, if Miyack seems agreeable to it. "What kind of performing do you do, sir?"
You all see an old man, overweight and ugly, dressed in stained and tattered robes. He is keeping a watchful eye on the tea given to him, as if he half expects a squid to leap out and strangle him at any minute.
Once Simon Rutledge has stopped talking the elderly man stands, bows to Simon, (which does not look unlike a pre-duel bow) introduces himself as Ebenezer and then sits down again and begins to speak: "So Galstaff Manor" he says with a sort of snort/laugh "Needs our help... I don't get it if you guys are so rich and powerful what do you need us for?"
the man speaks with a sort of permanently sarcastic tone but none can be sure that he isn't just failing at being polite and funny.
Ranah accepts the tea from the servants, sipping from it as she listens to Simon explain the situation. After he is finished and the elf and old man have asked their questions (rather rudely in the case of the old man), she casts a glance around the room before looking back to Simon.
"I have to admit, the question of why we were chosen also comes to my mind. We seem to be a rather ..varied group.
Of course, I will do what I can to help you. I have my own horse should the distance be far enough to require mounted travel."
Shale
The Galstaffs are known to be frequent patrons of an adventuring group known as The Seven, this group is known for having performed some of the greatest heroic deeds of this last generation. Trabian, the son who was mentioned, is a member of the Scarlet Riders, another up and coming adventuring group. Though not as well known as the Seven, they have performed quite a few feats of service for the city already.
The Galstaff family are also known to be one of the richest merchant families in the country.
Rutledge looks up almost in shock, "Why, the Seven and the Scarlet Riders are some of the greatest heroes of the age! The riders have put down any number of orcish invasions and the Seven are grand veterans who persistantly hunt the abominations the oft lurk in the ruins in the region."
"As to your questions about the job itself, we can easily provide any of you who need mounts with a mount from our stables, as well as a very good description of exactly where we need you to go and what Bareena looks like."
"Why we need and chose you comes down to three things." Hautily he brings up one hand and begins to count on his fingers. "One, we needed a group of people to deliver this message to ensure that the message actually gets there. Two, when checking the rolls of the city I could see that none of you had any employment to speak of and were considered to be of able mind and body. And Three, quite frankly, just how hard do you thnk it would have been for me to convince an experienced group of mercenaries or adventurers to play messenger boy?"
Trying hard to hide his growing distaste for the aloof butler, Atruen pauses, takes a deep breath, and says, "I don't believe ANY of us would qualify for the term 'Boy' sir. Need I remind you that I am not under your employ yet and even if I do accept this job, I am quite sure that it won't be you paying my fee, will it? Now, if you wouldn't mind giving us the letter and the horses and we'll be on our way. Time, I beleive, is of the essence, is it not?" The elf turns to look at his new coworkers searching for signs of affirmation.....
"Ah, fancy indeed. A bit ridiculous if you ask me. I believe I would much prefer the company of your friend Miyack over the lord of a house such as this." Atruen reaches slowly toward the rat and pets him on the shoulder, if Miyack seems agreeable to it. "What kind of performing do you do, sir?"Alexander looks at Atruen nodding his head, "It is a pleasure to meet you, i am Alexander Dakota,a performer." Alexander then looks on his shoulder, "and this is my friend, Miyack" He put his hand toward his shoulder and the rat jumps to his hand.
As he is about to head in the manor, he says, "Never heard anything about this place, i usally stay out of places like this... to fancy for my performances." Alexander laughts for a little bit then heads toward the manor.
Alexander laughts, Miyack sniffs Atruen's hand and rubs his head againist it. "I am a performer of magic."
"Why we need and chose you comes down to three things." Hautily he brings up one hand and begins to count on his fingers. "One, we needed a group of people to deliver this message to ensure that the message actually gets there. Two, when checking the rolls of the city I could see that none of you had any employment to speak of and were considered to be of able mind and body. And Three, quite frankly, just how hard do you thnk it would have been for me to convince an experienced group of mercenaries or adventurers to play messenger boy?"
Alexander readys his tea cup near his shoulder, so that Miyack and drink some. Then Alexander drinks the rest of it. "I take offense to the 2nd one!" Alexander finishes his tea, Miyack then goes to Alexander's ear.
"Oh, I see, nevermind sir, forgive me."
"I agree, let us be about it."
Ebenezer seems content with the answers given, "So, when do we start?" he says with a smirk.
Indeed time IS of the essence, please, follow me and we shall get you saddled up." Turning to the maid, gives an order. "Please go to the gallery and fetch the small portrait of Miss Bareena, then meet us in the stables. Hurry now girl, hurry!"
With a quick step he heads for the rear door to the parlor. "Please come this way." Heading through the door with a stately yet hurried stride.
Ebenezer stands and follows.
Ebenezer stands and follows.
Alexander gets up and follows too, looks at the other elderly man while walking, "Hello good sir, how are you this day?"
In short order, 5 horses are saddled up and ready to go. A few moments later, the maid returns with a small portrait, about the size of a man's hand. "This is what Miss Bareena looks like. In all likelyhood, you shall find her in the King's Shadow, a tavern in the shadow of one of the King Kaden's Towers by the north town gates. She should be able to send you onward in the right direction." With some reluctance, he hands the portrait to Ebeneezer.
Hello good sir, how are you this day?
Ebenezer reagards Alex with a suspicious sneer... "Whats it to you?"
Taking the potrait reluctantly Ebenezer looks to the party, "You lot better not be think I'm your pack horse"
As the others have horses saddled for them, Ranah politely declines the offer of one of the Galstaff horses. "Thank you very much for the offer of a horse, but I have my own horse - I would prefer to take him along rather than inconvienience you by taking one of yours."
After the advisor explains where to find Bareena, Ranah turns to the rest of the group.
"If you all would like to go on ahead to the King's Shadow, then I will catch you up shortly - I will fetch my horse and then make haste to the tavern."
Alexander looks at the horse, then looks at Miyack. Miyack climbs to Alexanders head was he is clibing onto the horse. "Here begins the adventure." Alexander looks at the other adventures and nods ready to head toward the tavern.
Atruen climbs carefully onto his provided mount. Although not well trained in riding, he is somewhat experienced with horses. Petting the side of his horse in an attempt to calm its nerves, Atruen gives a sideways glance to the group that has assembled next to him. "I hope our new friend is correct as I have been looking for a good adventure for quite some time. Let's make haste to the tavern."
Given simple directions to the King's Shadow, it is a short 10 minute ride through the city to its front.
You've passed by the King's Shadow before. Everyone who visits the City comes to see its famous doors. Few have been inside. Few have been inside, however, for the fee us sttep, and its hallowed halls are meant for heroes and their employers.
Standing before the legendary entrance way is a single guardsman dressed in an impeccable green uniform. He wears no weapons or armor.
Standing before the legendary entrance way is a single guardsman dressed in an impeccable green uniform. He wears no weapons or armor.
Atruen quickly dismounts his fine horse, brushes the dust from the road off of his dark green cloak, and walks directly up to the guard. He is careful to present himself in a cordial and friendly manner, keeping his blade sheathed and swept toward his back, and keeping a broad smile on his face. "Excuse me, good sir, I was hoping you could help me out. We are looking for a woman that goes by the name of Bareena. Any assistance that you could offer in this regard would be most appreciated."
Ebenezer dismounts and eyes the guard suspiciously
I bet its his job to keep the victims inside not the criminals outside... look at the lavishly designed doors... no honest man could afford that
The doorman looks up at you with a bored expression on his face. "The door fee is 20 Suns, no less."
"20 SUNS!! MY GOD ITS DAY LIGHT ROBBERY!!... you sir are no more than a common thief dressed as a giant cabbage." Says Ebenezer eying the mans green uniform.
Turning to the others; "The lady we seek may find me waiting outside... I'll be warding the rich and stupid away from this place." he says turning to the guard with a sneer.
The doorman looks up at you with a bored expression on his face. "The door fee is 20 Suns, no less."
"You must not of heard me good sir, have you heard of this woman named Bareena." Atruen asks again.
The doorman's face flashes annoyance at Ebenezer's antics for a moment before becoming passive again. When asked for Bareena, he turns to Atruen and simply states. "Client business is client business. I may not comment one way or another."
Ebenezer is soon bored with the lack of activity, he walks over to Atruen Roualt and the guard then whispers something to the Elf.
Atruen Roualt & Savage Storyteller
"I'm Bored"
He then runs full speed directly for the door in an attempt to get inside.
"Sir, even if you cannot tell us details, could you perhaps pass on a message to Bareena for us if she is inside?" Ranah asks, in the hope that the doorman will consent. She is not carrying enough for the entrance fee either. Just as she finishes speaking, Ebenezer makes a dash for the door. Not expecting this, and not being a tact that Ranah would take (or approve of) in this circumstance, she starts forward.
"Hey, what are you doing!?"
Atruen watches the mad man run toward the door. At first, the elf is stunned speechless, then he begins to laugh heartily.