In a small cozy cabin lit by a fire place an old man rests in a simple chair, surrounding him on the floor is a gathering of small children. They listen to his every word, lost in fascination as he tells story after story. "Very well children, time for one more story then you are off to bed! Now lets see what story should be told..." the old man spoke softly. The children began shouting the names of their favorite stories when a voice from the back of the room carries over.
"Father, tell them a story about the will of the gods, a story of the strength of men, you know the one, after all it was not that long ago.." said a middle aged man with grey just creeping into his hair.
The old man smiled and looked lost in thought for a moment then he began to talk
"It is a quiet winter morning, as the sun rises to light up the world. Drifting slowly snow flakes land upon the ruins of what was once a great church, though now is barely recognizable ruins. Walls have crumbled, ceiling has caved in, and all of its fine trappings and relics long since taken. However this place emits a serene feeling to those who have visited, and superstition whispers that is a sacred and protected place....
Around the ruins the freshly fallen snow is all but undisturbed except by the foot prints of an occassional small animal. This scene could be something like a painting, beautiful...picturesque. Perhaps even something you would think of with a small nostalgic smile, so it is fitting that this is where our story begins." He said as the children grew silent and listened.
"It was here that the heroes of our story first met, each following a call they couldn't ignore.."
You have all found your messages, in your dreams, your prayers, through rumor, mentor, or by research. These have all brought you to this old set of church ruins in the southern part of Orensden. You knew that you were to be here at the onset of the winter solstice, there you would find answers.
Spurred on by his long dormant wanderlust, Braelin Vindasel, the last of famed company of explorers set off early to visit this ruined church that called to every fiber of his being. To avoid many lengthy delays, Braelin had used magic to arrive in the village closest to the ruins.
After provisioning himself in the village, set off toward the ruins with the hopes of arriving about a week before the winter solstice, traveling by foot and by air.
Arriving at the site of the ruined church, the world-weary elf thinks to himself of happier times when he would have been exploring these ruins with old friends, but quickly shakes his melancholy, with the belief that though his friends may not be here in body, their spirits indeed were.
Warming his hands with his breath, the elf casts a spell so that he may better survive the cold , and begins to look around the site.
Perception:
Stealth:
Knowledge(Arcana):
Knowledge(Dungeoneering):
Knowledge(Geography):
Knowledge(History):
Knowledge(Local):
Knowledge(Nature):
Knowledge(Nobility):
Knowledge(Planes):
Knowledge(Religion):
"Let's see just what it is about this place that keeps calling to me..."
Sojourn finishes up his messy business of punishing a criminal to the king and begins his mysterious journey to the place shown to him in his vision.
He makes preparations as he does every day, by bolstering his faithful companion Azrael, his eidolon. Magical armor and armaments are applied in case there is trouble at their final destination. He disappears with a twist of his ring and calls forth a powerful spell. With the image of the destination clearly in his mind, he centers himself and the world simply absorbs him and deposits him near the old cathedral.
As he arrives, he quickly dons extra clothing to protect himself from the biting cold, wishing he had learned the spell allowing him protection from the elements.
Upon arrival, Azrael scans the area, using all of his keen senses to determine if the area is safe or not.
Their arrival marks two days prior to the onset of winter solstice. Sojourn wanted some time to scout the area in an effort to gather some clues as to why he was beckoned.
After leaving her note, Johlanna took the few things she would need or couldn't bear to leave without, among them the original holy symbol Corona had given her. After cleaning her armor and sword she pulled over it a plain hooded cloak, at first walking until she was able to purchase a suitable war-trained gelding. With as few words as possible she joined caravans that were heading her way, lending her labor as needed, her sword arm when she had no choice.
Upon arrival at the last settled village before the ruins in her vision, she made some inquiries about the place until she was satisfied that she had gotten all that she would know. And with the rays of the rising sun behind her, she arrived.
Bonzo and Zaun rode hard for many days, soaring high above the rolling plains and less high above the sudden sharp scars on the landscape of scraggy mountains and mountain ranges. In these areas Zaun was happiest, and while they only lingered a short while in each locale, it pleased the picky wyvern. As they draw close to the place of Bonzo's vision, a day before the solstice, Bonzo speaks loudly over the roaring wind to Zaun, "Let's circle the place a few times, old friend, and get a layout of the land before diving headlong into the gods only know what!"
Gathering his heavy fur coat closely around him, Bonzo peers down either side of Zaun, searching the ground below for any signs of danger.
Bonzo Perception
Zaun Perception
EDIT:
Three days before the solstice, Ardra sits in a chair in her study, her library of books surrounding her. In her lap, she holds the book she discovered the unusual prophecy in. It is open to the appropriate page.
She reads it over one last time, then closes the book. "No time like the present," she says to the empty room. She places the book aside and stands up.
She spends the next hour gathering her belongings and making certain her house is in order. Then she departs for the church. With a whispered word, she teleports away.
On arrival, she casts detect magic, and surveys her surroundings, wary of any potential dangers.
[ooc] order of arrivals so you can choose how you are interacting with each other.
Braelin - 1 week
Ardra - 3 days
Sojourn - 2 days
Bonzo - 1 day
Johlanna - not specified, same day arrival? [ooc]
Braelin days 1-4
You notice immediately the foot prints in the snow, matching a rabbit or other small hare are the only thing disturbing the scenery. Stretching back into your long memory as you cautiously look over the ruins, you can tell this was once a Temple of Sarenrae, from the looks of it has out lasted empires. After 4 days of waiting, Ardra appears teleporting onto the scene.
Ardra day 4
This building is a marvel of construction, made of the finest marble and what remains of it will probably last more ages to come. This temple was once of great importance, built over the place a great monster was slain that terrorized the land several hundred years ago. Knowing of the ley lines of the world, this temple would also seem to be a perfect place to put a portal with in.
Spell craft, this whole place is surrounded in very strong, but very subtle magics of all schools and hidden so not to be detected by all but the wisest. Unless he is hiding, you see Braelin having made camp here for the last few days.
Sojourn day 5
Bonzo day 6
Flying through the cold bitter winds, Zaun complains about the weather, being glad that he isn't cold blooded. You notice the building in the distance and as you circle it, you can see 3 people below camped by the building. the following morning Johlanna arrives on the scene
Johlanna morning of winter solstice
She appears a single cloaked figure, silently studying those around them. as well a the temple itself, speaking not a word. Favoring each with an intense gaze. The face is of a silver blond human adult, perhaps in the early stage of middle age, a face that would be beautiful if she took the trouble to adorn it, but otherwise plain. a clearly adamantium mace hangs at her side, while the golden hilt of a bastard sword is seen slung across her back.
Sojourn and his companion, Azrael, quickly identify a familiar face camping near the old cathedral they were called to. 'Strange to find someone I know at this very location...'he muses.
Sojourn removes his veil of invisibility and calls out to his friend Ardra before getting too close - no need to provoke any hostilities, especially with a stranger in their midst.
"Hail Ardra! Well met my old friend!" shouts Sojourn from a fair distance. "It's me, Sojourn!"
He waits for a reply before approaching further.
"Might as well land and go say hello, eh? Don't want people getting paranoid about dragons and whatnot."
Bonzo directs Zaun to land a small distance from the gathered group on the ground below. As soon as the claws touch the ground, Bonzo skillfully throws himself to the ground and begins striding confidently over to the group; Zaun is at his back, snorting large bouts of steam in the wintry weather.
"Hail, strangers! I hope one of you can do a better job than me explaining why I'm here, because I haven't the slightest clue."
If she notices Braelin when she arrives, Ardra will make contact with him. She calls out from a distance, "Greetings! I bear no ill will if you bear none!"
If she doesn't notice him, she will set about finding a spot to camp.
When Sojourn shows up the next day, she responds to his call, "Sojourn! I've been expecting more to show up. What brought you out here? Dream or prophecy? Or have you just been following me?"
Somewhat confused as to who everyone is, and why everyone, including himself is here, the well traveled elf finally speaks up...
"I'm afraid I have no better idea than you, friend. Just what I assume is similar calling to this place."
If she notices Braelin when she arrives, Ardra will make contact with him. She calls out from a distance, "Greetings! I bear no ill will if you bear none!"
"Greetings to you as well....you'll receive no ill will from me." as the elf allows himself a small smile.
Bonzo joins the group of strangers, and introduces himself cordially. "My name is Bonzo Wiggin, from the Eastern Alliance. Some of you may have heard of me or my adventuring guild, the House of Guardians, but seeing as my friend and I are strangers to these parts, I wouldn't expect it. That beast behind me is named Zaun, and none of you have anything to fear from him unless you have something to fear from me, or if you keep bits of dried goblin flesh in your pockets on a regular basis. That would do it, too, haha!"
His laugh is hearty, and his smile friendly. His face carries all the typical small scars and markings of a battle-hardened warrior. In addition to this, his body's muscular frame is massive for a human, and anyone can tell that under his heavy fur coat and hooded cloak there is a magnificent breastplate. A large and beautiful bastard sword is slung across his back: apparently the only weapon he carries.
If there is a fire already going, Bonzo plops down to warm his hands. If there isn't a fire, or the fire is burning weakly, he immediately sets off into the nearby brush to search for firewood.
Out of the shadows walks one of the King's foresters. He glances and nods at each person,
"Greetings"
He stays in the shade and shadows, observing the others, and recalling what he knows about them.
--
Knowledge Local: 11 + (D20) 6 = 17
Brynn
Bonzo is a famed warrior from the east, his exploits are mostly centered around fighting monsters and corrupt governments. While rumors say he flyings a great dragon, you can clearly see it is a wyvern.
The Lady with the broad sword and noticable lion headed shield is probably Johlanna, the famed paladin, champion of good.
the old looking elf is Braelin, a famed explorer and adventurer once part of a great adventuring company, now he is the only living one from that group.
Ardra is a famous wizard of the realm, elven by nature.
the gnome identifying himself as Sojourn you know to be a black staff, one of the king's secret "police" that handle threats not to be made public, only being in the king's inner circle would you know what a black staff is, so probably best not to make this knowledge public.
Sojourn & Ardra
Johlanna
Sojourn will make his way slowly up to the campfire to introduce himself to Braelin, then greet Ardra. His draconic companion follows closely behind, looming large behind the small gnome.
Sojourn is unusually small, standing just six inches over 3 feet in height. His hair is a lustrous blonde hue, like that of a morning sunrise. He wears it spiky and unkempt. His skin is light tan, like the color of sand from a pristine beach. He has an overly large mouth and large eyes as well, giving him an odd, child-like appearance. Despite his youthful profile, his piercing blue eyes are hard and cold.
"Greetings sir" begins Sojourn, speaking to Braelin. "I am Count Sojourn Twillbender, envoy of King Godfried, the Fourth. I am a collegue of Mistress Ardra, whom I believe you have met." He gazes at the man, sizing him up.
To them both, he asks, "What brings you to this specific location? I don't believe it to be a coincidence."
"Greetings sir" begins Sojourn, speaking to Braelin. "I am Count Sojourn Twillbender, envoy of King Godfried, the Fourth. I am a collegue of Mistress Ardra, whom I believe you have met." He gazes at the man, sizing him up.
To them both, he asks, "What brings you to this specific location? I don't believe it to be a coincidence."
"Greetings to you, Count Sojourn. I am Braelin Vindasel, and am a servant of Desna."
"As to why I am here? A persistant vision of this location haunts my dreams, or least it did until I arrived here a few days ago."
The aged elf looks around...
"Judging by the looks of things, I'm not the only one this site has summoned."
"Judging by the looks of things, I'm not the only one this site has summoned."
Sojourn nods in grim agreement with the elf. "Aye, I suspected as much. I was given a strange vision directing me here as well. I figured others had received a similar vision when I saw you and Ardra here. Glad to see you have a camp set up while we wait for the day of the winter solstice. Perhaps others will jion us before then."
Sojourn takes the time they wait to talk with Braelin and Ardra.
"It was not a vision that brought me here," Ardra says, taking a seat by Sojourn at the campfire. "It was a cryptic prophecy in a book I have read numerous times and somehow never noticed before. It seemed almost as though it were written directly to me. I suspect you are right that others will come to join us."
As the wind blows in her face Azara slowly walks through the newly fallen snow Her companion perched proudly on her shoulder looking around ever vigilant looking for trouble.
As she steps out of the woods into the clearing a good 500 ft from the rest of the party you see her. Golden red hair, pail pink skin standing around 5' 8" to 5' 10" slim muscular build. On her body she is wearing a black fur coat with with a brown leather Pack hung on one shoulder and leather boots. On her right shoulder perches a rather large red tailed hawk eyeing you suspiciously.
As she approaches she puts out her left hand in greeting. "Might my companion and I sit by your fire and warm ourselfs lads?" she says with a smile and warmth. Pulling a rather large wine skin from her pack, "there is plenty for all!" holding it aloft.
As she gets closer you can see that her eyes are an emerald green with flecks of silver within. Once within 100ft she says "Hello I am Azara and this is my companion Daon." With that the hawk flys off her shoulder and transforms into a man. The Man 6' 4" has long black hair with deep reddish brown eyes, a goatee and dark tan skin. He looks cautious and after bowing in greeting moves to stand almost in protection of his companion. The newly transformed man is wearing a dark blue colored cloak overtop of a white fur coat, crimson red gloves and matching boots. On his back he also has a pack while his coat is also buttoned up fully.
"Greetings Azara. Greetings Daon. That is quite the introduction, I must say." begins Sojourn at the sudden and mysterious appearance of the pair. "I am Count Sojourn Twillbender and these are my companiions. You may share the fire and our camp if you kindly state your business. Be fair warned, strange business is afoot. Pray tell you know of it? Might you have business here at this old cathedral, mayhap?"
Dolo does his best to be disarming and charming while still on guard from the intrusion.
Diplomacy skill check
Diplomacy
Knowledge:Nobility
Perception
Perception - Azrael
Sense Motive (Wis)
Looking at everyone assembled as he bows stepping to the right and infront of his companion, he says, "I hope I have not startled you. I figured if we are to be friends we should be honest with one another."
[/b]"Now where are those spirits"[/b] looking at his companion and patting the ground next to him as he finds a seat around the fire. Looking at the rest of the group. "Please do continue." motioning them on as he looks back at his companion.
Frowning at Daon. "what my companion means is that he has had dreams about this place for some time and we visit it atleast once a week hopeing to learn the secrets that it might hold. It really is very curious." With a smile and a skip she plops down next to Daon.
In response
Nods his head pulling off his glove and showing his ring to you."It is good to be in such fine company." With a smile "yes I do think we all have business here my fine fellow." with an all to knowing smile he looks about and pulls two cups from his pack accepting the spirits from his companion he pours two cups and then passes the skin onto the next, also handing a cup to Azara[i]. Once all have poured their share [i]he raises his cup, "to new beginings."
With a slightly quizzical look at Sojurn as he introduces himself to the newcomer, Johlanna takes her own place by the fire, as she motions to empty spaces for the arrivals to sit. She returns her gaze to the ruins, looking for details and trying to map the memory of her vision to this place. She takes fills her share from the cup but does not participate in the toast, waiting a few seconds later to drink from it.
