The Golden Vine is a sleepy looking two story building. Its stone foundation extends a few feet above the road before transforming into earth toned stucco up to the eaves of the roof. The south and eastern sides of the building are covered in a heavy growth of ivy vines. The roof is of red clay tiles. Around the open front door is an iron frame covered in flaking golden paint. It is in the shape of a vine, and extending out from one corner is a tendril which supports a faded wooden sign that reads "The Golden Vine"
You've arrived and managed to find a room. Flann was expecting you, and the room is free of charge. While waiting for the others, he's provided you with open access to his wine cellars, and the famous vintages stored in them. He informed you that once everyone arrived he'd tell you why you were here. That time has finally come. Flann has asked you to have supper with him in the Golden Vine's only private dining room.
When you enter the private dining room you see a large wooden table set with six places. There are fresh bread, several types of cheese, two dishes of fruit and half a dozen roast fowl set out on the table along with two large flagons of wine. Flann is already seated at the head of the table. He stands as the first of the Venturers enters, saying "Ah, you've made it. Please, have a seat. Enjoy some refreshment." The innkeeper is a sturdily built man of just over average height. His hair is shoulder length, brown and curly. His face has a healthy growth of stubble, though one could not yet properly name it a beard. An allacostan nose and brow are highlighted by eyes the color of polished teak, and his workman's mouth is stretched into a wide grin. He's wearing a tunic over lorica
Kievan has just returned from hunting with his saurian companion, Vigi. He stables Vigi in one of the inn's stalls, stows his spear and other gear in his room and quietly makes his way to the dining room. He nods to the innkeep, but foregoes the offer of wine and, seeing none provided by his host, pours himself a cup of water from his own skin. He gathers several pieces of bread and fruit and a small slice of cheese onto a plate, then sits down at the middle of the long table; he is humble enough to realize he is not likely to be the most important member at the table, but presumptuous enough that he won't sit at the table's foot.
Like all half-elves, many of his features display his elven parentage. In particular, he has flowing vines for hair, dark green and variegated, like ivy. He has light brown bark for skin - not so thick as to provide any defense, but much rougher than normal skin. Lastly, his eyes are a dark purple, like the violets that grow in his native Norddland.
As he eats, he is meticulous. He doesn't mix his foods, but takes small bites of each. He closes his eyes, chewing each bite thoroughly and savoring its flavor, then washes each bite down with a sip of water.
As each new member arrives, he nods briefly then resumes this ritual.
The boy comes with the sealed letter about mid day, Onyx read it and the burns it. Its contents all ready locked in her mind.
"Ill be needing my Rider cloths and pack, get them ready, also the house" she says to her maid.
My mid afternoon she is packed and all ready heading out the compounds gates. The not was clear and the root she would have to take safe in its own way, but still she had one her uniform, and her badge of office. The PSYcrital on her left breast. A trooper on the wall looks out as she go's, but they know not to ask where she is headed. The trip is uneventful even the stop off at uncle Maxim Bonomo's Villa down the cost.
She gets the inn in time and looks the place over, nothing much here, The room she is shown is fine and she places her 'things' out to see if any one comes and has a look in it wile she's at dinner.
When she enters the room he is in a fine set of noble woman clothing, with jewellery to match, no sign of a dagger or any other weapon, on her shoulder sits a iridescent PSYcrstal in the shape of a scarab Beetle, that moves down to the table and sits still one she takes a seat. She looks at the others with her steel orb eyes, her sliver metallic skin and heir glinting in the light. she tall and graceful and very well spoken. She greets all with a slight nod in greeting. she eat delicately and with manners. Yes throw out she keeps a sharp on the goings on and talk. She dos not say any thing yet but her name.
"Greetings and well meet, I am Lady Onyx Bonomo, a pleaser to meet you." in a well spoken and educated voice.
It should be clear to all she is of the Bonomo's She has the look and manner.
Octavian finished brushing Bellator down taking great care to wipe away any wetness on the horses flanks as he did. It wouldnt do for Bellator to grow sick from being wet all night long. Finally he poured some oats and grains into the feed trough and let the sleek horse eat its fill. The innkeeper had offered the services of his hostler but Octavian preffered to do it himself. After all it gave him time to think. He would be his companions on whatever quest Flann would send them on. Flann? What an odd sounding name. He thought as he placed his saddle in the adjoining tack room and stroke out. He walked quickly to his room where he buckled on his just polished armor and pinned his cloak with the auxilliares medal of courage and glanced into the mirror before he stode to the private dining room. His long dark brown hair was tied securely into a warrioir braid and his sharp green eyes flashed against his olive tinged skin.
When he walked in he saw only Flann and two others, one a silvery skinned being and another, well it looked like a plant. He saluted all in the legion fashion, hand over fist bowing slightly at the waist. "Merhaba zevk karşılamak için"
"It is good to see I am not the first nor last. Always uncomfortable that yes?" His Turkoi accent coming in slightly.
onyx smiles and replies in Turkoi with her one sentence of Greeting.
Rastavar wanders in at this point, carrying a sheathed sword in one hand and a pack in the other. Without prelude, he crosses the room to the others and takes a seat, he offers no real greetings other than a short nod as he leans his weapon against the edge of the table and kicks his pack under it.
He was not the biggest man in the room but it was plain to see he could easily be one of the more dangerous. If the sword were not indication enough, a simple and unembellished cuirass was easily seen under his travelling cloak. His right arm had a thick leather bracer on it, the brown leather marred by numerous scratches. The rest of his clothes are simple enough, homespun trousers and a tunic that had been patched so many times it was hard to tell just what the original fabric was.
While he does not speak, his eyes do catch on the others gathered at various points, lingering in particular on Octavian's medal and Lady Bonomo's crystal. Out of all of them, he seems the least concerned by the presence of the half-elf.
The medal was unexpected, another ex-auxiliary by the look of. One who had not been jaded by his time doing the empire's dirty work... and a crystal, likely not a simple decoration knowing my employers. This could get messy.
Onyx takes in Rastavar form, noting his leather bracer and its numerous scratches. She says nothing more than her greeting.
.... He's wearing a tunic over lorica hamata, and there is a long dagger at his belt.
Tiberius enters the tavern after he has stabled his horse. After a few words with the waitress, he brings his belongings in his room and changes his clothes. After this, he returns to the taproom and enters the private dining room.
Tiberius is a lean and tall build man with tousled black hair and decently well-kempt beard. He wears a toga over his tunic. His overall appearance is that of a tradesman. But the pugio on his hip whose parry wears the badge of an signifer of the legion, blelies the harmless appearance.
Greetings. My Name is Tiberius Cornelius Scipio. I'm pleased to meet you. Then he nods to Lady Onyx, Flann and the others.
"Ah, looks like everyone's finally arrived." Flann says, taking a seat and tearing off a chunk of bread. As he munches on it, he begins to explain between bites. "You've been called here to find and investigate the ruins of Koralgesh. Everyone from around here already knows the story, but in case you don't let me retell it." Flann pauses for a moment, and then launches into the legend.
Koralgesh seemed to be truly blessed by her patron Mazda, for the city was a legend among the seaports of the Eastern Sea. Her riches were uncounted, her merchant fleet swift, and her harbor nearly invulnerable to storm or enemy. In addition, the great Keep that overlooked the harbor had more than once repelled attacks by pirates foolish enough to come within range of its catapults and other engines of war.
It is said that the stone blocks of Keep itself were cut from the granite walls of the White Mountains and transported to Koralgesh by the oread of that land. Their skill in stonecraft had no equal, and they built the Keep into the very face of the great mountain called Monte Elmo, that towered like an Immortal itself over the harbor.
All went well for Koralgesh for many years. Her fame as a seaport spread throughout the Empire, and her riches grew ever larger. Her very streets were paved in gold, and no citizen within her walls knew sorrow or loss. She even endured the Great War basically unharmed.
Then came the ill-fated day of the final battle when the face of Mazda shone across the land in triumph over the darkness that was Ahriman. Upon this day, a vast pirate fleet that followed the ways of Ahriman somehow breached the defenses of Koralgesh and attacked in the midst of the celebration of Mazda. Magical fire and death were brought with them, and many of the city's inhabitants died without drawing arms. The King of Koralgesh rallied his troops, and they fought the invaders in desperation; many heroic deeds were done, but to no avail. The defenders of Koralgesh sold their lives at great cost to their enemies until all in the city were slain or had fled, save for those defenders in the Keep above the city.
What happened next is only conjecture. It is believed that the last defenders of the city appealed to the Wise Lord Mazda himself for vengeance. If this was so, then Mazda heard the pleas. A deep rumbling sounded through the whole of Monte Elmo. For the first time in the memory of man, Monte Elmo voiced its rage. With a rushing wind, great fissures opened in the side of the mountain. Smoke, lava and choking ash rained down upon the city. With a tremendous blast, the side of Helm's Peak below the Keep burst out, burying the ruined city in fire and ash. Glowing rivers of lava wound their way to the rolling sea to send great vaporous mountains towering into the sky. Finally, the mountain slid back into silence. Koralgesh, jewel of the Eastern Sea, was no more - and the pirates who captured that jewel were no more as well.
Sailors of the Eastern Sea will claim to catch occasional glimpses of the Keep in the mists, high on Monte Elmo, but none venture near the treacherous waters below it, which boil and steam with Mazda's wrath to this day. What secrets the Keep holds, it holds to itself alone.
After finishing his tale he takes a long swig of wine, then continues "The higher ups want to know if the legend is true, or if not, what really happened at Koralgesh. They also want the treasure that's never been discovered." He grins at the thought of all that gold. "The village blacksmith, Stump, claims that his father was blacksmith to the king of Koralgesh. I believe he could be convinced to tell you how to find the Keep."
The Lady Onyx Bonomo stops eating can places down her wine glass and Picenian with olives. She had lost all apatite for her prandium, when she specks she dos so with utmost politeness, looking at her wine she says. Knowing what she knows about Koralgesh she says.
"I do so hope, our fellows here, Mater Flinn do not mind if I say a few things, 1st in regard to this, I know there will be a cammer of comments and demands. Let me say 1st its not often one is asked to a meal, Master Flann and informed one has been ordered to fall on ones sword. I do so hope this not some kind of joke, of so, it has fallen on fallow ground with me. For I myself do not see the funny part of it one bit. Every Child educated in the Church and Bard in the inn, knows of Koralgesh and that meany a sea captain that has sort riches by going into its mists. To date none have come back, all lost to the treacherous waters of Mazda's wrath that surround it."
She looks up Onyx carries on.
"Now you sit there quit calmly and say we few here, ship-less and with out coin to bye the foolhardiness of others, have been ordered by some 'higher ups' to join the ranks of the lost. I find that part of this most worrying master Flinn. I ask with great respect you tell me some names of such 'higher ups' who you say would like his. I may know some, I am not with out connections as well you know. I think one or two senators would like to know that such an exportation was organised in such a clandestine way. One involving a member of a ranking family, that is to say me and I do so hope you have some documentation signed and sealed with such reverent authority to warrant a suicide mission with my name included. Because If not, then thank you for the meal and I shall be on my way."
She lets that hang for a moment, with a smile, before carrying on.
"That is unless you know more than you are letting on Master Flann. Just saying local blacksmith makes a claim about his family and 'may' know how to get to the keep. Dear Master Flann, you will have to do better than that, You would not risk me and by the look of the others here, who seem more 'hand picked' than 'what was at hand' on just hear-say."
She looks around the table all smile and light.
"So let us have no more of this act of yours, the gleeful, friendly go-between, who's offering such a rich apple ripe for the picking. Coem now really, let us have the truth, what has really come to light that makes you think that any group undertaking this task stands any chance of ever being seen again?"
She looks at Flinn a smile still on her face.
"One more thingmy dear master Flann, I shall know if you are hiding any thing from us."
She holds his gaze until he answers her, shamefully ignoring the others who will no doubt have the same thing on there mind, and wish to ask the same.
Lady? I suppose they don't breed them for manners... Kievan looks from Onyx to Flann and back again, then settles his gaze on Flann once more.
"Can we assume that the standard finders' rewards hold here, Master Flann? Also, forgive me, but why now? Why summon us at this time? Has something changed in the region? Any information you have would be helpful, of course."
Octavian slowly blinks at the woman in befuddlement then slowly looks around the room. "What did she just say?" He then scratches at his head quite confused.
Onyx's uses her mind link power to let her psicrystal say into the head of to Octavian V telepathy (power mind link) in a tinkling voice.
::"Octavian, I am sorry to talk to you like this, please forgive me, I am Lady Onyx's psicrystal, if you do not wish to hear me like this I can talk to you in the open, but we wished to tell you what my lady ask with out Flann known what we have said to you. My lady asked what are you not telling us Mr Flann, as every one who has ever tried this was not seen again, this is a death sentence is all but name unless he knows its not and if he dos tell us. In fact Master Kievan has just asked the same thing."::
"Certainly Domina Bonomo." He stands up and goes to a small chest set on a side table. From it he withdraws a signed and sealed letter from the Padrone of the regional Venture Villa in the city of Gesh. He hands it to Onyx. "I've recently become good enough friends with Stump for him to tell me about his father's former position. When I reported it to the Villa in Gesh, they sent me this and told me to expect some experienced agents. I'm not suggesting that you approach Koralgesh by sea, simply that you talk to Stump. I get the feeling there's more he's not telling me. Maybe if you could offer him something in return he'd be willing to open up to you." Turning to Kievan he says, "Of course sir. The Syndicate expects its ten percent, but the rest is yours."
Lady Onyx takes the letter offered and reads it, she notes Flanns manner and at Flann's words on them not having to head to the city by sea, she visibly relaxes, The light in her eyes fading. After carefully reading the letter she hands the letter back to Flann.
"That all seem in order Master Flinn, and now you have made it clear that we may have a way of getting to the City with out going by sea. Well then this falls into the 'hard' even 'impossible' mission category and not as I feared at 1st, the shot and guaranteed deadly kind. Mind you any mission may become that of course. I except my apologizes for being so suspicions, force of habit I am sorry to say. Please carry on."
Kievan, done with his repast, addresses Flann. "As he is your friend, you know what might motivate Stump to help us in this. Do you think that Stump would be responsive to an offer for us to bring back information (or anything else, for that matter) relating to his father, or are his interests more...material?"
"No apologies needed domina." Flann says to the scion before turning back to address the half-elf. "I'm not sure, to be honest. He drinks a lot whenever he's not working, and he likes to play darts. He likes to win though, losing makes him grumpy. He's a pretty normal guy, so maybe a combination of both the things you said."
Rastavar remained silent during the exchange, the Lady seemed to enjoy being in charge of the situation. Representatives of the church often did, so did aristocrats for that matter. He was content to let her do the talking for the time being. Too much time in the wilds and little human interaction apart from what was necessary to get the job done had left him with precious little in the way people skills. As far as he was concerned, it did not much matter. He did his job, the others did theirs and they either died or made some money. When the job was done, they split up. That was how his life in the Syndicate went.
"I am interested in beginning this journey with all due haste." He looks to each other member at the table in turn, looking for a leader. "Let us get this bit of information from Stump and proceed, shall we?"
Lady Onyx nods at Kievans comment, smiling and relaxed now, she adds.
"I agree Master Asbjorn, but before we head off would every one be so kind as to indulge me and say a few words on their areas of particular expertise. I know the Syndicate likes to make teams that complement. It was also be nice to know any other information you think we may need about your working practices and methods, so that do not get in each others way and known what to expect as normal."
She pats her psicyrical.
"I all go 1st if that all right with every one, My name is Lady Onyx Bonomo of the house Bonomo, I do not for a moment think any of you have heard of but my family I think you may have. I am a noble by breath but do not let that fool you into thinking I know nothing of the harsher workings of world. I have taken life and know what it means to be in a life or death fight. As of 2 years ago I was given the Government officer and Church rank of 'Investigator Empirical', as such I am obliged to report all findings of magic to the Syndicate and so the church. I am a Graduate of the Academiae Primus Mentalis where I was trained to use the Gifts that Mazda gave me. I have powers by witch I can shatter bone and iron, burn flesh. But I have limits, my gifts tax me and I can only do so much each day."
She pats the insect like psicyrisal in front of her.
"And this 'Soruss' my psicyrisal, he can sees and hears when I can not. It is a pleaser to meet you all. and it is my most utmost wish that our endeavour have a most referable out come for us all."
Her steel eyes look out as she says this, her psicyrisal moving just once at the sound of its name, then She go's silent letting the others say what they will, wile sipping her wine and taking note of what's said by each of them.
Octavian cocks his head around trying to see who is speaking to him then focuses on the silver skinned woman eyeing her for a momment before nodding in understanding albeit still confused.
Slightly shaken he pours himself a drink and mulls over the others comments drinking first one cup hastilly then sipping the second when he finds it empty.
Kievan indulges the lady and answers her briefly. "I have an affinity for animals and can, to an extent, manipulate the energies of the natural world. This is not sorcery or witchcraft, nor do I have the same mental powers that you do - I merely channel the energy that is in those living things all around us."
As an afterthought, he adds, "One other thing - I have a companion, Vigi. He is a small saurian beast with a rather large mouth filled with quite a few teeth. He has been my loyal companion for some time. He and I share a bond, and while he may make your mounts skittish, he and are are nigh inseparable."
Lady Rosa nods at what Kievan, taking note of his words on linking to the great life mind and his reassurances about the behavior of his saurian companion.
I'm Tiberius Cornelius Scipio, former signifer in the legion and as such a trained fighter.
Octavian raises his eyebrow at the half elf's mention of an animal companion. He had heard rather odd sounds coming from the stables but his own Bellator had seemed on edge once they got to the stables but then Octavian had been in a rush to get upstairs.
He brought himself back to the present and bowed once more in legionaire fashion and introduced himself. "My name is Octavian Lupinus formerly of the legion mounted auxiliaries. Scout, apt horseman, knight, and archer. Wearer of the golden cross for heroism. I look forward to accompaning all of you." He grins his Turkoi accent coming in strongly even though he is fluent in Allacostan.
Lady Onyx, again takes not of what the two men of arms say,
Soruss says into her head
::"Thank Mazda, not some hot headed sell swords looking for fame in their own childish bardic tale but true men of the Legions.::
Onyx repays in kind.
::"Yes Soruss, One decorated for heroism, the other the standard carrier for his Legion, note, both skilled men deserving honor and respect. In a fight we shall look to them::
It says to her
::"and what of the elf blooded?"::
She places her hand of the Mind Crystal.
::"Hard to say, hes of the wilds and woods they do not show their feelings to needs so much as others, But the Syndicate would have chosen him as they did us for craft and skill. I trust them to known what we need for this task. He will have skills and powers beyond mine I have no donuts about that. Now hush there is one more to talk before we head off."::
"Gravis, former auxiliary, tracker. Look to him if you want to make friends with the wilderness. Look to me if you want something dead out there," Rastavar said, thus far the most words he had strung together in the presence of the others. He used none of the trapping of his former military occupation in his introduction.
Soruss speaks into her head.
::"he seems a grim type."::
She shuts him off.
::"Shush! I need to talk"::
She looks at the others.
"Thank you all so much, and just before we head off"
Then at Flaann
"Master Flann once we have done as Asbjorn has suspected and if we are lucky we may have our root to the city, if we are so blessed then could we meet you once more and talk about how we shall go about getting there and ask your aid in getting any thing we may need in the way of supply's for the trip. I think it may be wase to keep this as low key as we can, hunting around town for this may bring unwanted questions, much simpler to let you surreptitiously acquire anything we may need."
She Stands,
"If there is nothing more I suggest we do as Master Asbjorn said and get ready to pay a visit to this black smith. How about we meet outside in say 10 mins."
Fine. I'll just change clothes in my room.
Tiberius leaves the room and joins the group 10 minutes later, wearing an lorica hamata, a gladius on his left side and an composite shortbow in a quiver on his back.
"You can meet with me whenever you want. I'd be happy to buy supplies for you. Stump's probably finishing up his work anytime now. He'll be in the tavern out front in a while. Buying him a drink or two would probably be a good start." Flann says as the group makes ready to leave.
"Then perhaps we are being too hasty to don battlegear at this time yes? Maybe we should all just adjorn to the front and wait for Mr. Stump?" Octavian grins looking around the room.
"I best not look like I'm from the church or no one will say any thing, I shall meet you all out front shortly."
With that lady Onyx heads to her room to get changed.
She comes down again, dressing as a free woman of not real rank and takes Octavians Arm.
"How about I play your quittance Octavian, lets say your showing me the world and you know all about such amazing story's. I bet we can get him into a bragging context with drink and tall tails of daring do."
She smiles at the others.
"I bet you all have a tail to tell that can get the ball rolling, if he joins in, some how I do not think he will resist telling is.
Onyx psicrystal is no where to be seen.
"You mistake the nature of my employment ma'am," Rastavar said curtly, "Not much for spinning yarns or tricking strangers." He had wrapped his hefty looking sword in a bundle with his cloak and taken off his cuirass. He strapped the cuirass to his pack and had the innkeeper deliver it to his room.
"I will be outside when the rest of you are ready," with that he turned and headed out the door. Once outside he gave a sharp whistle and a large bird descended to land on his arm, her sharp talons not piercing the thick leather bracer. She looked to be hefty, nearly four foot tall and a wingspan about as long as Gravis was tall. With a smooth motion he tucked her under his arm and leaned his sword against the side of the inn while he scratched the huge bird under the chin.
"There's my girl," he said soothingly to the creature.
Ossa?
Kievan pulls Onyx aside as the others are leaving. "I'm not terribly familiar with the nature of your powers - are you able to read minds? Surface thoughts? Influence emotions of others? In other words, is there a way in which your powers might aid us in gathering the information we seek?"
She places her head close to Kievan and Whispers
"I know what you mean, Kievan, I can 'feel' states of mind and can Influence such states but that is about all, as long as he is not hostile I may shift his mind state to being more compliment. I can not alas read minds I do not have that gift yet sorry."
Kievan is still in his leather armor, and has a club slung to his belt, but leaves his other weapons and shield in his room and meets the others in front of the inn.
"You've a very fine specimen there." he remarks, nodding to Rastavar's bird.
Octavian quirked an eyebrow down at the noblewoman now on his arm but waited interested in the half elfs question and her answer as well. He thought about it for a momment and went to gather his things as well before escorting her outside.
"An odd start to a journey wouldn't you say?" He asked her.
Onyx grins at Octavian,
"My dear Octavian, the last 'venture' I was asked to undertake had me spent nine weeks sat in a small room in a rain socked town witching a Inn keep take out his inns trash daily. I can honestly say one of the dullest experiences of my life. This is a positive Holiday compered to the normal things I am asked to do. So yes odd and thank god for that I say."
when they walk out front, seeing Gravis and Asbjorn talking and looking at a large bird.
"I must say this is not at all my run of the mission, I have to confess to being slightly existed at the prospect, I hope this blacksmith is telling the truth, it would be quit a coup to find that lost city."
She takes a sit and orders good wine and beer for the group.
As the newly acquainted Venturers go outside to see the bird, and then sit down at a table to order their drinks an oread man enters the tavern. He's wearing leather armor and his left leg has been replaced with a wooden peg. Across his back is a great smith's hammer, that looks like it could function in battle as well as work. He makes his way over to the bar and sits on a stool. "Hello Flann! The usual, mate." he says to the innkeep, a smile breaking over his stony features. Flann quickly has a large tankard of frothing ale set in front of the man. He looks over to the Venturer's table and gives them a quick nod in the oread's direction and a wink.
Kievan approaches the bar and takes a seat, addressing the smith. "May I join you for a drink, friend?"
Onyx jokes and talks to Octavian about local gossip and news, tails of the Legions resent exploits.
"Don't know that I know you, 'friend'. But if you're buying, go ahead." He offers his hand to the half-elf "Name's Stump."
Kievan takes Stump's hand. "Kievan. Well met." He takes the seat next to Stump and orders another two ales.
"In the interests of our burgeoning friendship, I would like to confess something. My companions and I," Kievan nods in the direction of the others' table, "have been made aware that you are claiming to be the son of the smith to King Koralgesh. We would like a chance to validate that claim, if you'll give us the opportunity."
"What'd you have in mind?" He asks warily
Octavian grins listening to the woman trading stories with her about his travels all the while tuning into the half elfs conversation.