The plane of your existence is in utter turmoil, the fates of retribution call upon those due to compensate for their sins. Beings of unknown origin and quantity invade our planet as the rift guardians fall. The pressure of holding the fate of the world rests on the shoulders of many, ready to call forth and forever engrave the names of these brave souls in its history. There lay before you many opportunities, regardless of their nature, that will both challenge and influence you. Should you take the mantle of adventurer which path will you take?
The world is calling,... Who are they chanting for?...
So this is just to catch anyone up with whats happening in the background. As of late the majority of the party, (Casimir, Ryker, and ((forgive me for forgetting, but John's character)), have met with and were left talking to the mayor about their defeating the supposed assassin. In doing so and upon returning they find out that another has turned them self in, confessing to their crimes of killing innocent young women.
In the like another has made their way traveling across the vast treacherous mountain ranges and valley to get here. She too was visited (Keep in mind that IC that no one knows this yet other than Ryker at the moment). Ryker and the mayor are sent messages front he front guard post that a small party has arrived and would like one of their approvals to allowing the outsiders in. Due to the attacks recently security is taken a bit overboard in such reguards.
Stan
"Hey! I told you I cannot let you in without a higher authority's authorization... They should be sending someone or word at least with that permission soon.... I think"
It is mid day, the sun is high overhead and the sounds of children playing inside the town, mixed with prattle among the townsfolk is peaceful to the ears. Though a small feeling of worry that it will be short lived. Those that were approached and told of being a part of the prophecy are of the few known to get this feeling of dread that the unknown is coming, and nothing they do will be enough to stop whatever actions were set in motion to bring on these senses.
"OI! I 'avent seen this town since I was a lad."
Tower shield still in hand he digs it into the ground so it supports itself upright. He then sheaths his scimitar, Baele nods wiping his brow of sweat. The Gate opens and as Ryker steps through. Baele instinctively bows his head still holding up his tower shield with his right arm.
"Tis been a while young lord. Wha' brings ye down to this establishmen'?"
Baele raises his head resting his arm on the top most of his shield using it as a support to lean against.
Simply nodding her head slightly towards Ryker out of respect Blaike introduces herself, "I am Blaike, it is a pleasure to meet you're acquaintance."
Standing firm and proud, the young elf awaits further interaction from the others. Brisk was the silence that swept over her silver tongued words. On her person, a well polished elven curve blade rested on her back, she wore well fitted clothing the seems all of masterworks craftsmanship. Underneath slight traces revealing leather armor are view able. Her hair is platinum blonde, resting just past the shoulder in length.
"Prince Ryker, tis an honor to finally meet your acquaintance." The elven woman with her dark blue hair, silver streaks shining brightly under the sun dips into a light bow. Her bright eyes remain on the prince as he steps through the gate. "You may call me Ana."
Her intense eyes fall on the others as they introduce themselves, studying each of them as if they were a book, resting on Blaike a moment longer before returning to the Prince. "As I've tried to explain, we were chased here through the mountain by a company of kobolds, as well as a troll. I would advise that the city guard keep its vigil, there can be no telling how many more are skirting your borders."
On this note another messenger bird comes to the guard sanctioned at the front gate. Removing the note and reading it to himself he hurriedly looks up to Ryker, and the others. "Sorry to interrupt sirs and ma'ladies,... but there is a summons for you Ryker. The mayor requires your audience in regards to," he regains control over his voice from the excitement and anxiety before finishing, "the murder case."
He then turns to Lady Ana, "He understands that you are here, and the situation you have been through. Sending his regards he also says he'd like to offer you his hospitality towards having a free meal and night stay at an inn of your choosing in this fair city." The guard waves his hand in the direction inwards over the city. Smiling slightly his gesture holds only a moment. The sound of the townspeople, scuttling along through the streets is a warming welcome to those whom were weary of their travels, just as much as worn from their battles.
Baele and Blaike make their way inside the gate.
"If you'd excuse me m'ladies and sir, I must return to my post now." A great sense of pride was apparent in his voice as he entered the tower and climbed the ladder to the top. Re-appearing again as he looked over the side waving his arm to them. Another guard stations himself ready to watch the gate close intently. "Ill send word of your further warnings!" For the last time he disappeared holding his post in silence up above.
Ana follows the others through the gate, giving a last nod in Ryker's direction as she passes. As the three walked, Ana's eyes glanced over her companions. The events of the last two days all crashing with vivid clarity through her memory. Deep in thought, she failed to realize that she'd closed the distance between her and Blaike, her eyes intent on the hand now being fitted into a dark leather glove. The symbol that she'd seen before flashed before her sight before disappearing once more. It struck a familiar chord in her memory, and she dug through her indexed memory with swiftness and efficiency.
1: This symbol, the shape of a flame on the inside of the palm indicates that the person is a follower of whatever they stand for. The tribal flame is basic, flame or flames are something that have a deeper meaning, a sign of metaphor.
2: The symbol is on the hand as it is easily concealed. Leaving the thought that they in fact may or may not be skilled in using the such.
3: In correspondence to its glowing it appears magical or supernatural. It began glowing, or so you noticed as Ryker approached. And in such know that the monastery of the four fires would hire and had at their disposal an accord with an assassins guild. They were the dogs used to keep the monks safe in their endeavors back in the day, or so the rumors go. Having been believed to be a myth or legend used to scare children and such, the stories were often discarded over the years. Assuming the rumors you heard were true it brings the fact that the leader and his followers all were killed somehow years ago, thus ending the guild entirely. It having reappeared in front of you tells your intuition it may very well be a hoax, or could just as likely have a new leader. The truth is unknown for certain.
Leading the way was Baele, laughing his jolly dwarven laugh and pointing out the landmarks along the way. "This brings back ole memories". He continues ranting on, some of the words coming out incoherently as his excitement precedes him.
Blaike continues walking, the way she holds herself is both proud and elegant. "Curious?" She says in a hushed voice, a playful, taunting side smile on her face as she continues forward. With her gaze set ahead of her she offers no other words.
"Hmm?"
The question caught Ana unawares, as did the fact that she was borderline invading Blaike's personal space. Close enough that the scent of the woman's hair reached her and the elegant, disciplined way she carried herself caught more than just her eye. Ana backed off, turning her head aside, directing her eyes and reddened cheeks to the landmarks Baele indicated.
"Is that wrong?"
I pondered on my thoughts for a moment. Me and my allies killed the man who was fleeing from the crime. But yet this man claimed to be the culprit. Either daft, or devious. Something was fishy about it all. But I was tired and decided to head back the the Inn for rest. but before that I headed to the mayor's office.
The mayor now stops shuffling through the paperwork. He stares up at you as if awaiting a reply.
Then I shall return to the Mayor. Ryker takes a step back and then hesitates. Ana, would you be interested in joining me? Ryker holds out his arm to her. Awaiting her to grab it or reply, in either case he will explain while they walk in a hushed tone. We tracked down a muderer after he added another victim to his list last night and ended his charade. However, a man confessed to the crime this morning and is currently locked up. Seems rather peculiar wouldn't you agree?
Your arcane talents could uncover more about him, because I know he didn't do it.
Ana's eyes shift back to Ryker at his invitation, then down to the arm he offered provoking an inner debate that took little more than a second to resolve. Her gaze rises to meet the prince's again, a hint of something edging on disdain flashed in her otherwise neutral expression before turning into interest.
She does not take his arm, but walks apace with him without losing sight of the others.
"It seems to me someone has an agenda. Does the first suspect still live? If so, I trust they are detained apart from each other.?" At the last statement, she tilted her head, the movement almost birdlike turning It into a question.
She looks to her travel companions, she had known them only two days, but they had fought together. There was a bond in such things she could not ignore. "What of the two of you? Where will you go?"
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Baele would stop mid-sentance. "But of cours' t'the Inn o' my choosin'. Rest is needed when one's traveled a near weeks distance in a li'l more than a day." He brimmed with joy at the fact. A smug look petrified to his face. He held himself proudly, as if assuring he was never in any real harm.
"Don' worry miss, should ye' need meh, I'll be 'ere for ya'"Turning slightly to Ryker he adds, "An' you as'well"... With a slight bow to Ana and Ryker he relieved himself from their company and began heading across town. One could assume it was to an Inn he knew of the last time he had visited.
Blaike smiled as if she thought it funny. Still holding her ground with a strong silence she contributed just as much through her presence. She hardly looked like the type to hold her own in a fight now, she had become another person from earlier altogether.
"I've got some matters to attend to.", she adds a nod towards Baele, "he's right about getting some rest."
Blaike smiles again still holding her full composure, making little to no sound as she walked away. She would meld into the small crowd of people after making her way down another road, different than the one Baele took or Ryker leads.
"Tenna' ento lye omenta." She said as she watched the two depart.
As I said, we ended his charade... As in yes he is very much dead. However, he also took his own life in a rather terrible conclusive explosion, he was dressed head toe in filthy wrapped rags. Maybe you have heard of something similar in your travels?
Her brow furrowed. "I've not heard of such a thing before."
Perhaps it was the rushed travel and battle weariness, or perhaps it was the man who came to her in her dreams, with his prophecies of destruction or more likely all of it, had her thoughts in a jumbled mess.
"I may be more help to you once I've gotten a good meal and a night's rest. Perhaps I will then visit the mayor, and lend my assistance when I have recovered."
She stopped, turning to face Ryker square on and dipped into a light bow, her hand contorting strangely and placed above her heart. "It was a pleasure to meet you, farewell."
She will then make her way to the nearest inn.
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Farewell, fair maiden. Until our next meeting.
Upon entering you acknowledge the architecture. The inside is well lit as light makes it way inside through the large windows. A stairway leads to an upstair, inside balcony that leads all around the inside. Depending on where you stand you can make out that there are rooms upstairs as well. Tapestries of Heroneous sit at each end of the hall, and music emanates from the far side of the hall. In time a voice begins singing as well.
There is a man standing at a counter where some are seen eating their meals, drinking and chatting about their daily gossip, (nothing of interest). The barkeep/innmaster greets you appraoching with a hearty hello. At second glance he adds in, "To what do I owe the pleasure of serving a relative of the western royal family?, while it is one of my greatest honors to serve such a maiden, and betters my business for sure I do hope it holds enough value to have brought you here m'lady". He now dips his head only slightly, finishing cleaning the glass mug in his hands.
If you care to take notice, the entire building is well kept, good in nature, and clean. The smell of a hearty beef roast, potatoes and carrots carry itself through the building. Easily it is recognizable to be coming from the room behind the bar.
"You must be Barthalamuel, you may call me Ana. You've a nice place here, might I trouble you for a meal and a room for the night? I'm afraid I am weary from travel, else I would enjoy the good company of your patrons."
Fast forwarding to where all the characters sleep so everyone is rested.
The parchment reads:
Lady Faris,
Mayor Felgren sent word asking that I give you this letter.
It is of great pleasure you have come to visit our fair city. Had you sent word ahead we'd have prepared better for your arrival. I regret to inform you that as of the moment my hands are tied up in matters that leave me little to no time to spend giving you a proper greeting. Still though I felt the need to send my welcoming you asap. Should you need me you may find me at my office towards the heart of the city.
~Felgren
Moving closer and listening in more, you come to understand that Stan's mother, one of the priests of a local church of Heroneous, was killed in the night by the infamous murderer. Should you ask anyone for more information you find out that Stan left was seen leaving the city to the south, (opposite end of town). His mother's body was mutilated and by the looks she had put up a struggle in the process as screams and loud thrashing woke neighbors. Fear was apparent in the eyes of the locals.
"They say the house was a wreck!"
"The body was almost unrecognizable..."
"Poor Stan"
"Trust my words it was the boy who'd done it! I say it wa...."
"Stand wouldn't have!"
GUARD:"He was on duty with me lastnight, he insisted on wanting to be a better guard bless him"
"See?!?!"...
Were all rumors flying among those whom felt like gossiping their thoughts.
The sound of the front gate could be heard opening. An unknown face appeared through the gate, it seems another bearing little sign of enthusiasm
She gazed out from the window, frustrated that she'd rested the morning away and turned to read the letter that awaited her. Covering his bases, I see. She mused to herself. Now who are these chosen I am supposed to meet here?
"Felix." Who was he, to deliver such a message? And to her, of all people?
With those thoughts in mind, she made her way downstairs, handing her key to Barthalamuel and bidding him a good day before stepping outside. Outside in the fresh air and the warmth of the sun, she visibly relaxed, and her mind calmed. All things will fall into their proper place. She had to believe that.
She then strode off toward the heart of the city, and Mayor Felgren. She would learn the situation here, and from there learn more of her own objectives if she could. She never had dreamed that she would be called on to save the world, she could barely redeem her own family.
But she would try, nonetheless.
Ryker will pause at the mention of another death. He will then gather his wits and walk briskly to the jail cell that held the man who confessed to the murders. One the way there he will scan his surroundings and use Sense Perfection.
Ryker, as you make your way to the jail cells that held the man you run into Ana. As you both make way through the city the rumors of the death thin out slightly, however are apparent to have reached far. The news of Stan's mother's death seems to be spreading like wildfire.
Minutes pass by and as you approach the Mayor's office building where the prisoner was being held in the basement. A large crowd grows continually around a makeshift podium outside of the building, with those whom littered the area entrapped in the words being spoken. You both are towards the back in this shoulder to shoulder group of citizens as you hear Mayor Felgren speaking aloud.
Gasps are occasionally heard, whispers and rumors flying about.
In the distance far out to the east the skies grow darker and approach however. Rain is coming at an alarming rate, give or take half an hour.
"People,... Citizens,...Friends,...", Mayor Felgren looks over the audience with certain despair mixed on his face. "Families......It brings me undeniable pain, and regret to inform you that this morning we lost another good soul... It is a problem I can assure you, that my colleges and myself are looking into with the utmost urgency... Giving life where it has already been taken is not something we are capable of, but learning from and righting our wrongs,... He sighs, taking a breath in before continuing...that is what we owe those whom we've lost in one way or another."
The crowd seems to be getting moved by the speech. Hitting the right notes among this crowd is something the mayor seemed made for as he did so with ease. The rumors began to be snuffed out as their attention seemed glued to finding out more from the Mayor himself.
"On this day, we honor the memory of Ms. Aweny. She will be buried in the cemetery dedicated to Heroneous beside her late husband Sir Geoffry. Funeral accommodations will be provided for her burial. May the gods grant you safe travel into the heavens Ire, it is in our prayers we meet you again when we are called."
The wind begins picking up as the clouds begin rolling in, blocking the sun.
With the Mayor finishing his speech, the general public applauds to show the respect for him speaking such kind words. Chatter begins going on among the people now. They all seem heartbroken to have lost Stan's mother. All the while the breezes begin to increase, they feel good, but they carry a chill alerting most to the incoming rain. The crowd began breaking and sifting their way to where they needed to go. Seconds pass and you notice a single child standing there, alone. The crowd is not shoulder to shoulder anymore and the sun begins hiding more and more.
The rain begins to fall, softly at first, before it begins coming down soaking those cought out in it in a matter of minutes. All the while this unknown child stands there. He looks up towards where the Mayor stands,
"What happened to her?".......
Said just loud enough to be heard, but not screaming. In this moment it was as if time stopped as those still around including the Mayor were only able to stand in silence. In that same moment those around give a look of curiosity, some of fear. Some are seen hushing others as if they. The Mayor regains himself after a short time raising his hands and stepping down off the podium. He makes his way over to the little boy, saying loud enough for everyone to hear.
"Giving a child nightmares is not something I intend to do dear child..." Kneeling down and covering the boy's ears he raises his head up as if to project his voice away from the boy,
"...It has regrettably happened again..."
This seemed to have been enough for those listening as more gasps were heard. Some gave glares at these words others made a more frightened face. It is obvious that they all seem to know about the previous murders or have heard rumor of them.
Forgot to mention that you may all make sense motive and perception checks at this time as well.
Ana will then approach, introducing herself formally to the mayor. That same contortion of her hand placed over her heart as she speaks, screening her words carefully to avoid upsetting the boy.
"Mayor, I'm sorry to hear another of your townsfolk has met such an ill fate. I'd like to offer my assistance, however I may help, I will."
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With that you leave for the day, find an Inn to bunker down for the night. You find yourself outside of a Inn of decent build. It is cheerful inside upon walking through the door. A Gnome sits at the bar drinking and playing a tune on his harp. Various others sit scattered around the room conversing and enjoying a meal. The barkeep, a 6' tall human stands ready to welcome you behind the counter as he finishes handing out his bowls of porridge to the waiting customers. You walk in and down a few steps as it descends onto the main floor of the Tavern
He greets you, "Hello, welcome to Heroes Break Tavern! The name's Jeth, what can I do for you today?" He waves his arms about. the cathedral ceilings sit high, from the outside you were able to notice this building was at least 3 stories. The dark maple beams counterbalance the pine walls. No one seems to move in regards to your entry, but their eyes follow you.
He offers you a room and meal for the night, then breakfast in the morning for a gold. Should you accept he brings you out a hearty bowl of porridge and choice of drink, giving you a key to a bedroom on the second floor in the process.
The next day you awake pretty early and head back to the Mayors to find there is a group forming around a newly places podium out front. and the above speech by Mayor Felgren begins.
You are positioned on the opposite side of the crowd as Ryker. Though you do not see him at first as the crowd clears you notice him and another walking up to the Mayor who is still covering a little boy's ears. The rain that had built up over the last 20-30 minutes as described above is a downpour on you and everyone outside.
The Mayor certainly cared a great deal for the people of the city. Though now the people scatter from the rain becoming more of a downpour. The once littered street was empty with the exception of yoy, Ryker, the Mayor and this little boy.
The boy looks up at the mayor, and for the first time everyone notices the boy has two different colored eyes past the shaggy black mane of unkempt hair. One was an attractive yellow, and the other a bright blue, both of which had a glow to them that drew you in. (non magically). The boy's face was true neutral, as if drained of all emotion. That said it was remarkably attractive considering the clothes he had on. Tattered rags of what use to be a robe were all but torn and resewn, draped around his body.
At this point everyone who is still outside or even hurries inside is soaked as the rain, again, grows in strength. Yet the boy still stands there, not uttering a word.
Finally after a few moments the Mayor stands grabbing a hold of the boy's hand and leading you all into his building. More than likely to get a change of clothes and dry off. "Let us go inside to continue this talk"
Yes, let's... We have much to discuss.
Ana held her hand against her forehead, shielding her eyes from the heavy rain as she gazes up at the sky. The weather seemed to be reflecting her inner turmoil, the uneasiness of the last few days pouring down from the dark storm clouds above.
She stalled there a moment as the others made their way inside, appreciating and paying her respect to the display of natural power. Since she was young, it was never the dark, or the low roll of thunder that chilled her heart in fear. What frightened her most as a youngling, was when all was silent, not knowing where the next strike would land. Her mother had told her a century and more before, that magic existed in everything. That one day she would be the voice, and and guiding hand of the elemental forces of this world. She closed her eyes, her old lessons playing back in her mind and with a muttered word and a hand stretched out to the heavens they opened wide. Her magical senses extending out from her in a wide sphere. The release of power was a rush, and brought a grin to her face as she looked upon the world with the eyes of the gods themselves.
Several moments more pass as she stares out at the world around her. Then her gaze drops to follow the mayor as she takes her first step on a new journey.
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Any onlookers will take note, as Ana drops her gaze from the clouds her eyes are glowing blue with arcane energy.
-Posted with Wayfinder
Ryker will take a ten to identify the spell Ana is casting.
Seeing what others cannot gives advantages in more ways than one.
Ryker turns and smiles at Ana, a warm soothing sensation washes over her as she sees that his entire body pulsates a non threatening pinkish magic. Causing a slight flushness in her cheeks. :3
What little flush may or may not have shown in her cheeks was short lived if at all and any warmth she may or may not have felt was washed away as the rain fell over her. It took her a bit of willpower not to smirk back at the Prince who could only be at best, half her age.
She merely nodded at his statement, walking past and inside to learn what she may of the situation at hand and in extension, the greater scope of things as she wondered still what her place would be in the trials to come.
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As I began to Cautiosly scan the woman that stood before me, I cocked my head to the side in a laid back posture and greeted the woman. "Greetings...I am Casimir of Goza village. I see you have met my friend here Ryker."I glanced over to him nodding. "He may come off a bit odd, but he means well. This man's mere presence can inspire greatness!" I turned over to the prince, my posture shifted to a more firm and serious one."Have you seen our feathered friend anywhere? I figured he was with you?"
You all make your ways indoors, under the cover of the well built roofs. The sound of the pouring rain can be heard beating down from above you. A woman comes out handing each of you a towel to dry yourself, she doesn't say a word or make eye contact. Lastly she quickly and silently walks back out of the room.
The Mayor Smiles as he continues drying off, nodding to each of you before wrapping his towel around the backside of his neck and watching the rain outside the window momentarily.
"It would seem the gods have blessed us with their presence this day. Crying for someone as love as Ms. Ire." He moves again this time to his office as Ryker and Casimir both know from experience. The dampness from outside left a slight refreshing smell in the air, as well as a coolness that sent shivers down your spine.
"Please..." Gesturing you from within the doorway, "Join me," He would then wave his arm as if conveying the layout of chairs sitting in front of his desk. "To what do I owe the pleasure of your company?"
What do you mean, I'm odd Casimir?
"Don't take it personal my firend, just that you are more affection than most people are used to in these times we live in." I spoke to the young prince as I walked with him towards the office.
"But it is comforting to have such affection."
Ana takes the towel graciously, affording the servant girl with a soft smile of appreciation before drying her hair.
Affection, huh? She doesn't speak as they make their way inside. Staying silent as her thoughts wander, taking her into the office and gazing out the window to watch the storm. As she does, her thoughts travel to a similar dark place in her mind before the Mayor addresses them.
Preferring to stand, she does so, turning to face the others but remaining by the window with the towel held against her chest as she dries her neck and shoulders.
"I know not of the others, only that my reasons for being here are quite sensitive and should not fall on the wrong ears should the information I was given hold any merit."
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The Mayor himself sits down in his own chair positioned behind the center-most section of his great maple desk.
He would smile at Ana, in a way that would make most either blush or smile in return, "With all due respect, I appreciate when people come to my city to visit, or contribute to the society. It is what I strive for. However, should any of the information prove to be tied to any problems that affect the city or it's people then I'd ask you come forth and tell me right away."
He ponders for a moment shifting his eyes between each of you. He sighs deeply and taking a deep breath continues, "What is it I can do for you all? As you know I've got a lot of paperwork to do, and to find any leads on whom killed Ms. Ire." Shifting in his chair slightly for comfort he continues after nodding slightly at the paperwork on his desk. "I don't suppose any of you have any information or leads? what with the gentleman downstairs in the holding cell's confession, he could be just one of many for all we know." The Mayor now rubbed his temples, obvious to anyone looking that the strain from working the case was building up. His gaze once again returns to the group focused mainly on Ryker awaiting a response.
Ryker looks at the boy puzzlingly. The sight he seems to be seeing is as if a city unfolded out of thin air. Who is this boy? The Mayor's voice snaps him out of his thoughts and back to reality.
Ryker paces back and forth before sitting down.
Y-Yes we are in a bit of a predicament, It does not sit well with me the things that have transpired here. I want this matter solved quickly and with as little blood spilled as possible. On that note, I believe we need to figure out who will be the next target. So far it's only been women of young blood until last night that is. Is there any connection between them? Were they worshippers of the same gods? Or perhaps there husbands or lovers are connected which would lead them to be targets. I want to cover everything so that we might get closer to the truth as fast as we can. I utterly dispise needless slaughter.
Ryker will stand and walk over to the boy non threateningly. He will crouch to get eye level with the boy.
He will lean in slightly and speak softly.
Hey their... Do you have a name...? My name is Ryker...
Ryker will reach out slowly to grab the towel on the boy's head. And the begin to wipe the water from his body slowly. Not wanting to cause the child to suddenly recoil, Ryker kept his voice slow and soothing.
Do you have a family...?
Ryker brushes the hair out of the child's eyes so he may look at the boys face.
Are you hungry...? I'll have something nice and warm made up for you, you'll be able to eat as much as you want. Would you like that?
Ryker turns to the mayor as if conveying the message to him to send for the maid, so she may fix him up some food.
Ryker will then take off his cloak and wrap it around the boy and smiles warmly.