Parnell Ludington wakes to the light of dawn. Pushing the tarp aside, the young paladin rubs his eyes.
What a strange dream. Grey eyes needing my help. A message from Ceana, perhaps? And that fog again, it was eerie, but not as threatening as last time. What the blazes is going on!
Resigned to start the day, Parnell folds the tarp back up, takes some feed from from under the driver's seat and feeds the donkeys. Once that is done, the paladin walks back into the wagon to do his daily prayers.
After his mediations, Parnell goes into Tykren proper, and gets a small breakfast from a halfing vendor of a meat pastie. The rest of the morning, Parnell walks around Tykren, watching final festival preparation underway, watching human and halfling children run around having fun.
As with most of the town, Parnell walks over to The Church of Ceana, and waits at the gate with everyone else, keeping an eye out for anyone he might recognize.
Sierra had taken out her bedroll and fallen asleep next to the dying embers. Waking once, she was confused as to what woke her. Looking around, she saw a fog had rolled in and the air was cooler. Wrapping her blanket tighter around her, she wondered Could this be like the fog Parnell was talking to me about on our ride here? And where are the night sounds? Not even an owl hoot as they go after their nightly meal. With a slight shiver, she says aloud Must be the fog. I'd rather not be in it either. Trying to not think much about it, she settles back down into a fitful sleep.
Sierra woke to the sounds of people moving about and bright morning sunlight. It was time for her daily meditation like her mother had taught her.
After that, she went to find breakfast. Reflecting on her dream as she went. Such a weird dream. I really wish I could remember more. I know there's someone that needs my help. Someone with the most beautiful eyes I've ever seen. Well, I don't guess I've actually seen them, now have I, Sierra? Shaking her head, she stops at a vendor to get her a breakfast.
Eating, she watches a delightful performance of song and dance. Walking along, she visits some other shops until it's almost noon and then heads to the Church.
The area was bustling. She keeps her head down and tries not to get into anyone's way. Slowly, Sierra makes her way to the right of the gate where a special area was sectioned off.
I don't remember anything about a special area sectioned off. I hope i'm at the correct spot. From what I remember of mother telling me, I can only become an honorary member.
Tipene wanders around while the city erupts in joy and fun.
As every year since he lives here, doubts assault his mind on this very day.
-I know, I should try myself to the Order. It will give me freedom and money to travel and search my father's destiny. But then again... I wouldn't be worthy of it. There are at least half a dozen vows I would probably break, and that's without even noticing.
As the day runs out, he changes opinion several times. When the time comes for the tests to begin, he's already settled his mind.
-Next year, I promise.
Liek will exit his office, sighing. Time to solve this case or get out. So time to put my detective shoes on.
He will pull out his notepad, and check over everything he had written about the "Corrupt Guard" case, looking for a possible suspect. If I can't find anything, I will head to Giants Ironworks and see if Pyrrhus is willing to help. I don't think he knows anything, but a big guy always helps with interrogation
Nothing much to go on, just hits by the river, never that much and only from those who can afford it.
He will wander down to the riverside, and stand at watch.
Pyrrhus woke early as usual, getting ready to start the works on the forge. It took him a couple minutes to remember about the festivals and that meant he was not working on anything new today, just selling the pieces he already produced, and that was Tyra's job.
Pyrrhus walked to the kitchen and prepared his breakfast: a soft beer bread with butter from Ol'Tarney's farm, a couple slices from his own salami, a slice of hard cheese and some boiled eggs. To wash everything down, he drunk a cup of coffee.
Pyrrhus spent the rest of the morning working on his homemade beer, ignoring the sound of Tyra's arrival. It is pointless to yell at her... that damned Halfling only listens to what she wants to...
He was attentive enough to notice the halt in the streets 'bartering noises' and that could only mean that it was time for Order's event. Pyrrhus had no intention in joining the Order, neither as an honorary member nor as a permanent one, but one thing he knew: many of the tasks were dangerous and dangerous tasks asked for proper protection and Pyrrhus was the man who would be selling the armors and shields. Perhaps the sales this year could give me enough money to properly build a brewer of my own... Tekren deserves real beer and not the piss the Low Hill Brewery insists to make us swallow... Pyrrhus bottled the last brew and followed Tyra outside, towards the church.
"So... how were the sausages?" He asked his assistant, barely containing his anger and frustration.
When the sun hovers directly over the lake, allowing the lake to shine in a ray of gold, the gates of the Order opens allowing all to see within. A male comes forward and speaks clear and his deep rich voice carries over the crowd easily,"All those who come before the Order of the Star, be they those who are accepting their final step of joining, perhaps seeking Honorary members, even those seeking redemption for past sins, and those few out there seeking a Boon with the church who seek answers or services of the church itself. If anyone matches any of these questions or services, step through this gate and meet up with those under the pavilion."
Those who enter will find themselves before a set of six people, asking those to fill out a simple form that highlights who the person is, why they seek to serve, and what is the persons base skills.
After this each person will be sorted into sections by which a particular task will be given to them with a set of instructions.
The instructions are as followed, "Those who serve it is very simple, complete the task that is given to you and then return for the reward that suites what you have completed. You may be offered another task should you complete the first. This depends on the reasoning behind your service. You need only complete the task, do not steal from those who aid you are giving, and do not risk the lives of those who you are giving aid to. Attempt only to serve honorably and do not defile the Order's Name." A woman who all know as Melfa Cloudsworn the leader of the Order gives these words. She is a halfling who has past her prime, and all who have ever lived in Tykren has at some point met the woman. She always leaves a good impression, wise, humble, friendly, and above all, tries to see the best in people.
Tipene repeats to himself once more: -Next year.
Next thing he finds himself doing is filling the form.
My name is Tipene, from Asmerade's Tears. I have some knowledge of Blacksmithing and Tavern Keeping, and I can put up a fight.
I like to help people and all those things, but most of all... I want to find my father.
Beholding his form sheet, with more than half of it blank, makes Tipene think this is ridiculous. But... why write things just for the sake of it?
-Ok, take me or take me not, but you won't be able to say I wasn't honest. The lots are cast.
With these thoughts in mind, he hands the form to the Order's instructor.
Parnell steps up to the pavilion, greeting all six facilitators, then begins to fill out the form.
I was raised in a noble house, with most things taken care of for me. Since I decided to serve others through Ceana's teachings, my life has been fully enriched. I take great joy in helping others.
Other than my swordarm and my faith, I think my insight into the minds of nobility has allowed me to help and protect others. My skills in diplomacy has calmed agitated minds, allowing them to see reason. Also, navigating the perils of court to have needs meet the ears of the powerful leaders has helped others greatly.
Handing in the completed form, Parnell walks over to the side of the pavilion, waiting and watching other complete their forms.
Padlow wakes up as the cart of hay bales lurches forward. Two old mares react sheepishly to the crack of the whip and start their trot off with a jolt.
Uh oh. Overslept again!
Podlow hops off the back of the cart and finds himself in front of the church. As the large man bellows out the call of the Order Podlow listens intently as he pushes through the crowd. He was not a man of faith, believing most of the stories to be nothing more than fairy tales. He needed work though and if he could get the church on his side to spend a bit more time helping the farmers he harvested for and protected on market trips, all the better. He steps through the gate and takes his spot underneath the pavilion.
"Hello Tipene! Your brew made it quite difficult to wake this morning. Finding yourself below the holy pavilion as well aye?" He turns to the six Order members. "I'll take a sheet."
[i]Podlow, Guardian of the South Terraces and Bain of Bandits. If the Order shall need my bravery and blade I am at its command. I am a skilled engineer and farmer and have been a part of many building projects across the South Terraces. I have dealt personally with the southern bandit gangs and kept them at bay even during these harsh times.
Pollyana hears that Liek, a detective is back in town investigating criminal activity. She decides it is in her best interest to avoid him and keep a low profile. Pollyana heads back to one of her old hideout off the river.
Parnell walks over to Section C, by the fountain and patiently waits.
Sierra went in right after they opened up the gate. The inside was so grand, she could hardly believe she was there.
Walking up to one of the six people, I'll take a form, please. and then walks over to the side to sit on the ground and fill it out.
Name. Well, that's an easy one. Reason. That's another easy one, i just hope it's enough. She sits and ponders what her skills are. My skills? I've not done much of anything, so what kind of skills could I put? Sighing, Sierra fills out the rest of the from the best she can.
I wish to follow in my mothers footsteps and become part of the Order of the Star like she was.
I also wish to help others.
I'm a healer and an archer. I was an innkeeper. I've recently learned how to tattoo. I have a little knowledge on religion and am hoping to learn more.
Whatever task is given to me, I know I can complete. I look forward to being of service. I will not steal or harm those I am helping, nor put those in my keeping in harm, if it can be prevented.
I will serve honorably and will not defile the Order of the Star's name.
Thank you for the opportunity to join.
After completing it, she hands it in to the person she got the form from and goes to sit under a large flowering tree.
After a while, Liek will sigh. Everyone is heading to the church. Might as well head over to Pyrrhus's shop. I might have better luck catching Tyra than this theif.
He will take one last good look around.
Among the group of applicants, Parnell sees Sierra and waves his hand, trying to catch her attention, happy to see one he recognizes.
Sierra looks around the area at all the applicants. I wonder if this is a solo thing or if i'll be paired up with anyone or even a whole group. Pondering, she tries to remember if her mother had ever mentioned it.
As her gaze looks over the fountain, she sees Parnell waving. She smiles and waves back. After a slight hesitation, she gets up and heads over to him.
Hello, Parnell. How are you this fine day?
"Doing well. It's good to see you. I'm sorry if I took you from your section", realizes Parnell. "I'm suppose to wait here to be sorted."
By Ceana, why am I being so awkward!
Zel wakes up late as he was up studying his new book again.
The children are jumping all over him and after some play time he decides he should head out for some alone time.
Zel strolls down the street in the direction of the merchants.
He notices the large number of people heading in the direction of the church
Why must people put themselves through this each and every time they open the gates.
He turns down another road going away from traffic.
Well if they are going to open the gates and attract all the people...I can sit down and study in quiet for a change.
He looks at the signs in front of the buildings...
What was the name of the place again...
Prancing pony...Volgur pony...my little pony....
he starts to wonder if he will find the place when he see it..
ahhh yes...the drunken pony..I should have known that
who would add the name drunken to a tavern...like what else are you to do there...
Study I guess
Hoping that the place is quiet and or empty of drunks, Zel enters the drunken pony to have a meal in a quiet table away from people.
He will order whatever the cook is providing for that day and some ale.
While he is waiting he will tend to his new book, opened up in front of him with his notes neatly piled around the table. A chair to his right has an ink well and quill sitting on it. When his meal arrives he will place it on the chair to his left and tip the server. He eats, reads, and takes notes not bothering to look up at anyone that might be staring at him.
Not gonna find anything today, Liek will say with a sigh.
He will walk down to Giants Iron works, shaking his head as he does.
Oh, I didn't know we were assigned a section. Wonder how I missed that? Shrugging, she murmurs Umm, oh well, I think it'll be alright if i stand over here and talk with you. She smiles a bright smile while she starts fiddling with her braid.
As her smile fades, shes asks, Did you notice the fog last night? It gave me a shiver, it was so weird. Was it like the "other" one? While she says it low, she doesn't look around to notice if anyone is close enough to listen in.
Oh, I didn't know we were assigned a section. Wonder how I missed that? Shrugging, she murmurs Umm, oh well, I think it'll be alright if i stand over here and talk with you. She smiles a bright smile while she starts fiddling with her braid.
As her smile fades, shes asks, Did you notice the fog last night? It gave me a shiver, it was so weird. Was it like the "other" one? While she says it low, she doesn't look around to notice if anyone is close enough to listen in.
"Yes", spoke Parnell, "and no."
"It didn't seem as threatening as it was the first time I experienced it."Parnell gets a introspective look on his face. "It may have been related to the dreams I was experiencing."
Dreams? I had a strange one last night, too.
Under her breath, she mutters Such beautiful grey eyes. Louder she asks,
What was your dream about, Parnell?
Parnell's eyes widen with shock. "Yes! Grey eyes, and the feeling they needed my help!"
The crowd who had entered into the church has finished being sorted into different sections. And to each section a representative greets the individuals standing together.
The woman everyone had seen pacing by the gate heads to section C; where Parnell, Sierra, Podlow, and Tipene, had all found themselves to be. She seems to be rambling slightly to herself as she looks over the documents in her hands before looking up at the group, "This is odd? Is Lady Cloudsworn sure about this? Her divination's are never wrong but surely this must? oh well, we shall see...."
She looks up at everyone with a smile and begins to speak loud enough for the group to hear, "Greetings everyone! I, Fiona Ni Rinn, will be giving you your missions. For this group, it is stated that you all shall work together to complete the following jobs. They may appear simple enough, but understand Lady Mera Cloudsworn has taken it upon herself to pick your jobs out. She mutters the next phrase, "which is odd because she usually doesn't do that"
She smiles at the group before continuing, "So your jobs are placed on this scroll, your task is to complete them and then return to the church. There is no time limit so do not feel the need to rush. Also you may seek outside aid should you desire, but we do ask that you make yourselves a limit to eight, and those you add to your group, know that you are responsible for them. You may ask me any questions you wish before leaving the gate, however, once you pass through the gate, the church will no longer aid you. You will have to figure everything out with the set of skills you have in your collective.
She hands the scroll over to Parnell, the first to be placed in the section. She gives them a bit of time to look it over before asking, "Now do you have any questions?"
The scroll shows You Open the Scroll
"Looks like wisdom is the closest quest for us. There was an investigator in the tavern last night, perhaps he'd be up for a bit more work."
"Looks like wisdom is the closest quest for us. There was an investigator in the tavern last night, perhaps he'd be up for a bit more work."
Liek approaches the building known as Giants Ironworks. Pyrrhus is a good blacksmith. Just about everyone knows him. If anyone could be of any use as a partner in this investigation, It would be him and Tipene. I'll stop by the Drunken Pony, after I ask Pyrrhus, to see if Tipene is willing to help me gather information.
Liek will knock on the door of the shop and wait for Pyrrhus to open the door.
"Looks like wisdom is the closest quest for us. There was an investigator in the tavern last night, perhaps he'd be up for a bit more work."
"Personally, I'd rather complete the Quest of Virtue", spoke Parnell, making sure to bend down for the halfing to see, knowing kneeling down is a halfing/human social faux pas.
"But if we can get the services of an actual investigator to assist us in Quest of Wisdom, it will hopefully be achieved quicker."
So the crowd hears the speeches and cheers for those who have been given jobs. There is a slight announcement, "People of Tykren, These are your Protectors this year! May they purge this land of wickedness and bring us peace!"
Music strikes up loudly outside, cheers of people, and a large popper that was hanging over the gates explode into vibrant bits of colored paper which showers everyone. Soon after many of the people begin to disperse, most of the crowd begins to speak about various known issues going on around and in town, and are curious if any of those problems were the jobs handed out.
Podlow if he happen to look outside the gate would see the Giant Pyhrrus as a familiar face looking on, and next to him, his impish apprentice Tyra.
The note falls from Parnell's hand as the announcement is proclaimed.
What? I'm a Protector of Tykren?! What?!
Podlow looks up to Parnell, Sierra, and Tipene. "Congratulations my fellow Protectors." As the crowd begins to thin he sees more friendly faces watching the ceremony. "Pyhrrus and Tyra. We can probably start with asking them about the local thefts."
-Ok, to begin with, I'm Tipene. About the quests, I think we must complete all of them.
Shaking himself out of his reverie, Parnell responds, "Yes. Indeed."
Picking up the dropped scroll, and straightening up, the young human introduces himself.
"My name is Parnell Ludington, a paladin of Ceana from Asmerade."
Motioning to the human female to his right, Parnell continues, "And this is warpriest Sierra Armikos."
"Podlow. Nice to meet you. I'm a farmer and militiaman from just south of here."
Hello, nice to meet each of you. Are there any questions anyone can think of before we leave and start? I can't really think of anything, myself.
Sierra reads through the quests, I agree, lets start with the one in town first.
Tipene nods. -Off we go, then.
What are you guys going to do first?
Podlow walks back through the gates and flags down Pyhrrus and Tyra. "Hey you two. Care to be of service to the grand Protectors of Tykren?" Podlow chuckles. "Been a while since I've seen you."
-Good idea. Pyrrhus can be super helpful if we need to intimid... errr... ask someone for information.- Tipene winks. -And I agree with Sierra, we should start with the quest which can be done inside the city. Should we separate and gain some time?
Sierra trails behind the men. Tipene, while it would save time to separate, i'd rather stay with at least one of you. Please, if i could.
As they reach the two that Podlow wanted to talk with first, Sierra studies them before greeting them. She holds her hand out to the giant of a man, stammering at him. Hello... Um, I'm Sie, Sierra. Get a grip Sierra. Look at his eyes, they're kind ones.
She looks at the halfling with him, gives a short laugh. What an odd couple you two make. she laughingly says before holding her hand out to Tyra.
We wanted to know if you knew anything about the recent stealing going on around town?
Pyrrhus had already talked to some of the 'chosen ones' of this year and was frantically disappointed by apparent safety of the tasks, since one of man got interested in some armor. Not nearly close to a nice year...
Pyrrhus heard as Podlow asked him about joining the 'grand' protectors... something quite comical coming from a Halfling that barely reached his waist. He though for a couple seconds before nodding. "Well, why not? Normally I'd would prefer to just sell my stuff but people are tight-fisted this year... Why not?" He then noticed the joy in Tyra's face. "But not you little rat! Someone needs to take care of the forge, haha!"
Pyrrhus shakes Sierra's hands softly before answering. "Well, I must confess that no one stole anything from me... with the exception of a couple meaty goods... no sure why though. I guess I'm just lucky!" Pyrrhus smiles, actually knowing for sure the reason was his monstrous height.
"Darn", chimes in Parnell. "We left the Church before getting more information about who has had items stolen from them. And , if I heard correctly, we cannot ask for any help from the Church. They probably knew exactly who were victims of the thefts."
The young paladin smacks his head in frustration.
-Parnell,- says Tipene -at the end of the quest paragraph I recall to have read a list of people. Weren't they the people robbed? We could start by asking them, the first one on the list, for example. Shall we? -Tipene sets himself off to it, inviting the othersd to follow. -We're six or seven, are you sure we shouldn't split? We might intimidate whoever we visit by being so many.
Podlow sees one of the young men from the day before across the street.
"Aye, you boy. Have you seen that snoopy halfling from yesterday? He was asking questions of that man that was yelling at you.
[Assumption] Yessir! He went to the tavern down the street. He was out walking about this morning but seems to have gone for quick toppa' for lunch![/assumption]
"Thank you my good man!" Podlow flips him a silver coin and watches him run off towards the candy stalls yet to open.
"Alright, let's top off this band of adventurers and fix this crime problem before it ruins the festival."
Podlow walks off towards the tavern, whistling and faux dancing along the way.