The sleepy town of Cross... most of the year anyways. Normally this simple port town is quiet with its quint locals, but over the course of the last month, people from all walks of life have been streaming to Cross in droves, all for one purpose; Adventuring! The 250th Annual Cross Adventuring Contest is upon us once again! Inns, Taverns and Stores are jam packed with customers. The militia is out in force to secure the peace, and the monastary is filled to capacity of would-be adventures seeking blessings.
With one day left until the contest starts, you are out and about, taking care of your various tasks. You day has gone by quite quickly as the sheer amount of customers and patrons has caused you to lose your track of time.
At about midday, you all are visited by a strange little guest. Tok, the goblin assitance to Groden Honourbound, the mayor of Cross, comes to each of you in turn. He is accompanied by two members of the Cross militia, a large opposing troll and a rather furry halfling. The contrast of the two is quite unbalancing to the eye.
Tok hands you a scroll and huffs "You be summoned! Boss Groden wishes words. You be at his place in..." Tok takes out his pocket watch and shows it to you, he traces one circle around it with the big hand, indicating one hour. "...one circle! You be there!" And he turns about and heads back towards the general direction of Town Hall.
Unfurling the scroll, you read the following:
You are designated as Team 18a
Yours Truly, Groden Honourbound
A stir of old excitement shot through Galdor as he read the scroll. It had been years since he had dreamed of adventuring, years that he had spent in the militia and mastering his weapon. But the scroll brought back the old dream. After all, what better way to hone his skill then to test it on an adventure.
Setting off, Galdor presents himself a quarter of an hour before the appointed time.
Soris took the scroll and read it. He wondered about it, after all as far as anyone knew he was just a tattooist. Maybe it was some kind of drawing or maybe he was just a replacement in case someone got hurt. He rolled it back up and pocketed it.
He went back to the man he had been working on, the man was getting a serpent done on his neck. He had been playing with the puzzle box that Soris gave to customers while he worked on them. After some time making the final touches and letting it dry he grabbed some whiskey and poured a bit into his hand. With a slap he held it in place on the man's neck as he howled the puzzle box dropping from his hands.
"Damn you bloody orc kisser!"
Soris chuckled and wrapped up the man's neck. He picked up the puzzle box to be put away. He cleaned his tools and took his payment.
"Be sure to change those bandages everyday and keep them dry. In about a week or so it should be ready. If you get it infected it's your fault and I won't be paying for no healer or priest."
He waved away some customer's. If he lost to much business he was going to bill the mayor. He looked into the sky, best not run late. He arrived shortly with half the time to spare, better to be early then late.
C'mon Felisin! Groden's gonna tell us what the adventure will be! Isaac grabs Felisin by the hand and tries to pull her off to Groden's. We can be the first ones there and ask questions. Hurry!
Boomer snored behind his desk, his thick arms folded across his broad chest and his head down. His shop looked neat as a button in the front area where the display cases and shelves were, but in the back where Boomer sat it looked like a bomb had gone off. Odd tools and strange springs and gears were strewn about. Paperwork was haphazardly piled. A blackened scar covered part of the desk and part of the wall, a reminder that sometimes bombs did go off in here.
When the goblin had come in, Boomer cracked one eye while the little creature spoke, and then grunted. That was all the confirmation he was going to give, and apparently all the goblin expected.
A moment later, Boomer was snoring again, but the little green messanger wasn't worried. Boomer was never late. Of course, he was almost never early either.
None of the clocks in his shop showed the same time, but somehow his body always knew...
As Isaac grabs Felisin's hands she feels the bright red blush rise up her face, her ears are hot and burning. He's touching my hand was all she had time to think as he dragged her along. Quickly Isaac's excitement became infectious, her laughter sweetly ringing out as they headed toward the Groden's 'place' "Yes we can be there first and we can be 'Adventurers' " She gently jibes but really this is what she wants.
Isaac and Felisin arrive at the town hall, considerably early for their appointed time. Upon getting closer to the hall, you notice that a long lineup of townsfolk is gathered outside the hall. Three militia memebers stand at the door and one of them is holding a large leather bound book with a long quill pen. you notice that he is speaking to the person in the front of the line. He takes out what appears to be a pocket watch, makes a few notes in his book, and ushers in the first five people of the line.
Both of you notice a young monk from the monastery, you recall his name as Torvan, who is now speaking to the militia at the door. The man at the door sppears to be writting in his book while speaking to Torvan. Torvan suddenly notices that you are staring at him, and his mouth breaks into a wide smile, he waves to both of you before going back to speaking with the man at the door.
"Excuse me?" You both jump as you notice one of the militia that was stationed at the door is now standing at your feet, looking at you both. He is the same halfling guard that you remember from giving you the scroll. "You are quite early still for your meeting. The Old man is meeting with all the teams today, so I'm afraid you will have to wait until your appointed time, and for the rest of your team to get here" He nods his head to you respectfully.
I wonder what the old Orc wants? Darius thought as he rolled up the scroll. Takes a, mildly painful, look at the sky. I got time. Makes his way to the tavern and orders a glass of red wine, and downs it quick.
After arriving a third of a circle early, Darius looks around and takes note of all the lovely ladies in the waiting area. One in particular catches his eye, an elven female clad in white leather with a bow straped across her back. Well, isn't she a beauty.
Walks over to her, bows and says, "Hello there, could I possibly inquire as to the name of such a stunning creature such as yourself?"
Then Darius notices Galdor walking in.
Felisin turns bright red as Darius bows "Well hello sir, my name is Felisin LightTouch. I am pleased to make your acquaintance." She quickly looks to Isaac to see if he has noticed the conversation. "What may I call you.". A tumble of thoughts race through her mind, Nothing else has worked maybe I can make him jealous. No, no don't think such things.
Galdor is here? Well this just keeps getting interesting.
"I am known as Darius. May I ask what team you are a part of?"
Isaac is slightly offended at what he understands to be Darius's lack of tact. Isaac has seen this man - if he is a man - around before, and does not appreciate the way he behaves towards women. Good sir, this is no creature. I am Isaac of Steyr, cleric of Praetor, and this is my colleague and friend, Felisin, healer and oracle of the one God. We are both part of team 18a. I'm sure our team will be nothing but the best and brightest Cross has to offer. I wish you luck as well, of course. Isaac doesn't seem so sincere with his final remark.
Hmmmm....interesting reaction. Better not touch this one then, an angry priest is the last thing I need. Smiles at Isaac, bows his head, then looks the priest in the eye. "My apologies, I didn't realize she was taken." Leans up against the wall, "and in answer to your question, dear Felisin, I am also a part of team 18a." Holds back a smirk in anticipation towards Isaac's reaction.
Soris had mostly just been hanging around. He saw a few former customer's. He scowled at one that had gotten a scar over his work, damned brawlers ruining his work over some drinks or words.
He looked around some more, he spotted a pair of clergy types. He wished the damned church would stay out of Realinia. Then came the dandy, he did not know him by name, rather reputation, but that one liked women to much. As in enough to find a group of men waiting for him down the wrong alley. Soon enough he was pawing the priestess and then came the priest.
Glory be to Praetor! Darius has found two of Isaac's peeves. He can't stand it when people think he and Felisin are together, and he can't stand it when people are snide. We are simply colleagues! He turns to Felisin, trying to exclude Darius from the conversation as much as possible, although he has never been very good at whispering. Why does everyone think we are romantic? That would be so strange. Isaac is so wrapped up in defending his lack of a relationship that he momentarily fails to make the connection of what Darius just said. You are taking a quest with us? How can this be? He directs his next question to anyone who looks to be in charge of anything. With whom can I speak to arrange a change of party? I cannot work with this cad!
Galdor sees Darius and makes his way over to the pale skined human, who as usual when not on duty, is chatting up a female. Greetings Darius. Are you also here to enter the Adventuring Competition?
Bit of a high strung fellow, this one is. This could get dangerously fun. Using Galdor's entrance as a way to not indulge mischievousness, Darius responds, "Why yes I am, Galdor. Let me guess," Looks up in quizzical thought, "18a?"
Felisin tries to keep the hurt and longing out of her tone as she replies to Isaac's attempt at a whisper "Yes I guess...I guess that would be strange". She turns to Darius as Isaac questions the people who look in charge and smiles apologetically "I'm sorry he means well, but sometimes he lets his love for the Praetor get the better of him." seeing Galdor arrive she smiles politely in greeting. It's nice to see another elf for a change.
Why yes, 18a. This is most peculiar.
Knowledge local
You all hear a shout from behind you coming from the door, you notice it is the militia with the large book, he geatures over to you all "Team 18A, present yourself!" He nods at each of you in turn and makes check marks inside his book. "Head on in please, Groden is waiting, and he's a busy man today"
He opens the door and shows you in. Another militia greets you inside and shows you to Groden's meeting room. Books of all kinds adorn the shelves, and various types of weapons are mounted above the fireplace. A very old orc stands before you, what wisps of hair remain have long since gone white, but he still looks quite venerable. One thing does strike out as unusual. Groden stands before you fully armored in his ancient half plate. A golden symbol of a hammer is emblazed on his chestplate. A large great axe is strapped to his back. He nods to each of you in turn, he stops for a brief second in front of Isaac to give him a quick pat on the shoulder.
"Greetings Friends. As you have probably figured out, your invitation into the contest is an unusual one. Normally we have enough teams to completly cover the events, but sadly this year we are short. Several teams of citizens will be inducted this year to make up the difference. Teams were chosen on the basis of skills so that each team is balanced. Each of you brings a special skill that is needed in a regular adventuring party" He looks to Soris with a brief smile and mutters to himself.
He brings out a small pouch and a map and hands it to Isaac "Here is the map to your targeted area and your expenses for the journey in case you need any extra supplies, 100 gold should cover anything mundane that you are lacking. The map leads to a small opening into our famous cave systems. Your Day One goal is to find a relic or piece of treasure. The team that finds the best piece will be rewarded the point for the days adventure. So make sure to get lots of rest tonight. This concludes your debriefing unless you have any extra questions"
Hmm. I will have to find out what talents our party can bring to the table. I can't imagine why some of these people have been selected.
Isaac boldly steps forward. I will bring our town great glory in the eyes of Praetor. He takes the map and pouch of gold. I will take our supplies back to the temple and pray over them for blessing. I will be at the monastery if anyone should desire to discuss our plans for tomorrow. We shall meet at the steps of our Lord's house tomorrow at daybreak!
Isaac proudly marches back to the monastery and waits at the steps if anyone want to talk.
Listens to the old Orc, as he stands at parade rest, and keeps silent. A relic or piece of treasure huh? They must have planted something there. I can't imagine that there would be much left after all these years. When Groden is finished, Darius snaps to attention, salutes and then takes a more relaxed stance.
After Isaac makes his little speech, without missing a beat, "No offense priest, but I'd like my share now, please." Takes a sidelong glance at Soris the Tattooist. I wonder what skills he brings to the table.
Soris wanted to punch the old orc in his tusk. He did not like people getting in his business. But things just seemed too off to him about all this.
"Sorry priest but I trust the church with gold about as much as I would trust a hoardless dragon. So I will take my share now and get things done today. Ah and do try to remember this is Realinia, your god is a guest. If no one needs me I will excuse myself."
He gives anyone time to stop him or reply.
[ooc]Perception: Galdor addresses himself to Groden. Sir, do you have any advice on the best way to excel on the first day's challenge.
After receiving any advice that the old orc is willing to share, Galdor smacks Darius on the back of the head. Show some decorum. That is one of the many things that we should discuss. We should all retire to a private place to discuss strategy. This gentleman's suggestion of the monastery is a good as any. Galdor will go to the monastery with Issac and will talk strategy once the entire party is assembled or once it is clear no one else is coming.
Looks at Galdor, while rubbing the back of his head, "What? I just wanted my share now. Besides, I had plans tonight. Can't we discuss this in the morning with clear heads?
As you know, this gold is for our quest. I expect to see that you have used it wisely. Isaac casts a stern look over Darius. Darius, if I find that you have squandered this on women and drink, I will leave you behind.
First, I think we should discus what each of us brings to the group. Secondly, I think we should determine how to make this gold go as far as possible in helping us with our quest.
Groden shackes his head as Isaac leaves for the monestary, "I really hope he learns to trust himself more then his god
Groden turns to Galdor and pats him on the shoulder, he chuckles slightly "Survive, best piece of advice I can offer!" Galdor nods as the all leave and resumes his duties
Soris shrugs at Galdor.
"I am a tattooist. Don't expect me to be anywhere near a fight. I got a few long ranged tricks but thats about all. As for the gold, well you should have everything you need already. It's not enough for anything special mind you."
Looks at Isaac, with the most serious look that anyone has seen in years, and says, "My plans do not involve such things this night." Then looks at Galdor, "If you insist on such a discussion, then let us meet up in one and a half circles. Agreed?"
Boomer just watched his teammates first exchange from the back of the room, fairly sure they didn't realize he'd been grouped with them.
Well this 's gonna be jus' peachy. Meybe ah should jus' skip th' contest this year.
As they began to talk he scratched his perfectly trimmed beard.
Ah'll hear 'em out first...
I am a fighting type. I specialize with this.Galdor whips out a meter and a half of curved flashing steel. The weapon, though of ordinary quality, is obviously well cared for.
She listens quietly through the meeting I don't know whether to be excited or afraid.. She doesn't take the money of Isaac and follows him to the monastery.
If asked what her skills are she says "I have practised in the arts of healing and I have a fair use of the bow".
If asked what to use the money on she simply says "Healing potions may be useful to us."
After taking his share, Darius heads out to do what he planned.
When he shows at the meeting place, in full gear, and hears Galdor kick things off, his immediate response is, "Yeah you specialize with that thing. I outta know, you've beaten me enough with it." Then he smirks, "However, I've taken you down plenty of times with this." Darius' two blades seem to vanish from their sheaths at the same instant a double-bladed weapon appears in his hands. He spins it twice, making sure not to hit anything, and sets one blade tip on the ground.
Galdor eyes Darius failing about with his blades, just as much flash as edge.Indeed
Isaac says I am most at home in the thick of battle with the standard of Praetor held high, but I am also a conduit for our Lord. I have several magics at my disposal, and can offer some small healing.
I will spend the rest of the day acquiring equipment with my personal funds, and I would be happy to purchase any communal items we desire, as well. Groden has shared many stories of adventure with me, and I have a good idea of the kinds of supplies we will need. I will purchase rope, flint and steel, rations, and other vitals. Anyone is welcome to accompany me.
I have most of those things back in my barracks, but more is always a good idea. May I also suggest a water skin or two.
After any conversation is over, Isaac goes to purchase his stated goods, then heads to bed for the night. He barely sleeps from excitement, and is waiting at the steps of the monastery an hour before dawn, checking his weapons and gears dozens of times over.
Felisin after any conversation has passed heads to buy 3 smoke arrows and a spell component pouch. Then also heads to her bed.
Soris leaves after the conversation. He makes his way to a hidden shop of sorts and privately picks up a scroll from a friend. He then heads back to his home and shop to sleep. Seemed he was going to have to get his traveling gear out again.
"I have most of everything I need. Fair night to you all." Glances at Felisin and Isaac. "Especially, you two." Turns and leaves to rest for the night.
Isaac lets Darius off with a dirty look. This time. ;-)
The next morning armored, carrying his pack and his Katana, Galdor makes his way to the meeting place, this time half a circle early, hoping to learn more of his companions and their abilities.
Grandstanders and kids. Only th' tattooist plays 'is cards near 'is chest. That's th' one t' partner with. Ah'm gonna need help if'n ah have any prayer o' keepin' th' rest alive long 'nough for 'em t' grow some perspective.
Felisin, you drift off to sleep, only to find yourself standing in a long hall. White marble columns surround you on each side. As you look off behind the columns, your eyes become fuzzy and you swear that you can see open sky. You look off down the hall and notice a throne upon a dias, all made from the same white marble as the statues. The throne stands empty.
You begin to walk down the hall, marveled at the soundlessness of your feet upon the marble. You stop in front of the dias when you notice an old man off to the side. He is dressed in a long, old grey robe, and an extremly old pointed hat that looks like its been trampled several times over. A long white beard streams from his chin and is tucked into his belt. He holds a walking stick as he begins to make his way to the front of the dias. He stops and looks upon the throne with a distasteful look.
"Absent from your throne already?" the old seems to yell at the ceiling. "Was all the blood and suffering worth it?" As he finishes his sentence, the hall begins to shake slightly and you notices a man floating down from the ceiling, he comes to rest in the throne. He's is quite young and handsome looking, with bright golden hair. He is dressed in full golden plate armor with a long flowing red cloak. A long sword is straped to a belt at his left side, and you notice that the hilt appears to be the wings of an eagle.
"How dare you come here! I should kill you for showing your face to me!" The young handsome man screams at the old man. His words are enforced with power and you are slightly knocked down. The old man seems unphased and walks closer to the dias.
"Was. It. Worth. It?" The same power in the words seems to be radiating from the old man. The young handsome man stands up from his throne and stares daggers at the old man.
"Of course it was worth it. You remember what it was like before? We were always arguring, never able to come to any agreements. We needed to act, and this was the best solution!"
The old man shackes his head "What we lacked was leadership, one voice to rein us in and show us purpose. That could have been you, but you showed your true face. You destroyed everyone and took over the world, all for your vanity!"
The young man appears to be furious "VANITY!? Vanity!?! I did it to protect the world. The Seals of the Star Prison were weakening, and my actions prevented that from happening! I would have completly succeeded if it wasn't for your meddling son!" The young man draws out his sword and moves to strike the old man down. An explosion knocks you to your feet and a thick fog covers your view. You sit up and as the fog clears from your vision you see the young man, with a furious look on his face that is slightly turning red as he tries to bring his sword down, but it is blocked by the handle of a rather large hammer. A third man stands between the old man and the young handsome man. He is fully armored in chain mail and animal skins and a long braided beared dominates his face. He takes a deep breath and lets loose a loud bellow. The young handsome man is thrown back into his throne, shocked from the blow.
The man with the hammer bends down to help the old man to his feet "Father, are you ok?" The old man waves away his son and turns to the young handsome man in his throne. "If you did all of it to save the world, then why is it still in danger? The Scourge has risen as it was predicted!"
The Young handsome man looks confused "That's impossible..." He seems lost in thought and looks off to the ceiling. His eyes widen in surprise before disappearing from the throne. The old man shakes his head. "Blind fool..." He turns to his son. "Are the preparations ready?" The beared man nods and the old man nods back in turn "Then go, see that everything reminds in place"
The beared man disappears into thin air leaving the old man to remain by himself. He turns to Felisin and bends down on one knee. "I'm sorry that you had to see that child, but it was nessesary. You have a hard life ahead of you, but keep your eyes open. If you need help, seek out the family of Truth, they will assist you."
He gets back up and starts to turn "Keep an eye on your friend, his faith is blinding him, and when he loses it, he may need your support." He hands Felisin a small coin, the metal is hard but light. The symbol on the coin is of a hammer. "Hopefully that will keep you safe" The old man disappears and you awake in your bed. A large metal coin pressing into your hand.
You all gather at the edge of town by the east gate of Cross a few hours after dawn. Several hundred adventure parties are in attendance, so moving around is quite difficult with the crowd. A stage has been set up along the wall of the east gate entrance. Once everyone has assembled and settled down, Groden takes to the stage.
"Good Morning Adventurers! Welcome to Day one of the 250th Annual Cross Adventuring Contest. You all have your assignments and maps for the days events, so you may begins on the signal!"
Groden gestures to a group of militia who turn and light a large tube. The fuse begins to spark and a large missile is sent into the air. It explodes into a large bloom of color, green, and red and purple. Groden screams "Go!" and the adventure teams begin to go off in different directions.
She awakes from the dream feeling disorientated and dazed.
Was that real. She looks at the coin, the metal cool against her skin and searches her mind to see if she knows the symbol imprinted.
She get's dressed and waits outside the monastery for Isaac before setting off for the gates. Still shocked from the strange vision questions buzzed inside her head How will this coin keep me safe. How will Isaac lose his faith. Who were those people.
The explosion and Groden's shout startle her away from her thoughts. Now she prepares to set off with the others.
The Dwarf that had been near them since yesterday yelled from behind like a military drill instructor as soon as the command was given.
"Move, ye sods!" he said, taking off at a stump-legged run. "If'n ye can't keep up wit' me, ye might as well quit now! We stop when we hit th' ruins! Go!"