Each of you receives a personal invitation to meet with Tobin Evermead at the Dragon’s Head Inn, a famous or rather infamous bar owned by Tobin. The Dragon’s Head Inn is on the edge of Absalom but still within the city’s walls. Word on the street is that Tobin is looking for a few adventuring types to team up and work with each other for a few ‘jobs’.
Tobin Evermead’s reputation as an adventurer himself is known throughout Absalom, and the story of how he acquired the Dragon’s Head Inn is always whispered but has never been confirmed.
As each of you enter the Dragon’s Head Inn, you notice the large head of a Blue Dragon over the Bar. Behind the bar is a Human that looks more warrior than bartender to you. The Bar Maids all smile as you each enter and one greets you. Good Day to you. Tobin is awaiting your arrival. Please follow me.
You are each escorted to a well furnished room in the rear of the bar.
The Bartender brings each of you a pint of ale. Once you have all gathered the Bartender eyes each of you as if assessing your skills.
I am Aiken Stone. Please introduce yourselves to each other, Tobin will be with your shortly.
A black haired dwarf, of mostly unremarkable features is wearing a well worn grey outfit, black leather boots, green hooded cloak, a chain shirt clearly visible under the cloak and a dagger in his belt.
Teodor is my name, he grabs a pint and sits in one of the chairs, it creaks under the stress of his weight. taking a sip from his drink, his expression turns into one of pleasant surprise, he raises his pint to thank Aiken.
Do you have any idea what kind of job Mr. Evermead has in mind? as he turns to face the other guests.
The door opens swiftly. Standing in the threshold surveying the surroundings is a tall dark form with unkempt dreads reaching past his shoulders.
He wears ankle high boots with a wide flap, leather pants loose cut with cross stitching on the outer seam. A wide belt over a wider sash of animal hide connect to leather groin armor at his waist. A sleeveless chain shirt exposes his brown Mwangi skin, revealing it to be bronzen and lighter than most of his countrymen. His muscled frame is more sinew than bulk, conveying a sense of speed and agility.
The general outline of his face and stature is unquestionably Mwangi, however subtle facial features convey northern contours. Eyes of deep hazel with bright golden flecks shining like stardust sit under brooding brows. An angled scar sits across his chin and his left ear is adorned with a small scrimshaw bone piercing.
Two worn handles crossing his back await his grip as does his horn handle dagger at his waist.
He looks at the solitary Dwarf.
I was summoned for adventuring company. Free ale. And coin in trade for skills. By the gods I can use all three.
He sits. Drinking a long draft of the ale.
Hrmmmm. Good!
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Colin walked into the bar curiously, unsure of what to look for. His thoughts were quickly answered by the maidens, and the chubby halfling was brought into the backroom almost immediately after arriving. As he looked around the room, he did his best not to appear uncomfortable.
As he sits down, Colin rubs the thick hair on the backside of his palms, trying to get a feel for the situation. The others in the room all appear to be of many different races and backgrounds, meaning Aiken must have wanted a variety of people to take on this task.
Good day, everyone. Colin says, giving a small wave and a slightly forced smile. My name is Colin.
A slender figure, garbed in travel-stained, forest green robes enters. Hooded, cloaked, and masked, his piercing green eyes and the pointed tips of his ears speak of elven heritage. A raven rides on his shoulder, and once the elf removes his pack and takes a seat, it takes to the rafters, alighting on a nearby crossbeam and quorks loudly:
Grawn! Grawn ar gyfer Singe!
The elf looks up at the bird and shakes his head resignedly, then lifts the bottom of his mask, momentarily showing stripes of scarred tissue on his cheeks and chin, to take a sip of the ale. He grimaces and replaces the cloth covering his face.
I am Berenwyr, lately of Kyonin. I don't suppose you have any wine instead of ale? And perhaps a bit of bread? It's been a long journey, and I find that decisions should not be made on empty stomachs.
Aiken looks at the Raven and then at the Elf. He simply nods at the request for wine and bread. He disappears and reappears quickly with the Elf's wine and a large basket of freshly baked bread.
Berenwyr lifts his mask and takes a sip of the wine. His eyes light up immediately.
Thank you master Aiken. A balm for my parched throat!
He selects a loaf of bread and quickly rips it apart with long, slim fingers, tossing pieces up to the raven as he eats. After a moment, he looks to the others seated at the table.
Colin, Teodor, will you join me? He then turns to Ro'an. My apologies, I did not catch your name. Will you break bread with us?
Ro'an sits motionless. Looking into his tankard he speaks in a low deep voice to no one and yet everyone.
A feathered fiend droped a s!!!e in my drink once. He pauses for effect, placing his throwing blade on the table. Once. He adds, before returning to drinking and observing.
Berenwyr arches a sardonic eyebrow at the bronze-skinned man and nonchalantly takes another sip of wine before speaking.
Shall I ask him to aim for your head then?
Gareth Hillen enters the tavern and is quickly escorted to the back room by the maidens. "What a fine lot you look to be," he says, taking a place at the table. "Ale, please," he calls out, looking around.
Taking him in, the first thing that you notice is the substantial scar of a burn along the left side of his face, extending up to his scalp. A little smaller than the average dwarf, he sports short red hair and a beard that is little more than a goatee, by dwarven standards. He is dressed in comfortable adventuring gear, and has a bag slung across his shoulders, which he slides under the table as he takes an ale from the waitress.
"Well, whatever we're wanted for, at least there's a drink or two in it for us," he says, raising his glass to toast the others.
Teodor assesses the other guests briefly, then shakes his head.
I see we're getting along quite nicely... I suggest we keep it that way. Establishing a good business relationship with Mr. Evermead is something that will benefits us all, in more ways you can foresee. So... let's put our knives away, and let's make sure no birds dropping fall on anyone...
Teodor belches loudly, Ahh... this is good Ale
Teodor responds to Gareth by raising his own glass
You are're right about that, Have you heard the story about the how got to own this Inn?
Teodor fails while attempting to change the subject subtlety
Ro'an growls deeply into his tankard at the mysterious Elfs quip.
Hrmmmmmmm
Then after a moment of tension, he bellows out. and slaps his open palm on the table, rocking it violently as he grabs up his knife.
Well met! I be Ro'an from the Expanse.
Many a coin have I left in Tobins establishment since my recent arrival. I welcome the chance to earn it back!
Berenwyr's eyes light up with mirth and he raises his cup to all.
Well met we are! I can see that in this company, I'll have no need of coverings for weak stomachs.
He quickly removes his mask, revealing a face covered in silvery old scars, a mangled hairline, and a mouth permanently pulled up to one side in a sneer.
Settling down, he looks over the other men at the table.
I am newly arrived myself, and know little of this city or Master Evermead. However, my tutor mentioned this establishment before his untimely disappearance at sea. I find it passing odd that he should summon me here scant hours after my arrival by ship. Do any of you know anything of him, or the nature of the work he would have us do?
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Colin can't help from smirk at the conversation unfolding around him. There's no question this is a very diverse group, and it was probably intentional so.
He slowly takes a piece from the bread basket and began munching on it. It cheers him up, since it was the first thing he'd eaten all day. He nods at the elf who passed him the basket.
Yes, thank you so much good sir. He begins to speak more when the dark-skinned human interrupts. Colin isn't quite sure how to respond to that or Berenwyr's reveal, so he instead takes a big bite of bread and chews.
As the Barbarian laughs a Dwarf walks into the room. He smirks as the Elf wonders aloud how it is that he would know when and how he would arrive. Tales for another time gentlemen. Tobin says laughingly.
He takes in the room and everyone in it in one brief glance and walks to the head of the table. He is average height and size for a Dwarf however he would stand out in any crowd, not for his appearance but for his attitude.
His black hair is pulled back at his shoulders and his beard halfway down is chest is neatly trimmed and partially braided. His garments are well made out of green and brown wool and he wears knee high boots with buckles up each side and a wide leather belt, expertly crafted.
I am Tobin Evermead, and everything you have heard about is me true. He briefly pauses to determine if anyone is going to ask any questions. Just before anyone would speak he continues on.
There is rumor that one of the sealed siege castles in the Cairnlands has been laid open by a minor earthquake. Word on the street is that no one has yet entered the tower. My proposition to each of you, is as a group to “explore” this “fallen fortress”. I am in search of a relic that is rumored to be hidden in the Cairnland and since this opportunity to has presented it’s self, I wish to hire you lot to look for it. If you survive and return from the exploration I will pay you 250 GP each for your trouble. Any questions? He looks at you each in turn to see if anyone is willing to say no.
Mr. Evermead Teodor clears his throat...
What does this relic Look like?
At Berenwyr's reveal, Ro'an speaks out. Bahh! You should bear you marks proudly! Do not hide. It is the pompous princes and nobles peacocking about that never dirty a nail living off the backs of others that should hide their shameful faces.
Ro'an fumes a moment, then turns his attention to Tobin. A for your offer little master. You expect us to drink this watered down swill and sleep in infested beds then go out and do you bidding! He stands, allowing his full height to settle on the dwarf. He slams his fist again on the table.
He looks to Teodor. His quarry is true. Answer it.
Addressing Colin. Worry not. A few scars will only improve your comeliness to the wenches. BWAHHHHAA!
Lastly he points a deadly finger at the Elf. I jest not about the bird. He then move his finger and taps a plate. *smack* *smack* Mmmmmmm
Tobin laughs at Ro'an's jest about the watered down ale and beds. He shakes his head as the Barbarian taps the plate for the bird.
He looks at Teodor The relic is one of the fabled Keys of Abadar. The Key is said to be about the size of a hand, made of pure gold. The head of he key is circular and is said to have an image of the first vault with a golden sun above it. It also has a key hole below the vault and four ruins on it. I have never seen a Key of Abadar, only images shown to me by clerics.
He pauses and looks at Aiken who is standing in the back of the room.
Master Colin, I am unsure as to what dangers you might find while exploring the siege castle. In truth, the siege castle is no more than a tower. You could run into goblins, dire wolves or a dozen other creatures while there. Since no one has yet to explore it you get to find out first. Tobin looks at the Halfling wondering if the cleric's first adventure will be .... the thought trails off as he looks at the others in the group.
Berenwyr looks up at Singe and calls out in a musical tongue offset by his raw voice.
Singe, peidiwch â gollwng arnynt oni bai ei wyf yn eu gorchymyn.
He then turns to Tobin and tics a few questions off on the tips of his fingers.
Master Tobin, a few questions if you don't mind. First, how did you come to learn about this Key of Abadar? Second, does this relic possess any inherent powers or dangers? Third, do you expect that there will be other groups seeking for it? And fourth, do you propose to outfit this expedition with pack animals, supplies and food?
He settles back and waits for an answer while searching his memory for any mention of this Key.
Tobin listens as the Berenwyr lists off his questions. He smiles and says The Key of Abadar has been rumored to be in the Carinlands for ages. Pathfinders frequent the bar often and always tell tales of being sent to find items, relics, artifacts. I listen. No idea if it has powers or is dangerous.
He pauses and then continues There are always people looking for things. But since the “Fallen Fortress” was just opened up, I do not think anyone else has had time to assemble a group. Lastely, I will provide basic supplies, but I do not think pack animals will be necessary as it only a few hours hike beyond the walls of the city to the Carilands and this particular siege castle. It’s not like I am sending you to The Five Kings Mountains or Numeria.
Hummmppph grumbles Gareth. Sounds simple enough. Hike the cairnlands, search a tower for a key, and bring it back if we find it. And that's 250 gold each, whether we find it or not? I hope half up front is agreeable to you.
By my scars and axes I will undertake this heroic hike! Aaaaaaaal the way to th' other side o' th' island. Have a hot meal and a warm bed readied when I return. Nay, reverse those.
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Colin listens intently to the questions being asked. After the wild human finishes, he raises his hand.
I would be happy to be part of this expedition, but I have one more question. He pauses, as if searching for the right words to use. Why did you call upon us, specifically? As we've never met before, how did you know to find us?
Tobin shakes is head at the Barbarian. Ro'an is well spirited. He thinks to himself.
He looks at Gareth, It does seem simple enough Gareth. Yes 250 gold pieces each for your time and effort. 100 Gold pieces up front, the rest upon your return. He nodes to Aiken. Aiken leaves the room.
Finally Tobin looks at Colin There are many wonders of the known and unknown universe Master Colin, how I know things will continue to be one of them. I am simply well informed and know that a team is stronger than any individual in the group. Everyone was chosen for a specific dynamic and talents you each have.
Aiken returns to the room and 5 bags of coin lands on the center of the table.
Tobin looks out the window at the late afternoon sunlight. You can start now or in the morning, it is up to you. I will have packs ready for your trip with your provisions for whenever you are ready to go. However any weapons, spells, potions, or other items you think you might need it is up to you to get. We are in Absolam and there is not lack of market for anything you may desire.
He gives a questioning look at each of you before he turns and leaves the room.
Aiken again stands at the back of the room, waiting to determine when you will leave so that the necessary things are attended to.
Snatching up his share of the loot, Ro'an weighs the coin in his hand as a master assayer would. Satisfied, he grunts and ties the pouch to his belt.
I grow restless for adventure. Others may feel so as well and be heading there now. What say you all.
Berenwyr weighs the bag in his hand and thinks for a moment. You are right Ro'an, time is of the essence, and we should make all haste. However, if we leave in the morning, I could scribe a scroll during the evening. Sometimes one more spell makes all the difference. What say you all? Will you give me the next few hours, or shall we set out at once?
Teodor grabs his share as well, and then addresses the elf
This fortress is supposed to be only a few hours away, we could camp near it for the night to get there before other folks. Can you write the scroll in the camp?, or do you need any of them magical gadgets from the College of Mysteries or something...
Gareth grins as the gold as brought out. 100 now seems fair enough he says.And these packs and provisions you have for us? What might they include?
I'm fine with leaving now and making camp tonight before exploring this tower tomorrow, waiting for the elf to answer Teodor's question.
Speaking in a voice of respect and genuine curiosity Pray tell, what magics of yours value this scroll above our time.
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Colin cocks his head, trying to figure out if Tobin's answer is satisfactory. No one else seems to have any objection, however, and he decides to let it go. He can't help but smile as one of the bags of gold is plopped down in front of him.
Very well, count me in. I agree with Mr. Teodor. We don't need to spend the night in the city, doing nothing. Let us depart now, and we can begin exploring first thing in the morning.
He fastens the bag to his belt and waits to see what the others ultimately decide on.
Berenwyr turns to Ro'an and keeps his voice low, so that others may not overhear. I am a wizard, Ro'an of the Expanse. I do not bother conjuring gobbets of fire, when a flask from the alchemist's may do. I practice a more subtle science. Should enemies come for us, would you rather I char a few of them, or leave them helpless as babes? I prefer them helpless myself, makes it easier to slit their throats, hmmm? He flashes a wicked grin at the assembled company. Or perhaps something more for your benefit. An arcane protection from fiends and the wicked, capable of guarding your body and freeing your mind should unknown horrors assail it. It also keeps the bird's leavings off. Yes, I think that should do, and as long as I have sufficient light and reasonable quiet to work in, it should not be a problem. And remember, once we are in the wild, I will be relying on your axe, that you may rely on my magic. So, let me go gather up a few components, and perhaps a crossbow and some bolts, and we shall depart for this Fallen Fortress.
Ro'an listens to Berenwyr whispered words.
This Elf has reason to his madness. He may prove a worthy alley yet.
After taking in the arcane one's meaning, he answers simply by making eye contact and nodding.
Agreed.
We must all prepare to leave within the hour. We shall sleep tonight under the stars eyes and conquer with the waking sun.
I have some supplies to procure myself, I shall be ready within an hour if we were to depart today...
Teodor finishes his drink in one loud gulp and stands up leaving his glass on the table, he then waits for consensus to be reached.
When you return from getting what you need, there are 5 packs in the back room of the bar, but no sight of Tobin. Aiken is behind the bar and looks at you as you enter the room.
Each pack contains:
Flint and steel
4 days trail rations
2 water skins - 1 filled with water, the other with wine
50 ft of rope
Grappling hook
1 torch
There is also a map on the table indicating the location of the siege castle you are looking for.
Berenwyr first heads off to a laundry and drops off his scholarly robes for cleaning and changes into a more rugged explorer's outfit for the travels ahead.
He then makes his way among several shops and purchases the esoteric compounds needed to scribe a scroll of Protection from Evil (25gp)
He briskly makes his way over to an apothecary and purchases 2 flasks of acid (20g), a flask of Alchemist's fire(20g), and a Sunrod (2g).
Finally, he visits a blacksmith and purchases a spare dagger forged of cold iron (4g).
Berenwyr returns to the Dragon's Head after slightly less than an hour in the city. He has obviously changed from his scholarly robes and into supple leathers and sturdy cloth dungarees of unrelieved black. His mask hangs loose about his neck, and a hooded great cloak of deep forest green covers the bulging pack on his back. He paws through the available sacks, and takes an extra flint and steel and two days of trail rations. He opens the wineskin, takes a quick sniff, and a quicker swallow, shrugs and slings it over his shoulder as well as the water skin. He leaves the remainder from the pack provided by Tobin on a table.
If anyone would like the rest, help yourself. I prefer to travel light, especially once we get into cramped quarters.
That said, he takes up a position near the door, hands clasped loosely around his staff, raven silently eying the room from its perch atop the rafters.
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Colin watches his new teammates disperse and decided against doing any shopping. He had already been traveling for a few days and was confident he had everything he needed, especially with the bonus pack given by Tobin.
He takes the opportunity to use some of his new-found earnings and spends the hour seated at the bar, enjoying a couple mugs of the tavern's finest ale. By the end of the hour he's slightly tipsy, but he's had enough over the years to know when to stop.
Ro'an picks up one of the prepared packs.
Ready.
He looks to the others as if they are wet faced babes for not being instantly ready for adventure. He holds his tongue for any comment to that affect.
He wordlessly joins Colin in drinking at the bar.
When it's time to leave, he makes it clear Tobin is picking up the tab.
Teodor returns from his place at Westerhold carrying his Waraxe and a mint condition Starknife.
He rummages through one of the packs and takes the following items: 2 Rations, Wineskin, Grappling hook, Torch. Teodor then returns all the extra items to its original pack and leaves it where he found it. He stares at the map for a few minutes, looking for known landmarks, terrain features, possible roads, and finally searches for any indication of camp sites with good view of the fortress. He continues until he's satisfied to have at least 2 reasonable routes to the final destination: one longer but kinder on those not accustomed to this type of trips, and another one significantly more demanding.
Finally, Teodor grabs a stool and sits next to his companions, It's bad luck to start a trip thirsty.
Gareth rummages through one of the packs to see what it contains, and then sets it aside with his own belongings. Once done, he looks over the map with Teodor. You know what they say, two beards are better than one.
Once that's done, he joins the others for a drink, although at one point, while waiting for the elf, he goes for a short too see if he can find a good set of lockpicks, something he's been wanting to buy. He quickly procures them from the merchant he had previously been talking to, who happens to be nearby, and returns to the pub.
As your group finishes the last of its drinks, the door to the Dragon's Head Inn open and in walks Tobin. He nods to Aiken. I see you found the map and the supplies. I have procured one last thing for each of you.
He hands each of you a potion of cure light wounds.
He looks at the group, Well, I thought you were leaving.
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Colin takes the potion and graciously nods his head. Thank you, kind sir. Hopefully they wouldn't be needing the potion, but there were always possibilities...
He snaps his train of unpleasant thoughts when he hears the last comment from Tobin. He takes a quick glance out the window to see how much light is left for the day. Colin stands up and begins packs the potion, then shoulders his backpack as if ready to go.
Berenwyr mumbles a few words, twitches his fingers and stares at the potion for a little less than half a minute before he nods and hangs the potion from a loop on his belt.
My thanks Tobin. I hope we wont need to use these, but if we do their healing power is most welcome. He then turns back to his new-found compatriots. Shall we go gentlemen? The sooner we leave, the sooner we shall be able to return Master Evermead's key and collect the remainder of our reward.
The elf then opens the door and holds it open for the remainder of the group.
Teodor pays his tab, straps his backpack, then briskly walks up to Tobin and grabs his potion, Thanks Mr. Evermead, this will come handy if we run into trouble., then pockets the potion in one of his belt pouches.
He then pulls a silver coin from his other pouch. Gentlemen, you can pick the route, one is shorter but we pay the price in sweat, the other not as much... or we can let luck decide, heads hard, tails easy...
He walks out the door Berenwyr holds open.
Shall we go gentlemen? The sooner we leave, the sooner we shall be able to return Master Evermead's key and collect the remainder of our reward.
The elf then opens the door and holds it open for the remainder of the group.
If the key is there Gareth points out, as he takes the potion with a nod and puts it in his satchel. Taking up his backpack, he redistributes a few items between the two bags, and then shoulders the pack.
He then pulls a silver coin from his other pouch. Gentlemen, you can pick the route, one is shorter but we pay the price in sweat, the other not as much... or we can let luck decide, heads hard, tails easy...
Who is afraid of a little sweat? The quicker we get there, the quicker we can set up camp and begin our initial scouting, and the elf can work on his scroll.
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Well, I don't know... Colin frowns as his voice trails off. He exits the tavern right behind Teodor, enjoying the fresh air after having spent several hours cooped up in that stuffy bar. He tries to peer over Teodor's shoulder to look at the map, but he quickly finds he's still not tall enough to do so.
Colin sighs. If everyone else wants to take the shorter route, I won't object. But how much time would we save taking it, and just how much more difficult is it?
Colin sighs. If everyone else wants to take the shorter route, I won't object. But how much time would we save taking it, and just how much more difficult is it?
Those are fair questions. I'm of a mind to take the quicker route, especially considering our shorter legged companions.. Berenwyr walks as he talks, then pauses for a moment. Which gate are we headed for anyway?