You all find yourself in a large sized coastal town named restiel's well. This town is filled with all types of life from priests of Sarenrae to common bandits. This town is a safe haven with plenty of caravan transport's, easy game, seaports, and finally distance from all the insanity contained in this region.
While everyone is wandering around the town you all see wanted signs,
A slight breeze seems to swirl around Andiel as she walks through the town with her cat in tow a few steps behind her. Having the gray/silver cat following her earns her several strange looks from passersby. Where she had grown up there had not been much water so one of the first things she had done was to go and stare out over the vast expanse of water for a while. She kept wondering what types of people of creatures lived across it.
As she walked back from the shore past several children playing games she smiled at them and wondered how different her life might have been if she had grown up with her real human parents. Her adopted parents had taken her to see the graves they had dug for them before she left to begin her nomadic life. She often prayed to Pharasma to give their souls mercy in their judgement.
She saw one of the signs on a billboard. Trustworthy individuals. Pay. Free meal.
"Well we could do with a good meal couldn't we Flow. I'll make sure they have fish for you too." The cat rubbed against her boots as if understanding her. They went towards the marketplace to gather information. She wanted to find out if the town had a local healer and perhaps purchase some salves and herbs or maybe offer to help for a while for a few coins. The meeting was tonight, she had plenty of time.
Line approached the sign and looked it over. Having just been released from his last job as a caravan guard when the caravan made it safely to port he wanted to find something to do. He could get a position on another caravan forming up to make a return trip but he had already done that several times before and it was no longer an interesting proposition.
So, a little before 6 Line showed up at the Warlock's lodge. He was a rather imposing figure standing about 5 feet 9 inches tall in full plate armor. Though his actual height would likely be a couple of inches shorter than that once one accounted for the thickness of his boot soles and the extra height added by his helm. It would be hard to judge his weight but if one were to guess somewhere around 220 lbs with all his gear they might not be off by much. Strangely enough for somebody wearing all that armor Line doesn't seem to have any problems moving around. With the visor on his helm down there wouldn't be too much more one could tell about him other than to check out the rest of his gear.
Line has a heavy wooden shield slung over his back. He carries his Dwarven Waraxe on his right hand side and his warhammer on his left hand side set up for a right hand draw. It would be obvious that the warhammer was silvered, and one might be able to tell that the waraxe was cold iron. Both weapons are of masterwork quality. Line also has a Gladius (variant shotsword) in its sheath thrust through the center front of his weapon belt arranged for a right hand draw. What can be seen of the weapon's hilt suggests that it may be masterwork as well. Finally, Line is carrying a lot of throwing darts in a quiver like arrangement worn over his right shoulder just like one would normally carry a quiver of arrows.
Line would enter the establishment and find some place he wouldn't be in the way where he could simply stand around and watch what was going on.
The small figure walked through town with ease in a suit of plate armor leading a small pony. At first the small figure looked comical dressed in a full suit of plate armor with an opened visored helm. That was until you got a closer look at him.
He had a carefree smile with a mane of light brown hair, but it was the eyes that made you realize this was no toy soldier. Piercing eyes and the assortment of weapons and shields slung on the back and in scabbards along with a bandolier of a half dozen light hammers completed the arsenal at his disposal.
Walking up to the sign, he glanced up to see another armored figure in a larger suit of full plate armor. Not seeing the visor open, he frowned at the figure that would not show his face. He pulled out a wooden amulet with a wreathed sword and concentrated on the figure before him for a moment. He seemed satisfied with something. He thought for a moment about saying something, but shrugged his shoulders and followed the figure into the Warlock's Lodge.
The merchant ship called the Orca pulled into port early this morning. the gangplank lowered. for several hours cargo has been unloaded and retrieved by the various buyers awaiting their supplies.
Finally taken off the ship is a mule and the last load of cargo.
walking down the gangplank to retrieve his mule is a dwarf, adorned in a dark red beard with a couple of brass beard rings. he is dressed plainly in clothing befitting a blacksmith. he walks with a slight limp using a cane made of hardened iron.
He gathers he belongings on his mule and makes his way into the town.
strapped to the mule is a finely crafted Dwarven Axe, as well as similar adventuring gear. the mule strains under the weight of its load but manages to keep moving.
making his way to the end of the pier. the dwarf stops by a local bulletin board.
Well Bessie, wonder what sorts a work dees folk be lookin fer.
He takes a gander at the board and the one notice that has caught his eye seems to be asking for trustworthy fellows.
Well Bessie, ya not gonna find any more trustin dan me. He rips down the sign and begins his search for this lodge that was mentioned.
While looking around the same small breeze surrounds you and at that moment the woman looks up and grin. You ... you're perfect. I sssee you are the adventuring type and I can sssee your curssse. I have an offer if you would like to take it. There are thessse pixiesss somewhere around the forestsss up north, nasssty little thingsss. If you manage to kill a few and ssstore some of the ressidue in thisss bottle I will reward you handsssomely. What do you sssay.
On the way to a smithy to get some notches out of his blade Ulfgard stops reading the sign. Great pay! Hrumpf my moneybag could need some more silvers. I am curious to what great pay means. But free food and drink! Thats a good way to get a dwarfs attention.
After haggeling over the price and waiting for his weapons to be cleared, Unbeugsam slowly walks over to the warlocks lodge to wait for the one who posted the sign.
"An extraordinary dwelling this is," she says as she looks around at the things on display as much as the shack. She seems a bit taken aback when the woman speaks about her curse. Flow senses her discomfort and directs a quick hiss the witches way. "Easy," she tells that cat, "Most people are too scared or superstitious to say anything. And they are too ignorant to understand. How did you know it so quickly?"
"What is the best way to catch these pixies?"
Azim stands in the streets taking in the coastal city.
Strange, Hanah was supposed to join the crusade. As was I. What is she doing in a place like this. Have I let my love for her lead me astray?
He reflected for a moment. Looking at the citizens go about their business. He soon noticed the signs seeking trustworthy people.
The warlocks lodge. Maybe I could get some information there. I certainly could use some employment. All this travel has depleted me of funds. Yes seems a place to start.
Azim soon finds himself at the warlocks lodge attempting to gather any rumors of a Quadirian women the recently came to town. He will approach the desk clerk or bartender if it is an inn as well.
Greetings. I am Abdu-Azim Usama Samad. I have traveled a great distance. I am in search of my friend. A young woman. Her name is Hanah. She would have been dressed much like me. Any help you could offer would be appriciated. May peace and the blessings of Sarenrae be with you.
As the final people begin to trickle into the tavern you notice there is an unusual amount questionable fellows.
The tavern itself is quite spacious, measuring 40 by 40 in common space, and the walls are adorned with numerous racks holding bottles and supplies. There are three large hickory tables in the room, one has a spread of food items, the center table has a large map spread out on it, and the last table is empty but for a ledger, quill and vial of ink.
There are several people mulling around the table with food, some greedily eating eating off the roasted mutton and having fried potatoes, and some fresh bread. Others gather towards the back of the room where keg of the spiced mead is located. Tankards are being filled and passed around to the crowd.
"Welcome ....welcome... my friends, please come and have something to eat and drink." The voice echoes from near the map table. There you can see an elf that is lightly clothed but carrying weapons on his sash.For those of you that are new, my name is Walter Featherton, proprietor of the Warlock's lodge
Line has no interest at all in the food and drink. He does, however, walk over to the table with the map and start studying it.
Gimlet looks at the mutton and potatoes and can't help but stack a few plates. He looks curiously at the map as he munches on potato and mutton. He nods to the father and smiles, but cannot stop to talk yet.
Klor ties Bessie up outside. Now you don't go a wanderin like da last time. he says to her and heads inside.
the first thing he discovers is the fine smell of good food, the second , the smell of good drink.
Klor makes his way to the spiced mead. I be tryin one a dem tankards laddie. he calls out.
Taking the mead in his good hand and his walking cane in the other he makes his way to the map. giving it a gander as to what it is showing.
any that care to notice, Klor walks with a slight limp and leans on a cane, he seems jovial and fairly non-combative. but to a trained warrior. his eyes tell a different story.
Helping himself to a big tankard of mead and a plate loaded with slices of meat and potatoes, Unbeugsam sits down next to the elf and waits for him to tell them more about their task ahead.
Excellent it looks like we have about all there is...looks like 19 interested people today. Excellent
Now that you all have had a chance to eat and drink lets talk about making money, long dramatic pause, "lots of it, too, all while doing a little exploring.
I came to this town a couple years back, after my adventuring days, and I opened up a tavern and exploration business. His arms extend outward to his shop.
Business has been good but ... another long pause, lately a couple thing's have happened. First, a couple old friends that I've supplied some navigators to have been ransacked and a few people have died...ain't gonna sugar coat it. Two human's make their way to the door and leave. I need some muscle to explore and try to find any survivors if worse comes to worse bring back the belongings they had
Then there is the real business I want to accomplish. That is to find the maps that the navigators had. The maps I have now are unreliable and in my professional opinion garbage. I need that changed.
"So yu want us to find those sassanachs who axed your friends and help them to a short fall and a sudden stop? And the prime item you want are maps? I ain´t no stranger to blood, and you coated it well in excllent food and ale. But, what is the lot´s of money. Just.. curious!"
Line speaks up. His flat and bizarre "synthetic" sounding voice probably being quite different from anything anybody has ever heard before. He says:
"These navigators that you speak of, are they specially trained people or some sort of device? If they are people what do they look like and how many of them are there? If they are some sort of device, how will we know when we have found them and how easy to carry will they be?"
Greetings Walter Featherton. I am Abdul-Azim Usama Samad. I will assist you as I am in need of work. I must ask and forgive my rudeness. A woman, Qadiran like myself came to this town. Possible joined one of your adventure crews. Her name is Hanah. Do remember such a lady or have any information that may be helpful in finding her. I appriciate your time and what you have set out for us here. Peace and blessings of Sarenrae be with my friend.
Azim sits back to finish his meal and here the rest of the details and any information Walter may have.
"Ok, let me see what I can get for you." As she reaches to take the bottle she almost drops it but just catches it at the last second then secured it in her satchel at her waist. "I'll take a first order scroll. Do you have any that will make them see me in a more favourable light? Hopefully it will give me an edge to catching this pixie essence you want."
If a helpful scroll is available Andiel retrieves 25gold from her coin purse and buys the scroll. "I will return." she assures the woman then adressed her familiar, "Flow, out," and they leave the magical hut. "Come, we need somewhere quiet." They walk through town and strangely enough end up standing in front of the Warlock's Lodge. Deciding that waiting here until the meeting time wasn't the worst idea she walks inside and asks to hire a room for the night, passing over the necessary coin and letting them know she is here for the meeting tonight. "Apologies about my pet, I hope he isn't against any of your policies, I simply can't leave him outside all alone." She picks him up and carries him to the room. Once inside he jumps out of her arms and onto the bed, settling comfortably into the pillow. She pulls out the scroll she purchased and places it on the bed. She unstraps her breastplate armour and pulls off the fur boots she wears. "Much better. Walking around town armoured up like that doesn't quite feel right. Now to business Flow. I am not sure if there is any library on magical creatures here but I'm sure capturing a few pixies won't be that hard." They wait in the room until it is time for the meeting.
Walking to the meeting room she picks up Flow when she realises that it is quite crowded and stands waiting and watching, noting that there doesn't seem to be too many other women in the room. She wears her fur boots and plain explorer's outfit, no armour, looking rather ordinary in this sea of 'adventurers'. Looking over various people there. Seemed quite a few were here for the free food and drink. She would eat later, finding a spot not too far from the map table. When the Elf talks she listens turning her head to watch as some walk out on hearing about the deaths. Fair enough. The maps he spoke of stood out to her. She wondered what made his old maps so outdated. As others speak up she waits to see if the elf will answer him, raising one eyebrow at the strange voice that emanated from the hulking metal armour at least a foot taller than herself if not more. When she gets a chance to speak she asks, "Where were these friends of yours exploring?"
Olokul faces Line and says " hmmm well this is interesting " He smirks " These navigators were mainly wizards wanting to make a name for themselves or find something special. I sent out 8 navigators and 4 personal friends left as well. When you meet them they will most likely tell you they come from me so they are easy to find. "
Hearing Abdul he scratches his head and replied " Well not many Qadiran pass through these parts and unfortunately I have not seen one in quite some time. Although the scribes always hire people of their own accord so if you manage to find one they might have a clue. Sorry I couldn't be more of an assistance. "
After the room settles down he replies to Andiel " Most were looking for something special like artifacts or secret's that no one knew I even overheard one say something about pixies but I paid no attention. I don't care much for that my adventuring days are over. I just want this place known for personal reasons."
Olokul chuckles after hearing the dwarf's remark " Straight to the point I like that. Well everyone who signs the contract gets 100 gold base pay and a handy haversack with a couple little items inside to aid you. All alive scribes are 500 gold and friends 1000. The maps you find will be negotiated depending on how much is filled. All the loot you find is yours to keep of course. Feel free to map yourselves if you would like. I must warn you there are rumors of a legendary dungeon that I don't personally believe but a few friends have. "
he shows off the map and says " A friend of mine has marked off a few areas on where some scribes might be but this is unreliable at best so there is no need to pay any heed to it. "
The smaller knight speaks up:
"Count me in!! My sword is yours!! Let us hope there is evil to dispatch!!"
Klor stood by listening to the offer. when he mentions the map, he limps to the map table to examine it. he pulls out a piece of paper and jots down some notes on the location that was described.
Very well then, Ya be havin' my axe at yer service.
Klor limps over to the table to put his mark on the line
Line says in his flat and somewhat bizarre voice: "So we will be looking for a dozen people, 8 of whom will likely be unarmored. If they're alive they'll let us know they're the people we're looking for. If they're dead and scattered about such that the bodies are not in an obvious group then trying to figure out which body or bodies we find are the ones you're interested in could be somewhat harder. However, I have no problem with going on a rescue mission so I will join up."
Line walks over to the other table and signs where indicated.
A few more people leave until there is 14 left in the room Well it seems you guys are the chosen few no matter I don't need many. I just want to warn everyone it is a dangerous place out there it would be in your best interest to group up.
A voice echoes from a crowd of 8 yea yea yea just give us the coin and we will be on our ways.
Sounds fine for me just head on towards the back and my assistant will give you your packs
The group leaves towards the back of the tavern. Olokul says to the rest of you " well it seems like you 6 are left since apparently they were in such a hurry. You guys are free to stay for the night and get a few drinks on my account or just explore the town the night is still young after all. If you would like to leave just head on back and we will get you ready to go. I forgot to mention a caravan is heading up north tomorrow if you would like to get dropped off in a certain area along the road tell me and I will arrange it.
Gimlet looks at the map.
"We should probably leave tomorrow with the caravan. We would like to be dropped at the spot closest to these spots you friend marked on this map. They may be unreliable, but something is better than nothing."
Gimlet points to the spot on the map closest to the caravan route so marked after cleaning his fingers on a napkin. "We can start here and ask around."
be wary the only town in this region that I know of is this one. The marked ares can be anything. The roads are decently safe at daytime but at night time anything might happen. Just trying to protect my investment.
Line says:"Going with the caravan while we can makes good sense to me."
Andiel kept listening and watching the elf and the others in the room. After the other 8 hurriedly left she moved up to look over the map more closely. "Those other eight seemed to be a party of either friends or coleagues. I am here on my own and do not know any of these. My path is my own but this direction suits me. I will help find your friends." Flow scrambled himself out of her arms and onto the map table. "Leaving on the caravan I do not mind and will be nice. I have become accustomed to walking everywhere. I already have a room here and will stay tonight." She walks over to sign her name and Flow jumps off the map table to follow her. Andiel
Klor was listening to the others. He limps his way to the food table.
grabs some mutton and finds a comfortable seat. finally, a chance ta put dis ere leg to some rest. he grumbles to himself.
Now ta business, I agree ta taken a caravan, good ta travel in a group too, cuts back on da bandit activity messin with ya. Oh name's Klor, Klor Kragsson, weapon smith and Axe master.
he props his "bum" leg up on the chair beside him and enjoys his mead and food.
"Andiel," she replies to Klor, "You're only the second of your kind I've had the pleasure of meeting. The first was also a smith that I bought a longspear from a year ago. He was a good armoursmith also." She moves to collect some food and drink before sitting nearby. She feeds little bits of the meat to Flow who does not seem too bothered about eating and prefers to play with it eventually losing it to the floor. "How long has it been since they went missing exactly?" she asks their host.
The other dwarf sits down next to him."Name is Unbeugsam, but yall can call me Unbeugsam. Well I will help you, your offer is decent, and to save some lads lost is quite agreeable. Im a decent tracker, so you might use my expertise."
Line moves over to the table where the others are eating but does not sit down. He simply stands close enough that he can carry on a conversation. He says in his odd sounding voice:
"The name that I go by these days is 'Line'. I am a heavy infantry fighter who has had some training to enable me to drive wagons and handle pack animals. Since I came to this world I have been working as a caravan guard."
"Sounds like someone used to aefauld darg. Hailsin lad."
"Andiel," she replies to Klor, "You're only the second of your kind I've had the pleasure of meeting. The first was also a smith that I bought a longspear from a year ago. He was a good armoursmith also." She moves to collect some food and drink before sitting nearby. She feeds little bits of the meat to Flow who does not seem too bothered about eating and prefers to play with it eventually losing it to the floor. "How long has it been since they went missing exactly?" she asks their host.
" To be completely honest I am not sure. They would usually send letters or visit every few weeks but when I sent this new batch I haven't heard from them in months. "
Hello to all of you. I am Abdul-Azim Usama Samad. I am happy to travel with all of you. I am a Dervish of the Dawnflower. I practice the battle dance of Sarenrae. I have come here looking for my love Hanah.
Gimlet looks up at the dervish:
"The Dawnflower is definitely a good reason to dance."
Still looking around the room, Gimlet voices a concern:
"For a job like this, I was hoping we would have someone with a pointy hat and a spellbook. We may face some evil magic, so I would hope to have a counter to it. The magic of the gods is powerful, but that of the bookmages can be useful too."
"You should learn to use what the fate has given to you. If you have meat, make a pie, if you have apples, make a cake. But if you need to hide little man, you can hide behind me!" Taking one of his cigars, Unbeugsam settles more comfortable into his chair and takes a big sip.
Line thinks:"Dancing flowers? I see that I still have much to learn about these people and this world. I also hope the cigar smoker doesn't talk too much in whatever other language he was using when we're in a fight or else I won't know what he's saying."
Line says:"Arcane magic users can be useful in support, but the lack of them does not necessarily doom a mission to failure. I am a little more concerned about the light infantry scouting/skirmishing/trap detection and removal niche. Is there anyone here who can handle that? If not, I can take point because I can take a lot of damage, but it's not what I would normally prefer."
There is a monster immune to everything on the first level. It is amorphous, and smells terrible. A wise man flees from it.
“Rappan Athuk? Bah! No one ever gets out of that place alive!
Pirates sometimes hazard the reefs along the coast to land at secret inlets and bays and stash great treasure; woe betide the adventurer caught spying upon them!
“Rappan Athuk? Bah! No one ever gets out of that place alive!
A terrible dragon called Gath the Ravager was sealed long ago deep within the dungeon by powerful priests, whose spirits still guard his restless sleep.
The dungeon was originally a good fortress built to protect the advancing hordes of evil. Evil overcame its defenders.
“Rappan Athuk? Bah! No one ever gets out of that place alive!
Prayers to Hecate can sometimes be used to defeat guardians sacred to her
After a night of searching and talking you fell asleep and woke up to the noise of Olokul knocking on everyone's door. Rise and shine everyone a meal is set out for you and the caravan should be leaving soon. The bags are all up and packed and ready to go. Good luck to you all and if you ever need me you know where to fine me.
After a decent breakfast Unbeugsam signs for his pack and smiles. Like a child on christmas he opens it and checks whats all inside.
Line has no need of breakfast and probably spent the night simply sitting at the table looking at the map. He picks up his pack, inventories the contents, and gets ready to leave with everybody else.
Gimlet smiles and gives a small, but hearty laugh:
"We will make do what Iomedae has given us. Those in town mention a benevolent old wizard lives near the temple of Orcus. He reportedly offers refuge to those who kill the servants of the evil one. We can visit him for magical aid if needed."
Gimlet takes his bag and prepares to leave. He saddles up his pony and prepares to ride with the caravan.
A new form of troll, a “swimmer,” was seen to aid goblin miners in a deep cavern complex.
Looking inside you see a few essentials rope, rations, and camping equipment nothing to gawk about then you start finding some special equipment. There are 3 scrolls tucked in every one of your bags surrounded by a few vials some of you can make out that these are weapon blanches of different assortments. Laying throughout the bag a few token's shaped into feathers that feature different images on them. The final item that catches your eye in the moment is a dull gray stone that shines like a torch but brings no heat in that moment you decide to look for the rest later as the caravan is leaving soon.
With all your business done you leave for the gates to see a stocky dwarf with a musket around his shoulder stand near the carts. He see's the group and exclaims. Well I'll be a bearded halfling! he paces to the two dwarfs in the group Nice tae meit ye my name is merlin from the silver smiths. ben a mighty fine time since I seen one of our kind most don't like these parts, not enough metal for our tastes. les talk in the cart were breaking daylight here