As you and many others are ushered into the chambers of the headmaster the day after your trials you a greeted with a hearty hello.
Congratulations, You have passed your trials into knighthood, Now, we will now Decide the squads you will be split into, for the sake of organization, efficiency, and protection.
he rattles off several squads, then you all hear your names.
Nitrus, Felix, Attross, Bill, Rockjaw, Arryn! You will the squad 6. That concludes the grouping ceremony, you will all be given your first assignments in the morning, but tonight, we celebrate!
As he says these words the lighting suddenly brightens, food appears on the tables lining the walls, about anything you could want is here, from bread, to meat, from water, to mead.
After you begin helping yourself if you wish you notice that the headmaster seems weary, quite different from what he was moments ago. You each receive a quite bidding from a servant. The headmaster wishes to meet with you of team 6.
Making your way back you notice a secret stone door open and a butler usher you in.
Once you all enter Cedric heaves a heavy sigh.
I know I promised you a night of celebration, but you all scored highest on the trials, there is something I wish you to do. Out in the lower city, there have been mounting reports of chanting and weird smells and sounds coming from an abandoned housing complex. Reports of... undead have been filed. This is something we cannot ignore. Hopefully it is just some rogue goblins making mischief but we cannot be sure. All of my other knights are on duty elsewhere. If you would, I would like this to be your first assignment as full fledged knights. Also, If you take this request I would like for you to work with Daniel here. He is my son and like you, has recently passed the trials, he has his heart in the right place, though I fear for him. He is known for his niavity and clumsiness sadly.
when you follow to where he motions you see the armored warrior you met at the end of the trial.
I won't force this on you, But I was would appreciate it, of course you will be paid for you services. As per the way of the order. Will you take the assignment?
Bill gives Cedric a smile, and says [/b] we are here to serve, sir. Give us a chance to equip up,[/b] Bill indicates his formal wear and we will sort this out. And of course Daniel is welcome.
Bill is eager to go on his first mission, even if it's a bit earlier than expected.
The gnome nods, excitement already setting in
Arryn nods grimly, aware that many of his special tricks don't work against the walking dead.
He shakes hands with Daniel, but doesn't add anything to the conversation at this time.
Do the reports detail what sort of undead?
Anything that can be blown up is fine by me. the gnome adds helpfully
Well, there are some undead that wouldn't be affected by your bombs, ghost and the like Bill waves his hand in the air at that.
After Felix arrived at the ending of the trial he took a cloth and a wetstone and began to work on his blade. The blade hadn't suffered any visible damage but it was a sort of ritual he had been taught by his mentor. He was told that after every engagement, take care of your weapon. Do so, and it will take care of you. Over the years he spent with his mentor it became a habit that has carried through to today.
As the food appears around them Felix carefully finishes his work on his blade before returning it to its sheath and acquiring some sustenance moments before he and the others of his team were ushered into the back room with the headmaster. After their mission is explained, Felix nods and steps forward.
"We would be honored to serve you, sir. And we'd be equally as honored to have your son come along with us. I am sure he is a fine warrior." Felix smiled. "Or if he's not, we'll be sure to make him one." With that Felix moved over to the young, armored man. "Well met. My name is Felix Gral, Knight of the Dragon and servant of he Order of Dawn. I'm sure we'll work well together," he says as he extends his hand for a handshake.
Nitrus stuffed himself on all sorts of food and sweet things.
He looks up and waves at Felix, still food in his mouth. Manners and all that, so he doesnt say much.
He was really excited to go out into the world, he was not planning on staying here his whole life.
He turns towards bill
no, we are not even sure if it is undead. We hope not, as this is our city, metropolis or not. The section the reports indicate is one of the worse off areas of the poorer district, we try to help but funds can only do so much. Anyway the district is called cobblepot, many a man given up makes his home there. Its about a 30 minute walk to the area from here.
Earlier: Bill was always uncomfortable at parties like this. He would much rather be working at the forge or practicing with weapons. Still, it was a graduation of sorts. Getting himself a small plate of food he moved to one side and watch the throng. His mother and Father couldn't make it as they were starting up a new forge, but they had sent gifts and long letter with good advice and best wishes. . The Gifts were some of mother's rock cakes, and a finely made set of tools from father for Bill to work with.
As he moved he saw a face he was not happy to see. Father Paulus. He was the cleric who tried to get Bill railroaded back into the seminary. For a man who followed a god of good and law, he was very obsessive, arrogant as a dragon and very quick with the hand if he thought you deserved it. Which was often. Looked like he had sucked to many lemons.
William. Congratulations are in order, I suppose. he said, looking at Bill as if he was slime.
Bill was raised to be polite. Thank you father Paulus. Are you well?
I abide. Now that you have finished this...foolishness will you return for your training.
Bill silently sighed. The priest still wanted him back. Firmly Bill said No father. Torag wants me in the world, not contemplating it.
The priest's eyes glittered as he absorbed the answer. {b]Phaw, still you keep on. You actions violate divine law boy. You introduce...chaos and disorganisation. You should be contained[/b]
Bill smiled, though it cost him a little. The hierarchy doesn't agree with you father. Let it go
Now Paulus's eye glittered.The hierarchy will rethink its decision, boy. And on that day you will return for training. And much needed discipline with that he spun about and stalked away. Bill shook his head. He would never go back to that place.
Now:Bill listened to Cedric, and thought to the future. Torag's will notwithstanding, it would be a lot more interesting than reading musty old texts in a church somewhere.
Undead. Hmm. better get me a sword in case it's zombies
Felix, Arryn, Nitrus and Daniel, if we face skeletons you might want a weapon with a blunt face. Zombies and their ilk need slashing weapons. You might want to find some weapons of that type. Of course fire works well against all of them. I need to find a sword myself.
As the armored young man stood silent Felix dropped his outstretched hand and sighed. Rather silent young man. This could be...more challenging then I had expected. he thought to himself. As Bill addressed him Felix turned around and gave him a quizzical expression.
"You seem quite knowledgeable about undead beings. Perhaps your cleric training gives you some insight? I personally have never fought an undead before but if my sword can cut it, I will make certain that it goes down." Felix gripped the hilt of his katana firmly as he said his last sentence. "However, if it requires a more...direct form of destruction I can use the blunt edge of my blade and pulverize it into dust.
"Slashing weapons? That's good to know. I don't actually own anything you would likely call a 'weapon'. I mostly like to use whatever is lying around." He idly spins his now-empty plate on one finger. "I could probably kill you with this plate."
Realizing what he's just said, he grabs the plate and whips around, aghast. "Oh my, that's not what I meant at all. I was just...sorry. I sometimes say things without thinking." He clears his throat. "Anyway, my father never let me learn how to use weapons, like that would keep me from choosing an adventuring life. I use these little throwing disc thingies, not even sure what they're called, really. I have a few coins, left, should I maybe get some sort of dagger or something?"
After the cerimony Rockjaw immediatly heads over to the buffet, specifically the mead section. The dwarven mead to be precise. True to form, he takes the most direct route, bowling over anyone who happens to be in the way including one dignitary of House Thulun.
Hey watch it you big oaf! I could get you exiled for that! squeaked the little gnome.
Rockjaw stopped apon hearing the sound and turned around responding with a Huh? Someone say somthing? and then turning back to his destination, intent on that dwarven mead.
As Felix attempts to shake his hand, Daniel remains stoic, but not long after he lowers his hand he startles suddenly.
My apologies good sir, I hear you aided my childhood Friend dart, well, not that he really needed saving, but your actions speak well of you. As you know I am the son of Cedric I am training in the path of the paladin, It is a pleasure to meet you. I look forward to our quests together in the name of good and justice for the land!
He sets his hand on your shoulder for a second,
It is good to meet you all, I must go and prepare, I believe we will leave within the hour, its within our own city so it should not be a great endeavor. If it is indeed undead, the likes of which even I have not faced, I fear we will need more strength of will and heart, than a blade.
"Didn't need help? When we found him he was passed out in a patch of mushrooms unable to move. If he'd managed to get out of that by himself I would have truly been impressed. The fungi managed to knock out one of our party simply trying to get him out of there." Felix shrugged. "But maybe he had a few more tricks up his sleeve we weren't aware of."
After Daniel finished his last sentence Felix grinned. "I believe both will be needed in the coming days."
before he leaves he says to felix
Ah, about Dart, if you ever work with him, be cautious of his tricks and pranks, more like he was attempting to fool you than in actual peril. He asked you to help him afterwards yes? He is a strong and intelligent elf, but sadly very lazy.
with that he exits.
Cedric stands and speaks once again.
Well, you have your orders, I hope it to be finished tonight, with a full report in the morn! Now, if you would excuse me, I have much to do.
The Butler ushers you out of the room and back into the party area, the festivities have died down a little, but plenty are there still.
Bill looks at the others and says let's going to our various lodgings and equip up. We can meet out the front here.
There is a sense of suppressed anticipation in Bill's tone, an energy soon to be loosed. He nods the the others, and after waiting for an anwser from the others, he quickley makes his way back to his room. Once there he puts on his armor, collects his weapons and pack and then pauses.
Father Torag, lord of forges, I have work ahead today. Protect me in the dark places I go.
After that short and heartfelt prayer, Bill waits for an answer, and then leaves to reunite with his companions
Arryn grabs another plate of food once they've returned to the dwindling festivities. "First, I have to be sure to maintain my strength, right Daniel? Daniel?" Looking around and seeing him gone, he shrugs. "Oh well. he looks like he's a lot of fun at parties, doesn't he?" he adds to nobody in particular.
Arryn will stop by the quartermaster and buy a dagger.
Bill will get a longsword from the armory, and some holy water from the chapel. holy water, never leave home without it he jokes as he walks out. No one laughs though.
As Felix returned to the celebrations he grabbed a plate of food and found an open spot at a nearby table letting the various conversations flow around him without participating in any himself. He ate methodically, thinking about the upcoming mission. Truth be told he had never heard of Knights so recently acquired going straight into a mission. He wanted to believe that their skill had proved them worthy but somehow he doubted the case was quite so pleasant. More likely the Order was stretched far thinner then it should be. Which worried Felix immensely as a thin army wasn't much of a fighting force at all and the first stiff threat that appeared could roll them up from end to end.
He shook himself from such morbid thoughts and finished the food on his plate before returning to the planned meeting point where he pulled his katana and its sheath from his waist and sat down, back against a nearby wall and eyes closed, waiting for the others.
The gnome finally finished his plate. His drink done too, he heads to the QM. He resupplies his alchemical reserves as well as any of the potions he was told he would be reimbursed for. Luckely only the 3 he gave the walking rock head.
Finally returning to his group
Im ready! Are you ready? Come on, come on! People to save, undead to blow up! A day to be filled with heroic deeds! he practicaly rushed
Making sure to go back to the buffet table and 'pinch' 3 bottles of dwarven ale, Rockjaw heads over to his lodgings and suits up, bringing the 3 potions he had left from the trialtrial, 3days rations, his drink and gear. Then he set off to the meeting point.
Arriving with the others he grumbles.
Well? We here? Whats the holdup? Forward. Ever forward.
His speech is halting and he seems impatient, almost as if he hates standing still.
With so many keen to get going, Arryn won't hold them up. He tucks his new dagger in its sheathe into his belt, coils his rope over his shoulder, and takes out a torch (which he won't light until they're close). From the way he holds the torch, you can tell he's accustomed to using them for weapons, too. (Just wish they didn't count as one-handed weapons, or he could dual-wield lit torches in battle).
As you all meet at the entrance to the Monastery and give each other quick nods and one liners Daniel Walks down the Marble steps.
Come, it is a fair distance to the district, it is on the lower levels of the city down up to the north.
He dutifully Takes lead, Knowing the city fairly well. As you walk by you once again take in the sites of this huge city. Works of marble and stone taller than the tallest of giants, Market squares large enough to fit a hundred merchants at once, all selling exotic wares from across the kingdom, its a colorful display of prosperity and progress. But, as you walk further, and take more flights of steps down into the undercity, the colorful and cheeriness decreases. You've been walking for almost 25 minutes when you begin to notice most of the houses are made from wood, not stone, and few are in good condition. You start to see beggars replace merchants, and you feel strange, that such a place exists in a city as this.
It is a sad truth, but the Order cannot give all who live here good homes and food, our funds are tight these past years, we do what we can, we keep law, there is no organized crime withing these walls, but we cannot keep all misfortune from our people.
Daniel Remarks, in a solemn tone, clearly he is distraught with this, but also seemingly resigned to its truthfulness.
You see a beggar that looks your way and asks for some coins for food.
Then, you turn down what appears to by a large alleyway, only to find out that it is the main street of the district 5 minutes later. As you look around you come to realize the poor condition of the buildings and the quiet, somber, and demoralized energy hanging about the place, You had heard that this was one of the worst districts, but you never though it could be this bad.
This was the general location the reports speak of, It is supposed to be a rundown Housing building, possibly 3 stories high. Shouldn't be to hard to find, Lets make quick work of this if possible.
He strides towards the nearest derelict citizen, and begins to speak to him.
Felix followed Daniel as he lead them through the continually worsening areas of the city, the frown that had adorned his face since they first entered the undercity deepened the further they went. As the beggar asked for money Felix bends down and places a gold piece into his hand. Enough for a good meal or two. As they reach what appeared to be their destination, Felix began looking for the aforementioned housing building.
Bill walks with a growing sense of unease.
How is it that the hierarchy let things go so far. Are these people simply waiting for charity? These people need livelihoods, not hand outs. I have heard about the squalor in these places, but this is terrible. To be stuck here, without hope. And hunger. When priests dine in finery. Suddenly the food in Bill's stomach felt like lead Something must be done.
When Felix gave the money to the beggar, guilt filled Bill.
why didn't I do that
Daniel, the order is rich. Why do they not help. That feast we were just at. Obviously the order feeds itself well.
Before they get there Daniel regards Bill.
as I said, It is not so simple, We cannot hand out charity to that degree. Normally we will provide food, and we keep up some shelters that are free for staying, but if we try to give all these people there lives for free, the order would be run dry by morn. We can only help those who do not help themselves so much... He again replies in a solemn resigned voice.
So why don't they help themselves? Give them jobs. And their pride. The Order should not hide behind the words "it's not that simple".
Bill looks around as they walk. The feeling of apathy and despair thickened the atmosphere.
So why are they here? Where did they come from? Was there some disaster?
Bill seems to be working himself up, his face flushed and the thick atmosphere of apathy and hopelessness takes its toll.
This seems to have existed for a long time with no redress.
Suddenly Bill stops, takes a deep breath, and makes himself calm down. He lifts a hand the the head of his hammer, which seems to calm him further.
I am sorry Daniel, and the rest of you. You didn't deserve those words. He gathers himself up as if he has made a decision.
Look before we go into action I should explain something to you all. I am an oracle of the lord of forges, and this gives me several gifts...and a curse. In a stressful situation, like combat, I can only understand Ignan, the language of fire. I will not understand any more than hand signs, unless you speak that tongue. You need to know.
Bill raises his hand to his face and rubs his eyes. Well, now you know. deception should not lie between comrades. I hope we can move forward
Daniel stops,
I asked that very same question my friend, In truth, what you see here is the worst of the city, and perhaps only 10% of the populace live this way so my father has told me. He also said he comes here to offer work either by signing on to the guard, joining the order, or apprentice ships. Some take the offers, others feel they are entitled to charity, some just seem to be content, or resigned. I truly cannot give you an answer that would satisfy, when we return, perhaps speak with my father.
As to where they came from, They most likely came because they heard the order would keep them well. Most of the people in this city descend from those that came to the orders call those centuries ago. You have surely heard of the great war, yes? My father speaks to me of it often. In any case they come from throughout the kingdom, hearing of either exaggerated tales of free living, or the prosperity most of the city enjoys. It is by far the largest city in the kingdom, who can say all the reasons one would come here. Though all seem shocked at the amount of laws here. Especially in the poorer districts, perhaps they believe laws keep them poor, I do not know. But they are the only thing keeping order in this city.
he then continues onward.
"It's not jobs they need, but training for good jobs. Giving the uneducated meaningless labour because that's all they can do is no better than begging. As for how it's happened, it's always going to happen, in any society. People get upset because things didn't use to be this way, but there's always going to be a honeymoon period after any major social change, and now the bloom is off our rose. You can't give these people all food and shelter because then they will keep coming back, and the others who don't need the charity will see that they no longer have to work to provide for themselves, and will also become idle--nobody will arrive to achieve, and society will stagnate. The best we can do is give people the opportunity to improve themselves, encourage them to grow, and ease their burdens when they choose not to."
He pauses a moment, them growls a vile profanity. "Great! Now I sound exactly like my father."
He retreats into himself with a series of muttered curses.
You would never find this kind of squalor in any dwarven city by Tundar! Those that are wounded in battle have prestige and honor. Those that are maimed in accident or happenstance find their way. Or they dont live long...
Although prestige often demands tribute, you dont see charity in dwarven society. The weak find work. Or they perish. It is our way.
There is a tone of arogance in his voice, and some of you are surprised to hear him speak so much. Some of you have probably realized that too much charity can create artifically high poverty while none can create an artifically low level.
While they are walking, Rockjaw keeps a rather lazy eye out on their surroundings, at ease with the darkness.
The gnome also looks around,darkness also not new to him
We lava gnomes live a bit differently, everybody has a place and a job. Fun. You don't do something that isn't fun, what's the use if you do something you don't like? Any way, i cant talk or speak for the surface people. So, lets get going, i know things look grim, but if we don't do our job, grim will be leas of their worries!
As you talk amongst yourselves and look about, Daniel returns,
I think That's the place.
he points towards a half kept building that seems to be close to collapsing.
None of the locals here go near it anymore. Apparently those that do disappear, The law has looked into it, but found nothing. Strange.
Felix notes that's the same house he was going to suggest searching first.
As you near Daniels words hold true, no semblance of anyone staying near, or even treading near the place within the past few days, can be seen.
As you walk up to the entrance a strange smells intrudes into your nostrils, a smell of death, or perhaps dread, mixed with some type of incense. If anyone was doing things within, now was the time of course.
I know not what to expect, perhaps it is nothing, perhaps something insidious, let us find out.
He goes to break through the door.
Felix reached out and placed a hand on Daniel's shoulder. "Perhaps we should prepare before simply barging in." Felix pulled his nodachi from his back and nodded for Daniel to do the same before Felix placed his shoulder against the door. As soon as Daniel indicated he was ready, Felix pressed his should against the door and shoved...
...bursting into the room weapon ready and eyes scanning for enemies.
You push against the doors, they give way easily, but fall and shatter loudly.
Upon entering the room, you find it difficult to see well, its almost pitch black, but what you can see from the little light you have is a rundown den area. You spot a half decayed couch laying on its side, floor boards are missing, It reminds you of the haunted houses in the stories of your childhood. You manage to make out both the outline of a doorway straight ahead, and a spiral staircase off to your right. Most of the windows you can see are covered with wooden planks and the smell grows stronger.
As you walk cautiously into the room and light more torches the rundown room becomes more apparent, There is even a large hole in the back left corner of the room. You notice 2 additional doorways, the smaller, seemingly going to different sections of the building. As of now, other than the smell there is no real offensive or threatening presence.
why have our officails not torn this structure down yet.
Daniel remarks with a slightly disdainful tone.
Felix-
"Bloody haunted houses" Felix suppressed a shudder, maintaining his stoic disposition. "That's a good question, Daniel. This place should have been condemned ages ago." Felix lights and lifts a torch above his head, peering about in the darkness as he sheaths his nodachi. "Anyone else hearing that strange noise? Sounds like it's coming from...well...everywhere truth be told." he turns toward Daniel, the first to follow him through the door with a questioning look on his face.
Bill readies his shield on his arm, but keeps his weapon hand free as he moves into the structure. He casts a light spell onto his shield, with a murmur of the fiery tongue he spoke earlier. On Felix's remark he says
What noise Felix. All I can sense here is a bad smell.
Arryn pulls out a torch, lights it, and carries it in one hand, holding his grappling hook by its base in the other hand.
Perception: