The clouds are dark and foreboding...
"Can I get you anything?"
The Apprentice looks nervously at the stormy weather.
"Thank you Montolio, but I am fine."
Leoran notices that Montolio appears nervous.
"What has you on edge?"
"A sense of dread my lord. There is the feeling of foreboding riding the winds of the world. Your father sent us to provision you for a reason I think. I fear this meeting with your father will bring grave news to you and all of Galadan."
The carriage bearing you and Montolio rolls across the cobblestone streets of the high quarter of Galadan, towards the ancient home of the Athlan Family, the second most powerful noble family in all of Galadan.
Across the gates you see the ancient name of your family, Aslan embedded into the marble archway.
"I hear the Princess is returning from her trip to the North. I fear her meeting with the Hurc did not go well. What are your thoughts towards the first family my lord?"
The recent infighting between the Noble Houses of Galadan has left a general feeling of mistrust within the kingdom. Your father, Darren Athlan, has begun to question the aging King Evrin Bloodstone's decisions.
The arguing has caused some bad blood between your father and the King's daughter, Princess Gwyneth.
"I think we all have a part to play and duties that we are bound to. I think infighting will get us nowhere. I also think that you worry too much Montolio. It will good to see father again."
Even though Leoran's words ring with confidence, he stares ponderously out the carriage window, the weight of an uncertain future lying on his shoulders.
"I'm sorry my Lord. Change and danger is on the horizon. I can sense it..."
"Your family will have to be wary in the days to come."
The carriage approaches the ancient house of the Athlan Family.
"Will you be having your sparring session with Mando later today? He has been itchig for a win from you my lord."
"Aye, I believe I will. Depending on how things go today, I may want to blow off some steam."
The carriage stops before the doors to the great house. Servants are there to take your things, along with Montolio who disappears into the house to take care of his many errands.
You go to your father's study, knowing that he awaits you.
You approach the door and see the familiar placement of your father's plate armor, his days of warfare as a Paladin of Galadan, hopefully over for all time. The display still takes your breath away after all of this time.
You open the door and see your father, Darren Athlan, looking out the window of his study with the weight of the world obviously upon his shoulders.
"Greetings my son. How are you this day?" His cordial demeanor fails to mask his worry.
The hopes that Leoran had, that Montolio was wrong, begin to crumble when he sees his father.
"I am well Father, but what of you? I sense that the clouds in here may be darker than the ones I saw on my journey here."
"You were always too perceptive for your own good Leo," your Father says wrapping you into a warm embrace.
He walks over to a carafe of wine and pours two glasses.
Handing one to you he says, "We have to make our moves now son. King Evrin will die soon and Princess Gwyneth will become Queen. If we don't move to secure Galadan's security, I fear that her well of anger and bitterness will lead Galadan towards damnation."
The last remnants of hope Leoran had that Montilio's dark tidings were not true, soon turn to ash in his mouth.
"Father, I have always known you to be a noble and righteous man. This sedition you suggest may viewed by some as heresy. If you believe that opposing the King and Princess Gwyneth is the true course of action, then these are dire times indeed!"
Leoran has always had a great deal of respect for this father, so uncomfortable as he may be, he is willing to hear him out.
"What do you propose?"
"You mistake me my son. Though I often disagree with the King and the Princess, the Order of the Moon is sworn to the protection of eternal Galadan, and the legacy of the Bloodstone family. I do not wish the throne, I only wish to strengthen the Kingdom, regardless of the Princess' prejudices. Do you understand Leoran?"
"Yes father, I do. My concern is that not everyone will see it that way. Surely there will be opposition."
"There is always opposition when one does the right thing Leoran. Remember that."
Your father lets that last statement hang in the air for a bit.
"Nevertheless, we will do right for Galadan. The alliance between Galadan, Nelethas, and Brom has been strained due to trade issues for years. Our nobility bicker and fight amongst themselves to gain false senses of power within the city. The nobility of Northtown are becoming increasingly worried about the gathering of the Half Orcs in Hurc, and are demanding Galadan do something about it. We have even received reports of Drow and Orcs wandering the mountains north of Dernau."
Your father rubs his temples, driving a headache away.
"Tharin is dangerous enough already without these issues Son, and the King is too old to handle this on his own. Princess Gwyneth could care less about these dark signs, so we are acting. I do not agree with Gwyneth's feelings towards the Hurc. I know their King to be a being of Honor. So, I have sent Deeane north to Hurc to bring word to King Kaihosha of the stirrings of Tharin, and see if the groundwork for a lasting peace with his forming city can be set. I have requested that his son, Kohr, who is a Knight of our Order, head towards Hadorak, and gain more information about the stirrings in the Dark Lands. We need the Hurc to be involved with the Darklands now before something truly bad happens."
The mention of your beloved younger sister alone in Hurc makes you immediately nervous. You have never given the formation of a Half Orc nation any real attention assuming that it would fail eventually. Thinking of your sister potentially surrounded by evil Orcs sharpens your attention on the subject.
"Thank you father. I have always valued your wisdom. After hearing this news, I agree, this is the right thing to do and you have my support."
Leoran knows his father is right. Galadan's infighting will continue to weaken the kingdom if nothing is done.
"Have you sent Deeane to Hurc on her own? Have I been called here because you want me to go meet her? With the state of things, as they are, I would feel more comfortable knowing she had someone by her side to back here up."
Leoran's wear's his concern for his sister on his sleeve.
"If she is to become a Knight of the Order, she will need to be able to handle herself. I have no doubt that Ser Kohr will take the best of care of her."
He turns and looks to you regarding you intently.
"You are my son Leoran, and you are needed. Where would your skills be of best use to the health of the realm?"
"Tharin is a large place Leo. I will trust your judgement."
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"I can investigate the reports of the Drow and Orcs coming in north of Dernau. What do you suggest father?"
"Though I anticipate some hard times ahead for us here in Galadan, I would actually prefer that Leo. The unknown blade is the one that our attention should be on. Head to Dernau and find out about this situation. I have ordered your sister to wait at Lady Fiona Dathtag's Stronghold while Sir Kohr investigates the Darklands. If you see the opportunity, go there and check on her."
He pauses a moment.
"Don't go alone on this assignment Son. Take either Montolio, or Mando with you for back up. Are you sure this is where you feel you are needed?"
"I do think it is the right decision to investigate the happenings near Dernau. I will gladly check on Deeane if I am able. Dathtag is a bit further than Dernau."
Leoran takes a moment to consider his options.
"While Montolio's skills are most definitely invaluable, I believe Mando would be a better fit for this mission. We may encounter situations that need stealth and subtlety, and I believe he is the man for that job. I imagine he is quite capable at gathering information as well."
"Very well son. Gather what you need and go. Know that you stand for the Order of the Moon, and that you go with the love of your family." He embraces you and leaves the room with confidence in your ability.
You open the door to the family training hall. Weapons and armor from all of the lands of Toril, line the racks and walls of the hall, souvenir's from your father's earlier adventures. You unconsciously reminisce about all of the lessons learned here.
A man kneels in the middle of the room. When he stands, you notice that your friend and often time sparring partner, Mando Kaan, stands equipped for the road.
"Greetings my friend. Welcome home. When do we leave?"
"Greetings Mando, thank you. I'll need time to provision. We can leave soon after. Do you need time to prepare as well?"
"I am always ready." The Ninja's tone is sure.
An hour later you both are riding out of Galadan proper, heading West on the King's Road towards the town of Dorian.
You know that the trip will take you at least two days.
You set up camp on the side of the King's Road as the sun sets on the first day.
"Are you opposed to me taking first watch Leo?" Mando says with an easy familiarity.
"Not at all Mando. Wake me when it's my turn."
Leoran unfurls his bedroll and prepares himself for sleep.
You lay down to rest knowing that the road ahead will be long and purposeful for the greater glory and security of Galadan. You sleep for what feels like hours.
You awake on full alert knowing that a creature has made it past Mando's guard, and is now approaching your back as you sleep. It's breath is close enough to hear.
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You move to your sword but the creature notices and moves quickly towards you!
The Worg moves to attack!
Round 1
Leoran 16/16
Worg -0
I ready my weapon against his charge.
,
The Worg roars in pain as your No Dachi penetrates it's thick hide! The Monster backs off suddenly and snaps its jaws out towards your exposed flank!
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