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A potential picture of Hithil.
Tall and lean with ceremonial robes flowing in the wind and a crossbow at her side, Hithil is a wizard who has lived in the shadow of her big sister far too long. And although she might be attractive, she has a crush on her patron Aharon Lodovka, the Duke Kozek Lodovka's eldest son.
Although still learning her craft, her quick wits and insight have served her well, and now they serve the noble house of Lodovka.
Natalya looks human at first glance, however further examination shows how unearthly pale she is, even in full sunlight. Her hair is black as soot, and kept permanently tied back whenever she dons her armor. She favors scale mail that has been darkened with lamp black, and absorbs rather than reflects the light.
She smiles rarely, but when she does it is easy to see her razor sharp canines. She is thin to the point of being gaunt, and despite comely features she looks unhealthy due to her pallor. She seems to be very much stronger than she looks, with a subtle wiry strength. She stands confidently, but always in the shadows if she has a choice, she is not one for large crowds.
She has swords sheathed at each hip, a large club strapped to her back next to a bow, and as you watch she nervously fingers what looks like the holy symbol of Erastil, dangling from a necklace of leather cord.
Standing a little shy of six feet, Kazz has ash grey skin and a head of thin, white hair that hangs to his shoulders. Kazz has refined, angular features that give him a look of intensity. His pupil-less eyes are deep teal pools that seem to glow softly in the dark. A heavy cloak of dark blue hangs over his fine studded leather armor. The bow he carries is a great thing of dark wood and horn. A strip of leather is wound around the stave near each end.
The small creature at Kazz's side seems composed of solid shadow. It's shape is vaguely humanoid but seems to shift subtly as it moves, never remaining too well defined. Neither the creature or it's master cast any shadow regardless of the time of day.
Lorald stands an even six feet, his ear length black hair kept wild but out of the way at times covering his pointed ears. His eyes below the most distinctive feature among his strongly built face. Mismatched eyes of purple and gold each. Combined with a lean build that expresses powerful speed, he cuts a frame akin to a jungle cat.
His manner of dress more of function then anything else. Favoring studded leather with a buckler on his left arm. He bares two bandoliers running across his chest with rows of crossbow bolts and items. At his waist hangs a black eagle headed crossbow, a rapier, a pair of daggers, and a bayonet. As well as a number of pouches along with more crossbow bolts.
If one were to think of a stereotypical Chelaxian, Alexio would likely come to mind. He has fair skin with a sharp, prominent nose and light eyes. Alexio's hair, which he normally wears shoulder-length, has a distinctly red hue. To compliment his rare hair color, Alexio typically wears brightly colored clothing and well polished armor. Most of his outerwear is trimmed in red and black piping. As is the prerogative of a noble, he is rarely seen in public without a sword.
Years of training have given Alexio a muscled frame. He moves this frame with some grace and balance. He is not particularly tall or large, which has caused more than a few opponents over the years to underestimate Alexio's abilities. Underestimating Alexio is not a mistake that one normally get to make twice.
To visuize Miyuki check here.
Gracefully a beautiful young girl steps into the room, little more than a child, with lustrous red hair and dazzling green eyes. A little fox follows her inside and jumps on her lap to kuddle with her.
Although armed with a foreign looking dagger and a X-bow at first glance she does not seem to be fit for adventure as her petite frame, soft skin and spotless clothes indicate a spoiled brat and not a person willing to sleep on the hard ground and face mortal danger.
But just as someone wants to say a word she looks up and her clever eyes full of good natured mischief, but also quite determination and her ready smile seem to dissolve any concerns.
Zartana Orlovsky is a Drow. She dresses in mostly dark purple and black clothing. She has white tattoos across her body, and a small tribal cat tattoo on her neck. Her eyes are deep purple. And she has silver long hair. Only tied at the bottom
She has a lithe build. There always seems to be a feint shadow about her person. She carries a simple short bow with her.
A massive male in hunter outfit but with a silver holy symbol of Erastil displayed. Despite his human aspect he resembles more an half-orc in his posture. His wild appearance contrast with his polite way of speaking with a perfect accent.
Josef is a very easy man to look upon. His thick blond hair and still youth-scraggly beard are both cut short, as is common amongst combatants in order to prevent providing an enemy with something to grab. His green eyes sparkle from atop his thin nose, that has one strange crook in it. His well-tailored clothes highlight his slender form while not restricting his ability to move. His thick, brown leather jerkin, knobbed with bronze tokens, shows obvious signs that attacks have previously pierced his defenses, but the single wing image engraved over his heart stands unblemished. The wing image is duplicated on the similarly knobbed brown bracers which both protect his forearms and hold the end of his yellow shirt sleeves in place. The left side of his pants are a brown cloth to match the color of his armor. The right side of his pants are a deep maroon, matching the stain on the leather of his boots, gloves, scabbard, belt, pouch and pack. His hat is the same deep maroon, but he has attached a spray of feathers in brown and yellow. His confidence and swagger are far more obvious accouterments than his gear, though.
Dregan seen at ease as he rides down the road on the back of horse. The his has been heavily loaded for a long trip by someone used to being away from civilisation for extended periods of time. In comparison he is carries little, a bow, some arrows and a knife. He wears simple but well made tunic and breaches which reveal a simple wooden pendant around his neck. Dregan is shorter than average and wiry but has the muscles of a man that works hard for his living. His movements are very controlled and quick when needed. His hair has been cut neatly recently but poorly kept since then and while he smiles at has companions those smiles often look forced.
Raven, as she has told you in a light Kellish-accented Common, is the name of the local guide on your journey. Her black hair is tied up in a bun with leather strips, showing off the exotic features of her face, which unfortunately still has road dirt plastered on it. This matches her clothes, mostly economical wear for long travels. Hard boots, leather leggings, heavy cloth tunic and a cloak serve as her basics, nothing extravagant at all, other than the multitude of sharp instruments hanging off the bandolier across her chest, her backpack holding probably everything else she owns, including a bow and a small sword. It is then you notice her piercing blue eyes, rare in her kind, because she noticed you still staring at her chest.
"Just in case." She smiles at you as she looks over your gear.
So far I see 4 people allied with the church of Erastil:
Dregan Hirscherz
Anton Medvyed
Matsu Miyuki
Natalya Artemisa
Psychical description is in my profile. Also, it does not work this way all the time, but since my guy lives longer an matures late, he also ages slower, so yes that 78 year old undine does look 19 and 1/2 when you compare him to a human, or at least that is what I'm doing with it, so it would make sense as to why he would not die of old age within a few years and so it makes sense that he isn't crippled at his age.
Well I wouldn´t mind joining up with them.
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Before anything else. I just want to say to you all that I'm very pleased by the reaction I've gotten from all of you and the work you've all put in to your characters. Thank you for everything even if the campaign were to end right now I've had an ear to ear grin for the past two days and that alone is worth the effort.
I was hoping I could sub folder these forums, to create distinct threads for different times and places. If the group branches off we may have to create technically separate campaigns in order to achieve the same effect.
The vision I have in my mind of several parties tromping around the same map, crossing and re-crossing each other's paths, competing with, communicating and helping each other is an ambitions vision, but one I think we might be able to pull off.
I get the sense many of you are familiar with kingmaker and may have played the opening sections before, if not several times. As such I'll try and not get too bogged down with these opening segments. At the same time if I'm going too quick feel free to let me know.
We're going to start out at Oleg's trading post. As you arrive (individually) just after dusk you find a small palisade wall, with old watchtowers in the corners with shadows of ancient catapults in them. The gate is wide open and within you find a large rough and tumble inn. There a few outbuildings and stables for your mount.
You proceed to the inn, which is filled with light and boisterous company. You let yourself in and find that the simple inn is also the trading post. There are all manner of simple goods and gear on the walls. A plank serves as both bar and counter. Behind which is a large man who is smiling and pouring ales for everyone from a large oak cask.
The place is full of people enjoying the celebration. There are people who are plainly adventurers heading into the stolen lands, just as you are, others are simple hunters or trappers. One of these last is celebrating a big haul and has bought the ale for everyone to enjoy. He's heading back to Restov in the morning to retire.
A full figured woman in a fur trimmed gown, with a very low neckline (and the goods to support it), is bustling about ensuring everyone has a bowl of hot stew and some fresh bread. She greets you and introduces herself as Svetlana Leveton and insists you find a seat and start eating.
As you dig into your supper with relish you look about at the goods on display for sale, you recognize everything and may consider picking up a few things before you head out. You notice a shelf with several mismatched jars and bottles of a bright red liquid and wonder what that might be. You also consider that it would be worth your time to get to know some of these other adventurer types, few can survive the wilderness alone. One of the trapper begins a lively tune on a penny-whistle.
Any questions? Feel free to take it away.
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Hmm, food here isn't so bad. Hithil finishes her food and walks first to the trapper celebrating. "Congratulations sir on your great haul. You look mighty young to retire but before you do, will you do me the honor of giving this adventurer a dance? I just love this tune." Hithil offers her hand and tries to dance with the trapper. In a surprisingly loud voice to talk over the music to her dance partner, she says "I'm celebrating too! Today is the beginning of first adventure! Yay!" Hithil dances while the music plays, her ceremonial robe swinging back and forth. Once the musical tune ends, she bows to the trapper and thanks him for the dance and again wishes him well for his retirement.
With a little sweat on her brow, she wanders off to the shelves to examine the wares for sale. When Hithil sees Svetlana nearby, she interrupts "Miss Leveton, the food was quite good and the shop has many things I recognize but what's in some of these colorful jars? Is that blood or a magical elixir?"
With a dazzling smile Miyuki will return the bowl and adress Svetlana:
"Mylady, that was quite excellent. As I am new here, could you maybe introduce me to some of your guests here? I will trust your judgement."
Raven smiles at Svetlana, hoping that she doesn't recognize her right away. So many new people here, I'm bound to find a group to hide among.
Making her way over to the gear she stowed by the door, she spends her time making sure everything is tightened down and that her armor is easily accessible, should she need to put it on quickly. I know my way around here well enough, this shouldn't be too difficult.. Remember your lessons... Another thought added to her own. Yes, Khala, I know.
"Thank you Sventlana, the food was as lovely as always." Dregansays before moving to join the trappers and once retiring trapper returns from hisdance "Congratulation, retiring with an exotic beauty you are the lucky one." he says enjoying his free beer.
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Addressing the elf Svetlana explains that the jars contain bladeberry cordial. The liqueur is very popular hereabouts, it is made by a local hermit and renowned for it's restorative properties, but she's not certain it's exactly magical.
To Miyuki Svetlana first introduces her to her husband. The large man is Oleg and he has a very gruff demeanour. He's happy to be handing out the ale, but something appears to be on his mind, preventing him from getting into the spirit of things.
Hunter is just busy enjoying himself, he will wait for further instructions before doing anything else or before he starts adventuring.
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Did someone refer to me as an EXOTIC BEAUTY? Hithil's senses are a bit more sensitive with her magical Divination training. She turns on her heel and looks over and sees a young man with a short bow on his shoulder and a dagger on his side.
She casually walks over to him. "Good evening. Elves are also refined, not just exotic, but I'll take the compliment like any woman. I assume from your bow and the dagger on your belt that you're not just passing through drinking the free beer?"
"Where are my manners? My name is Hithil and I'm from Northern Bevoy on my way to the stolen lands. You know, my sister had a bow like yours, but I never could get the hang of the darn thing. For some reason Desna saw fit to give me a bullseye knack with my crossbow, which is rather nice until I learn a few more spells."
Hithil pauses for a moment, realizing that she probably caught the human ranger off-guard. "Speaking of spells, maybe I should learn a spell that provokes you to offer a lady a drink?"
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@Dregan The trapper's name is Bailey Nediljko, he's in his late thirties but the hard years have taken their toll on him. Truth is his haul was not so great to truly retire, but enough to set him up in town. He explains that of late the bandits have been getting worse and the risks are simply not worth the rewards anymore. Dregan knows him in passing, but he's never really had a conversation this long with him before. He's normally quite laconic, but ale will loosen any man's tongue.
@Hunter Hunter sits back and quietly notices the huge size of the pelts stretched out on the wall behind the 'bar'. They are truly massive and are also a beautiful golden colour, like blond ale. Such furs would truly fetch a high price for they are no simple deer's hide.
A young looking Drow enters the room. Tattooed face and deep purple and black robes. Small bow across her shoulders. She goes to sit down in a corner, almost vanishing in the dim lighting. She gets herself a simple mug of water. Obviously in thought as she simply stares at the water infront of her
-Posted with Wayfinder
Myuki hears the world spells and dances over to the elfish woman and the strong man. Crossing her hands between her back she looks at them booth and says: "Hello you too, my name is Miyuki. You are a real elf? That´s so great. And what is your name strong man?"
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Hithil, waiting for the ranger to offer her a drink, sees a tattooed girl named Miyuki ask her if she's a real elf? Hithil turns to Miyuki and says, "Why yes. Yes I am. Let me prove it." Hithil pulls on the tips of her own ears for a second. "See, no glue." Hithil laughs as she does it, clearly doing this in a funny manner to break the ice.
"While I wait for the young ranger here to offer me a drink, allow myself to, uh, introduce myself. My name is Hithil." Hithil bows slowly to Miyuki. "I'm not sure what my tongue tied friend's name is yet, as he's busy drinking the free ale, but when he's done drinking I was hoping he would offer me a drink. Maybe he should offer both of us a drink?"
"Oh, and why have you come to the tavern? Are you celbrating something as well? I'm here to go to the stolen lands on behalf of Aharon Lodovka, he's got just grand plans going forward. Simply grand."
Lorald had stabled his horse Mith at last. Sai and Roak, a pair of large twin wolf hounds, entered at his side into the inn. Both panting from the journey to the outpost. He made his way to the bar to acquire a pair of bowls, a jug, and mug. Taking a table for himself he placed the bowls on the floor and filled them with water from the jug before filling his own mug. Sitting down with his crossbow on his lap and a wall to his back he simply watches. His mismatched eyes giving his scanning eyes an added intensity.
After a drink from his mug he removes a deck of cards from his person and starts to shuffle them. Placing cards in a row to start the common game.
Natalya is propped up against a wall, a little uncomfortable in the crowded room but practiced enough to stay put. She nurses an ale in the spirit of joining in, though with each hop-saturated taste she wishes it were a cup of mead or wine. Still, free drink is not to be snubbed. She scans the room and notes a couple familiar faces, then wanders over to the table where Miyuki is standing.
Hey Miyuki she smiles and nods familiarly. Hithil might note that Natalya's smile is tight lipped, but Miyuki is used to it.
Nice to see you, glad to see you made it here in one piece after our drink together at, was it Archer's Day or Harvest Feast? she winks ready for our big adventure together?
Greetings Hithil, I'm Natalya. So are you here for the big exploration or just passing through?
Clapping her hands rapidly, Miyuki rearanges her clothing so that her tattoos are again hidden. She seems absolutly delighted. She looks at the big ranger and gives him a nudge. "He big man, I think that lady wants a drink from you. She is quite nice, so just do it."
She looks to to Hithil again and with a shake of her head you smilingly says: "Oh, I was told to come here to meet with other people. I want to explore the forbidden lands. I heard there is much honor to gain." Suddenly she says quite seriously:"We carry our own honor amd that of our ancestors. What we accomplish adds to their glory, or erases a small measure of their failures."
Myuki hears the world spells and dances over to the elfish woman and the strong man. Crossing her hands between her back she looks at them booth and says: "Hello you too, my name is Miyuki. You are a real elf? That´s so great. And what is your name strong man?"
Not sure if you are referring to me, but I'm not exactly strong, just better than average
Hunter smiles at Matsu. Yeah, thanks. Then talks to the bartender Drinks for me and that lady please
Miyuki gives Natalya a little hug and starts:"Oh is was Harvest Feast, and you brought those wonderful ale! I remember the the Father was so happy to see you. He was sooo drunk the other day. You also want to explore the stolen lands? I would be soo happy to join you!"
Kazz slips into the inn, trailed as ever by his shadowy companion.
Taking in the unusually full common room he offers a nod to Oleg. His time in the Stolen Lands had only brought him to Oleg's a handful of times but a kayal is a rare sight in these lands.
The smile he offers Svetlana is considerably warmer, "It seems you've your hands full this evening, my lady. I'll not keep you from your duties."
At her insistence, Kazz accepts the offer for a meal. Moving across the room he takes an ale from the trapper with a nod of thanks.
Mug in hand he makes his way through the press to find a table. He pauses as he hears Miyuki's mention the impending exploration, offering her a slight smirk, "The Stolen Lands are not forbidden, my lady. Ignored might be a better word for it."
Miyuki bows very gracefully and introduces herself: "Hello strong man, may I introduce Hithil, an elven lady full of magic, Natalya, one of the strongest women I have ever met and always wise in her ways. And myself I am Miyuki. Small of statue but full of happiness." She then bows to Hunter and asks politly:"Is this warpaint?"
Alexio arrives at the trading post and finds a stable bay for his destrider, Thunder. "Take good care of him, Lad, " says Alexio as he leaves the horse with the stable hand. Alexio flips a coin to the man then says, with a wink, "There is more where that came from if I find everything in good order. "
Walking to the inn, Alexio opens the door to see quite a chaotic scene. People are everywhere, eating, drinking, and talking with each other. Alexio looks around the inn and tries to find an empty seat with a good view of the room. When Svetlana offers a bowl of stew, Alexio accepts it and sets the bowl on the table in front of him.
"Lady Svetlana, how would I get a private room for the night?" asks Alexio.
After Svetlana returns to her rounds, Alexio looks at the bowl of stew. I would much have preferred roast stag or boar, he thinks. Of course, being hungry isn't very noble, either, he thinks as he slowly eats his meal.
Miyuki bows very gracefully and introduces herself: "Hello strong man, may I introduce Hithil, an elven lady full of magic, Natalya, one of the strongest women I have ever met and always wise in her ways. And myself I am Miyuki. Small of statue but full of happiness." She then bows to Hunter and asks politly:"Is this warpaint?"
Nice to meet you all, and nope, I'm an Undine, and I'm actually 78, but since Undine's live longer they also age slower. That's why I look young and why my skin is a little blueish.
From the corner he was sitting and waiting, Anton praised his god for this opportunity, then he stands up from his table where he enjoied his dinner and, his silver holy symbol still displayed, moves to the bar.
While doing so he searches for others obvious Erastil's worshipper who are displaying his symbol in some ways.
Approaching the innkeeper he is attracted by the other adventurers' conversation so he shifts to them.
"Sorry, I couldn't help listenting you, my name is Anton Medvyed, and I'm here to explore the Stolen Lands too, maybe we could help each other in some way. May the Old Deadeye bless us in this task."
Miyuki looks at the big druid and bows very gracefully: "May your arrows be guided by old-one eye. I heard you would join this task and I am quite pleased to see you! May I introduce you to this friendly young man, he is an undine, thats why he looks blue, but you know he is quite nice!" With a graceful wave of her hand she points to Natalya and introduces her as the strongest woman she has ever met and she knows how to get great ale. And finally she smiles at Hithil and introduces her as an elf most magical. She seems quite happy but for a moment just listens and let the others talk.
[ooc] Bedtime. Can´t wait to read what happened tomorrow morning[/bow]
Dregan smile "I'm sorry Hithil you will need magic, at this drinking hole not then even your refined beauty will get you drink from me. I'm Dregan and that man over there serving the drinks is my father in law."
Hunter sticks out his hand for a shake. Nice to meet you Natalya
He raises his glass and waits for Natalya to raise hers that he had the bartender send to her. Cheers
Anton respectfully bows to the others.
"Glad to see you here too, Miyuki, and glad to meet all of you."
Moving into the crowded room, the young human's face lights up into a grin of pleasure. Amazing crowd! Why are so many people this far out? As he makes his way about the room, trying to find a place to settle, he nods to his cousin, who is fiddling with his cards, AGAIN, before finding that a crowd has already formed around the only women obviously present. The women seem to have clumped together, probably for common defense. He approaches them anyway, curious to see how hard they've set the challenge, but finds himself distracted.
"A Medvyed, did you say? Alton, was it? No, Anton! My apologies. I am Josef Orlovsky. I am supposed to start making my way through The Stolen Lands, and I was told that I should look for a member of your family to work with in this effort. Would you know of any who would be willing to go on such a journey?"
"Ladies. How do you find the evening, and the celebration?"
Kazz nods to Dregan, "Your father seems to have had a good run of it. Will you be leaving with him or are you staying for the main event?"
The blank pools of his eyes sweep over the newly arrived swordsman in appraising fashion, "I do believe a number of us are heading that way. From the sword at your hip I'd mark you as a disciple of the Swordlords, no?"
The young man turns to face the individual talking to him. "Disciple? Interesting word choice. I'm a student, following in my grandfather's path instead of my father's. And you?" The raised eyebrow just emphasizes the question.
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Hithil turns to Josef. "This celebration is great. It's like a three-for-one kind of deal. First, the trapper who can dance is going to retire. Second, I get to celebrate my first adventure to help recapture the stolen lands on behalf of the noble house of Lodovka. Finally, I get to hang out and meet you fine fellows. What's not to like? Just don't ask me to prove again I'm a real elf, as my ears are going to be sore soon."