The sun rises on a new day in the bustling town of Oakhurst. The hills are bursting with growth, and the midsummer heat causes many to seek the local Inn to quench their thirst. Situated on the Great Western Road, travel is strangely light for this time of year, and five newcomers to Oakhurst find themselves standing out more than usual.
Each of you has heard the rumours of the Sunless Citadel, an ancient ruin that lies miles outside of town. Legends have forgotten what ancient people built it, or why they left, but the ruins remain, guarding what lost knowledge remains within.
Some of you may be staying at the Ol' Boar Inn, where old Garon tends his flock of drunk and hungry with a sharp wit and caring gaze. Even the Hobgoblin and Lizardfolk cannot help but feel welcome, though out of place.
For those seeking other places to stay, there are a few empty buildings available for rent, as well as Hucrele's Boarding, a small waystation for merchants passing through. The Church of Eloria and Lorien can provide for those with a more religious nature, if they should so choose.
Each of you has come for your own reasons, but by midday have recieved a summons, either from Kerowyn Hucrele, an influential merchant, or from Vurnor Leng, the Mayor of this town. They have requested you attend a dinner the following evening at the Mayors manor, to dine and speak of a matter of import affecting the town, and the role you could play in it. Whether you attend or not, is up to you.
Midday has come, the summons recieved. You have until tomorrow evening to spend time. What do you do?
Rifiki will wander through the town, cloak drawn to protect from he unforgiving nature of the sun. He will have a drink at the pub, hood down. Rifiki will watch those around him, not to threaten or scare just out if habit. After slowly drinking his drink, he will head over to Kerowyn's shop to peruse his goods and see if anything catches his eye or not.
Howdy Kerowyn, what is new in the shop Rifiki asks while extending his hand for a shake.
After playing with some of the local children (Piggy backs on the friendly dragon, Blind dragon's tail, What's the time Mr Dragon? etc) S'koth pays a visit to Rurik the blacksmith, perusing the dwarf's store and wares and attempting to make friends.
S'koth then heads back to the inn and repairs to his room, waiting for the appointed time to attend the summons. He spends his time sharpening his teeth, claws and falchion, performing maintenance and minor repairs on his beloved armor and generally relaxing.
[EDIT - aha! Epic fail. Hopefully I didn't insult his mother something... Maybe the boards can sense my hatred for dwarves. Shoulda taken 10...]
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Yenli will seek the shelter and comfort of the Ol' Boar Inn, and of course the local ale.
"Dinner you say? What am I supposed to do while waiting? Pay for my drinks and maybe I'll think about it, your master is a merchant right?." as she slams the mug on the table in front of the messenger sent by Kerowyn.
Intimidate: Taking 10+4 = 14
Zar Hedrroth is also in the Ol' Boar Inn. His response to the invitation is terse and affirmative. He watches as Yenli bullies Kerowyn's messenger, trying to size her up. We may be working together soon, he thinks.
Melisaria rises late. After a long night of traveling that brought her to this God's forsaken inn in the middle of no place. "Where those fleas in the bed? she wonders, itching all over. I wonder if this place can make a decent breakfast..
She sighs thinking of her fine bed and servants who would bring her meals and bathe her, mornings in their manor house far away. "But no, that is all lost to me now",she says aloud, shaking her head to clear away those thoughts. Instead she reaches for her simple homespun ochre robes. She caresses the rough fabric lovingly, understanding that it is now her life and protection from the fate she has escaped. She says a quick prayer of thanks to the Earth Mother and rises from the bed donning her priestly garb.
Looking out the small shuttered window of the inn's private room to the street below, she contemplates how she arrived in this village, Oakhurst. One of the priests of the temple in Four Winds told her a rumor of some magical fruit that grew here and a traveler along the road mentioned someting about a strange ruin not far from town. Curious, Melisaria has decided to ask around about this place, when a knock on the door interrupts her thoughts.
A little irritated at the intrusion, she answers to find a messenger from the town's leaders asking her to dinner. She acknowledges and accepts the invitation, out of habit, pressing a silver coin into the palm of the messenger before she realizes just how few coins remain in her purse.
"Finally, someone recognizes my status and position and has invited me to dinner with polite company", she thinks fondly remembering the grand balls and banquets she used to attend. She is lost in the reverie again for a few moments.
After her daydreams have ended, she goes about her morning routine as an acolyte of Eloria, saying her Orisons, and preparing herself for another day of exile and travel. Packing up the rest of her gear, she descends to the common room of the Ol' Boar and orders a bowl of fruit and bacon.
While waiting for her meal, she sees a Lizardman enter the room, and head up to the lodgings above. Out of her eye she also sees a pair of strange folk at the bar. A female human is accosting the same messenger she saw not long ago, and watching her is..."Is that a HOBGOBLIN! What in Eloria's name kind of place is this? Those monsters and that lizard man just wander around among the good folk of this town? Strange things are certainly afoot here. I must remember to stay away from those beasts. And the manners of that woman at the bar, atrocious!
She breaks her fast in peace careful to avoid eye contact with the strange people (or whatever they are) in the room.
All those in the Inn can't help but notice each other, as each of you stands out in your own way amongst the common folk. Take a moment to describe yourselves.
Rafinki, a pleasure as always! Dear feel free to look around, my merchandise is always changin.
With your knowledge local, you know Kerowyn is a fair and honest.merchant based out of Oakhurst. Her caravans travel east to Four Winds regularly, and she keeps the town supplied. Rumour has it she trades in magical items to those who can afford them. You also know two of the adventurers who left a month ago for the ruins were her children. They are still missing.
Yenli, the man stammers and stutters an apology before placing a silver before you and running off. Glancing around you recognize the Lizardfolk that walked upstairs as a native of Vos Drakos due to his size. You also notice a beautiful Elven woman, and a Hobgoblin studying you.
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"I guess this silver piece will suffice, well tell your master I'll.." she barely finishes the sentence but the servant went away already.
She sips away on her mug pretending that she doesn't notice the hobgoblin looking at her.
"My my, this is an interesting place. I didn't expect to come across people with a "surprising" persona in this bar. What is this lizard doing here? Could it be that he was sent by another like me? I better conceal my real self until I know his real intentions.
She seems to be enjoying the scenery until she felt a stinging pain on her shoulders, she stood up and puts on her cloak as she leaves her table.
"I understand," she says to herself as she goes up in her room and communes with the tiki mask.
At the inn, Rifiki is a tall and slender Drow. He stands 5'10" tall, with a deep purple complexion. He has red glowing orb eyes, that exaggerate his "demonic" heritage. His eyes show a cunning, matched only by a few, but he goes out of his way to be polite and nice to go against the stereotypes his kind have been given.
He sees the lizardfolk, but doesn't even think twice. His travels around the Four Winds have helped him see and experience many odd and interesting people. Besides, he can't judge others, when he himself is trying to change others perceptions about him
At Kerowyn's shop...
Have you heard from the kids yet? I know they went to the ruins, treasure seekers as always. Is that why you have asked my appearance at dinner, you fear for them?
I have not had any word as of yet, and it has been a month. Sharwyn has her magic, and Talgen his strength, but im still concerned. They should have come back by now!
She bites back tears for a moment, her concern and sorrow obvious on her face.
Please, lets not talk about this here. Tomorrow evening will be hard enough, and you are not the only one I have contracted. I believe the others are staying at the Inn, and are planning on coming. I can't bear to have to go through this twice. But that is the reason, yes.
To the others...
For those that have retired to their rooms, looking out your windows and by the sounds outside as the evening goes on, the town seems strangely quiet for a bustling trade town. As night falls, the streets clear, and even the common room downstairs in the Inn seems subdued. Something is wrong with this town. Something dark has befallen this town.
For those that remain in the common room...
For a bar, it is strangely muted, and more worried grumblings can be heard than raucous laughter. The Lizardfolk kept a merry crowd for a short time, but now that it has went upstairs, the people seem to sink back into their worries. For those interested, many rumours and stories of the evil affecting the town can be learned, and the summons you have recieved seem to take on a new urgency.
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It was almost midnight when Yenli was finished communing with the spirits and her patron. She looks outside and see a seemingly quiet town.
"Hmm are they scared of dragons too that's why they don't go outside?" she murmurs to herself, thinking it's a joke comparing this town to hers, cause unlike her town, one wrong step outside during the night and you will end up food for another. She went downstairs to grab something to eat, then when she noticed something was off.
"A plate of your specialty and a mug of ale, same as what you gave me earlier," asks Yenli to the bartender. "Do these people run out of money already?" she jokes the bartender, although acting like she doesn't care, she noticed that the eyes of these people just doesn't look like they're worried about their money but worried of something else.
"Just between you and me bartender, what's going on in this town?
Diplomacy:
Garon gives a small smile at your joke, but this quickly turns into a frown at your question.
Na offense intended miss, but im not quite willin ta discuss that with a stranger to our town. Again, im beggin your pardon, it's just whats ours to handle is ours to deal, if ya ken it? I saw you got a message, same as some other new folk. If the mayor and Miss Hucrele want to trouble ya, thats theirs to decide. But I won't be the one to burden ya with our grief.
With that said he yells for his son Jacob, who brings you an ale and a plate of bread, cheese, and a steaming bowl of what he calls Boar Heart Stew.
It is surprisingly delicious.
After finishing her meal, Melisaria rises and approaches the man behind the bar. "Tell me, good sir, where is the temple of Eloria located in this town? As you can see I am an acolyte of the Earth Mother and needs must go pay my patron her due service. And if you would be so kind tell me what you know of the head priest there."
As soon as she gets directions, Melisaria heads to the church to speak with head priest.
No need to be so formal miss, names Garon. It's a pleasure to be talked so nicely too nonetheless, if ya don't mind me ah sayin so. It ain't a temple to Eloria, ya see, its actually dedicated to both her and The Lightbringer, Dawn bless our souls. If ya step out my front door and hook a right, just follow the main road, ya can't miss it. Only buildin with a round roof in town, strange enough. And made all o stone!
Garon chuckles to himself, and smiles openly. He is friendly and exuberant, and seems to have warmed to you quite nicely.
Miss Leyora Skysong is our local priestess, and she heads services for both Lorien and Eloria. Beautiful as a dawnflower, or so it's told. Ya would be hard pressed to meet a sweeter girl, and I daresay half the young men in town are smitten with her. But there's more to her than just looks and kindness, that girl has steel to her through and through. After the Mayor, myself, Miss Skysong, Miss Hucrele, and Johnathan are the closest thing to a council this ol towns got. Anyway, im rambling on, run on outta here and see her, im sure she will be tickled plenty to meet another faithful, a full blooded Elf at that! We don't see many of your kind around here, most stick up North or continue on Southwest to that big ol magic country they got down there...
If not interrupted, Garon will continue talking, animated and obviously enjoying himself. He seems to have a loose tongue, though he speaks nothing but good about the town and those in it. He has a positive outlook on life, and that doesn't seem to be diminished despire the towns troubles.
Garon is a middle aged Human, with experience in his eyes and a kind, open face. He is balding, with only patches of hair here and there but a full dark beard. He is a stout man, with strong arms though pudgy in the midsection, and tall, easily six feet in height or more. He is quick to laugh and quick to gossip, but a good man nonetheless.
Melisaria smiles tickled by the garrolous barkeep. When she can get a word in she says: "Well met then, Garon. The blessings of the Mother on you and your fine establishment here. May she guide you and your actions this fine day."
With that, the young priestess turns and strolls outside, careful not to run into any of those strange characters she'd seen in the common room earlier. She looked around at Oakhurst as she made her way down to the church.
Arriving at the stone building, she stepped to the first person she sees and asks to be directed to the head priestess, Leyora Skysong. When she is pointed out, Melisaria approachs bowing formally and making the Earth Mother's sign.
"Well met, Mother of Eloria. Wouldst thou have time to converse with this poor acolyte on a matter concerning the Faith, and this community?" Mel's bearing and speech are quite formal in the manner she was raised. She is a bit unsure how to address this cleric...
Zar Hedrroth's body is covered in scars - ritual scars, battle scars, hazing scars. From his sandaled feet to his black topknot, there isn't a visible scarless spot on his dark, greyish green skin wider than three fingers. He wears a ragged and somewhat ill-fitting outfit with pieces of boiled leather armor and has a sheathless sword dangling from his belt.
Hone hone, repair repair. Relax. Hone, sharpen, preen. Relax. Hone hone, repair repair.
I wonder what these northerners eat?
Leyora is a beautiful, radiant woman, dressed in a simple green robe, sandals, a sheathed scimitar, and a simple silver circlet holding her in place. Her hair is long and golden, and she has piercing blue eyes. She seems serene, as peace with the world, and the whole room seems filled with her presence. Your discerning eyes can easily distinguish her Half-Elven features.
Well met, daughter of our Mother. I am indeed Leyora. What may this humble priestess do for a fellow worshipper of the great Earth Mother?
She motions you to take a seat with her on a pew, and pours you both a glass of chilled water. In conrast.to your formality she seems relaxed and at ease.
You wander town for awhile, taking in the scenery. Its a bustling trade town, with numerous shops. The most prominent however are.Kerowyn Hucrele's shop, the local doctor and alchemist Gob's shop, and the blacksmith Rurik. As for potions and scrolls, there are no arcanist in town, and the only known place to find other potions would be Gob's, or perhaps at the Temple.
S'Koth, you would be used to a diet of exclusively meat, raw and fresh from the kill. Lizardfolk are Hunters and do not use fire.for cooking. Cannibalism is also an open and accepted idea, as Lizardfolk do not believe in wasting resources.
Many northern foods such as cheese, baked goods, alcohol, and especially anything cooked or involving sugar or spices would be new to you, though bread and grain is not.
to know what monster might be in the Sunless Citadel
if local doesn't apply
Rifiki will take a look at her wares and then take his leave, see you tomorrow for dinner, he says with a smile. He will then head back to the inn to get a good night sleep. Upon entering the inn, Rifiki looks around to the dismal scene. He sees that there is hardly anyone there, with the exception of the hardcore boozer and the new and "colorful" folks that came into town.
Rifiki will grab one last shot from the bar, slam it down then retire to his bed to sleep. Rifiki wakes early and prepares himself and his gear. Polishes his daggers, checks the straps on his studded leather and dons his cloak to somewhat protect himself from the unforgiving sun.
He goes downstairs, and orders whatever the cook is serving for breakfast
at the blacksmith
Howdy, Rurik. Hows business and the forge treating you? Good I hope. I was wondering if you have any silver light maces on hand? If so I will pay fair price for one? Rifiki asks, knowing that Dwarves don't like his kind too much, but hoping a friendly smile will help overcome that disposition.
Between your time in the Inn, and wondering around town, you have picked up a few of the local rumours concerning the Sunless Citadel. Namely...
-The only "monsters" you have heard of inhabiting the ruins are the Goblins, though what clan and whether they are Smart or Feral Goblins you are not sure. The Goblins are about a month overdue on arriving to ransom their magical fruit.
-The Sunless Citadel lies about seven miles outside of town, or half a days journey on foot. It can be reached by following The Western Road, then turning off onto an old disused road simply called the Old Road. Banditry has led to it being disused.
-The Old Road used to connect Four Winds to other prominent towns to the southwest, but legends claim that something named Ashardalon destroyed all that was their, reducing the land to an ashen plain. It is here, on the edge of the Ashen Plain where the Sunless Citadel lies.
-The Sunless Citadel is old, older than anyone here in town can remember. Some say it was an ancient fortress, used by Dragon Cultist during the Age of Betrayal. Others say it has always been the lair of a Goblin tribe. None know the truth for sure.
At the blacksmith...
Rurik is a strong built dwarf, rising over four feet in height and packed with muscle. An eyepatch covers one orb, whereas the other can be seen to be a flinty grey, staring out at you with a piercing gaze. His long beard comes to his waist, where he keeps it tucked into his chain belt. You don't have much experience with Dwarves, so its hard to tell his age, though you would guess a couple hundred years old at least. He is built like a warrior, but is calm and determined, in some ways reminding you of a scholar. He is dressed in simple breeches and a shirt, his flame red beard and hair free. In the corner of the room you can see ornate armor and weaponry on a stand, obviously sized for a Dwarf. The room is full of other assorted weapons on stands and dummies.
Aye, well met Drow. Na need to flatter lad, I deal with plenty o your kind round here. Dunna have the same hatreds as all o me people. Im Rurik, and a pleasure to meet ya. Heard bout you and the other newcomers. So, its silver ya need, and a mace no less? Good weapon, the mace. Strong, simple, and effective. Indeed I have one, though I don't oft get call for silver weaponry. Ya huntin after something right nasty?
He walks over to a corner, obviously set aside for transactions. From a chest behind the counter he pulls out a light alchemical silver mace and sets it before you.
[ooc[Standard Pricing as the book[/ooc]
Perception
While she is a beautiful woman, and a follower of the Mother, Melisaria can't help but be taken aback by the woman's half-elven features -- considered an abomination in her former circles. She swallows the words that nearly escape her mouth and tries to hide her prejudice.
Blinking several times, she proceeds to tell the head priestess of her travels her to Oakhurst, and relates the stories of a strange fruit or ritual that she came to investigate. She politely presses Leyora for any information she may have on this practice or on the area and an strange or unnatural occurances around.
Apparently, turning on the charm at the right moments, and dropping her more formal manner in favor of Leyora's more casual mein works. Mel listens intently as the woman relates any important information.
Leyora seems to either not notice your disgust, or to ignore it. She listens intently to your tale, then sits quietly for a moment, contemplating your questions.
Im sure you have heard of the Sunless Citadel by now? An abandoned ruin used by feral Goblins as their lair. We have not discoveres how they make the fruit, or indeed even where it comes from. All we know is that without fail they sell the fruit every midsummer, and that it contains powerful healing magic. Less well known is that sometimes around winter they sale a white apple that takes life away and exudes a dark taint. Of the ruin itself, it sits off the Old Road, in a ravine.where.the land swallowed it up. It is claimed it was built by an ancient dragon cult during the Age of Betrayal. Beyond that all wr have are myths and legends.
If you have not heard already, the Goblins failed to show, and the adventurers we sent to investigate have not returned. Two of them were locals, Lady Hucrele's children. And farmers and livestock that wander too far from town at night have been found dead, pierced by claws. The town lives under a shadow of fear of what is causing this. Thats why you and some others were asked to dinner tomorrow, to make.plans for another group to discover what is besieging our fair town. Will you join us?
Melisaria thinks,"Ah, the pieces start to come together. This may be my opportunity to complete a service to the land and the Mother."
To Leyora:"I had not the heard the name Sunless Citadel, but had heard bits and pieces of the rest of your story. If a group of seasoned adventurers went there and has not returned, I am worried about my own chances of success. With your blessing, and that of the Mother, I will come and hear what is to happen next and see what role I may yet play in these events.".
After receiving a little information and the blessing, Mel returns to the Ol'Boar, waving at Garon behind the bar and retiring to her room.
At the appointed hour she makes her way to the meeting.
Scrunch rattle scrunch rattle scrunch rattle. S'koth makes his way to the dinner.
The day passes uneventfully, with a few of you running errands in town, and meeting some of the notable locals. As evening falls, you all begin to head uptown, the the Mayor's home. As you get closer, you find a simple two story home, neither onstentatious or flamboyant. It is not what one would expect from the Mayor of a prosperous trade town. It is gated, with a lane running between apple trees from the gate to the front door. There is one armed guard, and a servant lets you inside
Inside, the house is much the same as outside; comfortable, simple, and not an overt display of wealth and power. There are a few servants, but all in all the home gives the impression of a simple man displaying the trappings of power, but not abusing the position. The dining room each of you is led to is large, with ample seating for each of you and four others. The servant asks for you to wait a moment and the master of the home, as well as other expected guests, will be with you shortly.
Each of you is seated. You have a few minutes to converse amongst yourselves. For those of you who have not been described yet, go ahead, and talk amongst yourselves for a few minutes.
Hedrroth approaches Rifiki, hand extended in greeting, and says, "I am Hedrroth Throh, formerly a Zar of Maltok's Maulers. Who are you?"
S'koth makes quite a humorous show of attempting to insert himself, armored and tailed, onto a chair.
Melisaria is quite underwhelemed at the modest dwelling of the mayor of Oakhurst and quite taken aback by her dinner companions so far.
"Will any of them even know how to hold a fork?", she wonders raising an imperious eyebrow at the crowd of characters. "A lizard, a hobgoblin, a witch, and a Drow, sounds like a bad joke to me", she thinks to herself.
Instead of mixing much with the other guests, Melisaria sits detached in silence waiting for the the "normal" crowd to arrive. She gives a small wan smile as the lizard man attempts to sit in the chair.
"Surely, a brave knight or mighty wizard will come through those doors and offer to escort me away from this menagerie and help save whatever's happening in that Citadel. Surely".
S'koth observes the scarred woman quickly. "Not at all"!
He smiles, perhaps disconcertingly as this requires the baring of his massive teeth. "Vos Drakos". S'koth bows his head quickly in a nod before continuing "S'koth Kaa, Claw and envoy of the Great Azure, Khesskitar. And you?"
Rifiki smiles back at Hedrroth, hand extended, and replies,
The name is Rifiki. My family and I own a small merchant shop in the Four Winds. My brother does some heavy lifting, my folks oversee the business and I am...what's the word I am looking for, ah yes, the procurer of items. I retrieve whatever I think would sell well or that catches my eye. Nice to meet you, he says with a smile, even if it has a slight demonic undertone.
S'koth's smile broadens.
S'koth laughs, a curious throaty sound that rumbles. And your name? the lizardman asks brightly.
Once introduced, S'koth introduces himself similarly to Rifiki, Hedrroth and Melisaria addressing each in turn regardless of their perceived or presented status, gender or race. The lizardman appears to be kind-natured and completely lacking in guile.
As introductions are made, Vernor Leng, Leyora Skysong, Jonathan, and Kerowyn Hucrele walk in, followed by a few servants who bring out a steaming meats, fresh bread, fruits, vegatables, soups, and pastries, along with wine and ale. The table is quickly set, and the servants depart, allowing you privacy to discuss the matters at hand. Vernor Leng sits calmly, introducing himself as Mayor, Leyora Skysong as the head priestess, Jonathan as sheriff, and Kerowyn as the most prominent merchant in town. Each of them greets each of you politely, before waiting on Vernor to begin speaking.
Jonathan is a Human, middle aged from the look of him. He has sky blue eyes and dark hair with grey in it. He has a goatee, and deep lines on his face and around his eyes. He is dressed simply, though unlike many of the other guest, is armed and armored, wearing a chain shirt and carrying two firearms, obviously not of Goblin design. He sits stiffly, obviously ill at ease with being in a social setting, and he keeps one hand on his gun at all times, staring each of you down in such a way that is neither hostile or friendly, simply taking in the measure of each of you. He is polite, but quiet and to the point.
Vernor begins speaking.
Before we begin, I want to thank each of you for coming. None of you have any real reason to care about the troubles of this town, and the fact that you are willing to listen to what we have to say means alot. For those of you who have not met me, Im Vernor Leng, Mayor of this fine town. I guess I should start by giving you all a little history of whats been going on.
It all began about twelve or thirteen years ago, when Goblins that live in the local ruins sent a represantitive into town. They claimed to have a magical healing fruit, and sold it to us for a reasonable cost. At first we were skeptical, but it turned out their claims were true and we entered into an arrangeent that has worked for both of us until now. This is the first year they haven't showed, so we sent a group of adventurers to investigate and see what was going on. Sir Braford, a holy warrior of Lorien, Lady Kerowyns children Talgen and Sharwyn, and a ranger named Karakas. That was a month ago, and they still haven't returned. Jonathan, I believe you are up?
Jonathan clears his throat, fiddles with a bullet for a moment, then abruptly stands at attention, his voice clear and businesslike.
Since then, townsfolk and livestock have begun missing, often found later on the outskirts of town and farms in the area. They are always dead, with numerous wounds made with what seems to be claws. Many claws, too many to have been one attacker. They attacks never occur in town, and only on small groups of one or two people. Thats all the townsfolk know, and all they are going to know, if ya catch my meaning.
He grips one of his firearms tightly when saying that, looking at each of you to make sure he gets his point across.
What they do not know is that each of the bodies were drained of blood. We have no idea why, and haven't any clue as to what or who the attackers could be. People are scared, and the militia isn't enough to keep people safe. Thats why we sent for you. We need heroes, adventurers, to go into that damnable ruin and find out what in the nine Hell's is going on, and hopefully rescue those who went before.
At that Kerowyn loses her composure for a moment, sobbing slightly. She regains it swiftly, and at a nod from Jonathan, stands up.
You have no reason to help me. Indeed, only one of you actually knows me or my family. But please, im begging for your aid. Since my beloved died, my children are all I have left, and the thought of losing them...that I could handle, though my soul would be shattered. But this not knowing!!! It is killing me inside every day! Please, find out the truth, I must know what happened to my babies! Im willing to offer each of you one hundred and twenty five gold for their signet rings if they have passed on, but if you can return them safely I will gladly double the reward. Im begging each of you, please, you are my last hope!
She sits again, her face in her hands. Leyora comforts her for a moment before standing as well.
All we know of the ruins themselves are that they are old, older than anything else in this area. They lie on the edge of a great desolate plain, forsaken from Eloria's love. Legends say they were once the last desperate fortress of Dragon cultists, but no one can truly say. I have heard that something or someone named Ashardalon caused the devastation and was connected to the ruins, but that is truly all we know. The Goblins have never been overtly hostile before beyond a few raids on caravans and such, so this recent activity, it makes no sense. And I can think of no spells or rituals that the Goblins would need so much blood for. Our only true lead is that all this started when they failed to appear.
Vernor again stands.
So again, friends, will you aid us in our hour of need? We have shared all we know with you, and are prepared to reward you greatly for the safe return of the former adventuring party, as well as salvage rights for anything you find in the ruins. What say each of you?
(Facing Kerowyn)I will venture into the ruin to find your missing children. Let us hope they remain safe with their companions.
S'koth turns to Jonathon - Do the goblins show fealty to Draconic patrons, or are those rumors of Draconic cultists mere supposition?
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Yenli takes a sip of the fine wine the master's of the house offered. She knows that it's always the same things that's going to be asked, until the part of Ashardalon and dragon cultists. Upon hearing that she was all ears and curious to what extent these cultists know about these 'dragons' that were supposed to be extinct.
She rolled up her cloak and showed them her arms, "Claw marks like these?".
"I agree to go into the ruins and help your cause, on one condition," she clears her throat and after a brief pause, "Everything that I feel important to me in that ruin, I can rightfully claim. I'm searching for something or someone and as far as my clues go, it's leading me right into that ruins. So if you agree I will help."
If they agree,
"May I ask what else do you know about these ruins?
Knowledge Nature: for what creatures do we expect to see.
The horror of attacks on innocents and bodies drained of blood as well as the drama of a mother with missing children strikes Melisaria's heart.
I will accept this Quest in the name of the Mother of all, we her Children can do no more. Can you tell us any more of these ruins or help prepare us in any way? While I feel compelled to assist, my experience in these matters is quite limited."
ONly after she has spokend does she realize these strange beings aroudn the table are meant to be her companions on this adventure. She frowns slightly, but remains silent on the topic, listening to any remaining discussion.
"How much are you paying and which of us will be in charge of our little team?"