Yaara Ndor (10+ Years in the making- Open world)

Game Master Lanx_Kotan

Glancing around the city, Justin just smiles contently as the others talk before adding, "Oh, what's so wrong with a village being well off? I think it's a pleasant change, especially considering that mining town that Dmitri and I have been to. Maybe the folk here are doing so good because they like to help each other out? Or they avoid shady dealings with shady folk? I'd certainly love to find out more about why this town is doing good - seems like other towns could really follow this example!"

Hearing Toby's whisper makes the rogue remember reading about incidents like that before, but he brushes it off and responds in a whisper as well, "I really hope that isn't the case here.. But I guess there's only one way to find out, right?"

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

I love that we got the same roll and you one-upped me ;-P

LMFAO I was literally thinking the same thing when I saw that! xD I was like, "Oh wow, literally just one point higher because of my skill's rank? Cool." That's grand xD

Looking around the city, you see no poor at all...taking your time, paying attention to many details. While you watch, you see a dilapidated building, in the rest of the city you saw, there was none. This building was immediately surround by about 10 elf looking people who pull out wands, point at the building, turn it to dust, and then clear the area. In your short travel you see no destitute, ill, cripple, beggars or other social refuse in general. It's an overly clean city...it even smells clean.

Witnessing his own question being answered, Justin looks back to the others with a raised eyebrow, whispering, "Well, that was cryptic.. Anyone else catch that?"

"Yeah, reminded me of that Lego movie. You know, 'everything is awesome, everything is cool when you're part of a team...'"

Gotta say, it was more disturbing when elves did it silently than when Lego figures did it with gusto while singing. Defintely looking forward to interrogating Jaarn when he's off shift...

Alright, so than I can assume you all want to go to the tavern to wait for Jaarn...or did you want to browse the city?

Justin wouldn't be opposed to taking a brief walk about the city, to familiarize their selves with it. He'll voice this too the others too in the form of the question...

"What do you guys think? Wanna take a look around town? Get a feel for the area - know our exits and potential threats. That sort of thing could save our lives, eh?"

"I would like to take a closer look around..."

Can't hurt. Let's learn some major landmarks and find all the gates in and out of the city, Dmitri says while trying to not look too conspicuous. He looks a little uncomfortable for one reason or another.

I am not sure if I told you all this...in fact I am quite sure I did not and for that I apologize. Every level you all spend doing storyline follow-up and talking to locals, browsing the city, that sort of thing, if you do a good amount of that each level...you'll gain one free rank in Knowledge Local. So right now, each of you should have at least 3 in Knowledge Local.

Wandering from the beginning on the city entrance, you find a small few people headed North from the center. Very few are heading further West (gate is the East edge of town), not many going East toward you, some are headed south. Among the buildings you see while wandering toward and into the center of town include a few stalls with simple items and quite a few homes. The center of town is a very ornate and immaculately clean fountain. No change found in the water, no scuffs, dirt, marring, breakage, buildup, residue, marks, algae, leaves, dust, etc in it either. Not many stay long to see it, they simply pass on. Where do you head, what do you search for, what do you do?

Brian looks around, marking the condition-or lack thereof-of the town. "Okay, um, can we go to the tavern, meet the NPC, and try to get a quest now? I admit it's kinda weird, but if there's a local council just chain-casting Prestidigitation, I don't see t3h evilness. I think we'll get far more data talking to guard. Any malevolence he'll be able to illustrate quicker."

Heading to the tavern which the guard said was north of the center of town. You can see a building that simply says, "TAVERN" on the front sign, than some elvish scrawled beneath that. There is a few people visible inside the tavern from outside, where you are. They seem to be having an ok time. It's closing in on dusk, so it may be close to about 7pm

Toby is actually a bit disappointed at no druids. She was looking forward to comparing their understanding of nature to her own knowledge of biological science. If she sees anyone "woodsie" looking (trapper, ranger, etc), she'll pull up a seat at the bar and order a red wine, hoping to strike up a conversation about the natural world.

The patrons of the tavern seem a little less than "woodsy", the ranger-iest character you can see is an old man carving a walking stick, but he is wearing temple attire.
Not long passes before a familiar guard walks in, chatting with the barkeep

the ranger-iest character you can see is an old man carving a walking stick, but he is wearing temple attire.

Poo. Oh well, Toby thinks. Just the wine, then. She keeps an eye on the guard though.

'Whelp. Not exactly Dante's Inferno, but I guess it'll have to do. And no one has a big exclamation mark over their head. Man that would be really helpful. Okay, the local NPC is here, and some villagers, so there's got to be something here, yeah? I'll just use this as a practice session, maybe throw some game, see what happens. Are there any hawt chiXorz around? Maybe I can start a romance sub-plot? Ah, well, ya can't be a playah if ya don't sarge."

Brian put on his number 3 Smile of Confidence and boldly strides over to the bar. He puts his arms wide as if to include the guard, the bartender, and anyone nearby, or even in ear-shot. He says, boldly, "Hey! It looks like the party is over here! What are we drinkin' here? Wine? Yeah, lets have a pitcher of sweet red wine!"

Dude!" he says, addressing the guard, "glad you could make it! Hey," he says, turning to whoever the nearest patron is, giving preference to females, "watch out for this guy! He is the BEST guard in the whole dam town. Hey there, my name's Brian, what's yours? Yeah, that's an okay name, that's an okay name, wanna come join us?"

He turns back to the guard, "So what's shaking? The lame tourist map we had said this was a druid commune. I guess it was a little bit wrong, eh? So, how's the job, how's the health care? This whole town looks like it has some great health care, yeah? Normally I gotta dodge the lepers and the offal in the street, since we're currently living at a pre-Renasounce technology level, but this place seems great! What's your secret?"

He winds down, confident that he's weaved enough threads to seem interesting, yet asked enough questions to get the data they're looking for. He takes a swig of his mug of wine, gauging the set before looking to escalate, go kino, and enter Stage Three.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29 All your quests are belong to us! =D

Upon hearing Sweet Red Wine, nothing else seems relevant to Justin anymore as he slides on over besides Brian to help himself to a glass of his favourite alcohol. With seeing the Summoner's antics, he can't help but find himself taken aback by such a blatant display of Game. I never would've guessed Brian was a PUA! He thinks with a smile as he finds even himself beginning to swoon for the angel-blooded man.

Shaking his head to snap-back to reality, he clears his throat and suppresses such lewd notions before flashing a smirk and whispering, "Damn. You're actually rather good at that!"

The rogue raises his cup towards the rest of their group and says, "To Brian Puzzle-Tongue! Our esoterically-gifted, charismatic gamer! Cheers!" Ending with a long swig from his mug, he studies the patrons reactions and inevitable attraction to Brian's godly magnetism.

Jerimiah, while obviously noting Brians seemingly effective fast talk, found himself a bit offput by his mannerisms. He kept to himself for the meanwhile.

A well dressed woman near the bar turns to Brian, changed to be more friendly because of his charismatic approach. The tavern keep being effected offers the drinks for half price...total of 3 gold for a pitcher of red wine. The guard seems affected as well, he was already friendly...but now, after a few sips of wine poured from the pitcher you got for everyone you were chatting with (buying a drink gives you a bonus to charisma check) he seems willing to offer help and advice for your stay in the town. In fact he gives you the name of the town, Ostar En' I' Il-edhel Edan Tel'Quessir, "The Ostar En' I' part just means town of the...I'm not sure about the rest...not big on books and everything like that." (Linguistics or knowledge in the elvish language could help you figure out the town name...buy to be honest, right now before knowing more, it would simply be confusing.) He goes on to say he'd be glad to help you figure out the town and direct you to points of interest. "There are some...eh...simple rules the town has that you might not be familiar with...but I'll help you there too. Meet me down here tomorrow morning bright and early, I have the day off tomorrow...and there is something you need to take care of before you set out again. I'm really surprised you didn't get noticed before..." The hour grows late as the tavern patrons disperse. You're guard reiterated his intentions of goodwill and his desire to meet first thing in the morning. Lanx takes note of this and offers to pay for the rooms you all need to get to bed soon so you get 8 hours before you have to ready to meet in the morning.

Jerimiah, oddly recalls the strange words and likens them to the script used in Tolkien's Lord Of The Rings, yet distinct'y different. But, somehow, he finds that he recognizes it just fine.

IE, Elvish was one of the languages he started out with. As an aside, I would appreciate less fast-forwarding so we had more chances to roleplay. Perhaps if you felt things were going slow, then you could ask if folks were ready to move on?

Sorry, we can rewind if you'd like, just start from the part you want to role play in.

I just didn't want to be the cause of lagging story, I can sometimes get really invested into NPC interaction. For heaven's sake...I have a thousands of character sheets for this campaign...any NPC you come across likely has a sheet with stats, feats, skills, inventory, bio, backstory, etc. Actually, nearly 10,000 in total...lots of them. I spent 10 years building this campaign, slaving over every part, filling an entire globe with a rich story and a vast map filled with quests, religious factions, reigning regions, countless NPCs, etc. Play testing all the quests and story line and leveling all the non-NPC characters that became NPCs (The captain of the guard in the city you find to the south was a favorite dual class Armor Specialist Fighter/Swash Buckler of mine for instance.) So I tend to get carried away a bit when it comes to my characters. I am fast forwarding to avoid my innate desire to show off too much. I'm sorry if my attempt to keep things flowing and not boring took away from potential fun RP. Whenever I gloss over something you all want to focus on, let me know and rewind it for us. Sometimes I get in my own way. Every place, every character, everything in fact is filled with information enough to keep you busy. So if you feel you want to focus on something, please do. I'll gladly oblige.

You said you're not much into books, but would you be able to tell my why the town's name is elvish? Dmitri asks the friendly guard while sipping his wine, it seems odd to me for what appears to be a mostly human town.

"Yes, I'm quite curious as well." he adds on, while drinking an expensive looking drink from an equally impressive looking glass. "It would also be nice, to learn the affairs of this little town. Lumber, perhaps? Knowing how this down is allowed to tick good easily pique the interest of my house." The well dressed man however decided to leave out that his 'house' currently only consisted of him and his rat.

And his imposing samurai bodyguard, if he so chooses :-P

The rogue shoots glancing eyes between his friends as they speak to the guard, listening attentively and choosing to reserve his question as to not over-whelm the guard with an interrogation. Drinking more of his wine, he idly looks around the tavern from time to time, making sure they're not in any immediate danger - a nervous tick he developed when he was young and never quite grew out of. The merry atmosphere had seemed to confirm to the rogue that it was safe to continue drinking and to enjoy good company, though gathering information was always his primary agenda.

He mentioned the "capital" and "church of the golden hand" too, earlier... Gonna have to find out more about it without disturbing the locals like we did in that mining town... But for now: we listen to the guard's stories and drink the winez.

The middle aged city guard looks at the group and tells the Samurai "Haha, there's not a single elf in this little town...at least not that I've seen. Go take a look at the (using air quotations) "Temple of the Golden Hand" north of here, tomorrow after we have a chance to chat...those are all humans. The elves stay up north in the capitol city in the main Church of the Golden Hand offices. (whispering) You know how elves are...Their high and mighty attitude, better than humans mind set. We're lucky that they just tax us. Anyway, the city doesn't let beggars, sick or (looking at Toby with a concerned expression) older people stay in the city. (Whispering) You'll need to disguise your friend if you don't want them to give you trouble. Hey, I may be a guard, but I'm off duty right now. If I was on the city gold, I'd have to follow their rules to the letter...like no drinking on the job. (Takes a very big swig) So, I help you figure out how to navigate this town without trouble, you don't report my drinking or other stuff to the captain, deal?" Holding out his hand to Dmitri.

You can here a light chuckle from Lanx as he whispers to Brian, "Your valiant charisma has won us a battle we weren't aware we needed to fight, excellent work, young man. I'll cover this pitcher of wine that helped us obtain this vital information...and a barrel of ale that you need not share will be in your room. You have done us a great thing this day.

No old people allowed, but Toby's just middle aged as is this guard. .<.

The pseudo-noble swishes his glass, "Interesting... For what reason, is this? And I am very interested in the means of trade this town holds."

"Hey, you misjudge me. A lot of hard work ages you before your time. Only as old as you feel, right?"

Bluff:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19

Brian, one hand holding a mug of ale, claps Lanx solidly on the shoulder. "Ha! You've no idea! 'Tis true what they say: A whisper at midnight is worth more than a thousand swords at dawn! Does not the thousand-blessed Sun Tzu tell us to first see to the enemy's alliances, and then to his logistics, and only then, after the important things are seen to, only then to seek battle? Let us hope that my tongue can be worth even a fraction of a thousand swords and we may straighten out this world yet!"

Brian cheeks flush with drink, and his eyes wander, as if searching for other things for his tongue to do.

"Yeah, what he said", Toby says, gesturing toward Brian with her thumb.

Indeed, indeed. Though I am curious, like my comrade here, Dmitri says with a nod toward Jerimiah, why are those of certain social classes not allowed in the city? And, if you don't mind... Dmitri looks about to make sure he's not being overheard as he shifts closer to the guard, could you tell us about the "Temple of the Golden Hand?" In that order preferably, we've been away from the region for a while and only recently have returned, so we're a little out of the loop.

The guard seems a little startled, blinks and looks again at Toby. "I...I didn't mean any offense, mi'lady, I was wrong in my observation...I...uh...I didn't mean to make you upset." Turning as the Samurai addresses him again, saying, "Yes, hmm...well, they destroy any dilapidated buildings when they are found out, similarly, I have seen them escort beggars, unhealable sick, elderly, anything else outside the city. I try to not take part in that. I don't think they did anything wrong. ...the (air quotes) "Temple" is a big joke. My friend that is a scholar in the north tells me that their blessings are jibberish spoken in elvish, they aren't even elves for the sake of the gods... They wear fake ears to look elvish...up close it's a horrid joke. I don't know any elvish but it sounds kinda convincing...Their hands even glow a bit. You'll see, tomorrow. The city was named by the Golden Hand, they are all elves in the city there...the Golden Hand is an elvish religion. That's really about it on that...how long we're you away? The Golden Hand have been involved for almost 20 years..."

The town name means "The Town of the Imposter Elf Humans"

Bluff: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

"Oh, quite a long while. I havn't seen these lands since I was a you g boy, in fact. My family and I left to the far east, to tend to plots of land. But recent'y, I've felt it upon myself to return. In fact, it's from the east where my great warrior friend is from. You really should see him in action one day, the easterners, the... 'Samurai' as they call themselves, are all swordsaints of the highest order."

He takes a sip from his glass, wetting his lips. "The way you describe this group is... interesting. Even more interesting, when this town is in fact 'The Town of Impostor Elf Humans' when taken literally. Very curious... What do you think they do with the people they remove?"

Taking a couple of large swigs from his mug before setting it down, he answers the guard's question, while trying to sound as dry and serious as possible, though unable to deny the alcohol in his system.

Bluff: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
"Aye, he is truly a wonder with a sword.. That's why they call him Wonder Sword back home. This man has felled more bandits than the likes of an entire army could ever in their entire career! If there has ever been a man to trust with your life, it's this man right here!" Justin chimes as he pats the samurai vigorously on the back.

"The question that lies on my mind the most though, is why would you assume they do it? Impersonating elves, I mean. You'll also have to excuse my under-education, but why was such an order even founded to begin with? Had something caused these elf-imposters to covet the race, or did they rise in order to meet a specific need the people required?"

Dmitri shoots a glance at Justin, eyeing him with a look that seems to beg, "Oh please don't let that catch on..." before turning back to the guard to hear his explanations. He also takes a large drink of his own glass of wine, much larger than the moderate sips he was taking up to this point.

Son of a b@@#$, I forgot to edit my post to remove the "answering the guard's question bit" xD Now everyone will know that I had to change my original post because Jerimiah was 5 minutes quicker than me!! Dx

Meeting Dmitri's glance, the rogue beams a smile that can only be described as trolling, whatever that means! Looking back to the guard, he awaits his response, eager to learn more about this mysterious order, and hoping that the guard believes Jerimiah and his lies enough to open up more about it.

Five minutes? IT WAS OVER AN HOUR. >V

Five minutes? IT WAS OVER AN HOUR. >V

Five minutes after I previewed my post! Dx Seeing you made me decide to go cook dinner and think of entirely new response!!

(Brian)
Listening at this silver tongued, gregorous, charismatic, young man and his avid ability in socializing and joviality...not to mention his generosity in offering her a glass of wine...the young woman could feel her troubles melt away, her worry was lessened by this man's carefree approach to his situation, his life in this young town so new to him. She could easily feel a strong desire to hear more of his words...no matter their content. She liked the exhilaration of hearing one with such exuberance for thing and a jester-kin socialite nature as he spoke in such a strange new manor. Gathering her courage, she simply asks, "What is your name, young traveler? You may call me Ithka, if you wish."

Jaarn, watches the three young fellows as they tell stories of bravery in awe (not even rolling sense motive for him. He wants to believe that you are all really amazing adventures visiting the city) stammering lightly as he attempts to find himself and the answer to the question he was asked. Turning to Jerimiah, he says, "I am not exactly sure what they do with those escorted out. I hear they are taken west of the village...but I've ventured west...only a little mind you, I'm no legendary Sam Moo Rye or anything...I didn't really see anywhere they could have gone. (Turning to Dmitri) ...the elves? Well, about 30 years ago, the ruler over the land had grown ill and was seeking an heir. The land grew restless and fights broke out in major house of report over who should provide a mistress for him to have an heir. The fighting grew to a war after a short time, the houses with the most money could but the best equipment and men. The Golden Hand Religion, which is of only elvish worshippers, financial backed one of the elf houses that eventually banded together with other elf and half elf house. They won the war and the Golden Hand took control of this land. To quell any possible uprising, they stem all money flow and excise an intense taxation and tariff all over this land. They don't like any shift in power and quell any possible rebellion. Wait...are you trying to fight their tyranny, master sword saint?" Looking at Dmitri quite expectantly, eyes wide with wonder at this man's accomplishments and vicariously professed capabilities.
(Take leadership and I can see giving you a "Squire like" follower...possible Jaarn.)

Dmitri glances over at Brian, concerned about how loud he is confessing their quest, before turning back to Jaarn and conspiratorially saying, We're just here to help, that's all. At the moment, we're trying to find out exactly what is going on around here and where we would be best able to affect things. You've been incredibly helpful in finding out where to direct or energy overall, but I must ask: is there anything that we can do in the more immediate future to help you and this town? You see, renown and honor is an important resource in our mission, and currently we are still unknowns, unable to affect real change yet.

Toby listens intently to Brian's 'game', chuckling to herself at times. Ah, the young. She orders another wine.

"Mmmmm, and what could might possibly boost our reputations more than liberating a land from a tyrant order?" A devious grin spreads across the rogue's flushed face as he considers such a mutually beneficial proposal. "Alas - we must choose our battles very wisely. To declare war on a ruling power right now may be... Well, let's just say we'll need more information before we finalize our decision. Perhaps our Brian here could even simply woo them with his words alone!"

Thinking back for a moment as he takes more wine from his mug, TD asks, "You said we'd know more about this order tomorrow when we visit this temple.. Are they planning something that we should know about? Or will we just get to witness their usual antics? I find it odd too that an order of elves would trust humans impersonating them to enact their bidding here.. You'd think they'd want their ambassadors to be elves, or at least half-elves."

As the rogue thinks more about the order and their trip to the temple tomorrow, he turns to Jerimiah and asks, "My friend, a moment please.." He then proceeds to finish his question in elvish, trusting Jaarn's words that none around should know the language fluently enough to eavesdrop.

I took Elven at level 2 ^^ Figured it'd come in handy!

Placing a hand on the shoulder of the young man that in so jovial a manor has effected the outcome of her night, she offers light correction, "No, no, Brian...my father is very much alive...my husband that I came to this city with, though...he died more than a year ago in service to the Golden Hand. I can no more blame them than I can blame him...but it changes nothing, he is gone." Sliding her hand from his shoulder, along his arm to rest at the crook of his arm as she steps forward to better speak hushedly to him, saying, "I have not felt this jovial since that day. You have saved me from my pitiful social life...my eternal funeral for a man that is gone. I wish to hear more of your joviality...more of your homeland. Will you tell me more, Brian?" Deep sapphire blue eyes, pleading for more of the angel like charisma to brighten her evening.