Thread for game play for the Warders of Kassel pbp.
Storyteller
Also ready to go. Will do background when I have some idea about the campaign background.
I am ready. Had to make sure I was good to go, turns out I am.
I have two masterworked items, everything else is standard PHB stuff, so I don't think I'll have a problem there.
A petite elven youth in studded leather armor inlaid with leaf patterns approaches the recruiter. She stands about 5 and a 1/2 feet tall with violet eyes and long silver hair pulled back in a braid.She carries an elven longbow and a rapier.
"Soliel sirra, I have heard that you are recruiting for the Kings Warders? I have been trained in the healing arts as well as the martial weapons training of my heritage. Mayhap I can join? Healing is a very useful art in warfare."
Here are a few details about the Kingdom of Kassel. As I said before the world is pretty generic (i.e. I haven't really detailed it much at all yet), so feel free to be creative in defining some areas in your background and I'll try to work the ideas in if possible.
Kingdom of Kassel
The burly human guard on duty at the Warder’s barracks give the young elf woman a glance. “Yes, healing is quite useful in war, perhaps the most useful skill. If you think you are capable of being Warder, go in and ask for Major Glenson. He’ll fill you in on what kind of tests you’ll need to perform to show your worth. Though I’d warn you, the life a Warder is a dangerous and often time too short one. Check your gear here and then you can go in.”
" I'm not ignorant of the dangers, and with my help ..." she shrugs and continues" hopefully we'll have somewhat longer 'careers'."
Lua will check her gear, and walk in to take the tests.
After passing the tests she will find her place and introduce herself to her companions..
Bartholomew stands slightly apart from the rest of the recruits, looking rigid and rather awkward. He has the look of middle years, with spots of gray just starting to take root at the sides of his dark, black hair. Advanced age, however, seems to have done little to weaken him. His shoulders remain broad and his back straight.
He leans against his greatsword, blows into his mustaches, and eyes all of the younger folk around him speculatively. A look of envy flashes briefly across his face at the appearance of the slender elf.
Under his breathe he mutters to himself, "Perhaps this was not such a good idea. I feel like an old wolf about to be culled by the pack."
With that, he goes back to standing at attention.
A young man walks briskly into the room, his footsteps long and heavy. Pausing a moment to survey his surroundings he approaches the man standing guard and offers a hand and warm smile.
"Orion Arygius at your service," He begins the excitement evident in his face. "Might this be the barracks for the Warders? I have come to offer my arm to your cause. Although I am still but a youth you have my assurances that my valour is well advanced beyond my years."
Orion seems quite pleased at his introduction and watches the guard intently eagerly awaiting his response.
Over the last few weeks you have gone through a series of tests to measure your abilities in your various fields. The trials have been grueling and you saw other similar recruits fall by the way, but you and a rare few passed them.
Now all you have waiting for full membership into the Warders is to take your oath of office. Yet unlike the other recruits in your group you are pulled to the side. The officer in charge of the testing tells you that he has a special position for you. You will be sent to the capital city and there sworn in by one of the King's own staff and dispatched on a special mission.
After traveling days/weeks/minutes (for someone that might have been recruited in the capital city) you arrive at the main garrison of the Warders on the palace grounds. There you are directed to a chamber used for tactical planning and are told to await the Legate Dirkhelm.
In the chamber, including yourself, are six people, four human males and two elf females.
A young man walks briskly into the room, his footsteps long and heavy. Pausing a moment to survey his surroundings he approaches the man standing guard and offers a hand and warm smile.
"Orion Arygius at your service," He begins the excitement evident in his face. "Might this be the barracks for the Warders? I have come to offer my arm to your cause. Although I am still but a youth you have my assurances that my valour is well advanced beyond my years."
Orion seems quite pleased at his introduction and watches the guard intently eagerly awaiting his response.
The guard gives the young warrior an approving look. "Good to see a warrior like yourself interested in becoming a Warder. We can use all the strong sword arms as we can get. Leave your gear here and go in and ask for Lieutenant Grimlore (), you can't miss him, he's the biggest ugliest half-orc you've ever seen. Good luck."
"Soliel fellow recruits. It appears that we are the chosen ones.But chosen for what I wonder? Does anyone know what this 'special' mission is?" Lua seems relaxed enough, but there is a slight edginess to her. As if she feels crowded or clausterphobic.....
"Soliel fellow recruits. It appears that we are the chosen ones.But chosen for what I wonder? Does anyone know what this 'special' mission is?" Lua seems relaxed enough, but there is a slight edginess to her. As if she feels crowded or clausterphobic.....
Bartholomew looks about the chamber a bit wide eyed, still travel stained from the long journey . He looks down at his now dusty armor with regret, wishing he had had more time to make himself presentable. He settles on simply removing his helmet and attempting to straighten his hair. He looks around at the rest of his companions and is relieved as one of the elves breaks the silence.
"Chosen ones, eh? Yes, I suppose that's true, although I couldn't tell you why. I've never been chosen for anything special in my entire life. I was expecting to simply join the ranks and swing my sword around a bit until old age finally took me. This 'special mission' business has me as baffled as you young lady."
bart said
Zareth glances around the chamber at his fellow recruits, his raven sitting upon his shoulder.
"Well, it seems that we have all been chosen for some secretive mission of some sort, apparently. What do you suppose it will be?"
Oh, yes, I almost forgot to introduce myself. I am Zareth Edemont, graduate of the Wainwright School of Mystic Lore, and master of the arcane arts. My avian accomplice here is called Ebonfeather. It is a pleasure to meet all of you.
"Ah," Orion exclaims in obvious surprise. "A half-orc Lieutenant, that is interesting." A forced smile passes his face rapidly. "I shall seek him out in that case, but for now it appears as good a time as any to greet the fellow recruits if that is all right." With this the young man turns to the other people in the room and glances over each quickly.
Orion nods his head toward the older humans and bows slightly to the elven maiden.
"Sir," Looking back toward the mustached man he says. "Surely you are an experienced warrior as well as a man of honour and wisdom. I am certain one the likes of you could handle most anything His Royal Majesty requires and more. I look forward to working beside you if that is to be our lot."
Orion approaches Zareth at this point and offers his hand in friendship. "I am Orion Argyle, a pleasure to meet you Zareth Edemont and your companion here." Cautiously Orion offers his hand to the raven. "Is it all right to pat Ebonfeather?"
Now he eyes the room once again with a good deal of hope etched in his mannerisms. "As for the nature of our mission I can not say, sadly. No doubt we will find out soon enough after talking with our commanders. I must find Lieutenant Grimlore, has anybody else been instructed to see him as well?"
After searching high and low throughout the halls, a young elven maiden approaches the others. Her small frame seems odd for even an elf, but it doesn't let her bother her, as she greets all in the room with a smile upon her face.
"Oh hello, is this where everyone is to meet up?" says the elf, with an almost child-like voice for one of elven blood.
"My name is Bel Arrador, it's nice to meet all of you."
She stands and waits for a response from someone, hoping her voice id not come at an awkward moment.
"Sir," Looking back toward the mustached man he says. "Surely you are an experienced warrior as well as a man of honour and wisdom. I am certain one the likes of you could handle most anything His Royal Majesty requires and more. I look forward to working beside you if that is to be our lot."
Bartholomew smirks slightly as the enthusiastic Orion comes over the party like a tidal wave and takes the man's hand if it is offered.
"Thank you lad, that means quite a lot to me. It is true that I spent some time as a soldier under His Majesty, but that was a long time ago. At this point I'm afraid I'm nearly as green as everyone else. However, a few months of peril ought to knock most of the rust out of these old joints."
He offers his outstretched hand to anyone else who will take it, now that the initial silence has been broken.
"Since we're all making introductions....my name is Bartholomew Grey. Former soldier, town guard, and would-be adventurer."
Oh hello, is this where everyone is to meet up?" says the elf, with an almost child-like voice for one of elven blood.
Everyone seems trustworthy, at least I hope they are...
"My name is Bel Arrador, it's nice to meet all of you."
"Well met indeed. But it seems as though you are no more informed than the rest of us. His Majesty seems to be gathering quite an interesting assortment of strangers for this 'mission'. I must admit I'm burning with curiosity. Especially after the long journey to get here."
It appears that I am not going to be able to take part in this game aafter all. I sort of overstretched myself I think as I am already playing in one other game and running one, (about to start running a second!) Really sorry guys.
Just as everyone is starting to introduce themselves, that is except for a brooding human male in the corner who seems to not be interested in the others, the door to the chamber swings open.
Two dwarves enter, both dressed in armor adorned with the livery of the king's personal guards. One has a spear-axe in hand the other is carrying a small sized cushioned chair, a spear-axe strapped to his back. After placing the chair on the ground, the two dwarves take up positions beside the door. Then a well dressed older gnome enters with a human assistant, the assistant is carrying a small wooden chest and a scroll case.
The gnome sits in the chair the dwarves brought in and waves his hands at the various recruits, "Please sit down, I am much too old to be straining my neck looking at all of you tall people." () Turning to the human he says, "Michael please get us some refreshments." The human hands the gnome the chest and the scroll case and leaves the room closing the door behind him.
The gnome turns back to the recruits, "Well an interesting lot, aren't you? I am Legate Dirkhelm, royal attache to the Warders. Please introduce yourselves. You there (pointing at the older human), start."
Lua kneels down to the level of the gnome, and awaits her que in the introductions...
"Adar soliel Legate. I am Luathoria Ithellii, follower of Ehlonna,servant of the Wood and humble healer.At your service..." following her statement she nods her head in a slight bow.
The gnome turns back to the recruits, "Well an interesting lot, aren't you? I am Legate Dirkhelm, royal attache to the Warders. Please introduce yourselves. You there (pointing at the older human), start."
Bartholomew stands up from his seat as the Legate points him out. He positions his helmet in the crook of his left arm and salutes, briefly, with his right hand.
"Bartholomew Grey, sir. Recently released from guarding the small town of Lupri, near the borders. Formerly a sergeant in the army of His Majesty. Currently out of retirement and looking to see some action once more, sir."
With that, he nods to the next person in order and sits back down.
Startled by the abruptness of the gnome, Bel looks to have a bit of trouble speaking, but the words are clear enough to be understood.
"I am Bel Arrador, sir." as she bows her head to the gnome. "Proudly a member of the Arwyen Clan, I am here to prove myself to the world by traveling its vast surface."
Bel is quick to sit down, making sure to be as polite as possible.
Taking his cue from the gnome Orion bows politely and takes a seat nearby. He is quiet until it is his turn for introductions then he rises and begins.
"I am Orion Arygius, willful servant of His Royal Majesty. Don't allow my age to trick you for my valour is tested and true and I shall accomplish any missions allotted to me."
By now Orion has re-taken his seat and waits eagerly for the Legate to continue.
The moody human in the corner than stands up, "I'm Guy Domma-du-Domma-da, from Chadwick originally. Scout and mechanical specialist. What the hell is this all about anyway?"
The gnome does not seem fazed by the Guy's rude comment. "All will be explained in time, for the moment Mr. Domma-du-Domma-da, please sit. We had originally planned to have you accompany the rest of your fellow recruits, but something has recent arisen in Chadwick and we think your connections would be better suited to dealing with that. For the moment be patient." Turning towards the last fellow and his raven, "And we are?"
After the introductions Lua will rise and take a seat. With a nod to Bel "Adar soliel Bel Arrador eit beil e' anon-tuatha ave ein mensch Vast"
In Elven
After the introductions Lua will rise and take a seat. With a nod to Bel "Adar soliel Bel Arrador eit beil e' anon-tuatha ave ein mensch Vast"
In Elven** spoiler omitted **
Looking over at her elven companion, a more comfortable smile crosses Bel's face as she greets her.
"Good day to you too. I thought I'd be the only one as well. It's good to know I won't travel alone race-wise."
After the introductions Lua will rise and take a seat. With a nod to Bel "Adar soliel Bel Arrador eit beil e' anon-tuatha ave ein mensch Vast"
In Elven** spoiler omitted **
Looking over at her elven companion, a more comfortable smile crosses Bel's face as she greets her.
"Good day to you too. I thought I'd be the only one as well. It's good to know I won't travel alone race-wise."
Lua relaxes and eases back in her seat. Seems these may be boon companions after all..she smiles
"Oh, forgive me Mr Dirkhelm. I am Zareth Edemont, arcanist."
The door opens and the assistant Michael comes in with a tray carrying seven glasses of wine and a few small cakes. Legate Dirkhelm takes the most expensive looking class, the other six are plain small glasses. Michael places the tray on a table, allowing the party to help themselves to the refreshments.
"Michael please take Mr. Domma-du-Domma-da to see Sargeant Rimplestick about that issue in Chadwick." Ray downs a class of wine, grabs a cake, and heads towards the door. Dirkhelm stops him on his way pass, opening the chest on his lap and takes a small item out handing it to Ray, "Congratulations on your acceptance, good luck." Michael and Ray both exit the room. Dirkhelm waits patiently for the others to refresh themselves, speak amoung themselves, and get comfortable again.
"Thank you, Mr Dirkhelm. First, may I propose a toast to the sucess of our mission, whatever it may be. Cheers."
Zareth then takes a drink from his glass, and a visible look of distaste comes across his face.
After a few seconds, he says "Would anyone here complsin if I arcanely enhanced my wine's flavor?"
Dirkhelm raises his glass to the toast, "Cheers."
Responding to Zareth's question, "Feel free, every gnome knows the usefulness a little magic goes to brightening a drink now and then."
Bartholomew sips his wine out of politeness but has little intention of finishing the whole glass. He does his best to make a good show of it though.
To Zareth: "Enhance your drink? Is it really safe to use magic for such mundane tasks? I'm afraid I'm not very familiar with such things myself. There are few wizards in the borderlands."
Luathoria lifts her glass for the toast, but only pretends to sip. Her taste for non-elven wines is only surpassed in distaste by her feelings about orcish loggers. She quickly sets the glass back on the table and waits expectantly for more information.
Orion takes a drink from his glass and a pleasant look comes over his face. "Wow, this is great wine! Much better than anything back at the Casque and Sword." The young man takes another drink then reaches for a cake and the same expression appears once he tries it. He seems quite taken with the refreshments and seems to forget, at least momentarily the reason he was brought here.
After a few seconds Orion realises his folly and raises his glass once again. "Yes, to the success of our mission!" Then the youth meekly sits quietly hoping to continue on with the details.
Oh, don't worry, Bartholomew. One of the few uses of prestidigitation is enhancing flavor."
At this, Zareth starts mumbling arcane incantations over his drink. After the spell has been cast, Zareth takes another drink of his wine.
"Ah, yes. This is much better."
Having a sip of wine, Bel tries to hide back the fact that the wine isn't up to the standards she is used to. Even with such a drink, Bel still gives it up for a toast.
"To success and travel." declares the elf maiden, taking a smaller sip this time from the wine.
After taking another sip of his drink Dirkhelm begins talking. "Now before I discuss the current assignment that I have had brought here for, I think it is important to make sure you understand your duties and responsibilities as Warders. To begin with you are not law enforcement officers." The gnome pauses for a moment letting that statement sink in.
"Local authorities are responsible for dealing with criminals. It is not your responsibility to seek out criminals and apprehend them. That is the duty of the local constables, sheriffs, and deputies. And many of them take that duty very seriously and do not like military men stepping on their toes, figuratively speaking of course. I mention this because unfortunately it has been a problem before, especially with young and inexperienced members who are too eager to serve." Dirkhelm gives a meaningful look to both Bel and Orion.
"Of course in execution of your duties, there will surely come times when men* and women* of low renown will challenge you with violence of one form or another. And you are of course free to protect yourselves by whatever means you deem necessary, but whenever it is possible to safely secure such individuals it is better to turn them over to the local authorities so that they may be given a trial and the public can feel safe that justice is being carried out. Monstrous creatures are another matter entirely and there is no expectation of capturing them except in extremely rare cases."
"Since it is preferable that dangerous men* and women* be captured alive if possible, you will be given access to some nonlethal weapons we have in the armory in case you should run across any on your mission, as well as some basic binding equipment that is useful when transporting them."
"So to be clear, again you are not law enforcement officers, do not do the job of your fellow servants of the crown as this brings hard feelings and disrupts the abilities of others to do their jobs effectively. There may be opportunities to work along side these others in the future or if they request your aid while on your missions and if it does not interfer with your mission."
Bart nods along with the Legate.
"I actually see that as good news. I've done enough policing already to last a lifetime. I'm also sure that all those here (Bart gestures to his companions) have enough self control to take part in this mission or they would not have been chosen. Have faith in your recruiters, sir. These folk seem as sturdy as any I've ever served with."
"I am glad to see that you were well choosen Mr. Grey. Your experience I believe will be an asset to this group."
Dirkhelm takes another sip of wine and then continues on. "What you are is soldiers. And there will be times when you will be called to serve in our Majesty's armies, but for the most part you will be sent to deal with special missions into dangerous areas where it is not possible or feasible to send large groups. You report to military superiors and just as you are not law enforcement officers, you do not either answer to them. While a sheriff or constable can command, in the King's name, citizens to form a militia in times of need, they may not command you to stop on your appointed mission."
"To be clear though, claiming to be on a mission for the King when you are not is a serious crime and should not be done ever. You are of course expected to obey all the laws of the land, except when ignoring some may be part of fulfilling a mission you are on."
"Is there any questions about your general duties or are you all ready to swear your oath to the office? And be sent on your first mission? If any of you is not prepared to swear your oath which will require you to serve the next two years, you should say so now and you may leave."
Evident surprise has struck Orion deeply at the legate's words. He appears somewhat troubled with the explanation of his duties as a Warder but there is also a trace of excitement. He lowers his face for a moment, perhaps too brief to have fully thought things through when words slip out of the young man's mouth.
"It is rare indeed to be placed in a position with such inner turmoil, at least in my own experience. When I first set out upon this journey, to be honest, my thoughts were to bring justice to the unjust and right the wrongs people may commit. This is what I had in mind when approached about this position as well." Orion pauses and takes a deep breath.
"Yet if this is the path that I can best serve His Royal Majesty then I shall gladly take up the oath. My word be my guide, I shall follow the ways of the Warders for the duration of my service to the utmost of my abilities. You have my assurances I shall not overstep my bounds, this is my word and the word of my father before me..." Here Orion trails off, seemingly embarrassed to have gone on so long and also a bit thoughtful for his words have brought back many memories. One thing is clear though, the young man's resolve is determined and he seems set on following through with his duties.
The old gnome looks at the young man sympathetically, "Let me explain my young warrior, if you see wrongs occuring you are to stop them and if you learn of wrongs you are to pass that information to the local authorities. I am not suggesting that you should ignore criminal activity generally, though there may be some specific situations where you must make a decision of how can you serve your people the most. Merely that it is not your position to go out of your way to find such, but if it crosses your path you should confront it as necessary."
"Remember that the old adage that it is better to give than to recieve also means that you must be willing to recieve in order for others to get the pleasure of giving as well. Do not interfer with other servants' chances of serving, especially when it is not your duty to do so."
"Alright, so we are under the command of the military, not the constables, and if at all possible we shouldn't kill anyone. So, what is the mission?"
"Well and good. It sounds acceptable and Just to me, but I must ask , will any of the missions be assassinations? For I would not be party to that. I presume that we would not be doing such things, but one must be sure." she leans foreward when asking this, somewhat tense...
Missions for the King sounds interesting and exciting, but they must be Lawful and Just missions.Lua is fairly sure that they will be
but....
"Well and good. It sounds acceptable and Just to me, but I must ask , will any of the missions be assassinations? For I would not be party to that. I presume that we would not be doing such things, but one must be sure." she leans foreward when asking this, somewhat tense...
Missions for the King sounds interesting and exciting, but they must be Lawful and Just missions.Lua is fairly sure that they will be
but....
Dirkhelm raises an eyebrow slightly and takes a drink and pauses to gather his thoughts. "As I said, capture is preferable to killing, so in the strictest sense, no you wouldn't be asked to do assassinations. Assassinations tend to be less trustworthy than a trial for example. But you maybe asked at some point to sneak in and deal with the leader of a group quickly and quietly if possible. Often times if you remove the head, the body dies, as the saying goes, and much further bloodshed can be avoided by dealing with a leader than fighting through waves of ignorant followers."
"It is rare indeed to be placed in a position with such inner turmoil, at least in my own experience. When I first set out upon this journey, to be honest, my thoughts were to bring justice to the unjust and right the wrongs people may commit. This is what I had in mind when approached about this position as well." Orion pauses and takes a deep breath.
Bart smiles reassuringly at the young Orion and places a hand on his shoulder.
"Don't worry lad, we're going to be Warders, not brigands. I would hope that very few of us here would be willing to ignore those who need our help."
Bart then looks to the Legate again. "I, too, am anxious to hear of this mission. I think more details would help quell some of our apprehensions."