Feeling quite put at ease by the assurances of the older man Orion leaves his reverie and smiles toward Bart.
"Thank you, Sir Bartholomew Grey. I appreciate your kind words." Then the young man looks back to the legate. "And thank you as well. Now let us swear the oath and hear what our mission is to be."
Orion seems anxious to begin as he looks appreciatively at his new companions. Any worry that clamored over him recently has left no ghost in his person now.
"I think I understand, and that would be acceptable. I would much prefer to save the lives of the people, so less 'bloodshed' is good. I do believe that I would prefer the capture as oppossed to the killing of these leaders. But if that cannot be accomplished then I am prepared to do what is necessary.Provided they are of evil bent."
Lua sits back, her brow furrowed in thought.
" I believe I will take that oath, and serve the kingdom. I can work more good within the system than without."
Dirkhelm smiles, "I fear the mission will come as a bit of a disappointment to many of you. I get the impression that some of you think it will be a great challenge, but though there will undoubtly be some minor dangers, it shouldn't be too challenging I'm afraid."
"If it will help quiet some of your nerves, though it is good see you are generally willing, then I will be happy to describe it to you. Though you should know that if you change your mind about joining after hearing, you will not be allowed to leave these grounds for the next two weeks so that the secret can be kept until the time has passed when it will be necessary."
Dirkhelm opens the scroll case and hands a parchment to one of the dwarf guards who promptly moves to a cork board and using some thumbtacks nails the map up. The map shows a part of the coast line of Kassel near a small fishing village a few miles distant from Chadwick. Dirkhelm then points at the map and small point of light appears on the map.
Spellcraft check: DC 20
The Legate then begins speaking as if telling a story, "Just over two hundred years ago a wizard had set up several locations, some of which were used as laboratories to do various experiments, many of unspeakable nature. The Kingdom dispatched a group of experienced Warders to stop this wizard with orders to capture him if possible (the gnome glances meaningfully at Luathoria for a second). Well the wizard did not go quietly and in the end had to be destroyed by the Warders, after several of our number were slain."
"Now many of this wizard's secret hideaways have been found and explored several times over, including the one you are going to be sent to. This is why I suggest the mission shall be a bit of a disappointment, most of the most dangerous defenses have been removed or destroyed. Of course sometimes these locations have been taken up by others and new defensives and creatures are present, so I wouldn't take it lightly either."
"This particular hideaway is located two miles out to sea at roughly this location. (the glowing dot moves to a location out to sea on the map) This particular location can only easily be accessed for three days ever ten years, when various celestial alignments occur and the tide reaches a low enough level to access the highest part of the structure. Such an occurance shall happen again in seven days. Once inside various protective magics keep the water out so there is little worry about drown unless you do not get out before the three day window has passed. Normally this place would be of little interest having been explored several times over the years, but something has come to my attention recently that makes it worth another look."
"A scholar researching the stories of this particular wizard, Sezrakan the Elder as he was called at that time, and came across an unusual detail. Apparently the wizard had found a strange statue of a woman carved in jade. The statue was suppose to be cursed in some way, the details weren't exactly clear unfortunately, but the statue was somehow useful to the wizard and he supposably stored it at this particular location. Now that in itself is not all that strange, this wizard was particularly powerful and had many such types of items, but this item has never shown up after the wizard's fall. The scholar believed that the statue might still be in the hideaway some where. And it is for this reason that you will be sent there, to find this statue if it exists and return with it if possible."
"Unfortunately I can't provide you with much more details as the scholar on his way here was attacked in Chadwick when passing through the docks at night a fortnight ago. He was beaten severly and all of his possessions were stolen, including unfortunately his notes on this particular wizard and have probably been destroyed by some ignorant fool. The scholar was found and his life was saved. His physical injuries have been healed but his memories are too foggy to give any meaninful details that could help you unforunately."
Taking in the new information that has been given to the party, Bel voice her opinion on the matter.
"I don't see how that sounds boring. It sounds like a challenge to me. Having only so much time to enter and complete the task at hand, I think this may be interesting..."
She seems to trail off after her final words, lost in thought about the upcoming mission ahead for the team.
"The tides drop in seven days, how long is the journey there? And what type of non-lethal equipment are you talking about? The elves have 'sleep'arrows (, but these are not cheap. I am not sure I know how to use other types, but I am willing to learn."
Having decided to trust the Powers That Be, she seems eager to be off...
"Ah, so we're delving into the depths of a dead wizard's den, seeking out a jade statuette, and, if I am lucky, possibly finding a presently undiscovered cache of arcane lore? Great! When I applied to the Warders, I only hoped I would do something this interesting."
Zareth's joy at the prospect of finding new knowledge is obvious.
The Legate responds to each recruit in turn.
"Yes Ms. Arrador, time will certain add a bit of excitement to the mission. Though I fear that it will be quite tedious. As I have said, several other groups have gone through the place before and not apparently found this object, if it even exists. So if is likely to be extremely well hidden in that case. Of course if the first group didn't find it, the others coming afterwards might not have looked very hard assuming most of the stuff was already found."
"The village of Safeton (moving the glowing dot to the small fishing village on the map) is about four days journey from here, so you should be able to get there with a few days to spare. That will give you some time to hire a boat and learn what you can of the keep that the locals may know. As for gear we have available for you, Hardstone?" The Legate turns to the dwarf who had nailed the map up.
"We have some saps, truncheons*, nets**, and bolas**. The saps and truncheons should be easy enough for anyone trained in the use of arms to handle. The nets and bolas are bit more difficult but can be used to tangle foes up without too much trouble." The dwarf responds.
"I hope that answers your questions Ms. Ithellii. We don't want to spend too much money on this mission as it is possible that it is a waste of time."
"I also hope that there is something really there Mr. Edemont, for you to find interesting."
"Ah," Orion says his voice revealing much elation. "This sounds like a great beginning to our employ to His Royal Majesty. We shall set forth and retrieve this statue as soon as we are ready."
Now the young man looks himself over and checks the gear in his pack. "As for myself aside from the gear to capture wrong-doers, I am ready and willing to leave whenever my new companions are. Your account," He glances at Dirkhelm. "Has made me most interested in the matter. To see a hideaway tucked under so much water is thrilling to say the least."
Bart smiles warmly as the Legate provides the details of the mission. "This is exactly the sort of thing I had been hoping for. Exploration and the possibility of a little danger on the way. I will be more than happy to take the Oaths and do what I may for His Majesty."
Bartholomew takes a quick look through his travel worn pack.
"We may want to grab a pack animal to take with us in order to carry all our provisions."
He looks to the Legate, "I hope that this is not asking for too much, sir, but is there any way we could be provided with such things as we need to make the journey? As for weapons, a couple feet of solid steel are all I need. If it is necessary, I can find other means of subduing my foes."
" I will take a bola. As for the rest I already have a horse and gear.Just need to get a little more food." She is ready to go at anytime.
"Hmm...this seems a little disappointing. I can't use my true potential, so I'm reduced to nets and bolas? This seems almost disappointing, but I will do my best with what is given."
Bel thinks over what she will use for the mission. "I'll use a bolas for now, but I still wish arrows could be used..."
"Don't worry, Miss Arador. I'm sure that we will run into something you can shoot."
The old gnome rises to his feet, "Well it looks like you all are in agreement. Very good. I will let the quartermaster deal with your equipment requests, Corporal Hardstone here will take you to get the appropriate supplies."
He then opens the chest and gives each of you a signet ring from it. The ring has the head of a bear with an olive branch clinched between its teeth, the symbol of the Warders. "Congratulations to you all and good luck. Please return as soon as possible. And if you find this statue you will be well rewarded."
The dwarf, Corporal Hardstone, opens the door and then motions to the group, "Follow me." He says gruffly. And leads the group through the various corridors until they come to the equipment office. He says to a halfling sitting at a desk, "These are the Warders for the mission for Legate Dirkhelm. See that they are properly equiped for a two week mission and given temporary quarters."
He then turns to the group, "He will take care of you. Good luck." And walks off.
The halfling stands up and looks the group up and down and grabs a piece of parchment and a sliver of charcoal. "Well, let's start outfitting you. Do any of you have mounts of your own? And are the are special requests you might have?"
"I just need a set of bolas,thank you.I have my horse Gennabakis. Unless, of course you have a spare wand of healing of some kind...."
"We got no wands available at this time, sorry." The halfling then turns and shouts out, "Bola! Two-week travel expense!" The halfling shouts out. A human behind a set of bars walks up to an opening and hands the bolas and a money pouch through to Luathoria. The halfling records something on the parchment. "Next."
"Seeing how we need to do this as fast as possible, I will need a mount for this mission." pipes up Bel. "Other than that, I need a bola and the necessary food and water for the trip."
"I shall need a mount as well. Something strong and stout should suit my needs. And," Bart sighs, "I suppose that if everyone else is taking a new weapon then I shouldn't leave myself out....I'll have one of those truncheons if it isn't too much trouble."
"A truncheon for me as well," Orion says calmly though he clearly gets more excited as he continues. "And if you could spare a mount for me I would eagerly take it. My past has me trained quite thoroughly in animal handling and mounted combat, so if you could offer me some fair destrier I would be eternally grateful."
The young man seems to want to continue on in his explanation but he refrains for the time being.
"Hmm, don't have mounts, well couldn't really expect everyone would. We'll need to go get you a mule and cart so you can ride together." He writes himself another note. "Truncheon, two times! Bola! Two-week travel expense, three times!" Again the human behind the gate brings the items and passes them through the opening.
The halfling is about to move onto the last person when he looks at Bel again. He then turns back to the gate, "Hey Henry, get me that quiver over behind the stack of glaives. Yeah the one got off of that drunk bounty hunter." Henry disappears and returns with a quiver with 10 arrows and passes through the gate. "Here you go miss, you look like one of those elf archer-types, these might come in handy."
Bel is given a quiver with 10 blunt arrows.
For Bel Only:
While Bart is thinking about what he is going to eat or drink, he looks into the money pounch and sees it is full of pieces of silver (120 sp). Doing a quick calculation he realizes this is enough for:
Also it is common knowledge that there are inns within one days walk from each other on most roads.
While Bart is thinking about what he is going to eat or drink, he looks into the money pounch and sees it is full of pieces of silver (120 sp). Doing a quick calculation he realizes this is enough for 14 days of poor lodging, 14 days of poor meals, 14 days of stabling, and 14 days of feed for a mount. Also it is common knowledge that there are inns within one days walk from each other on most roads.
"Yes, I suppose this should do," says Bart with wide eyes."
"Shall we depart, then, and get our affairs in order? It would be best, probably, if we stuck together while doing so. I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm unfamiliar with this city and the surrounding lands."
"This shall be more than enough, thank you sir." Orion bows to the human after taking his supplies.
"I should hope we can stick together under such common tasks Sir Bartholomew Grey. If we can not then it does not bode well for our mission. Let us set forth as soon as possible and retrieve the statue."
"This shall be more than enough, thank you sir." Orion bows to the human after taking his supplies.
"I should hope we can stick together under such common tasks Sir Bartholomew Grey. If we can not then it does not bode well for our mission. Let us set forth as soon as possible and retrieve the statue."
"Please, all of you, call me Bart. I've always felt that name was entirely too long and never would have chosen it myself. Though it does sound somewhat impressive during ceremonies."
Bart smiles again and blows into his mustache before continuing.
"As for this 'Sir' business, I've never been a knight and doubt that I have enough years left on this earth to become one, even if I had a mind to do so. Now, assuming there are no objections of course, I say we purchase what provisions we can and then head back here to load up the cart. We shouldn't have to load up all at once if the inns are as numerous as I've heard."
Bart turns to lead everyone out and then stops and turns around, looking slightly abashed.
"Errr...um....does anyone know the way?" he asks before blowing once more into his mustache.
"Well met then Bart. You should call me Lua,it is much easier to remember. It is also what my friends call me. I hope there will be great friendship amongst us all." Lua collects her gear and follows the group to do thier 'shopping' she just needs rations and feed for her horse.Also She will watch for more of those blunt tipped arrows that Bri got,sounds useful.She will pick up her horse on the way out of the city.
Orion:
"Well if your friend here does not need anything", the halfling motions to Zareth, "then I can have a some one show you to the stables if you are intent on leaving at once. I'll have to write a form to get your cart, donkey, and other provisions."
He then walks over to his little table, takes out another parchment and a pen and ink well and begins talking to himself.
"cart and donkey"
"one week of trail rations for five people"
"five water skins"
"flint and steel"
"a coil of rope"
"two sacks"
"twenty torches"
"whetstone"
"dagger"
"large bar of soap"
"crowbar"
"shovel"
"four manacles"
"Oh, forgive me. I seem to have lost track of time. I do not require anything else. I should be able to get by on spells alone."
"Wait, no, should worst come to worst, I may need a few blunted crossbow bolts."
"Oh, forgive me. I seem to have lost track of time. I do not require anything else. I should be able to get by on spells alone."
"Wait, no, should worst come to worst, I may need a few blunted crossbow bolts."
"Blunted bolts? Hmm, I'll have to look around for that, see if we have any. The only reason I knew we had the bolts is because we took them off of a guy two days ago. If I find any before you leave, I'll send them down."
"Anything else I can get for you?" If there is not, the halfling signs the scroll he was working on, lights a candle, dropping wax on the rolled up scroll and then presses his ring into it.
"Boy! Get in here!" He shouts out in the hall. A few moments later a young teenage boy comes in. The halfling sticks the scroll into his hand, "Take these folks down to the stables and give this to Drake, he's to outfit these folks and get them on their way. Now hop to it."
The boy waves to you to follow and starts out into the hallway.
Orion seems taken aback at Bart's words. "Well if that is what you prefer I will respect your wishes though it seems terribly informal. While we are on the subject are there any others who would rather not be called 'Sir' or 'Lady'?" The young man glances to each of his new companions.
When the boy is called Orion nods respectfully to him. "Everything seems to be in order with me. You shall see us return shortly with good tidings." Then Orion moves to follow closely after the boy.
"A squire? Me sir? No, I'm just a simple servant here. My name is David, I've seen 13 summers in my life. So you folks are Warders I see," he says pointing at your rings (assuming anyone is wearing their's), "going to kill a dragon are ya? Or maybe take on an orc warlord ravaging the countryside, perhaps?"
"If it was up to quartermaster Rosethorn, I'd spend my days writing and reading reports and such. Maybe when you return sir, you could take me on as your squire and teach me to use a sword and we could go out and take on some evil worgs. I'd give them a chop and a hack!" He begins jumping around the hallway as you continue on using the scroll as a "sword" demonstrating his fighting skills.
"Blunted bolts? Hmm, I'll have to look around for that, see if we have any. The only reason I knew we had the bolts is because we took them off of a guy two days ago. If I find any before you leave, I'll send them down.
"Oh, in that case don't bother. I most likely won't need them anyway."
Lua smiles at the boy's energy and excitment, and says to Bart in passing."I do so love human children, definetly one of the charms of your race." Walks quickly to catch Orion and the boy " Or mayhap we could befriend the animal and learn the ways of the pack hunter and the Wood. Not all great wolves are Evil.Well most probably are..."She happily converses with Orion and David as they head out to gather thier supplies.
The enthusiasm of the boy seems contagious and Orion's excitement begins to peak as well.
"Well David, it is certainly nice to meet you. I would certainly take you on as a squire if only I, myself, were a knight." Orion suddenly becomes more serious. "If you are earnest though I shall teach you a thing or two in our spare time. Your first lesson is that not all quests and missions are to slay dragons or orcish warlords, more often we serve the people in various ways." He nods toward Lua. "And as Lua has explained it is often a better course to befriend certain beasts as well."
After a brief silence to allow his first lesson to sink into the younger boy Orion's face beams into a brilliant smile. "You may enjoy your second lesson more than your first." Orion offers his hand to the boy. "If you were to pass me your 'sword' I could show you a proper thrust and a parry. When you have the time you can show the quartermaster your new knowledge and with your talents you could be a squire in no time."
The boy seems a bit confused at first but brightens when offered to be shown some techniques.
After a little while you are lead to the stables. The boy takes the scroll and runs ahead. "Drake! The Quartermaster sent a list of supplies for these Warders!"
As you follow after the boy you see him talking to a middle-aged half-elf (Luathoria you recognize it as the man that stabled your horse when you arrived). The man seems to be ignoring the boy for the most part and reading the scroll. The man then looks down at the boy, "Get back up there now, David. You're done here."
The man doesn't even seem to notice the party, as he goes and gets a mule out of pen and starts hooking it up to a cart.
As you follow after the boy you see him talking to a middle-aged half-elf (Luathoria you recognize it as the man that stabled your horse when you arrived).
"Soliel Mr. Drake I'll be needing to pick up my horse as well."She smiles at the man."Hopefully she was well behaved?"
Bartholomew stands by, enjoying the company of the younger folk and making small talk while they wait for their supplies. If there are any spare rags lying around he'll take the opportunity to try and get some of the travel grit out of his armor and give it a good oiling.
If there is enough time he'll do the same with his large sword.
He chuckles to himself a bit. "If we're going to be so near water this may just be prolonging the inevitable."
He looks up to study Lua's horse. "Looks to be a fine mount Lua. I shall have to obtain one myself given the time. While donkey's are fine, stout creatures in their own right they are not what comes to mind when one hears of the Warders."
With that he grins and continues polishing his steel.
Drake glances at the elf woman and then snorts, "I'll get to your horse when I'm done with this." Seeing Bart looking around for something to clean his armor with, Drake grabs a rag and tosses it over at him.
Once he gets the mule hooked up, he starts loading various items into the cart, tossing a whetstone Bart's way when the warrior takes out his sword. As he puts things on the cart, he crosses off the items on the list.
Seeing the other Warders standing around he tosses waterskins (5 total) at them, "Make yourself useful," he says as he points to a barrel of water.
Bart gladly accepts the rag and whetstone and goes about his own chore. When everything is polished to his satisfaction he looks up at the stablemaster, who is barking orders to his new companions. He furrows his brow and decides to try and cool things down a bit.
"Master Drake, you seem awfully burdened at the moment. Could I offer you some assistance as appreciation for your efforts?"
Bart will join in with the others to help load the wagon and finish preparations, taking whatever supplies Drake offers him and putting them in the wagon for him. He'll also try and keep the stablemaster's attention with idle talk and questions about his job.
Thinking that it's probably a good idea to stay on the stablemaster's good side, Lua will pitch in and help as well.She will take some of the waterskins and fill them, then help Bart with the cart."Thank you for your assistance Mr. Drake, it is appreciated."
"Hmm, it looks as though we'll have everything then." Bel declares, breaking her somewhat vow of silence as of late. Looking over the new arrows she has received, Bel seems disappointed in them, but decides not to upset her superiors. "These arrows should do, if the time is to arise and they are needed."
"So are we off then?" Bel says to the rest of the team. "I'm raring to go."
For the Storyteller
"So are we off then?" Bel says to the rest of the team. "I'm raring to go."
"While I wish I had some time to rest after my long journey, I also find myself anxious to depart. Besides, I didn't sign up to waste my time idly in an inn," Bart says as he fingers his new ring.
Bart turns to the rest of the group.
"Is everything in order?"
"Adar Ehlonna, cerder ven journan undai beil." Lua fingers her holy symbol and whispers a short prayer." Now I am ready" She leads her horse outside and mounts up." Easy Gennabakis,I know you are ready to run,but we must walk awhile first."
Elven:
At first Drake looks like he is about to say something rude in response to Bart's offer, but he stops himself. "Yeah, sure." Drake then starts shoving things into people's hands as he pulls things out of various cabinets and hanging off of pegs and hooks.
He gives Lua a grumpy, "Just doing my job," to her thanking him after finishes getting her horse ready.
He gives one last glance over everything, and then turns away from the group and starts back into the back area of the stables. But he stops when he hears Lua's prayer, "You'd be better served dropping a few coins in the shrine to Fharlanghn on the way out of town." He then continues on going to the back.
Quietly Orion grabs a few waterskins and works to fill them up as well as a clay jug he had been carrying. Once that chore is finished he glances to the stablemaster.
"Might I be of more assistance Mr. Drake? Allow me to aid you in loading the wagon."
Once Drake decides to accept the help of the party, he is willing to shove supplies into any set of free hands he can find.
Zareth helps load some of the smaller items.
Upon hearing Luatheria's prayer, Zareth says "Ah, so we're praying now? Well then, thank you, Boccob, for the knowledge we shall learn on this mission. Now, let's get back to work, shall we?"
"Great were ready to go....anybody know the way? Do we need a map?"
Luathoria will ride Gennabakis at a walk along side the cart, so she may talk to the rest of the group.
"Is it possible to get a map to such a location?" asks Bel. "I'm pretty sure we'll need one, seeing how not many people know the way, unless you plan to give us a guide of some sort."
After taking a quick swig from his jug Orion looks around for more chores. Finding little else he shrugs his shoulders and wipes his brow.
"It appears as though we are ready to go, shall we be off then? As for a map I lack such a thing but we could always follow the road, ask directions at the inns, and recall our instructions. It is the best we can do without a map it seems."