It is Pharast the 29th, a day much like any other or so you thought...
Durn the Wolf sits in a tavern minding his own business when a non-descript man walks directly up to you.
"You the son of Cedric, Durn the Wolf? Good, Lord Duranos requests you presence, I suggest you go. Show this to his men at the servants entrance." He tosses you a steel token, painted with a gold sword crest on the top and walks away without another word.
Across Restov, throughout this day similar tokens are delivered to Bellis, Moulini, Eadric and Ellaria.
It is a miserable night, one you would prefer not to be in. The cold winds are really whipping out of the Icerime Peaks to the North. Mixed in with the rain was slush that made it hard to see and get around Restov.
You round Sword Street and come within view of Lord Duranos’ manor house. It is impressive, even for an Aldori Swordlord such as him. Several floors, a stone wall, pretty rare for that much stone on one building in Restov. Some said it is really Duranos’ word that rules this city, not that of Lord Mayor Sellemius, but who really knows. You slosh your way to the side entrance as directed and are greeted by a pair of well equipped, stern looking guards, looking non too happy themselves. After you show them your token, they tell you to wait here while one of them goes into the manor. When he returns you are greeted by a tall, graying man, with the look of a bureaucrat about him. He introduces himself as Milheim and bade’s you to follow. After going through a couple of hallways you are led to some type of study. It is beautifully decorated with fine woods, animal rugs, fancy chairs, and many books on the shelves. In the center of the room is a table with a decanter and 8 fine glasses on it. He tells you to go in and wait for Lord Duranos to arrive.
When you walk in you realize that you are not alone, although it isn’t Duranos from what you heard he looks like…
As soon as Vanion joins us, we can start role-playing some introductions while you wait on Duranos
Ellaria was summoned from the inn she was staying in, while searching for any work for an aspiring wizard. Writing documents and preforming magic tricks earned her enough to remain in the inn for the last few weeks, but not much more than that. In these circumstances, Duranos's invitation was indeed in place for her, and she gladly accepted it.
After walking the lonely streets in the cold and rainy night, Ellaria smiles as she enters the warm, luxorious house, a smile which widens when she sees the study. As she's the first to come (after deduced more people should arrive), she pours herself some wine, takes her glass and starts examining the books on the shelves, looking for anything familiar or interesting.
Durn enters the room with the look of a caged animal, glancing uneasily at all of the finery. Obvioiusly not sure of what to do he stands off from the door slightly, not wanting to disturb the lady he see looking at the books.
Ellaria smells the stench of furs and unwashed body odor long before she notices the movement behind her. Grimacing with her back to the new arriver, she takes a sip of wine and continues to examine the books.
Durn, after standing there a few minutes he begins to look around the work with his eyes, seeing the rugs he gives them a look over to see what types they are. Murmuring under his breath, a habit he has picked up over the last few years, I bet he paid for them.
A young man, dressed like a soldier in chainmail and carrying a shield emblazoned with a tankard, enters the room. After surveying his surroundings and greeting those present with a quick nod, he strides confidently to the table and takes a seat.
Immediately upon sitting, and after a quick glance at the fine glassware set before him, he reaches inside his backpack and produces a rather plain looking and obviously well used tankard. He begins methodically cleaning the mug, almost as if performing a ritual. After a thorough cleaning, the young man places his mug down and looks up waiting patiently for the arrival of Lord Duranos.
Seeing the young man confindently enter the room Durn begins to feel a bit foolish at his hesitations.
He strides over to the table, and returns the nod. Reaching out he pours himself a galss of mine and takes a small sip. With a smile for the quality he walks over to chair, away from the woman looking at the books, and sits himself
Ellaria was summoned from the inn she was staying in, while searching for any work for an aspiring wizard. Writing documents and preforming magic tricks earned her enough to remain in the inn for the last few weeks, but not much more than that. In these circumstances, Duranos's invitation was indeed in place for her, and she gladly accepted it.
After walking the lonely streets in the cold and rainy night, Ellaria smiles as she enters the warm, luxorious house, a smile which widens when she sees the study. As she's the first to come (after deduced more people should arrive), she pours herself some wine, takes her glass and starts examining the books on the shelves, looking for anything familiar or interesting.
There are a number of excellent volumes, although most of the volumes do seem to be about places, creatures, and things from far away places. Once catches you eye in particular, "The History of the Runelords", by Jorand Irrvak. You guess that Lord Duranos either was an adventurer at some point or maybe just an enthusiest.
There are a number of excellent volumes, although most of the volumes do seem to be about places, creatures, and things from far away places. Once catches you eye in particular, "The History of the Runelords", by Jorand Irrvak. You guess that Lord Duranos either was an adventurer at some point or maybe just an enthusiest.
Ellaria looks around the library, clearly excited about the huge amount of knowledge in the books around her. She looks as if she can't decide which one to look at more closely. As her eyes wander about, she notices "The History of the Runelords", something that should be interesting. She takes the book out and sits on one of the chairs, skimming through it while sipping her wine and waiting for Lord Duranos.
To reflect the time you will be waiting on Duranos to arrive, I will be going out for the evening :) so feel free to continue without me until late tonight or tomorrow....should give you guys some time to get the rest of the team on here.
After observing the others in the room enjoying their glasses of wine, the young man's gaze falls directly upon the bottle.
After studying the wine bottle for a few moments, the young man speaks, seemingly to no one in particular,
"Is is not customary for one to wait for one's host before enjoying their hospitality?"
Might be...Durn's voice is a roll of gravel, until he clears his throat then his voice is clear, though deeply toned. Might be where you come from, but where I'm from if there's drink sitting out with glasses to be shared than it is open to all.
Durn takes another, deeper drink from his glass, winking at the younger man.
After observing the others in the room enjoying their glasses of wine, the young man's gaze falls directly upon the bottle.
After studying the wine bottle for a few moments, the young man speaks, seemingly to no one in particular,
"Is is not customary for one to wait for one's host before enjoying their hospitality?"
Ellaria raises her eyes from the book to look at the new man. She opens her mouth as if to answer, but after the barbarian-looking adventurer responds, she closes her mouth and continues to read the book.
The young man's eyes never leave the bottle as he contemplates the outlander's words. After what seems like a short internal debate, he takes hold of the bottle, hesitating ever so slightly, before filling his tankard.
After filling his mug, he bows his head slightly and mutters what seems to a prayer before hoisting his tankard high above his head and addressing those present.
"Greetings fellow adventurers! May Cayden's fortune smile upon us this night!"
With his pronouncement he takes a large drink from his mug. He glances at the outlander and returns the wink.
"I always find drinking is more enjoyable in the company of those whom I can address by name. I'll start the introductions. My name is Eadric Cuthwulf, might I inquire as to your names?"
"Nice to meet you, I guess. I'm Ellaria", Ellaria says distractedly while turning a page in the book she has been reading. Her eyes leave the book for a second, judging Eadric quickly before returning.
Durn looks a little taken aback,not used to people asking about him even something as simple as his name. My name is Durn, but most choose just to call me the Wolf.
Trying his best not to react to the perceived slight in Ellaria's response, Eadric replies,
"Ellaria, Durn, it is my pleasure to make your acquaintance."
Eadric takes another long drink from his tankard, almost draining it, before continuing,
"Do either of you know why we have been summoned here? How many others do you think have been summoned and will they show up as well?"
I expect up to five others glancing at the glasses left on the table. As to why we're here... I wager we learn that as soon as the man who has called us here shows up.
"Seeing as it seems we might be waiting here for some time, might I inquire, Durn the Wolf, how did you recieve your summons? I mean to say, what is that you were doing, or more to the point, what is that you do?"
The chill night air whistled through the chinks in Bellis' chain shirt, whipping her trusty cloak around her shoulders like bat wings in the night. "Grim night" Bellis thought to herself. Her mind wandered to the crops on the outskirts of the city hoping they wouldnt be damaged, she remembers that its also han and suzae's wedding tomorrow and hopes the weather does'nt ruin their day.
She clenches the token in her first as she catches her first sight the noble estate. "Such needless extravagence" she thinks to herself, but the summons was yet another sign that this was Erastil's will, she just wished her family could come with her.
She enters the grand building and spends a few moments making sure she wont drip any dirty water onto the expensive looking rugs. "He may be flashy in his wealth" thinks Bellis "but that doesnt mean I shouldnt respect his home.
A servant beckons her into a study type room where two men are sat drinking and another woman is seemingly ignoring them with her face in a book.
"Greetings!" she says as she whips off her sturdy brown cloak. "I'm Bellis Haevic, answering the call on behalf of Halfings and Erastil" she coks her head to the side slightly "Is that wine?
"Greetings", Ellaria answers as she raises her eyes to watch the newcomer. Distracted by the talk in the room, she puts the book on a nearby table and rises to her feet. Advancing to the table with the wine, she refills her glass and pours some for the halfling. "Here, this will make you feel warmer", she gestures toward the halfling, then returns to her seat taking the book in her hands but not reading it yet.
"Thank you kindly" says Bellis with a slight bow raising her arm to take the glass from the taller lady. She goes to engage the woman in conversation but sees she's clearly more interested in the book and so turns to the men instead. "And who might you gentlemen be?"
Before he can answer Eadric's question Bellis enters, Durn nods in response to her greetings Any priest of Old Deadeye is welcome company to me anytime.
After she gets her wine, I am Durn, and that is Eadric, and in response to your question sir, I am a hunter.
Durn leans back further in his chair, probably having said the most he has in years.
"Ughh... What a horrible night," Vanion says out loud to no one in particular. He wraps his black hooded cloak tightly against his body as he quickens his pace towards Lord Duranos's manor. "I'd hate to think what the weather is going to be like out in the Stolen Lands."
Shortly, Vanion arrives at his destination, and after a quick word with the two guards, he is granted entrance. He slowly makes his way through the hallways, but stops in the study's doorway when he realizes that the room is already bustling with activity. He purposefully surveys the room, searching out for one face in particular. But that face is not among those in the room. "I guess Uncle has yet to grace us with his presence," Vanion mutters in a resigned tone.
He lowers his hood and loosens the ties on this cloak as he walks towards the table. The youthful face that emerges would likely be considered "handsome" if it were not marred by a scar streaking across his right cheekbone. It still seems tender and not entirely healed. The lad's finely groomed, short black hair, and the fashionable blue doublet that peaks through his cloak makes it apparent to all that he is an affluent individual.
When Vanion reaches the table he sits down without a word, and pours himself a glass of wine. After staring at it for a few moments, he downs the contents in their entirety. He sighs, and then begins pouring himself another glass...
As Durn makes the introductions, Eadric smiles and nods at Bellis, while raising his tankard in a salutation.
"Thats makes four of us so far, pardon me, make that five," as the latest arrival enters the room.
Eadric watches the newcomer as he downs his glass and goes to fill another.
"Good evening to you sir. Do you intend to finish that bottle all by yourself, or do you think that you might leave a little cheer for those that have not yet arrived?"
Eadric cocks an eyebrow and a smile creeps across his face to show his comment is offered only in jest.
[b]"What an interesting bunch we have gathered here this evening..."
Before he can answer Eadric's question Bellis enters, Durn nods in response to her greetings Any priest of Old Deadeye is welcome company to me anytime.
After she gets her wine, I am Durn, and that is Eadric, and in response to your question sir, I am a hunter.
"and I am a healer, I'm sure we'll make a perfect team." she says to Durn with a smile.
As Vanion enters Bellis eyes the newcomer carefully and raises a slight smile at Eadric's comment. hmmm this new human does'nt seem like he's going to have much of a sense of humour, wonder how he'll take this joke she muses to herself and keeps quiet whilst she waits for the response.
Vanion turns his head away from the glass of wine, and faces the man who addressed him. After a few moments he flashes him a wolfish grin. "Finish just this bottle?" Vanion repeats. No friend, I have a much grander design then that. There is plenty of fine wine in the cellar below, and old Milheim will make sure that our glasses never remain empty. This may be our last chance to have anything decent to drink for some time and I don't plan to let this opportunity go to waste!"
Vanion eyes Eardic up and down, then leans in and whispers conspiratorially, "You seem to be of a hardy sort. I'm sure that between the two of us, we could put a sizable dent in the collection."
He leans back, and begins to down another glass. Mid sip, Vanion stops, then slowly returns the wine to the table. "Although, I guess we'll have to wait until Uncle is through with us before we can get completely sloshed," he concludes wistfully.
"So that would make you Lord Duranos' nephew then" says Bellis, more to the room than to Vanion in particular. "That must be quite the honor, you uncle has done so much for Brevoy and Rostland. I assume you are assisting your uncle in this venture then?" enquires Bellis, directing her comment to Vanion.
"Assisting uncle?" Vanion smirks. He pauses for a moment, and finally replies, "That's certainly a novel way putting it- but yes, I will be assisting Lord Duranos in this venture."
Vanion then looks around at all the unfamiliar faces in the room, then quickly rises to his feet as just remembering something. "Ah.. forgive me," he begins. "I've seem to have forgotten my manners. Since some of us will be companions after the night is through, it wouldn't do for us to remain strangers, now would it?" He meets the eyes of the other four in the room, and inclines his head in acknowledgment while saying, "My name is Vanion Bracke, and as some of you already seemed to have figured out, I am also the nephew of Lord Duranos. A pleasure to meet you all."
Lord Bracke, do you know what is expected of us? Durn leans forward in his chair in antipation.
"The pleasure's all mine Vanion!" says Bellis giving a short little bow. "Your uncle must be confident in your abilities indeed to entrust this task to you. I'm sure we'll all make excellent companions!"
Bellis looks around the room gazing at each individual in the room, her eyes expressing full confidence at all of their abilities.
"I am Eadric Cuthwulf and it is a pleasure to meet you Vanion Bracke. Although I have no doubt that your uncle's wine cellar is indeed well stocked, I'd wager that rather than but a mere dent, you and I could lay waste to his entire collection given the proper opportunity!"
Eadric slaps Vanion on the back heartily and reaches for the wine bottle, refilling the glasses of all those that wish it, emptying the bottle in the process.
"Interesting company. Fine wine. Warm and comfortable surroundings to ward off the evening's chill. All that is missing is our illustrious host , and with him, the purpose for this gathering..."
"Nay, Goodman, I'm afraid that I don't yet know many of the details for our little venture," Vanion apologizes to Durn. "I think it would be best if we simply wait for Lord Duranos to explain everything in full."
In response to Bellis's assertions, Vanion lets out a hardy laugh. "My dear, I'm afraid you are mistaken about a few things. Lord Duranos hasn't entrusted me with anything yet. I don't yet even know who will be leading this venture- but I doubt very much that it will be I."
He sighs once more, and continues in a subdued town, "Actually the reason for my involvement in this expedition is to regain my honor and serve a penance. I made some brash mistakes not to long ago, and I need to atone."
Sitting in her couch, Ellaria listens to the conversation. She seems quite surprised to discover that Duranos's nephew is joining her and the others on the venture.
Joining in the conversation, she asks hesitatingly "What kind of mistakes have you done, Vanion? I don't mean to sound too pushy, but it does seem we're going to be quite close in the next few days or weeks".
After about an hour of discussion amongst your group an imposing figure enters the room. At over six feet tall and you can tell, well muscled under a regal coat and pants, he paints impressive picture.
“Welcome all, I am Iomir Duranos, Lord of this house. I apologize for the wait, but I actually wanted you to meet each other before I entered and set your mind spinning off in a lot of directions. Hmm one of your number is missing, but no matter. Some of you may have guessed already…but I have chosen all of you for a special mission on this cities behalf. I would like you to work together to head south into the Stolen Lands. Once there you will explore and clear the area south of a trading post know as Oleg’s. More exact instructions and your scope of powers are held within these documents.”
He hands each of you a scroll tube that contains a thick parchment with a Charter written on it.
Be it so known that the bearer of this charter has been charged by the Swordlords of Restov, acting upon the greater good and authority vested within them by the office of the Regent of the Dragonscale Throne, has granted the right of exploration and travel within the wilderness region known as the Greenbelt. Exploration should be limited to an area no further than thirty-six miles east and west and sixty miles south of Oleg’s Trading Post. The carrier of this charter should also strive against banditry and other unlawful behavior to be encountered. The punishment for unrepentant banditry remains, as always, execution by sword or rope. So witnessed on this 24th day of Calistril, under watchful eye of the Lordship of Restov and authority granted by Lord Noleski Surtova, current Regent of the Dragonscale Throne.
You look in wonderment at the document in your hands. You know what it implies, this grants you under law the ability to dispense justice and pass judgment on those within this purview.
Duranos continues, “Now you know the what, more importantly is the why! All of you in one form or another knows what it is to be a Rostlander, and more importantly, what it is to be free. Our country stands on the precipice. One way lies oppression, the other possibly civil war. But I see a 3rd way. The Greenbelt. If we can develop the Stolen Lands into a viable area to settle and live we can offset the power that is being centralized in the Dragonscale Throne and maybe avert what I see brewing on the horizon. Our help will have to be subtle to the groups in the area, but let’s see how you fare before we get too far ahead of ourselves. You are one of four groups that we hope will be successful. So what questions do you have for me?”
Durn will ask, We are to do this exploration as a group? Is it that dangerous?
Durn will ask, We are to do this exploration as a group? Is it that dangerous?
"Durn, you are a hunter, you may have heard the rumors over the years of the greenbelt, let me assure you many of them are true. Bandits cover the Greenbelt like wheat in a field and the monsters litter that field like mice. It may be that you go and do not come back, but it could also be that you go, restore order to the area and earn yourself not only a name, but a place in this world. You probably don't even know who you really are. Would it surprise you that I knew your father when he was a young man and his father as well? Many years ago he was my Hunts Master. Your father was a good man, but too proud. When Lord Mastus of House Rogarvia insulted your father he couldn’t let it go. He gave the Lord a good thrashing. I released him from my service after that in order to save his life from Mastus' wrath. I only recently heard that Cedric might be back in Restov and when I found out it was his son, I thought you might want to restore your families’ name! If not for your family honor then I give you this opportunity in honor of our families friendship of old.”
Eadric set his mug upon the table and stood at full attention when Lord Duranos entered the room.
After receiving his charter, Eadric opened the scroll tube and looked over the document. Satisfied as to the terms he returned the scroll to the tube.
"Lord Duranos, it is an honor to meet you! It is a true honor to serve the Swordlords! I look forward to proving myself a true patriot in the service of Restov! I will travel to the Stolen Lands as you wish. As for questions? Where do I begin? When do we leave? How are we to make passage to the Stolen Lands? What types of supplies will we be provided with to carry out this expedition? Who are these other groups? How do we contact them? Who do we report to? How do we report to..."
Eadric catches himself mid blather. His face flushes with embarrassment.
"My pardons sir! You can take the soldier out of the army, but you cannot take the army out of the soldier. I'm sure a man of your position has thought of all that I could, and more! I'm sure you will fill us in on the details at your convenience..."
Eadric's voice trails off and his eyes drop to the floor...
"Lord Duranos, it is an honor to meet you! It is a true honor to serve the Swordlords! I look forward to proving myself a true patriot in the service of Restov! I will travel to the Stolen Lands as you wish. As for questions? Where do I begin? When do we leave? How are we to make passage to the Stolen Lands? What types of supplies will we be provided with to carry out this expedition? Who are these other groups? How do we contact them? Who do we report to? How do we report to..."
"Eadric, this is not a military campaign in the name of Restov or Brevoy. It is up to you and this group to make these decisions. There will be no formal support from Restov at this time. I would recommend leaving as soon as you can but again that is your decision."
He walks up and looks you in the eyes,"Eadric, I spoke to your father about you. Men can always say “I was just following orders” but when I heard of your story and your character he convinced me that you could help me bring peace and justice to this area. I will warn you though, the area is overrun by bandit scum, as bad as you will ever see it. Some of this scum will as soon slit your throat as look at you so I hope you are not squeamish. Mercy should be dealt out in spoonfuls in the Greenbelt.”
After hearing what Duranos has to say Durn sits back in the chair a bit shocked, he had no clue of his family's history.
After Duranos talks to Eadric, Durn will stand and say, I will serve
Ellaria looks at Duranos curiously, then stands up and speaks politely but assertively.
"You seem to know a lot about us, and indeed want us to help you. I have two questions before I consent and join in on your quest. The first is how do you know so much about us, and the second - peace and justice are noble goals indeed, but why should we risk our lives in such an effort? I don't know about the others, but neither money nor fame is what I'm looking for."
“Ellaria, you can blame your family for coming to my attention. They have kept tabs on you since coming to Restov. In fact you eventually came to my attention because of their regular checkups. I contacted them and your father seemed to think that you would be an asset to this group. Imagine, your group will be the first to chart and map out an unknown country. There will be magics to discover, places to find, the stolen lands were once part of another empire. I almost envy the opportunity this presents you. But in the end you must make the choice for yourself, it is your path to make!”
Eadric shoulder's slumped ever so slightly when Lord Duranos mentioned speaking to Eadric's father.
"I understand that this isn't a military campaign my Lord, but are we to embark on this adventure with no support of any kind? I only ask, because I am a man of extremely limited means. I am in no position to fund an expedition to the Stolen Lands for myself, let alone contribute to a group venture such as this. I doubt that the rest of these fine folk are willing to wait for me to walk to the Stolen Lands. Don't get me wrong. I am willing to do whatever it takes, including walking all the way if that is what is required, to bring justice and safety to the Stolen Lands. I am merely hoping that the Sword Lords would have a more vested interest in seeing that our group is successful. Otherwise, you will most likely be recruiting another group, in a week, perhaps a month's time, to continue our work when we disappear into the wilderness and are never heard from again. If that is the extent and expectation of the Sword Lords involvement, then so be it. I will still go and do what I can, for as long as I can, god willing. I am merely trying to find out where I, and the rest of us, stand.
As to my recent experiences, I was lead to believe that an expedition I was a part of, not wholly unlike this one, was undertaken in the name of law and order. What I discovered was quite the opposite. Men I believed to be good and just, behaved in ways that I could not abide. When I objected, I was forcibly restrained and summarily dismissed. I was unable to prevent the murder of innocents! I will not make that mistake again, or allow that to happen again, so I swear in the name of Cayden Cailean!"
Turning to address the rest of those in the room,
"I will not stand for anyone to behave in a manner contradictory to the virtues of all that is good. Those that willingly commit evil shall find that I am swift in retribution..."
Turning back to face Lord Duranos,
"...and not at all squeamish about carrying out my duties. Both those outlined within the charter granted us, and those of my personal beliefs!"
Joining in the conversation, she asks hesitatingly "What kind of mistakes have you done, Vanion? I don't mean to sound too pushy, but it does seem we're going to be quite close in the next few days or weeks".
"Well I sort of got into a little disagreement with another noble," Vanion began sheepishly. "I may have acted a little brashly when I--" His speech is interupted when Lord Duranos enters the room. He leans over to Ellaria and whispers, "Maybe another time..."
~Lord Duranos has explained everything, and the others have spoken~
After Eadric finishes his heartfelt speech, Vanion rises from his seat and cheers, "Well said!" He then turns to Lord Duranos and asks skeptically, "But are things really that bad, Uncle? Both here in Brevoy, and in the Stolen Lands?"
"I believe you will have plenty of support, just look at your comrades around you. A wizard, a healer, a hunts man, a soldier, and hopefully a versatile young man who will be trying to redeem himself.
This expedition must not be seen as some military campaign funded by Restov! That would just elevate tensions in Brevoy. This must be a band of adventurers, brought together in common cause to help bring light to a dark place. There is still one to join you, but go you must as soon as you can. Whether by foot or horse, you must find your own way without this cities support, at least for now. You have your skills, some not so small, to help you through the challenges and dangers that await you in the Green Belt. Eadric, you are a soldier and have known hardship in the past, this will be similar to those long Marches, I have confidence that you will make it through."