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After a long journey, you have finally reached the Town of Totenwald. High in the Gascar Peaks, the town's existence has been unknown for the better part of the ten years that have passed since its founding. The line of people in front of the gates made of huge slabs of riveted iron stretches about half a mile alongside the brand new road that cuts through the mountainous terrain and connects the Totenwald to the Murmur Pass. The line consists of people of many races - humans, elves, dwarves, even Titanspawns - but all of them are standing peacefully, or talking to their neighbors in the line. Perhaps the reason for this idyllic scene is the decoration alongside the road: a line of twenty huge gallows on each side of the cobbles, with a large cage suspended on each of them. In each cage rots a corps, and under each cage there is a placard with large-letter inscriptions in each of the major languages of Scarn. The inscriptions are all the same: THE BREAKER OF PEACE.
The gates are open, but there are several persons at the front of them. A young man in a large black leather coat and with strange three-cornered hat seems to be interviewing those in line before letting them enter the town. Behind him there are four men in black chain mails and with shallow black helmets with wide brims. Each of them carries a short sword under belt, but in their arms are peculiar weapons. They look like long crossbows, only without the "bow" part, made out of metal and with large blades sticking at the ends of them.
"Next!" shouts the young man, after letting the person he talked to enter the town. "State your name, race and your business in Totenwald!"
dot. Will post tonight.
A young looking half-elf with sunny golden hair hued in reddish tones steps up. His skin is deeply tanned as if long hours in the sun or perhaps in the fires of a forge. He is handsome with bright amber colored eyes and a light frosting of freckles at the bridge of his nose and cheeks. His hair is wild and untrimmed but tied back with a green hair scarf. He is tall and lean... not yet likely filled into his full manhood, but mature enough to bear a sword. His bearing is one of calm and assured competence... but not overconfidence. His pretty, startlingly emerald-green eyes are almond-shaped and twinkle with just the slightest hint of mischievousness. There is no hint of cruelty or haughtiness in his gaze.
He is moderately well-dressed in varying shades of red, save for the White winter-wolf furred cloak at his shoulders the head of the wolf-hide resting upon the top of his finely crafted winged-stylized helm. He is Clad in a very shiny Chain Shirt that makes very little if any sound. To those with a trained eye it seems to be made of mithril. The links of the armor stylized like interlocking feathers. He is heavily armed, finely-crafted Greatsword across his back - left shoulder draw, Ornate Longsword with winged-stylized cross guards {made also of mithril to those familiar with the silvery metal} at his right hip, a finely-crafted Shortsword at his left hip of dark iron, and a finely-crafted composite longbow unstrung in it quiver at his right shoulder. All of his dress bespeaks if not nobility then a seasoned experienced adventurer.
At his belt are many pouches, which to the trained eye are recognized as a spellcaster's component Pouch. Adding to the fact that a satchel at his belt is obviously designed to hold a tome of some sort as well as a attached scroll organizer tube at his waist.
Perched ominously on his left shoulder is a peculiar looking Hawk. Unusual in the fact that it has a snow-white crest but the rest of its feathers have a distinctly blood-reddish hue to them. It eyes those around with a intelligence in its gaze that is... unnerving.
The Half-elf bears no shield or heraldic emblem save perhaps a few pins in his clothing of some military significance... certainly his posture and self-assured gaze denotes him as either having once been a solider or at least had some training in soldiering. He does not swagger with hand resting on sword pommel ans many rakes have the custom of doing. His gaze is serious and his presence well mannered.
He is leading a Cream-colored Light Warhorse in padded barding, but he bears no lance or pennant displayed.
His voice is soft and almost alluring - his accent of the Northern Darakeene Imperium lands, "Aye Sir. I be next. I am called by some SUNAMBER, half-human of 23 winters. I am a Fighter and Wizard-Evoker Adventurer, from the town of Hillock, Trumland Province of the Darakeene Imperium. I am here for study and to sell my sword, spellcasting art, Alchemist, Armor Smithing, Bowyer-Fletcher, Engineer, Siege Engineer and Weaponsmith skills as needed. I do have all the Journeyman documents of my professions with me notarized from the Darakeene Imperium if there is some legal question as to my proficiency to do business. You make consider me here for ...business. Are there any... OTHER ordinances in your city for carrying weapons or spellcasting that does not involve the obvious breaking the PEACE statute?"
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Young officer looks at Sunamber with an air of someone who has woken too early and now must deal with too cheerful person. "You may defend yourself if attacked. Provoking a fight is punishable by lashing. Killing a person, or damaging a 'jack or other types of arcanotech is punishable by death by hanging. Spying on Guild business is punishable by slow death in the cage. Ordinary stealing is punishable by cutting of limbs." He looks over your papers and then shows them into your hands and shouts "Next!"
Elmario nervously eyes the titanspawn amongst the crowded approach to the township through a narrow parting in his long, black hair that falls to hide most of his face, while his right hand fidgets tensely with a coiled whip hanging from his belt whenever one of them draws close.
"Why are they allowing these monsters here?" he whispers to his neighbours in the queue, the words coming through a mouth with overly pointed canines, and which occupies an unnaturally dark skinned face... whatever irony there is to such a man giving voice to that complaint is apparently lost on him as he finds himself next in line.
"Elmario Benisci, human," he says tersely, his pale green eyes locking with those of the guard, almost challenging him to disagree with the statement as he wipes away his lank hair to reveal his face more clearly.
"It is my business as a security consultant which brings me here to Totenwald, though if your law enforcement is always so..." he waves a long fingernailed hand to the gallows along the road, "efficient, I may find my talents rather unnecessary here."
Sunamber turns slightly to regard Elmario and smiles. The steel holy symbol of COREAN and curiously a silver holy symbol of TANIL, dangle from his neck.
He says in a low voice, "...even monsters need home, salvation and friends Mr. Benisci. Perhaps some monsters can be lived with if they will be neighborly. Then really... who decides who is a monster?"
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Elmario nervously eyes the titanspawn amongst the crowded approach to the township through a narrow parting in his long, black hair that falls to hide most of his face, while his right hand fidgets tensely with a coiled whip hanging from his belt whenever one of them draws close.
"Why are they allowing these monsters here?" he whispers to his neighbours in the queue, the words coming through a mouth with overly pointed canines, and which occupies an unnaturally dark skinned face... whatever irony there is to such a man giving voice to that complaint is apparently lost on him as he finds himself next in line.
"Elmario Benisci, human," he says tersely, his pale green eyes locking with those of the guard, almost challenging him to disagree with the statement as he wipes away his lank hair to reveal his face more clearly.
"It is my business as a security consultant which brings me here to Totenwald, though if your law enforcement is always so..." he waves a long fingernailed hand to the gallows along the road, "efficient, I may find my talents rather unnecessary here."
The officer nods sagely. "You will find that the efficiency is highly valued here. You may enter. Next!"
The man appearing next was of average height, and weight, and wore a great patched grey overcoat, and an enormous slouchy hat. As he removes his hat to show his face to the guard, you can see that he is a young human, with ruddy tanned skin, possibly of Shelzarian descent. He wears spectacles, and pushes them up on his nose as he speaks to the official. Around his head is a burnished metal band with arcane symbols etched around it in a single line. The glint of Mithril links show at the collar of his coat as he raises his hand.
"My greetings soldier". "I am Bahir Steel, a human most recently of Shelzar". "I am here representing the trading interests of House Steel, both to determine what is needed here, and what of value your fine city has to offer the rest of the world".
Elmario raises an eyebrow to the golden haired half-elf, not particularly surprised to see the symbol of Corean given the abundance of the holy metal bedecking the man. "I would have thought one of your order to understand just what it is that makes those things monsters... allowing them to be neighbourly just gives them further chance to bring back their terrible masters; you don't try to take a rabid dog as a pet."
Sunamber grins pleasantly, "...oh I'm no holy man... just a devout worshiper, as best any mortal can be. But if there is no mercy or forgiveness, no path to redemption, what difference is there between the supposed 'Good' Gods and the 'Evil' Titans? The Titans know NO mercy or forgiveness, if those who serve to uphold the Good are just the same... how can any claim to not be monsters? What incentive do monsters have to 'change' their wicked ways? Rabies is a disease that can be cured... after all!"
He extends his hand, switching from Common to Shelzari language, "Well met Mr. Benisci, I am called SUNAMBER. Am I correct in observing you are Shelzari? My master was from Shelzar, perhaps we could share a drink after such a long journey and you might tell me how things are in Shelzar... {chuckle} and give me a chance to practice the language!"
"Good to meet you, SUNAMBER," the Shelzari answers, taking the extended hand and slipping into the native tongue of his homeland, "you can call me Elmario, and you'll find I rarely turn down a drink."
"I have no objection to forgiveness and mercy, friend," he continues as the two walk into the town in search of a tavern, "but I wouldn't offer it at the expense of our own well being. In curing the disease, you have to be careful not to be bitten yourself, it's often most merciful to put the beast down before it can hurt others."
A svelte elven woman approaches the gates, enveloped in a black hooded cloak, her blond hair framing a tanned face.
"The name is Xa'nia. I make my living finding things ithers would have remain hidden."
Disguise
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The man appearing next was of average height, and weight, and wore a great patched grey overcoat, and an enormous slouchy hat. As he removes his hat to show his face to the guard, you can see that he is a young human, with ruddy tanned skin, possibly of Shelzarian descent. He wears spectacles, and pushes them up on his nose as he speaks to the official. Around his head is a burnished metal band with arcane symbols etched around it in a single line. The glint of Mithril links show at the collar of his coat as he raises his hand.
"My greetings soldier". "I am Bahir Steel, a human most recently of Shelzar". "I am here representing the trading interests of House Steel, both to determine what is needed here, and what of value your fine city has to offer the rest of the world".
"Hmmm... Many of you Shelzaris are coming to Totenwald lately. Well, I suppose that is to be expected... You may enter."
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A svelte elven woman approaches the gates, enveloped in a black hooded cloak, her blond hair framing a tanned face.
"The name is Xa'nia. I make my living finding things ithers would have remain hidden."
Disguise1d20+16
"Oh, an elf? Well, this is new. I think you may be the first to enter the city. One thing - do you worship Denev?"
Once cleared Bahir finds the familiar figure of Elmario talking to the recently acquainted Sunamber, and heads in their direction, looking about at the sights as he heads their way.
Perception
Sunamber nods in agreement with Elmario and comments, "...well these 'Totenwallers' seem to have an eye to closely watching everyone - Titanspawn or not! With all this security and...", glancing at the hanging cages with their victims within, "the obvious show of what happens to those who disturb the peace... I think their message is Quite clear! 'Your welcome to enter... but screw up, cause problems or just plain piss us off and you will DEARLY regret it!' you are correct sometimes ... somethings just need killin~..."
He is cut off by his attention being drawn to the striking slim elven woman presenting herself at the gate.
If there was any question as to his youth there is no doubt as his eyes go wide in awe... or is it fear as he seems a slight bit taken aback... but continues walking with Elmario from the gate into the city streets.
"Quite true!" Elmario agrees with a laugh, "it does look to be unwise to get on the wrong side of the local authorities in this town."
As Sunamber looks distracted, the Shelzari man follows the half-elf's gaze towards the gate. Sharing the sight, his lips start to curl upwards in an appreciative (though less wide-eyed,) look of his own, but he quickly catches sight of a familiar face and his mouth opens into a sharp toothed grin. "Bahir!" he calls back to the man following behind, holding out a welcoming arm, "There you are, I thought I'd lost you in that damned queue! This fine gentleman is Sunamber, and we're off for a drink, come join us."
Xa'nia looks at the guard calmly.
"No I do not really, though I respect venerate her decision to side with the gods."
Sunamber snaps out of his... distraction turning his gaze at the Shelzari man being addressed by Elmario, regarding his dress and manner in silence; waiting to be properly introduced as apparently the two humans seem to know each other.
He waits for the man to approach, occasionally casting brief embarrassed glances the elven woman's way. Trying to watch her actions unobtrusively but warily.
Ruefully he chastises himself thinking,
Asani perched on his shoulder piped in from that corner of his mind the familiar shared with him,
Sunamber grimaced, mentally replying,
But he had to admit despite his general... uneasiness around elves... she was attractive. But he quickly pushed such thoughts aside,
Asani sullenly muttered in the back of his mind,
, Sunamber thought back, annoyed the familiar could read his emotional arousal.
...and Sunamber focused his attention more pointedly on the approaching Shelzari human, pushing the elven woman from such... amorous mental considerations.
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You enter the town and for a moment you only stand and stare. You have expected a trading post or a prosperous village at best, but you are looking at a large town, easily the size of Hollowfaust if not larger, with streets covered with sheets of stone instead of cobbles and large three stories high stone houses with green tiles on the roofs. The Gate Street, a signpost says that's what it's called, is about twice as wide as usual, and leads straight to the large castle located in the higher part of the town, slightly isolated from the rest of the buildings and easily visible from the place you are standing. The castle built of black stone dominates the town and the most impressive thing about it are the large stained glass windows that shine with morning sunlight.
To the right side of the gate there is a large signpost with a number of blackboards covered by angular letters.
Sunamber steps up to the the large signpost, mostly from curiosity, to see if the 'angular letters' designate street names or directions.
He mutters, "...well first things first... need lodging..."
Asani rustles at his shoulder mentally chiming in,
The golden-reddish haired half-elf smiles, "...yes, yes, AND food Asani..."
Elmario wanders behind Sunamber to read the sign, wondering to himself how the size of this settlement had remained hidden from the outside world, or just how quickly it had sprung up.
"So," he asks, "any mention of a tavern?"
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As you approach the signpost, you see a large number of notes made on the blackboards. Some of them immediately catch your eye.
GOLDEN PIG INN - BEST LODGING IN TOTENWALD! RIGHT ON THE MAIN SQUARE!
CARAVAN GUARDS NEEDED! GUARDS AND BODYGUARDS! BROTHERHOOD OF THE BLADE OFFICES IN THE GUILD DISTRICT!
TEST SUBJECTS NEEDED! NO PAY! MUTATIONS GUARANTEED! (SOME OF THEM EVEN BENEFICIAL. MAYBE)
Xania seeks the bustle of a tavern, a place to find a quiet corner when her illusionary disguise comes to its end. Her hood pulled up against the morning sun she scans the blackboards, making her way in the direction indicated towards the golden pig.
Sunamber ponders... {Mutations guaranteed? No pay? What idiot would take such a 'deal'?}
The sign's meaning holds his attention singularly enough that he does not notice the elven woman approach and turn to leave.
Facing Elmario, "Looks like there is a Inn, The Golden Pig. Before I do some sight seeing I think I'll go there and secure some lodging and stabling for my horse and traveling gear. Perhaps... some jerky to tide me over to lunch-time..."
Elmario wanders behind Sunamber to read the sign, wondering to himself how the size of this settlement had remained hidden from the outside world, or just how quickly it had sprung up.
"So," he asks, "any mention of a tavern?"
"Looks like the Golden Pig it is"..."and I'll take you up on that offer to buy me a drink", Bahir says with a smile and a clap on the back.
Mutations...why that almost seems like fun...no my curiosity is going to get me in trouble again if I'm not careful...still what could be causing these mutations. I guess I'll have to ask around about that.
Sunamber walks along with his two companions making his way in the direction of the Golden Pig Inn.
Turning to the Shelzari Human in the chain shirt and bearing a longspear he addresses him in Shelzari, "Well met sir, I can tell by your style of dress you are from Shelzar, are you a traveling companion of Mr. Elmario Benisci? I am called Sunamber, It is nice to meet you."
The young half-elf has a strange accent, not a Shelzar native obviously. He is tall and fairly handsome. His horse led along behind him by its reins is loaded with travel gear and a peculiar reddish colored white crested hawk sits upon his shoulder paying a disturbingly intelligent regard to both men - shifting its gaze between them occasionally.
"Names Bahir". "Elmario and I didn't plan on travelling together, but we both left from the same place...about the same time...headed for the same destination...so chance has indeed made us travelling companions". He then smiles down at the elf blooded man from his over six and a half feet of height. "And it is indeed a pleasure to make your acquaintance".
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The walk from the Main Gate to the Main Square lasts about an hour. The street fills with people of all races and nationalities on Scarn, it seems. Even the titanspawn are walking amongst the races that worship gods, and there is no conflict anywhere. Perhaps the reason for it is the omnipresence of the strong patrols of those guards with strange, clumsy hollow staffs with long knives on their ends.
After an hour, you reach the Square. The place is huge, an intersection of four large streets and four smaller ones. Several buildings stand around the square, in various stages of completion, but there is still more than enough room for growth.
One building is complete, though. A large four-story high red brick building stands out. It's windows are stained glass and huge doors are made of some golden-colored wood. On the sides of the entrance, there are two comical statues of halflings and goblins barely carrying an enormous golden-skinned hog.
The doors are open, but two very large men are standing right in the middle of it, arguing in whispers and making it almost impossible to pass around them.
Sunamber looks the two large men up and down as they are still at a distance... looking for any weapons, armor, or any Official looking livery designating them part for the town Guard or some noble's personal guard. Do they look like they are trying to keep people out of the inn and what are the reactions of people on the street to them as they pass by? Do any others approach the Inn to try to gain entry?
Sunamber stops some 50 feet away from them accessing the situation first and whispers to his companions, "...hold friends. Let us see what seems to be a foot here from a distance first. Why invite trouble... any other inn will do if this one is for some reason unavailable? Remember the city ordinance about disturbing the PEACE..."
Sunamber casts his gaze about looking for any of the city guard in their dark uniforms...
Xa'nia walks towards the men, her lithe frame in stark contrast to their bulk.
"Excuse me gentlemen."
Her hood is drawn up concealing her features, her voice warm and rich.
Sunamber turns to regard the lithe hooded woman, thinking at first {...have I seen her before? Her clothing seems familiar... }
He speaks glancing over her shoulder and to the side briefly in wary alertness, but his voice is soft and amiable, "Yes, milady? Do you have need of some assistance?"
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Sunamber looks the two large men up and down as they are still at a distance... looking for any weapons, armor, or any Official looking livery designating them part for the town Guard or some noble's personal guard. Do they look like they are trying to keep people out of the inn and what are the reactions of people on the street to them as they pass by? Do any others approach the Inn to try to gain entry?
Sunamber stops some 50 feet away from them accessing the situation first and whispers to his companions, "...hold friends. Let us see what seems to be a foot here from a distance first. Why invite trouble... any other inn will do if this one is for some reason unavailable? Remember the city ordinance about disturbing the PEACE..."
Sunamber casts his gaze about looking for any of the city guard in their dark uniforms...
Pausing a moment she switched to Draconic, the harsh sibilant tones more suitable for her intent. She angles her head up slightly allowing the starkness of her luminescent amber eyes to stare out from under the hood, her face still in shadow.
"You are standing in my way."
Intimidate
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Pausing a moment she switched to Draconic, the harsh sibilant tones more suitable for her intent. She angles her head up slightly allowing the starkness of her luminescent amber eyes to stare out from under the hood, her face still in shadow.
** spoiler omitted **
Intimidate1d20+8
Startled, the two men jump away from each other, allowing you to pass.
Seeing the two large men jump back from the elven woman, Elmario stifles a chuckle, "I thought the lass might have been biting off more than she could chew..." he comments to his two companions jovially, again seemingly oblivious to the obvious irony in his words, this time of one barely out of his teenage years referring in such a way to a fully grown elf, "a fiery one it seems."
Speaking over his shoulder to his two companions, "...Well the way is open now lets take advantage of her... fieriness. Be wary the two men are Titanspawn."
Not waiting for further complications, Sunamber strides purposely forward taking the initiative to approach, tying his warhorse 'Cloud's' reins to the railing outside and make to enter the inn with the two men standing aside currently.
As he approaches the woman he comments in Draconic having heard the guttural language spoken if not the content of her words overheard...
He smiles but does not really look at the hooded woman more interested in securing his steed and gaining entry to the inn.
"There is an approach that works with everyone, simply a matter of finding it," Xa'nia replies, glancing at the young man briefly with a hint of a smile before making her way into the tavern and seeking a shadowed corner.
Asani perched upon Sunmaber's shoulder eyes closely the slim woman as she speaks and makes her way into the inn.
Sunmaber's eyes go wide at the mental communication with Asani,
The young half-elf swallows nervously but replies, in Elvish, "...uhm, yeah... uhm ma'am. I guess your right."
He pauses at the entrance letting the elf woman enter well ahead of him so as not to seem improprietous. Securing his mount he looks 'cloud' in the eyes, "guard and stay ...Cloud."
Unstrapping his saddle he throws its bulk on his shoulder and enters the Inn. Glancing around to see if the elf woman is nearby he surveys the Inn's interior.
When he spots the Innkeeper he walks over to him and speaking in Common says, "Well met Innkeep, I need a room and stabling for my warhorse, 'Cloud', outside. Say for a week?"
Bahir enters with the others, as the path is cleared.
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The common room of the Golden Pig is large enough for four hundred people to comfortably eat and drink, at least judged by the first glance. Two giant hearts make most of the walls left and right of the entrance, and directly in front of you there is a large bar that runs almost the length of the remaining wall. Five barkeeps are pouring bears and short drinks to the patrons sitting at the bar and several barmaids circulate around the tables, with wooden platters heaped with talk jugs of ale and large loafs of steaming-hot black bread sliced and stuffed with cheese, melted from the heat, that seems to be common breakfast in this inn.
Sunamber approaches one of the five barkeeps and asks if their establishment has rooms for rent and stabling for mounts.
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"Why, yes Sir, we do have stabling available, although the rooms are a bit problematic. The only available room has six beds and you must pay for all of them if you want to rent it. You must speak with Kagain, the proprietor of the inn if you want it. He's that ginger-bearded dwarf sitting at that table over there." He nods in the general direction of the large round table with several people sitting at it, amongst them a burly dwarf in rich velvet clothes.
Sunamber nods slowly... a little uncertain about the prospects of lodging here.
But politely replies, "Thank you Sir. I'll do just that."
Sunmaber shrugs at his companions and walks over to the red-bearded dwarf.
Bowing slightly, "Greetings Innkeep Kagain, I am called Sunamber. My companions and I would have need of a room for our stay in Totenwald. I hear tale that you have only one room with 6 beds? I and my companions only amount to 3... if they are willing to stay under such arrangements. I also have a warhorse that needs stabling. What are your prices Sir?
Bahir walks over to stand beside Sunamber, and give him his best...We're really good patrons...smile.
Diplomacy
Though the innkeeper seems to take it wrong...
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The dwarf seems to be slightly annoyed because you interrupted his conversation with two strange-looking humans. One is tall and bald, with large nose and rheumy blue eyes. The other one is immensely fat, with at least six chins vying for space underneath his round face. Both are wealthy looking, though.
"The room is fifteen gold per day. Three meals per day included. Stabling is five coppers per day. For one horse, mind you", he finally replies.