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Post by GravityEmblem on Aug 10, 2020 10:53:15 GMT -8
Everyone knows about the Ozymandias Calamity.
A disaster so terrible, so pivotal to history that all but the savage Giants and Beast-men to the west count the years by it. Long ago, Arcadia was a powerful, wealthy nation that rivaled Foccu and the Elven Lands as the central power in Othus--and a haven for mages of all sorts. Ruled by a wise Archmage, it experienced peace and prosperity for many years. That changed when Ozymandias came to power. He was dissatisfied with the "meager power" he wielded, and as such began to dabble in dark magics. Eventually, mad with ambition and greed, he attempted to open a portal to the Depths (a lower plane of Fiends, commonly known as the Inferno, the Abyss, or Hell). This, of course, went terribly wrong. The portal grew out of hand, Ozymandias and the wizards who assisted him in the ritual were killed, and the Fiends had an access point into the Material Plane. Many of Arcadia's citizens escaped to the less-developed southern half of the country, but many more perished--killed by demons or fell into the enormous rift that opened in the ground that spanned from one end of the country to the other. The survivors rebuilt, but where Arcadia once stood became a horrific wasteland, and a permanent reminder of Ozymandias' mistake: the Darklands.
But the Darklands are far away, and the Calamity was a long time ago. The year is 503 AC, and the six of you are waiting on Ren's mayor to exit his meeting. Ren is a sleepy little town in Parsall, the sleepiest place in all of Othus. With the exception of the Northern Vale, Parsall is completely unremarkable. There are no magical creatures or fantastical treasures; no bustling cities with wealthy nobles and seedy bars. Just a few scattered towns, some wild wolves, and the occasional bandit. Parsall has always had a bandit problem (mercenaries and adventurers joke that it's "rookie territory to ease you into a life of combat"). Several notices had been put up around town that Mayor Chesham was searching for adventurers to take down a troop of bandits nearby, and was offering good money. So far, no one has been able to specify how good the money is, but they insist it's good.
The two guards by the door look over at the band of mercenaries waiting in front of them: two long-haired humans ("Noticeably long-haired," one thinks), a half-elf in wizard's robes, a Tabaxi carrying--archaeologist's tools?--a brawny, shirtless Minotaur ("With two shields?? How is he supposed to attack?"), and a human in ornately carved armor. One of the guards seems to recognize the pattern.
He leans over to Aerendyl and says, "Hey, you're from Northern Vale, right? What's it like praying to a lizard?"
"Shut up, Terrence," the other says brusquely.
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Post by Daos on Aug 10, 2020 11:35:22 GMT -8
Daos quietly observes the other mercenaries with idle curiosity. His first observation--no women. He wonders if that was mere coincidence or not. Perhaps any women had more sense than to get involved on a venture like this. His second observation was the group appeared fairly young...although that was difficult to be sure of. Some species age differently than others. He himself was nearing 40, but appeared almost half that age thanks to his elven blood. So he probably shouldn't judge, but he did worry a bit about it. The young tended to be reckless and impetuous. Silently, he wonders how he might appear to the others. Daos is a tall, lanky man with the smooth hands of one who spent more time turning pages than manual labor, and the pale complexion of one who spent more time indoors than out. He wears loose fitting robes of royal violet, and smells faintly of spell components. His hair is short, but unkempt, brushed out of his eyes but otherwise allowed to grow as it likes. On his chin is a small goatee, which serves to highlight his human blood; otherwise, he could almost pass as a full elf, due to his angular features and thin build. He turns his attention back to the others. He wonders what drew each of them here. Gold? Boredom? A misplaced sense of justice? A sociopathic desire to kill others, but within the confines of the legal system? He has his own reasons for getting involved here, ones that he wasn't sure the others would understand. But for now, he remains silent and observes. He does not speak at the guard's comment, but does watch the others for their own reactions, curious as to what might come next.
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Post by Zero Prime on Aug 10, 2020 14:14:57 GMT -8
Aerendyl vaer Tharandiir, Paladin of BahamutHP: 12 of 12 | AC: 15 | Perception: 12 | Insight: 12 | Inspiration: 0 Conditions: None.The man whom the ignorant guard addressed, was clad in fine chainmail, thrice forged steel, almost black, with a silver filagree around the collar and the shoulder joints. A dark blue cloak covered his broad shoulders, the tall handle of a great sword protruding above it. Stiff leather gauntlets creaked, as the hands within them flexed and formed fists, before being slowly released. His anger was a fleeting shadow, gone as swiftly as it had appeared, Aerendyl nodded at the guardsmen's comments. "Dragon, Ser Terrance. Dragon. My Lord Bahamut is as far removed from a lizard as you are from an insect. Perhaps more so," he paused, he had suffered ignorance before, a mild rebuke would suffice. "An oath is not an observance of faith. I am sworn to serve my Lord Bahamut, in much the same way you are sworn to serve Mayor Chesham. I find it unlikely that you pray to him, but, one could assume, that you are of like mind on certain matters, certain behaviours expected of you while in his service, and certain responsibilities?" He nodded towards the closed chamber doors, "One of mine own duties is to aid those in need, such as yourself, and your Lord, Mayor Chesham."
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Post by TheBBEG on Aug 10, 2020 14:27:16 GMT -8
A human man with slender features saunters in behind a similarly built man; the one in the back singing a song at a soft volume. It is loud enough to be understood by most everyone around, but not so much as to be annoying... at least to anyone other than his traveling companion. Which, judging by the smile on the man's face, was the entire point of the song at this point. The man was above average in height with an lithe, athletic build. His hair was well kept and styled and very red as was the 1/2 or so beard on his face. His deep blue eyes are, as you can only he would describe them, "intoxicating". He is dressed in a fine dark blue, silk blouse, under which the outline of a light armor can be detected. He wears dark leather britches, and stylish black leather boots that end just below his knees. He has a finely crafted black welt around his waist from which a rapier comfortably sheather on the left side and a coin purse to counter-balance it on the right. He also has a small black leather backpack on his shoulders with an ornate lute carefully secured to it. Flynn is trying to remember where he learned the song he was singing from. Was it from the old crone in at the "Gelded Prince" a few month back? What was her name? Donita, Donnella, Dunwella? Regardless, everyone in the bar called her Mad Donna and the song she sang stuck with Flynn more than she did. He finishes up the last verse. "Lycan Virgin, hey! Hunting for the very first time Lycan Virgin Heard your heartbeat Next to mine"With his song at an end, Flynn, takes a moment to inventory everyone around. Two guards... boring. His brother... uptight. A human in ornate armor... not unusual. An elf in purple robes... now we are getting somewhere. A little cat dude... That... is... AWESOME!!! As Flynn prepares to go introduce himself while embarrassing his brother he stops... dead in his tracks. The feline no longer a thought. A Bull-Man with TWO shields. Flynn's jaw literally drops as he stands there dumbfounded. He changes direction and approaches the Minotaur.
"Good sir, I must say, those shields and the lack of an obvious weapon give me the idea that you have a most unique fighting style. I am both intrigued and impressed. The names Flynn, pleasure to meet you Sir!" Flynn talks fast and smooth, like a politician who wants you to feel you are the most important person in the room.
---- Speech Code "e68419"
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Post by Igordragonian on Aug 10, 2020 17:11:44 GMT -8
Qurrak, Minotaur Barbarian lvl 1Hp 14/14 AC 16 Passive Perception 14 ------------------------------------------------ Despite probably towering over the other mercenaries or at least most, Qurrak look uncomfortable. Maybe even shy? He held two shields in the closest way to crossing his hands, feeling more secure behind them. Even among minotaurs he felt estranged... here, he was stranger among strangers. It sort lessed his awkwardness- for them he was another Minotaur, even if a bit quirky. Qurrak' He present himself shortly, He is embarrassed quite a bit. 'Horns.' he answer shortly. 'Horns do the job just fine'
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Post by PotatoGolem on Aug 10, 2020 18:52:50 GMT -8
The other human stands perfectly straight, not looking at his companion. His face is studiedly neutral, an expression of polite aristocratic indifference. As Flynn launches into the refrain, Alonzo's jaw tightens slightly in annoyance, before he composes himself. He's a hair taller than his brother, though few other would notice or care about the difference, lean, and muscular. His black hair is perfectly coiffed, not a hair out of place. His face is striking, although he has the strong air of a man who knows that he's handsome. He's wearing ornately decorated dark blue leather armor chased in silver scrollwork and an elegant cloak fastened with a large silver brooch prominently displaying the di Maravoni crest. A silver-chased rapier hangs at his hip. He could be a young lordling out for a stroll, but for the pack and bow across his back and the long-handled daggers opposite his sword and tucked into the top of his boot. He sighs at Flynn's outburst and turns to the wizard and knight.
I apologize for my little brother's... enthusiasm. He means no offense. Alonzo di Maravoni. And Daflin di Maravoni, of course. His voice is polished and smooth, with the cadence of a man who is used to being listened to. He indicates the other man as Daflin and reaches out to shake their hands. A large signet ring shines on his finger. A pleasure to meet you both, Sir Knight, Master Mage.
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Post by Daos on Aug 10, 2020 20:29:49 GMT -8
Daos stands up, using his staff for support. He smooths out his robes, wiping his hands off on them in the process, before offering one to Alonzo. "Daos Soulstaff," he says by way of introduction. "Nice to meet you."
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Post by TheBBEG on Aug 11, 2020 5:16:02 GMT -8
Flynn looks up at Qurrak's horns admiringly. "And mighty magnificent horns they are good Qurrak. I'm am certain they are more than adequate. 'Twas a pleasure to meet you."
Stepping away from the minotaur, Flynn saunters over to his brother to meddle in his affairs. He thought to leave well enough alone, but hearing his given name of "Daflin" ring out was like hearing metal grind on ceramic or nails on a chalkboard.
"Well met esteemed scholar and valiant warrior." Flynn says looking to Daos and Aerendyl in turn with a vibrant smile and not a hint of mockery. His enthusiasm is quite genuine. "I am Flynn di Maravoni, 'tis a pleasure to make your acquaintance." Gesturing to all gathered around he states, "Might I assume we are all here to inquire to the call for mercenaries... a, uhm... I mean, uh, adventurers? I apologize, mercenary has such an... unfortunate connotation with it."
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Post by Daos on Aug 11, 2020 13:36:56 GMT -8
Daos, in turn, offers his hand to Flynn, as well. "Well met," he says. "And I imagine the difference between a mercenary and an adventurer is how well liked they are."
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Post by Kvard51 on Aug 11, 2020 21:09:41 GMT -8
Snow stands a little to the side of the rest of the group. He studies their interactions intently, particularly the half-humans and the human. He wants to believe they are not all broken, driven only by greed and lust for power. Nothing in this moment gives warrant for or against, though. Two appear enough alike to be from the same litter. They, along with the robed one, all carry elf-blood... He wonders if that will prove decisive in his judgment? The last, in ornate armor, appears fully man. All-in-all, perfect subjects to pin his hopes on. And the bull-man, hiding behind his shields... how will he impact the test? Perhaps Persephone knows.
"I am known as Snow Falls on Pines among my people. You may refer to me as "Snow", if that is simpler." He turns his head to take in the gathered group. "Mercenaries... Adventurers... Either way, we seek to be paid for our skills, yes?"
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Post by TheBBEG on Aug 12, 2020 5:23:45 GMT -8
Finishing up his conversation with Daos, Flynn smiles with all the charm he can muster. "Well then, let us hope that we are adventurers!"
As the Tabaxi speaks, Flynn makes his way over for an introduction. "It is truly a pleasure to meet you, Snow Falls on Pines. My name is Flynn and this is my brother Al!" Flynn slightly darts his eyes back to Alonzo, feel quite smug in his retribution over the preferred names. "I agree, money can be important, but there is so much more to life. The experience, the adventure, helping others, even the adoration of the masses. Though, getting all of that AND money is certainly a better outcome that all of that INSTEAD of money."
Flynn looks to Qurrak, Snow Falls on Pines, Sir Aerendyll vaer Tharandiir, Daos Soulstaff and Alonzo di Maravoni. "What say we get this "adventure" started?" Looking to the guards he asks., "Gentlemen, could you kindly direct us to your fine Mayor Chesham so that we might inquire further about the bandits who needs to be... ahem... eradicated?"
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Post by GravityEmblem on Aug 12, 2020 5:41:26 GMT -8
Terrance scoffs. "What, so you're 'sworn' to some heathen dragon god, but you don't worship him? You're not prayin' to Elshodi, that's for sure."
The other guard shoots him a glare before turning to Flynn. "The Mayor's meeting should be ending quite soon." Not long after he says the words, two men walk out of the next room. One is portly, bears himself like a man who has power and is willing to throw it around, and is clad in furs that could be called exquisite if you only had tribal fur clothes to compare to. Next to him is a stern, unassuming man, whose simple black robes and curly white wig denote him as a judge.
"Ah, you would be the adventurers!" the first says with pomp. "I am Mayor Jonah Chesham, and this is Ren's local magistrate, Judge Menlo." After waiting a few moment, he adds, "It is, ah...customary to bow." He says this more embarrassed than incensed.
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Post by TheBBEG on Aug 12, 2020 6:38:56 GMT -8
Flynn, perfectly content playing the pomp and circumstance game, is more than happy to bow to placate the official. With a well practised ease Flynn bows before both men. "'Tis a pleasure to meet you both Good Mayor Chesham and Honorable Judge Menlo." With the tone and inflection of a paige introducing a king, Flynn begins introducing each of his new found "friends" by their full name and title, if he knows it, in turn. With his companions introduced, Flynn will introduce himself. "And I, Gentleman, am Flynn di Maravoni, your humble servant. We are in fact, the adventurers come to assist the fine town of Ren. Pray tell, can you give us more information about the work your need done and the terms of any agreement that might be made?"
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Post by Igordragonian on Aug 12, 2020 11:24:42 GMT -8
Qurrak is overwhelmed by the constant moving and talking of Flynn. But there were something likeable about this fella. He allowed himself to smile. A little.
Qurrak blinked at the request to bow. He looked at the other adventurers to be. He won't be the first one to bow, not wanting to look like a fool, but neither wish to insult the local Matron's husband. "Qurrak" The Minotaur present himself.
"Direct us at the battle to be." He ask shortly.
Glory won't gain itself.
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Post by Daos on Aug 12, 2020 15:53:47 GMT -8
Daos nods to the others as they introduce themselves, then turns his attention to the mayor when he arrives. He gives a short, polite bow, but otherwise remains quiet while the others ask their questions.
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