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Herabec
2012-08-28, 02:28 AM
OOC: As a fair warning, I'm...not terribly great with opening posts. Never have been. It's a curse. I apologize if this is substandard and whatnot. It'll get better! ... I hope! >_>

It was an overcast day in the skies above Rorikstead, the largest village within three hundred miles in Europe. Behind it's high walls, almost three thousand people lived busy lives, with hundreds of others dotting farmland in the country surrounding the village. Located in what was once northeast Germany, the village is built just off the coast of the Baltic Sea, where many of the locals earn a comfortable lifestyle off the bounty of the sea.

To the south of the village lie the Flatlands - fertile plains that span for miles until hitting the rocky, mountainous central area of the former nation. It is here, in this city, that once every five years that the greatest leaders of men, dwarves and elves convene within the great Hall of Monarchs to discuss trade, agree upon borders, improve relations and work to improve security throughout their respective kingdoms.

This, however, was not a typical assembly. An emergency convention had been called between the kingdoms thanks to the discovery of a once-lost ruin of the old world having been rediscovered - an old bunker, used in the last days of the old days not as a means of protecting themselves from war, but from disease.

From old tomes, it had been known that these places had been used to try and combat the dreaded White Scourge virus - the terrible illness that killed hundreds and thousands each year. While the old world had never found a cure for the dreaded illness, it was possible that what progress they made could be salvaged for use.

Unfortunately, despite the village's large size, they could offer up none of their own militia to delve into this long abandoned research facility - fearing attacks from the southern Blackthorn orc tribe and raids from the Red Ridge Bandits. With little recourse, a missive had been sent out with their fastest couriers - a missive calling for the aid of those who sought an end to the plague, for those who would call themselves adventurers or mercenaries.

Now all they had left to do was wait.

Calling For All Adventurers!

The state of Rorikstead seeks the aid of all able-bodied adventurers to come to the aid of the High King Rorik Dietrich V, Mountain Lord Gormlir Hammerstout and Elf Queen Vendethiel Autumnweaver in cleansing the land of the foul White Scourge that has blighted our realm for far too long!

Those whom are brave of heart and have both the equipment and fortitude for dangerous work should present themselves within the Hall of Monarchs in the center of Rorikstead for employment. Compensation will be discussed upon arrival.
~ High King Rorik Dietrich V

ToySoldierCPlus
2012-08-28, 07:14 AM
The door to the Hall of Monarchs creaked open, and in walked a young man in his early 20s. Lithe and wiry, his wavy brown hair stopped just above piercing green eyes. He wore studded leather armor, and there was a short sword strapped to his hip, a dagger sheathed upside-down on his chest. "I'm here about the White Scourge work."

Allyzedl
2012-08-28, 07:57 AM
As the door creaked open and the man walked in, another man calls out "Oh here is another one, they are like flies drawn to the light." As the man in studded armor makes his way into the hall, he sees the man that called out to him. He is sitting in a chair, backwards, with a bow and quiver over his shoulder and a scythe strapped to his back, donning leather armor. The man has quite human features, early 20s as well, with a shaved head and face, and grey eyes. The man in the chair then addresses the other man in studded armor, "Well then, what is your name? And why do you think you can help with the White Scourge?

ToySoldierCPlus
2012-08-28, 08:04 AM
"I am called Nevare. The call went out for able-bodied adventurers for dangerous work. That's me. And what about you, archer?"

Frivolous
2012-08-28, 10:34 AM
Jum the Sad


A stout young man with pale blond hair looks around as he walks through the streets of Rorikstead. He had never been in a town so large before. His home village had less than a dozen families; this one looked to have at least a hundred.

A little girl shrieks as she plays with other children. The stout man flinches at the ensuing laughter. He sighs.

At first no one pays him much attention. He wears no armour and he is armed with but two daggers at his belt and one in his boot. But then a rat with reddish fur crawls out of his heavy backpack and onto his shoulder so it may examine Rorikstead with its own beady eyes. Before he takes another few paces, he hears a whisper:

"Wizard."

Jum the Sad ignores the whisper. He just nods silently and glumly to anyone who catches his eye. He tries to smile.

Eventually he finds the Hall of Monarchs and steps inside just in time to hear the phrase "White Scourge" spoken.

He pauses in the doorway so he might look at the two armed men talking to each other. He puts his rat into his belt pouch to guard his coin and comes closer to the other, much taller fellows, but he stops 10 feet away.

"Hey, fellows. Hall of Monarchs, right?"

Jum tries to summon the energy to be friendly, but his voice sounds indifferent and vague. He can't seem to meet anyone's eye for more than a few moments; then he looks away.

ToySoldierCPlus
2012-08-28, 10:37 AM
Nevare arches one eyebrow at the newcomer. "That's right. What brings you here?"

Frivolous
2012-08-28, 10:49 AM
Nevare arches one eyebrow at the newcomer. "That's right. What brings you here?"

Jum the Sad


The short stout stranger makes a vague and wide gesture with his plump left hand, as if pointing out the land he is standing upon. Then he speaks, enunciating like a yokel.

"Oh, you know, t' Scourge. Got t' kill it before it kills us."

"Even with women popping out babies every year, t' increasing mortality rate will drive us into extinction f' sure."

He sighs. Then he smiles.

"Anyway, I'm here to volunteer. Jum Bissek. Call me Jummy."

He doesn't seem to notice that his belt pouch is twitching.

Allyzedl
2012-08-28, 11:28 AM
"The name's John Ripley, but my mates call me Ripley." He then walks over to the other man, "Jummy was it? It has been too long since I last saw a dwarf, well welcome to the Hall."

Medic!
2012-08-28, 12:50 PM
Rugar "Rankle" Lagerkoff

Bursting through the door with exuberance, a lean-muscled dwarf scans the room for a moment as he flicks the fire-red pony-tail of braided hair and beard over his shoulder.


Flies ain't attracted to light ye dunder-head. he rumbles as he swats a fly that had landed on his scale mail. When's this shin-dig git underway? Ain't a disease I ever feared and my adventurin' skivies are gettin crusty!

The dwarf saunters into the midst of this talkative group of hopefuls, bringing a sour whiff of unwashed...something...with him, accompanied by the *thap thap thap* of a throwing axe slapping against his thigh. It's plain that what his body lacks in hygine, the greatsword at his back makes up for in condition.

Allyzedl
2012-08-28, 12:56 PM
As he looks towards the little dwarf Ripley asserts, "I don't know about this one, he looks like he may have a few diseases of his own."

Frivolous
2012-08-28, 01:08 PM
"The name's John Ripley, but my mates call me Ripley." He then walks over to the other man, "Jummy was it? It has been too long since I last saw a dwarf, well welcome to the Hall."

Jum the Sad

"Jum Bissek," Jum repeats patiently. "Also known as Jum the Reader and Jum the Gravetender."

He still doesn't come closer to Ripley or to Nevare, wary of their armaments, but he turns and his lips part in the first unforced smile he's had all week when Ripley says the word 'dwarf'.


Rugar "Rankle" Lagerkoff

Bursting through the door with exuberance, a lean-muscled dwarf scans the room for a moment as he flicks the fire-red pony-tail of braided hair and beard over his shoulder.


Flies ain't attracted to light ye dunder-head. he rumbles as he swats a fly that had landed on his scale mail. When's this shin-dig git underway? Ain't a disease I ever feared and my adventurin' skivies are gettin crusty!

The dwarf saunters into the midst of this talkative group of hopefuls, bringing a sour whiff of unwashed...something...with him, accompanied by the *thap thap thap* of a throwing axe slapping against his thigh. It's plain that what his body lacks in hygine, the greatsword at his back makes up for in condition.

Jum moves forward enthusiastically and says, "I never met a dwarf before. My village has only humans...."

Then his nose catches up with his mouth and he stops short and bows shallowly, trying to inhale through his mouth, not his nose.

"Nice t' meet you."

Medic!
2012-08-28, 01:18 PM
Rugar "Rankle" Lagerkoff
Now that's no greeting for a "dwarf" cousin! he snickers as he wraps Jum in a playful but mercifully brief bear-hug.

Bwahahaha! By Moradin's Gilded Codpiece, I'm startin t' like this bunch already! Me clan o' Lagerkoff named me Rugar. Everyone else named me Rankle. Name kinda stuck... as he absent-mindedly utters the last sentence, his attention is obviously diverted by a stringy glob of flotsam on the bottom of his boot.

Frivolous
2012-08-28, 01:39 PM
Jum Bissek


Jum's very fair skin turns furious red as Rugar hugs him. At 5 feet 6 inches, he is only a little taller than the dirty dwarf.

He ponders holding his breath, then sighs and resumes breathing, simply accepting the awful stink. He puts his arms around the dwarf but very carefully clenches his fists so that he does not touch anything with his fingers.

"And I am Jum Bissek. My friends call me Jum. You can call me Jum if you like."

Despite the ludicrousness of the situation, when Jum says that, he sounds a little weary and sad.

He adds, "Behind me are Ripley and another fellow. I don't know his name yet. All here about the Scourge, I believe."

ToySoldierCPlus
2012-08-28, 01:46 PM
Nevare's nose crinkles slightly as the odor of the new dwarf reaches him, but he sniffs a bit and relaxes. "Name's Nevare. I'm guessing I know why everyone calls you 'Rankle.'" He leans to one side and glances out the door, eyes scanning the street in front of the building. "Should we be expecting any more adventurers, or can we go see the Monarchs?"

JelloCat
2012-08-28, 02:58 PM
"At least one more, friends. But never fear for I have just arrived."

Walking in through the large doors comes a man bedecked in shining scale mail, a great sword fit for a giant crosses three spears on his back underneath a shield emblazoned with the symbol of Pelor.

ToySoldierCPlus
2012-08-28, 03:05 PM
Nevares whistles at the sight of the newcomer. "Got enough weapons, there? And can you even actually use that sword? It's bigger than you are."

JelloCat
2012-08-28, 04:07 PM
"The foe I seek fears no blade. I find those are the times you must prepare for the most. I find the weight of Scourge to be comforting."

With a half-grin the paladin draws a more normal sized longsword placing it's point on the ground and kneeling before the odd group.

"But it seems my manners escape me. I am Sir Rodrick Stonearm, Knight of the Realm and Holy Paladin of Pelor."

Rising from the floor Sir Rodrick sheathes his sword and nods his head to the motley group of adventuerers.

"Shall we proceed?"

ToySoldierCPlus
2012-08-28, 05:14 PM
Nevare nods cordially. "Nevare. The others are Jum, Ripley, and Rankle. I'm ready to see the Monarchs when the rest of you are."

Allyzedl
2012-08-28, 06:36 PM
"I'm ready, let's go."

Herabec
2012-08-29, 01:10 AM
The Hall was bustling with activity as the adventurers trickled in, one after another, servants moving in and out, cleaning, relaying messages and the like. Meanwhile, guards stood at the entrances of nearly every door, including the large set of double doors at the end of the hall that separated the main lobby and the actual throne room.

When the group of adventurers had finished introducing themselves to each other and had readied themselves for an audience with the monarchs, the guard at the gate - a grizzled old man with a raspy voice and grayed hair - nodded to them curtly. "Go on in there; but mind your manners, mercenaries. If more of your ilk show up, I'll send them in behind you."

The throne room beyond the doors housed two grand fireplaces, one on either side of the room burning a near sweet-smelling wood, allowing their odors to spread throughout the chamber. Upon the walls, large banners were strewn about - one of a great brown bear upon it's hind legs before a blue and white backdrop, a brilliant evergreen before a light green backdrop and at last, an ominous black mountain, behind which a maroon backdrop lie.

At the far end of the room lie three grand thrones, each with monarch sitting upon them and advisors at their sides. On the left-hand side sat the dwarven lord, Gormlir Hammerstout; a large man for a dwarf standing at near 5'1 inches tall with a stout build, made all the larger by the large golden and red plate mail he wore even on his throne. The gruff dwarf's face was, with the exception of his eyes and rather large and bulbous nose, covered with facial hair - a long, black beard that swayed down to his chest, braided lovingly.

In the center lounged High King Rorik Dietrich, a disinterested expression upon his face as he listened to the droning of Gormlir. The king stood at 6'3" with a strong build about him. His face was creased with stress and middle age, his hair an auburn color, a small goatee gracing his upper lip and chin. Unlike his dwarven counterpart, the king wore naught but simple cloth clothing - not unlike that worn by the commoners outside. In fact, if it were not for the golden crown that lay atop his head, he may well have been mistaken for a commoner.

And at last, on the far right hand side sat Vendethiel Autumnweaver, the recently appointed queen of the elven nations in Europe. She was a fair bit shorter than the king, a mere 5'5" with a lithe stature and long reddish-brown hair, wearing a gorgeous gold and green gown that screamed nobility and wealth. Her emerald eyes darted about the room slyly, as though examining every nook and cranny while the kings were otherwise preoccupied until her gaze fell upon the adventurers.

"-And THAT, friend Rorik, is why we need to be getting a proper military together! No more of this relying on militia to solve our problems - bandits only understand one language, and that's FORCE!" The dwarf lord was commenting still once the group entered the room.

JelloCat
2012-08-29, 07:56 AM
"My lords, and Lady," Sir Rodrick added with a smile for the queen, "may I present to you this ragtag group of your humblest servants. This is Nevare, Jum, Ripley, and the good dwarf Rankle. I am Sir Rodrick Stonearm, knight of the realm and Holy Paladin of Pelor." The paladin finishes his speech with a sweeping bow so low his helm almost scrapes the floor.

Frivolous
2012-08-29, 10:35 AM
Jum the Sad


Jum nods agreeably to the human King Rorik and spends the next few moments intently studying the elven queen and the dwarven king. Curiosity brings an energy to his manner that was until then missing.

As he enumerates the attributes of elf and dwarf, Jum seems content at first to let the tall knight Rodrick do the talking.

Some things he'd heard belatedly signals for his attention, but he can't quite remember.... No matter.

Jum takes a deep breath and raises his voice so that he might be heard over the argument between the two monarchs. He frowns a little, trying to put some force into his voice and speak more clearly.

"Kings, Queen. We five are here to volunteer for the mission we heard about, one regarding a ruin that may hold the secret to curing the White Scourge."

"How may we help?"

The effort of speaking like a civilized person seems to tire him, but Jum does enunciate more clearly now.

Fremen
2012-08-29, 04:16 PM
Verdun Krueger

The druid crouched low, his hand tightly gripping his leather-wrapped staff as he looked at the city's borders from the trees. Just behind, his wolf companion sat down, quickly growing bored of her master's vigil, and found something more interesting to sniff between her paws.

For some time the pair stayed where they were, just watching. Eventually the man rose, the wolf quickly perking up at the sudden movement. Without a word the pair set off, making their way through the trees until they reached the main road, and from there, to the city's gates. As dirt gave way to cobblestones, the druid's passing became marked by the tapping of his staff upon the stones, and the light clicking of the wolf's claws.

He was given a wide berth, partially as he made for a rather otherworldly figure in the busy street - attired in long robes of green atop an animal-hide tunic - but mostly due to the presence of his companion. No one panicked when the wolf came by, for the animal stayed close on its master's heel, never giving more than a passing sniff to indicate any interest in any path but where the druid went. Yet, despite this, most were not wholly comfortable with the beast, and made way for both of them.

Moving through the streets and alleys seemingly without purpose, the young druid finally came to a stop by a community square, where upon a church board was pinned a recruitment notification seeking those who would aid in defeating the White Scourge. Krueger reached out and tore the sheet from the wall, bringing it close and re-reading it. He gave a nod and held the sheet out to the wolf, who curiously sniffed the paper, and at a tilt of the head from her druid, began to lead the way toward the Hall of the Monarchs.

Before long the duo was climbing the steps and making their way through the grand doorway to the foyer of the structure. There they stood, patient and silent, awaiting one to direct them further.

Herabec
2012-08-30, 05:29 AM
Verdun:
At the entrance of the grand Hall of Monarchs, the druid and his companion drew more than a few odd glances from the townsfolk and various guards. Even children, who could be found running through the streets in a frantic game of tag would pause and flee at the sight of the imposing druid and his wolf.

"Hold there, traveler," the guard at the entrance of the Hall would say, raising a hand to halt the druid's advance. "If you're an adventurer, your fellows are already meeting with the Monarchs, so you'd best hurry into the inner most chamber - you can't miss them, they're through the great double doors at the far end of the entrance hall. But, the wolf stays out here," he said, pointing at the proud canine.

As he spoke, a couple other guards subtly moved up closer. Rorikstead, while generally peaceful, did occasionally have spats with local wildlife and prideful adventurers. They doubted anything would actually happen, but wished to make sure nothing would nonetheless.

Once Rodrick had introduced himself and his allies, and Jum asked his piece, King Rorik stood from his throne and stepped down one of the many steps separating himself and the party, his arms spreading in welcome. "Greetings, Sir Rodrick - and greetings to the rest of you as well. I thank you for answering our call to arms," he stated before turning his gaze squarely upon Jum.

"And now that you are here, we can begin speaking business. Unfortunately, the situation may have become more...complicated than we'd initially thought," the King spoke before the elven queen, still sitting upon her throne chimed in. "Two human children have gone missing. They were last seen heading in the direction of the ruins we are sending you to," she stated, her emerald eyes observing the group with a near predatory glint.

"Indeed. They've been missing for more than a week, now. It could be nothing - could be bandits. The Red Ridge have been spotted in the area lately, wouldn't put it past those bastards to kidnap children," Gormlir added from his own throne, metal armor jingling slightly as he turned to face the group.

"But onto the real matter at hand; we're sending you to an old ruin two days' travel southwest of here in the plains. The scout who found it claimed that it had been nearly invisible to his eyes until he'd almost tripped over the entrance due to how much the plains have retaken the area," the High King chimed in, taking a map from his advisor's hands.

Sprawling out the map, he'd point to an area a small distance from Rorikstead, circled with a bright red paint. "It is here that you'll find he entrance. According to our scout, he believes it's an abandoned research bunker - these things were scattered throughout Europe before the fall of the old world, and many of them were doing research into the Scourge. It's a promising find," he continued.

"While you're traveling, though, keep an eye out for the children if you could as well. Two boys - the eldest's name is Eric, age fourteen. The younger is Edward, age nine. Eric had a bow with him, but it wouldn't be of much use against bandits or some of the stronger beasts out on the plains," he concluded, just before Vendethiel chimed in once more.

"Do keep in mind however that whatever the bunker holds on the Scourge is your first priority. The children are a far second. If it comes to a choice between getting that information back to us or saving the children, I expect you to leave them to their fates, understood?" she spoke, her words sharp in tone.

"Ah, shut it would you? You wouldn't be sayin' that if it was a couple of elven kids gone missing," Gormlir retorted. "Elven children would not have been so foolish as to -" "ENOUGH! This is not the time for this discussion," interceded Rorik, who sighed and turned once again to the group.

"The information is your mission. Just look out for the kids is all I ask. Do you have any questions?"

ToySoldierCPlus
2012-08-30, 06:09 AM
"Find the information, find the kids, bring them back here safe. Sounds easy enough. Do you have any idea what, if anything, we should expect inside the bunker?"

Medic!
2012-08-30, 08:09 AM
Rugar Lagerkoff

The dwarf marches into the audience hall with his new companions, and upon entering makes a deep, slow bow before King Glormir. He then observes the proper Dwarven ettiquette and remains still and silent as a stone as King Rorik explains the situation.

His face remains passive until his King masterfully outwits the Elven Queen, which ellicits a snicker.

When King Rorik finishes laying out the foundation of their mission, and his companions have clarified the details, he takes another deep bow in King Glormir's direction and addresses the Dwarven monarch: We'll not fail, Highness, and if we see sign o' the boys, we'll be sure to fetch 'em home for supper. I got a clean and distinguished record so far, and I don't plan on dirty-in' up m' good name!

He effects a slightly less effort-heavy bow to King Rorik, and an even less effort-laden courtesy towards the Elven Queen, then turns to his new-found companions.

Right fellas, don't be makin' a liar o' me! Time to swing yer picks, we'd best be at it!

Allyzedl
2012-08-30, 08:17 AM
Ripley inspects the map making note of the terrain that surrounds the location. He then readies himself for the journey. He then addresses his fellow adventurers, "I'm ready to go whenever you are."

Frivolous
2012-08-30, 11:06 AM
Jum the Sad


Jum listens gravely to everything the monarchs say. His expression changes only once, when they mention the missing children. When he hears that, he looks stricken.

After the monarchs give their speech, he nods. "We understand. Curing the Scourge first, children second."


Jum hesitates. "I do have some questions, though."

"Can we talk to the boys' parents or friends? So that we can know what we need to reassure the boys that we are friendly and not bandits."

"Also, I recently learned that you, the monarchs, were offering compensation. How much?"

He hesitates some more, then blurts out.

"Given that the opening to this research bunker of the Old World was discovered only recently, why the hurry to investigate it?"

"Is there something you're not telling us? Are there others, such as the Red Ridge, that you think may also be wanting to get into the bunker?"

Fremen
2012-08-30, 01:26 PM
Verdun Krueger

The druid looked out from beneath his hood, his piercing eyes looking at first one guard, then another. He didn't move at first, eliciting nervous glancing between the soldiers, but at last he relented and nodded to his wolf. The animal tilted it head, but obediently sat down, tongue lolling.

Krueger left the wolf sitting on the stone floor and joined the others quietly in the throne room.

Herabec
2012-08-30, 04:07 PM
The dwarven lord snickered quietly at how...enthusiastic his countryman was. It was always good when people were eager to get started with the jobs they were hired for. "I'm sure you'll do a right good job of it," he commented.

Rorik, on the other hand, was busy addressing the questions the adventurers posed while Vendethiel pouted on her throne. To Nevare, "Unfortunately, all we've got our guesses. It could be empty, save for ghosts of the past and maybe some crumbling ceilings. Sometimes beasts manage to find their way into these places though - that's why we're sending you and not common folk."

Then, turning to Jum, he addressed the mage's concerns. "You'll find the boy's home just off of the market district. If you need help finding it, just ask a guard for Anke Seiler's house. They'll lead you right to it - be courteous while you're there though. She's been understandably...distraught," he said, glancing at the floor for a moment before continuing.

"As for compensation, you'll each receive 200 gold coins from my treasury, as well as anything of value you find not related to the information we want. If you find the kids while you're out, I'll up the reward to 250. If one of you perish, your friends don't collect your share... And the reason for all this hurry is because any time there's a discovery like this, it's a race against time."

"We want to get there and claim what's inside before anyone else does. Could the Red Ridge be moving for it? It's possible. Could it already be claimed by some other group? Perhaps. That's why we sent out missives immediately. That's why we're sending in mercenaries instead of common folk to delve into it. I don't know what's there, what's on it's way and what's been there."

ToySoldierCPlus
2012-08-30, 07:02 PM
Nevare nods as the king speaks. "Very well, then. We'll leave immediately. Any objections to us going to the children's home, first?"

Allyzedl
2012-08-30, 07:03 PM
"Nope, I'm ready."

Fremen
2012-08-30, 09:46 PM
Verdun Krueger

The quiet figure in the back of the room watched and listened as the monarchs talked with the adventurers. Despite his entering late, the druid figured that he had heard enough to understand what was going on. He glanced at the map that had been laid out, at the red ring in the southern plains, and reflected on the area. Rarely had he ranged far from the forests over which his circle held dominion, but he knew the natural paths well enough, and so he turned his thoughts to the region in question.

His voice was deep but quiet when he spoke from the corner of the grand room, clearly unused to projecting across such a lofty space, "It should be straightforward enough. The plains offer no great dangers, and what we find underground should not prove overly difficult to surmount."

Frivolous
2012-08-30, 10:31 PM
Jum the Sad


Jum listens to what King Rorik says about pay and the boys' parents and the urgency of the mission.

He solemnly nods to each answer to his questions. If he is disappointed in them, he does not show it.


Nevare nods as the king speaks. "Very well, then. We'll leave immediately. Any objections to us going to the children's home, first?"

Jum shakes his head. "I have no objections."


Verdun Krueger

The quiet figure in the back of the room watched and listened as the monarchs talked with the adventurers. Despite his entering late, the druid figured that he had heard enough to understand what was going on. He glanced at the map that had been laid out, at the red ring in the southern plains, and reflected on the area. Rarely had he ranged far from the forests over which his circle held dominion, but he knew the natural paths well enough, and so he turned his thoughts to the region in question.

His voice was deep but quiet when he spoke from the corner of the grand room, clearly unused to projecting across such a lofty space, "It should be straightforward enough. The plains offer no great dangers, and what we find underground should not prove overly difficult to surmount."

Jum gives a little wave to the newly arrived stranger and quietly says, "Hey."

Now that the monarchs have stopped paying attention to him, an almost visible wave of weariness crashes down on him. He looks exhausted from taking so much.

Herabec
2012-08-31, 02:28 AM
The three monarchs remained their, patiently waiting for any further questions. If no questions came up, they'd dismiss the party to get started on their assignment.

The group now had some choices to make; they could travel to Anke Seiler's home to question her about her missing children.

They could instead head straight toward their objective, map in hand with adventure, wealth and possibly a cure as their goals!

They could ask around town for information, hire a guide or stock up on provisions they may be missing...

Or, if they were so inclined, declare the quest hopeless and retire.


Anke Seiler's home
This small hut facing the merchant's square has seen better days. Indeed, many of the planks that make up the walls of this building are warped and in disrepair and the roof has multiple holes within it, ranging from small to rather large. The windows, of which there are two, have both been boarded up haphazardly, though a soft orange glow betrays the presence of someone within.

Travel onward!
Behind you lies the gates of Rorikstead and the bustling noise of a large town, the voices of hagglers in the marketplace and children laughing and playing assault your ears. In the distance, the crashing of waves upon the shore intertwines with the screeching of various species of bird. Before you, in stark contrast, lie the rolling plains, stretching as far south as the eye can see.

Screwing Around Town
Specifics, man! What are you going to do?

This is hopeless!
GAME OVER

ToySoldierCPlus
2012-08-31, 05:49 AM
Nevare turns and walks out of the Hall of Monarchs. "Right then. To the boys' house."

Upon arriving, he knocks on the front door and waits patiently for an answer.

Medic!
2012-08-31, 07:52 AM
Rugar

Rugar, anxious to get started, exits the audience hall with the rest of the adventurers gathered to head for the children's home. As he passes by the new-comer on his way out the door he offers a grin, Yer more'n welcome to come along directly this time, no need to straggle 50 paces behind! He completes the phrase without breaking his gait.

Once outside, he expresses a keen interest in wolf accompanying their newest addition, plying the man with question after question, Does he do tricks? How do you tame a WOLF!? Is he friendly, does he bite, what's his name? The stream of questions lasts clear up to the Seilers' home.

Frivolous
2012-08-31, 10:40 AM
Jum the Sad


As he walks with the others to Anke Seiler's home, Jum puts distance between himself and both Rugar and the wolf.

He studies the wolf nervously, fully aware that the nasty predator could attack at any moment and wondering why it has not.

After a moment of thought and hesitation, he plucks his red rat Lenny out of his belt pouch and perches the familiar on his shoulder. Four eyes are better than two.

Fremen
2012-08-31, 10:41 AM
Verdun Krueger

The druid simply nodded to the dwarf as the offer was made, and left the throne room alongside the others, there to make their way to the children's home. Along the way he bore the dwarf's questions with distant aloofness, answering them succinctly and without interest, "No. You don't. No, yes, and its a female - she's a wolf, she doesn't require a name."

JelloCat
2012-09-01, 02:16 PM
As the group walks to the boys' home Sir Rodrick makes idle small talk with a few of the commoners they pass on the street. With a smile and a compliment for everyone the knights makes his way to their destination person by person.

Allyzedl
2012-09-01, 02:23 PM
Ripley quietly follows behind the party.

Herabec
2012-09-03, 02:59 AM
OOC: My most sincere apologies for the delay in posting a response. This weekend has been nothing short of exhausting and I've simply not had the time or energy to reply with any quality.

IC: Nevare's knuckles rap the old, rotted door, his hollow knocking echoing throughout the building. Several moments pass before any noise from within was heard; the sound of shuffling feet and the strained coughing of a woman. Several moments later, the door swung open.

The woman standing in the entrance might have one day been beautiful, but no longer. Her face was covered in boils and wrinkles, one side of it twisted terribly with one milky-white eye. Her long hair was curled and grayed as though from age and she stood, stooped over a cane. She was dressed in drab, moth-eaten gray robes that dragged the ground at her feet. Her right hand was withered and black.

"Yes..? Who are you, who call upon poor Anke?"

ToySoldierCPlus
2012-09-03, 05:16 AM
Lady Seiler, correct? We've been hired by the monarchs to find your missing sons, Eric and Edward. We were told they had headed toward the bunker that was recently discovered, and didn't return. We'll be heading that way to look for them shortly, but I was hoping you could provide us with some information. What the boys look like, and why they were heading for the bunker, for starters."

Herabec
2012-09-03, 06:17 AM
The withered woman furled her brow slightly at the man who spoke, her hand clutching tighter at her cane. "My boys? They're missing, yes, but I don't know what you're talking about. What bunker? They went hunting on the plains," she refuted, her good eye peering at Nevare with an inquisitive gaze.

ToySoldierCPlus
2012-09-03, 07:09 AM
"Hunting? I see. Can you tell us where their usual hunting grounds are?"

Frivolous
2012-09-03, 12:30 PM
Jum the Sad


Jum stiffens in alarm as the old lady Anke asks about the bunker, then he relaxes as she seems to lose interest in inquiring about it.

He mentions gently, "A high official of the town of Rorikstead asked us to bring your boys back if we find them on our travels. But we need to give them proof we're not bandits. That's why we came to you, Anke."

"Anything you can tell us about them would be of help. And if one of them has a favorite toy we can show as proof we know you, that would also help."

Medic!
2012-09-03, 12:57 PM
Rugar

Aye, AYE! And we can find 'em a bit faster thanks to this fine man's doggy if you have somethin' e' can sniff on wit' their scent.

Frivolous
2012-09-03, 01:04 PM
Rugar

Aye, AYE! And we can find 'em a bit faster thanks to this fine man's doggy if you have somethin' e' can sniff on wit' their scent.


Jum the Sad


Jum looks startled. "Oh. I hadn't thought of that."

He turns his head and asks the rat on his shoulder. "We can't be going senile already, can we? We're too young t' go so stupid."

Fremen
2012-09-03, 02:08 PM
Verdun Krueger

The druid cast a sidelong glance at the dwarf at the word "doggy," but conceded the point. He didn't say anything to the woman, for despite his own background, he knew little in the ways of consolation or placation to have any idea as to what to say to the woman. Instead he busied himself with just taking stock of the accommodations, and ensuring his companion didn't do anything to upset the locals.

Herabec
2012-09-04, 03:54 AM
The woman furled her brow once again as if deep in thought, her hand clutching tightly to the cane in her hand before turning her back on the group and stepping into her house, the building dark save for the blazing firepit on the west wall. "I don't know where their normal hunting grounds are on the plains... They don't let me join them. But, if you think your wolf can track them..." she spoke, trailing off a bit as she hobbled off to a small table.

Once there, she reached down and grasped at a small golden necklace that lay atop an elaborately decorated tome. The necklace itself sparkled brightly in the firelight, a small golden sword dangling at the end. "This is Eric's - he never takes it hunting for fear of losing it, but he wears it all the time in the village. It should provide you with both the proof you need and his scent," she said before slowly making her way back to the door.

"They're young and prideful. This necklace belonged to their father; he was an adventurer - a great warrior. Eric and Edward always wanted to be like him... If it was bandits, then..." she spoke, voice wavering slightly.

ToySoldierCPlus
2012-09-04, 07:13 AM
Nevare reaches out and takes the necklace. "We'll find them, don't worry. I'm not losing anyone to some lowlife brigands." He hands the necklace to the druid. "Give your wolf the scent and lead the way."

Fremen
2012-09-04, 10:41 AM
Verdun Krueger

The druid gingerly took the necklace, careful to hold it with the folds of his robe, so as to minimize his own scent tainting the object. Kneeling, he faced the animal, who inquisitively trotted forward to sniff the proffered necklace. The wolf sniffed the object, eying the druid curiously, awaiting the command it knew was coming.

"Track them," he said simply, rising.

Taking 10 on the survival check to track with the wolf, giving a result of a 15 (enough to track on anything but rock/water).

Frivolous
2012-09-04, 11:30 AM
Jum the Sad


Jum raises his fair eyebrows skyward at his companions' seeming determination to start immediately instead of doing other things first.

His feet ache from walking all day and he has other intentions, but he says nothing. He plucks his rat from his shoulder and rubs the tiny furry warm body between his soft plump fingers as he waits for the wolf to pick a direction.

Medic!
2012-09-04, 01:24 PM
Rugar

Rugar's face twists into a mirthful smirk. An' you said he don't do tricks, bah!

The dwarf trots off happily to follow the wolf, anxious to meet up with these brigands. After thinking it over for several minutes, he draws his greatsword to get in a little "practice time" on the way, swinging at imaginary enemies and working through flourishing routines as he walks, keeping just enough of his attention on the wolf as to not get left behind.

He can faintly be heard humming a dwarven tune, occassionally singing some of the lyrics, Go'n' to bash a goblin Ma, be see-in you a' dinner! Clea-vin' 'im from crotch to maw, somethin' somethin' winner!

JelloCat
2012-09-04, 02:43 PM
"Perhaps we should stock up on supplies before we go traipsing through the wilderness? I for one am not prepared for this. Perhaps the general store first?"

Without another look back the knight strode ahead in the direction of the nearest store.

ToySoldierCPlus
2012-09-04, 03:30 PM
"Not prepared... ? What did he think we'd be doing, running around town delivering random ingredients to people?" Nevare shakes his head. "No matter. Guess we're waiting for him to finish his shopping. Anyone else need any supplies before we leave? I'd like to be on the plains before dark."

Herabec
2012-09-05, 07:03 AM
The Rorikstead market was a place where one could find many mundane items on sale. A general store was present, as was a smithy and even an apothecary. Just about anything non-magical that the group would require could be found here.

Verdun's wolf, using it's keen sense of smell, has managed to catch onto Eric's scent from the necklace, though the proud beast seems somewhat unsure of the exact direction the boy had traveled, thanks to time that had passed since Eric had departed the village.

The wolf, however, seems most pulled toward the southwest.

Once the group had finished their shopping, the gates of Rorikstead and the plains awaited them. According to the monarchs, it would be two day's journey both ways - they should prepare accordingly.

Frivolous
2012-09-06, 11:03 AM
"Not prepared... ? What did he think we'd be doing, running around town delivering random ingredients to people?" Nevare shakes his head. "No matter. Guess we're waiting for him to finish his shopping. Anyone else need any supplies before we leave? I'd like to be on the plains before dark."

Jum the Sad


Jum sits down on the nearest and cleanest available surface to rest his feet. He shrugs his round shoulders.

"I didn't know we would be investigating a bunker of t' Old World when I woke up this morning. Or that I would be looking f' two boys."

"Do we have enough light? I have torches. Enough to give us 10 hours of light, if we use them sparingly."

JelloCat
2012-09-06, 11:15 AM
"Just give me a couple minutes guys. I'll be right back."

With a flourish Sir Rodrick sets off for the market, returning shortly with a backpack loaded with traveling gear.

"Ready when you are."

ToySoldierCPlus
2012-09-10, 10:42 AM
Once Roderick and the others have returned, and Nevare, thinking better of setting out rashly, has improved his own supplies a bit, he turns to Verdun. "Have your wolf lead the way. We're setting out now."