[5e] Adventures in Faerun - A Sandbox Story

[badintel]

Out of Character Thread (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?388087-Adventures-in-Faerun-Out-of-Character-Thread)

Make sure y'all are aware of the laws of Cormyr:

Laws of Cormyr

All persons entering Cormyr must register with the officials of a border garrison.
Foreign currency can only be used in certain locations. Please exchange your coins for Cormyrean golden lions at your first opportunity.
Adventurers must acquire a charter before undertaking any operation as a group.
All weapons must be peace-bonded. The only persons exempt from this law are members of chartered adventuring groups and members of mercenary groups that can offer proof of employment.
Harming cats is forbidden.
Bow your head to royalty and the local nobility.
Purple Dragons have the right to search you upon request.
Hunting on private land is forbidden.



The Story Begins

Your world is large place. The corner of it you find yourself in is known as Cormyr (http://forgottenrealms.wikia.com/wiki/Cormyr) (map of Cormyr (http://img3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20081014082233/forgottenrealms/images/9/95/Cormyr_-_1479_DR_copy.jpg)). Specifically, the town of Arabel (http://forgottenrealms.wikia.com/wiki/Arabel).

The year is 1372, the horrors of the Goblin War (http://forgottenrealms.wikia.com/wiki/Goblin_War) have just ended and the land is in a state of upheaval. As King Azoun IV (http://forgottenrealms.wikia.com/wiki/Azoun_IV) died during the war, his daughter, Princess Alusair Nacacia Obarskyr (http://forgottenrealms.wikia.com/wiki/Alusair_Obarskyr) (also known as the Steel Regent), is ruling the kingdom while her infant nephew Azoun V (http://forgottenrealms.wikia.com/wiki/Azoun_V) grows to manhood.

The Purple Dragons (http://forgottenrealms.wikia.com/wiki/Purple_Dragons) and the War Wizards (http://forgottenrealms.wikia.com/wiki/War_Wizards) work to bring peace back to this land and adventurers of all types are gaining charters and taking on missives from the Regent. Missives can be found in any registered tavern or guard station.

There is much work to be done, what is your place in Cormyr?

[badintel]

In Arabel (http://forgottenrealms.wikia.com/wiki/Arabel)of Cormyr (http://www.realmshelps.net/faerun/pix/Cormyr_-_1479_DR_bg.jpg), there is a tavern called the Burning Blade (http://enchantedkingdomcreations.com/image/cache/data/products/knight_tunic_sword/2-500x500.jpg).

This tavern is in the merchant sector of Arabel. It is not unusual to see nobles and peasants both drinking here, though the truly destitute are quickly thrown out the back.

There is a small crowd, but it is still early (7:00PM). The sound of a bard playing a quiet but jaunty tune can be heard coming from inside, and the smell of dark, bitter beer (http://www.bourbonblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Black-and-Gold-Punch.jpg) and roasted meat and potatoes filters into the night air.

Go ahead and post your starting actions. As you enter you will note that the men inside the tavern have their weapons unbound. If you're backstory had you growing up in Arabel, then this is not unusual. If you are not from Arabel or have not spent significant time here, this will strike you as unusual, as in the rest of Cormyr, such a thing is illegal.

[Thrasher92]

Darrow saunters into the Burning Blade, finding a table in the back that also views the door. He notices some familiar faces in the crowd due to growing up here, but nobody who he would want to greet or speak with at the moment.

He orders a beer and happily laps up the brew as he scans the crowd, looking for either a drinking companion or an easy mark... not that the two have to be mutually exclusive.

[Crit Happens]

Set walks into the bar and upon noticing the unbound weapons, moves to an empty table with his war hammer in easy reach. Set scans the bar keeping tabs on where people are in relation to himself. He calls upon a server and in a calm tone asks "Can you bring me a plate of food and some beer."

[badintel]

Darrow: As you enter the Burning Blade your presence is barely noted. There are some acknowledging nods from a few folks that recognize you, but no offers to join their table. As you stand near the entry way unobtrusively observing the room, another man walks past, nearly bumping into you on his way to a table.

Darrow notices that as the man sits and looks around the room, he feels uneasy about something, and brings his weapon (a large hammer) closer to hand. Looking around the rest of the room, Darrow notices that this individual is the only one drinking alone...


Set: As you enter the tavern, you immediately look for an empty table, and easily find one near the fireplace. As you sit and place your order, the barmaid says, "Coming right up, it'll be two copper." You hand over the coin and as she is walking away you look around the room and realize two things. First, noone in here has their weapons bound, and second, that you are being watched.

[hi1j4uni]

Patrin walks into the third bar upon his entry into this town following several days walk from the west and the town of Eveningstar on the high road. The first 2 establishments he entered shocked him- as if it appeared a brawl were about to start in each--however it appears that carrying ones weapons ready for action is commonplace in this foul smelling town. A stench from long ago when green dragons ravaged the environment still lingers to Patrin's keen nose for acid breath weapons(1018 DR).
Patrin asks a passing women fetching ales-- Has the law been altered to permit one's weapons to be unbound whilst in public? Or does the entirety of town work in the employ of guild and master for adventure?
Please advise me where I may take my supper; may I please have a board of rare meat and water wash it down.

[Thrasher92]

After studying the man with the warhammer for several minutes, trying to look indiscreet.

(My perception roll and stealth roll is on the rolling thread.)

Finally measuring up the man at the table Darrow decides to politely approach.

"Welcome, I haven't seen you in here before. I am Darrow, may I join you?" Darrow questioned to the man at the table.

[badintel]

Patrin: The serving girl seems to be listening intently, until you realize she hasn't heard a word and is just staring. You stare back, and she startles out of her dazed rudeness saying, "Yeah, sure, any seat is open, be right with ya" and walking away while shooting you curious glances over her shoulder. There are a couple of folks in the room that don't merit your attention; however, a human in a cloak and hood that is standing near the fireplace talking to a Half Elf holy man seem to be of adventuring ilk, and they seem to have overheard your conversation...though they aren't being malicious. The same cannot be said for the rest of the bars patrons. Though there is plenty of muttering, it is likely your heavy weapons and armor, as well as your general appearance, that are keeping them from saying something to your face. You recall that this area was heavily ravaged by dragons in it's history and that because of this event the people here are pretty racist towards dragonborn.

Darrow and Set: Of all the sights, a dragonborn holy warrior has entered the bar and is drawing stares and unhappy whispers from all corners. Neither of you can quite remember the last time you saw a dragonborn, at least not one here in Arabel that wasn't on the wrong end dirty look held in anger. It suddenly hits you why this dragonborn is the exception to this rule. This isn't just any dragonborn, this is that dragonborn that is a member of the oRmalin family, a newly re-established line of powerful dragonborn warriors...or so you heard from that bard a few weeks ago.
You notice that the dragonborn is walking around with his weapon bound, custom typical of those more used to the laws outside of Arabel.

Darrow: You notice nothing unusual about the man at the table, the rest of the patron's don't seem to pay you much mind.

Continue to RP in the bar for as long as you like, I've got an action on hold for when you have gotten to where you want in the bar. Don't take this as a forced introduction, do as you like! Put a spoiler on your post letting me know you are ready to proceed.

[hi1j4uni]

I approach the half elven holy man and his hooded associate: Greetings priest, I am Patrin orMalin, favored son of Bahamut; might I sit and break bread with you and your friend? This bar is brimming with adventurers it would seem, or they have no regard for the law. If invited to join them; over the meal- I tell the tale of my calling and desire to learn about my family, the platinum cadre and the Talons of Justice.

[Crit Happens]

To Darrow: "Of course its always nice to have company in these troubling times". Set says as he kicks a chair out for the man to sit.

To Patrin: I reply by kicking another seat out from the table and politely wave him to take a seat. "Its been a long time since I've seen a dragon born such as yourself, but unlike everyone else in this place I don't feel ones race is what determines ones character." "However I can't blame them, I have seen what the dragon born on the other side of the war did to this country." After hearing his story I will offer him a drink and tell the story of how I came to be a champion of Tempest.

[Crit Happens]

To Darrow: "Of course its always nice to have company in these troubling times". Set says as he kicks a chair out for the man to sit.

To Patrin: I reply by kicking another seat out from the table and politely wave him to take a seat. "Its been a long time since I've seen a dragon born such as yourself, but unlike everyone else in this place I don't feel ones race is what determines ones character." "However I can't blame them, I have seen what the dragon born on the other side of the war did to this country." After hearing his story I will offer him a drink and tell the story of how I came to be a champion of Tempest.

BTW, I am ready to leave the bar whenever everyone else is.

[badintel]

Three strangers find companionship around a table sharing drink, food, and warmth from the hearth. Telling tales of their past and their hopes for the future, the time quickly passes until it is late into the evening. Nearly midnight, the Burning Blade is now crowded and noisy, but not rowdy...it seems that whenever trouble gets started the bartender, a man named Jerry Thomas (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8b/JerryThomas01.jpg), would quickly throw the troublemakers out, and then get back to making his signature drink, the "Blue Blazer" (https://drinksbyjohn.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/blue-blazer.jpg), which he would eventually stir with the bone handled knife (https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/0c/12/8c/0c128cb85e7c055a45d20a00fba6fd66.jpg) on his belt.

As you sit, the door opens, and stays open as a group of men come in off the street. They let in a draft of cold air bringing some dirty looks. A man near the door at the bar yells, "shut the door!".

You all turn your eyes to the slight commotion and notice four Purple Dragons (http://forgottenrealms.wikia.com/wiki/Purple_Dragons) walk in the door.

Set - You notice that the soldiers are armed with sword and dagger, wearing studded leather armor.

Darrow - You notice that the soldiers are armed with sword and dagger, wearing studded leather armor. One of the men (the large one with a full beard) seems to be a sergeant and you can tell by his actions and demeanor that he is in charge of the others. You also notice there is a nearly empty bag hanging on his hip with a single, rolled up sheet of paper in it.

Patrin - You notice that the soldiers are armed with sword and dagger, wearing studded leather armor. One of the men (the large one with a full beard) seems to be a sergeant and you can tell by his actions and demeanor that he is in charge of the others. You also notice there is a nearly empty bag hanging on his hip with a single, rolled up sheet of paper in it. There also seems to a man in their company that is not in uniform. The man has black hair and is plainly, but finely dressed. You catch a glimpse of a bit of fine stitchwork on the man's jerkin on his chest...a silver crown. Perhaps a noble of House Crownsilver (http://forgottenrealms.wikia.com/wiki/House_Crownsilver)?

The main group saunters over to the bar and begins to order drinks, while one of the soldiers, a large man with a full beard, walks business like over to a well worn bit of wall and produces a sheet of parchment. He proceeds to nail the parchment to the wall. It seems to be a missive of some kind...but you are all too far away to read most of it. You can, however, see the mountains drawn on the top of the sheet, and the word "Adventurers Needed" in large block print.

As the man with the beard walks over to his mates, one of them says, "Oy Joe, glad to be done with that. What you say, grab a few drinks here, find a room, and then head back to Suzail in the morn'?" In reply, Joe says, "Aye, sounds good to me. Hopefully Calantar's Way isn't as crowded on the way back. I'll tell you boys, coming up to Arabel was a good waste of time. Haven't had a single missive answered since the war. But what the Steel Regeant wants, the Steel Regeant gets. I know I wouldn't want to be on her bad side. Oy, barkeep, gimme five of those flaming whatzits, on the double!

Darrow - You know of both Suzail (http://forgottenrealms.wikia.com/wiki/Suzail)and Calantar's Way (http://forgottenrealms.wikia.com/wiki/Calantar's_Way).

[badintel]

What started as a calm evening has turned into a boisterous affair. The bard has pulled out several instruments and attached them to different body parts. A drum and cymbals at his feet, a strange box-like instrument on a rod in front of his mouth, and a fiddle in his hands...quite the sight to behold (http://www.e-torch.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/tumblr_l9sqlzqMTc1qbz9meo1_500.jpg).

By this time of night the Burning Blade is full and noisy. The people sing and dance with the music, the women find men to buy them drinks, and the men find women to warm their laps. The barkeep is joined by two more men and is doing brisk business.

The night seems perfect, until a single noise grinds the entire bar to a state of shocked silence.



The squeal of an injured cat.



The music stops. Nobody moves. All eyes turn to the source of the sound. There stands a man, a shocked and panicked look drawn across his face, and a dying cat laying at his feet. The creature's soft brown and white fur now stained red with blood that is still pouring from the seizing feline's mouth. "I dinna meanta! I swear it! Twas an accident it was! I was just dancing, and it just jumped under my feet! The cursed beas..."

Before the man could finish there was a sharp ring of metal on metal and a dull thud as a dagger appeared between the man's eyes. All eyes turned back to the group of soldiers, where a man in a black cloak with a stitchworked silver crown on his breast stood with a dangerous look on his face. "Sergeant" the man in black says, "remove that garbage." He turned his head towards the other soldiers, "Gentlemen, I think it is high time we call it a night." He then raised his voice so as to ensure everyone in the bar could hear his words. "It was foolish to think that any would answer the missive here. Though the Eastern Stormhorns have the best potential for riches, they also hold the highest risk. Only men of bravery and skill could truly re-take the three keeps and re-build the High Wall. There are no such men here, especially in the company of one that would senselessly kill such a precious life." You can see most of the men look down in shame, knowing that the man in black's words are true, but there is one commoner whose clenching fist and thrust out jaw demonstrate his anger at the man in black's challenge. "Oy! Who the hell do you think you are to walk in here and judge us!?! We work hard here in Arabel to make this region safe. We took the worst of it during the Goblin wars, worse than many of our neighbors, but we still carry on." The commoner says. He then spits on the ground in front of the man in black, saying, "**** you! **** you and your ****ing missive!"

The man in black narrows his eyes, "**** me? You propose to **** me?" The man reaches slowly into his cloak and draws a shining rapier with an intricate hilt of pure silver (http://fc08.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2014/095/3/d/swept_hilt_rapier_c__1610__2__by_danelli_armouries-d7d76z4.jpg), the same color as the thread on his needlework cloak. Before he can bring it to bear, Sergeant Joe puts a hand on his shoulder and says, "My lord, there's no need to bloody your fine blade on such a man. You decided to come here without declaring yourself as a member of House Crownsilver. How was he to know he just insulted one of the most powerful men in the realm? Grant him clemency for his loose tongue, and let us go."

For a moment, the young noble considered the Sergeant's words. The room had heard the entire exchange and all heads lowered in the respectful bow one owes those of nobility. With more than a little delay, the angry commoner also lowered his head, but only slightly. The noble in black nodded and said, "Very well, I will spare his life. I will, however, leave him with a reminder of his insolence." And with a quick stroke the blade flashed in the firelight and left a 2-inch line of red across the commoner's cheek. The blood didn't begin to pour for the span of three breaths, by which time the young noble and the soldiers had already left the bar.

Touching his cheek and finding the blood there, the commoner swore in disbelief and grimaced in pain. "Bloody hell, gorram Dragons and their stupid missives." He turned, grabbed the missive off the wall, crunched it into a ball, and tried to throw it at the fire before stalking out angrily with his friends.

He missed his goal, and the balled up sheet of paper lands square in the middle of Set's plate.

[hi1j4uni]

Thank you gentlemen for sharing your table, and stories with me. I mean to speak with the young nobleman who recently departed. I invite you to accompany me if you have any interest in riches (wink at Darrow) to be found in the Eastern Stormhorns, or mayhap scores of orcs and goblin kind (wink at Set) along the way, (under my breath- or perhaps some truth).

Patrin stands, checks his coin bag- pays his tab and turns to depart. He straightens his cloak and checks to ensure his signet ring is prominently displayed and clean, then begins walking toward the door.

[badintel]

Finding his coin bag and all other possessions intact, Patrin makes his way outside. Once outside he can see the soldiers and the mysterious noble about halfway down the block, slowly walking away and chatting amongst themselves.

The bloodied commoner is quickly pacing back and forth in the street. Muttering to himself you can overhear him trying to decide whether he should go after the noble.

You note that this commoner is wearing roughspun clothes, no discernible armor, and carrying a dagger. A small coinpurse is attached to his simple brown leather belt.

[hi1j4uni]

I approach the commoner and state You were very clever not to resist or fight with his lordship, and brave to stand your ground; as for pursuit I am sure you will rise above the matter-- take this suggestion and a few silver coins and seek out some medicine for your impressive wound. Handing him a dozen silver-While his hand is in contact with mine I attempt to cure his wound by laying on hands(up to 5hp). Blessed are the followers of Bahamut.

I then turn to follow the young Crownsilver lord. I will jog to catch up.

[Thrasher92]

Seeing his opportunity to get out of this town and make some real wealth, Darrow grabs the paper that landed on Set's plate and looks around the table.

This is our chance to do something with our lives... to adventure! I am not going to miss this, and you shouldn't either.

Darrow then slips out the door and begins following Patrin as he keeps to the shadows.

[badintel]

As you approach (Patrin and Darrow) the bloodied commoner quickly turns, knife in hand. He almost looks as though he is going to lash out with the small blade when you show your empty, weaponless scaled hands. The man shakes his head at his own foolishness and listens to what you have to say. As you begin talking, you can tell that the way you speak makes the man take stock of you in a more deliberate way. As his eyes move from your head, to your clothes, and finally to your signet, you can see the gears turn and the tumblers all fall into place inside his head as he realizes that you are a noble as well. Before you can finish speaking he bows to you and begins to say, "Mi lord, I apologize for..." but he is interrupted as you say, "Blessed are the followers of Bahamut." and drop the coins into his hand.

The commoner looks from Patrin to Darrow and then says, "So they are" in a stunned voice and stands with a look of awe on his face as you jog by him to catch up with the group of soldiers.

As Darrow and Patrin continue forward, they will eventually catch up to men, the Lord of Crownsilver turns as the soldiers all stop and look over their shoulders. The common soldiers are all looking at Patrin, but the Sergeant only glances at Patrin before fixing his eyes on Darrow in the shadows. The noble gives a quick up and down glance before giving a polite nod and saying, "Good evening, sir. I don't believe we have had the pleasure. My name is Elvrin Crownsilver of House Crownsilver in Suzail. I don't recognize your seal...are you from around here?"

Darrow and Patrin = You both know that Elvrin of House Crownsilver is a well known and highly skilled courier. He frequently will take messages back and forth for members of high nobility as well as handle the posting of the most important missives for the Steel Regeant. He is known for effectively carrying out this role, and is in a unique position to do so as he is neither the eldest or youngest of his House.

[hi1j4uni]

Good evening my lord Elvrin of house Crownsilver from Suzail(Incline my head in a slight bow); I am Patrin of house oRmalin; we hail form East Faerun across the sea of fallen stars, in the land of Tymanther, we are based in her capitol city - Djerad Thymar. I travel to further the honor of the Bahamut, the Platinum Cadre, and house oRmalin- and your call to venture into the Eastern Stormhorns has intrigued me. What does your steel regent ask her humble servants to accomplish on this venture?

[badintel]

Elvrin inclines his head slightly, but noticeably, at your introduction.

I must admit, I am not terribly surprised that one of your nature would find interest in this particular missive. If my memory serves me correctly, many of your kin took to those hills after their displacement from Abeir. There hasn't been a dragonborn presence their in many generations, but there could be much history to be found. There are those that say that their pilgrimage to this area is why the Sea of Fallen Stars has it's name as a matter of fact. That the dragons that fell from the sky were as falling stars. There are several waters that attest to this as well with even the western-most waters of the Sea where the Stormhorns and the Sea meet called the Dragonmere.

While Elvrin talked his gaze began to no longer look at you, but rather through you as he recounted history that he learned long ago. He shakes himself from the past and returns his gaze to you, saying,

Well, anyways, the missive. The Princess Alusair Nacacia Obarskyr has undertaken the heavy task of rebuilding our lands after the Goblin War. While her main efforts has been supplying and safeguarding the major cities, even here in Arabel, she has not lost sight of the mountains from which this threat sprung. The Eastern Stormhorns are a vital strategic interest to her Majesty and the many vital structures that were overrun or destroyed during the war need to be rebuilt and manned.

In order to facilitate this, a missive has been sent out for a group to travel to six places, assess their damage, retain any valuables, develop immediate defenses if able, develop a plan of force distribution within one to five years, and command the necessary efforts recommended in the initial assessment. These places are High Horn, The Haunted Halls, Forgotten Keep, the Temple Archeron, Castle Crag, and the Tower of Ruin.

If her Majesty deems the assessments and plans sound, then the group that accepts this missive will be granted either titles within the nobility or commission of high rank within the military. They will be in full command of the renewed garrisons and all their forces, and will be responsible for the safety of Central Cormyr's northern borders, a vital defensive and strategic region.

A pouch has been left at the Lady Myrmeen Lhal's (http://forgottenrealms.wikia.com/wiki/Myrmeen_Lhal) home office with instructions to deliver the contents to the holder of this missive, should they be deemed worthy. The contents of the pouch should help the party with their initial expenses prior to departing North. The group will also be accompanied by an advisor appointed by the throne, Thaddeus Crane (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alfred_Pennyworth).

You must wonder, of course, why it is that noone has jumped at this missive? Well, simply put, even though the war is over, the Eastern Stormhorns are not a safe place. Many threats still roam those hills. In the past, the garrisons that need to be rebuilt safeguarded the area and travelers could roam without fear, but ever since the war, there has been no military presence in the region. Since the area is remote, there is not much availability of immediate support that can be granted by Suzail's garrison forces should anyone run into trouble...essentially, any adventurers would be on their own.

At this point, Elvrin cracks a sly, amused grin, smooths his thinning black hair back with his hand, and says,

So, now that you have heard all there is to say, I suppose you will be on your way. Be a good friend, and place that scrap back up on the wall. I'll not have it said that her Majesty's best courier neglected to post her words.

Here are some links to some of the six areas of interest:

Storm Horn Mountains (http://forgottenrealms.wikia.com/wiki/Storm_Horns)
High Horn (http://forgottenrealms.wikia.com/wiki/High_Horn_%28hold%29)
Haunted Halls (http://forgottenrealms.wikia.com/wiki/Haunted_Halls)
Castle Crag (http://forgottenrealms.wikia.com/wiki/Castle_Crag)

Take these pages as the history of these places. They are unknown entities in this world now...if you are curious about them, you will have to take up this missive and explore them. If you wish for other adventures, simply do what you wish with this missive and carry on with your first night in Arabel!

Darrow: You recognize the names of these places, but not much else. You know that in their prime, these places were all important in their own way, and that many of them held riches, relics, artifacts, and other valuables.

Patrin: You remember hearing about a pilgrimage of dragonborn moving into the Sea, but you never did learn their final location. You do recall hearing that an elder of House oRmalin (who also was a member of the Platinum Cadre) helped to lead this expedition...but their fate was unknown...until now.

[Crit Happens]

Seeing Darrow grab the paper off of my plate screaming about adventure as he rushes out of the bar, I place some money for my meal on the table and quickly give chase to Darrow and Patrin. After catching up to the others I remain quiet and wait to see what happens.

[badintel]

Set: You see the above exchange between Patrin and Lord Elvrin. At this point in time I have you standing in the street a few paces behind Patrin.

[badintel]

As Lord Elvrin turns and walks away with the military men, there is a sound behind you...a scuffing in the dirt. All of you turn to see the bloodied commoner and five of his friends. You all recognize them as the men he was drinking with at the bar. They are looking at the three of you with apprehension. The one whose face is still bleeding pulls the flimsy hat off his head and wrings it in his hands. He takes a step forward and, looking at your feet, says,

"M' Lord...my mates and I, well, we couldn't help but overhear." He quickly followed up with, "I don't mean to eavesdrop, no offense sir, but well, you're the biggest thing my boys and I seen come through here since the war. Literally and figuratively." he grinned a bit at his own joke.

"Like I said, we heard what was said, and well, we was wanted to let you know, if you decide to go, we are willing to help. My name is Duke (http://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/40667/file-14175796-jpeg/images/vincent-van-gogh-portrait-of-peasant-detail-resized-600.jpeg?t=1426614092558), and these are my boys, Mason (http://uploads4.wikiart.org/images/vincent-van-gogh/head-of-a-young-peasant-in-a-peaked-cap-1885.jpg), Miller (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/80/Vincent_van_Gogh_-_Head_of_a_peasant_-_Google_Art_Project.jpg), Abbot (http://uploads6.wikiart.org/images/vincent-van-gogh/head-of-a-peasant-with-a-pipe-1885(1).jpg), Chandler (http://uploads1.wikiart.org/images/vincent-van-gogh/portrait-of-a-young-peasant-1889.jpg), and Tanner (http://www.wga.hu/art/g/gogh_van/02/nuenen13.jpg). We had our lives before the war, but when push came to shove we helped protect this city as best we could. But now, we just rebuild. The work is hard, but it isn't...meaningful. This type of thing is just what we've been looking for, but we aren't strong enough to take it on ourselves."

Duke looks back at the other men, who all solemnly, but excitedly nod their encouragement. Duke turns back and says, "If you go, you're gonna need help, and we are willing to provide it. We can cook, clean, tend horses, make repairs, run messages, sit guard, whatever you need. We don't want much, just a place to sleep, food to eat, and a little coin at the end." The other men nod and murmur their agreement. Duke sticks his chin out and says, "So whadda say, are y'all gonna accept the missive?"

[hi1j4uni]

Well meet brave men; I am troubled to hear of your hardships.

I sense divine (p84 PHB): if they are evil then I attack-- If they are not then I say:

If you swear into my service I will gladly walk the path to our mutual prosperity. As long as you obey me as your lord and uphold your solemn vows to help this party to attain its goal herein detailed in this missive; and thereafter if you so choose. I, Patrin of House oR'Malin swear to provide lordship, sustenance, and proper remuneration as well as friendship to you each; and hereafter you will always be welcome at my hearth. In the mighty name of Bahamut I do swear.

If they swear fealty I extend my hands in friendship- and "lay on hands" if any are sick, poisoned, cursed, injured.

I rolled a 25 to persuade them!

[badintel]

Duke's countenance takes on a serious tone. He gives a slight bow and says, "Let me talk it over...please give us a minute."

With that he turns back to the other gathered men and they begin to discuss the matter quietly. It doesn't take long.

Duke's Conversation: Boys, I don't know about you but this just feels right. I can't put my finger on it, but this seems like one of those times where our lives will be changed no matter what choice we make. I'll tell you what, I don't want to look back on this in 20 years and wonder...what if. I say we go for it, and not just piecemeal. I say in for a penny in for a pound and we follow this man to the end. What say you? His men all respond with a solemn, "Finis coronat opus".

Duke turns to Patrin and kneels, the five other men kneel with him. Duke says, "The six arms of the Hammermen all strike as one. We are yours and do so swear our allegiance and fealty to Patrin of the house oRmalin, our Lord until death takes us." Duke then stands and walks up to Patrin.

At this point, a small crowd has gathered and is bearing witness to the spectacle in the middle of the street. There are some that laugh, some that scoff, and some that jeer. But all fall silent when they hear Duke mention the "six arms of the Hammermen". They now listen in silent attention.

Duke reaches up and removes a device of some kind from his collar, "My Lord, the Hammermen are yours to command." He places a small metal pin (http://www.hammermen.org/images/hammerman_trans1.gif) in Patrin's hand.

Upon receipt of this oath and pin, Patrin extends his hands and blesses his men. As the cut on Duke's cheek heals and immediately scars, the crowd begins to whisper and murmur in amazement.

"My Lord, I think we understand everything except one thing. You mentioned a party would be joining us. Who else is in your group?" Are these men" he says, pointing to Darrow and Set, "the rest of your group?" Duke looks at both Darrow and Set and says, "Will you be joining us?"

[Thrasher92]

Darrow speaks first.

"I will venture forth with you, my blood excites at the thought of a grand adventure."

[badintel]

Duke turns to you and slightly inclines his head. "Well met, I am Duke, and what should I call you?"

After introductions with Darrow he will turn to Set and say, "And you sir, will you be joining us as well? What is your name?"

After Set says his piece, Duke will say, "Let us retire back to the Burning Blade, and celebrate new friends and new beginnings!"

At the Burning Blade we can go as quickly as you want. Feel free to socialize with your new friends, or, if you want to press on, just post a spoiler to that effect, but make sure you let me know what you want to do next. Don't just let me know that you're done at the bar. This is an opportunity for some free-flow RP, this section's pace is up to y'all!

[Thrasher92]

"I will join you through the Eastern Stormhorns, with risk comes great reward." Darrow says.

[badintel]

At the Burning Blade we can go as quickly as you want. Feel free to socialize with your new friends, or, if you want to press on, just post a spoiler to that effect, but make sure you let me know what you want to do next. Don't just let me know that you're done at the bar. This is an opportunity for some free-flow RP, this section's pace is up to y'all! [/SPOILER]

I'm going to go ahead and put in some auto-actions unless you guys have something specific you want to learn about at the bar. Let me know if you have something specific you want to do.

[badintel]

The night is full of laughs and song as you chase the moon with draught after draught of ale and snifter after snifter of fine liquor. You all agree to meet the next morning at the Lady Myrmeen Lhal's home to officially collect the missive.

Duke meets you at the home, letting you know that the rest of his boys are sleeping off their hangovers. Everyone approaches the door.

Now, this isn't just any house. The front door was under a small round entryway with the house extending to the right. The walls were made entirely of worked stone and the grounds smelled of roses and lavender. The light of the morning sparkled off of some crystalline material that was found in some of the stone. (http://www.calfinder.com/assets/local/washington-dc-mansion.jpg) The estate was beautiful.

Set knocked and a gnome answered the door. Standing only three feet tall, the entire group looked down, which is unfortunate as the gnome had an enormous bald spot ringed in by thin white hair.

Set says, "We are here to see the Lady Myrmeen Lhal regarding the missive for the Stormhorn Mountains."

The gnome says, "Right this way gentlemen" and shows you all to a grand room. The floors are a rich hardwood that is strategically covered with fine woven rugs, drawing attention to the different sections of the room. This appears to be a combination sitting room and library, with shelves of books lining the walls to the left and right. At the far end of the room the entire back wall is floor to ceiling glass, a single pane that is at least 50ft square. A lady is sitting on an ornate couch in a dress that appears to be made entirely of silk and lace.

As you enter they turn and the lady says, "Gentlemen, welcome to my home, please be seated! I understand you are here to receive the missive for the Stormhorns. Well, you look the hardy sort, you should do the kingdom proud, I'm sure of it. Here is the official charter from the crown, simply write in the names of your party in the blank space below and I will affix the royal seal. Here is a pouch for you that should help you on the way...but be warned. Taking on this missive is a binding contract. Should you attempt to abscond with the bag and shirk your duties, you will be hunted as thieves. Thaddeus Crane is an agent of the crown and will be waiting for you at the North end of town at a place called the Bell Inn (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2f/Pub_sign,_the_Bell_Inn,_Imber_-_geograph.org.uk_-_538486.jpg). He is under strict instructions to aid you, or not, as you see fit.

Well, gentlemen, do you have any questions?"