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Post by Cadic's Devoted on Nov 24, 2009 21:02:04 GMT -5
"The wind, cold as ever, howled along the mountain tops, circling around the peaks and swirling the fresh dusting of snow that had just fallen. After collecting the cold air it swept down from the peaks in hard, straight gusts, and fell down along the steep moutains, sweeping out across the open plains of Attero, bringing the cold with it. As it swept across the plains, brushing lightly past what plant life managed to eke out an existance here, it brought with it a sense of foreboding to the people that it caught, a cold chill falling down their spines. Reaching the capital, it broke itself upon the walls of the grand city, the cold air lapping at the invisible wall of controlled environment, gathering some of the warmer air from within with it and swirling momentarily, threating to create a devil of the air, before dissapating harmlessly around the city. Inside this invisible bubble the people enjoyed a light breeze which, while it would not be considered warm by anyone in a more temperant climate, was warm in comparison to the winds that constantly blew down off of the mountains to the north. The air inside the city was never kept warm enough that anyone leaving the city would be shocked overly so from the temperature change, but enough that it was easier to stay comfortable with just wearing the correct clothing, instead of everyone having to bundle up against the sub-arctic temperatures of the plains.
Inside the city was business as usual for any major city. A little different in Attero than in other places, but most people here wouldn't realize that. Hawkers cried their wares from every major street, vendors displayed their wares from their open stalls, and more established merchants had their fine wares displayed in their windows. Signs of every kind announced any sort of thing anyone might wish to purchase, while others offered warm beds and meals to those traveling. All in all it was fairly typical of any major city.
However, unbeknownced today was the start of something grand. The start of history in the making. Today was the start of events that would cascade down the timeline, changing the would be's and might's of today, into the has been's and are's tomorrow. All around the city a select few people were receiving letters from an unidentified source. These letters spoke to these people in words they would understand, words that would persuade them to do as the writer wanted. Words that would strike true with their sense of purpose and honor. Some of these letters spoke of Patriotism. Others spoke of the great good that would be done in service of the writer. Yet others spoke of money and power to be gained. Not all would get a reply, not everyone would take what the letters said to heart. The letters though, all said the same general thing. To meet the writer at the Gilded Heart at 8 pm sharp on, the day after next. Some would ignore the summons, others would never receive the letters written to them in time. However, a select few would get their letters, and they did accept the summons.... this is their story. The story of history in the making."
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The tavern was a nice place, very well kept and maintained. A place for upper-middle class folks to go for some peace and quiet, or a quiet meal and a drink. And not uncommonly, for meetings of a more.... sensitive nature to take place. You all received the summons 2 days ago. A letter, bearing the seal of the Lord-Merchant Salazzar Deliante, one of the 5 of the ruling circle that, besides the king himself, rule the land of Attero. It spoke in words meant for each of you. No two letters exactly the same, but saying the things needed to at least get you to consent to hearing the proposition of the writer. So, you have all made your way here, to the Gilded Heart. It is 7:50. Time enough for a drink or a quick meal, or perhaps a look around before your meeting is scheduled to start. The letter said to merely be here, so you can only assume you will be found and summoned to the correct room at the correct time.
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Kiirnodel
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Post by Kiirnodel on Nov 24, 2009 22:07:45 GMT -5
Kin finds a seat that affords him a good view of the room, consciously making note of everyone. Subconsciously, he avoids those who look like spellcasters sitting further away from them while convincing himself that the seat is a better vantage point even if it has no merit. He orders a bit of food and drink and waits patiently, watching for anyone that could be a messenger or who might match the one who summoned him here.
As always, Kin carries his weapons, taking special care to be sure they are safe and under no chance of being stolen or tampered with. While he waits, he rests his left hand on his old service pistol, an old habit, as he would only use it under the most dire of circumstances.
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The Lord of Blades
Game Masters
Ero Sennin
Please allow me to introduce myself: I'm a man of wealth and taste
Posts: 1,314
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Post by The Lord of Blades on Nov 24, 2009 22:59:14 GMT -5
Dio walks into the establishment at 7:49:30, until then, he is nowhere to be seen. (hiding outside in the snow, hide 12+10 = 22, move silently 14+10 = 24)
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Post by Cadic's Devoted on Nov 25, 2009 0:50:55 GMT -5
Kin receives his drink and his meal, a leg of roast lamb that is practically falling off the bone beside an end of fresh bread, a wedge of cheese, and a tall mug of ale. As the waitress leaves she sets a folded piece of paper next to the mug, smiles and walks off to take care of other customers. When you check (Whenever you do) The paper merely says this. "First hallway, second door on right. Whenever you are ready. Feel free to bring your food or finish it first, whichever you prefer."
Dio on the other hand is met at the door as soon as he enters by a man in a finely tailored suit in the livery of the Lord-Merchant of whom's signet sealed the note that was received. The man bows low to Dio and gestures off to the back before beginning to lead him away. The grin that he flashes Dio before walking off is rather...distrubing... to say the least. It is not often one sees a tongueless man leading one to a meeting...but then, it is not often one see's a tongueless man outside of either dungeons or the gutters of cities. Regardless, he confidently seems to be leading you towards the back of the establishment, stopping every few feet to see if you are following.
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The Lord of Blades
Game Masters
Ero Sennin
Please allow me to introduce myself: I'm a man of wealth and taste
Posts: 1,314
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Post by The Lord of Blades on Nov 25, 2009 11:00:37 GMT -5
Dio follows the man quietly, taking in his surroundings casually as he walks.
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lonewolf2017
Senior Member
The Truth lies not in the Light, nor the Dark; But within the Shadows.
Posts: 263
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Post by lonewolf2017 on Nov 25, 2009 12:18:29 GMT -5
Cedrich walks nonchalantly in at 7:50 smiles at the waitress. " The Usual spot?" He half inquires already heading to the room. He subtly scans the room for familiar faces. (Perception 18+12= 30 )
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Kiirnodel
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Post by Kiirnodel on Nov 26, 2009 2:39:57 GMT -5
Kin checks the note before touching his food, then calmly eats his meal. After finishing the last of his ale, takes one last look around the room for anything that could pose a threat or be immediately dangerous. He double checks all of his gear and then follows the directions he received.
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Post by Cadic's Devoted on Nov 27, 2009 9:58:40 GMT -5
(Since Angrimm doesn't seem to be joining you all....)
Dio gets to the room first and is led to a round table with 6 chairs around it. The man in the livery that lead him in motions to the table, bows, and leaves the room. Other than Dio, the room is empty.
About 1 minute after Dio arrives, Cedrich enters the room. Upon entering he sees only Dio, whom he does not recognize.
Another few minutes pass by and Kin makes his way into the room after finishing his meal. When he enters he sees the two men already there, one he recognizes vaguely from the Border Patrol, and another whom he does not recognize at all.
At exactly 8:00 pm, according to the water clock above the mantel of the small fireplace that warms the room, a man in Black and Dark purple robes strides confidently into the room. "Hello gentlemen, how are you all. I assume you are the ones that my master had letters sent to about this little expedition? I am Morgan, Master Wizard in service to the Lord-Merchant Salazzar Deliante. I have been sent on his behalf to explain the details of this expedition to you and to see that you receive whatever supplies are needed, and whatever payment may be necessary."
At this point he sits down in an open chair, preferabbly the one directly across the room from the door, so that he is watching the entire room. "You have all been chosen for your unique skills, your combat prowess, your knowledge of obscure things, and in general, your talents as adventurers. Lets cut right to the chase. My lord wishes to hire you, although I must say that I was expecting a few more than the three of you, but I guess you will do. He requests that you venture forth to the mountains to the north. There his scouts have found a cave system that, if properly mined, could return quite the supply of wealth in both gold and adamantine, among other resources. There is of course, a few problems. One, we can find no record of the cave system ever being extensively mapped and explored. Secondly, from what little our scouts were able to find, it is infested with monsters, as places such as that are. You are to be hired to enter the cave system, explore and map what you can, and eliminate any threats you can find. If none of you are capable of creating an adequate map, although a bare sketch would be fine to work from, a man with skills in cartography can be sent with you. You will, of course, be compensated for your time and efforts in any means that you request, assuming that the request is in proportion to the task asked of you. And of course, anything you find in the cave systems, besides the minerals in the walls themselves, are yours to keep." Finally stopping, not seemingly having taken a breath up to this point, he takes a deep breath and leans forward. "Any questions?"
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lonewolf2017
Senior Member
The Truth lies not in the Light, nor the Dark; But within the Shadows.
Posts: 263
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Post by lonewolf2017 on Nov 27, 2009 11:37:36 GMT -5
Cedrich strokes his beard thoughtfully for a moment then draws a small slip of parchment from his belt sliding it across the table to the Wizard. Then leans back and watches the others gathered at the table.
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Kiirnodel
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Post by Kiirnodel on Nov 27, 2009 20:57:27 GMT -5
Kin sits quietly in contemplation, then looks up with a thought. "About these caves, are there any signs of natural dangers in these caves? Unstable ground, natural gas, things of those sorts? Otherwise, I don't think we will have any problems. I can make the maps, we shouldn't need to risk the life of one not trained for danger." he looks at the other two men with confidence, the one he doesn't recognize a little less so.
"Without knowing the exact risks, we can't adequately assess the compensation, but for now all we really need is a bit to prepare extra supplies for our delve into the cave system. Upon our return, we can discuss the finer details. Is that acceptable gentlemen?"
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The Lord of Blades
Game Masters
Ero Sennin
Please allow me to introduce myself: I'm a man of wealth and taste
Posts: 1,314
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Post by The Lord of Blades on Nov 29, 2009 0:15:47 GMT -5
Dio nods at the proposal from the man, and without really directly acknowledging Kin states: "I accept, I'll discuss the area of compensation when I return. What can you tell me of the monster life in the area?"
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Post by cOMMUNISMISFANCY on Nov 29, 2009 14:03:18 GMT -5
[OOC: I apologize for not posting, but I was waiting for confirmation that my character was accepted before I posted. I left a note that I was finished in the character approval forum.]
Angrimm storms into the tavern a few minutes after the time written on the wrinkled piece of parchment grasped within his hand, the door rattling at the excessive force applied to it. His intricately crafted armor is still travel-worn as if he just rushed in off the long road. The bronze and silver coins braided into his beard chink together softly as he turns his head from side to side as if looking for a certain group of individuals.
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Post by Cadic's Devoted on Dec 2, 2009 17:32:59 GMT -5
-For Angrimm- When you walk into the room and look around expectantly, the bartender looks your way and shakes his head. "You're late! Meetin's in the back, Second door down the hall there." With a fat finger he points down the hallway off next to the bar. "Yur guy already started the meetin from what I can tell."
-Everyone else-
Morgan takes the note that is passed to him before sitting back, non-chalantly opening it up and scanning it quickly before slipping it into a pocket. "Yes yes, that can all be supplied to you before you head out. A little expensive aren't we? Some of that might be hard to find... the bottles especially. You'll pardon if we don't get it all yes?"
Looking over at Kin, Morgan think for a moment. "No, no signs of anything like that that I know of. Those caves have been around for a while, just generally not explored very well. No idea why. Just one of those things. I imagine adventurers have explored parts of them before but nothing recorded that I know of besides what your scouts told us."
With a nod to Dio, Morgan smirks slightly. "And yes, we can discuss payment when you all return. As for monsters that you may encounter, our scouts reported kobolds, they heard a bit of moaning which reminded them of the undead although no visual confirmation of that. Other than that.... One of our scouts knew enough Draconic to recognize some of the kobolds speech. They were talking about something tentacled. Something about a..." Pulling a rolled up parchment from his pocket he unfurls it a bit to read something. " 'All Knowing Great Eye' or something like that. The scout wasn't too sure on the translation." Rolling it back up he slides it into his pocket.
"Any further questions?"
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Kiirnodel
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Post by Kiirnodel on Dec 2, 2009 19:29:52 GMT -5
Kin nods, "That was my primary concern, I would rather not be in danger simply by being present in an otherwise empty cave..." Looking around at the others, "did any of you others have any more concerns? I assume we will simply leave once we are all ready." Kin looks questioningly at the one who has 'expensive' tastes, not sure what he could have requested. "and you aren't going to bring us any trouble, are you?" [ooc] Lets keep this going so we can get to actual action parts [/ooc]
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Post by cOMMUNISMISFANCY on Dec 2, 2009 20:45:41 GMT -5
The heavy sound of boots echoes off the walls as Angrimm makes his way towards the back of the tavern, foretelling the arrival of the dwarf long before his stocky frame fills the doorway. He carries a heavily decorated helm featuring the likeness of a dire wolf under his left arm as he puffs out his chest.
"Ser Angrimm Bronzebeard, at your service. Assuming I am not too late that is."
His steel-blue eyes take in the other adventurers gathered before him and seemingly satisfied he moves to stand behind one of the chairs.
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