The Year is 511 After the Battle of Montecarexpat (ABM)

We begin our story in the Verdant Trammel, the eastern landmass of the continent of Vorgeris, specifically in State of Vortes. To the south lies Vortes' suzerain, the Republic of Yvraithe, the Heart of the Trammel. Further south-east lies Vortes' fellow vassal under Yvraithe, the State of Mazekyn, known for their martial prowess and flourishing wyvern preserve, and the State of Nylmas, which has had their border closely monitored to only allow a select few people to visit since the end of the Third Age. Directly to the east of Vortes lies the nature preserve held in trust by the Republic of Yvraithe where many nomadic settlements have popped up over the years.

To the west lies the Root Anvil, a land where the practice of monarchy still remained despite the ravages of time and progress. This is a place of strife and conflict, but also wonder and arcane might. This is the land where the acolytes of the Deities still flourish in the government, even as much as maintaining their hold as the superpower in the west. But, that is not where we are going.

Our story starts much more ordinary and calm in the port city of Vortesso, the capital of Vortes. This is the place where people escape to when they are desperate to flee their boring life. This is the place where students flocked to find employment fresh out of the many higher-learning institutions across the Trammel. This is a place of new beginnings and new opportunities.

One such symbol of new beginning is the Re-Shop Mall. A new means of commerce, the Morgenstern Industry had gathered and employed a great many small establishments to occupy their massive repurposed botany park, creating a comfortable and profitable shopping experience. Only one other such establishment existed in the City of Timaril, the capital of Yvraithe, the Crown Jewel of the Verdant Trammel.

The Re-Shop is a gargantuan structure made of wood and glass. Within is a bustle of a small hamlet within the city of Vortesso: shops ranging from wears and cloths to knick-knacks and oddities; restaurants and taverns; small parks and playgrounds; and even the occasional guild service posts. This is a place that brought the experience of traveling the world without even stepping out of Vortesso.

Today is the 26th of Redmoon, the sixth month of the year. The sun is just about to reach its peak in the sky, and the day is just as cloudless as a normal midsummer day. 

You have come to this place to answer a call for work or to aid an old acquaintance. Some of you have known this city for a long time, while some others have just arrived recently and are quite unfamiliar with both the land, the city, and the cultures. Re-Shop is unlike anything you have ever seen before. It is massive and filled with people that you are not quite sure are all from Vorgeris. There are a little bit of the Root Anvil, a little of the Majapasai Archipelago, and even a little of the mostly isolated continent of Montecarexpat. Upon your entry, a flyer is given to each of you, all containing the same information: an promotion to the wonder of Re-Shop. 

You spend little time to browser the many shops to your left and right, instead quickly making your way toward the White Luwak, a tea and coffee shop. You need not look for long to see the shop and the person you are seeking with the help of the flyer that have been given to you upon your entry to the mall.

Sitting on a comfortable deep maroon leather couch is a stern-looking woman. She gives quite an imposing presence despite her small form. Her earthen skin is wrinkled and worn, showing her age and experience with the world. Her hair is a glistening jade that almost shone like a beacon under the room's soft white lights, tied in a tight and tidy bun. Her eyes are sharp and cutting, as if all-knowing and all-seeing. She quickly catches your entrance and motions for you to join her.

{{Go ahead and describe how each of your character arrive at this location. In addition, describe what they currently look like.}}

Drexon walks through the Re-Shop Mall with a smile on his face. So many people of all kinds being congregated in one place is a delight to his senses. It is the people that he focusses on, rather than the shops. Their joy and wonder at the experiences to be had lifting his mood in turn.

As he approaches the White Luwak, it is almost with a sense of disappointment that he has to leave the bustle. He checks the flyer one last time to ensure he has the right place, and pushes open the door.

Those that watch him enter see a human of average height dressed in finely tailored clothing. Under a blue and white feathered brown wide brimmed hat can be seen hair that is silvery white, although he does not appear old. He is clean shaven, with eyes a light grey colour.

He is wearing a brown overcoat over a dark red waistcoat and white shirt. A blue cravat is tied around his neck. He has on a pair of brown trousers that disappear into fine quality leather boots.

No weapons or armour are immediately visible, beyond the hilts of a couple of small daggers at his waist under his coat.

Seeing the stern looking lady on the deep maroon leather couch motioning at him, he makes his way over, takes off his hat and gives a sweeping bow.

“Greetings, Drexon Krayz, at your service”, he says as he stands back up from the bow and replaces the hat on his head.

Karm has spent the second half of his life in the archives of ages and thus feels very welcome in the Libris Fabula.

When he finds the place he is looking for he cant help but to analyze the architecture to try and derive what it is built after. When he finds the woman he has arranged a meeting with he heads towards the table, pulls the chair the furthes from both of the others and takes a seat and looks at Drexon and Sego. Karm, from the archives, very pleased to make your aquaintance. He turns towards the woman. From our second guest i gather that our task will be a group effort. Can you assure me that this will not interfere with my task, as defined in our contract?

Karm is wearing very form-fitting yet robust leather pants with equally robust leather boots which reach about two inches above his ankles. His Torso is covered by dark skinny shirt that reaches all the way down his arms, even covering his hands and fingers. Above that he wears a leather coat with hood, short sleeves and thin fur trims around the edges. He has brown hair, unkempt and blue eyes

The woman, Sego Ynnachi, looks to both Drexon and Karm with a hint of disinterest and annoyance. You get the sense that despite waiting for you, she enjoys the quiet atmosphere of the shop very well. 

"Sit down," she says flatly. She stands and pours a cup of tea for each of you before returning to her own tea. "We will begin when all the relevant parties have arrived." 

She pauses for a moment as if remembering something and pulls a metal tube about half an inch in diameter and 4 inches in length from her pocket. She pushes the tube to Karm. "There has been a change in the arrangement," Sego says.

Sego tilts her head and pulls another tube. This time she pulls the content and pulls five papers that seem to have a faint white tint around it. She gives one each to Drexon and Karm, and puts the other three in front of the three empty seats around the table. 

"Non-Disclosure Agreement," Sego explains. "Read it, study it and sign it. As requested by the representative from the Archive of Ages and the Director himself, everything that pertains to this delivery mission cannot be discussed outside of this circle. Everything is detailed there."

Karm: 

Dvark can be seen approaching the White Luwak from the other end of the mall as his orcish height and build leave him head and shoulders taller then most of the population. Seeming almost embarrassed of his height he slouches his way through the crowd, which is still inadequate to bring him in line with all but the tallest of the people around him, is further undermined when as he passes shops he raises back to his full height to examine any particularly interesting craftsmanship he spots along the way. 

Eventually he extracates himself from the crowd entering the White Luwak with a heavy stride that could shake a smaller building. Standing well over seven feet tall with ashen grey skin, brown hair that extends almost too his shoulders speckled with grey pushed back to stay out of his face, and yellow eyes that look weary with exhaustion of one sort or another. He wears a fine sword across his lower back below his backpack, with a shield resting on the back of his pack. He is wearing a well worn grey jacket and dark green vest over his chain shirt, with brown workman's pants strapped with defensive armor plates on his thighs. He also wears well worn work boots with leather knee pads.  For a second he stops to survey the room, resting back on his left leg and cocking his head to the side as he scans his surroundings.

((Perception check anything suspicious: 21))

After seeing Ynnachi and the two humans on the couch he walks briskly over toward them. His chainmail clinking softly a little muted by the fabric of his vest. On his way he picks up a chair and brings it to rest facing the couch a about 6 feet away from Ynnachi. Before sitting down he shakes hands with everyone before 'Ms. Ynnachi I presume? My name is Dvark Ekorin I believe we corresponded previously. And you two are?' 

Cob picks up his pack and fiddle and waves a farewell to the performers he has traveled with these past few weeks. This morning's performance in Union's Plaza was his last with them. He brushes his thick blue hair off his forehead and looks down the street of the mall. An opportunity to get to Bast Trench awaits.

He moves quickly and nimbly through the crowds, opaque blue wings fluttering to help him dodge around groups of shoppers. The noonday sun adds a shine to his pale blue skin.

Cob looks like a lean winged elf, but it's not until passers-by look down and realize that he's not six feet tall, but is flying along three feet off the ground that they realize he is actually a three foot tall fairy.

"Ah there it is," Cob says to himself when he spots the White Luwak.

He lands at the entrance doorway and walks inside.

"Madam Sego, yes?" Cob says with a smile when he sees the stern-looking, older woman sipping tea. "Cobweb Goodfellow at your service."

As he says his last name, a small shower of brightly coloured flower petals appear and fall from the sky around him.

(Cast Druidcraft )

He nods at the other three already present and smiles.

Once he spots the papers on the table he pulls out a chair, places his fiddle down on the table top beside him, and climbs into the chair. He adjusts his shiny blue leather jerkin and reads what's in front of him.

"So anything not about the actual delivery can be discussed and retold to any and all?" Cob asks.

Karm reads the note that was given to him and only looks up to greet newcommers with a nod. He then signs both papers and pushes them back to Sego.

This alteration surely is a shame, but no real worry to me. My task is unchanged and even if so, as long as i have an instruction i will do accordingly. Everything else is other peoples matter to worry about. It will be my pleasure to be your guide and advisor in regards of the forgotten. His voice sounds as if he had said this very sentence a thousand times: monotone with a hint of disinterest. If thats because he really feels indifferent about the situation or because his attention belongs to the book he produces from a coatpocket is yours to decide.
You have my ears, dont worry He says before his face vanishes behind the pages.

Drexon watches the arrival of Karm and listens as the newcomer introduces himself, before focussing directly on the lady. He tips his hat very slightly to acknowledge him.

He glances briefly at the paper he is handed before discarding it onto the table in front of him along with his hat as he takes a seat in one of the comfortable chairs, lounging back with one leg lifted over the arm of the chair. He takes a set of playing cards from his pocket and begins shuffling them idly as he waits for the others to arrive, ignoring the cup of tea on the table in front him.

He hears and feels the arrival of Dvark before he turns around to the doorway and actually sees the Orc. His eyes take in the weaponry and armour, along with the sheer size of him. A distinct change from the visage of both Drexon himself and Karm. A signal if ever there was one of the dangers of this job he was agreeing to.

"Drexon", he says by way of introduction, still lounging in the chair shuffling cards.

Next the Fairy, Cob, enters. It seems their group was destined to come in all shapes and sizes. He was savvy enough to know that each one present would have some skills to back up their presence here. He wonders briefly as to what those skills might be, as he puts two fingers to his temple and gives Cob and quick salute.

"Four down, one to go", he mutters.

Moving through the crowds, Eremoz pulls his hood over his head. He walks quickly, pausing briefly when he catches the smell of unfamiliar foods coming from various vendors. As he makes his way, he tries to ignore the people who stop and stare. Whether is from fear, curiosity, or recognition doesn’t matter, it makes him uncomfortable.

He enters the shop, ducking his head and taking down his hood. His tall frame is covered in light grey fur, aside from a four inch scar on his right cheek. His mane is dark grey with streaks of black. He is broad shouldered, wearing a simple white shirt over chain armor, simple dark pants, and well worn, but incredibly well made boots. His dark cloak covers his shoulders, under which you can weapons strapped to his back.

”Apologies for being late.” He holds up a large chunk of roasted meat. “Lunch.”

He sits at the table and signs the paper without reading.

Looking up from reading the contract Dvark raises his eyebrows at the Leonin. Before following suite and signing his NDA. Taking his tea in hand, which looks comically small in his large hands and sipping it thoughtfully for a moment observing the group. 

Turning back to Ynnachi he says "well it seems we have everyone, unless I need to pull up some extra chairs. So now that we have the formalities out of the way, what are we actually doing that it needed all this bureaucracy?" gesturing vaguely at the papers on the table.

@DM

As you sign the contract that has been given to you, the paper trembles, and a copy appears while the original seems to disintegrate. To some, this is a surprising show of magic. To those who learn or have inherent magic, this is a type of advanced sending spell used to send or record very important messages. 

To those who read the NDA, it will contain restrictions that any information pertaining to whatever may occur when your reach Bast Trench will have to be kept a secret. Other than that, it will mention payment for service rendered will be paid upon arrival at Bast Trench. 

Sego looks to a pocket watch and nods as she sees all involved parties have arrived. She pulls a small black box and puts it on the table. It is an ornate box with runes carved and glowing all over its six surfaces. Beside the box, she puts five metallic cards each with your name on it, written as you have written your signature on the contract. 

"All of you will travel from Vortesso to Erdalan by train," Sego says. There is a hint of excitement and expectation in her voice. "Tickets have been pre-paid and the train is due to leave in two hours. After, Bast Trench is a day trip from Erdelun either on foot or by carriage. Your objective is to deliver this box to our representative there. The contract is to ensure you will not abscond with the package just like the group before you."

Cob reaches out to touch the box as soon as Sego places it on the table. He runs a hand over it quickly, suspecting Sego might snatch it away. He looks at the runes, one eyebrow rising. He's never had much call to actually study magic, but he pays attention to the stories that get told around the campfires. He tries to remember if he's seen these before.

Arcana: 3  

"The last group were obviously not very good at absconding if you still have the box," Cob says as his attention returns to Sego and the cards with their names on them. "What happened to them?"

"They fled with the box and its content," Sego says grimly. "We have since failed to locate the object, but that is not your concern."

Sego moves the box a little farther away from Cob, but he can still feel the power emanating from it. Despite not understanding anything carved on the box, Cob can feel that this is not a magic that is commercially available to the wide world; this is powerful magic with the sole purpose of protecting what is inside the box. 

"That is why he is here," Sego says, looking at Karm and offering him a nod. "After the... incident, we have reached out to the Archive of Ages to send a representative so the same thing will not happen and to... consult. That is also the reason for the Non-Disclosure Agreement. This way, if any of you are to do the same thing as the last group, we already have your signature. We will hunt you. We will find you. We will... deal with you, shall we say."

Sego takes a moment to gauge the group's response and expression. She pours more tea for those that already empty their cup. 

"This is a second box containing the exact same thing as the first," Sego continues. "We have found a... dungeon will be the correct term. A dungeon has been discovered under the ruins of Bast Trench during an experiment with Morgenstern Industry's new invention. The Director's son, who is currently at the location, can answer more about this dungeon. However, for the sake of brevity, we have taken three samples from a crystal wall that blocks further exploration. We have taken two to Vortesso to be studied further to determine a way to open a path through the wall. One of those samples is within this box and it is imperative that a third party, that is all of you, deliver this back to Bast Trench. The Morgenstern Industry cannot be connected to the fact that we have brought, albeit not knowing it prior to analysis, an incredibly powerful crystal, the purest etheric amber ever seen, into civilization. As you remember, the last time such a thing occur, it started the chain of events that led to the beginning of the War of the Best. There is exactly 0.1 gram of it inside this box, not enough to even do the simplest magic, but enough to start a movement in the government to mine the crystal wall that is at Bast Trench, which we have estimated to be around 15 kilograms total." 

{{Make a History or Arcana check to see if any of you know what exactly etheric amber is.}}

History for sure: 10

Is a carriage provided for our travel from Erdalan to the Trench or does that just imply that it is an even path fit for a carriage? When reason for his presence is stated Karm puts the book down in front of him. He just then notices the tea and gulps it down in a few big sips.

We leave in two hours you said. Is there enough time to do one last errand? You see, one of my ropes snapped on my last trip and i haven't got time to replace it since then. And maybe a piton or two. Im sure it wouldn't take long if you could point me in the right direction even. Otherwise, i have my backups which will be fine.

History:19

'Fate does not smile on cheats and theives. I'm sorry for your troubles so far. You mention others would want this if they knew of it, do you believe they will cause trouble in our travels? Because we seem like a heavy group to take a box on a train ride." Dvark says absent mindedly while trying to recall if he's heard of the amber before.

"As long as your people can be trusted, we should have no problems being targeted for our cargo. After all, we will just be a group of random travelers out on the road. Maybe some issues with wildlife or the occasional bandit." Eremoz returns to his lunch. He half-listens while he studies his new companions.

History: 6

Drexon smiles at the others. "The unknown is what turns a job from dull and boring to mysterious and exciting", he says stopping shuffling his cards just long enough to wave his palm in semi dramatic fashion.

"Let's see what happens and keep an open mind".

Arcana: 22

"The journey from Vortesso to Erdelun is three hours long by train," Sego says, "and no, Mr. Karm, there will be no carriage waiting for you. I believe you are resourceful enough to charter one if there are any. There should be no problem along the way, but with the other group still at large, there is a chance that you will have to defend yourself. In addition, our facility here has already been infiltrated by a corporate spy. We've dealt with the problem, but there is a chance that the news of the recent discovery of etheric ember will reach certain ears. Be prepared."

Sego looks at each individual seated in front and around her with a thin, barely-present smile. She glances at her pocket watch and the smile widens a tiny bit.

"You have exactly two hours until the train leaves," she says. "The walk from this building to the station is 1 hour and 20 minutes long if you are lucky. It takes a carriage about 40 minutes to the same destination, but I hear there is a sale in the market between here and the station. Do as you will with the rest of your time.

"In the event that you fail to board the train in the allotted time, the runes on the box will glow and it will teleport back to the Director's office. The same will happen if the box is damaged or opened forcefully. If that is the case, the payment for your short service will be voided. If you have any other questions, ask them now. Mr. Karm, I believe the place you are looking for is already written down on the flyer you received when you enter the mall."

Karm:

{{I'm happy to RP a trade deal, but if you prefer a quick buy, read the spoiler.}}

History or Arcana 13 or above:

Dvark: 

Lets just say the shopping was done before Karm met the others. I added 5 Pitons and 2 ropes. Would i get a block and tackle for 1 copper? If so i'd instead get 1 rope. I use EP to count BP because the site doesn't have those.