Today is Whelsen, marking the 2nd of Unndilar in the world of Exandria. Summer is on the way, but the city of Whitestone is still chilled by the northern climate of the Alabaster Sierras region of northern Tal'Dorei. This area is too remote and out of reach of the Council of Tal'Dorei, so they recognize the authority of the Chamber of Whitestone headed by what is left of the noble de Rolos. It is approximately 2 o'clock in the afternoon on a partly cloudy day and the light of the sun dances through the leaves of the Sun Tree, a relic of Whitestone's primary deity known as the Dawnfather. Though this place has been liberated of the infamous Briarwoods and the de Rolos have been doing their best to rebuild it, a gloom still hangs over the populace that cannot heal. Life is harsh in this cold clime, but Whitestone has become a beacon of hope since it housed refugees from all over Tal'Dorei during the reign of the Chroma Conclave. An alliance between the Chamber and the Council has led to increased trade between the two governments, and many mercenaries have been hired to guard the trade caravans that are passing back and forth across the land.
Whitestone has opened its doors to the new populace of migrant workers and has created many new businesses and services to cater to their needs. One such establishment is the Journey's End Tavern and Hostel in Dawnfather Square. Though it has been open since before the de Rolos were ousted by the Briarwoods, it has truly flourished in these new conditions. It boasts a well-stocked bar, good food, a warm hearth, and live entertainment. Private rooms of various sizes are on the second floor, and an attached building acts as a sort of bunkhouse for those who do not want to spend as much for some sleep. It is here that you all find yourselves for whatever reasons you might have.
A bearded, fair-skinned human man named Trevor runs the Journey's End. He has something of a haunted look in his face; some say it must be due to his living under the Briarwoods for six years, but he is doing quite well for himself now that the de Rolos are back in charge. Several caravan staff and a few locals are drinking various alcohols and swapping stories. A few toughs are playing some liar's dice in the corner, and the bards are playing a soft, ambient instrumental ballad.
The tavern is at your disposal. What are you doing?
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Celica Maloraen | Twilight Domain Cleric 5 | Wildemount Irregulars Jasper Finch | Fighter 1 | Curious Critters - A Tal'Dorei Tale Amaris Tell | Order of Scribes Wizard 3 | Baldur's Gate Mysteries DM | Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden
A tall Human male in leather armour is sitting in the tavern with one foot planted on the edge of a table, pushing his chair back onto two legs. His dark hair is slightly bleached and light skin tanned and freckled, all from years of sun exposure. It was unusual for Ed to venture out as far as Whitestone. He would have preferred to find some work on a boat of some sort, but protecting the merchant caravans pays well enough.
It's damn cold in the Alabaster Sierra but at least there is a pub. Any excuse for Ed to tell tales, to anyone who will listen, of his life as a ship's captain, "...so I tie one end of the rope around my waist, lob rest of it to a nearby crewman and leap overboard! Unbeknownst to me, the damn kid had already swam ashore and was sat there pouring water out of his boots. Turns out he was perfectly capable of swimming, he was just bloody lazy!"
Wittrun enters the tavern and takes a quick look around as he polishes off a pastry he bought down the street. He approaches the pale man behind the bar and takes a seat "Pardon me, but can I have an ale? Also, would you happen to know who I can talk to about finding work with the caravans?"
(Directed towards Ed)"Ah, very interesting", says Kriv, a skinny green ravenite whose head is buried deep within a book. Hearing a familiar voice now next to him... Kriv looks up from his book.
"Did you find anything to smash other than pastries, Witt?"
The raven perched on a staff next to Kriv makes laughter-like sound.
As a small group of listeners laugh at Edward's maritime tale, Trevor pours some brown ale into a tankard for the dragonborn across the bar from him. "Four copper, friend. As far as I know, no caravan's leaving until tomorrow. Usually the merchants come around and hire the day they're about to head back down south to the Plains," the barkeep says, sliding the mug toward the copper-scaled warrior.
Kriv and Wittrun appear to be the only two dragonborn in the tavern, and some of the locals and the rookie caravan mercenaries eye them with curiosity and slight nervousness. Others that look more experienced don't appear to pay any mind to you.
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Celica Maloraen | Twilight Domain Cleric 5 | Wildemount Irregulars Jasper Finch | Fighter 1 | Curious Critters - A Tal'Dorei Tale Amaris Tell | Order of Scribes Wizard 3 | Baldur's Gate Mysteries DM | Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden
Ed's story finished, he interjects with the conversation about work, "Aye, I'll be looking to work for the return journey to Emon. I helped guard a northbound caravan earlier this week. They told me they'd be back here to hire people for the way back. You're in the right place, friend. Now, two Dragonborns outside of Wildemount, that's an unusual sight. What's your story fellas?"
"Now now quoth, he wasn't talking to you..." Kriv scratches the Raven underneath its left wing.
"My name is Kriv, and I'm on a... well, let's just call it a journey of discovery." Kriv says in his nasally voice. "You see... my people, aren't too fond of book-learning... and I ran out of books to read there."
Kriv turns towards the barkeep and slides over a silver and 4 copper. "I'll get that", nodding towards Witt's tankard, "and one more for me and our new friend, please".
As Kriv slid the money forward... Quoth nudged at Kriv's ear as a newcomer took a seat nearby.
A dark gloom rested over Whitestone indeed, the hooded elf thought to himself as he entered the tavern. Wearing old worn dark leathers and tattered black vestiges that resembled monk robes, Raziel's eyes scanned the area for a quick second before finding himself a place at the bar close enough to over hear talk about work. The elf waited for the barkeep and then ordered.
"Wine if you have it."
His voice had its own gloom to it as well as a thick Marquesian accent. Upon close inspection of the mysterious elf, one could also see a black cloth around his neck, a scarf of some sort. Raziel glanced over his shoulder, his silver eyes falling upon the three at the table behind him and makes his way to them.
"I heard talk of work, is there room for one more by chance?"
"Hmmm... yes..." mumbled Kriv to the raven, before continuing...
"Witt and I met up on our way out of Wildemount after Draconia fell and have been traveling together since... Now that you mention it... funds are becoming a bit tight for us..." Kriv shifts his gaze towards the newcomer. "What say you wine drinker, want to join up? Our new friend here...", Kriv motions towards Ed, "...was just telling us about his connections to the caravan guarding trade. I guess you've gotta start somewhere..."
Raziel took a seat at the table, removing his bow and quiver from his back and adjusting his rapier. The elf gave a shrug of his shoulders as he replied, "Nothing wrong with guarding a caravan. Probably the cleanest work you'll get around here now days besides farming land." The elf's gaze fell upon Kriv, "So you're from Draconia huh? Sorry to hear what happened over there, no one deserves such a fate."
"Sure thing," the barkeep says, nodding at the newcomer with an unfamiliar accent. He produces a round glass and pours some dark red wine in it. "That'll cost you six copper."
As Trevor awaits your payment, the door swings open and a young human woman with hair tied up in a tight bun accompanied by two Whitestone guards enters the tavern. She has a shortsword at her side and wears a set of dark studded leather armor covered by a short tabard that bears the same crest that adorns the flags of Whitestone, the symbol of the de Rolo family. She moves with a confident swagger toward the stage and waits until the musicians to end their song before taking the stage, unraveling a scroll in her hand, and clearing her throat.
"Attention, all mercenaries, soldiers of fortune, blades-for-hire, and adventurers alike! By decree of her worship Lady Cassandra Johanna von Musel Klossowski de Rolo and the Chamber of Whitestone, a mission of dire importance must be undertaken and is offered to those brave enough to face the undead. Any who are interested are requested to report to Castle Whitestone to meet with the Chamber and discuss the details of this contract, as well as payment. May the Dawnfather bless you and the city of Whitestone."
At the mention of undead, several patrons turn and murmur among each other with varied expressions of fear, curiosity, and confusion. The herald rolls up the scroll, exits the stage, and walks out of the tavern. No one leaves the tavern to take the contract, so it appears, but several caravan staff are poking fun at one another to take the contract and prove their bravery.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Celica Maloraen | Twilight Domain Cleric 5 | Wildemount Irregulars Jasper Finch | Fighter 1 | Curious Critters - A Tal'Dorei Tale Amaris Tell | Order of Scribes Wizard 3 | Baldur's Gate Mysteries DM | Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden
Ed smiles and nods as the newcomer joins the table and listens as they talk to the Dragonborns. "Terrible business what happend with those dragons. I think if it wasn't for the untold destruction, I wouldn't have believed anyone who told me that four chromatic dragons occupied Tal'dorei. The world seems to get crazier by the day..."
Ed trails off as herald begins her announcement. He raises an eyebrow at the mention of the undead "Speaking of which... Undead? Now that sounds far more interesting than babysitting some merchants. What do we say? Shall we have a look? I could certainly do with the company".
The grin fades from Kriv's face and his voice gets a little lower as he responds the wine drinker. "If this had been a few years ago I would have taken more offense to being called a Draconian. To avoid offending someone with a thinner skin in the future... you can tell I am a Ravenite by my lack of a tail."
"But, I've been meaning to find some undead to study... ", Kriv stands up and extends his hands out across his body in a rather awkward fashion attempting to shake the hands of Ed and Raz. "Like I said, the name is Kriv...".
The elf stands and shakes Kriv's hand, "Raziel, Raziel Cyridania, and sorry for any offense I knew not the difference." Raziel waited for everyone to leave and he would then leave with them. The mention of undead was a little unsettling to Raziel though he kept his thoughts to himself, there indeed was a troubled look about him however.
Edward gives Raz a side glance at Kriv's slightly odd gesture but shakes the Dragonborns hand none the less. "Kriv, Whitt, Raz - Edward Smithson" He smiles at his three new companions and makes a motion towards the door of the tavern. "Shall we, gentlemen?"
"Trick? I studied for years under Erdan Silverfrond before he passed" Kriv states as they walk towards Castle Whitestone.
"But, I'd be happy to teach you some things, but they won't happen over night! For your first lesson... It starts with creating a mental picture..." Kriv holds out his hand and an animated Rat appears on his palm (Minor Illusion)
"From there you have to give it a body..."The rat begins to glow (Minor Conjuration) and Kriv hands the (now physical, glowing) rat over to Raz "And then you... you would have to give it life..." Kriv says with a grin
"I suppose THAT is the trick" Kriv snaps his fingers and the rat disappears
Ed follows the others outside and watches Kriv's demonstration of magic. "That is pretty cool. I have a few tricks up my sleeve too" Ed grins merrily as he unsheathes his rapier. "Here take this" He hands the blade to Raz and runs 20 paces ahead of the group, turns back and extends his arm in an aggressive manor. The runes on the blade of rapier glow a reddish/purple colour and with a flash of the same arcane energy, the sword vanishes from Raziel's grasp. In an instant the rapier reforms in Edward's outstretched hand, the arcane energy almost dripping off the blade like a torrent of molten metal. He swings it with a flourish and sheathes it again in his belt. Edward then strides back over to the group with a hint of narcissism in his step.
The sudden exclamation catches you all by surprise. You turn and see a single Whitestone guard who must be no more than 20 years old. They cross their arms and scowl.
"Take it easy with the magic, strangers. You're making folks nervous," they say, indicating some bystanders staring at you all with mixed expressions of anxiety and awe at this display of arcana. "Just don't burn down anyone's house and we won't have any problems."
Today is Whelsen, marking the 2nd of Unndilar in the world of Exandria. Summer is on the way, but the city of Whitestone is still chilled by the northern climate of the Alabaster Sierras region of northern Tal'Dorei. This area is too remote and out of reach of the Council of Tal'Dorei, so they recognize the authority of the Chamber of Whitestone headed by what is left of the noble de Rolos. It is approximately 2 o'clock in the afternoon on a partly cloudy day and the light of the sun dances through the leaves of the Sun Tree, a relic of Whitestone's primary deity known as the Dawnfather. Though this place has been liberated of the infamous Briarwoods and the de Rolos have been doing their best to rebuild it, a gloom still hangs over the populace that cannot heal. Life is harsh in this cold clime, but Whitestone has become a beacon of hope since it housed refugees from all over Tal'Dorei during the reign of the Chroma Conclave. An alliance between the Chamber and the Council has led to increased trade between the two governments, and many mercenaries have been hired to guard the trade caravans that are passing back and forth across the land.
Whitestone has opened its doors to the new populace of migrant workers and has created many new businesses and services to cater to their needs. One such establishment is the Journey's End Tavern and Hostel in Dawnfather Square. Though it has been open since before the de Rolos were ousted by the Briarwoods, it has truly flourished in these new conditions. It boasts a well-stocked bar, good food, a warm hearth, and live entertainment. Private rooms of various sizes are on the second floor, and an attached building acts as a sort of bunkhouse for those who do not want to spend as much for some sleep. It is here that you all find yourselves for whatever reasons you might have.
A bearded, fair-skinned human man named Trevor runs the Journey's End. He has something of a haunted look in his face; some say it must be due to his living under the Briarwoods for six years, but he is doing quite well for himself now that the de Rolos are back in charge. Several caravan staff and a few locals are drinking various alcohols and swapping stories. A few toughs are playing some liar's dice in the corner, and the bards are playing a soft, ambient instrumental ballad.
The tavern is at your disposal. What are you doing?
Celica Maloraen | Twilight Domain Cleric 5 | Wildemount Irregulars
Jasper Finch | Fighter 1 | Curious Critters - A Tal'Dorei Tale
Amaris Tell | Order of Scribes Wizard 3 | Baldur's Gate Mysteries
DM | Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden
A tall Human male in leather armour is sitting in the tavern with one foot planted on the edge of a table, pushing his chair back onto two legs. His dark hair is slightly bleached and light skin tanned and freckled, all from years of sun exposure. It was unusual for Ed to venture out as far as Whitestone. He would have preferred to find some work on a boat of some sort, but protecting the merchant caravans pays well enough.
It's damn cold in the Alabaster Sierra but at least there is a pub. Any excuse for Ed to tell tales, to anyone who will listen, of his life as a ship's captain, "...so I tie one end of the rope around my waist, lob rest of it to a nearby crewman and leap overboard! Unbeknownst to me, the damn kid had already swam ashore and was sat there pouring water out of his boots. Turns out he was perfectly capable of swimming, he was just bloody lazy!"
Wittrun enters the tavern and takes a quick look around as he polishes off a pastry he bought down the street. He approaches the pale man behind the bar and takes a seat "Pardon me, but can I have an ale? Also, would you happen to know who I can talk to about finding work with the caravans?"
(Directed towards Ed) "Ah, very interesting", says Kriv, a skinny green ravenite whose head is buried deep within a book. Hearing a familiar voice now next to him... Kriv looks up from his book.
"Did you find anything to smash other than pastries, Witt?"
The raven perched on a staff next to Kriv makes laughter-like sound.
As a small group of listeners laugh at Edward's maritime tale, Trevor pours some brown ale into a tankard for the dragonborn across the bar from him. "Four copper, friend. As far as I know, no caravan's leaving until tomorrow. Usually the merchants come around and hire the day they're about to head back down south to the Plains," the barkeep says, sliding the mug toward the copper-scaled warrior.
Kriv and Wittrun appear to be the only two dragonborn in the tavern, and some of the locals and the rookie caravan mercenaries eye them with curiosity and slight nervousness. Others that look more experienced don't appear to pay any mind to you.
Celica Maloraen | Twilight Domain Cleric 5 | Wildemount Irregulars
Jasper Finch | Fighter 1 | Curious Critters - A Tal'Dorei Tale
Amaris Tell | Order of Scribes Wizard 3 | Baldur's Gate Mysteries
DM | Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden
Ed's story finished, he interjects with the conversation about work, "Aye, I'll be looking to work for the return journey to Emon. I helped guard a northbound caravan earlier this week. They told me they'd be back here to hire people for the way back. You're in the right place, friend. Now, two Dragonborns outside of Wildemount, that's an unusual sight. What's your story fellas?"
"CAWWW" screeches the raven
"Now now quoth, he wasn't talking to you..." Kriv scratches the Raven underneath its left wing.
"My name is Kriv, and I'm on a... well, let's just call it a journey of discovery." Kriv says in his nasally voice. "You see... my people, aren't too fond of book-learning... and I ran out of books to read there."
Kriv turns towards the barkeep and slides over a silver and 4 copper. "I'll get that", nodding towards Witt's tankard, "and one more for me and our new friend, please".
As Kriv slid the money forward... Quoth nudged at Kriv's ear as a newcomer took a seat nearby.
A dark gloom rested over Whitestone indeed, the hooded elf thought to himself as he entered the tavern. Wearing old worn dark leathers and tattered black vestiges that resembled monk robes, Raziel's eyes scanned the area for a quick second before finding himself a place at the bar close enough to over hear talk about work. The elf waited for the barkeep and then ordered.
"Wine if you have it."
His voice had its own gloom to it as well as a thick Marquesian accent. Upon close inspection of the mysterious elf, one could also see a black cloth around his neck, a scarf of some sort. Raziel glanced over his shoulder, his silver eyes falling upon the three at the table behind him and makes his way to them.
"I heard talk of work, is there room for one more by chance?"
"CAWWW" screeched the raven.
"Hmmm... yes..." mumbled Kriv to the raven, before continuing...
"Witt and I met up on our way out of Wildemount after Draconia fell and have been traveling together since... Now that you mention it... funds are becoming a bit tight for us..." Kriv shifts his gaze towards the newcomer. "What say you wine drinker, want to join up? Our new friend here...", Kriv motions towards Ed, "...was just telling us about his connections to the caravan guarding trade. I guess you've gotta start somewhere..."
Raziel took a seat at the table, removing his bow and quiver from his back and adjusting his rapier. The elf gave a shrug of his shoulders as he replied, "Nothing wrong with guarding a caravan. Probably the cleanest work you'll get around here now days besides farming land." The elf's gaze fell upon Kriv, "So you're from Draconia huh? Sorry to hear what happened over there, no one deserves such a fate."
"Sure thing," the barkeep says, nodding at the newcomer with an unfamiliar accent. He produces a round glass and pours some dark red wine in it. "That'll cost you six copper."
As Trevor awaits your payment, the door swings open and a young human woman with hair tied up in a tight bun accompanied by two Whitestone guards enters the tavern. She has a shortsword at her side and wears a set of dark studded leather armor covered by a short tabard that bears the same crest that adorns the flags of Whitestone, the symbol of the de Rolo family. She moves with a confident swagger toward the stage and waits until the musicians to end their song before taking the stage, unraveling a scroll in her hand, and clearing her throat.
"Attention, all mercenaries, soldiers of fortune, blades-for-hire, and adventurers alike! By decree of her worship Lady Cassandra Johanna von Musel Klossowski de Rolo and the Chamber of Whitestone, a mission of dire importance must be undertaken and is offered to those brave enough to face the undead. Any who are interested are requested to report to Castle Whitestone to meet with the Chamber and discuss the details of this contract, as well as payment. May the Dawnfather bless you and the city of Whitestone."
At the mention of undead, several patrons turn and murmur among each other with varied expressions of fear, curiosity, and confusion. The herald rolls up the scroll, exits the stage, and walks out of the tavern. No one leaves the tavern to take the contract, so it appears, but several caravan staff are poking fun at one another to take the contract and prove their bravery.
Celica Maloraen | Twilight Domain Cleric 5 | Wildemount Irregulars
Jasper Finch | Fighter 1 | Curious Critters - A Tal'Dorei Tale
Amaris Tell | Order of Scribes Wizard 3 | Baldur's Gate Mysteries
DM | Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden
Ed smiles and nods as the newcomer joins the table and listens as they talk to the Dragonborns. "Terrible business what happend with those dragons. I think if it wasn't for the untold destruction, I wouldn't have believed anyone who told me that four chromatic dragons occupied Tal'dorei. The world seems to get crazier by the day..."
Ed trails off as herald begins her announcement. He raises an eyebrow at the mention of the undead "Speaking of which... Undead? Now that sounds far more interesting than babysitting some merchants. What do we say? Shall we have a look? I could certainly do with the company".
The grin fades from Kriv's face and his voice gets a little lower as he responds the wine drinker. "If this had been a few years ago I would have taken more offense to being called a Draconian. To avoid offending someone with a thinner skin in the future... you can tell I am a Ravenite by my lack of a tail."
"But, I've been meaning to find some undead to study... ", Kriv stands up and extends his hands out across his body in a rather awkward fashion attempting to shake the hands of Ed and Raz. "Like I said, the name is Kriv...".
The elf stands and shakes Kriv's hand, "Raziel, Raziel Cyridania, and sorry for any offense I knew not the difference." Raziel waited for everyone to leave and he would then leave with them. The mention of undead was a little unsettling to Raziel though he kept his thoughts to himself, there indeed was a troubled look about him however.
Edward gives Raz a side glance at Kriv's slightly odd gesture but shakes the Dragonborns hand none the less. "Kriv, Whitt, Raz - Edward Smithson" He smiles at his three new companions and makes a motion towards the door of the tavern. "Shall we, gentlemen?"
Kriv finishes his drink, grabs his staff and heads outside. Once there he commands Quoth to scout ahead and stay safe.
Raziel pays the berkeep for the wine and leaves behind Kriv watching the raven fly off.
"Any chance you could teach me that trick? Having a second pair of eyes around would be great on some of the other jobs I usually take."
"Trick? I studied for years under Erdan Silverfrond before he passed" Kriv states as they walk towards Castle Whitestone.
"But, I'd be happy to teach you some things, but they won't happen over night! For your first lesson... It starts with creating a mental picture..." Kriv holds out his hand and an animated Rat appears on his palm (Minor Illusion)
"From there you have to give it a body..." The rat begins to glow (Minor Conjuration) and Kriv hands the (now physical, glowing) rat over to Raz "And then you... you would have to give it life..." Kriv says with a grin
"I suppose THAT is the trick" Kriv snaps his fingers and the rat disappears
Ed follows the others outside and watches Kriv's demonstration of magic. "That is pretty cool. I have a few tricks up my sleeve too" Ed grins merrily as he unsheathes his rapier. "Here take this" He hands the blade to Raz and runs 20 paces ahead of the group, turns back and extends his arm in an aggressive manor. The runes on the blade of rapier glow a reddish/purple colour and with a flash of the same arcane energy, the sword vanishes from Raziel's grasp. In an instant the rapier reforms in Edward's outstretched hand, the arcane energy almost dripping off the blade like a torrent of molten metal. He swings it with a flourish and sheathes it again in his belt. Edward then strides back over to the group with a hint of narcissism in his step.
"Hey!"
The sudden exclamation catches you all by surprise. You turn and see a single Whitestone guard who must be no more than 20 years old. They cross their arms and scowl.
"Take it easy with the magic, strangers. You're making folks nervous," they say, indicating some bystanders staring at you all with mixed expressions of anxiety and awe at this display of arcana. "Just don't burn down anyone's house and we won't have any problems."
Celica Maloraen | Twilight Domain Cleric 5 | Wildemount Irregulars
Jasper Finch | Fighter 1 | Curious Critters - A Tal'Dorei Tale
Amaris Tell | Order of Scribes Wizard 3 | Baldur's Gate Mysteries
DM | Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden