(The Young Buck Tavern in the town of Calla is a place like many others. On this early evening, the Tavern is only about half full of your usual tradesmen, farmers and assorted other townspeople. Everyone is drinking and eating and generally having a good time. A young Half-Elf serving boy, Jack, floats around bringing everyone their food and ale.
The door opens and a young man enters. He appears to be a Paladin of some sort, a Greatsword sheathed across his back, along with a shield. The young man looks around, finds the table they are looking for and walks over to the table where a motley crew of adventurers sit, staring at him intently as he silently pulls up a chair and takes a seat. The table has a sign on it that reads ‘1st time adventurers meet here’.)
"Ah, splendid! It looks like you all made it!"
(The tavern owner, a rotund and jolly-looking fellow of about 40, appears at the side of the table, smiling and holding what appears to be an envelope.)
"My name is Willfred, I am the owner of this fine establishment. Glad you all could make it. Your mutual friend has asked me to read this to you when you all arrived."
(He now opens it and takes out the enclosed letter. Unfolding it, he begins to read.)
Greetings, adventurers!
It is I, Craig, your friendly neighborhood shop keeper! You are all here because you all expressed interest in teaming up with other like-minded folks and going on adventures. I had all of your names on my LIST and I think all of you would be a good fit together. I hope I am correct. Take some time to get to know each other; I’m sure you’ll all become fast friends. Go forth and make your mark on the world!
Best of Luck!
Craig
(The 5 assembled adventurers look around the table at each other. Willfred takes a little bow as he backs away.)
"Oh, this IS a good-looking group. You'll do well, very well indeed. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance to you."
(The crew looks each other over and sits for a few moments, until one of them rises up and begins to speak...)
DM's Notes: Ok, folks, go ahead and introduce your character to each other and give a brief description about your appearance, etc. No need to give your whole backstory, just introduce your character as they would introduce themselves. Looking forward to this! :)
"Nice to meet you Mr Sklin'oth, if you are true to your word about not hurting the innocent I think you and I are going to get along just fine, Now were is that ale I ordered"
He tries to catch the attention of one of the tavern staff
(Jack the Serving Boy appears, as if on cue, holding out a large tray with 5 tankards of Ale. He sets them all down in front of the 5 Adventurers, gives a small bow, and nimbly glides away to take care of the rest of the patrons in the tavern.)
With mug in hand, the rust-red Dragonborn stands. He gives a short, perhaps mocking bow to the Tavern owner. He rasies his trident with the other hand as he speaks, his voice a deep rumble and his eyes flashing red.
"I am, or rather was, a performer from the coast. But I have WON," his shout suddenly shattering the amiable tone of the room, "my freedom, and wish to use my skills elsewhere now."
The human shoots Jack a thankful glance before he disappears. Sheated on her chain mail is a mace and her trusted shield. The golden blonde hair is braided and, while seated, just about touches the floor beneath her. Hazel eyes twinkle in contrast to her brown skin, and curiously gazes over the table of strangers. She offers Vokrul a warm smile as he introduces himself, and nods thoughtfully towards Sklin'oth when he does the same. The dragonborn's intensity initially surprises her, but the cleric soon claps her hands together as if to seal the importance of what he just said. "Well done, friend. Say, what's your name?"
"My name is Cleo, one of the many followers of Pelor here in Calla. With emphasis on many, we finally had enough people tending the crops so that I, with good conscience, could try my wings elsewhere."
With her introduction out of the way, Cleo raiser her own tankard and happily gets a taste of the ale. She loved to brew it as much as she enjoyed drinking it.
"Curious of Craig to welcome us with a letter. Then again, I wouldn't expect anything less." With a chuckle she continues, more towards the tavern owner with a voice loud enough to reach his ears. "And good job, Willfred. You're a natural narrator."
A pale average looking human with short hair sits down and shakes vokruls hand and speaks to everyone else. "Hello all, I'm Sturm...I'm looking forward to starting this exhibition. " "I came here looking to see the world and help fight evil where we encounter it."
"A god's person, let's hope I can finally get on the good side of the villages I pass by"
He said while looking with a bored look at Cleo
"But then again I wish my deeds to proove my worth, like Craig proved his that one time I was saved."
Then he looks at the dragonborn amazed at his laugh.
"And champion, eh, undefeated is a nice title, on the streets it may be the only title keeping you alive."
Drinking out of his ale.
"Let's make the most and let us both stay that way."
He then looks at the pale Sturm.
"You look shaken, why are you so pale? Let's push forward on this quest!"
As he says this he slaps his hand across his back.
OOC: If I may be talking too much or seeming too much of a depressive character, warn me, so I can tone down my act.
PS.: since we aren't leveling I also temporarly enabled content sharing so that everyone can read all the compendium if they want, when this campaign ends (or when I need my 3rd license again) I'll disable it
"Doing? Well, I don't think there is a 'doing', exactly. Craig uses his list to bring people together, and then they kind of go off and find their fortunes. Many adventuring groups have found each other this way. And, if you don't mind my saying so, it appears Master Craig has done it again."
(He sees you all looking at him, and senses he may have spoken out of turn.)
"I mean, of course, he's very good at making matches. Forgive me for being so bold, but I think he's done well bringing you 5 together. Very balanced, very balanced indeed. I mean, you have this gentleman here (he points at Sklin'oth) who is obviously a powerful Tiefling Sorcerer... this stout fellow here (he points at Vokrul) who looks like a tough and hardy Dwarven Fighter. This Holy Warrior (he points at Sturm) who can shield you all from harm, this Holy lady here (he points at Cleo) who looks like she could smite your enemies... and finally, our fine Dragonborn friend here (he points at Quarthon) who can inspire you and strike fear in your enemies with song."
(Willfred clears his throat.)
"Well, enough about that. Please enjoy your ale, and let me know if I can help in any way."
(Willfred and Jack back off and let you all get to know each other. The ale loosens you up somewhat, and you slowly start to get used to each other. Mostly. About 45 minutes or so pass along this way, when...
Suddenly, a large, red-headed man in a black leather apron bursts thru the door, his muscular arms bleeding from some pretty gnarly gashes. A look of panic and terror is on his face, which is dirty and starting to swell up and bruise. He looks like someone beat the hell out of him.
“Bess!” he yells. “They got my Bess!”
He drops down to his knees and starts sobbing as the crowd starts to gather round.
Cleo immediately gives the man a once over to determine the severity of his wounds. The other individuals around the table had made swift work of getting him up off the floor and tried to instigate a conversation, so she decided to focus on his physical wellbeing. The human put her ale to the side, rose from her chair and walked over so that she could put a reassuring yet gentle hand on his soulder.
"May I please tend to your wounds while you fill us in on what has happened?"
(Vokrul rushes over, concerned. At his request, someone brings the man a mug of ale, but he is in no condition to enjoy the drink. Cleo, who, as a Cleric, has some experience, does a good job trying to bandage up wounds, manages to clean up a few of the man's larger wounds and apply a bandage to his head. A crowd has gathered around, looking on with concern. The rest of the party is also there, asking questions out of concern.)
"Rickard! What's happened?"
(Willfred rushes to the side of the fallen man, who is still very distraught. His injuries, though numerous, do not seem to be the main source of his despair. He tries to compose himself, trying to answer in between sobs.)
"Gob... goblins. They broke into my workshop. I-I-I tried to stop them... I think I even killed one of them. But there were too many. They stabbed at me and beat me with clubs and... when I woke up my daughter was... gone!"
(Rickard quietly sobs as the crowd murmurs their disbelief. WIllfred starts explaining things to the party, who is gathered around.)
"Rickard is the Blacksmith here. And Bess, sweet little Bess is his 8 year-old daughter. She means the world to him. All he has ever since his wife passed a few years ago."
(A look of sudden realization appears on Willfred's face, a smile on his lips.)
"Rickard, my friend, don't despair! Look here! These here fine folks (he points towards the party) are skilled adventurers!"
“You-you’re adventurers? Please, you’ve got to help me! If I lost my Bess, I… I… I can pay you! I don’t have much, but I would give all the gold I have in the world if you can get my daughter back to me safely. Will you help me? Please, I beg you!”
(Rickard throws himself, both figuratively and literally, at the feet of the party, begging for help. The party begins to talk amongst themselves.)
OOC: I hope I can ask a favor from you guys. Can you please go into your signature and add your character like Sklin'oth has done to the bottom of your posts? It's under Profile, Edit Profile, and there's a spot there for Signature. It would help me remember who's who faster. Thanks a lot.
"why would goblins kidnap? Very unlike goblins not to just kill the girl."
he realises suddenly that what he just said is insensitive and he as if a switch has gone in his head he switches from being slow and thoughtless to being a professional soldier.
"I just ment there must be some reason they took her? How long ago and from were? I for one will take up this quest, I hope the rest of you will join me. If we go to his workshop, maybe we can track them from there"
Turning to Willfred
"Has anything like this happened before? do you know of any goblin hideouts near by?"
As his dual coloured flames grow bigger as he reaches inside his shirt to touch an amulet he got from his mother's corpse, his face seems sadder than usual.
"I know what it is like to lose someone, I don't want it to happen to someone else, not if I can do anything about it."
You see a hint of determination on his eyes. Looking at Vorkul.
"I don't care what goblins usually do, we shall try it! I've heard of goblins keeping kidnaped people alive to have the flesh as fresh as poossible before cooking, we should hurry!"
Looking at Rickard.
"Tell us the answers to Vokrul's questions so we may go."
Looking at the table
"Any other things we may need here? We must try to save her!"
(The Young Buck Tavern in the town of Calla is a place like many others. On this early evening, the Tavern is only about half full of your usual tradesmen, farmers and assorted other townspeople. Everyone is drinking and eating and generally having a good time. A young Half-Elf serving boy, Jack, floats around bringing everyone their food and ale.
The door opens and a young man enters. He appears to be a Paladin of some sort, a Greatsword sheathed across his back, along with a shield. The young man looks around, finds the table they are looking for and walks over to the table where a motley crew of adventurers sit, staring at him intently as he silently pulls up a chair and takes a seat. The table has a sign on it that reads ‘1st time adventurers meet here’.)
"Ah, splendid! It looks like you all made it!"
(The tavern owner, a rotund and jolly-looking fellow of about 40, appears at the side of the table, smiling and holding what appears to be an envelope.)
"My name is Willfred, I am the owner of this fine establishment. Glad you all could make it. Your mutual friend has asked me to read this to you when you all arrived."
(He now opens it and takes out the enclosed letter. Unfolding it, he begins to read.)
Greetings, adventurers!
It is I, Craig, your friendly neighborhood shop keeper! You are all here because you all expressed interest in teaming up with other like-minded folks and going on adventures. I had all of your names on my LIST and I think all of you would be a good fit together. I hope I am correct. Take some time to get to know each other; I’m sure you’ll all become fast friends. Go forth and make your mark on the world!
Best of Luck!
Craig
(The 5 assembled adventurers look around the table at each other. Willfred takes a little bow as he backs away.)
"Oh, this IS a good-looking group. You'll do well, very well indeed. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance to you."
(The crew looks each other over and sits for a few moments, until one of them rises up and begins to speak...)
DM's Notes: Ok, folks, go ahead and introduce your character to each other and give a brief description about your appearance, etc. No need to give your whole backstory, just introduce your character as they would introduce themselves. Looking forward to this! :)
DM - Tomb of the Delian Order One-Shot (Level 1)
Natasha - The Call of Lon-Dia Human Rogue (Level 4)
A stocky dwarf in well worn leathers sits looking very interested in his ale, he has long dark gray, shaggy hair and beard, not unkept but still wild.
"Hello, I should probably introduce myself, my name is Vokrul"
he lifts a hand and offers it to any who will take it
"What is it brought each of you here?"
he smiles, he has a friendly dependable look about him.
"so were do you think this Mr Craig intends for us to go? O and Willfred I will have another of your fine ales please."
Vokrul Leadmane
A red coloured thiefling on the corner of the group spits on the floor.
"Nice to meet you, my name is Sklin'oth, don't be afraid I won't bite."
*Looks arround*
"People may not think well of my kind, but I've never killed unless it was someone evil or in self defense, hope you all feel the same way"
*takes a big sip out of a strong drink*
"I hope i can find more demons, I really hate my father's kind."
*he lets off a strong sight*
"Anyway, it is time to make more allies and adventure somewhere else, what task do you have for us?"
Vokrul looks over to the thiefling,
"Nice to meet you Mr Sklin'oth, if you are true to your word about not hurting the innocent I think you and I are going to get along just fine, Now were is that ale I ordered"
He tries to catch the attention of one of the tavern staff
Vokrul Leadmane
(Jack the Serving Boy appears, as if on cue, holding out a large tray with 5 tankards of Ale. He sets them all down in front of the 5 Adventurers, gives a small bow, and nimbly glides away to take care of the rest of the patrons in the tavern.)
DM - Tomb of the Delian Order One-Shot (Level 1)
Natasha - The Call of Lon-Dia Human Rogue (Level 4)
"Well its about time."
With mug in hand, the rust-red Dragonborn stands. He gives a short, perhaps mocking bow to the Tavern owner. He rasies his trident with the other hand as he speaks, his voice a deep rumble and his eyes flashing red.
"I am, or rather was, a performer from the coast. But I have WON," his shout suddenly shattering the amiable tone of the room, "my freedom, and wish to use my skills elsewhere now."
Quorthon - Dragonborn Bard
"Why thank you, dear."
The human shoots Jack a thankful glance before he disappears. Sheated on her chain mail is a mace and her trusted shield. The golden blonde hair is braided and, while seated, just about touches the floor beneath her. Hazel eyes twinkle in contrast to her brown skin, and curiously gazes over the table of strangers. She offers Vokrul a warm smile as he introduces himself, and nods thoughtfully towards Sklin'oth when he does the same. The dragonborn's intensity initially surprises her, but the cleric soon claps her hands together as if to seal the importance of what he just said. "Well done, friend. Say, what's your name?"
"My name is Cleo, one of the many followers of Pelor here in Calla. With emphasis on many, we finally had enough people tending the crops so that I, with good conscience, could try my wings elsewhere."
With her introduction out of the way, Cleo raiser her own tankard and happily gets a taste of the ale. She loved to brew it as much as she enjoyed drinking it.
"Curious of Craig to welcome us with a letter. Then again, I wouldn't expect anything less." With a chuckle she continues, more towards the tavern owner with a voice loud enough to reach his ears. "And good job, Willfred. You're a natural narrator."
The Dragonborn nods at her.
“My name is Quarthon. In the ring I went by many names. Some called me the Serpent. Others called me Dragonsong.. All knew me as... undefeated!”
And with that he lets out a bellowing laugh and takes a long drink from his cup.
Quorthon - Dragonborn Bard
A pale average looking human with short hair sits down and shakes vokruls hand and speaks to everyone else. "Hello all, I'm Sturm...I'm looking forward to starting this exhibition. " "I came here looking to see the world and help fight evil where we encounter it."
Sturm
"A god's person, let's hope I can finally get on the good side of the villages I pass by"
He said while looking with a bored look at Cleo
"But then again I wish my deeds to proove my worth, like Craig proved his that one time I was saved."
Then he looks at the dragonborn amazed at his laugh.
"And champion, eh, undefeated is a nice title, on the streets it may be the only title keeping you alive."
Drinking out of his ale.
"Let's make the most and let us both stay that way."
He then looks at the pale Sturm.
"You look shaken, why are you so pale? Let's push forward on this quest!"
As he says this he slaps his hand across his back.
OOC: If I may be talking too much or seeming too much of a depressive character, warn me, so I can tone down my act.
PS.: since we aren't leveling I also temporarly enabled content sharing so that everyone can read all the compendium if they want, when this campaign ends (or when I need my 3rd license again) I'll disable it
"I concur, let's set out as soon as possible. I am eager to test my steel!"
Quorthon looks at Wilfred.
"Did this Craig tell us what needs doing exactly?"
Quorthon - Dragonborn Bard
"Doing? Well, I don't think there is a 'doing', exactly. Craig uses his list to bring people together, and then they kind of go off and find their fortunes. Many adventuring groups have found each other this way. And, if you don't mind my saying so, it appears Master Craig has done it again."
(He sees you all looking at him, and senses he may have spoken out of turn.)
"I mean, of course, he's very good at making matches. Forgive me for being so bold, but I think he's done well bringing you 5 together. Very balanced, very balanced indeed. I mean, you have this gentleman here (he points at Sklin'oth) who is obviously a powerful Tiefling Sorcerer... this stout fellow here (he points at Vokrul) who looks like a tough and hardy Dwarven Fighter. This Holy Warrior (he points at Sturm) who can shield you all from harm, this Holy lady here (he points at Cleo) who looks like she could smite your enemies... and finally, our fine Dragonborn friend here (he points at Quarthon) who can inspire you and strike fear in your enemies with song."
(Willfred clears his throat.)
"Well, enough about that. Please enjoy your ale, and let me know if I can help in any way."
(Willfred and Jack back off and let you all get to know each other. The ale loosens you up somewhat, and you slowly start to get used to each other. Mostly. About 45 minutes or so pass along this way, when...
Suddenly, a large, red-headed man in a black leather apron bursts thru the door, his muscular arms bleeding from some pretty gnarly gashes. A look of panic and terror is on his face, which is dirty and starting to swell up and bruise. He looks like someone beat the hell out of him.
“Bess!” he yells. “They got my Bess!”
He drops down to his knees and starts sobbing as the crowd starts to gather round.
(What do you all do?)
DM - Tomb of the Delian Order One-Shot (Level 1)
Natasha - The Call of Lon-Dia Human Rogue (Level 4)
Vokrul looked over in surprise as the man bursts thought the door. He seems to take a minute to collect his thoughts.
"someone get this man a strong drink and a chair"
once he is calmed
"what seems to be the problem? what is your Bess?and who has taken it?"
Vokrul looks awkward in this social situation and looks to the rest of his table as if to ask for assistance
Vokrul Leadmane
“Speak man! We can help! Who took her? Where are they?”
...and after a thoughtful moment...
“And who is Bess? A wife? Or a cow?”
Quorthon - Dragonborn Bard
Small hints of black and red flames start appearing arround Sklin'oth.
"If he was willing to take this much of a beating, I don't care who or what it was, it was certainly highly important to him, and we'll recover it!"
He looks at the man.
"I agree with Vokrul, tell us stranger, who were they, and what is your Bess?"
He looks at the table and then at the man.
Sturm jumps up and intently listens to the new arrival..
" I've met many men whod be more upset about their cow disappearing then their wife...fair question Quorthorn..."
Sturm
Cleo immediately gives the man a once over to determine the severity of his wounds. The other individuals around the table had made swift work of getting him up off the floor and tried to instigate a conversation, so she decided to focus on his physical wellbeing. The human put her ale to the side, rose from her chair and walked over so that she could put a reassuring yet gentle hand on his soulder.
"May I please tend to your wounds while you fill us in on what has happened?"
(Vokrul rushes over, concerned. At his request, someone brings the man a mug of ale, but he is in no condition to enjoy the drink. Cleo, who, as a Cleric, has some experience, does a good job trying to bandage up wounds, manages to clean up a few of the man's larger wounds and apply a bandage to his head. A crowd has gathered around, looking on with concern. The rest of the party is also there, asking questions out of concern.)
"Rickard! What's happened?"
(Willfred rushes to the side of the fallen man, who is still very distraught. His injuries, though numerous, do not seem to be the main source of his despair. He tries to compose himself, trying to answer in between sobs.)
"Gob... goblins. They broke into my workshop. I-I-I tried to stop them... I think I even killed one of them. But there were too many. They stabbed at me and beat me with clubs and... when I woke up my daughter was... gone!"
(Rickard quietly sobs as the crowd murmurs their disbelief. WIllfred starts explaining things to the party, who is gathered around.)
"Rickard is the Blacksmith here. And Bess, sweet little Bess is his 8 year-old daughter. She means the world to him. All he has ever since his wife passed a few years ago."
(A look of sudden realization appears on Willfred's face, a smile on his lips.)
"Rickard, my friend, don't despair! Look here! These here fine folks (he points towards the party) are skilled adventurers!"
“You-you’re adventurers? Please, you’ve got to help me! If I lost my Bess, I… I… I can pay you! I don’t have much, but I would give all the gold I have in the world if you can get my daughter back to me safely. Will you help me? Please, I beg you!”
(Rickard throws himself, both figuratively and literally, at the feet of the party, begging for help. The party begins to talk amongst themselves.)
OOC: I hope I can ask a favor from you guys. Can you please go into your signature and add your character like Sklin'oth has done to the bottom of your posts? It's under Profile, Edit Profile, and there's a spot there for Signature. It would help me remember who's who faster. Thanks a lot.
DM - Tomb of the Delian Order One-Shot (Level 1)
Natasha - The Call of Lon-Dia Human Rogue (Level 4)
Vokrul thinks for a moment
"why would goblins kidnap? Very unlike goblins not to just kill the girl."
he realises suddenly that what he just said is insensitive and he as if a switch has gone in his head he switches from being slow and thoughtless to being a professional soldier.
"I just ment there must be some reason they took her? How long ago and from were? I for one will take up this quest, I hope the rest of you will join me. If we go to his workshop, maybe we can track them from there"
Turning to Willfred
"Has anything like this happened before? do you know of any goblin hideouts near by?"
Vokrul Leadmane
As his dual coloured flames grow bigger as he reaches inside his shirt to touch an amulet he got from his mother's corpse, his face seems sadder than usual.
"I know what it is like to lose someone, I don't want it to happen to someone else, not if I can do anything about it."
You see a hint of determination on his eyes. Looking at Vorkul.
"I don't care what goblins usually do, we shall try it! I've heard of goblins keeping kidnaped people alive to have the flesh as fresh as poossible before cooking, we should hurry!"
Looking at Rickard.
"Tell us the answers to Vokrul's questions so we may go."
Looking at the table
"Any other things we may need here? We must try to save her!"