Tables are set up, you can smell bread, there are berries and small fried fish. A couple of people are pouring tea. It’s like a dream. On the surface the general populace eats gruel farms are barely getting established and some issues have cropped up… But here you are!
Umbriel’s sharp eyes sweep over the room, taking in every detail with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion. This place, with its apparent abundance, feels out of place in a world still clawing its way back from devastation.
His deep ashen gray skin, etched with faintly glowing green veins, marks him as different. His horns, thick and curling from his brow, and his sharp, gaunt features give him a fierce and otherworldly appearance. His black hair is cut short to just above his shoulders. The worn leather armor he wears show the signs of long days spent in the wilds, their practicality far removed from the relative luxury of the room before him.
Umbriel moves inside, his steps almost silent. Despite the warmth and the welcoming atmosphere, he remains cautious, always aware of his surroundings. His eyes briefly scan the tables, noting the food laid out—berries, small fried fish—things that remind him of his own scavenging in the wilderness. Familiar enough. He avoids the tea, instead opting to drink from his own waterskin.
He collects a modest portion of food, eating with methodical care, and retreats to a table with a good view of the entire room. His back is to the wall, allowing him to watch everyone who enters or leaves. Umbriel’s posture is relaxed, but his eyes are sharp, constantly scanning for anything out of place.
As he eats, Umbriel’s thoughts swirl. Why was he invited here? His reputation as a wilderness guide is solid, but so were many others’. There’s a reason they picked him, and it’s not just for his skills. His gaze narrows, lingering on the other figures in the room. For now, he waits, content to observe until he learns what this gathering is really about.
It does not escape your notice that one of your maps is on display. As you quietly observe you sense that you are also being noticed you even hear your name quietly mentioned.
Umbriel's gaze softens slightly as he takes in the sight of his map on display. He feels a mix of pride and unease twist in his chest. He prefers to remain unseen...but if he must be noticed, he supposes his maps are the closest thing to an acceptable reason why.
Sylnache arrives only slightly late, and yet does not go unnoticed. Someone as large as her is hard to miss, even if she was trying to be quiet ... which she was not. There is no hiding her obvious Goliath origins. Beyond her impressive stature, and the telling markings on her skin, there is the reddish tone of her skin and her fiery red eyes that suggest she comes from a Fire clan. The black hair atop her head is about as long as any of her kind can manage to grow, as though she's never bothered to cut it her entire life. Her massive greataxe remains hung across her back, she does not seem interested in setting it down anywhere, even here, just in case a need arises to have her weapon in hand. She only briefly scans the room before moving directly towards the food laden tables.
Unlike others here, the goliath is not modest about her meal selection. They were invited, after all, and she's not about to let the opportunity to fill her stomach pass. With several plates filled to nearly overflowing in her arms, Sylnache makes her way to the nearest empty seat at an available table. She begins to dig into her meal without hesitation, though she does take her time to enjoy the quality of the food.
As she continues partaking of her meal, Sylnache wonders what the guild would want with her. She's pretty sure she's encountered their members on rare occasion where she served on a random boat crew or caravan guard. It would seem she managed to make a good impression if they invited her here. Still none of this answers the question of what request the host would make of her, or anyone else who might have also received the same invitation.
Faelin's eyes wander across the room absent-mindedly, taking in the flickering torchlight that dances along the wooden walls. The muffled hum of conversation fills the air, but his mind is elsewhere. He taps his fingers on the table in a slow, rhythmic pattern, a habit born from years of playing instruments, though now devoid of any melody.
His gaze sharpens momentarily as a shadow crosses the doorway, then softens again. A deep sigh escapes his lips as he sinks deeper into his reverie. Does he even know what he’s waiting for anymore? Or is it just the next step in a path that has long since lost its direction?
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If I ever get into a pbp please make sure you add the underscore to my name when I get PMed.
Characters (Links!): Amzar Starshade- Odyssey Of Greatness Faelin Nighthollow - 7th Sojourn Dallas Hullbreaker - Legacy of Iggwilv
Once Sylnache finds a seat and begins eating more platters are brought out this time the fare is a bit less fancy strips of meat and boiled eggs. As you watch the staff refilling the table you notice an artistic portrait near an entry opposite of where you came in. It shows a sea serpent attacking a ship and a Goliath with coal black hair and fiery fists beating upon it. You remember months ago that ship brought you on your journey to Zero… almost cost your life.
A young woman comes into the chamber a smile beaming on her face she glances at Faelin Sylnache and Umbriel as she raises a viol to her shoulder and begins to play its an unfamiliar tune. It starts slow and somber building a little in tone and esprit till finally finishing in a steady proud finale. Faelin can’t help but know three of his early musical creations were masterfully combined into this showcase piece, the young musician bows toward you, as she does you see a twinkle in her eyes, and she retreats from the dome.
Tyr enters the room hesitantly, keeping his head down but glancing around the room and taking in the occupants in as subtle a way as he can. He had warred with himself to even come to this meeting, his conflicting feelings only multiply with his shock at the spread of relatively hearty, nutritious food. I've heard the rumors, but this... Tyr mentally pushes his misgivings aside, reminding himself that he is here for the same reason he goes anywhere – to see what can be done.
Tyr takes only a very small portion, not having had much of an appetite for years now, but will accept a cup of tea and take both over to a corner table to sit. Removing his heavily mended overcloak and setting it beside him, Tyr reveals his worn traveling clothes and lean frame. The elven man is well into his middle centuries, his washed out red hair pulled into a low tail at the nape of his neck and going white at the temples. His clothes don't indicate any particular region or fashion, and are clearly assembled from whatever he could find wherever he happened to be, his only distinctive possession a small book strapped into a harness at the small of his back, usually covered by his cloak.
He continues to scan the room, listening to the conversations around him and turning the situation and his invitation over in his mind.
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I do both party and individual character commissions. PM me for info.
Umbriel's maps have always been his way of navigating the world without fully being a part of it, a way to leave his mark without needing to face others directly. But now, it seems, someone has found him through his work.
The Tiefling remains still, his sharp eyes following the young woman as she plays, the unfamiliar melody stirring something within him—something distant, like a forgotten memory. The slow, somber tones remind him of the desolation he has wandered through for so long, while the final proud notes seem to mock the quiet peace he’s found in isolation.
As the music swells, his gaze shifts to the portrait of the Goliath, recognizing her sitting nearby immediately from the painting. Another explorer, no doubt. It’s almost too convenient—an assembly of people drawn here by their talents, by their pasts. Umbriel’s fingers drum lightly on his arm as he thinks. The song could very well be a tribute, not just to her but perhaps to others in this chamber as well.
He feels a quiet unease, though not from fear.
“This 'Explorer’s Guild' has disturbingly sharp eyes and ears,” he muses to himself.
Sylnache catches sight of the portrait depicting the deadly sea battle. Her eyes narrow slightly as she stares at the rendition, the memories of that ill fated voyage replaying inside her mind. That near brush with death hadn't bothered her; traveling was always dangerous, especially across the seas. However seeing that moment captured on canvas was not something she had imagined. Was that goliath in the painting supposed to be her? She initially assumed this to be some other Fire Clan goliath, but her former clanmates were, in her opinion, lazy cowards. What few remained were still living in the ancient goliath lands, pathetically waiting for their death.
Sylnache then shakes her head to try to brush off these depressing thoughts, her gaze returning to the portrait. She wondered if there had been Explorer's Guild member on that fateful ship. Had she made that much of an impression fighting off the sea creature to have them commission such a painting? It hadn't felt like a grand moment worthy of remembering like this, more of a desperate struggle for survival. Surely this was merely a coincidence, perhaps a depiction of a truly heroic goliath from ancient times, one of those disappointing heroes the elders often talked about.
Sylnache huffs a bit as she grabs some of the fresh strips of meat that had been brought out, biting into them perhaps a bit more angrily then intended as unpleasant memories fill her mind. She looks around the room in an attempt to distract her from such thoughts and comes across the framed maps on the walls. She recognizes several of those maps, having used similar copies often in her travels. It would make sense for an Explorer's Guild to so appreciate good quality maps like this. Sylnache smiles briefly at the memories of much more pleasant travels made possible by such maps.
It occurs to her a moment later that this little event has been going on for some time, which prompts her to wonder out loud, "When will our gracious hosts tell us what in the meteor's ass are we doing here?"
He continues to scan the room, listening to the conversations around him and turning the situation and his invitation over in his mind.
—Tyr Sepcairn
Idly fidgeting with your actual invitation you notice a detail you initially had not seen… numerous watermark runes in giant. You interpret their meaning to say, ‘Strength Enough, Wizard’s Grace, Duty Calls, Protect this Place.’ It’s an odd set of runes, but you’ve heard that mantra before when fire rained from the sky. You recall giants of all types working with clutches of mages, dying left and right but it was the only time you’ve ever seen unity like that… and now here in this very room you notice the others a tiefling an aasimar a goliath. Zero is a very diverse city but you have seen groups segregate and conflict arise. The unity of survival is not ever present. Then you notice a plaque on the wall near your table honoring by name spellcasters whose lives were lost but whose sacrifices saved hundreds, you even recognize a few.
"When will our gracious hosts tell us what in the meteor's ass are we doing here?"
—Sylnache Ashrain
No sooner do the words leave your mouth! A gnome with a handcart full of writing utensils, papers, a couple books comes wheeling out he heads straight to your table. One wheel on his cart squealing loudly on its way!
As he gets near he slows down and looks up up into your face gulps loudly, “Ashrain? Oh um Sylnache, I mean you are Sylnache Ashrain?” He clears his throat and loudly states the others names as well. “We of the Explorer’s Guild do extend an honorary membership to each of you. As a member you will receive the privileges hereby detailed within the documentation of which I will provide. Oh and well we have a missing team in need of being recovered should you be interested. An assignment with payment of course, we just ask that you consider this task your membership offer is not contingent upon acceptance of this subsequent mission should you not wish to undergo at this time.” The gnome wobbles on his feet as he finishes talking having not once taken a breath during his dialogue.
A young woman comes into the chamber a smile beaming on her face she glances at Faelin Sylnache and Umbriel as she raises a viol to her shoulder and begins to play its an unfamiliar tune. It starts slow and somber building a little in tone and esprit till finally finishing in a steady proud finale. Faelin can’t help but know three of his early musical creations were masterfully combined into this showcase piece, the young musician bows toward you, as she does you see a twinkle in her eyes, and she retreats from the dome.
Faelin, a wary and suspicious person due to his supposed celestial betrayal, narrows his eyes as he is shaken out of his daydream by the familiar melody, his hand instinctively drops to his dagger at his side as he looks warily around. Nobody could’ve known those songs that he composed decades ago…
His eyes wander across the room and settle on the painting and the Goliath. He is now more curious than suspicious.
Umbriel perks up slightly at the sound of his full name, his interest sharpened by the mention of a paid assignment. The prospect of an honorary membership in the Explorer’s Guild is unexpected but could be useful, as they seem skilled at information gathering at least, though the real lure is the mission—recovering a missing team. Such a job likely entails dangerous terrain, valuable discoveries, and, more importantly, the opportunity to continue exploring the world he’s come to thrive in.
Quietly, he rises from where he had been observing, his movements smooth and deliberate. He approaches Sylnache's table, noting her reaction to the gnome’s breathless delivery. With a faint nod in her direction, he waits for the gnome to hand out the documentation on what a guild membership actually includes.
"And what was this missing team after, I wonder?" Umbriel’s luminous gaze flicks to the others briefly, then back to the gnome.
Sylnache was about to reply to the gnome, but his sudden breathless explanation came forth too quickly to respond right away. A moment after she offered a simple blink as she processed everything the gnome had just announced. Her brow creased slightly in heavy thought, but then the gray tiefling approached.
"Hm, good question." Sylnache nodded at the tiefling's question. She took a moment to look at the others the gnome had mentioned before asking few more of her own. "And why such a fancy meal just to ask for this task? Why offer membership instead of just requesting the job directly?"
She leans back in her chair, which creaks under the stress of her body weight shifting, crossing her arms while watching the reactions of the others. Mostly this was simple curiosity. Sylnache was already decided that she would accept the job regardless, she simply had no reason not to.
"And what was this missing team after, I wonder?" Umbriel’s luminous gaze flicks to the others briefly, then back to the gnome.
—Umbriel
"And why such a fancy meal just to ask for this task? Why offer membership instead of just requesting the job directly?"
—Sylnache
“Questions yes yes, well first the missing team had discovered a giantess willing to barter certain items with a private investor here at Zero… and question two the meal is to give honor where it is due other members have spoken highly of each of you the membership is yours if you choose. Lastly the job offer well the details are sensitive and not to be shared with nonmembers.”
The gnome shifts his spectacles and begins shuffling papers, “Which leads me to the contracts…”
If you accept the membership offer your signatures will be requested on several papers as well as a vial of blood. As you try to read through the details and benefits there seems to be a lot of discounts and freebies and safety clauses, on the downside any item or information deemed vital to the guild is claimed as proprietary meaning you agree to possibly keep secrets or turn over items of power or influence.
Tyr traces the watermarks with one finger, his eyes scanning the words over and over again, rapidly, feeling the memories of that time surfacing. His brow furrows in thought as his gaze falls onto the others in the room, watching closer now as they take in the scene for themselves, and as they become lost in their own thoughts and memories. He catches the look the tiefling gives to the intricate map on the wall, the tune that the aasimar taps out on the table, and the goliath's frown in the direction of the painting, and notes the reactions to himself with a quiet hope for what reasons they could have to all come together. When he catches sight of the plaque and the names it presents, however, the room falls away and the surfacing memories overtake him.
Tyr comes back to himself suddenly when he hears his name called, startling and look towards the gnome before rubbing his temples, giving the plaque one last, low glace, and standing to join the goliath and the tiefling at the table. He tucks the invitation into his spellbook with one hand as he approaches the table, eyeing the papers on the gnome's cart. He nods along to the others' questions, then adds his own as they finish,"I'd be curious, too, what we have done to catch the attention of the Guild. I would imagine such offers are not made lightly."
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Umbriel's fingers tap lightly on the edge of the contract as he considers the details, gaze shifting back and forth from the words to the gnome. The Explorer’s Guild offers resources that could make his life easier—safer even—but the price is steep. Contracts written in blood carry a weight that cannot be ignored. Still, the lure of the unknown tugs at him.
Perception for anything easy to miss in contract: 18; Insight on gnome: 22
Sylnache didn't really think much of the contract, as in it wasn't the sort of thing she put much thought into. Whatever may or may not occur in the future that the guild is so interested in didn't matter to her. She cared more about the present, and what benefits the guild would provide in the here and now. In that sense, this deal seemed too good to pass up.
And yet the others seemed hesitant. Perhaps they were being overly cautious, or perhaps one of them might find some wordy danger among the papers presented to them. Sylnache decided it would be best to wait and watch them for now, to see if this is turns out to be a trap, or just a waste of time. Thus did the goliath's fiery gaze shift over to the others that had approached the table, watching and waiting for now.
"So ya gonna take the offer?" Of course that didn't mean she would do so quietly. "Actually since yer here, which one of those names that the little one called out are ya?" She points towards Umbriel's direction before guessing wildly, "You seem like a 'Faelin' to me."
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Sylnache Ashrain - 7th Sojourn
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Tables are set up, you can smell bread, there are berries and small fried fish. A couple of people are pouring tea. It’s like a dream. On the surface the general populace eats gruel farms are barely getting established and some issues have cropped up… But here you are!
Your worst moment, begins your greatest tale.
Umbriel’s sharp eyes sweep over the room, taking in every detail with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion. This place, with its apparent abundance, feels out of place in a world still clawing its way back from devastation.
His deep ashen gray skin, etched with faintly glowing green veins, marks him as different. His horns, thick and curling from his brow, and his sharp, gaunt features give him a fierce and otherworldly appearance. His black hair is cut short to just above his shoulders. The worn leather armor he wears show the signs of long days spent in the wilds, their practicality far removed from the relative luxury of the room before him.
Umbriel moves inside, his steps almost silent. Despite the warmth and the welcoming atmosphere, he remains cautious, always aware of his surroundings. His eyes briefly scan the tables, noting the food laid out—berries, small fried fish—things that remind him of his own scavenging in the wilderness. Familiar enough. He avoids the tea, instead opting to drink from his own waterskin.
He collects a modest portion of food, eating with methodical care, and retreats to a table with a good view of the entire room. His back is to the wall, allowing him to watch everyone who enters or leaves. Umbriel’s posture is relaxed, but his eyes are sharp, constantly scanning for anything out of place.
As he eats, Umbriel’s thoughts swirl. Why was he invited here? His reputation as a wilderness guide is solid, but so were many others’. There’s a reason they picked him, and it’s not just for his skills. His gaze narrows, lingering on the other figures in the room. For now, he waits, content to observe until he learns what this gathering is really about.
It does not escape your notice that one of your maps is on display. As you quietly observe you sense that you are also being noticed you even hear your name quietly mentioned.
Your worst moment, begins your greatest tale.
Umbriel's gaze softens slightly as he takes in the sight of his map on display. He feels a mix of pride and unease twist in his chest. He prefers to remain unseen...but if he must be noticed, he supposes his maps are the closest thing to an acceptable reason why.
Sylnache arrives only slightly late, and yet does not go unnoticed. Someone as large as her is hard to miss, even if she was trying to be quiet ... which she was not. There is no hiding her obvious Goliath origins. Beyond her impressive stature, and the telling markings on her skin, there is the reddish tone of her skin and her fiery red eyes that suggest she comes from a Fire clan. The black hair atop her head is about as long as any of her kind can manage to grow, as though she's never bothered to cut it her entire life. Her massive greataxe remains hung across her back, she does not seem interested in setting it down anywhere, even here, just in case a need arises to have her weapon in hand. She only briefly scans the room before moving directly towards the food laden tables.
Unlike others here, the goliath is not modest about her meal selection. They were invited, after all, and she's not about to let the opportunity to fill her stomach pass. With several plates filled to nearly overflowing in her arms, Sylnache makes her way to the nearest empty seat at an available table. She begins to dig into her meal without hesitation, though she does take her time to enjoy the quality of the food.
As she continues partaking of her meal, Sylnache wonders what the guild would want with her. She's pretty sure she's encountered their members on rare occasion where she served on a random boat crew or caravan guard. It would seem she managed to make a good impression if they invited her here. Still none of this answers the question of what request the host would make of her, or anyone else who might have also received the same invitation.
Sylnache Ashrain - 7th Sojourn
Faelin's eyes wander across the room absent-mindedly, taking in the flickering torchlight that dances along the wooden walls. The muffled hum of conversation fills the air, but his mind is elsewhere. He taps his fingers on the table in a slow, rhythmic pattern, a habit born from years of playing instruments, though now devoid of any melody.
His gaze sharpens momentarily as a shadow crosses the doorway, then softens again. A deep sigh escapes his lips as he sinks deeper into his reverie. Does he even know what he’s waiting for anymore? Or is it just the next step in a path that has long since lost its direction?
If I ever get into a pbp please make sure you add the underscore to my name when I get PMed.
Characters (Links!):
Amzar Starshade - Odyssey Of Greatness
Faelin Nighthollow - 7th Sojourn
Dallas Hullbreaker - Legacy of Iggwilv
Once Sylnache finds a seat and begins eating more platters are brought out this time the fare is a bit less fancy strips of meat and boiled eggs. As you watch the staff refilling the table you notice an artistic portrait near an entry opposite of where you came in. It shows a sea serpent attacking a ship and a Goliath with coal black hair and fiery fists beating upon it. You remember months ago that ship brought you on your journey to Zero… almost cost your life.
Your worst moment, begins your greatest tale.
A young woman comes into the chamber a smile beaming on her face she glances at Faelin Sylnache and Umbriel as she raises a viol to her shoulder and begins to play its an unfamiliar tune. It starts slow and somber building a little in tone and esprit till finally finishing in a steady proud finale. Faelin can’t help but know three of his early musical creations were masterfully combined into this showcase piece, the young musician bows toward you, as she does you see a twinkle in her eyes, and she retreats from the dome.
Your worst moment, begins your greatest tale.
Tyr enters the room hesitantly, keeping his head down but glancing around the room and taking in the occupants in as subtle a way as he can. He had warred with himself to even come to this meeting, his conflicting feelings only multiply with his shock at the spread of relatively hearty, nutritious food. I've heard the rumors, but this... Tyr mentally pushes his misgivings aside, reminding himself that he is here for the same reason he goes anywhere – to see what can be done.
Tyr takes only a very small portion, not having had much of an appetite for years now, but will accept a cup of tea and take both over to a corner table to sit. Removing his heavily mended overcloak and setting it beside him, Tyr reveals his worn traveling clothes and lean frame. The elven man is well into his middle centuries, his washed out red hair pulled into a low tail at the nape of his neck and going white at the temples. His clothes don't indicate any particular region or fashion, and are clearly assembled from whatever he could find wherever he happened to be, his only distinctive possession a small book strapped into a harness at the small of his back, usually covered by his cloak.
He continues to scan the room, listening to the conversations around him and turning the situation and his invitation over in his mind.
I do both party and individual character commissions. PM me for info.
Corti- Warforged bard (Union!)
Koya Balrin- Dragonborn fighter (Stormwreck Isle)
Tyr Sepcairn - Elf wizard (7th Sojourn)
Umbriel's maps have always been his way of navigating the world without fully being a part of it, a way to leave his mark without needing to face others directly. But now, it seems, someone has found him through his work.
The Tiefling remains still, his sharp eyes following the young woman as she plays, the unfamiliar melody stirring something within him—something distant, like a forgotten memory. The slow, somber tones remind him of the desolation he has wandered through for so long, while the final proud notes seem to mock the quiet peace he’s found in isolation.
As the music swells, his gaze shifts to the portrait of the Goliath, recognizing her sitting nearby immediately from the painting. Another explorer, no doubt. It’s almost too convenient—an assembly of people drawn here by their talents, by their pasts. Umbriel’s fingers drum lightly on his arm as he thinks. The song could very well be a tribute, not just to her but perhaps to others in this chamber as well.
He feels a quiet unease, though not from fear.
“This 'Explorer’s Guild' has disturbingly sharp eyes and ears,” he muses to himself.
Sylnache catches sight of the portrait depicting the deadly sea battle. Her eyes narrow slightly as she stares at the rendition, the memories of that ill fated voyage replaying inside her mind. That near brush with death hadn't bothered her; traveling was always dangerous, especially across the seas. However seeing that moment captured on canvas was not something she had imagined. Was that goliath in the painting supposed to be her? She initially assumed this to be some other Fire Clan goliath, but her former clanmates were, in her opinion, lazy cowards. What few remained were still living in the ancient goliath lands, pathetically waiting for their death.
Sylnache then shakes her head to try to brush off these depressing thoughts, her gaze returning to the portrait. She wondered if there had been Explorer's Guild member on that fateful ship. Had she made that much of an impression fighting off the sea creature to have them commission such a painting? It hadn't felt like a grand moment worthy of remembering like this, more of a desperate struggle for survival. Surely this was merely a coincidence, perhaps a depiction of a truly heroic goliath from ancient times, one of those disappointing heroes the elders often talked about.
Sylnache huffs a bit as she grabs some of the fresh strips of meat that had been brought out, biting into them perhaps a bit more angrily then intended as unpleasant memories fill her mind. She looks around the room in an attempt to distract her from such thoughts and comes across the framed maps on the walls. She recognizes several of those maps, having used similar copies often in her travels. It would make sense for an Explorer's Guild to so appreciate good quality maps like this. Sylnache smiles briefly at the memories of much more pleasant travels made possible by such maps.
It occurs to her a moment later that this little event has been going on for some time, which prompts her to wonder out loud, "When will our gracious hosts tell us what in the meteor's ass are we doing here?"
Sylnache Ashrain - 7th Sojourn
Idly fidgeting with your actual invitation you notice a detail you initially had not seen… numerous watermark runes in giant. You interpret their meaning to say, ‘Strength Enough, Wizard’s Grace, Duty Calls, Protect this Place.’ It’s an odd set of runes, but you’ve heard that mantra before when fire rained from the sky. You recall giants of all types working with clutches of mages, dying left and right but it was the only time you’ve ever seen unity like that… and now here in this very room you notice the others a tiefling an aasimar a goliath. Zero is a very diverse city but you have seen groups segregate and conflict arise. The unity of survival is not ever present. Then you notice a plaque on the wall near your table honoring by name spellcasters whose lives were lost but whose sacrifices saved hundreds, you even recognize a few.
Your worst moment, begins your greatest tale.
No sooner do the words leave your mouth! A gnome with a handcart full of writing utensils, papers, a couple books comes wheeling out he heads straight to your table. One wheel on his cart squealing loudly on its way!
As he gets near he slows down and looks up up into your face gulps loudly, “Ashrain? Oh um Sylnache, I mean you are Sylnache Ashrain?” He clears his throat and loudly states the others names as well. “We of the Explorer’s Guild do extend an honorary membership to each of you. As a member you will receive the privileges hereby detailed within the documentation of which I will provide. Oh and well we have a missing team in need of being recovered should you be interested. An assignment with payment of course, we just ask that you consider this task your membership offer is not contingent upon acceptance of this subsequent mission should you not wish to undergo at this time.” The gnome wobbles on his feet as he finishes talking having not once taken a breath during his dialogue.
Your worst moment, begins your greatest tale.
Faelin, a wary and suspicious person due to his supposed celestial betrayal, narrows his eyes as he is shaken out of his daydream by the familiar melody, his hand instinctively drops to his dagger at his side as he looks warily around. Nobody could’ve known those songs that he composed decades ago…
His eyes wander across the room and settle on the painting and the Goliath. He is now more curious than suspicious.
If I ever get into a pbp please make sure you add the underscore to my name when I get PMed.
Characters (Links!):
Amzar Starshade - Odyssey Of Greatness
Faelin Nighthollow - 7th Sojourn
Dallas Hullbreaker - Legacy of Iggwilv
Umbriel perks up slightly at the sound of his full name, his interest sharpened by the mention of a paid assignment. The prospect of an honorary membership in the Explorer’s Guild is unexpected but could be useful, as they seem skilled at information gathering at least, though the real lure is the mission—recovering a missing team. Such a job likely entails dangerous terrain, valuable discoveries, and, more importantly, the opportunity to continue exploring the world he’s come to thrive in.
Quietly, he rises from where he had been observing, his movements smooth and deliberate. He approaches Sylnache's table, noting her reaction to the gnome’s breathless delivery. With a faint nod in her direction, he waits for the gnome to hand out the documentation on what a guild membership actually includes.
"And what was this missing team after, I wonder?" Umbriel’s luminous gaze flicks to the others briefly, then back to the gnome.
Sylnache was about to reply to the gnome, but his sudden breathless explanation came forth too quickly to respond right away. A moment after she offered a simple blink as she processed everything the gnome had just announced. Her brow creased slightly in heavy thought, but then the gray tiefling approached.
"Hm, good question." Sylnache nodded at the tiefling's question. She took a moment to look at the others the gnome had mentioned before asking few more of her own. "And why such a fancy meal just to ask for this task? Why offer membership instead of just requesting the job directly?"
She leans back in her chair, which creaks under the stress of her body weight shifting, crossing her arms while watching the reactions of the others. Mostly this was simple curiosity. Sylnache was already decided that she would accept the job regardless, she simply had no reason not to.
Sylnache Ashrain - 7th Sojourn
“Questions yes yes, well first the missing team had discovered a giantess willing to barter certain items with a private investor here at Zero… and question two the meal is to give honor where it is due other members have spoken highly of each of you the membership is yours if you choose. Lastly the job offer well the details are sensitive and not to be shared with nonmembers.”
The gnome shifts his spectacles and begins shuffling papers, “Which leads me to the contracts…”
If you accept the membership offer your signatures will be requested on several papers as well as a vial of blood. As you try to read through the details and benefits there seems to be a lot of discounts and freebies and safety clauses, on the downside any item or information deemed vital to the guild is claimed as proprietary meaning you agree to possibly keep secrets or turn over items of power or influence.
Your worst moment, begins your greatest tale.
Tyr traces the watermarks with one finger, his eyes scanning the words over and over again, rapidly, feeling the memories of that time surfacing. His brow furrows in thought as his gaze falls onto the others in the room, watching closer now as they take in the scene for themselves, and as they become lost in their own thoughts and memories. He catches the look the tiefling gives to the intricate map on the wall, the tune that the aasimar taps out on the table, and the goliath's frown in the direction of the painting, and notes the reactions to himself with a quiet hope for what reasons they could have to all come together. When he catches sight of the plaque and the names it presents, however, the room falls away and the surfacing memories overtake him.
Tyr comes back to himself suddenly when he hears his name called, startling and look towards the gnome before rubbing his temples, giving the plaque one last, low glace, and standing to join the goliath and the tiefling at the table. He tucks the invitation into his spellbook with one hand as he approaches the table, eyeing the papers on the gnome's cart. He nods along to the others' questions, then adds his own as they finish, "I'd be curious, too, what we have done to catch the attention of the Guild. I would imagine such offers are not made lightly."
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Corti- Warforged bard (Union!)
Koya Balrin- Dragonborn fighter (Stormwreck Isle)
Tyr Sepcairn - Elf wizard (7th Sojourn)
Umbriel's fingers tap lightly on the edge of the contract as he considers the details, gaze shifting back and forth from the words to the gnome. The Explorer’s Guild offers resources that could make his life easier—safer even—but the price is steep. Contracts written in blood carry a weight that cannot be ignored. Still, the lure of the unknown tugs at him.
Perception for anything easy to miss in contract: 18; Insight on gnome: 22
Sylnache didn't really think much of the contract, as in it wasn't the sort of thing she put much thought into. Whatever may or may not occur in the future that the guild is so interested in didn't matter to her. She cared more about the present, and what benefits the guild would provide in the here and now. In that sense, this deal seemed too good to pass up.
And yet the others seemed hesitant. Perhaps they were being overly cautious, or perhaps one of them might find some wordy danger among the papers presented to them. Sylnache decided it would be best to wait and watch them for now, to see if this is turns out to be a trap, or just a waste of time. Thus did the goliath's fiery gaze shift over to the others that had approached the table, watching and waiting for now.
"So ya gonna take the offer?" Of course that didn't mean she would do so quietly. "Actually since yer here, which one of those names that the little one called out are ya?" She points towards Umbriel's direction before guessing wildly, "You seem like a 'Faelin' to me."
Sylnache Ashrain - 7th Sojourn