It's a cool morning, today, in Rassalantar, but the clear sky and the sun remind you that it will soon be spring.
Rassalantar is a quiet village, not much more than a caravan stop on the Long Road, just north of Waterdeep in the Sword Coast North region, consisting of half a dozen walled farms, centered on a spring-fed horse watering pond. It seems a quiet place - the worst current disturbance of the peace is the imperious voice of a speaker, coming from some point in the distance, and who seems to be urging some sort of crusade or holy war. From there, inside the Sleeping Dragon Inn, you cannot make out every single word of the fervent sermon.
Also because, what had attracted you here, some for one reason, some for another, was not the prospect of any sermons, but rather the dungeons you had heard about, the flooded dungeons of Rassalantar's Keep! Sure, the fact that they are flooded - and rumored to be infested with monsters - will complicate the exploration, but who knows what secrets and adventures await you down there?
You already know that on the opposite side of the inn, to the west of the farmhouses, a narrow patch of trees known as Keep Woods masked the ruins of Rassalantar's Keep.
As well as that Rassalantar's Keep is now a set of ruins, but once served as a fortress for the warrior Rassalantar. Within the dungeon was a permanent teleportation circle that was used by the Blackstaff to communicate with Rassalantar. Over the time, most of the keep's stones were dissembled and used for construction in nearby settlements. All that was left was the underground cellar and dungeons, both of which had flooded.
Each of you adventurers arrived individually, but while you are having breakfast, something catches the attention of all of you: a tiefling woman and a human man make their entrance, with their armor already on and well armed. The tiefling woman tells of another woman, called Kara Sashar, the village wheelwright, nicknamed 'Tarsakh Flower'. Kara, abandoned shortly before giving birth by the man who had made her pregnant, had never lost heart nor had she regretted anything, making every effort to peacefully raise that son, Mival, Mival Loznhosk, who had always been the center of life, for her. A few nights ago, Mival, recently eighteen, inexplicably abandoned his mother, his home, his usual life... and the last people who saw him reported that he headed straight for the ruins. Needless to say, Kara is desperate and fears the worst. She wants her son back, who has always been everything to her.
Apparently, the two who just entered have every intention of helping her - and therefore of entering the dungeon. Could this be a good opportunity for all those who have reasons that push them there to join forces?
[[ OOC: Here we go! Feel free to describe your character and roleplay the interactions between you! Ardana (the tiefling) and Woodrow (the man) can for example roleplay any further appeals they may make to any adventurers to help them in their search for Mival. And the adventurers present can for example respond and introduce themselves... ]]
The Sleeping Dragon Inn hummed with the gentle clatter of morning activity. The scent of fresh bread and sizzling meat filled the air as Lord Elias Cerwyn sat comfortably at a corner table, absently tracing the lines of a carefully drawn map with one finger. Across from him, Lady Elara stirred her tea, her gaze locked onto him with quiet frustration.
Finally, she sighed, breaking the silence. "Father, this is madness."
Elias arched a brow, setting his cup down. "Is it? To seek adventure, to uncover the truth with my own eyes rather than rely on the half-told tales of others?" He smiled slightly. "I would have expected a bit more understanding from you, my dear."
Elara shook her head. "Understanding? I understand too well. I know you're chasing something more than just ruins and maps. This is about your legacy, isn't it?" She gestured to the parchment spread across the table. "You want to leave behind a story of your own, and I respect that. But I also know that Rassalantar's Keep isn’t just some dusty library. It’s dangerous, and you won’t be surrounded by scholars and scribes out there."
Elias sighed, folding his hands over the map. "I am not fool enough to go alone, Elara. I plan to find capable company—adventurers, guides, or perhaps a sellsword or two. I will not wander blindly into danger." He looked at her kindly. "You need not worry so much."
Elara scoffed. "You say that as if it’s even possible for me not to worry. You may have convinced yourself that you're still as spry as you were in your youth, but you can't deny your age, Father. Even with hired help, there are risks." She leaned forward, her voice softening. "You could still turn back. You could come home, spend your remaining days surrounded by family, with your grandchildren hanging onto every tale you tell."
Elias chuckled, though there was a wistfulness in his expression. "A fine way to pass the time, no doubt. But tell me, Elara, would you have me spend my last days staring out of a window, wondering what might have been? Would you deny an old man the chance to write his own ending?"
She looked at him for a long moment, searching his face for hesitation, for doubt. She found none.
Finally, she sighed, pushing her tea aside. "You are the most stubborn man I have ever known."
Elias grinned. "A trait you seem to have inherited."
Elara rubbed her temples before shaking her head. "At least let me stay long enough to see you off, to make sure you find the right people for this… madness."
Elias considered for a moment before nodding. "A reasonable request. And one I will not refuse."
She exhaled slowly, still unhappy but knowing she had done all she could. "Then I'll stay. But only until you’ve found proper company. After that, I expect you to write—frequently. If you disappear into those ruins without a word, I will come after you."
Elias chuckled. "Duly noted, my dear."
For now, there was nothing more to say. The ruins awaited, and Elias, despite his daughter's best efforts, was determined to see them for himself.
As Elias and Elara sat in the quiet aftermath of their conversation, the door to The Sleeping Dragon Inn swung open with a creak, drawing the attention of many within. A pair of adventurers stepped inside, their presence commanding instant notice. ((Elias listens to Ardana tell her story.))
Elias sat up straighter, his blue eyes sharpening with intrigue. He glanced at Elara, who immediately gave him a warning look, already predicting his next words. But it was too late—he was already rising from his chair, adjusting the sleeves of his traveling coat as he turned toward the adventurers.
"A troubling tale, indeed," Elias said smoothly, stepping forward with a practiced nobility that made him stand out even among warriors. "I had already planned to make my way to the ruins, and it seems fate has presented me with another reason to do so."
Woodrow Flatbane, or Wood as he's known in the small farming village, follows Tarsakh Flower down the dirt road to the Sleeping Dragon without talking much. She's shared all that she knows about Mival's disappearance, he's reluctant to ask anymore about it. The tinge of guilt waying on him with every step he takes in her shadow. He thinks to himself as the pass by the barracks and turn for the inn,I should have been more careful telling the lad the tales of my younger days, now look what you've gone and done. The words sorry catch in his throat as her hand reaches for the door and the two walk in.
Wood looks to Tarsakh and nods, steps forward. He looks like an old grizzled warrior, short white buzz cut hair and close crop beard, he wears blackened mail with a longsword on his back and a blackened shield strapped to his arm. He clears his throat loudly to get everyone's attention, Friends, as some of you know, young master Mival has gone missing and it's believed he's made for the ruins. You all know Tarsakh his mother and our town's wheelwright, as well as me. We are heading to the ruins this very hour and seek any and all willing and able to come help. I've no coin to offer and can't make you a promise of safe return, however I wouldn't ask any of you to do anything that I myself wouldn't be willing to do. So I come to you as a friend, a neighbor, with the heartbreaking plea from a mother who is also our friend and neighbor, to look for her lost son. In times of trouble we've always banded together to help one another and watch out for ourselves, even when the barrack soldiers wouldn't, we did and do. So, who's with us?
He looks around the room, making eye contact with as many as he can. Persuasion roll 19
A young elf with dark brown skin and bright red hair with orange highlights, reminiscent of fall foliage, is perched at a table with a simple breakfast disappearing from in front of him. He is dressed in plain pieces that appear to be from homespun cloth, with a pack and a small amount of gear on the floor nearby. He seems to take no notice of ether the older human bantering with his daughter, or the pair as they arrive, until the discussion about the missing boy starts. Then he moves to quickly mop up the last vestiges of his food before turning and giving those in the room his attention.
He winks at the tiefling. "I heard about this lad earlier. Trying to find, and rescue, him, if necessary, seems an appropriate course of action. I will do what I can to assist. Hopefully the water will not be a major concern of what he was seeking." He starts to reach for the gear on the floor, but stops and looks slightly embarrassed. "Forgive me. I am Koran." He looks expectantly at the others choosing to get involved.
Tarysaa Sōlus came down the stairs from her room at the Sleeping Dragon Inn just as someone was making an announcement about a missing child. "Perfecting timing," she thought as she continued down the stairs to the main room. She had removed herself earlier to get away from the pontificating sermonizer. With a sigh, she moved through the crowd like a cloud... nary a jostle or deviation from her set course.
For those taking the time to notice, Tarysaa is a slight built elf (high) of pale skin and silver white hair. While graceful, she still has her coltish clumsy moments... but she is improving. The Harpell are seeing to that, "How you present yourself is as powerful a spell as actually having powerful spells!" She is wearing neat and clean travelling clothes but over those is a stole decorated with embroidered symbols of an arcane nature.
Weaving her way to the people gathering across from 'the sermonizer', she waits quietly until she can introduce herself. "I am Tarysaa Sōlus. A graduate of the Silverymoon University and, of late, under instruction from the Harpell of Longsaddle. The Harpell tasked me to investigate the ruins of Rassalantar's Keep. It seems my task dovetails with your search for a missing child. If it is agreeable, I ask if I may join this 'search party' that will go to the ruins."
Woodrow extends a hand toward Elias as he approaches, welcome and thank you. This is Kara Sashar and I am Woodrow called Wood.
He greets the young wood elf in similar fashion, welcome and thank you Koran.
His attention drawn next to the stairwell as the high elf effortless makes her forth, paying to particular attention to how she seems to glide across the floor, he brings his right hand to his heart and bows his head as he greets her, mi'lady, a Harpell mage would be most helpful, welcome Tarysaa Solus.
He looks the crowd over once more then looks to Kara with a nod, is there anyone else? We leave in a bells time (about 30 mins if I remember how time is mentioned in the realms) I humbly suggest you settle your debts and double check your provisions before we're off.
The door to the Inn opens and those inside look at the new arrival, as the cool wind blows in and disturbs their breakfasts once again. In the yard outside, you see a horse tied up, with all sorts of armaments attached. Woodrow enters first, escorting Kara; holding the door for them and following them inside is a female warrior, in chain mail and a holy amulet around her neck, and a greatsword on her back. She has already ridden this morning, the mud and wet of the road dulling her armor, dew matting her curly dark hair. She appears human, but there is an unearthly quality to her visage; deeply set eyes, high cheekbones, and a gaunt, haunted look about her face. She looks around the room and appeals to the hardy folk there, relaying the story of Kara with the assistance of her new acquaintance Woodrow, who she has only very recently become acquainted. She has ridden the sword coast for the better part of the year, helping a farmer there, a traveller, a merchant. Looking for injustice, and doing what she can to help the victim, on whatever side of the law.
I have ridden out yesterday and found no sign of the boy, or of any companions of his, if any. But I am no tracker. We need more than the two of us if he has entered the dungeon of the keep. There will be perils and traps, but we must find him, if only to save him from himself.
She looks around at the motley group in the tavern - are there any who will take up this call to action?
Tarysaa Sōlus came down the stairs from her room at the Sleeping Dragon Inn just as someone was making an announcement about a missing child.ng her way to the people gathering across from 'the sermonizer', she waits quietly until she can introduce herself. "I am Tarysaa Sōlus. A graduate of the Silverymoon University and, of late, under instruction from the Harpell of Longsaddle. The Harpell tasked me to investigate the ruins of Rassalantar's Keep. It seems my task dovetails with your search for a missing child. If it is agreeable, I ask if I may join this 'search party' that will go to the ruins."
Tarysaa! Ardana exclaims. What brings you to this village at this time? Of course you may join, how have you been these last months? She awkwardly approaches the diminutive elf, not sure whether to grasp arms, shake hands, or how she should greet her old companion.
{Koran} winks at the tiefling. "I heard about this lad earlier. Trying to find, and rescue, him, if necessary, seems an appropriate course of action. I will do what I can to assist. Hopefully the water will not be a major concern of what he was seeking." He starts to reach for the gear on the floor, but stops and looks slightly embarrassed. "Forgive me. I am Koran." He looks expectantly at the others choosing to get involved.
Forgive me, I am remiss. My name is Ardana, it is good to meet you Koran, and you all.
Ardana nods when Woodrow indicates the timing.
I must see to my horse, I don't think a dungeon will suit her. I trust you to muster the group Woodrow, I will rejoin you out front in 30 minutes.
Ardana looks around to see who might else join the group, before turning and exiting the way she came in. She stables her horse and makes sure there is ample grain and water after the morning ride. She assembles her weapons and gear, attaching them to various loops and straps, and returns to the front of the inn.
[[ OOC: Oh, well, while I wait for Daisy (Saute_Monkey's character) to make her 'entrance' I can as well introduce Kara... ]]
The woman escorted by Ardana and Woodrow, the 'Kara' the two spoke of, has remained a little behind them; yet it is impossible not to notice her, with her tanned skin and very black and thick hair (which suggest an ancient Calishite heritage). These characteristics, together with her gentle features, give her an ageless appearance. It is clear that she is a mature woman, but it is difficult to guess her actual age and she is undoubtedly an attractive and fascinating woman. This alone is enough to justify her nickname, 'Tarsakh Flower'.
(Even though Woodrow also knows that...)
...her nickname is also motivated by her pleasant spontaneity and the fact that she was born in the month of Tarsakh).
Kara's eyes were still wet from tears and her expression was anguished when she entered... but when she unexpectedly saw several individuals (in front of whom she opened her eyes wide as if they were heroes) answering the call of the reassuring champion and the expert warrior, her face came alive with hope. An uncertain smile even appeared, while her hands, as if spontaneously, took a tambourine from their pockets and her fingers began to caress it, as if the object also contributed to giving her hope and courage.
Elias had known his time had come the moment Ardana and Wood stepped through the door. He glanced at Elara, who was already watching him, her lips pressed into a thin line.
She sighed, shaking her head. "Well… I suppose this is it, then."
Elias smiled, warmth in his blue eyes. "It is, my dear."
Elara exhaled sharply, adjusting the clasp of her cloak. "I won’t waste breath telling you to reconsider." She hesitated, then reached out, clasping his hand tightly. "Just… come back. Please."
He squeezed her hand in return. "I shall do my best. And should I fail, well… at least I will have a story worth telling, won’t I?"
Elara huffed out something between a scoff and a laugh, shaking her head. "Ever the storyteller." She let go of his hand, stepping back. "Goodbye, Father."
Elias nodded. "Goodbye, Elara."
With one last look at him, she turned and strode toward the door, vanishing into the morning light. For a moment, Elias watched the space she had left behind, a wistful smile lingering on his lips.
Then, he turned to the gathered adventurers and gave a small, polite bow. "Lord Elias Cerwyn. Scholar, historian, and—as fate would have it—your newest companion."
Wood bows his head to Elias, your lordship, welcome. He turns to Tarsakh Flower, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder, this is a good looking group, we'll find the lad. He gives her a warm smile before turning to the group, less than a bell we'll gather in front of the inn. He turns for the door and heads out.
Painted_Beyond
Wood would like to take the time to visit the barracks in hopes of speaking to the officer on duty, I assume the people of the village have a good relationship with the garrison stationed here. He would inform them of the missing boy, let them know that a we have a group headed to the ruins to search for him and ask that his scouts keep a look out as they roam the country side just incase the boy didn't head to the ruins. He'll thank them then head back to the inn.
Tarysaa walks out to the stable following behind Ardana. "It is good to see you again, my friend. It appears the Gods have seen fit to bring us to this fine, remote spot. You, helping those in need and me, tasked by the Harpell to ferret out magics and mayhem. So... not unlike last time!" She smiles warmly, "Though, I admit I do prefer this warmer weather versus the blizzard we first walked through when we met."
Tarysaa makes several gestures as she passes Ardana Prestidigitation
"How DO you manage to find the deepest muck to wade through?" She laughs softly as she goes and attends to her own horse.
"Seriously though, what brought you this far afield?"
[[ OOC: Your assumption is right Deconblu. No problem in what Woodrow does. ]]
Kara impulsively hugs Woodrow, declaring: "You are truly a good man... Not only were you among the first to listen to me, but, together with Ardana, you managed to gather a group willing to brave the danger to find my Mival!"
"Here!" the wheelwright suddenly offers the tambourine to the man "Take this! When you find Mival... You know, I do not have the slightest idea why he went away... If by chance he takes the unfortunate decision not to return to me... then make sure he has this, please. It will bring him luck. Hopefully as much as it brought me, who had a son like him, who was the light of my every day as long as he was with me".
Moved, the woman thanks one by one all the heroes still present in the inn ("Thanks! Thank you so much!"), then leaves, heartened, probably headed to resume her work, her life... but with the hope that both still have a meaning for her.
Elias let out a soft chuckle, waving a hand dismissively. "Oh, none of that, my good man. Just Elias will do—I see no need for formalities when trudging through ruins together." His smile was easy, his tone light. "Unless, of course, you insist on being called Sir Wood?"
Elias let out a soft chuckle, waving a hand dismissively. "Oh, none of that, my good man. Just Elias will do—I see no need for formalities when trudging through ruins together." His smile was easy, his tone light. "Unless, of course, you insist on being called Sir Wood?"
Wood cracks a grin at Elias's comments, oh no, no sir just Wood. I'm just a simple village blacksmith with and old sword and a suit of armor. You'll forgive me but I've a matter to address before we leave.
"How DO you manage to find the deepest muck to wade through?" She laughs softly as she goes and attends to her own horse.
"Seriously though, what brought you this far afield?"
Ardana seems more somber than before, lonelier than when you saw her before.
I have ridden far, where the road leads me. It doesn't suit me any more, if it ever did, to do mercenary work any more. So I travel here, there, do what I can for those who need help. I do not know what fate has brought our paths together again, I hope that we can do for Kara what we did for Martha last year. How have you fared, these long months of winter?
"It pains me to see you so forlorn, my friend," Tarysaa speaks softly.
"I took the offer of Blinn Harpell and stayed in Longsaddle; learning all I could under the tutelage of the Harpell. They can be quite maddening in their 'teachings' - especially compared to the academics and rigor of the Silverymoon University. For all that, I think I have faired well enough. Sheltered from the worst of the winter's bite; plenty of books to read next to a warm fireplace; a bit of safety at the worst of times and, perhaps, a little freedom at the best of times."
She sighs but then smiles. "It is only now that the Harpell feel I am 'better prepared' to be their eyes and ears outside of Longsaddle. However they learned of this place - these ruins - it seems I was sent 'at the right time' to make a difference. While I was not aware of the missing boy, I too hope we can come to a satisfactory end of this 'excursion'."
Tarysaa lightly places a hand on Ardana's arm, "You do know, you would be most welcome in Longsaddle. There is more to life than endless travels on horseback and risking life and limb on someone else's causes. In Longsaddle, the air is clear and the days warm and comfortable. The Harpells - for all their eccentricities - are not such bad stewarts of the area. And, when 'the itch to move' hits hard, they seem to know of 'something' that needs looking into."
Here, Tarysaa's pale skin pinks, "And it would be nice to have a good friend around to share the peace of the area."
Rassalantar, 13 Ches 1501 DR, morning
It's a cool morning, today, in Rassalantar, but the clear sky and the sun remind you that it will soon be spring.
Rassalantar is a quiet village, not much more than a caravan stop on the Long Road, just north of Waterdeep in the Sword Coast North region, consisting of half a dozen walled farms, centered on a spring-fed horse watering pond. It seems a quiet place - the worst current disturbance of the peace is the imperious voice of a speaker, coming from some point in the distance, and who seems to be urging some sort of crusade or holy war. From there, inside the Sleeping Dragon Inn, you cannot make out every single word of the fervent sermon.
Also because, what had attracted you here, some for one reason, some for another, was not the prospect of any sermons, but rather the dungeons you had heard about, the flooded dungeons of Rassalantar's Keep! Sure, the fact that they are flooded - and rumored to be infested with monsters - will complicate the exploration, but who knows what secrets and adventures await you down there?
You already know that on the opposite side of the inn, to the west of the farmhouses, a narrow patch of trees known as Keep Woods masked the ruins of Rassalantar's Keep.
As well as that Rassalantar's Keep is now a set of ruins, but once served as a fortress for the warrior Rassalantar. Within the dungeon was a permanent teleportation circle that was used by the Blackstaff to communicate with Rassalantar. Over the time, most of the keep's stones were dissembled and used for construction in nearby settlements. All that was left was the underground cellar and dungeons, both of which had flooded.
Each of you adventurers arrived individually, but while you are having breakfast, something catches the attention of all of you: a tiefling woman and a human man make their entrance, with their armor already on and well armed. The tiefling woman tells of another woman, called Kara Sashar, the village wheelwright, nicknamed 'Tarsakh Flower'. Kara, abandoned shortly before giving birth by the man who had made her pregnant, had never lost heart nor had she regretted anything, making every effort to peacefully raise that son, Mival, Mival Loznhosk, who had always been the center of life, for her. A few nights ago, Mival, recently eighteen, inexplicably abandoned his mother, his home, his usual life... and the last people who saw him reported that he headed straight for the ruins. Needless to say, Kara is desperate and fears the worst. She wants her son back, who has always been everything to her.
Apparently, the two who just entered have every intention of helping her - and therefore of entering the dungeon. Could this be a good opportunity for all those who have reasons that push them there to join forces?
[[ OOC: Here we go! Feel free to describe your character and roleplay the interactions between you! Ardana (the tiefling) and Woodrow (the man) can for example roleplay any further appeals they may make to any adventurers to help them in their search for Mival. And the adventurers present can for example respond and introduce themselves... ]]
The Sleeping Dragon Inn hummed with the gentle clatter of morning activity. The scent of fresh bread and sizzling meat filled the air as Lord Elias Cerwyn sat comfortably at a corner table, absently tracing the lines of a carefully drawn map with one finger. Across from him, Lady Elara stirred her tea, her gaze locked onto him with quiet frustration.
Finally, she sighed, breaking the silence. "Father, this is madness."
Elias arched a brow, setting his cup down. "Is it? To seek adventure, to uncover the truth with my own eyes rather than rely on the half-told tales of others?" He smiled slightly. "I would have expected a bit more understanding from you, my dear."
Elara shook her head. "Understanding? I understand too well. I know you're chasing something more than just ruins and maps. This is about your legacy, isn't it?" She gestured to the parchment spread across the table. "You want to leave behind a story of your own, and I respect that. But I also know that Rassalantar's Keep isn’t just some dusty library. It’s dangerous, and you won’t be surrounded by scholars and scribes out there."
Elias sighed, folding his hands over the map. "I am not fool enough to go alone, Elara. I plan to find capable company—adventurers, guides, or perhaps a sellsword or two. I will not wander blindly into danger." He looked at her kindly. "You need not worry so much."
Elara scoffed. "You say that as if it’s even possible for me not to worry. You may have convinced yourself that you're still as spry as you were in your youth, but you can't deny your age, Father. Even with hired help, there are risks." She leaned forward, her voice softening. "You could still turn back. You could come home, spend your remaining days surrounded by family, with your grandchildren hanging onto every tale you tell."
Elias chuckled, though there was a wistfulness in his expression. "A fine way to pass the time, no doubt. But tell me, Elara, would you have me spend my last days staring out of a window, wondering what might have been? Would you deny an old man the chance to write his own ending?"
She looked at him for a long moment, searching his face for hesitation, for doubt. She found none.
Finally, she sighed, pushing her tea aside. "You are the most stubborn man I have ever known."
Elias grinned. "A trait you seem to have inherited."
Elara rubbed her temples before shaking her head. "At least let me stay long enough to see you off, to make sure you find the right people for this… madness."
Elias considered for a moment before nodding. "A reasonable request. And one I will not refuse."
She exhaled slowly, still unhappy but knowing she had done all she could. "Then I'll stay. But only until you’ve found proper company. After that, I expect you to write—frequently. If you disappear into those ruins without a word, I will come after you."
Elias chuckled. "Duly noted, my dear."
For now, there was nothing more to say. The ruins awaited, and Elias, despite his daughter's best efforts, was determined to see them for himself.
As Elias and Elara sat in the quiet aftermath of their conversation, the door to The Sleeping Dragon Inn swung open with a creak, drawing the attention of many within. A pair of adventurers stepped inside, their presence commanding instant notice. ((Elias listens to Ardana tell her story.))
Elias sat up straighter, his blue eyes sharpening with intrigue. He glanced at Elara, who immediately gave him a warning look, already predicting his next words. But it was too late—he was already rising from his chair, adjusting the sleeves of his traveling coat as he turned toward the adventurers.
"A troubling tale, indeed," Elias said smoothly, stepping forward with a practiced nobility that made him stand out even among warriors. "I had already planned to make my way to the ruins, and it seems fate has presented me with another reason to do so."
Woodrow Flatbane, or Wood as he's known in the small farming village, follows Tarsakh Flower down the dirt road to the Sleeping Dragon without talking much. She's shared all that she knows about Mival's disappearance, he's reluctant to ask anymore about it. The tinge of guilt waying on him with every step he takes in her shadow. He thinks to himself as the pass by the barracks and turn for the inn, I should have been more careful telling the lad the tales of my younger days, now look what you've gone and done. The words sorry catch in his throat as her hand reaches for the door and the two walk in.
Wood looks to Tarsakh and nods, steps forward. He looks like an old grizzled warrior, short white buzz cut hair and close crop beard, he wears blackened mail with a longsword on his back and a blackened shield strapped to his arm. He clears his throat loudly to get everyone's attention, Friends, as some of you know, young master Mival has gone missing and it's believed he's made for the ruins. You all know Tarsakh his mother and our town's wheelwright, as well as me. We are heading to the ruins this very hour and seek any and all willing and able to come help. I've no coin to offer and can't make you a promise of safe return, however I wouldn't ask any of you to do anything that I myself wouldn't be willing to do. So I come to you as a friend, a neighbor, with the heartbreaking plea from a mother who is also our friend and neighbor, to look for her lost son. In times of trouble we've always banded together to help one another and watch out for ourselves, even when the barrack soldiers wouldn't, we did and do. So, who's with us?
He looks around the room, making eye contact with as many as he can. Persuasion roll 19![](https://www.dndbeyond.com/forums/d-d-beyond-general/play-by-post/<blockquote class="imgur-embed-pub" lang="en" data-id="a/4kFQcxW" data-context="false" ><a href="/imgur.com/a/4kFQcxW"></a></blockquote>)
A young elf with dark brown skin and bright red hair with orange highlights, reminiscent of fall foliage, is perched at a table with a simple breakfast disappearing from in front of him. He is dressed in plain pieces that appear to be from homespun cloth, with a pack and a small amount of gear on the floor nearby. He seems to take no notice of ether the older human bantering with his daughter, or the pair as they arrive, until the discussion about the missing boy starts. Then he moves to quickly mop up the last vestiges of his food before turning and giving those in the room his attention.
He winks at the tiefling. "I heard about this lad earlier. Trying to find, and rescue, him, if necessary, seems an appropriate course of action. I will do what I can to assist. Hopefully the water will not be a major concern of what he was seeking." He starts to reach for the gear on the floor, but stops and looks slightly embarrassed. "Forgive me. I am Koran." He looks expectantly at the others choosing to get involved.
Tarysaa Sōlus came down the stairs from her room at the Sleeping Dragon Inn just as someone was making an announcement about a missing child. "Perfecting timing," she thought as she continued down the stairs to the main room. She had removed herself earlier to get away from the pontificating sermonizer. With a sigh, she moved through the crowd like a cloud... nary a jostle or deviation from her set course.
For those taking the time to notice, Tarysaa is a slight built elf (high) of pale skin and silver white hair. While graceful, she still has her coltish clumsy moments... but she is improving. The Harpell are seeing to that, "How you present yourself is as powerful a spell as actually having powerful spells!" She is wearing neat and clean travelling clothes but over those is a stole decorated with embroidered symbols of an arcane nature.
Weaving her way to the people gathering across from 'the sermonizer', she waits quietly until she can introduce herself. "I am Tarysaa Sōlus. A graduate of the Silverymoon University and, of late, under instruction from the Harpell of Longsaddle. The Harpell tasked me to investigate the ruins of Rassalantar's Keep. It seems my task dovetails with your search for a missing child. If it is agreeable, I ask if I may join this 'search party' that will go to the ruins."
(( Oh, why not... )) {game log} Persuasion: 17
Woodrow extends a hand toward Elias as he approaches, welcome and thank you. This is Kara Sashar and I am Woodrow called Wood.
He greets the young wood elf in similar fashion, welcome and thank you Koran.
His attention drawn next to the stairwell as the high elf effortless makes her forth, paying to particular attention to how she seems to glide across the floor, he brings his right hand to his heart and bows his head as he greets her, mi'lady, a Harpell mage would be most helpful, welcome Tarysaa Solus.
He looks the crowd over once more then looks to Kara with a nod, is there anyone else? We leave in a bells time (about 30 mins if I remember how time is mentioned in the realms) I humbly suggest you settle your debts and double check your provisions before we're off.
The door to the Inn opens and those inside look at the new arrival, as the cool wind blows in and disturbs their breakfasts once again. In the yard outside, you see a horse tied up, with all sorts of armaments attached. Woodrow enters first, escorting Kara; holding the door for them and following them inside is a female warrior, in chain mail and a holy amulet around her neck, and a greatsword on her back. She has already ridden this morning, the mud and wet of the road dulling her armor, dew matting her curly dark hair. She appears human, but there is an unearthly quality to her visage; deeply set eyes, high cheekbones, and a gaunt, haunted look about her face. She looks around the room and appeals to the hardy folk there, relaying the story of Kara with the assistance of her new acquaintance Woodrow, who she has only very recently become acquainted. She has ridden the sword coast for the better part of the year, helping a farmer there, a traveller, a merchant. Looking for injustice, and doing what she can to help the victim, on whatever side of the law.
I have ridden out yesterday and found no sign of the boy, or of any companions of his, if any. But I am no tracker. We need more than the two of us if he has entered the dungeon of the keep. There will be perils and traps, but we must find him, if only to save him from himself.
She looks around at the motley group in the tavern - are there any who will take up this call to action?
Tarysaa! Ardana exclaims. What brings you to this village at this time? Of course you may join, how have you been these last months? She awkwardly approaches the diminutive elf, not sure whether to grasp arms, shake hands, or how she should greet her old companion.
Forgive me, I am remiss. My name is Ardana, it is good to meet you Koran, and you all.
Ardana nods when Woodrow indicates the timing.
I must see to my horse, I don't think a dungeon will suit her. I trust you to muster the group Woodrow, I will rejoin you out front in 30 minutes.
Ardana looks around to see who might else join the group, before turning and exiting the way she came in. She stables her horse and makes sure there is ample grain and water after the morning ride. She assembles her weapons and gear, attaching them to various loops and straps, and returns to the front of the inn.
[[ OOC: Oh, well, while I wait for Daisy (Saute_Monkey's character) to make her 'entrance' I can as well introduce Kara... ]]
The woman escorted by Ardana and Woodrow, the 'Kara' the two spoke of, has remained a little behind them; yet it is impossible not to notice her, with her tanned skin and very black and thick hair (which suggest an ancient Calishite heritage). These characteristics, together with her gentle features, give her an ageless appearance. It is clear that she is a mature woman, but it is difficult to guess her actual age and she is undoubtedly an attractive and fascinating woman. This alone is enough to justify her nickname, 'Tarsakh Flower'.
(Even though Woodrow also knows that...)
...her nickname is also motivated by her pleasant spontaneity and the fact that she was born in the month of Tarsakh).
Kara's eyes were still wet from tears and her expression was anguished when she entered... but when she unexpectedly saw several individuals (in front of whom she opened her eyes wide as if they were heroes) answering the call of the reassuring champion and the expert warrior, her face came alive with hope. An uncertain smile even appeared, while her hands, as if spontaneously, took a tambourine from their pockets and her fingers began to caress it, as if the object also contributed to giving her hope and courage.
Elias had known his time had come the moment Ardana and Wood stepped through the door. He glanced at Elara, who was already watching him, her lips pressed into a thin line.
She sighed, shaking her head. "Well… I suppose this is it, then."
Elias smiled, warmth in his blue eyes. "It is, my dear."
Elara exhaled sharply, adjusting the clasp of her cloak. "I won’t waste breath telling you to reconsider." She hesitated, then reached out, clasping his hand tightly. "Just… come back. Please."
He squeezed her hand in return. "I shall do my best. And should I fail, well… at least I will have a story worth telling, won’t I?"
Elara huffed out something between a scoff and a laugh, shaking her head. "Ever the storyteller." She let go of his hand, stepping back. "Goodbye, Father."
Elias nodded. "Goodbye, Elara."
With one last look at him, she turned and strode toward the door, vanishing into the morning light. For a moment, Elias watched the space she had left behind, a wistful smile lingering on his lips.
Then, he turned to the gathered adventurers and gave a small, polite bow. "Lord Elias Cerwyn. Scholar, historian, and—as fate would have it—your newest companion."
Wood bows his head to Elias, your lordship, welcome. He turns to Tarsakh Flower, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder, this is a good looking group, we'll find the lad. He gives her a warm smile before turning to the group, less than a bell we'll gather in front of the inn. He turns for the door and heads out.
Painted_Beyond
Wood would like to take the time to visit the barracks in hopes of speaking to the officer on duty, I assume the people of the village have a good relationship with the garrison stationed here. He would inform them of the missing boy, let them know that a we have a group headed to the ruins to search for him and ask that his scouts keep a look out as they roam the country side just incase the boy didn't head to the ruins. He'll thank them then head back to the inn.
Tarysaa walks out to the stable following behind Ardana. "It is good to see you again, my friend. It appears the Gods have seen fit to bring us to this fine, remote spot. You, helping those in need and me, tasked by the Harpell to ferret out magics and mayhem. So... not unlike last time!" She smiles warmly, "Though, I admit I do prefer this warmer weather versus the blizzard we first walked through when we met."
Tarysaa makes several gestures as she passes Ardana
Prestidigitation
"How DO you manage to find the deepest muck to wade through?" She laughs softly as she goes and attends to her own horse.
"Seriously though, what brought you this far afield?"
[[ OOC: Your assumption is right Deconblu. No problem in what Woodrow does. ]]
Kara impulsively hugs Woodrow, declaring: "You are truly a good man... Not only were you among the first to listen to me, but, together with Ardana, you managed to gather a group willing to brave the danger to find my Mival!"
"Here!" the wheelwright suddenly offers the tambourine to the man "Take this! When you find Mival... You know, I do not have the slightest idea why he went away... If by chance he takes the unfortunate decision not to return to me... then make sure he has this, please. It will bring him luck. Hopefully as much as it brought me, who had a son like him, who was the light of my every day as long as he was with me".
Moved, the woman thanks one by one all the heroes still present in the inn ("Thanks! Thank you so much!"), then leaves, heartened, probably headed to resume her work, her life... but with the hope that both still have a meaning for her.
((To Wood))
Elias let out a soft chuckle, waving a hand dismissively. "Oh, none of that, my good man. Just Elias will do—I see no need for formalities when trudging through ruins together." His smile was easy, his tone light. "Unless, of course, you insist on being called Sir Wood?"
Wood cracks a grin at Elias's comments, oh no, no sir just Wood. I'm just a simple village blacksmith with and old sword and a suit of armor. You'll forgive me but I've a matter to address before we leave.
Ardana seems more somber than before, lonelier than when you saw her before.
I have ridden far, where the road leads me. It doesn't suit me any more, if it ever did, to do mercenary work any more. So I travel here, there, do what I can for those who need help. I do not know what fate has brought our paths together again, I hope that we can do for Kara what we did for Martha last year. How have you fared, these long months of winter?
Ardana smiles, a little forced.
I suppose we have work to do.
"It pains me to see you so forlorn, my friend," Tarysaa speaks softly.
"I took the offer of Blinn Harpell and stayed in Longsaddle; learning all I could under the tutelage of the Harpell. They can be quite maddening in their 'teachings' - especially compared to the academics and rigor of the Silverymoon University. For all that, I think I have faired well enough. Sheltered from the worst of the winter's bite; plenty of books to read next to a warm fireplace; a bit of safety at the worst of times and, perhaps, a little freedom at the best of times."
She sighs but then smiles. "It is only now that the Harpell feel I am 'better prepared' to be their eyes and ears outside of Longsaddle. However they learned of this place - these ruins - it seems I was sent 'at the right time' to make a difference. While I was not aware of the missing boy, I too hope we can come to a satisfactory end of this 'excursion'."
Tarysaa lightly places a hand on Ardana's arm, "You do know, you would be most welcome in Longsaddle. There is more to life than endless travels on horseback and risking life and limb on someone else's causes. In Longsaddle, the air is clear and the days warm and comfortable. The Harpells - for all their eccentricities - are not such bad stewarts of the area. And, when 'the itch to move' hits hard, they seem to know of 'something' that needs looking into."
Here, Tarysaa's pale skin pinks, "And it would be nice to have a good friend around to share the peace of the area."