"A great day this is! Today we set off from this dark land of Charnax and return home to the glorious city of Terrania, where our great crusade began 2 years ago."
Three years ago, the forces of Charnax seized the island of Quadros, home to a colony of genasi, and ally to the great city of Terrania. This was soon learned to be just a strategic point for launching attacks against the city and the nation centered around it. A formal alliance was formed and the fight taken to Charnax.
The Alliance of Light has just finalized the quelling of active violence in the captured capital of Caern. The players are part of the invading army that is going home, escorting Janus, the captured young Prince of Charnax, back to Terrania. The hope is that he can be raised in peace and return as the hereditary monarch when he comes of age to a reformed land. A military governor, Sharnaz, has been appointed to rule until then, and it is believed she will be able to rule fairly and justly.
The caravan is forming up, its a big operation so it's gonna take some time. You are assigned to travel with Janus's enclosed wagon, six common soldiers are assigned as basic guards, and one of the sergeants arranging things will lead you, as one of seven assigned specialists, to the wagon.
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Coriana - Company of the Grey Chain Wagner - Dragon Heist: Bards. DM - The Old Keep
Pardot, a middle aged, thin, pale, Halfling, dressed in mostly handmade leathers, approaches the caravan and the wagon he'd been pointed to by the Captain. Walking around the wagon, he thinks to himself, "Finally, headed home. And following the Chariot after it rose last week is a good sign..." As he walks around he simply nods to the soldiers assigned to the wagon, as well as to the other specialists, all of whom he'd seen at some point over the past couple years, though had very few actual interactions with. Heading to the front of the wagon he pops a summoned berry into his mouth as he walks up to the horses and starts speaking to them in Druidic, simply telling them that they are about to depart on a long journey, but that they are headed home.
A man with skin the color of the clear blue sky at midday and white, whispy hair that blows constantly, even when there is no wind to move it, walks along the wagons. This is Jordell, a genasi native to Quadros. He was chosen to travel to Terrania, to lend his bow to the escort of Prince Janus.
Aerden is a young, owl-like Aarakocra. He is clad in well-fitted black leathers and his wings are folded across his back, one of which is blackened and almost completely devoid of the grey feathers coating the rest of his form.
His footsteps are nearly silent as he approaches the assigned wagon, limping very slightly. He nods almost imperceptibly to the other assembled guard as his head slowly scans the environment with stark yellow eyes which seem to interrogate anyone and anything they fall upon.
Qrow was a relatively young man, with olive-toned skin, short hair held back by a blue bandanna, and dressed in a tightly fitted and worn set of clothes with many pockets, but covered by a fur-rimmed trenchcoat. As he walked, he held himself with confidence but seemed to walk with a staff, despite a lack of a limp. Upon further inspection, his existence as a mage would quickly be found, as he additionally owned a spellbook.
Walking alongside the Wagon, he made a clear intent of keeping a soldier or two close, conversing with them merrily, as he talked to them about the recent battles and their own expectations for when they arrived home.
One of the smallest members of your company, Deuteria is a very gnomish gnome. The deepest blue eyes stare out at you from under a short brown pixie cut. Her armor seems plain except for the large gauntlets that hang at her side where most keep their blades.
Always tinkering with a small device of some kind in her hands, winding it up or such. She doesn't say much, except to those few unfortunate souls to express an interest in what she is working on. The words that come out of her mouth at a rapid fire pace can seem gibberish, but she says them with a twinkle in her eye and such devoutness.
Even more surprised are those that have seen her on the battlefield. Her large gauntlets crackling with electricity. Her shield deflecting blows that would harm her comrades. She is a whirling dervish of gnomish fury. Singlehandedly defending her LT from an onslaught earned her the spot she currently occupies in this elite guard.
Making eye contact with the passing Aarakocra she gives a slight smile before quickly casting her eyes back down. The small device in her hand whirs and spins lifting into the air for a few seconds before dropping back down. A delighted gasp is quickly followed by something so harsh sounding that would make even the stoutest dwarf blush.
Gadoc is also pretty young, and he's polished his shield and splint armor so that it gleams in the sunlight (which helps distract somewhat from the somewhat unsettling combination of an almost pure white face and coal black eyes, though most observers would have to look up at least a few feet to see his face in detail). He lumbers over to the Sergeant, stands ramrod straight, salutes and barks out "Gadoc Terrapakaka, Elite Guard Probational, reporting for duty, SIR" (he mumbles the probationary part under his breath).
A man in his 30s with mid-length brown hair and a short beard joins you, giving each of you a courteous nod as he passes. His gaze lingers slightly, as though assessing you in turn.
He wears a thick, red leather coat. A fine rapier is strapped to his left hip, an ornate buckler to his right. A longbow on his back.
He assesses the wagon. Then turns to the sergeant too, with a less rigid salute than the goliath, evidently more comfortable around authority.
"Falcio Vacarian, also reporting. His Grace is in this wagon then? I should like to have sight of him if possible, to check on his welfare, if he is to be under my protection..."
"Nah, the little shit is heading here soon though. He'll be traveling with a personal bodyguard appointed by the Charnaxian noble council, approved by her excellence." [[You understand 'Her Excellence' to be Sharnaz, the Dragonborn tasked with keeping this country sane under occupation.]]
"There will be a governess too, a priestess of Anwyn tasked with rearing the boy down a righteous path." [[Anwyn is the goddess of the hearth.]]
"Since you are all specialists from all over the army, it isn't clear who is in charge. You might want to work that out quickly. If I see the prince arriving before you tell me who is, I'm putting the little one in charge. No, not her. I saw her fight once, she's crazy. Him, the one talking to the horses."
Aerden closes his eyes for a moment, considering this new information. His feathers ruffle uncomfortably. "While I understand the Charnaxians concern for their Prince..." His voice is warm, and deeper than expected based on his size, "I fear this guard of questionable loyalties will only complicate our task. We will need to be especially vigilant."It is unclear whether he is addressing anyone in particular or talking to himself, as he makes no direct eye contact with any of the assembled group.
Pardot looks up at the guard as he's talking, and his eyes widen when pointed to as a potential leader of the caravan. But he doesn't otherwise react much. He instead focuses instead on the reactions of the rest of the group to see who will take up the mantle. Listening to the bird-person talk to himself, Pardot realizes that he speaks the truth, and nods to himself. "Threats may come from all sides," he thinks.
"I certainly don't want to be in charge" Deuteria says with downturned eyes. " I am just happy to be here to help. Hopefully these others won't cause us any problems"
Again the little device in her hands rises up a few inches but hovers in place before gracefully settling back into her hand "YES!" She says before realizing that was out loud and puts the device into a side pouch.
"I was only deployed to the front lines for the last few months of the conflict, I'm not sure which of you has the seniority to take command."
Previously speaking with a normal guard, Qrow would perk up at Aerden comment and smirk, calling over in a sarcastic tone, "Only fools and cowards see dragons in shadows, not to mention when they've got no reason to worry." Qrow would chuckle but twirl his staff slightly as he walked over to the bird-man, "Don't want to be rude, but I have confidence in the army's leadership, to know better than just trust strangers with such an important task~ I'm certain we've all been vetted. So relax, do your job, and trust the rest of us to do ours. Keep checking over your shoulder and you won't be able to see what's in front of you~"
Aerden shoots a withering look towards Qrow, "We are tasked with escorting the prince of a hostile nation back to our capital as a hostage, that should give you plenty of reason to worry. It would be naive to think that the personal bodyguard of the prince would not owe him some allegiance, no matter how he was vetted." He gathers himself for a moment before continuing, "I trust in our leadership, but they may be as fallible as any other, and it is not them risking their lives on this mission. It is my job to identify and eliminate threats, including those that may be hiding in plain sight, before they are able to become bigger problems."
Gadoc sighs heavily "Not to be rude or anything but I don't think talking to horses is a good qualification for guarding such an important target..." Gadoc turns and looks carefully at Falcio, and thinks to himself *he seems comfortable around the Sergeant, he seems like he's seen many a battle...* Gadoc slams his axe into his shield for attention "I think that man (points at falcio) deserves our respect. He's clearly comfortable in these sort of groups and I hate to point it out but he was the ONLY one who bothered to ask directly for the prince!" his gaze lingers somewhat disdainfully over the others who seemed (at least to Gadot) to be slacking (he does not do this with Deuteria because, frankly, she's a little scary).
Pardot reaches up to pat the horse next to him one more time before walking to join the group, finally speaking up. When he speaks his voice is just loud enough to be heard over the sounds of the area. You almost cannot hear him, and are tempted to ask him to repeat himself as the words finally sink in. Gesturing towards the horses he says, "They have been through as much as you or I in this war. And will be taking us home."
He then says, Looking to Gadoc and Falcio, "Respect in earned. Though if we must designate a face for our escort mission he is as good as any."
Falcio turns to the others, guaging how they react to Gadoc's suggestion. If everyone seems to be in agreement, he would sigh and give a brief nod.
"To be clear, I'm just a soldier like the rest of you. I don't claim any different. And I won't presume to tell any of you what to do. But if you all wish it, and if I can trust you all to honour your duty to the Alliance, then I'll do my best to represent this little company of ours, and ensure your strengths are well utilised.
I would urge you to respect each other and your differences. They may be what ensure the success of our mission."
The sergeant gestures before walking away, "That there set of horns coming up through the crowd is Redemption, the prince's bodyguard. The prince will be with him, as well as Manciple Theodra of Anwyn, his governess." [[Please note: Manciple is the traditional title of a servant of Anwyn, Goddess of the hearth.]]
You are soon facing a tall, but trim Tiefling with brick red skin. He carries sword and shield and wears a chain shirt. Next to him is a haughty young purple-skinned tiefling of about age 6 or 7, and a motherly human woman.
The trio approaches the wagon and the woman speaks, "I take it you all are assigned to protect us."
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Coriana - Company of the Grey Chain Wagner - Dragon Heist: Bards. DM - The Old Keep
Pardot grins and walks up to the kid, who is only about a food taller than he, digs through his pockets, hands him a couple goodberries, and walks back to the front near the horses, keeping his perceptive eyes out around the area.
"Redemption, Manciple Theodra -" Falcio nods to them respectfully, "- and you must be Prince Janus." He greets the boy with as assuring a smile as he can muster.
Addressing the woman - "I am Falcio Vacarian, and we are indeed the specialist company assigned to ensure that you arrive safely in Terrania. We are a motley bunch, as you can see, but we each possess certain skills that make us valuable travelling companions. You are in good hands. Now, might I introduce you to the others?"
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"A great day this is! Today we set off from this dark land of Charnax and return home to the glorious city of Terrania, where our great crusade began 2 years ago."
Three years ago, the forces of Charnax seized the island of Quadros, home to a colony of genasi, and ally to the great city of Terrania. This was soon learned to be just a strategic point for launching attacks against the city and the nation centered around it. A formal alliance was formed and the fight taken to Charnax.
The Alliance of Light has just finalized the quelling of active violence in the captured capital of Caern. The players are part of the invading army that is going home, escorting Janus, the captured young Prince of Charnax, back to Terrania. The hope is that he can be raised in peace and return as the hereditary monarch when he comes of age to a reformed land. A military governor, Sharnaz, has been appointed to rule until then, and it is believed she will be able to rule fairly and justly.
The caravan is forming up, its a big operation so it's gonna take some time. You are assigned to travel with Janus's enclosed wagon, six common soldiers are assigned as basic guards, and one of the sergeants arranging things will lead you, as one of seven assigned specialists, to the wagon.
Coriana - Company of the Grey Chain
Wagner - Dragon Heist: Bards.
DM - The Old Keep
Pardot, a middle aged, thin, pale, Halfling, dressed in mostly handmade leathers, approaches the caravan and the wagon he'd been pointed to by the Captain. Walking around the wagon, he thinks to himself, "Finally, headed home. And following the Chariot after it rose last week is a good sign..." As he walks around he simply nods to the soldiers assigned to the wagon, as well as to the other specialists, all of whom he'd seen at some point over the past couple years, though had very few actual interactions with. Heading to the front of the wagon he pops a summoned berry into his mouth as he walks up to the horses and starts speaking to them in Druidic, simply telling them that they are about to depart on a long journey, but that they are headed home.
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
A man with skin the color of the clear blue sky at midday and white, whispy hair that blows constantly, even when there is no wind to move it, walks along the wagons. This is Jordell, a genasi native to Quadros. He was chosen to travel to Terrania, to lend his bow to the escort of Prince Janus.
Enzo Ballantine - Shadow Sorcerer
Aerden is a young, owl-like Aarakocra. He is clad in well-fitted black leathers and his wings are folded across his back, one of which is blackened and almost completely devoid of the grey feathers coating the rest of his form.
His footsteps are nearly silent as he approaches the assigned wagon, limping very slightly. He nods almost imperceptibly to the other assembled guard as his head slowly scans the environment with stark yellow eyes which seem to interrogate anyone and anything they fall upon.
Ryndar Shadowsbane - Lvl 3 Eldarin Fighter | Kassar - Lvl 2 Lizardfolk Druid (Circle of Stars) | Finnegan (Finn) Taggert - Lvl 1 Human Cleric (Peace Domain) |
Verdan Schmidt - Lvl 2 Half-Elf Bard | Grithik - Lvl 5 Deep Gnome Warlock (Celestial)
Qrow was a relatively young man, with olive-toned skin, short hair held back by a blue bandanna, and dressed in a tightly fitted and worn set of clothes with many pockets, but covered by a fur-rimmed trenchcoat. As he walked, he held himself with confidence but seemed to walk with a staff, despite a lack of a limp. Upon further inspection, his existence as a mage would quickly be found, as he additionally owned a spellbook.
Walking alongside the Wagon, he made a clear intent of keeping a soldier or two close, conversing with them merrily, as he talked to them about the recent battles and their own expectations for when they arrived home.
One of the smallest members of your company, Deuteria is a very gnomish gnome. The deepest blue eyes stare out at you from under a short brown pixie cut. Her armor seems plain except for the large gauntlets that hang at her side where most keep their blades.
Always tinkering with a small device of some kind in her hands, winding it up or such. She doesn't say much, except to those few unfortunate souls to express an interest in what she is working on. The words that come out of her mouth at a rapid fire pace can seem gibberish, but she says them with a twinkle in her eye and such devoutness.
Even more surprised are those that have seen her on the battlefield. Her large gauntlets crackling with electricity. Her shield deflecting blows that would harm her comrades. She is a whirling dervish of gnomish fury. Singlehandedly defending her LT from an onslaught earned her the spot she currently occupies in this elite guard.
Making eye contact with the passing Aarakocra she gives a slight smile before quickly casting her eyes back down. The small device in her hand whirs and spins lifting into the air for a few seconds before dropping back down. A delighted gasp is quickly followed by something so harsh sounding that would make even the stoutest dwarf blush.
Gadoc is also pretty young, and he's polished his shield and splint armor so that it gleams in the sunlight (which helps distract somewhat from the somewhat unsettling combination of an almost pure white face and coal black eyes, though most observers would have to look up at least a few feet to see his face in detail). He lumbers over to the Sergeant, stands ramrod straight, salutes and barks out "Gadoc Terrapakaka, Elite Guard Probational, reporting for duty, SIR" (he mumbles the probationary part under his breath).
A man in his 30s with mid-length brown hair and a short beard joins you, giving each of you a courteous nod as he passes. His gaze lingers slightly, as though assessing you in turn.
He wears a thick, red leather coat. A fine rapier is strapped to his left hip, an ornate buckler to his right. A longbow on his back.
He assesses the wagon. Then turns to the sergeant too, with a less rigid salute than the goliath, evidently more comfortable around authority.
"Falcio Vacarian, also reporting. His Grace is in this wagon then? I should like to have sight of him if possible, to check on his welfare, if he is to be under my protection..."
"Nah, the little shit is heading here soon though. He'll be traveling with a personal bodyguard appointed by the Charnaxian noble council, approved by her excellence."
[[You understand 'Her Excellence' to be Sharnaz, the Dragonborn tasked with keeping this country sane under occupation.]]
"There will be a governess too, a priestess of Anwyn tasked with rearing the boy down a righteous path."
[[Anwyn is the goddess of the hearth.]]
"Since you are all specialists from all over the army, it isn't clear who is in charge. You might want to work that out quickly. If I see the prince arriving before you tell me who is, I'm putting the little one in charge. No, not her. I saw her fight once, she's crazy. Him, the one talking to the horses."
Coriana - Company of the Grey Chain
Wagner - Dragon Heist: Bards.
DM - The Old Keep
Aerden closes his eyes for a moment, considering this new information. His feathers ruffle uncomfortably. "While I understand the Charnaxians concern for their Prince..." His voice is warm, and deeper than expected based on his size, "I fear this guard of questionable loyalties will only complicate our task. We will need to be especially vigilant." It is unclear whether he is addressing anyone in particular or talking to himself, as he makes no direct eye contact with any of the assembled group.
Ryndar Shadowsbane - Lvl 3 Eldarin Fighter | Kassar - Lvl 2 Lizardfolk Druid (Circle of Stars) | Finnegan (Finn) Taggert - Lvl 1 Human Cleric (Peace Domain) |
Verdan Schmidt - Lvl 2 Half-Elf Bard | Grithik - Lvl 5 Deep Gnome Warlock (Celestial)
Pardot looks up at the guard as he's talking, and his eyes widen when pointed to as a potential leader of the caravan. But he doesn't otherwise react much. He instead focuses instead on the reactions of the rest of the group to see who will take up the mantle. Listening to the bird-person talk to himself, Pardot realizes that he speaks the truth, and nods to himself. "Threats may come from all sides," he thinks.
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
"I certainly don't want to be in charge" Deuteria says with downturned eyes. " I am just happy to be here to help. Hopefully these others won't cause us any problems"
Again the little device in her hands rises up a few inches but hovers in place before gracefully settling back into her hand "YES!" She says before realizing that was out loud and puts the device into a side pouch.
"I was only deployed to the front lines for the last few months of the conflict, I'm not sure which of you has the seniority to take command."
Previously speaking with a normal guard, Qrow would perk up at Aerden comment and smirk, calling over in a sarcastic tone, "Only fools and cowards see dragons in shadows, not to mention when they've got no reason to worry." Qrow would chuckle but twirl his staff slightly as he walked over to the bird-man, "Don't want to be rude, but I have confidence in the army's leadership, to know better than just trust strangers with such an important task~ I'm certain we've all been vetted. So relax, do your job, and trust the rest of us to do ours. Keep checking over your shoulder and you won't be able to see what's in front of you~"
Aerden shoots a withering look towards Qrow, "We are tasked with escorting the prince of a hostile nation back to our capital as a hostage, that should give you plenty of reason to worry. It would be naive to think that the personal bodyguard of the prince would not owe him some allegiance, no matter how he was vetted." He gathers himself for a moment before continuing, "I trust in our leadership, but they may be as fallible as any other, and it is not them risking their lives on this mission. It is my job to identify and eliminate threats, including those that may be hiding in plain sight, before they are able to become bigger problems."
Ryndar Shadowsbane - Lvl 3 Eldarin Fighter | Kassar - Lvl 2 Lizardfolk Druid (Circle of Stars) | Finnegan (Finn) Taggert - Lvl 1 Human Cleric (Peace Domain) |
Verdan Schmidt - Lvl 2 Half-Elf Bard | Grithik - Lvl 5 Deep Gnome Warlock (Celestial)
Gadoc sighs heavily "Not to be rude or anything but I don't think talking to horses is a good qualification for guarding such an important target..." Gadoc turns and looks carefully at Falcio, and thinks to himself *he seems comfortable around the Sergeant, he seems like he's seen many a battle...* Gadoc slams his axe into his shield for attention "I think that man (points at falcio) deserves our respect. He's clearly comfortable in these sort of groups and I hate to point it out but he was the ONLY one who bothered to ask directly for the prince!" his gaze lingers somewhat disdainfully over the others who seemed (at least to Gadot) to be slacking (he does not do this with Deuteria because, frankly, she's a little scary).
Pardot reaches up to pat the horse next to him one more time before walking to join the group, finally speaking up. When he speaks his voice is just loud enough to be heard over the sounds of the area. You almost cannot hear him, and are tempted to ask him to repeat himself as the words finally sink in. Gesturing towards the horses he says, "They have been through as much as you or I in this war. And will be taking us home."
He then says, Looking to Gadoc and Falcio, "Respect in earned. Though if we must designate a face for our escort mission he is as good as any."
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
Falcio turns to the others, guaging how they react to Gadoc's suggestion. If everyone seems to be in agreement, he would sigh and give a brief nod.
"To be clear, I'm just a soldier like the rest of you. I don't claim any different. And I won't presume to tell any of you what to do. But if you all wish it, and if I can trust you all to honour your duty to the Alliance, then I'll do my best to represent this little company of ours, and ensure your strengths are well utilised.
I would urge you to respect each other and your differences. They may be what ensure the success of our mission."
The sergeant gestures before walking away, "That there set of horns coming up through the crowd is Redemption, the prince's bodyguard. The prince will be with him, as well as Manciple Theodra of Anwyn, his governess." [[Please note: Manciple is the traditional title of a servant of Anwyn, Goddess of the hearth.]]
You are soon facing a tall, but trim Tiefling with brick red skin. He carries sword and shield and wears a chain shirt. Next to him is a haughty young purple-skinned tiefling of about age 6 or 7, and a motherly human woman.
The trio approaches the wagon and the woman speaks, "I take it you all are assigned to protect us."
Coriana - Company of the Grey Chain
Wagner - Dragon Heist: Bards.
DM - The Old Keep
Pardot grins and walks up to the kid, who is only about a food taller than he, digs through his pockets, hands him a couple goodberries, and walks back to the front near the horses, keeping his perceptive eyes out around the area.
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
"Redemption, Manciple Theodra -" Falcio nods to them respectfully, "- and you must be Prince Janus." He greets the boy with as assuring a smile as he can muster.
Addressing the woman - "I am Falcio Vacarian, and we are indeed the specialist company assigned to ensure that you arrive safely in Terrania. We are a motley bunch, as you can see, but we each possess certain skills that make us valuable travelling companions. You are in good hands. Now, might I introduce you to the others?"