(Walking up to the table) “I am James Bronzeheart, and I could not help hearing about a undoubtably dangerous quest that many have probably died on”

“Now hold on just a minute,” Akyan looks between Aaron and Thalanil, irrigation clear on his face, “First I’m told that this..this thing, is the greatest darkness in this city, and now I’m being told it’s just a harmless winged cat!” 

In his frustration, Akyan didn’t notice James approach. Upon heading James’ voice he spins around to face him, while also making sure there is a bit of distance between them. He assumes a ready stance, appearing as if he expected James to attack him. After a few moments he straights himself and replying angrily, “What gives you that idea?” 

(Hello and welcome! Do you mind describing your character?) 

Sheerow, seeing a frustrated Akayan, turns over to him and puts a hand on his shoulder. She whispers to him in a low voice, "Hey, relax. We just got here; we have time aplenty to figure out what's going on." She then quickly turns over to the newcomer, waving warmly at them. "Hello James, I'm Sheerow, this is Akayan, Aaron, Thalanil, and Reika. I think I got everyone. Nice to meet you."

(Welcome to the group!)

Akyan clenches and unclenches his fists, saying nothing. Instead he positions himself so he can see the entire group, then stands there with his jaw set and arms crossed. 

"James Bronzeheart, I would not be so quick to hope for danger." Rieka shoots the new comer a look of disdain. "I warn you, if you join us on this quest, I won't be able to protect you if you are reckless." At this, she shifts the shield on her back, almost as if his comment reminded her of its weight. 

"Thalinel, did you say it was a cat?" Rieka turns to her companion. "And it isn't dangerous?" 

(Welcome James!)

Sensing the confusion in the room, Thalanil re-evaluate his analysis of this creature. “Well. In theory, it is a harmless creature.” He looks at Rieka. “To tell the truth, my lady, I have not personally seen one, but according to research done by experts, that is the information that I have.” He looks to the others. “I suppose that we won’t know it until we see one, won’t we?” He finally notices the newcomer. “Oh, hello there. Greetings.”

"Hello." An odd Tortle enters the room, looking inexperienced. He continues in a weirldy slow voice "I heard there was an adventure party I could join?"

(This is the first text-based campaign I have joined. Let me know how this type of campaign works, please.)

Flanking him is hooded figure, who stands a little way off, observing the party.

(this is also my first play by post campaign, so I will need someone to explain how to play.)

Rieka nods to the tortle, regarding him with curiosity. "Hey. You can run with us if you like, although I have to ask what you're going to bring to the table. Are you also an adventurer, like us?"

(Hello and welcome new party members! It's also my first play by post so don't worry. My only advice is to be descriptive in what your character is doing)

The hooded figure sits heavily at a table close to the party and sighs, he then fishes some gold out of a small bag in his cloak and walks to the barkeep, mutters something deep and soft, and returns to the table. Moments later, one of the waitresses hands him a small goblet full of a purplish liquid, he drinks and sighs heavily.

The Tortle thinks for a moment, then responds, "I am an adventurer indeed, except I have no experiences with combat," the Tortle pauses, then goes on, "I was hoping to battle some monsters of great danger. I am also - obviously - very defenseful and will serve as a strong unit to take a blow or two." The Tortle looks to the right, though there isn't much over there. "So what are we up against?"

(Alright, thanks.)

The hooded figure looks up and asks the adventurers at the next table, "this tortle speaks of a quest. What quest is he speaking of?"

"So you think can hold your own in combat?" Rieka replies, smirking. "So can I. I wonder who is the stronger of the two of us."

Turning to the hooded figure, Rieka's playful expression fades as she regards him warily. "Why do you want to know, stranger?"

Somehow both overwhelmed and overjoyed by the increase in people, Sheerow hovers right behind Akayan's shoulder. For the first time, she stays silent, watching the exchanges with wide eyes. She rubs her hands together absentmindedly as she tries to fully take in what's happening.

Akyan, nods stiffly to the tortle, while eyeing the hooded figure. “I assume you were sent by the Leaders as well?” He says to the tortle in a blunt voice, while never taking his silver stare away from the hooded figure. 

(Wow this group grew fast! Welcome all of you!)

“Now, it is my understanding that someone has more information on what our task is? Perhaps this person can show us this Tressym that causing all of the trouble that the leaders would dispatch a letter for.” Says Thalanil states to everyone in the room, as he sees that all of a sudden there seems to be a whole lot of new faces.

(Hello all!!)

Turning to Rieka, the hooded figure says sharply, "Why should I divulge my interests to you?"

I am a goblin chaotic neutral rouge wizard. He has a eye for shinny things

“Listen guys, let’s not tear us apart just because I was talking about my pet tressym.”