After over a thousand years without a sighting or any credible evidence, dragons were thought to be either extinct or creatures only of myth. Now, though, everyone across the continent of Iewiuf knows they are very real. A few months back, at the tail end of Ilsa, as Autumn was fully settled into the forest, Alderanyë was suddenly and viciously attacked by an entire army of dragons. Some of the dragons were exactly like in the old stories, huge, chromatic colored, scaled, serpent-like creatures with long necks, long tails, four clawed feet and leathery wings that blot out the sun. Some, though, were humanoid creatures, walking around on two legs, still scaled, colored in chromatic colors just like their sky-riding kin. This combined army landed on the shores of Alderanyë wholly unbeknownst to the Elven monarchy, and quickly overwhelmed their capital city, Citadel Aldel. Rumors of the invasion, and of the potential threat to every nation, since all nations across Eafphqu had a healthy respect for the Elves’ ability to wage war when called upon, quickly spread like wildfire across the continent. The Republic of Byrthelm began evacuating its outlying cities and towns and sending troops to all their fortified cities. Some citizens in an overabundance of caution left everything behind to move to Tradebay City, as it was thought to be too far away from the Elven Queendom to be in any immediate danger. The Highland kingdom started marshaling the clans for war, and shoring up their defenses throughout the kingdom. As of yet, though, the dragon army has done nothing aggressive outside of the Marwood. Because the dragon army has stayed in Elven lands, the dragonborn, the name the peoples have started using for the humanoid dragon people, have started to become accepted within society. They travel freely about Iewiuf engaging in trade, securing employment, and, yes, even making friends with many of the other races. However, for obvious reasons, many elves who fled from the Marwood for safety, and who now also travel about and live among the other nations and peoples, harbor a deep distrust and even hatred for the dragonborn. Many a barfight has happened for no other reason than dragonborn and elves were in the same place at the same time and tempers flared.
There are rumors among the more informed citizens of every land that the reason the dragon army hasn’t moved onto attempting to conquer other lands is because they are searching for some artifact or artifacts of immense power. Some of those rumors say that the dragons are trying to bring their goddess Kraiula to the material plane so that she can lead her children to their rightful place as the rulers of all the world. These rumors are furthered by the number of Kraiulan religious zealots that are now encountered all over Iewiuf, as well as the number of dragonborn adventuring parties that show up at ancient historical sites. There are also rumors that owing to how quickly and almost bloodlessly the dragon army was able to overcome the elves that they must have had help from the inside.
Thus the continent of Iewiuf exists in a near constant state of heightened tension, a land that seems on the precipice of a war that could encompass the world.
This story begins in Gathuraz, the Dwarven Citadel that is built right into the face of one of the south facing Druraka mountains. The city’s outer wall, sculpted into the side of the mountain itself, cuts an imposing edifice. Dwarven craftsmen have etched rigid but elegant and artistic structures into the side of the mountain, creating the appearance of fortified walls, complete with two different sets of giant-sized gates. The Gates of Gathuraz are one of the many wonders of the world, a relic of a time when the Dwarven and Duergar kingdoms were one, and their ability to craft with metal and stone was unrivaled across the continent.
Gathuraz city is, for people who have only ever experienced the underground as caves, caverns and carved tunnels, an eye-opener. The city is multi-level, with stairways going up and down here and there to buildings that connect one to another seamlessly. The entire city seems to be carved from the mountain rock, with streets and alleys as purposeful cutouts chiseled from the stone. The "sky" of the city is formed from the vacuous gap between the most outward "walls" of the city, walls that are the vaulted underside of this mountain. At intervals there are colossal stone arches, bridges, buttresses, towers, and platforms butted up against and built to reinforce and support the cliff walls of the city's outer edges. Those walls, as far up as they rise, have dwellings built into them. Rope and chain ladders and lifts are needed to ascend and descend those lofty heights. The crammed and cramped dwellings of those walls are where the peasants and poorest of the city's dwellers make their homes. Gathuraz is a wonder to behold, a tiered city of rock and stone, with mezzanines, plateaus and platforms created by the adjacent and adjoining roofs of close-set, carved buildings. On some of those ceilings denizens of many different races have set up temporary lodgings of canvas, leather, bone and wood. Tent bazaars clog what would otherwise be wide thoroughfares and avenues, and every manner of goods from both the surface world and the subterranean kingdoms are hawked for sale by enterprising merchants. Even with all its imposing size, this immense undermountain city is but a waterdrop in the ocean that is the length and breadth of the subterranean world called the Shadowlands.
Within Gathuraz in one of the smaller Temples of the Church of Light, two Dwarven acolytes, Strix the Cleric and Harbek the Paladin, have been tasked with making an expedition to the surface, to some of the nearby mountain forts that were abandoned when the Duergar conflict started and all forces were pulled back underground. Queen Runondi wants reports on the condition and quality of the surface forts, so she can make decisions about staffing them with troops in preparation for any possible coming conflict with the dragon army. They were told by their superiors that they not only could, but should, hire mercenaries to help with the expedition, because the church’s forces were spread too thin already. They posted notices on various job boards throughout Gathuraz looking for people with fighting and survival experience, with the offer of up to 1,000 gold pieces, plus keeping any treasure found along the way, for an expedition that could last up to three months. Three individuals saw their postings on the boards and arrived outside the temple to offer their services.
Kelsin, female Duergar, fled to the dwarven cities to avoid being arrested by the Duergar nobility. She saw one of the notices and thought getting out of town for a while and earning good money might not be a bad idea.
Kyomi Mai, half-elf with some very Drow-like physical features, is seeking knowledge about her mother’s culture and came to Gathuraz to find local experts on the Drow culture. She also saw one of the notices and thought that doing a favor for the Dwarven church, all while making some money, might help her get access to some of their protected libraries.
Morbrukk Scarrhide, male half-orc, barely escaped with his life after a failed raid on Gathuraz over a month prior. Being as cunning as he is fierce in battle, Morbrukk was able to avoid capture and sneak into the city. Doing his best to avoid attention, he is living off of the last of his gold as he waits to find some way to get back to his tribe in Thgol’d’rak. Morbrukk saw the notice and thought it might be his best chance to escape the city and earn enough coin to hire transport and protection enough to get him back to Thgol’d’rak.
And so the two Dwarven acolytes stand atop the stone steps of the small temple, looking down upon a female Duergar, a female half-elf, who is almost certainly some part Drow, and a male half-orc. Strange company to be sure, but their superiors were clear, the expedition needed to start, and quickly. If these were the only people that answered the call, no doubt the gods had brought them. Now, each one stares at one another, waiting for someone, anyone, to break the silence.
"Is this the place for the expedition?" *Morbrukk looks to the others* "Well it seems like I'm not the only one to answer the notice. This should definitely be a interesting expedition to say the least."
Strix strikes a typical dwarven figure - fairly short, but stout and muscular. She's dressed in scale mail armor with shield strapped to her back and warhammer hanging from her waist. Her long red hair is pulled back into a neat bun.
"Ye' have, indeed, come to the right place. My name is Strix, and this is Harbek." Strix replies. "It's fitting that such a wonderful variety should answer the call. Saxswyn has truly blessed us. I'm sure ye've heard the rumors that the dragon army may be searching for something. Something powerful which they can use to conquer the world. In the event that those rumors are true, it's important that we're prepared. The surface forts have gone unused for many years - since the unfortunate conflict that split our kingdom. Our task - if ye' choose to accept it - is to check on the condition of these forts and determine if they may yet be used to mount a defense if necessary. Be forewarned - there is no guarantee of safety on this mission - we don't know what we might encounter so if ye' be afraid of death, best to just walk away now. Also I ask ye' to look at the faces around ye'. Should you choose to continue on, the faces ye' see are now your family. We fight with each other and for each other. Any past conflicts or transgressions are left in the past. If that's a problem for ye', ye' can also walk away now."
She pauses and looks at each of them.
"Now before we get started, each of you please tell us what skills ye' bring to the table."
"...at worst if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat."
*Morbrukk smiles a little crazy smile and steps up. He is clad in bear hide and deer skin shows his gray muscular body covered in scars* "Skills you say. Well I'm half orc so I don't die that easily. I'm sure you know that my short friend. I'm great at raiding things. *Morbrukk takes the greataxe of his back and shows off the dwarven makers mark on it* "See I got this beauty when I was only 13." Morbrukk scratches his black unkempt hair* Oh and I'm definitely great at fighting. Also I have no fear of dying. Have that almost happened every day back home."
Strix cocks her head slightly and raises an eyebrow. "Hmm...I seem to recall the last half-orc raid on Gathuraz was not very...successful, but ye' are clearly both brave and resilient - a fine addition. And as I've said, the past is in the past - help us on this mission and ye' will have both gold and a clean slate." She examines the maker's mark on his axe. "A beautiful weapon", she says. "But I'd expect no less from Dwarven craftmanship. Welcome to the team."
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"...at worst if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat."
"Yeah the last raid wasn't successful but like you said the past is the past." *Morbrukk puts his axe away* "Yeah it has served me well for many years."
Kelsin has a darting gaze as she takes in each person present. She is short with white hair tightly braided into a bun and her skin is somewhere between grey and purple. She wears patchwork leather with mismatched pieces. "I am here for the coin promised on the notice. I also would like to add a condition. I am fine risking my neck, but if I were to die I want all the money I earn to go to my family. As for my skills, well lets say I can move quietly, have a way with locked doors, and I am light-fingered." says Kelsin.
Kelsin looks at Strix and says "Trust must be earned. You watch my back then I will watch your back"
Strix nods. "All skills that can come in handy on an expedition such as this. As for your condition, know that I will do everything in my power to ensure that ye' return to your family to share ye'r good fortune ye'rself. And, Saxswyn forbid, I fail in that task, ye' have my promise that ye'r family will receive not only the share owed ye', but a portion of my own as well as a small way of atoning for my failure."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"...at worst if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat."
"That's really noble of you. I would just take it but that's just me. Nice to know I have good allies and a nice reward for this little adventure of ours."
*Harbeck stands next to Strix looking at the assembled party. He is rather thin for a Dwarf and is on the tall end at 5ft. He looks at Morbrukk's axe.* "It definitely is a beautiful weapon alright." *He holds out his giant greataxe for Morbrukk to look at.* "I got myself one of those too, can't beat a trusty axe when the going gets rough. Just wish mine was flaming like Druraka's."
Crimson eyes flicker from face to unfamiliar face as Kiyomi appraises her companions thoughtfully, drinking in their appearances. The half-elf makes for a lithe, willowy figure of unremarkable height, yet she holds herself with an air of confidence, angular eyes filled with a certain cunning as a small smirk pulls at cupid-bow lips. After a few seconds, she shrugs, causing silky black hair to fall over her shoulder, cascading freely over the blood-red fabric of the flowing kimono she wears layered over hidden leather armour. "The name's Kiyomi - or Kiyo, if you so wish. Hmmm, my skills…?” She gestures to the strange sword attached to her hip, its slightly curved scabbard reminiscent of the thin-bladed weapons unique to the Tindarese. “I’m rather adequate with the art of the blade, if I do say so myself. I also know a little magic, which should come in handy.” She pauses, offering a grin and a wink to the dwarven woman who had introduced herself as Strix. “Plus, I seem to have a way with people… Call it my natural charm.”
*Morbrukk points to Kiyomi's weapon* "That's a weird weapon you have there. I wonder how it stacks up compared to my axe. Anyway this definitely going to be a great time." * Morbrukk then has a smile on his face* "I hope our enemies are strong. I want to test my strength against these dragon people."
"Welcome Kiyo." Strix says. "Skill with magic and a blade may both prove valuable indeed. Ideally we can complete our task without conflict, but these are tenuous times and fortune favors the prepared. For my part, I also bring some magic to the table - healing magic for those who may need it, and...other options for anyone who wishes us harm. I also swing a pretty fair warhammer when the need arises. Harbeck?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"...at worst if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat."
"I'm a Paladin of Druraka. I have healing magic and blessings. I'm handy with an axe and I'll protect you all when push comes to shove." *Harbeck pulls out a bottle of mushroom wine.* "I can also make a fine brew!"
Strix smiles slightly. "Yes, I can vouch for the quality of Harbeck's brewing - he makes a fine mushroom wine. Sweet, yet earthy, with notes of oak and a smooth finish." She clears her throat.
"Now then, to the task at hand. Payment will be half now, half when we complete our task and return here. Our first stop, ironically, is stronghold known as Furuflaten - which in dwarven translates to "final stand". Please gather whatever supplies ye' might need and let me or Harbeck know if there is anything we can help ye' with. We will depart in the morning - not that it matters much since the first part our journey is underground - but please gather here at first light. I encourage ye' to put a good meal in ye'r belly and get plenty of rest. Any questions?"
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"...at worst if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat."
*Morbrukk speaks up* "Yeah can I try that booze you got there. Also what kind of food do you guys have here. I really never get the chance to try the local food. I'm busy just taking whatever I can and running." * Morbrukk starts to laugh*
As Morbrukk finishes his statement, a statement that both Strix and Harbek hope is a jest, their superior Gryld Boulderroar, a Paladin, and the High Priest of this the lesser of the three temples within Gathuraz, steps out of the temple doors onto the stair landing. Gryld is willowy, with matted auburn hair and beard with light blue eyes. He wears well-made clothing and riding boots. Looking over the three that have answered the summons for aid, everyone, including Strix and Harbek who are used to discerning his facial expressions, can tell he's more than a bit disappointed. When he speaks it's as a father scolding his son for doing something foolish. "This is it?!" He looks at Strix, as though it were somehow her fault. "These are the only people that answered the posting? A half-orc, a half-elf who clearly has Drow in her heritage, and a Duergar? The gods do love to torment me." He spits a gob onto the step just below where he stands. "Druraka give them strength." He sighs with an affected expression of feigned exhaustion. Just before turning around and heading back inside the temple doors, he leans over to Strix and whispers in her ear, "don't forget to come by my office before you leave to grab your Sending Stone; our higher ups want those reports in real-time, so they can make decisions about sending troops immediately." With that the tired old Paladin of Druraka opens the temples creaky oak door, and steps back into the temple, shaking his head and muttering something under his breath about "the gods and their jokes."
"Don't mind him," Strix says, "this situation has us all on edge. I have faith that Druraka and Saxwyn have sent us exactly who we need to accomplish this task. Now please, have a restful evening and we will see ye' in the morning."
Then she goes into the temple to get the sending stone.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"...at worst if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat."
*Morbrukk laugh turns into a chuckle and then looks to the others.* " Well glad to know our first impression wasn't to bad. Still I'm sure we will surprise these people how well we can do in a pinch. I'm definitely going to show them the strength of the orcs. Well in my case half orc."
The month of Oglug 147 R.R.
After over a thousand years without a sighting or any credible evidence, dragons were thought to be either extinct or creatures only of myth. Now, though, everyone across the continent of Iewiuf knows they are very real. A few months back, at the tail end of Ilsa, as Autumn was fully settled into the forest, Alderanyë was suddenly and viciously attacked by an entire army of dragons. Some of the dragons were exactly like in the old stories, huge, chromatic colored, scaled, serpent-like creatures with long necks, long tails, four clawed feet and leathery wings that blot out the sun. Some, though, were humanoid creatures, walking around on two legs, still scaled, colored in chromatic colors just like their sky-riding kin. This combined army landed on the shores of Alderanyë wholly unbeknownst to the Elven monarchy, and quickly overwhelmed their capital city, Citadel Aldel. Rumors of the invasion, and of the potential threat to every nation, since all nations across Eafphqu had a healthy respect for the Elves’ ability to wage war when called upon, quickly spread like wildfire across the continent. The Republic of Byrthelm began evacuating its outlying cities and towns and sending troops to all their fortified cities. Some citizens in an overabundance of caution left everything behind to move to Tradebay City, as it was thought to be too far away from the Elven Queendom to be in any immediate danger. The Highland kingdom started marshaling the clans for war, and shoring up their defenses throughout the kingdom. As of yet, though, the dragon army has done nothing aggressive outside of the Marwood. Because the dragon army has stayed in Elven lands, the dragonborn, the name the peoples have started using for the humanoid dragon people, have started to become accepted within society. They travel freely about Iewiuf engaging in trade, securing employment, and, yes, even making friends with many of the other races. However, for obvious reasons, many elves who fled from the Marwood for safety, and who now also travel about and live among the other nations and peoples, harbor a deep distrust and even hatred for the dragonborn. Many a barfight has happened for no other reason than dragonborn and elves were in the same place at the same time and tempers flared.
There are rumors among the more informed citizens of every land that the reason the dragon army hasn’t moved onto attempting to conquer other lands is because they are searching for some artifact or artifacts of immense power. Some of those rumors say that the dragons are trying to bring their goddess Kraiula to the material plane so that she can lead her children to their rightful place as the rulers of all the world. These rumors are furthered by the number of Kraiulan religious zealots that are now encountered all over Iewiuf, as well as the number of dragonborn adventuring parties that show up at ancient historical sites. There are also rumors that owing to how quickly and almost bloodlessly the dragon army was able to overcome the elves that they must have had help from the inside.
Thus the continent of Iewiuf exists in a near constant state of heightened tension, a land that seems on the precipice of a war that could encompass the world.
This story begins in Gathuraz, the Dwarven Citadel that is built right into the face of one of the south facing Druraka mountains. The city’s outer wall, sculpted into the side of the mountain itself, cuts an imposing edifice. Dwarven craftsmen have etched rigid but elegant and artistic structures into the side of the mountain, creating the appearance of fortified walls, complete with two different sets of giant-sized gates. The Gates of Gathuraz are one of the many wonders of the world, a relic of a time when the Dwarven and Duergar kingdoms were one, and their ability to craft with metal and stone was unrivaled across the continent.
Gathuraz city is, for people who have only ever experienced the underground as caves, caverns and carved tunnels, an eye-opener. The city is multi-level, with stairways going up and down here and there to buildings that connect one to another seamlessly. The entire city seems to be carved from the mountain rock, with streets and alleys as purposeful cutouts chiseled from the stone. The "sky" of the city is formed from the vacuous gap between the most outward "walls" of the city, walls that are the vaulted underside of this mountain. At intervals there are colossal stone arches, bridges, buttresses, towers, and platforms butted up against and built to reinforce and support the cliff walls of the city's outer edges. Those walls, as far up as they rise, have dwellings built into them. Rope and chain ladders and lifts are needed to ascend and descend those lofty heights. The crammed and cramped dwellings of those walls are where the peasants and poorest of the city's dwellers make their homes. Gathuraz is a wonder to behold, a tiered city of rock and stone, with mezzanines, plateaus and platforms created by the adjacent and adjoining roofs of close-set, carved buildings. On some of those ceilings denizens of many different races have set up temporary lodgings of canvas, leather, bone and wood. Tent bazaars clog what would otherwise be wide thoroughfares and avenues, and every manner of goods from both the surface world and the subterranean kingdoms are hawked for sale by enterprising merchants. Even with all its imposing size, this immense undermountain city is but a waterdrop in the ocean that is the length and breadth of the subterranean world called the Shadowlands.
Within Gathuraz in one of the smaller Temples of the Church of Light, two Dwarven acolytes, Strix the Cleric and Harbek the Paladin, have been tasked with making an expedition to the surface, to some of the nearby mountain forts that were abandoned when the Duergar conflict started and all forces were pulled back underground. Queen Runondi wants reports on the condition and quality of the surface forts, so she can make decisions about staffing them with troops in preparation for any possible coming conflict with the dragon army. They were told by their superiors that they not only could, but should, hire mercenaries to help with the expedition, because the church’s forces were spread too thin already. They posted notices on various job boards throughout Gathuraz looking for people with fighting and survival experience, with the offer of up to 1,000 gold pieces, plus keeping any treasure found along the way, for an expedition that could last up to three months. Three individuals saw their postings on the boards and arrived outside the temple to offer their services.
Kelsin, female Duergar, fled to the dwarven cities to avoid being arrested by the Duergar nobility. She saw one of the notices and thought getting out of town for a while and earning good money might not be a bad idea.
Kyomi Mai, half-elf with some very Drow-like physical features, is seeking knowledge about her mother’s culture and came to Gathuraz to find local experts on the Drow culture. She also saw one of the notices and thought that doing a favor for the Dwarven church, all while making some money, might help her get access to some of their protected libraries.
Morbrukk Scarrhide, male half-orc, barely escaped with his life after a failed raid on Gathuraz over a month prior. Being as cunning as he is fierce in battle, Morbrukk was able to avoid capture and sneak into the city. Doing his best to avoid attention, he is living off of the last of his gold as he waits to find some way to get back to his tribe in Thgol’d’rak. Morbrukk saw the notice and thought it might be his best chance to escape the city and earn enough coin to hire transport and protection enough to get him back to Thgol’d’rak.
And so the two Dwarven acolytes stand atop the stone steps of the small temple, looking down upon a female Duergar, a female half-elf, who is almost certainly some part Drow, and a male half-orc. Strange company to be sure, but their superiors were clear, the expedition needed to start, and quickly. If these were the only people that answered the call, no doubt the gods had brought them. Now, each one stares at one another, waiting for someone, anyone, to break the silence.
"Is this the place for the expedition?" *Morbrukk looks to the others* "Well it seems like I'm not the only one to answer the notice. This should definitely be a interesting expedition to say the least."
Strix strikes a typical dwarven figure - fairly short, but stout and muscular. She's dressed in scale mail armor with shield strapped to her back and warhammer hanging from her waist. Her long red hair is pulled back into a neat bun.
"Ye' have, indeed, come to the right place. My name is Strix, and this is Harbek." Strix replies. "It's fitting that such a wonderful variety should answer the call. Saxswyn has truly blessed us. I'm sure ye've heard the rumors that the dragon army may be searching for something. Something powerful which they can use to conquer the world. In the event that those rumors are true, it's important that we're prepared. The surface forts have gone unused for many years - since the unfortunate conflict that split our kingdom. Our task - if ye' choose to accept it - is to check on the condition of these forts and determine if they may yet be used to mount a defense if necessary. Be forewarned - there is no guarantee of safety on this mission - we don't know what we might encounter so if ye' be afraid of death, best to just walk away now. Also I ask ye' to look at the faces around ye'. Should you choose to continue on, the faces ye' see are now your family. We fight with each other and for each other. Any past conflicts or transgressions are left in the past. If that's a problem for ye', ye' can also walk away now."
She pauses and looks at each of them.
"Now before we get started, each of you please tell us what skills ye' bring to the table."
"...at worst if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat."
*Morbrukk smiles a little crazy smile and steps up. He is clad in bear hide and deer skin shows his gray muscular body covered in scars* "Skills you say. Well I'm half orc so I don't die that easily. I'm sure you know that my short friend. I'm great at raiding things. *Morbrukk takes the greataxe of his back and shows off the dwarven makers mark on it* "See I got this beauty when I was only 13." Morbrukk scratches his black unkempt hair*
Oh and I'm definitely great at fighting. Also I have no fear of dying. Have that almost happened every day back home."Strix cocks her head slightly and raises an eyebrow. "Hmm...I seem to recall the last half-orc raid on Gathuraz was not very...successful, but ye' are clearly both brave and resilient - a fine addition. And as I've said, the past is in the past - help us on this mission and ye' will have both gold and a clean slate." She examines the maker's mark on his axe. "A beautiful weapon", she says. "But I'd expect no less from Dwarven craftmanship. Welcome to the team."
"...at worst if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat."
"Yeah the last raid wasn't successful but like you said the past is the past." *Morbrukk puts his axe away* "Yeah it has served me well for many years."
Kelsin has a darting gaze as she takes in each person present. She is short with white hair tightly braided into a bun and her skin is somewhere between grey and purple. She wears patchwork leather with mismatched pieces. "I am here for the coin promised on the notice. I also would like to add a condition. I am fine risking my neck, but if I were to die I want all the money I earn to go to my family. As for my skills, well lets say I can move quietly, have a way with locked doors, and I am light-fingered." says Kelsin.
Kelsin looks at Strix and says "Trust must be earned. You watch my back then I will watch your back"
Strix nods. "All skills that can come in handy on an expedition such as this. As for your condition, know that I will do everything in my power to ensure that ye' return to your family to share ye'r good fortune ye'rself. And, Saxswyn forbid, I fail in that task, ye' have my promise that ye'r family will receive not only the share owed ye', but a portion of my own as well as a small way of atoning for my failure."
"...at worst if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat."
"That's really noble of you. I would just take it but that's just me. Nice to know I have good allies and a nice reward for this little adventure of ours."
*Harbeck stands next to Strix looking at the assembled party. He is rather thin for a Dwarf and is on the tall end at 5ft. He looks at Morbrukk's axe.* "It definitely is a beautiful weapon alright." *He holds out his giant greataxe for Morbrukk to look at.* "I got myself one of those too, can't beat a trusty axe when the going gets rough. Just wish mine was flaming like Druraka's."
Crimson eyes flicker from face to unfamiliar face as Kiyomi appraises her companions thoughtfully, drinking in their appearances. The half-elf makes for a lithe, willowy figure of unremarkable height, yet she holds herself with an air of confidence, angular eyes filled with a certain cunning as a small smirk pulls at cupid-bow lips. After a few seconds, she shrugs, causing silky black hair to fall over her shoulder, cascading freely over the blood-red fabric of the flowing kimono she wears layered over hidden leather armour.
"The name's Kiyomi - or Kiyo, if you so wish. Hmmm, my skills…?” She gestures to the strange sword attached to her hip, its slightly curved scabbard reminiscent of the thin-bladed weapons unique to the Tindarese. “I’m rather adequate with the art of the blade, if I do say so myself. I also know a little magic, which should come in handy.” She pauses, offering a grin and a wink to the dwarven woman who had introduced herself as Strix. “Plus, I seem to have a way with people… Call it my natural charm.”
*Morbrukk points to Kiyomi's weapon* "That's a weird weapon you have there. I wonder how it stacks up compared to my axe. Anyway this definitely going to be a great time." * Morbrukk then has a smile on his face* "I hope our enemies are strong. I want to test my strength against these dragon people."
"Welcome Kiyo." Strix says. "Skill with magic and a blade may both prove valuable indeed. Ideally we can complete our task without conflict, but these are tenuous times and fortune favors the prepared. For my part, I also bring some magic to the table - healing magic for those who may need it, and...other options for anyone who wishes us harm. I also swing a pretty fair warhammer when the need arises. Harbeck?"
"...at worst if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat."
"I'm a Paladin of Druraka. I have healing magic and blessings. I'm handy with an axe and I'll protect you all when push comes to shove." *Harbeck pulls out a bottle of mushroom wine.* "I can also make a fine brew!"
*Morbrukk looks at the bottle in Harbecks hand*
"Now that I have to try at least once. Haven't had a decent drink in quit a while."Strix smiles slightly. "Yes, I can vouch for the quality of Harbeck's brewing - he makes a fine mushroom wine. Sweet, yet earthy, with notes of oak and a smooth finish." She clears her throat.
"Now then, to the task at hand. Payment will be half now, half when we complete our task and return here. Our first stop, ironically, is stronghold known as Furuflaten - which in dwarven translates to "final stand". Please gather whatever supplies ye' might need and let me or Harbeck know if there is anything we can help ye' with. We will depart in the morning - not that it matters much since the first part our journey is underground - but please gather here at first light. I encourage ye' to put a good meal in ye'r belly and get plenty of rest. Any questions?"
"...at worst if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat."
*Morbrukk speaks up* "Yeah can I try that booze you got there. Also what kind of food do you guys have here. I really never get the chance to try the local food. I'm busy just taking whatever I can and running." * Morbrukk starts to laugh*
As Morbrukk finishes his statement, a statement that both Strix and Harbek hope is a jest, their superior Gryld Boulderroar, a Paladin, and the High Priest of this the lesser of the three temples within Gathuraz, steps out of the temple doors onto the stair landing. Gryld is willowy, with matted auburn hair and beard with light blue eyes. He wears well-made clothing and riding boots. Looking over the three that have answered the summons for aid, everyone, including Strix and Harbek who are used to discerning his facial expressions, can tell he's more than a bit disappointed. When he speaks it's as a father scolding his son for doing something foolish. "This is it?!" He looks at Strix, as though it were somehow her fault. "These are the only people that answered the posting? A half-orc, a half-elf who clearly has Drow in her heritage, and a Duergar? The gods do love to torment me." He spits a gob onto the step just below where he stands. "Druraka give them strength." He sighs with an affected expression of feigned exhaustion. Just before turning around and heading back inside the temple doors, he leans over to Strix and whispers in her ear, "don't forget to come by my office before you leave to grab your Sending Stone; our higher ups want those reports in real-time, so they can make decisions about sending troops immediately." With that the tired old Paladin of Druraka opens the temples creaky oak door, and steps back into the temple, shaking his head and muttering something under his breath about "the gods and their jokes."
"Don't mind him," Strix says, "this situation has us all on edge. I have faith that Druraka and Saxwyn have sent us exactly who we need to accomplish this task. Now please, have a restful evening and we will see ye' in the morning."
Then she goes into the temple to get the sending stone.
"...at worst if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat."
*Morbrukk laugh turns into a chuckle and then looks to the others.* " Well glad to know our first impression wasn't to bad. Still I'm sure we will surprise these people how well we can do in a pinch. I'm definitely going to show them the strength of the orcs. Well in my case half orc."