Eberron: The Dragon's Eye
25 Nymm, 998 YK

The streets of Adderport may be free from the dense canopy of the Q’barran jungles, but they cannot escape the summer humidity. You find yourself standing in front of a sign, making sure the name of the building it stands before is the correct one as your mind flashes back to the unexpected magical message you received. 

“Your services are requested. Come to Kern’s Rest and Revelry in Adderport tomorrow morning to discuss arrangements. Be prepared for travel. A House Sivis service.”

You are familiar with House Sivis’ messaging services, but this may well be the first time you’ve been on the receiving end of a sending spell. Either way, you are indeed standing in front of the Rest and Revelry. You’ve come this far. Might as well head in and see what awaits. 

Humidity and heat is left behind as soon as you walk through the front door and into the lobby - it is nice and cool here. Beyond the lobby are a number of stages and rooms for rent. At the moment, the place is mostly quiet; there’s a lone elf musician playing a pleasant tune on a thurimbar rod while patrons eat breakfast and chat. A perky young khoravar woman is working the front desk, all decked out in a glamerweave uniform jacket that is split halfway down the middle green and black. The green side features smiling blink dogs that disappear and reappear every few seconds. The black side boasts snarling displacer beasts that shimmer and shift the longer you look at them. The host smiles at all of you and bows.

“On behalf of Houses Ghallanda and Thuranni, welcome to Kern’s Revelry and Rest! We have been expecting you. Right this way!” 

The host leads you to a second-floor room, partially open to the floor below and with an excellent view of the stage. The ethereal sounds of the thurimbar rod carry above the faint din of the patrons’ conversations over breakfast. A number of chairs are arranged closest to the balcony’s edge, and a low table against the back wall of the room is laden with fruits, pastries, and other breakfast foods. 

A middle-aged human man with slicked-back dark hair and a neatly trimmed gray beard dressed in dark robes stands near the chairs and smiles down at the music below. He looks at all of you as you come in and gestures to the table. “Please, help yourselves. My name is Sur’kil, and we have business to discuss… which is always more pleasant on a full stomach.”

(Go ahead and introduce your characters - once everyone has done so, we'll get down to business!)

A man in remarkably clean half-plate shrouded in a grey cloak (despite the heat) enters the room. A faint mist seems to be rising off the cloak. He rubs rubs a hand through his blonde hair, which has become stuck to his scalp in places. Slightly pointed ears are visible under the matted curls.

Frowning, he glances around the table, eyes settling on each of his companions, appraising them. They linger on Grundnik and his eyebrows rise slightly before he nods a respectful greeting. "We meet at last, it seems, not on the opposite sides of the field of battle. It is good that you survived the insanity of the War."

He finishes his scan of the room then moves near a corner seat, "But the rest of you...I do not think we have met...though my memory is has never been at its best in the morning."

Smiling warmly, he bows and introduces himself. "I am Silthras, erstwhile opponent of Grundnik here, and long-time bounty hunter."

With a final glance toward the stage he removes his sword and pack, then settles into the seat he has chosen, happily eating a late breakfast. The perceptive amongst the party might occasionally see him stow less perishable foods in his cloak  ((19 Perception required -- he rolled well )).

He periodically mutters under his breath, touching his cloak, and each time he does so it seems to resume emitting a faint cooling mist. "Not a fan of the heat," he says with a shrug.

A male khoravar, with a strong build and blond hair, takes a seat at the table. He is donned in a mail of chain and wears a jeweled longsword on his back, studded in gems that look almost like eyes. Based on the way he handles himself alone, there is little question that he knows how to wield it.

"So... would I be right in assuming that all of us here received that little message? And would I be right in further assuming that you're the one who sent it?"

He looks around and evaluates all that have gathered. As he looks from person to person, his eyes momentarily gain a barely-visible yellow tint, dimly shining like a cat's eyes in darkness. (After introductions are done, he'll expend a use of Divine Sense.)

"I am Adran. Watcher. I hope to be pleased to meet you all."

Silthras raises an eyebrow at Adran's introduction, "Do you watch anything in particular, or are you just generally watchful?" he asks with an amused smile.

Adran gives a small chuckle to Silthras's remark.

"I watch that which seeks to hide. Many things move in the dark."

You see a slightly pudgy gnome walk into Kern’s Rest, walking with a staff and a small bead of sweat on his forehead.  He seems preoccupied and it is clear that many thoughts are going through his head.  He walks in and his eyes are darting around the room, taking everything in.  He smiles at the blink dogs and he hums along with the music briefly as he’s moving through the room.  He’s wearing a traveling cloak with a red lining and has a sling across his shoulder, a book resides in it and he has his hand on it as he walks along.  His mouth moves silently, he’s thinking to himself, “House Sivis, finally a message, maybe now I’ll find out more…”.  He nods to the host, and makes his way to the buffet.  He takes a plate and squeezes various fruits testing their ripeness, then makes his choices and grabs a pastry as well, heading over to the table.  He dusts off the seat and sits down, beginning to eat.  

He nods and smiles at Sur’kil, saying “Fank you”, mouth full of pastry.  He looks to Adran and Silthras and says “Erm.  *cough*  Hullo.  My name’s Erbert.   You must have received a message as well.  Pleased to meef youf.”  His mouth full of a very large strawberry.  He settles into his breakfast, eyes darting around the room, making mental notes.  He has a smarmy look on his face, affable and greeting, but the he has look of someone who has just soundly beaten a 15 year old gnomish boy in chess, very self satisfied.  His teeth go slightly in different directions, apparently orthodontics is an unknown practice in his gnomish culture.  His eyes dart around as he listens to the conversation.  After he finishes eating, he pulls out a notebook and a strange looking pen, apparently getting ready to take notes for the meeting, creating headings on the paper and making an attendance list.

Silthras nods to the gnome, then turns to Adran. "Not just another elvish conspiracy then. That's a relief, eh?"

Grudnik stands with military bearing behind one of the chairs at the table, resplendent in gleaming splint armour with a glaive grasped upright in one hand. At his belt are a pair of hand axes and strapped to his back is a shield. The pack at his feet showed he clearly took the instruction to be ready to travel seriously.

He himself is a ghaal'dar of above average height, with deep red skin, pointed ears much like those of elvish blood and long black hair tied back in a pony tail.

He had arrived well before the others, finding the message curious but also incredibly vague. Tomorrow morning could have meant any time, and punctuality demanded he not be late. There was no plate of food to be seen on the table in front him as he had eaten a sufficient breakfast before he arrived. 

When Sur'kil suggests they eat, he looks to the table of food briefly, noting the lavish nature of the fair and discarding any thought of partaking.

He watches each of the others as they arrive with an appraising glance.

"Saa'atcha, Silthras", he says formally, honouring his former battlefield opponent. "The tides of battle have kept us apart, yet here we stand as potential allies".

As the gnome arrives, he re-evaluates the likely task at hand. The others all seemed of military backgrounds, but the gnome was different.

"I am Grudnik of Kesh Sharaat", he says to Adran and Erbert formally, correcting Silthras' slight mis-pronunciation of his name.

 The next to enter Kern's Rest and make their way to the table is an almost awkwardly tall figure (played by Doug Jones) with a disproportionately barrel-chested torso. As they move away from the backlighting of the entrance, it becomes apparent that this is a warforged of some sort. Difficult to tell its original function (but easy enough to speculate), it has a slim pack strapped to its back and is clothed in a basic robe that speaks less of style and more 'I have been repeatedly instructed to wear this,' clasped haphazardly with a with an almost out-of-place amulet of Dol Arrah, but the symbol of the Sovereign Host emblazoned on their shield and the censor sticking out of their pack suggests it is no accident. They stand next to the table for several beats too long before seeming to recall themselves and taking a chair, which creaks but takes their weight.

"I thank you," the warforged speaks. Their voice is not at all mechanical, but the intonation is slightly off, as if slightly affected. "I call myself Ancidus. I can admit some surprise in being summoned here today." They seem to ignore the food.

A male khoraver of average height and build stands by the table, helping himself to breakfast and sipping a cup of hot Tal, as he watches the introductions with brown eyes that appear dull, but miss nothing.  Dressed in well made, but common and unadorned clothes and a long, lightweight duster, the more observant among the group can make out the hilts of several daggers secreted around his body.  He wears a black scarf knotted around his neck as an ascot despite the heat.

“It is a pleasure to meet you all, I am Victorin, a representative from the Warning Guild in Newthrone.  I too received a message”  He acknowledges Andicus’ statement of surprise and replies “As can I, my friend.”  He turns to his host with a small nod of his head “House Ghallanda’s hospitality is well known, even if House Thuranni’s activities are less so.  But I must confess that I am unclear as to why I was summoned here.”

“Vic-tor-in.”  Erbert says, apparently unaware that he was talking as he is writing down the names.  Erbert nods to Grudnik and Victorin, saying “Erbert Jenkor Jerriheimerschmidt  (in a lyrical lilting sort of way), very pleased to meet you.  I originally hail from Korranberg.  I come from a very long line of Jerriheimerschmidts, although I don’t imagine that any other Jerriheimerschmidts have settled down in this area.  I guess I’ll be taking minutes for the meeting.  Uh… whatever kind of meeting this is..”. He looks with uncertainty at the host, Sur’kil.

"That, my brave gnome, assumes it is the kind of meeting that people want minuted."

Silthras raises an eyebrow and turns to their host, waiting to finally discover the reason for the unusual summons, and perhaps who it was that gave his particulars to them.

Victorin gives Erbert a small chuckle “No, I don’t believe I have met any other Jerriheimerschmidts in Q’Barrra.  I am sure they would have made an impression. But I am pleased to meet one at last.”  He turns to Silthras “Wise words. I wonder what kind of meeting this one will be.”

"House Sivis sent the message, but it was I who requested it be delivered in the first place. I do not represent the Houses, but I am taking advantage of their hospitality," Sur'kil says with a grin. "I am glad to see you have all arrived. Thank you for coming. I'm sure you have many questions. Let me alleviate some of your curiosity or suspicion. And, Mr. Jerriheimerschmidt, please take minutes or don't as you see fit."

The man takes an apple and polishes it against his robe. "As I said before, my name is Sur'kil. I am what you might call an independent researcher. Recently, my studies have uncovered hints and rumors of an ancient site that dates back to the Age of Demons, when the demonic Overlords and dragons were at war. It is my intent to hire you to investigate this location... and to retrieve a relic that I believe might yet remain there. This task is, of course, not without a degree of danger, which is why I have taken pains to assemble a competent group of experienced professionals such as yourselves.

"The location is... remote. Deep in the jungles of Q'barra. I would like to procure your services for a period of at least four weeks. You will have free choice of whatever treasure you find, with the exception of the relics I seek, for which you will be rewarded in full. I can offer you each a rate of 250 gold pieces a week, plus travel expenses. And, of course, out of respect for your professionalism, I shall provide your first payment up front. If you accept the assignment and its terms, of course."

Adran: 

Silthras draws a long slows breath, staring at his hands as he ponders the situation.

So many things are going though his mind: Does he want to visit past homes of demons and dragons? No. Does he want to have anything to do with powerful artifacts (if he can't keep them)? No. Does he need money? Yes. It is a sad statement about his situation; things had not gone well since the accident and a way forward, however risky, would be welcome.

Looking up at Sivis, he nods slowly. "You've got my interest. But Demons ... and Dragons...that would be a little above my pay grade, even if all is in ruins and with the gold that you are offering. And artifacts...they have a nasty tendency to have memories and minds of their own, at least by repute."

"Perhaps..." he looks around at his companions, "...perhaps you can tell us a little more about these artifacts, and about who else might be after them? I'm sure there are a few more details that you might have ... ah ... not yet had time to explain. And I assume you'll give us a complete list of what you seek?"

Adran actually seems to be put at quite a bit of ease upon hearing the overview of the mission, seemingly familiar with the kind of threat being imposed. "Ah, I see. Well, I'm not sure I can speak for the others here, but I know for certain you have found one of your 'experienced professionals.' If you prove reliable, then be assured I will prove the same in time. There is one matter I would like clarification on, however; what exactly is the nature of these relics that you seek? I imagine it would make our jobs easier if we knew what items we are looking for and any dangers they could pose."

"Whilst the floor is open for questions, I too would like clarity, gath'dar", Grudnik interjects before Sur'kil gets a chance to answer the first round of questions.

"You mention a relic, then state we are to retrieve multiple. Which is it, one or many? You claim to be an independent researcher, but do not state whether you in turn are in the employ of another. I prefer to know who I am ultimately working for. Are we obtaining the relic or relics for yourself, or so they can be passed, or sold, on?", he says flatly.

"Who will be our guide through the jungle, or is that person amongst us?", he says this last looking around at the assembled crew, and noting their clothes and equipment to not be particularly jungle-ish.

Silthras nods in agreement to Grudnic's questions; it seems that they both share some suspicions about the arrangement. There are many details to be worked out, but if he agrees to the terms it will doubtless be an interesting journey.

He turns back to their host, eager to hear how all of their questions will be answered.

Erbert looks up, scribbling furiously, and interjects as well, buck teeth and beady eyes looking at Sur’kil with a twinkle in them, “And, are there any other interested parties?  Will there be anyone else seeking this… as yet undescribed and nebulous artifact?  How hot of an item are we talking about here?”

Sur'kil bites into the apple he is holding as the questions roll in. As soon as he swallows the bite, he responds. "Your reputation for thoroughness was accurate! Particularly you, my good ghaal'dar. But make no mistake, I represent only myself. The dangers you will face are the wildlife and the lizardfolk tribes, and there may be traps and other defenses within the site to discourage or eliminate would-be thieves. All I know is that there is risk involved - that is why I am sending you. If this were easy, I would do it myself. I believe that there are many relics in the target location, an old temple in the jungle, that are of interest to me and I would like for you to acquire as many as you can. Tablets or slates with ancient writing, lost works of art or symbology, and other exciting artifacts of that kind. But below the temple is a secret lost to the ages, or so my research has revealed. Supposedly, an ancient demon was cast down at the site upon which this temple was built. Such temples were, in the past, places to store important treasures and guarded by half-dragon beasts. But it has been over a hundred thousand years since then. Now only the lizardfolk use the temple. There is a relic in particular I seek and believe to be there: a spherical magic gem that, if ancient reports are to be believed, once rested on an altar beneath the temple. 

"To my knowledge, nobody else knows of the location of the temple or its contents. There should be no other parties to be concerned about, besides the lizardfolk that inhabit the temple. I had hoped to withhold the details until you agreed to participate, but if that is an additional price I must pay to secure your services, so be it. But the last thing I need is mobs of would-be treasure hunters descending upon the jungle in droves searching for these relics. So, your discretion in this matter would be greatly appreciated. All you need do is go to the temple, clear out any hostile presence within it, and acquire as many relics as you can. Even if my primary quarry isn't there, any further information from the temple could help me track it down. Is that a satisfactory explanation of the situation?"