The next morning, you make your way to the Church of Orea, a modest building perched on a small hill in the quiet residential district of Rimet Falls. As you step into the nave, the scent of aged wood and candle wax fills the air. You notice others have already gathered, their weathered faces and well-worn weapons making it clear—they’re not here to worship. Like you, they’ve come to learn about the mysterious job offer
Written above the altar at the far end of the nave are the words:
"In warmth, abundance, and vitality, may we find our sanctuary.
Portia arrives at the church at the allotted time and waits quietly as others arrive, making a note of who is there and how they look; anxious, wary, cocky or just curious.
She is a small, slim halfling, wearing leather and a traveler's cloak, which both look well used but cared for. There's a bow slung across her back and a couple of short blades at her side. She stands quietly off to one side, not hiding, but not drawing attention to herself. There is an air of calmness about her, self-confident but not cocky.
If you look a little closer you notice that her attire isn't quiet what you would expect; there is a slightly exotic look to it. If you speak to her you notice that her accent is also unlike any of the accents you're used to hearing.
Noticing your attention she makes a point of rolling her eyes before she speaks. “Yes, I’m a halfling”she says in an unusual accent. “and yes, I look different; and yes I sound different; and yes I’m not from around here.”
“But don’t let it bother you” she laughs “I don’t”
She gives a little wave and smiles “I’m Portia, nice to meet you.”
After sneaking and running away from their land, Gelidus was lost at first. Lost in direction of course, they'd never been this far from home. But also lost in life, not knowing what the life outside of rulership is like, not knowing what to do. Until, they found the paper on the wall of a tavern. "40 gold pieces... only?"
As a noble, or was, Gelidus never had to work for gold before. But with few options at the moment, they decided to take on the job. "Well, it can't be that hard," they thought as they headed to the mentioned location.
Due to their lack of direction, Gelidus had some trouble reaching the church, but thankfully the road wasn't too far to get lost. A church... they had heard a lot about it from their old friend but this was the first time seeing one, at least, up close. They looked around, took in every detail of the church, it really was just like how she had described. Thinking about their friend also made them sorrowful, but they tried not to let it show.
While looking around, they saw the other people, assumingly also here for the job. Gelidus didn't approach them yet, however.
After about 10 minutes, you hear a door open, somewhere behind the altar. There is a dozen or so of you scattered around the nave, sitting in pews, a few standing off to the side, trying to blend in the shadows.
Onto the altar walks a man, talk and thin with an elegant robe. A small leather strap around his neck ends in a symbol, a yellow eye, transforming into a sun. Four steps behind him is a dragonborn, wearing a breast plate, a longsword at his hip, his scales a deep gold. Around its neck is a similar necklace.
He stops, pauses for a second as things go silent.
“In warmth, abundance, and vitality, may we find our sanctuary” he whispers, head down.
He raises his head, and speaks again, this time his voice commanding…
“I am Father Armon. I have a simple, but important job that needs to be performed. The church will be sending a wagon, loaded with provisions, to the towns of Knott and Traksing. Your job is simple, protect this wagon and its cargo. This is brother Dorai” the priest says, motioning to the golden dragonborn at his side, “He will be leading the mission. On the road, you will take orders from him. He will pay you 5 gold when you reach Knott, and an additional 5 at Traksing, and I will give you each 30 more when you return back to Rimet Falls. That’s 40 gold for four days of work. We leave at first light tomorrow, any questions?”
[You all know that Rimlet Falls has a population ~10k individuals, Knott is approximately 2k individuals, and Traksing is ~3k individuals.
Knott is 45 miles to the Northeast, a 2-day journey. From there, it is one day to Traksing, and from there, one day back to Rimlet Falls.]
As Grommok strides into the church the he just catches the words of Father Armon. He pops into the group of people before slowly pronouncing, "Sorry, I'm late, I'm here for the job. I have all the muscle nessasary to deal with any ruffians we face along the way. Hmm.. does that make me a ruffian too. What distinguishes us? If we are are too work together, knowing each others specialties may be good. I am a barbarian, so if we get into a scrape, I can rage and destroy our enemies.". To Father Armon, he asks, "Is their any expected trouble, or particular enemies we need to watch out for?"
Portia makes her presence known "I am used to traveling. If a scout is required then I am happy to take that role," looking at the orc she continues "as the big one said, are we to expect trouble along the way?"
He looks directly at you Grommok and gives a small nod.
“The route is well traveled, and generally safe. Occasionally, bandits or thieves will cause some trouble when they are desperate enough. Rarely, a beast or monster will wander out from the woods.”
"Now before I continue, I ask that if you are not interested in this work, you take your leave.”
A few individuals stand and exit the church, not interested in this job. After which, the father continues.
“As for the contents of this wagon, it contains standard provisions, food, cloth, tools, etc. that our churches in Knott and Traksing distribute. But …” he hesitates, and glances around the room before continuing. “In the wagon for this trip, is the yearly allotment of coin for those churches. A chest full of coins, much of the church’s finances, are in this delivery. That is why we are taking on extra security, to ensure this journey is seamless. Do not worry, we have enough coin to pay you on your return" he says with a grin.
"Any other questions before I retire, it's been a long day?"
Gelidus' eye twitches at the thought of taking orders. And recruitment, just for some deliveries? They're starting to regret coming here. But their gold pouch's been feeling too light. The other remaining members look capable... enough. So Gelidus decides to join, but they won't take the job too seriously.
Portia looks at the orc "Sleep? I find it stops people becoming grumpy. Well, most people, some are just grumpy whatever their state of awakeness" she pauses "is awakeness a real word?" another pause "or should it be wakefullness?"
"Sorry, too many questions." She turns away slightly "Note to self, stop asking soooo many questions. Yes I know I've said that before" Portia appears to be talking to herself.
“Well very well then. Those of you interested, I will see you in the morning.”
With that Father Armon bows, and leaves the way he came, the dragonborn following behind.
There is a nearby inn, the Sleeping Cat, where you can stay for the night with a meal for 5 sp, and a few cheaper options for 2 sp it you're not looking for any comfort. Additionally, you could probably find a hay loft or empty barn if you wanted to stay the night for free.
“Well very well then. Those of you interested, I will see you in the morning.”
With that Father Armon bows, and leaves the way he came, the dragonborn following behind.
There is a nearby inn, the Sleeping Cat, where you can stay for the night with a meal for 5 sp, and a few cheaper options for 2 sp it you're not looking for any comfort. Additionally, you could probably find a hay loft or empty barn if you wanted to stay the night for free.
Dragen will, as he often does, remain with the horses in the stables. Make sure they're all well cared for before finding a corner of hay and burrowing into it
Gelius will be staying at the inn as they're not used to sleeping anywhere but within their castle - they have to find the closest option, which is still not very close but this will have to do.
Having traveled far and wide, Portia can sleep anywhere, so decides to join her new companions in the stables.
"Hi, we haven't been properly introduced. I'm Portia. You asked about skills earlier; well, I'm quite good at traveling, and talking" she grins "but I'm also very good at not being seen when I need to."
"I also seem to be able to open things that should be locked." Portia suddenly looks embarrassed "I don't mean that like it sounds" she looks flustered "I mean like doors!" "Not all doors! I mean like barn doors or stables or things! When it's raining and I need shelter."
Looking decidedly red in the face she retreats into a corner of the stable"I'm going to stop talking now. Just ignore what I said"
Gelius heads to the Inn and has a comfortable night in a soft bed, his belly full of roasted pork and grilled mushrooms.
Meanwhile, Portia, Dragen and Grommok find a large barn and convince the family who owns it to let them sleep there for the night. Other than chasing away a few rats inspecting their packs, the night is uneventful.
The next morning, everyone shows up at the church just as the sun rises above the eastern residences. Hitched to a large wagon are two draft horses. Sitting on the driver's bench, seemingly half awake, are two gnomes, a male and a female, bearing a striking resemblance to each other.
Father Armon and Brother Dorai are making last minute inspections of the cargo.
"Good luck! Be safe! In warmth, abundance, and vitality, may we find our sanctuary" the father says, and turns and takes leaves into the front doors of the church.
"OK, you lot ready?" says the golden dragonborn, looking at the sky. "Looks like rain is coming, let's get started, we got a full day's ride."
With these words, the gnomes wake up. "Alright, you heard the man, ah dragon man, Cleo, let's go" says the male gnome. "Hi, I'm Cleo, this is my brother Leo" she says to you all. "Happy to meet you all. OK Cookie!" she says loudly, looking at the horse directly in front of her, "Canter!", and the two horses start moving. They lead you through a gate and out the northern side of the city, then immediately take the road to the East.
"OK, two days on The Skapa Road!" Leo says, smiling at you all, then adds "Your shift sister...", and closes his eyes.
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The next morning, you make your way to the Church of Orea, a modest building perched on a small hill in the quiet residential district of Rimet Falls. As you step into the nave, the scent of aged wood and candle wax fills the air. You notice others have already gathered, their weathered faces and well-worn weapons making it clear—they’re not here to worship. Like you, they’ve come to learn about the mysterious job offer
Written above the altar at the far end of the nave are the words:
"In warmth, abundance, and vitality, may we find our sanctuary.
Please introduce your characters!
Dragen looks up and does a customary sign as he walks in (Akin to the sign of the cross when entering a Catholic mass)
"Warmth and abundance" he says to the group gathering. "I'm Dragen Bristletoes, Toes for short, gessin y'all are here for the job too?"
Portia arrives at the church at the allotted time and waits quietly as others arrive, making a note of who is there and how they look; anxious, wary, cocky or just curious.
She is a small, slim halfling, wearing leather and a traveler's cloak, which both look well used but cared for. There's a bow slung across her back and a couple of short blades at her side. She stands quietly off to one side, not hiding, but not drawing attention to herself. There is an air of calmness about her, self-confident but not cocky.
If you look a little closer you notice that her attire isn't quiet what you would expect; there is a slightly exotic look to it. If you speak to her you notice that her accent is also unlike any of the accents you're used to hearing.
Noticing your attention she makes a point of rolling her eyes before she speaks.
“Yes, I’m a halfling” she says in an unusual accent.
“and yes, I look different;
and yes I sound different;
and yes I’m not from around here.”
“But don’t let it bother you” she laughs “I don’t”
She gives a little wave and smiles “I’m Portia, nice to meet you.”
Nyli Bemblade - Gnome Arcane Trickster
Kyreth 'Guile' Rolthar - Tiefling Monk
Portia Thornleaf - Halfling Rogue
Dragen is intrigued, but will remain politely silent
After sneaking and running away from their land, Gelidus was lost at first. Lost in direction of course, they'd never been this far from home. But also lost in life, not knowing what the life outside of rulership is like, not knowing what to do. Until, they found the paper on the wall of a tavern. "40 gold pieces... only?"
As a noble, or was, Gelidus never had to work for gold before. But with few options at the moment, they decided to take on the job. "Well, it can't be that hard," they thought as they headed to the mentioned location.
Due to their lack of direction, Gelidus had some trouble reaching the church, but thankfully the road wasn't too far to get lost. A church... they had heard a lot about it from their old friend but this was the first time seeing one, at least, up close. They looked around, took in every detail of the church, it really was just like how she had described. Thinking about their friend also made them sorrowful, but they tried not to let it show.
While looking around, they saw the other people, assumingly also here for the job. Gelidus didn't approach them yet, however.
After about 10 minutes, you hear a door open, somewhere behind the altar. There is a dozen or so of you scattered around the nave, sitting in pews, a few standing off to the side, trying to blend in the shadows.
Onto the altar walks a man, talk and thin with an elegant robe. A small leather strap around his neck ends in a symbol, a yellow eye, transforming into a sun. Four steps behind him is a dragonborn, wearing a breast plate, a longsword at his hip, his scales a deep gold. Around its neck is a similar necklace.
He stops, pauses for a second as things go silent.
“In warmth, abundance, and vitality, may we find our sanctuary” he whispers, head down.
He raises his head, and speaks again, this time his voice commanding…
“I am Father Armon. I have a simple, but important job that needs to be performed. The church will be sending a wagon, loaded with provisions, to the towns of Knott and Traksing. Your job is simple, protect this wagon and its cargo. This is brother Dorai” the priest says, motioning to the golden dragonborn at his side, “He will be leading the mission. On the road, you will take orders from him. He will pay you 5 gold when you reach Knott, and an additional 5 at Traksing, and I will give you each 30 more when you return back to Rimet Falls. That’s 40 gold for four days of work. We leave at first light tomorrow, any questions?”
[You all know that Rimlet Falls has a population ~10k individuals, Knott is approximately 2k individuals, and Traksing is ~3k individuals.
Knott is 45 miles to the Northeast, a 2-day journey. From there, it is one day to Traksing, and from there, one day back to Rimlet Falls.]
As Grommok strides into the church the he just catches the words of Father Armon. He pops into the group of people before slowly pronouncing, "Sorry, I'm late, I'm here for the job. I have all the muscle nessasary to deal with any ruffians we face along the way. Hmm.. does that make me a ruffian too. What distinguishes us? If we are are too work together, knowing each others specialties may be good. I am a barbarian, so if we get into a scrape, I can rage and destroy our enemies.". To Father Armon, he asks, "Is their any expected trouble, or particular enemies we need to watch out for?"
"I cast Fireball."
"Are you sure you want to do that?"
"I cast Fireball."
"It's a 15 by 15 room."
"I said I cast Fireball."
Portia makes her presence known "I am used to traveling. If a scout is required then I am happy to take that role," looking at the orc she continues "as the big one said, are we to expect trouble along the way?"
Nyli Bemblade - Gnome Arcane Trickster
Kyreth 'Guile' Rolthar - Tiefling Monk
Portia Thornleaf - Halfling Rogue
He looks directly at you Grommok and gives a small nod.
“The route is well traveled, and generally safe. Occasionally, bandits or thieves will cause some trouble when they are desperate enough. Rarely, a beast or monster will wander out from the woods.”
"Now before I continue, I ask that if you are not interested in this work, you take your leave.”
A few individuals stand and exit the church, not interested in this job. After which, the father continues.
“As for the contents of this wagon, it contains standard provisions, food, cloth, tools, etc. that our churches in Knott and Traksing distribute. But …” he hesitates, and glances around the room before continuing. “In the wagon for this trip, is the yearly allotment of coin for those churches. A chest full of coins, much of the church’s finances, are in this delivery. That is why we are taking on extra security, to ensure this journey is seamless. Do not worry, we have enough coin to pay you on your return" he says with a grin.
"Any other questions before I retire, it's been a long day?"
"Who'd we be watching out for in the road?" Toes asks
Grommok says, "Go." To himself, he mumbles, "I wonder why sleep is necessary."
"I cast Fireball."
"Are you sure you want to do that?"
"I cast Fireball."
"It's a 15 by 15 room."
"I said I cast Fireball."
Gelidus' eye twitches at the thought of taking orders. And recruitment, just for some deliveries? They're starting to regret coming here. But their gold pouch's been feeling too light. The other remaining members look capable... enough. So Gelidus decides to join, but they won't take the job too seriously.
Portia looks at the orc "Sleep? I find it stops people becoming grumpy. Well, most people, some are just grumpy whatever their state of awakeness" she pauses "is awakeness a real word?" another pause "or should it be wakefullness?"
"Sorry, too many questions." She turns away slightly "Note to self, stop asking soooo many questions. Yes I know I've said that before" Portia appears to be talking to herself.
Nyli Bemblade - Gnome Arcane Trickster
Kyreth 'Guile' Rolthar - Tiefling Monk
Portia Thornleaf - Halfling Rogue
“Well very well then. Those of you interested, I will see you in the morning.”
With that Father Armon bows, and leaves the way he came, the dragonborn following behind.
There is a nearby inn, the Sleeping Cat, where you can stay for the night with a meal for 5 sp, and a few cheaper options for 2 sp it you're not looking for any comfort. Additionally, you could probably find a hay loft or empty barn if you wanted to stay the night for free.
Dragen will, as he often does, remain with the horses in the stables. Make sure they're all well cared for before finding a corner of hay and burrowing into it
Grommok, hardly caring about his sleeping accommodations will join Dragen with the horses.
"I cast Fireball."
"Are you sure you want to do that?"
"I cast Fireball."
"It's a 15 by 15 room."
"I said I cast Fireball."
Gelius will be staying at the inn as they're not used to sleeping anywhere but within their castle - they have to find the closest option, which is still not very close but this will have to do.
Having traveled far and wide, Portia can sleep anywhere, so decides to join her new companions in the stables.
"Hi, we haven't been properly introduced. I'm Portia. You asked about skills earlier; well, I'm quite good at traveling, and talking" she grins "but I'm also very good at not being seen when I need to."
"I also seem to be able to open things that should be locked." Portia suddenly looks embarrassed "I don't mean that like it sounds" she looks flustered "I mean like doors!" "Not all doors! I mean like barn doors or stables or things! When it's raining and I need shelter."
Looking decidedly red in the face she retreats into a corner of the stable"I'm going to stop talking now. Just ignore what I said"
Nyli Bemblade - Gnome Arcane Trickster
Kyreth 'Guile' Rolthar - Tiefling Monk
Portia Thornleaf - Halfling Rogue
Gelius heads to the Inn and has a comfortable night in a soft bed, his belly full of roasted pork and grilled mushrooms.
Meanwhile, Portia, Dragen and Grommok find a large barn and convince the family who owns it to let them sleep there for the night. Other than chasing away a few rats inspecting their packs, the night is uneventful.
The next morning, everyone shows up at the church just as the sun rises above the eastern residences. Hitched to a large wagon are two draft horses. Sitting on the driver's bench, seemingly half awake, are two gnomes, a male and a female, bearing a striking resemblance to each other.
Father Armon and Brother Dorai are making last minute inspections of the cargo.
"Good luck! Be safe! In warmth, abundance, and vitality, may we find our sanctuary" the father says, and turns and takes leaves into the front doors of the church.
"OK, you lot ready?" says the golden dragonborn, looking at the sky. "Looks like rain is coming, let's get started, we got a full day's ride."
With these words, the gnomes wake up. "Alright, you heard the man, ah dragon man, Cleo, let's go" says the male gnome. "Hi, I'm Cleo, this is my brother Leo" she says to you all. "Happy to meet you all. OK Cookie!" she says loudly, looking at the horse directly in front of her, "Canter!", and the two horses start moving. They lead you through a gate and out the northern side of the city, then immediately take the road to the East.
"OK, two days on The Skapa Road!" Leo says, smiling at you all, then adds "Your shift sister...", and closes his eyes.