((We'll resume from after the point you gave your reasons for joining. Also, your characters will start at level 4 for this campaign.))
Lieutenant Stargrave closes his eyes and stands for a moment in quiet thought. "All fine reasons," he eventually says. "Though I am certain some of you are just telling me what you think I want to hear. No matter. Whatever your reasons, I commend you for making it this far. As you know, today is the day you receive your assignments, and though you might have some idea of where you want to serve..." he shoots a glance at Zozzie, "...I'm afraid I am going to have to disappoint you."
He approaches each of you in turn, and hands you something. An insignia that you recognize as being similar to what privates wear after receiving their assignments, though this one is unfamiliar to you, looking almost like a silver doorway.
"Welcome, everyone, to the Tenth Regiment. From today on, you will all be Delvers." He turns, and gestures to the orc standing beside him. "This is Sergeant Bakh, your new commander and whom you will report to from now on. Introduce yourselves to him." (Refresher for who everyone's character is). "Any questions you have, I can answer now."
"uh, hullo Sergeant. I'm Recruit Zbornak. Low docks, born and raised. Eager to see what else is out there." The tall, well muscled tiefling woman rolled her neck and shoulders back reflexively, the way she did whenever meeting someone new. Her scratched and pitted greataxe was slung across her back, and she had at least half a dozen daggers stashed in various places throughout her uniform. Projecting a certain youthful confidence to the Sergeant and the Lieutenant, she was only partly involved in the conversation, since she was trying her level best to stay calm. When she got worked up, she got angry - and lately, when she got really angry, strange things started happening. Nothing she wanted to share with the group at the moment, this was too big of an opportunity to blow. Stay calm, stay calm...
The tall woman with the pointy hat spoke up next. "I'm Zyrelle Starweave. I was born and raised on the upper shelf. I'm here to carry on the family tradition of service in the Comms." Zyrelle looked like a normal human, unless you took a close look at her eyes (or saw her in a dark room). Her eyes glowed green. Her robe and hat had seen some wear over the last year of training, but was obviously of high quality (a gift from her parents when she first signed up). Her staff and holy symbol were still in fine shape though, being made of more durable stuff.
Zyrelle was wondering about the Tenth Regiment that she had never heard of before, but figured she'd soon learn about it, so she kept her questions to herself for now. But she was looking forward to actually putting her skills to use!
Zozzie’s expression remained unchanged at the revelation of a tenth regiment although internally he was conflicted. He had hoped to be in the wilderness, but there was excitement at being included in something mysterious. His uniform was crisp, his main equipment (bow, dagger, scimitar, armor) in good shape. Compared to the group assembled though, he was on the smaller side (ooc: still a medium creature).
Once again, he snapped to attention and sounded off. “Sergeant, Recruit Von Bartok. Hailing from the Upper Shelf. I too serve as is family tradition. I’ve been exposed to the natural world my whole life. However, I am just as eager to serve the Committee in whatever capacity is deemed appropriate. Thank you for the opportunity, Sergeant.” He then resumed the rest position.
His companions had the same questions as he did, what was a delver? But he found the reason no one had heard of this regiment as a deeper pull, and posed that to Lieutenant Alastair, “Sir, pardon the questions but…is this a new regiment being established, or something else? This emblem is unrecognizable to us. What do we tell others about our assignment?” The elf remains at the rest position with all curtesy due to his superiors.
”Cadence Silverstring reporting for duty sir. From the low docks, but I have some experience in the upper. I’ve been known to play for some of the residents there. It’s an honor to be considered for the tenth… forgive my ignorance in this matter, but I haven’t heard of this regiment before - what is its purpose and mission statement?”
Cadence is a young man of 24 with thick blonde hair with natural waves and slight curls. His eyes are a piercing blue. With a slender frame (170lbs & 5’11”) and prominent facial structure, there is no other way of saying it… he is strikingly attractive.
A lyre hangs on a strap around his neck and gently resting along his back beside a shortbow. His delicate hands yet callused fingers indicate many hours playing instruments.
"Amaranth DuBois. Like many of us, I'm a warrior priest, born of citizens, I've joined up to give back to the city that has given me so much."
Amaranth is a young woman in her early twenties with a regal bearing. She has rich chocolate skin and a mop of curly hair. Her well-toned body is obfviously kept in shape with a program of regular training.
"As you know, the city of Starcoast is thousands of years old and the Committee for City Safety has only ruled for 367 of those. Much of the city's history is unknown to us. Historical documents we do have describe ancient artifacts with immense historical value. Most of these artifacts are lost, but some documents give directions on where they might be found. Often, they are in long forgotten caverns or abandoned ruins. Just a few years ago, a 10th regiment, made up of only the finest recruits was formed to explore and search for these artifacts. This is where you come in: your job is to recover pieces of this cities history." He turns to walk away, and motions for you to follow him. You follow him out a back door in Waters's office, and he begins to speak again as you walk outside.
"As for discussing your role with other recruits - you won't get the chance to. This regiment is to be kept a secret, and you will be given special training separate from the other recruits to ensure you can't slip up." After about 10 minutes of walking along a path you hadn't ever seen before, you reach a somewhat small building compared to what you were used to. It was two stories high, and it blended in surprisingly well with its surroundings.
"This is where you will spend the next 6 months training. I must go now, any further questions you have may be directed to Sergeant Bakh. I wish you all the best." He walks away, back down the path from whence you came.
Zyrille comments, "So we were the best? That's gratifying to know." Louder she asked, "What can we tell our parents? Can we still get and send letters?"
“Six more months of training!” Zozzie grumbles in his head to himself. “Wouldn’t have to do more training if I’d just been assigned to the Eighth Corp!” again, in his head.
The elf comes to the rest position upon reaching the out building.
He wants to ask what happened to the other members of the tenth regiment, but thinks better of it. He doesn’t want to spoil the opportunity he’s been presented with and opts for the quiet attentive stance.
Zbornak follows along, processing. She's never been underground before, not really. You go too far down at the docks and you get wet. Most of the buildings she'd spent time in had leaky roofs, some hole in the ceiling she could catch a glimpse of starlight on clear nights. Just thinking about being ...down there, under all that rock - it was making her a little jittery, and she felt the hair on the back of her neck start to rise.
She shook it off and admonished herself silently. "Pull it together, kid. You're one of the best, and even if that isn't true and you're here by mistake, you're meaner and tougher than anything that crawls around in the dark under the city."
She looks around, and quietly scopes the reactions of the rich kids. They seem okay, so she puts on a swagger and starts sharpening her axe to keep her hands busy. "So, uh, Sergeant. What's this training going to be like?"
Sergeant Bakh stood before you now with an intense look on his face. The man, a half-orc, managed to stand almost completely still. Even when he spoke, the only thing that moved was his mouth. And when he did speak, his voice was low and at times more grunts than actual words.
"Any letters you send or receive will be read through to ensure no information is leaked. You may tell friends and family that you are part of the eighth regiment, though exceptions might be made at your request.
As for training, you have already proven yourselves to be more than sufficient in combat. While we will continue to develop your battle prowess, it will not be the focus of this training period. Instead, you will learn how to work as a team to explore caves and ruins, and you will learn to handle artifacts with care such that they are not damaged. You are expected to learn at least one ancient language so that you can translate any writings we find that may be beneficial. This training period will be just as much a mental test as a physical one, but by the end of it you will have become a well-oiled machine that works in unison rather than five individual parts."
Hearing their tasks and training laid out Cadence smiles widely. Lost treasures, secret regiment, ancient languages? This is going to be the foundation for fantastic songs and stories! He is already starting a few in his mind, but aloud says,
”That makes sense sir, we each need to be an instrument that when separate sounds good, but together sounds breathtaking. We will train hard, you can have no doubt.“
Zyrille thinks out loud, "Eighth legion, that would explain being out of contact for a while." She nods in aknowledgment.
Hearing what they are to do and what the training will consist of, Zyrille starts getting excited! Ancient languages! Artifacts! This seems like a dream job. Too bad she can't tell her parents about it.
Zozzie listened for all the details, he wanted to make sure he understood all the requirements. It may not have been his first choice, but then no one even knew this choice was a possibility prior to now.
Work together like a well oiled machine. Cadence’s remark about individual instruments sounding better together was a great example and made Zozzie recall what he knew of his fellow recruits.
He recalled Cadence performing once for a recruit that was having a difficult time. He himself played a flute occasionally, and hoped perhaps to pick up a lesson or two from the musician. He could also swear he saw him perform once at a social function for a citizen’s ball way before joining up, but that would have been a while ago.
Zyrille was a brilliant student, and he’d seen her perform fantastic magics both in class and out.
Amaranth was regal, and Zbornak was rough, but both women were powerhouses. He looked up to them, and not just figuratively. He admired them each, Zbornak definitely would have the group’s back if the chips were down for them.
He also thought about Tenbrush. They were amazing with a bow. Like Cadence, he hoped to learn a few pointers from them. (OOC: are they still here, will they be a part of the 10th?)
He hoped, in short, that his contributions would be accepted. He pledged to himself to become a member his team mates could rely on. And in doing so, fulfill his family’s duty to the Committee.
"Today, we will walk through what your day will look like. Then you will get some rest, and begin training tomorrow."
He takes you around the building, outlining what each day would consist of. In the morning was combat training and conditioning, and in the afternoon was classes on a wide variety of subjects, like language, artifact handling, equipment usage, and lessons on what creatures you might encounter. At the end of the day, you retire to your new beds, which are quite a bit more comfortable than your last.
Each day of training is grueling, and harder than the last. Your body aches from morning combat, and the classes are strenuous on the mind. But eventually, the 6 months come to pass and you come out of the experience stronger, faster, and smarter than you were before. Each of you gain understanding of one exotic language. On what would have been the final day of training, you are instead called into the Sergeant's office.
"Today, soldiers, I will allow you to rest. You have worked hard the past 6 months, and tomorrow we will go on our first delve. We are to enter the caverns in search of some artifact rumored to be hidden in the bottom. Unfortunately, that's about all the information I can give you on the mission. We will be the first people to enter those caves in hundreds of years. Be proud of yourselves for earning such an honor. But like I said, today, you have the day off."
"A day off?" queried Zyrelle. "How long has it been since we've had a day off? I think I'm going to write a nice long letter to home! I can tell them that I've finally finished training and will be heading off on a mission, so I wont be able to respond to letters for a while." Looking at the Sergeant she adds, "Of course I won't mention any details about the training or actual mission."
"Tavern?" Zbornak asks. "Gods yes, I could go for a pint or three." The last six months had been difficult, but Zbornak had made it through. Tomorrow would hold a new set of challenges, but for now, she had some friends, some coin, and somewhere to belong.
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((We'll resume from after the point you gave your reasons for joining. Also, your characters will start at level 4 for this campaign.))
Lieutenant Stargrave closes his eyes and stands for a moment in quiet thought. "All fine reasons," he eventually says. "Though I am certain some of you are just telling me what you think I want to hear. No matter. Whatever your reasons, I commend you for making it this far. As you know, today is the day you receive your assignments, and though you might have some idea of where you want to serve..." he shoots a glance at Zozzie, "...I'm afraid I am going to have to disappoint you."
He approaches each of you in turn, and hands you something. An insignia that you recognize as being similar to what privates wear after receiving their assignments, though this one is unfamiliar to you, looking almost like a silver doorway.
"Welcome, everyone, to the Tenth Regiment. From today on, you will all be Delvers." He turns, and gestures to the orc standing beside him. "This is Sergeant Bakh, your new commander and whom you will report to from now on. Introduce yourselves to him." (Refresher for who everyone's character is). "Any questions you have, I can answer now."
"uh, hullo Sergeant. I'm Recruit Zbornak. Low docks, born and raised. Eager to see what else is out there." The tall, well muscled tiefling woman rolled her neck and shoulders back reflexively, the way she did whenever meeting someone new. Her scratched and pitted greataxe was slung across her back, and she had at least half a dozen daggers stashed in various places throughout her uniform. Projecting a certain youthful confidence to the Sergeant and the Lieutenant, she was only partly involved in the conversation, since she was trying her level best to stay calm. When she got worked up, she got angry - and lately, when she got really angry, strange things started happening. Nothing she wanted to share with the group at the moment, this was too big of an opportunity to blow. Stay calm, stay calm...
(OOC - leveled up to 4! Thanks, ropland!) https://www.dndbeyond.com/characters/152194905/hwo2tj
The tall woman with the pointy hat spoke up next. "I'm Zyrelle Starweave. I was born and raised on the upper shelf. I'm here to carry on the family tradition of service in the Comms." Zyrelle looked like a normal human, unless you took a close look at her eyes (or saw her in a dark room). Her eyes glowed green. Her robe and hat had seen some wear over the last year of training, but was obviously of high quality (a gift from her parents when she first signed up). Her staff and holy symbol were still in fine shape though, being made of more durable stuff.
Zyrelle was wondering about the Tenth Regiment that she had never heard of before, but figured she'd soon learn about it, so she kept her questions to herself for now. But she was looking forward to actually putting her skills to use!
(OOC - leveled up to 4: https://www.dndbeyond.com/characters/152270748/6yqWtu
Zozzie’s expression remained unchanged at the revelation of a tenth regiment although internally he was conflicted. He had hoped to be in the wilderness, but there was excitement at being included in something mysterious. His uniform was crisp, his main equipment (bow, dagger, scimitar, armor) in good shape. Compared to the group assembled though, he was on the smaller side (ooc: still a medium creature).
Once again, he snapped to attention and sounded off. “Sergeant, Recruit Von Bartok. Hailing from the Upper Shelf. I too serve as is family tradition. I’ve been exposed to the natural world my whole life. However, I am just as eager to serve the Committee in whatever capacity is deemed appropriate. Thank you for the opportunity, Sergeant.” He then resumed the rest position.
His companions had the same questions as he did, what was a delver? But he found the reason no one had heard of this regiment as a deeper pull, and posed that to Lieutenant Alastair, “Sir, pardon the questions but…is this a new regiment being established, or something else? This emblem is unrecognizable to us. What do we tell others about our assignment?” The elf remains at the rest position with all curtesy due to his superiors.
(ooc: leveled up to 4th. https://www.dndbeyond.com/characters/127682921
”Cadence Silverstring reporting for duty sir. From the low docks, but I have some experience in the upper. I’ve been known to play for some of the residents there. It’s an honor to be considered for the tenth… forgive my ignorance in this matter, but I haven’t heard of this regiment before - what is its purpose and mission statement?”
Cadence is a young man of 24 with thick blonde hair with natural waves and slight curls. His eyes are a piercing blue. With a slender frame (170lbs & 5’11”) and prominent facial structure, there is no other way of saying it… he is strikingly attractive.
A lyre hangs on a strap around his neck and gently resting along his back beside a shortbow. His delicate hands yet callused fingers indicate many hours playing instruments.
(OOC: leveled up to 4th. College of Glamour Bard. https://www.dndbeyond.com/characters/152290778/MvbWYr)
"Amaranth DuBois. Like many of us, I'm a warrior priest, born of citizens, I've joined up to give back to the city that has given me so much."
Amaranth is a young woman in her early twenties with a regal bearing. She has rich chocolate skin and a mop of curly hair. Her well-toned body is obfviously kept in shape with a program of regular training.
https://www.dndbeyond.com/characters/152267245/wLu2Zu
Coriana - Company of the Grey Chain
Wagner - Dragon Heist: Bards.
DM - The Old Keep
"As you know, the city of Starcoast is thousands of years old and the Committee for City Safety has only ruled for 367 of those. Much of the city's history is unknown to us. Historical documents we do have describe ancient artifacts with immense historical value. Most of these artifacts are lost, but some documents give directions on where they might be found. Often, they are in long forgotten caverns or abandoned ruins. Just a few years ago, a 10th regiment, made up of only the finest recruits was formed to explore and search for these artifacts. This is where you come in: your job is to recover pieces of this cities history." He turns to walk away, and motions for you to follow him. You follow him out a back door in Waters's office, and he begins to speak again as you walk outside.
"As for discussing your role with other recruits - you won't get the chance to. This regiment is to be kept a secret, and you will be given special training separate from the other recruits to ensure you can't slip up." After about 10 minutes of walking along a path you hadn't ever seen before, you reach a somewhat small building compared to what you were used to. It was two stories high, and it blended in surprisingly well with its surroundings.
"This is where you will spend the next 6 months training. I must go now, any further questions you have may be directed to Sergeant Bakh. I wish you all the best." He walks away, back down the path from whence you came.
Zyrille comments, "So we were the best? That's gratifying to know." Louder she asked, "What can we tell our parents? Can we still get and send letters?"
“Six more months of training!” Zozzie grumbles in his head to himself. “Wouldn’t have to do more training if I’d just been assigned to the Eighth Corp!” again, in his head.
The elf comes to the rest position upon reaching the out building.
He wants to ask what happened to the other members of the tenth regiment, but thinks better of it. He doesn’t want to spoil the opportunity he’s been presented with and opts for the quiet attentive stance.
Zbornak follows along, processing. She's never been underground before, not really. You go too far down at the docks and you get wet. Most of the buildings she'd spent time in had leaky roofs, some hole in the ceiling she could catch a glimpse of starlight on clear nights. Just thinking about being ...down there, under all that rock - it was making her a little jittery, and she felt the hair on the back of her neck start to rise.
She shook it off and admonished herself silently. "Pull it together, kid. You're one of the best, and even if that isn't true and you're here by mistake, you're meaner and tougher than anything that crawls around in the dark under the city."
She looks around, and quietly scopes the reactions of the rich kids. They seem okay, so she puts on a swagger and starts sharpening her axe to keep her hands busy. "So, uh, Sergeant. What's this training going to be like?"
Sergeant Bakh stood before you now with an intense look on his face. The man, a half-orc, managed to stand almost completely still. Even when he spoke, the only thing that moved was his mouth. And when he did speak, his voice was low and at times more grunts than actual words.
"Any letters you send or receive will be read through to ensure no information is leaked. You may tell friends and family that you are part of the eighth regiment, though exceptions might be made at your request.
As for training, you have already proven yourselves to be more than sufficient in combat. While we will continue to develop your battle prowess, it will not be the focus of this training period. Instead, you will learn how to work as a team to explore caves and ruins, and you will learn to handle artifacts with care such that they are not damaged. You are expected to learn at least one ancient language so that you can translate any writings we find that may be beneficial. This training period will be just as much a mental test as a physical one, but by the end of it you will have become a well-oiled machine that works in unison rather than five individual parts."
"Looking forward to serving!" says Amaranth.
Coriana - Company of the Grey Chain
Wagner - Dragon Heist: Bards.
DM - The Old Keep
Hearing their tasks and training laid out Cadence smiles widely. Lost treasures, secret regiment, ancient languages? This is going to be the foundation for fantastic songs and stories! He is already starting a few in his mind, but aloud says,
”That makes sense sir, we each need to be an instrument that when separate sounds good, but together sounds breathtaking. We will train hard, you can have no doubt.“
Zyrille thinks out loud, "Eighth legion, that would explain being out of contact for a while." She nods in aknowledgment.
Hearing what they are to do and what the training will consist of, Zyrille starts getting excited! Ancient languages! Artifacts! This seems like a dream job. Too bad she can't tell her parents about it.
Zozzie listened for all the details, he wanted to make sure he understood all the requirements. It may not have been his first choice, but then no one even knew this choice was a possibility prior to now.
Work together like a well oiled machine. Cadence’s remark about individual instruments sounding better together was a great example and made Zozzie recall what he knew of his fellow recruits.
He recalled Cadence performing once for a recruit that was having a difficult time. He himself played a flute occasionally, and hoped perhaps to pick up a lesson or two from the musician. He could also swear he saw him perform once at a social function for a citizen’s ball way before joining up, but that would have been a while ago.
Zyrille was a brilliant student, and he’d seen her perform fantastic magics both in class and out.
Amaranth was regal, and Zbornak was rough, but both women were powerhouses. He looked up to them, and not just figuratively. He admired them each, Zbornak definitely would have the group’s back if the chips were down for them.
He also thought about Tenbrush. They were amazing with a bow. Like Cadence, he hoped to learn a few pointers from them. (OOC: are they still here, will they be a part of the 10th?)
He hoped, in short, that his contributions would be accepted. He pledged to himself to become a member his team mates could rely on. And in doing so, fulfill his family’s duty to the Committee.
(Breora will not be a part of this campaign)
"Today, we will walk through what your day will look like. Then you will get some rest, and begin training tomorrow."
He takes you around the building, outlining what each day would consist of. In the morning was combat training and conditioning, and in the afternoon was classes on a wide variety of subjects, like language, artifact handling, equipment usage, and lessons on what creatures you might encounter. At the end of the day, you retire to your new beds, which are quite a bit more comfortable than your last.
Each day of training is grueling, and harder than the last. Your body aches from morning combat, and the classes are strenuous on the mind. But eventually, the 6 months come to pass and you come out of the experience stronger, faster, and smarter than you were before. Each of you gain understanding of one exotic language. On what would have been the final day of training, you are instead called into the Sergeant's office.
"Today, soldiers, I will allow you to rest. You have worked hard the past 6 months, and tomorrow we will go on our first delve. We are to enter the caverns in search of some artifact rumored to be hidden in the bottom. Unfortunately, that's about all the information I can give you on the mission. We will be the first people to enter those caves in hundreds of years. Be proud of yourselves for earning such an honor. But like I said, today, you have the day off."
"A day off?" queried Zyrelle. "How long has it been since we've had a day off? I think I'm going to write a nice long letter to home! I can tell them that I've finally finished training and will be heading off on a mission, so I wont be able to respond to letters for a while." Looking at the Sergeant she adds, "Of course I won't mention any details about the training or actual mission."
“I think a nice performance at the tavern would be relaxing way to spend the day.”
Grabbing his Lyre and Flute Cadence begins a few warm up sequences.
"Tavern?" Zbornak asks. "Gods yes, I could go for a pint or three." The last six months had been difficult, but Zbornak had made it through. Tomorrow would hold a new set of challenges, but for now, she had some friends, some coin, and somewhere to belong.