Adventure in Dan-thurás

Welcome to Dan-thurás! This thread is where the adventuring shall commence in earnest. But first, a little housekeeping:

-Posting: I will try to post at least once a day, ideally after everyone has taken in the scene and described what their characters are going to do.

-Leveling/Encounters: XP leveling will be used. Don’t worry, there’s plenty of XP to be had. Most combat encounters were drafted with 4 characters in mind at a medium to difficult (not deadly) challenge level, so some might be much more challenging than expected by me or you. Apologies in advance for any accidental TPKs.

-Civility: We’re all mature adults (I presume), so the usual stuff applies: be civil and respectful to each other, don’t violate the community standards, &c; i.e. everything everyone should know about posting online. No murder-hoboing; if you defeat a monster non-lethally, you’re still getting full XP. Please keep this clean, no worse than PG-13. Keep swearing to a minimum. Any explicit scenes fade to black.

-Rolling: I will roll attacks and damage at the same time, adding the caveat that some attacks won’t hit. I recommend that you do the same; it keeps things concise. Please make clear what your d20 rolls are for, as I am only human (artists rejoice, I don’t use AI material). If your course of action is achievable but not certain, go ahead and roll if you know what kind of check you need to do.

-Lore and info: My original thread advertising this setting and adventure is still active if you need to remember names of places or people, and I will try to keep it up to speed.

-Most importantly, have fun. If your character dies and you want a new character, we can come up with a narrative reason for that happening. If you want to keep your character, there are always resurrection spells.

Current Roster:

Orien Noir (HunterOrien), Tozer Mar-Kizarinath (Man_Of_Dust), Mia Hinalli (LinkArcher), Flins (Balthoran), Kayn (50thAltOfBananer), Aelar Varlryn (Mathuriam), Lethira Blackwater (Naiya_Varma)

It is early evening in Cairdell, and that means sup-time at the Copper Kettle inn as the smell of fresh-baked breads and smoked meats attract travelers and townspeople alike. People of all sizes and species are eating, drinking, and chatting about whatever they want. Whirling around the room and the tables is the proprietor Evelyn Copperänd, a tall, slender half-elf sharing the local elves’ auburn hair, lithe figure, and gleaming emerald eyes. A veritable dervish, she serves drinks and meals with unparalleled grace, flowing like the Bladesong learned from her mother, an esteemed lieutenant of the Grovewardens. Although she had some minor adventures in her youth, she has since settled down as innkeeper, living vicariously through the stories of many passersby and maintaining a friendly rivalry with Scandal Merriweather of the Happy Dragon, a competing roadhouse south of town known for hosting the rougher elements of Cairdell. Despite Evelyn’s best efforts to keep the Copper Kettle a reputable establishment, however, a couple of suspicious people are setting about, observing and watching for fellow gamers who might fancy a round of dice or a game of cards.

Players, the table is yours. Feel free to introduce your characters and describe what they look like and what they might be doing.

So, you look around and you see sitting at a table is a young elven woman. She has auburn hair, green eyes, and pale skin, and she’s wearing a robe typically associated with magic users. She’s absentmindedly twirling a crystal between her fingers, and she’s practicing card tricks while taking sips of her white wine occasionally. This is Mia Hinalli, Elven sorceress.

OOC to mark post for tomorrow writings.

Orien Noir is hard to miss his ursine appearance, yet almost shy nature makes him a target for gawking and jeers.  He has however managed to get to know a few fellow craftsmen in town.  With a wave to Evelyn, Orien makes his way over to the few potted flowers and plants he has donated to the Copper Kettle.  With a slow claw circle in the dirt the flowers perk up and a couple new ones join the rest.

He then gingerly shuffles his way to the table by the wall.  The wall has a bench built along it much sturdier then the chairs.  Orien notices a colorful elven lady (Mia Hinalli) currently sitting at the table. “Uh sorry hello.  Would it be okay if I joined you?  It’s okay if not, just uh I like the bench seat here if it’s okay.”

Quote from HunterOrien >>

Orien Noir is hard to miss his ursine appearance, yet almost shy nature makes him a target for gawking and jeers.  He has however managed to get to know a few fellow craftsmen in town.  With a wave to Evelyn, Orien makes his way over to the few potted flowers and plants he has donated to the Copper Kettle.  With a slow claw circle in the dirt the flowers perk up and a couple new ones join the rest.

He then gingerly shuffles his way to the table by the wall.  The wall has a bench built along it much sturdier then the chairs.  Orien notices a colorful elven lady (Mia Hinalli) currently sitting at the table. “Uh sorry hello.  Would it be okay if I joined you?  It’s okay if not, just uh I like the bench seat here if it’s okay.”

 Mia startles at his approach. “Uh… hi. Sure, yeah, you can sit here. I’m Mia, by the way.”

Orien gently lowers himself into the sturdy bench, “Thank you so much, Mia, really not everyone is so gracious.  My name is Orien I’m so glad to meet you.  Are you related to Evelyn?  You both look so beautiful, oh um sorry I mean oh like colorful flowers.”  Orien’s hands are fidgeting, you imagine if not for the fur he would be deeply blushing.

Quote from HunterOrien >>

Orien gently lowers himself into the sturdy bench, “Thank you so much, Mia, really not everyone is so gracious.  My name is Orien I’m so glad to meet you.  Are you related to Evelyn?  You both look so beautiful, oh um sorry I mean oh like colorful flowers.”  Orien’s hands are fidgeting, you imagine if not for the fur he would be deeply blushing.

Mia laughs. “I’m not related to Evelyn, no. As far as I know. I’ve been gone from my family for a long time.” Her expression turns almost wistful for a moment, then back to normal.

A goliath with a shaven head, stony gray skin, and pale blue eyes enters the Copper Kettle and, as carefully as he can, weaves his way between the many patrons and toward a seat that might accommodate him. Draped over his hulking frame is a thick, rugged cloak faded with age and use, and slung over his back is a massive maul. He surveys the room and gladly takes in the aromas of baked bread and smoked meat, and then he is suddenly struck by the fact that he is sitting near a female elf and a...bear...having a conversation. 

Immediately betraying his lack of social prowess, the goliath turns to the elf and bluntly asserts, "Your beast is well-trained."

Quote from Man_of_Dust >>

A goliath with a shaven head, stony gray skin, and pale blue eyes enters the Copper Kettle and, as carefully as he can, weaves his way between the many patrons and toward a seat that might accommodate him. Draped over his hulking frame is a thick, rugged cloak faded with age and use, and slung over his back is a massive maul. He surveys the room and gladly takes in the aromas of baked bread and smoked meat, and then he is suddenly struck by the fact that he is sitting near a female elf and a...bear...having a conversation. 

Immediately betraying his lack of social prowess, the goliath turns to the elf and bluntly asserts, "Your beast is well-trained."

 

 Mia looks up in surprise. “What? That’s a person too.”

Orien takes a granite stone and chisel from his pack he begins carving a ‘thinker’ image of the Goliath sitting near him…  “It’s okay Mia many have looked at me as a beast.  I do not know how my folk gained enlightenment.  Perhaps the shadow quickened our minds to remember.  I would be honored to be Mia’s beast.  Oh if Mia had a beast companion… uh I’d be your beast.  Listen here my names Orien.  What’s your name?”  I continue chiseling and carving at the granite chips and chunks falling away as the image takes shape.

Quote from HunterOrien >>

Orien takes a granite stone and chisel from his pack he begins carving a ‘thinker’ image of the Goliath sitting near him…  “It’s okay Mia many have looked at me as a beast.  I do not know how my folk gained enlightenment.  Perhaps the shadow quickened our minds to remember.  I would be honored to be Mia’s beast.  Oh if Mia had a beast companion… uh I’d be your beast.  Listen here my names Orien.  What’s your name?”  I continue chiseling and carving at the granite chips and chunks falling away as the image takes shape.

 “Uh… ok?” Mia looks at the sculpture. “That’s really good!”

The elf's response causes a look of mild confusion to pass over the goliath's face. "Person. Yes. That makes good sense, I think."

He then nods at the bear (seemingly a tacit acknowledgment of the bear's personhood) before adding, "I misunderstood. I am Tozer of Clan Kizarinath. Forgive me, Orien of the shadow."

Tozer's eyes then follow along with the work of Orien's hands. 

Kayn sat at the inn, casually sipping a glass of rough ale. Back at his old home, Kayn had been known for not getting drunk easily-that must have come from starting to drink at a very young age, and that talent (if you could call it that) had continued throughout his life. He sighed and his eyes slowly moved over to where a group of people were talking. A bear person, a Goliath, and an elf. He chuckled as he heard the Goliath call the bear person an animal, and then his eyes went back to his ale, taking in a large sip of it. 

Kayn was a shortish man in his thirties, with smooth black hair carefully tied back into a braid. His dark brown eyes-so dark they were almost black, and tired, without the light in them, scanned the area again. For some reason they kept landing on the group of people talking. He huffed. It was entertaining, but why was he so drawn to these people? Maybe he should try to talk to them. Kayn had soft burnt honey colored skin, and wore a tunic and pants that had a belt strapped to them with plenty of useful things hidden inside. Spellcasting components, for one. 

Kayn had been twenty when he found the lair of his patron. Ever since, he had been working tirelessly to pursue his patron’s unknown goal. 

Finally, he huffed again, standing up and walking over to the group. “Looks quite like an animal to me.” He said slyly, letting out a chuckle. He wasn’t sure who he was mocking-probably the Goliath, but he was sure to get everyone annoyed with him.

Quote from 50thAltOfBananer >>

Kayn sat at the inn, casually sipping a glass of rough ale. Back at his old home, Kayn had been known for not getting drunk easily-that must have come from starting to drink at a very young age, and that talent (if you could call it that) had continued throughout his life. He sighed and his eyes slowly moved over to where a group of people were talking. A bear person, a Goliath, and an elf. He chuckled as he heard the Goliath call the bear person an animal, and then his eyes went back to his ale, taking in a large sip of it. 

Kayn was a shortish man in his thirties, with smooth black hair carefully tied back into a braid. His dark brown eyes-so dark they were almost black, and tired, without the light in them, scanned the area again. For some reason they kept landing on the group of people talking. He huffed. It was entertaining, but why was he so drawn to these people? Maybe he should try to talk to them. Kayn had soft burnt honey colored skin, and wore a tunic and pants that had a belt strapped to them with plenty of useful things hidden inside. Spellcasting components, for one. 

Kayn had been twenty when he found the lair of his patron. Ever since, he had been working tirelessly to pursue his patron’s unknown goal. 

Finally, he huffed again, standing up and walking over to the group. “Looks quite like an animal to me.” He said slyly, letting out a chuckle. He wasn’t sure who he was mocking-probably the Goliath, but he was sure to get everyone annoyed with him.

 Mia bonks the crystal off his head. “He’s a person, just the same as I am, you hypocrite.”

Quote from LinkArcher >>

Quote from 50thAltOfBananer >>

Kayn sat at the inn, casually sipping a glass of rough ale. Back at his old home, Kayn had been known for not getting drunk easily-that must have come from starting to drink at a very young age, and that talent (if you could call it that) had continued throughout his life. He sighed and his eyes slowly moved over to where a group of people were talking. A bear person, a Goliath, and an elf. He chuckled as he heard the Goliath call the bear person an animal, and then his eyes went back to his ale, taking in a large sip of it. 

Kayn was a shortish man in his thirties, with smooth black hair carefully tied back into a braid. His dark brown eyes-so dark they were almost black, and tired, without the light in them, scanned the area again. For some reason they kept landing on the group of people talking. He huffed. It was entertaining, but why was he so drawn to these people? Maybe he should try to talk to them. Kayn had soft burnt honey colored skin, and wore a tunic and pants that had a belt strapped to them with plenty of useful things hidden inside. Spellcasting components, for one. 

Kayn had been twenty when he found the lair of his patron. Ever since, he had been working tirelessly to pursue his patron’s unknown goal. 

Finally, he huffed again, standing up and walking over to the group. “Looks quite like an animal to me.” He said slyly, letting out a chuckle. He wasn’t sure who he was mocking-probably the Goliath, but he was sure to get everyone annoyed with him.

 Mia bonks the crystal off his head. “He’s a person, just the same as I am, you hypocrite.”

“Heh. Relax. I was just messing with our Goliath friend over there.” He said. “And that hurt! You’re lucky I’m here on other business, because if not, I’d definitely retaliate.”

Quote from 50thAltOfBananer >>

Quote from LinkArcher >>

Quote from 50thAltOfBananer >>

Kayn sat at the inn, casually sipping a glass of rough ale. Back at his old home, Kayn had been known for not getting drunk easily-that must have come from starting to drink at a very young age, and that talent (if you could call it that) had continued throughout his life. He sighed and his eyes slowly moved over to where a group of people were talking. A bear person, a Goliath, and an elf. He chuckled as he heard the Goliath call the bear person an animal, and then his eyes went back to his ale, taking in a large sip of it. 

Kayn was a shortish man in his thirties, with smooth black hair carefully tied back into a braid. His dark brown eyes-so dark they were almost black, and tired, without the light in them, scanned the area again. For some reason they kept landing on the group of people talking. He huffed. It was entertaining, but why was he so drawn to these people? Maybe he should try to talk to them. Kayn had soft burnt honey colored skin, and wore a tunic and pants that had a belt strapped to them with plenty of useful things hidden inside. Spellcasting components, for one. 

Kayn had been twenty when he found the lair of his patron. Ever since, he had been working tirelessly to pursue his patron’s unknown goal. 

Finally, he huffed again, standing up and walking over to the group. “Looks quite like an animal to me.” He said slyly, letting out a chuckle. He wasn’t sure who he was mocking-probably the Goliath, but he was sure to get everyone annoyed with him.

 Mia bonks the crystal off his head. “He’s a person, just the same as I am, you hypocrite.”

“Heh. Relax. I was just messing with our Goliath friend over there.” He said. “And that hurt! You’re lucky I’m here on other business, because if not, I’d definitely retaliate.”

 “Oh really? What do you think you would be able to do to me?”

Orien looks up as the newcomer talks about retaliating against Mia a steady direct look.  Then shakes his head and continues to refine the curves edges and grooves of his project (off to a good start, but will take hours).

”Please join us I’ve not been at a full table in ages, names Orien.  He offers a handshake (he’s seen some people do handshakes).

Earlier.......

The light along the Sapphire River softens as evening settles over Cairdell, the last warmth of day giving way to something quieter, the ripple of water as it moves throughthe bend they’ve taken to calling Blackwater.Here the current slows, the change is more noticeable if you take a moment and stare at the natural ebb and flow of the current approaching the bend and then, stillness. It doesn’t stop. It never does. But it seems to hesitate as if it is burdened with a load that does not want to continue its trek along the river, instead hesitating, holding on to what may be the past as the waters momentuum carries the water forward. Lethira stands at the edge for a moment before lowering herself to one knee, her gaze resting on the surface as if reading something written just beneath it. The water holds her reflection a fraction too long. The air feels charged in a way that it seems to cling to this area thick and unwavering. Still she gazes into the stillness of the water, there, just at the edge of perception. Not a presence, but a struggle. Something caught between moments, pressing faintly against the current instead of following it, a wayward soul, hesitating, fighting the crossing where it should have already passed. Lethira exhales softly, leaning forward just enough that her voice carries across the stillness without disturbing it.

“Go on.”

For a moment, nothing changes. Then the current shifts, subtly once more, the hesitation resolves. The river resumes its natural flow, as though it had simply needed a reminder. Lethira watches a moment longer, then rises, brushing her hands clean and quietly strolls into the twilight.