(The Young Bucks Tavern in the town of Calla is a place like many others. On this early evening, the Tavern is only about half full of your usual tradesmen, farmers and assorted other townspeople. Everyone is drinking and eating and generally having a good time. A young Half-Elf serving boy, Jack, floats around bringing everyone their food and ale.

The door opens and a young Half Elf enters. He appears to be a Ranger of some sort, wearing a Chain Shirt and carrying a Longbow across his back. The Ranger looks around, finds what he is looking for and walks over to the table where a motley crew of adventurers sit, staring at him intently as he silently pulls up a chair and takes a seat. The table has a sign on it that reads ‘1st time adventurers meet here’.)

"Ah, splendid! It looks like you all made it!"

(The tavern owner, a rotund and jolly-looking fellow of about 40, appears at the side of the table, smiling and holding what appears to be an envelope.)

"My name is Willfred, I am the owner of this fine establishment. Glad you all could make it. Your mutual friend has asked me to read this to you when you all arrived."

(He now opens it and takes out the enclosed letter. Unfolding it, he begins to read.)

Greetings, adventurers!

It is I, Craig, your friendly neighborhood shop keeper! You are all here because you all expressed interest in teaming up with other like-minded folks and going on adventures. I had all of your names on my LIST and I think all of you would be a good fit together. I hope I am correct. Take some time to get to know each other; I’m sure you’ll all become fast friends. Go forth and make your mark on the world!

Best of Luck!

Craig

(The assembled adventurers look around the table at each other. Willfred takes a little bow as he backs away.)

"Oh, this IS a good-looking group. You'll do well, very well indeed. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance to you."

(The crew looks each other over and sits for a few moments, until one of them rises up and begins to speak...)

DM's Notes: Ok, folks, go ahead and introduce your character to each other and give a brief description about your appearance, etc. No need to give your whole backstory, just introduce your character as they would introduce themselves. Looking forward to this! :)

The half-elf that just sat down is of average height and weight and looks looks as though he belongs more in mountain or forrest wilds than he does a tavern. That is not to say he is uncomfortable in the tavern, just that his mix of earth tone, muted greens and browns, clothes and gear are more suited for the great outdoors than civilization.

He signals to Jack, and once he comes over, orders an ale and that evening’s dinner special. Once concluded he gives his attention to the group and says, “I’m Zal.”

A wolf looking were is standing in the tavern, looking around before her attention shifted to her now so called 'teammates' with analyzing eye. The were is 171 cm tall, wearing a leather armor, along with a hand version of crossbow and two short sword as her weapon. A huge long bow can be seen sticking out her backpack on the ground beside her along with multiple arrow from the bag. The soft blue eye looked at her teammates before her muzzle moved to form a word as she start to speak in slightly low voice of a rasp male 

"I'm Mika, i expect that you'll be cooperative here since were a group now. Just tap my shoulder if you needed anything" 

The were said as her ear twitched slightly she then sat down without any more words as the looked off with her soft blue eye blinked gently dazing off with her ear twitch in both annoyment and excitement. She wanted to go out and run across the land and adventure with the team as soon as possible but she wouldn't do that now

While Jack is taking orders, a silvery blue skinned elf sits up at the table. He seems to be average height for an elf with short dark hair with white streaks. Wearing worn armor and a tattered gray hooded cloak with silver markings. A small amulet in the shape of a moon hangs down from his neck. He looks as if he’s been on the road for some time.  

He greets all at the table, “Hello, I’m Jasper”.

He then leans over to the server and orders water, fresh fruit, bread and cheese. 

The dwarf that has yet to really stop smiling has a moment, after this half-elf, Zal, does little more than relay his name, where her grin falters as if to say is that it? though she nods, gaze shifting to the next person to speak. She is stout, feet swinging as she sits at this meeting table with a battleaxe at her side. All warm tones but for the white shift she wears beneath dulled chain mail – red braided hair, golden-brown eyes weathered by her travels, she seems to be altogether more... yielding? than many of her dwarven brethren might present themselves to strangers. (Just because you are born of the mountain does not mean you are made of stone). 

A welcoming nod is given in Mika’s direction, as well as Jasper’s, and though she does not stand, considering, her voice carries as she takes her turn, “I am Thili Bronzehelm and I am pleased to meet all of you.”

A tall, red-skinned ogre appears at the door, the very top of her head obscured by the door frame. Several of the hunter's eyes turn towards her defensively, and a few place hands on their weapons. She steps away from the door, and leans down, taking a small peak inside. Her hair is silver, and done up in a fancy bun and braids. She has two horns jutting from her forehead, and her glowing yellow eyes widen as she meekly scans the inside of the tavern. Two fangs curve from her upper jaw, framing her painted lips. She seems to look at the sign once more near the establishment and takes a deep breath before opening the door and ducking inside.

Once inside, she is mindful of her height as she moves along, scanning the tables for something. Now inside, it is apparent she is wearing a graceful black silk robe with long sleeves, decorated with pink cherry blossoms. The robe looks to be several sizes too small for her, yet she still wears it with dignity, careful in her movements, as not to rip the delicate fabric. Two folding fans sit in a golden, embroidered waistband, but otherwise, she does not appear to be armed.

After eyeing the table with the New Adventurer sign on it, her features soften a bit, and she looks to those seated at the table with an awkward fanged smile. "Good evening. My name is Sechirehime. It is a pleasure to meet you all." She attempts a deep, graceful bow, and nearly knocks over a nearby water glass with her horns. Looking around apologetically, she requests the tavern owner for a chair to be brought for her, so that she would not disrupt the seated patrons.

(Willfred comes back to the table with Jack in tow, who is carrying your orders as well as a round of ale for you all. Jack serves you all your drinks as Willfred looks on, a smile on his face. The Tavern owner looks you all over appreciatively.)

"Well, it looks like Master Craig has done it again. Though I do think he was feeling a little creative this time."

(He sees you all looking at him, and senses he may have spoken out of turn.)

"I mean, of course, that lots of adventuring parties have found each other thru Craig's list. He's very good at making matches. Forgive me for being so bold, but I think he's done well bringing you 5 together. Very interesting, very interesting indeed. I mean, you have not one, but TWO Rangers, one Human and one Half-Elf (he motions to Mika and Zalmanni) who can guide you thru any terrains.  Then you have this Tiefling Wizard here (he points at Sechirehime) who look like they could rain down powerful magic on your enemies. And this heavily armored Dwarf (he motions at Thili) who appears to be a strong holy fighter that can defend you all and this Wood Elf Cleric (he motions at Jasper) who can help you stay alive and heal your injuries.)

(Willfred clears his throat.)

"Well, enough about that. Please enjoy your ale, and let me know if I can help in any way."

(Willfred and Jack back off and let you all get to know each other. The ale loosens you up somewhat, and you slowly start to get used to each other. Mostly. About 45 minutes or so pass along this way, when...

Suddenly, a large, red-headed man in a black leather apron bursts thru the door, his muscular arms bleeding from some pretty gnarly gashes. A look of panic and terror is on his face, which is dirty and starting to swell up and bruise. He looks like someone beat the hell out of him. 

“Bess!” he yells. “They got my Bess!”

He drops down to his knees and starts sobbing as the crowd starts to gather round.

(What do you all do?)

The wolf ear twitched as the said were looked at the half-elf, listening to the explanation and the talkings. The were kept relatively silent throughout the day more or less as she seem relaxed around the group already. As time goes on she got bored before a jolt can be felt and she got on sitting position and on the ground on all fours the even before she heard the door with a loud growl only to see a large red-headed male with black leather apron who is bleeding badly. She then had no hesitation to tap on the fellow warrior's shoulder before she give a silent yet meaningful glance of :

'I'll go out to find the thief'

With that it didn't took long for her to pick up her stuff and runs off like a loner she is, but despite that she did turn around to her party and shouted one last sentence before with a tap of the feet on the ground it boosted the were running off to find the culprit.

"TAKE CARE OF THE SURROUNDINGS! THEY MIGHT TARGET MORE!"

The tall Tiefling sitting very daintily in her robes, nearly spilled her drink when the red-headed man burst in. After the initial shock had faded, and the one known as Mika went running off, Sechirehime promptly sat down her drink and shifted out of her fancy attire. Though it left her with no more than linen wraps as undergarments, she took her robe over to the man along with her glass of water. She maneuvered through the crowd and draped the cloth over the man's shoulders, offering him the last bit of her drink as well.

She gently asked him, "Who is Bess? 'What' got Bess? Please, take a deep breath."

At the sound of the man bursting through the door, Zal looks over mid bite. He puts his fork down, swallows, and open his mouth to start asking questions but  then closes it apron hearing Sechirehime ask her questions. Zal continues to eat his meal ,as he had a feeling the next meal time would be unpredictable, while paying attention to the answers the Red-headed man gave ignoring, for the moment, whatever it was that was giving orders as it ran out the door. He thought for a moment, “Ah yes, Mika was its name” and frowned at its barking orders and rushing off before it really knew what it was getting itself, and the group for that matter, into.

Thili is a defender — which is why, when Mika sprints out after this unknown threat, a look of frustration darkens her brow. Thili, herself, is slower to the jump, making sure the injured stranger is taken care of before moving to stand in the open door to hear the answers to Sechirehime’s questions, but also to keep an eye on Mika, axe at the ready, should she find something lingering. 

The sound of a man rushing through the doors of the tavern was enough to startle me as I’ve dropped the mug of water I had currently been drinking. The water splashed the food on the table as I reached down to my right side and gripped the leather wrapped handle of my mace. After turning around hastily and knocking over the chair, I realize I overreacted. I see a sobbing man beaten and bloodied. I pick up the chair, lean my mace on it and head over to the man to render aid. While doing so, I keep a keen eye on the entrance to the tavern. 

After Sechirehime tries to comfort the man, I begin dressing a wound on his arm. I ask, “What has done this?”

When finished tending to the man’s wounds, I look patiently in his eyes waiting for an answer to our questions. Patiently… Waiting…

(Mika exits the tavern and looks outside. There are a few people here and there, but no signs of any type of struggle in this area. Thili appears in view, keeping an eye on Mika, who decides to re-enter the tavern. Sechirehime covers him in a robe while Zalmanni and Jasper also try to render aid.

The group help the man to a nearby table, hand him a rag and begin questioning the man as the rest of the tavern gathers round, murmuring noisily. The man is too distraught to answer properly, taking deep breaths and trying to compose himself.)

"Rickard! What's happened?"

(Willfred rushes to the side of the fallen man, who is still very distraught. His injuries, though numerous, do not seem to be the main source of his despair. He tries to compose himself, trying to answer in between sobs.)

"Gob... goblins. They broke into my workshop. I-I-I tried to stop them... I think I even killed one of them. But there were too many. They stabbed at me and beat me with clubs and... when I woke up my daughter was... gone!"

(Rickard quietly sobs as the crowd murmurs their disbelief. WIllfred starts explaining things to the party, who is gathered around.)

"Rickard is the Blacksmith here. And Bess, sweet little Bess is his 8 year-old daughter. She means the world to him. All he has ever since his wife passed a few years ago."

(A look of sudden realization appears on Willfred's face, a smile on his lips.)

"Rickard, my friend, don't despair! Look here! These here fine folks (he points towards the party) are skilled adventurers!"

“You-you’re adventurers? Please, you’ve got to help me! If I lost my Bess, I… I… I can pay you! I don’t have much, but I would give all the gold I have in the world if you can get my daughter back to me safely. Will you help me? Please, I beg you!”

(Rickard throws himself, both figuratively and literally, at the feet of the party, begging for help. The party begins to talk amongst themselves.)

DMs note: I hope I can ask a favor from you guys. Can you please go into your signature and add your character like I have to the bottom of your posts? It's under Profile, Edit Profile, and there's a spot there for Signature. It would help me remember who's who faster. Thanks a lot.

Though the were is guarding the outside looking around the perimeter of the locations. The muzzle moved slightly to try and search for the said goblins before she looked back to the group only to look front again. The female then looked at the group searching for the right leader to lead the party as her wolf ear moved around to hear what are they talking about. not long after confirming there is no hostility outside the were walked into the tavern and to the group 

"Sure, why not.. is great to test our skill after all since we just met together."

the were said before she looked at Richard who thrown himself to the feet of others as the were wagged her tail slightly, looking out the tavern as if she is planning to buy some supplies for the party to travel safely

"At the same time i might pick up some useful stuff." She murmured

Jasper reaches down to help Rickard to his feet. Attempts to calm and reassure him all will be well. 

“I cannot speak for the rest but I will help you sir.” Jasper said.

Jasper motions to the others and says, “We must help find this mans daughter! If we are in agreement, we should prepare.”

I reach into a pouch on my left hip and pull a few gold pieces out to pay Jack for the meals. 

Jasper looks to Rickard and asks, “Are you up to showing us where you were attacked?”

While waiting for a response, Jasper goes over to the table and gather his things(Backpack, mace, shield, etc...).

Thili, too, voices her acquiescence.

"It seems Craig's list knew we would be ready in your time of need,"  a pause, as she looks around the gathered group before her gaze returns to Rickard,  "Do you know why these goblins chose to attack you, sir?"

“The goblins must have left tracks in the wake of the attack. We should search the area soon before the goblins make feet from us.” Jasper told the group.  

Jasper looks to the group and asks, “Does anyone want to scout the blacksmith’s home and shop?”

While helping Jasper aid Rickard, Zal's ears perk up and belly grows warm at the mention of goblins. 

"Jasper, can you, Thili, and *looks questioningly at Sechirehime for approval* Sherry *shrugs*, tend to Rickard and ensure nothing else tries anything here?"

He then looks a Mika while asking, "Rickard, where is your workshop? Is it a part of your house?"

While waiting for Rickard to respond Zal grabs his stuff and nods at Mika.

Jasper agrees with Zalmanni’s request. Responds with, “I’ll stay at the front entrance of the tavern.” Jasper notches a bolt in his crossbow and stands at the ready.

Looking to Thili, “Can you watch the rear entrance?”

”Sechirehime, please stay at the ready and urge Rickard to answer our questions.”