Snow gently falls from the sky and wind bites your cheeks as you stand in the graveyard of Palebank Village, a fishing outpost of Uthodurn that is home to several hundred dwarves and elves. The sun is low in the sky, sinking behind the fresh grave of Urgon Wenth, an old dwarf who caught a curse or disease that turned him into an ice statue. The folk of the village have gathered to pay their final respects to Urgon’s frozen remains as they are laid gently into the frozen ground and covered.
Amongst the fifty or so mourners are a handful of strangers to the village, you among them. As an elderly dwarf cleric of Moradin continues the lengthy rites of the funeral, you glance around at the unfamiliar faces who stand near to you. Or perhaps you are engrossed in the ceremony, and the deep, rhythmic chanting of the priest, at times in dwarfish, at times in elven, weaves almost musically through the air.
The funeral comes to an end, and a single carved stone marks the grave of Urgon Wenth. The villagers disperse, leaving the burial ground and returning to their homes or work, but you and the other four strangers find yourself lingering a moment.
(Please give a brief physical description of your character. You are also free to introduce yourself, if you feel your character would do that.)
"Of all the rotten luck..." The half-elf grumbles to no one in particular. He is quite young and of average height with short-cropped black hair and a well-kempt beard. He is dressed in very fine travelling clothes which are much cleaner than they should be this far north.
Suddenly, he realizes that more time has past the he has realized, and that he is standing in a small crowd of strangers. He shakes his head clearing the fog from his mind. "My apologies..." He vaguely addresses the gathered group, "I have only just arrived in town after a very long journey. I had hoped to pick Urgon's brain, but unfortunately..." He gestures towards the grave marker. "But where are my manners, Verdon Schmidt singer of song and tale at your service."
"It was written in the stars that someone would pass but I did not know whom..." Mutters a large woman that is seemingly covered from head to toe in a robe with a hood and mask that cove rs most of her features. From the small amount of skin being shown and her height it is easy to tell she is of goliath stock. Surprisingly though she has no visible weapons other then a dagger and what is clearly a book of some kind covered in a leather harness.
As Verdon speaks she seems to be drawn from her musing and turns to look down at him. "You would not have learned much from him. He was very stubborn and kept his secrets even from those he hired. I was not told of what it was he needed of me until well after I traveled with him and even then it seemed to cause pain to give his knowledge up... But that is a rather pragmatic way to be. Oh and I am called Nalla or Star Reader."
The shorter tiefling shakes off the chill that’s accumulated from her time standing still, watching this oddity of a funeral. “It’s so strange up this far north...” she mutters under her breath. The surprisingly flashy scarf wrapped around the lower part of her face both muffles her words and keeps her face warm. Poking up from the top of the scarf are bright red eyes, yellow skin, and two horns curling up straight out of her hairline, while her black hair is twisted back into a bun out of her face. Despite her otherwise colorful appearance and the patterned scarf, she's bundled up quite a bit in more neutral colored winter clothes.
She turns upon hearing others speak. Oh, more new people. She takes in their appearances quickly, cocking her head to the side. Then she nods to herself and sidles closer. “Well, I didn’t know the guy, may the gods bless his soul or whatever we're supposed to say," she says. "But that was a super interesting funeral, to say the least. Are they always like this up here?”
"No." Comes the response from an old looking elf. His unkempt hair is grey turning to white and the normally fine features of his kind sag with wrinkles. He's dressed in elven armor that looks old and a robe that may have once been green. He leans on a staff with the symbol of the Arch Heart carved into the top. "Death this far north is frequently violent and a ceremony is usually quick and to the point, for a hunt or a trading mission needs to progress. This was... a nice change of pace."
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Gronk in Bastion, Kingdom of Medrin Elixisysin Talaveroth (Team 2) Uthal in Lost Continent of Theviranne
"I am not sure. My people do not hold funerals. When one of the tribe passes it is usually in combat or when they wander into the wilds to find their final battle." Nalla says as she pulls her hood down, showing her grey skin and long braided black hair.
Almost all of the villagers have departed when you hear light footsteps, and a gruff voice speaks softly from nearby: Thank you all for attending Urgon’s service. You turn and meet the gaze of a weathered elf. I am Elro Aldataur, and I have the honour of leading this village. I’m sorry to speak of dark tidings under such circumstances, but I believe that Palebank Village might be in danger, and I’m hoping you can help us.
A puzzled look flits across Verdan's face as he looks around. "Us? We have only just met each other, and you think we can help? I have only just arrived in this village, and my reason for coming is now deceased. What is going on here?"
Nalla turns to look down at the elf, tilting her head much like a curious cat. "Danger you say? Is it because of the strange way he passed?" She inquires as she gently motivations over to where her former employer had been laid to rest.
To Verdan, the elf says: You are strangers in town. In some ways, that might help with what I am asking you to do. I hope so, at least.
To Nalla, he says: Yes. He returned two months ago from Eiselcross. He seemed well enough when he returned, but days later he began to develop symptoms... well, something that went on to cut his life short. Blue veins, on some parts of his body, but then spreading across everything. In the end it killed him. Whatever it was, it seemed to resist any magical healing. We have a priest of Moradin and a priest of Corellon here; they are skilled healers, but were unable to understand the affliction, let alone cure it.
A kenku wearing clothes, handwraps and a headband follows the group after the funeral was over. Some may recognize him standing near the front making chittering noises while sometimes repeating words in the priest's voice. He listens to Elro's words and nods. "Danger, will help with danger."
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I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
The word 'danger' alone is enough to make Sun lean in curiously. Then she hears the rest of it and makes a face, partially hidden by her scarf still. "A strange affliction, unable to be healed by magical means?" She grimaces and gives a little shake of her head, sticking her hands deep into her pockets. "Not entirely sure that's something I could be of much help with. I ain't very magical at all, and if your own priests already failed... What would you even expect us to do 'bout it anyway?"
To Sun: It's a good question. Urgon and I spoke a few times about his condition, though I don't believe he knew much. Until yesterday, I thought that while it was a tragedy to lose his life, this was a single, isolated case, and one that posed no danger to the community. Urgon has visited Eisencross on several occasions, and all manner of strange dangers lurk in that land. However, yesterday morning I saw Tulgi, Tulgi Lutan, with her gloves off. With the same blue veins that marked Urgon's condition. I approached her, but she brushed me off at first. Then when I asked again, she said I should leave her alone to die in peace.
He sighs, and shakes his head. Tulgi is suspicious of authorities, myself included. I don't know her background, though I can guess. And the Glassblades in this village are strong fighters but not known for their diplomacy or their investigative prowess. That's where you come in.
Nalla frowns and then moves to look at her own skin to make sure that nothing strange was showing on her body. While she had not gone on the last venture with the dwarf she had been on others. She shrugged though as she did not show the symptoms described. "He paid well for my help and was at the very least as nice as he could be.... Very well I shall help."
"At the very least, it should make for a good story..." Verdan replies, putting on his best display of confidence. "They will sing songs of the motely band of strangers that saved the town if we are to be successful."
"Well, I can't blame someone for being suspicious of the authorities. Specially if they're like you say." Sun huffs a little, looking around at the others. Seeing that they already look like their minds are made up, she makes another face. "Aw, you guys are really gonna wanna investigate this, ain'tcha?"
She tucks a few fingers under her sleeve, as if reassuring herself that her blades are still there. A quick breath, and then she points a finger at the the others and Elro. "I'm up for a bit of danger, but so help me, if I die 'cause of this weird thing, I'm coming back and haunting all of ya."
The elf smiles. "You may join the others then, though they have a head start. I shall help as well. I have no need to bury more bodies fallen to the unexplained."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gronk in Bastion, Kingdom of Medrin Elixisysin Talaveroth (Team 2) Uthal in Lost Continent of Theviranne
You see a little of the tension release slightly from the elf's face as you all speak, and get a sense that he is genuinely worried about this matter and what it means for the village of Palebank. He raises his eyebrow a little at Mr. Fists' mimicking of his voice, but does not comment on it.
Thank you, thank you all. Perhaps I could take your names. I appreciate you helping with this, and agreeing to work together for the first time. (I assume you will all give him your first names at least.)
I would suggest two possibilities to begin; perhaps you could search Urgon's home, and see if you can find anything I missed. Or you could speak directly to Tulgi; her cabin is on the eastern edge of the village. He gives you brief directions and a description to help you find it.
Oh, and of course, I would not ask you to take on this job for free. We are not wealthy, but the village can afford to pay you 100 gold if you can identify the cause of Urgon and Tulgi's affliction.
Elro remains to answer any questions you have, and then heads off back into the village.
Nalla gives her name, pulling out a book and a piece of charcoal to begin carefully scrawling notes of what the elf tells them. "I for one think Urgon's home should be the first place we go. I will need a few minutes moments but I can check if there is perhaps a magical source that caused this affliction."
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Snow gently falls from the sky and wind bites your cheeks as you stand in the graveyard of Palebank Village, a fishing outpost of Uthodurn that is home to several hundred dwarves and elves. The sun is low in the sky, sinking behind the fresh grave of Urgon Wenth, an old dwarf who caught a curse or disease that turned him into an ice statue. The folk of the village have gathered to pay their final respects to Urgon’s frozen remains as they are laid gently into the frozen ground and covered.
Amongst the fifty or so mourners are a handful of strangers to the village, you among them. As an elderly dwarf cleric of Moradin continues the lengthy rites of the funeral, you glance around at the unfamiliar faces who stand near to you. Or perhaps you are engrossed in the ceremony, and the deep, rhythmic chanting of the priest, at times in dwarfish, at times in elven, weaves almost musically through the air.
The funeral comes to an end, and a single carved stone marks the grave of Urgon Wenth. The villagers disperse, leaving the burial ground and returning to their homes or work, but you and the other four strangers find yourself lingering a moment.
(Please give a brief physical description of your character. You are also free to introduce yourself, if you feel your character would do that.)
"Of all the rotten luck..." The half-elf grumbles to no one in particular. He is quite young and of average height with short-cropped black hair and a well-kempt beard. He is dressed in very fine travelling clothes which are much cleaner than they should be this far north.
Suddenly, he realizes that more time has past the he has realized, and that he is standing in a small crowd of strangers. He shakes his head clearing the fog from his mind. "My apologies..." He vaguely addresses the gathered group, "I have only just arrived in town after a very long journey. I had hoped to pick Urgon's brain, but unfortunately..." He gestures towards the grave marker. "But where are my manners, Verdon Schmidt singer of song and tale at your service."
Ryndar Shadowsbane - Lvl 3 Eldarin Fighter | Kassar - Lvl 2 Lizardfolk Druid (Circle of Stars) | Finnegan (Finn) Taggert - Lvl 1 Human Cleric (Peace Domain) |
Verdan Schmidt - Lvl 2 Half-Elf Bard | Grithik - Lvl 5 Deep Gnome Warlock (Celestial)
"It was written in the stars that someone would pass but I did not know whom..." Mutters a large woman that is seemingly covered from head to toe in a robe with a hood and mask that cove rs most of her features. From the small amount of skin being shown and her height it is easy to tell she is of goliath stock. Surprisingly though she has no visible weapons other then a dagger and what is clearly a book of some kind covered in a leather harness.
As Verdon speaks she seems to be drawn from her musing and turns to look down at him. "You would not have learned much from him. He was very stubborn and kept his secrets even from those he hired. I was not told of what it was he needed of me until well after I traveled with him and even then it seemed to cause pain to give his knowledge up... But that is a rather pragmatic way to be. Oh and I am called Nalla or Star Reader."
The shorter tiefling shakes off the chill that’s accumulated from her time standing still, watching this oddity of a funeral. “It’s so strange up this far north...” she mutters under her breath. The surprisingly flashy scarf wrapped around the lower part of her face both muffles her words and keeps her face warm. Poking up from the top of the scarf are bright red eyes, yellow skin, and two horns curling up straight out of her hairline, while her black hair is twisted back into a bun out of her face. Despite her otherwise colorful appearance and the patterned scarf, she's bundled up quite a bit in more neutral colored winter clothes.
She turns upon hearing others speak. Oh, more new people. She takes in their appearances quickly, cocking her head to the side. Then she nods to herself and sidles closer. “Well, I didn’t know the guy, may the gods bless his soul or whatever we're supposed to say," she says. "But that was a super interesting funeral, to say the least. Are they always like this up here?”
"No." Comes the response from an old looking elf. His unkempt hair is grey turning to white and the normally fine features of his kind sag with wrinkles. He's dressed in elven armor that looks old and a robe that may have once been green. He leans on a staff with the symbol of the Arch Heart carved into the top. "Death this far north is frequently violent and a ceremony is usually quick and to the point, for a hunt or a trading mission needs to progress. This was... a nice change of pace."
Gronk in Bastion, Kingdom of Medrin Elixisys in Talaveroth (Team 2) Uthal in Lost Continent of Theviranne
"I am not sure. My people do not hold funerals. When one of the tribe passes it is usually in combat or when they wander into the wilds to find their final battle." Nalla says as she pulls her hood down, showing her grey skin and long braided black hair.
Almost all of the villagers have departed when you hear light footsteps, and a gruff voice speaks softly from nearby: Thank you all for attending Urgon’s service. You turn and meet the gaze of a weathered elf. I am Elro Aldataur, and I have the honour of leading this village. I’m sorry to speak of dark tidings under such circumstances, but I believe that Palebank Village might be in danger, and I’m hoping you can help us.
A puzzled look flits across Verdan's face as he looks around. "Us? We have only just met each other, and you think we can help? I have only just arrived in this village, and my reason for coming is now deceased. What is going on here?"
Ryndar Shadowsbane - Lvl 3 Eldarin Fighter | Kassar - Lvl 2 Lizardfolk Druid (Circle of Stars) | Finnegan (Finn) Taggert - Lvl 1 Human Cleric (Peace Domain) |
Verdan Schmidt - Lvl 2 Half-Elf Bard | Grithik - Lvl 5 Deep Gnome Warlock (Celestial)
Nalla turns to look down at the elf, tilting her head much like a curious cat. "Danger you say? Is it because of the strange way he passed?" She inquires as she gently motivations over to where her former employer had been laid to rest.
To Verdan, the elf says: You are strangers in town. In some ways, that might help with what I am asking you to do. I hope so, at least.
To Nalla, he says: Yes. He returned two months ago from Eiselcross. He seemed well enough when he returned, but days later he began to develop symptoms... well, something that went on to cut his life short. Blue veins, on some parts of his body, but then spreading across everything. In the end it killed him. Whatever it was, it seemed to resist any magical healing. We have a priest of Moradin and a priest of Corellon here; they are skilled healers, but were unable to understand the affliction, let alone cure it.
A kenku wearing clothes, handwraps and a headband follows the group after the funeral was over. Some may recognize him standing near the front making chittering noises while sometimes repeating words in the priest's voice. He listens to Elro's words and nods. "Danger, will help with danger."
I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
The word 'danger' alone is enough to make Sun lean in curiously. Then she hears the rest of it and makes a face, partially hidden by her scarf still. "A strange affliction, unable to be healed by magical means?" She grimaces and gives a little shake of her head, sticking her hands deep into her pockets. "Not entirely sure that's something I could be of much help with. I ain't very magical at all, and if your own priests already failed... What would you even expect us to do 'bout it anyway?"
To Sun: It's a good question. Urgon and I spoke a few times about his condition, though I don't believe he knew much. Until yesterday, I thought that while it was a tragedy to lose his life, this was a single, isolated case, and one that posed no danger to the community. Urgon has visited Eisencross on several occasions, and all manner of strange dangers lurk in that land. However, yesterday morning I saw Tulgi, Tulgi Lutan, with her gloves off. With the same blue veins that marked Urgon's condition. I approached her, but she brushed me off at first. Then when I asked again, she said I should leave her alone to die in peace.
He sighs, and shakes his head. Tulgi is suspicious of authorities, myself included. I don't know her background, though I can guess. And the Glassblades in this village are strong fighters but not known for their diplomacy or their investigative prowess. That's where you come in.
Nalla frowns and then moves to look at her own skin to make sure that nothing strange was showing on her body. While she had not gone on the last venture with the dwarf she had been on others. She shrugged though as she did not show the symptoms described. "He paid well for my help and was at the very least as nice as he could be.... Very well I shall help."
"At the very least, it should make for a good story..." Verdan replies, putting on his best display of confidence. "They will sing songs of the motely band of strangers that saved the town if we are to be successful."
Ryndar Shadowsbane - Lvl 3 Eldarin Fighter | Kassar - Lvl 2 Lizardfolk Druid (Circle of Stars) | Finnegan (Finn) Taggert - Lvl 1 Human Cleric (Peace Domain) |
Verdan Schmidt - Lvl 2 Half-Elf Bard | Grithik - Lvl 5 Deep Gnome Warlock (Celestial)
"Well, I can't blame someone for being suspicious of the authorities. Specially if they're like you say." Sun huffs a little, looking around at the others. Seeing that they already look like their minds are made up, she makes another face. "Aw, you guys are really gonna wanna investigate this, ain'tcha?"
She tucks a few fingers under her sleeve, as if reassuring herself that her blades are still there. A quick breath, and then she points a finger at the the others and Elro. "I'm up for a bit of danger, but so help me, if I die 'cause of this weird thing, I'm coming back and haunting all of ya."
The elf smiles. "You may join the others then, though they have a head start. I shall help as well. I have no need to bury more bodies fallen to the unexplained."
Gronk in Bastion, Kingdom of Medrin Elixisys in Talaveroth (Team 2) Uthal in Lost Continent of Theviranne
Mr. Fists nods and repeats in the elf's voice," I shall help as well."
I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
You see a little of the tension release slightly from the elf's face as you all speak, and get a sense that he is genuinely worried about this matter and what it means for the village of Palebank. He raises his eyebrow a little at Mr. Fists' mimicking of his voice, but does not comment on it.
Thank you, thank you all. Perhaps I could take your names. I appreciate you helping with this, and agreeing to work together for the first time. (I assume you will all give him your first names at least.)
I would suggest two possibilities to begin; perhaps you could search Urgon's home, and see if you can find anything I missed. Or you could speak directly to Tulgi; her cabin is on the eastern edge of the village. He gives you brief directions and a description to help you find it.
Oh, and of course, I would not ask you to take on this job for free. We are not wealthy, but the village can afford to pay you 100 gold if you can identify the cause of Urgon and Tulgi's affliction.
Elro remains to answer any questions you have, and then heads off back into the village.
Nalla gives her name, pulling out a book and a piece of charcoal to begin carefully scrawling notes of what the elf tells them. "I for one think Urgon's home should be the first place we go. I will need a few minutes moments but I can check if there is perhaps a magical source that caused this affliction."