Welcome, Adventurers, to the continent of Gelinor. Gelinor is split into four pieces, with each piece being distinct from the others. The Western third of the continent is the country of Rexillius, otherwise known as the kingdom of elves and humans. Led by the Council of Elders, Rexillius is known for many things, including the College of Magi, the beautiful Sunstrike Valley, and the capital city Arcanar. The Eastern portion of the country, seperated from Rexillius by the dense Kingsteran mountain range is the country of Fenrin, or the dwarven kingdom. Fenrin is a large kingdom, and is easily five times as old as Rexillius. Fenrin is known for large cities such as Giant's Rest and King's Landing, as well as the infamous Thieve's Guild and the Blackwing Assassins. In between the two kingdoms, on the Northern border of the continent lies the untamed Wildlands, a dense forest filled with uncontrolled magics, along with tales of lost cities and undiscovered treasures. To the south, underneath the border of Fenrin lies the Exteras Desert, an almost uninhabitable wasteland, filled with criminals and exiles, who mostly congregate in the criminal city of Karzekastan. This land is filled with ancient legends, deadly creatures, and unimaginable wealth, all ready for you to take it by storm.
The four of you have all been called to Greenwood by an elderly elf named Castille Evergreen, who asks you all to meet him at noon in the Golden Goat. Greenwood is a small village in the heart of the Sunstrike Valley, and you all arrive into town close to your deadline. Please introduce your characters, and let your adventure begin!
With a content sigh and a glint in his brown eyes, Ja'han looked up at the sign of the Golden Goat. He cast his gaze upward toward the sun while lightly rubbing his bearded cheek and found it was nearly in the center of the sky. "Right on time..." he mutters to himself as he pushes open the tavern door. The eyes of the Goat's patrons all turned to Ja'han as he entered and they stuck like glue for a few moments. He was used to this, for his garb was not exactly what the people of the Sunstrike Valley would consider familiar: a gray monastic uniform trimmed with golden yellow and red cord wrapped around his hands. The monk strode to the bar and leaned against it, then waving a hand to the attention of the barkeep.
"Gods' blessings, friend. The journey here has been long. May I trouble you for a glass of wine and the whereabouts of Castille Evergreen?"
"Paladine smile's upon you lad." The old man says as he strides over to you. He reaches under the bar and pulls out two bottles and a wine glass, setting them in front of you. "Castille told me he would have visitors today. I haven't seen him yet, but he'll be around soon. As for the wine, would you prefer the Dwarven, or the Elven? I recommend the Elven, it's a wee bit early to be pullin' out Dwarven alcohols, but I won't judge ya."
"The elven, please," Ja'han replied, eyeing the bottle of dwarven wine, "but I must say I'm curious about this dwarven wine. Some other time, perhaps."
New to world of vast civilizations, bustling streets and houses made from trees instead of in them, Dekker manages to find his way. If this is what he has to do to prove to himself he is as strong as what his community thinks he is, then he will do it. He mutters to himself as he spots the hanging sign for The Golden Goat,
"The green reed which bends in the wind is stronger than the mighty oak which breaks in a storm."
Dekker pushes the door open with the end of his staff, the door creaks as it slowly swings open. After shutting the door behind him, Dekker brushes the dust and dirt from his garments and finds a place to sit at the bar, thinking that if anyone here were to know who Castille Evergreen was, the barkeep would. Making his way, he hears a voice,
"... a glass of wine and the whereabouts of Castille Evergreen?"
Dekker's left eyebrow raises for a moment as he takes a position next to the Human Monk.
"Are you here for Castille as well?"
He stretches out a hand in greeting.
"My name is Dekker, the winds guide us in the same direction for I, too, am searching for Evergreen."
Wallace strolled down the road to the Golden Goat. He loved visiting the Sunstrike Valley, it always had some of the most beautiful scenery in Rexillius. He stopped in front of his destination, taking in the sunlight for another moment, then turned to enter the building. Upon entering, one patron in particular stood out from the crowd. A man at the bar dressed in full monastic attire, catching sideways glances from several of the patrons. Judging by those looks he's getting, there's no way that guy's from around here. Wallace thought. Oh well, conversing with a fellow outsider should be fun. Wallace strode up to the bar, "Excuse me barkeep, I'll take a glass of whatever's cheapest when you've got a minute." He then turned to the strange man at the bar, "So, not from around here I'm guessing? My name's Wallace, what brings you here?"
Ja'han heard a voice ask him if he were looking for Castille, turning to find an elf who introduced himself as Dekker. He smiled kindly at this newfound friend, making the corners of his eyes crinkle. "Well met, Dekker. It seems that we are both seekers on this path, indeed. I am called Ja'han."
The monk was unable to get another word in edgewise before a fellow rolled up next to him on the other side and introduced himself as well. His slightly pointed ears betrayed elvish ancestry, but they were not quite like Dekker's. "Greetings, Wallace. Indeed, I am not from the Sunstrike Valley, though I certainly would not mind if I was. I am Ja'han and the gods have guided me down this path in search of Castille Evergreen. My friend and I," Ja'han gestured to Dekker, "were just discussing this Evergreen. Do you happen to know them?"
No matter the time or place, the sound of clacking chain and the faint tinkling of a bell both preceded and dogged one individuals every step. In spite of the noise, it might take the taller races twice to notice the stocky frame that noise belonged to, and longer still to keep from staring further. Few are paid much mind by the heavily armored fellow. And those that do usually possess some sort of artisan tool in hand, or have to bear the typical garb of a smith and the like. But, never does Taalamor have a mind to linger, or strike up a conversation before putting iron soles to earth again in rapid succession.
At least, his armor had to be iron right? And just somehow stained or painted deep green for effect? Either way, the extravagantly tall "dwarf" in layered armor hasten his steps as the time grows nearer to noon; only slowing as the golden goat sign comes into view. "Great mother be praised. Your husband's wayward son has found the path at last!"His declares in this harsh and biting accented common.
After giving his tabard and making certain the hoplite-like shield at his back a once over, and finding the symbol of anvil spouting flames atop it unobstructed, Taalamor proudly steps into the establishment. Though most again are paid little mind at first, seeing the three gathered by the bar does give him pause both physically and mentally for a brief while. Then, it is back to making his way to the bar.
"Interesting. Interesting! You--"He jabs a metallic finger at Dekker. "And you, you, and you! All here for an Evergreen, yes? No? Maybe." He gasps a second before any can answer and taps his noggin hard enough for a dull dong to resound from it. "Ah! You erach. Greetings first." Taalomar seems to admonish himself before extending a hand out to the general group. "I is -- I am, Taalomar. Pleased to be meeting you all. As you are of taalomar, yes?"
Dekker says under his breath as Taalomar presents himself and asks if everyone is here for Evergreen. Dekker is well versed in nature, absorbed in all aspects of life - from beginning to end. Taalomar peaks his interest when he notices his... Stature.
"Ah.. err, yes. The pleasure is all mine. You may call me Dekker. Dekker Ravensong."
"And you may call me Castille" a cracked voice interrupts as a hooded figure stands from a table in the corner, placing its flagon down before striding over to them. The hood drops to reveal an elderly Wood Elf, almost bald with a deep grey comb-over attempting to cover his head. A spindly hand reaches out from underneath the cloak and points at each of you in turn as he says, "One... Two... Three... Four. Perfect!" He waves the barkeep away, who quickly sits a glass of water in front of Wallace and says "Here you go lad. Whatever's cheapest" before grabbing a towel and walking off to clean tables.
Castille stares at the group, tapping his long, crooked finger on his chin, appearing to be deep in thought before saying, "Yes, yes, I think you will do. Gentleman, I have a business proposition for you all, one that will be incredibly fruitful for all of us"
Ja’han’s attention snapped from the giant dwarf Taalomar to the elder elf bringing up a business proposition. He nods to Castille respectfully. “I don’t have much of a mind for business, but I am willing to listen, sir,” the monk states, making his way to Evergreen. He unstraps the sword from his belt and leans it against the table along with a longbow and a quiver of red-feathered arrows, then takes a seat across from the elf that bid him come to the village of Greenwood.
Castille smiles at this, and responds, "You may not have a mind, for business. However, luckily for us all, I do." Castille pulls a golden coin out of his pocket and begins to stare at it as he speaks, spinning it in his fingers almost methodically, as if he does this often while he thinks. "I am a very successful businessman in the Sunstrike Valley, and I had an idea to revolutionize the way that adventuring is partaken. I wish to hire the four of you to become the first in my adventuring business. I would collect rumors, stories, pleas for assistance, and many other forms of information, and then give you all this information. Or, if any of you hear of any rumors, you may also look into them on your own. You would find treasure, pay me a cut of the treasure for pointing you in the right direction, split the rest evenly amongst yourselves, and by the end of the day, we all become rich."
Castille places the coin back into his pocket and leans forward. "I have connections, and the ability to gather incredible amounts of information. The four of you have the power to act on this information. If we combine these strengths, then we could create an organization that people will flock to. What do you say gentlemen?"
If Taalomar could but smile, he might've done so seeing Dekker's response. Alas, the 'dwarf' had to settle for pantomiming shaking hands when no take hold before clapping his hands together. "So--"Whatever else he intended dies in his throat the moment Castille makes his presence known to all. Wishing to avoid being rude once more, Taalomar stands off to the side of the others as elder elf spoke with arms folded across his chest, and proverbial ears wide open. Only once does he let unblinking cyan eyes leave Castille for an sidelong glance at the others, gauging their reactions to the offer.
"I confess. I hardly cares for coin. The Father would not approve of such avarice... But this mention of... connections and information is of some interest, hnn... " Taalomar trails off there, absently bobbing his head. "Hn! Yes, yes! I am of mind to agree to the proposition, Master Evergreen. And am more than ready to start right now!"He admits, pumping a fist into the air. Then, he redirects it to the others, twisting it around for a thumbs up. "Iz good deal, no?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"Well, I do like the sound of that. I wish I shared the same opinion of my newfound friend here," Ja'han nods his head at Taalomar, "but these days it is hard to do just about anything without money. If I can help people and make a little coin on the side as a reward, then I accept."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Celica Maloraen | Twilight Domain Cleric 5 | Wildemount Irregulars Jasper Finch | Fighter 1 | Curious Critters - A Tal'Dorei Tale Amaris Tell | Order of Scribes Wizard 3 | Baldur's Gate Mysteries DM | Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden
Dekker follows the rest of the group to the table, being sure to stand and to allow the other, much older and wiser, Wood Elf sit. He has the utmost respect for his people, almost to a fault. His need to earn respect among the Elven community is obsessive.
"I have no need for such worldly possessions, dear Castille, the knowledge and self improvement is all I need. This promise of ongoing tests of strength and wit, though, they peak my interest. By calling us here, I would assume you have a maiden voyage for us then, yes?"
Taalomar claps his hands together, then gives Ja'han a rough equivalent of finger "hand crossbows" at the monk. "Haha! This guy!"He stiffly motions his arms back and forth. "I already likes. You remind me of this gnome lass I once knew. Easy friendliest, every knew." Taalomar folds his arms over his chest and looks to the others next; radiating the essence of expectance.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"I like the way you think big guy", Wallace told Taalomar. As a former apprentice to a dwarven smith, he had all kinds of questions for the tall dwarf, but those could wait for later. "I don't know about you guys, but this is just the opportunity I've been looking for. Adventure, gold, treasure, and a chance to help people and get stronger than ever before. Sign me up."
"Excellent!" Castille's aged eyes twinkle as he exclaims, rubbing his hands together in expectation. "And I will still give your cut to your party, even if you say now that you are not interested in the monetary gain. Use it to buy new equipment, and that will make you even stronger if that is what you prefer."
Castille then nods to Dekker, saying, "Yes child, I certainly have some rumors that I have collected over the past months in preparation." Castille pulls a pile of papers from his pocket, all covered in scrawling Elvish script. They seem to be hastily written, as if Castille wrote down the information as quickly as he could, as not to miss any. "Let's see here..." he says as he begins to leaf through them. "I have a story about a colliseum in the Extaras desert, in the criminal city of Karzekastan... We should probably avoid the dragon for now, I don't need you all dying on the first mission... Here's a promising one about an ancient temple of Bhaal! Apparently it's being used as a base for some upstart necromancer... And then I have something about a city of metal men, hidden deep in the Wildlands." Castille looks up at all of you and exclaims, "So adventurers! What will it be?"
"Thank you, my strange friend," Ja'han replied while giving Taalomar an amused look. "Of all the things I expected to be compared to, a 'gnome lass' was the last thing. But I will take it as a compliment. And may I take this moment to say it is a pleasure to be in such noble-purposed company."
The monk turned his attention to their new business partner's dozens of scrawled notes and mumbling with a smirk. When Evergreen finally finished his list, Ja'han cleared his throat. "Well, I don't know about all of you," he says with his slight Extarasian accent, "but the necromancer in this sanctum of Bhaal is the greatest threat among all of those presented. The god of death is one of the greatest enemies of my faith, and those who use the bodies and souls of the dead for foul purposes must be brought to justice. We can spend our time winning glory in the arena and exploring the northern wilds when we know that the people are safe from the threat of necromancy."
Taalomar cants his head at Wallace, only to silently shrug off whatever triggered the reaction. Ja'han, on the other hand gets a hearty, pat on the back (or shoulder, if its more convenient for the still standing "dwarf") along saying among a bout of chuckle, "I show someday, my friend. I show! Just wait."
The cleric shifts his attention at that point back to Castille, eager but patiently awaiting for the aged elf to sort things out. By the time Evergreen has spoken his piece, Taalomar -- with his arms folded again, eyes dimmed of light to the point shadows all but reign in their sockets, and head bowed -- is a living statue. Even the small details embedded to mirror the more flesh inclines breathing is gone without a trace. Short of someone physically attempting to knock the not-dwarf on his bottom, nothing at all seems to phase him in the slightest.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
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Welcome, Adventurers, to the continent of Gelinor. Gelinor is split into four pieces, with each piece being distinct from the others. The Western third of the continent is the country of Rexillius, otherwise known as the kingdom of elves and humans. Led by the Council of Elders, Rexillius is known for many things, including the College of Magi, the beautiful Sunstrike Valley, and the capital city Arcanar. The Eastern portion of the country, seperated from Rexillius by the dense Kingsteran mountain range is the country of Fenrin, or the dwarven kingdom. Fenrin is a large kingdom, and is easily five times as old as Rexillius. Fenrin is known for large cities such as Giant's Rest and King's Landing, as well as the infamous Thieve's Guild and the Blackwing Assassins. In between the two kingdoms, on the Northern border of the continent lies the untamed Wildlands, a dense forest filled with uncontrolled magics, along with tales of lost cities and undiscovered treasures. To the south, underneath the border of Fenrin lies the Exteras Desert, an almost uninhabitable wasteland, filled with criminals and exiles, who mostly congregate in the criminal city of Karzekastan. This land is filled with ancient legends, deadly creatures, and unimaginable wealth, all ready for you to take it by storm.
The four of you have all been called to Greenwood by an elderly elf named Castille Evergreen, who asks you all to meet him at noon in the Golden Goat. Greenwood is a small village in the heart of the Sunstrike Valley, and you all arrive into town close to your deadline. Please introduce your characters, and let your adventure begin!
With a content sigh and a glint in his brown eyes, Ja'han looked up at the sign of the Golden Goat. He cast his gaze upward toward the sun while lightly rubbing his bearded cheek and found it was nearly in the center of the sky. "Right on time..." he mutters to himself as he pushes open the tavern door. The eyes of the Goat's patrons all turned to Ja'han as he entered and they stuck like glue for a few moments. He was used to this, for his garb was not exactly what the people of the Sunstrike Valley would consider familiar: a gray monastic uniform trimmed with golden yellow and red cord wrapped around his hands. The monk strode to the bar and leaned against it, then waving a hand to the attention of the barkeep.
"Gods' blessings, friend. The journey here has been long. May I trouble you for a glass of wine and the whereabouts of Castille Evergreen?"
Celica Maloraen | Twilight Domain Cleric 5 | Wildemount Irregulars
Jasper Finch | Fighter 1 | Curious Critters - A Tal'Dorei Tale
Amaris Tell | Order of Scribes Wizard 3 | Baldur's Gate Mysteries
DM | Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden
"Paladine smile's upon you lad." The old man says as he strides over to you. He reaches under the bar and pulls out two bottles and a wine glass, setting them in front of you. "Castille told me he would have visitors today. I haven't seen him yet, but he'll be around soon. As for the wine, would you prefer the Dwarven, or the Elven? I recommend the Elven, it's a wee bit early to be pullin' out Dwarven alcohols, but I won't judge ya."
"The elven, please," Ja'han replied, eyeing the bottle of dwarven wine, "but I must say I'm curious about this dwarven wine. Some other time, perhaps."
Celica Maloraen | Twilight Domain Cleric 5 | Wildemount Irregulars
Jasper Finch | Fighter 1 | Curious Critters - A Tal'Dorei Tale
Amaris Tell | Order of Scribes Wizard 3 | Baldur's Gate Mysteries
DM | Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden
New to world of vast civilizations, bustling streets and houses made from trees instead of in them, Dekker manages to find his way. If this is what he has to do to prove to himself he is as strong as what his community thinks he is, then he will do it. He mutters to himself as he spots the hanging sign for The Golden Goat,
"The green reed which bends in the wind is stronger than the mighty oak which breaks in a storm."
Dekker pushes the door open with the end of his staff, the door creaks as it slowly swings open. After shutting the door behind him, Dekker brushes the dust and dirt from his garments and finds a place to sit at the bar, thinking that if anyone here were to know who Castille Evergreen was, the barkeep would. Making his way, he hears a voice,
"... a glass of wine and the whereabouts of Castille Evergreen?"
Dekker's left eyebrow raises for a moment as he takes a position next to the Human Monk.
"Are you here for Castille as well?"
He stretches out a hand in greeting.
"My name is Dekker, the winds guide us in the same direction for I, too, am searching for Evergreen."
Wallace strolled down the road to the Golden Goat. He loved visiting the Sunstrike Valley, it always had some of the most beautiful scenery in Rexillius. He stopped in front of his destination, taking in the sunlight for another moment, then turned to enter the building. Upon entering, one patron in particular stood out from the crowd. A man at the bar dressed in full monastic attire, catching sideways glances from several of the patrons. Judging by those looks he's getting, there's no way that guy's from around here. Wallace thought. Oh well, conversing with a fellow outsider should be fun. Wallace strode up to the bar, "Excuse me barkeep, I'll take a glass of whatever's cheapest when you've got a minute." He then turned to the strange man at the bar, "So, not from around here I'm guessing? My name's Wallace, what brings you here?"
Ja'han heard a voice ask him if he were looking for Castille, turning to find an elf who introduced himself as Dekker. He smiled kindly at this newfound friend, making the corners of his eyes crinkle. "Well met, Dekker. It seems that we are both seekers on this path, indeed. I am called Ja'han."
The monk was unable to get another word in edgewise before a fellow rolled up next to him on the other side and introduced himself as well. His slightly pointed ears betrayed elvish ancestry, but they were not quite like Dekker's. "Greetings, Wallace. Indeed, I am not from the Sunstrike Valley, though I certainly would not mind if I was. I am Ja'han and the gods have guided me down this path in search of Castille Evergreen. My friend and I," Ja'han gestured to Dekker, "were just discussing this Evergreen. Do you happen to know them?"
Celica Maloraen | Twilight Domain Cleric 5 | Wildemount Irregulars
Jasper Finch | Fighter 1 | Curious Critters - A Tal'Dorei Tale
Amaris Tell | Order of Scribes Wizard 3 | Baldur's Gate Mysteries
DM | Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden
No matter the time or place, the sound of clacking chain and the faint tinkling of a bell both preceded and dogged one individuals every step. In spite of the noise, it might take the taller races twice to notice the stocky frame that noise belonged to, and longer still to keep from staring further. Few are paid much mind by the heavily armored fellow. And those that do usually possess some sort of artisan tool in hand, or have to bear the typical garb of a smith and the like. But, never does Taalamor have a mind to linger, or strike up a conversation before putting iron soles to earth again in rapid succession.
At least, his armor had to be iron right? And just somehow stained or painted deep green for effect? Either way, the extravagantly tall "dwarf" in layered armor hasten his steps as the time grows nearer to noon; only slowing as the golden goat sign comes into view. "Great mother be praised. Your husband's wayward son has found the path at last!" His declares in this harsh and biting accented common.
After giving his tabard and making certain the hoplite-like shield at his back a once over, and finding the symbol of anvil spouting flames atop it unobstructed, Taalamor proudly steps into the establishment. Though most again are paid little mind at first, seeing the three gathered by the bar does give him pause both physically and mentally for a brief while. Then, it is back to making his way to the bar.
"Interesting. Interesting! You--" He jabs a metallic finger at Dekker. "And you, you, and you! All here for an Evergreen, yes? No? Maybe." He gasps a second before any can answer and taps his noggin hard enough for a dull dong to resound from it. "Ah! You erach. Greetings first." Taalomar seems to admonish himself before extending a hand out to the general group. "I is -- I am, Taalomar. Pleased to be meeting you all. As you are of taalomar, yes?"
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"Fascinating..."
Dekker says under his breath as Taalomar presents himself and asks if everyone is here for Evergreen. Dekker is well versed in nature, absorbed in all aspects of life - from beginning to end. Taalomar peaks his interest when he notices his... Stature.
"Ah.. err, yes. The pleasure is all mine. You may call me Dekker. Dekker Ravensong."
"And you may call me Castille" a cracked voice interrupts as a hooded figure stands from a table in the corner, placing its flagon down before striding over to them. The hood drops to reveal an elderly Wood Elf, almost bald with a deep grey comb-over attempting to cover his head. A spindly hand reaches out from underneath the cloak and points at each of you in turn as he says, "One... Two... Three... Four. Perfect!" He waves the barkeep away, who quickly sits a glass of water in front of Wallace and says "Here you go lad. Whatever's cheapest" before grabbing a towel and walking off to clean tables.
Castille stares at the group, tapping his long, crooked finger on his chin, appearing to be deep in thought before saying, "Yes, yes, I think you will do. Gentleman, I have a business proposition for you all, one that will be incredibly fruitful for all of us"
Ja’han’s attention snapped from the giant dwarf Taalomar to the elder elf bringing up a business proposition. He nods to Castille respectfully. “I don’t have much of a mind for business, but I am willing to listen, sir,” the monk states, making his way to Evergreen. He unstraps the sword from his belt and leans it against the table along with a longbow and a quiver of red-feathered arrows, then takes a seat across from the elf that bid him come to the village of Greenwood.
"Why have you summoned us here?"
Celica Maloraen | Twilight Domain Cleric 5 | Wildemount Irregulars
Jasper Finch | Fighter 1 | Curious Critters - A Tal'Dorei Tale
Amaris Tell | Order of Scribes Wizard 3 | Baldur's Gate Mysteries
DM | Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden
Castille smiles at this, and responds, "You may not have a mind, for business. However, luckily for us all, I do." Castille pulls a golden coin out of his pocket and begins to stare at it as he speaks, spinning it in his fingers almost methodically, as if he does this often while he thinks. "I am a very successful businessman in the Sunstrike Valley, and I had an idea to revolutionize the way that adventuring is partaken. I wish to hire the four of you to become the first in my adventuring business. I would collect rumors, stories, pleas for assistance, and many other forms of information, and then give you all this information. Or, if any of you hear of any rumors, you may also look into them on your own. You would find treasure, pay me a cut of the treasure for pointing you in the right direction, split the rest evenly amongst yourselves, and by the end of the day, we all become rich."
Castille places the coin back into his pocket and leans forward. "I have connections, and the ability to gather incredible amounts of information. The four of you have the power to act on this information. If we combine these strengths, then we could create an organization that people will flock to. What do you say gentlemen?"
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"Well, I do like the sound of that. I wish I shared the same opinion of my newfound friend here," Ja'han nods his head at Taalomar, "but these days it is hard to do just about anything without money. If I can help people and make a little coin on the side as a reward, then I accept."
Celica Maloraen | Twilight Domain Cleric 5 | Wildemount Irregulars
Jasper Finch | Fighter 1 | Curious Critters - A Tal'Dorei Tale
Amaris Tell | Order of Scribes Wizard 3 | Baldur's Gate Mysteries
DM | Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden
Dekker follows the rest of the group to the table, being sure to stand and to allow the other, much older and wiser, Wood Elf sit. He has the utmost respect for his people, almost to a fault. His need to earn respect among the Elven community is obsessive.
"I have no need for such worldly possessions, dear Castille, the knowledge and self improvement is all I need. This promise of ongoing tests of strength and wit, though, they peak my interest. By calling us here, I would assume you have a maiden voyage for us then, yes?"
Taalomar claps his hands together, then gives Ja'han a rough equivalent of finger "hand crossbows" at the monk. "Haha! This guy!" He stiffly motions his arms back and forth. "I already likes. You remind me of this gnome lass I once knew. Easy friendliest, every knew." Taalomar folds his arms over his chest and looks to the others next; radiating the essence of expectance.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"I like the way you think big guy", Wallace told Taalomar. As a former apprentice to a dwarven smith, he had all kinds of questions for the tall dwarf, but those could wait for later. "I don't know about you guys, but this is just the opportunity I've been looking for. Adventure, gold, treasure, and a chance to help people and get stronger than ever before. Sign me up."
"Excellent!" Castille's aged eyes twinkle as he exclaims, rubbing his hands together in expectation. "And I will still give your cut to your party, even if you say now that you are not interested in the monetary gain. Use it to buy new equipment, and that will make you even stronger if that is what you prefer."
Castille then nods to Dekker, saying, "Yes child, I certainly have some rumors that I have collected over the past months in preparation." Castille pulls a pile of papers from his pocket, all covered in scrawling Elvish script. They seem to be hastily written, as if Castille wrote down the information as quickly as he could, as not to miss any. "Let's see here..." he says as he begins to leaf through them. "I have a story about a colliseum in the Extaras desert, in the criminal city of Karzekastan... We should probably avoid the dragon for now, I don't need you all dying on the first mission... Here's a promising one about an ancient temple of Bhaal! Apparently it's being used as a base for some upstart necromancer... And then I have something about a city of metal men, hidden deep in the Wildlands." Castille looks up at all of you and exclaims, "So adventurers! What will it be?"
"Thank you, my strange friend," Ja'han replied while giving Taalomar an amused look. "Of all the things I expected to be compared to, a 'gnome lass' was the last thing. But I will take it as a compliment. And may I take this moment to say it is a pleasure to be in such noble-purposed company."
The monk turned his attention to their new business partner's dozens of scrawled notes and mumbling with a smirk. When Evergreen finally finished his list, Ja'han cleared his throat. "Well, I don't know about all of you," he says with his slight Extarasian accent, "but the necromancer in this sanctum of Bhaal is the greatest threat among all of those presented. The god of death is one of the greatest enemies of my faith, and those who use the bodies and souls of the dead for foul purposes must be brought to justice. We can spend our time winning glory in the arena and exploring the northern wilds when we know that the people are safe from the threat of necromancy."
Celica Maloraen | Twilight Domain Cleric 5 | Wildemount Irregulars
Jasper Finch | Fighter 1 | Curious Critters - A Tal'Dorei Tale
Amaris Tell | Order of Scribes Wizard 3 | Baldur's Gate Mysteries
DM | Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden
Taalomar cants his head at Wallace, only to silently shrug off whatever triggered the reaction. Ja'han, on the other hand gets a hearty, pat on the back (or shoulder, if its more convenient for the still standing "dwarf") along saying among a bout of chuckle, "I show someday, my friend. I show! Just wait."
The cleric shifts his attention at that point back to Castille, eager but patiently awaiting for the aged elf to sort things out. By the time Evergreen has spoken his piece, Taalomar -- with his arms folded again, eyes dimmed of light to the point shadows all but reign in their sockets, and head bowed -- is a living statue. Even the small details embedded to mirror the more flesh inclines breathing is gone without a trace. Short of someone physically attempting to knock the not-dwarf on his bottom, nothing at all seems to phase him in the slightest.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.