The day of departure has arrived. You awake early and, donning your guild sash, make your way to the North Gate. On your way you walk with pride as people seem to take notice of you... not just any new adventurer, but one of Volo's.

Upon arrival at the North Gate, you are quickly found by Sneeze and shepherded into your party.

"Welcome, adventurers! Good, good, we are all here. Come, follow me!"

He leads you out of the North Gate to the large packed ground outside where caravans collect their members and wagons prior to setting off.

Today is a beautiful, warm day in late spring. The cool breeze from the Sword Coast pleasantly mixes with the warming day as the sun begins to wick away the dew.

Sneeze directs your party to a small covered area set with rugs, and bolster pillows braced against crates. The entire area is covered by a large, brightly colored awning, held aloft by four sturdy wooden pillars whose bases are sunk deep into the ground. 

Taking what looks at first like a sugar cube, from one of his pockets, he places it on the ground between the party members. It catches the light as he places it down and you realize it is made of some silvery metal. He then taps it once while saying, "I would like a cuppa". The cube seems to both dissolve and grow, and there before you is a beautiful silver tea set with 4 delicate tea cups and a steaming pot of delicious smelling tea and trays of shortbread.

"There you go. Always proper to start an adventure with some tea. Settle here while I go to find our wagon master."

He soon disappears among the bustle of the grounds leaving the four of you to introduce yourselves over tea.

Eager to get started... but cautious not to appear too eager, Banjo had been lurking near the North Gate a full hour before the appointed time.  Once Sneeze invited them all for tea, he could no longer contain his exuberance.  He circled the group, practically hopping from place to place, vigorously shaking any hands offered to him.  "Good morning... Good morning!  Jebeddo Thumewhistle Mayweather... er, make that Jebeddo Thunderdiggles, professionally.  Banjo to my friends, of which I have no doubt we will all soon be!"  You see before you a small figure, a gnome, quite obviously.  Just over 3 feet tall he is dressed in green clothes with a matching cap.  His nose, large and slightly orange, stands out against the rest of his face.  He seems to wear a perpetual smile and would appear to be an adult but nowhere near middle age.  Still, he wears a small goatee that has a hint of gray.

Getting a better hold of his excitement, he plops down crosslegged near the tea set.  Manners dictating he not take tea first, he instead pulls out a weathered journal from his pack and begins to read aloud.

"Let's see... catamounts... chain devils... ah!  'Caravans: the low hanging fruit of adventuring work.  All across these bold and beautiful lands, trade flows from town to town in the form of traveling groups we call 'caravans.'  Silks from Calimshan must reach buyers in Baldur's Gate and since most folk cannot fly - or carry materials in bulk even if they can fly - civilization relies upon caravans to get their fancy stuff.  But by their very nature, carrying exotic and sometimes expensive items through the wilderness, they are magnets for trouble!  So what is your caravan master to do about this?  Let us consider the caravan master, first of all.  In most instances, you will find them to be soft, doughy creatures more suited to cushioned chairs and fine elven wines than the dangers of the road.  But the one thing the caravan master has going for them - other than, in many cases, a remarkable mustache - is coin.  And the wise caravan master will invest that coin in some security.'"

"'That is where we come in.  Adventurers for hire... sword and magic brought forth to protect the fine assets of the world and see them safely to their destination.  Honest work, as honest as one is like to find in this world...".'

He flips a couple of pages before starting up again.  "'But what is the best way to protect a caravan?  The threat ahead is not always known until it is upon you.  Will it be goblins, striking with shortbows from the bushes, or hungry perytons descending from above?  What is one to do to prepare?  The secret, nearest as I can tell, is that the best defense is... a robust appearance.  Make it obvious from your armament, dress and posture that THIS caravan is defended by the bravest, boldest heroes in the land.  This will communicate a strong message to all but the densest would-be bandits and monsters... Wait for the next baggage train.  This one is too tough for you....".'

He continues to flip ahead, smiling pleasantly as he reads, but does not read any more out loud.

“Some good advice there.   That part about having a robust appearance-  that’s where I come in” A gruff but female sounding voice from a huge figure clad in shining chain mail armor with a long sword at one hip, a longbow, quiver and backpack on it’s back.  A black shield is on it’s left arm, decorated with a stylized silvery dragon’s head  (holy symbol

Well over 6 feet tall, with arms and legs like tree trunks.  A golden-scaled draconic face under a shining helm is the only clue as to the knight’s race- with ice-blue eyes which seem to be friendly despite the otherwise intimidating appearance.

 She takes a tiny cup of tea- looking like a doll’s cup in her huge hands, and takes a sip (which downs the whole cup).   “I am Tresvar, Gold Dragonborn member of the Grey Hand and servant of Bahamut, king of the good dragons.  I’m at your service and pledge my honor and life towards the success of this mission.”  

When Jebeddo jumps next to her, offering his hand for a shake, Livia offers hers as well. She was not ready for the vigorous handshake though, far from what she knew a handshake should be. "Pleasure to meet you, sir Mayweather." Her soft voice is quiet. The kind people won't notice if anybody else is speaking at the same time. "My name is Livia. Livia N-" She cuts herself with a tiny, intentional cough, and then she repeats: "Livia."
Politely and gracefully, Livia takes a seat on one of the rugs. She raises the edge of her white dress a little so that it won't get dirty under her and then slowly sits down on her knees, eventually releasing the dress, letting it fall and cover her knees. 

The Human woman sitting there is young, only nearing the end of her second decade, which will come during mid-summer. She has fair skin and straight, long red hair (the natural hair colour, unlike the unnatural red in the portrait I use in her character sheet). Her eyes are coloured hazel, and a small, polite smile is on her face. Her height is average, but her body is very narrow, and also looks rather frail. Adding to that frail feeling are her clothes, which don't really fit an adventurer. Neither the normal-looking backpack resting behind her nor the Adventurer's Guild sash would suggest anything strange, but her clean, fine white dress and the obviously-brand-new-leather belt, which holds a crossbow and two daggers - neither of three seem like they ever saw any use - all suggest that she has never truly been on an adventure. Pretty much the opposite of what Jebbedo's journal suggests.

Noticing Jebeddo does not take his tea because she hasn't taken hers yet, Livia gives an apologetic smile and takes the cup in her hand, blows on the tea to make sure it's not too hot and takes a tiny sip, just enough to signify that she drank something, and then lowers the cup, resting it in her hands, which rest on her legs. 
She listens carefully and curiously to what Jebeddo is reading. That is all good information, most of it new information. She's a little disappointed when he stops reading for everyone, but she does not show it. Instead, she takes another sip from her cup of tea.

Looking up at Tresvar, Banjo is briefly awestruck.  "Good golly, what a specimen!... er... um that is to say... um, quite impressive."  Briefly befuddled, he recovers quickly and grins back up at the figure, more than twice his height.  "I very much look forward to working with you!" he very nearly shouts upward, as though hollering across a chasm.

To Livia, "No, if it were any sir at all, it would be Thunderdiggles.  Mayweather is my Earthen Day name, more suitable for feasts or wedding invitations, not a professional or official surname.  But in any case, no sir at all.  Please, call me Banjo, or Jebeddo if formality demands it be so."  He bows slightly once Livia has taken her tea and pours a cup of his own.  "A please to meet you, Miss Livia.  I see a grand adventure ahead for all of us... I just know it!"

"Good morning yourself Banjo." The young green-haired woman says, smiling as she shakes the hand of the excited and clearly eccentric gnome. "I´m Serena, Serena Duskleaf, of the Neverwinter Duskleafs." She adds quickly before grabbing some shortbread to her tea and leaning back again against a brightly coloured pillow. She is strikingly beautiful sitting there, but does not seem to care the least for her appearance. She has delicate features, high cheekbones, green mysterious eyes and shoulder length green hair giving away har fey heritage. She wears a worn brown cloak over simple travellers clothes, a purple sash, and an oak leaf amulet. By her side she has a backpack and an old well-used crossbow. 

She nods politely at the gold dragonborn and the young redhead, but as Banjo starts reading from his weird journal she can´t help but giggle, nearly dropping her cup of delicate tea. "Yes, yes, with wisdom such as that, how can we possibly fail in this our first mission for Volo's Adventurers' Guild." Serena says when Banjo finishes, clearly joking but with no ill intent. "If we do happen upon bandits on our way to Neverwinter they will most likely flee as soon as mighty Tresvar here sneezes." She adds appreciatively to the gold dragonborn.

“ Banjo, Livia, and Serena,  well met!  I am excited to be on this journey and mission with you all.  Perhaps we should discuss our skills and tactics if we do face some bandits or monsters that aren’t scared off by my… err… our appearance?   I fight best in the front lines, where I can use my sword.”

"I´m not much for planning myself, but if it would make you all feel better I can tell you that my strengths mainly lies in other areas than caravan guarding, which was not the mission I hoped for when joining the guild. If we do get attacked though I will be able to support Tresver with my crossbow and some fey magic I possess." Serena says to the others, fingering her oak leaf amulet.

"You all sound very experienced," Livia states, looking down to the cup in her hand, "but I... it's my first time doing anything like this. Hence, I don't know how my skills may aid us. I hope not to stand within a sword's reach, however." She drinks the end of the tea in her small cup. "Maybe I'll take an example from Serena and use this crossbow I purchased prior to coming here, but I don't have much experience with it either."

You continue to get acquainted with each other. While sipping an impossible number of cups of tea from such a small pot, Sneeze approaches again, this time accompanied by two other people. The first is a broad, earnest looking woman, wearing layers of gray and brown linen held together by a wide belt and a bandoleer. Her face is wrinkled and aged with sun. The other is a tall, muscular man, wearing a simple shirt and dark, dusty breaches. His hair is tousled and speckled with bits of hay.

Sneeze, comes to the covered resting area, rubbing his hands, "Good, good. You have gotten to know each other a bit." Then to the woman, "Mistress Zanemo, may I please introduce, Banjo, Tresvar, Livia and Serena, the guild's adventurers who will be serving your caravan. Adventurers, this is Zanemo, the Wagon Master of our caravan."

Zanemo, looks at each of you, lounging about the bolsters or scrambling to stand up. "Hrmph", she says in deep thought. She walks about each of you, as a sergeant inspecting troops.

She comes back to Sneeze, then a wide smile breaks across her leathery face. "Sneeze," she says, clapping him on the shoulder, "you always bring me such good adventurers. They will do." She nods to the tall man and then gestures with her head to you, "Torvok, find them work appropriate to their skills. The journey will be about 15 days. We leave in 15 minutes."

"Come, Sneeze, we have much to discuss," as she and Sneeze walk back toward the wagons.

Torvok, turns toward all of you, "All right, let's see where you think you fit in."

"We have a cook, but he can always use help. Similarly, we will need some people to forage or hunt for food for him to prepare. We can certainly always use a good scout to look ahead for any obstacles or dangers. Guards are likewise ever in need, although this time of year, we should have less to fear from wolves, but more from bandits. Healers are always helpful for even in good weather, a sprained ankle or cut can slow us down. Any of you who are either dexterous or strong might help the wainwright as there are always things needing fixing among the wagons. Entertainment can help keep our spirits up at night and lastly, if any of you have any aptitude with animals, you can join me driving the stock. What will it be?"

"You´ll be fine sister, stick with me and we´ll find out what skills you have soon enough." Serena says encouragingly to Livia. "What about you Banjo, will you be our record keeper. Please be, record keeping has never been my strong suit." She says smiling to the gnome.

Before Banjo has a chance to tell Tresvar, Livia and Serena about his own talents and background, Sneeze reappears to introduce their new clients.

At Torvok's question, Banjo clears his throat and steps forward.  "Ahem.  Jebeddo Banjo Thunderdiggles, reporting for assignment, sir.  Banjo will do just fine, as Mr. Sneeze pointed out.  I humbly submit that I am a student of the arcane and an explorer of the unknown.  Self taught, though I have had the privilege of unresticted access to the 34th ranked library of the magical sciences currently in private hands within Waterdeep, as ranked by White Wyvern Semi-Annual.  While from your perspective I might appear diminutive, I can assure you that I possess a rudimentary control of mystical powers that would make me suitable for guard duty.  Cautious and diplomatic first and foremost, I am nevertheless in possession of potent defensive and offensive magical spells if brigandines and marauders should make the mistake of testing our mettle.  As secondary options I have some experience around a pot and pan, though as a bachelor I have not had the pleasure to cook at such scale, and I really only eat a couple of different dishes so I don't wish to overstate my culinary experience.  I also have received some education in the natural world - mostly botanical theory but some practice in cutting and grafting herbs and the like - and could be of some use in identifying plants and animals perhaps in a support role of some kind for the foragers and hunters?  But I leave that up to your experience and discretion.  But still... guard duty... first choice...".  He remains standing out in front for a moment, lingering as though his small body is desperate to continue speaking but has run out of things to say, before he slowly steps back in line with the others.

When Livia notices Sneeze approaching with the other two, she stands up to greet them with a small, polite and graceful bow. She remains silent until it seems like everyone else are done talking, or until Torvok asks her specifically. In either case, she'll answer: "My name is Livia, sir." Again, she bows slightly. "I don't really have any experience with these kinds of tasks. Notwithstanding, Ms Serena suggested I pair with her until I discover where I'm useful. I do no object to that proposal if it's fine by you." She looks down, waiting for Torvok's decision. She wants to prove herself useful, but even worse would be if her inexperience causes harm to anyone or hinders the mission. She hopes the others could think of a mission anyone can do until she finds out where she's most useful.

Tresvar says “I can guard and am strong.  Not much else I know how to do.  But I am willing to learn.”

"Yes, since we´re all quite new to the guild I think Livia should stay by my side until we find her true potential as an adventurer." Serena says a bit protectively as she agilely stands up to face Torvok. "We will take on guard duty for now, all of us I think, but I believe that I can help out with entertainment as well, having a few good songs and stories from back home to share with your crew. I could also share my mothers recipes, although I doubt you would have the spices needed for those." She says while collecting her things, readying herself to follow Torvok to the caravan.

Torvok's deep, warm chuckle reassures you, "Guard duty then, for the lot of you, unless and until something else comes up that can use your skills."

He walks you to the wagons comprising the caravan. There are seven wagons in all, some drawn by horse, some by oxen. Two are covered, the rest are open wagons hauling crates and barrels of various goods. On the side of each Wagon is painted in large blue letters RUBRIZO'S TRADE & GOODS. In addition to the wagons, Torvok herds a small flock of sheep. Torvok explains that Rubrizo is the Caravan owner. He has his general store in Neverwinter where he lives. He is awaiting this shipment and will be anxious to see it as it is already late due to a delay in some of the ships getting in. 

Torvok introduces you a slender, but strong looking man who is busy organizing another group of armed travelers. "Veted, these four will be joining your guards." 

Veted looks over the group and says, "Good, we could use a few more walking the right flank".

The wagons roll out soon after, and you walk along well traveled High Road toward Neverwinter.

((Please roll Perception for the first leg of the journey along the southern Sword Mountains.))

3 perception (passive 10)  Tresvar takes the lead position on the right flank, marching upright, with shield held high.   She scans the road on either side, watching for ambushes, but she seems a bit distracted by looking at the birds, trees, and occasionally up at the clouds.  

Livia walks by Serena, watching the woman and trying to learn from her. She also tries to watch their surroundings as instructed, but she doesn't know what she's even looking for, and she keeps getting distracted by all the things she now sees for the first time in her life. She does try her best to watch when she remembers to, though.

Peception: 9.

As soon as Torvok leaves, Banjo looks back to Serena.  "I would be honored to serve as our unit's stenographer and record-keeper!"  From the ear to ear grin on his face, it is clear he means this heart and soul.

As the group sets out along the High Road, a concerned look crosses Banjo's face.  "I wonder... perhaps I should have also alerted them that I may be of some use in an entertainment capacity.  I'm not a performer by trade, of course - or at all, actually - but I am capable of conjuring simple illusions.  I've been known to play a delightful prank or two on extended family... I'm sure the assemblage of travelers here would get a hoot out of that.  And then there is always this..." he says as he spins his pack around and rummages through it as you all walk.  

He soon produces a lovely looking viol and bow, sized appropriately for a gnome.  "It was my dear cousin 'Ella's.  I'm just a novice with it now, but I plan to make use of our time traveling to pick up a bit of practice."  He moves as if to play a few notes, then thinks better of it, returning it to the pack.  As he does so, any of you might notice a long, ragged scratch along the back side of the instrument.

Marching along with the others, Banjo remembers from time to time to look out for danger.... Perception 22

Serena stays close to Livia, feeling an immediate sisterhood and an urge to protect her from the dangers of adventuring. When given the opportunity she tries to teach Livia the tricks of the trade. Serena keeps a good lookout to the east as they slowly make their way north towards her hometown of Neverwinter. Perception:13