It was a few weeks after a handful of individuals decided to answer the telegram that stayed tacked on the walls of Hapsburran saloons. before the travelers stood a tall, stone brick building built in a lightly decorated but very militaristic looking style. The fortress as one could call it had two tall towers that seemed to be at least 6 stories tall and had armed guards atop each towers widow's walk. The main gate was large and partially rounded with heavy wooden doors bolted to massive wooden hinges. Flags with green and gold quadrisections and a stylized rose as a charge, hung from various points on the buildings and above the door stood a large wooden sign that stated the forts name in dark letters "Fort Tulacash". Armed guards stood at the gate with a thousand yard stare and a well disciplined way about themselves. The sound of a bell suddenly broke the silence as a deep baritone voice echoed from inside "General of the Rose Citadel Arriving"

"I'm not familiar with your military friend and his fondness of poultry"

Shynre looked over the fortress, shrugging. It wasn't particularly impressive, to her at least, nor imposing. It wasn't the Shyreni Gate, not by any stretch of the imagination. The gate had wooden hinges - an obvious vulnerability. It was a rather standard human military building - drab, no consideration for aesthetics. Shylae would have been horrified at the thing's existence. That being said, Shylae would have driven herself mad a few days after entering the city. It certainly was different from Shalûne, here. Even the newer surface cities kept some of the old Imperial architectural style. Shynre's ears perked up and drew her attention from the building's constructors' lack of aesthetic consideration to the mention of the general. "Well. Isn't that interesting."

All are significantly abnormal in a normal world... All are significantly normal in an abnormal world.

Fort Tulacash

Ulysses looked around... the fort sure looked impressive... solid... yeah should be good. Being a Centaur he was nearly half a meter taller than most, excluding some Ogers who he saw every now and then... here were none though so he had a free view on what was happening... as he heard the shout he turned around... well... things surely would soon get more interesting.

"One may feel fear in the face of danger so long as one banishes fear when danger actually arrives"

Once more Zaror glanced up to the towers and the guards stationed there.
It certainly was a tall building, but unfortunately not a very comfortable one. Not that it matteded much, since most of the guards had already had enough of the gargoyle's complaints about the architecture, thus being reluctant to let him perch there again.
They just didn't make these things like they used to - men and mortar alike.
But was that just the grouchiness that came with age? After all, Zaror had seen it in species younger than him quite a few times...no. No, certainly not. It was the younger generations' fault, that-
At that moment, the gargoyle's train of thought was suddenly interrupted announcement. It seemed, that the general was arriving. Good. Maybe Zaror'd be able to complain about the state of affairs to him. After all, a general must have had seen the rashness of youth in his line of work quite a few times already.

Qualnar stood, trying to keep still and scanning for possible exits incase things...went wrong. There wasn't any sign yet that they would but things could always go wrong.

Trump delenda est

The gate slowly opened and a group of soldiers surrounding a small girl. On further inspections of her features its noticeable that she is not a child but an urchin, a species of Halflings in rune with dog ears and a dog tail. She had mocha brown skin, light blue eyes, short, dark brown hair cut in a pixie style. Her ears and tail resembled those of a chocolate labrador, and her right arm was a sturdy metal prosthesis. She had a green jacket that had golden epaulets and shiny gold buttons running down the middle of the jacket. On the left breast was an embroidered crest with the same design as the flags but in this case was in the shape of a kite shield. Her hat was a green visor cap with the same crest on the band and the black visor had golden leaves and roses along it. The collar went up to the center of her neck and had a symbol of a rose with three leaves showing her rank. On her back was a warhammer and a buckler.

"good after noon ladies and gentlemen" her voice was high but she had an aire of confidence about her "I am general Larkshire, and I presume you all are here because of my telegram, correct?" she looked up at them all seeming to size them up, and nodding in a pleased manner "I'm guessing you are wondering why I have gathered you all here, especially when I have men and women of my own that I could send out for missions. Well the nature of this mission I'm about to assign you all isn't something a squadron of soldiers are going to be able to do, due to the demands of their job. I need adventurers plain and simple. I'm sure you all remember Caligaris cult that had terrorized the people of Rune a decade or so ago? Well I've gathered intel that someone has brought them back out of hiding and they are under a new leader. The last place that their circus tent was sighted was in the city of Volgrin in Dvargberg 300 kilometers north from here. I need you guys to stop them, and if you see fit make an example of their leader. I refuse to allow senseless murders, rapes and destruction run rampant on this beautiful continent and they must be brought to justice once and for all. Are you all willing and capable enough to pull this off?"

"I'm not familiar with your military friend and his fondness of poultry"

Shynre nodded. She vaguely remembered hearing about a cult on the radio a decade or so back. Granted, that could have been a different cult. It wasn't as if Shyren didn't have its share of cults, generally spider worshipers. So, they were tasked with finding and ending a cult. Wonderful. At least the "ending" part was simple. Cut off the head, the body dissipates, devolves into internal fighting, or commits mass suicide. Usually. The problems started when that didn't happen.

Shynre saluted, a crisp, well-practiced motion. "Yes ma'am. Would I be wrong, presuming we'll be taking the train?" The train would be the fastest way to get three hundred kilometers. She made a mental note to stop by the telegram office and have her butler stop by the bank and wire her money. Oh, and stop and pick up the harp she had commissioned. And repay Shylae for the wine. And give Seryth's focus back. And... Shynre blinked. How did people get by without butlers? At any rate, that was neither there nor then, and could be safely postponed to a later time. "And when would we be departing?"

All are significantly abnormal in a normal world... All are significantly normal in an abnormal world.

Fort Tucolash

Ulysses gave a salute "Ma'am I'm ready" He heaved up his helmet, showing a confident smile on his face.

"One may feel fear in the face of danger so long as one banishes fear when danger actually arrives"

Qualnar looked around at the others assembled at the gates. A dark elf, a centaur and...a talking rock? Well this was a motley crew if ever a one there was, not that anyone would ever mistake him for a high and mighty Lord of the Elven Lands at all, at all. In the meantime he had more practical considerations.

"So, your Generalship, as to matters of our equipage and financing?"

edited 30th Oct '16 8:03:41 AM by tricksterson

Trump delenda est

sasha nodded. "you'd be correct, of course you have a three days to gather supplies, get some much needed rest before traveling. As for your payment you will all be paid handsomely upon completing the job, and I will provide an allowance during your travels to account for food and lodging. Anything extra you happen to come upon is all yours. to start off with I will be sure to have 100 Lyra and 50 Denir given to each of you for both the supplies and the train tickets. Any further questions?"

"I'm not familiar with your military friend and his fondness of poultry"

Fort Tucolash

Ulysses shook his head "No Ma-am, no questions." He put on his helmet again. He looked around, seeing what the others would do... not the worst thing to familiarize yourself with your future allies... looking for potential complications... a blood-lusty gaze of someone who would charge into battle recklessly or the greedy look someone from someone who would potentially backstab his allies was always a good early warning.

edited 30th Oct '16 11:55:30 AM by Sergey_Smirnov

"One may feel fear in the face of danger so long as one banishes fear when danger actually arrives"

Shynre nodded. "That should suffice, ma'am. No further questions." She waited a bit longer to catch the tail-end of any conversation, then walked to the telegram office. She had a few things she needed to do, and any team-bonding they would do could be easily done on the train.

All are significantly abnormal in a normal world... All are significantly normal in an abnormal world.

"Cults, eh? Been a while since I last saw one of those", Zaror growled.
"At least those heretics will get what they deserve. Blessed be our mission in the name of Saint Artrek."

"Certainly. one more thing any lodging you need will be paid for at the salty kraken saloon. If you see an incubus bartender tell him I sent you and hell set you up with rooms and meals. May the gods look over you in your journey." She saluted them "gods bless the king" with that she turned around sharply and stepped back inside the building leaving the recruited adventurers to introduce themselves and gather their supplies.

"I'm not familiar with your military friend and his fondness of poultry"

Shynre watched as the general walked back into the fort. Three days... Would that... Yes, yes it would. She appended another thing to the list for the telegram office. And finding lodging more suitable then a musky tavern. She looked around at the assembled people. "So. I suppose, then, that we should introduce ourselves, seeing as we shall be travelling companions for the near future? I am Shynre Val'Shenora," she bowed, "of Shalûne."

All are significantly abnormal in a normal world... All are significantly normal in an abnormal world.

Fort Tucolash

Ulysses only saluted again "Gods bless the king." Well... 3 days it was then... hopefully this saloon had outdoor rooms for larger customers and patrons. Also... huh... one of his new companions seened to be quite the pious person... he'd have to remember. He turned around to the rest. "Pleased to see you, Ulysses"

"One may feel fear in the face of danger so long as one banishes fear when danger actually arrives"

An Incubus bartender? Could it have been that infernal tavern where Zaror had first spotted the telegram?
Zaror was revolted by the idea of having to stay in a tainted place like this, but he also didn't want to offend the general by complaining about her choice in friends. Not yet at least.

Qualnar looked the dark elf up and down. "So...aren't we supposed to be mortal enemies or somethin'?", then smirked. "Just kidding. If we are then I don't know about it. The high traditions and whatnot aren't exactly my cup of tea."

Trump delenda est

Shynre raised an eyebrow. "That depends, but I do not believe Shyren has any outstanding grievances or wars with anyone on the surface. Our... former... compatriots in the Spider-worshipping Empire, yes. But they hate us just as much as anyone on the surface. Regardless, the actions and opinions of a government do not necessarily reflect the opinion of everyone in that country."

edited 31st Oct '16 11:42:00 AM by Izshta

All are significantly abnormal in a normal world... All are significantly normal in an abnormal world.

Qualnar tilted his head then nodded. "Works for me," he said, extending his hand. "Qualnar, of no particular clan, line or place."

Trump delenda est

Shynre tilted her head in turn. "Curious." She did not take the proffered hand, instead giving a small bow. "And you, Sera gargoyle?"

edited 31st Oct '16 10:03:55 PM by Izshta

All are significantly abnormal in a normal world... All are significantly normal in an abnormal world.

"Zaror. Guardian of the holy Church of St. Artrek.", the gargoyle growled.
"Can't we skip the introductions? We have a job to take care of."

"Actually we have a job to prepare for and three days to do it in. I for one plan to pack light," Qualnar said.

Trump delenda est

Shynre looked a bit taken aback at Zaror's... impetuousness. "I, for one, think that at least knowing the name of one's travelling companions is important," she said, giving a wry smile. "Especially should one be expecting to enter combat with them."

Shynre gave another small bow. "Whilst I would dearly enjoy getting to know you all, I must be away. I require a few things from back home, and thus I must see to sending a telegram as soon as possible. I should recommend being off, and reconvening this evening, at the inn where the General has so graciously provided us lodging?"

edited 1st Nov '16 1:07:22 PM by Izshta

All are significantly abnormal in a normal world... All are significantly normal in an abnormal world.

At the Inn, the aforementioned incubus sat behind the bar, cleaning a glass. He had a well combed pompadour, lavender colored skin covered in foreign tattoos of cherry trees and koi fish, Long horns, a handsome face and lean musculature covered by a well fitted button up shirt, vest and slacks. The incubus was cleaning a glass while talking to one of the patrons about the weather or some such small talk. He seemed bored and rightly so as the inn was rather quiet and empty besides the few patrons here and there that were already enjoying a meal or just lounging in the common area smoking pipes and reading.

"I'm not familiar with your military friend and his fondness of poultry"