On the third day of the year 8749, we began our journey, our heads held high and filled with excitement at the prospect of adventure, knowledge, and for some, treasure. It had been but a week since my audience with Her Majesty Cornelia, and Sedura still bustled with the energy of the new year. My companions and I came together for the first time....

- Introduction: The Book of the Great West

The 3rd of Dawnbreak, 8749, Dragonday, A few minutes before the Sixth Hour: Sedura, Capital City of Allurand

It had only been two days after the New Year Celebration, and so Sedura was still incredibly busy even this early in the morning. Travellers who had journeyed to the beautiful coastal city for the festivities milled about the busy streets. Some were going to the city's great gates, eager to leave for home the moment they opened at the sixth hour's bell. Others simply wandered, the open-air market that had been open since Midwinter still in full swing at the city's central plaza.

The city itself was a sight to behold: banners and baubles still hung from houses and towers, entertainers and bards of all kinds were starting their performance in the streets. Magic Armor (the latest product of the ongoing collaboration between Mèsis and Elysius), steel automatons enchanted by magic, patrolled the streets, keeping them safe. The Violet Palace watched majestically atop it's hilly perch, and the Seduran Pantheon was filled with worshippers from all over the United Kingdom. At the port, merchant ships from Zemir, Usryk, and Artina came in carrying precious cargo to the capital.

However, our story concerns itself with the fates of a group of people helping themselves to breakfast (or waiting impatiently) at a certain Inn called the Royal Sedura. The inn itself isn't very important, beyond noting it was the closest inn to the walls, and that an entire caravan of horses were currently in the stables.

The people at the Royal Sedura were adventurers, all hired bt the same employer, an idealistic young woman who had the rather daft idea of trying to see the entirety of the Great West. Said employer was the person that they were waiting for, as she had told them each on the day that they were hired that they were to to be in this inn, on this day, by the sixth hour, for that was when their journey would begin.

Now, the adventurers had been hired seperately, and had never seen each other before today. However, they all had two things in common. First of all, they had the same contract ("5 Gold Pieces per day, with a bonus 2 at the end of each month. You can leave whenever you want, as long as you've stayed at least a month, but you have to give me a week's warning. If you abandon me, I will have bounty hunters on your hides.") and secondly, they were beginning to wonder if Eura, their employer, was going to be late.

The answer to this was simple: Yes, yes she was.

Euranasia Iefkos has had quite a busy week. After getting permission from the Queen (lovely woman!), she had spent the next few days running around Sedura hiring adventurers, buying supplies, and writing to her family.

Hiring adventurers was harder than she thought it would be. Probably because most adventurers had the sense to not waste a perfectly good New Year Celebration.

Still, she did find six people that she was reasonably confindent in, so that was good. Everything seemed to have lined up perfectly...

Until she overslept, because she had spent all night writing out the first draft of her book's introduction.

In her defense, this was her life's goal, so there.

She woke up with a panic at her lodgings at the Violet Palace, took the quickest bath she ever had in her life (only thirty minutes!) and then ran all the way to the Royal Sedura, heedless of the fact that she was terrible at physical feats.

And so it was an exhausted and gasping Eura, late fifteen minutes, that came stumbling into the inn, clutching her side.

"H-here, I'm here, sorry late...ergh, need...water..." she managed to gasp out.

Not the most graceful entrance, but it was a start.

edited 26th Oct '17 8:37:56 AM by GrimHelm

Royal Sedura Inn

One of the occupants of the table was a relatively young dwarf wearing chainmail, not that his age was apparent to most of those at the table. For the last half hour he had remained relatively silent, not out of rudeness but out of desire to finish his breakfast. He had just finished eating as their employer burst into the room and was currently sipping a mug of thick coffee, his eyes brightening as the caffeine began its work. Behind his chair was set a plain steel shield and a hammer, his weapons of choice, and around his neck hung the symbol of some dwarven god or goddess. He raised his mug in greeting at Eura's entry, "Yer late, lass."

edited 26th Oct '17 2:51:46 PM by 4maskwolf

The Royal Sedura Inn.

Compared to some of the more quiet patrons in the bar, Johnathan was happy to try and make small talk with some of the patrons to pass the time and likely getting the occasional odd look for being decked in his chain-mail/armor before the young 'knight' eventually returned to the table.

It was certainly an interesting group of mercenaries that had volunteered for this expedition, some looked or probably were at least twice his age or at least noticeably older, although with the 'elf' and dwarf, it was hard to tell while the Half-Orc and Ichthyan were definitely races he'd never had the chance to encounter prior to the job as he tried to be polite and not do something as boorish as staring at them.

Regardless, he kept up the friendly smile and quietly took a sip from his glass of water, deciding to be cautious and simple with his attempt to start a conversation with hopefully one of the more talkative at the table. "So, how are you all faring this morning?"

Of course, with their employer staggering into the tavern out of breath and exaughsted, the young man idly motioned to one of the empty chairs.

"It may be better if you took a seat first and try to catch your breath, milady." Johnathan politely suggested.

Julius took a long drought of his drink. "Took you long enough to get here." He commented noncommittally but with with a slight grunt proceeding his words that may have been an indication of irritation. "Still, you were late enough that we decided to order some food, might as well join us. No sense in leaving on an empty stomach."

The Royal Sedura

Anguis wondered what his family would say of him right now. Sitting in Sedura itself, so far from home in Baryon. But he simply had to leave. He wanted, no, needed to see more of the world, and search for every opportunity he could to learn more about the draconic power flowing in his vein.

He was quite happy that it was still winter for a little while longer; he already got odd stares due to his half-elven nature, so he didn't need more attention from the crimson scales that grew over his skin like armor. He'd only managed to avoid being stolen from by less reputable folk on the road south and in the capital himself, and he'd rather head off on their journey now while the sun wasn't up yet. He'd eaten a light breakfast with his fellow bodyguards, but he mostly kept quiet as he observed them.

Then their fair employer came through the door, panting and gasping for breath. When she proclaimed her need for water through ragged breaths, Anguis was quick to stand up and bring a cup of water to her. After all, she was his employer now, and it probably was doubly beneficial to exercise charity and stay on her good side. "Are you okay?"

The Royal Sedura

Eura blushed in embarassment at Eberk's rebuke and tried for an apologetic courtsey...and failed miserably because she was still panting heavily.

When Anguis approached her with a glass, she all but yanked the water away from him and chugged the entire glass in one gulp. So that was't very ladylike, she was dying.

However, it still took a minute or two for her heart to stop thumping wildly and for her to be able to talk normally.

"I....I am fine. Thank you, sir." she mumbled to Anguis, before turning to everyone else in the table.

"I...I apologize for being late. I...overslept."

She inwardly cringed. That wasn't going to do her any favors.

"So, yes, I'm sorry for keeping you all waiting...and, er, thank you for inviting me to breakfast."

She awkwardly shuffled to the seat next to Johnathan and sat down, trying to look like a proper noble. She failed.

Eura sighed. "Well, I guess we should talk while we eat. Routes, plans and all that. But first of all, I think we should introduce ourselves. This is the first time we're all together, and we might be with each other for years."

Eura, with her blonde hair and pale skin, looked the very picture of a Northerner, but when she spoke, it was in the soft, drawling accent of the Southern West.

"My name is Euranasia Iefkos, and I'm your employer."

She subconciously touched the insignia on her left shoulder. The insignia of her family, the Pure Tiger.

"Eura is fine. I'm from Artina, I like reading, researching and magic, I don't like...boats. And I'm writing a book. Er, nice to meet all of you."

To pass the time, Thenoyana had been flexing her performing muscles for the patrons of the Royal Sedura. She had set her seat a bit away from the adventurer's table and had been playing a slow, relaxing tune on her musical saw, which she backed up with harmonising vocals.

Upon Euranasia's arrival, Thenoyana quickly wrapped up her performance to a mild smattering of applause from the inn's patrons. The bard would've liked more applause (not to mention a tip or two) but after the new year's celebrations, it was understandable that they may have been a little music'd out. The main purpose of her playing was for practice anyway, as Thenoyana had found her music sounding very different from how it did underwater and she was still getting used to it. Even though she made a point of arriving in Sedura a few days early so as to get in as much practice as possible (and also just to enjoy the partying) by participating in the new year's festivities.

Pulling her chair back to the table, Thenoyana sat down with the rest and leaned back in her seat, a playful light in her eyes and a wry smile on her lips. At Eura's request for introductions, Thenoyana obliged.

"I'm Thenoyana Fyon amongst my people, Theno amongst friends, 'Yana amongst family, and "that cheeky little-" amongst those with sticks up their asses. I play music, play at magic and play with people's hearts." She gestures to the very visible gills on her shoulders and neck. "And before you ask, yes, I'm Ichthyan, and no I'm not here to spy, steal children or conquer the surface world at the behest of some eldritch fish-faced monstrosity."

edited 27th Oct '17 7:46:00 AM by JohnTheSavage

The Royal Sedura

Another late arrival quietly slid up to the table shortly after his employer arrived. Doing his best to make it seem as if he'd been there the entire time, Victor, without missing a beat after Thenoyana's introduction, stood up, smiling, before speaking up and introducing himself "Lovely to meet you Thenoyana, I'm sure we'll get along swimmingly, excuse the pun. My name is Victor Navarre, I'm good at talking my way in and out of situations and used to be something of a thief in my heyday. I might still be able to pull off some of my old tricks, but I'm not entirely sure at this point, it's been a few years since I've had an opportunity to do so."

The Royal Sedura

Anguis quickly returned to his seat after Eura had sat down, a polite smile on his face as he finished the last bits of his breakfast. "I'm just Anguis. I'm from up north, in Baryon. Yes, I look like an elf because of my father, but my mother's the one who did most of the raising. I've made it all the way here after leaving home, and I guess I wanted to see more of the West while I did my research. I'm good with texts, and I can speak a few languages. Hopefully we'll get to see everything just like Lady Eura wants."

He did not feel like disclosing his draconic heritage just yet, and his clothes hid his natural armor well.

I guess someone could roll a check if they cared?

edited 27th Oct '17 8:17:18 PM by Insano

The Royal Sedura.

Johnathan gave a friendly smile and nodded in agreement. "Indeed, I was about to suggest on introductions, formal or otherwise. Having said that..." The young man quizzically tilted his head at Theneo's introduction, looking somewhat confused as he had several questions as to why she'd even ramble on about all those before deciding to simply ask some other time...not to mention that half-elf seemed to be hiding something...he wasn't quite sure what, but it'd be quite impolite to ask at the moment.

"Ahem. I am Johnathan Brillante. I'm, well, soon to be a Knight or Paladin, if you prefer. My order wishes for me prove my worth, so, hopefully, I'm capable of being a shield for those who need protecting and giving what assistance I can."

Of course, most of the others at the table likely had far more experience on the battlefield, yet he was sounding quite sincere.

A bit of a delay as I should've mentioned it when making the post, but the Perception Check Johnathan made was a DC 15, with a 1d20 roll. The result was 17, not counting the +3 for proficiency.

edited 31st Oct '17 3:45:58 AM by TheRealWren

Julies shrugged and finished off his drink, raising his hand to call for another one.

"Well, my name is Julius. Not much to say about myself unfortunately. I did some local work as a constable for a while. Not a full guard mind you, just some local patrols. Got cut off from that due to some trouble at home." His new drink arrived and he stopped to take another long drink. "Have some people out in the world I'm looking for. So I guess I bring in some investigation skills and a few other tricks. Sadly probably won't be as helpful as some of you."

"Eberk," the dwarf spoke up, setting his mug down on the table, "wandering priest. Not much else to say about me, happened to be in town, figured it'd be better to participate in a mission like this than wander on my own." He shrugged, picking up his mug and downing most of the remaining coffee.

The Royal Sedura

Made a perception check, DC 15, 1d20+2 = 7. Eura failed miserably.

The young noble smiled at everyone as they made their introductions. Now that she was seated, Eura had a much better time keeping her composure.

"A pleasure to meet all of you, I'm sure everyone will contribute a lot. I am in your capable hands. And Miss Thenoyana, I look forward to to hearing your music."

Perfect poise. And then she blew it, by excitedly yanking out a map from the bag she carried with her and spreading it on the table, spilling a glass of water in the process.

"Well! We're gonna start soon, so ai guess I should tell everyone the plan, right?! Since we're in Allurand already, I thought that we should explore this region first for a month or so before heading North to Elysius. I want to be at Màna for the Feast of Mireena on Skaya 30. It will be amazing! I heard the Songstress of Winter herself will perform! Can you imagine?! A real goddess!"

Eura paused to breathe and let out an excited squeal.

"Buuut, for now, I think the first place we'll be heading to is Brightstone. It's south of Sedura, a good sized town...and smack in the middle of the Ruin Belt! You know, the ring of tombs and ruins down south?! There'll be lots of things to see! I can't wait! So, so! Thoughts? Questions?"

She grinned at everyone, out of breath after that.

"Na from me, lass. As I told ye when I was hired, 'long as we're goin' somewhere it's all the same ta me," Eberk spoke up, finishing off his coffee, "Although, we leavin' today or making more preparations?"

edited 29th Oct '17 4:12:16 PM by 4maskwolf

The Royal Sedura

Anguis cringed at the sight and sound of a cup tipping over and spilling water onto the table. He made an effort to contain the mess, but he left it alone after a moment to answer Eura with a shake of his head. If they were going to be on this journey for years, then they should get started right away. "No, my lady. I'm just hoping we set off soon."

Tilting his head somewhat and putting his glass to the side, the fighter's smile hadn't faded as he turned to Julies. "While I'm not so naive to hope we won't be dragged into combat, talents such as gathering information are still valuable to have."

"I haven't exactly had a chance to travel much beyond the capital, how long would our journey to Brightstone take? Assuming the weather remains on our side. I've already made my preparations, so...I'm ready to depart when the order's given." Johnathan politely inquired their employee, quite curious as he glanced back at Anguis, not exactly masking his concerned expression well.

"Do I get paid extra for performing?" Theno asks in response to Eura's expression of interest in her music. "I kid, I kid, you couldn't pay me enough to not play." Theno bites back her many, many questions about the Feast of Mireena for now, since she'd have at least a month to bug her companions about it. For the moment, Thenoyana is simply filled with excitement as her mind races to imagine what a performance by a genuine Goddess sounds like.

"Ruin belt, huh? Sounds good, we can all pick out our tombs. Y'know, just in case."

Julius finished downing his new glass of ale. "Ruins, eh? I suppose it's as good a place to start out our tenure as any." Very good indeed He thought to himself. Anyone who might be interested in ritual sacrifices might very well be interested in some tomb robbing. Seems like an excellent opportunity to find some leads.

He pulled out a charcoal and some paper and quickly sketched an inverted triangle contained in a circle and slid it over to Eura. "I would request if any one runs across this symbol you'd let me know. I don't really know much about it aside from it used to be associated with my family, really more a curiosity than anything." He lied. Maybe it was due to his drawing abilities but the angles of the symbol just seem slightly...wrong somehow

deception roll: 1d20+2= 11

edited 4th Nov '17 3:29:39 PM by guyshane

The Royal Sedura

Eura blushed and smiled apologetically at Anguis when she noticed the spilled cup, picking it up and putting it back on the table before turning back to look at the others.

"We will leave today, just after breakfast I think. Since we, um, missed the gates opening on the sixth hour, we'll have to wait until the crowd thins. Er, once more I apologize for that..." she replied to the cleric.

The young noblewoman then giggled nervously at Thenoyana's joke about picking out tombs. "I hope...that's not necessary. As for our travel time, assuming we move at a normal pace, it will take four days from Sedura to Lisol, the town just before entering the Ruin Belt. Then, one more day through Brightstone Forest to the town itself."

Deception check, DC 15, 11 fails.

Eura noticed something was off when Julius spoke and resolved to talk to him about it later. For now, she took a look at the symbol he showed and answered: "Hmm. This looks interesting. I will be sure to let you know if we do find something like this."

The Ninth Hour, South of Sedura

Euranasia couldn't hold it in. They were on the journey, the great journey, her dream was on the way! She let out a very undignified squeal of happiness and pumped her fist up...almost toppling off her white mare, Diamond.

The party had left Sedura two hours ago and were now riding on a dirt road in an open grassland, the monotonous landscape only broken by the occasional clump of trees.

The sun shone, strong and bright, surprisingly warm for winter.

Just to the left of the road was a clear blue river, streaming its way south, an occasional frog or newt appearing on the muddy shore.

You may interact among yourselves for now.

Anguis rode close to his employer, who he found to be somewhat pretty and lovely to look at in comparison to all the rough and weary faces he had seen on the road to Sedura. He had just gotten used to riding horses by the time he reached the capital, and he was able to keep his steed at a good walking pace while he rode beside Eura.

"You know, it's the strangest thing to me," he began, hoping to start conversation with her. "Just getting to Sedura was the farthest I've ever been from home in my life, and now I'm getting farther with every minute. It's been months since I've seen home..."

On the road

Julies glared up at the sun. "Hmph, unexpected weather. Makes for easy traveling. Some would take this as a sort of good omen with their tarots and such. Would probably say something to the effect of "this journey shall be a happy and profitable one" if I had to guess." He commented aloud.

Why couldn't it have been clouds?

New to the act of horse riding (and just horses in general, really), Thenoyana proves herself to be quite possibly the single worst rider in Allurand. At the inn, it took the woman several minutes just to get into the saddle, and by the two hour mark, Theno's horse has bucked and thrown the bard from the saddle four times.

"Great beastly... beast." Thenoyana mutters several Ichthyan curses under her breath. "How do you control these bloodly monsters!?" Theno asks in exasperation. She leans down to talk to the horse itself. "This isn't hard, you know. I'm not asking much."

Departing.

While learning how to ride was...part of his knightly training, Johnathan wasn't exactly sure if he'd picked the best horse, considering it's slightly sulky and temperamental attitude. The moment the fighter had a chance to engage in a conversation, his mount would bolt forward along the path or slow down.

It was frustrating to say the least, yet he seemed to simply put up with for the time being as it eventually settled down...somewhat, allowing him to ride alongside the dwarf cleric and rogue, deciding to try and at least start a bit of casual small-talk. "Quite the pleasant afternoon, isn't it?"

The Ninth Hour, on the way

Eura was fixing her seat when Anguis approached her, her last outburst having unbalanced her and all.

Blushing in embarassment, she answered the half-elf. "Oh, well, it's the same for me. I've lived in Viyana most of my life, and I was always at home or at school in Màna..."

She smiled. "It's all so exciting, isn't it? We're going to explore the whole continent. It's...rather overwhelming, if I may confess."

On the Road

"I mean, you did say it could take...years," he replied with a nervous smile, seeing a chunk of his life stretch out before him in this mission, if he survived to see its end. "I mean, it's not too much of a problem for me, since my father's blood means I'll live longer than most normal humans. But, uh, do you have a longer lifespan than most too?"