Slayers d20 episode 1 - New heroes appear! A king's ransom!?

[Ixquian]

Many years have passed since the the fight against the great Ruby Eye and its subordinates. The northern point of the eastern continent, the region once known as the Mazoku barrier, is enjoying a period of relative peace. Despite the battle scars are still visible, and there is no shortage of tyrants to overthrow, the people do no longer have to fear the machinations of the mazoku. Of fate of the heroes of legend, little is known. It is unlikely they have simply settled down. Those who knew them, trust that they simply kept going to bigger and grander endeavors, for that was their calling.


Still the kingdoms of old endure the passage of time, just like the tales. Seilune stands proud, the Temple of Ceifeed as magnificent as ever. Sairaag's Sorcerer's Guild keeps guiding the brightest and more cunning minds in their exploration of the infinite depths of magic. New heroes roam the land, making a name for themselves.

This is when our story begins.

Lanzafar Halfspar is a brilliant wizard, although not particularly well regarded by his peers. His neverending thirst for knowledge, no matter how minute it may be leaves little time for social niceties. However, no one can deny his command over magical lore. Faced by the end of his apprenticeship at the Sorcerer's Guild and without original research to extend his stay, he is strapped for leads.

A lead comes in the form of a letter. It seems that the Kingdom of Dils, to the northeast, is holding some sort of special gala for all practitioners of the arts. Naturally the letter was not appointed to him in person, but as luck would have it, the Guild's upper hierarchy had declined to attend and it fell upon him, the notable student, to attend the function on the Guild's behalf. It may not be what Lanzafar would have hoped, but it wasn't bad. Free food and board, plus an opportunity to meet other sorcerers, maybe scrap out a job out of it? Not bad at all.

Kin Jintaro had been on the road for a while, making his way, just as he intended. He was a devoted student living on the ideals of faith and righteousness, just like Master Goshine had taught him. He was deeply surprised when a package from Seilune found him at an inn in the Kingdom of Dils. Putting away the home made preserves Lily Jikolo, a fellow student, made for him, he read through his master's letter.

In the letter Kin's master asked him to personally deliver a sealed scroll. He explained that a long time friend of his, King Dils IV, had ceased his correspondence without reason. This worried him and by sending him with his letter, he would be able to put his worries to rest. It seemed like an easy enough job to do.

Shiina The Red-eyed monster, was a frequent tale among bandits. A fierce warrior with fiery red hair capable of tearing down hordes of men, something out of a bandit troupe's worst nightmares. Conversely, many villagers appreciated someone who was willing to take down criminals, however violently it may be. Some say that even a fanclub had formed around this mythical woman.

In truth, Shiina Kaymoore was just a young woman warrior with an anger management problem, or so she tried to convince herself. She would do anything to get rid of this thing inside her that made her go berserk, even if it was useful at times. However it may be, she made good coin out of mercenary contracts (within her own limits, of course) and that was good enough.

One day, walking down one more isolated road, Shiina came upon a carriage being attacked by monsters. Situation being clear enough, Shiina tore through the abominations with ease. A finely dressed woman came out of the carriage and thanked her for her assistance. She made her a handsome offer for her protection along the road to some summit to be held in the kingdom of Dils. Without anything better to do, Shiina took the job.

(Describe your characters preparations and what would you have in mind to deal with this situation)