Riverleague

[Dentarthur]

Welcome to Riverleague, everybody. See the setting document for a few tidbits about the world you're now inhabiting. Dice rolls now go in this here thread. Our adventure begins in Isen, a mining barony nestled in the Northern mountains, and in/around the capital city known as Ironkeep.

The last red rays of the evening sun cast a long shadow behind the messenger's slim frame. He jogs toward a small crowd gathered around a circle of stones, cheering and jeering at two bloody and bruised young men in the final throes of a fight.

The messenger slows his pace as he approaches. Not seeming to notice the goings-on, he calls out to the crowd, "Letter here for one Sergeant Thonas." A man waves absently toward one side of the ring, not taking his eyes off the melee.

The messenger's eyes scan a moment, then look up in surprise. He didn't recognize the enormous, muscular figure on the ring's west edge as an Eladrin at first; but as sure as the caves are dark, the faint glow of fey eyes looms behind that scarred face. The carrier pushes through the throng and hands a wax-sealed parchment to Thonas, who is watching the fray with an eager smirk.

A collective shout from the crowd denotes the end of the match, and the darker-haired combatant raises his bloody fists in triumph as his opponent rolls in the dirt. The gathered spectators, in turn, brush their fingers agaisnt the winner's brow, a traditional gesture of congratulation; but when he catches the tall Eladrin's mischievous gaze, his victorious air falters, and he humbly heads for a seat to the east side of the ring.

[Jokes]

Thonas

Thonas grabs the letter without taking his eyes off the ring. As the fight draws to a close, he finally unfolds the paper. The only thing stopping from erupting into laughter is the word 'confidential.' Still, he allows himself a little smirk and muscles his way out of the ring. I don't think I can wait until tomorrow.

[Dentarthur]

Captain Curt Deiterich's stone house sits with its back to the city wall, just a short run from the gate to the Keep itself. An alert soldier nods to Thonas as he approaches, then pulls a rope behind him, sounding a deep bell.

In a brief moment, the door opens to reveal a middle-aged Human man in house-dress. "Dammit, Thonas. You've got to learn patience one of these days." He takes a sip from his mug and turns into the house. "We might as well get this over with."

The den is sparsely-furnished but elegant, a pair of cushioned seats facing a small table, and the windows are open to let out the summer heat. Captain Deiterich settles into the more worn of the two, finishes his mug (which smells of strong tea and alcohol), and suddenly assumes a formal tone.

"I have a high-priority assignment for you. The Fellowship of Mages tells me there's been a major theft. Normally the town watch would handle this, but the item that's been --" he pauses, looking gravely concerned and mildly annoyed at the same time -- "The item that ... vanished, needs special handling. It has this necromancy enchantment, and it'll pose problems for you. They weren't specific about what kind of problems; they don't seem to know that much about what it does."

[Jokes]

Thonas

Settling into the seat, Thonas tries to remain emotionless in front of the captian. "A theft? From the mages? And necromancy..." Thonas' voice trails off "You are right, the watch would probably be in over their heads with this." He leans back, stretching his arms behind his head. "And what about this kobold? I understand he wants to work with us?"

[Dentarthur]

"Right, the Kobold." Deiterich chuckles to himself. "Was going to introduce you when we had this talk, but... well. As unorthodox as this is, I've checked this guy out, and I see every reason to make some use of him. He's a heavy-armor trooper, but quick, and damn good with that sword of his. I'm trusting you'll take this seriously, Thonas; most anyone else I could talk to would just as soon leave him for dead."

He focuses for a moment and continues, "You'll meet Yeril soon enough. Let me brief you on this missing staff. The Fellowship says it's a relic of an old wizarding family, one that was never up to any good. When it went missing the other day, they couldn't figure out what happened -- no intruders, no warning."

"I need you to do a little detective work. Someone in this city's got to know about this staff, or who would want to nab it. Find out what you can from the Mages, Thonas, and go hit the streets; you're more in touch with this city than any other soldier I've got, so I'm leaving the details to you. If you can find out where the staff might be, you're to retrieve it at once and bring it to the Fellowship house down in the city square."

"Oh yes, I'll have Yeril escorted to your place in the morning. He needs a good tour of the city if he's going to be working for us."

[Jokes]

Thonas

"Well, you know where to find me." Thonas rises and gives the Captain a slight salute. "I'm looking forward to this." With that, he steps out, and heads back to his arena for a few hours before returning home.

[Dentarthur]

Dawn breaks on the first day of the cycle of Erathis, and the city sets into motion. Travelers on the streets turn their heads at the sight of a tall, proud Dragonborn man with a massive spear on his back -- not because of his majestic appearance, nor of his armor, finely crafted and worthy of a nobleman. Rather, the masses are taken aback by this warrior's choice of companion: standing barely hip-high to the hide-armored warrior, a Kobold walks briskly, diminutive, but wearing his own set of warrior's armor, and with a professional demeanor that tells the crowd this "monster" is civilized enough to be taken seriously. The two dragon-kin have a familial air about them, as of long-lost cousins who have finally discovered each other. They head toward Thonas' house with a purposeful gait.

[Stormgale]

((Just for ease <> denotes My character is speaking in Draconic, oh and I'm wearing Hide, not mail :D))

"<So then Yeril, looks like Bahamut smiles on us today>" the dragonborn speaks, preferring the privacy of their Mother tongue to the ease of common as he gazes up into the sun. His hand rests by his side, pulling a water skin, too early in the day for wine, taking a healthy gulp "<Would you like some?>" he asked, offering the skin to his companion, deciding it better to be friendly than antagonistic to the diminutive fighter.

[Yeril]

The small kobold strides alongside the Dragonborn , his shield slung over his back and sword sheathed at his side.

"<Yes, It is also very.. Sunny. >" The diminutive warrior adds, struggling slightly at the word not often used by kobolds. "<And no thank you. >" He says, turning down his companions offer.

A tiny hand lifts the visor on his helmet, glancing up at the blue sky, contemplating silently as they stroll along to meet with the Sergeant.

His tail sways idly, left to right.

[Jokes]

Thonas

Thonas breathes in the early morning air. Sitting outside the barracks in a makeshift 'alfresco' setting, he sips on a mug of tea, soaking in the dawn sun. He takes a bite of an apple and silently waits for his guests to arrive.

[Stormgale]

"You must Be Thonas" the warlord calls out in a hearty voice, offering a hand with a gentle smile "Medrash at your service" he added, offering a hand to the rogue, trying to diminish his imposing stature for a moment.

[Jokes]

Thonas

"Ah, you are a big one." Thonas clasps the dragonborn's hand firmly. He looks down at the little Kobold. "Comparatively." He smiles. "And I take it the two of you are going to be helping me on this matter of supreme urgency." He stretches overdramatically. "Perhaps we should make a start, I was out this morning, hoping to dig up some news, but I'm not sure if any is useful."

Spoiler

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streetwise - (1d20+8)[19]: Whatever he finds out, he'll tell the pair to get their input.

[Dentarthur]

A veteran (so to speak) of the city streets, Thonas has little trouble finding someone in the know. An old friend describes a recent immigrant to the city, a shady character who has been making a name as a purveyor of information.

The flimsy door of the Dusty Cobble creaks as Thonas enters. The place is dotted with an assortment of the kind of folk that have no better place to be than a pub at the crack of dawn, steeling themselves to face the morning sun after a long night of drink and woe. At one table sits a sandy-brown haired man of average build, cracking his knuckles between sips of ale, and another next to him with a runed rod at his belt. Both are the type to easily blend with a crowd, but Thonas recognizes the first from his friend's description.

[Jokes]

Thonas

Thonas walks over to the table, beckoning the two dracionians to follow. He sits down and rests his mace against his chair. "I hear you're a person who knows things." He looks around conspiratorially. "Heard anything about an item that just went missing from the Mages Guild?"

Spoiler

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Just so you know, I'm not really one for the "team leader" role.

[KKL]

Facts filed one by one through Joachim's head as the Eladrin sat down and instantly began asking him questions. Almost as if to prod him on, the sandy headed man just sat there and drank the rest of his drink, continuing to crack knuckles that couldn't be cracked.

Eventually he decides its quite enough fooling around and speaks in a low whisper, enough so the eladrin will hear, but nobody else. He holds up a finger. "You are looking for a staff, I assume. Basics first. Common knowledge is that the former owners, the Blackstaff, are dead and have been dead for just around two hundred years."

He holds up two fingers. "Uncommon knowledge." He makes doubly sure his voice is low enough. "There has been talk at the fellowship, a young wizard that suspiciously resembles one of the Blackstaff, though I hope it isn't because of his black staff." He cracks a smile and throws down the rest of his drink.

He holds up three fingers and points them at the other man with the runed rod. "Business dictates that my friend here tell you the rest."

"So get talking old chap, before I grow a beard."

[Nahal]

Spoiler

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Streetwise to see what I know to begin with? Can send a PM if you like, I'll roleplay.
(1d20+10)[27]

The human carrying a carved rod directs a glance at the sandy-haired man, then looks over each of the others before speaking. You get the impression that he is committing each of you to memory. He has one of those faces that are somehow always familiar but completely forgettable; you'd have a hard time describing him to someone else without an over-reliance on the words "plain" or "average."

Bad business, that, he says. I can't offer much directly, you understand, but I know bits and pieces. Now the Blackstaffs were pretty powerful before the League was formed, and as my associate hinted they disappeared rather suddenly a little while back. Turns out the ruins of their estate still stand more or less intact just outside of town, so that may be one place to go looking. But there's a catch.

He leans forward and lowers his voice for the next part.

Word is the Blackstaff clan was into some pretty nasty stuff, things the Fellowship has gone to great lengths to keep quiet. Unsettling experiments, powerful enchanted items, that kind of thing. Now most of what the Blackstaff family made has been destroyed, but this item you're after was of particular interest to the Ironkeep for some reason even I haven't heard. If this item's as hot as they say there's bound to be a tongue wagging somewhere, and I always keep an ear open. Leaning back out, he then looks at you apprehensively. I'm curious who sent you my way; I don't normally get called on by militia types.

[Stormgale]

"You seem to be a man who understands the value of information" the Warlord stated as he rested his hand on the table "You help us, and we'd be forced to tell you our employer" he cocked his head to the eladrin with a hearty chuckle "And both of you can do so much more than sit in a bar all day, seems such a waste dosen't it" he took a step back "So do we have your skills or not?"

Spoiler

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I'll try to take on the role, I am the class for it after all

[Jokes]

Thonas

"An old friend told me where I can find the information, let me leave it at that. As for why we 'militia' types are on the job; well, I'm sure you'd rather us than the Mage's Guild holding an Inquisition. Some people don't know how to be subtle."

[Nahal]

Thonas' comment makes the nondescript human smile. Getting the "good watchman, bad watchman" routine all at once, eh? Well, I wasn't told anything about actually signing on with you, he says as he directs a less-than-overjoyed glance at the sandy-haired fellow, but I could certainly stand to have my purse a little heavier.

Suddenly businesslike, he continues. So it's the staff you're after, eh? If you ain't planning on keeping it then I take an equal share of anything else we come across. Man's gotta eat you know. Any terms you'd like to add to our agreement?

[Jokes]

Thonas

"Well, you'd be under command of my large draconic friend here, but in the end you will be answerable to me. Understood?"

[KKL]

Instead of waiting for his turn to speak, the other informant cuts in. "Are you and him going to get all rigid and military on us? Because I'm about to join something that doesn't count as a military detachment, and hell if I'm going to be lorded over more than usual." He says, crossing his arms and leaning back on his chair.

Almost as an afterthought, he adds "If we are going to be working together, my name's Joachim. And I'll take his conditions too. Extra money's always nice."

[Stormgale]

"Military discipline only works on soldiers" the dargonborn said with a chuckle "And I've seen the most disciplined and Rigid units fall simply because they were so disciplined... they cant Improvise". Something akin to a smile danced over his features "We get the job done and make it out alive, thats all that matters to me" he added as he offered a hand to one, then the other "If we are in agreement then I suggest we get to work"

[Jokes]

Thonas

"Well, it's my arse if we screw up, remember that." He points his finger at Joachim, glaring at him with his fey eyes. His face seems to melt into a smile as he opens his hand. "I'm Sergeant Thonas Tielother." Thonas stands and looks at the dragonborn. "So, are we starting at the Blackstaff estate?"

[Nahal]

That'd be my recommendation, says the human, but per our agreement it ain't my call. And call me Arthek. Names are generally useful on a job.

[Stormgale]

Then Let us get moving the Warlord said with a smile, turning and walking to the door, assuming the ragtag band would follow.

[Dentarthur]

Following Arthek's directions, the five make their way through the forest outside Ironkeep. The woods are lush with undergrowth, slowing the party's progress and coating their leggings with burrs and needles.

Two or three miles outside the city, the travelers arrive at a formidable abode, secluded and obscured from the eyes of the common man. The two-story manor is built of stone and, like many structures in Isen, bears hints of Dwarven craftsmanship. Its windowless exterior is covered with moss and vines, and encroaching trees threaten to topple its walls with their growth. A large, oaken door, seeming almost to be crafted of stone itself, stands in the center of the nearest wall.

[Nahal]

Arthek

Once they reach the door, Arthek turns to the group. Well, here we are, he says, though if we're dropping by unannounced I'd suggest we avoid the front door if possible. Sadly I don't know of any side entrances, but I have to suspect that a powerful wizard-clan would have laid some defense against intruders.

[Dentarthur]

Looking around the perimeter of the house, Arthek does indeed find a side entrance. A decrepit cellar door sits on the east side of the house, its planks on the verge of falling apart from rot.

His trained eye detects a lingering magical aura on the door, as of a spell gone wrong.

[KKL]

I really don't see why we don't go through the front door if they're all you know...dead, excluding the bloke that looks like a Blackstaff. Two hundred years has to have dried up their funky magic. Joachim says while following Arthek, his right hand holding a rather large crossbow in a relaxed manner.

[Nahal]

Arthek

Nothing really says we can't go through the front door, Arthek replies, I just prefer not to if I'm uninvited. Those two will wind up making a call either way, I'm sure, but it can't hurt to know about other entrances and exits. As he notices the magical aura, he stops and scrutinizes it further. Hello, he says to himself, now what have we here?

Spoiler

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Arcana check to hopefully identify the effect: (1d20+9)[11]

Something's not right about it, he continues. I can't make it out. All I can tell is that the spell's degraded somehow. Anyone else want to have a go?