Vecna-Kal, City of Wonder, City of Magic (5e) [IC]

[Sivarias]

There she stood before you, The Sanctum of Light, home sweet home at last. She leaned drunkenly on her neighbors, seeming to lack the natural courtesy necessary to prop herself upright. The second, and final, story leaned upon the long abandoned warehouse next door. Looking around she was definitely the worst for ware in the District of Guilds, but she had a reputation of being among the best.

The pocket-marked street had the expected signs of where. Some places were simply missing cobblestones, scorched and blasted cobblestones where scattered down the street as well. The Guild of Flames had somehow melted the stones in front of their guildhall recently. In front of your there was a noticeable vacancy in front of the door courtesy of Narrowed Eye of the Allfather. Having been unable to stop your guild's growth, they stole that particular cobblestone in a fit of petty vandalism.

Spoiler: Crall and Igni

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Crall has been guiding Igni to The Sanctum of Light and they have just arrived. Much to his frustration Crall was told to find a spell-caster to bring into the fold. When he found Igni, the only thing he's done magical so far is char his meat with his own two hand.

Spoiler: Everyone Else

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Everyone else has just gotten back in from a quest, and are currently milling about the first floor. The troublesome guards didn't even bother to pay you for your time, though it was hardly a surprise to anyone when the malfuctioning golem went berserk and started smashing houses. You are currently consoling yourself with the various objects that "happened" to fall into your hands as a result.

1. A golden staff with the head of a serpent. Despite it's extremely thick appearance it can be held in one hand, even though it's size makes it unweildy
2. A bag full of small rattling objects, you have not yet had time to open it.
3. A Silver horn engraved in Dwarvish script. The sound of battle echoes in the ears of the holder.

Please choose a color for your character and introduce them. Describe what they are doing at the moment.

OoC found here!

[In4Dimensions]

I’m just going to be talking in black, if that’s OK. My character is sharpening his swords in a corner.

[Sivarias]

I’m just going to be talking in black, if that’s OK. My character is sharpening his swords in a corner.

Spoiler: Arcane OoC

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Can you bold spoken words then, to easily distinguish themselves

[Potato_Priest]

Amerah is over to one side of the guild hall, using the small communal kitchen to cook up some eggs for those tired from last night's endeavors. A human woman of above-average height, she is wearing a studded leather tunic over a simple set of clothes. Her dirt-stained helmet is off, sitting next to her backpack leaning up against a wall, and every so often she glances up from her cooking to make sure nobody has touched her things.

"Eggs are done!" she announces, after scooping hefty portions of scrambled eggs onto a few metal plates and placing them on a table for people to grab. She then stands back, hands on hips, to observe the diners with a watchful eye to make sure nobody takes more than their share.

Spoiler: OOC

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I will be using Saddle Brown as my speech color.

[In4Dimensions]

Spoiler: Arcane OoC

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Can you bold spoken words then, to easily distinguish themselves

How about underlined?

[sunnybutt]

I'll be using this rather fetching red.

Spoiler: Crall

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I schmooze my recruiter.

"Listen, Crall, I'm glad you came to me; it was a great decision for both of us." I take a look at the mouldering building. "It's okay, I suppose."

The first thing anyone hears is me remarking, in a bit too loud a tone, "Neat outfit, guys and dolls! So who's in charge around here - hey, wow, lady, you're too kind, are these for everybody?" I ask, not waiting for an answer before helping myself to Amerah's eggs.


Igni Fuhrersson is clearly a superbly arrogant so-and-so. He has small hazel eyes, a hooked nose, a black widow's peak slicked back, and a smarmy grin. His clothes are navy blue, and sharp - too sharp, maybe, for someone looking for mercenary work, but there he was, making himself right at home.

[Potato_Priest]

The first thing anyone hears is me remarking, in a bit too loud a tone, "Neat outfit, guys and dolls! So who's in charge around here - hey, wow, lady, you're too kind, are these for everybody?" I ask, not waiting for an answer before helping myself to Amerah's eggs.

Slightly taken aback by the sudden intrusion, Amerah seems to recover quickly. "And who are you?" She asks, looking to the others in the room with eyebrows raised.

[sunnybutt]

"Oh, heavens," I said, juggling the plate briefly, managing not to drop it, and offering my hand to shake. "Igni Fuhrersson, but I'll answer to anything except 'late for dinner.' New Employee, Specialist, delighted to meet you. I tell ya, these are delicious. You a cook, or just charitable?"

It being past one here, I'm going to crash. Good night and good luck.

[Waxpapers]

Spoiler: Igni

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I shoots Igni a look of irritation. "Many things in Vecna-Kal are not as they seem. For better, or for worse.". As Igni hustles into the kitchen, I pause near the entryway to hang up my coat and hat.

I lumber into the kitchen behind Igni, and place one large, meaty hand on Igni's shoulder. "This", he rumbles "is Igni. Telerence wanted a finger-wiggler, and this one promised to behave."

The last word is clearly directed at Igni more than at Amerah.

Crull is tall, wide, and not particularly comely, but moves with care around the tightly-packed guild hall. He is dressed in workmen's cloths- a simple homespun shirt, with leather boots.

Spoiler: OOC

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Crall, as our resident half-orc, will speak in green

[Zergrinch]

The young half elf sighs, as he fingers the small bag of rattling objects clutched in his right hand. To be honest, he was a little disappointed. His first foray with the Sanctum of Light was nothing more than some defective toys ripping up a few houses. No big deal.

In a way, it was quite reassuring. Having spent the better part of his early adolescence in a rag-tag guerilla fight against orcs, something this sedate was quite refreshing from a certain point of view.

However, doing such mundane tasks would not help overmuch in distinguishing him from the thousands of bards out there hoping to gain admission to the prestigious Vecna-Kal University of Magic.

Although he is now considered adult in the world of man, Zemzelett Gemblossom is still a sixteen year old teenager. Gangly, and looking more like a boy of 14, the half elf bard has a lot of growing up - and filling out - to do.

"So," he looks around tentatively to his compatriots in an attempt to break his awkward silence, "that was... tamer than I had expected. Is it always like this?"

[Sivarias]

As Igni's eyes sweep around the Guildhall, a handful of things caught his eye.

To the left-hand side of the entrance seemed to be an enchanted mirror that served as a message board. The mirror hummed along as the crystal below spun around with a soft green glow. That green light arced up into the mirror and seemed to power it. Messages flashed across the mirror, some an urgent red, others a more peaceful white. Carved above it where the words
It's more than seven years bad luck if you break it!
directly below that where the words
Check me for Jobs!

Through an opening in the back of the large open room, was a hallway with doors spaced on either side, the final back door leading to a stable unless Igni missed his guess.

The most puzzling feature were the stairs however. They hugged the eastern wall and looked precarious as they led up to what Igni assumed was a loft style 2nd floor. It was impossible to tell however, as a deep darkness, so thick you could cut it, formed a wall less than 5 feet from the rail-less landing. A nervous fear settled in Igni's stomach whenever he glanced at those stares, but quickly vanished if he looked anywhere else.

Spoiler: Stair Rules

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Make a Wisdom Save whenever you wish to try and walk up the stairs to the second floor. I will then describe how/if you character makes it up. Or I can let you know how far you made it before succumbing and you can describe the result. It's a fear based enchantment if you fail.

There was a closed door build into the area underneath the stairwell that was firmly shut, and curiously locked.

[sunnybutt]

I lumber into the kitchen behind Igni, and place one large, meaty hand on Igni's shoulder. "This", he rumbles "is Igni. Telerence wanted a finger-wiggler, and this one promised to behave."

"Whoa, hey," I say, sliding out from Crall's grip, "Let's respect personal space here. Wow, that's, that's quite a grip he's got there." I rap his chest with a knuckle. "Impressive stuff." I turn to address the assembled company. "Bet you're glad to have him with ya when things get sticky, amirite or amirite? Igni, as Big Bad Crall here pointed out, Igni Fuhrersson. Pleased to meet you all."

Spoiler: Procedural Inquiry

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Pacing Question: Do we want to bother writing introductory dialogues, or can our (read: my) characters know stuff that's been written out already, to streamline the "getting to know you" step? I ask because I've got a pocketful of fireballs and a powerful urge to roast something.

[Potato_Priest]

Spoiler: Quotes

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"Oh, heavens," I said, juggling the plate briefly, managing not to drop it, and offering my hand to shake. "Igni Fuhrersson, but I'll answer to anything except 'late for dinner.' New Employee, Specialist, delighted to meet you. I tell ya, these are delicious. You a cook, or just charitable?"

Spoiler: Igni

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I shoots Igni a look of irritation. "Many things in Vecna-Kal are not as they seem. For better, or for worse.". As Igni hustles into the kitchen, I pause near the entryway to hang up my coat and hat.

I lumber into the kitchen behind Igni, and place one large, meaty hand on Igni's shoulder. "This", he rumbles "is Igni. Telerence wanted a finger-wiggler, and this one promised to behave."

"So," he looks around tentatively to his compatriots in an attempt to break his awkward silence, "that was... tamer than I had expected. Is it always like this?"

"Ah, so you're the new mage.", Amerah remarked, with a hint of a smile on her face. "You might want to listen to Crall and follow orders, Igni. Our squad's been having terrible luck with the casters. We've been through two wizards in as many weeks. Damn university undergrads don't know when to keep their heads down."

Hearing Zemzelett's remark, she turns and shoots him a reply. "If our lives were in danger every time we went out on the job this wouldn't be much of a career, eh? Now why don't you all come over here and introduce yourselves to the new wizard?"

She then turned back to Igni and shook his hand. "I'm Amerah. Unofficial squad cook and one of our medics."

Spoiler: OOC On Wizards and Death

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I don't know whether Amerah is lying to scare Igni or telling the truth here. I'll let you guys decide based on which you think would be more amusing/make for a better story.

[Sivarias]

Stumbling footsteps can be heard from outside, staggering as if drunk. There's a heavy crash as something thuds against the reinforced wooden door and a bellow of pain. The words By Apollo’s Fire… can be heard before it trails off into angry muttering that seemed to promise dire consequences for inanimate objects not being where they were required to be.

After some shuffling and the clank of weapons being rearranged, a very disheveled half-elf with soft-brown hair and brilliant green eyes staggers over the threshold. A dirty tunic with the sunburst of Apollo adorned his chest. The dark circles under his eyes suggest he hasn’t slept in several days, as does the absentminded way he forgets to shut the door.

Who the fext takes a thrice-frozen cobblestone from infront of a door. I mean REALLY what in the world is going on when the FLOOR is being stolen. I’ll have to put a watch out at this rate…

The grumbling trails off as Telerence looks around the room. His wirey build doesn’t suggest much strength, but the heavy mace at his belt, and the heavy shield on his back suggested otherwise. It seems he was coming back from Apollo’s temple again, judging from the lack of worn armor.

Spoiler: OOC On Wizards and Death

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I don't know whether Amerah is lying to scare Igni or telling the truth here. I'll let you guys decide based on which you think would be more amusing/make for a better story.

Amerah! You guys made it back ok! And you kept the new fellow alive! Hrmm… Telerence looks directly at Zemzelett and pauses thoughtfully, Where did his number slate go? I can’t remember his name or his number right now, too tired. He waves absently at the rules, which are Painted on the wall to the left side of the hallways entrance.

Spoiler: Sanctum of Light Rules

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• Fresh Meat must wear their Number until (3) quests have been completed or Telerence's respect is earned
• If Telerence ain't happy, nobody is happy
• Don't ask about the spooky darkness upstairs, or why I sometimes sleep in my office
• Guild gets a 20% cut of all quest rewards, the rest is either divided up among st you, or put in a collective party fund if you can't stop squabbling
• Feel free to use the horses in the stables. Make sure to return them in working order. OR ELSE
• Failure to comply by the above rules will be considered forfeiture of any toys the guild has or may acquire in the future (Like Horses)
• Please don't die

Without waiting for a response, Telerence’s eyes light on Crull. You’ve made it back I see, any luck finding a proper caster to help you guys out the the more subtle magical problems?

[Waxpapers]

Spoiler: OOC re wizards

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I read that more as that they quit because the work was too hard, not that they died, but either works.

Without waiting for a response, Telerence’s eyes light on Crull. You’ve made it back I see, any luck finding a proper caster to help you guys out the the more subtle magical problems?

I give a toothy grin, and jerk my thumb in Igni's direction. "This one says he's capable. I don't know about subtle, but he says he's not from the academy, which means he's bound to be better than the idiots who come down from their ivory tower to play adventurer."

I turn to Amerah, taking a plate of eggs. "Sorry I missed the fun. Shoulda been there. Not good to have Nirah on the front lines alone."

[In4Dimensions]

“What’s going on here?” I mumble as I stumble into the room, walking into the doorframe as I do so. “I was up late last night and didn’t get enough sleep. I apologise.”

[Dapocalypse]

"Hello fellow people I just met." The wizard stumbles as he emerges from his room. "Id like to work on identifing these items." The wizard picks the vial of red liquid that pulses in a staccato rhythm and some eggs. "You can call me dapocalypse," he heads into his room to attempt to identify the vial.

[Waxpapers]

“What’s going on here?” I mumble as I stumble into the room, walking into the doorframe as I do so. “I was up late last night and didn’t get enough sleep. I apologise.”

I slide Alwyn a plate of eggs. "I brought a warlock. 'Merah and Nirah smashed a golem. We're out of ale. Anything new on the jobs board?"

[Dapocalypse]

"Wha?" His head peaks out of the door.
"A golem where."

[In4Dimensions]

I slide Alwyn a plate of eggs. "I brought a warlock. 'Merah and Nirah smashed a golem. We're out of ale. Anything new on the jobs board?"

“Buying some ale, I guess. Otherwise, no.” I say as I gratefully eat my eggs. “I woulda loved to go and smash a golem, but I broke my foot a couple days ago. The cleric only stopped by recently.”

[Dapocalypse]

"Guys where is the golem."
Now fully out of his room.
"I want to know where the golem is."

[Potato_Priest]

"The Golem wasn't too bad, the guards could have probably handled it themselves. The golem wasn't even interested in us, it just kept smashing house rubble while we sniped at its control gems."

Amerah picks up a plate of eggs and holds it out.
"Want some eggs, Telerence? Looks like you had a worse night than we did, and we were out killing a golem."

[Dapocalypse]

"Any other wizards or intelligence humans willing to help me decipher the potions effects," I say.

[sunnybutt]

"They killed the Golem, Dapo - dapoc - Dabo, Dab-a-dab, it's dead. So much rubble and disseminating ectoplasm."

I shouldered my way into Telerence's center of attention.

"Hi Telerence, it's Telerence, right? Igni, Igni Fuhrersson, Professional Wizard, so nice to meet you I'm sure. Listen, you look exhausted, so I'll make this quick. Okay? Okay. You were hunting arcane services, and your man~" I shot a look at Crall and correct myself "~Orc, found me. So I just wanted to get the terms of engagement nailed down with the boss." I stare at Telerence's stony expression. "No rush, of course! Haha," I titter, stepping out of his way, "can have that discussion anytime. Just wanted to make myself available to you. Mi casa es su casa, or,"
I hesitate, "possibly the other way around."

Igni casts about, unsure of his place in the social hierarchy and clearly impressing no one.

"Potions, was it? I'd be glad to lend my, uh, my professional opinion, Dapo."

[Zergrinch]

Hearing Zemzelett's remark, she turns and shoots him a reply. "If our lives were in danger every time we went out on the job this wouldn't be much of a career, eh? Now why don't you all come over here and introduce yourselves to the new wizard?"

"Yes, ma'am," Zemzelett gulps. "I just thought it would be a nice change of pace." Though, the half-elf's body language don't quite match up to what he was saying (DC (d4+9)[10] Insight).

Before the half-elf can introduce himself to Igni properly, Telerence comes in and speaks directly to him.

Amerah! You guys made it back ok! And you kept the new fellow alive! Hrmm… Telerence looks directly at Zemzelett and pauses thoughtfully, Where did his number slate go? I can’t remember his name or his number right now, too tired. He waves absently at the rules, which are Painted on the wall to the left side of the hallways entrance.

"Number slate, sir? I don't think I was issued one, sir. And it would take more than a malfunctioning mechanical toy to do me in, sir!"

It was clear that the half-elf was eager to gain Telerence's approval; after all, gaining admission to the University depends heavily on how good an impression he was able to make in the guild.

Igni casts about, unsure of his place in the social hierarchy and clearly impressing no one.

"Potions, was it? I'd be glad to lend my, uh, my professional opinion, Dapo."

Zemzelett is greatly impressed by the sorcerer's clear confidence and charisma. "Mr. Fuhrersson, sir. It's an honor to meet you. I'm Zemzelett Gemblossom, also new here, sir." The bard extends a hand.

[sunnybutt]

Igni gives Gemblossom a firm, honest to god handshake and fixes him in the eyes with a stare full of integrity.

"Nice to meet you too, Mr. Gemblossom. I look forward to working with you. Let's just see what we've got here."

Spoiler: Dapocalypse

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Igni and Zemmy are standing by to assist with potioneering.

[sunnybutt]

"Zem," I said, raising en eyebrow, "it seems Dapo has disappeared in a puff of yellow smoke. Let's check out the magic mirror instead."

[Sivarias]

“Buying some ale, I guess. Otherwise, no.” I say as I gratefully eat my eggs. “I woulda loved to go and smash a golem, but I broke my foot a couple days ago. The cleric only stopped by recently.”

A snapped I heard that! escapes from Telerance. It was your fault I had to rush off to the Apollo temple. You took the last of my bandages. Telerance shakes himself. Nevermind me I'm just glad you're feeling better.

"Number slate, sir? I don't think I was issued one, sir. And it would take more than a malfunctioning mechanical toy to do me in, sir!"

Let's check out the magic mirror instead."

Did I not give you a sleight young man? That doesn't sound like me, I'm not usually so absentminded. That is a mistake that needs to be rectified immediately. If you will follow me back to my office, as well as Crull's new recruit, we can get this shebang underway. Telerence stared meaningfully at Igni and Zem. Leave the mirror alone, Amerah can show you how it works later if you behave.

I slide Alwyn a plate of eggs. "I brought a warlock. 'Merah and Nirah smashed a golem. We're out of ale. Anything new on the jobs board?"

Speaking of! Crull, you know how to read, check the jobs board yourself. That being said, thank you for finding a "finger wiggly" I know your distaste for them is hard to overcome sometimes.

With a glance at the second floor landing and a mumbled Not bloody likely after the night I had... the words trail off imperceptibly as Telerence makes his way down the back hallway to his office.

Spoiler: When you see Ellipses and Perception checks

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If an NPC trails of in ellipses (...) that means they are still talking but more softly, simply roll Perception if you wanna eavesdrop.

[sunnybutt]

"A finger-wiggly," I said flatly. "Right, it's a teeny bit more complicated than that," (OOC: It really isn't) "but I guess that's why you pay us the big coins." I followed Telerence into his office. "Oh, since I've got your attention, I'd like to talk to you about the insurance picture here. I have a few exciting ideas."

[Zergrinch]

Zemzelett follows Tellerance and Igni to the office. With the charismatic sorcerer making more than enough chatter for the three of them, Zem quietly takes in the office surroundings.

Perception: (d20+3)[4]

Not that he would perceive anything much, as Igni's incessant talking proves to be a major distraction.