Heroes of the Golden Generation! [IC]

[digiman619]

Lena groaned. The whole reason she joined GAPP-DIMS was because of their advanced equipment, and now she was going to not only be sent away from campus to go galivanting off with these shmucks, she also still had to do the homework from school, except without said equipment to do it on. No, that won't stand. "Okay, I could stand being pulled away from school. I could stand being forced to use a field kit rather than the proper facilities at GAPP-DIMS. Hell, I could even stand being put into a potentially life-and-death situation by working with these dudes and going on an investigation. But there is nessun modo all'inferno that you expect me to do that and keep up on my homework. C'mon!", she said, dipping into Infernal to curse.

[bcool999]

The dwarf representative chuckles wickedly at Lena before saying, ”Ya better speak to yer supervisor ta next time ya see ‘er then shouldn’t ya?”

[SwordChucks]

Zo'dar has been board-straight the entire meeting. He salutes and says to the gathered dignitaries "Xander has had my allegiance since birth. Merely point me in the direction of this Cult of Blood and I'll send them to whatever infernal afterlife awaits them."

[meemaas]

Hannibal slings his arm around Zo'dars shoulders. "This is a man after my own heart."

[bcool999]

Seeing that much of the questions you had were answered, King Xander says, "Very well, the rest of the day is yours to prepare as you see fit. You may wish to speak with your respective organizations as it sounds like Miss Lena will in regards to her studies. Make what preparations you may need as it may be a while before you return. Tomorrow, you all will set out to the Western Frontier where agents from the crown's information organization are already deployed and searching for clues as to the Cult's activities and headquarters in the area. You will meet up with them, and hopefully they can direct you closer to the Cult's base of operations."

Looking to each of you for a moment, the King continues, "As you may know, the Western Frontier is something of a self governed province on the edge of the kingdom."

"He means it be ta lawless armpit of Xander." the Dwarf representative supplies before turning away from the glance King Xander sends his way.

"It is an area that represents a unique opportunity for citizens who want to start a new life, enjoy the solitude and challenge of homesteading, or even attempt to gain wealth and prosperity claiming resources or establishing settlements." King Xander continues before adding, "Unfortunately, it is true that some fail to make the best of their opportunity or fall on hard times and turn towards the more expedient pursuit of banditry. Nevertheless, many of the communities that form the frontier are made of honest hardworking folk that have grasped their success with their own hands and defend it fiercely. It is truly a shame to learn that this Cult might be spreading it's insidious influence in that region."

Looking to each of the group individually once more, the King carries less concerns in his voice as he says, "You all are dismissed to see to your preparations. Lodging for the night will be covered by the Kingdom and each of you are welcome to bed tonight in the castle guest rooms if you wish. Otherwise, you may stay at any inn in the city should you prefer more informal accommodations."

[lostsole31]

Messr. Masson reports to Thariat.

[meemaas]

Before leaving, Hannibal asks one last question. "I assume the Abbot already knows about this? Did he inform you about my situation?" Assuming either that anyone says he didn't, or any kind of look from his fellow Golden Children, Hannibal will go into detail. "One of the techniques I have learned reduces the inhibitions of my Ki as long as I forswear material possessions. All I can own are the clothes on my back and my heirloom compass, otherwise the materialism hinders my Ki. As such, any payment, treasure, or other reward that would ordinarily be attributed to me is to be sent directly to the Monastery."

Once he's gotten his response and given his explanation, he heads outside and looks for a comfortable tree. He is used to sleeping in a cot, and as such would not like to mess that up by sleeping in a comfortable bed. Once he's figured out the tree he wants to sleep in, he heads out of town to spend some time in the wild until nightfall.

[digiman619]

Lena splayed her hands. "I mean, I'm not going to pass up a nice comfy bed. Does the room have it's own shower, or is there a baths that I can hit up before bed? Oh, and..." She goes on for a bit checking on what amenities are being offered.

[SwordChucks]

"Stay in the castle?" Zo'dar says with wide eyes. He bows so deeply and quickly, it looks like he might headbutt the floor from a standing position. "If you insist, I'll take advantage of your hospitality. I'll make sure to get cleaned up first." he continues as he idly puts a finger through the spear-hole of his tabard.

He marches out to give a full report to his chain of command and humble brag to the other Torch Bearers.

[silphael]

"Visiting your guest rooms would be most appreciated indeed."

Turning back to his human looking self to go into the castle, Sekyrn seems quite keen to explore it.

[bcool999]

The King claps his hands twice to summon a group of maids to come and escort those who wish to stay to their rooms and explain the amenities, and a maid or two to escort those who wish to leave the castle for the night. The King also leaves along with the Federation Representative, but Theriat and Masson remain behind to discuss in private.

Zo'Dar reports back to the Torchbearers before returning to the castle to rest. While at the local Torchbearer chapter house, he is asked if he wishes to accept a task.

Lena will be pleased to learn that the castle does in fact have access to hot showers or heated baths if she so wishes. Upon returning to her room, she is informed that she has a visitor. It's Professor Spinwhistle!

Hannibal takes a walk outside of Refuge. The nearby lands are well patrolled and routinely cleansed of Undead infestation. Allowing for farms and planted fields to flourish as far as the eye can see. He also stumbles upon a suitable tree for sleeping on his walk, if he doesn't mind trespassing onto a farmer's field.

Sekyrn is free to explore the castle... within limits. Some places like the Kings office or the royal family's quarters are obviously forbidden, but many of the gardens and terraces are open to be explored. It is while exploring one of the gardens that Sekyrn spots a familiar face, it is the Veteran that was leading Sekyrn and another pair of younglings before the attack this morning.

Spoiler: OOC

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Sorry this took so long. Left some hooks that you guys can choose whether or not to pick up. You can either RP interacting with your faction (or finding a place to sleep for Hannibal) either here or via PM on Discord should you wish to keep things private.

[SwordChucks]

Zo'dar raises an eyebrow at being offered a task. This day had already been so action packed. "Gladly Captain. What is my mission?"

[bcool999]

A new day rises with the morning sun as our heroes rise and ready themselves for their day.

Those who stayed at the castle are invited by the servants to breakfast at the guest dining hall where they are treated to a selection of breakfast foods.

Hannibal is greeted in the morning by a wary farmer with a pitchfork asking Hannibal to get off his land.

Whatever circumstances they wake to, they eventually head off to the Portal Square in the commerce district of Refuge. There they will take a Portal Arch to Expedition, the closest human settlement to the Western Frontier with a Portal Arch leading back to Refuge.

Spoiler: History or Local DC 10

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Portal Arches are the backbone of commerce in the Xander Kingdom. While roads are unsafe with the threat of highwaymen, beasts or undead, Portal Arches allow for the citizens of the Xander Kingdom to travel between the largest settlements in comfort and ease.

Spoiler: History or Arcana DC 20

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The mages of Humankind under the direction of their king raised the first Portal Arches almost four hundred years ago. These impressive constructs allow for instant travel between two points merely by walking through. Each arch is paired with another in a distant location and the destruction of one destroys them both. To this day, it is said that neither the gnomes nor elves have figured out the secrets to their construction.

Upon the party's arrival, you all notice that security at the Portal Square has been heightened in general, but with the Arch leading to Expedition being especially tight with all peoples arriving or leaving to Expedition being closely questioned and inspected.

What do you do?

[lostsole31]

Spoiler: Messr. Masson >>> Xo'Dar

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"Xo'Dar," Messr. Masson says to the half-orc quietly, "Can I get you to step up with me? The people here might be thrown by our stranger fellows. Hannibal is human, but perhaps a bit too severe?"

Assuming Xo'Dar helps (and even if he doesn't), Messr. Masson reports to whomever is in charge at Portal Arch. "Good morning, five of us from the court of the king and his allies on official business to Expedition, please."

[SwordChucks]

Zo'dar's excitement at being at the castle keeps him from falling asleep at first, but eventually the softness of the pillows and the lack of snoring from his fraternity send him on his way.

Now beaming and well fed, Zo'dar gathers with the others. "But ofcourse Messr." he says while striding toward the gate staff. "Zo'dar of the Torchbearers to assist him on special assignment." He salutes.

[digiman619]

Lena was feeling a bit sluggish; the bed in her room was amazingly comfortable, but eventually her stomach won over and she got up, eating a bit more for breakfast that she usually would. Because it was amazing food, obviously. All of which had her feeling not at 100%. For a second, she considered grabbing her rifle to show she was armed and a part of the group, but that almost certainly wouldn't go well.

[meemaas]

Hannibal's morning was spent cooking a small rat he came across and killed before he rejoined with the party. As a result of this, he is currently with the party tossing a rat head around, letting the others speak until he's addressed.

[bcool999]

As the party declares their presence the guards are initially wary, obviously not expecting you, but then a young officer approaches to handle the situation much to the relief of the rand and file guards. The officer who appears to be a human man in his mid to late twenties approaches the party and gives a crisp salute as he introduces himself, "Guard Corporal, Jeffrey Cooper. I have been assigned as a liaison to assist you during the course of this investigation. It is a pleasure to meet you sirs and madam." The Corporal's eyes dart to the rat head being tossed in Hannibal's hands, but doesn't speak out on it.

Spoiler: Jeffrey's Pic for an idea on how he looks (pretty generic)

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[SwordChucks]

"Fantastic Corporal, glad to have your help." Zo'dar says while giving a too vigorous, but friendly, handshake. "I think we're all pretty excited to get started. What can you tell us about the mission?"

[lostsole31]

"Bonjour, Messr. Cooper," says Messr. Masson with a gracious nod, "I am Messr. Masson of the Elven Kingdom. I am an ancient lorekeeper, though likely not the smartest person here," he adds with a self-deprecating smile. "This is Zo'Dar, surprisingly erudite and eloquent. Over there are Sekyrn of the neighboring beastlands. Then we have your countryman Hannibal (don't mind the rat). Lastly, the last is Lena Gearsocket. It is said there are only two things she cannot fix: the crack of dawn and a broken heart.

"What are your mission parameters as liaison, Lieutenant Cooper?"

Spoiler: Pronounciation

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He pronounces that rank as LYOO-ten-ANH, not LOO-ten-ent.

[bcool999]

Cooper eyes the nearby area, noticing both the guards and the crowd at the busy gate terminals before gesturing to the party to follow him through the portal to Expedition. “Perhaps it would be best to walk and talk. I can show you to the space that has been provided for your investigations while I explain my role.” Cooper says, and assuming the party’s cooperation begins to explain after passing through the Portal, “I have been tasked with aiding you in your investigation in several capacities. I will aid in familiarizing you with the local authorities in Expedition, give directions to any goods or services you shall require over the course of your investigation, and aid you in seeking suitable transportation around Expedition. I will also act as a point of contact for any packages or correspondence sent to you. I am also to aid you in utilizing the authority granted by the King and other Alliance Representatives until such a time that I am no longer required to do so.”

While he was speaking, Cooper had also been guiding the party through the streets of Expedition. Which, while not nearly as busy as the streets of Refuge were the previous day, are still busy enough for the Corporal to need almost 5 minutes to explain part of his duties while dodging pedestrians and making way to your destination. The short walk seems to have led the party to an iron gate set in a similarly iron fence surrounding what appears to be a two story residential building complete with it’s own wooded parkland. To the side of the gate on the property grounds is a small guardhouse that Cooper leads you to after pushing open the gate.

“Here we are,” Cooper says after securing the gate behind the party, “This property shall be your base of operations of sorts while the investigation is ongoing. It has beds, kitchen facilities, offices, a small workshop, and plenty of space for training martial and magical skills. It also allows for more privacy to discuss further details of the investigation. We just need to get you registered at the gatehouse here and then you can come and go as you please without the wards stopping you.

[lostsole31]

Messr. Masson gives a signal with his outstretched hand as if to say "after you" or "lead the way."

[digiman619]

Lena had rolled her eyes at Messr. Masson's introduction (she preferred blowing stuff up than repairing it, honestly), but she didn't bother to correct him. Now that they had gotten through the busy streets to get to the guardhouse, she couldn't help sigh at her accommodation. It wasn't exactly the luxurious suite she'd had at the castle, but it'd have to do. Aloud, she remarked "Do we at least have the whole place to ourselves? I don't want any more roommates than I'm already obliged to have."

[SwordChucks]

Zo'dar perks up some more at the thought. Do we get roommates? Are there bunks? I've never gotten to have a top bunk before. The other Torchbearers were too nervous the frame wouldn't hold." He shifts his pack around to be more comfortable.

[silphael]

Smiling as ever, Sekyrn looks at the bunks.

"Those look perfect to sleep under ! Or above. I never remember how I'm supposed to do it."

[bcool999]

As the group files into the guardhouse to register themselves to the arcane lock of the property's gate, Cooper tries to answer their questions as he is able.

"It shall just be your party and I here on the property, and I will be staying over here in the guard house." Cooper says as you go through magical registration which mostly consists of placing your hand on an orb while Cooper also has his hand on the orb, "You can decide sleeping arrangements in the manor as you wish, and the garden should provide sufficient shelter for those with more naturalistic living needs."

[meemaas]

"Was that farmer that annoyed with me? I figured he'd be happy, what with me fertilizing some of his crops and all." Hannibal laughs a little, while scouting out a place where he feels comfortable.

[lostsole31]

"Do you have a room overlooking the garden?" asks Messr. Masson.

[digiman619]

Lena nods in appreciation. With just them and Cooper here as a liaison, she would have some space. She then checked out the place, checking for a room that had the greatest proximity to the lab and/or baths.