Bertram's Shadow: Misfits

[Breten]

Staring down at the invitation in your hands you read the strange silvery script again to make sure that you have the address right. In precise, elegent letters you find the words you have read probably a hundred times since a grey cloaked figure handed you the invitation under the strangest of circumstances

Greetings Bold Adventurer!
It is with great pleasure that you are hereby invited to attend Bertram's School for Adventurers! You come highly recommended to us and you have been granted a scholarship to cover all tuition and room and board. Classes begin 2 days after Highharvestide. To enroll in the school present yourself on the first day of class at the backdoor of the Happy Harpy Inn in Arabel. From there you will be escorted to famed Castle Fastflow. Please arrive before dusk. We can not vouch for the safety of those whom arrive late. The Ogres get hungry after dark.

You look up again at the faded sign nailed over the door in a foul smelling alley in one of the more unsavoury parts of town. The crude painting seems to depict a harpy sitting on the chest of a adventurer eating his heart. Above the sign in barely legible common the letters Hape Harpe in what you sincerely HOPE is red paint.

You take a deep breath, and immediately regret it as the stench of human waste and other more unpleasant odours assaults you. Finally you step up and knock on the door.

The door flies open and you are staring up at a very large, very ugly ogre wearing faded leathers, and incongrously a spotless white apron.

What do you want?

The creature bellows at you.

Hestitantly you hold out the invitation.

Oh. Your another one of THEM. Well then, hurry along. I ain't got all day. Why I let that charmer Bertram talk me into playing housemother to these wet behind the ears want to be adventurers I'll never know! I swear that man could charm the tentacles of an Ithillid if you give him the chance. Well! Don't stand there gaping! Follow me.

The large matron of the Inn leads you through a back hall and up a flight of rickety stairs. At the top of the stairs the points you to the door of what appears to a broom closet.

There you go. On with you. I don't have time to sit holding your hand all day! The ogre growls at you in a strangely affectionate gravelly voice.

You grab ahold of the door nob of the closet and open it. Inside instead of cleaning supplies (which you doubt would ever be used in such a place) you find a doorway of shimmering silver light. You stare transfixed at the portal. You had heard of such things...but to see one..in such a place as this.

Enough dawdling! cries the ogress On with you now!

And with a firm shove you are pushed into contact with the portal and your world shimmers and disolves around you

[lostlittlebear]

(I'm just posting first because I want to reserve RED!)

Julius tumbles into the strange new world with a undignified "eep"! Brushing himself off, he timidly surveys his new surroundings.

"Hello, anyone there?"

[Breten]

With a wave of disorientation and nausea you find yourself suddenly standing before the front gates of a massive castle. The walls are masterfully hewn and atleast 50ft high. The gates are of wrought iron and a worked with intwined dragons fighting each other. Below you a path leads down a hill into woods. In the distance you see the Immersflow river and a village on its shores.

Ah. I see you made it. Excellent. We have been expecting you. Welcome to Bertram's.

You turn to see a dour man whom you would guess to be in his forties dressed in plain my high quality black and grey clothes. Around his neck he wears a silver amulet worked with the sigil of Bertram's: A dragon entwined around a harp.

There will be an assembly at dusk is the parade grounds. In the meantime you will be lead to you quarters. You have been assigned to the Blue squad.

He touches his amulet and a small blue ball of light appears in front of you.

Follow this and it will lead you to your squads barracks. Stow your gear and get to know your other squadmates. Food will be available if you wish it. When to bell tolls the light will lead you to the parade grounds. Do not go exploring. The castle has many defences magical and mudane and wandering the wrong place could lead to....unpleasantness

With a gesture of his hand the wide doors to the castle swing open and he walks through disappearing into the darkness inside almost immediately. When you have the presence of mind to follow...he is gone. You stand for a moment gaping at the long hall filled with tapestries, priceless art and weapons and suits of armour on display at regular intervals. Then you notice the light bobbing in front of you with a start. As you turn to look at it, it begins moving down the hallway, and you are forced to jog to catch up to it. It leads you through several twists and turns, and down a set of stairs. Already you feel lost in the vastness of the place. Finally you emerge through a large door into an open area. The walls of the castle extend in all directions and you realise they must be over a mile square. The light leads you to a cluster of small one storey building, each marked over with a different colour sign over the door. YOu follow the light to the building marked with a blue sign.

Entering the building you find a clean open room with 6 bunks each with a small footlocker at its foot. Through door from this room there is another smaller room with table with 6 chairs around it, and a servingtable which is well stocked with fresh bread, cheeses and cold meats. There is also well watered wine, some kind of berry punch and and water offered. A quick look into the final door reveals jakes and an area to wash.

As you turn back into the main room you realise that others have arrive.

(Feel free to describe yourself and do introductions in character)

[Kyroswolf]

Gamiel surveys his new surroundings from atop Gizmo as they follow the light through the castle. Upon finding the quarters he deposits his backpack on one of the beds. He also leans his half-spear against the wall with his shield and removes Gizmo's saddle, briddle, and saddlebags. "This is certainly more than we are used to isn't it, Giz? What's this?" The gnome and the dog closely inspect the jakes and wash areas as they have never seen them before. Gizmo thoroughly fills himself and even Gamiel takes a sip, both very thirsty from the journey.

Remounting Gizmo, Gamiel returns to the main chamber, "Oh, hello there. Name's Gamiel Dinasegehed and this is Gizmo." He dismounts and pats Gizmo on his flanks, reaching up to do so.

The pair look quite odd their, a small Gnome standing beside a truly massive dog. Gamiel is dressed simply in loose clothing of forest greens and browns. He could easily disappear into nearly any wooded area in the world. His face is young but his green eyes betray the wisdom behind them, but none of the mischievousness his kind is known for shines there.

Beside the small Gnome stands Gizmo, his nearly constant drool poring from his open mouth, tongue lagging out has he pants to cool himself, still a little tired from their travels. His short dark brown fur is well groomed and filled with wrinkles that hide the dogs strength beneath them.

[Adjudicator]

Torgal Wynn

Torgal entered the Happy Harpy Inn, looking forward to a restful night. The journey from the Stonelands had not been easy, especially since he practically had to pass the school on his way. Being from outside Cormyr proper, Torgal had never really seen a large city before. The Stonelands were not a place to cultivate civilization and the only real knowledge of Cormyr Torgal had came from the random Purple Dragon Knight patrols that he would see from time to time.

Following the massive ogre up the stairs to the portal, Torgal is literally speechless in awe. He had heard of high magic and how common it was elsewhere, but had never expected to see something as amazing as a portal for traveling. Stepping through, he adjusted quite rapidly to the scenery around him, recognizing the world beyond the walls as similar to his home in the Stonelands. Following the light from the well-dressed man at the portal's exit, Torgal took in the sights of the school.

Upon entering the bunk room, Torgal immediately took off his fairly light pack and claimed one of the top bunks by removing his chain shirt and slipping it onto the mattress. leaving a simple cloth shirt of nondescript brown to match his leather leggings. He marveled at the softness of the bed; living off the land with his tribe had meant a blanket and a tent was normal sleeping accomodations. Torgal wasn't too sure about sleeping under a roof, this cut off from the outside world. Still, it would be nice to sleep on something this soft, he thought.

As he leaned his longspear against the wall next to his bunk and stashed his pack in one of the footlockers, Torgal heard someone exiting the door at the end of the room. Turning, he had to struggle to keep his jaw from dropping. Torgal had never seen a creature so small as the one walking out next to the rather large mastiff.

"Oh, hello there. Name's Gamiel Dinasegehed and this is Gizmo."

Torgal roused himself with a start. "Good eve, Gamiel. I am Torgal Wynn, of the Windstrider tribe. I wish you peace on your journeys and strength in your battles," Torgal replied automatically, using his tribe's common greeting for strangers. Torgal hesitated and then plunged ahead with the question building behind his eyes. "If you don't mind, Gamiel, what, exactly, are you? I don't know that I've ever met someone as small as you, and if I had, I would expect Gizmo there to be having you for lunch!" Torgal continued with a grin.

As he spoke with Gamiel, Torgal stuck his head through the other doors and, seeing the food laid out, immediately went and picked up several pieces of fruit and bit into the first one that came to hand.

[Lochar]

Tarrin enters the portal cautiously, giving an odd look at the ogress. As the wave of disorientation passes over him, Tarrin comes through the portal hands raised, his fingernails actually slightly elongated.

At the peaceful reception, he shakes himself. Then follows the bouncing light, stretching out his walking pace a little to keep up with the quicker moving ball of light. Someone's having fun with this, I can tell.

Noticing the others already in the room, Tarrin nods to them. "Tarrin Kael. Nice to meet you both. I assume we're roommates?" He holds out a well calloused hand to the taller of the two, and then squats to offer it to the smaller one. You can notice he wears a ring, reasonably well made. He then throws his backpack onto one of the unclaimed bunks closest to the door."So... who else do you think they'll toss in here with the lot of us?"

Tarrin looks at the door, nearly completely black eyes focused on it for a moment, before shrugging and pulling of a helm, running his hand through thick brown hair.

[Kyroswolf]

"If you don't mind, Gamiel, what, exactly, are you? I don't know that I've ever met someone as small as you, and if I had, I would expect Gizmo there to be having you for lunch!"

Gamiel laughs a bit at Torgal's straightforwardness. Maybe these new people won't take as much getting used to as he thought. He hops atop Gizmo, who follows Torgal into the other room. "I am of the race called gnomes. We are a small people known for our curiosity and a penchant for illusions. For example." Tulkin gestures towards the table. Above the food appears four balls of light which begin to perform a magical dance as they zip around each other. "I, however, grew up in the forest, away from my kind so I do not have as much skill as some of my kind do. I prefer being with my friend here." He reaches down an pats Gizmo.

"As to why he doesn't eat me? Believe it or not when I found him two years ago I could hold him in my hands. He was barely weaned. He appeared to be the last survivor from the litter. I found his mothers body, as well the bodies of several more pups. I took it upon my self to raise him, and he has been my best friend ever since." Gamiel pauses has he laughs slightly. "The funny part is, Gizmo was the runt."

Gamiel joins Torgal at the table. He takes several fruits and nuts for his plate, and passes some of the meat to Gizmo, who had already dragged a good helping onto the floor himself.

"So... who else do you think they'll toss in here with the lot of us?"

"There will be more? This is certainly going to be a crowded place, Gizmo."

"Why don't you share abit about yourself?" he asks his two new companions.

[Randel]

Lukas

A young man enters his room wearing clean everyday clothes and carrying a bag of his things. A small black raven perched on his shoulder, he looks a bit shaken and nervous, he looks around the room to find a place to sit down.

"Inns with pictures of harpies on it... a ogres matron... swirling portals leading to a school in a huge castle..."

He shakes his head at it all and looks to the Raven on his shoulder. "What have we gotten into, Sampo? This is like... something out of a fairytale or a bestselling series of childrens books." The raven on his shoulder glares at him. "Okay, okay... but now I'm starting to think I should have been studying my history instead of reading those Lar..."

"Oh, hello there. Name's Gamiel Dinasegehed and this is Gizmo."

Lukas blinks as he sees a gnome and his dog chatting with a man with a longspear.

"Yeah... probably."

He gathers his courage and approaches them, figuring good first impressions are what he would need the most.

"Hello, I'm Lukas Breen and this is my raven Sampo. So, did you guys have to go through a magic portal to get here too?"

[Lochar]

Tarrin

"Myself? Orphan. Since I was all of..." he pauses for a moment, thinking. four I guess. I grew up a street brawler. Surprised the hell out of my to get some guy in shadows showing up offering my a schooling. Figured I'd be on the streets for life." Tarrin nods. Sounds about right.

He looks to the new arrival. "Weird ogres, magic portals, schools in castle? Check. Howdy bunkmate. What's your story?"

[Adjudicator]

Torgal Wynn

Torgal nodded as Gamiel spoke. "Amazing, Gamiel. Well, it is truly a pleasure to meet you. I enjoy new things, and you definitely qualify. And a good eve to you as well, Gizmo."

Torgal reached out to shake the hands of Tarrin and Lukas as they entered and introduced themselves, repeating the traditional greeting he had used with Gamiel.

So, did you guys have to go through a magic portal to get here too?"

Torgal nodded his reply as he finished off a mouthful of apple. "Aye, and a strange and wondrous thing it was. The magic of this place is used so commonly that it still amazes me. In my homelands, we rarely see magic in use except for the dragons, when they fight, and the clerics that normally accompany Cormyr's Purple Dragon Knights. There's no doubt that this will be a strange land to live in."

Torgal stood and stretched, looking out the windows at the setting sun. "Apparently we'll be called for at Two Bells, sometime around dusk. I hope we find out more about our classes then. I'm looking forward to learning more from these folks. Bertram's is famous in the Stonelands."

[Randel]

Lukas

Looking to Tarrin, Lukas answers. "Oh, I grew up in a small town quite a ways from here... we ate well but it was a small town and when I started displaying an affinity for magic my father didn't want my potential wasted. So, after a while he was able to get me a scholarship to learn here. Hopefully with professional instructors I'll be able to really do something."

Sampo meanwhile looks down at Gizmo, tilting his head curiously as he looks at the big dog.

[Kyroswolf]

Myself? Orphan.

This statement brings back dark half memories and hidden emotions within Gamiel. His expressions saddens for a moment as he ponders the parents he never knew.

Hello, I'm Lukas Breen and this is my raven Sampo. So, did you guys have to go through a magic portal to get here too?

The question brings Gamiel back to himself and he brightens again as he answers,"Hello, Lukas. Names Gamiel and this is Gizmo. Yes we come through the portal. I've see scrying portals before, but that was the first portal I've ever traveled through. Gizmo needed a bit of coaxing for that one."

I'm looking forward to learning more from these folks. Bertram's is famous in the Stonelands.

"I'm also quite looking forward to classes, though I must say it was more curiosity than reputation that brought me here."


Gamiel finally notices Lukas's intrigue with Gizmo. "Go ahead. He only bites on command," laughing at his half joke.

[Randel]

Lukas

Lukas blinks at this and then reaches down to pet the big dog on the head. His raven Sampo flutters off of his shoulder as he leans down and lands on one of the bedposts, looking around the room from his new vantage point.

[Lochar]

Tarrin

Tarrin looks around at the beds and chairs. Six beds and chairs, room for six. Wonder if we'll end up with two more, or if our headmaster has a sense of humor and gave beds to the pets?"

Tarrin shrugs and lays down on his bed, looking up at the ceiling. "Doesn't really matter though." He stops and thinks for a moment. "Weird guy said dusk is when we'd get called, right? I'd love to have a look around this place, but I'm really fond of my skin, and I'd rather not lose it to what he so affectionately termed unpleasantness."

He sits up. "Although, I'd hope we get an actual person to lead us, instead of following the bouncing ball again."

[Kyroswolf]

Gamiel hops from Gizmo's back onto the bed where he placed his pack. "I'd certainly prefer a guide or map for at least my first day here. After that, I'm sure Gizmo and I can find our way around. Oh if any of you guys are thirsty they have water in basins in that room." He points to the door leading to the jakes and wash basins, just as Gizmo pushes his way inside and can be heard lapping happily from one of the basins.

[Darkantra]

Essel Lightningfoot

The journey from outside Suzail to Arabel had been easy, though Essel purposefully dogged his steps. He hadn't been sure that going to this school was the best thing to do but there weren't really any other options. After arriving in Arabel it only took a little asking around before someone pointed him in the right direction. When he knocked on the back door it practically exploded outwards from the force of the Ogre matron's push. Essel had to wave to get her to look down. After the bellowing introduction he was led to the closet, where the shimmering portal beckoned to him.

"Umm, are you sure this is sa--AAHH!"

The ogre's shove sent him head over heels through the portal. The world blinked out and then swerved back into focus, and only quick reflexes kept him from landing face first on the dusty trail. Surveying the castle Essel gives a low whistle. "If there were any place to make some money," he thought, "It'd be here."

After getting filled in by the grey-dressed man Essel began following the blue light, giving several whistles at the tapestries and armor that lined the wall. He eyed the other passages curiously but held back his desire to explore. The blue light led him into the courtyard and up the path to the blue themed building. He could hear other people from inside the door, and after a moment of pause he mumbled, "Well, here I am." and opened the door.

A quick glance showed him four people and a raven in the main room, three humans and a gnome all chatting with each other.

"Hi, I'm Essel Lightningfoot, guess you guys got the mystery invite too."

He nods to each one in turn, smiling, then moves to the second-last empty bunk to drop his belongings.

Essel is dressed in mostly leather and wool, firm traveling gear, and moves with the quickness of all halflings. His dark eyes speak of intelligence but the most noticeable thing about him is the preciseness in his movements.

[Kyroswolf]

Gamiel looks quickly over the newcomer from his bed then hops to the floor. Offering his hand to Essel he introduces himself and Gizmo. "Glad to know I won't be the shortest of our group, barely." Gizmo comes beside Gamiel sticking his nose to the back of Essel's head, sniffing loudly. Essel is possibly the first humanoid Gizmo has encountered that is similar in build to Gamiel.

Gamiel calls to Gizmo as he returns to his bed. Gizmo hops atop it as well laying at the foot of the bed, taking up even more room than Gamiel laying with his head on the pillow.

[Darkantra]

Essel Lightningfoot

"Glad to know I won't be the shortest of our group, barely."

Essel chuckles at that and shakes the gnomes hand

"It's always about the height, good to meet ya though." He stiffens a bit at the enormous dog snuffling him and manages to squeek out, "Good boy..."

Once the gnome and his dog settle down in their bunk Essel does the same.

"So, anyone know we got invited? I'd have to say that it isn't normal to be invited to a prestidgious academy out of nowhere like I was."

[Lochar]

Tarrin

"An odd invitation was my introduction as well. I'd half feared I was about to be caught by the local guard's mage for some idiocy. I haven't stolen from anyone in years."

Tarrin shrugs. "As for anyone knowing we were invited? I assume that the headmaster would, as would anyone that is supposed to directly deal with us. Other than that? Most will assume we're here just as anyone else is."

[Darkantra]

Essel Lightningfoot

"At least it's good to know that I'm not the only one without a clue. So, who is everyone here? Like I said, I'm Essel, trained in the art of scouting."

[Kyroswolf]

"I am what many call a druid, a follower of nature. I was quite surprised by my invitation to come here. I had heard some of it's reputation, but never expected to attend." Gamiel is laying on his back, his eyes closed. Gizmo is snoring soundly loudly at his feet.

[Adjudicator]

Torgal Wynn

Torgal hoisted himself onto the top bunk, as the room started to fill up.

"I am Torgal Wynn, of the Windstrider tribe. I am a representative of the clan of Brass dragons that lives near my tribes hunting grounds." Torgal paused to attempt to recall a memory. "I cannot say that I know who exactly handed me my invitation. It was a cloaked figure that was with a company of Purple Dragon Knights who assisted my tribe during a dragon fight. I never did see his face, but the commander of the Dragon Knights swore that it was a legitimate offer, so my elders felt I should at least make the journey."

[Darkantra]

Essel Lightningfoot

Essel brightens after hearing Gizmo speak of his vocation and a big grin fills his face.

"A druid, that's great! My mentor told me a lot about those who follow nature's path. It's great to meet another wild walker. And dragons?" he lets out a low impressed whistle towards Torgal, "You probably have some tales to tell."

The halfling stretches out and flops down completely onto his bunk.

[Lochar]

Tarrin

"Like I said before you showed up, I've grown up on the streets. I'm a brawler by nature and need. I don't mind wearing a bit of armor to stop the occasional blow, but my fists and fingers are all I need for weapons."

[Breten]

Your conversation is suddenly interupted by the door flying open and a high mocking voice loudly announcing:

Well well. I guess the rumours are true. They do let in a bunch of charity cases and losers each year. I guess someone has to pull down the bell curve so the merchant brats can manage to pass

Framed in the failing light of the door way stands a individual in heavy plate armour. He is not tall, but almost as wide as he is high and obviously muscled underneath his armour. A greataxe hangs across his shoulder, and the blazing sword of Tempus is emblazoned boldly across his chest.

He steps arrogantly into the room, looking around with obvious distaste at each member of the group. Immediately behind him two beautiful women stride in, one in dark black leathers with long raven hair to match, and the other in a very low cut green dress, expensive jewelry and chestnut brown hair framing her face in tight ringlets.

Ugh. And they even let in demi-humans...and dogs. I swear I don't know what Bertram is thinking. And this one, he looks to be a barbarian of some kind. Does this school not have any standards? mutters the black clad beauty, acting as if the party was not even there. But the other female looks over each of the group with a slow smile, lingering on Torgal with a brazenly speculative look on her face

Don't be too hard on them sister darling. Not everyone can have Silver blood now can they. Besides the big one there looks like he could be....entertaining

[Lochar]

Tarrin

Tarrin, still resting on the bed, raises an eyebrow at the woman, before raising a fist. He lifts the fingers, showing off the ring for a moment, before the fingers all fall except the middle. The finger seems to elongate for a moment into a sharp pointed claw. "Want to play?"

[Adjudicator]

Torgal Wynn

Torgal bit back any anger as he slid off his bunk and stood beside Tarrin's bed. Barbarian he might be, but Torgal had learned to ration his anger and store it up for when he might need it. The Stonelands were no place for uncontrolled rage, it just got you killed. Besides, he recognized a ploy to provoke someone when he saw it.

Still, one had to admire the sheer bravado behind Tarrin's response and Torgal cracked a grin. Until he remembered the lady in green. Torgal always had been a sucker for red-haired ladies. The barbarian lad swallowed a little less maturely as the woman in green's sultry smile grew.

[Darkantra]

Essel Lightningfoot

Essel flips up from his bunk and lands near to his gear, not at all happy about the demihuman comment.

"Don't bother with the 'ladies', Torgar, Tarrin. By the way they dress," the little halfling gives them a raised eyebrowed look as he scans their bodies, "They're already used goods."

He keeps his eyes on the big man though, ready to pick up his shortsword if the axe-weilder starts trouble.

[Breten]

The large cleric explodes into laughter at the halflings words

On that you can be sure pipsqueek!

The dark clad woman's eyes turn in settle on the cleric in a steely way that suddenly silences the clerics laughter with quiet promise of revenge, but woman in green merely smiles.

There now little one. Such harsh words. It isn't very friendly now is it. But you DO want to be my friend, don't you?

Spoiler

Show

As the woman leans seductively over the halfling both Essel and Tarrin both notice the sudden flick of the womans fingers in strange movements but react too late to do anything

Essel gets a will save (1d20+1)[21]

and makes it

both can make a spellcraft check to try to recognise what just happened

[Randel]

Lukas

"I guess someone has to pull down the bell curve to the merchant brats can manage to pass"

Lukas blinks at this, though he remains quiet standing behind the others. He's not really comfortable with conversations and thinks to himself. "Wait, did he just say 'to' instead of 'so'? What the hell kind of person mistakes a t for an s? And he came all the way over here just to annoy us with his floo... I mean girlfriends? This seems strangely familiar."

Remembering his parents advice on dealing with girls... or more specifically dealing with girls who dress like jailbait. He avoids looking at them and thereby doesn't notice when she cast a spell (which he probably would have easily identified if he had seen it)

He just stays in the background and tries to not get involved.