Eberron: The Corruption

[DiscipleofBob]

The Deneith Enclave in Karrlakton, Karrnath.
Date: Late Olarune

The bitter cold in Karrnath is especially noticeable in the winter months. Even inside the walls of the Sentinel Tower, you can't help but feel a slight shiver. Or maybe it's just the way this job is set up. You are an adventurer, you've done this before, but it just seems... different. Two major differences from the standard job: first, the pay, which was promised to be enormous. You wonder if even House Deneith really has this much money to throw out to adventurers. Second, the guards seemed to be really nervous, especially the closer you were lead into the inner chambers, where 5 other figures awaited you. Your companions for the journey, you assume. The room is large and, although well-furnished, seems very dark and cold. Everything seems almost awkwardly quiet. There's a table and several chairs in the center of the room, but they look very uncomfortable.

Finally, your host walks through a set of double doors at the far end of the room. The man stands tall with broad shoulders, and stares at you with a cold military stare. He speaks with a clear, strong, commanding voice. "Greetings. I am Baron Breven d'Deneith. Thank you all for coming on such short notice. I'll get straight to the details, as the lightning rail you'll be on is leaving in an hour. You will be escorting a prisoner to Korth, where he to be interrogated by the tower of the Twelve. This is a delicate operation, one that requires you to be inconspicuous and cautious. While this operation is supposed to be supported by all the Houses, we've received some information that some of the other Houses do not want the prisoner to reach Korth alive, and may attempt something. Exactly who will be involved I cannot say at this time. This is why we're transporting the prisoner on a common supply car. Remember, part of your payment goes towards keeping quiet about this mission before, during, and after its completion. I will do best to answer any questions you may have, but there is little time to waste."

[Lycar]

Darren stands, arms folded behind his back and listens silently, stealing a glance at his compatriots every now and then. He seems to be fairly detached but then again, it is hard to say, as the lower half of his face is obscured by some sort of mask.

Darren isn't very tall, just about 1,64 m (about 5' 6") and a bit on the skinny side, without being gaunt though. He keeps his dark brown hair cut short and together with his grey eyes, he looks mostly .. unassuming, plain even.

He is wearing a thick cloak because of the winter cold. The bulge on his back either covers a humpback or a backpack. Probably the latter.

As far as one can see under the cloak, he is wearing a standard travellers outfit, his boots seem to be of excellent craftmanship though. When he moves, the faint clink of metal can be heard by the more perceptive ones.

(An escort mission. Ah well, not too different from bringing back a deserter i suppose. Only usually the deserters weren't meant to be executed until after their delivery...)

Spoiler

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The more perceptive ones might notice the twin daggers he wears on his tights as well as what appears to be the handles of 2 hand crossbows at his sides, tucked in in an odd angle (for a hand crossbow).

Lycar

[Darkantra]

Surge

The tall warforged next to the masked man stood stolidly during the Baron's speech. It's ink-stained soarwood and mithral hands were an odd contrast to the huge axe resting across it's back, a contrast mirrored in the mix of explorer's and scribe's gear arrayed on it's person.

Interesting, one would think that House Deneith itself would be able to handle a simple transfer.

Glancing at the others in the room only once before the Baron spoke and once afterwards, it speaks in a slightly echoed but decidely male sounding voice before any of the others get the chance to.


"I only have one question Baron, does this prisoner possess any abilities that could aid in their escape if we were attacked or do they even desire such a thing?"

[Dustyme]

Gander being that could be considered small even for a Halfling paces around the room looking at various objects he touches an expensive looking vase ticking the side and listening to it a few times. As he walks around he pulls a blanket out of a haversack and wraps it around himself.

“Nice piece, I think it might even be goblin…”

Gander looks up at the other individuals “I’m Gander by the way.”

He walks over to the table up behind a chair that is much taller than he bracing his legs and setting his hands on either side his noisily slides the chair back and forth finally getting it out far enough to sit on.

“Dang this thing is rough. You think in a room with a fancy vase they’d at least have some comfy chairs, maybe even a cushion or two. Bumpy chairs, cold room, these people need to visit an Inn. I wonder if they make the prisoners sit in these things to break their will?”

Gander continues wiggling for another minute before jumping to his feet and again circling the room.

When he gets behind the Warforged Gander sees the shiny axe.

“Nice Axe!”

Gander walks up behind the Warforged and begins fixing his hair, twirling a curl here and straightening a bad part there using the axe as a mirror. His head being a being a bit below the axe heads height on the Warforgeds back he has to jump a bit to make ends meet.

“There! Now I feel presentable.”

Gander walks around the front of the Warforged and puts out his hand smiling.

“Thanks friend. I needed a bit of a fix.”

When the Baron walks in Gander stops ogling the valuables and listens intently managing to only shuffle between and behind people a few times.

“Sir, who is this prisoner; and why or more importantly which houses want him dead?”

Unable to contain himself any longer Gander pulls out a silver coin and begins rolling it on his knuckles rapidly soon adding a second and third coin.

[Kevka Palazzo]

The Karrn had been relaxing since he'd arrived. The cold Karrnathi weather felt welcoming and familiar against his skin. But the unease of the Sentinels in the Tower was contagious, and by the time the incessantly restless and annoyingly talkative halfling began moving around and jabbering, he was downright paranoid.

Glad I wore my armor after all, he thought.

He quickly scanned the various other adventurers, taking into consideration the people who were likely to be his comrades for the upcoming assignment. The warforged's presence was reassuring. He assumed the halfling would be working with them, and groaned mentally. The dwarf looked like a warrior, and he knew he could trust dwarf honor. The masked human gave him pause for a second, but he knew that some adventurers had strange habits. The brown-clad human warranted a glance at the bastard sword he wore and nothing more.

When the Baron arrived, he listened intently, and was about to ask the same question the halfling did. So he waited for the Baron to answer.

[DiscipleofBob]

"I have only one question Baron, does this prisoner possess any abilities that could aid in their escape if they were attacked or do they even desire such a thing?"

"The prisoner turned himself in. It's highly unlikely that he even has any desire to escape. Even if he did, the prisoner is a feeble old man whose only value is the knowledge he's agreed to give us for asylum."

"Sir, who is this prisoner; and why or more importantly which houses want him dead?"

"I think it's best if I leave out the specific details for now. These walls don't seem to be as thick as they once were. If you prefer, you can ask the prisoner once you board the rail. As for the opposition, I don't have any solid evidence towards any specific house, and I daren't risk falsely accusing anyone, not in circumstances such as these."

[WillWolf]

Gawair:

He stood toward the side, but still directly facing the man who was addressing them. He was a non-distinct man, dressed in black cotton and leather clothing: slightly expensive, but not flashy. He had a nice black cloak and simplistic bag, but the most distinct thing about him was his hand and a half sword: distinctly beautiful in it's simpleness. A sharp eye would see his arcane signet ring and the house outline on his scabbard.

He looked stern, standing toward the side, but attentive, in a non-militant sense. He had no doubt that Vandelis was not one of those houses that had interest in this area. Still he kept more or less silent, guarding a prisoner on a train, but the rush job was still a bit interesting. Regardless he shrugged and nodded his head in agreement.

"How long is the train trip?"

[DiscipleofBob]

"How long is the train trip?"

"It's only to Korth, so you should arrive before dawn tomorrow.

[Kevka Palazzo]

Alokor mulled over the new information in his head before responding.

"Any chance the prisoner had other enemies outside of the disapproving houses? I imagine, with the sum we've been promised, that the chance of attack is likely."

He continued standing straight and alert. Not military as such, but respectful.

The job reminded him of an escort mission he had done almost a decade earlier. He never did find out what that Thranite turncoat wanted to tell his superiors, and he never asked. Higher-ups generally didn't tell the help such things.

[GimliFett]

Azgrim d'Kundarak

The dwarf stood in silent attention as the Deneith patriarch outlined the situation and parameters. The haft of his warhammer rested on the polished floor, with the head standing chest-high on the tall dwarf, where Azgrim rested his hands atop the balancing weapon. Affixed to the head is a crystal the color of a cloudless sky.

He wore full plate armor, minus the helm, that gleamed brightly. A silver clasp with crystals shaped like stars adorned the center of the breastplate. A heavy darkwood shield was slung over the dwarf's back adorned by a cabachon-cut blue sapphire; those looking closely notice a flint arrowhead somehow rests within. His broad leather belt is adorned with three moonstones.

He waits impassively for the other's questions to be asked and answered, knowing his own skills and talents lay in defense and offense alone, he would have nothing to offer in a discussion of their charge's past or future, save it be to reassure his host and employer that he would do his best in his duties.

[DiscipleofBob]

"Any chance the prisoner had other enemies outside of the disapproving houses? I imagine, with the sum we've been promised, that the chance of attack is likely."

"Yes, the organization he defected from has already made several attempts to free him. As for what organization that is, I believe that is a detail best left unsaid for now. Suffice to say that you probably wouldn't know it anyway. We've already switched the escorting parties several times, and this is the final stretch of the prisoner's transfer, so expect the enemies' most dangerous attempts at this time."

[Lycar]

Darren finally raises a hand, indicating that he had to say something.

Upon being recognized, he asks:

"It would be useful to know what tactics our opponents have used so far in their attacks? You know, proper pre-fight preparation prevents poor performance."

It was hard to tell if he was smirking under the mask or if his face was still dead-pan.

Lycar

[DiscipleofBob]

"It would be useful to know what tactics our opponents have used so far in their attacks? You know, proper pre-fight preparation prevents poor performance."

"Unfortunately, all we've seen so far are different mercenary groups, no specific tactics that we could analyze, but I doubt they'll hold back this time."

[Lycar]

Darren nodded and fell silent again.

(Mercenaries. Well, makes sense if whoever is behind this wants to maintain anonymity. And if this is indeed the last leg of travel, it is their last chance to strike. At least in a supply car there are no bystanders to worry about. Hm. A decoy maybe... couple of caltrops to the obvious exits... )

Lycar

[Kevka Palazzo]

Alokor purses his lips, thinks a bit, and asks:

"Was the lightning rail cleared of passengers for this trip?"

[DiscipleofBob]

Alokor purses his lips, thinks a bit, and asks:

"Was the lightning rail cleared of passengers for this trip?"

"It's a supply train, not a passenger train. The only other person aboard is a member of House Orien to run the rail. He's already been briefed and is waiting at the station."

[WillWolf]

"For the duration of this mission may I intrust my mount at the house here? It's too short notice to find adequite board." That was a bit of a half-lie, he probably could find adequite board, but not easily, even for him.

[DiscipleofBob]

"For the duration of this mission may I intrust my mount at the house here? It's too short notice to find adequite board." That was a bit of a half-lie, he probably could find adequite board, but not easily, even for him.

The baron raised an eyebrow at Gawair quizzicaly. "We use the local Vadalis stables for most of such needs. Surely you, of all people, should be able to find free shelter for your horse. Regardless, I see no reason why you can't bring your horse with you on the train."

Taking one last glance around the room, Breven was satisfied, pulling out a case and setting it on the table, opening it to reveal six stacks of Kundarak bank notes. "Consider this a down payment to pay for any expenses for the mission. You will receive the rest upon the successful completion of the mission. I suggest you hurry, especially if you need to make any last minute preparations." Breven waits for everyone else to take their share of the money and leave.

Spoiler

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((All players receive 1000gp worth in Kundarak bank notes.))

[WillWolf]

Gawair

He sighed. Yes he could, but in truth he didn't really want to be a bother. He wasn't the most well respected man in the world, and sometimes, well, he didn't really know who to trust. House Vadalis was well protected no doubt, but he had his own problems in that house, and sometimes when a farmer had a problem with another farmer they would make an example out of their beast. Considering his predicament, and to stir that soup too often was to ask for trouble, and truthfully he acknowledged his own shame.

The horse would just have to come with him, short supply or not, it would. Besides he had no doubt that Tristram could use for the excursion. He was pretty much the only animal that still had some sort of respect for him. Once upon a time he could quell even the most dangerous of beasts, ironically he had an almost "silver hands" but now, he was only just typical and a typical member of the house was not well appreciated: ignored really.

He nodded to his He took his money and nodded to his traveling partners, "Meet you at the station." He had to go out and grab his horse, she would be coming, but he had no desire to have her break a leg. Following that, or rather preceding that as he could grab the horse in ease, he would need a new belt. After his last mission with house Deneith, well a healing belt would be best. The rest of the money would go back into paying off his debt.

((ooc: from a meta-standpoint, I will keep the money until a little later, then I will deposit it. Who knows when you might need it again?

Could someone give me the crunchy bits for a healing belt?))

[GimliFett]

Azgrim d'Kundarak

The knight bows respectfully to the Deneith patriarch. "It shall be done as you require," Azgrim offers in his powerful bass voice. He picks up his down payment and places it within a pouch beneath his armor. He hefts his warhammer in his right hand and lifts his helm from it's place by the door as he exits. "I will also meet the rest of you at the station."

Once outside the Deneith enclave, he heads directly for a Kundarak bank to deposit his scrips, not wanting to carry so much cash on hand, before joining the others at the lightning rail station.

[Darkantra]

Surge

Surge spends a good minute just staring at the bank note, marveling at the exquisite detail put into each of the markings and wondering at whether or not he could decipher each and every protective mark on it if given the time.

Seeing two of the others leave jerks him out of his reverie and Surge nods to the Baron. He looks at the others still present, his eyes flaring in what may be amusement at the halfling.

"I'm off to procure some repair items for myself, I'll see the rest of you at the station."

[Lycar]

Darren Carpenter

Darren nodded his agreement to the terms of the contract, then got in line to pick up his own stack of notes.

(Hm.. 1000 gp worth in notes. Nice. Maybe i should invest in a few healing potions. They might come in handy. Maybe a quick stop at the crafter quarter is in order. Save the rest. Maybe save on a lighter chain shirt. Mithral is costly but worth it from what i heard...)

Darren picked up his stack of notes and quickly counted them. Not that he didn't trust his employer but it was a matter of professional courtesy. Of course he found everything to his satisfaction. Not that he had expected otherwise.

"We meet at the train station then. I'll be there in time."


Lycar

OOC: It is quite a drag to get on the boards lately... pages take 5+ minutes to load, if they load at all.

[Kevka Palazzo]

Alokor quickly scoops up his bank notes, gives the Baron a military bow, and makes for the exit.

"I need to purchase a few potions that I believe will be useful. I will be at the rail quickly."

[Dustyme]

Gander walks over and picks up the scrip pondering over it a moment, he then tucks it into his shirt and leaves the room with a skip and a hop tapping his fingers as high as they can reach on the doorjam.

Poking his head back into the room after a second he says
"Oh yea, which train are we getting on and will there be legal papers for us to use at border crossings? If not I need to go talk to some gnomes..."

After recieving his answer and hopefully some traveling papers and a warrent, Gander leaves the premises and works his way over to the local House Sivis documents provider to get some papers. After getting his paperwork in order Gander makes his way to the Lightning Rail station to look and see if anything funny is going on. Once there he patiently waits (in the shadows) for the others to show up.

[DiscipleofBob]

Spoiler

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((Um... Korth, your destination, is in the same country, so your question about papers is kind of moot.))

"Don't worry about finding the right train. You'll have no trouble finding it at the station."

The sun has already gone down, by now, and it hasn't helped the cold any. The Orien station is for the most part, abandoned, as operating hours are over. Only one five-car train is still present, with a young man in official looking garb befitting of a House Orien conductor waiting impatiently by the fourth car.

[GimliFett]

Azgrim d'Kundarak

The knight approaches the conductor and nods congenially. "Azgrim d'Kundarak. Where's the cargo?" His words are abrupt, but his manner is friendly as he offers his hand to the Orien scion.

[Darkantra]

Surge

After visiting a local Artificer's shop to buy a few self preservation items and a Kundarak bank to deposit the rest of the advance, Surge walks to the station. Arriving in short time he ignores the House Orien conductor and kneels down by the tracks to inspect the conductor stones.

Truely amazing, I hope that I get the chance to see one of these being made some day.

When Azgrim arrives and blurts out his greeting Surge jerks out of his reverie and approaches the two.

"I am also here for the transport," he says to the conductor before turning to the dwarf, "Hello, Azgrim d'Kundarak, I am named Surge," Surge holds an inkstained hand out to the dwarf, "Have you seen the others?"

Though his introduction is polite his gaze keeps getting drawn back to the conductor stones and his red eyes glow in an appraising look at them.

[GimliFett]

Azgrim d'Kundarak

Azgrim smiles at the warforged and takes the proferred hand in a warrior's grip of respect. "I have seen no others as yet, though it is possible they arrived before me. What do you do, Surge? What, aside from writing, apparently, is your specialty?"

[DiscipleofBob]

"You're late," the young man says in a stiff, disapproving tone upon you arrival. "Your charge is in the fourth car. Don't bother me unless it's an emergency, and whatever you do, stay out of the last car. It's privately owned."

Those of you who make deposits at a Kundarak bank note a bit of commotion happening with the workers, but nothing too unusual.

[GimliFett]

Azgrim d'Kundarak

Arching an eyebrow, the dwarf asks coldly, "Privately owned, but currently unoccupied, yes? Otherwise we already have issues, Orien."