Flight of Dragons

[boxboy582]

You find yourself in a rather small, dank room on an unseasonably warm Autumn day. The room, itself, measures 15ft x 12ft. Rather uncomfortable benches line the grey walls, providing the only seating other than the dirt floor. The only other article in the room is a small basin containing holy water. If it wasn‘t for the fact that you knew this was the entrance to the Church of St. Cuthbert, this basin would be your only clue.

A group of 6 (yourself included), occupy the room. A Halfling and a Human sit in the corner, keeping mostly to themselves. The Halfling is dressed in loose fitting clothes; at his side, a sack filled with musical instruments clunks as he shifts his weight on the stiff bench. The Human, adorned in green dragon scale armor opens his eyes and mutters for the Halfling to remain still. He then returns to his rest. The Halfling’s mouth hangs open, ready to protest, but he just as quickly clamps it shut. Resound to his boredom, he stands on his bench and tries to wipe one of the yellow windows clean.

Upon closer inspection of the duo, you notice that the Human looks rather ‘roughened up’. Several scars line his face and hands. A patch of skin on his left cheek looks fresh in pink, a stark contrast between the rest of his tanned, weather beaten skin. A sword hangs at his hip in a magnificent scabbard with etchings of a dragon on it. At his feet lays a bow at least as tall, if not taller, than the Halfling.

The Halfling looks young, even for his kind. Your best guess is that he is in his mid to late teens. He has a young and lively face. His eyes never seem to stay in the same place for long. You’ve each had your turn under his sparkling gaze, before it darted away to something more interesting. Unlike the Human, the Halfling appears unarmed. His loose fitting green and brown clothing and the bag seem to be his only possessions.

You have all been waiting in this room for close to half an hour. The notice had given the time and date to arrive, but shortly after then a rather large, bald man told you that the trip would be pushed back shortly because of an “unforeseen circumstance”. With that, he left and he, nor anyone else for that matter, has come back.

The Halfling, resound to the fact that the window will never clean up, plops back down on the bench, his feet singing back and forth.


[OOC: tonberryking: Sorry about this, but your character isn’t there yet. The whole being a captive thing is playing in right now, but you’ll be in soon enough.

As for now. Everybody may make introductions and such. Get acquainted. ]

[Ryuuk]

Ciel

On one of the benches is a tired looking raptoran. He sits crouched down with his wings acting as a cloak, wrapping themselves over his body. His only extremities not covered by this feathery blanket are a pair of sharp looking talons, partially hanging from the edge of the stone bench, and a head covered in brown feathers instead of hair, it's eyes shifting between a bored like mid closed or a sleep like full closure. After said head moves back and lets out a deep yawn, the eyes seem to open up entirely in a surprised expression before trying to hold on to the form of an alert look.

Determined not to let it happen again, his wings unfurl enough to let his gaunt legs drop to the floor and his hands caress his closed eyes before resting on his lap. Now hunched over, he lets his wings fold up behind him. "So... All of us here saw the ad I assume?" He turns to each of the others in turn and continues. "Well, if we're going to be traveling to Solchar together, it might be a bit more comfortable if we at least knew each other's name." He pauses again, looking at each of the others before continuing. "I'm Ciel, it's a pleasure to meet you all."

[Pink]

The Human in the dragon scale armor sighes as a person finally speaks up for introductions. The halfling smiles and his glittering eyes turn towards the raptorian, mouth opening with the corners turned up in a smile, before the Human opens his eyes and sits up straight, beginning in a gruff, raspy voice, as though his lungs or throat had once born damage. "I'm Riktor, this is Giddy who sometimes isn't as useless as he looks. I don't particularly care who the rest of you are, but you might as well know my name. Personally an escort job is beneath me but I can't find any marks lately, damn cowardly dragons." He says, arms crossed and seeming determined not to say much more. Satisfied with his 'introduction' he closes his eyes again, gives a small scratch to the pink spot on his face, and leans back again.

The halfling, smile turning into a brief from from being interrupted, quickly patters close to Ciel. "Actually, my full name is Gideon Quicksnap. I'm Sir Riktor's herald. He's a very accomplished dragonslayer you know, amazingly strong and-"

"Gid! Shut up and sit back in your chair. And be still, gods damn you. Honestly." Comes a bark from the Slayer, the halfling jumping nearly a foot in the air before giving a small pout and returning to his chair.

[dual_wielder]

A tall, black-skinned, seemingly human man sits on the bench next to the feathered Raptoran. His broad chest and muscled arms indicate that he is some sort of fighter. Around his head one can see faintly glowing rune-like letters, although it is hard to say what they mean. He holds his head high, his eyes staring straight ahead. Upon closer inspection, his eyes are glossed over and he is, in fact, nearly asleep. A strange, black longsword rests at his hip, and a shield leans against his leg on the floor.

He starts a little at Ciel's comment, and sighs before turning to his neighbor and responding in a deep, pleasing baritone voice.

Ciel, is it? You may call me Irisian, or Iris if my full name is too difficult to pronounce. And yes, the ad is what drew me to this place. What I have heard of Solchar certainly makes it sound great. I hope that the bald man returns soon, though. Patience was never my biggest strength.

With that, Irisian leans his head against the wall and closes his eyes, his body visibly relaxing and his breathing becoming slow and deep.

[Crystall_Myr]

Tabatha

Sitting on the bench opposite of Irisian and Ciel, a woman, with long, bright red hair falling over her eyes (the silver circlet she wears doing nothing to help), stares quietly into the blade of the sword on her lap. Long, feathered wings, draped over her shoulders like a cape fold out from her back, signifying that this human is different then most. She wears a chain shirt, of a shiny black metal, reflecting what light hangs over the room. A simple pair of pants, as well as leather boots, adorn her legs, showing signs of years of hard travel.

Twirling her tangle of hair absently, she continues to stare into her sword, perhaps the most interesting thing about her. The hilt shows an intricate design of flames, spiking outwards. The blade, reflecting more light then seems to be possible, bears a diamond-like shape at the base — widening, then narrowing back into a width about that of a longsword. However, it extends outwards past what you would expect, the entire weapon being only about five feet long — long for a typical sword, but short for a greatsword.

She doesn't move to respond to any of the talk, keeping silent for now.

[Zyks]

On the bench opposite the raptoran and Irisian sits a relatively tall human. Although he is young, he has a definite battle-hardened look about him; especially the lack of a left eye, a patch covering the scars. His attire is clean, and good quality, but looks well used, and is certainly not just for looking good in. He is armed and very dangerous, a longsword scabbard decorated with blue lightning hangs at his left side, and a composite longbow is slung on his back. He is sat with his right foot resting on his left knee, and is fiddling with a dagger.

He smiles and laughs quietly as the halfling jumps, and listens to the others polite conversation, and looking around at these strange people before talking himself

" 'm Xander; just in this for cash. Saw the ad an' here I am."

[Ryuuk]

Ciel

"So curiosity, money and..." Ciel gives one last look at the winged woman, hoping for a response. "...private reasons. All good motivations I would say." His senses were beginning to wake up, he'd tried to fix his schedule before the date, but there was only so much one could do.

"Well, I've seen Solchar on my way to Mt. Nevermind, but I never actually stopped there. I haven't done the trip in years though, the roads aren't what they used to be. No, I guess I'm here to travel." He pauses. His hand goes to his chin in thought before shrugging. "And to meet the kind of people who answer to these ads."

[dual_wielder]

Irisian nods at Ciel's comment. He is not thrown by the man's strange appearance, because he himself is what many people consider to be "strange".

I know what you mean. I guess I should have seen this coming... Me as a sword for hire...

Irisian's eyes lower slowly to the ground as he shakes his head, apparently lost in thought. "What my men would say if they saw me now... working as a cheap mercenary in a human city. How could I have let that happen..." he thought to himself. He leaned forward, rubbing his eyes in his palms. He then looked up at the strange, winged woman sitting across from him.

Excuse me for prying, but I do not believe you have introduced yourself? It seems that we should at least know your name if we are to put our lives on the line together. I can assure you that travelling the roads to Solchar these days is no safe journey, and some level of trust would be helpful.

[Pink]

"Ah, traveling, what a very good reason." The halfling pipes up, continuing even after his words start to earn a glare from Riktor.

"I absolutely love to travel myself, have been my entire life. I was fortunate enough to be borne in a proper halfling caravan you know, that's why I can make such a bold boast. But traveling really is the best path in life, pardon the pun. My old Gramps, bless his soul, used to say that each road you walk is a new story waiting to be made. He'd know too, great man he was, traveled clear around the islands. He even once visited the frozen island to the north, ole what's-it's-name, and met some people there. Well, didn't really meet, more like chased off the island by a mob of fishing spear wielding islanders, but it's the principal of the thing you know. Then there was this one time when-"

"Oh bloody hell, look what you've done. Giddy, no one cares about what your dead old gramp did, if he even did it, now shut up and wait patiently or so help me I will stitch your mouth shut and nail your bottom to the bench!"

This comment at last from the dragonslayer seems to put a slight chill down the halfling's spine and he complies. The leader of the group seems entirely uninterested in the introductions of others going around the room.

[Crystall_Myr]

Tabatha

At the sound of Irisian's speak, the woman's head snaps up, and glances around for amount as if she had just woke up. She brushes the hair out of her eyes, and looks at the man,

"Oh, sorry," she nods, "I'm Tabatha. Tabatha Heartstep.

She takes a moment to actually notice her surroundings, looking at each member.

Quite the group we have here...

She nods approvingly, liking the experience those around her seem to have. Everyone here, except the halfling, perhaps, held that look in their eyes that said they knew exactly what they were doing and no one would get in their way of it. A sign of power.

Standing up, she replaces the sword on her back and comments, "It's feeling a bit stuffy here. I'm going to step outside and grab some fresh air," and with that, moves to open the door, and stand right at the entrance to the church.

[Zyks]

Xander looks up when Irisian mentions being a sword for hire.

"Nothing wrong with being a sword for hire, tis good money when yer get it, I should know. Best thing I did since leaving Carver was going mercenary.

[dual_wielder]

Irisian looks at Xander and nods. He chuckles a bit to himself before answering.

Aye, I meant no disrespect. I was just saying that this is not exactly where I would have expected to be 5 or 6 years ago. I have no problem with the average mercenary, I am just not used to this line of work. I have always been a fighter, so I guess it should have been obvious that I would have landed myself in a situation like this.

Irisian chuckles once more and smiles towards Xander. He sighs with impatience. "How long can they expect us to wait in this cramped little room?" me mutters to himself.

[boxboy582]

From the other side of the room, a door creaks and a figure walks in. Clad in Red Dragonscale armor, the man closes the door behind him, clears his throat, and flashes a toothy smile to you all. About 5’9” in height, the man is built quite solid. His weather beaten face shows a little sign of worry that fades as he enters the room. His brown, dirty hair falls just below his jaw line, which is covered in stubble. As he pushes his hair behind his ears, you notice that they are slightly pointed. This is the only sign that shows the man to be a Half-Elf.

“Hello all. How’s everyone doing? Miss, if I could get you to come back in, we’re about to get started.” He motions for Tabatha to return to her seat. “I apologize for the little delay, today. We’ve had something…..unexpected, come up and we’ve been working to deal with it.” He throws a glance over his shoulder to the closed door. Returning his gaze to the room, he flashes another smile and continues on.

“My name is Hemil. I’ll be leading this little expedition to Solchar for the church. I’m glad we were able to get a few able bodied men to answer the call.”

Hemil takes a few steps forward to the basin in the center of the room. He dips his fingers into the Holy water and dabs some on his forehead, whispering a silent prayer to himself. Returning his attention to the room, Hemil glances around and sighs.

“Your jobs will be to ensure the safety of this little caravan. As you all know, we're heading to Solchar. Anybody who's been on the roads for the past 2 years will be able to tell you that this isn't the safest trip. The roads aren't what they used to be. But thats why you are here. He smiles again.

Are there any questions before we take the final steps before leaving?”

[Zyks]

XAnder speaks up with questions, "Yeah I have some. First off, how big's the caravan? number of people carts etc. Any particular threats which are more common on these trips? And how long will it take to get to Solchar?"

Spoiler

Show

SInce Xander is used to mercenary work, he likes to get an idea of what he's up against, and better specifics of the job before he actually goes and does it. Also what town are we in now? did I miss something on that or are we not meant to know

edit: oops, Idelhar in the first post on recruitment, I assume thats where we are?

[Pink]

"And most importantly, how much are we looking forward to in payment?" Riktor says, sitting up from his leaning, resting position to look at the Warrior-Priest, giving the pink spot on his face another scratch. "I dare say I'm not going to be wasting my talents on some simple caravan job if the price isn't going to match what I can offer."

[Crystall_Myr]

Tabatha nods and sits back down when asked. After Hemil finishes talking, she adds her question, as well, "So what's so special about this road anyways? Seems like a lot of fuss."

[boxboy582]

Hemil cuts his eye roll off halfway. Obviously payment wasn't something he intended to cover, nor was it what he meant by 'questions'. He decides to try and proceed as tactfully as possible.

You will be compensated for your troubles by the church once we reach Solchar. Since it is a 4 day trip to Solchar, if we don't run into too much trouble, you'll be paid 500 gold pieces a day. It shouldn't take more than 4 days time to get there, so don't expect much more than that. That is also assuming you do your jobs and keep the caravan safe.

His attention shifts over to Xander and he gives a little smirk. Well, I gather this isn't your first time. Is it? He chuckles at his own sarcasm. Hemil takes a moment to remember all of Xander's rapid fire questions and then another moment to think of the answers.

As for your questions: Where to start?He nods to Xander and gives a little laugh. Well, the caravan consists of myself, everyone in this room, seven of our priests, and some......special cargo. He takes a moment to choose the last words very carefully. Hemil moves on quickly. All on a single cart, so not the largest and most difficult to protect. Lucky for you all.

As for what we may encounter, Hemil shrugs your guess is just about as good as mine. The roads are never the same, from one day to the next. He smiles to Xander. Would it matter, anyway? Would I scare you off if I said a dragon was in our future? You're all mighty warriors! Nothing should scare you away. Plus, what would want to attack a little church caravan that you couldn't fend off with ease?

He's playing with you. That's easy enough to tell. However, there is something about it. A serious tone underneath the good nature. Not enough, to insult you, but enough to make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.

Hemil smiles and glances around the room.

Any other burning questions I may answer for any of you?

[Crystall_Myr]

Tabatha

A bit unnerved by the half-elf's tone of voice, Tabatha shakes her head to get any fear out of her mind. "Mighty warriors, sure," she comments, "but we did not get to where we are by not knowing what we're up against," her eyes narrow a bit, "in my experience, that's a good way to get yourself killed," She pauses, "Special cargo?"

[Zyks]

looking around at the others, Xander mutters "Seems like an awful lot of fighting power for one little cart and a few priests, must be something real special. Never mind, the pays good."

[dual_wielder]

Irisian taks in everything being said in silence, his eyes remaining closed for the duration of the questioning period. His face breaks into a smile and Xander's latest comment.

You speak wise words, Xander my friend. I say bring on the beasts. There are enough of us here to give whatever those roads have got to offer a good fight. If I managed to survive out there for months by myself, a strong group like ourselves should be able to make it for 4 days right?

Irisian gives out a deep, booming laugh before winking at Xander and leaning back against the cold wall, his eyes closing again. This time, however, the possibility of combat causes his smile to linger on his face for a few seconds before it is replaced by his normal stoic posture.

[Ryuuk]

Ciel

Rubbing his chin while the others asked most of the questions, Ciel simply listened to the voice of experience in this line of work. Hemil seemed to respond with tongue in cheek, but he looked like he knew what he was doing. "I just have one doubt, which I think I may share with Tabatha. Why the need to be so vague about the cargo? After all, you seem to be trusting us with your lives as is."

[Zyks]

Xander smiles briefly at Irisian, and then listens to Ciel

"I agree, I'd feel better knowin' what we have to protect so badly. Wther you want to tell us or not, I say we get moving soon"

[boxboy582]

Hemil nods. But of course. Only great fools would not want to know what they're protecting. I'm glad to see that you are not great fools. Lucky for us. He chuckles again about his own good natured sarcasm. If you're all ready to get going, then, and there are no other questions, I can show you just what you'll be protecting.

Satisfied that the groups questions have been answered. Hemil spins on his heel and opens the door, quickly walking through it.


Through the door is a decent sized courtyard, with few trees scattered in the open area. The courtyard is surrounded on all four sides by the church buildings. An archway is the only possible way out for the tiny cart also located in the courtyard.

Hemil nods you over in the direction of a large circle of priests, their heads bent in furious prayer. Hemil says to you all in a whisper:

Good. It looks like they're almost finished. We had to take some extra precautions, but it will all be worth it in the end. Come on, I'll show you what we're taking. Hemil smile with excitement and leads you all closer to the circle of priests.

You can hear the priests all murmuring, in unison, a tongue that none of you can comprehend.

Once you reach the edge of the circle, you can see a figure held prone to the ground. The figure looks like it is being held in place by invisible bonds. A pair of curved horns follow the beings head and scales cover most of her body and patches of her face. Her feet, it is a woman as far as you can tell, are obviously draconic.

Hemil whispers to you all once again:
The church heard about her. She was wandering the countryside causing terror to all. It actually breathes fire. Can you believe that? Well, the church is taking her along with them to Solchar to be put on trial. My guess is that they're going to try and cure her of her condition. It looks like they're just finishing up the last bit of the restraint system.

The murmuring has grown to a crescendo. The clerics throw their heads back and their hands to the heavens as their chanting comes to an end. The sound still reverberates in the courtyard for a few seconds before disappearing.

Satisfied with their work, the priests begin to leave, going about their own business.

So we're taking her He motions to the figure on the ground and seven others. I believe they're pulling the last of their belongings together as we speak. Several priests carry small packs and are loading them into the cart.

So thats what we're taking. He seems rather proud of himself. He gives a superior glance down to the figure on the ground. Returning his gaze to the group, he asks with a smile So, any other questions before we get started?

[tonberryking]

"Yeah, when the hell are you going to DROP DEAD!?"

Teiss

The magically bound figure sputters after Hemil finishes; lime-green eyes with reptilian slitted pupils snapping up to look at her captor with an unbound sense of hatred.

Teiss has never been more furious in her life, moreso because she's now bound with something that prevents her from doing anything about it, at least without hurting herself. The woman( a girl, really; she can't be too deep into adulthood) has coppery scales, marking her metallic dragon heritage, yet oddly she still manages to keep a golden mane of curled locks which even now pool over her shoulders. Taloned hands dig into the ground, mostly draconic in every way but for a basic human shape, though all she hurls at Helim are insults.
"And you talk about cures when it's so obvious everyone in this bloody church suffers from pains of idiocy; I was attacked and dragged here just for being alive..."

[Zyks]

Once in the courtyard, Xander paces around the creature on the floor. He has a look of curiosity on his face, and shows no emotion towards or against the woman.

"Well if you believe these magic barrier things are enought to hold her, I'm ready to get moving."

[boxboy582]

Hemil walks over to the sputtering girl, kneeling down next to her and speaking very quietly.

Listen beast. We're all going to have to get along from here on out. Remember, we're the ones that have to protect you. You should show some respect and appreciation for what we're doing for you. Hemil smiles widely, and now speaks to Xander, though his eyes never leave Teiss.

Oh yes, I'm very sure of our bonds. In fact, why don't we release them. It won't be able to hurt us.

One of the priests shakes his head from side to side, but waves his hands in an intricate pattern, and the invisible bonds that held Teiss to the ground, are lifted.

There, I bet that feels a little better.

Hemil stands up, still looking down at Teiss. He chuckles and spins on his heel, striding toward the cart.

Lets all help the priests load up. That way, we can get out of here that much faster.

[dual_wielder]

Irisian's face does not change as he looks down at the beast, but his eyes widen and he takes a step back when it speaks intelligently and in a language he understands. "So it's intelligent..." he thinks to himself. He quickly hides his discomfort, and stands boldly at the front of the group.

Aye, let's load up quickly and efficiently so that we may get on the road quickly. The less we linger, the smaller chance of an... accident.

He heads over to the cart and grabs the biggest item he can find and puts in wherever there is room. He looks over his shoulders to make sure the others are coming to help.

[Pink]

"THAT IS OUR CARGO!" Shouts out Riktor, shaking with fury, his sword already drawn. "Why on earth are you letting the damned thing breath!? It's very life should be snuffed out right this minute, I demand it! There's no way I can travel with such a beast, let alone condone it's very living existence." Moving nose to nose with Hemil, the dragonslayer smiles a rather wicked grin. During all of this, Gideon has grabbed out a couple sleeves of paper from his bag and seems to be struggling to find ink and pen, no doubt not wanting to miss a chance of writing down some new deed of Sir Riktor.

"I'll make you a deal. I save you the cost of having to put on some mockery of a trial, the thing is no doubt guilty beyond reason, and you let me kill it right now. No doubt you can probably save some more money by letting some of these losers go without needing to keep the thing under extra precaution." He bargains to the leader of the caravan.

[Zyks]

Xander notices Riktors explosion of anger, and goes over to try to talk to him. He places a hand on the shoulder of Riktors sword arm.

"Hey; don't you go getting all high and minghty here. We're all here to do a job. If the man wants us to take her for a trial, it's what we'll do. I don't think he would have tried to get us "losers" here if he didn't think it were necessary.

So just try and keep your ego out of this, a reputation as a dragonslayer could also be seen as a reputation for murderous scum too."

Spoiler

Show

Xander has a dislike for people thinking they're above others, dragon or not. I don't think he'll get on with Riktor too well

Xander moves to help Irisian with loading up and preparing.

[tonberryking]

Teiss

Teiss has to restrain herself from spitting in the follower of Cuthbert's face. However her ire is halted only momentarily at the dragon slayer's outburst; by surprise and that she KNOWS she's defenseless now that causes her to be bothered (visibly). How could she even BEGIN to talk back at this? It wasn't even her fault-- Oh what the hell.

"Blow it out your ears," she offers to Riktor, standing up and dusting off the leather kilt and green silk she's wearing.

She's quick on regaining her composure however, and gives Riktor a venomous look back in response to all of this threats and promises. The halfling too, although once she figures out what Gideon is doing....

"Hey, baby," she sneers at him, "Better make sure that the account you're writing down is all about how the Brave and Glorious Sir Blowhard has prepared to vanquish an unarmed and basically defenseless woman who happens to have horns.