Rising of the Dead

[Zyks]

{first off, heres basically the stuff from the first post in recruitment}

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The empire of Castantium has been more or less peaceful for nearly half a century. Nobody has risen against the Emperor; the foreigners have decided to stop trying to take Castantium as their own; and even the Gods have stopped interfering. Unfortunately, things are about to go downhill.

The dead are restless. For some reason they just will not stay put. They are becoming a minor nuisance in towns, every other night there’s another Graveyard springing into… well life I suppose. A lot of people regarded this as a passing irritation, nothing major. But then Crowhaven fell, and the significance of the dead hit home.

Crowhaven had been the only town established on the wasteland isle of the coats of Castantium. It was hit worst by the dead, and eventually over-run. Nobody can make contact with the residents, and ships refuse to go near it. There were rumours of elaborate tombs and mass graves being found deep in the deserts, but none confirmed.

Nobody really knows what to do. The problem isn’t so bad in towns, and is being contained quite well. But nobody knows the cause of all this, and many are unwilling to find out.

And so we come to the city of Utovion. A place renowned for its good quality ale, sold at low quality price. The city attracts all sorts of people, from peasants to nobles, from merchants to assassins, and of course; adventurers. It is to these people that the residents now turn to, looking for a way to stop these dead. Utivion Has suffered less than most cities from this affliction. It’s just minor issues with a few dead appearing overnight.

{and the map and area descriptions (may be updated slightly later today)}

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A.

Atrian City. This is the capital of Castantium, the home of the Emperor, and all the authority of the Empire. The city is built like a fortress, the whole place contained within extremely high white walls, which circle the whole place. There is also an inner section in the centre, which contains the great tower, fortress keep and residence of the Emperor. The townspeople are proud of their city, and will defend it at all costs.

B.

Utovion. The town of great ales! Utovion is renowned for its alcohol business, particularly that of Drath Longaxe. Utovion is a laid-back town, which attracts all kinds of people, particularly adventurers. The town has a rich industry, particularly in alchemy, but also has extensive poor areas.

C.

Estova. The port city. Generally Estova is a trading city, although in the past it has been fortified in defence against other nations. Due to its extensive docks, it is able to harbour a Navy. The city itself is quite small, though also well off. It is a residence for merchants, and a stop off point for sailors, due to the extensive amount of inns.

D.

Crowhaven. The town everyone is talking about. This is where the un-dead risings began. The town is now completely over-run, and no contact can be made with any residents. Crowhaven was the only town ever to be established upon the hostile wastelands of Ibovand. Most of the isle is unexplored. (No character histories from Ibovand or Crowhaven please)

E.

The city of Sha'lathal
South East of Utovion lies a desert that seems to be vacant to any who come. That is, everyone but the Asherati. Underneath the sand lies the great city of Sha'lathal, the home of the Asherati in Castanium. They prefer to stay anonymous from other races, pretending to be humans while they trade precious gems from under the sand for food and supplies, and using the ocean as a water source.

F.

Virosius is another port city, similar to Estova. However, unlike Estova it is a much richer place. This is where cruise ships, and rich merchants come and go. It also harbours the Emperors private ship. The inhabitants are generally wealthy retired merchants and a few of the nobility. Virosius was the main port for transports across the sea to get to Crowhaven, and it is where the few survivors fled to. Now it no longer offers to take people there, even adventurers looking to fight some un-dead.

G. (the one in the forests, it’s a bit hard to make out the G)

This is the approximate location of “The shrine of Ehlonna.” It is generally very hard to find in the thick woodlands. The shrine is in act only part of it. Around it there is a community of people concerned with nature, who do not like contact with city-folk much. They have been relatively unaffected by the un-dead crisis, but this canot last for long.

H.

Talom is quite a big farming community. It is a big supplier for food in a lot of neighboring towns. It only really serves as a crossroads for adventurers. A few villagers make their living here; they are quite kind to travelers. The buildings in the area are few, since farms and orchards make up about 65% of Talom. Most of the villagers serve Heroneous, a large church can be seen in the middle of the town dedicated to their god.

If there is one thing this town lacks, it’s a town militia. The town is completely un-protected. Most of the villagers have been trained for combat, but not as much as ordinary soldiers. The villagers also barely have enough money to keep up their lives, so they don’t have any gold to spend on mercenaries. Due to recent undead outbreaks around the town, they’ve made an escape plan to get out in case of an attack. However things have been quite difficult due to their town mayor suddenly leaving without warning, Rhys. Who is the only one actually capable of protecting the town of Talom. His fellow priests of Heroneous don’t nearly have as much skill as the high priest Rhys, so they can only use minor protection spells to protect their town.

I.

Laestra is located in the forest at the foot of the eastern mountains, next to an amazing waterfall where the river descends from the mountains. It is a mixed community of elves, containing primarily high elves, then wood elves, then wild elves. There are a handful of members of other races, but combined they are barely into the double digits of population. It's not that it's a racist community, it is just so elf-dominated that members of other races are typically not very comfortable there. Change comes slowly, and the ruling council is slow to grant building privileges, and the social structure is such that businesses do not thrive easily. If it weren't for the large numbers of elves who give in to wanderlust and spend time as adventurers, and a few merchants who deal primarily in exporting elven goods, it would be unlikely that anyone would ever know it was there.

{heres a map of the districts in Utovion, it's a bit too big a place to draw up an entire streetmap, but this gives ideas of whereabouts things are. I'll stick major places on here as they come up.}

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Im not sure how easy it is to read the key, so here it is again:

red = Rich district
Blue = Middle class areas
Brown = Indutrial area (breweries etc)
Orange = Mercantile areas (markets, merchants etc)
Muddy green = Poor district/slums)
Black lines = Major roads
Grey box = The dragons wings

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Im sure your all familiar with this sort of stuff
1. Rolls (labelled) in spoilers
2. Thoughts in italics
3. Speech in your colour
4. OOC stuff in spoilers OR {In these brackets is fine}

[Zyks]

It's not a bad life, living in Utovion, especially on days such as today. The weather is fair, with a light breeze, and only a few clouds in the sky. People greet each other happily in the street. Merchants shout their wares out at whoever should pass by. Even the usuall lingering stench from the breweries over the river seems to have lifted. The air tastes clean, a rare thing with industry such as Utovions. Upper class gentry swan through the streets, their servants buzzing about them like flies, while the average poor man sidles along the same street. Even the minority races are enjoying looks with less disgust in them than usual. It's times like these you wouldn't believe some of the abominations the guards and clerics have to deal with every night.

And now we come to The dragon's wings, the most renowned Tavern in Utovion, perhaps even the Empire. It is famed for its supremecy in the alcohol business, which is quite something in a town who's industry and commerce relies almost solely upon such a product. The owner, Drath Longaxe, is almost a living legend. Formally an adventurer, he later hung up his axe and armour and struck up business in Dwarvern ale. Quickly he expanded into all kinds of drinks businesses, and is now regarded as the richest man in Utovion.

The Dragon's wings attracts all kinds of people, though it's biggest patrons are the adventurers. They come between their excapades, to share stories over the finest drinks in Castantium. It is not a rough bar, far from it, but the prices aren't too high, so its popular. The building is well kept, and stands out in its location; against the river, with it's other sides surrounded by a large courtyard. It looks inviting to all, from the lowly peasant to the Emperor of Castantium.

As you approach the Tavern, you notice a message tacked to the door. It's not rare for people to recruit adventurers here, but this message sticks out more than others...

ADVENTURERS WANTED!!!

The undead have to be stopped before they rise too high!

The city guard aren't doing enough, and the clergymen are too busy! DRATH LONGAXE has taken up the matter personally. Able-bodied adventurers are wanted to help fight back, and hunt down the causes behind the restless Dead!

Rewards, both material and in reputation, shall be handsome! In addition, success grants free ale for a lifetime! Courtesy of The Dragon's Wings

See bartender inside for details.



Pushing the door open you make your way through the jovial adventurers to see the barman. He directs you to a table nearby, saying "Take a seat sir, I'll take you to see Mr. Longaxe shortly"

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The order in which your first post comes in is the order yuor characters come in. i.e. the first person to post is the first person enetering the bar, so nobody else will be at the table. The next person who posts comes in second, and so 1 person is already at the table. Hope thats clear

[expirement10K14]

Tauah makes his way to the table and sits down. He feels out of place here and tries to blend in to avoid contact with anyone.
Why does there have to be so many outsiders here. I wish I could just head back for the sand.

[an kobold]

Arruk

The gnoll entered the tavern and quickly closed the door behind him. Taking a moment to shake himself of the occasional rotten fruit pelted at him on the streets, Arruk gruffly asks for directions to the table and as an afterthought, a drink.

Bout time I got off the streets. Such a huge place,probably could fit all us gnolls in it. If there was something good round to eat. The out of place figured reached up to brush off his shoulder, where some cabbage leaves got left behind from the head of a green projectile, then gave an animal smile. Filthy grasseaters'd show some respect if they'd see me hunt n' fight.

He sits down across from the tan and bald man and gives a grunt of a greeting before taking a closer look and showing a bit more interest, posing Tauah a question.

Are ya sick or somethin'? Ya look a little funny.

[expirement10K14]

Tauah, seeing the gnoll as another that doesn't fit in with the current surroundings, becomes more comfortable.

I'm not from around here. I come from below the sand. From the natural beauty of the desert. These clothes are to prevent overheating in the hot sun. The eyes are normal of my people, nothing is wrong.

[Kirgor]

For two days now Kirgor had been in the region of Utovion, the children still followed him even now as he made his way to the renowned Dragon's wings. He had not visited the tavern before, having spent the last two days partaking of other unique features the city had to offer. He stopped and stared long at the posting outside describing the job being offered and knew that this was what he was hoping for since he first heard about these undead attacks.

Being led to the table with the two gentlemen already present his gaze turns back to the man who led him there and then back down to the two men at the table. This was highly unexpected. Kirgor was typically the only one in towns that received such odd stares, but he had rarely or maybe never seen a pair as odd as these two before. Perhaps the person who led him here misunderstood and was simply keeping the collection of odd individuals seperate from the rest of the populace. If that was the case, Kirgor understood and moves around to an empty seat and sits down with out a word to the others.

[an kobold]

Arruk

Arruk begins to speak upon hearing the desert person's reply.

Name's Arruk. Also a ways from my home. You got a na. . .

The gnoll trails off as his attention is focused on the new arrival and remains silent as he/she/it sits down with them.

[Kirgor]

A thick hard finger taps mindlessly on the table and the newcomer looks up and from one face to the other as the conversation stops and eyes look to him. A gravely basso voice comes out with a note of naivety portrayed in but a single word, Hello

[Zyks]

The barman comes over to your table

"Would anybody care for a drink? on the house of course"

The three strange creatures at the table are drawing a few looks from the other patrons, but most soon return to quaffing ale and bragging about their latest achievements.

[expirement10K14]

Tauah turns to face the barman.

I could go for one I guess. How about anyone else?

He turns back to the group to wait for an answer.

[Kirgor]

Yes, of course. I would like to try one as well.

His fingers stop tapping the table and he sits up somewhat straighter as the bar keep approaches the table and talks to the three.

[an kobold]

The gnoll turns to face the barman.

Sure, strongest ya got.

[Zyks]

The barman returns to the bar. He fills two tankards full from one of the taps labelled "The Dragons finest." The ale aslo happens to brag the biggest price tag. He then bends down and takes a stone pot from under the bar. He hefts it onto the bar and gradually leans it over, pouring a slightly cloudy liquid into another tankard. It fizzes and spits as it hits the container.

He returns, and lays the glasses down

These two tankars ontain the finest ale we serve at the Dragon's wings. Drath wants to make his future employees as welcome as possible. Turning to Arruk Since you asked for something stronger, this is... Well, I'll let you taste it. It's as of yet un-named, one of our latest creations. It's... Mostly apples.

He smiles, returns to the bar and looks towards the door, hoping some more adventurers will arrive soon

[expirement10K14]

Thank you sir. Will we be able to meet Drath soon? He seems to be a nice man from what I've seen, and we've been attracted some stares.

Tauah motions to the rest of the tavern. He then takes a long drink from his ale.

[MCerberus]

Having just returned from a dull journey protecting a merchant caravan, Celix is ready for a decent drink. Even though the land is supposed to be crawling with the dead leaping from their graves, the sorcerer hardly saw a hungry squirrel during the whole trip. Well... at least it payed for living between the exciting things in life. One his way to the tavern, he passes by the job offer poster and shrugs. If there was some kind of Armageddon going on, Celix hasn't seen much of it yet.

Coming in the front door, Celix approaches the bartender with the intent to buy something that would make the local ladies appear that much more attractive, but is waylayed into sitting at a nearby table. Before sitting down, Celix turns to the barkeeper and says, "I'll be needing two drinks, bird here's a drunk." He motions to the hawk perched so comfortably on his shoulder. In response, Storm replies with a loud call.

Taking no notice of how the rest of the tavern would take to the noise, Celix takes a seat and takes a quick look at the others already seated. He finds that mixed company is certainly agreeable, and leads to more interesting conversations. Waiting for the next convenient time to speak, he asks of them, "How is the alcohol treating you today?"

[Zyks]

The batender shrugs at the request of a drink for the bird. He fills another tankard with the finest ale, then hesitates, unsure of wether the animal could drink out of the tankard, but then decides not to worry and fills another. He brings the two more tankards over.

"You'll be seeing Drath soon, he's a little tied up at the moment, with paperwork. He'll send once he's done.

[lordsigmund]

Walking past The Dragon's Wings, the sign on the door catches Byron's eye.

Ah, so someone else is actually doing something about this undead menace, well lets see if theyre up to scratch, could be useful grouping up with them.

He pushed the door open and felt the warm air spill out. Rushing inside he quickly closed it behind him and looked around. Strolling up to he bar he beckoned the bartender over and quietly asked where he should enquire about the sign on the door.

The bartender pointed over the room to a table where 4 figures were sitting,, one with a bird of some sort. Byron strode over and introduced himself to the gathered people.

"Greetings friends, I hear we're of a similar mind with regards to the current undead situation. Hopefully I might be able to lend a hand... and a mace" Byron said heartily, resting his mace on the table and taking a seat..

[Kirgor]

Kirgor takes up his mug and brings it to his face as though he is savoring the smell then takes a long draw, almost draining the mug. As the two newcomers arrive he sets it down on the table with a sigh, "It is indeed very good, isn't it?" He seems to be unsure and asking Tauah if he too finds it enjoyable. "I'm glad to see more folks here interested in finding these undead everyone is talking about."

[an kobold]

Arruk takes a swill from the fizzing tankard the barman brought out to him. He continues to drink while watching silently as the first human walks towards the table, wincing at the sound of the hawk. The barbarian stops drinking for a second when the armored figure enters, sizing him up. When all are seated, he looks around the table and gulps down the remaining liquid in his mug then faces the metal man.

Course it's good. But you're right, I came here to stop the dead, not to drink.

He then goes back to silence, tapping his fingers against the empty mug occasionally.

[expirement10K14]

I like this ale, we don't get much of it under the desert. Only what we can get from traders and caravans. I don't see why the leaders wouldn't help with the zombies.

[Zyks]

A door behind the bar opens, and a young human steps out. The teenager sidles over to the barman and mutters something to him. The man nods, and comes over to you.

"Drath will see you all pretty soon, just after he's done with *ahem* the lawyers, he's keen to get this thing rolling. If you would be so kind as to finish your drinks quickly, and follow James here... Drath doesn't like to be kept waiting. Time is money and all that. So it's best to be at the office door before he calls you" He indicates the teenage human as James, then returns to the bar to serve a dwarf customer, who seems to be ordering a whole barrel of ale.



You all get up and follow this "James" around behind the bar, and through the door he came in. Behind it seems to be the stoors. The smell of alcohol is strong in this corridor. A door on the left is open, and inside is an innumerable amount of barrels. James leads you through the door on the right, behind which is a set of ordinary stairs. Winding around a few corridors on the next floor, you come to an ordinary door at the end of a passageway. A few chairs are positioned along the left wall. James leans against the left wall next to the door. He still hasn't said a word to any of you.

[MCerberus]

Celix takes his drink in hand a starts downing the contents. Meanwhile, Storm hops onto the table and curiously looks over the other drink. But before either of them really have the time to enjoy the free beer, the bartender comes back and informs the group they are to see Drath now. The sorcerer takes a long drink and then grabs Storm, who was just now wetting his beak. This does not sit too well with the bird, who gives a surprised and saddened squawk.

Celix looks around as he follows James up to the office door. It seems the place has enough alcohol to get all the fish in the ocean drunk. When the party arrives, he takes a seat and then casually remarks, "So... lawyers, huh?"

Realizing that he likely isn't going to get much of a reaction out of James, Celix shrugs and leans back in his chair.

[an kobold]

Arruk follows James to the room on the second floor with the rest of the group. Upon reaching it, he sits down in one of the chairs, and pulls another away from the wall to prop up his feet, and crosses his arms.

This Drath fella certainly don't mind keepin' us waitin'.

He then turns to James and flashes a toothy grin.

You stuck sittin' with us, kid?

[Zyks]

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Sorry to those who didn't get chance to post between the bar and waiting. But I'd like to keep things moving.

James galnces across at Arruk when he hears his name. Just visible beneath the long hair, his eyes show a hint of curiosity and fear at the Gnoll. His mouth twitches slightly, almost into a smile. Yeah I guess so. Mr. Longaxe just told me to...

James is cut out by a sudden shout of rage from the room beyond. Through the door you can hear ranting torrents in what is obviously Dwarfish. No other language has such creative use of ennunciation to produce curse words. After this stream, the voice suddenly switches to Common

And you sir! You disgust me with your offers! And your manipulative use of law! I ain't no common man! And you won't get anything from me, or my company! Now all 4 of you OUT!

The door opens quickly, and 4 figures emerge from it. 2 dwarves followed by a human, who is flanked by a half-orc. The two dwarves are dressed smartly, with scrolls under their arms, and more in containers slung on their backs. They have the look of men who are about to get hell from a client, since that is exactly what they will get. The human is dressed lavishly. Jewellery glistens on his hands and about his neck. He looks irritated, and looks down upon all you adventurers, even managing to appear above those taller then him. The half-orc is dressed up a bit, though not as smart as the lawyers. He looks quiet, but loyal and strong. He eyes each one of you with suspicion. At his side is a longsword, and he looks like the human's bodyguard.

The 4 people sweep down the hallway, and towards the stairs you came up, not giving you a second glance.

James goes to the still open door, knocks and says politely The adventurers are here, Mr. Longaxe

Through the door you can see a dwarf behind a carved desk, writing quickly on a piece of parchment. Ok James, you can go back to your work now, come in all of you.

Drath's office looks very expensive, but functional at the same time. The desk is positioned in front of a huge window, which looks out over the west side of Utovion. Drath has his back to it. The two side walls are lined with bookcases, though they are clearly used quite regularly. The ceiling is carved and ornate, like the desk. In one corner there is a glass case, inside which is a full set of decorated plate armour, along with a decorated greataxe, it's haft longer than usual.

Drath looks up, and adresses you, moving the parchment onto one of the two enormous piles either side of him. Some has even spilled onto the ground nearby.

Ah, hopefully the solution to at least one of the cities problems. Please take a seat, unfotunatly theres only two of them though.

Drath indicates two deep looking armchairs infront of the desk. He looks like a typical dwarf. Long red beard, matched with hair. Stony features, quite short. He does wear expensive clothing though. He folds his hands ahead of him, resting on the desk in a business like fashion.

I hope we can get things rolling as soon as possible

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Phew, long post. Hope it's not too much to take in. Things will get shorter now, I promise

[Kirgor]

Kirgor is quiet as they follow the young man upstairs and then into the room. His gaze does not stay on any one thing for very long and seems to almost ignore the dwarf behind the table. He moves to infront of the glassed in armor but is quick to move on to the bookshelves full of books. He remains there with a finger poised in front of the books as he looks along their lengths at all of the different material.

[MCerberus]

Celix moves into the office after the lawyers have left and takes a look around. He is the first one to take a seat and doesn't wait long for everyone to sit before speaking.

"So I'm to assume that you have something on the dastardly forces behind this plague? Any information on the undead might also be good."

Celix extends his arm to offer a handshake to Drath.

"I'm Celix, a Willbender, the feathered beast here is Storm."

[an kobold]

Arruk plops down in the remaining chair without a thought. He briefly glances over towards the glass case holding instruments of war, then turns to the dwarf behind the desk, clearly reevaluating him.

Sooner we get started, the better. Ya can call me Arruk.

[lordsigmund]

Byron follows the rest of the group up the stairs and stands aside as the group of four push past him. Walking into the office he lets out a low whistle as he sees the opulence filling the room.

"Damn fancy place you have here"

Declining one of the seats, he props his mace against the wall and leans against it himself.

The name's Byron. So youre looking to do something about this undead problem then?

He says in the Dwarf's direction.

[expirement10K14]

Tauah enters the room and leans against a wall, looking closely at everything.

Nice place.

He looks directly at Drath.

So what makes you interested in whats happening with the undead? You seem perfect here.

[Zyks]

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Sorry for the lack of advancement, for some reason my UserCP didn't tell me this thread was updated. I'll check personlly in future. Thats to an Kobold for reminding me

Drath reaches over his desk and shakes the hands of all those who offer.

Speaking to TauahWell you'd think it'd all be good, and I'll admit, i'm hardly slumming it. But I care about this city. And more to the point it's only a matter of time before we get over-run! And that wouldn't do well for my business now would it?

Drath smiles. He's obviously intelligent, and didn't get where he is now just by hitting things very hard (not to say that didn't help). He is totally unphased by the variety of races.

Information on the undead? Well I have some sources, so I have built up a fair amount of information {He indicates a section of his bookcase, 3 shelves, about 1.5 metres (4-5 foot), packed with files and books} The guard won't do anything decisive on these dead, so I'm taking it into my own hands. This is where you come in. I need some adventuring types to help out and get to the bottom of this.

He leans back in his chair

The only thing is... I only like the best to work for me. And I need proof that that is you. The undead now infest the underworks of the city. They are contained, but I still don't want them there. I want you lot to go down, under my establishment, and clear out at least some of these abominations. One of my men will go with you, to ensure it is done.

He goes to the door, opens it, and yells

Trynfar! Adventurers are here!

After returning, he sits and asks

Anybody got any questions? Issues? anything at all?