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Post by Leilani Sunblade on Jul 23, 2018 0:48:13 GMT
THE FLAME EMPIRE REIGNS.
Over the course of two decades, the Flame Empire has slowly but surely spread its rule across the known realms of the world of Croishaid. Now, nearly all the known world is under the Empire's rule. Yet pockets of resistance remain in countries and kingdoms across the realm: men and women old enough to remember a time when the Empire was nothing; young rebels eager for a cause; elves unwilling to stand by while the world changes around them; dragons grumbling at the threat to their caves and young. The Emperor knows that he must either crush or win over these rebels in order to solidify his rule, and so he turns to ancient powers to produce a new threat . . .
THE MOONSHARD OF AXIEMS.
"For age upon age, the Moonshard will wane; Age upon age, 'til it shines again," claims the song sung by minstrels across Croishaid. Of course, a popular song is hardly prophecy, but the Emperor has decided that it is high time that the Moonshard shines again— in his hand. Long ago, the Moonshard, an artifact that increases the magical power of whoever wields it, was lost— or hidden— by its maker, Axiems the Knowing. For centuries, adventurers and treasure hunters have sought it with no luck. But recently, rumor has crept across the land that one man found, not the Moonshard itself, but a clue to its location. Perhaps the treasure is not so out of reach as was once believed?
QUEST FOR THE MOONSHARD!
In order to acquire the Moonshard, the Emperor has sent Azazel, his heir and second-in-command, to seek out the man and then the treasure and return with it. But his plan has not gone unmarked! At least one pocket of resistance, perhaps more, has sent out their own adventurers to try to find the Moonshard and keep it from Azazel and the empire. And so both the searchers of the Empire and the resistance arrive in Farhaven, a small port town just north of the Canis Forest and west of the Drakentooth mountains . . .
THE WORLD OF CROISHAID:
The world of Croishaid is, in many respects, very much like many other fantasy worlds . . . and for good reason! Because of certain physical, metaphysical, and magical properties, including its alignment with other planes of existence, Croishaid is the center of a great deal of naturally-occurring portal activity. These portals spontaneously appear, remain active for any amount of time from ten minutes to a week, and then disappear. Some of these portals connect parts of Croishaid; others temporarily link Croishaid with other worlds ranging from Middle Earth to Berinfell to the Cosmere to Earth and everywhere in between. As a result, Croishaid is extraordinarily diverse: humans, elves, dwarves, dragons, gryphons, fae, and more have accidentally made their way through portals, bringing with them their own cultures and knowledge, and have settled in various locations across the realm.
The magic of Croishaid is fairly straightforward. Certain people are blessed (or cursed, depending on your perspective) with control of one of the elements: wind, fire, earth, water, light (or energy), and metal. Exactly what powers this control bestows upon the person varies somewhat with the person's race. Powers generally appear around age 13 or 14 but may develop as early as age 10 or as late as age 18 (or the equivalent ages, for long-lived races like dragons and elves). No one has control of more than one element, though there are rumors of treasures other than the Moonshard that can bestow such power.
HOW THIS WORKS:
So, this is a new roleplay, but it works a little differently than some of the other roleplays on the Underground. I, Leilani Sunblade, will focus as a sort of Game Master. Basically, I provide the nudges that the characters need to keep the story moving in a narratively satisfying fashion and I make sure that conflicts (both in and out of character) are resolved in a reasonable manner. I will, from time to time, play a variety of NPCs and provide "narration" of a sort. Eventually, I may get attached to a character and have that character become a GMPC (Game Master Player Character), but we'll see what happens.
Regarding in-character conflict and challenges: when it comes to a physical fight, I'm not going to provide a play-by-play answer of whether each blow succeeds and fails. That's on the players. What I will do is, once I think a fight has gone on long enough, declare what the results of the fight are based on what each character has done so far and what would be the most narratively satisfying outcome. (There may also be an element of luck involved if either outcome would be narratively satisfying.) I may also provide resolution for particularly significant non-conflict-based challenges— for example, determining whether or not a character can sneak past a group of guards or pick an important lock or translate a mysterious document. Once again, these decisions will be made based on what's realistic for your character and what would be narratively satisfying. For the most part, though, I'll try not to interfere too much. My goal is to keep things interesting and make sure that both sides win some and lose some, not to boss everyone around.
If you want to join in, you're more than welcome to. Just fill out the following form and PM it to me so I can make sure you're not directly contradicting something already established about the world. Then, once that's sorted out, you're all set to jump in. You're free to either post your form on the thread or not post it as you choose.
The Form:
Name: Age: (apparent and/or actual) Race: (for example: human, elf, dragon, etc.) Physical Description: Personality: Main Goal/Motivations: Natural Abilities: Special Powers (if any): Weapons: History:
AND NOW . . . LET THE ADVENTURE BEGIN!
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Post by Leilani Sunblade on Jul 23, 2018 22:14:40 GMT
((Because there was apparently some confusion regarding the above post, a little more detail on the beginning of the adventure.))
You reach Farhaven in the early afternoon. Perhaps you approach from the shade of the Canis Forest, weary from long nights spent watching for the beasts said to lurk among the trees. Or perhaps you come down out of the mountain foothills, finally shaking off the feeling that you're constantly being watched from the sky above and the ground below and the crevices among the rocks. Either way, Farhaven is a welcome sight for your weary eyes. Homes, shops, and other structures cluster a short distance from the bay where fishing boats and a few larger craft are anchored. Streams skirt two sides of the town, one flowing out of the mountains and one out of the forest. You spot a large house in the center of town— stately compared to the rest of the structures, but laughably small and quaint compared to the buildings in some of the great cities to the southeast— and guess that it houses the mayor of the town. Another large building— you guess an inn— stands directly across from it, and there's a tavern near the waterfront.
You came here looking for one man in a small town, but that small town is rather larger than you expected. Perhaps this will be more difficult than you thought.
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Post by theinconceivable1 on Jul 24, 2018 9:14:34 GMT
Azazel crouched among the shadows of the sprawling trees of the Canis forest. A breeze swayed the grass, forcing it to bow before him. Clothed in black armor, 60 of the flame empire's finest waited among the trees; 6 more preyed upon the small town of Fairhaven. He waited anxiously for the news they would bring upon their return. Azazel glanced at the decaying beast near his feet. Nightshade bears were fearsome beasts, fearless, ferocious and cunning. Yet they hunted alone, just as eager to kill one another as any prey; such was a fatal mistake. Last night one had attacked the camp during the night, believing it could prey upon his men as easily as unsuspecting farmers; It was wrong, dead wrong. One of lookouts had an arrow embedded its eye before it got within 30 cubits of camp. Even so Azazel respected the creature, and besides, you never know what will come in useful. The slight rustle on the wind told him his news had finally come. Moments later the sound of hurried footsteps reached his ears. Six men, breathing heavy, lined up before him and, as one, crossed their left arm across their chest in salute. Azazel didn't look up. “And?” “Nothing sir. We questioned the mayor, he swore on his life he knew nothing of the shard.” Azazel faced his men “Was he lying? Jacob what do you think?” Jacobs scarred face remained emotionless. “No. He knew nothing.” Seth continued “After questioning him we killed him as you commanded. The public will suspect he was killed on account of treason. no one will know what you’re after sir.” Azazel sighed, “Very well. Find a man of my size and build. Kill him and bring me his clothes. Find clothes for yourself as well. Be swift.” “Yes sir.” Seth answered and the men jogged from the forest. Time slipped by as Azazel waited among the grass beneath the trees. This take would require delicacy, the sort of which only his best possessed. Within the hour his scouts returned with a ripped pair of breaches and a dirty white shirt. Azazel nodded. “Get changed.” Without a word Azazel put on the soiled garments. Moments later 7 farmers stood among 60 dark clad warriors. Azazel turned to address his men. “Until I return, Malachi you have my authority, stay hidden and if anyone finds you, kill them.” Malachi crossed his left arm across his chest. Azazel addressed the six “Come with me.” Taking his sword he cut off the head of the nightshade bear. He wiped his blade on the grass and sheathed it. “Leave your swords here, carry only what you can conceal.” Promptly the men removed their scabbard. “And bring that.” He added, gesturing to the head. Jacob shouldered it and got behind his commander. Suddenly Azazel’s face lit up and in a Farhaven accent he declared “Lads we be getting ourselves a pint!” half an hour later the 7 burst thru the tavern door. Each boasting about their own bravery as they strode into the room. A cheery girl looked them up and down leaned on the table. “What can I get you sirs?” Azazel pushed to the front of the group. “I’ll get a pint or two for myself and my lads here. But uh, we don't exactly have any silver…” The girl rolled her eyes “corse ya don’t. Well no pay, no drinks.” “hold on there miss!” Azazel exclaimed. The girl turned around and raised an eyebrow. “Ya didn't let me finish. We don't got no silver but I think we’ll be able to pay for our drinks just fine.” “Oh?” “Ya see, me an me lads, we just got ourselves a Nightshade bear.” The girl chucked “sure you did and you expect me to believe…” Jacob slammed the head onto the counter. The girls eyes grew wide. Azazel grinned. “A moment please.” she muttered and she rushed into the kitchen. Moments later she burst back into the room, a plump woman at her heels. The woman nearly tripped as she saw the head. “Gentle men!” she said, her eyes never leaving the prized beasts head. “I’m told you would like some drinks.” Azazel grinned “aye and we be willing to pay a Nightshade rug for it, and maybe a wee bit of information.” The woman nearly fainted “of course of course.” with devil like fury she fixed her gaze on the girl “What are you still doing her standing all slack jawed? Bring these men the finest ale we have!” without out a word the girl whisked away into the kitchen. Moments and two mugs of ale later, the serving girl arrived at the table. “Would you fellers like anything else?” “Aye I’ll have…” Azazel cut him off “no I think that will be all.” he gave the man a cold stare. “Alright.” she said as she spun on her heal. “Las!” Azazel called out. The girl turned to face him once more “Sir?” “Could you bring your mistress out, I try to know what's going on in the world and what not.” The girl smiled and spun around once more “certainly!” so the plump woman arrived at their table “What do you wish to know.” Azazel leaned back in his chair “Well, ya see, me and the lads have heard some rumors about something called the moonshard, it's awful valuable or so i've heard and we were wondering if you might point us in the right direction?”
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Post by TheLostLordofAllyra on Jul 24, 2018 17:05:02 GMT
Ah-roooo! Ah-roooo! Celandra shivered inwardly. She could still hear the piercing cries of the mangy wolves that had followed her all throughout the appropriately-named Canis Forest. They had made the journey so perilous, she grumbled to herself. All who resided in Croishaid knew the treacherous beasts that roamed the dark forest and knew to stay well clear of the area at all costs. But Celandra had a special mission that needed her attention, for one reason or another. On her daily expeditions to Rosewood, the town neighboring her small home, she had heard the talkative women in town gossip about everything and anything. Celandra never paid any attention to them and carried on with her own duties, but one particular day two weeks ago, she overheard them talking about something that sparked her interest. An ancient item that had magical properties rumored to may even lead to the destruction of the Flame Empire. At least, that's what the women had said. Celandra had hoped that such a day would come when all of Croishaid's beings could live in harmony like in the old days. Ever since her mother died years ago, she prayed for peace and no violence. She couldn't bear it any longer. Upon talking to her grandmother about the ancient item, Celandra learned that it was called the Moonshard and indeed had the power to enhance one's natural gift. Dubbed the only one who seemed to care enough to search for it, she had said farewell to her father, grandmother, and two younger siblings and took the chance. Now breathing in the drifting, salty sea air, she realized this was a chance worth taking after all. So much beauty and life dwelled in this world, that she could not afford to just stand idly by and hope for someone else to save it. She may be alone, but at least she had something great to fight for. Celandra whipped her head left and right and back again, instinctively searching the area for any sign of...well, anything. Satisfied, she strode briskly into the warm, welcoming sunshine and smiled. Sure beats the cold and dreary atmosphere of the forest, she thought. The sun shone on her forest bowman's dress, brightening its green hue as she headed into the town of Farhaven. She looked all around the bustling the street. Now where would I find the one who knows about the Moonshard here? she wondered. I don't even know where he lives, much less what he looks like!
The streets became more crowded. Celandra was beginning to get crushed in the flow of people. She hurried out of everyone's way muttering a "excuse me" and "I'm sorry" repeatedly before emerging out of the crowd. Now what? she glanced around, dazed. Her gaze fell on one of Farhaven's small docks and a jolly-looking pub nestled beside it. Hm... Her father's words echoed in her mind. "Just remember, darling, a tavern or any other pub of sorts is the best place to search for answers because all kinds of people gather there from all different parts of the world, bringing with them their own opinions and history. Trust me." Celandra glanced back at the busy crowd and rushed down to the pub.
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Post by Leilani Sunblade on Jul 25, 2018 2:11:17 GMT
((So, for future reference: when I'm responding to a specific person's post, I'll label it. You may choose to read or not read said response according to your preferences. If I don't label a post, assume that it's meant for both of you, or for everyone involved. I will respond to posts in the way that has the best narrative flow. Generally that means in the order they were posted, but not always.))
[For Lost Lord:]
Celandra entered the tavern to find it just settling down from some kind of hubbub; what kind, she couldn't have guessed. Most of the patrons seemed to be enjoying mugs of ale and platters of food at tables and booths throughout the tavern. At the front of the room, at a round table near the bar, a group of several men in torn and stained clothes caroused. A massive bear's head sat on the table near a man who might or might not have been the leader, and a few curious onlookers clustered at safe distances or leaned back in their chairs to listen in as the man spoke with a rotund woman who looked to be the tavern mistress. At the smoky back of the room, nearer to the fireplace (in which glowed only the smallest embers, for summer's full heat still beat down upon the town), men sat in clusters and smoked long pipes as they talked. One man, however, sat alone, staring— sometimes at the fire, sometimes at the guests, sometimes at nothing at all. His face was scarred, his green cloak stained with mud, and he had a wild sort of look on his face. Yet if one watched for a few minutes, one couldn't help but notice how the other tavern guests gave him secretive glances of wary awe.
[For Inconceivable:]
At the table near the bar, the tavern mistress's face puckered at Azazel's words, but another glance at the bear's head smoothed out her expression. "Ah, well. I might've known. Stands to reason that the sort of man who'd take on a Nightshade bear would go looking for bigger challenges and greater treasures. Sure you don't want to stay here and hunt down a few more of these bears, maybe a few wolves as well? I know some folk around here who'd pay handsomely for that." She didn't give Azazel time to respond before she went on: "I imagine you don't. More's the pity. Well, I'm not the one to ask about the Moonshard, but I can tell you who is. I'll warn you, though. He's a bit . . ." She hesitated, then tapped a finger to the side of her head. "He came back with a few pieces switched around up here, you understand? And no one else has come back at all. You certain you want to risk it?"
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Post by theinconceivable1 on Jul 26, 2018 8:07:55 GMT
Azazel grinned. “Never feel more alive than when you're about to die.”
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Post by TheLostLordofAllyra on Jul 26, 2018 16:07:10 GMT
Always one to avoid the most possible attention, Celandra crept down low and snuck along the far left wall of the pub. She kept her head low and tried to ignore the hushed conversations all around her. She hoped no one would notice a teenage girl sneaking her way to the back of the room. Burly men with mugs in their hands glared down at her as she weaved in and out of chairs and tables. She paid no attention. The figure of the lone man grew closer as she advanced. Celandra had already smelled the all-too-familiar dusty smell of smoke from the pub entrance, but it was even more intoxicating now. She held her breath against the fumes and stealthily slid into the room. She slid along the far left wall and came to a crouched stop beside the man. Celandra rose up on her knees and whispered, "Excuse me, sir?"
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Post by jliessa44 on Jul 26, 2018 23:49:52 GMT
Audri strode into the tavern head high with more confidence than could be reasonably expected from a short, almost skeletal young woman. A sword and two daggers hung at her hip, secured in the wide cloth belt wrapped three times around her waist and then knotted securely at one hip. The ends of the brown cloth swung freely, almost as long as the split panels of her ice blue tunic. She didn't look particularly rich or poor, though the spear slung across her back was of better make than most, with shallow runes etched into the wood.
She paused, out of the main path, to survey the room with a rub of her nose and a quick sniff. When the elders had asked her to hop through the new portal that had shown up to take a quick looksee, she hadn't thought anything of it. Now here she was, member of a rebellion sent to help retrieve a magical stone.
Honestly, Audri still couldn't get over the fact she was part of a rebellion. It was an odd feeling, but not necessarily an unpleasant one.
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Post by Leilani Sunblade on Jul 29, 2018 2:51:39 GMT
[For Inconceivable] The tavern mistress sighed. Adventurers, all the same. Never willing to take on a practical sort of challenge with as much chance of success as failure. Always had to go off on the wildest chases that wouldn't do anyone any good. "Well, I warned you." She gestured towards the back of the tavern, where men gathered around a fireplace too large for the few embers it contained. Most of the men sat in clusters, smoking long pipes and talking among themselves. One man— scarred, with a weather-stained cloak and a wild look in his eyes— sat alone, staring at the fire and the guests and nothing at all, until a young woman approached him and he switched the full force of his gaze to her. "He knows— he went off after it. He didn't find it, but folk say he came close." A breeze followed the opening of the door, and the woman glanced up for a moment— ah, just a young woman, another adventurer by the look of her— her, with her sword and daggers and spear. But this adventurer didn't come bearing the head of any monsters. She could wait. The mistress turned back to Azazel. "If anyone can tell you anything, it'll be him, assuming he feels like talking. And assuming he's lucid enough to remember. He isn't always. But you're welcome to try."
[For Lost Lord] For a moment, the man didn't respond it all. Then he turned and fixed his stare on her. For a moment, his eyes were wild, unfocused, as if he weren't seeing her but rather looking through her. "You," he whispered. Then, with a shudder, he refocused so he looked her in the eyes. "What do you need, maiden?" He wavered, drifting but not quite losing focus. "No. Don't tell me. You seek it too, don't you?" [For Liessa] The usual noises of a busy harbor-side pub greeted Audri as she entered. The tavern mistress, occupied with a table full of rough-looking men, spared her only a glance. The men by the fire, all but the loner speaking to a young woman, spared her a bit more, but still didn't look too long. They knew better, just as they knew better than to approach the scarred and stained loner. One of the bartenders, however, gave her a smile and called, "What can I get you, lady?"
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Post by jliessa44 on Jul 30, 2018 0:40:47 GMT
"What do you have that's cold?" Audri flashed a smile at the bartender in return as she made her way over, though it was perhaps a little more fierce than could strictly be called friendly. She shifted her spear off her back, holding to it loosely so as to be more comfortable.
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Post by theinconceivable1 on Jul 30, 2018 8:01:24 GMT
Azazel leaned back in his chair “Mighty grateful for your assistance, You’ll find it worth your time.” The lady smiled “your very welcome, is that all?” Azazel looked thoughtful for a moment “One more thing, could you give our friend a drink, on us.” The plum woman raised an eyebrow knowingly. “Something mighty strong I suspect?” Azazel cracked a grin “Your a wise woman you are, yes something strong certainly would be… helpful.” The woman took a deep breath and shook her head “very well.” she said with a sigh and she waddled back toward the counter. Azazel leaned forward in his chair and watched the young women from the corner of his eye, especially the one taking to the man. His slack face hardly moved but his eyes bored into his men. “Looks like were not alone…” he muttered. Azazel focused his gaze on Seth “Return to camp, Tell Malachi to pack up and send some of my archers; they must be ready if I call.” Seth nodded and walked casually out the tavern door. Azazel leaned back once again “now we wait...”
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Post by TheLostLordofAllyra on Jul 30, 2018 17:20:01 GMT
Celandra nodded slowly...timidly. "Yes," she replied, "I have heard rumors of it from my town, but I do not search for it in the same manner as some others might..." Her words drifted off as she recalled joyful memories of her family members and how much it all would mean to them.
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Post by Leilani Sunblade on Jul 31, 2018 0:53:57 GMT
[For jliessa44]"Cold?" The bartender fetched a mug out from under the counter. "Beer's as cool as we can make it. Colder than that . . . if you're willing to pay a bit extra, we could broach a fresh cask from the cellar, or we have some dark mead down there as well. Or there's golden ale, but I'd guess you're not interested in that. You look like an adventurer— after the Moonshard, I'd guess?"
"Don't you?" The man looked at her for a very long minute. "No. Maybe not. Maybe not. But take care. You risk more than you think."
A barmaid swayed up to the pair, interrupting. "Drink for you, Master Tam. A friend sent it." She offered him a mug filled with dark liquid.
Tam took it, but didn't drink. Instead, he leaned in closer. "Fine, girl. I'll tell you what I know. But are you sure you want it?"
A few moments later, a barmaid ducked out from behind the counter, carrying a metal mug filled with some liquid. She wove between tables to the lone man and the girl speaking to him and offered the drink to the man. He took it, but didn't yet drink, attention focused on the girl to whom he spoke. By the bar, the young warrior woman spoke to one of the bartenders. She'd slid her spear off her back and now held it loosely in her hand, but not in a way that suggested she planned to use it in the immediate future.
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Post by jliessa44 on Jul 31, 2018 4:04:15 GMT
She pursed her lips as she thought, absently fussing with with her bangs. Honestly, she could probably afford anything she wanted but... while gold was gold and jewels were jewels, she only had what she'd brought over with her.
"Beer is fine, but watered down. Ah, please." This wasn't Jaraid, she needed to remember to be friendly. Her smile turned sheepish and she shrugged one shoulder. "That obvious, huh? I was pointed in this direction so I thought I'd take a look."
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Post by theinconceivable1 on Jul 31, 2018 6:07:17 GMT
Azazel sighed “it will won’t do to just sit here, talk about what you will.” he waited a moment and stared blankly at his hands as his men began to converse. Tails of blood and gore shared around the campfire drifted across his mind. Azazel smiled and added “as long as it is appropriate, you never know who might be listening.” Jacob smiled conspicuously “always…”
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Post by TheLostLordofAllyra on Jul 31, 2018 17:20:55 GMT
She heeded his words silently in her mind but wasn't quite sure what he meant about herself "risking more than she thought". Celandra shrugged to herself. She replied, suddenly hesitant, "Ye-es? I mean, yes." She furrowed her eyebrows. "What do you mean exactly?"
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Post by Leilani Sunblade on Aug 2, 2018 0:18:25 GMT
"There's a reason no one's found the Moonshard yet, girl. The way is guarded by monsters, dragons, strange creatures. And if you stray from the path, madness waits" Tam gripped Celandra's arm so tightly as to be almost uncomfortable. A strange light glinted in his eyes. "I nearly made it. Nearly. Passed the dragons and the monsters and the mountains and all that tried to stop me." He paused, took a swig from the mug, blinked, and continued. "But my greed carried me off the way and madness struck me. I thought the cave would crumble around me, so I ran. Got out; found the ground as still as ever and the cave un-crumbled. Thought about going back in, but couldn't bear the thought. So I came back and hid my map so I wouldn't be tempted to try again." He took another drink and leaned in closer. "But if you'll take the risk, girl, listen close. Find the old one by the wolf's head and dig 'neath it 'til you find iron. The iron hides your guide. And don't stray off the path. Remember."
"Right-o." The bartender filled the mug partway from one of the casks along the wall, then topped it up with clear water from another barrel. "It wasn't hard to guess. You look more like an adventurer than a sailor, and ever since old Tam's story got out, seems like half the strangers we see are after the Shard." He slid the mug across the counter to Audri. "That's half a copper. You planning to go alone? Or looking for a friend?" After a few minutes, a couple of woodsmen wandered over, asking about the Nightshade bear and how Azazel and his men had managed to bring it down. Before long, they and a few of Azazel's men were engaged in a hearty discussion about the best ways to track and kill various beasts, including where to find such creatures. One of Azazel's men argued heavily for the hill lands at the southern ends of the Canis Forest, while the locals spoke of places such as the wolfs-head cave deep in the forest (surrounded by its namesake animals, and possibly inhabited by a Nightshade bear?), a particular stretch of a particular stream, and a patch of dense pine growth just within the forest bounds.
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Post by TheLostLordofAllyra on Aug 2, 2018 20:44:47 GMT
She breathed heavily, slightly shaken by the man's experience. She thought she could remember everything. Something about an "old one"? A wolf's head...iron hides the guide... Celandra thought, stashing it all away in her mind where she could remember it later. But one new thought wormed its way in as well. Am I up to the challenge? Am I really willing to take the risk? If she was being honest with herself, Celandra was even more cautious about this whole thing now and began to second guess her choice.
But of course I knew this would be dangerous, she concluded to herself. That's what comes with every challenge, every adventure. The thrill and the danger. But is it worth it? She paused. Then with renowned vigor, thought, Absolutely. This isn't about me; this is about saving everyone else on this planet. It's about doing a good deed like changing the way of this world all the while being selfless. I can do this.
Celandra turned back to the man named Tam. "I understand," she said. "I promise I will heed your words. 'Don't stray from the path'; got it. Thank you." She rose to leave, but stopped. "Is there anything else I need to be warned of?" she asked cautiously. "Safest way? Efficient form of travel? And where exactly should I be headed for?"
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Post by Leilani Sunblade on Aug 2, 2018 23:38:26 GMT
Tam's brow wrinkled for a moment. Then he nodded, swaying. "The wolf's head is in the forest, where you'll find the rest. For the Shard, north and east, into the mountains and cliffs. More than one entrance to the caverns, so I'm told— trust the map, it'll show you clear enough. The rest . . ." He shrugged and took another drink. "Used my feet, I did. But another's feet are as good as your own. I've given you what I can, girl. You'll have to manage the rest. Find a companion, if you can. Maybe two'll succeed better than one could."
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Post by jliessa44 on Aug 3, 2018 15:03:00 GMT
"Hmm. Well that can't be bad for business." She commented, half amused as she paid him. Then she shrugged, pushing one sleeve halfway up to try and alleviate some of the heat. "I'm alone as of yet, but I'm not opposed to companions. Hard to find one that won't gut you for profit at the first chance though."
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Post by TheLostLordofAllyra on Aug 3, 2018 18:39:05 GMT
She nodded once. "Okay. And thank you again." Celandra bit her lower lip absently, "I know what you mean about having a partner; I'll see what I can do." And glancing back at Tam once more, she slipped away.
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Post by Leilani Sunblade on Aug 3, 2018 23:09:01 GMT
"It certainly isn't. Though most of those customers aren't as pretty as you." The bartender winked teasingly. "Ah, yes, not being gutted is always preferable. And with a treasure like the Moonshard, there's a hefty risk of just that. Though a few people have been forced to take the risk— old Tam's not always in a talking mood." He glanced towards the fireplace. "Seems he's doing a bit better today, though, so you've got a decent chance."
Tam nodded absently after her. "Good luck, girl. You'll need it." He took another pull from the mug. At the front of the tavern, the table full of rough-looking men had been joined by a few local huntsmen. All looked strong and bold enough, but trustworthy? Hard to say. Another young woman by the bar stood out; dressed like a successful adventurer and carrying a spear in a casual way that suggested she knew how to use it. But there was a hint of something far-off and foreign about her— not bad, necessarily, but different. Or, of course, there was always the option to simply slip out now before anyone could notice she'd been speaking to Tam and try to go it alone after all. Near the fireplace, the girl with whom the strange man had been speaking was walking away, back towards the front of the tavern. The man now stared thoughtfully into his mug, occasionally taking a pull from it. His initial distrustfulness of the drink seemed to have worn off.
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Post by theinconceivable1 on Aug 4, 2018 2:32:42 GMT
Azazel eyes tracked the girl as she waved her way thru the crowd. Hastily he leaned forward and his eyes locked with Rowan, one of his men locked in a vigorous argument about which way was best to track a nightshade bear. Rowan saw his commanders gaze and he stopped mid-sentence, quickly he diverted the woodsman's attention “oye, Jacob, whats your thoughts?” Jacob didn't miss a beat. He slammed his mug on the table “stay upwind from the beast? How thick skulled can ya be! If Dem bears smell you then they ain't going to run away; they're going run to ya, all you gotta do is make sure your not their next meal!” Knowing looks and grins were shared around the table, nobody noticed as Rowan rushed to Azazel’s side. Azazel watched the young woman as she neared the door. “See that las? Join her. I want to know what she finds; do what you have to to keep her trust. If she finds anything important, you know how to let me know.” Rowan nodded and he strode toward the young woman. Azazel stood and casually made his way over to the strange man. He didn't look up as Azazel approached. Azazel leaned against the wall and crossed his arms “heard you know something ‘bout the moon shard.”
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Post by jliessa44 on Aug 4, 2018 3:36:14 GMT
"You'd make my husband jealous if I didn't suspect you of looking for tips." Audri flushed and took a quick gulp of the watered down beer to hide her embarrassment at the compliment. "Tam's the... grizzled fellow?"
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Post by TheLostLordofAllyra on Aug 7, 2018 15:05:25 GMT
Hmm... She thought to herself. What to do...? Normally she would go it alone as she had done in the past, but the way Tam described his perilous adventure, well...she needed a partner, that much was clear. Celandra sighed and scanned the tavern once more. Wouldn't mind a pair of hunters, she grinned absently. But there is no way I want to bump into those other men. I must be wary from now on. Her gaze shifted again. I wouldn't mind another girl adventurer either. She weighed her options in her mind. Let's do it! Celandra thought excitedly to no one else except herself. She slipped her way in between tables and chairs again and approached the bar area. She inhaled deeply and exhaled. "Um, excuse me," Celandra began cheerily to the young woman, "but if you wouldn't mind, I'd like to talk with you for a few minutes. That is, if you're not busy." Her eyes pleaded the woman nervously.
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Post by Leilani Sunblade on Aug 7, 2018 21:36:25 GMT
"Married, eh? Your husband's a lucky man; I'm surprised he didn't come along." The bartender nodded. "That's him. Not exactly hard to miss."
At Celandra's approach, the bartender, who had been talking to the young foreigner woman, straightened up. "Ah. Well, I guess I know when I'm not wanted— unless you want a drink, miss?" He addressed this last bit to Celandra.
From further down the bar, a wiry man called, "I'll have one if she won't. No fair spending all your time on pretty ladies, barkeep."
((Lost Lord: feel free to read Liessa's posts from this point out, as long as your characters are together/interacting.))
Though Rowan had been about to approach the young woman, he held back when she made a beeline for the foreigner at the bar. Instead, he waited a moment, then took a spot slightly down from the two women where he'd be just within partial earshot of their conversation. He called for a drink to divert suspicion from himself, then settled in to wait.
Tam peered up at Azazel. "Know about it. Heh. Almost had the thing. Could've had it, if I hadn't been a fool and wandered off the path. So you're after it too, boy?"
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Post by jliessa44 on Aug 8, 2018 1:24:38 GMT
"To be quite honest, I'm the lucky one." Though she couldn't be exactly be called soft, she definitely lost some of her hard edge.
It crept back in when she turned to the young woman. It wasn't that she was unfriendly exactly, just that she was on guard. She took another gulp of her drink, arm hooked around her spear so she could finger comb her bangs back into place over the splotchy burn scar that covered the left side of her face. Similar scars wound around her right arm, obscured by the gauzy fabric of her longsleeves.
When she spoke it was with a harsh accent that came from her more guttural mother tongue. "I have a few minutes, yes. But relax a little. I don't bite..." she tilted her head thoughtfully, compelled by her religion to remain truthful at all times, "ehhhh, anymore."
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Post by theinconceivable1 on Aug 8, 2018 9:29:54 GMT
Azazel looked at the floor and nodded “Sure am, if there’s gold to be found…” he looked up “I’m gonna find it.”
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Post by Leilani Sunblade on Aug 8, 2018 13:00:32 GMT
((Speeding up my replies a little because conversations.))
Tam snorted. "If gold's your game, boy, find a different treasure to hunt and stop wasting my time." He took another long pull from his mug. "Wander off after gold when you're on the path to the Moonshard, you wander into madness. 'S what happened to me, and here I am."
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Post by TheLostLordofAllyra on Aug 8, 2018 18:27:37 GMT
"No thank you," Celandra told the bartender, politely but quickly. Then Celandra turned to the young woman. "Okay, thank you," she smiled. She paused for a second and held out her hand. "I'm Celandra, by the way." She lowered her voice. "And I have some clues as to where the Moonshard is."
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