The gods mock us with their powers. Casting magicks unknown to our people is not only dangerous, but against everything we stand for. The question is not how to stop the magics within the world, but how to prevent another event from occurring such as the great destroyer's return.
-Excerpt from Divinity and Humanity by Akrosh the wise
Nearly a millennia ago a great war was fought between two great kingdoms vying for power. Using the powers bestowed to them by the gods a great calamity was brought into their wake. Using powers no mortal man should possess these great kingdoms used the magics given to them for evil, for power. Unbeknownst to them awakening the great destroyer. A ripple was felt around the world of Falron before nothing. As the battle continued in the Marranna plains a rupture shook the crimson land and with it a great roar was heard beneath the earth and with it it split in two engulfing the frightened and weak, destroying what was known as honor and bravery; only to replace it with terror and death.
Out from the fissure came unspeakable evil that washed away the unclean. Eating their souls and threatening to destroy Falron in it's entirety. Through this devastation came the council of five. Sages viewed to being the wisest beings in Falron. Through this lesson their views on magics was to be outlawed. To dangerous for normal men to possess it was believed to have been locked away forever. But like cornering an animal it will eventually fight back. Cults, hidden schools of magi formed within the world of Padaine. Through this taboo practice came the Knights of Romaria. Templars from the holy city of Romar that seeks to eradicate all magi from Padaine and solidify their belief that the only magic that should be practiced is that of the holy church and the divine blessings from the gods.
We now live in a world where the Romarian empire controls a vast amount of land bringing fear and corruption within her ranks. Their king, Almon Deliruso Crisade is a templar who served the Romarian family for years before being wed to the queen. When she passed away from unknown sources came an era of religious persecution and inquisition. Magic has been outlawed for decades yet many still possess these abilities and are known to practice within secret in these cells. Many of which have turned to terrorist organizations believing the templars and their inquisition has gone on for far to long unchecked and that many innocent people have paid the ultimate price within these dark and troubling times.
We begin our adventure within the minor fort city of Jaren's Hold. Although a fort town Jaren's hold is known as one of the many epicenters for rumors, freelance work, and adventure. Today is a crisp afternoon, the breath escapes your lips softly in the cool air. Two Romarian soldiers stand guard at the front gate, another four patrol the wooden walls. There seems to be small military presence within the town but many have chosen to become residents of Jaren's hold for safety and security. "Work is always keeping a hold on you here." Is a common phrase by the local populous.
Jetrothal strolled through the town, the guards glancing at him as he entered. The guard on the left nodded his head in respect to the monk, eye's wide having never been here before. The wooden palisades that surrounded the town were large and looked like it could survive a minor attack from the enemies of Romaria but nothing more then that. As Jetrothal continued down the soggy ground, trickled down with signs of snowfall he shivered under the crisp air of the northern fort. Few shops and houses billowed smoke from their smokestacks and a rather large building with merchants pawning off furs and trade goods was close to twenty yards away from the monk. "Have you heard that a merchant was attacked the other day, left to die in the mud? I heard that when they brought him in he was quivering, his face covered in blood. The madness set into him as he continued to repeat some strange phrase." A woman asked another. "No I didn't! What is happening to the world these days? I heard from Tarric Wolfhelm that shortages of supplies are going to be increasing the prices on food and wares soon. He posted a bounty for the head of Goldtooth hoping that it will stop the bandit raids up in the tavern. A group left last week but no one has seen them come back." The women continue to speak but much is gossip of locals of the town and your unable to make out much more of the conversation.
The populous looked strangely at the monk and wondered why he wore such little amount's of clothing this far up north, in winter. When Jetrothal inquired about Goldtooth the first man simply pointed and explained where he could get to the tavern asking what he planned on doing. As he continued to question other citizens and guards about who Goldtooth was they quivered and refused to divulge any information with the monk.
Just as Jetrothal was losing the ability to ask and head to the tavern with what information he did get a tall man donned in slate colored armor with onyx trim walked up to him. His eyes were blue and his hair blonde with brown highlights. Standing at what the monk could tell was six foot two with a bastard sword attached to his back. "I've been watching you monk. Don't tell me, you want the bounty for Goldtooth? You would be a fool to attempt to apprehend this criminal without help. The group that left a week ago I will only assume is dead. Tell me, why should I employ you to hunt down this criminal? What is it that you posses more than the others?"
His voice was commanding, deep, and the way he spoke was that of a commander donning similar uniforms as the guards that you saw at the front gate. It would be safe to assume this was non other then Tarric Wolfhelm.
Solange:
The air is crisp, your nipples erect realizing you were not prepared to be this far north but are relieved to feel somewhat safe seeing the fortifications and the amount of people within this fort town. Traveling around the perimeter of the fort you notice that the archers on top are staring at you while you circle the fort.They watch you carefully unsure if there looks are of an sexual or other nature.
Once you perform your scouting the walls look sturdy although one hundred percent made out of wood and spiked at the tops. This is meant to be more of an outpost then a fortified defensive position. Tree's surround the fort besides the direction you came from where trees are on either side of a road. One entrance could be seen with first glance [Roll Perception] The guards are surprised that a woman of your beauty would be talking with you and the one on the right smiles and welcomes you inquiring what business you have with them. Once you respond he smiles and welcomes you hoping that you will be remaining in Jaren's Hold for awhile.
Whilst Solange passes the guards the one who spoke to her turned his head gawking at her rear as she trotted away. The other quickly reprimanding him and nudging him back to his post. Inside the gates many wooden houses could be found with cobblestone walls. It's safe to assume that many of these houses are military owned but it didn't look like there were to many guards from your scouting. You did recall that there was a breach in their defenses if you ever were needing it, towards the back of the fort was a small sewer duct. Large enough for a small child to crawl threw with ease but someone of your size would need to press forward and surly ruin your clothes but it was a thought if you needed to escape from Taddel and his goons. Pressing deeper into the small fort town you see three merchant stalls near a rather large, and rowdy looking structure you could only assume is of importance to these people. The smell of this town is that of burning coals and firewood. Breathing deep these aroma's makes you relieved as many of these patrons don't look to be the most hygienic, perhaps there was a shortage.
Tarric took a deep sigh looking over Jetrothal's body once more. "You look to be a quick fighter, tall and lean. However Goldtooth isn't just any would be bandit. He use to be a soldier assigned to this fort. Greed and corruption got to him and he took a group of deserters and has been held up in the mountains towards the West. I haven't pinned down his location yet but the group that left a week ago had to have found him, or other creatures in the wild. We have many wolves and other nasty creatures in these woods. If you truly feel up to the challenge the people of Jaren's Hold would be greatly in your debt. I will reward you with anything I can manage be it equipment or coin but I doubt you will make it in your current, position. If you want to venture out go to the merchant's quarters and seek employment opportunities there. I am sure that any wannabe adventurer or mercenary could be found there. The name of the tavern is The Harpy's Den. We keep a tight rope here so there isn't to much trouble in the den, if your worried there, boy." He smiled and saluted before tending to his patrol once more.
Meanwhile, back at the front of the city Bjorgson looked like a lost dog. A very large, and confused, dog. The people looked at him in his studded leather. He wielded a scythe, what a strange weapon for an Orc to use. He asked the first person he saw, pointing forward towards a large building with three stalls surrounding it it was apparent the quickest way to find mercenary work would be in the tavern. All walks of life posted up bounties, jobs, and other information there and if you looked the part more than likely you'd get offered for a job. Even if it wasn't necessarily the most, legal. .
The four of you staggered in individually paying no mind to one another as others continued to pour in and out of this central hub. As you enter the harpy's den it's quite obvious how it got it's name. A large twelve foot tall stuffed harpy stood with a giant's wingspan over the taverns barkeep. Smoke and the smell of cured meats filled your nostrils. Many people were conversing over local gossip, trade plans, expeditions, and some shady characters gathered into the right side discussing something in private with one another. Three wenches walked around carrying platters full of food and drink. Most of the populous was human but you could tell there were at least three orcs, a half dozen dwarves, and two halflings who looked to have been in finer dress then others. Along the wall was a wooden board strung up with bounties and odd jobs for anyone brave, or foolish enough to attempt them. On the left side of the tavern were stairs that lead up to more "Private quarters" as well as what you could only assume were rooms that you could rent out. Some patrons were smoking from their pipes looking over the banister of the magnificent harpy taking in any easy prey or would be employees for their empty pockets.
Nightfall was setting rather early but due to the season and how north we were it could be expected that nightfall was around five o'clock. Work had ended for the day for most although a heightened watch of guards could be seen outside manning the walls and patrolling the cities. Jetrothal noticed the wanted poster of goldtooth. He was wanted for theft, murder, treason, and assault of a royal official. Upon closer analysis you realize that the portrait of him is that of a large half orc with a sharpened gold tooth peeking out of his mouth. He is missing one eye and has numerous scars on his face. Pointed short ears that drooped outward towards the tips where they were pierced and stubble could be seen. In bold black letters the wanted poster read.
WANTED
DEAD OR ALIVE
KORATH "GOLDTOOTH" GROK'LAR
WANTED FOR TREASON, MURDER, THEFT, AND ASSAULT ON ROYAL OFFICIALS
REWARD OF 300 GOLD ALIVE, 150 DEAD. REPORT TO TARRIC WOLFHELM WHEN COMPLETE
The amount of gold could make any man crazed with greed but you remembered what Tarric had told you earlier that day and decided that you would look for help to split the funds. In your mind however it wasn't about the money as much as it was to best the next fighter and test your training but it wouldn't hurt to recruit some adventurer's for this mission..
Edited: Arthos on 18th Jan, 2016 - 1:50am
A few men laughed watching Solange be dazed by the creature. Although others had gone without notice, Solange's beauty and charisma was putting her out of place, especially in a fort town such as this one. She walked up to the bar and asked how much to stable her horse as well as for some food, drink, and a room. The barkeep looked at her while serving an ale to a monk half-elf sitting next to her. He looked competent in a fight having scars from fighting over the year in his training but nothing to serious or deep. His hair was yellow and eyes violet. He was not a beautiful creature like other elves you had heard of. Since they were normally viewed with suspicion for arcane ability many remained in hiding or were placed in special cities only for their kind to keep under control and monitored.
The monk took a drink of his ale and continued to stare off to his own thoughts. The barkeep looked at you and questioned if you had any money. He then looked you up and down and smiled. "Girl, serve my patrons for the night and I will pay you five gold for your, ahem...services." He was a pig of a man, dirty clothes and looked like he hadn't shaved, let alone bathe in at least a week. His gut stuck out of his shirt slightly and although you couldn't tell what the odor was you could only assume it was from him.
Jetrothal:
While you sit next to one of the most beautiful woman you have laid eyes on you sip on your ale listening to other patrons and thinking about the other notices you saw. One pertaining to enlist in the Romarian army. Common recruitment messages such as these were nothing new but you felt that although you would gain a wealth of experience and learn many fighting styles it would be against your oath as a monk to fight someone elses wars currently.
You also had seen that there was a page posted up warning people about going into the woods at night. Rumor of a troll was to have been sighted deep in the woods of Vo'kor.
Also job notices for apprenticeships could be found but nothing to your interests as you lack the skill and ability to craft anything.
Cade:
Having walked into the tavern feeling lost and wondering what it was that your diety was telling you you wondered around looking to see what work others were offering on their town board. You read that their is a bounty for a man calling himself goldtooth who was wanted for treason, murder, assault, and theft. The reward was gigantic but not having been in to many fights before it would be safe to assume you would need others to fight with you and unfortunately split the reward.
You also saw a posting the caught your eye about a apprenticeship towards blacksmith. It may not be mechanical but there could have been a possibility that your knowledge in the mechanical arts could spring to life new contraptions and weaponry the people of Jarens hold and Romaria had never fathomed.
You also saw a warning more so then anything about a troll in the forests. Perhaps they were just seeing things but it was perhaps wise not to trespass into the forest without a group.
Bjorgson:
You entered the tavern and was directed to the notice board seeing many combat based task's needing to be done. You were intelligent enough to know that you shouldn't go out alone but your confidence outweighed your initial gut feeling at first. Sadly, you couldn't get much more work offers from the patrons of the tavern as they looked onto you with fear and tried to avoid their eyes from you as they didn't know you or what you could do but assumed only the worse..