Lord Benton replies "Before we go any further, allow me to introduce you to some of our veterans here."
Going from left to right Lord Benton introduces each member in the room. The dwarf he identifies as Duryn Stormbrand, a cunning fighter that has intimate knowledge of Throal's vast network of mines and tunnels. The half-orc he identifies as Vox Khorvath, a brutal fighter with a wisdom the belies his heritage. The helf-elven maiden he identifies as Ilthana Faleress, priestess of Imrahil (goddess of compassion and healing).
"At the moment there's not much we know about Throal's invasion. We've received scattered reports from our agents in Bartertown (an above ground settlement of merchants and tradesmen nestled outside Throal's massive gates) but the only definite information we've received is that Throal's gates have been sealed to the outside.
Unfortunately, we cannot send aid en force. The Theran slavers patrol the roads from Vivane to Travar. The best we can do at this time is send aid in waves along with our trade caravans.
There is a caravan that leaves tomorrow morning. You will accompany those that you have met here to Bartertown. All of you will need to disguise yourselves as merchants to avoid suspicion of the Theran patrols. Once you arrive discover what news you can of the situation below the mountain. I suggest you all get some rest. The caravan leaves at first light."
Once again turning his attention to you, Lord Benton states "you may want to visit out armory before heading out. Joffry can show you the way."
"Thank you sir and peace to all of you."
Krusten does not know what else to say as she follows Joffry she quietly asks him, "Do you know of a strange elf that sits there?" She points to the elf with whom she spoke prior to her signing.
Joffry stares back at you with a confused look on his face. "I'm not sure what elf you're referring to madame," Joffry replies. Krusten looks to where Valtherian once sat and notices that the corner is now empty.
Continuing through the main hall, Joffry leads you past a sparing room and down a flight of stairs to the armory. Stands of armor line the eastern wall and all manner of weaponry lines the western wall.
Waving his hand, Joffry replies "you may take your pick of what's available. There may also be one or two sets of armor in your size. I also taken the liberty of gathering for you a set of commoner attire which you will need for your journey. You will find it next to your bunk in the barracks. Let me know when you are ready to leave here and I will show you to your lodging."
Joffry waits patiently while you search through the armory's inventory.
________________________________________
[Out of Character:] Krusten, for now your party leader will be Duryn the dwarf.
[Out of Character:] Krusten can choose any one melee weapon allowable to her class and one ranged weapon available to her class. She can also choose one set of armor in the light or medium range. Any shield is allowable also, but not a tower shield.
Also note that if your character chooses a larger shield (anything larger than a buckler) certain penalties will apply towards your move silently and sneak skills.
If your character DOES choose to upgrade her armor she will loose all the benefits available to her from the "Impart Essence" feat. Your character can take the armor now but will not be able to impart essence for another 5 levels.
Also, to impart essence to the new armor, your character will need to do more than simply keep it in her inventory. She will need to physically wear the armor until she can once again impart essence.
Edited: Felthalas on 27th Aug, 2011 - 5:47am
Joffry escorts Krusten to an adjoining wing within the militia's headquarters. There is a dining hall and several armor clad guardsmen sitting at a long table idly chatting amongst each other and sipping ale.
Joffry leads you up a flight of stairs and you find yourself within the barracks complex. There are several modest bunks, each with a foot locker and a wash basin. All of them are neatly made yet one in particular has a stack of folded linen and set of modest clothing laid atop it.
There are several volunteers (three male and two female) bedding down for the night
Joffry stands before the bunk in question and states "this bunk shall be yours madame." Handing you a key, he says "this will open the chest."
Amidst the modest comfort of your accommodations, you immediately notice the openness of the barracks and apparent lack of privacy one must become accustomed to in these circumstances.
Joffry looks at you and states "if you are hungry, our kitchen will stay open for another hour and our kennel can house your dog if you wish. Is there anything else you require madame?"
Edited: Felthalas on 27th Aug, 2011 - 1:31pm
Krusten stands silent for a moment. She is usually more private and being in such an open place will be difficult to get used to. "No thank you" she replies with a bit of regret and then adds, "My dog will be at my side here too of course", she says it in a way that the only answer from him should nbe.".
She then looks around carefully at everyone in this room analyzing their faces and what they may be about. After doing this she checks her bed for details, she tries her chest to see what is in it and how it locks.
Krusten then ventures to the kitchen for a meal taking all her belongings with her.
When no one is aware she remasters both the key and the lock for her chest using her tools so that no one but her can open it. If anyone asks she will simply say, "I'm just practicing".