Nov 13, 2018 3:24 pm
In the beginning, there were heroes looking to serve their king...
To Meet The King - Geoff Beginnings
Nov 16, 2018 3:10 am
The halls through which you walk are cold and drafty. One would think that rulers of kingdoms could afford to toss a few more logs into the enormous fireplaces dotting the landscape of the castle, but apparently times were tight, for the vast majority of them stood in cold silence.
Ahead of you an elder man, who looks to be pressing 80 years of age, leads you through the twisting inner hallways of the Duke’s castle. The walls are lined with numerous paintings and tapestries, all detailing the lives of former rulers. Periodically there is a bas relief where an intricate statue stands in silent homage to some memorable event in the history of that ruler.
What brought you to the citadel of Owen, the Grand Duke of the Duchy of Geoff, is simple: adventure. Money and a crack at stemming the tides of evil play a part as well, but first and foremost is a chance at discovering some new and heretofore unknown place or thing.
When the summons was sent through the land, you were sure that the gates of the palace would be overrun with would-be heroes, forcing you to undergo the familiar question-answer-prove it ceremonies which always accompany such gatherings. You were surprised, then, that when you arrived late yesterday there were only 5 others professing an interest in the matter. Something must be amiss, if no one wanted to undertake the commission. However, you are not just anyone. A seasoned veteran of countless adventures and battles, what is described as a simple reconnaissance mission sounds easy enough; and if you manage a bit of treasure along the way or perhaps garner a debt which could be collected when you needed it most, so much the better.
The group is mixed and varied, with male and female, mostly human with a lone half-elf. None of you is armored or carrying weapons (having checked them with the guards upon arrival this morning), but those that prefer good, hard, up-close-and-personal combat are easy to pick out. The rest, as of right now, remain a mystery to be solved.
The entry hall opens into a large audience chamber. The roof overhead is supported by several marble pillars, and banners hang overhead; gently swaying to some ghostly breeze. A large window, set high upon the left wall, lets light from the midday sun shine directly into the room. The entire right wall is dominated by a huge fireplace. A fire rages within, but does little to affect the cold that has embedded itself into the stone walls and floors.
"This way, please", the old man says softly, almost inaudibly.
Leading your group across the audience chamber, you pass through an exit behind the Duke’s chair. Entering the room beyond, warmth rushes across your skin, causing tiny goose-pimples to race up and down your arm. You cannot help but give a slight shiver.
This room is smaller, perhaps 20 feet to a side. A large hornwood table, oval in shape, occupies its near entirety. There are several cushioned, high-backed chairs around it, and you are each asked to take a seat. Sitting, you sink into the deep softness of the cushions. On the table are several pitchers of liquid, trays with an assortment of fruits, breads and cheeses, and a small stack of silver plates. There is a large fireplace along one wall, no windows, and another exit is across the room from where you entered.
"His Radiance, Owen III, shall be here shortly. Until then there are refreshments available on the table. Please make yourselves comfortable.", the old one says. Bowing slightly, he turns to exit the door from which you just arrived.
Not wanting the hospitality to go to waste, you pour yourself some drink (a wine of some type as well as water), and partake of the food assembled. A good start to any adventure......
As you slowly absorb the idea of what you are getting into and with whom you are going to be getting into it with, you hear the far door open. The Grand Duke of Geoff has arrived.
His Radiance, Owen III, Grand Duke of the Duchy of Geoff does not appear to be a well man. Although only in his mid-forties, the dark circles under his eyes and the tiredness with which he walks tell a tale of a man under much pressure, and make him appear 20 years senior.
Standing as he enters, you see the attendant who follows him. This man is half-elven, and wears the robes of a guild mage of Geoff. Most likely, a court advisor.
"Please. Be seated.", Owen says quickly, gesturing for you to re-take your seats. "We are to become too closely intertwined to allow mere rank and stature to come between us."
Taking a seat at the head of the table, he immediately sinks into the deep cushions. His entire body seems to be engulfed. Pointing to a goblet on the table, his attendant immediately fetches him a glass of wine.
"I cannot begin to express my gratitude for your willingness to take this commission. ", he begins. "I am a direct man, so will not waste your time with flowery speech as to how great I have heard you to be. The full truth is, I do not know who any of you are. But I do know that you are here to answer my summons, and for that I judge you to be none but the finest the land has to offer."
Sipping a bit from his wine, his eyes stare off into the space right in front of him. "No one can say what secrets the great Barriers might hide. In truth, save for the Kettite peoples to the north, the vast majority of my worry comes from those peaks. Giant kind, orc, troll. The list is nearly endless. We have learned to adapt to this and it has become our way of life. But THIS", he says, pointing to the door from which he entered, "I do not know how to deal with. "
The attendant opens the door, and a decaying body comes floating in on a magical table, guided by what appears to be another guild mage. What it was, you cannot tell, for it is almost completely decayed. The smell, however, is like that of rotting plants and wood. It looks to be some form of plant-creature. Its skull is small, and the body bloated. Its insides appear to be like that of plant stuff, and there are spiny ridges running down its back. The thing itself is perhaps 4-5 feet tall. Waving to his aids, they move it across the room and out of the Duke's direct sense of smell.
"THAT, friends, is all that remains of my former captain of the guard. He was found by one of the border patrols but a week ago. He was delirious, and half-changed. Within the night, he was fully changed. He attacked several people, and was slain as a result. My lands to the west are becoming overrun with these things. Already some of the small villages that border those peaks have been lost. My rangers have located the source from which they are spawned, but none, as yet, have returned from within. Twice expeditions entered the strange cave, and my former captain is all that has ever returned. Your tasking, should you decide upon it, will be to enter this strange cave and seek out its nature. I am prepared to send my entire army inside if needs be, but with other borders to worry about, I find myself relying on persons as able as yourselves."
"You shall be escorted to the cave site. My men will await your return for four days. After that, I am going to be forced to divert troops to lay the place to waste. Should you have any reservations or questions, now is the time to speak."
Ahead of you an elder man, who looks to be pressing 80 years of age, leads you through the twisting inner hallways of the Duke’s castle. The walls are lined with numerous paintings and tapestries, all detailing the lives of former rulers. Periodically there is a bas relief where an intricate statue stands in silent homage to some memorable event in the history of that ruler.
What brought you to the citadel of Owen, the Grand Duke of the Duchy of Geoff, is simple: adventure. Money and a crack at stemming the tides of evil play a part as well, but first and foremost is a chance at discovering some new and heretofore unknown place or thing.
When the summons was sent through the land, you were sure that the gates of the palace would be overrun with would-be heroes, forcing you to undergo the familiar question-answer-prove it ceremonies which always accompany such gatherings. You were surprised, then, that when you arrived late yesterday there were only 5 others professing an interest in the matter. Something must be amiss, if no one wanted to undertake the commission. However, you are not just anyone. A seasoned veteran of countless adventures and battles, what is described as a simple reconnaissance mission sounds easy enough; and if you manage a bit of treasure along the way or perhaps garner a debt which could be collected when you needed it most, so much the better.
The group is mixed and varied, with male and female, mostly human with a lone half-elf. None of you is armored or carrying weapons (having checked them with the guards upon arrival this morning), but those that prefer good, hard, up-close-and-personal combat are easy to pick out. The rest, as of right now, remain a mystery to be solved.
The entry hall opens into a large audience chamber. The roof overhead is supported by several marble pillars, and banners hang overhead; gently swaying to some ghostly breeze. A large window, set high upon the left wall, lets light from the midday sun shine directly into the room. The entire right wall is dominated by a huge fireplace. A fire rages within, but does little to affect the cold that has embedded itself into the stone walls and floors.
"This way, please", the old man says softly, almost inaudibly.
Leading your group across the audience chamber, you pass through an exit behind the Duke’s chair. Entering the room beyond, warmth rushes across your skin, causing tiny goose-pimples to race up and down your arm. You cannot help but give a slight shiver.
This room is smaller, perhaps 20 feet to a side. A large hornwood table, oval in shape, occupies its near entirety. There are several cushioned, high-backed chairs around it, and you are each asked to take a seat. Sitting, you sink into the deep softness of the cushions. On the table are several pitchers of liquid, trays with an assortment of fruits, breads and cheeses, and a small stack of silver plates. There is a large fireplace along one wall, no windows, and another exit is across the room from where you entered.
"His Radiance, Owen III, shall be here shortly. Until then there are refreshments available on the table. Please make yourselves comfortable.", the old one says. Bowing slightly, he turns to exit the door from which you just arrived.
Not wanting the hospitality to go to waste, you pour yourself some drink (a wine of some type as well as water), and partake of the food assembled. A good start to any adventure......
As you slowly absorb the idea of what you are getting into and with whom you are going to be getting into it with, you hear the far door open. The Grand Duke of Geoff has arrived.
His Radiance, Owen III, Grand Duke of the Duchy of Geoff does not appear to be a well man. Although only in his mid-forties, the dark circles under his eyes and the tiredness with which he walks tell a tale of a man under much pressure, and make him appear 20 years senior.
Standing as he enters, you see the attendant who follows him. This man is half-elven, and wears the robes of a guild mage of Geoff. Most likely, a court advisor.
"Please. Be seated.", Owen says quickly, gesturing for you to re-take your seats. "We are to become too closely intertwined to allow mere rank and stature to come between us."
Taking a seat at the head of the table, he immediately sinks into the deep cushions. His entire body seems to be engulfed. Pointing to a goblet on the table, his attendant immediately fetches him a glass of wine.
"I cannot begin to express my gratitude for your willingness to take this commission. ", he begins. "I am a direct man, so will not waste your time with flowery speech as to how great I have heard you to be. The full truth is, I do not know who any of you are. But I do know that you are here to answer my summons, and for that I judge you to be none but the finest the land has to offer."
Sipping a bit from his wine, his eyes stare off into the space right in front of him. "No one can say what secrets the great Barriers might hide. In truth, save for the Kettite peoples to the north, the vast majority of my worry comes from those peaks. Giant kind, orc, troll. The list is nearly endless. We have learned to adapt to this and it has become our way of life. But THIS", he says, pointing to the door from which he entered, "I do not know how to deal with. "
The attendant opens the door, and a decaying body comes floating in on a magical table, guided by what appears to be another guild mage. What it was, you cannot tell, for it is almost completely decayed. The smell, however, is like that of rotting plants and wood. It looks to be some form of plant-creature. Its skull is small, and the body bloated. Its insides appear to be like that of plant stuff, and there are spiny ridges running down its back. The thing itself is perhaps 4-5 feet tall. Waving to his aids, they move it across the room and out of the Duke's direct sense of smell.
"THAT, friends, is all that remains of my former captain of the guard. He was found by one of the border patrols but a week ago. He was delirious, and half-changed. Within the night, he was fully changed. He attacked several people, and was slain as a result. My lands to the west are becoming overrun with these things. Already some of the small villages that border those peaks have been lost. My rangers have located the source from which they are spawned, but none, as yet, have returned from within. Twice expeditions entered the strange cave, and my former captain is all that has ever returned. Your tasking, should you decide upon it, will be to enter this strange cave and seek out its nature. I am prepared to send my entire army inside if needs be, but with other borders to worry about, I find myself relying on persons as able as yourselves."
"You shall be escorted to the cave site. My men will await your return for four days. After that, I am going to be forced to divert troops to lay the place to waste. Should you have any reservations or questions, now is the time to speak."
Nov 16, 2018 12:55 pm
None of the others had ventured to speak yet, though they looked eminently more comfortable within castle walls than Hraefn was. Truth be told, Hraefn could not remember the last time he had a stone roof over his head. He was unsure what the duke, or any of the others thought of him, attired in the simple garb of an ordinary townsfolk, nondescript in appearance. Shifting himself awkwardly in the plush cushioned seat, he cleared his throat and quickly spoke his words, almost afraid that it wouldn't sound appropriate or respectful enough in the presence of nobility. "Your Grace, I am known as Hraefn, woodcarver by trade, though your subjects might know me in some other guise. And I will gladly assist in any way I can." That was all he contributed, and waited until it was his turn to speak again.
Nov 16, 2018 2:22 pm
As I sit, I throw my legs up on the table and begin eating an apple. "No time for rank or stature, huh? Good, I never have time for that. That uh thing makes this job seem dangerous. Don't get me wrong, dangerous I can do, but it's costly. My father always said never do anything for free. So, what is the pay?" I crunch down on the apple, smiling as I chew open mouthed.
Last edited November 16, 2018 2:23 pm
Nov 16, 2018 3:38 pm
Duke Owen looks toward Merri, seemingly unfazed by the nonchalant, make-yourself-at-home demeanor. The wizard beside him, however, takes a half-stem back and goes wide eyed, making a face and gesture to the effect of No feet on the table!
"Welcome Hraefn, woodcarver. I have no doubt that if my people know you, that will be enough." the duke says, looking at Hraefn.
"As for payment, sir, I am willing to grant each of you a tract of land to call your own, along with the title Baronet and 5,000 gold nobles to seed your estate."
Looking directly at Merriweather, he says "I trust this would be a fair offer for services rendered, sir?"
"Welcome Hraefn, woodcarver. I have no doubt that if my people know you, that will be enough." the duke says, looking at Hraefn.
"As for payment, sir, I am willing to grant each of you a tract of land to call your own, along with the title Baronet and 5,000 gold nobles to seed your estate."
Looking directly at Merriweather, he says "I trust this would be a fair offer for services rendered, sir?"
Nov 16, 2018 3:54 pm
Keeping my feet on the table I smile at the wizard. "I suppose that'll do, although I do have 1 more request, which I assume comes with my title. I have a few outstanding debts to some... rough individuals. Nothing bad, of course, just a few bad investments on their part. I'm sure we can find a way to make these... disappear?
Nov 16, 2018 4:25 pm
"So you would have me pay you more than the rest of those gathered? What, then, would be an agreeable compromise for them, should I acquiesce to that? I have no doubt that the value of the land, the coin proffered and the treasures brought from the cave, should you survive, would more than cover any debt you may have. If it does not, then your price would be too steep for my coffers anyway."
"While his eminence may be cordial regarding courtly manners, I am not so forgiving." says the elder man beside Duke Owen. "I feel it best if we all abide by simple, cordial rules of being a guest in another's home, and not put our feet upon the furniture where food is served, yes?" he says, his eyes sweeping the group before landing directly on Merri.
"While his eminence may be cordial regarding courtly manners, I am not so forgiving." says the elder man beside Duke Owen. "I feel it best if we all abide by simple, cordial rules of being a guest in another's home, and not put our feet upon the furniture where food is served, yes?" he says, his eyes sweeping the group before landing directly on Merri.
OOC:
Merriweather, DC18 Wisdom saving throw, please.
Nov 16, 2018 4:29 pm
Cædwyn, looking at the others gathered at the table can't help but wonder how a woodcarver and someone who's obviously some sort of criminal or other unsavory type could possibly be the 'finest the land'. He'll hold his tongue for now though, not wanting to offend the Duke.
He helps himself to a second glass of wine and loudly proclaims, "Ha! Titles and wealth are meaningless to me as a man who has both. I will gladly accept though, as the greatest warrior in these broad lands it is my duty to aid my Duchy in any way she should call on me." Raising a glass in a toast he yells, "For Geoff!"
He helps himself to a second glass of wine and loudly proclaims, "Ha! Titles and wealth are meaningless to me as a man who has both. I will gladly accept though, as the greatest warrior in these broad lands it is my duty to aid my Duchy in any way she should call on me." Raising a glass in a toast he yells, "For Geoff!"
Last edited November 16, 2018 4:35 pm
Nov 16, 2018 5:40 pm
Like the noble speaking before her, Ilwyn has her own reservations about the presence of what is quite clearly an unsavory character at the table. She can't fault the woodcutter his presence. other than wondering what talents have brought him here other than woodcutting.
She is drinking from her goblet when she hears the duke voice the reward, and manages to catch herself before she can choke on the wine. Setting the goblet down and clearing her throat, she turns her attention to him. "That is an... Incredibly generous reward, your eminence, even for such a daunting task." She places a hand on her heart and bows her head slightly. "But with or without payment, it would be my pleasure to seek out the root of this... Foul magic that plagues your lands." She eyes the corpse at the side of the room with disgust only for a moment, then finishes her drink.
"What do you know about the capabilities of the transformed, sire? The more we know, the better a chance we stand."
She is drinking from her goblet when she hears the duke voice the reward, and manages to catch herself before she can choke on the wine. Setting the goblet down and clearing her throat, she turns her attention to him. "That is an... Incredibly generous reward, your eminence, even for such a daunting task." She places a hand on her heart and bows her head slightly. "But with or without payment, it would be my pleasure to seek out the root of this... Foul magic that plagues your lands." She eyes the corpse at the side of the room with disgust only for a moment, then finishes her drink.
"What do you know about the capabilities of the transformed, sire? The more we know, the better a chance we stand."
Nov 16, 2018 5:54 pm
OOC:
Save Hopefully!Last edited November 16, 2018 5:56 pm
Rolls
Wis Save - (1d20)
(18) = 18
Nov 16, 2018 7:05 pm
Merri, you feel a wash of energy flow across you, making the hair on your arm to rise, causing you an involuntary scratch to stop the itch. It passes after a brief moment, and you realize that the court wizard has tried to bring about your compliance with a bit of arcane aid. Noting your resistance, he seems either flustered... or impressed...
"I do not seek to haggle individual rewards for this commission." Duke Owen replies. "If land and title are not your desire, so be it. You are free to dispose of the land for profit in order to settle your previous debts. If the mission is of sufficient success, perhaps we could negotiate bonus coin, but for now I stand firm in my offer."
Looking to Cædwyn, Owen raises his goblet in salute. "To Geoff!"
"I do not seek to haggle individual rewards for this commission." Duke Owen replies. "If land and title are not your desire, so be it. You are free to dispose of the land for profit in order to settle your previous debts. If the mission is of sufficient success, perhaps we could negotiate bonus coin, but for now I stand firm in my offer."
Looking to Cædwyn, Owen raises his goblet in salute. "To Geoff!"
Nov 16, 2018 7:09 pm
OOC:
Just as a strategic note (Since that saving throw reminded me), but for future reference, anyone within 10 feet of Ilwyn is immune to charm and gets +3 on any saving throws.Nov 16, 2018 7:17 pm
Bleak says:
OOC:
Just as a strategic note (Since that saving throw reminded me), but for future reference, anyone within 10 feet of Ilwyn is immune to charm and gets +3 on any saving throws.OOC:
Noted! And I actually looked to see the range for your Aura of Protection. I was going to assume that everyone is within 10'. :)
Nov 16, 2018 7:49 pm
The slightly unkempt young man sitting next to Ilwyn glares at Merri and speaks when there is a pause in the conversation. "Perhaps we should let this ill-mannered fop enter the caves by himself. Clearly he sees himself as much better qualified than the rest of us. I, for one, take this duty seriously. I'm not sure we can afford to have anyone who does not find it so join us in the effort."
He turns to the Duke and says much more cordially, "My apologies, your grace. I am Bram Sulman of Urnst, a practitioner of the arcane arts. I am honored to be accepted into your realm."
He turns to the Duke and says much more cordially, "My apologies, your grace. I am Bram Sulman of Urnst, a practitioner of the arcane arts. I am honored to be accepted into your realm."
Last edited November 16, 2018 7:51 pm
Nov 16, 2018 8:11 pm
"Well met, master Sulman, it is I who am honored by your answer to my call. I have no doubt your skills will be most useful to the group." he replies, tipping his goblet in your direction.
"As for your fellow member, I bear no ill toward a man seeking to improve his station in whatever manner he sees fit to do so; though, admittedly, my court attendants might see things differently." Owen adds with reference to Merriweather.
"As for your fellow member, I bear no ill toward a man seeking to improve his station in whatever manner he sees fit to do so; though, admittedly, my court attendants might see things differently." Owen adds with reference to Merriweather.
Nov 16, 2018 8:35 pm
I continue smiling, this time aiming it towards Bram. "I assure you sir, whatever fate awaits us, the team would work best as such. I stand and get close to the wizard, reaching out to shake his hand. "And you, before you decide to use magic on me again, remember this instance and think twice.". I then look to Owen. Whomever is leading the way, let us go.
Nov 16, 2018 8:39 pm
The court mage smiles back, taking your hand firmly. "I shall, sir. I shall."
OOC:
Obviously we shall wait for everyone to get time to interject, RP, etc. In particular I'd like some descriptions of your character so that you get a chance to define who you are and what sort of an appearance you wish to project.Nov 16, 2018 8:55 pm
Cædwyn refills his wine goblet a third time, "Ha! Well spoken. Indeed we should make haste. I trust you all came well prepared for an immediate trek out into the wilderness and down into whatever foul depths this quest shall lead us?" Standing up from the table he straightens his finely tailored doublet. "I will take the fore position of our little troupe if there is no objection?"
Nov 16, 2018 10:01 pm
"Provided you're not all bluster, ser." Ilwyn responds with a smirk at the noble. "Our questionable companion may be somewhat audacious, but at least he's upfront about his predicament. But if you've truly the skills to go alongside that vigor of yours, I'd be happy to let you take point." The paladin stands and looks around curiously, pausing to think. Even dressed in finery, her stance is powerful and commands attention.
"Odd. I could've sworn I saw another of our number at the gates. Did they get lost on the grounds?" She seems to dismiss the thought and turns to the others. "I am Ilwyn," She says, replicating her head-bow from before. "Ilwyn the White, in lack of a house, though I find the title unnecessary in anything other than ceremonial address."
"Odd. I could've sworn I saw another of our number at the gates. Did they get lost on the grounds?" She seems to dismiss the thought and turns to the others. "I am Ilwyn," She says, replicating her head-bow from before. "Ilwyn the White, in lack of a house, though I find the title unnecessary in anything other than ceremonial address."
Last edited November 16, 2018 10:04 pm
Nov 16, 2018 11:35 pm
With a metallic clattering the door to the chamber swings open. Wandering in as one might to a new shop, a tall young woman hums a cheerful ditty as she scuffs her boots along the stone. The song soon loses its tune and sputters out however, as Etna glances up and sees several disapproving sets of eyes upon her. Blood rushes to her face as all her muscles tense up and try to coordinate out of time, pulling off something between a salute, a curtsy and a bow.
"Af'ernoon," she manages to break the silence through a stunned smile. "...Sers." As she walks to take a seat, every step is like a resounding bell in the silence, and the seat shrieks as she pulls it out from the table. Still visibly wincing as she sits down, she pipes up, "Oh, eh... yes. I'm here for the thing. The contract." She registers the confusion beginning to fade from the assembled faces. "Yes... that's the one. I'm Etna Redbriar. Of Fairwall. I didn't miss anything did I?"
"Af'ernoon," she manages to break the silence through a stunned smile. "...Sers." As she walks to take a seat, every step is like a resounding bell in the silence, and the seat shrieks as she pulls it out from the table. Still visibly wincing as she sits down, she pipes up, "Oh, eh... yes. I'm here for the thing. The contract." She registers the confusion beginning to fade from the assembled faces. "Yes... that's the one. I'm Etna Redbriar. Of Fairwall. I didn't miss anything did I?"
Last edited November 16, 2018 11:35 pm
load next