Episode 1 Scene 1a : The Arrival

Dec 25, 2019 5:56 pm
The trip to Far Reach was long and fraught with peril. On more than one occasion those being employed to protect the caravan definitely earned their keep be it wages at journeys end or safer passage to Boareskyr Bridge. However the last leg of the journey proved to be the worst. For upon the constantly wind swept fields of the Sky Plateau the group was set upon by a large contingency of raiders. It took a massive effort upon the protectors behalf to finally repel them leaving many badly wounded and a few dead. Still the caravan was able to make the safety of Titan's Cleave. It was rumored that a Titan's Great Sword had created the break in the Sky Plateau and it appeared that the rumor may have well been true for it resembled a jagged gaping wound. Still from there forward the most dangerous element was just the occasional falling rock as the caravan descended down through Titan's Cleave into the valley of Far Reach.

As the caravan begins moving out of the Cleave and into the valley proper one could see the fabled Boareskyr Bridge in the distance and next it the rather ramshackle town that rests at its southern end. The warmth of the valley was quite noticeable compared to the colder air of the Sky Plateau and one could imagine that at times it might actually it uncomfortably warm at times. Still the weather in the valley seemed to be pleasant enough right now. And the hills the caravan travels through peaceful enough. One could tell when one was getting close to the village as even a few farmhouses had already sprung up indicating that some protection was given to the region immediately south of the village.

Upon arrival just short of the town but in sight of the large wooden sign labeled "Southbridge Village" the caravan pauses for inspection. A small contingency of archers flank the caravan on either side while four seasoned looking veterans walk the length of the caravan two a side and a fifth with a writing board speaks with the caravan master up front. Their surcoats over their chain mail denote them as followers of different deities. The one up front who is obviously a well-groomed Tiefling wears an equally fine surcoat of Kelemvor while one of the walkers who is obviously a Dragonborn wears the surcoat of Bahamut, next to him is a Human wearing the surcoat of Torm, on the otherside is an Elf wearing the surcoat of Correllon and along side him a Half-Elf wearing the surcoat of Lathander. While a mixed group of dieties even the most unknowledgable in religion would easily note that they are all dieties associated with law and order. Perhaps these were some of the actual seven Paladins that are rumored to be the anchor of government and safety here.

On their walk back up from the rear of the caravan the Dragonborn states in Humanish in a deep booming voice that is easily heard by all. "We here welcome you all to Southbridge Village. Please refrain from excessive roudiness as that may get you a visit to our wonderful stockade. If any of you are planning to stay on please report to the garrison in the next few days as all long term residents are expected to actively help with the defenses of the village. Other than that we hope you enjoy your stay here in Southbridge Village."
OOC:
If you wish to explore the village let me know otherwise we can assume the three of you agreed to go to the garrison straight away
Dec 25, 2019 11:14 pm
Lex appears to be a red dragonborn, but there is something off about his appearance, and any dragonborn would recognise it instantly in a "aren't you a little short to be a stormtrooper" kind of way. His clothing, once well made, has clearly not survived the journey well, but gives the observant a clue to his background as being from the merchant class. He has very inquisitive eyes which dart from source to source and he is constantly making notes in one of several journals he carries with him.

He doesn't have any weapons, but he uses a staff as a walking stick and around his neck is a platinum scale, a sign of his devotion to Bahumut, the Platinum Dragon. When he walks you hear the constant clinking of glasses and suspect he must have several vials stowed in his backpack. As the guards make their inspection he buries his face in one of his notebooks and steals occassional hurried glances at the guards.

He nods as they say he should make himself known to the guards.
OOC:
I'm quite happy to move on to reporting to the garrison.
Last edited December 28, 2019 12:05 am
Dec 27, 2019 5:46 am
As the "welcoming committee" walks around the caravan, Brindel eyes them with an intensity that equals their own. The dwarf walks to the front of the caravan, the surcoat with Gulthyn's symbol obvious beneath his travelling robe. Brindel removes his helmet revealing short, trimmed brown hair with black stripes that match those found in his beard. He addresses the leader with calm confidence, "Thank you for the warm greeting. The garrison will be one of our first stops. Do you have any recommendations for weary travelers to rest their heads?"
Dec 27, 2019 8:31 pm
OOC:
Okay that sounds like Brindel ought to perhaps make a perception check. Also by leader do you mean the spokes dragonborn or the tiefling talking to the caravan master?
Dec 27, 2019 8:59 pm
OOC:
Brindel addresses the Dragonborn, as he did the welcoming

Rolls

Staying vigilant (Perception) - (1d20+2)

(14) + 2 = 16

Dec 27, 2019 11:56 pm
Being one that understands the ways Brindel can tell that what they are doing is scanning for overt evil and while this does not mean that the less than savory are going to be found it does indicate that overt evil does not get in easily.

Upon approaching the rather tall dragonborn and speaking to him, the dragonborn looks down upon Brindel but in a way that makes Brindel feel he is accustomed to perhaps talking to others much shorter than he. And his response indicates that perhaps even more specifically shorter folk such as he as he replies in dwarven, "Your most welcome and good to hear that the garrison will be high on your list. As for a place to stay, their are several fairly good Inns within but while doing Garrison business we encourage all to make use of the barracks. Further it lets newcomers, such as yourself, get a feel for the village before committing to any particular establishment."
Dec 28, 2019 1:30 pm
OOC:
Quick question: do we know each other still (are we a team)? If we don't, I'll edit the last paragraph.
To the side from all main points of commotion, hiding in half-shadows cast by a lonely oak tree near the road, a tiefling leans against the tree trunk, watching the surroundings with a mixture of serenity and boredom. Clad in a bright red coat, with a golden brooch attached at the front and a purple cravat wrapped around his neck, twigs of mistletoe weaved into his hair, the tiefling looks every part out of place in this caravan. With a theme of nature in his accessories - and with two scimitars at his belt, - he can be correctly thought to be a druid, but he lacks something to look like one of the local druid circles.

A number of town guards send suspicious glances towards the tiefling, which he answers with a smile and a sparkle of mirth in his blue eyes, obediently allowing the bringers of law to examine his equipment should they desire to. Still, Egret wishes for the inspection to be over, and when the group of guards finally judge the caravan safe and make their way back for the gates, he sighs in relief, straightening up and briefly dusting his coat. He is not sure where to head out now, however, torn between avoiding the stifling air of the town and following the practical thought of obeying the recommendation of reporting to the garrison.

Deciding to bide his time for now, Egret moves closer, his eyes catching the sight of the conversation between the dragonborn guard and his own dwarven companion, Brindel. The tiefling tilts his head, watching the discussion from afar.
Last edited December 28, 2019 1:35 pm
Dec 28, 2019 8:54 pm
OOC:
Yes the concept is not only do the three of you know each other fairly well but have all agreed to remain as a team upon arrival to Boareskyr Bridge -- and this goes for any of the new players that may join -- and if they are delayed I will help them explain why they were delayed joining you.
Dec 28, 2019 9:08 pm
OOC:
Okay, thanks! And Egret's fine with following Brindel and Lex to the garrison. :D
Dec 30, 2019 3:14 pm
Brindel continues to talk to the Dragonborn. "A wise suggestion, sir, thank you. And be assured that my companions and myself would be glad to help defend the village if the need arises. What sort of troubles do you face in this area?"
Dec 30, 2019 8:23 pm
OOC:
I am assuming you replied in Dwarven? Note if you are speaking in anything but Human please denote that you are
The Dragonborn continues in Dwarven, "Well first I think ole Kustaa," Brindel recognizes that as a Dwarven name, "has lots of tasks he needs done and I believe those tasks all concern making this a safer place for all. As for troubles well other than keeping the peace, there are undead that need eradicating now and again as well as some other evil critters that need eradicating that wander to close but again Kustaa and Weimin they handle all that stuff I am just here to cut the head off evil every time its ugliness pops up."
Dec 31, 2019 3:14 am
"Friends!" A slim-looking woman with golden hair and a friendly smile stepped forward just behind the others. "My apologies for being a little late. I was held up helping an old woman cross the road." She smiled at her own little joke, the irony being that in a place such as Far Reach, at Southbridge Village no less, there were hardly any roads with heavy traffic that needed navigating.

Feliani stood there, appraising her old acquaintances as if she hadn't seen them for a while. Although in truth she had been traveling with them these past weeks. She appeared still fresh from her travels, the glow of the weather still radiant on her fair skin. She appeared well equipped for their next task, swords sheathed on either side of her belt, a light leather jerkin fitted in place, and a cloak for comfortable travel and also embellished with the symbol of Sune Firehair all around its hem.

She noted Brindel's vigliance, "Brother Brindel, are we to expect danger already?" She rested a hand on a hilt in response, and looked to the others.
Last edited December 31, 2019 4:36 am
Dec 31, 2019 7:01 am
Brindel shudders ever so slightly. Even his own sister didn't refer to him as "brother," but humans have their own ways that he is still getting used to. "Excuse me," Brindel says to the Dragonborn in Dwarvish, then turns to Feliani.

"Not with such fine village guards as these, friend Feliani," Brindel says in Common. "Undead have been spotted in this area. We must be wary of them and other creatures in this untamed land. I took the liberty of offering our assistance if warranted. I hope no one minds."
Dec 31, 2019 12:00 pm
OOC:
I'm not sure if Lex is next to all of us or not, correct me if needed.
Seeing Feliani making her way towards Brindel, Egret straightens up and gets closer as well, moving to stand beside his companions - yet still a few steps back. He gives a polite nod and a smile to the guards when they see him, but doesn't seem interested in talking, only listening to the conversation with a slight smile, his tail waving behind him in an expression of thoughtfulness. After a few moments, somewhat subconsciously the druid shifts towards Lex, perhaps feeling more at peace next to the one as quiet as he is.

The tiefling perks up when Brindel mentions potential need of their assistance, but stays silent - although now he looks more focused on the dwarf, as if expecting to hear a battle plan to follow. The strategy is not his strong suit, and neither are the matters of interacting with people, so Egret stays content following the other's lead, trusting Brindel to formulate a strategy for their actions in the village. After all, the only reason why he is still here is the desire to follow his companions, and it's only fitting to let them have the reins.
Last edited December 31, 2019 12:00 pm
Dec 31, 2019 11:33 pm
Lex will be actively trying to avoid the scrutiny of the guards. He will reason that there is safety and anonymity in a group, so he will be near the others with his hood covering most of his features. He notices his friend's approach. Egret will see that Lex is in the middle of drawing a rough sketch of the town.
He nods as his friend approaches and makes no attempt to hide his work.
Last edited December 31, 2019 11:34 pm
Jan 1, 2020 11:07 pm
Brindel turns to the Dragonborn, continuing to speak in Common, "Pardon the interruption, good sir, but I don't want to leave my companions in the dark." He turns back. "Friends, our first step after the caravan is safely inside should be to go the garrison and check in with a dwarf named Kustaa. We'll rest from our travels there, and if we decide to stay, we can decide on a suitable inn. For now, there is no present danger outside we should be concerned about."

Facing the Dragonborn once more, Brindel says, "Once the inspection is over, we will be heading inside. Would you be so kind as to give us the description and location of the garrison building?"
Jan 1, 2020 11:21 pm
The Dragonborn seems more than patient as he stands there. In the meantime the archer contingent is heading back to the gate along with the Elf and fFolk knight. The Human knight on the other hand walked over to the Tiefling and was talking with the caravan leader as well.

At Brindel's last statement the Dragonborn replies, "Well unless you have goods to declare or are directly employed long term by one of the merchants you can head on in. After you pass through the gates the garrison is off to your right across the bridge, its kind of hard to miss but the guards will of course ask you nature of business, have you check your weapons and give you an escort before they let you cross that bridge."
Jan 2, 2020 1:14 am
Egret narrows eyes at Lex's sketch, his gaze tracing the lines and then flickering up to look at the town itself, towering in the distance. The druid hums as he looks back at his companion's notebook. "Have you happened to be in these lands before, friend Alexander, or are you simply talented at capturing the architecture?" The tiefling keeps his voice low, not wishing to attract attention of the guards. "It looks recognizable, despite being a quick work."

He looks at the gates again and adds somewhat wistfully, to no one in particular: "Shall we always stay in inns, amidst civilization..." The druid sighs, his hand absent-mindely bothering the brooch on his cravat.
Last edited January 2, 2020 1:16 am
Jan 2, 2020 2:29 am
Brindel replies to the Dragonborn, "Thank you. You have been most helpful as we have no intention of transgressing any laws nor customs. In that regard, I ask for one bit of clarification: when you say 'check your weapons,' do you mean an inspection or a hold for safekeeping?"
Jan 2, 2020 2:57 am
"Well I guess more along the lines of hold for safe keeping, as no one not currently part of the Garrison are allowed to bring weapons into the Fort which will go for any spell casters as well. Still no need for concern we just get a lot of folks coming and going and the fort would be a prime target for some who would like to take this region. As such we like to keep new folks in check until they have joined the Garrison right and proper and thus have official business within the fort."
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