Chapter One: The Path of Discovery

I have heard of your exploits, and wish to offer you an opportunity. I have sources that believe there are the ruins of a lost civilisation in the Stolen Lands. If this is the case it would be an amazing discovery for history. If that is not something you care for, there will also doubtlessly be relics and treasure and I am willing to give those who help me a cut of whatever is brought back.

If you are interested, this expedition will be leaving Restov on the 1st Rova. We will be gathering in the city in the weeks before. On the 26th of Arodus I hope to have a gathering in the Tipsy Chimera inn where all members of this expedition can meet one another and confirm their interest, before we spend the next week working out the details. I do hope to see you there.


Lady Amara Delvois'

The letter reached you somehow. By courier, by bird, by being left in your inn room. Whatever your reasons you chose to go, and made your way to the city of Restov.

The Tipsy Chimera is a large establishment, boasting two floors of various room types, and a vast selection of ales and food. As you enter you inform one of the staff who you are looking for and are directed to an area currently filled with a group of sailors, and a figure sitting more to the side, that would not look out of place in a dimly lit corner.
Their shape seems feminine, but they are dressed head to toe in black leather armour, except with a dark crimson cape gilded with gold, and seems content to just watch the sailors make their way through tankard after tankard of ale. Two sailors stand out.

The first is a female half-elf, oozing confidence with how she leans back, arms crossed. As each of you enter her eyes move to you, taking you in with a judging eye. The second is a one-eyed half-orc, pipe in mouth, definitely the loudest of the sailors as they play some sort of card game.

It does not seem the author of the letter has arrived yet.

Grontha you try and place the hooded figure but there are so many stories of people dressed as such to avoid being identified, or blend into the night that you do not know which one she is, if any of them. The half-elf you try and place, but can't quite recall until you spot a pistol on the half-orc hip, decorated with a ruby skull on the side of the handle. You realise he is Garrisk Skullshot, first-mate of the Kraken's Ire, a ship that is renowned for travelling all weathers, and its lucky misses with sea monsters. He himself is known for taking out any would be pirate with a shot before they can board, according to the rumours. You then realise the half-elf must be Captain Serafina Ashbeck, the captain of the ship.

Thomas as you speak the half-elf looks you up and down again with a slightly different eye before leaning forward, a smirk on her lips. 'I have been told I am exciting numerous times' She leans back again, going to pick up her flash or ale at the same time. 'Well your expertise better be up to snuff, my crew are doing the heavy lifting, so we'd rather the pricey stuff rather than useless rocks'.' She raises her ale towards you in greeting. 'Captain Serafina Ashbeck of the Kraken's Ire. I've made it my life's work to inspire this lot into the best ship's crew.

'When we have a ship' There's a mutter from one of the sailors, who freezes the second he realises what his drunken mouth has said. Serafina immediately glares at him, leading to a mumbled apology even as other sailors shift away from him as if to try and avoid getting caught in the crossfire.

'Now now, this a night for meeting new friends and toasting a new haul in the coming.' Garrisk jumps in, appearing to be the only one not bothered by the captain's glare. 'Hans, why don't you go get us the next round.' He speaks to the sailor who immediately jumps up at the excuse to leave the table for a bit.

Tomas you recognise the same as Grontha, but also recall hearing that recently there was an incident at a nearby port where a ship somehow managed to blow a large hole in its hole while at dock, which you feel may be what Hans was referring to. Youa also recall some rumours.

Huan-ui as you introduce yourself, Serafina greet you the same, before nodding. 'Indeed, but it appears miss Delvois has the same attitude to being on time as most nobles.' You recognise who she is, and recall a tale where she supposedly stared a dragon turtle back down into the sea.

As for the hooded figure, she has remained silent throughout. Norgorberites certainly do use black to hide and be unseen, but they also place value on being unnoticed in social settings, while the attire is certainly drawing attention. Still it is not beyond a Norgoberites tactics to intentionally draw attention so that they are then dismissed.

Lady Delvois, you've heard the name as a member of minor nobility is Restov and a practising swordlord, but cannot recall anymore.

The captain rolls her eyes at Grontha's remark but it earns a chuckle from Garrisk as he takes her hand. 'You are mistaken friend, sailors in a inn are very much our element. Though once we step outside your words will ring true.'

'There's enough chickens this Lady wants to fund us all going, and its something to do while we wait.' the captain shrugs. 'Sailors released on extended shore leave can cause a lot of fun after all. Better keep them focused'

As you all take each other in, and get everyone's names, you all realise you've heard a little here and there about one another.

You all talk among yourselves, learning small things about one another, when you all spot someone else approaching the table. A young woman, flanked by two soldiers which are clearly guards. A pseudo dragon sits around her shoulders, grumbling complaint in comments under its breath about the 'walk' it's had to go on, and how it would rather be lounging at home.

Greetings and apologies. I thought it would be best to give you all a time to get to know one another before getting down to business. I am Lady Amara Delvois, the one behind this mission.

I will start on the details, unless there are any immediate queries?'

The lady smiles. 'Well I'll try and be brief so you can all enjoy the rest of the night.' She loks towards all the mugs on the sailors table.

'Are you all aware of the Stolen Lands? An area bordering Brevoy, not far from here, they have proven hard to tame and colonize, so belong to no one but bandits. There however been attempts to settle it over the years, including by Taldor who have left various ruins and mines there. Our quiet friend, Jadis here has found what may be one such ruin, or something fairly older.' She gestures to the hooded figure, who is still quiet. They looked at the offered tea from Haun-ui, but it is currently untouched.

'From what I understand she has vows to remain silent, but has communicated with me through letters. ' At this the figure, Jadis, finally seems to react , just nodding her head once in affirmation.

'She wishes to explore more, but apparently it is somewhat dangerous, and also cannot carry much, so came to me to form a team, an expedition to get people there, and hopefully some historical artefacts back. So that is where you all come in. Captain, as we have spoken in letters your crew will be the main muscle for searching the ruins, and bring stuiff back. The est of you, from your exploits you all seem capable, and If Jadis is correct about danger, it seemed prudent to have a group scout out the ruins, and clear it before the sailors moved in.'