Pregame

Slight back history You all have arrived separately and have met up with Assistant Lucy. Each of you are chatting with her separately. She basically wishes to make sure you wanting to explore the ruins for one person reason or another and not concerned that the pay per say which is exceptionally low. Treasure beside the artifact hunted for are fully the parties. She doesn't have really much in the way of details.

"This is a spot for each to ask question of her." Any info she gives out, consider it known by all.

Jeurgen, grins broadly and simply agrees to the job, "Keep your artifact, I got no need for it. So what about these ruins of yours…Be it underground?"

Jeurgen Lucy tells you " The ruins may have been a city at one time. So surely some of it where you would be going doesn't see the sun light."

"Sounds like fun" Says Jeurgan, smacking his meaty hands together "Lets get started!"

"Only real question I have is, when do we start?" Nara leans on the wall, using his dagger to clean under his nails.

"Greetings! Greetings all! I am Joran the Giant, and it is a pleasure to meet all of you." the gnome speaking is dressed in traveling clothes is not what any of you might call a giant, though if you're familiar with gnomes he is tall for a gnome.

"What do we know about this artifact? How will we know when we've found? What does it look like? Smell like? Taste like? And just what do we think will stand in our way to getting to it? Hmmm?"

"Oh, I do so hope there are many villainous fiends in our way! Big deeds to be done, and none better to do them than the Giant!"

Nara Lucy tells you "You will meet up with others for this very soon."

Joran To save time "Add and New Detail" has "The Artifact:" area about the artifact that is answering your question for you about the artifact. Lucy tells you "The artifact is somewhere in the ruins. I have no idea about such area."

Irwin’s quick eyes watch Lucy as she answers looking to see if she is hiding anything.

After a lengthy pause he speaks up his voice quiet but confident, "I am well aware of the low pay you are offering, and I’m here for the possibility of other treasures within the ruins. So what is my guarantee your boss will stick to their side of the bargain?"

Irwin Lucy tells you, "I believe in any agreement mutual is just something that is required."

"I hope there is a contract to go with your words." He says with still a little distrust behind his eyes. "So I believe we have a few days travel from here until we reach the ruins, is there any relevant information about the local dangers I should know before heading out? No local Orc hordes or migrating Giants?"

Irwin Lucy says "The Adventuring Guild always stands on its word. We haven't had any invader attack us here."

"It's very nice to meet you, Miss Lucy." Roland says, bowing ever so slightly as he does.

"I am eager to head out to the ruins to retrieve the artifact. I realize that there is very little in the way of payment for its retrieval, but when the artifact has been returned, would there be any other say... more profitable opportunities?"

Roland Lucy replies back, "I'm certain other opportunities are around."

Irwin pushes a few strains of hair away from his face, "This seems a pretty straightforward request, what sort of dangers can we expect once in the ruins? Is the undead going to be a problem?"

"I am satisfied then and prepared- this shall be an excellent adventure truly!"

Irwin Lucy says, "The ruins and such is relatively new unknown territory. I guess that there could be anything really there but whatever is there hasn't come to bother us here."

Joran Cool your good.

Done: Jeurgen, Nara, & Joran

In works: Irwin & Roland

As each of you are chatting with Lucy, you find she is amazing in some ways. (Elves in this world are extremely rare.)

Most people can live their entire lives and never see an elf. Sure, people have heard of them. Stories are abound but actually see one. No. But here is Lucy and she is obviously an elf. As you have seen her move, she doesn't walk she just glides with an incredible grace. She doesn't look to be a day over twenty-one but you're sure she is probably centuries old.

She dodges any question about her and if force "This is a ... " redirect comes. While talking to her, she never really gives numbers and never answers anything yes or no. It terribly makes you wonder why she is here. She is an elf! What could ever bring her to do the job that she is doing.

"That's good to hear." Roland responds with probably a bit too much enthusiasm.

"I am eager to get started, and look forward to any future opportunities."

Irwin shakes his head at Lucy’s roundabout answers, "It’s not much intel to go on but I have worked with less. We do we head out?"

After discussions with Lucy, you are eventually directed to Overseer Jargon. It is a small room but large enough to accommodate the party and Jargon. Lucy is not to be seen and only Jargon is present. This will be first time the party has really seen each other. Each of you were basically escorted here by a messenger, so each of you have arrived fairly much at the same time.

Jargon is an older man yet still active. Dressed in chain mail and the looks of a warrior. He hefty enough to wear that chain easily. Jargon has all the appearances of being someone in upper levels in the adventurer's guild. He could quite possibly be the highest here even. He seems to be in a good mood at the moment.

As all are seated and present and the pulmonarias of who is who are done, "It is a fine day that you all have arrived. As Lucy has surely informed you of the task at hand. Hopefully she answered any questions each of you have had." A person comes in and deposits two bottles on the desk near Jargon. He motions to the party as he sets up a few glasses, "Wine or Brand which ever you prefer."

He continues on as any help themselves to the drinks, "Exploration comes with its own dangers and why we give you rights to treasure found except the artifact of course. All of you are rather experienced so I have hopes for a fine ending. I will warn you that your are the second party to be sent out. The first never returned so that is to say there is most likely danger. So your actually the second party to ever have attempted the ruins even. It was only found by a lone scout that returned with very little to say other than it looked to be an ancient city of sorts. We have other information that tells of the artifact."

He seems to pause as he is expecting questions.

Doc follows the messenger to the next meeting, he slips in staying close to the door and back of the room. He quick eyes taking in the fellow adventurers, and he is quickly put at comfort by the way each holds themselves. The Gnome is of particular interested as he is dressed lightly, but Doc can sense the presence of another magic welder.

Of average height Doc was of a lean build and pale skin, his long blond hair was braided back so to stay out of his face. His clothing though well worn and had signs of battle, was clean and well maintained but not polished. If you were to watch him move none of his equipment gave off a shine nor glean, even when hit with sunlight.

As he stood straight backed and unmoving at the back of the room listening, he nods a greeting to any whom looked his way.

Jeurgen pours himself an oversized glass of brandy and downs it just as quickly, before looking around "Looks like its just us, what are we waiting for. Golds not gonna walk into me sack on its own! Lets do this!"

Doc’s interest is pecked a little by mention of the artifact, "What is this other news? We have been given very little intel this far."

"I'm eager to get to this! Big deeds to be done, and Joran the Giant is the one to do them! I assume these small fries you've paired me with here have their own skills to provide."

"We know what the artifact in question is, we know there's danger, and we know anything we find that isn't the artifact is fair game," Nara summarises the meeting. "Well, we certainly aren't getting any closer to finding the artifact sitting around here."

"Spoken like a man of action!" Says Jeurgan snatching up the bottle of brandy and raising it, "So Jargon, you got us a map or guide, I think kids are ready for road trip."

Seeing that the party wishes to get on with it, Jargon takes out a map for the party. Marked on it is the ruins. It is roughly four days march to the north and that is all forest. "This is where you will find the artifact at. I may take a while of searching. I suspect you will want to be heading out tomorrow. The tavern below here is a fine place to meet at."

Looking a little torn between tavern time and adventure, Jeurgen stands stunned for a moment before drinking straight from the brandy bottle. He stands in award silence and just looks at the gathered heroes waiting for someone to speak up.

"As much as I want to get moving as soon as possible," Nara says aloud, "I think we would all do well to get a full night's sleep and start off on a full belly. To that end, I humbly suggest no one goes overboard tonight. No one wants to be stumbling due to tiredness or drunkeness on the paths tomorrow."

Unsure of what to expect going into all of this, Roland is relieved to find that all of the others appear both eager to act and capable of handling themselves if needed. And while his militant background has prepared him for carrying out missions with very little intelligence, the vagueness of this current task isn't filling him with confidence.

"I agree." he responds to Nara's idea.

"Best to get moving at first light, make the most of the day before having to camp for the evening. Might mean one less night out in the wilderness."

The cleric stands to look over the map and studies it for moment before asking Jargon...

"Anything along the way we should be aware of as far as terrain?"

Jargon replies back "New unexplored lands. Only thing we noted is there no attacks coming from it."

Just as useful as the elf.

Roland takes in a deep breath and lets out a slow exhale.

"I have nothing further then. I guess it's time to hit the tavern."

As the meeting appears to come to an end, Jargon suggest you should prepare yourselves and meet in the tavern as tomorrow will be busy.

Roland will invite the others to join him as he heads over to the tavern.

"May as well get a bite to eat together before resting for the evening."

Joran looks left and right at the others, "Aye, I wouldn't be opposed to a bite to eat-- a big man like me has a big appetite to match, after all!"

Joran looks about again, "And, er- not to be indelicate, but what is it all of you DO here? Might be important before going into danger to know what our speshialties are, wouldn't you say?"

"I'm pretty stealthy, know my way around a lock, and can be a fairly relentless fighter," Nara says as he prepares to head to dinner. "I'm also reasonably comfortable out in the wilds."

"Im pretty good at making teacups!" Says Jeurgen with hearty laugh

"I am a cleric of the Temple of the God of War, who proudly serves as a soldier in this name." Roland recites his well practiced introduction, before toning back the formality a touch reminding himself that he's not on official temple business.

"I'm good in a fight and can share Tempus' blessings with those he deems worthy. "

A slight smile forms on his lips...

"I'm also very hungry. Tonight's meal and the first couple of rounds are on me!"

"Excellent! Good to have someone whose in with the powers up above along, I'd say! As for myself, I mostly blow things up." Joran gestures at the wand at his side to indicate he means through magical means, "Also- I am an absolute expert at pitching a tent-- I'll gladly handle those duties most nights!"

Joran takes a swig of his drink before adding, "In addition to my obvious advantage in height, of course!"

Happy to be away from the meeting Doc follows the group taking in the details of the conversation. As he tends to do he let them speak until it was obvious that it was his time. "I appreciate the ale and food . . . Roland?" His voice is confident with just enough volume to be heard. "I am Irwin Wade former military scout and field medic, now adventurer. I do well enough in tracking, living off the land and will defend myself as required, but I prefer the arts of healing to killing." He stops there, smiles warmly at the group before taking a swig of ale.

After a pregnant pause you realise he has done speaking.

"I can think of many situations where your height would be of great benefit; especially during a battle." Roland responds to Joran. "And while I appreciate your enthusiasm for constructing a tent, I'm a bit picky when it comes to handling my gear."

The cleric's ears perk up when he hears Irwin mention that he was former military.

"Another healer in our ranks, and one with military training as well! I feel sorry for those who might oppose us." he laughs, raising his tankard.

Irwin returns a a good humoured smile to Roland and raises his tankard, "You can never have to many medics is a motto I always carried, especially in the company of men at arms." His eyes drift to Jeurgen and his smile broadens as the takes a long draft of ale.

As he lowers his tankard Irwin’s eyes shift to Nara, "You and I seem well suited to scout, and seems we will not got hungry in the woods."

Jeurgen returns Docs grin and guzzles his brew like a hungry pig. He tosses his Tankard in the air and hollers, "More mead for everyone! It's on me... and the ceiling!"

Nara nods at Doc's observation. "Agreed. Nature often provides great bounty if one knows what to look for... and considering the danger this job seems to entail, the last thing I want is to fail because of starvation. I'd rather not die, but if fate decrees it is my time, I would like to die in a manner worthy of being told in story. Certainly not..."

His voice trails off and he shrugs, pushing a bite across his plate before stabbing it with a fork.

"Dying for someone else to gain power." Irwin finishes Nara sentence. "Better off dying on your own terms." Irwin raises his tankard to his new companions and takes a long draft.

"I was actually thinking, 'dying in possibly the most embarassing way imaginable,' but we can go with what you said," Nara chuckles lightly, drinking from his glass of water before returning his focus to his plate.

Irwin smiles at Nara’s comment and those with him see his face noticeably relax, "It seems to be my round." He raises a hand calling a barmaid over . . .

"That does it for me tonight, Lads." Roland says, slamming his empty tankard onto the table. "Any more and I'll be of very little use in the morning."

Pushing himself away from the table he tosses more than enough coin down to cover the food and the first round.

"Going to find someplace to lay my head down and I'll see you all in the morning."

Irwin nods goodnight to Roland and finishes his latest ale, he looks around the group, "One more for me and then off to my bunk."

Nara finishes his food and water. "I'll see everyone bright and early." With that, he retires for the night.