Chapter 1: Blood and Lightning

Nov 6, 2023 2:51 pm
Each of you has been summoned by an agent of the Archmage. Whether at the request of a different icon or due to an interest in gaining the attention of the archmage, or for some other reason entirely, you find yourself answering his summons to provide support to a tower called Boltstrike. Boltstrike Pillar is a rarity, a wizard-oriented community located in the wilderness. The wizards depend on soldiers, rangers, and other warriors to defend the tower while they concentrate on magical rituals there that are principally concerned with weather control. The tower’s commander, Ameliefor, owes her position to martial skill rather than arcane talent.

There have been rumors of The Three planning attacks on the tower, and separate rumors claim that goblins have been seen in the area who have odd tattoos on their face. The archmage mentioned a weapon named Glaezentorg that, along with some gold, would be your reward for helping keep the tower safe.

Your instructions were to meet each other at a fort of the Dragon Emperor before heading to the tower. The captain of the fort, a human named Yushif, has been told of your arrival and is expecting each of you. As you arrive, he answers any questions you have and then escorts you to a dining area where the soldiers are being fed. He explains that there is enough for each of you and offers you some. It is not the most appetizing but all the nutrition you need is found within. Once you all arrive, he will give you directions to Boltstrike tower.
OOC:
Please introduce your character by explaining their appearance and have them introduce themself to Yushif as they arrive. As you do so, roll your Icon Relationship Dice. You can roll each on a separate line or group them by the icon they are related to, but please label them so we know which belongs to which icon.

As a reminder: if you roll a 6, at some point before the next full heal up you should get a boon from that icon. This can be information, a magic item, story events centered around your character, or other things in that realm (GM has final say, but players can make suggestions). On a 5, you get the result of a 6, but there is a complication. Perhaps the information is faulty or lacking a crucial detail, or the magic item is a loaner you must give back later, or the NPC will require a favor now or later. The bigger the boon, the bigger the complication.
Nov 6, 2023 8:45 pm
Hrafe considered Yushif, thoughtfully weighing the movements, microexpression, and hospitality of this agent. He could sense the prejudice, and jealousy of the southern men. Yet, even among his savage ilk, Hrafe stood taller. A head higher than the tallest man and thicker, cords of muscle from head to toe, and possibly the must vicious gaze one had ever seen. The warpaint didn't help, making the outwardly violent demeanor of his resting face that much more so.

Yet, as he sat with the soldiers and ate his meal, Hrafe couldnt help but notice the similarties between himself and the soldiers of the tower. Moved by their own cleanliness and discipline the holy warrior made a prayer for them to bless the shared meal.

"How good and wonderful is the sanctity of brothers, that in our sharing this meal we bond in common cause. For each of us, agents of the golden order, servants of the light. In our communion we serve our respective solemn and sacred obligations. On this, so auspicious a day that heaven above gives us each a sign. Let us then dine and recieve our wages, sanctified and blessed by Holy Light. So mote it be."

Rolls

Icon Die - (1d6, 1d6, 1d6)

1d6 : (3) = 3

1d6 : (4) = 4

1d6 : (5) = 5

Nov 6, 2023 9:07 pm
Makasi Nkuyu's takes a seat on the wooden bench, plate mail awkwardly jangling as she thanks the server for her food and drink. She glances at the others around her, one or two of whom she'd been only too happy to team up with on the road into the fort. Still, knowing this is a wizardly kind of place, her eyes dart to and fro, betraying her edginess. With dark skin and an unkempt head of thick, stark-white hair, the paladin's appearance confounds attempts to pin down her age. With a streak of white warpaint across her cheeks and unnatural red eyes that hint at experiences she'd rather keep hidden, Makasi exudes incongruous energies, both matronly and martial.

She reciprocates the barbarian's blessing with a quick, "Amin," leaving the reference to "brothers" unchallenged for now. Her body bears the traces of pregnancy and childbirth. But plate mail tends to hide such things.

Nodding to Yushif, the human agent for the Archmage, she extends a hand, her expression carrying a cautious wariness. "I am Makasi Nkuyu," she says with a hint of suspicion. "My companions here talked me into coming to this meeting. I'm at least curious what you have in store for us."
Last edited November 6, 2023 9:15 pm

Rolls

Lich King (Conflicted Relationship) - (2d6)

(36) = 9

Great Gold Wyrm (Conflicted Relationship) - (1d6)

(2) = 2

Nov 7, 2023 2:22 am
Salix emerges from the nearest woodline to the Fort of the Dragon Emperor and slowly makes his way through the more civilized portions of the fort until he stands face to face with Yushif.

Salix stands tall and lithe, his slender body and pointed ears betray what would seem an elven heritage. However, the woodgrain that runs across his skin, the spread of branches from his crown, and the faint green glow of his eyes hint at a story that runs much deeper.

He introduces himself as Salix, extending a long fingered hand in greeting. When Yushif mentions dining, Salix lets his gaze linger slightly too long before looking towards where dining area being gestured to. He follows the man into the room and takes a seat where offered.

Salix looks slowly around the room as the others speak to introduce themselves, again letting his gaze linger slightly longer than would be normal. Eventually it is his turn to speak.

"My name is Salix Alderroot. It is a pleasure to make all of your acquaintance. How interesting that we would be chosen to assemble here." Salix's head tilts from side to side as he speaks, evaluating the reactions and responses of the others.

Rolls

High Druid (Positive) - (2d6)

(56) = 11

Elf Queen (Conflicted) - (1d6)

(2) = 2

Nov 7, 2023 12:04 pm
A tall elven shape moves out of the forest and makes it way to the tower. He is dressed in black leather, and wears a cloak, but currently his cloak is down showing his face. A usually beautiful elven face, except for a broken nose that haven't healed correctly. A long knife hangs sheathed at his belt and several smaller throwing knives hang on a bandolier around his torso.

"Edgar Skullbreaker," he introduces himself in a sing song elven voice that don't fit his name at all.

Rolls

The Crusader - (1d6)

(4) = 4

The Three - (1d6)

(6) = 6

The Dwarf King - (1d6)

(2) = 2

Nov 7, 2023 1:36 pm
Last to enter, Raphel's face falls when he steps into the eating hall. That damnable courtier who'd arranged for his presence here had promised him an audience with none other than the Archmage himself, and now his last ounce of hope that the knave had peddled truth has been dashed to the wall. And filthy walls at that, the fair-haired wizard observes with distaste, stained where they meet the ceiling from who-knows-how-many years' worth of smoke from the hearth. Were there no servants about the building?

No, the Archmage could not possibly deign to set foot in such a place. Raphel masters himself, schooling his involuntary sneer into cool indifference. "I am Raphel of house Cassidor," he says when the eyes of the assembled turn in his direction, clearly expecting that he continue the round of introductions. He sketches out the slightest of bows while fantasizing about murdering the false-tongued swindler. With what she'd charged Raphel for this, he had been left with little more than the clothes on his back. "A, ahem, pleasure to make your acquaintance."

After that, he finds himself at a loss for words. When a bowl of unknown substance is handed over, the elf takes it with both hands. It steams. He perches stiff-backed on the communal bench and prods at the lumps within. "What is... this?"

Rolls

The Archmage (conflicted) - (3d6)

(211) = 4

Nov 7, 2023 2:30 pm
You find yourself at the same table, as Yushif guided you all to the same one. As food is brought out to you, Yushif says to you all, "My orders were to get you fed and supplied, and then send you on your way. Running a fort such as this is taxing on time, so I will give you all an hour to get acquainted. I will send a soldier to come get you when I am ready to speak next. Enjoy the chief special," he says as he chuckles a little bit seeing some of the confusion and disgust. "Out cook outdid himself today." Commander Yushif walks out of the room, leaving 5 strangers awkwardly at a table together. It is clear you are all here for the same job, to provide support for Boltstrike tower.
OOC:
As for the results of the icon relationship dice:
Hrafe: 5 (+ Priestess)
Makasi: 6 (+/- Lich King)
Salix: 5 & 6 (+ High Druid)
Edgar: 6 (- Three)
Raphel: none

I will keep these in mind as we progress. If you have any suggestions, you can message me directly. In the meantime, go ahead and roleplay being at the table together. If you all would like to progress past this part, you can say so in the general chat.
Nov 7, 2023 4:52 pm
Makasi leaves her hand hanging for a moment as Yushif ignores it and heads back to his duties. She scoffs aloud and lets the fist find a chunk of bread. "Guess that shows where we rank in his priorities," she tells the others. She dips the bread into the bowl of gruel and takes a large bite. Her demeanor suggests that eating without utensils is somehow foreign to her, but she's not necessarily offended by it. After she swallows, the woman says, "I'm Makasi Nkuyu for those I haven't met yet. A couple of you I recognize from the road to the fort. Glad you all made it safely."
Nov 7, 2023 9:20 pm
"It is well. Mortals as we should not seek the attention of a god." As he said the word "god" Hrafe touched the sword on his hip. It was The Priestess' own sword, Atonement the Lightbringer. The Artifact was rumored to send the souls of those it slew to Heaven Above. "I am called Hrafe, Twenty Man-Slayer. I know you all by reputation." Hrafe poured the gruel into a trencher of sourdough bread and drank what remained in his bowl. Producing iron cutlery from his waist pouch he began to eat rather quickly, somehow without smudging his warpaint. "For such fabled warriors to meet. The Signs are good, and these goblins, surely our mettle woll be called to answer. For my dreams of late, blood and thunder, a tide that washes our world in purifying crimson. Is it not so with you all?"
Nov 8, 2023 2:57 am
"It is good that all made the journey without issue. Our host seems reluctant at best to actually play a host to us. No matter, we'll get what we need and be on our way soon."

Salix observes as the others make to eat their meals however they see fit. For his part, he takes ahold of the bowl and tips it up to slowly drink up it's contents.

"Fabled warriors may be a bit premature, but time will tell. As for dreams, mine have been... different as of late but not necessarily bloody."
Nov 8, 2023 3:25 am
Raphel raises an eyebrow at the painted man's claim. This one has probably not held a book before, let alone trod on the floor of any magical institution, so where could he have heard of Raphel? Ludicrous. Leaving his bowl untouched while the others eat, Raphel returns to a standing position. He smooths down the front of his ruffled vest.

He'd been sorely fleeced, true, but this talk of a mission at least offers him a chance to recoup his losses. More likely than not, he would soon have a chance at practical application of his arcane theories too, something that he admits has been lacking in his studies. Any upstart mage can cast in the confines of their private study. He has grander ambitions.

"I concur. I see little to be gained by lingering here." The wizard waves a hand at their general surroundings. "If you have had your fill of the local... delights, let us depart for greener pastures."
Last edited November 8, 2023 10:47 am
Nov 8, 2023 3:38 am
"Modesty does not suit a Landvætyr. Your resplendent foliage betrays your station." Hrafe chuckled shaking his head and pouring himself a tankard of sour scented alto wine. Grabbing a handful of anise and lavender from a bowl in the center of the table, he crushed them in his fingers making a tea of them in the vessel. "You know I remember a story about Embla, a maiden made of wood. It is not a tale for stone walls to hear. Some other time."

"So you are still alive Skullbreaker?"
Nov 8, 2023 3:59 am
Makasi sips the sour wine with a grimace. "I've had some weird dreams, too," she tells Hrafe. "Saw... some kin, let's say. They seem to think I'm, uh, supposed to be here." She glances up at Raphel, as if eager to change the subject. "Not hungry, hon? Eat up! You'll need your strength for the walk over to the tower."
Last edited November 8, 2023 3:59 am
Nov 8, 2023 4:44 am
Raphel purses his lips. "Quite so. I find my appetite lacking at the moment. Just as well given the fare." He inclines his head, struck by a thought. "If you are intent on my portion, do feel free."
Nov 8, 2023 8:31 am
Edgar is quick to sample all the delights, and he takes mouthful after mouthful. Barely giving himself time to drink inbetween. The display of him eating lands a place between impressive and repulsive. He finishes with a burp and looks up at the rest. "My apologies. Been a while since I ate."

When he hears Raphel is offering his portion, Edgar grins at him. "Don't mind if I do," he says and reaches out with his hand and grabs some food of the plate and places it on his own before he starts eating again.
Nov 8, 2023 10:08 am
Hrafe was staring pointedly, suspiciously at Edgar Skullbreaker.

"You are somehow different than I remember."

In horror and shock Hrafe clutched his own beard in defense. Mortified at this disturbing fact.

"You shaved your beard!!?!"

He recovered almost as soon as he had lost his composure. A smile crept across his face as this truth delighted him. Running his fingers through his ochre stained beard he cackled, not unlike the bird of his namesake. Hrafe took advantage of Edgar's gluttony to speak. His voice dropped to a richer lower pitch. He then sighed realizing the magnitude of his responsibility. Taking a deep breath Strongheart boomed to Skullbreaker, touching a silver arm ring he wore on his left wrist. It seemed immediately as if the weight of the world fell on his shoulders.

"Yes it seems well, I accept this burden. I will grow a magnificent beard to honor the loss of yours, twice as long as yours to right this cosmic wrong. I solemnly swear this to The Priestess." Touching the crown of his skull above the seat of his consciousness, as he invoked Her title.

~~~~~~

"Wherever you go Saint Nkuyu, there you will be. I am Confessor to many, if you wish to tell me of this dream I could offer another perspective. I can see we have a great deal in common. Though, we have walked different paths we arrive at the same truth."

In spite of the garish face paint, and the glazed look of the psychedelic trance in his eyes, Hrafe also showed a deep and thoughtful care in the moment he shared with her. "I see you are closer to Unity, more than anyone I have ever met. What truths we shall discover." Hrafe spoke with awe and wonderment to the Saint, some grand vision betrayed in his near glowing green-gold eyes.
Last edited November 8, 2023 6:29 pm
Nov 8, 2023 12:41 pm
Edgar shakes his head in sadness. "I also grew 2 feet and grew knife ears," he says with a sigh. "Now the darned bear won't even grow."
Nov 8, 2023 1:18 pm
"You two have met prior to this day, then." Raphel looks askance at the cloaked elf, filing away his own strange words for later consideration. "Does he always speak in so... profuse a manner?"
Last edited November 8, 2023 1:19 pm
Nov 8, 2023 2:47 pm
"I am a man of few words, he speaks all those I let pass," Edgar replies. "And then some more."
Nov 8, 2023 3:29 pm
Makasi laughs at the exchange. "Seems we've all been through some, er, interesting times." She smiles as Skullbreaker scarfs down the second portion while Hrafe soliloquizes. "I'm no saint, honey. Far from it. But I might as well grow out my beard, too. I'll make it a vow to any god that will listen." She runs a finger across her smooth, woman's chin and grins. "This is six months' growth already. Can't you tell?"
Last edited November 8, 2023 3:29 pm
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