Fantasy Roleplay Starter

[Midnight Paragon]

I sit back down, obviously pleased with your co-operation. I place the parchment face up in the middle of the table, and on its face is a map. It marks several points of interest with little drawings next to it. I point to the small drawing of a cave and look up to you.


"My sources have marked on this small map the places where they're most likely to be. The closest place to here is a cave system called Craggstone Den. Last I heard there was a rather large band of mercenaries making camp inside. A rather diverse group too; Men, Orcs, Elves...you name it, it's probably there."


I sigh as I rub a armored hand down my face, staring down at the parchment.


"....this is extremely dangerous, you know that, right? This isn't like one of your usual marks. These are skilled warriors, and if this person we seek is hiding out with them, chances are they made some friends. And they're probably not going to let you just waltz up to them."

 

[Mora Ghostsong]

I stand up quickly, grabbing my bow and quiver from their resting place and sling it comfortablely over my back, locking it firmly in place with the back of my armor. Sliding my hood up I let out a small chuckle as I stare at you.


"I never suspected them to be easy, that makes it all the more enjoyable in the end."


I motion for the Dorr of the tavern.


"Shall we begin?"


"With any luck," I thought to myself, "This man... this paladin might just prove useful after all." The thought makes me smile slightly under my hooded face.

 

[Midnight Paragon]

I sigh, a small grin crawling onto my face as I pick my golden helmet up and set it back upon my head.


"Indeed we shall. But before we leave, might I know the name you're currently using?"


I walk slowly past you, sending a nod to the bartender as I go, and to the door.

 

[Mora Ghostsong]

"Mora," I reply "Mora Ghostsong." I make my way towardsthe door, not given a nod to anyone as I leave. A fee people noticed something was off but were more or less either to drunk or to busy to really look closer. I exit the tavern into the calm of the evening, it's just after Autumn, the leaves of the trees around the town are soft golden oranges and reds illuminating the village by the lights from the building and touches outside.


A light but steady breeze began to pick up, softly blowing the strands of black hair that hung from under my hood ever so slightly.


"What a peaceful evening don't you think?" I say to you. Mu voice soft and relaxed.

 

[Midnight Paragon]

I look around the world and take a deep breath.


"Aye. It's strange, though...I didn't notice it on the way in. Perhaps it's the lights...."


I continue to stand there, admiring this subtle beauty that the town gives off. The peacefulness of the town begins to stir old memories, ones with old family and friends, and I quickly shake myself from this little reverie.


"But we should be moving if we want to get anywhere before dark. The roads aren't very safe at night."

 

[Mora Ghostsong]

I nod my head in agreement, it's true that it can get dangerous after dark. Between the wild animals that various groups of bandits and outlaws that call the forest home, the area was far from safe.


I had faith in us however, a ranger and paladin could easily hold our own in a fight and I had to admit, I was eager to see you perform in battle.


"Lead the way" I say.

 

[Midnight Paragon]

I nod, pulling out the map again and examining it for a second before pointing forwards.


"We need to head north, through Drekkid Wood, which is the forest around here in case you didn't know. The caverns shouldn't be much further after we get through. If you want to get some provisions first, feel free. The Drekkid Woods aren't known for being safe, especially when you consider the...."


I shiver at just the thought of them.


"....giant spiders."

 

[Mora Ghostsong]

I shoot you a glance and hold out my arms in slight amusement. "Does it look like I need provisions, I don't eat remember." I laugh a little as you shiver at the thought of giant spiders, true they are dangerous and most people find them outright terrifying. It's just humorous to see a big, mighty paladin shiver in fright.


I point towards the village gate.


"I know these forests pretty well, there's a clearing that will allow us an easy was into the woods."


The forest was known for its twisted black trees and how sometimes it seems that they have minds of their own. Blocking entry or sometimes keeping would be travellers from leaving. Though those are just fairytales made up to scare the village children.

 

[Midnight Paragon]

I nod, gesturing towards her.


"Then by all means, YOU lead the way. I already have a knapsack full of the basics I need, but if you really don't need anything, then we best be off."

 

[Mora Ghostsong]

I turn without another word and begin walking towards the village gate, passing through with little interest from the guard other than an audible "hmph". Most likely to be too tired to care about two travellers after a long watch.


From the gate was a small but clear dirt and brown cobblestone road, it's worn and had clearly seen it's fair share of travellers over the years. On one side was the edge marking the boundaries of the forest, its twisted, withered trees looming menacingly in the pale light of the setting sun. Worn wooden signs hung nailed to a few trees as a warning against going into the woods after sunset.


The other side was a large crop field, most likely the one that sustained the village itself of food.


"We have a bit to walk, about five or so miles before we get to the clearing, we should hurry, this road isn't safe after the sun dissappears over the horizon." I say and begin to walk in my normal, quick and graceful stride.

 

[Midnight Paragon]

I shumble after her, a little slower than I'd like. While it's true this armor gives me a great amount of protection, it does little in terms of speed. I manage to stay a few paces behind her, my eyes darting between both sides of the forest as we walk. After a few minutes of walking, the village eventually escapes from sight, and we are officially inside the Woods. I feel a growing sense of unease as we walk; as if we're being watched.


"Do you have the same bad feeling I do?"

 

[Mora Ghostsong]

I turn my head, glanceing at you over my shoulder. Truthfully you had a good point. Something was off about the forest this evening.


"A little, why do you say?" I ask before turning back to watch where I was walking. The forest creaked and mounded quietly as the trees and other plants settled, the light and comfortable breeze had all but died out as we had entered the forest, further giving it an uneasy feeling.


"We are still relatively close to the road," I say to myself in my head as I assess the potential situation. My eyes darting from tree to tree are I compiled a metal layout of the area around use. Searching for potential attack points, flanking routes, etc.


"Spiders usually stay away unless they are hunting for fresh meat. performing the safety of their nests deep in the woods above all things."

 

[Midnight Paragon]

I sigh, still observing the edge of the forest. Despite my knowing it's probably just nerves, I cannot help but shake the feeling that someone, or something, is waiting for us.


"It's like....a pair of eyes is watching us from somewhere. Some sort of being. I traveled through these Woods many times but this is the first I've felt this...uneasy. I'm expecting the worst."

 

[Mora Ghostsong]

Well you weren't wrong, I felt it too. An old and rather eerie sensation on the back of my neck like I'm being watched.


"It might just be an animal," I attempt to say in a reassuring voice but it doesn't seem like it would ease you in any way.


Knowing I can cover more ground at a faster pace on my own I speak again.


"If you wish, I'll scout ahead a bit first." I offer as I unslung my bow from my back. It hummed with energy quietly as it reacted to my touch.


"Unless of course you'd rather keep going together?"

 

[Midnight Paragon]

I turn to you, my eyes stuck in a steely gaze as I unhook my mace from my belt and grip it in my right hand.


"You seem to be the type that moves faster alone. You go and scout; I'm just going to have to stay wary as we move. This feeling isn't going away."

 

[Mora Ghostsong]

I nod and move off quickly and quietly into the brush, my cloak seemingly blended into the darkness of the trees.


I let my senses atune to the forest, listening to sounds, watching for movement.


I mumble to myself,


" I need to move higher," As I eye alone of the tall trees near me. In a few moments I'm up, having quickly climbed the tree.


Resting on a thick, sturdy branch I gave outward.


Dense trees cover much of the area allowing very little light in during the day and more so at night. From my spot I can make you out in the darkness clearly. You... and something else following close behind you. Almost... stalking you.

 

[Midnight Paragon]

With an ever growing sense of unease, I hold out my left palm, and with a few incantations, a ball of light erupts from my hand and floats around me. 'This should help me see a bit better, if there is anything following me.' I think to myself, as I twirl my mace in circles as I slowly march ahead, my left palm still glowing faintly with the white light, ready to cast a spell should I need to.

 

[Mora Ghostsong]

I follow closely, leaping from tree branch to tree branch with strange grace. What was following close behind you had vanished again, as if the spell kept it at bay.


I channel one of my abilities, True Sight to better see in the dark. My eyes shift from their usual pale grey to a deep blue.


The light of your spell appearing a bright red in my vision blinding out clear sight of you, everything else a cold blue and purple.


"Could I have been seeing things?" I wonder to myself as my vision returned to normal.

 

[Midnight Paragon]

Suddenly, a shrub to my immediate right shakes violently. I step back quickly, mace raised and ready to strike. I send a tiny bolt of light into the shrub with my free hand and let out a small yelp of surprise as an owl flaps it's way out of the Bush and into the night sky. I breath a sigh of relief and turn back to the path.


"Damn birds..."

 

[Mora Ghostsong]

Seeing nothing of value I leap from the tree branch I was nestled on. Landing firmly but quietly on the ground below. I make my way back to you, shooting glances at both you and the now empty bush.


"You okay?" I ask, trying not to chuckle.


"Don't tell me the big mighty paladin got scared by a squirrel or some other thing." I tease harmlessly.


I sling my bow over my back and admire your spell.


"Neat trick, comes with being a paladin I presume?" I admitted that I had seen abilities like this before but never favored them personally. It doesn't work out well when my goal is to not be seen.

 

[Midnight Paragon]

I would glare at you, adjusting my chest plate as we walk.


"I'll have you know that was an owl, not a squirrel. Owls are dangerous, you know. Peck your eyes right out."


I then look down at my still glowing hand and then to the ball of light still fluttering around us.


"Basic Light spells. This one is called Hover-Light. It just makes a ball of light that hovers around you. Anyone can learn this. Alot of the spells I use aren't restricted to Paladins. What did you see up there anyway?"

 

[Mora Ghostsong]

I let out a genuine laugh as I imagine an owl plucking someone's eyes out and how strangely odd it would be to see.


"I didn't see much, my True Sight didn't allow me to see anything unusual either." I say and motion onward.


"I did see however a small clearing about a good mile or so out, it's odd but it might offer a better veiw then the dense trees we're in right now."


I pause and my eyes lock to yours. My smile turns to a small worry as I explain the unusual occurrence when I was scouting.


"For a moment... there was something, I don't know what, but something was close behind you." I point in the direction towards the trees.


"It was just there, and then it vanished about a second later." I say. I remember being told by a person in the village that this forest is old, very old and has seen it's fair share of both splendor as well as tragedy, could it have been something unnatural, perhaps supernatural? I couldn't really be sure.

 

[Midnight Paragon]

"Something behind me?......wait."


I stop walking entirely and put on a face of complete seriousness.


"Did you happen to see if this....thing looks familiar? Did it look like a shadow, perhaps? Glowing eyes?"

 

[Mora Ghostsong]

I grin again, taking note of the seriousness in your face.


"I saw it from the back, looked large yet it moves with nimble grace. Your spell impaired my True Sight so I couldn't get a good look." I place a hand on my shoulder, readying myslef in case I needed to draw my bow.


"I assumed you heard it and cast that spell to push it back into the dark."


I turn and motion for us to move onward. "We need to move." I say and begin walking forwards only to glance over my shoulder at you.


I knew something was definitely off about the whole situation, something possibly dangerous. I ran the options through my head.


Spiders attacked in swarms, hardly stealthy to say the least. Could be a spirit or ghost but I knew from experience that spirits and most forms of undead don't have red eyes. So what was it I asked myself.

 

[Midnight Paragon]

I continue walking forward, just a few paces behind you with my head to the ground, lost in thought.


'Couldn't be a spider.' I thought to myself. 'A bit of light wouldn't send it away....no. Perhaps....the Phantom? I surely hope not....'


I become increasingly nervous as we continue, constantly looking over as we walk.