The Great Silence

[corielldog]

Days of travel have left all of you parched, the sun had been beating down all summer and this day was no different. About one or two weeks ago, you all found fliers saying "Come to the Shrouded Crone Inn In Dundee if you wish to be a hero, Gold, Honor, and Glory await for you Lightseekers!" ads like these were not uncommon, usually, they were sarcastic in nature, leading to some sort of practical joke or harassment. You have all become fairly adept at avoiding the fakes but even real ones seem odd in some way, these are different. All of these fliers have been written on crisp parchment with a house sigil stamped onto the bottom right corner of each notice. The most striking thing though had to have been Lightseeker written in a crisp cursive font. Every city of interest had at least one of these posted on every wall in every tavern, whoever made these definitely wanted them to be seen but that led to its own mystery. The sigil implanted on the parchment was in no public records that could be found, no noble house had the sigil of what seemed to be a triangle inside of a square which was then inside of a circle.

The city of Dundee was finally coming into view, tall elegant walls with flying buttresses dotted the horizon, trade gates opened with a steady stream of carts going into and out of the city. Dundee is the greatest city in Rynak so it only makes sense after all, after the great silence people began flocking to the city seeking shelter, back then it was only a small dot on a map but it has grown greatly in the past five decades into a beautiful semi-metropolis welcoming to all people from all walks of life. All of which was led by Bellethor Landris, a now legendary paladin who united the people of the nation.

It didn't take too long for you to funnel into the city, it did take a while though to find your way to the Shrouded Crone, and when you did arrive, there was only one person in the entire building. A lone man sitting at a table in the centre of the Inn who waved you over with a warm smile. "Hello my friend, I have been informed that the rest of your soon to be companions will be here shortly"

 

[Podrus]

Tantz...err...Alabaster, that name change was going to take awhile for the Tortle to get used to, walked through the busy streets of Dundee. He did his best to avoid as many passerby's as he could as his one hand stayed on the hilt of his sword, dragging the five foot piece of leatherbound metal behind him, knowing that others were staring. But whenever one of the commoners looked at him questionably, the Tortle just showed a toothy smile and laughed,

"A man's only as good as the tool he wields"

He'd say this and laugh, always one to try and calm down those around him. It's what Alabaster would have done and what Tymora would want, none of these seemed to have rolled poorly...or at least there was no sign suggesting they had. But either way, the man pushed through, making an effort to hit as few people as possible with his comical weapon. After awhile of walking and laughing, the man finally made his way to the Shrouded Crone and pushed open the door with minimal effort.

He was greeted by a man all by his lonesome, a warm smile on his face and Alabaster gave a small nod before walking in, leaning his sword up against the counter, and making his way over to the table. The smile on the stranger's face did give Alabaster a bit of worry, only men with something to hide would look at strangers in such a way, he knew that from experience. But it didn't matter as the Tortle sat at the table and looked around,

"What's a turtle gotta do to get an Ale here?"

 

[maasnssmaamsm]

Gauthak hadn't been so far from the snow in a long time. This heat was completely foriegn to him as he treked along, his drum swinging at his side, occasionally bashing into his hip and making a deep *boom*. Having gotten used to living in a city, Gauthak made sure to duck under overhangs and bridges as his nearly eight foot frame was always close to hitting them.

Upon finding the Shrouded Crone, a name that made little sense to the Goliath, he ducked into the front door. He saw a gentleman sitting next to some sort of large lizard with a rock on it's back. What am I getting myself into? he thought to himself.

At the pleasant greeting, Gauthak took a seat, carfully so as not to break the chair. He whispered to the smiling man in a deep voice, "What's with the rock-lizard, is this invitation a joke, too?"

 

[Podrus]

Alabaster looked up as the door opened up and a large hulk of a man walked through the door, a very large man at that. The five foot tall turtle looked up at the creature as he stepped forward only to sit down and hear a whisper about his very own appearance, something that Alabaster just shook his head at.

"Now friend, you wouldn't take very kindly to someone making fun of your gargantuan stature would you?"

His eyes drop, noticing the large drum at the man's side as he sat and he grinned, eyes looking over to his sword, knowing he could get there quickly but how much faster would this man be? He obviously had longer legs, but what about his speed in general?

"And I think a man with a drum would make this more of a joke than a Tortle with a blade"

 

[maasnssmaamsm]

The Goliath followed the creature's gaze to see a truly massive blade, more than half Gauthak's own height. To see a small creature who beleives he can weild such an impressive weapon instantly warmed Gauthak up to him. He reaches his arm to his side without his taiko drum on it, and slowly unsheaths his katana, allowing the metal to hum brightly as he ran his hand down the perfectly crafted blade.

"I am no stranger to a blade, my friend, though mine may not be as flashy as yours, it has served me well. And as for my drum, well, there are things about me that you may learn in time. I am known as Gauthak 'Truthcaller,'" he directs his greeting to the Tortle, ignoring the smiling gentleman. Rather than offer a handshake (knowing that most people's hands are dwarfed by his own), Gauthak offers an extended fist as a greeting. This clearly shows off his military tattoos on that arm, angel wings wrapping around a sword.

 

[Podrus]

Alabaster watched as the Goliath looked to his sword, giving a light chuckle as he watched the man unsheathe his katana next. The walking, talking turtle nodded again before hearing the man speak, hearing him refer to his weapon as 'flashy' and then the air of mystery he put out about his drums. Alabaster had to admit, he was entertained at the least, whether this meeting turned into something more than just a smiling man and a silly plan, it would be a day well spent.

"It's an honor to meet you Gauthak, my name is Alabaster, Tymora's Light...something or other, I forget the title" He said with a laugh as he watched the Goliath extend his fist and he nodded. His own hand reaching out and pressing his knuckles to the mans, his own scars and strains along his arms on display.

"Now, again, what does a turtle need to do to get a drink in here?" He asked, turning his attention back to the silent stranger

 

[corielldog]

"You can pour yourself your own drink while we wait for the others to get here, let me go into the back room to check on them" the man stood up, his flowing blue robes now on display as he made his way into the room behind the bar

 

[GoodTeletubby]

Finally! I suppose someone seeking heroes just to drum up some business would have to be hard to find, but still, this is ridiculous.

Aleria breaks into a grin as she almost bounces through the door to the inn like a small avalanche, her simple cloth clothes offsetting her dark mahogany skin and black hair. Her dark grey eyes glint like wet stone as the dim light catches them, gleaming like the rings along her single undamaged ear and the emblem of Tempus at her throat. A sizeable pack is strapped to her broad shoulders, a quartet of spike-pointed spears strapped to one side, and a pair of handaxes on either hip. Her hands grasp the head and butt of the steel-headed maul that rests across her shoulders, her fingers tapping out a completely off tempo rhythm on the head. She pauses in the doorway, taking in the two figures before her, and her face drops as she realizes they are both in front of the counter, and eyes the curious figures with interest, her voice rumbling.

"What is this? A bar with no tender? And occupied by a mountain and boulder already to boot!"

Aleria almost bounces over to the counter and drops her pack beside it, then, with another grin, brings the side of her maul down on the wooden counter in a controlled slam, not hard enough to damage it, but quickly enough for its weight to make an impressive, echoing boom, and rattle any glasses underneath it. She turns in her seat to look at the others in the room as she waits.

"Hopefully that's got someone's attention. I could use a good beer after all it took to find this damn place. Now, I'd imagine you're a couple other fools here seeking glory, riches, and fame as well, right? Excellent. I'm Aleria Goldenhammer, warrior-priestess of Tempus. Pleasure to meet you both!"

 

[maasnssmaamsm]

"More in in for the Honor, Miss Aleria, but the other rewards don't sound too bad." Gauthak reaches over the counter with ease and grabs three tankards. He pours ales into each one to the top and passes them down to the others who were with him. "My name is Gauthak 'Truthcaller,' and the boulder here is Alabaster. It's a pleasure to meet you." The Goliath speaks clear, slow, and low; almost to the point where the words themselves are lost, but his meaning is always clear.

 

[saiditallbefore]

Mara pulls her hood closer over her face, covering her pale, lustrous and pupil-less golden eyes. Maybe this is all just some big mistake. Maybe she should go back to the temple of Selune, and continue her service and training. Surely Valendras had work for her there.

But then she remembers the dreams that had haunted her, ever since she'd seen that flyer looking for Lightseekers. The details were never clear, but the message was: Valendras has a mission for her. She's probably going to die horribly, but at least there is some small comfort that she’ll die in service of the divine. She touches the shortsword she wears at her hip for comfort, and continues on.

Finally, after wandering the maze of streets that is Dundee for what is surely far too long, Mara comes across the Shrouded Crone Inn. She pushes open the door. It is empty inside, save for one table.

Showing no sign of the hesitance she feels, Mara strides forward and takes one of the seats. “I expect the rest of you are here because of the fliers, as well?"

 

[XxQROWxX]

Aerendyl looked at the flier again checking the name of the Inn and that he was in the correct city. This is the first time he has ever been to a city since he left his fathers. He is very cautious and wary of those walking around him. He keeps his hood pulled up as he makes his way through the city streets until he finds the Inn.

He stands outside the Inn looking at thinking that it should've been easier to find than this unless someone really doesn't want to be noticed. After standing there contemplating on whether this would be worth doing Aerendyl shrugs his shoulders and makes his way inside the Inn. He glances around at the others in the room one who is pale and doesn't seem to be fully human, some type of turtle, a towering goliath, and a dwarf. Aerendyl chuckles as he stands there looking them over "Well isn't this a wonderful group of misfits, a pale girl who looks human but doesn't seem to be fully human, some type of turtle creature, a goliath, and a dwarf. Let me guess you're all here because of this flier."

Aerendyl walks over to the wall next to the counter and leans against it preferring to keep everyone in his sight as he was taught. "So who brought us all here and why? I hope it's not a waste of time like those other fliers. This flier was vague, only mentioning gold, honor, and glory though those aren't bad, they're just not what I'm looking for. I'm here looking for a thrill of an adventure and the danger that comes with it."

 

[maasnssmaamsm]

Gauthak jumps, nearly spilling his ale, when the quiet human? first speaks up. He regains his composure just as the half-elf enters the bar. "Uhh, yes, I'm here because of the fliers." he pulls a folded up sheet of parchment from his pocket and flicks it lightly with his finger. He nods politely to the two newcomers and presents them both with their own tankards of ale. Having himself downed about 6, he decides that the others should get a chance to catch up.

"We are an odd lot, aren't we? But who better to attempt something crazy?" He smiled, having an affection for these strangers that must come from a shared sense of adventure.

 

[Podrus]

Alabaster watched as a flood of newcomers started to walk into the bar, running a hand over his head as he chewed on his lip slightly. Though he heard the half-elf speak and he slammed his tankard onto the bar in excitement, spilling some of the ale that filled the cup. "See! He's got it. Tortle, not boulder, not rock lizard, Tortle" he said with a a boisterous laugh before lifting the glass up, lifting what was left before moving to fill it again, Tymora he hoped he wouldn't have to pay for these.

But the Tortle moved, walking over to his large sword that was near the Dwarf, dragging it closer to his seat. He sat back down and looked at the group before laughing, "And be it glory, adventure, gold, whatever we're here for, I'm sure it'll be some sort of thrill. We have a crew built just for that" he said excitedly.

 

[GoodTeletubby]

"Ah, thanks, there, Truthcaller, exactly what was needed after scouring these dusty streets for this hole in the wall!"

Aleria takes a long draught of the mug, and then clunks it on the bar counter with a grimace, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand and shaking it onto the floor under the counter.

"Blech, I spoke too soon. What is it that people enjoy about ale? Is it too much to ask to find a strong smooth stout as the regular tap somewhere?"

She turns in her seat and leans back against the bar, smiling warmly as more newcomers enter the bar. She examines them critically for a moment, brushing some loose hair back over her ruined ear before the smile widens to a grin.

"Welcome, friends! Yes, this is the place for those fools drawn to... well, whatever reason you're here for. Personally, I'm looking forward to adventure, riches, and battle glorious enough to echo through the heavens and draw the eyes of the gods themselves!"

In her enthusiasm, she grabs her mug and drains it. As it hits maximum elevation, her eyes widen, and she slams it back down on the counter, gagging.

"Tyr's severed hand, I hate that stuff! Anyways, as I already told these two, I'm Aleria, warrior priestess of Tempus, it's a pleasure to meet you all."

 

[saiditallbefore]

Mara cautiously sips at her ale. She doesn't think it's as bad as Aleria had made it out to be, and she takes another, longer sip.

Her eyes flicker between the other occupants of the bar: the shady-looking half-elf, the overly-exuberant dwarf, the enormous goliath, and the jovial tortle. Well, this is what comes of recruiting Lightseekers-- and through a flyer, at that.

"Mara Blackwood."

Then, after processing what the dwarf had said, she says,

"Why come, if you think we're all fools? Surely there's adventure and all that to be found elsewhere."

 

[corielldog]

The robed man exited the back room, returning to look at the almost fully formed party "I see you have all began to acquaint yourselves with each other" he walked to the table he was first seated at, pulling out a wooden chair as a few others pulled themselves to the table for whoever wanted them "You surely are one odd group, then again, that isn't necessarily a bad thing" he chuckled, a drink seemingly floating over to him "Don't worry, I don't expect you to pay for these"

 

[Podrus]

Baster looked around, laughing as people began to but heads and he just started to make his way back to the table, drinking his ale. "Free ale is the tastiest ale" he said softly as he drug his sword over, leaning it up against the table and looked at the man who sat down. He was obviously magical, that much even a child could tell, but what wasn't clear was why he was in this near empty tavern with a group who were only slightly more normal than he.

"So, are you planning on telling us what we're here for friend? Free drink is fine, but I think we've all got that itch waiting to be scratched"

 

[ChronoCritical]

Typhes cautiously entered the tavern, quite skeptical of this whole ordeal. Surprisingly, he had gone on for a while in this city with little event, so whether the flier was a joke of some sort or not, coming to this place would likely be more exciting than the everyday.

"Ah, I apologize for being unpunctual," the Triton said when he noticed the others in the room, how strange-looking they were, and, of course, the obvious fact that there was a conversation he was interrupting. "I believe this is the right place? This is part of a search for heroic individuals, is it not?"

 

[corielldog]

"Ah yes, that is here, and you are the final individual I've been waiting on" he smiled beckoning him to an empty seat "None of you know me, however, you all know of me, I will tell you my identity if you can complete the quest I lay before you" he pulled a map from within his robes and laid it on the table "Recently a colleague of mine, who was researching the decline in magic fifty years ago. He recently stopped sending messages back, I want you six to travel there and figure out what happened to him. I will give you 100 gold to split between yourselves for provisions as well as supplying a mule-drawn cart to carry your supplies"

 

[XxQROWxX]

Aerendyl glances at the newcomer and gives a slight chuckle before turning his gaze to the map. Waiting to see if anyone else moves towards the map before moving towards it himself. He makes sure he can still see everyone in his peripheral vision as he looks down at the map. “So now that fish boy is here we can get started. Let’s see we’re here in Dundee and you are wanting us to go find your colleague. Is this red “X” his last known location? I hope you’re planning on giving us more information to go on to find your colleague than just this map.” He raises his eyes up to look at the robed figure not sure whether he should trust him or not.

 

[GoodTeletubby]

"If any of use weren't fools, would we be putting ourselves in the line of whatever is going on here? It takes a degree of foolishness to go in search of adventure in the first place, no? Sure, it's far more interesting and potentially profitable, but a comfortable enough life could be had without seeking danger on your own."

Aleria quiets as the figure returns, listening with interest, shaking her head in amusement at just how little guidance is being offered. At Aerendyl's question, she lets out a low, rumbling laugh that shakes her stool at the question. As she composes herself, she's obviously delighted at the proposition.

"Fools rush in where the mighty fear to set foot indeed, eh? Well suited for this, then, aren't we? I'm in, it'll be interesting if nothing else, and something that can silence a friend of the wise, mighty, and famous here is obviously a challenge to be taken on."

She grabs her maul from the counter and hops down, laying the haft across her shoulders and stretching as she pulls it down across them.

"I do wish I'd known I'd be going half way back the way I came, though."

 

[corielldog]

"Haha, yes I am sorry that I have to make some of you go back the way you came. Now if more information is what you seek, the man you are looking for is Tordek Steambreather, he is a friend of mine, completely obsessed with the silence of fifty years ago. To answer your question my friend" he turned to Aerendyl "Yes this is his last known location, however, I have reason to believe he is still there, held up somewhere. Ask around for a dwarf when you get in town"

He stood up and threw a cloth satchel into the centre of the table, as it hit the surface a jingle could be heard as a few gold trickled out of the bag "Consider this mission a proving grounds. If I can trust you to do this I can trust you to know more about me and my colleagues" he chuckled before walking into the back room he came from, leaving the party to themselves

 

[XxQROWxX]

Aerendyl cuts his eyes over towards Aleria when she speaks tilting his head. He keeps an eye on her as she hops off the stool with her maul but he turns his attention back to the figure listening to his answer. Once the guy leaves Aerendyl lets out a long sigh as he looks up from the map "Greeeaat a trial mission to find a lost dwarf for some strange magical guy in a robe. This should be interesting since all we have to go on is a general location and a name. He must be a very generic looking dwarf with no defining characteristics."

Picking up the cloth satchel he starts putting the gold back in it. He then tosses it in his hand as he looks between the others in the room. "Sooo who here is good with money and bargaining? That way we can try to get the most out of what little money he gave us. We also need to determine what our next step is. I suggest finding transportation to wherever it is we're going, unless yall are needing gear or supplies." Aerendyl stands there carefully watching them as he waits for their reply.

 

[maasnssmaamsm]

Gauthak attempts to subtly pat at his own pockets, trying to remember where his own money had gone. The subtlty is lost completely because his pockets are at head level for most of the rest of the room.

"People tend to listen to me, and I can usually get a good deal, but I may not be the one we want holding on to the coin," Gauthak says, a little embarrassed, having not found the coins he knew he had. "I'm sure we can find a place to get a cart without any problem, might just take some looking around."

Gauthak downs another tankard of ale, after sliding one more to the last new member of their little troupe. When the mug drops, he is smiling wide with foam covering parts of his face.

 

[Podrus]

Alabaster shook his head as the group spoke, just listening to the mission being laid out in front of them before eyeing his 'friends'. He walked over Aerendyl and snatched the bag of coin away during one of his little tosses and sighed, "My boy, I think you need to relax a little, don't be so serious all the time" he said while looking at the coin in his hand and nodding, "I can hold onto this, any complaints?"

Without waiting for an answer from his new companions the Tortle slowly opened up the bag and laughed, "The man didn't lie, we head to the Northern Gate! We have a furry friend and some wheels already procured for us" Baster did his best to remain jovial as he gripped his large sword and began dragging it along the floor of the tavern, already trying to head for the door.

"Adventure awaits!"