The morning is cold in Icewind Dale, your breath clouds in the air before you in the first sunrays that morning brings. You walk through the streets heading to the caravan notice board, your feet crunching in the fresh snow; it having snowed during the night. When you reach your destination a special notice catches your eye, it reads:
Caravan heading south along the coast, all welcome, guards paid for, fee: two copper per person. List of stops below.
Luskan
Neverwinter
Waterdeep
Daggerford
Baldur’s Gate
Beregost (a short distance to Candlekeep from here.)
Nashkel
Crimmor
Imnescar
Mosstone
Zazesspur
Myratma
Memnon
Calimport
WARNING, route will be dangerous, those willing, meet outside the City today at highsun. Guards will be provided, however, there will most likely still be casualties.
It seems a reasonable sum and anyone crossing going south from Icewind Dale expects to have some difficulty, after all, you have to cross The Spine of the World to leave. Your mind made up for one reason or another, you pack your things and head to the meeting place.
As you arrive at the meeting place, the first thing that draws your attention is an argument in the center of the many wagons going along for the trip. A sweaty, red faced, silk dressed, three chinned, fat man waves his arms around as he shouts at another man. The other is dressed in all black, a tattered cloak with a hood covers his head, making it impossible to make out his facial features. He seems slim, yet muscular, like an acrobat from what you can see of his legs and arms. When you get close enough to hear you catch the middle of what seems to have been a long argument.
“The route isn’t up for negotiation!” The fat man shouts, spittle flying with almost every word.
“It will be dangerous, you would be better off taking a boat to your destination,” The covered man says, his voice like smooth silk.
Seeming to calm down a little, the fat man takes a few heaving breaths before leaning close to the mysterious man, whispering words to quiet to hear.
The fat man stumbles back a few steps and you almost swear you hear a unearthly growl come from the man in black. “Fine, I will guide you along the route you wish,” the man says before turning and quickly departing, his cloak billowing out behind him to reveal a hand-harp fastened to his belt at the left hip. The man retreats a short distance from the caravan to the south and settles down. (The sound of the harp can be heard from the outer reaches of the caravan, closest to his location.)
The fat man turns to the new arrivals with a smile and kind words, “Terribly sorry about that, I’m Saddaban, I’ll take your fee and you can join the caravan, hmm?” the man asks it like a question, his hand outstretched to take your money. Once he has collected the money of the new arrivals he retreats to a well-decorated coach smiling all the way, though, before he leaves he clearly states that his five wagons are off limits; marked with red Xs.. (Any questions about the man from before reveal that he’s “supposedly some famous guide called the Will-O-Wisp of all things,” The fat man says this with a shudder, and diverts the conversation back to business.)
The caravan consists of men and women in armor, and peasants, to wizards and nobles like the fat man, with coaches and wagons of all shapes and sizes. People mingle in groups here and there, close the fires, the ones that stand out the most being: a guard with a cape identifying them as the leader of the guards for the trip, and a person wearing the robes of a wizard.
OOC: Well that’s about it, your character can be most anything you’d like him/her to be as long as they have a reason to travel in the caravan. You can play any of the non-player characters I mentioned in my post, you can even be the apprentice of the wizard if you’d like. (Either you or I can play the wizard if you go this route, just be sure to tell me a little about how you want him to act if I’m playing the wizard for you.) Normal everyday people are welcome as well as adventurers. (The man in black, and Saddaban are mine, you can’t have them. =P)
If no one has any intention of playing the mercenary captain or the wizard, I’ll be playing them, and most all other NPCs that you talk to. Just specify in OOC whether you want me not to play the NPC, otherwise I’ll be taking control of him/her for the time you’re interacting with them. But you have to state them in your post first for me to control.
You can join and exit the RP at any of the stops, or even between if you head off on your own. Though if you’re joining in-between a stop please PM me your character and tell me how – or let me think of – a way for you to join the caravan. Otherwise you can just jump right in during one of the stops, no character profile needs to be pmed to me. If you want a special encounter or something like that for your character, feel free to PM me the details and I’ll try my best to work it in.
This RP will be mostly interacting with NPCs and other player characters, there will be fights along the way, but I’m not quite sure yet how often those are going to happen yet. If you go on a leave of absence, you can have your character get sick and ride in a wagon for that duration, or otherwise have your character still in the caravan, just not speaking with people.
OOC in a post in welcome for any questions, or concerns, or specifications of your post, or really anything else you can think of. I love feedback.
LE rules apply, and please remember not to make your character god.
HAVE FUN! I demand it! *Smiles* Not really, but it’s always a bonus.
For at least some refrence as to when this takes place, it roughly three years before Fighting Despair.
List of player characters and their creators:
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Marleen:
Feirg Flow(Will-O-Wisp): (Tiefling, Dirgesinger, guide for the caravan.)
Physical Description:
Gender: Male
Age: 23
Height: 5'9
His pants, shirt and tattered cloak are all black. His long, straight, black hair falls down to his shoulder blades. and his elven heritage leaves him with no facial hair.
Two black horns curve out and back from his temples until they're a half inch above and away from his ears, to continue curving down and forward until they're an inch in front and below his ears. His eyes are a sunflower yellow.
Feirg's fingernails are a half-inch long, making it easy for him to play his harp and also helpful when he's disarmed.
He has a lantern tied to his belt at his right hip with a magical blue light, that at night, makes him seem like a Will-O-Wisp from a distance. His half-harp is tied to his left hip. Just in front of his lantern, his six-bladed mace is fastened to his belt.
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Marleen:
Saddaban (Human, Merchant, heading to Calimport to sell his wares.)
Physical desctiption:
Saddaban is an large, fat, sweaty man, usually dressed in silk and other expensive cloths. He has two chins, small eyes, balding, and a good great deal of money. He carries no weapons on his person, relying on his servants and the caravan guards around him to protect him.
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Marleen:
Derrgn (Dwarf, Fighter, First in command of the mercenaries protecting the caravan.)
Physical Description:
Gender: Male
Height: 4'4
Age: 243
(The above ight be changed once I look at my book for refrences)
Derrgn has large bussy eyebrows, greasy brown hair, black eyes, heavily muscled body structure, and his beard is a single long braid down to his waist.
He wears mostly plate armor, with small gaps at the joints, though his gauntlets are made of adamantine and show excelent dwarven craftsmanship. At his right hip, he has a steel-Dwarven-war-axe, his prefered weapon in battle. He uses his fists just as much as his axe in battle, and prefers not to use a shield.
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Marleen:
Daniel: (Human, Wizard / Abjurer.)
Daniel has long blond hair that falls to his shoulders, blue eyes, stands at five foot eight inches, and looks to be a well toned seventeen year old male. Daniel looks very nearly identical to his twin, the only reall difference is their facial expressions, his are usually brooding and thoughtfull.
Most of the time, when he isn't expecting a fight, he will wear tight black pants and boots, leaving his chest and head unadorned. The pants are a little too tight.
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Marleen:
Dillan: (Human, Rogue / Duelist.)
Dillan has short blond hair that falls to the top of his ears, blue eyes, stands at five feet six inches, and looks nearly identical to his brother. The only real difference in their appearance is in their facial expressions. Dillan's are usually cheerful and almost has a smile on his face.
His dress almost always consists of tight black pants and boots to match his brothers. At his left hip, he caries a rapier. If he's expecting to do a lot of fighting, he keeps two sheathed short swords at the small of his back.
Edhelas is a wood elf with lightly tanned skin and bright hazel eyes. His long brown hair is kept behind his head in a ponytail that reaches a bit past his shoulders. He is about 5'8" and is always seen in his full set of dark brown leather armor, which is plain but extremely well crafted. Over his armor he wears a relatively thick cloak that appears to be a dark forest green but seems to hide its wearer well in almost any setting.
Usually slung over his shoulder unless in combat, Edhelas carries a composite longbow; enchanted to further amplify the spells he shoots through it. Though non-descript, the quiver set behind his right shoulder, on his back, has the ability to create a certain number of well crafted arrows each day. Edhelas also carries a thin elven longsword on his hip.
Methri in a Celestial Hawk and Edhelas' traveling companion/familiar. She is only slightly larger than the average Red Tailed Hawk but her feathers seem to shine with more white and gold than brown.
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lupus_intus:
Mallin "The Red Viper" Redheart
Powerful Archmage - Red Wizard of Thay (Evocation and Enchantment)
Mallin is a 5'9" human of average build. His hair is black and always cut short with his well trimmed goatee and his eyes are a cold blue. The mage wears powerfully enchanted and extravagant red robes and a small belt of pouched around his waist. He carries no visible weapon, but he does hold a basic magical dagger within the folds of his robes.
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Outlaw_Ninja:
Linneth Tweed (Halfling, Rogue?)
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Reddimund:
Lady Naneen (Human, Noble)
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Reddimund:
Master Horkin (Human, Servant of Lady Naneen.)
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Reddimund:
Jack: (Human; Leader of a group of bandits - Currently posing as a caravan guard named David)
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Direwrath:
Character name: Braxen (last name not revealed)
Race: Human
Class: Fighter/knight of Tyr
Job: Knight (well kind of )
Physical description: Braxen stands 6 feet tall.
He has a strong build, sandy blond hair that at it's longest will reach just to his shoulders, and blue eyes.
There are scars and wrinkles on his face giving him a hardened look though he has a warm smile sometimes laden with slyness. Braxen is usually seen in his worn and rusted armor.
I have a link to an image of him as the rpg gallery will not allow uploads of photos just yet.
Braxen has a slight drinking problem and is usually found with a drinking skin full of some intoxicating (though not always good) brew. He wields a long sword that stays at his hip when not in use. This ex knight has an animal companion, a crested war horse named Iberias. Iberias is smarter then most would think and has gotten the pair out of trouble on numerous occasions.
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Astarael42:
Rocorek of Clan Ironarm
Female
Half-elf, Fighter/Stonemason
Master Craftsman in the Stonemasons Guild
Rocorek is fit and very muscled, particularly in her calves and upper arms. She has long red hair which she lets go wild, holding it back only with a hairband. Her eyes are green and almond shaped, the only real sign of her elven heritage. She dresses in simple but comfortable clothing. She wears heavy boots with steel toes, studded leather gauntlets, and a set of mithral chain under her tunic. Her weapon of choice is a large battle axe that she crafted herself, and she is very skilled with it. She carries an assortment of other weapons as well. She has a hatred of all things goblin and goblinoid, manners very like a dwarf, and speaks dwarven unless she consciously remembers to speak common.
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Astarael42:
Leasel Ellinsdatter
Female Human
Wild Mage
Caravan Mage
Leasel is very tall for a female, over 6ft in height. She is thin with slightly bony knees and elbows giving her a very gangly appearance. She has short cropped brown hair, a stubborn chin, and gray eyes. Her voice is low and musical. She favors dressing in vivid greens, particularly spring green. Her outfits are usually short dresses or long tunics, no breeches or trews, and knee high boots. She always wears at least 3 belts which dangle loosely around her waist and each belt is loaded down with pouches of assorted sizes. Traveling with her as pet & familiar is a slender green ribbon snake known as Vine. It is bright green, about as big around as a pinky finger, and quite venemous.
The aura of wild magic that surrounds Leasel causes any magic (her own and from others), from items or spells, to have a chance to go awry. It doesn't always affect it, but about 80% of the time the effects get warped by the flow of wild magic around her. Items that provide a continual effect retain their constant effect but strength will sometimes differ...example a cloat providing protection from fire might provide protection from acid while near Leasel.
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Veritas:
Cale (half-lythari/half silver dragon bard of Tymora) Job: travelling the Realms in search of the unlucky to assist them... and running from the curse inborn.
Gender: Male
Age: 318
Height: 4'9
Cale looks like a short slender elf with silver-blue eyes and hair. His hair is very long, down past his rear end, and well-groomed. He wears rather travel-worn grey clothes: breeches, tunic and heavy cloak.
For equipment, there is very little. Just a couple of pouches and a single small knife. An almost palpable aura of manic desperation hangs around him almost all the time.
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Veritas:
T'ni'akk (Kobold Spirit Shaman) Job: hunt down and drive away/destroy dark spirits.
Gender: Female
Age: 14
Height: 3'10
This sparse kobold carries nothing but a staff, various talismans, and a small pack on her. She is somewhat pretty for one of her race, with somewhat mint-green skin and intelligent blue eyes.
Player notes:
Her moods are quite shifting. Yours would be to, if you would, after ages of being a spirit, awoke in a human body with all the glands and hormons
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Mirach:
Jožko Mrkvička (Ordanary human.)
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ZDS:
Jah-Ith (Drow, Unknown.)
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ZDS:
Leon (Human, Unknown.)
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ZDS:
Sahra (Human, Unknown.)
[Edited on 9/13/2008 by Marleen]
[Edited on 9/19/2008 by Marleen]
[Edited on 9/29/2008 by Marleen]
[Edited on 9/10/2008 by astarael42]
[Edited on 10/9/2008 by Marleen]
[Edited on 10/9/2008 by Marleen]
[Edited on 10/9/2008 by Marleen]
[Edited on 10/9/2008 by Marleen]
[Edited on 10/9/2008 by Marleen]
[Edited on 10/10/2008 by Marleen]
[Edited on 10/23/2008 by Marleen]
[Edited on 11/5/2008 by Marleen]
[Edited on 12/18/2008 by Marleen]
[Edited on 29/1/2009 by reddimund]
____________________
Fulgros
Site Member
Registered: 30/11/2005 Status: Offline
posted on 7/9/2008 at 22:52
OOC: Hello Marleen =) This seems interesting to me so I'll just pop in and play! =D
From between the buildings a form emerged. He was clad in shifting colors of green, black, and brown. And his lower body was difficult to see because of this, he seemed to blend in with his surroundings. With a whistle a mottled, brown and tan wolf also emerged from the building's shadow.
He stepped up to the caravan leader dropped a silver coin in his hand and walked away to investigate the harp playing.
He rounded the other side of the wagon and looked for the man in black, with a quiet bark from the wolf the camoflauged man sat upon the ground about 10 feet from the man in black and began to play his instrument of choice. (A white oak violin)
He didn't speak to the man because he knew the importance of not interrupting music...but he also knew that he would have to introduce himself eventually. So in his mind, and his mind worked oddly, he would play a signature song from his bardic days...before he became a ranger...and hopefully they could get along.
He matched the tuning of the harp and played a secondary underlying tune that flowed about like a ghost or a shadow to the main notes from the harp. He hoped that he wouldn't be intruding.
[Edited on 9/7/2008 by Fulgros]
____________________ this is what happens to Drizzt when Artemis shows up....
Marleen
Site Member
Registered: 24/2/2007 Status: Offline
posted on 8/9/2008 at 03:09
OOC: Glad you like it Fulgros, now if only we could get some more to join. *Smiles* Sorry if he seems rude, it's his personality.
Feirg didn't stop his playing as the violin joined in, the addition wasn't unwelcome, it was a simple tune and easy to pick up. When the music ended, Feirg kept his face down so that the newcomer wouldn't see his face, the last thing he needed was to cause a commotion with his heritage. Though he didn't doubt that the one sitting across from him would eventually feel the aura of wrongness he gave off.
Now that he thought about it, he didn't really want someone to accept him either. Though what did he really care what others did, did it really matter to him? Were others so important that he should care about them? After all, it was ordinary people that had betrayed him. What did he care for them? Why was he even here in the first place? It was obviously because of Han'Gra.
Thinking of his friend put a small smile on his face, showing a hint of his fangs. Han'Gra was making another life for himself with his orphanage, Feirg was playing guide so that he could raise money to help his friend. That was the reason for him being here.
His smile disappeared as he stared at the stranger's feet, so that his hood would still cover his face. "You should not sit with me, least you outcast yourself from the others," Feirg said finally, motioning to the caravan with his right hand, the fingernails on his hands were pointed and a half inch long. His left hand held his harp against his left hip. Not that he actually expected the other to leave with just that, who would? If anything he probably just made the other curious, and what good would that do? Well, at least it was a start.
____________________
Fulgros
Site Member
Registered: 30/11/2005 Status: Offline
posted on 8/9/2008 at 03:19
The Ranger tilted his head to the side and laughed. Obviously the hood had also abstructed the man in black's view of him as well of his view of the man in black.
"I feel better with the outcasts...for I myself am one."
He removed his camoflauged cloak and he was instantly easier to see. The left side of his face was marred by a terrible scar that cascaded down the side of his face to his neck, it looked to be a burn.
"Outcasts accept ones such as me...This scar doesnt help either." and as he smiled the relization of his race came. He wasn't human, that much was evident. His skin color was dark grey and his eyes were acid green orbs of pure color no pupil.
"What you may call tieflings is where my family heritage lies."
He played with the twin tiny horns on his fore-head and then he put his cloak back on.
"So yes I may outcast myself but it is only for the benefit of others not having to look at me."
____________________ this is what happens to Drizzt when Artemis shows up....
Marleen
Site Member
Registered: 24/2/2007 Status: Offline
posted on 8/9/2008 at 04:03
Feirg very nearly snarled when the man mentioned tieflings, it would seem they were alike. Though he couldn't help but wonder if heritage was the only thing they had in common. He was certian that whoever the man was, Feirg didn't really care much for him already. Outcasts banding together, the bad memories the comment brought back made him cringe. Nothing good came from outcasts banding together, it simply gave others an outlet for their anger, a larger target to hit.
Feirg looked the man up and down with his faintly glowing yellow eyes, he was indeed not the most pleasant person to look at. Feirg sighed and pulled his hood back enought to let the man see his own appearance, but still up enough that the rest of the caravan behind him wouldn't be able to see.
His black horns curved up, out and back until they were a half inch above and away from his ears; then continued back, down and forward until they were an inch in front of and away from the bottom of his ears. His straight black hair fell down to his shoulder blades. He was shaved, showing that he was handsome, though exotic enough that most would either be put off by his heritage, or could look past it.
Putting his hood back down with his right hand he spoke again to the stranger, "You benifit only yourself by staying an outcast." He didn't want to explain the reasoning behind his acusation so he continued instead with something else, "We may both be tieflings, but we have little else in common. I have no intention of learning about you or anyone else here, I am the guide, nothing more."
He was a little annoyed with the company, he didn't want company, he wanted to be left alone. Hadn't he been through enough pain? Couldn't he just get along without people bothering him? Why couldn't people just keep to themselves and leave him be? Was it too much to ask, to be left alone?
When Feirg noticed the wolf, he fastened his harp back to his belt and kept his right hand on his right hip, close to his six-bladed heavy mace. The animal made him edgy, like it was threatening him with it's presence and he didn't like it in the slightest.
____________________
Fulgros
Site Member
Registered: 30/11/2005 Status: Offline
posted on 8/9/2008 at 04:38
The ranger looked at Fierg and then his eyes grew cold and changed to an icy blue color. "Outcasts survive by being together...learning and thriving in the fact of knowing they aren't alone. Maybe you're just like the noblemen...You're just too **** stuck up to care for anyone but yourself. If what has happened to you keeps you from doing what is right, if what has happened to you is so PAINFUL then why do you even come into the light of day...why do you even exist if not to look for another to have companionship with. Don't Answer it, you may be even closer to our ancestors then you even realize." He stood and began to walk away then turned "My name is Delavega...me and Fork here call each other Les Amies Du Nuit...The friends of night." without another word or glance he walked away and camoflauged themselves.
Delavega was angry, he thought he had found someone to talk to maybe be friends with. It just turned out like the rest.... He moved himself to inside the shadows of the alley he had ocme out of and waited for the call of the caravan leader saying they were moving out. While he waited he groomed his black and grey mottled wings...another reason for the cloak and baggy clothing.
____________________ this is what happens to Drizzt when Artemis shows up....
lupus_intus
Site Member
Registered: 19/7/2007 Status: Offline
posted on 8/9/2008 at 13:34
OOC: Hello Marleen! I'm here with this guy to take a long and interesting journey across Faerun so it had better be fun!
The elf moved smoothly through the camp, his green orbs taking in every little movement and motion around him. He had signed up with this group only an hour before and he wanted to get a good feel of who he would be traveling with. As a chilled wind whipped through the tents and wagons, he pulled his thick brown cloak tighter around his face trying to take some solace in its warmth.
Edhelas Edtheron hated Icewind Dale.
The elf had been ordered to come this way from the far south, from the great forests of Tethyr, to retrieve an item that had some... personal value. Now that his task was complete, Edhelas simply wanted to go back to the warm and temperate climate he was used to and get out of the harsh, unforgiving, wilds of Icewind Dale. Readjusting the large composite bow slung over his shoulder, unstring at the moment, the elf let out a long sigh; it would be a long trip.
Spying what appeared to be the captain of the caravan guards standing over a dieing fire with a few of his men, Edhelas made his way over to the man. "Greetings," he said in his melodic tenor voice after offering a curt bow, "I don't suppose you might know when we are to embark on this trip?"
____________________
Marleen
Site Member
Registered: 24/2/2007 Status: Offline
posted on 8/9/2008 at 17:12
OOC: So far I don't have to much planned other than the route, but I'll be doing a lot of research to make it as interesting as possible for all involved. *Smiles*
I'll be taking control of the second in command of the guards, he will move to be the first in command if no one takes that role. So unless someone else joins as the captain of the guard this dwarf will be him.
Again, he will be second in command until I am sure no one wants the first position.
IC: The heavily muscled dwarf raised a bushy eyebrow as the elf spoke to him. His beard was a large braid down to his waist and the hair on his head was a mop of greasy hair that didn't fall below his large bushy eyebrows.
The dwarf looked around at his fellow guards for a moment then returned his gaze to the elf. Clearing his throat the dwarf pulled himself up to his full height before answering, "Some time round the next few hours I suppose, don't see why we haven't left already. Not like we've got battles to fight, I'm eager to get along meself."
The dwarf paused and and studied the elf for a long moment before continuing, "Watch yourself treelover, there be demon-spawn about."
**********
Feirg clenched his teeth and fists in anger as Delavega. Comparing him to noblemen. He'd fought for everything he'd ever wanted, fought as best he was able. The arrogant child didn't know anything of what he was speaking.
Gathering outcasts grew fear in people, made them worry about what they were planning. He knew, he had already had it happen to him. Simple people would slaughter you simply because you looked different. They didn't care who you were, what you were trying to do, or even your name; all they wanted was for you to dissapear.
What Delavega know of the pain of losing someone? What did he know of losing all hope of a new life, of ever being accepted by others? Feirg guessed he didn't know much of anything... yet.
Sighing, the tiefling relaxed his hands and settled down to play his harp again. He played a quiet mournful tune, in tribute to the hardships Delavega would have to endure to have even a half decent life.
____________________
Fulgros
Site Member
Registered: 30/11/2005 Status: Offline
posted on 8/9/2008 at 19:13
Delavega sighed and stood. He covered himself completely and activated the camoflauge ability of his cloak.
"Well." he said to his wolf Fork, "I guess I should introduce myself to some of the others in the caravan..." he walked towards the dying fire where the guards were sitting/standing.
He walked irght up next to the elf and looked down at the dwarf from about 1foot above him. "Greetings!" he started cheerily, but his mood quickly changed, "It's a bit chilly up here in the north..." he trailed off and then shook his head. "My name is Delavega, me and Fork here will be with this caravan untill it makes it's final stop, and if need be I will travel with it and make sure it returns to wherever safely."
____________________ this is what happens to Drizzt when Artemis shows up....
lupus_intus
Site Member
Registered: 19/7/2007 Status: Offline
posted on 8/9/2008 at 21:01
"Demon-spawn?" Edhelas whispered to himself in puzzlement, just before another approached the two. He stared down at the dwarf in interest, for it seemed he knew much about the present members of the caravan. Perhaps the elf could pull some information from the battle-hardened leader before the main journey commenced.
Edhelas eyed the one who had approached the dwarf, he seemed much more than a simple guard or merchant and his appearance spoke of a traveler. He also seemed to hold some affinity for the wolf at his side, another ranger perhaps? Edhelas' mind absently drifted to the open and clear skies above; he was able to see the caravan as a collection of dots and wagons far below and among them he could see himself standing with the others beside a small fire. A moment later and he was diving towards the ground.
"I hold no love for the harsh Dalelands either it would seem... and the last stop is Calimport, if I'm not mistaken. Heading for the hot and dry sands of Calimshaw then, friend?" A long call from above caused Edhelas to hold his left arm out erect. With a great fluttering, the large celestial hawk landed lightly on his thick leather bracer and snatched the small piece of dried meet that Edhelas' offered her. It would seem that Icewind Dale wouldn't even offer a good hunt to his light brown/gold tinged friend. Moving to rest on his shoulder, her golden eyes watched the others carefully. "Forgive me, I am called Edhelas Edtheron and this is Menthri. I'm afraid she has had little luck in finding a meal this morning."
Menthri had been Edhelas' companion for many ages now, and the celestial hawk would live for many more. He had befriended her in his early life as a ranger for his elf tribe of the Wealdath forest of Tethyr and she had accompanied him when he had left at the will of his tribe leader to pursue a study of the Weave in Candlekeep. Edhelas' arcane training had involved the bonding to another spirit, a familiar as they called it, and Menthri was more than happy to oblige.
____________________
Outlaw_Ninja
Site Member
Registered: 30/8/2007 Status: Offline
posted on 8/9/2008 at 22:09
Off in the shadows near the wagons sat an anxious looking halfling. He wore a thick traveling cloak over chain mail and padded leather. At his waist rested a finely honed hornblade which the halfling sharpened methodically. Resting on his neck was his holy symbol, a large iron key like those found in jails and dungeons across faeurun. This particular key had been snatched from a passing guard in the dungeons of Bryn Shander. Curly black hair and bright green eyes marked Linneth Tweed, priest of Brandobaris and former inmate of the Bryn Shander's dungeons.
Halflings were rare enough in Ten Towns that Linneth had reason to be concerned. Alls it would take was for a patrol to investigate the caravan before it set out to send Linneth back under lock and key. He would stay wary until Ten Towns was a speck on the the horizon. He should have never let that wizard talk him into coming here. The guards in the treasury had been surprisingly prepared for intruders.
Now Linneth was headed back to Calimshan where purses were loose and guards were crooked. But it was a long journey back so the halfling thought he should get to know some of the other travelers. He already knew the fat head merchant who was adept at spotting thieves. He'd made linneth swear on his life he wouldn't steal anything. Linneth had promptly returned the mans gold bag.
Sheathing the hornblade on its back scabbard the thief made his way over to the fire. " You said it would be a few hours until we left?" asked Linneth to the dwarf " The names Linneth." he said remembering his manners.
[Edited on 9/9/2008 by Outlaw_Ninja]
____________________
Fulgros
Site Member
Registered: 30/11/2005 Status: Offline
posted on 8/9/2008 at 23:10
Delavega looked over at the elf and the hawk as the beautiful bird landed. He smiled broadly revealing glinting white teeth that were slightly pointed. "Beautiful raptor you have there." he said in an interested tone. He then pointed at his full sized wolf and spoke again "Fork here is just a pup but when he grows he should be taller than me!" he smiled broadly. Yes it was true that Fork was just a pup...but as a magical beast he would grow far larger and more dangerous.
"My name is Delavega, Ranger of the Sands, Conqueror of the Shocker Lizards!" he smiled at his last title and winked jokingly.
He then noticed the halfling and kneeled down at the creature, "Why Sir Linneth...I think last time I saw you you were running between the legs of guards getting out of some prison? While I used the distraction to get Fork here back from confiscation!" He held out his hand for the halfling to shake it, "I thank you for the distraction."
____________________ this is what happens to Drizzt when Artemis shows up....
Marleen
Site Member
Registered: 24/2/2007 Status: Offline
posted on 8/9/2008 at 23:19
The dwarf scowled at the sudden appearance of so much wildlife. Elves and strangers was one thing, animals in civilized society, that was another. Derrgn grumbled about strangers being nothin but trouble before he glanced from one person to the other. It was then that the halfling arrived, and the dwarf stared at him a moment before nodding that the halfling was correct, "I'll warn all of you to watch yer backs, I'll be too busy to watch them for you," the dwarf smiled and continued, "this be the best job I've gotten all year, bound to be plenty o fights all around, and it's also got good pay. All of you here for the whole trip?" the dwarf asked.
Derrgn didn't care who he talked with, as long as they could prove themselves trustworthy in a fight, they were good enough for him. Though he didn't think he'd ever like the guide that Saddaban had hired. He didn't seem right, never started a fire, hadn't seen him eat or sleep, all he did was play that harp. He'd seen the mace on the demon-spawn's hip, but he didn't think he could use it right. His own dwarven waraxe, he knew how to use it well, and it was always tied to his belt or within easy reach.
"Any of you know anythin about that demon-spawn?" the dwarf asked after a moment, his hand halfway to pointing at the black man's usual sitting place when he realized he wasn't there and added, "or where he's gotten to?"
**********
Feirg had left his usual spot a short time before, and was now approaching Saddaban near the center of the camp. He arrived just in time to hear the man complain about thieves. "I've decided my price," the tiefling announced after stopping two strides away from the fat man.
Saddaban wrinkled his brow as he turned to face the voice prompting him to continue with an, "And that would be?"
"I get to pick four things from your merchandise of my choosing, that is the entire payment for getting you where you want to go and for getting you up here in the first place."
Saddaban rubbed his meaty hands together as he thought about the payment, his brow furrowed in thought running through some kind of calculations in his mind before he answered in reply, "You get two choices and I get to place some things off limits."
Feirg barred his fangs for a second before he could relax enough not to throttle the man for challenging him, "Two from your special stock, I get to choose which ones I want. Three would be a fair price, but taking into consideration that neither of us want this known in public, I will settle for any two of my choice."
Suddaban went from calculating to a beaming smile as soon as Feirg had finished, obviously liking the idea, "From the special stock? Just to make sure we're both thinking the same thing, it's the stock I told you about yesterday correct?" When Feirg nodded the man continued, "You have a deal then, I won't lose much and you get what you think is fair." Saddaban brought his hand up to shake, causing Feirg to raise an eyebrow before taking the offered hand and giving one quick shake.
Feirg didn't like the deal, and he especially didn't want anyone to know he was selling his services for two slaves, not to mention that if it became public knowledge he'd probably take the blame for capturing and selling them in the first place. Not that he cared too much about the reputation, it wasn't like he deserved anything better.
Taking his leave, Feirg walked a different route from the one he had used to arrive, he passed Delavega on his way, talking with some other members of the caravan. He arrived just in time for the dwarf's comment about him being missing. "Present," the tiefling said in his silky voice as he passed, he enjoyed the dwarf's scowl far more than he should have. A part of him was glad that Delavega had found at least some he could speak with, though he hoped the other tiefling wouldn't make the same mistakes he himself had.
Feirg chuckled as he heard the dwarf curse, and stopped mid stride to allow some children to run in front of him, showing off wooden toys to each other, that they had most likely bought from one of the merchants in the caravan. The tiefling smiled as he paused to watch them run along, glad that his back was to Delavega and that none of them would see his smile.
[Edited on 9/8/2008 by Marleen]
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Fulgros
Site Member
Registered: 30/11/2005 Status: Offline
posted on 9/9/2008 at 00:54
Delavega looked the dwarf in the eyes and ignored what else the halfling had to say, "Yes I'll be here for the whole trip and if the caravan decides to come back up north...well I'll be along for that one too." He smiled thinly not revealing his sharp teeth.
"And..as for..." he was interrupted as Feirg spoke and he chuckled to himself, "Answered that I suppose." he looked down at the dwarf. "I don't see a problem with playing music Sir, as long as you know the ime to fight and the time to play."
He reached inside his cloak and from it pulled a two handed axe-mace. "Now this is only my weapon for close quarters...but it serves me well." he put it back (but where did he put it, there was no bulge from the weapon so large as it is) and then he pulled out another weapon. This one elegant and strong, a beautifully crafted Dark Wood Composite Longbow. "This is my baby, she has never failed to hit a target and I don't think she ever will."
He then removed from his side the violin he had placed there when he left the presence of Fierg. The white oak contrasted in comparison with the bow. "You see good dwarf I can play both of my strung instruments well, and a good balance is always the way to go." He winked at the dwarf with his solid green eyes and then put his bow away and played a quick tavern ditty he learned. "See? Good balance!"
____________________ this is what happens to Drizzt when Artemis shows up....
Marleen
Site Member
Registered: 24/2/2007 Status: Offline
posted on 9/9/2008 at 02:02
Derrgn scowled at Delavega as he brought out his weapons, they all made him edgy, and worse yet, he didn't like it when people showed off weapons they planned on using. He wouldn't hold it against him though, not like everyone had the same respect for weapons that he did. If you made the weapon it was something to show, but if you used it then it wasn't. Simple as that.
"Never said there was anything wrong with playing music if that be your fancy. As long as you keep your music playing out of the fight I'll be happy enough," The dwarf said locking stares with the man. Snorting, the dwarf made another comment before he stopped talking, "A bow doesn't shoot itself, you're the one doin the work, don't let the weapon take the credit for your mistakes or your acomplishments."
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Fulgros
Site Member
Registered: 30/11/2005 Status: Offline
posted on 9/9/2008 at 02:48
Delavega laughed at the dwarf's most recent comments. "Sir please do not be alarmed or upset by anything I am saying. This is all just my opinion." he held out the bow again and then looked at her smoothe surface and finely crafted sculpture.
Still staring at the weapon he smiled and then sighed, "Have you never heard of fabled weapons that speak to their master? The stories of weapons powerful enough to take over their owner?" he remembered stories he was told about a great bowess by the name of Cattie Brie, adopted daughter of the Great King Bruenor. "You of course have heard of Cattie Brie and her sword?" he still did not look at the dwarf but he stared intently at his bow and his hands touched every surface, traced every line. "This bow is similar but not the same. Glazia isn't evil and she really doesn't have her own goals except to help me in my endevours. We are kindred spirits her and I. Both outcasts from where we were before, and now we travel wherever we please." his gaze still had not left the bow. It was as if the weapon had him in some sort of trance.
Finally he smiled then looked away and put her back in his cloak where she disappeared."Please goodly dwarf do not think that weapons cannot do things on their own. For I have heard stories and been apart of Glazia's."
____________________ this is what happens to Drizzt when Artemis shows up....
lupus_intus
Site Member
Registered: 19/7/2007 Status: Offline
posted on 9/9/2008 at 03:00
Edhelas eyed his companion's composite longbow with interest, it certainly was a fine weapon, and if it held its own mind that was a magical thing indeed. It seemed that he shared much in common with Delavega, at least somewhat, and the elven eyes slowly went to his own longbow that was still sitting unstrung over his shoulder. A magnificent weapon, made of the finest oak and covered in powerful golden runes, but in the capable hands of Edhelas nearly any spell could be placed on the arrows it fired. An "Arcane Archer", his tribe chief had called him, and a title he bore with pride. Aside from that he held a well crafted long blade at his hip.
"If the weapon is as grand as you say, then I must see it in action sometime." Edhelas chuckled in response, while deeply wishing to fire the bow himself.
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Outlaw_Ninja
Site Member
Registered: 30/8/2007 Status: Offline
posted on 9/9/2008 at 23:11
" Glad I could be of help" said Linneth shaking the tieflings hand." Besides I like animals" he continued as he scratched Forks ears. the large wolf was slightly taller than Linneth. " I also like shiny, magical things" said the thief as Delavega showed off his weapons.
Wandering off from the main group as the other tiefling showed up Linneth ran into two kids playing with toy swords. Motioning to them he grabbed another of the wooden swords from the same merchant who'd sold them to the young ones, promising to return it. He engaged them in mock battle challenging them to score a hit on him. No matter how they tried they could not touch the quick footed halfling.
Finding a place near the fire, resting against a wagon wheel Linneth thought of how long it had been since he'd shared the company of others. The past few months he'd lived a loners life, as so often thieves did, ever since Frederick, Shane and Alliss had died. All because he'd failed to notice that one fatal glyph. Linneth resolved he'd visit them once they reached Luskan.
[Edited on 9/9/2008 by Outlaw_Ninja]
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Marleen
Site Member
Registered: 24/2/2007 Status: Offline
posted on 10/9/2008 at 13:17
OOC: If you have any special encounters you would like for your characters, please tell me a little in advance so that I can plan out what needs to be planned. Your ideas can be as simple or as complex as you'd like, but if you do not at least, tell me that you would like some special encounter for your character, I will not make them. You'll have to make due with the normal problems of the caravan.
Even just telling me a little about your character and saying you want a special encounter is enough, I'll pm you a few ideas and see which ones you like and go from there. I'd love to help your characters grow in any way I can.
IC: Derrgn snorted and waved the problem away, it wasn't that big a deal for him. Watching the halfling walk away, the dwarf turned to the other two and excuised himself, "I'll be seeing you both around, watch yer backs. I'll be checking the wagons and getting everything settled to leave." With that the dwarf turned and left, heading off to check and make sure that the caravan was ready to go. The few other guards that were at the fire went with the dwarf, they didn't inspect merchendise, they simply went around and made sure none of the wheels were loose, broken, and that they wouldn't have any unexpected accidents durring the firstt part of the trip.
**********
Feirg watched the halfling and the kids for a moment longer before he left as well, going back to his usual spot to sit and fiddle with his harp; playing simple tunes that were soft and didn't carry that far on the wind.
His thoughts drifted to Delavega, the halfling, the elf, and the dwarf that had been talking together. They all seemed a strange group, they all carried weapons in the open like they knew how to use them. He was at least a little happy that he didn't have to worry quite as much about the innocent people he was guiding. The tiefling didn't care much for the greedy Saddaban, but the honest shopkeepers, women, and children in the caravan did have him a little worried about their safty.
Sighing, the fallen bard stared out ahead and wondered just what hardships this trip would have for them all. He didn't much care what it would throw at him, it had already taken all he cared for. But the others were different, they had a great deal to lose if things got bad. Delavega would have to reveal himself to his new friends at some point durring the journey, or the worse situation by far would be the others finding out while he was concealing his heritage. The tiefling couldn't even guess at what would be in store for the others of that little group, but guessed it wasn't going to be easy for any of them.
The skys were clear, so that at least was to the advantage of the travelers. "May the hardships of this trip weigh lightly on all your shoulders," whispered the brooding man.
[Edited on 9/10/2008 by Marleen]
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reddimund
Matron Mother of the RPGs Super Moderator
Registered: 22/1/2004 Status: Offline
posted on 11/9/2008 at 01:47
Master Horkin moved as quickly as one could with the young Mistress trailing in his wake. “Come along dear, you cannot miss the caravan. You father’s message said it was imperative that you travel with the next caravan out of the city.” Naneen Deluna hustled as fast as her feet would carry her, but she had been schooled to always be a lady and placed no amount of urgency above her etiquette. It was a troubling feat for Master Horkin, but he too was bound by the same rules. For that reason he did not complaining over much when he turned back to see her lagging nearly 10 paces behind him. Besides, her escort stuck close behind her, easily carrying her bags.
“Don’t worry, Master Horkin. I am right behind you.” He nodded and proceeded on ahead of them; his longer legs put him two paces ahead with each step. The next corner revealed the caravan still there with all its cargo and travelers set to go at any moment. Horkin stretched his neck as high as it would take his head, looking over the mingled crowd searching for the either Saddaban the Mrechant or the dwarf guide, Ferig.
____________________ "xuat treemma l' olath...treemma vel'bol's wun ol."
Direwrath
Site Member
Registered: 23/10/2004 Status: Offline
posted on 11/9/2008 at 14:48
"This is going to be a real treat."
Already down a few shillings of gold came a man who seemed no more an outcast to the populace then the local barkeep. Yet beyond the man's whimsical smile, his not so out of the ordinary messy blond hair, and his rusted but still obviously expensive set of armor, Braxen was extraordinary in his own right.
If those he passed only knew what toils he had come to bear they would find reason for his grizzled appearance.
Today he was lucky enough to have found a group to travel with. After all those long months of being lone in his journeys Braxen needed some company even if it were with a group of complete strangers.
He wasn't all that picky, never was.
Braxen led his horse down the line of wagons and travelers, stopping once as a man and a young woman nearly pushed into him in their haste to join the caravan. He said nothing as they continued on but he did make sure to remember their faces.
He learned to keep a keen eye on everything and everyone. "Well Iberias what do you think?" he asked the thick crested stallion that lumbered at his side, "they look the friendly sort, eh?"
The horse's nostrils flared slightly and his ears pricked forward but Iberias showed no signal of flight, nor aggression as he always did when in the presence of danger.
Braxen ran his hand down the horse's scarred shoulder. He knew that Iberias was on his last leg, the horse was nearly 30 years old and that 26 years of that life were spent crushing into enemy soldiers and fleeing from the ever present sign of sharp instruments.
Most horse men would say that a war horse has a short life span, but Braxen was glad to have such a loyal companion for so long, Iberias was his strength.
As the two walked toward the end of the caravan Braxen walked pass a rather forlorn looking character and he couldn't help but keep the man's words in mind as he pulled Iberias on.
"May the hardships of this trip weigh lightly on all your shoulders,"
Once reaching the last group of travelers Braxen made sure to tighten the barding on his horse, and to tend to the swords he carried.
The one at his hip and the other that rested in a sheath near Iberias' shoulder.
While repeating the man's words in his mind Braxen glanced up at the still bustling group and his smile faded, "That is far too much to ask of anything." he whispered in response to Feirg's words.
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Fulgros
Site Member
Registered: 30/11/2005 Status: Offline
posted on 11/9/2008 at 20:43
Delavega looked around and noticed some new peopls coming into the caravan last minute like. He smiled, he remembered when he was always places at the last minute.
One of the newcomers caught his eye, and this man rode upon a beautiful stallion. As he dismounted Delavega walked up to greet him. The last few feet of Delavega closing in his arm was extended and he was already speaking, "Greetings!" he said first and then continued on untill he got up to the man, "My name is Delavega, will you be on this caravan with the rest of us?"
____________________ this is what happens to Drizzt when Artemis shows up....
lupus_intus
Site Member
Registered: 19/7/2007 Status: Offline
posted on 12/9/2008 at 02:17
Edhelas looked about as others arrived while Delavega and Linneth wandered off. He was glad that there was apparently a few here who could defend themselves. The last thing the elf needed was the burden of protecting scores of women and children alone.
Spying Linneth playing a small game with a group of children, Edhelas stepped over to watch. He chuckled at the lighthearted attempts of the young humans, for the halfling was far beyond their skill; perhaps even beyond himself, Edhelas silently mused. This thought was met with a simple shrug, their were many who could outdo the elf with a blade, but far fewer who could out shoot him with a bow.
Absently stroaking Menthri's chest feathers, an action of attention she loved, Edhelas padded silently over to the halflings fire and sat down on a log laying near it. The warmth of the fire felt good against the cool dale breeze. leaning his unstrung bow against the same log he sat upon, Edhelas glanced over at Linneth. "How far are you traveling, friend?" It was a simple question, but possibly too personal for the halfling to comfortably reveal. Either way, perhaps conversation would let Edhelas learn a little more about this strange traveler for not many of his kind were in the dales (and far fewer of Edhelas' kind he was quick to remember).
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Marleen
Site Member
Registered: 24/2/2007 Status: Offline
posted on 12/9/2008 at 13:24
OOC: We'll be leaving soon, most likley on monday. I won't be able to post very much over the weekend, twice at the most. But I'll be back on monday, and I'll most likley be posting the beginning of the trip then. *Smiles*
IC: Saddaban noticed the two newcomers and smiled. They looked wealthy, like they had a good deal of money. Perhaps he could get them to part with some of it along the trip. Leaving his place at the center of the caravan Saddaban went over to the man on the warhorse first, and collected his money before going over to the noblewoman. "I'll collect your fee," the man said. "How long will you be traveling with us?" The fat man rubbed his hands together and smiled.
**********
Feirg watched the horse go by but didn't hear the mans words. He guessed that Saddaban would be coming to see him soon, to get the caravan mobing. Giving a mirthless smile the tiefling put away his harp, and sighed, resting his hands on his knees.
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reddimund
Matron Mother of the RPGs Super Moderator
Registered: 22/1/2004 Status: Offline
posted on 12/9/2008 at 21:43
Naneen finally caught up to Master Harkin just as the merchant leader approached. She gave not a glance towards the ragged man with the horse, but she note the merchant's haste to conclude his dealing with him. He addressed her regarding their fees, and she scoffed at the obvious greed the man had not even the decency to try and hide.
"I am Naneen Deluna and this is Master Harkin. He will give you my fare after I have seen the coach in which I shall travel." Her stance was immaculate, though she was only 5’5, her dusty rose colored boots lifted another inch or so. She stood with her back as a board and chin level; she was the perfect picture of nobility and a fine representation of her school. The long powder pink gown puffed wide with lacy undergarments that made it nearly impossible to stand within arms reach completed the frame. The dress was trimmed with rose pattern around the hems near her feet and wrist. Soft white lace delicately balanced her neckline.
Harkin frowned a bit, he was instructed in the letter from her father to conduct all the bartering, but agreed with her sound thinking and allowed her statement stand.
Of course, the merchant wasted no time granting her visage of the only available wagon. It was fairly decent, however she was informed that she may have to share the wagon with another traveler. That is, if more were to join at the next junction, then those who left the caravan.
This was not a thing that set well with her. So when Master Harking had divvied out her fare, she turned to the merchant with a proposition. "I am traveling to Luskan. If you have more travelers join, I will pay you double at that point to, seat them elsewhere." Then she gave him a long hard look. "However, if anyone is to join me, I expect my fare to be reduced."
Master Harkin's jaw dropped at the girl's incredulous bargaining. Would the merchant accept such an outlandish proposal? He looked from the girl to the merchant. "She politely, reached a finger up under his chin and closed his gaping mouth. Then she flashed the merchant a polite smile. "Are we agreed Mr. __________?" She left the sentence open for the merchant to fill in the blank. Her upraised lacey gloved hand stayed Harkin’s from putting away her sack of gold coins.
____________________ "xuat treemma l' olath...treemma vel'bol's wun ol."
this is what happens to Drizzt when Artemis shows up.... 
