Prologue: The Haunted Inn

[brekkers]

OOC: This is the prologue for Kulzet.

The Inn is as simple on the inside as it had seemed on the outside. Grey stone walls, only broken by a few thick wooden pillars that help support the upper stories, a few windows, dusty as if no one had ever bothered to clean them, and then there's the door. A single crack reveals what must have been the work of a strong battleaxe, and as the door swings open, the hinges creak with a sound that chills Kulzet to the bone.

He is now inside, watching the old tables, wounded chairs, but that is not the worst part. Behind the bar stands a man as ancient as...well, Kulzet can only imagine, as old as the very city.

"Ah", there isn't a lot of hope in the old man's voice, "come to visit the old Queen herself, have we? The gods wouldn't let you in, and now you are stuck out here," the last part seems like a question, but really isn't.

A brief chuckle escapes the old man, as he looks you over.

"Ye' want anything, lad?"

[This thread is now open to TiFFman]

[TiFFman]

Kulzet looks around the Inn, critically eyeing his surroundings. Looking at the old man he replies, "Anything you have to drink will be fine."

Kulzet walks to the bar, casting another look around as he goes. Standing in front of the old man, Kulzet flashes him a smile, "Name's Kulzet. Who is this queen and what gods do you speak of?"

[brekkers]

"Hah!" The old man is suddenly amused, "That remark is certainly worth a tankard-full of ale!" He shakes his head, while dusting off an old tankard.

"Aye lad, the fate of the Forgotten Gods is not a kind one, and I dont blame you for not knowing them, not many do, not even an old man such as meself."

He places the tankard in front of you, full of foamy black ale. "As for the Queen-I'm talking of the sweet elven lady that rules our fair city of Crown, Alayarra the Glorious. If only she ruled this inn as well, maybe it wouldn't have been forgotten to all but meself. How'd you ever end up here, lad-I mean, no one ever comes in here."

[TiFFman]

Kulzet looks at the tankard critically. Tentatively he brings it to his lip and takes a sip, then sets it back down in front of him.

"I'm traveling to the city. Why did people stop coming to this modest inn? Surely some must stop here in their travels?"

[brekkers]

"Sure, the occasionally traveller wanders in, but I'll tell you one thing, when he hears the story of this inn, he leaves before ever touching his ale!" The old man is grinning, eyeing you carefully, as if he expects you to leave any second.

"You see, lad, this inn is...haunted!" He was grinning before, but not anymore. "If only I had known this fact 5 years ago when I bought it from that thieving Lord Aremth! Sure, the inn was empty at the time, but it wasn't because of the damn leak in the roof! No sir, it was because of the damn ghost in the basement!"

The old man shakes his head, a look of sorrow on his face.

You hear a sound outside, like a boy yelling, but the windows dull the actual words. The old man doesn't appear to have heard anything, or perhaps he just doesn't care about some kid yelling in the streets.

[TiFFman]

Kulzet turns his head to the window hoping to hear more. Not being able to make out what is being said, Kulzet lets out a sigh. Ghost in the basement? I'll have to come back to this. Turning to the old man, "Thank you for the ale. I'm going to see what that yelling is about."

Kulzet turns and walks to the door.

[brekkers]

As you leave the inn behind, you hear the old man mumbling something, "...another one...find a new story...".

Soon after, you are back on the streets, watching the huge walls of Crown in the distance. The inn was located on a lane leading to the main road, and its from there that you hear the boy, "fight! fight! Orcs in the streets!" The voice actually sounds excited, if you can believe it.

[TiFFman]

Kulzet, curious at the mention of the Orc, starts to walk quickly to where the yelling is coming from. What's the big commotion about an orc in the street? Damn hard workers, judging by the ones I've met.

[brekkers]

As you arrive at the main road, the boy you heard yelling runs past you, towards the inn on the other side. You had seen the inn before, but decided that it might have been too expensive for your liking. A small crowd has gathered, of locals, mostly young boys, but also a few girls and some travellers. to begin with its hard to see what is happening, but then you spot three young men, their hands resting on their blades. They seem a bit agitated and jumpy.

You try to see the orc, but...what orc? The three seem to be talking to a large human, wearing a breastplate and wielding a greatsword, well, in fact, he has a large selection of weapons on him.

As you find your way even closer, it becomes apparent that the man they call the orc is actually a half-orc, and a very articulate orc at that. He is trying to convince them that it would be better for them to just continue on their way, and not make any trouble. From watching his face you are quite certain that he doesn't say this because he fears a fight, but because the fight would be meaningless and with a very bad outcome.

[If you wanna interact, please head on over to the "Orc at the Gate" thread, if not, stay here]

[TiFFman]

Kulzet shakes his head at the antics of the people. Turning around he starts to walk back to the Inn with the old man. Some ale sounds good. Someone as old as he must have more information on this city.

[brekkers]

You enter the inn to find it deserted. Indeed, the sight that meets you is very strange; a thick layer of dust covers the floor and there are fewer chairs and tables than you remembered. Also, the tankards behind the bar are all cracked and in disrepair.

Then you see something on the floor, a set of prints in the dust, as if one had walked from the door to the bar and back again.

You get an eerie feeling that something is very wrong here, but whereas before you were in the company of the old man, you are now very much alone.

[TiFFman]

Kulzet, bewildered, walks around the room, taking everything in. The old man mentioned a ghost. Perhaps it is him...

Calling through the Inn, "Where are you old man?" Hearing the dust settle in response, Kulzet starts to head behind the bar to look around.

[brekkers]

You call out for the old man, but there is no one who answers, except perhaps the wind out side that pull slightly at the door.

Looking behind the bar, you find a few old bottles, most are empty, though a few still carry some kind of liquid, mostly dark and thick. There's also a few pieces of cloth, and then you spot something strange...a single dark coin, behind a broken tankard. Contrary to the rest of the things here, this coin is not dusty at all, in fact, the area around the coin is dust free.

[TiFFman]

Kulzet, noticing the ring, walks closer but does not touch it. Looking at the coin, Kulzet starts to concentrate.

OOC:
Casting Detect Magic

[dragonfire]

Dispite the apperance of the inn I decide to enter the Inn, thinking to myself "I have had worse accomidations." I make my way through the inn to the bar observing my surrounding. As I approach the bar I call out "Hey barkeep how about a pint of ale and what do you have in the way of food." I unhook my sword and lean it against the counter so that I might sit more comforatably at the bar.

[brekkers]

Kulzet:

Before the half-orc arrive at the old inn, your spell finishes, however, the coin does not detect as being magical. While sitting there, below the bar, you see something...magical. The door in the back of the room, not far from the bar actually has a magical aura, though not so strong as to overwhelm you. It seems like a shimmering field of utter blackness.

Then the door opens and you hear the voice call out. You also hear the footsteps as the newcomer approaches the bar.

Volak:

You enter the inn, finding it completely devoid of life, or is it? The dust on the floor has been disturbed, revealing prints leading to the bar...and beyond. What kind of an inn is this...abandoned? You get a bad feeling about this place, you've fought the undead before, and this place...smells of them.

[dragonfire]

As I enter the bar I look around and see that it is evident that this Inn has been occupied for many years. Noticing the fresh boot prints on the floor, I place one hand on the hilt of my greatsword, and call out. "Is there anyone of the living variety here, or is death all that is present." I slowly make my way in the direction of the foot prints.

[TiFFman]

Kulzet hearing someone call out, he carefully stands up. Seeing the half-orc from earlier he replies, "Death seems to claim this place, all except for me."

Noticing the half-orcs hand on the hilt of his greatsword, "No need for that, I have no issue with you." Flashing a smile, Kulzet acknowledges him with a nod of his head, "I am Kulzet."

[dragonfire]

I look at Kulzet, "My apoligizes I did not mean to frighten you, this place smells of death, it makes me abit uneasy." I remove my hand from the hilt of my sword. "I am Volak, can you tell me what has happened here?" I make my way to the bar were Kulzet is at.

[TiFFman]

"I have no idea. I just arrived here." Kulzet turns back to the coin on the ground. Forgetting Volak for a second, Kulzet concentrates on the coin.

There must be some reason for this. Perhaps it can explain the old man.

[dragonfire]

I move around to see what it is that Kulzet appears to be facinated with. "What is it that has your attention? I should have known better when that man recomended this place to me."

[brekkers]

It appears that Kulzet is fascinated by a small black coin, so far it is lying behind the bar, hidden somewhat by a small tankard. The side that you can see has a single star printed on it, but nothing else, and you are pretty sure that you have never seen a coin such as this before, or have you?

[Both of you, roll Knowledge [Religion], [local] or [history] checks, if you can, perhaps some obscure memory is locked away in the vault of your mind]

[dragonfire]

I turn to Kulzet. "You best leave that coin be, I've heard of such a coind before and I assure it is no good." I tell Kulzet what I know of the coin. "I would be supprised if that there coins was the anchore for what ever spirit is hunting this place."

[TiFFman]

Kulzet ponders what Volak told him. Perhaps the old man... Slowly standing up, Kulzet tells Volak about his experience with the old man when he was in the inn earlier.

Ending his story, Kulzet turns to the door by the bar, examining it.

[OOC]
Spellcraft on the door, posted in skill thread.

[dragonfire]

"It doesnt look as if anyone other than us has been in here for quite some time, but some old man." Ponders for a moment. "He might have been a victim of this coin, Something interesting about that there door?"

[brekkers]

The door is made from wood, with a few simple black iron hinges, but aside from that, nothing special about it, however, Kulzet, when you look at it through your arcane vision, you see a soft blue aura of pulsating light, which can only be one school...abjuration.

After a little while, both of you feel a chill run down your spines, and then you hear something, but whether the voice is inside your heads or merely a soft whisper, is hard to say.

"Do not touch the coin..." it sounds ethereal and could very well come from the ghost that you believe haunts this inn, "do not...touch...the...coin..." It repeats these words a few times, but then it vanishes.

[dragonfire]

"Ok, I hate it when spirits do that. Ussually means one of two things. Either that coin is really bad news, or that coin acts as the key to open the door and they dont want us to get in. What do you think?"

[TiFFman]

"I don't see any magic from the coin, just the door." Kulzet turns and walks to the coin, leaning down, Kulzet picks up the coin to examine it more closely.

[dragonfire]

"No magic from the coin doesnt mean it cant act as a key, is there a etching on the door that is about the same size and shape as the coin." As I look at the door examing it. "or maybe the coin is some kind of catylist, I dont know this isnt my area of expertise. If you cant detect magic on it perhaps some type of curse?"

[brekkers]

As Kulzet picks up the black coin, the pulsating aura near the door seem to flame up, with dark flames, and for a moment, the aura is overwhelming, but a short while after, it lessen somewhat, but is still stronger than before he took the coin. Feeling the overwhelming aura of the door, draws a gasp from the sorcerer, mostly of surprise.

Your eyes turn towards the coin as the aura lessens somewhat, and you can now see the other side, red as blood and with a face of a dragon! Its design is intricate, and the face very...real! The thought occurs somewhere inside the vault of your mind, and it scares you a little.

Volak, you hear the gasp from Kulzet, while examining the door, and as you turn towards him, you can suddenly see a strange red aura surrounding him. The aura seem to grow, taking shape...though you cant yet see its exact shape. You get a bad feeling about this.

[TiFFman]

Kulzet, surprised by the aura, tries to quickly put the coin down on the bar.

[brekkers]

Its not that the coin is heavy, its just that you cant move your hand. Also, when you look at the coin, it suddenly has a magical aura, of conjuration. Its strong, and after looking at it for a little while, you realise, that you are actually part of the aura, the aura surrounds you as well.

[TiFFman]

Unable to move, Kulzet tries to examine the aura, to try and make sense of things.

[OOC]
Spellcraft check on the coin again

[dragonfire]

Attempts to knock coin out of Kulzet hand

[brekkers]

[OOC: Make a strength check, Dragonfire!]

[dragonfire]

http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1613564/

Str check = 20

[brekkers]

As you try to knock the coin out of his hand, Volak, you feel that its not an impossible task, but you need to use a little more strength, or perhaps some luck.

Also, the aura is gaining height, and it actually seems as if its growing horns, also, there is a strange humming sound that is gaining in strength, and while the sound is here, it actually blocks out most other sounds, like from the street outside.

[TiFFman]

Breaking a sweat, Kulzet keeps trying to overcome the hold on him. Noticing the sound change, Kulzet continues to struggle.

[dragonfire]

I grab Kulzet by the arm

Str check= 13
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1613705/

And I hit his wrist with my Sap hoping the pain will force him to release it

http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1613707/
11 to hit


http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1613709/
8 points of nonleathal dmg. I added half my str mod. If i wasnt to do that it would be 6 points or 10 points if you wanted full str mod added

[brekkers]

Grabbing Kulzet by the hand has little effect, but as the sap hits him, the sound, the aura and the ring vanishes. You can once again hear the sounds from the street outside. You can both feel your heaving breath, as if you have strained yourself.

You have an image in your head, Volak, just before your sap hit Kulzet, the aura had reached its final shape. The mental image is very strong...of a dragon!

[dragonfire]

Look to Kulzet. "I hope I didnt hurt you to badly, short of cutting off your hand that was the best way I could think of to get you to drop the coin. A dragon great, we can either ignore it and be on our way or if you think you might be abit touched in the head we can try to take it on. But if you want to fight it, we best get ourselfs some help."

[TiFFman]

Rubbing where Volak hit, Kuzet turns to him, "Thank you. I could not get myself to let go of the coin."

Looking back at the coin in deep thought. "I am fine however. I would like to find out more what happened here."

I should have been able to break through that. What power was that?

[brekkers]

You look around for the coin, Kulzet, imagining that it dropped somewhere on the floor, easily visible in the dust, but when you look, its nowhere to be found. Also, the aura of the door has returned to normal, but you feel the power of your detect magic spell disappearing.

A few large shadows pass by the windows, and from the sounds outside, you guess that they are horses, large and heavy horses, each bearing a rider.

[TiFFman]

Hearing the horses, Kulzet moves to the window to try and see or hear anything, forgetting the coin for an instant.

[OOC]
Spot and listen check

[brekkers]

The sounds of horses are easy enough to hear, but they pretty much dull out the rest of the sounds, however, as you watch the horses through the dusty windows, you see that their riders are cloaked and hide their faces beneath great deep hoods.

Then the horses stop, outside the old inn. A short message is given from one to another, but you cannot hear exactly what is being said. The riders wait a short while, as if waiting for a very precise moment, but then two of them leave the horses behind, in the care of the last rider, to enter the inn.

[You have a few moments before they enter, to react, they dont seem to know that you are here.]

[TiFFman]

Signaling to Volak that they are coming inside, Kulzet quickly moves back by the bar, crouching down behind it.

[dragonfire]

Volak makes a quick jolt up the stairs signling Kulzet to follow. "Best not hide to close to that door." Ducking around the corner at the top of the stairs Volak readies his sword for combat, hoping they are friendly and it wont come to that, or at the very least they leave fast."

[brekkers]

[OOC: Make hide checks both of you!]

[TiFFman]

He's right, best hurry before they come in. Moving quickly, Kulzet follows Volak up the stairs.

[brekkers]

You have barely reached the top of the stairs, Kulzet, as you both hear the rusty hinges of the broken door. Who would have thought that you would end up appreciating a broken door such as that. You can hear the cloaked men move about below, then they start talking, in drakh, "Grazan, someone is here," you can't really see who is talking, but the voice sound very much like a human speaking the guttural tongue of the orcs and goblins.

A short time passes before the other one replies, "Yesss, I know. They are still here," that voice is not human, far from it, but you are not sure what creature speaks like that. "It doessn't matter, they wont be able to open the door."

"Let me kill them, Grazan, they might tell the Watch," the human actually sounds excited at the prospect of getting to kill the two of you.

"Jussst do it...quickly!"

You then hear a sound, of grating stone, and then the sound of a blade being drawn. When you hear the voice of the human, it is no longer speaking in drakh, but in Crownspeak.

"Lets see who's hiding in the old haunted inn," there is a short laugh, "and if they can fight..."

[OOC: Roll a Knowledge (history or the planes) check to find out what that creature is based on its speech. Also, roll initiative, both of you! And...Good Luck!]

[dragonfire]

As the unknown person searches I keep my sword at the ready and wait to see if he is able to find us, or perhaps he he will not find us and will think that we are no longer at the inn, and go about there merry way.

[brekkers]

You hear the man approach the stairs, then you hear him walk up the stairs. He must be aware of your hiding place, but then again, there isn't a lot of options.

[dragonfire]

I look to Kulzet. "Do you see anyway out of here or any place we can quickly hide." I ready my sword to strike the instant he is with in striking distance.

[TiFFman]

Whispering quietly to Volak, "I don't think that we will be able to hide. They know we're here. If we try to go out one of the windows, their companion might see us."

Kulzet readies his short spear and concentrates on his magic in preparation.

[brekkers]

A few seconds later, you both see the figure as he approaches from the stairs. He has drawn a heavy flail, with a handle clearly created from some kind of bone. His head is still covered by the hood, or at least his eyes are, you can still see his smirking grin.

"Well, well...a few intruders! You better prepare to meet the Dragon, because it wont be long before you do!"

[OOC: The man rushes forward down the hall, 10 ft. broad, and you both have ready actions, so you get to act as he enters your threatened squares, Volak first!]

[dragonfire]

Just as soon as he gets within reach I strike with my greatsword.

to hit=20
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1618217/

If its a hit
dmg=17
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1618225/

[brekkers]

Volak swings his greatsword, striking the cloaked man across the chest. You can hear the chains beneath the heavy cloth, but also feel that you cut through them, easily.

The man cries out in surprised pain, you landed a powerful blow, however, the strike is not enough to take him down. He regains his composure, and now seem even more bend on destroying the two of you.

"Cursed luck...the Dragon shant be merciful!"

He strikes out with his flail, making a powerful blow. He is strong, though not as strong as you, Volak.

to hit = 21
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1618250/

damage = 9 (if it hits)
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1618251/

[OOC: Kulzet...you're up!]

[TiFFman]

Kulzet, seeing the enemy continue, concentrates on his opponent while moving his hand, muttering.

[OOC: Casting Daze.]

[brekkers]

A bright light shines from the palms of your hands, Kulzet, but when it disappears, you look your opponent straight in the eyes, and you can easily see that your magic have had no effect on him. If it wasn't for the blow he just received, the cloaked man would certainly have laughed at you, instead you merely see a forced grin.

Will save =20
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1618281/

[OOC: Round two starts, Volak, you're up!]

[dragonfire]

Reflex save to dodge = 22
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1618365/

RND 2

To hit= 24 (roll 19 +5 for att bonus, Thats a crit)
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1618368/

DMG= 36 (roll 18 X2 for Crit)
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1618373/

[brekkers]

[OOC: Could you pep up the last post, dragonfire, with a few combat descriptions, so I know whats going on.]

[dragonfire]

His blade cuts across me the wound isnt bad but will need to be tended afterwards. As he looks over at Kulzet as he cast his spell I return the favor with a strike of my own, steping into the attack to get maximum power from my sword. "You should worry more about the mercy I will not show you rather than that of the dragon." With my strike the smell of blood intoxicates me, I move foward ready for my next attack. (OOC-Blood in the Water stance- Crital hits put me in near frenzid state)

to hit = 24
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1618368/

to comfirm critical = 22
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1618878/

dmg with crit = 29, this roll is added with the orignial roll of 2d6+6 for 18
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1618882/
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1618373/

dmg if crit not comfirmed=11
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1618880/

[brekkers]

Even before the greatsword cuts its victim across the chest, Volak, you know what will happen. You have won, the battle is over even before it really started, perhaps it was his overconfidence that spelled his doom, or perhaps it was your superior skill, though you have a feeling that this man was very dangerous, a foe to be feared.

As the greatsword hits, he doesn't even scream, all he does is look you in the eyes, with a fierce and relentless gaze. A few whispered words leaves his lips, and had the words not been meant for you, you are sure that you would never have heard them, "The Dragon...will..." his eyes close, and the dead body falls to the ground, dead.

Once again, the silence has returned to the old inn, not even the horses can be heard outside.

[brekkers]

[OOC: You can both note 450 xp on your character sheets! And Dragonfire (Volak), you receive an extra 150 xp for your role in the enemy's defeat]

[dragonfire]

With this creature laying dead at my feat, I look down the stairs to see if the human is still in the Inn. To Kulzet "You ok there, Take a look under that hood and tell me what that was we just killed, was it a githyanki or a tiefling."

[TiFFman]

Nodding his head, "Is his companion gone?"

Kulzet walks over to the corpse, leans down, and pulls down the hood.

[brekkers]

You pull back the hood, to reveal the face of a scarred and ugly human. Its not a pretty sight, and the scarring seem done deliberately with the intent of marking his face. You have never seen anything like this before. You also notice a tattoo on his shoulder, and when you pull the cloak aside fully, you see a tattoo of a mighty beast, which looks like a hybrid between a dragon and a man. You get a feeling of dread as you watch it, as if the world is falling apart and you can do nothing about it.

[OOC: You are shaken for the next hour, Kulzet.]

[dragonfire]

Search check to see if other man is still in the Inn= 13

http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1620695/

[brekkers]

Your search reveals nothing, meaning that you are pretty sure that either the man has left through the door to the street, or through the door with the strange magical aura.

[dragonfire]

I turn to Kurzet, "It appears as if the other person has left. What is that?" Looking at the creature that lies there dead. I use his cloak to wipe the blood off my sword. Then I search the corpse for anything of use and for some type of clue as to what is going on.

Search check = 21
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1620695/

[TiFFman]

Looking away from the corpse, shaking slightly.

"Nothing that I would want to see again. I have the feeling that our presence is now known to this group, whoever they are."

[brekkers]

You search the corpse, finding only three things that seem to hold any importance. In the pouch that holds several gold coins, 13 to be exact, you also find a small filthy bloodstained gold ring with a single misty-white gemstone set in the middle. A curved dagger is hidden in the left boot, bearing a small dragon on the blade, and slightly stained by old dried blood, as if the wielder never cared for this blade. The last thing you find is a small piece of dried skin. With this creature, you wouldn't dare presume to know what kind of creature it came from, but a few simple words have been burned into it, but none from a language that either of you speak.

Kulzet, you can once again hear the people on the street outside, and somewhere in the distance, you hear people shouting, but it could be for any kind of reason, really.

[OOC: Make either a knowledge (history) or (the planes) check, to find out what kind of language this is! Also, if either of you have ranks in Arcana, make an Arcana check as well.]

[dragonfire]

Knowledge History = 9
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1621397/

I examine both the dagger and the ring more closely, I wipe the blood off the ring to get a better look at it. I also wipe the blood from the dagger.

Appraisel check on the ring = 19
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1621408/

Appraisel check on the dagger = 13
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1621406/

Knowledge history on dagger = 16
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1621414/

I look to Kulzet. "What do you think of these 2 items, the dagger I can almost understand being covered in blood but why this ring, it must hold some vaule."

[TiFFman]

Walking over to Volak, Kulzet examines the items.

[OOC:]
2 + 3 = 5 Knowledge (History)
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1621454/

18 + 7 = 25 Knowledge (Arcana)
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1621458/

[brekkers]

Volak, its difficult to appraise these items, but you are almost certain that the dagger is of masterwork quality, the ring however, must be expensive, but how expensive?

Kulzet, you could only guess at the language of the dried skin, however, the more you look at the ring, the more it glows. Its not strong, but you can actually see the magical aura that surrounds it, even without your spells. If not this is a great illusion, then this ring must surely be magical!

[TiFFman]

Slowly turning the ring, Kulzet examines it closely. Without looking away from the ring, Kulzet speaks more to himself then anything.

"This ring has magic qualities."

I wonder why the man would not wear this magic ring. Perhaps he didn't know of its qualities.

[dragonfire]

"It might be magical but that doesnt mean its good, can you tell what kind of magic it has been enchanted with? This dagger is of masterwork quality, it would be of use to you." I hand Kulzet the dagger. "What about that skin, can you make any sense of it?"

[TiFFman]

After taking the dagger, Kulzet tucks it into his belt.

"The language on the skin is unknown to me. I could only guess at it. Do you believe it is safe here now? If I had some time I could possibly find out this ring."

[dragonfire]

I look around the inn. "The inn might be empty right now but who knowns when someone else will come by to check on there friend here. It might be best we make our way to another inn, my wounds isnt bad but should still be treated." Grabbing the bag of gold. "Besides it looks as if our friend here will be paying for our in and possibly a meal or two depending on the cost of things here." I also grab the unkown persons flail and place it in my bag, I stand and motion to Kulzet to follow. "We best be off, we can return when we are better prepared, perhaps we can even find some alies to fight with us. We might also want to report this to the local authority, perhaps the free company, they might have some information about these people. Who knowns maybe there is an reward for them." Remembering that it was a man from the free company that sent him to this inn, Volak rethinks his last statement. "Perhaps we better get some information from other sources before we talk to those free company guys that sent me here, make sure they arent involved in this somehow."

[brekkers]

Before long, you are both standing on the street outside the old inn, and there is, as you had guessed before, no sight of the other man or the horses. A few locals pass you by, shaking their heads with a smile, "did the old ghost have any wise words for ye?" they continue, not really caring for the answer, perhaps it was just a bad jest.

[TiFFman]

Hearing the locals mention the old man, Kulzet can't help but wonder what happened in the inn.

Trying to catch a couple of the locals attention Kulzet puts on a radiant smile, "Excuse me, what happened in this inn? What old man?"

I saw and talked to this old man. I must know who he is and what happened. I have a feeling those men have something to do with it...

[brekkers]

The locals had already passed you, but when you speak, Kulzet, one of the men stops.

The man looks like a common laborer, with a hammer in his belt and a filthy shirt. "Did you not see it? He is a fickle ghost that one, he might tell you something of the old days, or he will scare the soul out of you! Or so they say... Anyways, after those elves died, no one ever goes there... best to stay out, you never know what will happen!"

[TiFFman]

Perhaps these elves found the coin as we did.

"Was the old man killed here? Was he the owner? What happened to those elves?"

[brekkers]

"Hmm, those elves were killed some years back, not sure I remember much that would be of any use to ye, I was not much older than you, at the time," he offers you a kind smile, "but if you really want to know about the inn, find Rhysin Valoran inside the city. Last I heard, he was working for the Guild of Three Leaves... it was Rhysin who found the elves."

[TiFFman]

Nodding his head in thanks, "Where might this Guild of Three Leaves be?"

[brekkers]

"Honestly," the man shakes his head, "I dont know, the only two places I've ever visited inside Crown is The Cracked Mug and Belthasa's Used Goods...I'd look for trees, though, and lots of them! They say the members of the guild know how to speak with them!"

[TiFFman]

Giving a smile, "Thank you, sir."

Turning back to Volak, Kulzet rubs his chin in thought.

"We'll have to find that place in the city sometime. Ready to move on?"

[dragonfire]

I look over to Kulzet. "Yes lets head into the city and look for this group but before we do, I would like to go to the pub and have a talk with that free company many and se what he knows about this dragon cult. I'm sure he only sent me there as a joke, cause of the ghost. Besides it might lead us to abit of a reward if they are a socity of wanted crinimals, alittle extra gold could help us get information and gear that we might need to fight them, cause Im sure they are going to want revenge for there fallen comrade."

[TiFFman]

"I agree. Although we should be careful who we mention this to. We don't want the wrong group finding out."

With that, Kulzet starts to walk towards the city.

[brekkers]

Guided by Volak, the two of you reach the tavern called the Hanging Rose Tavern, off the main road leading towards the gate. Its a simple one-storey tavern, covered in rosebushes. An old wheel lie outside the main door, and on it is written the name of the tavern, in beautiful red letters. Even before entering, you can hear the voice of a bard singing, a woman.

This is where you last saw the three men of the Free Company, or rather, this is the tavern you saw them enter after your little talk in the streets.

Inside, you see all kinds of people, locals and travelers, dwarves, halflings, but the majority of the taverngoers are of course humans. It appears to be dinner time, and most of the tables hold various plates carrying steeming hot food. The bar is to your left, and to your right you see the female bard, playing a small, yet distinctive mandolin. Her voice is clear, but you have certainly heard a better bard play. Her song is a praise to the current Queen of Crown, the beautiful elf, Queen Alayarra the Glorious.

While looking around, you quickly spot one of the Free Company men, the one called Raast, who was actually the one you spoke with and who started the taunt. He is drinking in the far end of the tavern, with a few other people at his table, seemingly enjoying himself.

[dragonfire]

I look around the room it see if I can see an empty table or a couple of empty spots at the bar. "Kulzet let us eat first, It would be bad manners to interupt his meal unless it was an emergency. I think I will have a chat with the bard as well to see if maybe she has heard any rumors of this cult."

[dragonfire]

To Kulzet "Why dont you go ahead and get us a place to sit and a some food, I will go have a chat with the bard." I walk over the and listen to the bard play her song for a few moments waiting for her to end her song. As the song ends. "The song was nice and you have a lovely voice." I give her 3 gp for the song. "I was wonder if you had a moment, I had a question I would like to ask you."

[brekkers]

The bard looks at you, and then at the gold. Smiling, she says, "Thank you, kind sir, my voice must indeed be lovely for you to pay me 3 golds, and that after only one song. Perhaps you'd like to hear another song before I answer your question?"

[dragonfire]

"Please m'lady, praise us with another fine song"

[TiFFman]

Kulzet keeps a smile on his face as he walks to one of the empty tables. Sitting down, Kulzet waits for some service, keeping an eye on the men he saw Volak nearly fighting with earlier.

[brekkers]

The bard, who really doesn't look much like a true lady, smiles at you, sincerely and start to play her mandolin. You notice once again that she masters her instrument more than she masters her voice.

While the music fills the tavern of the Hanging Rose, a serving wench wearing a green dress, approaches your table, Kulzet. she approach from behind, so when she speaks, you are slightly surprised. "Welcome to the Hanging Rose, could I get you anything to drink and eat? The kitchen is serving both fowl and fried pig this fine day." She takes a wet cloth to the table, cleaning it slightly as she speaks, "We have brown ale, Blackmush ale, Summerbloom wine and a fine selction of teas if you prefer something hot."

The wench is actually pleasant to look at, and she has a warm smile. You also notice that a few of the locals have noticed her natural beauty, every few minutes, they try to get her attention.

The bard finally starts to sing, of the elven refugees that came to Crown more than a thousand years ago, of how they were followed by the white dragons of the Iceskull League, and how the High Clerics invited them inside, but then used them to craft beautiful items, offering little in return.

[dragonfire]

I listen to the story of her song with interst, wondering to myself if these dragons have anything to do with the cult that we had run across earlier. I look over to Kulzet and hope that he isnt to distracted by the barmaid and remembers to order me some food as well.

[brekkers]

[Introducing Dylan Ackart and Regnier Leinhart to the Game!]

The Hanging Rose had seemed like a good place to get something to eat, and as it turned out, it was also a good place to get information, as long as you knew how to ask the right questions.

The young man named Dylan Ackart, 17 summers old, had been sitting in the tavern for a while, watching the people coming and going. He needed to know more about a powerful warrior that must recently have entered Crown, but who would know? When the man named Raast Krethmon had entered, talking loudly of orcs and evil creatures, that seemed like a good place to start.

You are currently sitting by his table, and Raast, a Free Company man is telling loudly of his exploits in faraway lands, though from the sounds of it, he has never visited the White Towers of Perelandor.

"If you ask me, the Queen should be more careful about the people she lets into her city! One day..." The man shakes his head in dispair.

Kulzet.

From where you are sitting, you can easily hear Raast speak, and you recognize him easily from the quarrel he had earlier with your newfound friend, Volak.

[TiFFman]

Smiling at the serving wench, "Why, aren't we beautiful. It's always nice to have such a beautiful sight while enjoying a meal. 2 brown ales and enough fried pig for 2 please."

Recognizing the fighter's voice from earlier, Kulzet briefly looks over at Raast, then turns back to the wench, smiling at her with an appreciative eye. All the while keeping a sharp ear out for what Raast is saying.

[brekkers]

"...those blasted fell creatures will betray her, and when that happens...Crown will suffer! Better she listen to her advisors, especially that Sir Treswick Colbourne...if only she'd allow her champions to rid the city of all those greenskins!" Raast takes a tankard to his mouth, spilling some of it on his nice red shirt bearing the mark of the Free Company.

The wench leaves your table, saying something about bringing you brown ale and fried pig for two.

Just as the wench returns bearing food and drinks, the bard finishes her song, smiling at you Volak.

[dragonfire]

"I have never heard that song before. What can you tell me about these white dragons of the Iceskull League. And what do you know about the Haunted Inn?"

[brekkers]

The bard eyes you carefully, as if wondering who you are, then says, "there is a realm in the far north, called Alar Damarri´i, they say it was once inhabited by the elves, but now, only the white dragons of the infamous Iceskull League rules there. You want to know about the League? Well, some believe that the elves wouldn't have lost the first battle if they hadn't been betrayed by their own. Even today, elves have been found serving the League. Its all just rumors and tall tales though, I have never been to the icy north, far too cold for my liking."

She takes her mandolin, gently caressing the strings, then finally, as if she suddenly remembers your second question, "what haunted inn? I have heard of many haunted inns on my travels."

[dragonfire]

"I perfer to the one here in town, the one with the owl on the side were the ghost of an old man is often seen and gives travlers advice."

[brekkers]

"Ah, that one!" She smiles again, "of that haunted inn, I have only heard a few things, mostly, that you should keep away. The spirit that rests there is evil, it has killed more than one visitor. Were you planning on going there?""

[dragonfire]

Unconsionsly placing my hand on the wound on my arm "I had already been there, myself and one other that were there were attacked by someone whom keep speaking of a dragon and wanted to kill us before we were able to inform the watch of what we had seen."

[brekkers]

The bard looks at you carefully, "You are not speaking of the ghost are you, you are speaking of someone else entirely. It sounds to me as if you have uncovered some kind of secret from that place, and that someone doesn't want you to. I'd suggest that you go to the watch, but they may not be able to help you properly, perhaps the Queen then, but that may not be so easy, even if Crownmeet Castle is the safest place here."

The bard places her mandolin up against the table you are sitting by, then takes a sip of her wine. "A dragon? Hmm, I wish i knew what that someone was speaking about, but it could be anything, perhaps a real dragon, or perhaps just a metaphor for something else entirely, I mean, why tell you anything of importance, if he'd much rather kill you?"

[dragonfire]

"Killing us was what was on his mind at the time, the dragon was something he mentioned with his own dying breath. I ment a man from the the free company that I will inform of the incident." I smile for a moment. "I thank you for your time, I should return to my friend, I look foward to hearing more of your music. If you can think of anything else or if you by chance hear of anything, please do let me know." I wait a moment then I start to make my way towards the table that Kulzet has seated himself at.

[brekkers]

The bard smiles again, "Of course, if I should happen to hear anything...of a dragon...I'll try to find the half-orc with the kind voice, perhaps he'll be at the Hanging Rose, perhaps somewhere inside Crown. The name's Liassa, by the way, perhaps we'll meet again."

You return to the table where Kulzet is sitting, currently enjoying a tankard of brown ale, and a plate of fried pig and vegetables. And yes, your newfound friend did indeed order food for two. He also found a table close enough to the Free company man, that you can hear what is being said by the table.

[dragonfire]

"Liassa is it that is a lovely name indead, I am Volak, if the fates allow it next time we meet perhaps you would join me for a drink." I continue to walk toward Kulzet "Good I see that barmaid didn't distract you enough to make you forget to order me some food as well." In a low voice "Nice selection on the table, so have you heard anything of interest? What do you think, can we trust them with what information we have?" I start to enjoy my fried pig and ale.

[Regnier_Leinhart]

After hearing Raast talk of orcs and evil Dylan stands up and walks other to the table. "Sir your apparent hatred of the orcs and goblins fills the air with like an unpleasant smoke, but I will not begrudge you this for I believe that they have wrong you in the past and their reputation around the world would suggest their evil intentions. However I seek a different pry for which you may or may not have information on. It is a warrior that wears heavy black robes with a hood that covers its face and wields a double bladed sword. Do you know of whom I speak and if so do you know where I can find them?"

[brekkers]

Raast looks up to the newcomer that had been sitting quietly and watching him talk, then says, "wronged me? WRONGED ME? Indeed, those fell creatures wronged me, as much as they wronged any human, or dwarf, or even elf for that matter! Cursed be their black hearts, who know only true hatred."

The young man shakes his head, as if remembering something in the past, then when you mentioned a black-robed warrior wielding a double-bladed sword, he looks up. "If only such a champion would arise to defend us all! I would indeed welcome him into the city!"

[TiFFman]

"I've only heard of his hate for your kind. I don't think he sent you to that inn for a good time." Taking a gulp of his ale, Kulzet glances over at Raast, "Perhaps once he has drank some more we could get some information."

Noticing the new patron walk to Raast and engage in conversation, Kulzet takes the chance to examine him.

Seems Raast just confirmed his hate for orcs. Could he have informed those men of our presence in the inn, or was it the coin?

[dragonfire]

"I thought he just sent me to the inn as a joke. Im sure he has seen me by now, so im sure if he had ment me harm he would have said something by now. As for the coin Im not sure, it might has very well been a case of bad timing. Lets watch him for a while and see what happens."

[Regnier_Leinhart]

"The person I'm looking for is no champion. He is a killer and a coward, nothing more. If you know of who I seek please tell me, and if not then I apologize for bothering you and ask you to direct me to someone more knowledgeable then yourselves." Dylan stays calm when talking to these. Although the fact that this man may consider the one he seeks champion is causes him to clinch his fist a little.

[brekkers]

Raast takes his tankard to mouth and empties it. "Hmm, no champion you say, but a killer. I've seen my share of killers wearing black robes, thats one of the hazards of being a member of the Free Company, but a double-bladed sword, you say? Not sure I've seen any of those for a while, a rather peculiar weapon if you ask me, not much use for anything."

He spots someone sitting a few tables away, a half-orc he talked to earlier, then raises his tankard in his direction, "Ha! The orc survived going to the haunted inn! Who would have known! Did you speak to the ghost, half-orc?"

[dragonfire]

I look over to the man from the free company. "No I didnt speak to the ghost but my friend here did. However I did have an interesting conversation with a fellow that wanted the two of us dead, afraid we would tell the watch what we had seen. You might be interested in hearing about it. If this man was willing to kill to keep what ever it was he and his friends were hiding a secret, it would probly look very good on your record or maybe even a promotion if you were to investigate and keep what ever it is they are planing to do from coming to pass...........especially since from what he said it sounds as though it involves a dragon." I drink my ale awaiting the reaction from the man from the free company.

[brekkers]

"A man you say, who wanted you dead? Hmm, sometimes a couple of travellers visits the old inn, but that the inn should hold a secret, thats news to me, and to the Free Company. But if you are right, then the Free Company should indeed investigate! What did this man look like?"

Raast waves you over, ordering one more pitcher of ale for the table.

[dragonfire]

I stand up and start to walk over to the table motioning for Kulzet to follow. I take a sit directly across from the man I have been speaking with. "First I never did properly introduce myself, I am Volak. To start with there were 3 men one stayed outside with the horses, the other 2 came into the inn, both there faces were covered so we could not see them. From the sound of the voices we could tell one was human but the other we could not tell, but the human perfered to the other one as Grazan. After we fought we took alook at him, we think he was human, but we was rather ugly and extermly scared though it looked as if he did it to himself. He also had a tatoo of a creature that looked like some kind of hybrid between a dragon and a man. The human was gone by the time the fight was over and so was the person outside. It might also interest you to know that there is a magically sealed door there as well, but my friend here will have to tell you more about that.

[brekkers]

The man grins, as if amused, "Volak? Not very...human. Hmm, call me Raast, everybody does, and did you say that one of the robed men where scarred? I've seen a man like that in the streets, but he didn't hide his scars, in fact, he seemed to wear them proudly, and yeah, they seemed to form some kind of pattern."

[TiFFman]

Following Volak to the other table, Kulzet addresses Raast, "There indeed seem to be a pattern to his scars. Whether he was proud or not, I will not know, but I would guess to say he was quite proud."

Kulzet waves down the serving wench, giving a big smile, to receive some more ale.

[brekkers]

For a while, the Hanging Rose Tavern is bustling with life, and the smell of food and ale is everywhere, but then, like a cloud passing the sun, most of the people have gone, returning to their work.

The bard is still playing in the far corner, but now she seems to be experimenting with a new song.

"You might want to check with the Crown Watch inside, if such a scarred person is here, they might know something, especially if he is capable of killing, like you say. I'll take the bad news to my Company brothers, and if I know them right, we'll pay a little visit to the haunted inn." Raast nods slowly, as if thinking heavily.

[dragonfire]

"As I said the man was willing to kill, but he found that we were not so easy. Unless his friends went back to the inn his body should still be on the second floor. I took his weapon just in case anyone just in case someone could identify him by it. He used a flail with a handle made from some type of bone." I pull the weapon from my bag to show it to Raast. "I know that there are people out there that are better known for there weapon than there name." I wait for a moment as Raast looks at the weapon. "Is there anyone person I should look for in the Watch to talk to? And I think that the two of us should assist in anyway we can, after all we are now involved weather we like it or not. Im sure that his friends will try to find us, so they may keep there secrets."

[brekkers]

Raast looks at the weapon, then says, "thats a nasty weapon, could have dealt you a lot of pain! Had I seen it before, I would have known, but alas, I have not. As for the Watch, go see Captain Brokma at the Gate, he is the one I spoke to before, a grim half-orc as yourself, but pretty well-informed. Just beware, he doesn't like his own kin, yeah, weird, but its the god to honest truth, he hates orcs with a hatred fiercer than me' own!"

With those words, Raast breaks out in a hearty laughter, and so does a couple of his friends.

[dragonfire]

"You mentioned that you saw the 8 point star on him. Was it branded on him or does he wear it as an emblem on his uniform? I dont suppose you have any Idea why he hates his own kind so much? I guess I will have to go see him and find out more about this and other things as well. What shift does he work or does he have an office I can see him at?"

[brekkers]

"Look, Volak, I dont know that much about the shifts of the Watch, but you'll find him at the gate house, thats for sure! He is the big ugly brute with the cracked helmet," he actually says this without sounding the least bit condescending, then continues, "As for the star, that ones' branded on his arm, very ugly, but Captain Brokma wears it like a proud badge of honor, and dont ask me why, you seem to know more about it than I do! ...and his life's story, hah! dont ask me, only thing we have in common, I am sure, is a deepfelt hatred for all creatures, black and green!"

[dragonfire]

Finishing my ale. "Then I will head out to meet him, im very interested in what he has to say about both the strange man and the brand." I get up from my chair and start to head for the door. "Next time we meet we shall share another drink or perhaps we will be fighting these dragon cult people to protect this city."

[brekkers]

"Indeed!" Raast raises his tankard in your direction and then finishes it! "You are not bad for an orc...half-orc!"

[dragonfire]

Singaling to Kulzet that I am leaving. I leave the bar and make my way for the gate. As I approach a look to the guards. "Good day, I am looking for Captian Brokma, I was told to seak him out by Raast from the Free Company to give him some important information."

[Regnier_Leinhart]

"I will take my leave as well. It seems my time was wasted here and I apologize to you men for wasting your time. My search must continue for the one I seek. If men know of anywhere where I might find answers it would be greatly appreciated, and if not then I shall not bother you anymore."

[brekkers]

Raast looks up at you Dylan, as if he had almost forgotten you were there, then says, "Well, I'd follow these two to the gate, if I were you, the captain has a sharp mind and may know of whom you are speaking."

[Regnier_Leinhart]

"Thanks for the assistants gentlemen. Here have a round on me." Dylan flips a gold coin onto the table and walks out following the other two to the gate.

[TiFFman]

Kulzet stands up and walks to the door, flashing a smile at the serving girl. Following Volak out to the gate he spots the man he saw talking to Raast following them.

[brekkers]

The great northeastern gate looms ahead of you, with guards patrolling the battlements above, and guards stationed below. They all wear the dark blue guard tabard with the golden circle, the symbol of ruling power in Crown.

Two of them are humans, but the third one is a female elf, with long golden hair. They all carry different weapons, and you notice a very beautiful longsword hanging by the elf's side. A large wagon passes into Crown ahead of you, the wagoneer having been given the signal of passage by one of the humans. Others, looking very much like locals just pass through.

The elf spots you first, Volak, and takes a few steps in your direction, not to block your passage, but to answer your question. "Welcome to Crown, strangers. Captain Brokma, eh?" The elf smiles, nods, then continues, "He's in there." She points back to the guard house inside the gate. "May I ask what you need our captain for? Perhaps I could be of assistance..."

[dragonfire]

I give a slight bow out of respect for her posistion. "Raast of the Free Company told me to find him and tell him of something my friend and I have learned." I tell her of the scared man at the haunted in and of his willingness to kill to keep what ever secret that place might have, I also tell her of the magically sealed door and the mention of a dragon. After I tell her of what we know I await her response.

[brekkers]

The elf listens to your story with great interest, asking a few questions in between.

"Hmm, I know of the inn, we all do, but people tend to just leave it alone, especially after the ghost killed all those elves. Its good that you are telling us all this, we'll have to look into it, if you are right, then these...men...may have plans that does indeed threaten Crown." She nods slightly to herself, then continues, "Let's go see Captain Brokma, he'll want to know everything."

[dragonfire]

"Very well, please do leave the way. Much like you said Im sure these men mean create harm to this fair city."

[TiFFman]

Keeping quiet Kulzet just takes in his surroundings. Seeing the elf walk off, Kulzet follows.

As he walks he turns to the man following them, "Name's Kulzet, here to talk to the captain as well?"

[Regnier_Leinhart]

As Dylan catches he hears again the story what the two experienced at th haunted inn. Well it seems that Crown is not without it share of troubles. However I must stay on the task at hand. "I've come for a different reason. A man of the free company said that the Captain might know about the person I seek." Dylan proceeds to tell her of the story of how his master was killed and of the warrior that killed him. "That is why I seek an audience with your captain."

[dragonfire]

"I am Volak, Best of luck to you on your mission. I to am searching for killers." I tell him about the slaughter of my home village and of the people that branded me as a child. "I have heard that the captain has a simular mark so I am curious to learn how he recieved it. It may very well be from the say people that gave me mine."

[Regnier_Leinhart]

"Then I too wish you luck in finding the ones you seek. Who knows maybe fate has brought us together in order to help each other out? If that is the case then I welcome your company. I am Dylan Ackart of the Order of the Crimson Dragon." Dylan extends his hand.

[dragonfire]

I shake his hand. "Allies are always welcome, and I agree are paths crossing are no mere chance. As much as I would like to continue my search for these people that I am seeking, but I am now caught up in what ever it is these cult members are trying to do. Im sure they will want revenge for there fallen comrade. Besides this will give me a chance to home my skills some more before I meet up with them. I see much like myself you favor the greatsword."

[brekkers]

The elf looks over her shoulder listening somewhat to your conversation, but says nothing, instead she leads you into the gate tower and up a few stairs. A few blue banners line the walls, as well as some old weapons, rusty longswords, halbards and axes.

Finally, you arrive at the last door.

The elf turns to you, "wait here, I'll see if the captain is ready to speak to you." With those words, the woman enters the room and closes the door behind her.

You barely have the time to look at the details of the walls, before a thundering voice bellows from within, "Don't let them stand out there! I'll see them right away!" A few seconds later, the elf opens the door, slightly embaressed, "I think our dear captain is ready for you now."

[Regnier_Leinhart]

"Yes I do favor the greatsword. I have been training with the sword since I was little and from the start I used a sword that was bigger then myself. It honestly feels like I had been training with this thing all my life." Dylan continued to talk about his former master while the elf lead them through the halls. He told him about the many adventures he had with him. "...and then Master Chistopher held the sword at the top of dragons mouth. The dragon said 'If you stab me my mouth close and you die.' and Master Chistopher replied 'And if you eat me I stab you.' Needless to say we were at a stalemate. I couldn't attack because if I did he would Master Chistopher. So we negotiated with the dragon..." Dylan turns his attention to the Captain's room when he hears him yell and sees the elf exit. "Thank you m'lady for your assistance." Dylan proceeds into the Captain's room. "Greetings Captain Brokma, I am Dylan Ackart of the Order of the Crimson Dragon."

[dragonfire]

"I thank you for your assistance m'lady" I enter the office and walk up to Captain Brokma desk. "Greetings Captain, as you have been told we have some information that you should hear about."

[brekkers]

You enter what appears to be a very simple office, however, a cracked helmet hangs on the wall behind the big desk, and above that...a broken greatsword. There is also a small bed in the far away corner, and enough armor and weapons to supply a small army.

A big brute stand behind the desk looking at you with grin eyes. He is fiercely ugly, and its actually very hard to discern whether he is an orc or merely a half-orc.

"Come in! Lets not beat the old goblin with more than one stick...what is this information that you have?!" The half-orc captain looks at you as you enter, but when his eyes touch upon you, Volak, he spits on the floor, then says, "Argh! Cursed luck..an orc! Get him out of here!" You get the feeling that Captain Brokma has a deepfelt hatred towards his own kin.

The door opens behind you, and the elf appears.

[dragonfire]

I look back to the Elf as she comes back into the office. "Captian If I may, I do have some information for you that is rather important. I would ask that you hold judgement against me until you alteast hear what we have to say. And if at possible there is another matter I wouls wish to discuss with you but it that can wait until another time."

[brekkers]

The Captain eyes you, Volak, theres a burning hatred behind those eyes, but you had already guessed as much. "Sia, you should have known better than to bring this creature to my office! I have no patience with my own cursed kin, no patience!"

[Volak: Make a diplomacy check. Any who want jump into the fray and aid him, feel free to do so, just act it out as well! :) ]

[brekkers]

[Volak: Also make a Sense Motive check (DC 17), to better understand Captain Brokma, and basically, gain a +2 bonus on your Diplomacy check.]

[dragonfire]

OOC Sence motive check=21
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1644986/

Diplomacy check = 22
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1644989/

The dice like me today.

"Sir can you tell me why it is you hate our kind, Ive seen plenty of hatered of our kind for others but never so much hatered from one of us. Why is it you are so quick to dismiss me even before you hear what it is we have to say. We came to warn you about a possible threat to your city. I dont live or claim to have anyone here I care for but I still want to do what is right so that there isnt loss of more innocient life."

[Regnier_Leinhart]

"Captain Brokma sir, I understand that hate those of kin, but please hear him out. He has invaluable information for you. All I ask is that you tolerate his presence for only a moment."

[brekkers]

Captain Brokma wants to interrupt you, but somehow can't. His face is still red though, and really highlights just how ugly the brute is. When you have said your peace, Volak, he finally opens his mouth and speaks, "You want to know why I hate orcs so...much!? Thats easy! They killed the only being I've ever loved...and when I say...killed...I really do no justice to their deed! You may not be one of my mother's killers, but you are...of their blood! Seeing you...reminds me of her bloodied face!"

His breathing is heavy, but you all see a change in his face, as if something has occured. He then sits down, tired, then continues, "very well...I'll listen to what you have to say. My lietenant told me you know something of the haunted inn and a dragon? If Crown is in danger, I need to know!"

[dragonfire]

"I thank you for your patiance, I do understand your pain, I was neither welcomed by my mothers tribe or by my fathers family so I was raised in a village the was mostly made of half-breed, but 3 years ago it was attacked and only myself and a few others that were out of the village at the time are all that is left. I lost my adopet parents and every one I cared for that day." With that being said Kulzet and I tell the captian of our experience at the inn with the coin the magically sealed door and of the man that attacked us and what he looked like. I also present the captian with the mans weapon hoping that perhaps he had seen it before.

[brekkers]

Brokma listens to your story, asking relevant questions. When you present the weapon, we looks it over, the says, "only a cruel man would wield such a weapon." he says it almost to himself.

Kulzet has been standing in the back, but now steps forward. "Captain, we killed one of them, but there are more, and I dont think they have your city's best interest in mind."

Brokma looks at him, then nods. "Yes, you are right of course. These men must be planning something... will you do Crown one last favor? From what you have told me, I believe magic is needed here. I need you to go to the barracks at the White Gate and find a friend of mine, a wizard. His name is Gallath Talmin, and he will be able to help us here. He might also know something of this Dragon."

Captain Brokma looks at you intensely, awaiting your answer.

[dragonfire]

Yes we will go and see him, perhaps he can brake the seal on the door so we might be able to investigate further. When we know more we will come speak to you again. I look to the Kulzet. Are you ready to go? I look to Dylan. I hope we can count on your help in all of this, from the looks of it we will need all the help we can get. I look back to the Captian Brokma. After this is over if possible there is something else I would like to speak to you about.

[Regnier_Leinhart]

"I'll gladly lend my sword to help you." Dylan turns to the captain. "Also captain when we are done I wish to ask you if know of a person I seek."

[brekkers]

A rare smile grace the face of Captain Brokma, who nods to both of you, then says, "Bring back the wizard, and I'll answer all of your questions gladly. Sia, see these men through the gate."

With those words, the elven Watchman opens the door and nods her approval to the three of you. When you are outside the office, and more importantly, outside the hearing range of the Captain, the elf says, "I'm sorry about the temper of our dear Captain, he can be a tad...unpredictable at times. Do this thing for him, and he'll do as he asked, in that way...he is about as loyal as they come." She flashes a smile.

It doesn't take long before the three of you are actually inside Crown. "Welcome to Crown! We may have many shadows here, but fear only those that will draw a blade against you." The elf waves a hand at the great city that lies on the other side of the gate, and as you look ahead of you, following the direction of her hand, you all get a sense of greatness.

[OOC: I guess this small group has just completed the first challenge! Happy xp'ing! and I guess...level up for some!]

[dragonfire]

Thank you for your assistance Sia, we shall seek you out when we are ready to see the Captain again. To Kulzet and Dylan, I never knew this place was so big, Im dont know about the two of you but I have never been in such a large city before.




OOC: now that you had mentioned it how much XP did everyone get?

[Regnier_Leinhart]

"Thank you Sai for showing us the way and we will return as soon as possible with the wizard." Dylan turns and faces the city. "Well it has been a while since I been to place this big, but its nothing I haven't seen before."

[brekkers]

Kulzet has stopped as well, looking towards the southern part of Crown, where two twin spikes can just be spotted between the tall buildings, some kind of strange tower.

His eyes are far away, yet words find their way to his lips, "What a beautiful city...I wonder what secrets she hold for me..." its as if the sorcerer wants to say something more, but cant find the right words.

[OOC: Your continued journey will continue in a new thread, appropriately named, "Chapter One: Walking the Ancient Streets..."]