Wilma AC16/12/14 (chain shirt); HP20/20 Monday April 30th, 2012 10:19:02 PM
Wilma shook her head and frowned after the retreating figures of the Professor and the young monk.
"I still wish that there was something I could have done for Fa'ast..." she said with a sigh of regret, but then heard Vaniime's question and nodded.
"C'mon, Grell," Wilma nudged her brother in the side, "I'll talk William into whipping up a nice batch of pickled pigs feet for ya..!"
DM Kathy Monday April 30th, 2012 10:30:03 PM
You return to Maplehurst in time for dinner. Although Carver's initial assessment of the gems is a little off, you eventually learn that they are worth 100 gp each. They, along with the potions, and Udoril's masterwork gear, are your treasure for this adventure. How you divide them is up to you.
F'aast is taken to the infirmary and given the best of care. In time, he recovers enough to be sent back to his people.
Soon, however, there are new events to chase your remarkable field trip out of your minds. Spring comes to Maplehurst, and with it come the recruiters.
There are plenty of places in the Wold that would like to have their very own adventurers to deal with problems that arise. And it is well-known that Maplehurst graduates are among the best adventurers there are. So, every spring, various towns, cities, and regions send representatives to try to talk students into moving to their area after graduation.
[OOC: Eventually, your characters will graduate, and the game will move from Maplehurst to some other area of the Wold. This is a good opportunity to start thinking about where you might want to go, and to ask some questions in character. Because there are quite a few options, and I didn't want to overwhelm you, I will be presenting a few each day. However, all the recruiters are there in the main hall; if your character has a specific reason to seek out a specific recruiter, then by all means do so. In addition, there will be a couple of special guest DMs giving me a hand with this; they will post separately. You can ask whatever in-character questions you want; for out-of-character information, I plan to link to the appropriate Woldipedia page. Okay, here we go....]
Entering the front hall of the main classroom building, you can see the various booths and tables of the recruiters lined up on either side. Closest to you is a table with a red-and-white banner draped over it. The banner reads Windhorn Hamlet: Gateway to Adventure! Sitting behind the table is a human woman in her 50s. She is wearing ordinary clothes, but something in her air says "retired adventurer" to you.
Across from her, a battle-scarred elven man stands next to his table, unsmiling, arms folded, regarding the students with an assessing eye. On the wall behind the table is a green-on-green banner reading: The Emerald Kingdom: Have You Got What It Takes?
A short way down the hall, a gnome man is bowing and smiling at any student who happens to look his way. His table is draped in gold-colored cloth. A small sign stands on the table: The Dirt City Merchants' Association Seeks Fearless Adventurers!
Tuck HP 17/17 AC 16/16/12 Tuesday May 1st, 2012 3:34:59 PM
"I don't have any claim to splitting the spoils of this campaign," Tuck asserts to the others. "I did not help you through your trials. Instead, you helped me out of a pickle and I appreciate it."
He shakes each of their hands with a firm grip. "Thank you. I hope that we can be friends."
The numerous flags, booths and important people are too much for poor Tuck. His normally stoic composure is shattered by all the hoopla. "Oh boy!" his voice cracks from excitement.
His eyes alight upon the Dirt City booth and the smiling gnome behind it. "Sir, I have heard many stories about your city. My father, perhaps you've heard of him? Theodore. He has told me of the adventures he had helping out the Prince in the City. Please tell me, what is the news from there?"
Emrys (ac14, hp14) Tuesday May 1st, 2012 9:10:47 PM
Emrys walks around and listens to the representatives. He is rather familiar with the uniform and banner colors of the Emerald Kingdom. Representatives from the Emerald Kingdom have often visited Culverheart to meet with his father. It's worth consideration. Being close to home fills him with all kinds of warm feelings, but it's hardly adventurous to quest in his own backyard. However, it may be prudent to start off his career in familiar surroundings before advancing on to more exotic locations.
On the other hand, the idea of going to the Windhorn Hamlet is thought-provoking. His tale about the blue dragons, that he spoke of in the "flower room," has peaked his interest of the place. Not to mention being close to Plateau City.
Dirt City didn't sound at all appealing to him. Just the name alone is uninviting. It conjures images of filth and uncleanliness. Not to mention the thieves. No honor among them. The whole idea he finds revolting. He gives the halfling a wide berth, fully expecting his tiny fingers to pick the bard clean of any valuables.
"Tuck, I would have to disagree with you, there. You fought beside us at the end and have therefore become part of our little group, that is unless you don't want to stick with us. While I do not necessarily speak for the group, I believe you too have earned your fair share of what we recovered from Udoril."
As the roup begins looking around at the recruiters, Van feels herself drawn to her home area of the Emerald Kingdom, to possibly pick up where her father had left off, but as she knows the area very well she first heads over to the Windhorne Hamlett booth.
Stepping up she looks the lady square in the eye.
"Good afternoon Madame. We have of course studied a bit about the Hamlett and the faous dragon sentinels. and we even had a guest speaker that told us stories about how one the snetinel's head was stolen.... but I was wondering what it is that you might be looking for in the way of adventuring groups? and what sorts of things you might forsee having to deal with?"
DM Kathy Tuesday May 1st, 2012 10:36:58 PM Tuck spends a moment geeking out, then makes a beeline for the Dirt City booth. "Ah, Master Theodore!" the gnome replies. "I never met him myself, but of course I've heard of him. News? Well, our organization, the Dirt City Merchants' Guild, is new. Many of us of an entrepreneurial bent aren't all that keen on smuggling and so on when there are perfectly decent ways of making a living. Of course, life in Dirt City requires certain....accommodations to the status quo."
Emrys and Vaniime are both interested in the Emerald Kingdom, but both know the region well enough that they have no questions for the recruiter. Vaniime, however, does have some questions for the woman from Windhorn Hamlet. "Well, the Hamlet itself is peaceful enough," she replies, "but there's always plenty going on nearby. It's nice to have a group handy to deal with whatever crops up. But, since the Hamlet itself is such a nice place, we think it's a good choice for recent graduates. This brochure explains more." She holds out a folded piece of paper.
By far the biggest crowd of students is clustered around a booth near the center of the hall. Its blue-and-silver banner, tacked to the wall, simply says Plateau City. Because really, what else needs to be said? A dwarf in studded leather armor is answering questions from excited students. He looks a little bored.
There's also a decent-sized crowd around a nearby table. Moving closer, you can get a glimpse of its red-and-gold banner: Come to Crescent Valley. We Have Pie!. Sure enough, a beaming halfling woman at the table is handing out small pies to passing students.
Benedict Carver - AC 18/14/14 - HP 24/27 Tuesday May 1st, 2012 10:37:15 PM
ooc: I just noticed that one of the retired adventurers who helped build Windhorn Hamlet was named Lothar of the Hill People, which is actually a character played my Mike Myers in an SNL skit years ago.
Carver does not ask any questions just yet, but goes from table to table gathering literature and reading it a a short distance away.
Wilma AC16/12/14 (chain shirt); HP20/20 Wednesday May 2nd, 2012 6:09:10 AM
"Grell...are you still hungry..?" Wilma asked her brother in a teasing sort of tone. She hooked a thumb towards the Crescent Valley table. "Look--they have pie!" She grinned and then skipped away from the warrior before he could swipe a half-hearted hand in her direction.
"What news of your Valley, ma'am...?" Wilma asked the halfling female. "And...what kind of pie do you have..?"
Sir Nonam, Archmage of the Floating City--Retired [Jerry] Wednesday May 2nd, 2012 2:01:55 PM
With a flash and a loud popping sound, a very ornate exhibit appears in the very center of the room. An illusion of the entire Floating City in the middle of a lake viewed from what looks like dragonback is included in the display.
A short skinny human in fancy wizard robes appears shortly after.
"Bah! I told them I didn't want all this show. Oh well."
You're not sure if he is talking to those around him in general or just talking to himself.
He opens a bag of holding and begin pulling out pamphets. He also pulls out a large key and sets to floating in the air, slowly spinning.
Finally, he sets out sandwiches, a fruit based beverage and places a sign: Courtesy of your future neighbor, The Giggling Ghost.
"That ought'a do it."
He sits on a stool, and....patiently awaits the coming throng.
Tuck HP 17/17 AC 16/16/12 Wednesday May 2nd, 2012 4:49:43 PM
"Thank you, Vaniime. It felt good to team up with you all. I would be honored to join your group, if you'll have me."
Tuck thanks the gnome for the conversation and moves on, looking at the other booths. The sudden appearance of Sir Nonam startles the youth, but he regains his composure. Having a wizard for a father, Tuck was interested in those who shared the magical aptitude.
"Sir," Tuck begins with Nonam. "How are you today?"
He takes a pamphlet and smiles at the archmage. "Are there any particular troubles in the Floating City, at the present? How are things, there?"
Taking the brochure, Vanime thanks the lady and moves on toward the comotion on the other side where se sees an older gentleman wearing robes. As she gets closer she sees Tuck come over as well. She too takes a pamphlett and a sandwich and waits to hear what the old man has to say.
Benedict Carver - AC 18/14/14 - HP 24/27 Wednesday May 2nd, 2012 10:40:46 PM
ooc: My apologies. I had a very long day. Will post tomorrow morning.
DM Kathy Wednesday May 2nd, 2012 10:56:14 PM Wilma approaches the Crescent Valley booth. "Apple pie, dear," the halfling woman says, handing one over. "News? Gracious, well, let me see. I spoke to Etta's youngest before coming here--that would be Etta Redthorn, dear, her mother was a Peake. Young Bimver said the giants were attacking again from the Scab--had it from his cousin, you know, who's blacksmith up in Peaseblossom. That is, he's a second cousin once removed. Anyway, it would certainly be nice to have our own adventurers again, for when things get out of hand. More pie, dear?"
Carver, meanwhile, is studying brochures. He notes that Plateau City offers no special compensations or enticements for adventuring parties to move there--and really, why should they? Everyone knows that Plateau City is the place to be an adventurer! They have their own Quarter, and everything! Culverwood is offering to cover relocation expenses. Windhorn Hamlet and Crescent Valley are each offering relocation expenses, plus free housing. Dirt City offers relocation expenses, the use of a townhouse and servant, plus a small weekly stipend.
Further down the hall, a female centaur stands next to a red-and-black banner reading Join the Woldian League of Adventurers! She is talking and laughing with a handful of students.
At the other end of the hall, a human man in shining plate mail sits behind a table. Its green-and-blue banner says Cinnamon Valley: Crossroads of the Wold.
Change the Wold in the Taur Isles! (Kular the True Taur) Wednesday May 2nd, 2012 11:17:24 PM
You see a strange, late-coming creature coming into the recruiters' hall. The being has four legs and two hands. He reminds you of a centaur, but with a bull's head, a lion's tawny lower body and paws, and a black horse's mane and tail. He is taller than any human, and more imposing. When he speaks, you hear that his words are selected and pronounced in a refined and civilized manner.
"Well, Well, oh my, at least the event is not over!" the creature exclaims. He casts a spell, and an image of a huge map appears behind one of the empty tables.
The creature unfurls a banner and fixes it to the table.
"Welcome to the Taur Isles!"
He sits behind the table, on the floor, as quadruped taurs do. He looks around, and smiles at anyone who glances his way.
Benedict Carver - AC 18/14/14 - HP 24/27 Thursday May 3rd, 2012 11:48:12 AM
Rubbing his chin absent-mindedly as he reads the brochures, Carver's interest is sparked by the appearance of the tauric... thing. That certainly is not in my taxonomy manuals. The young wizard appraoches the Tauric Isles table and clears his throat. "Hello. I am Carver." He nods his head. "What can you tell me about the Tauric Isles, specifically why adventurers are needed and what it has to offer them?"
Wilma AC16/12/14 (chain shirt); HP20/20 Thursday May 3rd, 2012 4:32:54 PM
Wilma thanked the halfling lady for the information (and the pie!) and then immediately drifted over to where the female centaur was recruiting for the Woldian League of Adventurers.
"I've heard of this League," the acolyte said to the centaur lady, "Not a lot of it was very helpful, though...is there some sort of test you have to pass to get membership? What are the advantages..? I don't suppose you have pie, either...?"
Tuck HP 17/17 AC 16/16/12 Thursday May 3rd, 2012 5:38:32 PM
Tuck nods to Vaniime when she joins him at the Floating City table. After Nonam has answered Tuck's queries, the martial artist sees Wilma approach the WLA booth.
"Do you want to go check that out, Vaniime? I've heard a little about them. One of my father's friends was a member." Tuck smiles at Wilma when he arrives. "How are you?"
Change the Wold in the Taur Isles! (Kular the True Taur) Thursday May 3rd, 2012 9:23:51 PM
Kular bows when approached by Carver. "Ah, welcome, young biped, and thank you for your inquiry. Indeed, one might ask what the Taur Isles does not offer! Adventure at sea, and under sea. The sophistication of Imod City! The stunning natural beauty of the huge Whistal Trees -- the tallest and widest trees in the Wold! Perhaps you might help the liontaurs in their ceaseless battle against the hell hounds of Liontaur Isle. Perhaps you will witness, or even partake in the ritual minotaur battle-challenge of honor known as the Kaleb. Perhaps you will meet the centaur greenmages and learn their secrets."
"Moreover, from the Taur Isles, adventure lies in every direction. To the north, the new settlements at Bonetown and Rum. To the east, the old civilizations of Aisildur, Farungia, and Isumbre. To the west, uncharted islands filled with barbarians and ancient Teucri artifacts. And to the south, the widest ocean of all."
"But most importantly of all, noble youngster, let me appeal to your better nature. For the Taur Isles are yet riven by old feuds and ancient grievance. The Taurs ever strive against each other. What better example could you set these warring siblings than to give them an example of different races working together? And perhaps you could be a neutral helper, maybe to bring a lasting peace to the Isles."
Emrys (ac14, hp14) Thursday May 3rd, 2012 10:13:51 PM
Emrys walks over to Nonam Firstorlast and introduces himself. "Hello, sir. You may not recognize me, I'm Emrys, Myrridan's son. What a wonderful surprise! I had no idea you were attending this fair."
(Myrridan the Wild was once a member with the Gold Dragons and fought alongside Nonam on various epic Wold-changing campaigns.)
DM Kathy Friday May 4th, 2012 12:07:49 AM
Some of the heroes have questions for Sir Nonam, who tells tales of the Floating City. [I'm not sure whether Jerry intended to post follow-ups or not; I'll give him some time.
Meanwhile, Kular gives a stirring, impassioned speech about why adventurers are needed in the Taur Isles.
Wilma and Tuck have questions for the centaur woman from the WLA. "No, I don't have any pies," she says with a laugh. "That was a clever idea Crescent Valley had. There's no test for membership to the WLA; pay the fees, take the Oath, and you're in. For beginners like you, the fee is 2,000 gold. It seems like a lot, I know, but you get a lot in return. We have a lot of people out gathering information, which we pass along to the members. You can get specialized training. And, you get a WLA pin, so you'll be recognized as a warrior for Good wherever you go." She winks. "I haven't paid for a meal in years."
Sir Nonam, Archmage of the Floating City--Retired [Jerry] Friday May 4th, 2012 12:59:55 PM
You are Myrridan's kid? Well welcome Emrys! Here have a sandwich. A pamphlet.
Now, I'm not supposed to legally say this yet, as you haven't declared a "strong interest" yet, but the High Lord Mayor, we call him the HLM, has authorized me to offer any promising groups a contract. Agree to stay in the region of the city for 2 years and help with 3 needs as or if they surface, and we will provide--well a pretty nice "Adventuring Cottage" that has been refurbished with the latest needs for Adventuring Groups. It was once owned by a group called The Crimson...something or other. It has a magic and alchemist lab, is close to the WLA headquarters, has secret exits and separate chambers for up to 9 people that leads into a common area.
Its not...rich, but it is very nice and better than staying in an inn. Oh, and the Giggling Ghost will cater a meal to your cottage every time you return after an adventure to welcome you home for the 1st year. I have a feeling if you guys are as well trained in royal court skills as you should be as a Maplehurst graduate, you'll be making all sorts of deals as you help others and they help you. We have a shortage of "Adventuring Groups in Residence" with all this new Rum business and I think you'll find folks very happy to see ya.
You might end up with more to do that you could ever accomplish. A good problem, I'd think.
Oh? What's this key thing? This is the enlarged key to the house.
Excuse me, my father, Ingrge Nightseer, said you had multi-colored hair when he met you early on in his carreer and that you gifted him his staff when you met.
"Can you tell me a little bit about the crying woods? Being from the Culverwood, I am especially interested in the Wold's wilder natural places."
Tuck HP 17/17 AC 16/16/12 Friday May 4th, 2012 5:21:46 PM
Tuck smiles at the WLA spokeswoman. "That does sound like a good deal. I don't have enough money, right now. Would I be able to join at a later date?"
"Oh, man! There are so many interesting places to choose between!" Tuck seems at a loss as to where he would most like to go. "I think we'll need to have a discussion with the group about what's next for us," he says to Vaniime and Wilma.
DM Kathy Monday May 7th, 2012 1:34:51 AM
"You can join at any time," the centaur woman tells Tuck. "But the price goes up when you get farther into your career. I'd advise joining in your first year or so after school." [OOC: The 2000 gp price is for levels 1-5; at 6th level, the price goes up.]
Meanwhile, the other recruiters are eager to talk to any students who have questions.
[OOC: I'm having a little trouble getting our next module approved. Hopefully it won't be too much longer.]
Change the Wold in the Taur Isles! (Kular the True Taur) Monday May 7th, 2012 7:42:42 AM
Kular looks around the room dejectedly. He was hoping others would consider talking with him.
Tuck HP 17/17 AC 16/16/12 Monday May 7th, 2012 3:21:36 PM
"Thank you," says Tuck to the centaur woman. He excuses himself from the WLA booth and heads to the Taur Isles booth.
"I have seen many Taurs before, but none like you!" Tuck is agape at the mix that is Kular. "I don't mean to be rude. Are there more like you, sir?"
Sir Nonam, Archmage of the Floating City--Retired [Jerry] Monday May 7th, 2012 4:54:39 PM
Vaniime! I've heard of you, but not since you were a child. Ingrge is one of the bravest men I ever met. I have great respect for him.
Now, as for the Crying Woods, they are one of the seven magical forests of this continent. Culverwood, where you are from is one of them as well. The Crying Woods is wilder and more directly opposed to outsiders than Culverwood. Whereas Culverwood will tantalize and misdirect you causing you to lose your way, the Crying Woods has an aversion of anything civilization-made. From a trail to a structure, it will actively send its denizens to destroy them. We've learned quite a bit about how to appease the forest, because that's exactly what you have to do. There is no subjugating it! Those in the drow city east of us are further along in their understanding of the forest than we are, sadly. Our turtles help. For some reason, they appease the forest.
During the Dark Fae Rising, the forest actually attacked the city causing it to begin sinking. A dark battle was fought on the shores as giant treants, the size of which we'd never seen before, opposed the army of the Floating City and several adventuring groups.
What other questions do you have?
Benedict Carver - AC 18/14/14 - HP 24/27 Monday May 7th, 2012 5:18:04 PM
Carver gives a respectful nod. "Thank you, sir. That was very informative."
The young wizard wanders a bit, listening-in on conversations around the hall and staying quiet and observant.
Emrys (ac14, hp14) Monday May 7th, 2012 9:26:43 PM
Emrys goes around and takes a copy of each brochure that is available. He reads them and admires the colorful illustrations.
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:13/15 Monday May 7th, 2012 10:31:07 PM
Thank you for the information Sir Nonan. Perhaps we will be seeing you in the future in the Big Float.
Looking around Vanime sees that the man representing the cinnamon Valley seems to be free at the moment and heads over that way to pick up a brochure and some information.
"Good afternoon sir, I was wondering what you could tell me about the advenrturing needs of the Cinnamon valley and why it would be advantageous for an adventuring group to consider relocating to your area?"
Grell AC 22/14/19, HP16/20, Monday May 7th, 2012 11:00:51 PM
Grell follows along, stuffing as much food as possible into his mouth and staying quiet. That is, until they hear the speil from the Taur Island representative. At the very mention of Hell Hounds, Grell turns sheet white and starts choking on the apple pie in his mouth. He backpeddles backwards, speaking with his mouth full "Werf NOF going wif him! EVEFR!!" He gives Wilma a knowing glance, aware that she knows all about his secret fear.
OOC: I'm sorry I had to drop out for a while. RL dropped a huge bomb on me!
DM Kathy Tuesday May 8th, 2012 12:57:10 AM Carver, Emrys, and Grell are content to watch and wander, although Grell is pretty certain he doesn't want to go the Taur Isles.
Vaniime has questions for the Cinnamon Valley representative. "We sit right in the middle of places that could frankly use some help from adventurers every now and then," he replies. "To the south lies the Culverwood, still recovering from the reign of the Tyrant. To the north are the Windbourne Hills, with their long and troubled history of conflicts. To the west is the mystery that is Shadow Mountain. Within the valley itself, we have the ungovernable Tower of Boydos, with the Sons of Chaos causing trouble every now and again. We have had adventurers before, and they have been successful." He grimaces. "So successful, in fact, that they have gone on to bigger challenges. Rest assured that we know how to treat adventurers well in Cinnamon Valley."
The recruiters are beginning to pack up and put away their supplies, but there is still time for a few questions, if anyone has any.
Change the Wold in the Taur Isles! (Kular the True Taur) Tuesday May 8th, 2012 1:08:34 PM
Kular makes a disapproving frown at Tuck's questions, but he can't keep up the pretense, and his smile reappears. "Ah, the impertinence of youth!" he says.
"No doubt you have not seen my like before. Know then that this form is that of the original Taur, before the Sundering of Legend, when Liontaurs, Centaurs, and Minotaurs were one people. Those few of us who are true Taurs wish to work with all the other Taurs, instead of clashing with them due to erroneous cultural beliefs," Kular says. "They also have that innate inner courage that the God of War strives to inspire within all beings of the Wold."
"And there are still few of us because the old animosities and old biases continue, and Taurs of different branches very rarely marry. There are a few, however."
"My hope is that bringing a diverse group of heroes to the Isles will inspire the diverse branches of Taurdom to work together."
Tuck HP 17/17 AC 16/16/12 Tuesday May 8th, 2012 3:11:24 PM
"I'm sorry if I offended." Tuck looks abashed. "Sometimes my curiosity causes me to speak before I think."
"Thank you for telling me about your people. It's quite fascinating and something I will discuss with my friends. Have a good day!"
Tuck starts to track down the others to see how they're doing.
Wilma AC16/12/14 (chain shirt); HP20/20 Tuesday May 8th, 2012 7:01:31 PM OOC: my apologies...I've been neck-deep in Real Life issues as well.
"Well..." Wilma said, sighing because she was happily full of pie, "...what do you guys think...? All of the different areas of the Wold seem to need adventurers...any particular areas stand out for you...?" She glanced at her brother.
"The isle of hellhounds notwithstanding...?"
Grell AC 22/14/19, HP16/20, Tuesday May 8th, 2012 8:26:55 PM
Hmmmph!!! Grell sprays crumbs all over Wilma's tunic as he somewhat manages to recover his cool. "I kinda like the Cinnamon Valley...they have good pie!" Though, truth be told he feels an almost irresistible pull toward Plateau City. All that glory, just to be had! That is truly where Grell's heart most desires to be. However, it's like his Dad often said "Sometimes the best adventures find you when you aren't even looking for them."
Benedict Carver - AC 18/14/14 - HP 24/27 Tuesday May 8th, 2012 8:55:54 PM
Carver rubs his chin absent-mindedly. Plateau City would likely offer the greatest diversity of opportunity and commercial gain. Not to mention the proximity to the Star Mages Guild. Hmm...
Emrys (ac14, hp14) Tuesday May 8th, 2012 10:17:26 PM
Emrys contemplates the ability of dual-sight. The ability to stand back and calmly observe our inner dramas, without rushing to judgment, is foundational for mystical seeing. The vision afforded to sages. To see like the mystics see. The bard stands motionless and closes his eyes while he attempts to process all the clamor around him. Somewhere hidden in all the noise is the answer.
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