To All Characters:
It is now three years after the defeat of Dagoth Ur. Peace and normal life have finally returned to Vvardenfell. But rumors of trouble have begun to spread once again. Now free of the Nerevarine's leadership, the Great Houses have resumed their disagreements, at an even greater intensity, as if to make up for the lost time. Though diminished in power, the Tribunal Temple still has strong influence, and its more fanatical members show no sign of conceding defeat. And perhaps even more disturbing are the rumors making their way back from the Imperial Palace. The Emperor's life seems to be nearing its end, and no clear successor can be seen. However, all these rumors are just that. No open conflict has started, and to the average citizen, life is as good as it has been in recent memory.

Though things are quiet, there is still no shortage of work to be done. However disorganized they may be without Dagoth Ur's influence, plenty of monsters remain to cause trouble in the wilderness. And on whichever side of the law you choose to exist, there are enough freelance jobs to keep you busy. In this way you have gained some experience in adventuring. You're far from a master of your chosen work, but that goal is finally in sight.

In all your adventures, something must have attracted attention, because a few weeks ago, you recieved a strange note: Signed only with an ornate symbol, it told you to come to Balmora for an offer of work. Included were a few gold coins, with the promise of many more if you succeed, and instructions to be at the Eight Plates Inn on 14th Rain's Hand.

For whatever reasons of your own, you have decided to at least invesitgate this offer. You arrive in Balmora the night before, just as things are finally settling down for the night. A light rain is falling, and most of the people you can see are heading inside, many to the local inns or bars

Avelyn walks up to the barkeep and hands the man a gold.
"Flin" He says, looking around the crowd. When he recieves his flin, he takes a table in a corner, where he can see evrything, and starts sipping the drink.

Reylas pushes open the door, letting out a last sigh of joy as he enters the cramped inn. He'd always loved the wilderness, and while some thought rain depressing, Reylas found it relaxing, refreshing. How could rain be depressing? These square buildings, which packed life into such close company were more depressing than any rain. Leaving the hood of his cloak up, Reylas takes a seat in a more empty corner of the inn, and motions for the waitress. While the Eight Plates isn't known for unruly patrons, Reylas flips over the corner of his cloak to reveal a polished dagger. Helps to ward off petty thieves.

The door to the Eight Plates opens, part opened from the outside, part from a gust of wind. Corithalion, a breton, enters, the collar of his robe pulled tight around him, turns around, and forces the door closed. Taking coins from his purse, he walks to the bar and gets some bread and wine. He goes to a table, carefully unslinging a lute from his back, more concerned about making sure it is dry than his face and hair. It has been a long trip, and the rain that started just before he left followed him all of the way. This is the right place, tomorrow is the right day. Is the one responsible for the offer here? he thinks to himself. As he plucks each string, making sure that all is well, he looks around. Who here had sent him the note? Was he the only one who had been sent this offer? He carefully sizes up each of the people currently in the room, all of the time trying to look as innocuous as possible.

Elbras walks along the familiar streets of Balmora, and finally reaches the Eight Plates, quite wet from the rain.

He walks inside, closing the door behind him, wearing his normal clothing, with a sack on his back with various supplies inside (including his armour), but still has Seler by his side nonetheless.

He lugs the sack down at the table and walks up to the
bartender. He puts a few coins on the counter and orders some Shein, then proceeds to sit back down at his table.

Kyrykki, immune to the effects of alcohol, rarely enters such houses of ill repute. But he is very willing to be busy and the offer is tempting. He enters, orders flin from the barkeep and sits alone. He carefully places the letter on the table in front of him so that anyone interested can see the seal. He all but closes his eyes - drunken, sleepy Nords are the stereotypes in Vvardenfell - but he is very much alert.

<ooc: No, I haven't abandoned this... I'm just waiting for some other intro posts so I don't have to find a way to bring them in mid-story. Sorry if I'm boring you with the wait.>

Khar-tul walks into "Eight plates".He takes off his wet cloak and sits down.He orders some brandy and after a while he sleeps at the bar.

<ooc: Did you even bother reading the title? Especially the part that says "post only if you have signed up". Which you haven't, I don't have character stats, how you fit into the story, etc. If you want to join, read and post in the "sign up for new rpg" thread and get my approval before posting here!>

ooc:
Sorry.I saw that but i dont know what does that mean

Edit:i think that i am signed now

Shadow walks into Balmora and heads towards the Eight Plates. Once he is there he heads around the tables seeing if anbody else has the letter. He sees Kyrykki and sits down next to him. "Hi, I see you also received a letter" Shadow then waits for a reply.

Elbras looks around at all the people filling the Eight Plates, and begins to feel he may not be the only one... he sips at his Shein.

Khat-tul suddenly wakes up and looks at the persone next to him.After a second or two he stands up and ask him:"I see you have the letter too.Whats your name?"

ooc:i was talking to elbras.

Shadow getting sick of waiting also stands up and shouts to Ebras " Do you have a letter like this" Shadow then holds up his letter.

Elbras holds up his letter, looking at the other two, then shows it to them...

"It appears so... is this some sort of setup...?"

"Maybe",says Khar-tul,"I don't like these faces around me so i am going to be careful"

Avelyn stares at the people who are quickly growing much attantion to themselves by shouting at eachother. He walks over to them.

"Hello there. It seems we are all here for the same reason..." He says, showing them his letter.
"Do any of you know what is going on?"

"I have no idea. I just received this letter one day and decided to check it out..."

He blinks a little confused.

"But why send the exact same letter to so many people?"

"i suspect it is because the person needs a team to discover some artifact or another. Thats what most people usually ask"

Corithalion laughs at the commotion going on. "Let's see," he says quietly to Elbras. "We have a room full of people, all of who got the same letter, all of whom seem determined to let the entire world know they got letters. I got one too, but, I'm guessing whoever sent them probably isn't looking for everyone in the world to know what's going on. Why else the strange symbol? Do you think anyone here recognizes it? Has anyone researched what it is?" He quietly goes back to his bread and wine, plucking quietly on his lute.

Kyrykki puts his letter back in his shirt pocket and eyes the others carefully. He wasn't expecting so many or so varied. Are they all on the same side? He notices a wood elf. He has few happy memories of wood elves. Is he making a big mistake?

Addressing the room at random he says softly "Does anyone recognise the seal?"

"No I don't. And that man has a point. We're really drawing attention. Maybe we should just go back to our separate tables and wait for... whoever it is to come."

Kyrykki lifts an eyebrow and grins at the man in the common clothes.

"Chill, fella. I'm not the one shouting. Don't I recognise you? Steel and ebony man, aren't you? Heard rumours - fighting injustice? I've got an uncomfortable feeling about all this. Can I stand you a drink? Shein, is it?"

"Oh yeah I've been doing a bit of work around here... yeah a drink sounds good. Shein it is!"

He smiles.

To All:
The bartender walks over, your drink orders on a tray. After "Last drink for tonight, we're closing now." You notice that as you have been talking, the bar has been clearing out, its patrons heading out into the city, or upstairs into what is obviously the inn part of the building. After handing you your orders, he continues in the over-friendly tone of someone eager to sell you something. "I couldn't help overhearing your conversation, and since none of you seem to be from around here, I imagine you'll be needing rooms for the night? May I remind you that rooms here are a great deal for your gold? Shall I make the arrangements while you finish your drinks?"

"Uhh very well... no need to stay up all night waiting."

Elbras hands the man a few gold for the room.

"Oh and thanks for the Shein umm... what's your name?"

He turns to Kyrykki...

Reylas nods, not saying a word but handing the barkeep several coins as he sips his newly recieved drink.

Avelyn pays for his drink and takes it back to his table. When he finishes, he gets a room. Before going up, he talks to the others with the letter.

"Hope I see y'all in the morning." He smiles, saying nothing else. When he gets to his room, he locks the door and promptly falls asleep in the bed.l

Corithalion goes to the barkeep, and hands him a couple coins.

"Yes, a room would be nice. Sorry, I hope it wasn't my playing that chased your customers away." He raises an eybrow to the man, turns, and looks for Kyrykki and Elbras.

"You seem to have a head on your shoulders, you and him." He points to Elbras. "My name's Corithalion, pleased to make both of your acquaintances. Do you know anywhere around where we might be able to research this? It's been a long time since I've been here. Maybe the barkeep might know something if we slipped him something?"

To All:
"Hey! Closing time means you too, Nord!" You notice the bartender yelling at a half conscious Nord at a nearby table. His hand drops threateningly to the sword on his belt, finally drawing the Nord's attention to the present. He says something insulting sounding, then staggers out to the door. With an annoyed look at the spilled drink he left behind, the bartender turns and walks over to your table. "Worthless Nords, if they didn't buy so many drinks I'd never let one within a hundred miles of this place!" He pauses a moment, then continues more calmly. "Here's your room keys. Rooms are up the stairs on the right." Without waiting for a response, he walks off in the direction of the mop in the corner, cursing quietly to himself.

Corithalion goes over to the Barkeep.

"Could you use some help, friend? Perhaps for a little information? I have been away for a long time, and would love to hear about how the old place has changed in the past few years." He smiles, nods his head, and reaches for the mop. "If not, perhaps I could tell you a story to make your work go easier?"

To Corithalion:
At the words "Could you use some help" the bartender turns around, a relieved look on his face. "Yes, I suppose that's a fair trade. As for recent news, business had been good the past year or so. Fall of Dagoth Ur and all that, you know? Everyone's got more money to spend now that they don't have to worry so much about their own safety. Had to expand the place here, got into the inn business just to keep up with demand! Its the same all over... just a quick mop job will be good enough for now. Place is overdue for a hired cleaner anyway. Now, as I was saying... its good for us businessmen right now. Sure, they're whispering about trouble all the time, but us average citizens don't see a bit of it. Who cares about Imperial succession and Great House arguments when there's coins in your pockets and a good woman in your bed? Know what I mean?" He pauses for a moment, then continues as if he had a sudden enlightenment. "But considering your conversation earlier, I doubt that's what you're interested in. Us bartenders hear quite a bit of stuff... nothing like a little alcohol to make you a bit more free with your secrets. Was there something specific you'd like to know?"

Corithalion laughs.

"You know, I've never known a barkeep who didn't know every word that was said in his bar - and I find them to be astute judges of character as well." He pats him on the back and moves some benches so he can mop under them. "Specifically, I was wondering if you know anything about a certain symbol." He describes the symbol to him, wringing out the mop, looking carefully for a reaction that might be belie what the words say.

To Corithalion:
The bartender pauses a moment, digging through his memories of recent events. "Hmm.... sounds like something Habassan... City far to the west. Lots of trade comes through there, and some of the best ale in Vvardenfell." He walks behind the bar, and returns with a bottle in his hand. "This what you're talking about?" he asks, pointing to a symbol on the bottle. Though not exactly the one from your note, the resemlance is clear. The barternder interrupts your thoughts, leaning in a bit closer to be sure he isn't overheard. "Now that you mention it.... A few Habassans came through here about a week ago. Didn't say too much, just to expect some new arrivals. And I just might have one staying here tonight... couldn't get a good look at him, but the accent sounded pretty close. Quiet guy, but looked to be a competent enough fighter. Had a drink or two, then left for his room. If only my other patrons could behave so well.... That what you wanted to know?"

Kyrykki swallows the last of his drink and introduces himself to Elbras and Corithalion. Taking a room key in exchange for a few gold he murmurs softly to the barman, allowing the pommel of his sword to be visible;

"No more racist remarks, eh fella. Who was that Nord, anyway?"

To the other two he adds; "I'm not sleeping until I know what's going on around here. I'll stand guard in the passage outside the rooms."

He glances at Reylas. Wood elves mean trouble and this one looks particularly troublesome. He continues talking to Elbras and Corithalion.

"Maybe there's no danger except from thieves but we'd do well to look out for ourselves. Perhaps you'll do the same for me sometime?"

"Of course. Never leave a favour unreturned! Come to mention, I owe you a drink."

Elbras smiles and grabs his sack, hauls it over his shoulder and proceeds up to his room. He lays his armour out on the floor ready for the following morning and goes to sleep.

Khar-tul pays the bartender for drink and the room and goes upstairs.He puts his wakizashi under his pillow and turns the lamp off."Maybe i will finaly find my parents on this trip" he says and then he goes to sleep.

Corithalion finishes his mopping, and hands the mop back to the barkeep, and wipes his brow.

"Thanks, I think it would do quite nicely. Would it be possible for you to point out this person for me tomorrow at breakfast?" He takes some gold out of his pouch and leaves it on the bar. "I hope my mopping job was up to your satisfaction. I know that I enjoyed our conversation quite a bit. Things always go faster with two, don't they?" He laughs again, bids farewell to the barkeep, and heads up toward his room.

He stops by Kyrykki. "Come, my friend. I would be honored to be indebted to one such as yourself. I have always found that true companionship grows out of the repayment of debts until such time as they are no longer considered debts. You're probably right, though. I'm a light sleeper, so if you need anything, yell."

He pats him on the shoulder, and goes to his room.

Noting the barkeep's sullen silence, Kyrykki goes to his room. He pulls the chair into the passageway and sits in a position where he can keep an eye on most of the doors. While he cannot see them all, he will watch the rooms of Corithalion and Elbras as he has promised.

He pretends to go to sleep.

Everything seems quiet and peaceful.

*A tired Saeroth Varole walks in out of the rain, he's always late it seems, and takes a seat to himself at the side of the room. Removes his helm and places it on the table and waits to see what actually is going on*

(um, I didn't catch the fact that there was a second page was the door locked? I can scratch that post and reenter it the next game day it you need)

To Saeroth Varole:
As you sit down in the bar, you notice that the room is empty except for a man cleaning up some trash left after a busy night. Apparently hearing you enter, he turns around and walks over. "Sorry, if its drinks you're looking for, we're closed. All I've got is rooms for the night, and if you aren't quick, that'll be gone too."

To Kyrykki:
Despite your caution, the night is quiet and uneventful. A few hours into the night, a half naked drunk Nord walks by, saying something unpleasant sounding about witches and clothing. From the noises you soon hear coming from the bathroom at the end of the hall, it seems that he has had a few too many drinks. But that is all the excitement you see.

To Other Characters:
You have no trouble finding your rooms. Though not the best luxury you have ever seen and a bit lacking in decoration, the beds are good. Soon, you are asleep, and dreaming of more interesting things.

OOC: This post is b4 the characters go to sleep.

IC: Reylas tarries a few moments longer in the common room, waiting until the others have cleared out before taking the offered room key. Padding up the stairs quietly to the rooms, and notes the same fellow who'd taken such interest in him earlier. Prodding the man, who seems to be doing too an elaborate job of pretending to sleep, Reylas asks, "I couldn't help but notice your attentions. Is there something you'd like to discuss, perhaps?"

Kyrykki's pretence is clearly not fooling the wood elf.

"Listen, fella. I've been forced to hear to some ale-head, puking his guts up. It's the only thing that's happened tonight. I want some answers or some action. You don't have the former and since it seems we may have to be on the same side... Just go to bed pal. Maybe, if you're not as two-faced as most of your kind, I'll talk to you tomorrow. Or maybe I won't. Good night."

Kyrykki turns away and pretends to sleep again.

"How charming. A Nord, not drunk, yet irritable all the same. I think I'll take your advice and get some rest. As for you, your spirits are obviously low, and need refilling."

With that, Reylas overturns a jug of sujamma over Kyrykki's still form, and leaving the nord dripping, enters his room, and locks the door. He quickly enters a quiet slumber.

<ooc: this post was sent to me by pm, to make things go a bit quicker I'm going to add it myself>
Kyrykki can barely do more than laugh at such childish behaviour. But the gesture reinforces his opinion that the only good Wood Elf is a dead one. Using 'Tower Key' he opens the door into Reylas' room but does nothing more.

Let the man work out for himself where it could have gone from there. But Kyrykki would find it dishonourable to attack anyone while they were asleep.

Realising that unlocking Reylas's door makes the man vulnerable to other dangers, he pays as much attention to protecting him as he does Elbras and Corithalion.

Only as morning breaks and he hears the everyday sounds of the tavern stirring does he feel able to leave his watch.

He returns to his room to wash off the smell of Sujamma. One strike against the Elf. If it rises to three, he will have to challenge him.

Let the man

To All Characters:
The morning sun coming in your window wakes you from your rest. Almost immediately, you notice a note on the floor telling you to be in the meeting room at 9am. The note is signed in the same way as the one that brought you here. From the appearance of the sky outside, you guess that you have just enough time to get there if you hurry. Dressing quickly, you come downstairs. Not suprisingly, the bartender is waiting for you. "I suppose you're here for that meeting." Without waiting for your response, he continues. "Second door on the left." He looks at you as if he doesn't expect to see you again in this world. "Good luck.... And just between you and me, I wouldn't suggest getting him mad at you...." With that, he walks off to serve some other patrons.

You get to the room within minuites of each other. A table and chairs take up most of the space in the middle, and suprisingly absent is anyone other than the people from the previous night. However, a light breakfast has been placed at each spot at the table, a fact looking very appealing right now.
To Kyrykki:
Oddly, even though you spot the note sitting only a few feet behind you, you have no memory of anyone coming into your room. And you are very sure that you never fell asleep.

<ooc: switch, just to get thing together correctly, you wake up at 9:00 instead>

Kyrykki smiles superciliously at Reylas and sits beside Elbras.

"Good morning, friend. I wish I could say that a peaceful night eased my worries. And it was a peaceful night. I was awake and watched until I heard you all stirring. Yet someone has broken into all rooms including mine! I have a feeling that there is one here who is skilled in the arts of magic and can make themselves invisible at will. Dispel is not a skill, I possess. I will, for the moment, concentrate on my breakfast. But we should keep our sword arms at the ready."

Kyrykki nods at Corithalion.

He wonders if the others will introduce themselves.

Avelyn looks around the room. After taking a small bite from the food infront of him, he pushes the plate back, and then stands up.

"Well, since it seems we are all gonna be together for at least a while, I would like to introduce myself properly. I am Avelyn, a monk of spirit and mind. And, if you would all be so kind, who are all of you?" He smiles, and sits back down to wait for a response.

Kyrykki notes the smile and wonders if it stops at Avelyn's lips or extends to his heart. So easy to mislead....

The man seems - Kyrykki cannot be sure - it seems that he has come down in the world. Perhaps he has fallen on hard times or perhaps he has been in jail. Certainly Kyrykki is sure the man once possessed skills at a much higher level than his posture and attitude suggests he has now.

Being in prison means nothing, though. Kyrykki has met unscrupulous rulers, merchants and guildsmen that, for their own purposes, accuse the innocent of crimes that have never been committed.

He is disposed to give Avelyn the benefit of the doubt.

He returns a smile and tells those in the room his name. He does not elaborate.