Hi all -

This is going to be a second Arcangel group - starting in a different kingdom. This one is going to be geared for players of all experience levels. If you're a beginner, don't worry. If you're an experienced player, there'll be plenty of challenge for you as well. I will post an example of a character sheet on the Signup thread, so you can see what kinds of things are possible.

The rules are the same as for the Arcangel - the Beginning thread. Please set up a character on the Arcangel Signup thread and say which thread you wish to become a part of. As soon as I get a couple of characters set, I'll get the thread going.

If you are involved with the first Arcangel thread and are enjoying it - feel free to sign up here as well.

But first - where you are going to be:

OUTLANDIA
A great Orcish force has come from the northern Coroboron, displaced by dwarven expansion, but led by humans. In fact, there were reported humans fighting along side the orcs in some of the later battles. They have fallen upon the kingdom of Outlands and destroyed much of the infrastructure. It was found that some of the human nobles had been bought off by the leader of the Orcs, a human named Gorin, and fought with him to overthrow the Western Kingdoms. The Army moved southwest and engaged a combined army of Calif and Caernol in Calif, and Gorin was killed. Without his supernatural powers, the offensive quickly crumbled, and the Orcs quickly dispersed, though there are still some sizable pockets of them hidden around. The human nobles of the Outlands tried desperately to hold the Orcs together, but were unable to. Without the support of the Orcs, the remaining human Army was fallen upon and butchered by the Calif-Caernol forces.
The King of the Outlands is busy trying to put his kingdom back in order. Most of the areas have been re-stabilized, but there are a couple of areas that have not. He has promoted and titled some families to take their places as nobility, but there are a couple of areas that are still heavily occupied and dangerous on the north and eastern borders. The King will grant baronetcy to any who will take the job of holding and clearing theses areas of the Outlands and rule them as the Baron, swearing fealty to the King. Thus far, there have been many who thought that they could go from pauper to Baron quickly, but no news of these has returned, and the offer is once again being made.
The local nobles know what is going on and are shying away from trying to clear the area. Besides, they reason, we are too busy cleaning up our own areas. The areas in question should take some time to subdue, and the King is looking for some new blood to be brought into the area, anyway.

GOVERNMENT:
The King holds absolute power, and, thus far, the line of Olaf has not abused said power. Much of the power, however, comes from the ability of the throne to be able to use the special talents of the "court" - many magicians are included - to diffuse situations that most monarchs would not know about until it was too late.
The Nobility are very greedy, and most of them can be bought off if the money is right and the cause just about anything that would further their aims. Olaf has had his hands full trying to keep the nobles squabbling against each other for the past few years, but he has succeeded. The attack, and the betrayal by some of his nobles caught him by surprise, however, and, besides looking deeply into the matter himself, he is offering a good sized reward to find out how they did it.

HISTORY:
The area is noted for its bearing the brunt of just about every invasion that has come. The current incarnation of the Outlands is the fifth, the other four having been destroyed utterly by marauders. The current King Olaf has ruled for seven years, and is a wise and for the most part just ruler. The Current Outlands has been in place for two hundred and thirty six years (having been founded on June 17, 811.) The house of the current king has been in place for the entire two hundred and thirty six years.
The City of Outlandia was founded as the easternmost point on the central trade route, as a kind of way station between the human kingdoms and the Coroboron. Much wealth used to pass through the city, and much of that wealth is still apparent in the architecture of those buildings still remaining from the older periods. There are rumors that there is more wealth hidden in the mountains around Outlandia than there is in the entire Royal Treasury at Absinth.

LORE:
The area is noted for strange phenomena. The Paths of the Dead, the Ruins of the Great Ones, the Occurrences in the mountains in central Outlands, all form a pattern that has hardened the local populace to strange occurrences more than most of the other regions. Magic is something that the locals believe does exist, and there are many places where the gods themselves are said to speak to the locals. Many great mages of the past have come from this area, and it is thought that those who live here, and especially those who are born here, are imbued with some of the magic of the area.
In the past, the mages of Outlandia were sought after and in high positions in local and regional guilds. During the great wars during the splitting of the Old Kingdom, it was not foot soldiers, but magicians that were sent by the then Count of Outlandia to the civil wars that ensued. The army of Outlandia has always been small, and that is one of the reasons why they are able to be conquered so much, the magicians don't need the structure that exists to support the conventional military forces, all they need is a place to meditate and talk to their peers. As such, no conqueror of the Outlands has been able to really subdue the populace or the mages - they simply just went to the hills and waited for the proper and best time to strike using their special skills.

TRADE:
The major exports of Outlandia are horses and other livestock, foodstuffs grown from the fertile Plains of Cayl and some of the minerals that are mined form their mountains. Wood is not plentiful, as much of the forests are uncut due to the denizens therein. The trade with the dwarves is great, and the trade for the dwarven goods to the rest of the West is good for those who wish to be middlemen.

MILTARY
When it has had to fight, the Outlandian army consists mostly of irregular spearmen, backing up some moderately trained heavy foot. The Outlandian Cavalry, though they ride on noble steeds, are mediocre at best, especially when stacked up against the cavalries of the other plains kingdoms such as Califi and Jocethry.

OTHER:
The typical Outlander is a little shorter than the normal person (-5 on size roll), and a little thinner, (-5 on frame). They all seem to have hardened faces, though they seem to be of all different types, due to their origins of being almost completely immigrant based. Their attitudes show great patience, and the philosophy that everything shall come in time to those deserving pervades almost everything that they do. They are extraordinarily resilient, and are probably more open to newer ideas than just about anyone else.

JOBS: (General knowledge - not necessarily those taht you can do right now)
The King of Outlands cordially invites any who wish to improve their standing in life to assist him in clearing Orcs from his kingdom. Any who will and would then defend against further attacks will be granted land and possibly a court baronetcy, depending upon success. Those who would apply see the Royal Chatelaine, Outlands.

The King of Outlands is looking for information on how his security can be compromised. Any successful in penetrating his security on a level commensurate with the betrayal and then telling him how will receive 200 gold and land in eastern Outlandia.

ARCANGEL II - BEGINS

(If I haven't gotten back to you with a character sheet, begin to roleplay as you would. Sorry for the delay in getting them back to you - having all kinds of trouble fine tuning the new PC....Also, I'm going to need the e-mail addresses One more time - my old PC ate them all as far as I can tell.)

ONCE AGAIN - ONLY POST IF I HAVE GOTTEN BACK TO YOU AFTER YOU SUBMITTED A POST ON THE ARCANGEL SIGNUP THREAD. NO POWER POSTING PLEASE.

“Welcome,” the old innkeeper says as you shake off the rain that forced you here. “Welcome to the Unicorn’s Horn. We have a great fire going over there, feel free to come on in, have a warm drink, and rest up.”

This welcome reaches each of you as you come in over the next hour. The innkeeper welcomes each of you warmly, holding out his wrinkled, yet firm, hand, showing you over to the warmth of the fire. “I haven’t seen any of you around before, so let me tell you a little about the area.” He pulls up a chair amongst yours, sits, pulls out a pipe, and smokes an odd-smelling leaf. “Outlandia is on the edge of the world; and here in the Duchy of Landesedge, we’re on the far reaches of Outlandia. If you continue east, it’s five hundred miles to the next civilized area, and that would be the kingdom of the Dwarves. To the north is the barony of Warhome, and beyond that, the Kingdom of Jocethry with their noble stallions. To the south, lies the earldom of Southreach, then nothing all of the way to the Orcs, how ever far that might be.” He chuckles, as if it was common knowledge that the Orcish lands were so far away, that no one had even tried going there in over two hundred years.

He takes another long draft on his pipe, looking you all over with a keen eye. “Adventurers, the lot of you.” He says, though there is no hint of the disdain that the label ‘adventurer’ has gotten you in other places. “Well, if it’s adventure that you want, you’ve come to the right place. The lands to the south and east aren’t even patrolled anymore. Even though the land is fertile and the raw materials are abundant, it’s not worth trying to set up any kind of settlements beyond here. There are probably the ruins of a hundred settlements within ten days of here, none of which survived more than a few years.”

“You don’t even have to go outside the borders of the kingdom!” He exclaims, slapping his hand to his knee, expelling a cloud of smoke as if to emphasize his point. “There are ruins that predate the settlement of the area by even the oldest of our forefathers by hundreds, if not thousands, of years. The city of Landesedge itself is built on the ruins of several cities dating back til before anyone can remember as well. There are catacombs there that even the most wise don’t know about.”

He pauses for a second, looking for any sign from you that you are not what you seem. Seeing none, he continues.

“Then there are the weird happenings around the capitol city of the Outlands. I mean, who ever wanted to live in a place that had places called ‘The Paths of the Dead’, the ‘Whispering Gardens’, and even the name of the King’s castle is ‘Deathshead’. All of this and I haven’t even gotten to the weeding out of the remnants of the Northern Orcs who still dwell in pockets throughout the land. Who knows, you might even find some pockets of soldiers who are still trying to drive them out! Yep,” He says, tapping his now empty pipe on the arm of the chair, “If I were ten, make that twenty years younger, I’d join up with you and have some fun myself.”

His mood suddenly turns dour. “If, however, you’re looking for a people rich in treasure, you’ve come to the wrong place. While I am sure that there are vast troves around, the people do not have much, especially since the orcs came. Don’t expect a lot of hospitality, either. I understand, but most around here don’t. You’re nothing more than looters to a lot of them, coming to clean up what they worked so hard and so long for. We are right now a rather shattered people, but, by Pendepheron’s beard, we will rebuild as we always do, and life will return to what it used to be. I hope that you are here to see that day, when the mirth of my people returns.”

"There's not much here in the town of Caveholm, but there is a general goods dealers, though I would not count on there being much available. That's also where some of the locals would post any help wanted ads, if it's regular or even irregular work you're looking for."

He stands slowly, turning toward the door. “There,” he says. “It’s stopped raining, though it is late. I have to clean up and then me and the Missus are going to retire. You’re welcome to stay for the night, though I’m afraid we can’t do much in the way of amenities. May the peace of the ancients be with us all.” He puts down the bar on the door. “If you would like to wander, just make sure that I know so I can either lock the place up, or leave it open should you wish to return.

He goes to a small room and he and an elderly lady return with some worn brooms. They slowly begin to sweep the place, singing what sounds to be a sad song softly to themselves.

Morgo slowly stands from his chair. The air of the Inn feels great around him, especially xompared to the cold air outside.
"Master keeper," Morgo says in a hushed voice, "I shall be back tomorrow, for I am going to wander now. However, I do not know my way around. No worries though, a dwarf can take care of himself in any amount of danger!"
Morgo smiles at the Tavern Keeper, and then at his wife. As Morgo turns he raises his hands to the rest of the 'Adventurers' gathered around tables and walks out of the door.

The air is still dewy outside. Morgo looks around. He can see the homesteads of many people scattered around the settlement. His leather jacket keeps him considerably warm in the cold night, but it doesnt his face, which leaves his beard damp and dirty.

"Darned rain" he says to himself quietly "Doesn't anybody know how long it takes to dry this beard!"

He walks forward, looking both left and right, for any signs of life on the streets. Looking south, he can see a family of humans through a window dancing and singing. He smiles to himself and then continues to walk forward.

"If I am to make ends meet in this place I will have to find a job... I shouldn't have left the tavern, for the Keeper could have told me of any work."

He sighs and looks around. And then he remembers something that he saw on his way through town to start with.

The King of Outlands cordially invites any who wish to improve their standing in life to assist him in clearing Orcs from his kingdom. Any who will and would then defend against further attacks will be granted land and possibly a court baronetcy, depending upon success. Those who would apply see the Royal Chatelaine, Outlands.

"So the King needs an aid... what a piece of luck. I'm sure I could help fight those darned filthy Orcs! Now, which way to the King?

Morgo stands in the middle of the street looking lost and frustrated. He decides to head back to the Tavern, hoping that, if it is not yet locked he might be able to persuade another Adventurer to tag along.

Solros sits at the table in the inn, his expression changing from grumpy to amused, digesting the innkeepers account of the situation. His fine clothing is completely wet from the rain, thought being a bit expensive, it still shows that he hasn't been adventuring before.

He then turns to the other people around the table: "So, looking for fame and fortune, are you? The dwarf sure left in a hurry, but I'm not going to run away like that. ... Oh, pardon my manners - my name is Solros Arain. May I learn your's?"

Tilindra, nods her head in acknowledgement to Solros. She is a small slight human, with blue-green eyes and wavy chestnut hair. She is well built, looking to be in her late 20s. By her feet is a well worn pack, patched in several places, and a old lute, which at first glance looks as if it has definitely seen better days. At her side, is a dirk, and from her bearing it looks like she has the confidence to use it. Her clothes are well made in bright colours, which on most people just wouldn't look right, but on her, just seem to fit.

"My name is Tilindra Melir, I am a travelling story-teller and bard. I travel in search of tales and lores. I would gladly join you in your travels. Perhaps we can have a meal together, and then head over to the store when the rain lets up a little. I can provide a little music while we wait"

She gives him a smile and a look round the table. Then she picks up her lute, and plays a slow melody designed to be listened to in the background, and waits for the others to introduce themselves.

Morgo bursts in the doors to the Tavern.

"Ah isn't that lucky, still open eh?

He looks at the travellers around the table.

"Sorry about that quick dash out a while ago, I just had to get to know ths surroundings."

He looks around. Then he walks over to the table.

"Barkeep! Ale please..." Looking around at the others he adds "Make that all round"

Morgo smiles, and then proceeds to ask, "Is anybody interested in helping me aid the King's men in the battle against the orcs?"

As the barkeep brings over a tray laid with ale, Morgo awaits any replies to his question.

"Pleased to meet you, miss Melir. I love music as much as I love good tales. It would be a pleasure traveling with you."

He pauses for a moment and then continues adressing everyone this time:

"You don't seem even remotely surprised by my appearance. I was expecting glances and questions everywhere I turned. Ah, it only shows my lack of knowledge of the common folk."

There is no mockery in his tone, just irony. Solros is a human of the Waldkin. His brown hair is not very long and well kept despite the rain messing it up a bit.

"For I am of noble blood, but I have become bored of my life, and now seek adventure in a distant country."

He turnes back to Tilindra.

"I agree that we should visit the shop. I left home in such a hurry I didn't take anything but this dirk with me."

He considers a little and says no more. He then speaks to the dwarf.

"You are rather rash, master Dwarf. As I said I am looking for adventure, but I am afraid that orcs are a little too much for me. I might reconsider of course, but for now I must refuse your offer. Besides, the king promises social standing and money as a reward." He smiles. "I have no need of these things."

OOC: I am a bit confused here.... ketruch sent me the same character as SimVig, name, race, class and all.

OOC - just a note guys, let me take care of what is where, including things like royal proclamations, people, jobs that are available, and what the barkeep does. Just let me know what you yourself do, not anything involving things that aren't already talked about (unless we talk via PM about certain matters that the others might not know).

June 4, 1048, 21:05 PM

The innkeeper and his wife stop sweeping as they hear the delicate airs played on the lute. After a short while of listening intently, they bring their voices together in a low counter-melody to the one that Tillindra is playing. After a short time, they come over and bow before her.

"Thank you, milady." The innkeeper's wife says quietly. "It has been a long time since we had music in these rooms. For a moment there I was remembering happier times."

As Morgo bursts back in, the innkeeper does honor his request to get a round all around. "I wouldn't put too much stock in those flyers," he says, putting a full ale down in front of the soggy dwarf. "They've been here for weeks, several people have gone, just to find out that what they want you to do is way beyond just going and hunting Orcs. They want you to completely clear a fairly hefty area of Orcs - about half the size of a Barony. I lost a couple of friends who went off to try to do that job. Ever since Keegan won his Barony in the north that way, there have been a lot of others who have tried and failed. He's actually looking to clear land to the East of here - land out into the wilderness. If that's what you've got you're heart set on, so be it, but I wouldn't be so quick to try unless there were a lot more like you coming."

During this speech, the innkeeper's wife has gone upstairs into another room and come back down with several pieces of parchment. Upon them is a handwritten song, the words of which seem to be in a strange tongue. "Please, milady." She says, handing them to Tillindra. "Please take these. I wrote the music when I was younger, though the words came from an old book I found. I don't know what it means, but the phoenetic pronounciation of the words seemed to go so well. I know I won't be able to pass these onto anyone, so please, take them as a gift from one who has been gladdened by so gracious a sound in these troubled times."

The innkeeper quickly follows. "You're all welcome to stay and spend the night, no charge. We'll be finishing up our final cleaning, then heading up to our room ourselves." With that, they continue sweeping, this time humming the melodies that Tillindra had been playing.

Zuriel takes in the conversation, looking at each patron at the table in turn with a cold, unfeeling stare. Finally, completing his examination, he says "Zuriel," in reply to Solros' earlier question. Zuriel's hand continues to be near his dirk.

Solros regards Zuriel with surprised eyes for a while, then says nothing to him.

Turning again to all of the people around the table he says: "Good. Now that we have introduced ourselves, it leaves you, master Dwarf. After that we should probably go to bed. I don't think the rain will stop today. The shopping can wait till tomorrow, Tilindra."

"Ack where are my manners" Morgo says with a chuckle, "I am Morgo, I am a Dwarven Fighter. Some describe me as a mercenary because I do jobs for money. However, do not think badly of me, for I am not an assassin.

He looks around at the rest of the table. One of the Adventurers is playing a melody on the lute, and Morgo takes a liking to the tune.

"Do you think maybe we should retire to our rooms now until morning?" He asks the others, "For I am sure you are all tired and weary. Maybe tomorrow we can enquire around town for ways to make a living?"

Tilindra takes the gift from the innkeepers wife, and gives her a grateful smile.

"Thank you mistress, for your gift and your kind words, I will see that your music is heard in many places, and maybe I will be able to tell you what the words mean."

She then gives an acknowledging nod to Morgo and Zuriel. "Thank you for the drink good dwarf. My name is Tilindra, a story teller by trade.

"I believe you are right Solros, from the water dripping off our friend here, I don't think the rain will let up until morning, so let us meet here then. Would you care to join us Morgo? We are going to look at the notices in the general store and gather supplies."


After taking a healthy swig from the drink she then looks at the music of the innkeepers wife, and strumming the notes, getting a feel for the song. When she has looked through it a couple of times she plays through.

Zuriel takes a small drink from the offered beverage. He takes only enough to quench the thirst, and none for pleasure. Standing up from the table, Zuriel asks the barkeep for the keys to their rooms. He says nothing more to the party, but from his body language it is obvious he does not care for the music.

Solros drinks his ale to the bottom quite fast, and then says:

"Zuriel, would you care to join us as well?"

Before going to his room as well, he tells the others with a smile on his face:

"I believe we have quite a company here."

He then goes to bed.

Zuriel turns his head and says, "Sure," in reply to Solros, then turns back to the barkeep.

June 04, 21:10

"Here, good friend" The innkeeper says. "Thank you for reminding me. We have two common rooms, I'm afraid. That's all that's left in habitable condition." He goes and comes back with two keys. "Assuming that there's no couples in the group, here's one for the gentlemen," He holds up an old, weathered key, "and this one's for the ladies."

"We're usually up with the sunrise, so you can get as early a start as you wish." With that, the two of them bid you good night, and head off to their own room.

"Well gentlemen, unless you wish to discuss aything else tonight, I am off to bed."

She finishs her drink, then gives a flamboyant bow to Zuriel. "I'm sure we will have many more great conversations together, good sir", and with a nod and a wink to Morgo goes off to find her room.


Once there she has a good look at the sheets the innkeepers wife gave her and tries to the songs.

After a while at this she falls asleeps.

NOTE: This is before everybody goes to bed. Reply in the morning (gamewise) when my character is awake, this is to avoid messing up the sequence of events.

A tall, thin Cerboean sits at a table by himself, his head rests on his hand suggesting a headache. Upon hearing the music he lifts his head, revealing a dark complexion that, despite the pale skin, seemed to absorb the light around it: coal black hair, deep night eyes, and a deeply chiseled face.

When Tilindra is done he says, "I thank you miss, your beautiful music is making me feel better, my head no longer feels as if it is being cracked open with a hammer and chisel, though it still hurts."

"I would love to introduce myself, but a few hours walk from town I was assaulted by two bandits, and while trying to defend myself one of my spells misfired. The bandits died, but the misfire caused me to be knocked out as well. I woke up to a headache, partial amnesia, and two burnt bodies laying on charred ground beside me. The amnesia is partial, my skills seem unaffected, and I have some memories, but my name is lost in the depths of my mind."

After thinking for a few seconds he continues, "You may call me by the name of my race, Cerborn, since probably I am the only one around here."

He takes his ale gratefully and drinks all of it quickly, when he is done his pained expression relaxes a bit. "It is time for bed, my headache will hopefully dissapear by morning, my memory could take longer."

"One last thought for you to sleep on, we are not in any condition to follow the King's request, as Morgo suggested." Talking to Morgo directly, "I admire your fighting spirit, but what I know about orcs is undamaged, and as such I must advise that we, as a group, try to become stronger before tackling this task. Who knows, if we succeed we may all get a barony to call out own, but first we must be prepared."

He goes to his room quickly, and promply falls into a deep sleep...

Morgo awakens to the dawn of a new day. Outside the smell of dew rises, and he can hear the birds singing between them.

"A fine day this shall be! He chuckles to himself. Morgo lifts his clothes off of a small chair resting in the corner of the room and dresses himself. He then opens the door to the room and proceeds downstairs, to see if any of his new friends have already woken.

Solros is already up. He is sitting alone at a table, with a fork lying in front of him. He is staring intently at the fork when he hears Morgo enter.

"Good morning to you! I see you have slept well. So, shall we have something to eat?"

He orders two good meals from the innkeeper.

"Let's wait for the other sleepies to wake up..." he says with a smile.

"Thank you for your kindness master and I must accept!" Morgo smiles. He looks around the Inn and sees nothing our of the ordinary.

"Have you heard of any ways we can make a living around here my good friend?" Morgo asks as he looks towards to Innkeeper, "A dwarf cannot live off of scraps you know!"

"Heh heh heh. I didn't come here to make a living. I came to get away from such living. Thus I have not payed much heed to job advertisments. When we go to the shop I am sure we will find plenty of jobs to be done. "

Tilindra wakes with a crick in her neck from falling asleep sitting up. She stretches, shakes herself, gets up and heads downstairs.

"Good morning gentlemen, I see you have already ordered breakfast."

She sits down letting out a yawn.

"Well, while your busy eating, i'll head over to the store, and look at the notices. Then we can discuss them while we're eating and waiting for the others. I'll be back in a few minutes"

She gets up and heads towards the door.

"Oh, and order me some breakfast."

With that she heads towards the general store, hoping that there will be some interesting jobs available. She doesn't hold out much hope though from what the innkeeper said, but any chance for new stories is better than none.

Solros nods to Tilindra. "Sure, we'll be waiting for you."

To the innkeeper he says: "Good man, would you be so kind as to make three meals ready for our friends when they arrive? Here are 3 silver pieces for everything."

His tone is such that he wants to hear no refusal.

"A brilliant and beautiful woman is that Tilindra. I can see that she is wise and intelligent."

Morgo looks towards the tavern keeper to see if he has started to cook the breakfast. He then says, "Good Keeper, do you happen to know of any jobs around the area?"

Zuriel returns in the morning from their rooms seemingly well rested, but as dour and tight lipped as always. He takes a seat next to Solros. Although of the same race, the two are decidedly contrasting in their personallities.

The Cerboean High Elementalist, wakes up well rested and glad to find his headache is gone. He heads to where the people he met last night are having breakfast.

"Good morning, as I suspected my headache is gone, but my memory has not returned."

He looks around "Where is Tilindra Melir, the beautiful musician? So, she is in the store looking at the job bulletings." The Cerboean thinks for a moment, "I will also look for possible jobs we might do. Since Tilindra is already at the store, I will ask around."

He goes out with the intention to ask various people about job offers and some information about the surrounding area, "Order me some breakfast!" he calls out while leaving.

OOC: Sorry 'bout being late everyone.

Karath walks in to the tavern in the morning, having just come into town he was looking for a good, hot meal, seeing everyone else in the tavern he assumes it's good and sits down.

June 05, 1048 0702

"Thank you good sir, but one is more than sufficient." The innkeeper says, picking up only a single silver. "I'm afraid we once again do not have much, but what we have is yours." He returns from the kitchen with several plates of sausages, some bread that is at least one day older than it should, several chunks of hard cheese, and some cider that is not too hard.

"Now, if you gentles would be so kind, when you have finished, if you would put the tableware on the table closest to the kitchen, we would be much obliged."

He walks over to Morgo. "That depends, master dwarf. Do you still call yourself the Khuzdûl? Sorry, I haven't seen one of your folk in a fair while. Well, as I was saying, that all depends on what you consider a job. There are plenty of homes that need repairing, and I'm sure that no one who is left would mind at all if you were to run errands for them while they continue to put their life together, either. As far as jobs like the ones I believe you are thinking of, though, there are bandits in the area who have taken advantage of us in our time of weakness who we all would be endeared to you if you got rid of them."

"There are also some smaller pockets of orcs and goblins around that also come raiding when they feel like it. We'd also be appreciative if you could take care of those." He looks up, as if trying hard to think of any others. "The private ones are down at the store, where your fair musician friend has already gone. I'd say in a little while, you'll have everything there is to know about our little village here."

As Tillindra steps outside, she is greeted by the early morning sun. Under other circumstances, this would be a charming place. Even in the sun of a new day, however, there is something gloomy about it. There are about a dozen small buildings around a central green. At one end of the green stands a building a little larger than the rest with an elderly looking gentleman sweeping the front porch. On the other end of the green is another large building, this one a small temple.

Posted on the side of the larger building with the sweeping man are several notices. As you approach, he tips is wide brimmed hat, but says nothing to you.

I AM LOOKING FOR A FEW SOULS TO HELP ME FIND MY DAUGHTER

REWARD PAID FOR THE RETURN OF MY MOTHER'S NECKLACE

I JUST BOUGHT A MANOR HOUSE, AM LOOKING FOR HELP IN CLEANING OUT THE CURRENT RESIDENTS. STAFF POSITIONS AVAILABLE AFTERWARD

HAS ANYONE SEEN THIS FLOWER> drawing of a flower with three stems, with bright red blooms at the top of each stem. Long, broad-bladed leaves wrap the stem as if creating some kind of natural barber pole < IT COULD MEAN THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH

These are all that are currently there. Counting the buildings, you're amazed that there are this many in this small village.

Tilindra memorizes each of the notices, the pertinent details, and heads back to the inn, giving the man a nod and a smile on the way. Usually she would stop and chat, but she is rather hungry, not having eaten since yesterday morning.

She gets back to the inn, and sits in an empty chair, pulling a plate in front of her, then she notices the stranger.

"Good morning sir, My name is Tilindra, and this is Solros, Morgo, Zuriel, and Cereborn. We have all agreed to join together in an attempt to find fame and glory, and you are welcome to join us.

"I had a look at the posts, strangely enough there is quite a few for such a small town" She lists each of them going through the main details of each. "Personally, I think finding the daughter would probably be the best one. It may even be possible to look for the plant at the same time, but that depends on how common it is. Not very I'm guessing, or they would have located it already."

She attempts to remember if she has ever seen a plant like that, and eats her breakfast.

"The daughter... this would involve us having to find her?"

Morgo thinks a moment, and then looks up.

"I'll tell you what. The good Inn-Keeper here told me of several buildings that need repairing around town. I am sure that would be a job of good income. However, it would require us buying our own equipment and tools. I am thinking, if we fin this daughter and get our reward we could start a little business to keep us on our feet. It wouldn't take up all of our time, just a few pockets of it, and we'd all still have time to do what we want to do."

Morgo looks at the faces around the table. He sees that some are still weary from a short nights sleep.

"This is, only, if you are all interested?"

After a brief argument with the innkeeper Solros reluctantly takes his two silver pieces back.

He then says his thoughts to the party: "As I have already mentioned, I'm not here for fame or money. That being said, I believe in helping those that are in most need. In the current situation that would be rescuing the daughter. This might also be connected to the bandits the innkeeper mentioned. Now if no-one has any objections I suggest we go outfit ourselves in the shop."

"Master Solros," Morgo starts, "Do you not believe that rebuilding homes would help those in need?"

"If your daughter was kidnapped, would you think that repairing your house was a greater need? Let us hear what the others have to say."

"Well maybe sir if you'd have been listening you'd have heard me say that we should find the daughter, and then start on the homes afterwards.

Solros smiles at the dwarf. "I never said we shouldn't, dear Morgo. I just answered your question." He then turns to the others. "So, what do you all think?"

Kyrene trots into town from the eastern path, scoping out the layout of the buildings and the green as she continues her ground eating lope. The scraps of paper on the large building catch her eye and she heads that way. Looking over the notices, she believes that she may recognize the plant drawn there - thinking hard where it was she might have seen it.

"I need to get some work.... but I need breakfast first." and starts off at a walk over to the tavern.

Upon reaching the entry, she pauses in the open doorway acclamating herself to the dimmer light. She is tall for a woman, with a thick braid of white blonde hair and piercing green eyes. She has an air of natural grace and competence around her. Her hair is held back by a leather thong which has woven into it a hawk's feather and some beads. She also has a larger polished blue bead threaded through a thong around her neck. Her tawny buckskins are clean but frayed from use. On her back is a large sword and in her hands are a walking stick and a javelin. She has a small dark leather satchel at her side.

She walks over to the innkeeper and asks for some breakfast (Tea and bread are fine, please). She takes a table near them and nods pleasantly to the group sitting near her as she waits for her food.

"It's not often that the dwarf kin are found in these parts. Welcome. And welcome to the rest of you too. Are you adventurers perhaps? I am looking to join a group of hearty souls." she says quietly.

OOC: Since Kethruch made no mention about the results of "asking around" I will asume the Cerborn got the same information Morgo got from the innkeeper and Tilindra from the notices.

The Cerborn returns to the inn/tavern, dissapointed at not having learned any information different from what the others got. He greets the two newcomers (Kyrene and Karath) and introduces himself. His eyes linger a little longer than they should on Kyrene, then he turns to the others:

"I say we find the missing daughter, it will probably lead us to the bandits, and if we go out of town to look for bandits then we can search for the flower at the same time, thus we could possibly kill three birds with one stone. Of course the plan would fall apart if she just ran away with her new boyfriend, but judging by the state of things the first scenario is more likely."

"I would also advise against rebuilding houses before getting rid of the raiders, it would certainly be annoying to rebuild houses only to have them be torn down again by marauders."

Turning to Kyrene and Karath: "You are welcome to join out group, at least I do not object to it ,and would apreciate your help, as well as your input into what you think is the best course of action."

Now that the Cerborn is done talking, he sits down and hungrily wolfs down breakfast while awaiting a reply.

"Cereborn speaks wisely," Zuriel says.

"It is Cerborn my friend, not Cereborn."

Zuriel gives Cerborn a blank stare, saying nothing.

"Thank you sir, for the invitation. I would be glad to join your group." Kyrene says.

She pulls her chair closer to the group. "...And I agree with Cerborn; I think that it might be best to look for the lost child. There are many fell and dangerous creatures in these parts and she could be in great danger the longer she away from the protection of the village."

"The daughter it is then. I suggest that a couple of us go and talk to the father, as I doubt all the information is in the notice, and a couple go and find out more about the plant and what it is needed for. The rest can get together any supplies we need.

"Greetings Kyrene. As Cerborn said you are most welcome to join us. The seven of us should be able to handle most things we come across. That being said it might be an idea, if we let each other know if we have any skills that might be especially useful."

When she has finished eating she pushes her plate aside with a satisfied sigh.

"Well if everyone is happy with my idea, I volunteer to go and speak to the father. I don't know very much about plants, and I have all the supplies I need except rations. Who wants to come with me?"

"I"

"Very well then, I know nothing of plants, as far as I am concerned there are four kinds: trees, bushes/shrubs, flowers, and grasses. On the other hand I am a competent researcher, if there is a herbalist around here, he could be asked if he could lend us his books. It wouldn't hurt to ask if he actually has the flower, some people don't take the time to look for what they need before asking others to look for it."

To the innkeeper: "Is there a herbalist or anyone with books about plants, around here?"

"As for equipment, I do not think anybody needs any at the moment. Besides, it is best if everybody buys their own equipment, that way there is no confusion, and it prevents heated arguments that could result in serious injuries."

Kyrene nods to Tilindra in greeting.

"I know a bit about the local flora and fauna of this area. I'll go with whomever is going to get information on the plant."

As for skills, I can wield this sword (nodding to the one on her back) and I have some knowledge of woodcraft. I can live off the land; I know how to hunt and track game. As I indicated before I know some of the plants,roots, berries and mushrooms of the area. I am not afraid of doing hard work. I do not have much money, but I have some pelts I'd like to trade. I can buy supplies with that."

Sorlos takes a short look at all the others.

"I was going to go to the equipment shop, but now that you have spoken, Cerborn, I see the wisdom in your words. What do you think about that?"

"As for skills..." he smiles.

Solros stares a while at the fork on the table and after a couple of seconds of float up into the air. Making sure that everyone has seen it, Solros lowers it down again without touching it.

June 5, 1048, 0715

The innkeeper chuckles at the question of an herbalist. "Closest one I know would be in Landesedge proper, near the seat of the Duke. That would be two days from here. As far as the plant that old Meriona is looking for, it does grow wild in the land to the east of here, but we haven't seen any for a few seasons. It has great healing properties in the right hands, and Meriona is the right hands. If she's looking for it, that means that someone is in pretty bad shape."

After a moment, he continues. "I wouldn't get your hopes up too much about what's in the general store. They've suffered as we all have. In fact, if things don't get better, I wouldn't expect this village to still be here come next winter."

Karath, whom had been too hungry to participate, finished his breakfast. As people we're riseing he said, "Thank you for the invitation, I'm short of money myself and I'm a fair adventurer." Looking at the flower he combs his memory tring to remember seeing one. "I'll come, speak to the father that is."