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Arzarael, Archfiend · Posted: Sun Jul 02, 2006 10:25 pm Post subject: Vardinthrar: Campaign Thread

Vardinthrar is the Southern Elven Empire, consisting of the five major cities of Saphtirin (Capital), Esilien (Mercantile and commercial hub), Ballinith (Military Strongpoint), Sharytil (centre of learning) and Teli'zzrm (A port city, close to the watery kingdoms of the sea elves). Unlike the elves of Ezenthrar, who had carved their realms from centuries of conquest and bloodbath, the elves of Vardinthrar had rallied around their Coronal, their spirtual and political leader who is seen as the figurehead of the nation. In 1371 FR however, Coronal Melraith of House Sariol perished under mysterious circumstances, leaving his niece, Nirabia as heir. As it was a centuries-old tradition that an elf could only ascend to the position of Coronal when married, Nirabia Sariol instead rose to the position of Empress.

In recent months however, the Empress has been confined to bed as she lay dying of a strange poison. The efforts of the court clerics has been naught and the sole heir of House Sariol lies in jeopardy.

The campaign starts in Eliramil, a small town about seven days east of the city of Sharytil. The town consists of about a hundred households surrounding a keep belonging to the family of Sir Amair, a Knight of St. Cuthbert. To the southern end of town, a small inn "The Drunken Bones", is run by Barth Owedd, a Vesthayan native rumored to be a veteran from the War of the Helm. A church to Corellon lies to the east of the town and Representative Glaclya, the resident priestess, acts as the town's link to Sharytil.
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Unique Outsider
Level 10 PLUSHIE Moderator
CR: 45
-Arzarael, Archfiend

AbuDhabi · Posted: Mon Jul 03, 2006 2:14 am Post subject:

KRIKOR

Occassionally missing a few step, Krikor walked down the stairs, though "stumbled" might be a more accurate description. His gaze was definetally glazed over and unfocused - no matter, he's seen the interior of the inn well enough yesterday. Yesterday. Or was it the day before yesterday? That was quickly driven from his mind by the massive headache that seared through his head.

"Argh. Murfle," he snarled incoherently, sitting down at the nearest table, not caring if anyone was already there.

Krikor was a mess - unshaven, hair uncombed, moustache bearing pieces of food. By the looks of his dark scholar's robe, he has slept in it, possibly on the floor. He smelled of ale - lots of it.

"I'mvv nehv'rr drynk'n' 'gaen," he vowed, trying to remember what exactly has happened during the celebration of exams being over. Whose bright idea was to hold it here, a week's travel from the 'Varsity? Krikor looked around the room, trying his best to identify his friends out of the crowd. Through a haze of pain, he had to put some real effort - and be denied the finding of any.

Suddenly, a realization struck. They've left without me! What hour is it!? He jumped up from his seat, only to topple over, impacting the floor thusly adding a more physical pain to the hangover.

"Ow...." he groaned, incapacitated, but not given the mercy of unconsciousness.
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Arzarael, Archfiend · Posted: Mon Jul 03, 2006 2:23 am Post subject:

DM: 100 Bonus XP to Krikor.

"Yer've had enough to drink, boy." Grunted Barth, from behind the counter. The Vesthayan's well-toned muscles shined in the candlelight as he polished a wooden mug with a rag and spittle. "Yer drinks'll cost double and yer hav'ter pay fer damages if this keeps up."
_________________
Unique Outsider
Level 10 PLUSHIE Moderator
CR: 45
-Arzarael, Archfiend

AbuDhabi · Posted: Mon Jul 03, 2006 2:26 am Post subject:

KRIKOR

"N'more drink," muttered Krikor, oozing to sit against a wall. "'Nuff."
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Arzarael, Archfiend · Posted: Mon Jul 03, 2006 2:32 am Post subject:

Barth went back to polishing, applying a generous amount of spittle and phlegm on a copper goblet. "Good. Otherwise I won't have'yer running around like yer friends, who carried on like a buncha stoned weasels when they left the town."
_________________
Unique Outsider
Level 10 PLUSHIE Moderator
CR: 45
-Arzarael, Archfiend

ScotStorm · Posted: Mon Jul 03, 2006 9:33 am Post subject:

Kama walking down the streets of Eliramil, was lost in thought. He pondered lifes exhistence as he merrily stepped down the stairs and onto the main road leading to the Drunken Bones Inn. The Monk had been on a mission from the monastary of St. Cuthbert to aid the elves in assisting in finding a cure for the strange malady that overcame Nirabia Sariol, the Empress of Vardinthrar. Seeing the townfolk shipping and trading gave Kama a feeling of importance. A sense of worth. See in Kamas eyes everybody had worth or a purpose. Even the creatures forged in evil and chaos had a purpose. It was in his faiths belief that those creatures that broke the law should be brought to retribution however and no creature good or evil should break the law. There were said principles that a follower of St. Cuthbert should have thinking back to his trainings at the monastary." Honesty, Truthfulness, Practicality and Reasonability" as the Monk recited aloud while walking past the meat market and fish stand.
Looking up he saw what he was looking for The Drunken Bones Inn.
Here he hoped he was to find assistance in this quest.

Althorn Sunstealer · Posted: Mon Jul 03, 2006 10:51 am Post subject:

Sir Amair Walks into the Drunken Bones with an air grandeur, and towering eminence, as if he was a school teacher, and he had just caught an errant child stealing fruit. In a few steps, he had thrown off his lofty manner and was as relaxed as a bear in his den. “Hello Barth, how about some of your onion rings? And something cold to wash them down?” Sitting down, the knight began to converse companionably with the townsfolk while waiting for his food and drink. When they arrived, he grabbed them and, thanking Barth, and bidding farewell to his friends, he got up and moved to an empty table to think.

He had always maintained that it was his duty to help maintain order in Eliramil, and for years he had spent his days patrolling the town, keeping order, helping towns people, and making sure everything ran smoothly.

Today had been calm and peaceful, now that all those blasted scholars were gone. It was an honor to have them here, of course, but those book dwellers could drink! God, he had lost count of the number of robe-clad drunkards he had pulled out of the gutter. Well, at least they’re all gone now… hello, what’s this now… Sir Amair watched as a one of the blasted scholars sat down at his table and began to make a drunken-fool out of him self. After a moment of stunned silence, Sir Amair breaks into the conversation. "Don’t worry, Barth, I’ll take care of him."
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Pain heals,
Chicks dig scars,
Glory, lasts for ever

AbuDhabi · Posted: Mon Jul 03, 2006 12:52 pm Post subject:

KRIKOR

With a fluid, almost sloshing, motion of his head, Krikor turned to the four knights. He blinked several times - until their numbers dwindled to something more reasonable. "No, r'lly, I'm 'kay!" the hung-over scholar argued. To prove it, he stood up - all on his own, at the same time preventing the wall from falling over.

"I-I thin' that m'buddies left..." he added, once again scanning the room for a friendly face, the only newcomer being some kind of determinned-looking individual with two big axes.
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ScotStorm · Posted: Mon Jul 03, 2006 1:14 pm Post subject:

Walking in the Drunken Bones Inn. Kama glanced over the seen of the patrons and employees of the Inn. Busily scurrying about delievering patrons their ale and meals. People going about their day to day business. Kama glanced for anyone not of the faint of heart to assist him in this mission of great importance. Gurimel the Abbot had given this mission to Kama because Gurimel had complete faith in Kamas devotion and meditation.

Glancing over the Tavern out of the corner of his eye he managed to see a knight walking over to a man foolishly standing up and looking at Kama.
Were these the people to help him. He had to find out.

Arzarael, Archfiend · Posted: Mon Jul 03, 2006 4:24 pm Post subject:

"You've had enough to drink, my friend." Said Sir Amair firmly. "Let's get you a place to sober up and Barth would wet you down." The Knight led Krikor outside and seated him on a wooden stool. Barth arrived a few moments later with a bucket full of water and sloshed it all over the scholar's face. "Bedda now?" Grinned the Vesthayan, as water dripped all over Krikor's hair and face.
_________________
Unique Outsider
Level 10 PLUSHIE Moderator
CR: 45
-Arzarael, Archfiend

ScotStorm · Posted: Mon Jul 03, 2006 6:43 pm Post subject:

Kama watched the spectacle all in amazement as the swift motioning of this Barth the Barkeep and the Knight admonishly walking over to the drunken fellow and administiring the age old remedy of sobering up. Seeing the potential for leadership in this mission, Kama followed the two patrons and the one employee over to the stool and admired this kind hearted fellow for taking the time out to care for another individual." See you got yourself a handful.", said Kama to the two.

Gather Information Check: 2+18=20
Diplomacy Check: 2+11=13

Arzarael, Archfiend · Posted: Mon Jul 03, 2006 7:30 pm Post subject:

"Aye," Said Barth. "Little runt got himself stoned with his friends a coupla days ago. Friends got ousted by ol' Sir Amair here, but this one's still around."
_________________
Unique Outsider
Level 10 PLUSHIE Moderator
CR: 45
-Arzarael, Archfiend

Barathian · Posted: Mon Jul 03, 2006 8:48 pm Post subject:

Siska was seated in one of the corners of the tavern. Writing another poem, she would occasionaly look up to see the doings of the tavern. She had come into town a day ago looking for some work but not the usual work. She was looking for adventure. She was tired of writing about it and decided she wanted to live it. She looked up to see a man wobbling towards her table but making a sudden turn and then sitting down across the table from a man who had just walked in a few minutes earlier. Letting out a slight giggle she looked down and continued to write:

The haze of darkness
The smoothness of light
The time has become a mess
There soon shall be a fight

I leave my home on a quest
I help the poor
I hope I pass this test
For if I dont, I may end up battered and on the floor

Reading it over and deciding she could do much better she crumbles it up. hmm..I need somthing..somthing to write about..I need an adventure to inspire me..ah..I do miss my mother..but I wish not to write of sorrow..

Siska goes off into thought of when she told her mother she was leaving to go find whatever was calling her..her destiny. "Aye! You need not go chasing dreams..your life is here..helping provide food and shelter for me and your little brother" Said her mother. " But ,I must do this. There is nothing for me here..I could be great mom..I could be somthing..What happened to the days when the Silense family was known through out Vardinthrar!" Her mother tears building in her eyes leaned forward and kissed her on the cheek "Go then..if you must..but I have somthing for you" She walked over to her bedroll and pulled from under it a box. She walked back over to Siska and handed her the box. Mom, what is it?. "Open it..its the only thing our family still has from our glory days..and if you wish to bring those days back with you, I want you to have it with you. Siska opened the box to find a beautiful golden brooch. "Mom.."

Siska faded back into reality noticing her soft boney fingers sliding across her brooch which she now had attatched to her cloak.
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ScotStorm · Posted: Mon Jul 03, 2006 10:39 pm Post subject:

Nice to meet your aquaintance gentleman. My name is Kama and Iam a Monk from the Monastary of St Cuthbert here in Vardinthrar. If youe done assisting the gentleman, I would like to talk to you Sir Amair.Thinking to himself this chap would make an excellent leader. "Hello Sir Amair... I would like to talk to you in private"." It pertains to the safety and security of our Empress Nirabia Sariol". Walking the Knight over to a secluded part of the Inn. Save for a Half-Elven Girl lost in thought.

AbuDhabi · Posted: Tue Jul 04, 2006 3:00 am Post subject:

KRIKOR

Krikor didn't even have enough strength to scream in outrage as cold water impacted his face. Several moments he just stood there, shivering.

"Sober. Now." he finally said, rigidly walking inside. "No. More. Water. Please."

Why didn't I take clerical training?! I'm sure they never suffer inebriation with their fancy counter-poison spells! Krikor complained to himself, about himself. As well as never get water dumped on their heads! With that he took yet another look around the inn, half-consciously grinning in the direction of the half-elven girl.

Oh. That's right, I remember now, he realized. Celibacy. No, no, I'll take cold water over priesthood any day.

Krikor gathered himself as well as he could, wringing his robes a bit, and combing over his raven black hair with the palm of his hand. "It seems I'm stuck here... *ahem* Anyone here going towards Sharytil?" he announced at the motley band that seemed to be smelling in numbers every minute. "Could use some travelling companions - the roads aren't, hmmm, exactly safe in these troubled times. The more the merrier, am I right?" Krikor grinned widely, hopefully in a convincing and endearing way.
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Arzarael, Archfiend · Posted: Tue Jul 04, 2006 4:55 am Post subject:

Amair followed Kama to a corner of the candle-lit inn. "Well met", he said, saluting the monk and giving him a smile. "'Tis good to see another worshipper of St. Cuthbert, of the Cudgel in this town. The late Coronal Meraith himself granted this keep to my great-grandfather, for services to the realm and the safety of his niece is of the greatest concern to us. What has befallen the Empress?"
_________________
Unique Outsider
Level 10 PLUSHIE Moderator
CR: 45
-Arzarael, Archfiend

Shadowhawck · Posted: Tue Jul 04, 2006 5:55 am Post subject:

Airmid(Eliane)

The soft light of dawn poured in through the cracks in the barn wall. Airmid looked up from her prayers and smiled. Yet another day to work on my reason for being brought to this place. She rose and milked the cow quickly. Carrying the small pail towards the house, she quietly slips inside. She stokes the fire softly, fetching another small arm load of wood. As she makes yet another trip with the wood she sighs. What I would not give to have Knoll with me. His huge arms would have made this labor easier. Yet, what is life without service to others.

After gathering enough wood to see the couple through the next night, she takes the one pot and slips it on the hook over the fire. Taking some dried oats and milk she lowly begins to make a grule.

John and Margret had been very kind. They had allowed her to dine with them the night before, though she was a stranger. She had repayed their kindness with one of her own. John had injured himself cutting wood a few days earlier. Yet being a poor couple they had not the coin to get a proper healer. Little did they know that by opening their door to the soft knock all their current woes would be handled. Airmid had cleaned and gathered wood. Then before she had taken her chosen spot in the barn she had layed her hands upon John, healing his wound. They had offered her the coin they collected, but she softly smiled and shook her head no. After taking only a small bit of the grule she stood again.

John and Margret entered from their small room then, bright smiles on both their faces. Airmid smiled and quietly gathered her few belongings. She quietly opened the door and bade the couple goodbye. I wish I could be here when they open their oats again and find the gold coin I left for them.

Sholdering her small bag and the saddle bags, the combind weight is almost to much for her small frame. She leans on the staff she carries, smiling the whole time. It is only a few miles to Eliramil, hopefuly there she will be able to work on her calling to this distant place.

The town is small and exactly as John had said it would be. He had said to seek out "The Drunken Bones" as the barkeep, Barth Owedd, would be able to point her in the right direction. The inn is easy to find, she realizes taht her grey robes are a contrast to the usual coloring of the natives, but again it has always been so. She makes her way over to the bar. Placing the saddle bags at her feat and leaning the staff against the bar. She rests her red wrapped hands upon the bar. He eyes cross the room, and she finds the common room only sparsly populated.

"Might I have some water? John the Woodsman and his wife Margret send their regards. John said you might be better able to answer some of my questions." Her voice is soft and kindly.

Barathian · Posted: Tue Jul 04, 2006 9:30 am Post subject:

Siska remained lost in thought for a bit longer until someone else enterned the tavern. She looked up and saw a woman carrying what seemed to be too much weight for the woman. She stood up and began to walk over to help her but, the woman quickly laid down her belongings. Siska slipped back over to her chair and remained quiet, eyeing everyone and everything in the room. She had been saving up coins for quite sometime. Although for what she did not know. She had saved up so much she could have provided everything for her mother and brother until they could gather money for themselves but, somewhere inside her she was telling herself there was somthing else..somthing else she needed that money for. "what could it be..I have the money for everything..I mean im practically rich now.." She thought of it for another minute while continueing to eye everyone and everything in the bar. Waiting for the time when she would be needed. Someone in this town or someone just traveling through would be the one to gain her skills by their side.
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Reldo · Posted: Tue Jul 04, 2006 3:29 pm Post subject:

Bibbles rolled out of bed and hit the floor.. BUMP.. The gnome reached to his dagger and then realised he had just fallen out of bed again.
"Why dont they ever make gnome sized be... oww my head"
Bibbles clutched his head and lent back against the bed, he'd had too much last night. Usually he would have stopped at a sensible point but those priests or wizards or whatever they were were pretty hard to keep up with.. And the day Bibbles the bard was out drank by some bookworm was the day the more hot layers of the Abyss froze over.
"I think a hair of the dog might be in order"
Bibbles pondered for a moment on how good an idea alchohol would be to cure a hangover.. but his head soon drove him to get up, dressed, packed and out of the room.

Bibbles stumbled down the stairs into the inns main room, looking about he saw one of the scholars from last night looking rather wet and nodded in his direction.
The gnome went up to the bar and ordered a shot of gin.. Downed in rather quickly and went over to sit by the scholar.

"Mornin.." looking at the mans sogieness curiously Bibbles spoke again "Guess you did beat me on the drinks yesterday.. still I reckon neither of us feel very good for that.." He paused for a moment..
"Did your friends leave without you?"

ScotStorm · Posted: Tue Jul 04, 2006 3:51 pm Post subject:

"A Strange malady Sir Amair", tis not known the posion or cure for that matter.""I have been sent from the monastary to take up arms against whatever evil scourges the land".At the request of Gurimel the Abbot. I was to find a band of adventures to assist in finding a cure for this sickness of mylady and find out who's behingd the evil and possibly thawrt it". Will you join the cause and also take up arms and possibly infer to others to do the same"? I feel this place is as good a place to start as any. Barth is known for the Drunken Bones to attract adventures from all over the realms".

Diplomacy Check: 2+19=21

Arzarael, Archfiend · Posted: Tue Jul 04, 2006 3:57 pm Post subject:

DM: 100 Bonus XP to Bibbles and Airmid

The tavern was getting busier by the hour and Barth was hurrying around, servng food and drink to the patrons when the wooden door suddenly slammed open. An elven boy, barely into his prime, ran into the inn, his green eyes wide with terror. He darted around the room frantically, until at last, he found Sir Amair. "Biel, what's the matter?" Asked the Knight, holding the boy by the shoulders. Biel looked on the verge of breaking into tears as the knight tended to him. The inn fell silent. "Sir Amair... It's Rynn. He... he's been taken."
_________________
Unique Outsider
Level 10 PLUSHIE Moderator
CR: 45
-Arzarael, Archfiend

Shadowhawck · Posted: Tue Jul 04, 2006 4:07 pm Post subject:

Airmid turns to the door as the young man enters. Her water resting before her. The barkeep has been busy serving his other patrons, and she is more than willing to wait. Her eyes follow the young man as he crosses to what she can only assume to be a knight of some kind. So much like Deklend. She finishes her water, her attention turned to this new event. She places a single gold coin on the bar to cover her drink, even as her eyes once again move across the room to come and rest upon the knight and young man.

ScotStorm · Posted: Tue Jul 04, 2006 4:17 pm Post subject:

Kama turns to Amair and quickly questions Amair."Whos is Rynn"? Amair to caught up in the boys appearance didn't even notice Kamas question.
Kama thinking to himself I must assist Amair in tis emergency!" Thinking the worst Kama yelled at the top of his lungs...."We need assistance from every available hand" Hoping that would summon needed hands for just the off chance of a raiding drow party or such.

Diplomacy Check: 2+5=7

Arzarael, Archfiend · Posted: Tue Jul 04, 2006 4:28 pm Post subject:

"Rynn's my brother." Said the distraught Biel, shaking as Amair ushered him to a seat. "We... we thought it was another prank that he was trying to pull, but he didn't return home after two days. Mother's having a fit about it."
"He's the third child to disappear in three weeks." Explained the Knight. "Young Tybithia Silverthorn vanished three weeks ago, while foraging in the forests. The town rangers found fragments of bone where she was last seen, but no sign of her. Then it was Zeke Iterath, I think, who didn't return home after going to the well after dark. We've been trying to locate them, but they seemed to have disappeared into nowhere."
_________________
Unique Outsider
Level 10 PLUSHIE Moderator
CR: 45
-Arzarael, Archfiend

Shadowhawck · Posted: Tue Jul 04, 2006 4:44 pm Post subject:

The young vanishing into the night is never a good thing. Perhaps this is why, or another step along the path. Airmid needs to hear no more. Her oaths as a healer and her vows to Ilmater are more than enough to compel her forward.

"Good Knight," She offers a small bow as she approaches. Her hand coming to rest upon one of Biel's shoulders. "I am not much skilled in the martial ways, but I understand the ways of injury. I would offer myself to aid in whatever way I may. I am Airmid, healer of Ilmater." She turns her focus to Biel. She takes his hands softly in her own. "We will need you calm, for anything you can tell us will aid your brother." She slowly brushes at his hair, allowing her tone and words to calm him.

Diplomacy: 17+12=29