Kirby- Artemis (Mystic Theurge)
Shadowy- Ulrich (Drunken Master)
Ain Soph Aur- Devata (Dervish)
Krashbot- To be announced
The Red Dragon King has called on you. Why, you don't know. All that you were told is that Haldrivar, the second most powerful of the Dragon Lords of Var'Dindale, contacted your local Guild rep with a request for employment. You were to meet him three days hence, at twilight, in his city of Haldale.
Three days have passed since then. After long travels, you have arrived at the north-western corner of the continent, to Var'Dindale, and to Haldrivar.
Approaching the gates to Haldrivar's city, you notice a pair of guards at either side of the gates, and four more above, on the walls. All are watching you. All appear restless.
As you get near, the two guards on either side of the door check a piece of paper, then nod to each other in confirmation. They nod to the guards above, and two begin to chant. The door flashes deep crimson, and opens.
"Quickly, quickly," says one of the guards, his eyes searching the grass-covered countryside behind you, as though afraid ravening monsters would charge at any moment. "Lord Haldrivar is eager to meet with you."
The gates close behind you more swiftly than they opened. Standing just inside the gates, a life-sized figure of a red dragon (made of pure ruby, by the looks of it) stares at you with an unnervingly sharp gaze.
Beyond the statue, the city sprawls lazily behind. It's very large for a walled city; perhaps four or five miles across. At the center stands Haldrivar's keep. Amazingly large and adorned with many statues and spires, it is an intimidating sight to say the least.
As the sun begins to fall behind the mountains in the west, it seems to ignite the rooftops of every building. For a few minutes, you are treated to a beautiful, yet somehow disturbing, sight. It looks as though the city has caught fire, awash in a golden-red inferno of light.
The meeting. It must be soon, if you aren't late already.
Everything scares me... kitties scare me... squirrels scare me... corpses....corpses bring forth a pletora of confusing feeling which i prefer not to dwell on...:p
Devata glares menacingly at the guards attempting to hurry her on through. She thumbs the hilts of her blades reflexively, but goes on through without a struggle.
"The man who lives as a crow shall have his eyes plucked out by one," She curses in a quiet growl.
She looks at the giant ruby effigy with some hint of being impressed, then scans the rest of the inner city like a hawk.
After spotting the keep, she struts forward in her usual swagger, neither slowly nor with haste.
"Dragons sure think a lot of themselves," Devata says to herself in amusement; "But the pay is sure to be excellent, if I don't get eaten first."
"That musta been an old gate, eh Arty? They don' make gates like tha one any more."
Ulrich pats Artemis on the back, a bit forcefully, and walks/staggers through the gate.
"Don' know why we need ta rush with somethin like that aroun', but I'm nah arguin'."
When he gets through the gate, he stops, and the sight of the ruby dragon statue seems to sober him for a minute. He then pulls a flask from one of his belt pouches and takes a swig.
"Now if tha isn' the most beau.. beau... pretty statue I ever seen, don' yah agree Arty?"
As Artemis walks, he keeps his attention tied to a book. When he hears Ulrich whistle, he glances up at the gate.
Looks to be that way, the architecture looks like some high quality work.
Artemis does what he can to keep from falling as he stumbles from the pat on the back.
After hearing the guards, Artemis shuts the book and picks up his pace as he moves through the gate.
Artemis just stares at the statue with a look of contemplation. Beautiful? Yes, very much so. Impecable craftsmenship, fine material, and fit to match the legendary Haldrivar. After analyzing the statue, Artemis starts flipping through several books and mubbles incoherently to himself.
Arcana to recognize the spell that opened the gate
Dice Roller1 D20 rolled with a +34 modifier
9 + 34
Achitecture and Engineering to study the gate and statue
Dice Roller1 D20 rolled with a +29 modifier
4 + 29
Geography to figure out what might be able to attack the area based on the terrain
Dice Roller1 D20 rolled with a +29 modifier
16 + 29
History to figure out a timeline for the area
Dice Roller1 D20 rolled with a +29 modifier
1 + 29
Local to learn about the city
Dice Roller1 D20 rolled with a +29 modifier
4 + 29
Nobility and Royalty to learn about Haldrivar and if the statue has any special meaning to it
Dice Roller1 D20 rolled with a +29 modifier
9 + 29
I think that's everything that could pertain to this. I like to ask for the campaign notes that I could obtain through my knowledge checks, but I have a hard time believing that you'd go into that much detail before hand in creating this world.
You all arrive at different times, but not very far apart. You'll all arrive at the castle at roughly the same time.
I've got a seriously nasty case of strep throat, so my posting today and possibly tomorrow will be minimal. I'll try to update tonight some time when the creative part of my brain is functioning and not whining about all the pain it is in.
Everything scares me... kitties scare me... squirrels scare me... corpses....corpses bring forth a pletora of confusing feeling which i prefer not to dwell on...:p
Ah, Shadowy and I thought that since Ulrich and Artemis have been travelling together for a bit, that they'd be arriving together. If you want, we can probily edit things to enter separately.
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The spell that opened the gate was a spell that Artemis has never encountered before. It appears to be most similar to some combined version of Knock, Telekinesis, and Passwall.
Both the gate and statue show evidence of Dwarven craft. In fact, they're the finest examples of such that Artemis has ever seen. A small army of master craftsman would have been required to create them.
As far as Artemis knows, there are no dangerous creatures in such settled areas like this. The walls and magical defenses of such large towns as this are excellent motivation for creatures to stay away.
The area was settled roughly 7,000 years ago, by humans. After the original Dragon Lords helped defeat Brammond 5,000 years ago, they were honored with a kingdom of their own. The two strongest amongst the ten (red and gold) were granted the central plains. Anthivar and Haldrivar are their descendants; fourth generation.
The city of Haldale is spread in a circular pattern, having obviously been expanded in layers. Haldrivar is considered a fair and good leader. But, as a dragon, he is somewhat covetous and elitist. There is a fairly strict class system in place. Peasants and serfs at the bottom, merchants and craftsmen after that, soldiers next, with nobles, knights, and the other members of Haldrivar's court at the top.
Haldrivar is the fourth Red Dragon King of Haldale. He has a reputation as a very dangerous sorcerer, favoring Evocation spells. He is also an accomplished military commander, and in his lifetime has personally taken the field at the head of his army countless times. The statue is carved in a likeness of Haldrivar. Other than rumored to be his favorite piece of treasure, Artemis can't think of any special meaning to it.
As they make their way to the castle, Artemis, Ulrich, and Devata notice that the peasants are scurrying to get home before it gets completely dark. It's not a full-blown sprint, but it's close. The children don't seem to want to go inside, but their parents quickly drag them.
Arriving at roughly the same time to the huge castle, the three are greeted by a man who has the most bland, average appearance they've ever seen. The only fact about him that stands out is that nothing stands out. He smiles at the three of them, and says "Welcome. I am Weatherby, Lord Haldrivar's personal attendant. Please, follow me to the dining room. The Lord has graciously prepared a feast for you while you wait."
He leads the three through a warm, comfortable entrance hall, decorated in shades of orange and red and illuminated with flickering torchlight.
After a very short trip through a simple hallway, they arrive in a huge dining room. A long table in the middle is weighed down with all kinds of fresh food and drink, and many empty chairs line it. At the head is a slightly larger chair, but otherwise appears to be made for a human.
"Please help yourselves to whatever you want," Weatherby says as he bows out of the room; "Lord Haldrivar will be with you momentarily."
Everything scares me... kitties scare me... squirrels scare me... corpses....corpses bring forth a pletora of confusing feeling which i prefer not to dwell on...:p
As Ulrich is led through the entrance hall, he looks all about at the decorations, while pulling out another flask from his pouch and taking another drink.
"Well, nice place 'ere. 'least it's big, not all cramped an' small. 'Course would need tah be for a dragon."
When Ulrich sees the feast, he stops rambling, and grins.
"Well, seems he really want's our help."
With that, he sits rather quickly and begins eating and drinking as fast as he can.
As they are making there way to the castle, Artemis begins to contemplate the place and mutters as he does. Such fine craftsmanship, a great feat of skill. A majestic combination of beauty and performance. If he could afford to hire what would amount to a small army of the best dwarven craftsmen, then why would he hire us? Could he not find the greatest heroes from across the land, would they not be impressed enough to hire themselves out to one of such power and wealth? As they are led into the dining hall, Artemis stops his muttering to admire the elegant decor of the place.
Artemis notices the lady looking him and Ulrich over and bows as he introduces himself. Good evening madam. I am Artemis Praenuntis. I'm guessing that you've been summoned here by Haldrivar as well.
Once they are led to the feast, Artemis takes his seat and slowly begins to sample each platter making sure to try everything and savour its flavor.
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After only a few minutes, a door on the wall behind the slightly larger chair opens, and a red-robed figure strides in. It is roughly humanoid, but it's features are hidden in the depths of the robe. The robe's cowl is covering the face, and the lengthy sleeves hide the hands.
"Welcome, adventurers," the figure says in a male voice; "I am Haldrivar. I hope you have eaten and drunk to your contentment. Because I'm afraid I haven't invited you all here to feast the whole time."
Haldrivar takes a seat at the head chair. "Something is wrong in our lands. By us, I of course mean the Dragon Lords of Var'Dindale. Three of our number have disappeared in the last few months. Kidnapped, killed, or something else, we do not know. Their castles lay in ruins, so they must have fought to the last. Recently, I recieved some startling information: I am to be targeted next by whoever is doing this. Which is why you are here."
Haldrivar pauses, waiting for any questions the group may have.
Everything scares me... kitties scare me... squirrels scare me... corpses....corpses bring forth a pletora of confusing feeling which i prefer not to dwell on...:p
"I see," Devata responds, wiping her hands delicately on a napkin.
She smiles demurely.
"As you undoubtably know, since you called on me in the first place, I am Devata of the Ishtaradhi. But my enemies know me as the Headhuntress; just ask them," Her laugh is throaty and her eyes smoldering as she demonstrates her point, lifting up the chain at her side upon which the skulls of her most formidable opponents weigh.
"Should any try to attack you I will be sure to relieve them of their heads, my Lord Haldrivar."
Whoops, wrong letter. I'll correct that then edit into this post.
"Ah, little one," Haldrivar says to Devata; "You will not be cutting the heads off of anyone, I'm afraid. I have some information that is very important."
Haldrivar reaches into the depths of his robe, pulling out a piece of paper. He tosses it to the group to read.
Quote from The letter »
Haldrivar,
Ever closer we come to you. If you are wondering who we are, do not. Silence is our creed. Information is our currency. Night is our ally. You are next on our list. Our reach is long. Under, over, behind, before, we have roots in all these places, and more. Running will not help you. Three we have taken already. Our next target is you. Will you flee before we arrive? Not that it matters much.
Already we prove our strength. Three of you were no match for our power. Reality is changing. A day approaches when you will not hold court in these lands. If you think you can face us, please do. Three days and one, you have left to live. Or you can run, cower like a dog. Really, it matters not.
Fear what is coming. If you make contact with the others, we will know. Needless to say, it won't help you. Doom approaches, ever faster. Three down. How long can you survive? Even if you do escape us, it is only temporary. Mind the shadows, for we watch you from them.
Everything scares me... kitties scare me... squirrels scare me... corpses....corpses bring forth a pletora of confusing feeling which i prefer not to dwell on...:p
Everything scares me... kitties scare me... squirrels scare me... corpses....corpses bring forth a pletora of confusing feeling which i prefer not to dwell on...:p
Everything scares me... kitties scare me... squirrels scare me... corpses....corpses bring forth a pletora of confusing feeling which i prefer not to dwell on...:p
Everything scares me... kitties scare me... squirrels scare me... corpses....corpses bring forth a pletora of confusing feeling which i prefer not to dwell on...:p
Ulrich looks up from eating when Haldrivar enters the room. He listens whle Devata and Haldrivar are discussing, then suddenly bursts in, loud and rather gruff.
"Well if any are gonna try an' do somethin' bad, shouldn' we try an stop them, right? Even if you don' want us to kill them, why nah capture them or somethin'? I say we go lookin' right now!"
With that he looks to everyone at the table as if there could be no other option.
Haldrivar shakes his head slightly at the gathered adventurers. "The capital letters. They spell an important bit of information. There is a traitor here in Haldale. I want you to find them, and find out who is threatening me."
Everything scares me... kitties scare me... squirrels scare me... corpses....corpses bring forth a pletora of confusing feeling which i prefer not to dwell on...:p
Artemis looks at the letter again to find the message. Cunning, very clever of them. Before we start, could you give us any leads as to who it is talking about, "Find the M"? Any person, thing, place... Anything at all that it could be referencing?
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Kirby- Artemis (Mystic Theurge)
Shadowy- Ulrich (Drunken Master)
Ain Soph Aur- Devata (Dervish)
Krashbot- To be announced
The Red Dragon King has called on you. Why, you don't know. All that you were told is that Haldrivar, the second most powerful of the Dragon Lords of Var'Dindale, contacted your local Guild rep with a request for employment. You were to meet him three days hence, at twilight, in his city of Haldale.
Three days have passed since then. After long travels, you have arrived at the north-western corner of the continent, to Var'Dindale, and to Haldrivar.
Approaching the gates to Haldrivar's city, you notice a pair of guards at either side of the gates, and four more above, on the walls. All are watching you. All appear restless.
As you get near, the two guards on either side of the door check a piece of paper, then nod to each other in confirmation. They nod to the guards above, and two begin to chant. The door flashes deep crimson, and opens.
"Quickly, quickly," says one of the guards, his eyes searching the grass-covered countryside behind you, as though afraid ravening monsters would charge at any moment. "Lord Haldrivar is eager to meet with you."
The gates close behind you more swiftly than they opened. Standing just inside the gates, a life-sized figure of a red dragon (made of pure ruby, by the looks of it) stares at you with an unnervingly sharp gaze.
Beyond the statue, the city sprawls lazily behind. It's very large for a walled city; perhaps four or five miles across. At the center stands Haldrivar's keep. Amazingly large and adorned with many statues and spires, it is an intimidating sight to say the least.
As the sun begins to fall behind the mountains in the west, it seems to ignite the rooftops of every building. For a few minutes, you are treated to a beautiful, yet somehow disturbing, sight. It looks as though the city has caught fire, awash in a golden-red inferno of light.
The meeting. It must be soon, if you aren't late already.
{Magic: The RPG}
"The man who lives as a crow shall have his eyes plucked out by one," She curses in a quiet growl.
She looks at the giant ruby effigy with some hint of being impressed, then scans the rest of the inner city like a hawk.
After spotting the keep, she struts forward in her usual swagger, neither slowly nor with haste.
"Dragons sure think a lot of themselves," Devata says to herself in amusement; "But the pay is sure to be excellent, if I don't get eaten first."
"That musta been an old gate, eh Arty? They don' make gates like tha one any more."
Ulrich pats Artemis on the back, a bit forcefully, and walks/staggers through the gate.
"Don' know why we need ta rush with somethin like that aroun', but I'm nah arguin'."
When he gets through the gate, he stops, and the sight of the ruby dragon statue seems to sober him for a minute. He then pulls a flask from one of his belt pouches and takes a swig.
"Now if tha isn' the most beau.. beau... pretty statue I ever seen, don' yah agree Arty?"
Sig and avatar by the fine people at
[High~Light Studios]
Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and good with ketchup.
Self proclaimed (Draconic) Leader of the one-man goblin mob.
Necromancer: Prices are reasonable (Only an arm and a leg, or two.)
Looks to be that way, the architecture looks like some high quality work.
Artemis does what he can to keep from falling as he stumbles from the pat on the back.
After hearing the guards, Artemis shuts the book and picks up his pace as he moves through the gate.
Artemis just stares at the statue with a look of contemplation. Beautiful? Yes, very much so. Impecable craftsmenship, fine material, and fit to match the legendary Haldrivar. After analyzing the statue, Artemis starts flipping through several books and mubbles incoherently to himself.
Achitecture and Engineering to study the gate and statue
Geography to figure out what might be able to attack the area based on the terrain
History to figure out a timeline for the area
Local to learn about the city
Nobility and Royalty to learn about Haldrivar and if the statue has any special meaning to it
I think that's everything that could pertain to this. I like to ask for the campaign notes that I could obtain through my knowledge checks, but I have a hard time believing that you'd go into that much detail before hand in creating this world.
Sig and avi of the Ur-Dragon by Spiderboy4 at High~Light Studios
Under his breath Ulrich mutters "Hope it's as big on tha' inside as it looks out here."
With that, Ulrich walk staggers in the general direction of the keep.
Sig and avatar by the fine people at
[High~Light Studios]
Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and good with ketchup.
Self proclaimed (Draconic) Leader of the one-man goblin mob.
Necromancer: Prices are reasonable (Only an arm and a leg, or two.)
Question, are we all together?
Answer: no.
You all arrive at different times, but not very far apart. You'll all arrive at the castle at roughly the same time.
I've got a seriously nasty case of strep throat, so my posting today and possibly tomorrow will be minimal. I'll try to update tonight some time when the creative part of my brain is functioning and not whining about all the pain it is in.
{Magic: The RPG}
Sig and avi of the Ur-Dragon by Spiderboy4 at High~Light Studios
The spell that opened the gate was a spell that Artemis has never encountered before. It appears to be most similar to some combined version of Knock, Telekinesis, and Passwall.
Both the gate and statue show evidence of Dwarven craft. In fact, they're the finest examples of such that Artemis has ever seen. A small army of master craftsman would have been required to create them.
As far as Artemis knows, there are no dangerous creatures in such settled areas like this. The walls and magical defenses of such large towns as this are excellent motivation for creatures to stay away.
The area was settled roughly 7,000 years ago, by humans. After the original Dragon Lords helped defeat Brammond 5,000 years ago, they were honored with a kingdom of their own. The two strongest amongst the ten (red and gold) were granted the central plains. Anthivar and Haldrivar are their descendants; fourth generation.
The city of Haldale is spread in a circular pattern, having obviously been expanded in layers. Haldrivar is considered a fair and good leader. But, as a dragon, he is somewhat covetous and elitist. There is a fairly strict class system in place. Peasants and serfs at the bottom, merchants and craftsmen after that, soldiers next, with nobles, knights, and the other members of Haldrivar's court at the top.
Haldrivar is the fourth Red Dragon King of Haldale. He has a reputation as a very dangerous sorcerer, favoring Evocation spells. He is also an accomplished military commander, and in his lifetime has personally taken the field at the head of his army countless times. The statue is carved in a likeness of Haldrivar. Other than rumored to be his favorite piece of treasure, Artemis can't think of any special meaning to it.
As they make their way to the castle, Artemis, Ulrich, and Devata notice that the peasants are scurrying to get home before it gets completely dark. It's not a full-blown sprint, but it's close. The children don't seem to want to go inside, but their parents quickly drag them.
Arriving at roughly the same time to the huge castle, the three are greeted by a man who has the most bland, average appearance they've ever seen. The only fact about him that stands out is that nothing stands out. He smiles at the three of them, and says "Welcome. I am Weatherby, Lord Haldrivar's personal attendant. Please, follow me to the dining room. The Lord has graciously prepared a feast for you while you wait."
He leads the three through a warm, comfortable entrance hall, decorated in shades of orange and red and illuminated with flickering torchlight.
After a very short trip through a simple hallway, they arrive in a huge dining room. A long table in the middle is weighed down with all kinds of fresh food and drink, and many empty chairs line it. At the head is a slightly larger chair, but otherwise appears to be made for a human.
"Please help yourselves to whatever you want," Weatherby says as he bows out of the room; "Lord Haldrivar will be with you momentarily."
{Magic: The RPG}
She has a seat and looks at the food with some reservation. After a moment, she shrugs and begins inhaling everything she can get her hands on.
"Well, nice place 'ere. 'least it's big, not all cramped an' small. 'Course would need tah be for a dragon."
When Ulrich sees the feast, he stops rambling, and grins.
"Well, seems he really want's our help."
With that, he sits rather quickly and begins eating and drinking as fast as he can.
Sig and avatar by the fine people at
[High~Light Studios]
Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and good with ketchup.
Self proclaimed (Draconic) Leader of the one-man goblin mob.
Necromancer: Prices are reasonable (Only an arm and a leg, or two.)
Artemis notices the lady looking him and Ulrich over and bows as he introduces himself. Good evening madam. I am Artemis Praenuntis. I'm guessing that you've been summoned here by Haldrivar as well.
Once they are led to the feast, Artemis takes his seat and slowly begins to sample each platter making sure to try everything and savour its flavor.
Sig and avi of the Ur-Dragon by Spiderboy4 at High~Light Studios
"Welcome, adventurers," the figure says in a male voice; "I am Haldrivar. I hope you have eaten and drunk to your contentment. Because I'm afraid I haven't invited you all here to feast the whole time."
Haldrivar takes a seat at the head chair. "Something is wrong in our lands. By us, I of course mean the Dragon Lords of Var'Dindale. Three of our number have disappeared in the last few months. Kidnapped, killed, or something else, we do not know. Their castles lay in ruins, so they must have fought to the last. Recently, I recieved some startling information: I am to be targeted next by whoever is doing this. Which is why you are here."
Haldrivar pauses, waiting for any questions the group may have.
{Magic: The RPG}
She smiles demurely.
"As you undoubtably know, since you called on me in the first place, I am Devata of the Ishtaradhi. But my enemies know me as the Headhuntress; just ask them," Her laugh is throaty and her eyes smoldering as she demonstrates her point, lifting up the chain at her side upon which the skulls of her most formidable opponents weigh.
"Should any try to attack you I will be sure to relieve them of their heads, my Lord Haldrivar."
"Ah, little one," Haldrivar says to Devata; "You will not be cutting the heads off of anyone, I'm afraid. I have some information that is very important."
Haldrivar reaches into the depths of his robe, pulling out a piece of paper. He tosses it to the group to read.
{Magic: The RPG}
{Magic: The RPG}
I may edit my response in that case.
I was about to bumb this too.
Maybe I need some sleep or something.
{Magic: The RPG}
"I am not a scholar. So unless you want us to help you hide, I'm afraid I don't know what exactly it is you want," She says in exasperation.
{Magic: The RPG}
"Well if any are gonna try an' do somethin' bad, shouldn' we try an stop them, right? Even if you don' want us to kill them, why nah capture them or somethin'? I say we go lookin' right now!"
With that he looks to everyone at the table as if there could be no other option.
Sig and avatar by the fine people at
[High~Light Studios]
Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and good with ketchup.
Self proclaimed (Draconic) Leader of the one-man goblin mob.
Necromancer: Prices are reasonable (Only an arm and a leg, or two.)
{Magic: The RPG}
Sig and avi of the Ur-Dragon by Spiderboy4 at High~Light Studios