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 Posted: Fri Feb 25, 2011 2:54 pm
Remnants of a Forgotten Past
It has been almost four centuries since the last dragon was seen in the lands of Alestra, and they had almost completely vanished from the minds of the peoples. Tales were still told of the Golden Age, when the dragons ruled benevolently over the humanoids, preforming feats of magic that no other creature could even dream of. Peace covered the lands and all was well, until a dwarf mage tried to learn the magics of the dragons. He approached the Ancients and asked them to ask the dragons if he could study under them, as a select few had in the past. But he was turned down, they said his soul was too corrupt to have that much power. So he turned to the even more ancient Gods, and demanded they help him. One Goddess, Ga'Braila, answered his call, and sent a meteor crashing into the continent, killing all of the dragons, and reshaping the continent, so all was lost.
Years passed and everyone sought the dragons, trying to rebuild what they had before, but no one ever found a trace, and they slowly lost hope. The different races warred against each other, and amongst themselves, each wanting to become the next ruling race. As the years passed the races staked their claims to certain lands, and began creating their own countries. The wars started to die down, and an uneasy peace settled over the lands.
Now, when almost all hope was lost that the dragons would ever be found again, a whisper of a rumor spread through the lands that there was one remaining hatchery somewhere in the Alestron mountains. All sorts of people began flocking to the mountains to try and find the hatchery for themselves. Some wanting the dragons to reunite the peoples, some wanting to know how and why they remained hidden for so long, and some who wanted to harvest the powers of the dragons themselves. Others that wanted to have their brutal fighting strength, and some who just wanted to go down in history as the person who found them again. As soon as the whispers began people miraculously had dragon eggs for sale, that were guaranteed to do anything from grant you immortality to cause anyone to love you, if you could make it hatch.
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Posted: Fri Feb 25, 2011 3:51 pm
Races, and Geography
On the continent of Alestra there are seven different races that populate the lands: Elves, Gnomes, Dwarves, Humans, Drow, Trolls, and Orcs.
The Elven country, Qualan, is covered in massive forests, that they have spent the last 400 years cultivating, and taming to grow into their homes. It covers the northern part of the continent. The average Elf is 7 feet tall, slim, has pale skin, bright blue or grey eyes, and light coloured hair. They are known as magical beings, and have the strongest magic out of the other races.
The Gnome country, Megastrom, is a hilly country, and at first glance you can't tell that anyone lives there, as they live under ground. It butts up against Qualan to the north, Talentra to the east, the Alestron mountains to the west, and Agarea to the south. On average a Gnome is 3 feet tall, slim, has pale skin, red eyes that are accustomed to darkness, and light coloured hair. They are known as the tinkerers of the continent and have provided mechanical devices to anyone who could pay.
Talentra, the Dwarven country is mountainous, and they have carved their homes out of the bases of the mountains. It is south of Qualan, north of Mignoma, east of Megastrom, and to the east is Mak'Tar. An average Dwarf is 4-5 feet tall, stocky, has dark olive skin, brown eyes, and brown or red hair. They are the best miners and blacksmiths on Alestra.
The Human country, Agarea, is full of plains which has allowed them to create an army of cavalry. It lays south of Megastrom, and spans from the Alena ocean to the west, and the mountains of Talentra to the east. The average Human is 5-6 feet tall, stocky, has tan skin, brown eyes, and any range of colour of hair. They are known as the diplomats of Alestra, and have stopped many a war from breaking out.
Mignoma, the home of the Drow is a large cavernous valley, where the sun only reaches once a year. It lays south of the human country Agarea, and is the place of the meteor crash. On average a Drow is 6 feet tall, slim, has blueish gray skin, white eyes that cannot see in the light, and white hair. They are known for their cultivation of animals, and interbreeding of them.
The Trolls live in the country Da'Jar, which is a delta of rivers, that runs to the Alena ocean, and it is in a protective pocket created by the Alestron mountains. There is only one road that runs through the mountain range that allows access to Megastrom. An average Troll is 8 feet tall, slim, has purple skin, green or red eyes, and red hair. They are best known for their knowledge of herbs and medicines.
Orcs live in the country Mak'Tar, which is a desert east of the mountains of Talentra, and it seems to stretch on forever to the east, but none who have ventured past the furthest outposts have never returned. The average Orc is 5-6 feet tall, stocky, with green skin, purple eyes and skin.
The Alestron mountain range runs north, south, along the western edge of Alestra. They begin at the northern coast, running south along the western coast, west of Qualan, before cutting inland to create a pocket around Da'Jar, and ends when it reaches the coast once more.
The dragons had a special race that acted as their intermediaries or interpreters between them and the other races on Alestra. This race is often referred to as the Ancients, but used to be known as Dragon-kin. They stand on two legs that resemble dragon hind legs, their skin is scaly and can be any colour in the rainbow. Small wings protrude from their backs, that allow them to fly small distances, and they have a thick tail that they could use as defense. Their faces resembled a small dragon face, but their eyes were all red, as opposed to the eyes of a dragon which seemed to be every colour of the rainbow at once. They disappeared at the same time as the dragons.
During the Golden Age it was their job to protect the hatcheries and convey messages between the other humanoids on the continent, and the dragons, as no one else knew the dragon language.
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Posted: Fri Feb 25, 2011 3:54 pm
Creatures
The drow have been spending the past centuries breeding new animals, trying to 'create' their own dragons. So far the closest they have come is an animal of burden called the Draki, it is a bulky, scaly creature that isn't very intelligent, but is good as a war mount, or to pull carts.
They have also created a long legged creature that looks a little like a combination of a horse, and a spider. With 6 legs that are usually 4 feet long, they are fast, but not very strong. The Drow use these Arcors as swift mounts when they go above ground. The Arcors are also able to make psychic connections with their riders so they can act as eyes for the light blind Drow.
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Posted: Fri Feb 25, 2011 4:34 pm
The Dancing Boar, in the port of Lar'Gae, Da'Jar
"Welcome to The Dancing Boar!" A rotund fellow announces as you walk through the door. "There be to finer inn in this here city." You look around at the dimly lit room, and question the validity of the sentence, but it's the only place in the city that will allow a Hunter like you in, so you don't argue. "Are you looking for a bed, or just a meal my friend?" The innkeeper yells over the din of the room.
You step a little closer to him, "A room please, I'm not going any farther in this storm." As if to accentuate your statement lightning flashes outside the window, blinding all inside momentarily.
"You be in luck my friend." The innkeeper bellows, "We have one bed left, it's not the biggest bed, and you be sharing a room with another fellow, but it's a bed." You shrug your shoulders knowing a bed is better than sleeping under a bush in this weather, and you hand over a few coins. The innkeeper bows and offers to show you to your room, you wave him off, stating that you'll take him up on that offer once you have food in your belly, and make your way to a nearby table that has an empty seat.
Sitting down you look at those around you, knowing that they all seek the same thing as you, a Dragon Hatchery.
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Posted: Fri Feb 25, 2011 5:18 pm
HuntersGaian name: IamSTRANGE
Name: Kaelet
Race: Drow
Age: 32
Appearance: [x]
Reason for Hunting: Kaelet is the fourteenth child of Lalena, the Queen of Mignoma. If she remained at home she would never get any attention, unless her elder siblings were to die. So instead of killing her siblings she decided to head out and find the dragons for personal fame.
Background: Kaelet was born into the royal family of Mignoma, however not close enough to the top of the list for her to ever dream of being the Queen. Although it was encouraged to do whatever it took to get to where you wanted in Drow society, Kaelet couldn't imagine successfully killing all of her siblings, and if she started to climb the ranks, then her younger siblings would see her as a threat, and she would soon be a target. However if she 'stepped down' by leaving Mignoma then she's no longer a target. So she left and headed towards the mountains. Along the way she can to the decision that she needed a group to travel with, so she headed to Da'Jar, having heard that there was a great collection of Hunters there.
Skills: She knows some minor spells, is a diplomat, and is considered very skilled at animal combination. She is also rather good at close combat fighting, and is a good shot with a bow.
Weapons: Daggers hidden all over her body, a bow and quiver.
Other: She rides her own Arcors, Sameal, and has brought along a couple small Draki.Gaian name: Si_Valael
Name: Tristan the Blue Flash
Race: Half Elf
Age: 28
Appearance: [x]
Reason for Hunting: As an Elemental Guardian, Tristan feels it is his duty to find and protect the hatchery from those that would want to obtain their power for their own gain, protecting the delicate balance of the world in the process.
Background: Tristan was orphaned as a child, left at the northern temple of the Elemental Monks which lays at the intersection of the boarders of Qualan, Megastrom, and Talentra. Raised by the monks of the temple, Tristan's mind and body were trained from the earliest possible age as well as being taught the philosophy of balance which the Monks and Guardians of the order were sworn to uphold. By the age of eight, he was permitted to begin learning the magic of the order, giving him the ability to control the four elements of nature, becoming one of the youngest disciples in the history of the order to do so. As those around him began to strive for greater power and impressiveness in their magic, Tristan began to experiment. Using his child like creativity and his seemingly limitless energy and determination, he began attempts to combine various elements to produce new magicks. Despite numerous set backs, Tristan eventually produced several new combinations of elemental manipulation, a feat that impressed the monks at his temple and prompted them to allow him to take the test for his Guardianship. Tristan passed on his first attempt and soon left the temple to explore the world as a Guardian, his only responsibility to protect balance in it's various forms.
Skills: Tristan is a skilled mediator, forager and wilderness guide, all honed though his years of travel. He is also a skilled one-on-one fighter as well and can hold his own against small groups of foes, whether fighting unarmed, with his weapon or using his magic.
Weapons: Two three foot poles that can be slotted together to make a single bo staff. The staff is made of red wood, and is usually carried in its component parts in a pouch on his back. His magic.
Other: While Tristan's eyes are usually a light, greyish blue, they will shift in colour when he begins to use magic, becoming a colour corresponding to that of the element he is about to use.Gaian Name: ~the~fox~6
Name: Cora “Phin” Phinley
Race: Human
Age: 26
Appearance: [x]
Reason for Hunting: Phin has been a “privateer” as she calls herself but she’s really a pirate for the past 10 years. The dragon’s nest is the ultimate treasure, and the one thing that rivals Phin’s love of the sea, is the love of treasure hunting. She has decided to take a break from the ocean to take to the challenge of locating the dragon’s nest.
Background: Phin has always lived near the ocean, her father being a merchant sailor (or that’s what her mother said). She could only vaguely remember him being there once or twice a month and her mother being happiest then, but one day he never returned and it broke her mother’s heart and spirit. Phin was only 8 at the time but old enough to understand that he wasn’t coming back, her mother didn’t leave their little apartment above the store for weeks. Then the store owner came up and demanded rent, which they didn’t have, after that day Phin could only remember the stench of the various basement rooms they rented. They never moved far from the coast though so there were always “diversions” to be found as her mother liked to say and that these “diversions” needed the company of a “lady of the evening” such as herself. Phin knew her mother had become a prostitute but never called her it to her face, they had to get money somehow. Phin could remember collecting scraps of whatever she could find and sell whatever she could to help but it never was enough. At the age of 13 Phin sold the only thing she had left that was of any value to the sailors, it made her sick to her stomach afterwards. Phin only resorted to it when the rent needed to be paid so her and her mother had a permanent room that was clean. She met a certain young man though when she was 16 who was like no one she had met before and he told her of his adventures on the high sea. Phin wanted that life where she would never have to sell her body again. She followed him back to the docks that night and snuck aboard his ship and didn’t look back. She worked her way up the ranks and proved herself a worthy pirate and became addicted to life of the high seas.
Skills: Stealing, swindling, bargaining, sweet talking, sailing and navigation. Blade work and close combat with a dagger.
Weapons: 2 ivory handled daggers, one on her hip and one hidden strapped to her calf beneath her boot, and a 1m long arming-sword that has a bejeweled handle and ivory detailing.
Other: Phin is only known by that name, only her mother called her Cora. She travels light when on land and isn’t afraid to use any means necessary to get what she wants or needs to continue on in her journey. Gaian name: BiolumeName: Nisse (pronounced nee-suh)Race: Gnome Age: 23 Appearance: [X]Reason for Hunting: Gnomes are Guardians. These little creatures spend their days aiding injured or sick animals in the wild and guard any matter that is important to them (commonly known for guarding gold). Having such a close bond with nature, the gnomes were devastated by the loss of dragons. They’ve worked extremely hard to help keep the balance in Alestra, and no one seems to believe the dragons will ever be found or return. Nisse believes otherwise; she promises to dedicate her life to solving the mystery and hopes to one day restore the dragon’s reign. Background: Nisse was raised in a normal gnomeon family with her parents, brother and older sister. Her parents were excellent role models, teaching her important morals and passing on everything they knew in life. Her father was a primarily a mechanic professor, while her mother took to Forest aid. Unfortunately, her older sister is no longer with them. She was following her mother’s footsteps as a Nature aid, but in these dark times there are many dangers in the forest. She tried to aid a group of large hoofed mammals the gnome race calls “Takeup”, and their struggle caused a landslide of boulders above her. All rescue members and Takeup were killed. As a result, Nisse’s brother feared the world and decided to dive into mechanics, assisting his father. Nisse, however, was strong hearted and unusually brave. She studied both Mechanics and Nature aid and graduated at the top of her class. She was notorious for taking risks out on the field that were dangerous but she would rarely fail her ambitions. Feeling confident about her place in the world, she decided to set out (a decision that the gnome race took time to agree with) and bring the Golden Age back to Alestra.Skills: Nisse is skilled in Herbology, Medicine, and Mechanics.Weapons: Nisse uses a sharp, double-sided hunting knife for many survival needs.Other: Although Nisse’s eyes appear blue, they adjust to red in darkness. Gaian name: Si_Valael
Name: Cale
Race: Appears Human
Age: Looks 16-18
Appearance: [x]
Reason for Hunting: Compulsion.
Background: The events of Cale's past are a mystery even to himself, his memories locked away by heavy mental scaring. For the past six months, which is where his memory begins, he has been living in Lar'Gae in the troll country living off of the generosity of shop keepers and travelers. A few human travelers have even offered to take him away to be adopted yet Cale feels compelled to stay near the mountains. The few that have been friendly towards Cale have often tried to get him to remember his past life, yet whenever he tries his only reward is a series of broken and deranged images that inflict serious pain on his mind. Another adventurer, a traveling scholar, noted that the tattoos along Cale's forearms could hold a clue to where he came from, but even he had never seen designs like it before, leaving Cale with more questions. For the past few weeks he has been working as a shop boy for a general goods store popular with adventurers.
Skills: Sweeping, stocking shelves, enduring starvation.
Weapons: None.
Other: The same events that striped Cale of his memory have also left him emotionally scared, making him usually very timid and quiet. Gaian Name: PhantomMagi Name: Korhan "The Berserker" Race: Apparently Human Age: 37 Appearance: [x]Reason for Hunting: None, as yet. Background: The legend of the Berserker is whispered in many a tavern across the globe... A warrior of unsurpassed strength and unmatched skill, never before defeated in battle. So wild is his fury, that to merely stand in the face of his blood-curdling cry is to have your flesh shorn from your bones. A warrior who has singlehandedly toppled kingdoms, crushed nations beneath his feet, and killed mythical beasts with his bare hands. He supposedly roams the wilds in search of worthy opponents, endlessly seeking the one who can end his journey. ...Or so the story goes. Who knows how much truth the legends may contain? Where did this story even originate? No-one seems to know... Korhan remembers little of the world from which he once hailed. He remembers... Family. A kingdom he once served. But they are mere shadows of memories, paled and vague. It has been many years since he last saw home. Too many. Though a series of strange events, he once again finds himself amidst the sands of another world. Torn through reality, he was summoned by the shade of a great demon who promised him power and riches, as well as the opportunity to return home. In exchange, he must help him find the Dragon Eggs. Grudgingly, he accepts the demons deal, accompanying several of his servants on a journey towards the port city of Lar'Gae. En route to the city, however, he overhears the groups true intentions. Appaled, he cuts them down where they stand, engaging in full combat with the entire troupe. After a mighty struggle, he emerges victorious, the expeditionary band dispersed. Nowhere left to go, nothing left to work for, he continues on to Lar'Gae, wounded and tired. Skills: Hunting, Foraging, Basic Survival, and Tactical knowledge, Extremely deadly/effective in one-on-one combat. Weapons: He generally wields a moderately sized battleaxe, occasionally paired with a highly worn longsword. Several other weapons are notable about his person, such as a hunting knife on one leg, several throwing knives, and a second sword across his back. These, however, seem to see far less usage.
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Posted: Wed Mar 02, 2011 6:09 pm
Kaelet breached the top of the crater that was her home for only the second time of her life. The dim light of early evening over stimulated her eyes, and she snapped them shut, berating herself for forgetting. Pulling her kerchief out of her saddle bag, she wrapped the dark fabric around her eyes, tying it tightly. Opening her eyes tentatively the view in front of her popped up again, full of reds and blues as her brain registered the infra-red signatures of the things around her. Squeezing her small feet against the slender sides of Sameal, and he moved forward at a walk, which caused Kaelet's draki to trot to keep up.
It took her just over two months to make her way across Agarea, the Alestron mountains, and into Da'Jar. Upon arrival in the Troll city Lar'Gae, Kaelet made her way to the nearest inn, a large three story building called The Witch Doctor. The moment she turned to approach the inn however she was stopped by the bouncers. "I be sorry Miss." One of the large Trolls said.
"But we do nae let Hunters in this here inn." The other said.
"There be only one inn in this here city that would allow you to rent the night."
"That do be The Dancing Boar."
"It be down the road there, and on yer left." With that the both of them backed up until they hit the wall beside the door, and just stood there watching her unblinkingly. After a few moments she turned Samael away from the inn and headed the way they directed her.
Kaelet paid the stable boy to take Sameal and one of her draki, Lanai, then headed into the inn with the smallest one of her companions, Molikai. After a short conversation with the innkeeper she made her way to a table that was half empty. Sitting down she accepted the mug of ale from one of the serving maidens.
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Posted: Thu Mar 03, 2011 5:43 pm
Tristan's climb down the long steps of the Western Temple was slower and more ponderous than the climb up he had undertaken a week before. He had ventured to the temple, which lay nestled in the foot hills of Agarea in the shadow of the massive Alestron mountain range, in order to consult with the Monks there about the rumours of the dragon hatchery. His attention had first been drawn to the matter in Magastrom where he had subdued a gang of thieves who had been plaguing a trio of villages, hearing the rumours from them just before he had crashed into their camp.
Shortly thereafter he took on the journey to the Temple, and upon arriving spent several days with the head monks discussing the possible impacts on the world if the dragons were to arise. He could still hear the old monk's words to him. "The dragons, despite their glorious past, now present a serious danger to the stability of this world. Were one nation or faction were to gain control of them alone, they could ruin the balance of this world in a matter of days. Go forth and join the hunt for the hatchery and once found protect it from those who seek to claim them until we can ensure their power can be spread equally. We will send what help we can when we can." The task was far beyond the importance of any other he had ever undertaken, and it was only after several more days of meditation and training that he felt honed and focused enough to leave.
As he finally reached the base of the seemingly endless staircase down from the temple to the plains of Agarea, Tristan's mind turned from the past to the road ahead. He carried little besides his clothing, with only his staff sections strapped to his back and a small leather satchel on the small of his back that contained some simple breads and salted meats for the journey.
A little over two months later Tristan found himself entering the tribal city of Lar'Gae. He was weary from the road and his stomach rumbled loudly as he began to wander the streets looking for an inn. When he finally came upon the Dancing Boar, Tristan smiled at the lower grade appearance of the building for he knew that such inns were often in need of extra all the help they could get. Tristan could feel the curious eyes upon him as he entered and moved over to the innkeeper. Putting an energetic and friendly smile upon his face, the half-elf cleared his throat to get the troll’s attention. "Good afternoon, sir. I was wondering if I might be able to have some food and a roof over my head for a few days. I'm not too picky about what form each takes, though unfortunately I have no money."
The troll's face turned sour as he quickly interrupted in a frustrated voice. "Iffin you have no money den what you come in here for boy!"
Tristan was unphased by the aggression from the innkeeper and kept his face serine. "What I can do is any job you would need done around here. Chopping wood, helping in the kitchen, and I'm sure if you let slip that a Guardian was nearby then you may save some money in wear and tear on the bar due to people being more well behaved."
"A Guardian, ya don't say..." The troll brought a three fingered hand up to his chin to stroke it a few times as he pondered. "Alright son ya gotta deal. Ya can stay in da loft above the stable, and help ya self to any leftovers in the kitchen when Te'Elle is done makin’ da meals. Take it or leave it."
"I'll take it, thank you kind sir." Tristan extended a gloved hand to shake the much larger hand of the troll, smiling up at him before turning and heading for the kitchen, eager to grab a bite to eat. On his way he spotted a Drow sitting at a half empty table. "Huh, How odd to see a Drow this far out. It seems I may have more competition on this journey than I thought.
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Posted: Thu Mar 03, 2011 8:47 pm
Phin sat at a table near the back of the bar surrounded by several rough looking men, they were listening to one of the stories she was telling, she had them all eating out of the palm of her hand. She was smiling devilishly at them at the closing remark “So you see boys, it wasn’t that I had been caught by the authorities for liberating some of their more valuable artifacts, but that I escaped and they never saw them again. It’s okay if you get caught as long as you know how to get out of it, sometimes it even works to your advantage” She winked at Daryus her second in command “Daryus why don’t you order another round for the gents and myself before we hit the sack. We have a long day of travelling in the morning men so don’t be stayin up ‘til all hours o’ the night, ya hear?” She flicked a stern look around the table, making it clear that she was back to being their captain. She leaned in towards the center of the round table as Daryus bounded over to the bar to get what she asked, with a smirk on her face she whispered “Dragons don’t appear out of nowhere” She then leaned back in her chair crossing her knee high booted feet at the ankles on the table top with a thud. Daryus came back with the glasses and she toasted loudly with her men and downed the ale, it wasn’t the best she had ever tasted but it wasn’t too bad either. She wiped her mouth with the back of her hand “Alright now get out of my sight” She made a shooing motion with her hands, her crew knew this was more of an endearment than an order but they all drained their glasses one by one, tipped their hats to her and left her sitting at the table mulling over her plans for the next few days.
Phin scanned the tables and their occupants around her as she thought over their journey so far. It had been dull to say the least and this place wasn't much different, hardly anything valuable and if they did find anything there was nowhere to sell until they hit this place, and even then the stuff didn’t fetch near as high a price as she would have liked. But at this point it was surplus, she had more than enough money to pay for whatever they needed in their travels. Each of the six men she chose to bring with her carried a small portion of it, the rest she carried herself but they didn’t know how much or where. She showed a glimmer of a smile as she thought about her crew, she was already starting to miss the sea and it had only been a few months but at least the men she had with her were the best and most trust worthy of them. She was disturbed from her thoughts by Daryus sitting back down at the table, he knew better than to say anything to her, he just put down another glass of ale for her and started drinking his own. They sat in silence. Phin watched a traveler come in and converse with the owner, he didn’t seem interesting and she turned her attention to another patron, also uninteresting, this town was putting her to sleep. She took a long drink of her ale and started planning out the next day in her mind.
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Posted: Thu Mar 03, 2011 9:31 pm
It was a sunny day and the woods were full of life. Nisse walked her way through the floor of fallen leaves and branches and paused every now and then when she saw a fresh mushroom glowing in the sunlight. She smiled at their magnificant ability to grow in a single night after a bit of rain. Removing it from the soil, she placed it in a cloth with the other collected mushrooms and continued on her way. After about an hour or so, the forest was interrupted by a dirt road. She decided to follow it to the next city available and find a warm place to sleep, incase it rained again.
She walked for a few hours, only stopping once at a bridge to clean and eat some mushrooms. Finally, she reached a city and sought out an inn. Her parent's had given her money for the trip, but Nisse had no idea how long her journey would be. The sun was almost fully set now and her face flung backwards suddenly when a rain drop hit her square on the nose. She sought out an inexpensive inn and rushed in as the rain began to come down.
Closing the large wooden doors behind her, she looked around the room which was almost as dark as outside. The tables and bar were huge compared to her tiny size, and the seats that were occupied had tall people in them. She spotted a table that was half empty and planned to sit there. Walking up to the bar, she noticed the innkeeper was talking to a tall man. Thankfully, there conversation seemed to have just ended. She watched the tall man enter the kitchen, and walked over to take his place at the bar. The innkeeper seemed surprised to see a gnome, but accepted her request to stay and told the kitchen to prepare her soup.
Nisse walked her little legs around the large table to the empty end and pulled herself up onto the seat. Happy to feel the warm, wooden furniture, she relaxed for a moment and just stared at the small candle flame in the center of the table. Noticing a person on the other side of the table, she looked up to see a tall, slim Drow with bluish-gray skin who seemed to be staring directly at her. She could not see its eyes due to a dark fabric wrapped around its head, but she had heard her parents say they were creatures from dark places. Could it see her? She wasn't even sure... but she imagined it couldn't possibly be polite to stare back. She decided to pull out a mechanical device from her bag and place it on the table. If she could fix it, she could likely sell it and make some money. It would be an easy way to make a living while she was out on the road. Pulling out her tools and a few lose materials, she began to work.
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Posted: Sat Mar 05, 2011 2:45 pm
Kaelet watched the door with interest wondering about everyones story that passed through. She had drifted off into her own thoughts after a while, wondering how she should go about gathering a group of companions, and where they should begin searching. She was pulled back to the present when the door opened, but there appeared to be no one entering. She dropped her gaze to closer to the floor and noticed the minute gnome that entered, and couldn't help but smile. Kaelet had never met a gnome personally, but she had seen several mechanics throughout the capitol city, and had always admired their cheery disposition about everything. She watched the little woman as she made her way over to Kaelet's table. This is the chance for you to get a companion, do not screw it up. Kaelet took time trying to figure out what she wanted to say, while she observed the gnome work on some form of mechanical device.
"What is that you are working on Gnome?" Kaelet asked in a soft tone, hoping that her diplomatic tutor had been correct about how to approach other races. What if she has a title I do not know about?
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Posted: Sat Mar 05, 2011 6:14 pm
Tristan quickly greeted the cook, a young female troll by the name of Te'Elle, as he entered the hot back room. After abandoning the small leather travel pack in one of the kitchen corners Tristan quickly got to work with whatever the cook needed. He couldn't help but laugh when Te'Elle asked him to stoke the fires of the ovens and stoves in preparation for the dinner rush. Instead of moving to retrieve the air pump, Tristan simply went around to stoke each of the fires, ensuring they were well fuelled before standing in the middle of the kitchen. Taking a deep breath he cleared his mind, allowing him to feel out the fires in front of him. When his eyes opened once more his irises had shifted to a smouldering red and upon his next deep breath the fires sprung to life, swelling inside their cast iron prisons. Seeing the troll recoiled, afraid the fire would escape and set the whole room ablaze. Looking over Tristan said in an apologetic tone. "My apologies, I got a little over anxious." Looking back to the flames Tristan focused once more, letting out a calm breath before the flames died down to a proper intensity.
"Dat be a neat trick boy, but maybe ya could go grab some wood from outside before da rain soaks it though. Let me cook in peace before you burn da building down." Tristan laughed a bit embarrassed as he scratched the back of his head. "Yeah sure. But just so you know I was in complete control the whole time... Really." He said as he moved towards the back entrance that lead to the stables, adding the last word as he received a sceptic look from Te'elle.
It wasn't too long before the kitchen began to churn out meals, allowing Tristan to feed himself a bit at a time. While he usually was called upon to clean or aid the cook, he was occasionally asked to bring out meals to customers if the servers were too busy. On one occasion he was asked to bring a plate of steak and potatoes out to a woman sitting at the back of the tavern. As he stepped out into the large, smoky room he scanned for the patron in question, tilting his head to the side when he saw the woman with her boots up on the table.
"Well you don't see that every day." He said as he set off, weaving though the tables with an effortless grace before coming to a stop in front of the table. "Hello there. Here's your order, steak and potatoes." Placing the plate down beside he boots he gave her a once over, quickly discerning that she was no ordinary traveler. "You're not from around here are you. Or the plains of Agarea for that matter." He soon folded his arms over his chest as he studied her, trying to determine where she hailed from.
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Posted: Sat Mar 05, 2011 7:03 pm
Cale darted back and forth along the streets of Lar'Gae, taking refuge from the evening rain under the awnings and roofs of the various buildings along the way to The Dancing Boar. The owner of the large general store he now took refuge in had decided to close shop early due to the rain's effect on the number of customers, allowing Cale to carry out the few deliveries he had for the night.
Once he reached the Inn Cale quickly made his way up to the innkeeper, keeping his head bowed to avoid eye contact with those around him. It was clear from the poor state of his cloths that he was not there to purchase a room, or even to buy a meal or drink, yet when the innkeeper finally noticed his arrival he smiled,
"Ah young Cale is back. Another delivery for one of my guests is it?." Cale nodded in a small motion that kept his head down, his eyes only occasionally darting up to look at the man. Without a word Cale removed the long sword that he carried over his shoulder, its sheath still covered by a slip of dampened cloth. The tie that kept the cloth closed around it had a tag with the name of one of the guests on it, which he showed to the innkeeper. "Dalmascus eh? He be da loud mouth man with da red hair over there. Ya gonna be handin out dem fliers while ya here too boy? Yeah? Figured as much, dere be lots of new ones today." Cale nodded before pulling up his ratty brown tunic and retrieving a leather wrapped parcel which contained several pieces of parchment, advertisements for the store's wares for the adventurers. Unwrapping them he removed its contents and turned away from the bar to perform his duty.
As he moved around the bar handing out the fliers to each table, he would sneak looks at the new travelers. It was by far one of his favourite parts of his new job, besides having a warm if not cramped place to sleep and a steady supply of food. He always felt like he was searching for a familiar face. He moved first towards the red haired man, though half way across the room his eye was caught by the partly veiled face of a drow. It was only once a rather drunk dwarf bumped into him that Cale realized he had been staring and quickly lowered his eyes and continued along his way.
When he finally reached the man the red head looked at Cale with an alcohol fulled aggression. "About bloody time! I've been waiting all day for this! What if I'd gotten my hands on a clue to the hatchery! What then huh? I woulda had to wait a whole afternoon to set out." Cale quickly shrank back from the table at the man’s words, his body tensing as if expecting to be struck. His voice emerged as a trembling whisper. "I'm... I'm sorry sir... But I... Cale's timid body language only seemed to egg the man on. "I don't wana hear it! Get outta hear before I test my new steel on your hide!"
Cale wasted no time retreating from the table stopping only as he passed the drow to pull out a flier and place it in front of the woman. "There's no place better for adventurers." The line was quiet and obviously practiced from his long days at the shop. Returning to the bar he dropped off the rest of the fliers to the innkeeper, not wanting to stick around the inn after the confrontation with the customer, and quickly fled back outside. As he moved though the downpour, Cales mind sought refuge in the thought of the small coat on the floor of the store room that awaited him.
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Posted: Sat Mar 05, 2011 7:42 pm
Phin had been staring at her glass of ale on the table for an hour, she had the next day’s plans figured out already and had relayed them to Daryus after which he left to tell each of the men, now she was tentatively planning a few days ahead but nothing set in stone. Plans always changed, luckily she was good at dealing with unexpected changes.
A shadow passed across the table and she watched as her meal was set on the wooden table, it looked decent. She raised her grey eyes from the table and looked at the server, her face a blank mask. She didn’t speak for a moment, just raised an eyebrow at his question and folded her hands loosely over her belt. Tilting her chin back a bit to look him in the eyes she answered in a calm cold voice “And you would want to know because?...” She looked him over openly, taking in his appearance, she had seen similar clothing in her travels and knew which class they belonged to, the belt and head sash gave that away.
She didn’t much like guardians, they aggravated her, which usually resulted in someone getting hurt. One of his kind years ago had told her that the lifestyle she led was unnatural and unhealthy and that it would kill her one day. She had spit in his face and attempted to wipe it off with the blade of her dagger, lucky for him he was as quick as she and he only suffered a cut along his cheek. Her eyes flashed at the memory, the dislike leaving a metallic taste in her mouth. She spit on the floor at his feet and glared at him.
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Posted: Mon Mar 07, 2011 7:32 pm
Nisse was zoned into her work when suddenly a voice came into her ears:
"What is that you are working on Gnome?"
The silent watcher had finally spoken, and had caught Nisse a little offguard. Looking up at the blindfolded face, she assumed the Drow had simply heard her working, but then ran the last word over and over again in her mind.
She knows I'm a gnome? How? Did she hear my short footsteps maybe? Or my tiny voice? ...Or maybe it CAN see....
Clearing her little throat, she smiled at the Drow and then looked down at her project with a humble appreciation.
"This is a Gizwak, a small machine part used in most Charharimins in my country, Megastom. Do you use Charharimins here as well? I haven't had the chance to explore the area. I'm dying to see what around!"
She looked briefly towards the window, as if, by chance, a mechinical marvel would travel past simply for her observation. But the windows were darkened with only the dimly lit pattering raindrops to be seen.
She hid a look of excitement and adventure and then returned her gaze back to the Drow. It was fancinating to see one in person. She took a quick moment to look her over, making sure she kept it short and discrete. It wasn't normal for gnomes to travel such far distances away from their homes, but Nisse was proud she had the courage to do it. Her adventures would be unpredictable! The stories she would tell when she returned!
A sound and vibration came from inside her:
Ggggrrrrruuuummmmbbbblllleeeee.....
Wow, I'm hungrier than I thought! How long was I working for? Where is my soup?
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Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2011 8:30 am
Kaelet smiled as the Gnome explained what she was working on with such enthusiasm. Charharimins?
"I do not know about this area, but back in Mignoma we do not have Charharimins. Or if we do we call them something else. Maybe if you explain what they do I could tell you if we do have them."
Is this little Gnome Hunting as well? If so I definitely want her in my party. She will help keep spirits up, and can make things that will be very useful.
While she was talking to the Gnome a human male moved up to her table and placed a flyer in front of her and muttered something about adventurers. She looked down at the paper and watched as the heat from his hands slowly faded and it blended in with the table. I need someone who can read in my party. She sighed deeply, hating how handicapped her sight was. I was warned.
A serving woman passed the table and Kaelet waved her down, asking for whatever the kitchen was making, and some more ale. She then turned her attention back to the Gnome, and realized that she could not continue to call the woman Gnome, even if it was just in her mind. "I apparently have lost my manners in my travels." She said extending a gloved hand. "My name is Kaelet."
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