[Fog Of War]

The sun shines down on the dockyard. You feel both excitement and fear, knowing you will venture to an unknown land, accompanied by unknown figures. You all meet where you were told to wait, at a place that looks like a port mixed with a market. An average-sized human wearing Dremorian uniform is approaches you. "I see five more of you came. That's good, I guess. My name is Verus, and I lead this expedition on behalf of the honorable Dremorian crown. The mission is simple - join us for the journey. Supposedly, it will take two to three weeks - our supplies can hold out for a month or so. Once we get back, you will each receive your 500 gold coins. Any questions before we check how reliable is each of your's might?"

 

[revan4559]

Tyriel would be sat down on some creates a few meters away from the rest of the group as the man called Verus introduces himself and tells them about the payment. As usual this depressing looking dark elf would be staring down at the ground as he is deep in thought. His own sword would be sheathed on his back and his large tower-type shielding would be resting against his left shoulder. Down by his feet would be a large black cloth bag with purple elven writing sewn into it.

Tyriel would then push himself to his feet and straighten out his armour and dusts himself off. Picking up his shield and the cloth bag which makes a rattle he turns and walks to the group then looks at Verus. The presence of this depressing and grim Dark elf would be quite daunting for a normal human seeing as he stands around 2 meters tall.

 

[komanko]

OOC: MAZAL TOV!

IC:

Svern approached the market, it was a weird mix of a docking bay and a market, its certainly made things easier. He was anxious to get going, he was afraid he did not know what he will find there but yet he was also excited. Svern reached the rendezvous point where he was told to wait until someone approaches him, except him there were four more figures, each of them different and unknown to him. They waited and soon an average sized male human came towards them, he greeted them and said,

"I see five more of you came. That's good, I guess. My name is Verus, and I lead this expedition on behalf of the honorable Dremorian crown. The mission is simple - join us for the journey. Supposedly, it will take two to three weeks - our supplies can hold out for a month or so. Once we get back, you will each receive your 500 gold coins. Any questions before we check how reliable is each of your's might?"

Svern smiled back towards the man now known as Verus, he greeted him back happily and said, "A pleasure to meet you Mr.Verus, I will be excited to venture into the unknown with you and with this fine men and women. Can you tell me when will we set out?". Svern patiently waited for Verus to answer before turning back and looking at the crew members, he then approached them and cheerfully greeted each of them introducing himself as Svern Fuldor.

 

[rodmillard]

Leonidas handed the carter a silver coin and picked up his belongings. His sword hung in a horizontal scabbard across the small of his back - out of view, but still in easy reach. A powder horn was attached to his belt at his left hip and another was stowed at the bottom of his pack, along with a lead rod and a small casting kit in case he ran out of bullets. He was not wearing his working apron, and instead had acquired a stout leather jerkin and vambraces for protection. His rifle Vindicta was wrapped in oilcloth to protect its delicate mechanism from the sea air.

As he waited at the rendezvous point he took the opportunity to discretely assess his future travelling companions. They were elves, which surprised him a little, and clearly came from different cultures, though he could did not know ebough about elven society to distinguish between them. One of them at least carried the trappings of a sorceror - not that that meant anything, since any number of them could have some training in the Art.

He nodded politely as the officer ... Verus, he said ... introduced himself. Three weeks should be ample time to test the modifications he had made to Vindicta - and with the support of a respected naval officer, he may persuade the Dremorian military to take him seriously. He glanced around as an armoured elf rose to his feet, noticing the elf's sword more than the dour figure that carried it. The workmanship was exquisite, and though he guessed it to be well over 100 years old it had obviously been looked after with great care; he hoped he would have an opportunity to talk to the warrior on the journey.

He was distracted from his observations when the elf he had taken for a magician approached him and introduced himself as Svern Fuldor. Unsure of the proper ettiquette, he held out his hand for the the magician to shake. His nails were perfectly manicured but the skin he knew was caloused from the hours spent toiling in his workshop. He felt oddly self conscious about it as he introduced himself:

"Leonidas Di Calzare, scholar and marksman, at your service."

 

[Lord Ramo]

Kylyn moved through the market place, towards the designated point where she would be recruited. She felt excitement course through her veins, she would finally be able to help the humans that she had once hated so bitterly. She moved quickly, weaving through the throngs of people that surrounded the harbour. It seemed a little strange to Kylyn, all these shops selling stuff that there was no need for, the humans were a peculiar race. Nature provided everything for Kylyn, food in the shapes of fruit, shelter and even entertainment.

She pushed these thoughts to the back off her head as she arrived at her destination. Kylyn looked around at her new companions. Apart from her there was another elf from the fair forests of Lefiria, a battle wizard. She was certain that the figure that stood before her was the legendary Khouin Arkstar, a veteran of the great war. She wasn't certain so she would wait and see. There were two other Dark Elves and a Human.

"I see five more of you came. That's good, I guess. My name is Verus, and I lead this expedition on behalf of the honorable Dremorian crown. The mission is simple - join us for the journey. Supposedly, it will take two to three weeks - our supplies can hold out for a month or so. Once we get back, you will each receive your 500 gold coins. Any questions before we check how reliable is each of your's might?"

She nodded to him, checking to see that her bow and quiver for her arrows were secure and that her knife was in its proper resting place by her boot. One of the Dark Elf, a wizard started to introduce himself to the rest of the group. Svern Fuldor was his name, and the humans was Leonidas Dilzare, a scholar and a marksman. Kylyn moved towards them and said simply, "Kylyn Oharven Elven archer and adventurer now, a pleasure to meet you all." She bowed her head to everyone, moving back a bit.

 

[revan4559]

Tyriel would be stood observing the rest of the group and listening to them introduce themselves as a High Elf comes up to the group and introduces herself. Some may notice his right hand immediately moves up to his back and grasps a hold of his sword tilt and draws it slightly so about 2 inches of the black blade are shining in the sun. He then takes a few steps back and circles around the group to the furthest point away from the High Elf but as close as he can so he remains within the group itself.

 

[Fog Of War]

Verus watches the adventurers, half-curious-half-suspecting. As everyone introduce themselves, he quickly turns his head to Tyriel as he reaches for his scabbard. However, it is not the usual look Dremorians treat any kind of elves with. he then turns his head to Svern, Leonidas and Kylyn, but keeps his gaze at Tyriel. "I hope our work together will bring prosperity and knowledge to OUR people". Though he seems to emphasize the word "our", it is not obvious who he does mean by it. As the human before him sends "Leonidas Di Calzare, scholar and marksman, at your service.", He nods with approval. Than, he uppers his voice to speak something new: "try to stick together, take these 45 coins. You probably need to rest, find something to eat. Persadonia's port isn't perfect, but you can probably find anything you need here. come back here in two hours, and we can continue our... goal." instead of handing the gold sack to any of you - he lays it down on the ground, before your feet. A beggar that passes nearby glances at it and drools, as if it were a tasty meal. Without further explanations, he leaves the five confused characters in front of the gold sack, in the middle of the Persadonian port.

Persadonia is the Dremorian capital - and the port defiantly tells that story. It's true, you've seen fancier and bigger ports, but this port has something unique in it. Perhaps the advanced ship and warships that docked there, perhaps it is the busy businesses.

Taking a quick glance around, you can see the ship docks at your west, a handful of shops to your east, a pub to the north and a little stage with a theatrical-looking robed man standing on it.

 

[revan4559]

Before any of the others can get the coin bag. Tyriel uses his foot to flick the bag into his free hand after letting go of his blade and throw it to the begger seeing as he will need it more than the rest of them. Tyriel would then move back to where he was previously sat and sets down his black purple cloth bag with another rattle and then lets his shield lean against his shoulder as he decides to sit out the next two hours there. Unless any of the others try to get him to come with them. If they did he would grudgingly accept and stays at the back of the ground as he follows them around the place.

 

[komanko]

"Leonidas Di Calzare, scholar and marksman, at your service.", the man now known as Leonidas sent his hand towards Svern waiting for him to shake it back with uncertainty. Svern didn't want to cause Leonidas any unpleasantness so he smiled while shaking his hand, "A pleasure to meet you to."

He looked around and saw a high elf, she was carrying a bow, it looked of fine craftsmanship, she was probably a ranger. Before Svern had a chance to introduce himself she moved towards them and said, "Kylyn Oharven Elven archer and adventurer now, a pleasure to meet you all.", politely smiling Svern said a pleasure to meet you to, I'm Svern Fuldor, at your service."

Looking back he saw a grim looking dark elf, he did not know his name and it did not look like he wished to introduce himself, he looked suspicious and maybe even a bit afraid, Svern understood that he wanted to be left alone, so he respected him for his choice and left him be.

After finishing the introductions Verus spoke again, "I hope our work together will bring prosperity and knowledge to OUR people". Though he seems to emphasize the word "our", it is not obvious who he does mean by it. "Try to stick together, take these 45 coins. You probably need to rest, find something to eat. Persadonia's port isn't perfect, but you can probably find anything you need here. come back here in two hours, and we can continue our... goal.", he finished speaking and then laid a bag of gold on the ground, he did not give it to anyone and leaves.

They were all confused but the first to act was the grim dark elf, Svern eyed him but he was not fast enough as the elf quickly grabbed the bag and throwd it towards a beggar while saying nothing. Svern respected the act but it was unresponsible and unwise. He walked towards the elf. The elf was sure that Svern was going to bash him but instead he just said, "I respect what you did, but as it was not your money you had no right to do it. Please next time avoid acts like that and first consult us.", Smiling he walked away. He did have so coins of his own, so he asked if anyone wants to go the pub, not waiting for an answer he started walking towards the pub not looking if anyone was following him.

 

[Captain Stillios]

(OOC: First update)
Khouin limped forwards and saw the group from behind among them were two of the Dark Elves, hatred simmered in him as he remembered his loss, he backed away from the one who went among them introducing himself, the human then perked up and said "Leonidas Di Calzare, scholar and marksman, at your service."



He noticed that there was another of the highborn among them and that the other Dark Elf had drawn his sword slightly Khouin glared at him then mirrored the gesture with his own, he walked forwards towards the fellow Highborn and listened as she introduced herself.
"Oharven?" He said to her back as she backed away from the others, "I am Khouin Arkstar, I knew a man named Gildor Oharven once, a good man and an honest friend I was sorrowed when I heard that he had fallen, you wouldnt happen to be related would you?"


__________________________________________________________
(Second update)

Khouin saw Tyriel give the coins to the begger then turned to Kylyn.
"I saw an archery range in the city if you wish to join me?" He asked quietly then slung his pack over one shoulder and his recurve bow over the other before gesturing in the direction of the range.

 

[rodmillard]

Leonidas watched with amusement as the tall, dour elf tossed the coin purse to the beggar. He had no need of the money, and that amount would put a roof over the poor man's head for a good long time. He heard Svern admonish him for giving the money away without asking first, but it made no odds to him - he would probably have given the beggar his share anyway.

Svern headed towards the pub while the other two elves engaged in some private conversation; he guessed that they knew each other, or at least had acquaintances in common. The dour elf had settled back into his position on the loading dock. Leonidas decided he would follow Svern - he knew the tavern's reputation, and the easy-going elf had "mark" written all over him.

Checking his sword was loose in its scabbard, he briefly considered diverting Svern to a more genteel establishment further from the docks, but they only had two hours. As he passed the dour elf who had given the purse to the beggar, he gave him a respectful nod and laid a hand on his armoured shoulder.

"That was well done. Will you join us for a drink?"

 

[Lord Ramo]

Kylyn was relieved to see that she was right, and another off her kind was coming on this expedition. Just because she felt sorry for the humans didn't mean that she she would get on well with all of them. She was surprised to see that Khouin knew her father, she didn't even know that they had met before. She kept all this behind an expressionless stony face, the only thing that showed any hint of surprise was the fact that one of her eye brows lifted as she answered. "Gildor was my father, he has been sorely missed by my mother and I since his death." She smiled at Khouin and looked over the rest of the "crew".

She looked at the money bag that had been left between the group and how the Dark Elf that obviously didn't like her grabbed it and chucked it to a beggar. This didn't bother Kylyn, why would it. She had no need for money here, all she needed was something to keep her distracted until it was time to leave. Khouin asked her if she wanted to go to a archery range and practice there for a while. Kylyn nodded her head turning to the others. "I would join you, but I feel it would be best if I went to the range, the time will pass quicker for me and I feel the practice will benefit my accuracy even more." She didn't want to offend her companions indicating for Khouin to lead the way.

 

[revan4559]

Tyriel would listen to the other dark elf give him a lecture about the money and how he should of asked. He merely gave the other dark elf a look that means he didnt care what he thought and then looked back to his stuff. As the rest of the group started the move off into different places he decided to stretch his legs, picking up his cloth bag with a rattle and his shield he then walked to the tavern just behind the others that were going there. As he reached it he went inside and ordered the coldest glass of water they could get before paying a single coin for it and went and sat down at an empty table not caring if the others joined him aslong as the High Elves didnt come.

 

[Captain Stillios]

Khouin led the way around a corner and entered the range, he threw his pack down to the ground and swung his bow around into his hand.
"So what brings you here?" He asked as he drew back on his bow, the recurve design made the force equivilent of lifting two fully grown men with two fingers, the first arrow he launched stuck into the target upto its feathers and the second just passed straight through.
Khouin saw a spare target off to the left and a blacksmith across the street.
"Kylyn, could you go over to that blacksmiths and buy me a piece of plate armour please?" He asked and handed over five gold coins then ran over to the spare target, he untied it and rolled it over to the one he had already shot then waited for Kylyn to get back.

 

[Lord Ramo]

Kylyn followed Khouin to the archery range, and pulled the bow gently and with great care from its position. She tested to see that the string was taut, pulling it back fully a few times. Satisfied she looked up at Khouin, he was curios to why she was there. Since she was one of her kind, and the fact that he had known her father she though it was fair enough if she levelled with him.

"Ok Khouin, after my father died I was plagued with grief and anger especially to the humans that had been the cause of my fathers death. I joined in the Great Elven War, near the end and fought a skirmish on the borders of our fair forests. We won there, and I took the life of the swordsman who took my fathers life, I took a lot of lives that day. I felt nothing for them during the battle, but my grief didn't subside. I asked the kings advisor to what I should do, he told me to travel to Dremoria and find my answers here. So I left and here I wound up, after seeing how they live all I feel is pity for them."

He then asked her if she could get get him some plate armour from the blacksmith, handing five coins to her. There was no way that five coins would cover it however. She looked at Khouin, "What brings you here then, you have marks on your wrists as if you were bound?"

 

[Fog Of War]

kylyn entered the blacksmith, picking up the finest armor she could find. As she approached the old-looking shopkeeper, she reached for the 5 coins. The shopkeeper started laughing wildly. "5 coins?! that would be 2,000, please". Also, Kylyn realized she really had no money at all!

OOC:
Now seriously guys, I don't mean to embarrass anyone, but please, wait for my response when you try to do something. Sometimes - the money isn't there, as well as the blacksmith or the range.

To clear things up - each of you has 5 gold coins, as you arrived here as vagrants. THERE IS a blacksmith, as well as a range, but you couldn't know that. If you'd like to ask me these kinds of things, please PM me and I'll happily answer.

Let this new rule be heard - no hijacking the story or god-modding.

IC:
After Tyriel decided to throw the bag towards the beggar, his face seems intimidated and surprised. He takes a few moments to gaze at the bag and the mysterious party that stands before him. As he sees the rest of the party is debating over Tyriel's action but are content about it, he starts rapidly nodding towards the five, quickly picks up the bag and disappears into the crowd. After he is gone, Svern offers the four newly-met comerdas to join him in his trip to the pub, and the human and the other dark elf decide to join him.The two elves, on the other hand, show interest in each other and decide to go the archery range.

Leonidas - You enter the pub.You find that the place has not changed one bit since you last visited it. A man you recall being the owner of the pub sits in one of his table. He and the other humans in the table stare at you. He gets up, approaches you and ask you in a whisper: "could you come with me? If you answer my questions - Your beer's on the house".

Tyriel - As you sit down and order the coldest glass of water, the bartender doesn't bother asking questions and pours some down for him. "If you don't mind ordering a meal with that - It would make things a little easier for me. I can't feed people for free, you know."

Svern - Upon entering the bar, a fat man with a wheat-stalk approaches you. He gets up from his chair, picks it up, puts it in front of you and leans on it. "You seem like you could you use one-night company... You have some coins available?"


At the same time, Kylyn and Khouin enter the archery range. They spot a nearby blacksmith they could use in a time of need. A nearby figure stops talking to whom he was chatting with, tapping his shoulder twice and comes over to you. "Nice, isn't it? a one-hour practice would be 5 coins, 4 coins since you are elves and have your own bows."

 

[revan4559]

Tyriel would sit down with his shield and his bag which continues to rattle. As the cold glass of water is placed infront of him and the Bartender asks him to order a meal he shoots the bartender a very dark and grim looking stare before closing his eyes and looking back to his water. He then places down several gold coins on the table and waves a dismissive hand. "Just take the coins and leave me be, i dont need any food now. Consider the gold a payment in advance should i require it."

 

[Lord Ramo]

A man walked over to the two elves, obviously the ranges owner. He looked at them, admiring the elven bows that they both carry, Kylyn couldn't help but feel as if she was on show, as the man looked over them both. "Nice, isn't it? a one-hour practice would be 5 coins, 4 coins since you are elves and have your own bows." Kylyn couldn't help but feel suspicious, she didn't know whether or not this man was trying to con them however she had no real need of the small amount of money that she had earned helping a farmer out when he was in need. She just nodded to the man, chucking him 4 coins.

Kylyn pulled her small sack off her shoulder and sat on it, bow in hand. She was content to just sit here for a while, it was nice to have the company of another Elf instead of always just humans with her. She didn't know if she was going to actually practice, she had no real need she just wanted to stay away from the "pub" she had seen how people what precious little they had on drink.

 

[rodmillard]

Leonidas walked warily into the dockside pub. He had not expected it to have improved much since he was last here, but it had failed to achieve even that. There was a thick, matted layer of sawdust on the floor - clearly, fights were so commonplace that they had abandonned the practise of sweeping out the bloodstained wood shavings and simply dumped more on top. As he watched, the bar tender poured a small measure of spirits into a carved wooden goblet; he guessed that they wouldn't use glass - what was the point in making their guests a present of an extra weapon.

He was suddenly conscious of being watched, and turned to see a man he dimly remembered as being the tavern's owner sitting at a table in the corner with his cronies. A thick cloud of pipesmoke hung over the table, and he was disconcerted to see that all eyes were fixed on him (and that the number of eyes was not the same as the number of heads multiplied by two).

The proprietor stood up and whispered to him: "could you come with me? If you answer my questions - Your beer's on the house". Leonidas weighed up his options - regretably, there weren't many. With a curt nod to the man, he accepted the offered drink in his left hand, leaving his right hand free to draw his sword if neccessary, and followed him to the back of the room.

 

[Captain Stillios]

Khouin watched as Kylyn paid the man and then reached into his own pockets withdrawing four gold cons.
Walking forwards he clapped a hand on the mans shoulder, "Here you are my good man!" He boomed in a masterfully put on fake voice, when the owner left Khouin drew his bow and fired two dozen shots at the target untill he ran out of arrows in his first quiver.

Kylyen then spoke up and he listened intently.
"Ok Khouin, after my father died I was plagued with grief and anger especially to the humans that had been the cause of my fathers death. I joined in the Great Elven War, near the end and fought a skirmish on the borders of our fair forests. We won there, and I took the life of the swordsman who took my fathers life, I took a lot of lives that day. I felt nothing for them during the battle, but my grief didn't subside. I asked the kings advisor to what I should do, he told me to travel to Dremoria and find my answers here. So I left and here I wound up, after seeing how they live all I feel is pity for them."
Khouin took a moment to think while he retrieved a hipflask of elven water, the cool healing water sooth his throat and he felt the pain of his recently healed injuries.

"What brings you here then, you have marks on your wrists as if you were bound?" Kylyn then asked

Khouin glanced down at his wrists and saw that his shirt had risen up revealing the scars on his wrists. Softly he began, "Yes I was bound, not long before I came here my Brother, Reneris Arkstar and my Father, Basan Arkstar were murdered" he stopped as painfull memories rose up again, "We were ambushed by a band of Dark Elf assassins, almost two hundred Dark Elves assailed us as we gained the top of a small ridge, after a while Reneris saw that there was no hope of us surviving even though we had killed many, he charged into the middle of a group of the assassins and yelled at us to flee"
Khouin reached up for the saphire gemstone hung around his neck, one of three.

"My father and I managed to fight my way free but he was soon struck down by the poisen of one of his wounds, I carried his body to the top of a mountain and cremated him then scattered his ashes to a strong western wind" At this point Khouin seized his bow as anger and hatred resurfaced, drawing it he fired almost all of his arrows off target getting only one anywhere near the bullseye. "I decided to hunt the Dark Elf dogs back to their lair, I found them in a cave where they had dragged my brothers body and attacked the remaining thirty, I slew all but four of them untill I collapsed from exhaustion, they took me to the docks and strapped me to a crate on a small boat then cast it off into the sea, I walked the line between life and death many times through those days before I was washed ashore, I do not remember the following weeks nor do I wish to, I beleive I went slightly mad during those days after recovering I headed here and here I am" Khouin finished "I took these stones from the hilts of my brothers and fathers swords" he pointed at the saphire and emerald respectively "They remaind me of those days and what can happen when revenge consumes you, it nearly killed me but I survived, so I to know the feelings of revenge however I fear mine may have been worse, imagine your grief for your father who raised you and cared for you and taught you, now imagine that you have fought alongside him in the direst of times, took blades and arrows for him and saved each others lives many times over..that is what I feel"

As he mentioned his wounds Khouin lifted his shirt and pointed to a long ropy scar across his ribs, "That wound have decapitaded my brother if I had not knocked it with my chest, another in my left calf was from when an orc warlord tried to drive a sword through my fathers chest from the ground, most of these scars were earned by defending my family and they both had many more than me" He pulled his shirt up so that Kylyn could see all of his many scars.
"That one I would have killed me if your father had not stopped the blow with his shield" He spoke with pride "You should mourn him but do not let revenge or grief consume you"