OoC: It has been decided to change the groups name to RC: No. America. This will reflect that the US is not the center of the universe.

6 Eleint 1371

The Whistling Stag was known far and wide, at least in the North, as perhaps the finest inn around. For all its reputation though, it was no more costly than other inns, charging a meager silver for a night by the hearth. True, one could spend as much as 15 gold or more, if royal treatment was desired, but most found the warmth of the hearth quite comfortable. The group spent much of the evening discussing future arangements for the distribution of wealth found.

The morning found Jullian staring out over the quiet town of Quaevarr. It had been many centuries under his rule since Quaevarr had been threatened. He knew that this was to change. He could sense something as could his son Darius, but what was it. Darius was certain that the threat would come from Griffons Nest, home of the Uthgart Griffon Tribe. Jullian was not so certain, the trouble was much closer.

Well, these idle musings would have to wait. His one time squire, Mathetais would be arriving with this group that Darius sent word about. Darius' message was as cryptic as ever. "Squire Mathetais will be arriving with a group who is the Key to it all" was all that the note said. "We'll see about that." Jullian said out loud, as he headed down to his main hall.



[This message has been edited by Baldak Oakfist (edited August 23, 2001).]

Mathetais drove the wagon containing the resting troupe into Quaevarr in silence. He could hear snickers behind him as people mentioned his heroic horsemanship...

He let them think that his silence was due to embarrasment, when in fact he was deep in thought. That goblin had been his first kill, and his stomach was still in knots over it.

His mind also tried to piece together the puzzle that faced his companions. He, Pimm, Kitiara and the rest would have to have a long talk.

Entering the city square, he looked to his former master's tower to for signs of activity. Hopefully he would be able to see us quickly.

After the rather serious argument that broke out between Calin and Bayne about a handful of gold, Pimm was doing some seroius thinking about party "agreements." Loathe as he was to admit it, they'd have to come to some agreement as to how loot will be distributed in the future. He'd heard stories of adventurers finding great hordes of treasure, and butchering each other over the contents therein.

Bayne and Calin looked as though they might even start threatening each other over the paltry remains of some goblins. Pimm decided it was time perhaps to insert himself as a moderator withing the group - at least.

Growing impatient with the banal shopping spree the party went on, Pimm turns to Mathetais: "Well, when will meet with your Lord? I'm interested to see what a man of such import wants with us..."

OoC: I sold all the extra eq I was carrying, I think it amounts to 68 gp. I already had 18gp and 5 sp (recent expenses included.) I sold: 2 complete sets of goblin eq, and Barabarian studded leather with a greataxe.
btw, where can I buy sealing wax? I bought the ring, but forgot the wax :(

"So where to now?" Calin inquires, "Perhaps, Mathetais, we should travel to your master's estate." Calin continued, "If not, we could disperese and search for information, but I think we should stay together if at all possible"

[This message has been edited by The Word (edited August 24, 2001).]

OoC: Sealing wax can be purchased at the Marketplace, 1cp per stick about 2 oz.

It was a wonderful morning at the Whistling Stag Inn at Quaevarr, and Mathetais greeted the morning with excitement.

"Lord Julian is expecting us this morning. Lets get some breakfast and join him at his estate. I believe his wisdom can guide us in our journey."

Mathetais felt much better about his companions after seeing them in battle. There were a few kinks to work out . . . we need a solid leader, and we need to learn how to function as a unit! If so, we will be much more effective in both combat and investigation.

[This message has been edited by Mathetais (edited August 24, 2001).]

Bayne arises from his place at the hearth to see the do-gooder fighter trying to instruct the group on what to do, "Balst him to Baator" thought Bayne as he stretched.
Walking up to the bar he ordered a brekfast, handing over 1 piece of silver in payment.
He walked over to a table and sat down, eating his brekfast.

Lord Jullian sat in his study, wondering if he should put on his armor. No, he was not planning to go out into the wilderness and this group needed a more casual touch. Where were they. He had to remind himself that not everyone needed as little rest as he, most required more than two hours. He would have to be patient. But what secrets did they bear that troubled his son Darius so. He would have to wait to find out.

Several miles away, the dire cat stalked a rabbit. The stark black fur and panther like features lent themselves well to the darkness of the Moonwood Forest. Awakening was an important moment in the life of a familiar. The dire cat stopped its stalking and looked off to the east, she knew her name was now Jager. The master calls, Jager thought to herself. I must go. The meal would have to wait. She had been waiting for this her entire life, it was now time.

Kitiara slowly emerses from her long meditation. Feeling a little weak she gathers her brilliant green robes around her and finds a shady spot under a beautiful tree.

Weary from her meditation she lets her head rest back on the trunk her hair cascading over her face. Falling asleep for a few glorious hours... ignoring the bustle of the people of Quaevarr.

She awakens from her peaceful slumber suddenly. "I am here master" she hears like a whisper in her mind. She opens her eyes and brushes back the hair from her eyes. Tucking it behind her elven ears an unconcious act she performed many times a day.

The sunlight filtered through the leaves of the great tree she rested her back upon. Directly in front of her sat a large black cat. Her sleek black fur, glistening in the afternoon sun, gave the apperance of being wet.
Her green eyes glittered and her eyes gave Kitiara the feeling that the beautiful cat could stare into anyones soul.

"I have been waiting for you Jager", Kitiara spoke aloud.

Taking the large cat into her arms she nuzzled faces with it in greeting. The huge paws appearing to wrap around her in a hug.

Rising from her resting place, Kitiara had decided it was now time to rejoin the others. "Hopefully they have ceased their petty bickering." She strokes the cats head wondering what the others had been up to in her absence.


[This message has been edited by Kitiara (edited August 26, 2001).]

Calin watches in frank wonder the groups new caompanion, the dire cat. Calin says, "Kitiara, that cat is quite beatiful" calin continued "What is its name? Will it take my head off if I try to pet it?" Calin said, "I am assuming this is your familiar, Kitiara, it fits you." Calin turned to Mathetais and spoke, "Alright, I am ready to head to your master's estate. On the way, I need to pick up some sealing wax."

Bayne finshes his meal as the red haired magick user entered the inn.
Clearing away his dished and setting them on the wooden counter Bayne walks to the door, motioning for the rest of the party to follow him, he wanted to see this "Lord", he had never seen royalty before...

Kitiara gently places Jager on the floor by her feet. The big cat stretches her muscles and looks directly at Calin.

"Hmmm, I do not recommend touching this Kitty," the sorceress glances at Calin.

The dire cat shows Calin it's razor like claws. Then staring him directly in the eye, the cat pulls her lips back in a snarl revealing her two huge fangs.

Feeling they had gotten the point across to Calin, the pair looks at the rest of the group quizically. "Are we off to see Mathetais's lord or what?"

Without waiting for a reply, the sorceress turns on her heel in a swirl of green robes to follow Bayne out of the Inn, her cat following at her heels.

"We will need to keep on eye on this Bayne fellow my pet."


[This message has been edited by Kitiara (edited August 27, 2001).]

With gentle laughter and ease, Mathetais rounded his companions up from their breakfast and meditations. "If I know Lord Julian, we are already running behind his schedule."

He escorted his companions to the Elkhorn Family Estate, stopping for wax for Calin, chatting with Bayne about woodlore, and keeping an eye on Kitiara as she walked with Jager.

Elves hate change as a rule. And as Mathetais walked the familiar path through town and into the estate, nothing seemed familiar. There was blood on his hands, danger on the horizon and, when he saw Lord Julian's face when they finally met in ther Great Hall, worry lines around his Lord's eyes.

The only sight that brought comfort was the crescent moon of Corelan Lanathon worked in platinum hanging over the Hall.

Mathetais knelt and offered his sword in salute to his Lord. "My Lord Julian Elkhorn, may I present my companions. We come to you in great need and mystery."

"Rise, Sir Mathetais. Welcome to you all. My son, Darius, has sent word that you may be in need of assistance. He also sends word that your companions, the ones traveling down the River Surbin, have arrived in Nesme safely. Come with me, this hall is too....formal. Let us sit in comfort while you tell me of you needs, and perhaps of your tale." Lord Jullian leads the group to his study. He signals to his servant who brings in extra chairs so that everyone can sit. "Now, if you would, please, from the begining. I have been anxioulsy waiting to see why my my son thinks you are of importance, He is usually right."

Staring at this "Lord" Bayne realised that royalty was nothing more than breeding and luck, very few had risen to power through expertise.
However, this Julian fell into the latter category, he had risen through the ranks using expertise. For this, Bayne respected him, "Lord Julian, I offer my services." Whilst speaking Bayne gave a small bow.
"Whatever you wish of me, I shall do."

Bowing in greeting, Calin greeted the Lord, "Well met. I am Calin Rua'Vin, my Lord." Calin continued, "Even in Evereska, we have heard tales of your courage and valor." Calin pricked his palm with his dagger, saying "For so long as I am here, you may call on me to further the cause of righteousness."

Mathetais listens as his companions relate their tale to Lord Julian. The intruige of Torog and Novamyst, the burned map, the information learned in the library . . . all the pieces to this puzzel were tossed onto the table leaving more questions than answers.

Thankfuly his companions left out the telling his horseback adventure, helping him save a little face with his mentor.

In the pause that followed the telling of the tale, Mathetais fidgeted with the holy symbol hanging on a chain around his neck. All eyes were on his mentor . . .

"Well now, that is quite a fantastic tale indeed. I fear that you have stumbled onto something that could threaten the peace of this area." Jullian eyed each one of the group looking for signs of ... "Let me see now. We have a barbarian seeking the ruins of Keilsor Castle, a mysterious female, Serena Novamyst, researching Ascore, we have the Tribe of the Griffon sending raiding parties after a seemingly "innocent looking" barge along the river Surbin. All these things together are puzzling indeed. I think that I can help you with your search for the ruins of Keilsor Castle though."

"Perhaps we should begin with some information on the subject. Keilsor Castle is the Stronghold of the Keilsor's, the leaders of the Tribe of the Hydra. The Tribe of the Hydra was an offshoot from the Tribe of the Wyrm. The Tribe of the Hydra was destroyed about 5 centuries ago by an army comprised up of many small armies. My Grandfather, Lord Darius Elkhorn IV, lead the armies into battle. The Tribe of the Hydra was defeated. The city of Hydra's Head lay in ruin, Keilsor castle and the Walls of the city are all that remains. The City of Hydra's Head and Keilsor Castle are located within a chasm in the mountains. Which mountains range is the question. You see all record of the location has been lost. In this study, I have two of my grandfather's maps used in the raid all those years ago. I will make them available to you."

Jullian moves over to a bookcase and pulls a Map case from it. He lays it on the table in front of the group.

"Let us have lunch, I have been up for a long time and I need to eat. My son Darius should be arriving soon also."


[This message has been edited by Baldak Oakfist (edited August 29, 2001).]

[This message has been edited by Baldak Oakfist (edited August 31, 2001).]

Sitting at the table eating lunch with the party and Julian Bayne realises something.
He is trapped here in this small group...he has no freedom, he is chained by the rules that guide this party, by societies rules.
Bayne sits silently while eating his fod, not saying a word even when others address him.
He must leave this group as soon as possible, he is chained by them.

Posting. :D

Gee, for some odd reason, I can't delete my post. :rolleyes: BTA? Do me the honors, O Mighty Mod? ;)



[This message has been edited by Darien Noella (edited August 31, 2001).]

How Xalen made it to this point even he is unaware of. After the barbarian horde attacked the barge, he remembers running aground, and falling forcefully from the barge. After that, for a while at least, everything is a blur at best. Hazzy visions float through his head of blured trees and strange sounds and shadows. Eventually, he had found himself slumped up against a huge rock, seemingly in the middle of nowhere, without the slightest idea where anyone else was. Fear gripped his throat as he looked at the setting sun, realizing it was hours from when he was last on the barge. Still groggy, he wandered around the forest, eventually, mostly through chance, stumbling upon a road. After what seemed as hours (and most likely was according to the aching in his legs), he managed to make his way to an inn sometime the next day. After such a tireing journey, he practically colapsed at the bar. The keep, an obviously short fellow, was friendly enough, however, and told him that perhaps some people he knew had been through here as early as that morning. It seems that a Lord Julian of Quaevarr has sent his squire to find them and bring them to him. A strange thought, as he knew nothing of this man. After a small meal and some drink, he once again set out for this town, hoping for whatever hope there might be of finding someone he knew and figuring out what in the nine hells was going on.

As he trudged down the road, muttering curses under his breath to Captain Jack, two figures aproached on horseback behind him. As they aproached, Xalen removed his hood and stepped to the side. Obviously the more noble of the two, seeming elven, stared at him as he passed, and the pair, after a bit of discussion, decided to return to him and ask his intentions. Xalen explained his situation as best he could, and the two eyed each other intently before telling him they were on their way to see the men of which he spoken. He explained that he was Lord Julian's son, Darius, and invited Xalen to join with him, seemingly earger to hear what he had to say, but to whatever reason why Xalen had little clue. Regardless, he aching muscles begging some other means of transport to the town, so Xalen obliged, and the three rode off for Quaevarr. Xalen prayed under his breath that he would find whatever answers he was searching for when they got there...

[This message has been edited by Crawl (edited August 31, 2001).]

6 Eleint

There was much anticipation, as the party sat down with lord Jullian for a quick meal. He had placed two maps on the table and then called for some food. During the discussion of the situation, a would be assassin launched a poisoned bolt from a hand crossbow and struck Lord Jullian. Just as the assassin was trying to make his escape, he ran into Xalen, Quintain, and Darius entering the Manor house. He was easily captured.
A short interrogation ensued during which it was discovered that two envoys, one Drow and one barbarian, were meeting inside a house on the edge of town. Darius lead the group to the location in question and then returned to the estate to bring back some guard support.
Pimm, having remembered the lengthy discussion on how to attack the goblins, decided to walk up to the door and open it (he cast sanctuary on himself first). He was followed by Gaspar, Mathetais, and Calin (who kept to the side of the house).
Bayne moved up to tone of the side windows and saw two figures inside talking and two more tied up in the corner.
Pimm, Gaspar, and Mathetais seeing the two guards inside, and having the surprise, decided to attack. They all made valiant attempts, but missed. Bayne shot an arrow at one of the cloaked figures who were reacting to the noise in the next room. He also missed his target. So much for surprise.
Kitiara, Xalen, and Quintain then moved over to the door. Kitiara let loose with a Magic Missile hitting the drow guard. The Barbarian Guard was the next to strike home and Gaspar was down with one blow from his great axe. Calin, having moved up to the window that Bayne left, jumped inside, surprising the two envoys, and one fell to a swift strike from his long sword.
Kitiara let loose with another Magic Missile, again striking the Drow. (Perhaps she will remember that drow do not fight well in the sunlight, and that the Barbarian was the real threat here). Bayne, having climbed through the window behind the Drow, struck the drow guard with a great axe of his own and the drow fell. Even though Quintain had taken up a defensive position, the great strength of the Barbarian proved too much and he was the next to fall to the swing of the great axe. Pimm was then the first to land a blow on the huge barbarian, but only glanced him for minimal damage.
At this point, Kitiara launched a Magic Missile at the Barbarian, catching him off guard while her familiar Jager, a dire cat, leaped to the barbarians face attacking him with four raking claws, scoring four hits, one critical. The barbarians face was torn to shreds and the huge man fell. Calin, after having fought with the barbarian envoy for a short while finally landed a blow that took him down. Calin then untied the two prisoners. Pimm and Mathetais quickly applied healing to Gaspar and Quintain, saving them for another day.
Darius finally arrived, too late, with a small contingent of his fathers guard. The party regrouped inside the courtyard of the Elkhorn Estate. Mathetais, Gaspar, and Calin decided to interrogate the assassin again, discovering that there were three threats.
1: The Griffon Tribe of the Uthgardt
2: Serena Novamyst researching Shadow Magic in Ascore
3: A Drow Stronghold located inside the ancient home of the Uthgardt Hydra Tribe, Hydra's Head and Keilsor Castle
In order to meet all three threats it is decided that Bayne will accompany Darius, to Griffon's Nest to assess the situation there. Meanwhile Xalen, Elviendra (one of the freed drow captives), Pimm, Calin, and Quintain will travel to Ascone while Kitiara, Mathetais, Gaspar, and Iris (the other Drow captive) will move off toward Hydra's Head and Keilsor Castle.

OoC: All involved in the combat at the house, received 300 experience.

Lord Jullian offers the groups his hospitality and also some provisions for the road. Each member can spend (or keep) up to 100 gold (a reward for capturing the assassin and dispatching the drow and barbarians), plus each group will have a wagon and horses, except for Bayne who gets a Light War Horse to ride.


[This message has been edited by Baldak Oakfist (edited August 31, 2001).]

[This message has been edited by Baldak Oakfist (edited August 31, 2001).]

OoC: I missed the recent battle when I was captive...do I still get the 300 exp?

Iris Lythe was thankful for having been rescued. Young adult elf as she was, she owed the party her life in dept. Long raven black hair was mussed from being captive and unsual iris eyes shy but friendly. She was also weary to the bone, but she would have to managed somehow.

[This message has been edited by Shadow_Goddess (edited August 31, 2001).]

"Bah! I knew I was not very good at all when it comes to killing anything more than boar, but to be saved by an overgrown cat!"

Quintain recalled the battle again and again, spouting a hearty laugh each time he saw that dire cat reaping the barbarian's head apart.

"So we are to go for some mage now? Fill me in quickly, friends, are we to expect any more of the Griffons' ogre-sired goblins wanting to split my empty head in two?"

Though Quintain did not enjoy his sarcastic comments about himself, they did make him feel better. For some time he had though of hiself as of a skilled and potent warrior, but this battle had left him in doubt of his abilities...

As Bayne rounded the corner of the mansion he saw the stables, a huge building made entirely from wood. In front of it stood Darius holding the reins to two horses clad in armour, both were at least 17 hands high, bred for speed and war by the looks of it.
Muttering a greeting to Darius Bayne mounted his horse and took the reins from Darius.
Bayne leaned down and whispered into the horses ear, the horse whinnied and set off at a slow trot. Lokking behind him he saw Darius whispering to his horse too, then setting off.
Heading south on th only road out of town Bayne rode with Darius beside him, talking ignorantly about useless banter to do with the forest, none of them learned anything knew but some differing opinions were changed.
Bayne rode on with the newly-earned one hundred gold pieces rattling in his purse...

ooc: I wish to purchase a buckler, sealing wax, and a chain shirt. just use whatever credit I have with the lord first. I also want to sell the loot that I recovered from the envoys, except fpr the longsword.

As Mathetais readied himself for his assult on the drow stronghold, he sized up his smaller party. The sorceress, a huge fighter, and a small elvin woman who remained a mystery.

Practical concerns flooded his mind, worries over healing, stealth, and assult tactics. Fidgiting with the holy symbol around his neck, he struggled to regain the calm that accompanied his holy purpose.

At least it seemed he could trust this new group! He smiled and breathed a prayer. . . "All shall be well. We follow a righteous path. Great Lord, guard our steps, and watch over my companions who will follow seperate roads. Keep them safe & pure . . . and may we meet again."

Ooc: Calin, Sealing Wax is 1 gp per lb. or 2 cp per stick. A buckler is 10 GP, and a chain shirt is 100 GP.

I must apologize for two mistakes in names of places. 1st the correct name is Herald's Holdfast, not Harold's, and the Ancient city on the edge of Anauroch is Ascore, not Ascone. (I guess I need to get glasses after all.)

[This message has been edited by Baldak Oakfist (edited August 31, 2001).]