Chapter 1: A Royal Invitation

[Rukellian]

Alrighty then, its official! We have four players who are ready and now we shall begin.

It is midsummer day. The sun is out, shining brightly, and a cool coastal breeze helps dampen the heat. A lot of traffic seems to be on the road today. Traveling merchants and wandering adventurers alike all make their way to the gates of the capital city, New Dathan. Though it may appear busy and full of activity, the guards are disciplined and strict. Before long, the crowd starts to form lines and one by one, the guards question each traveler before entering the city.

A day like any other too be sure, but unbeknownst to the general public, a storm is brewing in the distance, one that will have the potential to rip the kingdom apart. The city will also be getting a few unlikely visitors as well, some more welcome than others. Each with a story of their own to tell, the pieces of Dathan's future comes together, all on this very important day. And sure enough, one can start to see a few dark clouds heading towards the city, as if on cue for the events to come...

"Halt, citizen! What business do you have in the great city that is New Dathan?"

[onlyme]

Whitsell hears the halt order and looks at the inquisitor.
Aye, greetings good man. Name's Whitsell. I am travelling to gain employment under one of the metalsmiths, if they please. I am unfamiliar with such questioning. Is there something amiss in town that requiring such scrutiny?

[Rukellian]

Whitsell hears the halt order and looks at the inquisitor.
Aye, greetings good man. Name's Whitsell. I am travelling to gain employment under one of the metalsmiths, if they please. I am unfamiliar with such questioning. Is there something amiss in town that requiring such scrutiny?

"The king takes great value in the security of his people. Because of this goodwill, we are under orders to keep track of all persons going into and out of the city of New Dathan. At our discretion, we may turn away any who prove overly suspicious or dangerous."

Sizing up the person in front of him, the guard nods in approval and grants Whitsell entrance.

[tooleychris]

A handsome blond man wearing brand new leathers, with new steel hanging from a polished scabbard approaches the gate. He carries a freshly tanned leather bag over his shoulder and has an arrogant swagger in his walk.

"Halt, citizen! What business do you have in the great city that is New Dathan?"

"An a wonderful day to you as well, good and noble guard. He says bowing low but not breaking eye contact."I am fresh from sea. I've been cleaned, shaved, and reclothed in the finest my coin could provide. He takes a step back as if to show the guard his outfit.
"However it was not so just a few short days ago. I've been rescued from a filthy slave ship by none other than your lords good navy and it appears I am summoned fortwith to offer gratitude in person, if I may be so bold."
He bows again and continues.
"Your good captain....ah...his name escapes me. He says 'Flynn Ryder, you are summoned to the Capitol. ' and so I arrive though I know not why. Flynn Ryder at your service, lord.

[Rukellian]

Upon entering the city, Whitsell notices that it is just as lively inside the city walls as it is outside. Animals roaming the streets in a carefree manner, nobles and peasants alike enjoying the local gossip. The market district in all its glory. Further ahead, the keep looms over the city in its grandeur, waving the national flag of Dathan in its proud red and black. Upon the left of the city entrance, an Inn can be found, Red Rock Inn.

Medieval City Setting.jpg (129.51 KiB) Viewed 1372 times

[Rukellian]

A handsome blond man wearing brand new leathers, with new steel hanging from a polished scabbard approaches the gate. He carries a freshly tanned leather bag over his shoulder and has an arrogant swagger in his walk.

"Halt, citizen! What business do you have in the great city that is New Dathan?"

"An a wonderful day to you as well, good and noble guard. He says bowing low but not breaking eye contact."I am fresh from sea. I've been cleaned, shaved, and reclothed in the finest my coin could provide. He takes a step back as if to show the guard his outfit.
"However it was not so just a few short days ago. I've been rescued from a filthy slave ship by none other than your lords good navy and it appears I am summoned fortwith to offer gratitude in person, if I may be so bold."
He bows again and continues.
"Your good captain....ah...his name escapes me. He says 'Flynn Ryder, you are summoned to the Capitol. ' and so I arrive though I know not why. Flynn Ryder at your service, lord.

"A bold claim indeed," remarks the guard in an incredulous tone! Shaking his head with a smirk on this face, he adds: "do you honestly think that we will let you waltz right up to the keep and-" The guard is cut short as another quickly rushes up to him and whispers something into his ear.

"My deepest apologies Sir Ryder! It would appear that your story holds true. We've been told to point you to the Red Rock Inn. A royal courier will escort you to the keep on the morrow."

[NJWilliam]

Gustov, Half-Elf Fighter/Thief

Gustov neatens up his clothes a bit while awaiting entrance to New Dathan.

In response to the guards inquiry, he responds, "Business? A good meal at least, some drinks, hopefully some company, and likely some wares to purchase from the merchants and blacksmiths."

[Rukellian]

Gustov, Half-Elf Fighter/Thief

Gustov neatens up his clothes a bit while awaiting entrance to New Dathan.

In response to the guards inquiry, he responds, "Business? A good meal at least, some drinks, hopefully some company, and likely some wares to purchase from the merchants and blacksmiths."

Just like the aspiring metalsmith before him, Gustov seemed to pass the guard's mental inspection and is granted entrance.

[Grognardsw]

Lord Tarin was cultivating a woman noble, a fine mark indeed, in the parlors of Starzini the Circus Sorcerer, sharing honeyed wine, flowering greens and fine unicorn meat when the deceit came up short.

"Ahem... Deceidon, your father bids you return immediately by order of the King,"interrupted the fat, sweaty messenger. He appeared from seemingly nowhere, looming over Deceidon and his lovely companion. Said companion's lips were now curling in an angry snarl.

"What trickery is this? You are not Lord Tarin?!" she said, her voice rising with each word.

"Of course I am, my sweet," uttered Deceidon, rising from the divan. "I will look into this nonsense immediately. Why I'm sure--"

"Guards!" screamed the noble woman.

***

"And that, my friend, is how I came home to New Dathan sooner than I expected," I said to my friend Gigacks Swordslinger in the Straight & True Tavern, my father's humble establishment. "The con was up, and while her company was lovely my purse came away light. I beat a hasty retreat back, presenting the inquisitive city guard with my letter. And now the king requests my presence."

"Deceidon, I don't know what to believe: the story of where you've been, or where you're going," muttered Gigacks with a swill of his ale.

"Sometimes I wonder myself," I said, leaving a copper coin tip and getting up from the bar counter."Mustn't be late for his highness. I hope we will talk again soon my friend."

[onlyme]

Whitsell, being a bit on the quiet side, is amazed at the hustle and bustle of the town. He notices the Red Rock Inn, and figures to gain some local knowledge there as to whether any smiths are hiring and paying fair wage.
He enters...

[tooleychris]

"An Inn! Splendid idea chap. A roasted hen and a pint will do me well!
He looks around at the ladies and adds "And perhaps I might sample the more 'local cuisine' while I await you courier."
He smiles and bows again Then walks over to the inn doors and breathes in deeply the smells coming from within before stepping through.

[Rukellian]

Inside a Tavern and or Inn.jpg (159.06 KiB) Viewed 1352 times

While looking at the picture, just pretend there are people in there...

Upon entering Red Rock Inn, a general warmth can be felt in the air. People laughing and talking away in the background, men breaking bread and swigging on their mugs of ale, a jolly place to be sure. A bard is playing in the background, strumming his musical instrument away, it is song that is foreign to you, but it sounds merry enough.

The proprietor of the Inn looks up from his counter, still cleaning a mug with a rag, and beams a smile towards Whitsell's and Flynn's direction.

[tooleychris]

Flynn walks to the bar and smiles broadly. "A pint of something thick and frothy, kind sir. Maybe thou hast some roast foul and potatoes? AND do tell me, how much coin to open thy barrels to the whole of those ladies gathered in your fine establishment for a round? Flynn Ryder finds himself in a generous disposition this day!"

[onlyme]

Whitsell takes in the surroundings inside the inn. He acknowledges the keep's smile and walks over.
After he hears the other human's question, he speaks.

Good morn, kind man. I am new in town and have a few questions if you may. He pauses and pulls out his change purse. Oh, and umm, could I have a cup of ale if umm, if it aint too expensive? Thank you.

He turns to the other human. And g'morn to you too . Name's Whitsell. Yours?

[tooleychris]

And g'morn to you too . Name's Whitsell. Yours?

Flynn looks to the man and does a double take when he sees his arms.
"Now here is a man of labor. Thou hast the muscle of a farmer. I might think you an iron smith or miner were it not for the leathers upon thy breast and steel at thy side."
He sizes him up again and smiles. Flynn Ryder is at thy service and worry not of the rent for thy drink. It should be my pleasure to provide."

[onlyme]

Whitsell holds out his hand. Many thanks, Master Ryder. I believe that is the proper title? I um, well, you guessed correctly about me. I am, uh, was a farmboy. And yes, I know my way around an anvil and fire, too. Good skills to have when you dont come from nothing. ... Well, that isnt necessarily true. My father has quite the reputation for being a fine armoror. In fact he made one of the king's ceremonial plate a few years' back. We got paid handsomely, too. He was able to buy two hogs that spring. Actually, I think it is the reason for my being here. that platemail. We got a post stating for me to come to New Dathan, from the royal court itself. I can only assume they need me to fix something about it.

[tooleychris]

Flynn pays for the two drinks when the bartender arrives and drinks as he listens. He smiles a frothy mustache smile and nods.
"Aye. An armor Smith AND farmer. Tellest me thou hast dug in the earth like a dwarf and I should believe myself a mind reader! he laughs.
"I too am summoned to the court so royal thou speakest of. Though I think it has less to do with pretty mail of plated metal as I've no eye for such detail nor hand for strenous labors."
He takes another drink and wipes away the foam.
"I am proficient in the steering of ships and navigating by star, as needed, and a bit of an artist with steel, if such boasts are to be believed. The only fire I know to work is that which burns in loins should the mood strike and a lass or two are present."
He catches himself and laughs.
"Apologies, lord Whitsell! Two days prior to our welcome meet I was doomed to slavery and death. THIS day finds me summoned by royalty so I am in high spirit and appear to run long in the tongue!"

[onlyme]

Whitsell gets a shiver from the work "lord", knowing that certain professions are somewhat frowned upon and not knowing if his obvious devotion to Karnagee will lead to others thinking him a forbidden conjuring person.
Uhh, no need to call me 'lord' nothing, good man. I am a common peasant. Tis true I attempt to hold myself in best image I can in honor of dearest Karnagee, but I have no flock to lead, or much skill in leading them if I did. I can't imagine your recent troubles. Be glad you dont run afoul of Karnagee, though. Well-made shackles and bars, one doesnt escape from.

[tooleychris]

Flynn goes to take another drink while eyeballing a serving girl Then looks to Whitsell confused.
"Thou namest him 'dearest karnagee' and speak of chains and bars? Dost thou love thy freedom so little?"
He shakes his head and pats his back friendly.
"No god shall shackle my hands and be called friend. But to each their own. I will at the least toast thy faithfulness. Such is dedication to be sure for where wouldst we be without divine intervention?"
He raises his mug and cheers "To divine intervention! May the gods ever have a smile for us!"

[NJWilliam]

Gustov, Half-Elf Fighter/Thief

Gustov will quietly make his way to the Red Rock Inn, taking time to observe the city areas he passes on his way there, and take an out of the way seat and order a meal and drink while he watches the other patrons of the inn.