Chapter 1: A Royal Invitation

[tooleychris]

Flynn nods "I should not hope to tarnish such an event with improper manners."

[onlyme]

Whitsell likewise nods his understanding.
Aye, but of course. I uhh, wouldnt want to show anything but respect. As he says it, he realizes he hadnt thought of this before. what the heck is he supposed to do. Does he stand, kneel, crawl? He makes sure he is behind the others, so he has a small chance to follow someone else's lead.

[NJWilliam]

Gustov nods.

[Grognardsw]

Deceidon / before the royal courier

"...He is your king and his words are law. Are we all clear on the matter?"

"As clear as the gems I hope this mission will reward," answers Deceidon with a nod. He smiles, letting his impatience get the better of his wisdom: "Let us hope his highness is quicker to the point than his courier is in retrieving his subjects."

[Rukellian]

After giving a quick and courteous nod to the group, the courier turns around again and opens the doors to the throne room. As the group follows the courier through a vast room full of columns and suits of armor, they eventually make their way to a solitary throne with King Benagal sitting and waiting upon it. He too for a moment looks as if he was expecting the group much earlier, as he casts a cold glance towards the courier. The warmth in his eyes rekindle though as he smiles towards the group once again.

"I welcome you to my court, fair and noble citizens, but I'm afraid this is the most hospitality I can offer at the time. As you all may well know, the duties of your king are long and numerous and very tasking on the spirit. Even as we speak, I have numerous officials to speak to regarding the security of our outer borders, appointments to make, very tedious indeed. But this is a very special occassion, one that I cannot possibly miss! You see, my elder brother, Fenrin can see many things that I cannot, and as my personal advisor, he has instructed me of the arrival of heroes, heroes that will save New Dathan and possibly all of Kinra from a dark fate..." King Benagal's charismatic and warm voice falls short a bit as he finishes that last sentence. Whatever it is that Fenrin told him, regarding the kingdom's possible fate, it casts a heavy shadow over his spirits, leaving him appear mightily concerned.

The moment was but a few seconds though as the king quickly recaptures his composure. "I will just get straight to the matter then. Fenrin assures me that you four are the heroes whose arrival he foresaw. And he has shown great interest in your select capabilities, capabilities that will be used to help him with a greater threat at hand right now." He raises his hand for silence, because he knows that this talk of heroes may sound ridiculous and might just raise a response from his audience. "Let me finish. I trust in my brother's words, for they have been correct for as long as I can remember. And if he says that you four are heroes of Kinra's fate, then heroes you shall become." Pausing for a moment, checking to make sure that everyone has understood him, he then continues. "The threat that I am speaking of is of the magical kind. Yes, a dark user of magic has betrayed my brother's trust and has stolen away an item of great importance from the royal keep. Normally I would send an army of my own to track this thief down and retrieve the item myself, but I am short on such manpower. The pirate and bandit attacks as of late has assured me of that. So the job rests now in your capable hands. I will have my guards here escort you to Fenrin himself, which in when he will provide you the finer details on the matter. Know that you all carry with my blessing and that I will pray to the gods for your safe return. Know also that the reward for saving the entire kingdom of Dathan, and possibly all of Kinra, will amount to more than just a chest full of gold and gems. I reward heroes handsomely, and handsomely you will all be rewarded upon your successful return!"

Just as the King finishes his message, the guards that he spoke of arrive, ready to lead the group to the room that Fenrin, King Benagal's personal advisor, is now waiting in.

[NJWilliam]

Gustov makes a polite and appropriate bow to the king and moves to follow the guards.

[onlyme]

Whitsell does likewise.

[Grognardsw]

Deceidon / throne room

Deceidon bows and follows the group. He looks forward to meeting Fenrin, the dark brother who is the subject of much rumor Deceidon has heard of.

[Rukellian]

I would have posted more often today, but my computer has been giving me some problems, not loading being able to load up certain websites. It's still giving me problems I should say. I will probably continue the story tomorrow sometime after noon EST. Still working out a few minor details regarding the next few sequences and ultimately it will depend on your characters' actions.

As a reminder, the post rate will be every other day once we get past the introductory formalities. Unless... everyone is fine with posting at least once a day. I guess I could take a general vote when we hit that road. But anyways, thank you everyone for your patience, now and in the posts to come.

-Rukellian

[onlyme]

I would have posted more often today, but my computer has been giving me some problems, not loading being able to load up certain websites. It's still giving me problems I should say. -Rukellian

It was the site's server, at least for this one. Can't answer for any other site. ...

[Rukellian]

The descent through the keep's interiors appeared confusing to say the least. Every corridor and antechamber seemed to blend into the next, with no clear indication as to where they were heading. If it were not for the escort provided by the king, the group would have surely become lost within these walls. After walking for what seemed like an hour or so, the guards finally slowed down a bit and checked their surroundings once more. The corridor that they found themselves in was dark and ominous. Very few candles lit the walls around them and the ones that did cast an erie light, pale blue flames, unnatural...

When they came to a slow halt, one of the guards sighed deeply and turned to face the adventurers. "This is as far as we will take you. At the end of this corridor, to the left there will be a large door carved of wood and fastened by metals; that be where you will find... the king's advisor. Though King Benagal may look favorably upon him, we do not. We fear what the advisor may truly be and want no part of his twisted... whatever it is that he does," the guard ends with a bit of disgust.

The guards start to turn around and leave where they came. As the group is left to themselves, they too cannot help but feel uneasy in this ominous and clearly magical part of the keep.

[onlyme]

Whitsell looks around and says,
"I dont understand. The only way the king knows of me is through my father's craftsmanship. How can this be anything but a punishment for something? Nonetheless. no sense putting off our fate.

He continues, toward those doors.

[tooleychris]

"Well....nothing for it then." Flynn strides forward to rap at the door.

[Rukellian]

The door swings open to reveal another dimly lit room. This time circular in nature and spacious, there doesn't appear to be any other way in. As the group steps into the room they find a solitary table in the middle of the room, with a spherical object glowing just on top. Upon closer inspection of the orb, for those brave enough to step closer to it, will find that there are tiny depictions of buildings and landscape within the glass orb. The room itself is for the most part empty. Save a few torches, the only prominent feature within the room being the pedestal with the unique glass orb on top.

magical snowglobe.jpg (94.08 KiB) Viewed 730 times

"A strange artifact indeed, don't you think," a voice asks in the background. The harsh sounding and almost icy voice, was a far cry from the warmth felt not too long ago. The group did not have to ask or even look to know who spoke. It was King Benagal's personal advisor, and his elder brother, Fenrin.

[tooleychris]

The blonde swashbuckler takes an uneasy breath, steps forward, goes to offer his hand in greeting, thinks better of it.
Bowing low instead he says:
"Flynn Ryder and company at thy service. "
He then whispers over his shoulder:
"Has a nice ring to it, I think. Yes? " then seeing the scowls from his group says "No? Hmm...apologies."
He stands upright again.
"Allow my comrades, who are equally at thy service, to introduce themselves in turn."

[onlyme]

Whitsell bows and answers in turn...
Whitsell, sire, at your service.

[Grognardsw]

Deceidon / before Fenrin

"I am Deceidon of House Urshurak in New Dathan. Swift in sword, fleet of foot, nimble in finger, inquiring in mind," Deceidon says with a curt nod. "But you know this, and all of us, hence our summons. We seek answer to mysteries: Why us, what are we to do, and what profit may it serve us and you?"

[NJWilliam]

Gustov, Half-Elf

Gustov watches the magical globe and remains silent.

[Rukellian]

Fenrin laughs a bit to himself as he hears the group's introductions. "Yes, yes I know all about you four. Or more specifically, it is I who brought you all to King Benagal's attention. I don't know how much he has told you thus far, but regardless I shall you give you the details. It is no secret that I am a practitioner of magics. For many years, the kingdom of Dathan has made use of my magical abilities for the greater good. Through those abilities, I have recently foreseen a most tragic event in the near future, one that has the potential to shake the kingdom apart, and maybe all of Kinra. Using this insight, I have gathered what I believe to be the heroes that will help prevent this horrible event from unfolding. Though many would think that you will all be dealing with a rogue mage, that is just the surface of your mission. The item that he stole, is even more important, and reclaiming it will be of the utmost importance." Fenrin then points to the orb in the middle of the room. "It looks just like that, and it holds unimaginable power, power that can be easily misused, as is the case with all magic and magical items."

"You cringe at the muttering of magic, you are probably baffled by my casual confession to being a mage. Why you might be thinking, and maybe dare not ask? But that is not the only question running through your minds, is it? Why am I a hero all of a sudden? I've done no great deeds in my life. Surely there must be others who are more capable, more deserving of such a title, right?" Fenrin then laughs with an even more sinister tone to himself, as if this were all some sick joke.

"Whitsell, a devout follower of Karnagee, god of metalworking among other things. Your faith is strong, and your arms stronger. Just as your father before you, and his father before him, you shall produce many of miracles of steel, and perhaps more. My magical insight has shown a higher path for you then working at some forge.

"Flynn Ryder, a man of the sea through and through. You are an individual that can brave the strongest of storms, fighting off all manners of evil, and always come away just a little bit richer. Quick with your tongue as well as your sword you will prove to be an excellent leader, and perhaps a captain of some ship as well.

"Gustov, second son of the noble family of Ormanthyr. Finding it hard to follow the path of your family's obligations, and not wanting to be overprotected either, you took up the life of an adventurer. Choosing to live life within the walls of outside human cities, you grew attached and saw great potential in growth as an individual. But the life of an adventurer is just the beginning of many things to come. Just as a lowly squire trains and reaches the status of knight, so shall you as an adventurer brave new obstacles and come out as something even greater, that of a hero.

"Deceidon Urshurak, fourth son of a family of warriors..." he chuckles a bit to himself. "Need I say more?" Fenrin ends with a smug smile on his face, showing that he knows even more about everyone. "But enough with what I have to say, I'm sure you have a question or two for me, naturally. By all means, ask away..." The feeling in the air is definitely uneasy, this man, Fenrin, is definitely dangerous, his knowledge of many things is not to be trifled with. Though he invites everyone into conversation, his intentions couldn't be more darker, or could it?

[Grognardsw]

Deceidon / before Fenrin

Deceidon listens to the self-proclaimed magician, wondering at the irony of it all. He then proceeds to ask and discuss with Fenrin, in his most diplomatic manner, the following questions:

- Who is the rogue mage? What are his magical abilities? Weaknesses?
- What is the orb? What does it do?
- Where is the rogue mage now, or by what clues to we track him?
- What is the tragic event you have foreseen? When does it supposedly happen?
- Are the royal resources available for our mission, for example steeds, better armor, equipment, hirelings, etc?
- Do you have any magical protections that would be helpful for us in attacking the rogue mage?