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Post by Ronin84 on Jan 19, 2011 12:42:09 GMT -6
The morning is clear, the last of the winter storms seem to have passed and the spring weather seems to be wresting control away from the last of winters embrace.
Jorge, splitting logs has become a chore that you use to greet each morning and it of course helps pay for your winter stay at the Boxing Hare Inn. Berrian the owner has been very kind to you this winter and you have worked off your stay with labor around the inn. The neck hairs begin to stand, when you see the shadow of someone stopping, glancing back.
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Post by Ronin84 on Jan 25, 2011 9:59:33 GMT -6
"Jorge...I'm sorry to disturb... you but the Seekers Council sent me to find you and tell you to please come by Council's Hall." The small even by hobbit standards, deputy Gavin sputters out. The nervousness is nothing new everyone knows that Gavin is only deputy while his uncle is sheriff.
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Post by Ronin84 on Jan 25, 2011 10:03:32 GMT -6
Grundy walks into Berry Grove, as he predicted the weather broke last night and now Spring is here officially. Berry Grove is sedate, but later there will be small gatherings to give thanks for a safe winter and for a bountiful spring. Stopping by "old oak" the oldest tree in the grove and silently praying, Grundy knows he is being watched, finally turning.
"Master Grungy...Grundy...the Seekers Council wishes word with you at the Council Hall, can I escort you stink...sir?"
The lad of no more than 8 summers has the coloring and look of Elton, one of the senior brewers and large supporter of the Seekers.
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Post by Ronin84 on Jan 25, 2011 10:09:15 GMT -6
Running the streets, Wieland feels good as the first spring airs enter his lungs and his flesh rises with goosebumps. Stopping by the central well, the water is cold and fresh, some of the women in town wave as the stroll by.
"Master Wieland!" That command voice could belong to none other than Sergeant Karro, the senior non-officer of the militia and plain watchers that Berry Grove maintains, and until last fall your boss.
Slowly looking, "Master Wieland, the Seeker Council has need of an audience with you, accompany me please." His sword hand is tight on his belt, but not threatening.
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eris
Level 4 Theurgist
Posts: 161
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Post by eris on Jan 25, 2011 13:47:59 GMT -6
"Jorge...I'm sorry to disturb... you but the Seekers Council sent me to find you and tell you to please come by Council's Hall." The small even by hobbit standards, deputy Gavin sputters out. The nervousness is nothing new everyone knows that Gavin is only deputy while his uncle is sheriff. ------------------------- Jorge, lowers his ax and pulls a handkerchief from his back pocket and swabs the sweat from his forehead. "Hullo, Gavin." the brawny hobbit says with a slight smile, "The Seekers Council, you say?" Hefting his ax and giving a brighter smile he says, "Maybe they have a mission for me and I can put aside chopping all this wood, eh?" "I've got two more of these logs to split and then carry the wood back to the inn in the wheelbarrow before I'm done." Jorge swings the ax down firmly embedding it deep into the short log standing on the block before him, "I'd be done faster if you'd start loading the wood into the barrow for me while I finish up with the chopping." "How about it, Gavin?" One way or the other, Jorge finishes his task, soon, and wheels the kindling and logs back to the Boxing Hare. Once there he'll tip the barrow and stack the logs neatly before stopping...."A task once started should be finished"...is a bit of wisdom his father drummed into Jorge's head while he was growing up. Even tasks of which he was not fond. Finishing his work, he enters the Inn by the kitchen door and let's Berrian know that he has been called to the Council's Hall. "I might have a mission, my friend!" Jorge grins as he steals a fresh tart from the cooling rack and pops it in his mouth, "As much as I've enjoyed your hospitality and company this long winter, I must say I am looking forward to being away again." With a grin he adds, "I dare say, you'll be happy to be rid of me for a bit as well."
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Aplus
Level 6 Magician
Posts: 353
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Post by Aplus on Jan 25, 2011 17:41:54 GMT -6
"Master Grungy...Grundy...the Seekers Council wishes word with you at the Council Hall, can I escort you stink...sir?" (completely oblivious to the references to his overpowering dirt-stink) Sure thing. No doubt they wish to thank me for keeping their mushroom barrels full throughout the winter. No hobbit could have survived the season without a regular intake of wild mushroom stew...
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grimstone
Level 1 Medium
We have enough youth, how about a fountain of smart?
Posts: 18
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Post by grimstone on Jan 26, 2011 18:01:14 GMT -6
Wieland nods at Sergeant Karro, takes a sip off the cool water than splashes his face and slicks back his hair.
"Alright I'm coming"
Wieland follows Karro, giving a wink and wave to the women as he leaves. turning his head to look at Karro he asks "Is it something serious?" and looks to his reaction.
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Post by Ronin84 on Jan 27, 2011 11:02:31 GMT -6
Wieland nods at Sergeant Karro, takes a sip off the cool water than splashes his face and slicks back his hair. "Alright I'm coming"Wieland follows Karro, giving a wink and wave to the women as he leaves. turning his head to look at Karro he asks "Is it something serious?" and looks to his reaction. Staying stoic, "I don't believe so, I think they want you and some others to go looking for something." The voice barely a whisper. Louder then, "Stop trying to weasel me, just stay quiet till we get to the council chambers!"
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Aplus
Level 6 Magician
Posts: 353
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Post by Aplus on Jan 28, 2011 16:23:54 GMT -6
Grundy to the boy: "Just because we have short legs, doesn't mean we must move as snails. Chop, chop, boy!"
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eris
Level 4 Theurgist
Posts: 161
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Post by eris on Jan 29, 2011 12:27:06 GMT -6
Finishing his work, he enters the Inn by the kitchen door and let's Berrian know that he has been called to the Council's Hall. "I might have a mission, my friend!" Jorge grins as he steals a fresh tart from the cooling rack and pops it in his mouth, "As much as I've enjoyed your hospitality and company this long winter, I must say I am looking forward to being away again." With a grin he adds, "I dare say, you'll be happy to be rid of me for a bit as well." After bidding farewell to his uncommonly silent host at the Inn, Jorge heads down the road toward the Council's Hall. It is a bright, warm, day, so the nimble hobbit walks along at a brisk pace whistling a merry little tune. As he walks, he takes the time to smile, wave, and say a cheery "Hello!" to each and every citizen of the little village he passes, but he is walking briskly, so he soon arrives at the Hall.
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Post by Ronin84 on Feb 10, 2011 13:04:42 GMT -6
The Council's Hall is large and the council sits at a large table there are documents, books and papers spread out over the table...
The three of you find yourselves waiting patiently, the conversation seems to come to an end finally and one of the members, Colline steps forward.
Colline is one of the newer members of the council and she smiles at all three of you, "Come forward young Seekers, we have been waiting all winter to discuss this with you."
Chairs are brought forward for you to sit...
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Aplus
Level 6 Magician
Posts: 353
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Post by Aplus on Feb 10, 2011 15:09:49 GMT -6
Grundy crosses his arms and stays standing where he is, never being one for formalities or manners. Such qualities have no use in the forest. The slight motion of his arms sends the odor of one whom is long unwashed wafting across the room...
"Indeed, let's put the waiting to an end. On with it then!"
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Post by Ronin84 on Feb 11, 2011 7:12:55 GMT -6
Grundy crosses his arms and stays standing where he is, never being one for formalities or manners. Such qualities have no use in the forest. The slight motion of his arms sends the odor of one whom is long unwashed wafting across the room..."Indeed, let's put the waiting to an end. On with it then!" Colline stops, "Manners!" Her momentary outbreak causes her face to betray an emotion that seems to swirling behind a mask of calmness. Whispering, "Grundy I chose you all for this, I know that if I were in your woods I would heed your advice, I'm telling you right now, heed mine or the woods you hold dear might suffer more than their natural right!" She glares for just a moment, daring anyone of you to speak more.
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eris
Level 4 Theurgist
Posts: 161
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Post by eris on Feb 11, 2011 21:02:15 GMT -6
The Council's Hall is large and the council sits at a large table there are documents, books and papers spread out over the table... The three of you find yourselves waiting patiently, the conversation seems to come to an end finally and one of the members, Colline steps forward. Colline is one of the newer members of the council and she smiles at all three of you, "Come forward young Seekers, we have been waiting all winter to discuss this with you." Chairs are brought forward for you to sit... Jorge, gives the Council woman a smile and a nod then moves forward to take the proffered chair.
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Post by Ronin84 on Feb 12, 2011 9:20:26 GMT -6
Sitting down and glancing at the paper on the table you can see maps and logs written in fine script, there are also long pieces of paper that are written in not so fine script and some that are even blood covered.
Senior council member Tavin Darktoes begins to speak, "Friends we have called you here today because over the long winter we have been examining some information that has come to us." He begins to puff at his pipe.
"A merchant from the human Merchant Guild brought to us this collection of work, this work is from one of our Seekers who was lost to us some years ago, Master Phalen Onebrow." Some more puffs on the pipe.
"Master Phalen was seeking the legendary workshop of Deep Hallow, we had assumed he had died and never found it...we may have been mistaken." More furious puffs, and now the chambers are beginning to fill with the smoke, you can see that others are looking at opening windows just a little bit.
"Master Phalen seems to have found this, well that is what good Lady Colline thinks, some of us have our doubts. We are asking you three to look into this, and report back as soon as you can. This workshop has been lost for some five hundred years and if it cannot be recovered we are sure that there many items there that would be beneficial to our family here." The puffs continue and then there is a blast of air from the open windows and the candles on the table are blown out...leaving the council chambers in the dark, except for the glow of the pipe....
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Aplus
Level 6 Magician
Posts: 353
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Post by Aplus on Feb 12, 2011 10:24:21 GMT -6
Grundy, still standing, is thrilled with the proposal. Finally, a worthy task to break the monotony of winter! However, he shows no emotion (not that you could see it in the dark anyways). He speaks plainly, seemingly oblivious to the lack of illumination:
"Accepted. Let us get on with the details. We will need all the information that is available"
A scratching sound can be heard in the darkness, as if someone is scratching their beard, or other hairy place, since hobbits don't have beards...
Information Grundy wishes to know: 1. The fate of Master Phalen 2. The contents of all the notes/maps the council has 3. The history of the workshop 4. The terms of the expedition
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eris
Level 4 Theurgist
Posts: 161
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Post by eris on Feb 12, 2011 14:28:37 GMT -6
Sitting down and glancing at the paper on the table you can see maps and logs written in fine script, there are also long pieces of paper that are written in not so fine script and some that are even blood covered. Jorge leans forward and cranes his neck in an attempt to read some of the script. Jorge sits back slightly and gives his attention to Councilman Darktoes. In the dark, Jorge smiles and suppresses a slight chuckle, "Councilman Darktoes, I am honored to be considered for such a worthy mission. I certainly accept it, but can we shed some more light upon the evidence you have gathered?"
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eris
Level 4 Theurgist
Posts: 161
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Post by eris on Feb 12, 2011 14:30:07 GMT -6
Grundy, still standing, is thrilled with the proposal. Finally, a worthy task to break the monotony of winter! However, he shows no emotion (not that you could see it in the dark anyways). He speaks plainly, seemingly oblivious to the lack of illumination:"Accepted. Let us get on with the details. We will need all the information that is available"A scratching sound can be heard in the darkness, as if someone is scratching their beard, or other hairy place, since hobbits don't have beards...Information Grundy wishes to know: 1. The fate of Master Phalen 2. The contents of all the notes/maps the council has 3. The history of the workshop 4. The terms of the expedition That certainly covers most of the questions that Jorge has.
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grimstone
Level 1 Medium
We have enough youth, how about a fountain of smart?
Posts: 18
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Post by grimstone on Feb 15, 2011 18:15:06 GMT -6
Wieland approaches the table and examines the maps closer trying to see if he is familiar with any of the locations.
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Post by Ronin84 on Feb 16, 2011 7:23:47 GMT -6
Grundy, still standing, is thrilled with the proposal. Finally, a worthy task to break the monotony of winter! However, he shows no emotion (not that you could see it in the dark anyways). He speaks plainly, seemingly oblivious to the lack of illumination:"Accepted. Let us get on with the details. We will need all the information that is available"A scratching sound can be heard in the darkness, as if someone is scratching their beard, or other hairy place, since hobbits don't have beards...Information Grundy wishes to know: 1. The fate of Master Phalen 2. The contents of all the notes/maps the council has 3. The history of the workshop 4. The terms of the expedition The council looks at each other before answering the questions put forth to them, finally a new voice is heard, Council member Harlan Sixfingers. "Friend, Master Phalen died in an inn far to the south in the Free City States, it was never told to us how he traveled so far to the south when he was working in the west." Moving forward, "As you can see he is plainly in the Dragon's Maw, the mountains far to the west of here, and from what we know the location of the workshop." "The workshop was the center of our last organized kingdom, it had access to the mystical metals from the mountains and was the envy of the dwarves, so much so that one clan actually moved itself there to make armor and weapons." His voice is taking a wispy tone, "The shops though could make more than weapons, it's artisans and engineers were the best of our kind and we were held in much higher esteem then we are now." Lady Colline speaks almost interrupting him, "Something though destroyed the shop, some say Drow, others a dragon, some say that we even abandoned it ourselves. No matter though this has been the jewel we have been seeking for some time." Looking at the council, "What, other than the reputation you would garner, would you want to undertake this?"
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eris
Level 4 Theurgist
Posts: 161
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Post by eris on Feb 16, 2011 11:21:49 GMT -6
Jorge, listens closely and after a moment of reflection says, "I am a poor man without the best in equipment, arms and armor. I spent the last winter working for my room and board at the inn for I had no house of my own, nor the wealth to even buy food to feed myself through the cold months. Don't misunderstand me, I'm not seeking great wealth, just...um...solvency."
"What that amounts to, and what this mission is worth to the community, I will leave to your discretion." Jorge says, "I know you will be fair in your dealings with us."
"Other than that, I'm more interested in focusing on how you want us to proceed?" Jorge leans forward and examines the map and notes closely, "The mountains are, as you say, far to the west of here. It will be a long journey for us, many, many, days. We will certainly need the provision of supplies and perhaps even help with tranportation if we are to complete this mission in a timely fashion."
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Post by Ronin84 on Feb 16, 2011 13:10:20 GMT -6
Lady Colline speaks, "We have a Merchant Guild caravan that is heading north to Rivers Edge and then north west along the old Dwarven Road. This will take you much closer to the Dragons Maw, and travel with an armed escort of sorts."
Pausing and sipping at a cup, "I have been authorized by the council to offer 100 gold to each of you on the successful completion of the journey. Out of my own though I am willing to offer that money up front to each of you, above the council's offer."
"The council though would want to make sure that anything that you recover is seen by them as soon as you return. Anything that bears the mark of the shop is property of the council anything else that you recover is yours to keep without any claim from the council."
"How do these conditions strike you?"
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Aplus
Level 6 Magician
Posts: 353
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Post by Aplus on Feb 17, 2011 14:10:09 GMT -6
Seems equitable to me. When does the caravan depart?
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eris
Level 4 Theurgist
Posts: 161
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Post by eris on Feb 17, 2011 14:24:13 GMT -6
"As I said I was sure you'd be fair in your dealings." says Jorge, "Those terms are perfectly acceptable to me."
"As Grundy is anxious to be on our way, I'll echo his question." Jorge says with his easy grin, "When does the caravan depart?"
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Post by Ronin84 on Feb 18, 2011 9:25:30 GMT -6
Wieland approaches the table and examines the maps closer trying to see if he is familiar with any of the locations. The route marked for the caravan you are familiar with, never traveled that far but you have knowledge about it. Past the last stop on the caravan...that is something that you have heard rumor about but that is about it. Those are the Borderlands, there really is no central authority nor control of any kind that far....
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grimstone
Level 1 Medium
We have enough youth, how about a fountain of smart?
Posts: 18
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Post by grimstone on Feb 18, 2011 20:52:47 GMT -6
Wieland looks up from the table, only half-hearing the conversation taking place. the map fascinates him and he dreams of charting more of the borderland.
"Agreed, tho the chance to expand the knowledge of the region, would have alone been enough to arouse my interest."
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Aplus
Level 6 Magician
Posts: 353
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Post by Aplus on Feb 21, 2011 13:28:25 GMT -6
"Ahhh. It will be a nice change of pace to visit a land unmolested by those who call themselves civilized. I can only imagine what kinds of mushrooms might be available there!"
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eris
Level 4 Theurgist
Posts: 161
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Post by eris on Feb 21, 2011 17:09:04 GMT -6
"...among other things." Jorge says a bit abstractedly as he looks closely at the map, "I guess you want to keep the map and journal here, yes?"
He looks up at the Council, "How about copies for us?"
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Post by Ronin84 on Feb 22, 2011 7:15:41 GMT -6
"...among other things." Jorge says a bit abstractedly as he looks closely at the map, "I guess you want to keep the map and journal here, yes?" He looks up at the Council, "How about copies for us?" One of the other council members, Yori speaks, "Rough copies yes of course that we could do BUT yes the originals will be staying here." His gap tooth smile does little to show any sign of being comforting, more wolf like.
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eris
Level 4 Theurgist
Posts: 161
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Post by eris on Feb 22, 2011 16:17:09 GMT -6
"...among other things." Jorge says a bit abstractedly as he looks closely at the map, "I guess you want to keep the map and journal here, yes?" He looks up at the Council, "How about copies for us?" One of the other council members, Yori speaks, "Rough copies yes of course that we could do BUT yes the originals will be staying here." His gap tooth smile does little to show any sign of being comforting, more wolf like. "Didn't expect anything less." Jorge returns to Councilman Yori, "Didn't expect anything more, either." Looking at his two companions Jorge says grinning, "Looks like we've got a mission, guys!"
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