Arkhosia was a city of vast wealth and power. It covered the known world and ruled over all the races. It was the empire of the Dragonborn. Their majesty was at its fullest and displayed for the world to see. Some say there wasn't anything that couldn't be accomplished back then.

But there was another great empire; Bael Turath.

Bael Turath was a human empire that was formed by conquering many a kingdom and putting the conquered to work as slaves. As the empire began to buckle from its own size, the noble houses made pacts with devils, signing in their blood, to become more powerful and ensure Bael Turath's rule for centuries to come. After the pact, the first Tieflings came to be. It's said the tiefling nobles had the power of devils and oft seemed invincible. Bael Turath then rose up against the dragonborn empire Arkhosia and war was on.

While Arkhosia was shattered by the great empire of Bael Turath, it made sure to take its enemy down with it. The two world powers were gone. And the races of the world slowly picked up the pieces, fearing ever uniting under one empire again.

That was long ago. So long ago, it was forgotten for a time (though not by the Dragonborn). Deep inside every Dragonborn is the desire to see their kind rise above the others again. Some because they believe no other race is worthy to rule. Some because they just want to be respected again.

---

Today's adventure starts in the city of Kora, one of the surviving cities from the fallen human empire of Nerath. There is a pocket in the city for the Dragonborn to live in, on the other side of the city from the area where the Tieflings live. The occasional halfling or dwarf lives in this part of town, but the elves and half-elves live closer to the center of the city. The city has average laws, average law enforcement, and average benefits/problems. The one thing that stands out in this city is it's massive fortifications that boast of having yet to be breached in the city's 400 year existence.

City Population: 15,992
Humans: 12,223
Halflings: 1,678
Dwarves: 867
Elves: 435
Half-Elves: 391
Dragonborn: 345
Tieflings: 53

Our heroes are friends who grew up in the same neighborhood and likely became friends either in early or late childhood.

(OOC Note: Clans are important to Dragonborn and can be a fun plot point for this adventure. Be sure to pick a clan you are from or represent. The Dragonborn backgrounds should spell out ideas for you, or you can come up with your own. Have fun with that! Also, your relationships can be anything. I'm cool with Sora knowing any of you for any reason. Same clan? Same family? Just friends who met in the market as kids? Whatever works. But here is where we all grew up for the most part.)
This message was last edited by the player at 00:56, Sun 03 July 2011.

Dragon's Will is actual name of the part of town the dragonborn mostly live in. But it's been shortened over the past centuries to Dragil (Pronounced dray-gull). It's also earned the nickname of "Little Arkhosia" by many a teasing human or dwarf, but the dragonborn don't usually like the name as this town has nothing really to boast of besides it's population. No fantastic structures, no amazing technologies, no superior weapons. Well there ARE the two competing blacksmiths; a dwarf and a dragonborn who each carry on a shop that's been around since almost the day this part of town was founded. But they still only make farming tools and the occasional sword. Nothing terribly special.

Sora is the daughter of adventurers who retired early (level 7 or thereabouts). Sora is known in town for a number of things, not the least of which is the fact she is the only known psionic dragonborn in Kora. But she's also known for being someone people can go to with their problems as she is willing to help people and usually leaves with a smile. Her 15th birthday was just last week, making her an official adult (by dragonborn standard).

Today brings her to the "Ironbeard Tavern", which is run by the jovial dwarf Marco Ironbeard. Sora is cleaning tables as a favor to Marco.

Pyrus, as he was most commonly known as, has today returned to his home town for the first time in many years and is quietly brooding over a mug of the Tavern's "firebrew."  He's wearing a dirty desert cloak with the hood pulled up, shading most of his features.  He recognizes the little dragling from her younger years and gives her a nod.  He watches her and the goings on about, giving a nod to anyone who should look his way.

  Rhagar is helping!  Well, technically.  We'll get back to that after a moments narrative exposition about Rhagar.  He's a health young man (A dragon man) of nineteen, qualified adulthood in most DnD culture.  Ironically while of the Icy white persuasion, Rhagar is not a special snowflake of the local Dragonborn community.  Character Class: Bard.  Literal profession: Backup instrument for actual establishment musicians, or (technically) carrying the stuff for real bands.

  There's that technically again.  Why?  Because it's his 'free cast once per day, lasts all day' Unseen servant that does all the heavy lifting in both stage prep, and in helping Sora deal with the tables.  Just as, if not more helpful than if he was doing so personally.  But of course it still takes something away from it when it's done via class feature.

  Dragonborn guy eating stew while invisible thing works a bar rag.  Not exactly as full of class as 'Cute Wizard Woman Lounging As Mage Hand Wields Staff'.

Sora ohs! "Gosh. Pyrus? Haven't seen you around in forever. Hey Marco! I'm done! And get Pyrus a drink! On me!"

Marco chuckles. He knew Sora just loves saying stuff like that. It makes her feel grown up. Which she technically is now, so to pet her ego, Marco speaks up to Pyrus, "Sora's 15th birthday was just a week back. Your kind grow and mature so fast it makes m' head spin. Alright. What'll it be?"

Sora goes to Rhagar quickly and says in a hushed tone, "Thanks, bud. C'mon and help me help him feel glad he returned."

"Mead," Pyrus answers the barkeep in a voice that sounds like a grizzly bear's whisper before finishing off his firebrew.

He turns to look at Sora.

"Fifteen?  Congratulations.  It is I who should be buying you a drink, then.  But name your birthday gift, and I shall do what can be done to see that you have it by nightfall."

  Alas, as a Bard class Rhagar lacks Prestidigitation by default (And not like he's got the INT to multiclass... IS there a Multiclass that gives that?).  So he can't presto a party hat onto Pyrus's head and call it a day.  But palness calls, and Rhagar bravely abandons his stew to the dire fate of reaching room temperature.

  Hey, even Ice Dragony types can appreciate a hot meal.

  "It is good to see you again Pyrus, she already has a tamed laser unicorn so pick something else for her gift... Well, as soon as I can find one anyway."

Sora says, "Can you believe he promised me a tamed laser Unicorn? ...what's a laser again? Hmm... gift idea from Pyrus.." she is briefly tempted to ask she call him by his childhood name any time she wants. But figures that might sound like she doesn't like him. "How about you go adventuring with me? I've been wanting to go out and see the sights, fight some evil, and come home. Just like my parents!"

It's a fitting gift, really. She officially her own woman now, so asking another adult to come aid her with something she wasn't allowed to do just a week ago is fitting.

"Request granted," Pyrus replies, "Speaking of your parents, I would have a word with them."

He finishes his drink and gets up to head in the direction of Sora's parents.

  "It's like Radiant, only much cooler." Rhagar comments in regards to Sora wondering what a Laser is.  "Hmm, adventure.  The stuff crazy stories that may possibly result in free drinks are made of." And less singing or musical talent required.  "I do believe I will come along. "

  Rhagar wonders if life will take Pyrus's intentions literally and have them walk through the bar walls towards Sora's house, unless her parents are hiding off panel in case washing tables was too dangerous for their little girl.

Sora ohs and smiles. Then leads the bunch to her home. "Thanks again!" she says to the dwarf. It isn't far, so the group gets to Sora's home soon. Her parents are there, see Pyrus, and nod to him. "Pyrus! Welcome back. What can we do for you?" the father asks.

Pyrus brushes the bits of plaster and wood off his cloak from the various walls he had to bash through in his direct line toward Sora's parents.  Pesky solid obstacles.  Fortunately, they greets him at the door, saving him the effort of knocking it down.

"Thank you," he answers with a nod to the ice family, "I came here as a courtesy.  Your daughter has asked that I take her on an adventure as my gift to her for her coming of age.  I'm on an urgent mission to recover what artifacts of our heritage can be salvaged.  Rhagar has offered to tag along.  I plan to leave at daybreak with any other volunteers."

  Rhagar was only joking o.o hopefully people will be too freaked out by Pyrus's Kool-Aid Man rampage to do anything about it.

  "So out of curiosity did you pick up this job on your own, or did someone put you up to it?"   Not that it would really surprise Rhagar that Purus just happened to know about ancient and important artifacts.  If short foxes can get away with it, why not him too?

  He also waves hello to Sora's parents.  "Hello again, good to see you as always."

So was Pyrus, unless he wants to be billed several hundred gold in repairs before he even has that much and roll STR v wall AC. XD

The parents nod to Pyrus. "She has told us of her wish to go adventuring, but we appreciate the courtesy call. So you're telling us there are *still* artifacts that haven't been looted?"

Sora seems just as shocked as her dad. Sora's mom speaks up, "There's always loot. Especially in ruins as big as Arkhosia."

The dad still seems unsure. "Well good luck on your quest." "And may the Platinum Dragon be with you."

Pyrus nods to Rhagar.

"Unless you count the shame of our ancestors in the way their descendants abandoned their birthright, my steps are guided by myself alone."

He nods to Sora's parents.

"Just because some filthy creatures have already gotten their hands on what is rightfully ours doesn't mean it cannot be taken back.  The ruins are only the starting point.  Blessings to you too.  For you two dared where others cowered."

  Ah, At-Will Kool-Aid man entry.  A wondrous dream.  A dream Matt will realize once he hits level 6.

  "Unfortunately, I do not believe any of us know prestidigitation.  Though if we plan ahead we shall be able to wash our hands before lifting any ancient relics of our people's lore...  Or am I taking things too literally again?"

Sora's parents nod to Pyrus and Rhagar, hug their daughter and let the group go where they will.

Sora giggles from Rhagar's comment. Then looks at Pyrus, "Hey now... be careful not to assume everyone had the purpose of grave robbing. I'm sure other Dragonborn like yourself had the same idea and some of our best treasures lay in safe-keeping somewhere."

She smiles and begins heading for the local dragonborn blacksmith. "Turok should be done forging my scalemale armor. That commission was a combo gift from him and my parents. So I'mma go grab that and then we can figure on a meeting place for the morning." The shield and khopesh she's gonna use are hand-me-downs from Mom's earlier days of adventuring.

(If we're good for fast forwarding, we can skip to morning and meet at the pre-determined place, probably the gates of Dragil.)

"The latter," Pyrus answers Rhagar.

"Indeed.  I shall meet you here tomorrow at dawn."

  Meanwhile. Rhagar is lucky his chainmail has no rust and a chipped worn Carrikal.  At least the dagger is new.

  "As we do not know how long we shall be gone, I suppose bringing extra rations and water along for the trip couldn't hurt."  Raise your hand if you have a proper dungeoneering skil-oh wait, you're not allowed to use your dungeoneering skill to forage unless you're in an underground continent basically, so nevermind.

Activate the Time Drive!  Commence Timeskip!  Whoooooooo!

Tim skip.. I mean Time skip is go!

Sora meets the group at the entrance of the city the next morning. "Were you really at the capital, Pyrus? Did you really travel that far on foot?" it's understandable why he would have been gone for years if so.

The first step is taken out of the city and so begins the journey. There is a path that leads to the nearby forest and cuts through it. Along the path, the trees do not provide a canopy, so it is lit by the sky. The weather is partly cloudy with plenty of sun light and low chance of rain.

(( Pyrus has had a very long and unhappy last few years that's so mysterious even his player doesn't know what all happened to him.  The player also doesn't know how far the capitol is, or if his character was there or when.  For starters, there's the difficulty of the character being only lvl 1 after all this time abroad.  Did he make it to level 7 only to suffer some massive trauma that knocked him back to be effectively lvl 1?  Was he a slave most of that time and only just recently escaped?  Or did he spend all this time in a classroom learning his second language?  Who knows? ))

Pyrus grunts as if to say yes, but he doesn't actually confirm he walked the whole way.

"The empire spread over a vast domain," he says at last, "There are many places where we could pick up the trail to recovering our heritage."

  Rhagar figures that possible Pyrus had the unfortunate yet safe problem of only being able to locate ruins previously cleared out of both treasures and monsters, before finally finding a fresh and still occupied one aid from town would be required to search.  Or maybe Rhagar's expectations are crazy.

  "Considering the average lack of free horses in starting out exploration groups, walking great distances will be at least be one claim we shall truthfully be able to make regardless of how this all turns out."  Well, unless they die.

OOC Style:  Well, even the exact same background for the exact same species and exact same class (well, STARTED as a Rogue at least) get different results.

  Maverick:  Rogue. Grew up in and only recently left Luskan, still started play at level one.
  Joe Darkthorne:  First created as a Rogue (Now ranger with rogue bits).  Grew up in and only recently left Luskan.  like, twice Maverick's age.  Still started play at level one.

  I like this comparison more than the 'Human lv 1 wizard = Long lived Elf level 1 Wizard' because it's more funny when it's the same species.

  As for his second language,  Draconic is his second language, and EVERYONE knows common because, well, (almost) everyone knows common.

The group doesn't get far before they see a male Tiefling blocking the road. He is holding on to a long wooden staff, wearing a robe and has a mischievous smile on his face. "Greetings, travelers..." he addresses them. If not for the "z" sound in his "s", he would be hissing. Yet he has a deep voice, kind of like Darkness from Legend.

Sora halts. "...what's this guy want?" she asks with a half-worried tone. She doesn't wanna be the first to say he seems suspicious.

The man continues, "My name is Drak'thul. You seem like people on a quest. Perhaps you have a minute to hear out a possible commission?"

Pyrus eyes the area for an ambush and studies the Tiefling for signs of deception.  He already believes it's a trap, so he's just looking for proof.

"I am Pyrannosaurus," he answers, "I will hear what you have to say."

(( perc and insight checks

1d20 -1
1: 8 - 1 = 7
2: 2 - 1 = 1 ))