Harden Yosavick gives a slight nod as the last of the group presents the simply written invitation.

"Now Gentlemen if you will please follow me."

Harden turns and proceeds to walk towards a three story mansion that has a large cobblestone court yard with stone benches, in front of the mansion is what appears to be a fish pond with a small shrine.  Those who recognize the symbols on the shrine, will know it to be a shrine to the God Thoth. To the left of the mansion is a circular building roughly thirty feet tall and sixty feet wide surrounded by marble pillars.  The only visible entrance is a pair of gold colored doors, there appears to be no windows of opening other then the doors.  To the right of a mansion is another tower although it is twice as tall and just looks to be an observation tower at best guess.

Harden leads you the front door of the mansion opening it and guides you into a very comfortable sitting room inside the mansion.  On two walls there is two tables that have some small platters of meat, cheese, jambs and tea.  There are couple of shelves of books that line the walls also.  Harden welcomes you to partake as he must see that a meeting room is prepared properly and that the unknown host is ready to accept the newly arrived guests as there has been a lot of people coming and going today.  With that Harden leaves through a single door opposite the entrance to the room room you are in.  It is not twenty minutes later if not less that Harden comes back and asks you to again follow him.  Harden leads you thru the mansion like a season expert up to a third floor room the over looks the court yard and fish pond.  The room is comfortable with a large rectangular maple table resting in the center, there is more then enough room for someone to look out the window and someone could sit down comfortably.  The room is lit with the natural sun light and some candles on the table.  There are enough chairs for all of the party plus one.  Once all inside Harden asks if any of you would like some wine or something if the kind, once anyone has said their piece he bows and leaves the room closing the door behind him.

As you are standing or sitting around the room a middle aged man dressed in a grey hooded robe made of fine wool comes in and stands behind the chair at the head of the table.  Following him is Harden and others with drinks, food, paper, ink and a small chest.  The food and drink are handed out as ordered and where sitting or standing.  Just as orderly as they come in they also leave minus the middle aged man and Harden, Harden pulls the chair out for the man and sits him, then leaves.  The middle aged man sits there looking at all you in turn for an uncomfortable amount of time.

Despite obviously not being a gentleman, Verna follows. While in the waiting room she doesn't eat, having already broken her morning fast. When led to the meeting room itself the woman takes a seat at the middle of the table.

In reply to The Storyteller (msg # 1):

Thracce is all grins as they walk through the grounds and buildings, he notes all the interesting details, pauses to look at any art pieces.

He will sample most of the food and drink.

He peruses the book titles for any Elven works.

In the end he stands near a chair will he nibbles cheese and sips tea, he nods at the woolen man, willing to break the silence. "What a lovely place, I'm Thracce. How do you do?"
This message was last edited by the player at 01:49, Wed 31 Jan 2018.

Jalahada looks over the way security is being handled within the mansion while waiting at the front dorr, the way to the waiting room, the waiting room itself, the way to the meeting room and the meeting room itself.

Having not eaten a break fest, Jalahada partakes of the food in the waiting room.

Korin takes in the sights of the impressive place as they move through it but he maintains a bored look of a young lord. He looks over the books with keen interest.

He declines refreshments and takes a seat at the head of the rectangular table across from the old man. He sits upright in a very proper manner remaining silent and staring right back at the man. When the elf breaks the silence Korin produces his summons and casually flips it onto the table.

"Shall we procede?"

In reply to The Storyteller (msg # 1):

Throughout the whole ordeal of just getting to the wool man Grudgebearer had been muttering under his breath about just going home.  Once they had entered the room and a Harden had mentioned about taking a drink order Grudge requested so ale.  By the gods any ale would do at this point.  Grudge had found himself a seat near end of the table unfortunately by the wool man.  Grudgebearer had made himself a plate of food that some would call flowing as bits and pieces fell of his plate.

The wool man turns to Korin and observes him intently, his hands come to rest in front of him as he gently clasps them together.

"It is a pleasure to meet you Thraace and yes it is not a terrible place, good for studying in quite.  As for how I am that is why you are all here now is it not and when it is time to proceed is always the question is a mystery."

His head had swiveled as he spoke and his gaze was now upon Thraace with the same vigor as it had been on Korin.

"Non descriptive is what I would have called those invitations I sent to you all this morning and yet here you all are, a small group of people who don't know each other as much a water knows dryness.  You may call me Itaz Whitewater, I am a member of the Order of the Scroll and we are in need of the services of non expendable assets such as yourselves.  NOT Hero's, Survivors, those who can be requested to go out into the wilderness that is this world and come back alive and be able to head back out again."

Itaz Whitewater was now looking at Thilo, his expression unchanging and then a deep sigh.  A tired look was on his face.

"I will dispense with the cryptic talk of bored old men.  The start of winter past a fellow member of the order named Teneck Blackhammer left the Isle of Y-oda after obtaining a rather obscure lead about an old god and was to investigate that lead in the small fiefdom Southmoor.  Southmoor is located at the southern tip of the Shattered Mountains just on the Wilderlands side.  We had not heard from Teneck, when disturbing messages arrived.  Teneck was preparing to flee the Southmoor Kingdom with the only heiress Aelina Guarinet at the behest of King Aimeriguet Guarinet and was requesting immediate aid.  A great Paladin was sent along with a handful of knights and some soldiers two days later. A high ranking Lord was in the midst of a coup and had a powerful Shadow-Lord backing him against King Aimeriguet. They were to flee to neighboring Kingdom to the east, to be under the protection of her uncle King Cristofre.  Teneck's next message came saying that they had fled sooner then the support could have arrived as King Aimeriguet Guarinet and the Queen had been killed and they had just escaped with a couple surviving troops only a day ahead of pursuit.  The third message was one of relief and apprehension, they had met up with the Paladin and the rest of the guard but were under heavy pursuit and the numbers were not in their favor.  The next message was from King Cristofre saying that a single soldier had made it back near death. The soldiers words before passing into a coma they have not been able to rouse him from are a mystery.  Priest Teneck, Shrine of Zeothudios, stone defeats Shadow-Lord.  The last two make no sense to even us in this order, but no one outside the order knew that Teneck was a priest.  We have sent with great haste someone to the isle of Y-oda to learn of this Zeothudios but that I am sure will reveal little to us.  The third is worrisome as it seems a Shadow-Lord has made some pact with this false king in Southmoor, if we are to mobilize a force against this duo we will need evidence.  Any in this room who agree to go will be rewarded a thousand gold pieces up front and two thousand upon return.  We must know if Teneck, the princess and any others are alive."

Itaz Whitewater pause for a moment.

"I have tried to be thorough in my explanation, but am willing to answer questions"

In reply to The Storyteller (msg # 7):

Thracce follows along he likes twisty story's. He'll have to ask what a "Shadow Lord" is at some point. And what other resources are available for the mission.  "I am interested in being of help, if you have a personal item from any of the missing I may be able to discern whether that person is at the least alive. "
This message was last edited by the player at 20:02, Fri 02 Feb 2018.

In reply to Caspar Uhla Thracce (msg # 8):

"The missing Soldiers were not sent from Wisdom but from an outpost just outside of King Cristofre kingdom.  And he does not have anyone with the gifting of psychometry or a powerful mage to send something here in his kingdom.  The time it would take for any personal effects to be brought here valuable time would be lost.  As for covering the distance we have a scroll of teleportation that can send you all to King Cristofre's castle that was acquired at a hefty expense.  Those of you who accept will provision there and head out,  King Cristofre has agreed to provide soldier escort to the boarder and have his men wait for your return."

Itaz continues to look among the group scanning each of your faces whether you are looking at him or not.

"I will add if any of you hesitate due to the reward not being enough, anything found on this excursion is your to keep.  Our only priority is the information of survivors and what is happening in the Kingdom of Southmoor."

In reply to The Storyteller (msg # 7):

Thilo had drifted off to other deep thoughts as they had been escorted thru the grounds, made to wait and then to the conference room where they now sat.  He had caught glimpses and agreed with the one call Thraace that it was a pleasant place.  It was the term Shadow Lord that snap Thilo's mind to the present, his hand clenched his staff tightly, a slight sound made and lifted his head to stare at Itaz, although none could see.  Thilo adjusted himself in his seat and steady himself.

In reply to The Storyteller (msg # 9):

He nods and considers Itazs' response. His absentmindedly runs his hand over the "invitation", the wax seal and an idea comes to him. In follow up he asks "Is there any correspondence or reports from him? I noted you have very stylized wax seals to seal them, is each unique to the person? Also when people write with quills many will wet the tip on their tongues to prime the dry tip prior to dipping them into the ink, leaving a trace of the spittle in their writing. If he was in a heightened emotional state he may have left a psychic imprint. I may get a reading though it my be muddled if too many handled them too much."

He is thrilled at the prospect of travel by teleportation. He looks at "Orono", this would make it more difficult for his pursuers to track him down.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:41, Sun 04 Feb 2018.

Korin listened intently and considered what the old man had said. The idea of teleporting away is the perfect way to throw off his pursuers. Still something about it is rubbing him the wrong way.

"Good sir you speak of a Shadow Lord, I do not have knowledge of such a creature but it sounds dreadful. You mention soldiers and knights slain, high ranking lords and coups and kings.

Then we are underwhelmed with a pittance suitable for common mercenaries. We are traveling hundreds of miles and poking our nose into peoples business. There will be violence.

So tell me is that the best offer you have been authorized to give?"

Korin sits back looking smug.

Verna listed to the story and the other questions being asked. Korin had some good points, showing the while young he wasn't stupid.

"So all you need us to do is find proof that this Shadow-Lord and this false king are conspiring with each other?"

Itaz reaches into the sleeve of his woolen robe and pulls out a medium sized circular medallion
with an embossed image of bird in flight, the whole medallion is made of silver.  He hands it to Grudgebearer.

"Please look at it and pass it around.  What you are looking at is a simple device that casts the spell magic pigeon a maximum of three times a day.  All members have one and is how we communicate over this vast world, it is also how we remain fairly discrete.  No message is to be sent by paper over such a vast distance of land and the message is also verbally coded.  We understand by what means you wish to help us Master Thraace and it has already been tried.  Which is why we wish to send a small troup as soon as possible, it is one reason why you were sent that invitation."

Itaz shifts his gaze pausing on Korin and moving onto Verna, a slight smile on his face.

"To put it simply Ms. Hudson, yes that is what we need and any survivors Ms. Hudson. As I said earlier we need this group should it go to be survivors not hero's, should though on this task something arise that requires a course change to your actions then that will be up to your group.  We will be here and you will be there, but we need information to make any plan.  It is nearing the middle of spring and soon soldiers will be marching enmass to the Disputed Zone, when we may need them closer to home to stabilize that area.  We cannot go to the army or they will march soldiers either to their deaths or a long drawn out battle.  This medallion shall be left with this group so you can communicate with us should you choose to go."

Itaz pauses for a moment his hands now resting on the table.

"Mr. Simmat, three thousand gold per individual is the maximum we can offer, for a low ranking officer that is ten months wages.  It was also said that anything acquired on the expedition will unequivocally be yours and your parties to keep no disputes."

In reply to The Storyteller (msg # 14):

Thracce nods in response to Itaz, he is very interested to look at the medallion and handle it. "Ah so you will you be sending one such a device with us then...to enable us to report back. What is the operative word used to activate it, if you please. Is it once every 8 hours or just 3 times in a 24 hour period?"
This message was last edited by the player at 22:33, Sun 04 Feb 2018.

Korin takes an exaggerated look around the room.

"Yes I suppose an organization that surrounds itself with such opulence can only do so being being exceedingly thrift. Nevertheless I am satisfied with all the details. I agree to the terms and the sooner we depart the better."

He takes another look around the room.

"My life has been inundated with nice quiet rooms suitable for studying. I have had my fill of them."

A slight look of disapproval crosses Itaz's face at Korin's statements.

"You will indeed be receiving not one but two of those devices as a safety protocol Mr. Thracce. As stated, information is our objective.  As for the devices method of operation that will be shown once those of you who wish to go on this task say as much.  You were sent a summons, you all came and heard me out and now lady and gentlemen I will leave for a short while as you discuss your course of action.  We understand if some or all you don't wish to go.  We have already met with others and they share the same view as young Mr Simmat and that is more then fair."

With that Itaz slides his chair back, rises, bowing to you all he heads to the door which is opened for him by Harden.

"I shall return in thirty minutes time, we hope your answer is favorable and Mr. Simmat as for what a Shadow Lord is I think one of you already knows what it is."

With that he leaves and Harden softly closes the door behind him, gentle foot falls can be heard as they fade off.

In reply to The Storyteller (msg # 17):

Thilo's eyes follow Itaz as he stands and then walks to the door, as the door closes Thilo pushes his chair back while holding his staff.  Standing Thilo walks to the windows to look at the grounds.  They were nice, they reminded him a little of a quaint little place that he used to read on the Isle of Y-oda and of a court yard he and his mother would sit in when they were allowed there visits.  Ah such simple thoughts of a peaceful thing, Thilo sighs and turns to the group his posture relaxing his.

"I am Thilo Brighthand, former Court Mage of a western noble and full fledged member of the Tri Arcanum.  This information is not as a means of boasting or as an attempt to elevate my position, merely so that my next words carry the proper weight and in which you will be better able to choose the path with which to follow.  My hope is there is another here that will corroborate what I am about to share about also.  A Shadow Lords is not a name for some powerful mage of some obscure magic lost to antiquity, or the head of some thieves guild lurking behind the scenes.  Shadow Lords
 are greater deevil's from the pits of Dyval, also known as Arch Fiends.  A diabolical force that serve as highly regarded  officers in their dark armies, capable of leading vast hosts of lesser deevils.  Associating with all manner of evil beings, be it dragon, supernatural beings, humans, even going so far as to work with demons should the situation suit their goals.  Meddling in the affairs of Palladium is a past time of theirs.  They are a powerful foe, there is no doubt but they have been defeated."

Thilo pauses for a moment, looking down seeing if he had forgotten anything it had been awhile since he had read the ancient texts of scholars past.

Thracce paces slowly back and forth as he listens.



"I would hope that we would not have to actually face such a foe, but merely it's pawns and underlings. We need only find the priest and princess to provide witness against the dark alliance."

Thracce is not at all interested in facing such a formidable foe. This side trip is only a means to an end for him.

"We would need to decide who would lead us and how we would actually track them down. I have some ideas on the second part. I have an animal in mind to use to track by smell but would need something for her to reference. If we have two of these magic pigeon devices we could stand apart and try sending a message to Teneck himself and use their flight path to get a general bearing."

Korin gets up from the table and grabs a pitcher of wine. He fills a glass and drinks deeply.

"That stuffy old bastard is certainly not providing us with Shadow Lord slaying wages so I am content with gathering information.

In reply to The Storyteller (msg # 17):

Grudgebearer had listened closely to everyone, a simple blacksmith was all he was and nothing more.  Finishing of his plate of food and washing it down with a mug of water Grudgebearer uses his beard and back of hand to wipe the crumbs off and residue water.

“Well I for one am no leader, I think though that I will be accepting the offer.  The lad there be right, the gold ain’t much and this monster thing be a bigger problem.

Verna stood up from her place at the table. “Does anybody have issue with taking orders from a woman?”

In reply to Verna Hudson (msg # 22):

“I have no issue with women in charge, I was raised by my sister who was firm and fair.” Thracce answers

In reply to Verna Hudson (msg # 22):

"It is fine by me Lass, many of Dwarven women are fine commanders.  Merit over title is a clan motto."

Grudge sat back in his chair and relaxed, his shoulders losing there tenseness.  Burden of leadership was passed to another.  Great responsibility always meant less time at the forge to Grudgebearer and that was unacceptable.

"I have issues taking orders from anyone. Personally I see no need for a leader but admittedly I am inexperienced in such matters. Verna has bigger balls than most of us I would wager so if that means she calls the shots then I brook no objection."

Korin fishes around in his bag for his pipe and begins to load it up with tabac while waiting to see what happens next.

Still facing the window, listening to the responses of this small group of people who were quickly it seems becoming a party.

"I will heed the directions of Verna, as it seems we are potentially entering an area of war and I am unfamiliar in the total scope of that subject."

Thracce nods and smiles broadly as it seems the majority has spoken in favor of Verna. He takes a glass of wine raises it and offers a toast. "It seems you have the mandate of the majority Verna. To Verna!"

Verna waited to see if there were any objections before sitting down. She was in the company of beings she had not known very long and someone else present may have actual experience in commanding.

As long as there are no objections she speaks. "I will still rely on everyone to advise me with their particular skills and abilities."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:54, Sun 25 Feb 2018.

In reply to Verna Hudson (msg # 28):

"I need say no more as to my particular skills and abilities other then that they are extensive and will prove more then useful to this en-devour."

Thilo knew what he said would come across as arrogant and snide, the understanding of magic were beyond most in known world.  There were even magics that he knew were out there but would never have full understanding of them.

Thilo returned from the window to his seat and waited for others to potentially share.

In reply to Verna Hudson (msg # 28):

As Thilo finished and it seemed no one else was volunteering to speak up Grudgebearer thought it would be an alright time to throw out his abilities to contribute to the group.

"For those of yeh that don't know me yet, my name is Grudgebearer of the Blackforge  Clan. I am blacksmith, I know a little herbal medicine, a decent teamster and alright with a warhammer and shield.  I will be able to make minor repair's to anyone's armor while we are out there if need be, I would say that is about it."

With that Grudge waited to hear what anyone else had to say

Korin smirks at the hooded mages comments.

"You are all in on the dark and mysterious I see. My mother hired an old hedge wizard to tutor me in magic fundamentals. He would go on and on like that. Never would have a spell duel with me though. A amateur spell-flinger like myself should pose no threat to an actual mage. Perhaps sometime we can have a go."

Korin rubs the back of his hand across his baby smooth cheek as if in thought.

"I have trained in mysticism and martial combat at the Temple of the Shining Light in Lopan since I was six years old. I would spend two or three months there then at my families estate for a month or two until my father grew weary of me then back to the monks.
While I was home I participated in the family business of drug manufacturing and export.
I focused on botany, chemistry, poisons and the like. My specialty is the spear and the integration of my mystic abilities in combat applications. Honestly though I don't have much combat experience. I have only killed two people and that has been in the last month. Oh and six goblins if that counts."

There was an awkwardness in the room, though no one found that to be very shocking.  Everyone standing or sitting remained quiet in the room contemplating the task that was about to be theirs.  A group untested on the very borders of the Eastern Territory. The silence did not last though as the door opened and Itaz came back into the room followed by Harden who was carrying a plain wooden tray with sealed scrolls.  Itaz takes his his place back at the seat he had been in when he first came to the room, Harden takes a position just behind him.

"Well ladies and gentlemen, I trust that you have had adequate time to discuss the courses that you will take, whatever the choice we appreciate your time in coming to Hurst Lake and hearing us out.  It is just after mid day and those who have chosen to go, we wish to give you time to go back and collect your belongings and make arrangements if need be.  Please return by the time the sun is set, advanced arrangements have been prepared for your arrival at the out post and they are expecting the arrival of some party this evening.  It will give you a nights rest and a full day to get your bearings, King Cristofre has arranged also a scout to guide you to the border of his lands.  From there you will be on your own.  Mr Harden will escort you to the entrance gate and you may be about your business, I will not be here when you come back as other business requires my attention.  Mr. Harden will be helping you when those of you going get back, may the gods guide your path and may you all return safely."

Once you are all ready to leave Mr. Harden escorts you to the iron gate that you all entered into earlier.  He states that he will be waiting at the gate at the appointed time and after if you are late no one will be coming to the gate to anwser.
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:44, Mon 05 Mar 2018.

"Lovely...wonderful. I have a few purchases to make prior to our adventure. No affairs to settle. May I assume when you said 1000 up front you meant now? or did you mean when we return later?" Thracce asks to clarify the point. He lays the magic pigeon device on the table in front of him.

In reply to Caspar Uhla Thracce (msg # 33):

"Those of you who have chosen to accept this charge will be given a thousand gold as an advance.  I assure you though that should you take this gold and run, past the gates of this city you will not make it."

Korin collects his gold but perceiving the remark from Itaz as a slight against his character he cannot help but reply in the arrogant tone he so easily slips into.

"I would not need to run I could simply teleport away. Given how spendthrift your organization seems to be I doubt you would expend any resources to come find me. Personally I consider an acceptance of a contract the same as giving my word. Which is solid. Rest assured we will run your errands for you."

Korin will make his way back to the inn to gather his belongings. He says in general to any of the others going with him,

"That guy reminds me of the grandfather I never wanted."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:01, Fri 09 Mar 2018.

Verna accepts the gold, and has no plan to 'run' as the old man put it. With no need to buy things Verna makes her way back to the Tavern/Inn and decides to satisfy herself before getting some sleep.

Jalahada mulls over the choice of taking the gold and going on the errand which was bound to be dangerous. But because he needed the money, and this would get him far enough away from those who might be looking for him.

After taking his Gold, Jalahada goes and buys himself a good meal, and spends time in the bath house. There was no telling when he would be able to partake in such luxuries.

"Thank you very much." Thracce answers with a smile. He adds the money to his own. He wanted to make sure those that did not have any money had the chance to do so.

On the way out he will ask Thilo a few quiet questions
This message was last edited by the player at 12:05, Sat 10 Mar 2018.

In reply to Korin Simmat (msg # 35):

At what could only be construed as incredibly disrespectful words from Korin, Harden makes motion to move towards Korin, only to have Itaz immediately freeze him with just a slight move of his hand.  Harden returns to his position, his eyes looking out the window, his lips moving but no sound can be heard.  Itaz looks to be pondering for a moment as if in thought.

"Mr. Korin Simmat I wish to imply to you a measure of understanding, should you wish to make more gold then perhaps you should return home and participate in your family's pharmaceutical business.  Perhaps your privileged life sheltered by your family and their life style has hampered some kind of understanding of true reality.
The offer was three thousand gold and the task should take not more then a month, most likely less although potentially dangerous.  You are making what would take a person of Lady Verna Hudson's skills three months to do in even more perilous situations.  You have been asked to go on an information gathering sortie and from what we already know cause this building has ears is that depending on what you find and Lady Hudson's call the party shall return.  You also have been told that whatever you find on this task shall be your's and the parties to keep and split, we wish no part of it only our fellow member back.  If you cannot see the vast value in that arrangement, then I would say that you are to young to be out and about in the world and should return to the nursing aprons of your mother.  I have more then afforded you my kindness, but do not so childishly insult this Order again.  With that Gentlemen and Ladies I bid you good day, safe travels and safe return."

Itaz stands in such a manner that it is clear that this introductory meeting was clearly over.

Korin will make his way back to the inn to gather his belongings, have a meal and a nap. He says in general to any of the others going with him,

"That guy reminds me of the grandfather I never wanted. He clearly undervalues me."

In reply to Caspar Uhla Thracce (msg # 38):

Thilo also takes the money and although he hates to admit it, Korin is not all that far off on his assessment that Itaz's comment were in poor taste.  Although neither party knew each other very well, so mistrust was sure to abound on both sides.

Thilo takes his time and makes a purpose to stay beside Thracce and mulls over his question.

"Of all the texts that I have read, it only referenced that these Arch Fiends have a partial immunity to fire and ice and quick regenerative powers along with powerful naturally occurring magical abilities.  Mortal weapons can harm them though, as well as magics and powers of the mind.  As I said earlier though they can be beaten just great caution should be our prudence."

Thilo proceeds in silence his thoughts on what his course should be should such and enemy be encountered, although should any other questions be forth coming he would answer to the best of his abilities.

"do their lesser deevil or demon minions have the same weaknesses? " Thracce asks as they walk.

If we pass a church or a magic shop he will stop in to purchase a few items.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:45, Sun 11 Mar 2018.

In reply to Caspar Uhla Thracce (msg # 42):

Thilo pauses suddenly mid stride as Thracce was asking about the lesser deevils and demons something he had forgotten.  Both hands on his staff his rests his forehead against, pulling up everything that he had read and then it came to him looking to Thracce.

"I think it would be wise to have weapons that were edged or coated in silver or vials of holy water that can be poured on your weapons, even weapons made of bone would be wise.  I apologize for not mentioning it earlier."
This message was lightly edited by the player at 22:42, Sun 11 Mar 2018.

In reply to The Storyteller (msg # 43):

"Ah good to know a stop is in order then. I shouldn't want to risk not having what we need on the other end." he will make a stop or 2 to pick up a few things.