Kor slumbered in his lean too, not quite a stable and not quite a hut, near the sacred grove in which he dwelled. Xialo had helped him shape his home, and it was a sturdy resting place. He didn't mind being awoken so early by the ravens message, though he could have done without the tapping. Listening carefully, he packed his journey saddle bags with supplies that he might need should they be caught in the sudden spring storms that could happen. Pulling the quiver across his back, and setting his bow string proper, he grabs his spear as well as he places his bow across his back. He had been told that these were the weapons of his people, so he trained in their use for the day that he might one day join a herd.

Trotting over to the short distance where the Elders were speaking, he is as usual the last of his...friends, to arrive. "By Obad-Hai's branches, I don't think I will ever be used to getting up early. What say you all, did we happen to find out what is happening?" He asked, yawning slightly.

As the last of you arrive, the Elders turn and walk over to you. High Priest Anaduil speaks first, looking at both Ruven and Aergleel briefly. "I am glad that you answered our summons with all due haste. I am sorry to interrupt the days of rest and relaxation that are normally granted during the Festival, but Lorekeeper Boreil informed me this morning of an urgent matter." He spoke, turning the conversation over to Lorekeeper Boreil.

The Lorekeeper clears his throat slightly, looking at Shanaera with a little worry before speaking. "As I am sure you know, most of our metals come from our dwarven allies far to the north of our realm. Usually by this time, their caravan is within a few days travel from Gentlebreeze, well within my ability to divine their location and ensure they are protected within our realm. I cannot find them at all, and Guardian Xialo says that the forest has not felt their presence since this same time last year. Weaponsmith Kaelthas normally rides to meet them, since he is a friend of their clan, but he has yet to receive word of their travel from his contacts.

We have need of you to go and search out the caravan, assist our allies, and return to Gentlebreeze before summer spreads across the lands. We will of course ensure that you are provisioned before you leave, and each of us have gifts for you to help ensure your safe and successful return. Do you have any questions?" Boreil asked, not indicating that the large canvas of items should be approached yet.

Ruven nodded his head as he listened to the elder's explanation. A delayed caravan huh? That seemed an easy enough request. The elf scratched his chin as he thought about any more information he might need. "I guess what is the name of this dwarven clan we will be looking for and where were they supposed to come from? Also is there some sort of badge we need to prove we represent Gentlebreeze? I would hate to find the dwarves and they assume we are bandits."

"Do you have a map of the area that would show us the route normally taken by the caravan? Do any of us speak dwarven as I do not and the inability to communicate might be a barrier to far." Casyr asks.

Amardes supposed that she was just naive. She wouldn't have thought of asking for 'proof they were Elves from Gentlebreeze'. She just supposed that since they were Elves and in the area it would be enough for the swarves, especially if they'd been attacked in the area by monsters. But then she remembered the tales of dwarven suspicion. She'd always assumed they were a bit exaggerated but perhaps not.

The others were all asking good questions, so other than shaking her head about the question on dwarven Amardes kept quiet and listened to the answers. It didn't sound good to her this situation: a caravan of dwarves was quite a dangerous target, and anything that could take that out, could probably hurt a lot of Elves too.

Shanaera listened to the elders and then the others who had been chosen to go on this mission.  Shanaera had a question of her own, "How do we even know if the dwarves were sent this year?  Yes, they come every year but how do we know they left their dwarven home even?  Have we sent anyone there to ask that question?  If not I am assuming that is what we will be doing."

Weaponsmith Kaelthas steps forward to answer your questions. "The name of the clan is Stonebreaker, young one. Say 'Umrai', it will identify you as a friend of dwarves, though even then it is not given they will believe you.

A map will be provided, as well as markers for their normal route of travel.

To answer your question, Shanaera, I do have a way of communicating with the clan, though it takes time. They let me know that the caravan started out from their home a month ago. It takes about a month and a day or two for the caravan to arrive here in a normal year, but it has been four days past where we should have at least know they are near.

We only hope that they have been delayed, but if not, you are all capable of investigating what has happened and responsible enough to be trusted to make your own decisions when you get there." He spoke, speaking bluntly.

Amardes felt she was learning quite a lot. She'd learnt about dwarves and their suspicious nature, she'd learnt a bit about how this type of trade took place. And she'd done some thinking about what might have delayed the caravan and prevented communications. None of her suspicions were pleasant ones, and the rather blunt message in the Weaponsmith's words just amplified them

One of the messages that definately perked her up was the 'we trust you' message. That was amplified as well by the fact that no Elder's were traveling with them. Still she was almost an adult now. She could certainly look after herself and the others in the wilderness, although many of them were almost as skilled as she was at that.

"Thank you, Elder Kaelthas" she said politely "I think we should be setting off as soon as possible. Is there anything else that you think we should know before we go?" her eyes were on the pile of loot... especially the gauntlets... but she had enough patience not to ask. At least not just yet.

Her question answered Shanaera looked to her father with an excited look.  Was he going to let his little girl go?  She hoped that he put a word in to have her go for this was living.  As a little one she had heard many tales of quests and battles and she wanted to have her own and now was her chance.

"I want to thank you for entrusting us on this most important mission."  Shanaera looked to the others for strength and she saw it on more than one of their faces.  She was so happy that Aergleel was requested as well, for he would definitely help ensure she was safe.

Aergleel listens in silence with a look of concentration on his brow. All the while holding Shanaera's hand in his. He gripped the pommel of the sword at his hip. He was unused to the feeling of a sword, though he practiced with it much, he didn't usually carry it around.

Casyr will look at the bow to see if it's a longbow and appropriate to his strength.

Casyr will nod in agreement saying "The faster we start the quicker we can determine their fate."

Umrai, umrai, umrai he repeated in his head to memorize the word. Ruven nodded at everyone's suggestion. The had a long journey ahead, the sooner they could leave the better. "That's all the questions can think of. I'm ready to leave as soon as possible."

Shandra steps forward, picking up the fir composite bow, and walks over to Casyr. Presenting it to him, she smiles slightly. "This bow has been in my care for many decades now, a gift from my mentor. It's name is Dawnbeam, and has been used by rangers and divine archers for centuries to combat the forces of evil. I have settled down, never having unlocked its full abilities, but I feel like you may be the one to do so. Wield it well, and defend your friends, it will serve you true." She spoke, looking fondly at the bow before passing it to Casyr.

Anaduil is the next to step forward, picking up the silver elven horn with care and tenderness. His gaze lingers on it before walking over to Ruven, holding it before him. "This horn was your mothers, a tool she used often in her travels. She was a mighty warrior, and skilled with her musical abilities. She left this for you before she passed away, and I have held on to it for these many years, knowing that I would give it to you when you might need it. I am not sure of it's capabilities, but it is a powerful device. My son, I am proud of the young person you have become, and I know that you will do great things in this world, and beyond." The high priest spoke, a tear falling down his cheek.

Kaelthas considers Aergleel for a few moments, before nodding his head. He too steps forward, picking up the large steel shield that vaguely looks like a curled dragon. For a moment, he seems to be listening to something, before he presents it to Aergleel. "When I was young, I found this shield after my companions and I slew a white dragon far to the north of these lands. She is a good shield, and will serve you well. I do not know all of her abilities, but her protections are strong, and she desires to be passed on to do good in the world once more. Her name is Anexortian, and she will defend you from extremes in temperature, the harshest winters and most punishing of summers will seem to you a mild day in spring while you wear her. I have studied you from afar, and know that you are destined to be a great warrior, and every good warrior needs a shield. Good luck lad!" He spoke, passing the shield over to Aergleel.

Taelia walks forward next, picking up the wooden holy symbol, considering it with reflection in her face. She turns to her daughter, looking into her eyes. "When I was a younger, this holy symbol was presented to me by my superior, a wise priestess of Ehlenestra. Although not a normal symbol for the faith, it is still sacred to the goddess of the woodlands. There is, however, a sacrifice to be made. This item is also sacred to Nature itself, and requires its wearer to foreswear most trappings of civilization, especially wealth. But I think you will find that it more than makes up for any magical trinket you might acquire with its gifts. Although I stopped wearing it many years ago, I have long watched as you grew into your own, and know that you will appreciate its many abilities. Use it well, daughter, and be a force for preserving Nature." She spoke, holding it to place it around Amardes' neck.

Xialo next steps forward, picking up the black leather gauntlets. He walks over to Kor, presenting them to his apprentice. "Although we do not always see eye to eye in the matters of the natural world, these gauntlets served me well in my youth, enhancing my magical abilities beyond what I was normally capable of. In many battles against unnatural forces, I was able to overcome them with my strength augmented by them. I think that you will find them to be useful as you go into the world, and hopefully they provide you with the key to finding your own path. Wind to thy wings, pupil." He spoke, handing them over to Kor.

Bareil is the last to step forward, picking up the ebon staff. Holding it in his hands, he concentrated for a moment, causing it to transform into black longsword, before switching it back to a staff. Walking over to Shanaera, he holds it out for her to grasp. "This was your mothers staff, one she loved dearly, before she took to traveling the world. Although I have not heard from her in many years, she always had a talent with shadow magic, which she infused into this staff. It's name is Dusk, and as you can see with concentration its form is mutable to its users will. I do not know all of it's potential, but it has a great destiny for those who practice shadow magic. I think she would want you to have it, especially going out into the world, instead of gathering dust in my library. Be careful, although the staff itself is benign, shadow magic itself can take a toll on ones being. Most of all, my daughter, be safe and live well." He spoke, passing it to Shanaera.

The Elders step back, indicating to the bundles of weapons and armor. "Within, you will find masterwork weapons and armor that you may choose from, with our blessings. Use them well, and discover what has become of our allies. May Corellon Larethian smile upon you as you travel." They spoke, letting you pick over what you like.

OOC:Pretty much any masterwork weapon or armor is within the bundles, Exotic Weapons and Armor's or items made from special materials will not be. Just update your character sheets with your Legacy Item and what items you pull from the bundles. Sorry about the delay.
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:48, Fri 29 May 2020.

"You honor me lady" Casyr says bowing upon receiving the bow Dawnbeam "I will endeavor to learn its secrets and unlock it's potential to honor your ancestors and mine."

After receiving his he waits for the others to receive theirs.

When her father stepped forward and grabbed the black looking staff on the ground, Shanaera knew that it had to be hers.  She was beaming with pride as her father concentrated on the staff.  When it physically changed shape, Shanaera couldn't believe it!  She stayed quiet though so as not to show her excitement too much.

When Her father presented the staff to her finally and said that it had belonged to her mother, Shanaera almost broke down.  She missed her mother dearly and now Shanaera had a part of her mother.  Dusk!  That was a nice name for the staff Shanaera thought to herself.  "Thank you father, I will cherish this and learn all that I can about its abilities."

Since Shanaera was the last to receive their gifts she looked to the others as they in turn looked at the item they were given.  They all seemed quite pleased with what they had received.  Then as the Elders said they could look over the bundles and pick what things they needed from them Shanaera waited a moment to let the others to go first.

Aergleel beamed with pride at the dragon shield. A wonderful boon! "Thank you, I will bring honor to the elves and you."

Ruven's eyes widened when his father mentioned his mother. This was her horn? He hardly knew his mother but to finally get something of hers touched him. After he grabbed the horn Ruven closed his eyes and simply held the instrument. He could almost here his mother, soothing whispers coming from the item. When he opened his eyes he smiled, "I will continue to make you and her proud."

After everyone else had received their items Ruven had a chance to look through weapons and armor. A few minutes later he took a few practice swings with the new longsword he had picked up. "With these the caravan is as good as saved!" he declared with a laugh.

Amardes took a look at the amulet. She didn't know what she felt about it, but it certainly wasn't the joy she was seeing the others feeling. She couldn't outright reject it with the others watching, because that would hurt her mother, but her mother probably knew her well enough to realise that this wasn't anything she felt ready for.

Still she had to do something so she put it in pouch without wearing it, and stepped back to let the others enjoy their moment.

Aergleel went to Shanaera in the crowd, beaming he took her hand and showed her the shield and then shared what she had been gifted with. "Looks like we're going on an adventure!" he said to her under his breath.

Shanaera looked at Aergleel's Shield as he presented it to her.  Do you know what your shield does?  My staff as you saw is quite special as it can change its shape to my whims.

When Aergleel mentioned adventure, Shanaera smiled meekly, "Yes, it sure does, doesn't it?  I am happy that you will be with me."

"It's magical and protests me from the elements!"

Without further objection, the elders give you a clearly marked map and wish you a good journey, then they disperse. As you look over the map, you notice that it is not completely detailed, but a vague map of the lands surrounding Gentlebreeze, but the further you get the less detailed the map becomes, until only major mountain ranges, forests, rivers, etc... are marked. A single line in red ink marks a path from your village to presumably the dwarven lands to the north.

OOC: Knowledge (Geography) to anyone with skill ranks in it, remember to roll 2d20 and keep the higher roll.

Just before they set off, Amardes returned the holy symbol to her mother. She could not accept such a poisoned chalice. It had been nice to see that everyone else had liked the items they received, but then again none of them had received items that required such a painful and onerous vow. She had taken a bow, some arrows, a couple of slings and a dagger from the pile of weapons, but eschewed the armor

Knowing very little about the geography outside their local area, she was not able to signficantly help in the route planning other than looking at the map.

During the journey she ranged ahead of the others, returning regularly to report what she had found.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:10, Tue 02 June 2020.

When Aergleel said that the shield protects him that is all she needed to hear.  For if it protected him, then it protected her as well.

As the elders gave a map to one of the others, Shanaera moved in close to look.  She wasn't really good with maps but she could read and see what was there at least.  Shanaera was also very perceptive and could help spot out things.

"Who is able to read the map well enough to follow it?"  Shanaera asked the others as she stepped back from the map.

"Not I, geography was not my forte."