Milnor's ford sits on the river, Wassende South, just before it splits again.

The river is just deep enough to allow merchant barges to travel up and down the river. Well at least in seasonal times. the river is shallow in the winter and any barges that don't make it down from Vaxandi are stuck till the spring thaw.

Milnor's ford is largely a hub of commerce. the warehouse district in the northeast. and on the northwest the rich merchant lords elaborate estates. either side littered with taverns, inns, shops, residential, mostly anything you could ever want.

it is the peak of summer and the city is packed full.

the crowning glory of the city is the mages' tower. the dark stone building towers over the city. the tower is older than any other building, even the walls.p
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:49, Wed 24 May 2023.

Magus Sarifina walks across the courtyard of the tower. followed by a cluster of folks. " what is the update?"


A short female elf replies. " The news from Vaxande is not good Magus. it has been completely overrun. this horde that comes from the other side of the Napati Mountains"

"the same for Eorkorti" piped in a  dwarfen male. " the news from the northern towns are filled with many stories of refugees."

Sarifina stops in her tracks. " but are there any facts as to what exactly this horde is? if we are to send anyone out there we must know what it is"

"perhaps first we should send out a scouting party." the short elf replies.

"there may not be time. send a proclamation to all ends of the realm. this threat all ready took down the two largest cities in the area, we must gather the best and met this head-on. I will speak with the Archmage immediately."

.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:47, Fri 19 May 2023.

OOC every one can post their first impressions

A. The news that the cities have been taken over by some unknown entity.
B. The call to Arms
C. their decisions to answer the call
D. the first impressions in entering the city.

or what have you

HP: 16/16
Prepared spells: Light, Unseen Servant, Prestidigitation, Detect Magic, Charm Person, Magic Missile

From the Silver Halls of Sorcery, deep in the forests of Eldantien, strides Phirosalle of the Elvenfolk, in answer to the summons for mighty heroes to battle the sinister foreign invaders. For only he has the learning, the wisdom, the knowledge of the arts arcane, the stupendously good looks needed to battle the tide of Evil and overcome!

Well, that, and his masters kicked him out and told him not to come back until he had seen a few things that were neither his grimoires nor his reflection in the mirror. They failed to explain why anything that wasn't either of those two things would possibly be of any interest, but that's masters for you.

Be that as it may, he has stridden for many leagues now, and he's getting tired of it. His feet are unpleasantly sore, and he's getting road dust all over the hem of his stylish robes. Thus, he perks up considerably upon the sight of the city, and hurries his steps towards the mages' tower. Now to get to work. He's sure he can have this invasion business wrapped up in a jiffy, and then he can get back to his true vocation of searching for the mysteries of the spheres, the secrets of the depths, and a more perfect hair tonic.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:03, Tue 30 May 2023.

"Are you sure this is a good idea?" K'ajoranguarssuak asks the lynx loping along beside him.  He looks down past the river bend at the town rising up in the distance.  "There'll be more humans there than we've ever seen.  Tens more humans.  Maybe even a hundred."

"Mowr," Meqqusaaq the lynx replied.

"Alright, more humans than I've ever seen.  The most we -- I've ever met is five.  They seemed friendly enough, but still."

Humans were strange creatures, he thought.  They were slaves to their emotions; happy one moment, angry the next, then back to happy.  Like lightning.  So much life to live in such a short time, he surmised.

"Halloo!" came a voice from the river.  Kaj looked over to see a halfling poling a barge downriver.  "Do you want a ride to Milsnor Ford?  It's no trouble."

Before Kaj could reply, Meqq growled softly.

"Why not?" Kaj asked.  The boat trip would cut the time to the town in half at least, and he wasn't averse to enjoy the rest of the trip seated.

Meqq issued another growl.

Kaj uttered an exasperated sigh. "It won't sink.  You're just afraid of water."

Meqq growled again and disappeared into the oat field that bordered the other side of the road.

Kaj uttered an exasperated sigh before turning his attention to the boatman.  "Thank you," he said in heavily accented Common.  He was getting better at the language, but he still had some to learn.  " But my fence is afraid of the water."

The halfling looked at him strangely for moment then said,"you have a very big cat.  Is he friendly?"

"No, he's a boy," Kaj replied.  "Thank you again for your otter.  Have a good afternoon!"  He followed up with a wave that the halfling returned somewhat hesitantly.

As the barge passed them by, Meqq emerged from the oat grass.  "Mrowr."

Kaj switched back to elvish, "He said what?  Friendly?  That's the word for friendly?  Oh, Analor take me!  That halfling must think I'm an idiot."

"Mrowr."

"Oh shut up."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:28, Sat 20 May 2023.

Coraxa stood on the bow of the barge. She watched the city drift by as it sailed in to the north port. The trip from Erkorti had been short. Staying in any one port for one night only. Just long enough for the merchants son to make coin and trouble. Coraxa had began to think she needed to start charging by the skull she cracked, keeping him out of truble.

As the barge was set to dock. A scrawny, gressy haired man stepped out of the the ships cabin. Bane, the name ment Glorious defender. She laughed every time she thought about it. He was weak. Sleazy. And a few other choice words. Coraxa had faught the merchant on the desison to make Bane travle with her. But Master Davis Thought it was high time his son learned how to trade.

At first he was good. Made more coin then Coraxa had seen. But then he spent the extra coin on drink and woman, and often the wrong one. After a few ports Coraxa had decided she had to keep a closer eye on him. He deffanatly gave her a run for her money.

He hopped off the boat first. "I belive you can handle it from here. Ill see you at the manor." Said the gressy haired young man. And before she could even respond he was off. "Aye Sir Davis" she said in a mocking voice just under her breath. She hopped off the boat theathered it to the dock. She orgnized the others in hauling the cargo to the warehouse.

Their journey from milsnors ford to Erkoti and back again was quick. Each put she heard a few rumors about the west. Somthing about the Napati mountains. She had yet to hear about the call from the wizards tower. As she made her way out of the warehouse disgrict she Thought to her self the city seamed full to bursting

Joy's tribe in the savannah was probably one of the last settlements to hear about the coming invasion. They had little contact with outsiders, but occasionally traded with traveling merchants. And the news was dire enough that their elders agreed to send aid. Since the small tribe did not have numbers, they opted for quality and sent their most skilled and blessed warrior. Joy.

At first Joy was not all that eager to accept the mission. The threat was so far away. Was it really worth leaving the tribe undefended for such a long time? But she was reminded that a small wildfire beyond the horizon could become an unstoppable inferno by the time it reached you, if left unanswered.

And so Joy flew from her homeland to go investigate whatever unnatural threat might be emerging. She arrived at Milsnor Ford in the form of a savannah buzzard. She circled high in the sky, taking in the sights below. She had seen cities before, but had never had reason to enter one.

She was impressed by the construction, but at the same time disgusted. It seemed so cold and soulless compared to her home, but for the sake of her homeland, Joy swallowed her disdain and swooped in for a landing. As she landed in the courtyard near the tallest tower, her grassy feathers melted into her smooth skin and soon a wild-looking halfling stood atop the cobblestone, looking a bit overwhelmed.

All around town of a group young boys run around informing the populous "the wizards tower is now looking for adventures off al kinds" says the smallest, a boy about 8. "Old or young, fresh off your mother apron strings" says the middle, a round boy of maybe 11. The tallest and the eldest "seek yee fortune, seek yee fame, or glory." The youngest again" is it was? is it montsers? will we ever know?"

OOC if your char has never been to millsnor befor you may need directions

Kaj wrapped a cloth over his mouth but it did nothing to lessen the muskiness in the air.  How can humans stand this? he thinks. The stink of one human's body odor was bad enough, but several score of them?  He imagined this was what an orc camp would smell like.



"What do those words mean?" the elf asks his feline friend.  "Fame.  Fortune.  Glory."

"Mrowr," the cat responds.

"Fame and glory, eh?  Maybe then I'll be able to attract a proper girl."  Kaj looks through the crowd.  "There's a couple of elves here in town.  Maybe I'll get lucky."

"Mrowr."

"Oh shut up."

Joy stood around for a bit, looking lost as ever. She was pretty sure she was in the correct town, but had no idea where to go now that she was here. Should she seek out the town's elder's? Their chief? Someone else? Luckily for Joy, her question was soon answered by a group of children passing by.

"So... I need to find the wizard's tower, eh?" she said to herself. She put a hand to her chin thoughtfully and tapped her bare toes on the cobblestone beneath her. She looked down at the cobblestone of the courtyard and her gaze traveled over to the tower she had landed near. She had purposefully landed near the town's tallest tower, but what were the chances it was also the wizard's tower? Well, considering it was where they were having everyone meet... the odds seemed pretty good, actually.

Still, she would rather be certain than just assume. The next tall person she saw, she asked, "Is this the wizard's tower? The place that is looking for adventurer's" Her words had determination, but not malice.

---

Any of my fellow adventurers can feel free to be the one Joy is asking. You can even recognize her if you would like, if you have ever travelled through a small tribal village out in the open savannah far from this city.

HP: 16/16
Prepared spells: Light, Unseen Servant, Prestidigitation, Detect Magic, Charm Person, Magic Missile

Phirosalle smiles indulgently down at the small human child shouting out the news. They're almost cute when they are small, before they get so unsightly and hairy with age.

"Exceedingly young one, you may have the honour of directing me to the wizards' tower," he says generously. "Please be quite brisk about it, so I don't have to endure the various odours of this street longer than necessary, that's a good child."
This message was last edited by the player at 06:03, Tue 30 May 2023.

It was not often the king under the mountain, Gamul, summoned his nephew.  As such Bailor knew he had to make time to answer the call.  He entered the throne room where with little fanfare he was led into the more secluded council room.

"Bailor, my nephew, it is great to see you.  I wish it were under better circumstances.  However, we have things to discuss of import."

He motioned towards the large table that held the map of the lands, in particular to the bordering lands of the Skeld Highlands, "over the past few months we have heard rumblings of trouble along the Napati Mountains.  Recently some of our border posts on the far western Highlands stopped reporting in.  I have sent scouts.  Some have not returned.  The ones that have bring news of the outposts being destroyed."

"This does seem quite dire, my liege.  I do not understand what this has to do with me and not the commanders of the army."

A small smile though clearly the heaviness of things still showed elsewhere on his face and eyes, "my nephew, as you know our outposts within the Skeld are on behalf our of friendship with the southern lands and include volunteers from their lands to work under our leadership.  I have need of your particular station and skills to act as ambassador to go to Milnors Ford and see what aid we may provide and what information they might share on the situation."

One hand is placed on the king's shoulder and another to the holy symbol that hung on his belt, "uncle, I swear I shall not fail you in this task.  Whatever the situation is we will be victorious with the aid of Brorrel."

Lifting the holy hammer and touching the king's hand with it he silently asks for Brorrel's blessing to keep his uncle safe and ease the stress, "stay safe my king and uncle for I would hate to return and find my place in the line has shifted upwards."

"As would I,"  Gamul couldn't help but chuckle knowing Bailor had no ambitions for the throne and could be trusted with such sensitive tasks, "farewell my nephew.  When you return we shall have a feast for happier times."

---

After time on the road the cleric arrived into Minors Ford with little happening of interest.  He bade farewell to the small group he had fallen in with along the way as they came to the gates and presented the documents stating he was on official ambassadorial business.  The guard provided him directions to give him the best time across the city, which included some routes that though taking him out of the way also avoided the busier streets.  As such he had avoided hearing anything from the boys running through the more crowded streets with their cries.

When nearing the tower he did find it far more crowded.  As he pushed through the crowds as best he could he almost bumped into the curious halfling asking about the tower as someone jostled him.  The dwarf held his composure well after having been shoved and even refrained from shouting some form of insult to the offender as he took the time to answer her,  "by account of directions I have from the guards this is the wizard's tower.  As to if they are seeking adventurers I do not know."

---

Prepared spells:
Light, Sanctify, Guidance, Bless, Cure Light Wounds

Coraxa made her way around the warehouse District. she went over the bridge and into the lord's quarters. The manors and villas here were large. With rolling green grassy lawns. Likely keept green and lush in the summer heat by the many wizards and druids in the city.

She made her way to the Davis manor but was turned away. " Dont you know there is a war brewing? Master Davis is not seeing anyone. " the door slammed in her face.
"Really?! " she shouted to the door. "I'll get the magistrate," a slight pause  "again"
"Yeah good luck with" that came the muffled reply. She walked away with a puzzled look on her face. "Like I have not had to use them before, " she said to herself.

People in town gave her a wide birth. She looked every bit the warrior she was. She wore her leather accented chain mail . Her large sword had hooks and spikes, and she kept it very sharp. the look of determination on her face said she had murder on her mind. However the magistrate was no help. Swaped by the incressed flow of the masses, they were boged down with many complaints. " i'm sorry Coraxa. We're so swamped. I can make a case but there are so many more pressing matters. Might Try Tatty at the tower. Though i'm not sure she will be much help either. " not even her friend and fellow Skeldian warrior Maven was much help. " Whats going on here any way ?"
"  Sometimes i think you live under a rock, or maybe a mug of ale. " she laughed. " have you have not heard?  " Just then a higher ranked officer called her away.
" Im sorry Cora, try Tatty " she said over her shoulder as she walked away.

Mavan Tatty and Coraxa had had several adventures together. Mavan was a beast out in the wilderness. Luckily Tatty, a wizard with a nack for healing magick, had been there to sooth The wounds. Coraxa made her way to the wizards tower. The going was slow, so many people.

Once she was near the tower she could hear the boys criying out as bout adventure, fame and fortune. {{No wonder there were so many people. Young or old? Why would the tower need old and inexperienced people. Must be a big task.}} She thought to her self.

She finaly made it to the wizards tower. Outside in the courtyard she was going to try to find a familiar face. But just then she had to stop dead in her tracks, a kind of bird she never seen before landed and changed into a person. {{ Netta be damned, fuckung druids}} she thought to her self.  She told her self. She was annoyed : annoyed that lord had stiffed her. annoyed that the magistrate was no help. Annoyed that there were so many people.

"Aye of cousre it be. Were'ed you think you were?" she talked over the dwarf.  She tried not to sound annoyed but she was not vary good at hiding emotions. She took a deep breath. " you one of the adventures looking for fame and glory? "

She looked down to see Bailor " do I know you? " she racked her brain. " I mean all dwarfs look the same, at least until I get to know 'em. " she put fingers near her mouth, tapping. " it's right there on the edge my memory " no longer annoyed just lost in thought.

In reply to Phirosalle (msg # 12):

The youngest boy speaks up. "I can show ya Mister. Is not far. " The small boy is quick and full of energy. It's almost hard to follow him. A left, down two streets, through an ally. While the wizards tower is viable over the tops of the building in the area nothing compares to the view as the streets open. The massive building with stone work being that of masters that rival that of the dwarfs.

"Oh, they are definitely seeking adventurers," replied Joy to Bailor. It seemed they knew the opposite halves of the information the other needed. She was glad to have found the correct place so easily, even if it was coincidence.

When Coraxa made her appearance and asked her own question, Joy looked her up and down appraisingly before answering. If Joy was at all impressed by the vicious looking weapon Coraxa had, it didn't show on Joy's face. Even though the halfling only carried a knobby stick to defend herself, there was a veritable zoo within her that she could call upon. And she could think of more than one shape that could probably stand up to whatever skill Coraxa might posses.

Not that she expected it to come to that. Joy finally replied to the warrior after a few moments. "Am I an adventurer? Yes. Looking for fame and glory? No. First and foremost, I am here to do what needs to be done. Whatever that may be. What about yourselves? Who are the tow of you?" She was asking both Coraxa and Bailor. "I myself am called Joy. Joy Weaver." There was very little actual joy in her voice. At the moment she was all business.

HP: 16/16
Prepared spells: Light, Unseen Servant, Prestidigitation, Detect Magic, Charm Person, Magic Missile

Phirosalle hurries his steps to keep up with the street urchin. He hopes that this won't keep up long, or he might start perspiring, which is really beneath him. Sitting with your nose in a book all day long does nothing for your stamina, alas...
This message was last edited by the player at 06:03, Tue 30 May 2023.

_{map of courtyard}

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
https://inkarnate.com/maps/edit/11132947/

---

Whether by knowledge, asking directions, or just luck. everyone has made their way to the wizards' tower.

Whether your milling about, chatting with old friends and new ones, Exploring the great tower or just arriving, you notice 10 young wizards in what appears to be in uniforms. they are all wearing the same white initiate  robes, with the towers emblem on the beast. ranging in age 15 to 20.  Filling  out of the towers main gateway in to the courtyard. They are followed by 5 older wizards. That wear robes of the same cut, and have the same emblem as the younger wizards but different colors. One in a deep blue followed by to red and two green robes.

The younger wizards fan out along the walkway of the courtyard, 5 on either side. The five older wizards come forth to stand just before the gate way. The eldest a female' the blue robed one with, had a deeply wrinkled face. Her Hair turning gray at the edges.
  " Greetings to all gathered here this fine day" The day was indeed fine. The middle of summer just enough white puffy clouds in the sky, and a nice breeze, it was not too hot. "We, the wizards of Millsnors Ford have asked all of you, great adventures to gather here because of a darkness that flows over the Napati mountains." the sun hides behind a cloud (( do you notice? Why?)). "The reports come from the north, the west. Some threat, what little news is contradictory.  Eorkorti and Vaxande have both been destroyed," she must pause here to let the news settle over the crowd. It was devastating news to many in the crowd. "they were over run by some " she shakes her head. "The truth is none knows. All the resources of the tower and we know so little. " it is this moment some of the other Wizards with her are startled, did they not know the truth? or did they just not expect her to speak it? It begins to rain.

With the first raindrops, Kaj reflexively went to pull up his hood but stopped.  He nsiffed the air.  Sure enough, there was nothing in the wind that suggested anything but a dry sunny day.  This is magic.  And considering the surprised expression of the wizards, it wasn't their magic that was causing it.

He looked to Meqq was but the cat had already disappeared into the crowd, no doubt to a good place to hide and prepare for a pounce onto whatever was coming.

"Prepare yourselves," he said to those nearby.  "Something is coming."