A young apprentice who was on duty at the guild reception desk guided you down a set of large stone stairs, through ajar metal double doors, into a large workshop filled with assorted tables covered in alchemy equipment, blacksmith tools, cogs and chains as well as brewing equipment.

In the very center of the large room stands a large circular stone portal. Covered in glowing blue runes. Large enough for an Ogre to walk through, Next to it a gnome in workmen's clothes stands with his hands entwined, and resting on his pot belly, waits for you.
Behind, and off to one side, stands a very tall wooden and metal construct, that is a tall humanoid shaped creature. It looks from the party and down to the gnome.

It quietly says to the gnome. It seems we have our scouts master, I can't wait to see if they can bring back good news or not.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:49, Fri 16 Sept 2022.

Leif sets his pack and shield down and nods at the gnome, then waits, eyes roaming around inside (after studying the gnomes face thoroughly). As others arrive he will study their faces, as well.

Griffin comes down the stairs and nods at the gnome and the man already in the room, essaying a brief polite smile. His eyebrows go up as he hears the construct speak but he doesn't say anything, just putting down his pack as well (somewhat thankfully) and waiting to see who else will appear. He eyes the portal, fingering his sun-disc medallion.

Next up is a girl with Auburn hair, she looks more like a farmer than an adventurer or scout master. Her recently bought explorer pack says a lot of her inexperience to those with a keen eye,"While, whether we bring good news or not, I'm pretty optimistic. I reckon some of us are fated to be here." she says to the gnome's quiet comment. How she managed to hear that all the way up the stairs is anyone's guess.

Welcome welcome! I am glad that we have some adventurers to go through that there yonder portal. Its completely safe of course, Kindle my assistant here has been through several times. The other side of the portal is a forest, but Kindle has not explored any further than a few steps in each direction. As the gnome speaks he motions with his hand to the construct behind him, when he starts to talk about "his assistant".


Optimism is important! I'm sure that the gods may very well have placed some of you before me. After all your efforts here may indeed help to bring about the end to the Lumber Wars! And save us a good many lives. Gods seem to be interested in things like wars and so such events, I'm sure.0

Just as Ziyya is welcoming the group the metal doors are pushed open by two City Guards. A third figure, steps between them and enters the workshop. He wears a dark green cloak, with the hood pulled up obscuring his face.

"My apologies for being late. You must be Master Ziyya. I am Dakath Syldark. I trust you were expecting me?"

A bow is slung over his shoulder, and the tip of a scabbard pokes out from the bottom of the cloak.

Leif eyes the guards with interest then studies what he can of the new face.

One of the city guard gives the elf a pat on the shoulder, then they both turn and leave, their escort duty performed.

One of the guard says to the other on the way out. He's a brave one, you wouldn't find me galivanting around the Adrassi Woods at the moment I tell ya.

Ah yes the um ah elven representative! Yes I was told to expect you. Welcome, welcome! I think there will be a member of the city council coming to brief you all shortly too. This little mission is being run by the city and the mages guild jointly. I really hope that everything pans out. There are several of my fellow elven mages who haven't felt safe back in the city since hostilities broke out. One of them was a great drinking partner of mine too!

The elven representative reaches up and pulls down his hood, revealing a shock of long black hair, and icy blue eyes that take in the others standing in the workshop, before returning his attention to Ziyya.

"I imagine you are referring to Mistress Syndra Xyrmenor? She asked me to let you know that she has a bottle of superb dwarven fire brandy that she is looking forward to share with you, when, as she put it, this silliness is at an end."

Silvia gives the gnome a smirk,"Oh, well then you wouldn't be at all darn surprised that a nature God told me to come here. I'm sure of it, and he might interested in the War, he gave me some gifts, so clearly he has to be a God." the young girl says, but then quiets down when two guards brought in an elf,"Woah, a real life knife-ears, wait is he a prisoner of war or somefink. That sounds wrong... Oh, a represen-a-tive, that's sounds political. Are you fighting for a right, Mister Syldark?" she says all of that out loud, clearly she's not the type to be quiet.

Dakath's attention turns to the reddish-haired girl. "In case you are not aware, young lady, knife-ears is considered a slur by my people. I'd appreciate if you'd not use it where I can hear."

A small smile crosses his face, as he touches his ear and adds, "And I have very good hearing!

As to fighting, I am here to do what I can to ensure Master Ziyya's...project is a success, so it will put a stop to the war."

A tall feminine figure in full plate mail, wearing the heraldry of the city walks into the room. As she comes down the stairs she removes here helmet and looks around the room.

I am councillor Jexxi and I am here to brief you on your mission. So let me get down to business...

She places here helmet on one of the many tables around the room, and rests her hands on the handles of her magical dual battle axes that stick out of her belt.

As you are aware the city needs to secure a new source of timber, doing so would stop the Lumber Wars. The mage guild has been able to find us a likely world, that seems to have a large forest. However, we need it scouted out, we need more detailed intel before we can send through others to set up and begin logging operations. That's where you all come into the picture. We need a days' journey roughly in each direction of the portal opening to be scouted out. This is primarily a scouting mission so you don't need to deal with any threats unless you feel equipped to do so. We will provide you with a magical blank map that will fill up as you travel, making the process considerably easier. This portal here has enough power to open once a day for 20 minutes at the longest. Master Ziyya's construct here will secure the portal area for your group. And operate the portal when you are ready to return. You will be paid a thousand gold coins once the map area has been successfully scouted out. If we set up a colony on the other side, Coin is also willing to present land in the new colony to each of you. A parcel sufficient to establish a homestead if you so wish it. These land deeds you could also sell onwards to somebody else if you are not interested in them. If you do meet any civilized and or sentient groups that wish to know your aims, you are asked to proceed diplomatically. Remember we hope to establish a colony there to end the Lumber Wars. We are not seeking to start another war of conquest in this new land. The city is already spending considerable resources paying for the current standing mercenary army. Now any questions before we get this portal powered up, and send you on your way?

ooc: the city heraldry consists of a white walled city with a large gold coin above it set to a blue background. Councilor Jexxi is a member of the 100 ruling council of the city, that rule the city along with the High Lord Mayor.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:31, Sun 18 Sept 2022.

"Oh... Ah shoot, my bad, I didn't mean to offend none. It's just a phrase we country folk like to say a lot, I'll just call you by your name." Silvia says apologetically, then looks toward to the newly arrived councilor. Not sure how to act with someone with this position, she gives her an exaggerated bow,"Silvia Summergreen, reporting for duty ma'am. I will go to the war if it's your command. Ah shoot, I mean, not seriously but if you want me to I could consider it. I mean, wait, I was supposed to scout, so of course I'll also do that." she says, stammering on her words now.

"A thousand gold?" The halfling goggles a bit, like he's scandalized about this amount of money existing.
"Uh..that all seems to make sense, uh, lady. I guess you big folk can roll a fair few logs through in twenty minutes once it gets goin'...no other questions here."

He looks at the other adventurers.
"I hope one of you good folk have some decent woods skills, can't say as I've been out of the city before now. But, I can pass on Pelor's blessing to those that need it, if we do run into like any trouble out there".
This message was last edited by the player at 01:52, Mon 19 Sept 2022.

"That would be most kind, thank you, Silvia!"

"Is it just the four of us then?

If it's all right with you Councillor, perhaps we might have a few minutes to at least learn each others names before we step through the portal?"

If Dakath is interested in the reward, it's difficult to tell.

Leif nods "I can get by. I've had occasion, once or twice, to leave the city for work."

The halfling nods. "That's good."

He turns to the elf. 'The name's Griffin, sir. That's all, the temple raised me mostly.'

Yes yes take your time to get acquainted, that is a good idea. After all once you go through the portal all you will have is each other to watch each other's back. I was told there would be one more member of the group. I guess they will be here soon.

"Well I hope this fella will be here soon. Getting kind of antsy." Silvia says, then turns toward the others,"Anyways, as said before, I'm Silvia Summergreen, your average everyday girl from the country. I was sent here by God's voice, what about you."

Dakath gives a slight bow to Griffin, "A pleasure to meet you, Griffin. I trust that will be the last time you will call me sir!" he adds with a grin. "I am Dakath, although I have been known to respond to Dak. But my mother would not be happy to know that! I wield blade and bow as a soldier...of sorts."

Turning to Leif, the elf asks, "And you are?"

Leif nods, "Well, I think I am, so I must be." He pauses a minute with an innocent look on his face, "My name is Leif, if you were going to ask that, as well."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:23, Tue 20 Sept 2022.