The squat cloaked figure stepped off the ferry. The heavy chains of his warflail clinking as he moved. He looked up at the menacing clouds and uttered a quiet groan. Gorluk was bewildered by how the surface races managed living at the mercy of a fickle, unforgiving sky. He takes note of the elf woman who appeared equally uncomfortable with the surroundings and speculated that she shared his immediate goals. After securing his pouch containing the few coins left to his name, he proceeded towards the logging town.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:16, Mon 27 Feb 2023.

"...And thus it can only be said that Falcon's Hollow is the starting point, not the ending point for my journey. I am staying in room 3 of the Jak-a-Napes, and eagerly await in any assistance you can send. For now I will find work to increase my coinage in order to continue my efforts. Signed Academically Yours, Efeygian Aliker III"

Helican finished narrating his letter to his patron at the school aloud as he wrote it and signed his name at the bottom in wide sweeping letters. The candle light danced across the slightly yellowed paper as he blew on it to dry the ink. He then tri folded the paper and sealed it with waxed from the melted candle. He knew he'd have to spend several silver to get this delivered to the school, but it would be worth it if they handed over more funds for his 'expedition'. In the mean time he was serious about having to find work as he was down to his last few silver pieces, and the price of the private room at the inn wasn't cheap.

A cold draft pushed through the window and he wrapped himself tighter in his cloak as he moved over to look out. The rain had stopped, which was good, that meant he could go out after he got himself a bowl of hot soup from downstairs. He gathered his traveling pack and weaponry, always better to be prepared, stuffed the letter in a side pocket of the backpack before opening the door and heading downstairs to the main room of the inn. He approached the innkeeper at the front desk and smiled.

"Good day. I was wondering if you might know where I might post a letter with a courier?"

Sitting on the bed, Hal was slowly sharpening his bastard sword, the familiar repettive motion letting him slip into a semi meditative state as he worked. He'd woken up early, he had begun taking care of his equipment, making sure his chainmail was rust free and his pack and equipment was still packed securely. He knew it would be, but his father had been adamant during his upbringing, take care of your things and they would take care of you. Of course he'd usually been talking about a plow or a pitchfork, but Hal figured the sentiment was the same. Checking the edge again, he nodded to himself and began oiling the blade.

Now that he'd completed one part of his morning routine, he put the sword to one side and got down on one knee.
"Dawnflower, grant me Your light, that I might see the path before me. Your flame, that I might have the strength to walk it. Your mercy, that I might grant redemption to those still in darkness".
Sitting quietly for a minute, Hal sighed and got back up, walking over to the wash basin.

Clean, he pulled on a shirt, and walked downstairs, heading for the innkeeper, Time for some breakfast.

The dwarf and the elf are the first two off the ferry. Then the peddler starts guiding his wagon off.

The two pause near each other looking around. Through the few buildings, that look like fishermens homes by the netting and oars and such leaning or hanging outside, they see the market area and now they can also make out a general store off to the left across a street from the Inn.

a Couple of crossbow bearing guards walk towards the two newcomers. One of them barks out. hey. hold up. what brings you to The Hollow?

------------
Helican approaches the stout woman standing behind the bar who smiles and runs her thick hand through her graying hair and smiles at the rogueish scholar saying hello Helican. good to see you. are the accomodations to your liking? then as he asks questions she nods and extends a hand. I can take care of that. couriers stop in all the time here. where is it going, that will determine how much.

From the stairs Hal sees a scholarly looking man at the bar talking to Jak. crimmy. He'd seen around since he arrived. He always seemed to be writing things in a book or asking questions about the history of the Vale. However there was an edge about him...something about how he always looked around or walked on the balls of his feet. Hal started for the bar.

Marianna followed her nose along to the tavern, strolling quietly and studiously. Entering the tavern, she pulled the hood back, exposing her identity clearly; with her dark red skin, vivid eyes, and ebon hair. The tips of her ram-like horns are capped in silver, with a thin decorative chain across them. It's the only 'fashionable' attire she has, with the robe on her back a pedestrian and functional off-white.

Seeing how busy the establishment was, she clasped her hands together in front of her, watching the servers ply their trade, eyeing the contents of each and every plate to figure what she might be interested in having, or if she could offer her own skills in the back.

OOC: Marianna has the Cook background
This message was last edited by the player at 21:27, Tue 28 Feb 2023.

As the cloaked figure quickly squeezed past the peddlers wagon and moved past the dwarf and elf, the two guards glanced at her and one said firmly stop. what's your business in the Hollow

Helican smiled back at the stout woman with the graying hair, "Almas, I've written the address and attention there on the front. I know it's a long ways" Helican slid the letter across the counter lingering a few moments with his forefinger before tapping it twice. "As for the accommodations, there was a particularly loud metallic sound in the room next to mine I believe, but the bed was one of the finest I've slept in. You're practically giving away luxury" he smiled again and then looked about the tavern briefly before shifting his weight to the other foot, a tactic he used to train himself to always he was reflexive to his environment.

Quietly waiting his turn, Hal looked around at the rest of the inn for any newcomers. He'd always liked to people watch, trying to gauge who they were, where they were from, that sort of thing. Just made it more fun to see if he'd guessed right if he talked to them later on. Turning back to the guy in front of him, Hal smiled and gave him a once over. Scholar likely enough, but something else too. He looked 'ready, like the cat back home. Always ready to pounce if the opportunity for a mouse or a bird presented itself. Still in a place like the Hollow, that was to be expected he supposed.

The young elven druid was actually expecting this. In the forest, if strangers came close to their camp, there would be two archers aiming arrows at the trespasser's heads as that same question was being asked. But there would also be at least three others hidden, ready to fill the strangers with arrows at the slightest provocation. She wondered if it was the same here. These town protectors were actually nicer in comparison.

Larannia gave a slight bow and showed the palm of her hands as her arms stayed at her side. The only thing that could have been considered a weapon was a sickle tucked into her belt. The blade was made of stone and the handle wood. It was widely known to be a simple herbalist tool.

The druid kept her voice calm and steady. At times like this, it was best to be respectful, calm and show no fear. "My name is Larannia Stormtree of the Starleaf tribe. I am also a Messager of Gozreh. I have left my tribe to learn of different lands. I also wish to speak to the leaders of those lands about the message I bare. Does your leader have the wisdom to at least hear it?" She finished softly.

She half expected the answer to be no. Not many leaders would have that wisdom to hear the message of a deity. Only the wise leaders would be saved. Now, according to The Elder, the town protecters will ask for something called an 'entrance fee'. One did not survive long in the cities without coin.

Larannia glanced at the hooded figure that moved passed her and closer to the protectors. Back home, the stranger would have been pierced by multiple arrows by now. Such an action might aggravate them further. If a confrontation ensued, she was determined not to get involved.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:02, Tue 28 Feb 2023.

Gorluk raised a gloved hand to greet the guard.

“Gorluk of clan Magmace at your service fine sir. I am on an archaeological expedition for dwarven ruins local to this area.”

OOC: Should I roll for a ‘Make an Impression’ action?
This message was last edited by the player at 21:50, Tue 28 Feb 2023.

Damian taps the bedpost which immediately sets the room into bright light at that he rises from his cot and goes through a few mental exercises to make sure that he is prepared for the day.  Before leaving the room he whispers softly and the words enter Hal's mind. "Time for breakfast sleepy head."

He checks that his robe and gloves are positioned and fastened securely, so as not to slip no matter what the day brings him. He buttons his veil in place before taking a long look in the hazy mirror. With a twist and turn, he is satisfied that nobody will be exposed to his shame. He lets out a deep sigh of personal exhaustion before setting his shoulders and opening the door to take on whatever the gods have prepared for him today.

He heads down the stairs where he sees his travelling companion already in line. He projects his words to Hal using his magic casually. "What is on the docket for today, Dawn-follower?" The way he says Dawn-follower is clearly a play on dawnflower. It is said good naturedly.

OOC: I will use Dark Blue Serif with italics whenever I am using Message which can only be heard by the recipient. Otherwise I'll just use blue for my speech.

Marianna was timid with the guards and their hefty weapons. That these other strangers were being stopped meant she wasn't being stopped because of who she was....probably. She waited patiently for the others to speak up.

"J-just passing through the neighborhood. Is there something wrong I need to be afraid of?"

The guards listened to the Elf speak first, their mouths slowly going agape. Then the more talkative one said you want to what? talk with the boss? are you kidding? the other said in a jeering manner she says she got a message for him. oh yeah...a message...for Kreed... hahahaha they both laughed. The the dwarf spoke up and the one on the right turned his attention on him...

ahh now that we understand. we get lots of adventuring types through here...though not many return. go your way.

Them the other said to Larannia in a more serious tone. if ya want to see The Boss...Thuldin Kreed, youse gotta see Payden at the Curtyard first.

Then the cloaked woman who'd paused and watched what was said spoke saying she was passing through and the one speaking to the dwarf turned to her...to where? there ain't nuttin after Falcons Hollow ? we da end of day line.

_-----------------

Jak Crimmy looked at Hal over Helicans shoulder and at Damian coming down the steps and she muttered in a half whisper he's a strange one then turned her attention back to Helican ...that's no simple task but I've got two couriers in mind that'd do it. The cheaper I can't guarantee he won't read the message or share it. With anyone he thinks he can make a coin from but I can guarantee it'll get there. that'll cost you 2 Gold. The other will keep your business your business and also I can speak for his ability to get it there safely. but that'll be 4 Gold. then she looked back at Hal morning Hal. sleep well?

Hal looked up with surprise, but quickly gathered that Damian was flexing his magical prowess. "Not sure yet, Nethyrite", he replied with equal good nature, "The day has only just dawned, and is still unknown".

Looking over the shoulder of the man in front of him, Hal nodded at Jak with a smile, "Yeah, I slept like a log. Any chance of some breakfast, Jak?".
This message was last edited by the player at 15:53, Wed 01 Mar 2023.

Helican flinched at the cost. It was a long way, but his money reserves were already low. To low for even the cheapest of courier's it would seem. He listened as the presumed maker of metallic noises from the night before spoke over his shoulder, as he did though he pulled the letter back across the counter. "I could go for breakfast as well, I'll have to think on the courier for a bit, and will let you know" he stuffed the letter in the front pocket of his vest.

He turned to the man behind him, "I am new in town, I presume you are as well?"

Larannia gave an appreciative nod towards the protectors. They were more helpful than she expected them to be. Now the young druid had two names and a location. The path was set before her.

"Thank you. Where do I find this...Curtyard?" she asked.

Again, the druid found herself wondering why she had received these visions and message. She was nobody special. Why not someone of more importance? Someone who had the skill to talk to others and had the charisma to express how important the message was? All she could come up with was it was part of a test. It was all about the message and not The Messager. If a leader was wise enough to see the message for what it was, then that leader would deserve the eyes of Gozreh upon them.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 16:39, Wed 01 Mar 2023.

Gorluk thanked the guards as he made his way to the town’s inn. He saw no reason to hide his intentions and he felt some measure of comfort that this settlement was decent enough to not pry too deep into the affairs of visitors. The dwarf belatedly realized that he could have vouched for his fellow travelers and made easy friends if he had been more mindful. He had a long way to go in overcoming his discomfort in dealing  with the surface races.

Hal followed the exchange between Jak and the stranger with mild interest, until the man spoke to him directly. "Oh. Yeah, sorry about the noise, that was probably me getting out of my armor", he smiled, "Chainmail isn't the quietest thing in the world, but I am sorry if I woke you or anything.".

He looked about to say, more but stopped suddenly, and held out a calloused hand, "My manners... I'm Hal".

Helican held his hand out and shook the mans as firmly as was comfortable, though it was evident he was a scholar not a warrior.

"No hard feelings Hal, I am Helican, I'm an academic from Almas, and a writer. How about yourself? All that armor must be protecting a good story or two, maybe over breakfast?"

The innkeeper Jak grinned at Hal and Helican and said how about some warm berry tarts with spiced apple cider and some hot tea ? Go grab a table and I'll one of the girls bring it to you.

Just then the door opened and a dwarf walked in, well armored and well armed and looked over the place. It was warm and welcoming. The furnishings worn and mismatched but everything looked well maintained and clean. Jak Crimmy waved at him and said loudly welcome to Jak-A-Napes. home for those at the end of the road. grab a table and I'll send a girl over to see to your needs. ----------_----------------

The two guards waited for Marianna's response but one of them said off hand to Larianna you mightn't wanta wait til the mornings over. the Cutyard is busy this time a day, the sawdust fills the air, making it hard to breath miss. Payday always goes to check with the Boss about the noon hour. that'd be best time to see him. go secure yourself some lodging first.

ooc-thats Cutyard autocorrect doesn't like the word. lol

Hal nodded to Helican, "Sure, I'd be glad of the company", and then looked over at Jak with a smile, "Sounds great, and some bread please. Oh and a plate for Damian", he gestured over his shoulder at his cloaked companion, "Even magicians need to eat". Looking around for a table, Hal pointed to one big enough for three, "We'll take that one".
This message was last edited by the player at 22:05, Fri 03 Mar 2023.

In reply to GM Dread (msg # 22):

The extra scrutiny only amplified her anxiety "Look, I'm here just exploring, okay? I heard something about this place from some rugged mercenary types, and it sounded interesting. I'm not here looking to cause trouble. Can I at least get some food?"

Helican nodded along with Hal's response to Jak and then smiled. "Shaping up to be an interesting morning then." he then turned on his heels and made his way to the table Hal had pointed at and lowered himself into one of the chairs, after flipping it around so that the back of the chair was in front of him.

Overhearing the conversation between the guests and innkeeper, Gorluk surmised that the former were also newcomers and perhaps adventurers as well. He watched as they began to gather at a table and waited for an appropriate moment to introduce himself.

The wood elf was starting to feel a little sorry for the stranger. But with the attitude she was giving, it was only going to make things worse. The young druid was about to give a thankful nod and be on her way, but her feet would not move. That was always how it started. Larannia's vision started to blur until only a swirl of green and blue's were visible.

A vision began.

The stranger was running down a narrow alleyway. Her breathing was labored and came in gasps. It would have been dark if not for the sky burning red. There was a deafening sound of a thundering crash as a building she was running past exploded outward in a hail of wood and masonry. The stranger was hit by flying debris that made her stumble and fall. A very large and sharp reptilian claw momentarily appeared before withdrawing back into the ruined building.

As the stranger fell, a silver sphere she was carrying fell from her grasp and bounced twice on the ground. It made a small metallic sound each time it did so. On the sphere were three crystals that had been glowing green. Now they were glowing red and one of them was blinking slowly.

The stranger said something in a foul language before hurrying back up, snatching the sphere off the ground and continuing her sprint into the darkness. A loud roar of a monstruous beast echoed after her.

Larannia took a deep breath and blinked away the vision. She then bowed deeply at the waist towards the protectors and stayed in that position. "My apologies dutiful protecters. I met this one on the ferry and was about to hire them to escort me around this town since I have no experience with the civilization of man. I will take responsibility of her actions while we are here."

The young druid did not move as she waited for the reply of the protectors.