Because Faiy's not active, and I liked Journey to Farside. :p
Let's just copy-paste this, shall we? This isn't the same thing Faiy's doing, but I'm gonna steal her rules anyway.
QuoteGame Play: This is a chose your own adventure type game, mixed with text based games (like Zork), and RPGs. You will all play the same character and take turns stating your choice of action, and I will respond with the outcome. Some helpful things you can do is, examine something in the room, ask a question of a character in your location, think about something (thinking about something will respond with any information you know on the topic) If you wish to lie about something when speaking to an NPC and the truth is not already known then please state the truth in parentheses. (For example: I am a world class archer (I am actually a world class thief))
Rules:
- This is meant to be a serious game, your actions will have consequences.
- I intend this to be a fun intelligent game so please respect the other players and stay consistent and realistic.
- PP is still not allowed. You may not control the NPCs. For example *Decapitates the troll with my sword* However this is allowed *attacks the troll with my sword*
Inventory:- Nothing to speak of.
Okay, let's start by creating the character. First poster, fill this out:
Name:
Age:
Gender:
Race:
Races of Arcanis (Abridged), by Koffali Marrakel, Scholar of the Arcane Arts
Many different species inhabit the world we call home. From man to Majan (note: slang term, Ee'Tohra for foreigner) this guidebook will help you learn what you need about your neighbours.
Culan (pronounced Soo-lahn)
The most common race in the known world, the Culan are a fair-skinned people native to the Culani Isles. Culan are natural leaders, and their Kings have conquered all of the world east of the Farakesh River. Culan live for an average of 80 years. Culan can be found in great numbers everywhere.
Falkan (pronounced Fall-kahn)
Dark-skinned humans from west of the Farakesh River. The Falkan make shrewd diplomats and vicious warriors, which has prevented the Culan from conquering their lands. Falkan are still common in Culani lands, though not to the extent of the Kingdoms' native people. Culan live for an average of 80 years.
Shizara (pronounced Shii-Zara)
Shizara are pale humans from the Far South, with exaggerated facial features and rough skin. Shizara are strongly xenophobic, and while their lands are technically a part of the Culani Kingdoms, infighting and racial tension have the South Kingdoms on the brink of civil war. Shizara make good assassins, but lack in social skills. Shizara are rare outside their homeland, and even rarer within society itself. Shizara live for an average of 90 years.
Ee'Shann (Pronounced Eh-Shahn)
Ee'Shann, more commonly known as 'Sun Elves' outside their homeland, are a tall, olive-skinned race most notable for their pointed ears. Ee'Shann have heightened reflexes and exceptional eyesight, which causes many of them to become rangers. Ee'Shann are native to the central forests, and (aside from several rogue clans), have been successfully integrated into the Culani Kingdoms. They are rarer than the races of man outside the Forests, but still a common race. Ee'Shann live for an average of 60 years.
Ee'Daal (Pronounced Eh-Dahl)
Ee'Daal, more commonly known as 'Rock Elves' outside their homeland, are a short, dark-skinned race closely related to the Ee'Shann. Ee'Daal also possess pointed ears, and are quite thin to squeeze through narrow passages. Ee'Daal, like the Shizara, are quite xenophobic, preferring to not leave their underground fortresses. Ee'Daal are excellent engineers and intellectuals, and when found outside their homeland, are usually appointed as architects or politicians. Ee'Daal are relatively uncommon throughout the Culani Kingdoms, and live for an average of 30 years. This short lifespan has led many Ee'Daal to search for a source of immortality, though none have yet succeeded.
Ee'Gama (Pronounced Eh-Gahmah)
Not much is known about the Ee'Gama, save that their name means 'Pariah Elves' in Ee'Tohra. Ee'Gama have a very similar appearance to Ee'Daal, but are slightly shorter and have a lighter skin tone. Ee'Gama are very rarely seen above ground, and are a slave race to the Ee'Daal. Ee'Gama are reported to live for up to 500 years, though most die of overwork in their first century. Most surface dwellers would not even recognize an Ee'Gama, and those who have heard of them believe the race to simply be a legend.
Ee'Rakka (Pronounced Eh-Rahkah)
Ee'Rakka, also known as 'Pig Elves,' bear strong resemblance to the Ee'Shann, but are slightly taller, and their skin has a faint green tinge to it. Ee'Rakka are easily recognizable due to large forehead bumps, which can form into horns among older individuals. Ee'Rakka have no homeland, but are more than welcome everywhere due to their natural proficiency as warriors. Ee'Rakka can live for 50 years, but typically die young.
Sakkaza (Pronounced Sah-kah-zah)
Sakkaza are, in this author's opinion, easily the most mysterious of Arcanis's various races. Sakkaza are tall, green beings that appear to be a cross between humans and snakes. They have a layer of scales instead of skin, and their heads appear lizardlike. Sakkaza have no legs; rather, they have several tentacles at the base of their torsos that they use as additional arms. Sakkaza do not walk on these tentacles, as they possess the power of levitation. This power is no doubt linked to their innate magical ability; while anyone can learn magic after years of study, Sakkaza possess an intrinsic gift with the arcane arts. A Sakkaza Battlemage can turn the tide of any battle, which explains why such an odd race is so well respected. As much of Sakkaza culture is unknown, this author does not know the average lifespan of a Sakkaza, if they are even able to die of old age at all. Unplayable for the sake of fairness.
Be advised that this guidebook should not be taken for 100% fact, as their may be other species we have yet to discover.
Name: Sulepharion.
Age: 18.
Gender: Male.
Race: Falkan.
You have been travelling for some time now. Days on the road, supplies wearing thin. Only now, as the sun rises on a new Spring morning, do you sight the walls of Silaha, one of the six Great Cities of the Culani Kingdoms. The roads, once deserted, are now packed with life. Merchant caravans, guard patrols, and shifty-looking Shizara all line the cobbled path that stretches over the horizon. Your stomach growls as you peer into an empty satchel. Perfect. Ducking past the traffic, you soon reach a large wooden gate planted deep within the aging stone walls of the city. Guards inspect several wagons, ensuring that nobody passes without permission. From a nearby tunnel, another patrol emerges, much more heavily armed than the gate guards, and disappears into the crowd. A hand plants itself on your shoulder, belonging to a balding Sun Elf.
"Halt there, Falkan. You looking for entry?"
You nod once.
"Right. I need some information for the records. Unless there's something up with you, you should be clear for entry. Name, age, and reason for travel to Silaha, if you would."
"Sulepharion, 18. I..."
Pick one:
I'm a Culani Soldier. From the Isles.
I'm a mercenary, looking for work.
I'm just a traveler, passing through.
I'm a guard for a merchant caravan. They're just over there.
I'm from a village to the west. I seek to learn the Arcane Arts.
I'm not from around here, but I came to enlist.
I'm not from around here, but I came to enlist.
"I'm not from around here. But I wanted to enlist, and Silaha's the closest Great City."
"Should've enlisted back home, kiddo. You came to Silaha at the worst possible time. They accept you, you'll be out there trying to keep order while the Shizara kill your friends and burn down your home. Being a gate guard's menial work, but I'd never swap places with you. Besides, I'm getting too old for that nonsense. Let the Shizara come for me, I say."
"You have a lot of trouble with the Shizara?"
"Of course, friend. This city's built on what they consider their land. We're slap bang in the middle of their homeland, and even though the higher ups say this is officially the Culani Kingdoms, we all know that the second you step off the roads, it's you or the locals. And the locals always win. Well, it's your funeral. Go on in. You want to enlist, best to head up to the Keep."
The Sun Elf gives a brief whistle and points at the gate. Two guards open it just a crack, enough for you to slip inside.
You find yourself in a quiet marketplace; what would be the center of commerce, were it not for the tedious location of Silaha leading to many caravans being attacked. As it stands, many stalls lie empty, and the surrounding buildings look like they were evacuated years ago. A few citizens go about their morning shopping at what stalls are still open for business, including what looks like a butcher, a jeweler, and some sort of swordsmith. On the opposite end of the square, "Inn" has been roughly scrawled on a larger building's front door, and several priests of the Culani Pantheon drone out their usual nonsense near a temple, ivory bricks still in relatively good condition compared to the rest of the square.
What do you do?Inventory
Weapons
Rusty Dagger
Apparel
Ragged clothing
Fur Cloak
Aid
Books
Misc
100 Culani Coins
Quest Items
Junk
Head to the Keep to enlist.
You take a few steps towards the square before realising you have no idea where the keep is, or even what the keep looks like in such a strange city.
What do you do?Inventory
Weapons
Rusty Dagger
Apparel
Ragged clothing
Fur Cloak
Aid
Books
Misc
100 Culani Coins
Quest Items
Junk
[/quote]
kill myself
Walk into the inn, and ask about Silaha and recent affairs.
You resign yourself to asking around the most logical place nearby. The inn. You push through the small crowd of people, earning the occasional glare, and finally make it to the inn's front door. You push open the door and walk inside the dimly-lit building. Several tables, most of them empty, are laid out around a bar, tending by a Falkan like yourself.
"Well met, K=kinsman! What you brings you to my little slice of paradise in this Hellhole?"
"I'm heading for the keep. Enlisting."
The innkeeper barely manages to hold back a chuckle, and drops the rag he had been holding.
"Enlisting now? World's gone mad, kinsman. I'd avoid the army like the plague if I were you."
"The Gatekeeper said the same thing. Something about the Shizara. Why? What's really going on around here?"
"Can't you tell? We're here on the brink of civil war. Not sure how much you know about the Culani Kingdoms, but this city, and all the surrounding lands, are technically under the jurisdiction of one o' the kings, old King Lakrash. Trouble is, the Shizara didn't take too kindly to the Culan stealin' their lands, so they've been attacking caravans, killing people on the streets, all of that nasty business. A lot of people 'ave already packed up and got out of here, and the rest of us are livin' on borrowed time. If they manage to form a proper army, the guards won't be able to defend the city. Doesn't help that King Lakrash has already sent most o' the real troops away to help the northern expedition, and the garrison we were supposed to receive from the Isles is three weeks late."
"So, you're saying..."
"I'm saying that if we don't get reinforcements soon, then the second the Shizara organise themselves, we're done for."
"Then enlisting is a good thing?"
"It's gonna take more than just you, kinsman. Believe me. And unless you convince everyone in this deadbeat city to head up their with you, all you're doing is throwing your life away. So, do you want a room, or are gonna go knock on Death's door? The Keep's just to your right when you reach the end of the main street, rooms are 20 coins a night."
What do you do?Inventory
Weapons
Rusty Dagger
Apparel
Ragged clothing
Fur Cloak
Aid
Books
Misc
100 Culani Coins
Quest Items
Junk
I'd like to rent a room, because I have sore feet and I don't feel like walking anymore.
20 Culani coins clatter to the bar surface.
"I've been walking for a few days. And if what you say is true, the Army can wait. Give me a room."
"Splendid, kinsman. Your room is the first on on the left, up the stairs. Meals are served at 12pm and 6pm, and the room's yours until 8am tomorrow."
"Thank you."
You shuffle off towards the stairs, shrugging off your travelling cloak. As you round the corner on the first floor landing, a hooded figure crashes into you and stumbles into the wall. A small metal ball falls from their pale, wrinkled palm, as they muttered a muffled apology and continue down the stairs.
Got 1 x Room key.What do you do?Inventory
Weapons
Rusty Dagger - A small steel dagger, covered in rust.
Apparel
Ragged clothing - Some clothing that has seen better days.
Fur Cloak - A heavy fur traveller's cloak.
Aid
Books
Misc
80 Culani Coins - Coins used as currency throughout the Culani Kingdoms.
Room Key - A key to your room in the inn near Silaha's market.
Quest Items
Junk
I push the figure away aside violently.
"Watch it!"
You give the figure a rough shove towards the stairs, but they manage to catch themselves on the railing. The figure turns their face to growl at you, revealing the rough face of a Shizara beneath the hood. The Shizara stares at the metal ball near your foot for a second, then creases their face and marches off towards the exit.
What do you do?Inventory
Weapons
Rusty Dagger - A small steel dagger, covered in rust.
Apparel
Ragged clothing - Some clothing that has seen better days.
Fur Cloak - A heavy fur traveller's cloak.
Aid
Books
Misc
80 Culani Coins - Coins used as currency throughout the Culani Kingdoms.
Room Key - A key to your room in the inn near Silaha's market.
Quest Items
Junk
I make my way upstairs and head to the nearest hall, from where I watch the Shizara go.
You clamber up the stairs and peer over the railing, as the Shizara shoves their way out of the door. You walk over to the window, but the strange person has already managed to lose themselves within the crowd. You walk back to the top of the staircase. The metal ball is still lying abandoned on the landing, and you notice the door to your room just next to the stairs.
What do you do?Inventory
Weapons
Rusty Dagger - A small steel dagger, covered in rust.
Apparel
Ragged clothing - Some clothing that has seen better days.
Fur Cloak - A heavy fur traveller's cloak.
Aid
Books
Misc
80 Culani Coins - Coins used as currency throughout the Culani Kingdoms.
Room Key - A key to your room in the inn near Silaha's market.
Quest Items
Junk
Pick up the ball and conceal it. Go inside my room.
You walk down to the landing and pick up the ball. Concealing it within your cloak, you return to your room and fit the key into the lock. You shove the door open, revealing a small, relatively clean room. A small table and a chair have been stuffed into one corner, near a cupboard, and some linen has been laid on the bed. Straw-stuffed mattress, but you've seen worse. You close the door behind you and examine the ball. It appears to be solid, though quite light for a ball of metal. Numerous carved patterns stretch across the dark metal surface, but none appear to mean anything. You poke the ball with your finger, causing the metal to light up red where you touched it. Now you're curious. You pick the ball up with your hand. Explosions of red cross the object's surface as you grasp it, tossing it into the air.
"Now then. What's your purpose?"
"I'd like to know that too."
You whirl around to see the old Sun Elf from the gate standing in the doorway.
"Y'know, kid, when I saw you, and heard what you said, I sized you up. You look like a fine warrior, not the sort to throw your life away. I have a proposition for you, if you're interested."
"Go on."
"I represent... An organization not many know exists. We're not technically aligned with anyone, but we have a job to do."
"How does this job have anything to do with guarding the gate at what is easily the worst of the Great Cities?"
"Recruiting. My organization was formed a few years back after the first Northern Expedition was wiped out. Official story says bad preparation and bad weather. Our founder knew better. You ever seen a Sakkaza Battlemage in action? Well up there they ran into some kind of magical anomaly. Something stronger than anybody's ever seen. There were three Sakkaza Mages on that expedition. Three. And even they couldn't deal with it. We've been trying to find out what's going on. And we've found out."
"What does this have to do with me?"
"We found a ball like that up there. Exactly the same, except the one we found was the size of a horse, buried in the snow. Nobody's ever seen anything like them. The metal is unknown to all the smiths in the Kingdoms, to say nothing of how it lights up like that. I can tell you more, but you need to come with me."
What do you do?Inventory
Weapons
Rusty Dagger - A small steel dagger, covered in rust.
Apparel
Ragged clothing - Some clothing that has seen better days.
Fur Cloak - A heavy fur traveller's cloak.
Aid
Books
Misc
80 Culani Coins - Coins used as currency throughout the Culani Kingdoms.
Room Key - A key to your room in the inn near Silaha's market.
Quest Items
Junk
[/quote]
Follow him, but keep my dagger at the ready just in case.
"Fine."
You toss your cloak back over your shoulder and shove the metal ball into one of the pockets with your dagger, which you grip tightly just in case. The sun elf hands you 20 coins and leads you towards the inn's exit.
"Good. I figured you'd be willing to hear what I have to say. I've got a feeling you won't be staying at this inn for much longer, so here's the money you paid. Goodwill gesture."
You follow the elf down the staircase, while the innkeeper looks at you strangely.
"Name's Maluril, by the way. Ironically, we're heading to another inn. A tavern, really, on the other side of town. Much busier than the ramshackle one by the entrance."
"Why a tavern?"
"Perfect hideout. Plain sight, no interference from the locals. Means we can get out work done easier. Now that I know you're willing to hear us out, I think I can tell you more."
You follow Maluril out into the square, then into an alley.
"Less prying eyes. Anyway, here's the lowdown. Or at least, as much as I know. The Culani Kingdoms have everywhere under their thumb except two places. Your lands, and the North. The North went unnoticed for decades, due to how inhospitable it was. Then we started hearing stories. Shangri-La, Oasis, whatever you want to call it. Some explorers had found that if you went far enough, the snow receded, and the place becomes gorgeous. Fertile farmland, forests full of food, precious minerals, all of that good stuff. So the Culan send an expedition. It gets wiped out, as I've told you. My organisation gets formed shortly after by an Ee'Rakka who survived the trip. He found a giant orb buried in the snow, radiating some sort of strange energy. One of the Sakkaza Battlemages tries to get a closer look at the thing, and just like that, he crumples to the ground in fried heap. No flames, nothing. Just a dead Battlemage and the smell of calamari for miles. The founder passed a few years back, so there's a Culan in charge now. You'll meet him in due time, once we get to the Tavern. I'm one of the mages, even if I don't look it. I'm no Sakkaza, but they're in pretty high demand at the moment so they have to put up with me. I've been screening the city entrance for some time. Looking for capable individuals, signs of magical disturbances, Shizara hordes, and anything else the organisation considers important."
"What's the organisation called, anyway? You seem hesitant to say."
"Doesn't have a name. We found out quickly that we can do our job much easier the less conspicuous we are."
Maluril rounds a corner into another square, much more prosperous than the first.
"Welcome to the real Silaha. The whole lower district if full of beggars and thugs. Most travellers never even think to venture deeper in. Just make assumptions."
"Huh."
"Here we are..."
The Sun Elf brushes past an elderly woman clutching a basket of goods, and into a large tavern. A sign swings from the balcony, informing you of the establishment's name.
"The Intoxicated Ee'Daal. How quaint."
You follow Maluril through the doors, into the bustling alehouse. Two young women ferry drinks and meals to many jovial (or drunk) customers, seated around a bar. The bartender, a young Culan, grins at Maluril.
"A new one?"
"Aye, Frenko. And important. We'll talk later."
"Boss is down below, Maluril. As always."
The Sun Elf leads you to the top of a staircase leading below the tavern, before turning around abruptly.
"This is it. If you're to follow me down those stairs, you need to be absolutely sure you want to be a part of this. I've told you what I know. Can we count on your help..."
"Sulepharion."
"Right, Sulepharion. Well?"
What do you do?Inventory
Weapons
Rusty Dagger - A small steel dagger, covered in rust.
Apparel
Ragged clothing - Some clothing that has seen better days.
Fur Cloak - A heavy fur traveller's cloak.
Aid
Books
Misc
100 Culani Coins - Coins used as currency throughout the Culani Kingdoms.
Room Key - A key to your room in the inn near Silaha's market.
Quest Items
Strange Orb - An oddly light ball made of a dark, unknown metallic substance. Covered in unrecognisable carvings, and lights up when touched. Uses unknown.
Junk
[/quote]
[/quote]
Sigh, and follow him.
You let out a muffled sigh.
"Lead the way."
"Good choice."
You follow the Sun Elf down the staircase into a cellar, stocked with barrels and foodstuffs. In one corner of the cellar, mounted on the wall, is a skull which Maluril places his hand on."
"Maluril. Organise the Cellar."
The skull's eye sockets briefly flash blue, and a soft crack emanates through the cellar. One of the nearby kegs cracks in half, revealing a passage in the stonework.
"Follow me."
The elf ducks his head into the passage and clambers through into another, larger room. Weapons, vials of mysterious substances, and books litter the room.
"Don't mind the mess. Boss is on his way."
Maluril inspects a few open books on a nearby table as Frenko, the Culan innkeeper, clambers through the passage, which shuts behind him.
"Sulepharion, meet the current leader of the organisation."
"A pleasure. I'm Frenko. I trust Maluril's filled you in as best he can?"
You nod.
"Excellent. So, why are you so important to the cause?"
"Show him the ball."
You take the metal ball out of your cloak and hand it to Frenko.
"Amazing... I've seen the sketches... This is exactly like what the Founder encountered up north."
"Just smaller, though, right?"
"Exactly. And it hasn't killed Maluril yet, so we can tick this off as being less of a threat to our existence as its big brother."
"I'm not holding my breath, Frenko. There's no way this is a co-incidence. Where did you get this?"
"A Shizara dropped it in the inn. He wasn't happy about leaving it behind."
"A Shizara? The Shizara weren't among the northern expeditions. Far too xenophobic for that. We have to assume the worst."
"That he knows this orb is a magical anomaly, and that he intended to use it."
"Correct, friend. Absolutely correct."
"You've done us a great service, Sulepharion. I can't imagine what the Shizara would do with something connected to that northern orb. We'll get right to work studying this ball."
"And tracking down that Shizara. I'll ensure one of our... bigger members is sent to investigate. So, Sulepharion, is it? I'm indebted to offer you a reward for finding this, but I'd much rather give you something other than coin. I'd like to extend to you an offer to join the organisation. Maluril already told me about how he sized you up as a good fighter beforehand, and how you were on your way to join the army. You'd be of much better use here, helping us find out what's going on up North and putting a stop to it. And of course, trying to help deal with the impending civil war. It's what we do, friend. We solve problems others can't."
Frenko places the Orb on a nearby table and takes a longsword from the wall. Shining silver, with a golden 'O' emblazoned on the crossguard. He cuts his palm open and lets the blood run down the sword's blade.
"Take the sword. Take it and recognise yourself as a blood brother to me. To all of us."
What do you do?Inventory
Weapons
Rusty Dagger - A small steel dagger, covered in rust.
Apparel
Ragged clothing - Some clothing that has seen better days.
Fur Cloak - A heavy fur traveller's cloak.
Aid
Books
Misc
100 Culani Coins - Coins used as currency throughout the Culani Kingdoms.
Room Key - A key to your room in the inn near Silaha's market.
Quest Items
Junk
I take the sword, and do what Frenko did.
You take the sword and cut your palm. Frenko grasps your hand firmly.
"Welcome to the organisation, Sulepharion. Keep the sword."
The Culan staunches his bleeding palm on a nearby rag and points to a large book.
"Maluril. Page 13, was it? Hold on, Sulepharion, I'll talk more in a moment."
"The sketches? Aye."
The Sun Elf flips the tome open as Frenko tosses you the rag.
"Here it is. The sketches, and an account of what happened. Sketches line up with the orb we recovered, even down to here: 'Gives off light bright as flame when touched.' When the Battlemages neared the orb, the air reportedly become... how do I say it... hotter. But not hot like fire. Hot like... a stinging pain. The Battlemages died instantly, as did an Ee'Daal scholar standing next to one of them. Gave off the aroma of burning flesh, yet the scorch marks were less consistent with being burned, and more like being struck by lightning."
"So despite appearances, the orb has nothing to do with fire?"
"It would seem so. But what about the one we have here?"
Maluril lightly taps the orb, and recoils, swearing in Ee'Tohra.
"Gah! Yes, definitely. Feels like your sword hilt after a thunderstorm. Or when you messed up a Lightning Bolt spell that one time and burned down half the library."
"So the orbs, both of them, give off a magical disturbance, this much we know..."
"Which interferes with mages, in this case by literally frying the power straight out of them."
"Curious. We need to find out what the Shizara who had it knows. Sulepharion, you don't know where he went? He didn't say anything?"
"No."
"Hmm. We'll be a little while longer, trying to plan our next move. You should head up to the tavern, get acquainted. All the tavern staff, plus everyone with rooms on the third floor, are with us. Get to know them, I'll be topside shortly with something you can do."
What do you do?Inventory
Weapons
Silver Longsword - A shining silver longsword with a golden 'O' emblazoned on the crossguard. Issued to all members of the mysterious organisation led by Frenko.
Rusty Dagger - A small steel dagger, covered in rust.
Apparel
Ragged clothing - Some clothing that has seen better days.
Fur Cloak - A heavy fur traveller's cloak.
Aid
Books
Misc
100 Culani Coins - Coins used as currency throughout the Culani Kingdoms.
Room Key - A key to your room in the inn near Silaha's market.
Quest Items
Junk
Head up to the tavern, and strike conversation with the tavern staff. It is likely I am being watched, so do not talk with anyone else.
"Fine."
"Hold on. Need to be acquitted."
"Huh?"
Maluril presses his hand against yours, fingertips glowing with magical energy.
"Sulepharion. Let it be known."
"What?"
"Making sure the skulls know you. They're talismen, if you will. I bound one of them to in here and one in the Tavern Cellar, to reveal the path to this room. Just place your palm on them and say your name, followed by 'Organise the Cellar,' the passcode. Off you go."
You nod, and clamber into the passage. Sure enough, another skull has been wedged into the rock near the exit. You place your palm on it.
"Sulepharion. Organise the Cellar."
The skull flashes, as the rock wall in front of you disappears. The large keg behind it splits in two, allowing you out into the tavern proper. One of the waitresses, another Ee'Shann, stares at you from the top of the stairs.
"If you went down with Maluril and Frenko, then came back alone, that means you're one of us. New guy, huh?"
You nod.
"Name's Lucille. I'll round up the others, so we can all find out who the newest member of the team is."
Lucille scurries off before you reach the top of the stairs. She and the other waitress walk into the tavern's kitchen, carrying empty trays. An old Falkan on the third floor landing exchanges glances with the young elf, before knocking on the door behind him. By the time you reach the kitchen, more members of the organisation crowd in behind you. The cook, a Culan, puts down his stewpot.
"New member?"
Lucille nods.
"Welcome to the family..."
"Sulepharion."
"Pull up a chair."
The members of the organisation find seats around the kitchens, with the cook stepping into the centre of the floor.
"So, who are you? Why'd Frenko choose ya?"
"I found a miniature version of the orb from up north."
Several gasps and whispers echo through the kitchens.
"Shuddup! 'Ell's Bells, you're serious, aincha? Well then, we certainly is lucky to 'ave ya. Name's Talmot. Cook by day, swordsman by night."
"Lucille. Waitress by day, assassin by night."
"Pah! Callin' yourself fancy names now Lucille? All ya do is lure in the bad guys an' slit their throats. Honey trap ain't exakly professional contract killin.'"
"Hmph."
The old Falkan taps his throat briefly, before his palm lights up with magic. Words cut themselves into the floor in front of you.
"They call me 'Phillip,' though my true name is long forgotten. While not up to Maluril's standards, I am one of the organisations mages."The words disappear as soon as you read them, and the second waitress, a Culan tosses a dagger into the air.
"Rayya. Frenko tells me to do something, I do it. Not much else."
"Talkative t'day, aincha Rayya?"
"Shut it, Talmot."
An Ee'Daal sitting next to you taps you on the shoulder.
"I'm not much anymore, but the name's Urakul. Gettin' older, but most o' the information we have at our disposal is from my contacts."
One by one, the others introduce themselves. You count just under twenty introductions, from various races, when a Shizara steps into the kitchen.
"Froki. Frenko keeps me around because I'm good to have around because of my kinsman. I fight. They die. I talk. They listen."
Froki disappears as soon as he appears, followed by the rest of the organisation's members. Lucille presses a key into your palm.
"There's more of us than you've seen. Quite a few are preoccupied, or don't live down here. But you need a place to stay. Third floor, room seventeen is free. Everyone usually gets a master key to the whole tavern, but it'll take a while for me to have you one made."
"Thank you."
As you leave the kitchen, Frenko and Maluril appear from the staircase.
"Ah, Sulepharion. I trust you're acquainted with the others? Good. Maluril and I have decided that we need you and Rayya to head down to the inn near the city gate and find out whatever you can about our Shizaran friend, the one who had the orb. Up to it?"
What do you do?Inventory
WeaponsSilver Longsword - A shining silver longsword with a golden 'O' emblazoned on the crossguard. Issued to all members of the mysterious organisation led by Frenko.
Rusty Dagger - A small steel dagger, covered in rust.
ApparelRagged clothing - Some clothing that has seen better days.
Fur Cloak - A heavy fur traveller's cloak.
AidBooksMisc100 Culani Coins - Coins used as currency throughout the Culani Kingdoms.
Room Key - A key to your room in The Intoxicated Ee'Daal.
Quest ItemsJunkList of Notable Organisation Members
Frenko - Culan, leader.
Maluril - Aging Ee'Shann, mage.
Lucille - Young Ee'Shann, 'assassin'
Rayya - Young Culan, not very talkative
Talmot - Culan, swordsman
'Phillip' - Old Falkan, mage, mute
Urakul - Old Ee'Daal, knowledge broker
Froki - Shizara, warrior
.
*cough*
I say yes.
"Yes."
"Thank you. Do you need anything before you head off?"
What do you do?Inventory
WeaponsSilver Longsword - A shining silver longsword with a golden 'O' emblazoned on the crossguard. Issued to all members of the mysterious organisation led by Frenko.
Rusty Dagger - A small steel dagger, covered in rust.
ApparelRagged clothing - Some clothing that has seen better days.
Fur Cloak - A heavy fur traveller's cloak.
AidBooksMisc100 Culani Coins - Coins used as currency throughout the Culani Kingdoms.
Room Key - A key to your room in The Intoxicated Ee'Daal.
Quest ItemsJunkList of Notable Organisation Members
Frenko - Culan, leader.
Maluril - Aging Ee'Shann, mage.
Lucille - Young Ee'Shann, 'assassin'
Rayya - Young Culan, not very talkative
Talmot - Culan, swordsman
'Phillip' - Old Falkan, mage, mute
Urakul - Old Ee'Daal, knowledge broker
Froki - Shizara, warrior
No. Get me a beer after this though, will ye?
"No. But have a beer waiting for me."
Frenko nods.
"I knew I'd like you. Go on."
You follow Rayya out the tavern and through the allies. You notice the Culani woman keeping a hand on her sword hilt the whole journey, occasionally looking behind at you for a split second. After a brief jog, you find yourself outside the inn at the city entrance, about to pull the doorknob, when Rayya places a foot on the door.
"Good cop or bad cop?"
What do you do?Good cop.
Bad cop.Inventory
WeaponsSilver Longsword - A shining silver longsword with a golden 'O' emblazoned on the crossguard. Issued to all members of the mysterious organisation led by Frenko.
Rusty Dagger - A small steel dagger, covered in rust.
ApparelRagged clothing - Some clothing that has seen better days.
Fur Cloak - A heavy fur traveller's cloak.
AidBooksMisc100 Culani Coins - Coins used as currency throughout the Culani Kingdoms.
Room Key - A key to your room in The Intoxicated Ee'Daal.
Quest ItemsJunkList of Notable Organisation Members
Frenko - Culan, leader.
Maluril - Aging Ee'Shann, mage.
Lucille - Young Ee'Shann, 'assassin'
Rayya - Young Culan, not very talkative
Talmot - Culan, swordsman
'Phillip' - Old Falkan, mage, mute
Urakul - Old Ee'Daal, knowledge broker
Froki - Shizara, warrior
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