The Rolling Darkness - Chapter one

The land is in a time of bliss. No wars have been fought for many years. Only small tribes fighting for territory desturb the peace. Dragonborn have become respected members of society, Elfs and Dwarfs have put their diffrences aside and now work together with no more than friendly compitition and humans, though newcomers, are no longer treated as below the other races. The Gods lie dormant, seeing no reason to interfere with the mortals who seem to be fine in thier own and now Orcus has become nothing more than a mith after his attmept to take over the mortal realm many centuries ago. Undead and other evil beings have retreted to the crypts and no longer touble people walking the roads, only the rouges and highwaymen of the land trouble them, but patrols have made the road much safer. Even politics are stable, and as far as the public are awere, there is no corruption. You are one of the very citizens of this realm, born and raised in this time of bliss. You know no war, famine or suffering. Now, a guard captain has called you to his office about the recent attcks on traverlers by kobolds on the nearby roads. A small trouble in this time. Are you up for the task?

"Well, what do you say?" Asks the Guard Captain.

Standing before the guard captain Erevan realized this was more than the simple road patrols that had for years aided travelers. There was something in the captain’s tone that said he was concerned. An uncertainty in his eyes showed that the “task” may be larger than anyone believed. Here was Erevan’s opportunity to be what his mother could hope for him. His life could only go forward, there was no returning to home of his youth. “Task”, no this was now his fate.
Looking the captain in the eye and in a clear voice Erevan said, “Sir, I am ready.”

Graven stands before the captain somewhat astonished. He says, "Kobolds!? Attacking caravans? But it's been years since those vial creatures have gone back to the dark! Why? Why now? Interesting. Very interesting... I have much studying and contemplation to do on this subject." As this is being said a magical hand pulls a book from a satchel that Graven carries over his shoulder. The hand opens to a page that was already earmarked. Graven pulls his hood down to get a better view of the book and the Captain.

Graven's left eye seems to twinkle just a bit, "Captain, this sounds like a mission of great importance. Who else will be joining us in this? I would like all information you have on these attacks. Where they attacked, who they attacked, and how they attacked. I'd like the information as soon as possible so we can get supplies and get on our way. No one should have to suffer from the hand of kobold..."

Graven seems to be almost bouncing at the opportunity of all this.

The captain looks at the mage, taken aback by his enthusiasm. "First off, calm down, we can't have you jumping around and wasting your energy. The kobolds attacked caravans along the Kings road, heading for Winterhaven, in fact, I believe a dwarf had something stolen off him by them." He looks out the nearby window. "As far as I know, they have been ambushing the caravans, taken them completely by surprise, and then overwhelming them. The attacks seem far to organised to be just kobold bandits, as far as I'm concerned there is more behind this than first meets the eye, although i couldn't say who... or what."

"As for who is joining you, that would be 3 of my men, one a fighter by trade. Our company's cleric and one of our local paladins. They should be able to help you greatly."

At this he turned to a table, and gave you a piece of paper. It reads :-

For the person(s) who brings proof of the demise of the kobolds in the nearby "Kobold hall" and whoever or what ever is leading them you will gain the sum of 100 gold pieces and and additional 10 gold pieces for the proof of the demise of each kobold to be shared amongst the person(s) involved.

"I wish you luck in your journey, the others will await you outside of town" The captain finishes, then sits down.

“Sir, seeing that this is a bounty mission am I correct in assuming this is not to be considered an activity of the Kings Guard? We will leave our tunics at the barracks."

"I never intended to gain profit in my service, but I will not turn away my earned share. The term “Proof of Demise” does not baud well. If our word is not sufficient then there will be an accounting, but I will not stand for crude means. There will be no sack of head or tails."

"Sir, how are we to recognize these other men?”

Graven looks around and puts his hood back up, "Pardon my enthusiasm Captain. I think that I could definitely use the bounty. And I am just cheerful that you see my talents as something of use for this mission."

"No worries good Erevan. I could probably use the kobold nail in a formulae of some type." Graven smiles eerily, "I think we will have proof enough for the good Captain when we're done."

OOC: Dagnabbit other games have them having hair, I got my games mixed up...

As Erevan awaits the Captains reply he glances at Craven and muses to himself, I like this young wizard but I wonder how much time he has spent outside of his studies. I would not embarrass him in front of the captain, but does he know of Kobold? Perhaps he meant to say something else instead of hair. I’ve never heard of a hairy lizard man. Still he does seem sincere and eager. I do wonder about that hand, it could be great service for more than just holding books. Oh well time will tell. I had thought that the Kobold Hall was just a storey, that it had been cleared of those denizens long ago. It would seem the logical place for them to use if they were trying to once again gain a foothold into the territories of men. I wonder if it would be worth capturing and turning back into an estate. Now that would be a fitting treasure.

"You are correct, this is completely of the record, otherwise I would have used more common foot soldiers. I would appreciate it if you kept this on the down low, except to the Dwarf I mentioned earlier. Would you like me to tell him you will help him and bring the dragon hide back?

Proof of demise could be anything. I would like to avoid heads if possible. Maybe there is some symbol on their bodys? If you find nothing, your word will suit me, i'm just a little...Paranoid... about wasting our funds.

The other men will be a couple metres outside the gate, they should have set up camp alongside the road. If you don't see them, they will see you, don't worry.

And wizard, if you don't die from your over enthusiastic nature, its a bloody miracle!"

At this the captain laughs and walks out of the room, but not before he shouts. "Enough Questions, you have Kobolds to kill!"

Turning to Graven, Erevan says, “We had best get started, it is still a day’s journey to the City. I’ll retrieve my bow and gear and meet you at the garrison gate.” As they left the Captains office Erevan watched Graven move fluidly through the room, not seeming to watch where he was going as he read but still smoothly avoiding obstacles. No wonder his appearance seemed so unsoiled. Graven moved directly toward the gate, “Are you not going to get your gear?”, Erevan said as he crossed the gathering grounds. “I have all I’ll need,” and the floating hand pulled another book from Graven pack.

Trotting to his barracks Erevan removed the Black Tunic and placed safely in the foot chest by his bed. Then attaching the hand axe to his sward belt, strategically concealing his daggers, throwing on his backpack and grabbing the quiver and short bow he headed out to meet up Gravan.
As Erevan approached the gate a small figure stepped out.

“Young Ranger might I see your sward once more before you leave?” Erevan recognized the old Dwarve from the armory. Pausing Erevan slide the blade from its sheath and formally presented it to the old soldier. As the Dwarve took the blade he bowed slightly and turned.

“Mage, would you be so kind as to come here?, the old Dwarve called to Graven. As if compelled Graven walk to the Dwarve and said, “Yes Weapons Master, how may I help you?”

“Good sir the years have taken their toll on me and I need just a bit of your aura; please place your hand over this blade.” Graven held out his hand as the Dwarve held up the blade. The Old Weapons Master then closed his eyes and mumble something in an old language. Erevan stared in wonder.

“Thank you Mage,” the Dwarve said and turned to Erevan.

“Take this blade and use it in service. There are but a few remaining and I fear the times are coming again when they will be needed. It has slept in peace and now has been awaken. Know that it was forged by Elder Dwarves from materials of the Elder Men and trained by the Elder Elves. The ways of those times may have been forgotten but they will once more be found. As you grow in knowledge so will the blade grow in strength. Take it and bring honor to those that carried it before you.” The Dwarve bowing again he handed the blade back to Erevan and silently walked away.

“Now that was a bit odd,” Graven said as Erevan started to sheath the sward. As the blade glided into its resting place Erevan thought he saw a Rune on its hilt that wasn’t there when he drew the blade.

The two headed down the road to the City. As Erevan pondered the actions of the old Weapons Master, Graven continued to study the books the hand pulled from his backpack. Erevan became more impressed with the young mage as the day wore on. Little things such as there never seemed to be any dust rising form Graven steps. And Erevan was taken aback the first time Graven started juggling and reading at the same time. For most it took great concentration to do either of these and yet Graven simply did it as if it were as natural as breathing. They made very good time arriving at the city.

“I have been wondering why the Dwarve had a Drogan hide and how the Kobold let him live? I’m sure we can find him, a merchant with money would stay at the bests Inns and there is only one here that he would consider. The return of his property would go far in proving our claims of vanquishing those scaly thieves,“ Erevan said. “ I would agree and perhaps he would have other useful information. Beside a nice pint of Ale before we leave civil society would be quite comforting, “Graven mused.

The Inn had a comfortable feel, it was clean and well lit. The serving maid smiled as they entered, she noted Graven more than him and that was just fine.

Cont.....

As you walk into the inn, a dwarf approach you and says "You must be the two the guard captain sent the message about. I suppose you want more information on the... offer."
He motions to a nearby table and you all sit.
"I had a caravan coming with some items of particular value to me on board. Rumour has it that it was attacked by kobolds from Kobold Hall. Now, Of these items was a dragons hide. This is a very valuable item, as i'm sure you know. There where other items, and if found, your welcome to them as long as you return this hide."
He swigs from a drink.
"I am offering a reward of 500Gp to share between you. I have been informed that the others joining you are entitled to a share so thats..." He ponders for a minutes. "100 Gp each."

At this he heads upstairs, leaving you no time for questions."

Turning to Graven, Erevan says,”Well I guess we’ll get no more information, but there was much in was not said too. He has lost a whole caravan, that would be large enough to transport a dragons hide. He has to relied on rumor so it serves there were no survivors. The force of those cowardly little lizards must have been sizeable to attack a caravan. They must have overwhelmed the lightly guarded merchant train and murdered the drives. I have no ill conscious in removing them from this territory. Tracking wagons off the main road will be easy and hopefully they will be intact to return the merchant his goods. Drink up, we must find the rest of our party and get started. Did I see that floating hand pinch the serving maid's bottom? We had better leave before the owner throws us out. You’re lucky she smiled or we’d be run out by now.” Laughing Erevan downs his ale and tosses too many silver pieces on the table, “That should keep us welcome for our return.”

As dusk was falling the two left the city by the main gate. Not far outside the walls the soft glow of a small campfire drew their attention.

“That may be our companions.” Three figures milled about the site as Erevan and Graven approached. “May we enter your camp?”, Erevan called politely.

As you enter the camp the fighter stands up and walks toward you.
"Ah, i assume your the ones helping us with our mission. Well, we want to get moving soon so lets make introductions quick. I am Ighouc, the fighter. To my left is Syam, the cleric and behind me resting is our paladin, Rebma.

"We leave when you ready, any questions?"

“Yes, the Captain said we should meet you here. I am Erevan and this is Graven. We are already packed and rested so there is no need to wait. We can still travel a good distance yet this evening. Do you have a map to the Kobold Hall or shall we travel the road to where the caravan was ambushed? The wagon would leave an easy trail to follow. “

Hearing the discussion the Paladin rose and gathered his items. Syam quickly doused the fire and spread the coals to be sure they were cool.

“The Captain said he would be sending a ranger so I felt no need for maps,” Ighouc grunted. “Just something more to carry. If you don’t know the way to the Hall then you’ll need to find us one.”

“Then let us be off the ambush site, there may be some valuable clues there. Items that the Kolbold may have tossed aside could be handy for us. Traveling to that spot should not be difficult perhaps you would care to take the lead? We shouldn’t need a map for that.”

Ighouc eyed Erevan but said nothing as he strapped on his weapon and pack. The Cleric seem amused by the conversation. “There, the fires out and I’m ready, I’ll travel with Graven I sense there may be some interesting conversation to had. Perhaps Rebma would care to lead and Erevan, you and Ighouc can stay vigilant by protect our rear.” Syam said with laugh and started for the road.

Graven watches the group closely and reviles in there grouping, "This should make for fine accompaniment. Let us be off for adventure!"