The sun was low on the horizon as it made it's way across the sky that morning, slowly waking many from a peaceful nights rest. Smoke started to trickle from many chimneys as folks started breakfast, and once again the city of Marakir was alive with the bustle of people. The traffic today could easily be seen as thicker than normal, but that was to be expected since the Duke of Kamlann, the province where Marakir resides in, was to give a speech today to the populace about how all of Tethyr has finally settled down from its civil war, and rumor has it another important declaration is to be given but no one knows what. Duke Inselm Hhune will give the speech in the center of town atop a make shift stage, where all of Marakir will be gathered from the lowly commoner, up to the Mayor Bayona Ingvalt herself. A small carnival had sprung up in town square to placate the people as everyone waits for the speech, and many are enjoying themselves on rides around the city, exotic foods and exotic dancers and performers of all types. Over all the city was in a jubilation over the visit, which will culminate in just a few hours.

A few blocks down the cobblestone street from the center of town, past many of the artisan businesses that are located near the center of the city sits the Hungry Bear, one of Marakirs most famous restaurants and inns. Despite the summer heat outside, inside was cool and dim as the dining area was located underground, with stairs leading down from the outside. Despite being quite well known, it was small enough not to have a large obnoxious crowd, and as a lone bard plucked out a slow relaxing melody the atmosphere was set for anyone dining inside to have a peaceful, but more importantly private meal. Sitting at one table alone was a halfling who stood three foot one, and had black hair, blue eyes, and pale skin that all matched the dark feel of the tavern perfectly. He sat, eating a meal of lamb, carrots, potatoes, and a tall glass of imported Purple Marches wine, bringing back nostalgic memories and sensory recollection as he drank the smooth purple liquid, made famous by very skilled halfling vineyards. The rumor of work and adventure had led him to Marakir as his connections told him work was to be had soon since recently Tethyr had solidified its borders, and now had to re-consolidate all its lands lost to time, neglect, and monstrous beings that dare try to sneak back from the corners of the country that they were pushed to. To Render, the idea of looting and finding hidden and lost treasures from the great war was too much to pass up, and today was the day to wait for Duke Inselm to make his debut of this coming endeavor.

Walking amongst the carnival goers was a lean, tanned, and rough looking elf who looked at the humans around him with restrained apprehension. He had a troubled past with humans, but Zaranda Star's new laws that put humans at an alliance with elves to try an patch up their rough history would make it so if either human or elf had any grief with each other at this carnival, then it would not be dealt with inside the city walls of Marakir. Ever since his group of fellow scouts disbanded in a very messy chain of events, Valandril has been looking for work to fully test out his newly acquired set of skills as a tracker and scout. Today, Duke Inselm will be giving all those who know the skills of war and fighting another chance to test their mettle. Rumor has it that the expulsion of all monstrosities from the lands of Tethyr will be set in motion starting today, sent straight down from Zaranda Star herself! Only a few more hours and the Duke will take the stage in the center of the carnival and give his speech to all those willing, and then Valandrils second chance to prove himself will begin.

Booking passage on a passenger barge from the Bay of Bormul down the River Sulduskoon and into Marakir, Basyl said his goodbyes to some friends he made on the ship and shrugged as he felt the extra weight of one gold piece added to his coin pouch. Fortunately the luck seemed to be with Basyl today, and who knows what luck could be ahead of him as he made his way through the harbor and head to the northern section of the city where he heard a festival was going on, and more importantly rumors of work and fortune that lay on land instead of the sea. Shaking the smell of sea from his hair and clothes, Basyl walked past the familiar sites of a harbor and docks, nodding to a large harbor rat as it scurried past, stopped and looked at him, and continued on its way booking its own passage on a ship heading out to sea. Hopefully, his luck will keep up with him and he'll score big on this next job, and away from anything furry or torturous. A few hours from now the Duke will give his speech, so Basyl had a little time to himself to explore about, another fortunate thing for him, a little R&R around Marakir.

The robed figure headed through the gates of Marakir, dressed in his all blue normal garb. The guards at the gate gave him a quick look and a curt nod, and let him on his way. Many different looking travelers had come through the gates already this morning, all for one reason. The chance at glorious fame and untold fortunes that could happen to any of them. The only thing stopping these adventurers are the limits of their own skill, and possibly each other. The idea of carving out a dynasty all to his own excited Uryuu, as all his life he had others make decisions for him and his fate was in others hands. The Duke of this province, apparently named Inselm Hhune, will be making a speech today that will spark another chapter in his long and twisted life. Fortunately this page starts out blank and the quill in his own hand, no one else.

Two hours later....

The man standing atop the stage is tall, pale skinned, chubby and with dark short wily hair and a large mustache that extended straight out on both sides. His eyes shifted back and forth over the large crowd, narrowing as he could see this crowd was better armed and armored then the guard in Marakir. These people wanted opportunity, adventure, and to make a living. He cleared his throat and puffed out his chest, the velvet black vest and grey pants shifting as he moved in fluid motions that did not hint at any nervousness what so ever. This man was accustomed to this and was not put off at all by the large crowd, the armed figures, or anything else that he could see from atop his post. He put his hands together and raised them in the air, the band quieted and the people hushed as he began his announcement.

"My fellow Tethyrians, today is a glorious day in the life of our fair country, as for many months now we have settled down the fighting and have crowned our beloved queen, Zaranda Star and her husband King Haedrak as our wonderful rulers! Now, as I'm sure all of you know we have lost more than lives in the bloody war that marred our past, and much land has been lost to the wicked, broken hands and claws of the creatures we have been so keen on keeping to the borders and beyond! Hulking beasts and merciless little heathens gather every day and push farther, hamlets and villages succumbing to their voracious crusade to try and drive us from our own lands!"

The crows boos and hisses at the idea of the mighty cities of Tethyr falling to goblins, ogres, trolls, and every horrid monster you can imagine. Inselm quieted the crowd down and continued.

"Now, now! I know the thought is horrid, but that's just what it is, a thought! It is now time for the people of Tethyr who suffered the onslaught of beast and man to fight back! Push the rebels who think it opportunistic to prey on weak towns, and put to the sword the beasts of the woods and mountains who only creep out of hiding when us civilized beings are at our weakest! As of today and the weeks to come, decreed by Zaranda Star herself, we are in a state of retributive consolidation of out lands and towns! Sally forth and bring back our lands and drive these beasts out once again, and bring Tethyr back to the glorious state she once had, one of peaceful lands and high ways!"

The cheers could not be subsided for minutes as almost every person either knows someone or had someone they know hurt, maimed, or killed or captured by something creeping outside the walls. It was true, the highways and roads were dangerous again and it was rightfully so to fear going out at night. In Tethyrs long past it only has been this bad many many generations ago, and it is new to people to not be safe outside the immediate walls of their cities. So of course, many people are eager to put things back the way they should be and right the wrongs committed by many of these opportunistic scavengers.

"If everyone could meet your local Magistrate and sign up with them, there are many stations around Marakir to do so, and there are six here in front of my stage. Sign your name and you'll be assigned a group to join which will head out tomorrow for their designated areas. None are more than a three or four day walk, and the pay will be given by your group leader, who you shall meet tomorrow at your location! Good luck everyone, and may the gods bless each and every one of you!"

Upon that Inselm hurried from the stage only to be replaced by more people who will sign up people to fight. Hundreds upon hundreds of people sign up through out the night and by the next day, at the crack of dawn group between the sizes of three up to almost a dozen people begin to head out. Just outside the north gate, a group gathers. Four individuals who have never previously met meet on the soft grass outside the walls, with one more person standing there before any of them arrive. A halfling woman named Natalie with long braided blonde hair dressed in a blue and white sun dress stands about twenty feet from the gate entrance outside the walls, and greets all of you as the four of you finally all eventually arrive. You four have been given the job of probing and exploring what had happened to a small but important Hamlet that straddles the base of the Starspire mountains and the thick forest directly at the bottom of it. This hamlet is named "Geole", but its nickname of "Passerby" is more widely known as it if a half mile off the highway that cuts north through the mountain range. Frequently people have used it as a place to rest before heading into the mountain gap, and the focal point of the Hamlet is its large inn and stable. Contact has not been had and people have not been able to access the hamlet for a while. You've been charged with finding out and if you can fixing what has happened.

Natalie looks at the four of you, and she smiles kindly as the hodgepodge group looks out of place with everyone. A man of the south dressed in blue robes, a salty seaman who is trying his piece on land, a halfling who is half the height of everyone else, and a tanned rough looking elf.

"So, all four of you know why you are here and what your job is, Passerby is 'bout forty five miles north of here, good two days hard walk, three if you take your time. I can give you half your pay now and half when you come back with valid information or proof if you some how fix things up there."

She looks sad for a moment and steps a bit closer, evening the guards behind the group.

"And, please tell me if you see any sign of a halfling up there by the name of Henry. He's my little brother and I'll tell ya that's why I volunteered to take this job, to see what happened to him. If any of you can I'll pay out of pocket for any information on him, I just really need to know what is going on." She moves forward to take your hands and shake them. " Please, be safe and if you have any questions, now's the chance to ask. I'm assuming you have all your needs and gear, as heading out now might be your best chance since it seems many others are on their way out too. And who knows, with this many people on their way out anything can happen on the road. So, does anyone have any questions?" The sound of concern leaves her voice but her eyes do betray her, as her first concern is for her brother, and her second is for her brothers rescuers if he is OK.



( Ok everyone, Forgive me if something isn't right, this is the first time I'm doing this in a long time but I hope the setting is good for everyone. IF anyone wants a really good map of Tethyr full color I have one, just PM me your email and I'll send it. it'll make it much easier to see everything. IF you wanted to do something that night or the two hours before he gave his speech, please feel free to back post and explain stuff, buy things or what not. Each of you gets ten gold right now after you leave and the other half on the way back after this all. Enjoy, and have fun! Any questions, please ask me in the QnA or PM! Good luck!)

Valandril honestly didn't know what he was doing in the city. He had the money to return home, many times over, and yet he did not. He hung around, an isolated elf in a human city, like stray dog hanging around it's old masters home. It wasn't that he didn't want to return home either, but for some reason his heart didn't yern to return to his clan. If it was honest with himself however, he knew why. He'd grown accustom to being around humans just as he'd grown accustom to the old clothes he wore.

He'd listened to the rumours of Duke Inselm’s speech with mild interest a few days ago, but it wasn't till his old companion, who joined the city guard, hinted that he should go that he decided he should go. Hence, a few days later, Valandril found himself wondering through the carnival that had attracted itself to the city, rather than skulking in the shadows like he would have done. There'd been more than one occasion, over the last months, that he'd been wrongly accused of robbery, or murder, or both, by the citizenry and the guard would have been quite happy to hang him had it not been his friend's intervention. So Valandril knew not to trust the common folk, but he also knew there could be good among them.

The elf listened, with the rest of the mob, to the sensationalist yelling of the Duke and thought of how the senseless loss of life had not done nothing to sell when the minds of the common people. That said, he also knew he could not stay in this city forever, and likewise could not rely on his friend to be able to keep him from harm forever. Come nightfall, when the crowds had dissipated he approached one of the humans to list his name to ‘drive back the foul beasts’. Returning to his abode, a hovel in the poorer district of the city, he gathered his things into his pack before beginning his nightly meditation. Come morning, or at least morning for him, he rose set out, for the last time, for his early-morning wash. Taking his dirty clothes from yesterday he headed for the city's central garden, on the way he pinched fresh clothing, and a towel, from a line and left his dirty clothes in their place, to bathed in one of the cities' ponds. Finishing he towelled off, dressed, replaced the towel from where he pinched it, and returned home. Valandril had kept this routine up for perhaps two months now and not one person was any the wiser way clean washing should become soiled overnight.

Come dawn that day Valandril met his new group of companions outside the city wall, a pale skinned halfling carrying a spear, a human in ridiculous attire, and another human, but this one completely covered by a cloak. So these were to be his companions he thought, as a second halfling, this one female, greets them and begins explaining their task.

"So, all four of you know why you are here and what your job is, Passerby is 'bout forty five miles north of here, good two days hard walk, three if you take your time. I can give you half your pay now and half when you come back with valid information or proof if you some how fix things up there."
The halfling takes a step closer.

"And, please tell me if you see any sign of a halfling up there by the name of Henry. He's my little brother and I'll tell ya that's why I volunteered to take this job, to see what happened to him. If any of you can I'll pay out of pocket for any information on him, I just really need to know what is going on. Please, be safe and if you have any questions, now's the chance to ask. I'm assuming you have all your needs and gear, as heading out now might be your best chance since it seems many others are on their way out too. And who knows, with this many people on their way out anything can happen on the road. So, does anyone have any questions?"
Valandril looks down at Natalie as she shakes his hand, such an odd human custom, and feels for her, his clan lost many when they fled from the Mir, but all he does is nod solemnly and wait for another of the group to speak.

(Hope this is of a good enough standard as well, I haven't written a post in ages!
Yer, lots of editing/edits needed, I decided to try out some voice typing thing. Don't think I'll use it again.)

Leaving the sights and sounds of the dockyard behind him, Basyl entered the northern portion of Marakir. It was small compared to the cities he was used to, but to be fair the size of a port had never mattered to him before- he had rarely left the docks. Of course there had been exceptions to this, times where he had to make his way back to civilization from the fringes.To his joy today was not one them.

With the end of the civil war Tethyr was beginning to re-stabilize, a fact that gave little comfort to Basyl. The need to re-establish trade routes into Tethyr had meant there would be good work aboard a ship, but there was always a catch. The disbanding of milita forces included those volunteers who, like Basyl, had participated in the blockade of Myratma at the wars closing for instance. It was likely that many of those ships had turned into the pirates and raiders who now plagued the routes seeking their own fortunes. The need for work, for coin and thrills had taught him, time and time again, that anxious seamen -merchant or otherwise- were unsafe company in the open seas. It was for this reason that Basyl had opted to try his luck at land..

There had been much discussion aboard the small barge he had traveled upon from Zazesspur, talk of bandits festering within the forests, and the borders being swallowed up by monsters, trouble in areas where small communities could vanish overnight, and similar rumours. More than a handful of passengers were looking for work, all willing to go where they expected coin, and they had spoken of a gathering in which the Duke of Kamlann was to address the common folk. And so it was that Basyl made his way amongst the festivities enjoying the performances, sampling the local mead, challenging a tumbler or two, and found the stage where the speech would begin momentarily.

As the crowd assembled Basyl could not help but frown. Many of those gathered were armed to the teeth, and there was an air of desperation mixed with eagerness emanating from them. These were folk that could easily take a turn for the worse, and may the Maiden take them if they turned on him.

The Duke's speech was filled with the expected bravado and patriotism of any political figure, they crowd complying with the pauses for boos and cheers. Basyl had heard the news before, and what he had not was just a confirmation of the rumuors he heard. When the speech ended and the crowd rushed the sign-ups Basyl was among them, side-stepping and dodging the quizzical stares and death glares he received as he slipped past. He was told by the man working the station the general goal of his group, and that he was to arrive at he Northern gate in the morning to meet with them and a halfling woman named Natalie. With that taken care of, he returned to the dockyard where he sought an inn - or at least a cot- for the night.

Basyl rose early the next morning, cleaning himself the best he could and quickly headed to the North gate. Soon enough the companions had gathered but none had said a word before the halfling woman arrived and called them over.

"So, all four of you know why you are here and what your job is, Passerby is 'bout forty five miles north of here, good two days hard walk, three if you take your time. I can give you half your pay now and half when you come back with valid information or proof if you some how fix things up there."
It seemed a simple enough job to Basyl, a simple excursion to investigate a town. The halfling came closer to them.

"And, please tell me if you see any sign of a halfling up there by the name of Henry. He's my little brother and I'll tell ya that's why I volunteered to take this job, to see what happened to him. If any of you can I'll pay out of pocket for any information on him, I just really need to know what is going on." She moves forward to take your hands and shake them. " Please, be safe and if you have any questions, now's the chance to ask. I'm assuming you have all your needs and gear, as heading out now might be your best chance since it seems many others are on their way out too. And who knows, with this many people on their way out anything can happen on the road. So, does anyone have any questions?"
Time to play the dashing hero Basyl thought quickly

Shaking her hand Basyl nodded. "Aye, fear not little miss, Our Smiling Lady is sure to grace us this day" A grin came to his face to cover his darker addition And the Maiden be satisfied in her current course as we set out on ours.
Basyl hoped his silent prayer would stave off any immediate misfortune.

Giving the others enough time to say their piece - the elf just nodded- Basyl looked to the path ahead. They could socialize on the road.

"Well then lads, let us be off. The day be young and our course be set"

Uryuu Shybaa almost smiled behind his mask. Almost. At a carnival such as this, his work became much easier. Never easy to spot in the first place, the Ocean's Fury was almost invisible at a gathering such as this, with so many people around, dressed in garishly colorful outfits, making all kinds of racket. If he was on a job, he would scarcely need his training. He wasn't however. Jobs had been harder to come by of late, now that the war as over. Mercenaries weren't in high demand, and bounty hunting was frowned upon by by the re-stabilizing government, making it harder for him to pick up contracts.

He listened to the short pale man's speech. Nothing but propaganda and drivel. However, with his pockets all but empty, he couldn't afford to be choosey. He would lend his strength to the kingdom, as long as he as paid. He did smile now. They would be fools to turn him away. No one in this country had his skills, and should they turn him away,one of their enemies would surely hire him instead. This, he was certain, was the main reason he was asked to join this mission beforehand.

He stood in line with the others, not too close, not too far. He couldn't tell if they recognized him, but he didn't particularly care. Ocean's Fury would complete this mission, and if they were slowing him down, he'd simply leave them behind. Nothing personal. Just business.

He shook the young halfling's hand. Henry. He would remember the name and keep an ear to the ground. He was sure the bonus she offered would be minor, but it would build his reputation. He only hoped this Henry did nothing to get in the way of the mission.

(((Sorry its so short... limited comp access while on vacation)))

Render Finished his meal in the homely surroundings of the small but elegant tavern and wandered outside to find a huge crowd gathering, he had a expected a large number of armed and wily adventurers to have gathered, many of them he noted looked more like mercenaries, but that was to be expected as many were out of their favourite business, war. Render chuckled gently to himself he prided himself on business prowess yet he was a businessman in a dying economy and now he was a mercenary with no war to be fought. He heard the chubby, pale duke talking and he did little to inspire him as Render had his motivation and that was cold hard gold, not the excitement, the thrill, the heroism just money. He had run out after his incessant gambling had ruined his life and he had lost his fortune but if he made it once he would make it again and that was unlikely to be heroic either.

He listened to the nervous man on stage scarcely listening though he must've said something at least a little inspiring as the mob through up boos and jeers and then a few minutes later there was there were woops and cheers, though even these were somewhat reserved. He looked at the hard faces of the warriors he stood next to craning his neck to look at most, their was desperation and worry on almost every face. He was concerned at the dukes plan to drive monsters from the land using 'adventurers' as most were not fighting for Tethyr, they were fighting for themselves and duke had effectively mobilised an army of cutthroats, mercenaries and thieves. In fact he satisfied two of these three things and was about to become a mercenary.

Being small was an advantage and Render used it, wiggling in and out of the huge crowd and he was one of the first to sign up. He didn't like crowds, he never had, he had seen crowds turn at the slightest mention of what they didn't want to hear. Soon enough he was outside the city walls relishing the fresh air, he loved being outside he felt as though it was easier to breathe this was one of the reasons for his new trade.

Render stood much shorter than the rest of his group, almost half their size! Render didn't mind though as he lived like a human and was brought up like a human so their height did not phase him. They seemed nice enough their was an elf who seemed remorseful and full of sorrow, a human dressed in odd, garish clothing and another human shrouded in mystery wearing a cloak that covered almost all of his features. As always when people meet their was awkwardness to start with, their was comments on the weather, the recent war and the short, pale dukes speech. None of this really interested any of them, but they all stood their ground not wanting to risk saying the wrong comment or sentence.

Fortunately another Halfling came along, Natalie her name, she was pretty that was for sure, and their was something about her almost an aura, that made him instantly attracted to her. He listened to their briefing and it sounded fairly trivial if some monsters had already had their fun they were unlikely to come back. She specifically told them about another halfling, henry, but Render expected to find a corpse, with nothing but a brief description he doubted whether he would even be able to distinguish him. Natalie asked if there were any questions, Render decided to pounce. “What are you doing when I get back? I know a lovely tavern the Hungry Bear I believe its called. Perhaps we could grab a drink and get to know one another eh?” He asked with a cheeky grin on his face.

The five of them stood about, the wind whipping their clothing and hair around as it waxed and waned in strength. A smile almost as warm as the days sun crossed Natalies face as Basyl offered words of comfort and security in the idea that they will find her lost brother. Uryuu and Valandril stood around silently as they judged the rest of the group and sized them up, getting used to their new found companions. They will have to all get comfortable around each other soon as the roads were wrought with danger and a team that did work together like a well oiled machine would fall apart quickly. Render, being quite comfortable around a pretty face stepped forward and offered out loud what thoughts were on his mind at the moment. “What are you doing when I get back? I know a lovely tavern the Hungry Bear I believe its called. Perhaps we could grab a drink and get to know one another eh?”

Natalie shifted her gaze from Basyl to Render and her smile faded slightly but not completely as he stood looking back at her with a wry smile of his own. "The Hungry Bear is a fine place, and maybe if you do find my brother and guarantee his safety, instead of gold or gems your prize will be a date with me." She gave him a quick wink with her emerald eyes and backed off towards the gates, the wind whipping her braided blonde hair and dress all about. "I'll be waiting here and when you arrive, come find me. I'll be waiting." With that, she starts walking off into the city and disappears from sight behind the gate entrance.

Together the four heroes stood for a moment, gazing northward. They could collectively see everything that they were about to walk into; the long winding road and its many side paths and deviations, the large forest that skirted the base of the mountain range like wave crashing against a cliff, and the mountains themselves where the village of "Passerby" laid nestled at its base. The northern road that leads out of Marakir isn't actually the trade route itself, but a well used dirt road that connects to the highway about twenty five miles up the road. This dirt road pushes right through a rolling set of hills and a light forest the entire way to the main highway, and a rough estimate with everyone's needs taken account for, the group could get to the highway in about two days on a normal pace. With no real schedule when they needed to be there they set off down the road.

The walk was a beautiful thing to experience as the trees were in full bloom and the sweet smell of grasses and flowers could be noticed everywhere. Everyone happily walked and chatted with each other warming up and finding out what kind of people they were actually traveling with.They were not alone on the road at all and through out the day they waved hello and nodded by as fellow adventurers headed out to their own missions, but as the day went on the road continued to grow quieter and fellow travelers were becoming more infrequent, until for the past two hours not one person was spotted. Eventually after the days travel, the group decided it was time to find a place to rest and bed down for the night. Valandril headed off into the woods after a quick discussion and (with a successful survival roll) came back finding a nice camping spot that lay about a hundred yards off the road.

A small flat clearing that was mostly covered with pine needles made for a good sleeping surface, after clearing of some rocks of course. The pine needles added to the sites usefulness as they provided good kindling for a decent sized fire and made the smoke smell like fresh pine. Quickly a stack of wood was scuttled up and a cooking fire was set to go. Bedrolls were laid around and soon the discussing of camp watch began. The conversation was quickly ended as everyone except Valandril quickly looked over towards north where a loud crack was heard, almost like dried brittle branches being snapped without care. More and more of this sound could be heard as out into the darkness something was quickly coming towards the group, and this time Valandril could hear it too.

The group stood quickly with weapons ready not waiting for whatever was to come near to get the surprise on them, when four loud foot falls could be heard just at the edge of the darkness, and jumping over a large fallen log just roughly fifteen feet away a woman landed and fell, her heavy breathing could be heard loudly over the crackling fire. Before anyone could react she was on her feet and looking at the group, her eyes wide and filled with what looked like fear and desperation. Her black hair disheveled and her dirty hands bound tightly in front of her she was about to speak when more faint foot steps could be heard, and a loud mans voice yells from the dark. "Get back here you filthy dog-lover, I'll flay your skin for killin' Dusty! You'll make a great pet for one a' the bosses!" With that, several more foot falls could be heard quickly making their way to the group from behind the log where the woman had come.


(OK everyone, lets see how everyone does! A bound woman in breastplate has just landed in your camp, with some very angry sounded folks quickly catching up behind her. You have about two rounds to act before they are on your campsite. Sorry if this update is kinda small, just still tryin' to get a DM groove going but hey, lets just keep this pace up and we'll have an awesome game!)

The day was mild, it was a perfect day for travelling he could scarce remember a better day for it. He was enjoying chatting and joking with his new companions, glad that some didn't mind his dry humour to the other sex, or at least he thought they did. One particular joke had tickled him, “Wouldn't mind showing her my monstrosity, maybe she could deal with that. Mine's probably more scary than we'll find!”

Settling up for the night was easy for Render he had done it countless times before, but something was amiss as normally he would have guards, who were experienced and deadly, whereas Render had never really had to fight for his life he was a thief, a gambler and a cutthroat. He felt fear creep through him, its cold touch connecting with his spine sending shivers throughout him. He settled himself after that, he was with three others who looked like they could be handy in a fight. Soon he forgot about the fear and it returned to the back of his mind as nothing but a sub-conscious thought.

Render had got himself comfortable on his bedroll it was a cool night so decided to use just one of his blankets, so offered his spare one around. His head hit the floor and he was comfortable this was surprising, after all he had been the furthest from the city in over two years. His eyes were half closing when he heard muffled screams and shouting coming from the bushes just metres away, a woman in full armour stumbled through the bushes falling down in the process. He heard a man shouting, but could barely make out the words something about dusty?

Quickly He jumped up, his fear had been worthwhile in the end, his senses were alert and still had his leather armour on. Now he had two choices help the fallen woman or save himself, the choice was obvious to Render, he gathered his morning star fling it over his back in it's strap he also picked up the small sling and a pouch of 20 bullets. Grabbing his spear he ran to the bushes leaving his backpack where it lay. He readied himself (Hide Check) in one of the bushes he was going to wit for the opportune moment. He cared little for the girl that lay on the floor face down, after all what did he care if she died, one less warm night he thought and chuckled to himself. 'You are a cruel man Render you always will be' one trader had once said to him.
His reply was 'I know' and he walked off. He really did love himself.

The aroma of baking bread wafted through the air to Leanderia where she sat quietly watching, for the last time, as the knights sparred and dueled in their daily morning training. Ever since she could remember, much to her mother’s dismay, she had always been intrigued and excited to watch the knights with their weapons and shields, honing their skills.

Leanderia had learned much over the last 14 years. Every chance she could manage to get away, she would sneak off to watch the training. It was time, she knew, to go out into the world and make her mark. She hadn’t the first clue how she would do it, but she knew it had to be done. She just wasn’t the sort of woman to sit idly with needlework.“Cooking?”, she thought, “HA! I pitty the man who tries to eat my cooking!” She chuckled quietly to herself as she slipped out of her hiding place and made her way to the kitchens to see her father. Today was the day.

And so it was that Leanderia left home for the first time in all her 20 years and went in search of adventure. She felt liberated, free, and secure enough with the weapons she’d managed to acquire over the years. Malic, her oldest friend and mentor, had encouraged her interest in weaponry and the skill of fighting. He had been a vital part in her weapon acquisitions.

Two days into her journey to she knew not where, Leanderia came across a sweet young couple with a baby. They didn’t seem very interested in telling her their reasons for being on the road, but she was happy for the company, so she didn’t push the issue.

As they walked along their way, talking about everything and nothing at all, they were suddenly surrounded by 12 rather gruff looking men. Leanderia quickly pulled her sword as she looked wide-eyed and somewhat scared at the bandits. This was it, her first real fight, and she was fighting the urge to tuck tail and run for her life! She knew she couldn’t do that, though, not with these defenseless people in need of her help.

So, as the foul-smelling bandits closed in on them, she let out what she hoped was a fierce battle cry, and charged. She managed to get her blade through one of the group, before she was suddenly set upon, and before she realized what was happening, she was freed of all her weapons, and her hands were bound tightly in front of her.

”Blast! Thank the gods that Malic didn’t see that!” Leanderia looked over at the bound couple, and worried about how she would get them all out of this predicament.

Soon thereafter, she found herself sitting alone in a tent back at the bandit’s camp. ”I can’t believe I let this happen!” she thought, ”After all the training Malic gave me! There has to be a way out of this.” She looked down at her bound hands as she tried futilely to loosen the bonds. ”Blast!”
Just then, a guard entered the tent in which they held her captive. He was especially ugly with his toothless sneer, a gaping hole where once there was an eye, "He didn't even bother to wear an eye patch!", and his leathery skin seemed to crack with every movement of his features. He rubbed a hand over his nearly hairless scalp, and his tongue slithered out to snake over his lips as he approached her.

She may have been young and inexperienced in the ways of men and women, but she knew what this retch was about. Leanderia remembered all too well the unpleasant scene she had happened upon in her younger years, and knew she wanted no part of that!

Her eyes narrowed as he grew closer, her fear was far surpassed by her anger at what this man had in mind to do. She was ready for him. Malic had been a wise mentor. Wise enough to teach her how to defend against such unwanted advances! With a silent prayer of thanks, she reared back and kicked both legs out together with all the force in her strong legs, landing her feet right in the man’s groin.
He went down instantly. She jumped up and, in her anger, slammed a booted foot right into his disgusting mouth, effectively ridding him the few remaining teeth he still had, and rendering him unconscious to boot.

She didn’t know where they had placed her weapons, but at this point she knew she didn’t have time to find out. She could hear someone approaching and had to get out quickly! She searched the man for a knife to take with her, to cut the ropes around her wrists the first chance she got. She had to get out of there and figure out a way to rescue the family she had met only a few short hours ago. She could not just leave them there at the mercy of these scoundrels! Especially not after what one of them just tried to do to her!

She scurried under the back end of the tent, and ran like hell into the woods. It didn’t take long before she heard several men were in pursuit. She didn’t know how many there were, but she knew she had to elude them if there were to be any chance of helping that family.

Suddenly she saw a wisp of smoke rising toward the night sky. ”A camp!” She looked behind her to try and see how close her pursuers were. ”Oh, please let there be help in this camp!” she thought frantically as she ran straight for the smoke.

Soon she could see the light through the trees, and as she broke into the clearing there was a large log laying across her path. She jumped, all too late, and landed flat on her face. She stumbled awkwardly to her feet, looking almost like a mad woman.

Shoving an onyx curl out of her face, showing her bound hands in the process, she quickly looked the group over, as she pleaded urgently, “Please help me!"
When no one moved to help her right away, she felt more urgency as her fear grew for what may happen to the couple and their baby back at the bandit's camp, she ran toward the group as she tried pleading with them again, "They captured us and the others need help! They have a ba—“
"Get back here you filthy dog-lover, I'll flay your skin for killin' Dusty! You'll make a great pet for one a' the bosses!"
Leanderia looks toward the sound of her pursuers, and desperately looks back to the group, hoping against hope that someone will free her hands...

((OOC: Ok, Hopefully someone in the group will take pitty on her and cut her loose, so that she can be of assistance in the imminent fight.))

The day was a glorious one for travel, the kind you would hope for upon the waters, but today was different. Today, Basyl had left the world bit he knew, the missing scent of salt bringing waves of uncertainty to his mind. There had been times when conversation had begun amongst the traveling companions, and it eased his mind a little bit, though each had their...quirks. Render, the small halfling wouldn't stop chatting. He went back and forth from idle banter to crude jokes of equal strength to any sailor Basyl had encountered. Shaking his head with bemusement, Basyl still couldn't believe the little half-pint had had the gall to flirt with the distressed girl from town.

“Wouldn't mind showing her my monstrosity, maybe she could deal with that. Mine's probably more scary than we'll find!”
Basyl was willing to play Render's little shock game.

"You ever seduce a Sirine?"...he let it sit there with a grin upon his face. Giving the little guy a chance to take in what that would entail. Basyl thought he noticed an eyebrow raise from one of the others. Finally he ended the moment with a shrug. "Me either." he conceded "Makes my knowing Aquan 'bout as useful as a Gnoll's word, but that's another story..." That left the small companion dumbstruck and silent for a few moments at least, and he couldn't help but enjoy his trick.

The others distressed him though- they weren't overly... social. After several vain attempts to speak to them, just outright in common, he finally fished about his memory for the proper 'flow' of the Elven dialect. Of course, while he knew his way about the phrasing, his speech left something to be desired... but that is what you get, your education shipboard.

"So then friend, what brings you upon this journey?" He spoke slowly to the elf... mostly trying not to muttle up the flow too bad... and leaving out the curses he was so used to spitting. To Basyl's surprise his attempt seemed to draw the robed companion's attention as well....

As the day wore on some progress was made with the others, enough to get the name and a basic 'motivation' for each. Though the elf had struck some nerves. As darkness approached, the elf, Valandril his name was, went off to scout for a clear area to camp. Within mere moments he had returned and led the group to quite the little.... well Basyl did not know if it was a good spot. Was he supposed to sleep upon the needles...? The others began to set camp retrieving rolled... were those beddings? Somewhat bewildered, Basyl looked for a way to fix his current predicament.

A sudden idea came to him, a gift from his old cabinboy days- he scanned the foliage for sturdy branches. Shrugging off the probable stares of his companions Basyl began climbing a tree. As the others began cooking he was busy amongst the branches working his rope and cloak into a makeshift hammock in hopes to gain some rest. It would soon be too dark to see, and a watch would need to be set.

As they began to speak of who should be the first guard a noise broke the silence of the night. From his perch, Basyl could hear the continuous crackling of dried twigs snap, soon enough they changed into footfalls. Basyl drew his rapier and held firmly to the tree he was in as the others snatched for their own equipment.

...four loud foot falls could be heard just at the edge of the darkness, and jumping over a large fallen log just roughly fifteen feet away a woman landed and fell, her heavy breathing could be heard loudly over the crackling fire. Before anyone could react she was on her feet and looking at the group, her eyes wide and filled with what looked like fear and desperation. Her black hair disheveled and her dirty hands bound tightly in front of her she was about to speak when more faint foot steps could be heard, and a loud mans voice yells from the dark. "Get back here you filthy dog-lover, I'll flay your skin for killin' Dusty! You'll make a great pet for one a' the bosses!" With that, several more foot falls could be heard quickly making their way to the group from behind the log where the woman had come.
The bonds were visible upon her hands as she hit the ground -an image Basyl knew far too well. The shouting coming behind her assured Basyl that this was wrong, and he couldn't let it happen. But he was in no position to help her.

Swiftblade! The little fella could get to her quick enough to free her hands and they could save her. "Render" he began in a hushed voice, turning to see nothing but pine needles and shadows where the halfling had been.
Anger snapped something in Basyl, and a low glutteral snarl escaped his lips, a tribute to his former captors. "Coward". He gripped the tree harder now, his knuckles blanching. The best he could do for the damsel was take the enemies by surprise - and they would not see him coming.

He readied himself to kick off from the tree in an instant. The first person who was not one of his companions who approached her would taste his fury.

((ooc: Basyl is going to use the rounds to ready actions to leap upon incoming foes. Kicking off from the tree will trigger his boot dagger which he will drive into one of the pursuers backs and force them down with his own weight.))

Valandril was standing as soon as he’d heard something coming, which as it happens was a bit after the rest of the group, and by the time the woman had crashed into their camp he already held his bow in his hand. The woman, mad by appearance, had fallen with a loud, dull, thud on the soft ground before scrambling up and dashing towards them, pleading as she did so.

“Please help me! They captured us and the others need help! They have a ba—"
Her crys cut short by those of her pursuers

"Get back here you filthy dog-lover, I'll flay your skin for killin' Dusty! You'll make a great pet for one a' the bosses!"
By now Rendar had already grabbed what he could of his own belongings and fled, disappeared into the scrub, leaving his pack and bedroll, before Basyl’s hush call could reach him. A sudden sharp yip, perhapse the yap of a dog, followed from Basyl’s general direction, but he had more important things to worry about then what seemed to be hurt stray animals. It was apparent to the group that the woman had gotten herself tied by whoever was following her, and even if he could get his dagger to her to slit the bindings what good would it do? Perhapse an extra warrior to fight with them, but there was no telling why she might have been tied in the first place. No, the woman would stay bound until her pursuers were dealt.

Paying little attention to the woman’s pleas, or Basyl, who had simply hidden himself in his make-shift hammock, he suddenly pointed at her, flattened his palm, and then lowered it some distance. The sign for “Get down” he had learnt with his company long ago, it was an army thing, be he hopped the meaning was clear enough. Having given the girl his sign he then held his dagger in his right hand, ready to throw, and waited for the men to appear.

((OOC: Sorry, the backpost part of the post will follow later today. I just wanted to get Valandril’s immediate actions in to keep the flow going. Basically Val is standing on the opposite side of the camp from where the “crazy lady” entered it and has his dagger ready in his right hand but is also holding his bow ready in his left hand as well.
Also “he had more important things to worry about then what seemed to be hurt stray animals” could apply to the Basyl, or it could not ))

Uryuu had been alert since the first stick broke. He hid his suprise when the female fighter stubmbled into camp. From the sound of her pursuers, this would be a decently easy fight. He was certain they had experience, but knew his training would serve him through.

He looked around to see others readying for the fight, and rolled his eyes. A serious expression for him, could anyone see his face anyway. He moved to help the girl up. Another pair of hands would make this fight quicker and safer. Having just been a captive, she would not have weapons on her person, so Uryuu would offer one of his.

((OOC: Uryuu will giver her what help is needed/possible in one round to get her oriented, then offer either his kukri or shortbow. If she takes the kukri, he will back into the shadows away from the direction the noise is coming, bow at the ready. if the shortbow, the shadows nearer with Kukri in hand)))

Suddenly freed from her bonds, Leanderia looks up at the man who had chosen to help her. She thought it was strange that his entire face was covered, save his eyes. The most beautiful blue eyes she’d ever seen, and for the briefest of moments she couldn't look away.

The sound of the four men entering the clearing breaks her daze. Blinking, she realizes he is offering her the use of his strangely curved weapon. Without a second thought, she accepts his offer and readies herself to fight these men. “May Malic’s training serve me better this time around!”

Uryuu felt her gaze linger for a moment. He rushed to help her up, handing her his kukri. He strung the bow, retreating into the shadows across the way, his eyes still on the fighter. He had never seen a woman fight. Indeed, he had always believed them incapable. Women where Uryuu was from were soft, pretty things that required protection.
He ran a warrior's eye over her frame. Potential.

He turned his attention back to the task at hand. These ignorant brutes had no idea what they were walking into. Though he cared not for the name, he had earned the title Ocean's Fury. They would face a man strong and fluid as the sea, and soon be helplessly lost in shadow......

(((OOC: Uryuu will do his best to remain hidden while firing arrows, keeping an eye out for the attacks of oppurtunity in which he specializes)))

Basyl caught the shimmer of blue flash to the woman's side, the aid of an honorable companion- but he was already too far gone for this to calm him.

"Lady Doom's will be done. The fortunes of such scum come to a deserving end"
His mind was a torrent of rage.

Open abandonment.

Enslavement.

Torture.

These things washed over his mind in churning squalls. Rapid heartbeats pounded in his head as adrenaline flushed through him, his ears fixed on the coming footfalls. He tensed his muscles for the jump.

As the sounds of four very angry and violent ruffians grew near, the group quickly sprang into action to do what they thought was the best choice. Taking advantage of the darkened surrounding and sudden chaos, Render just shrugged at the new arrival and did one of the things he did best, hid. He found a decent spot just outside of the fire light and waited with a bullet ready to fly when the perfect opportunity arose.

“Please help me!" Was all that Leanderia had time to say before she moved closer to the group. But none of the group that she stumbled upon made any sudden moves to help her, and some movement out of the corner of her eye disappeared into the bushes, what it was she couldn't figure out but she swore there was a person standing there just before, someone very short. Were these people just as bad as the ones who captured her? If they were, then she was out of options as running was getting very tiresome fast in the heavy armor she wore.

Uryuu moved in first and fast to cut her bonds with his curved blade and let the ropes fall to the ground. Uryuu then flipped the blade over offering it to Leanderia, giving her something to defend herself with. They both knew a fight was to come and they couldn't afford an obvious combatant to be left out. Who knew how tough these brigands were and what they could be bringing along? As Leanderia took the blade Uryuu quickly skirted away to the edge of the camp, opposite of where Render disappeared to. His short bow was all he needed to deal sufficient damage and he felt secure tugging at the string once more.

Basyl sat perched in his tree, watching the commotion on the ground below. the sturdy oak tree was old and large enough to easily take his weight and cradle him comfortably in the crotch of two branches. Roughly ten feet below him and a mere five feet away from the base of the tree lay the large log that Leanderia had to vault over. He was in the perfect position to surprise one of the bandits, and he was determined to make sure he did. "Swiftblade!" Even though he was in the tree, his friends could help the poor woman who was not in the best position. "Render..." He looked back to see his friend scurry off and make use of the situation and hide. His temper flared momentarily at the cowardice, but looked back to the real threat at hand.

Valandril's tried to help by telling Leanderia to get down, but she moved over to Uryuu instead, who helped and armed her. He grabbed one of his daggers and slid the thin blade from its sheathe and waited with it ready to be thrown. His bow was gripped tightly in his off hand, and his feet twitched ready to dart to the treeline throwing the dagger. Tactical advantage would be theirs during this fight and these men wouldn't know what hit them.

Soon after everyone barely had enough time to get ready, four loud stomps of feet were heard and then through the darkness came four figures, around and over the large log. From the campfire they could easily make out three humans and an elf. The human in the lead had on scale mail and a large shield strapped to his left forearm. A flail could be seen strapped to his side, which he was quickly reaching for. He had a dirty face with rough stubble, a shaved sweaty head and yellowed teeth, but was bigger then all his companions. Two other humans stood side by side behind him, both wearing studded leather armor but one had a short sword drawn and the other had an axe gripped in one hand, and a small shield in the other. The elf was the same as Valandril, a moon elf. But this one had dark brown hair and ruddy tanned skin, signs of being in the wilds which Valandril knew more then his share about. The elf either wore no armor or something underneath his shirt, as nothing was visible except for a scimitar in one hand, and a dagger with the blade pointed downward in his offhand.

Immediately the four of them looked around, instantly seeing Leanderia standing, anger on her face gripping the kukri with force. The other figure was Valandril who was already on the move, darting off to the tree line. What the lead bandit did not see though was the dagger, turning end over end through the air directly at the mans torso. A wet thump followed by a loud yell of pain and then a slow groan was all Valandril heard as he dashed into the immediate surroundings.(good opening salvo, a hit with 8 damage over all!Also Loki you seem to of forgotten you add Dex to thrown weapons, not strength so even with the -4 you got a +1) Leanderia got a better view though as she watched almost in slow motion the dagger twirl through the air, then connect just underneath his left collar bone and sink to the hilt. The fiery hate in his eyes that Leanderia was staring into immediately left and the man bawled out distressed pain, then dropped his flail and shield, sinking to his knees grabbing and slowly feeling the daggers hilt jut out from just above where his heart is.

Render took advantage of the moment and decided now was the best time to throw a stone. Standing closest to him and slightly away from the main group was the elf, he wound up a sling bullet and let the curved stone fly. It launched straight into the elf's left cheek as he had his head turned straight in Uryuu's direction. With a loud crack that many could hear the elf's head whip lashed backwards and almost knocked him off his feet.(a solid hit since he was flat footed, and four damage total) He wasn't down for the count though as he quickly turned and looked straight at Render. "You damned little bastard!" is all he had time to shout before Uryuu launched an arrow from his hiding spot across from Render into the human gripping a short sword for dear life. The arrow narrowly missed the mans shoulder as it flew past into the darkness beyond, it seems the bandits fidgeting around saved him from Uryuus deadly arrow, and immediately the man spotted him in the shadows. Only hate then slight confusion could be seen in the mans eyes as he caught a glimpse of Uryuus trappings, but pointed his sword in his direction as a threat.

From his perch in the tree he could see the others fire their quick weapons and with deadly accuracy one of the bandits was hit with a life threatening dagger, and a smoothed stone found the face of the elf, obviously doing much damage as bone could be heard breaking under impact. One other was fired at by Uryuu, and his shot distracted the foe, leaving Basyl with one free unengaged target. Seeing the man below him gripping axe and shield, he grasped his rapier and spoke to himself a silent prayer, pushing himself away from the tree with the gracefulness of a gliding owl but with the deadly ferocity as a swooping falcon ready to plunge its talons into the prey.

As Basyl descended upon his prey he could see at last second the man look up and mouth agape, cry out as the boot dagger drove straight into his right side in between his ribs. With his momentum the man collapsed to the ground and Basyl knelt on his back, the figure below him soaking up all the damage that a fall from that height would have given him (a solid hit with 3 damage from the dagger, and 1 fall damage transferred onto the bandit). He quickly rolled off as to not let his companions lash out and the figure started to scramble to his feet.

Leanderia stood and watched as the group of bandits who were so tough to capture them now crumbled as one by one they were shot, stabbed, and bludgeoned into submission by this new group she had run into. It seems like this was the group that she was looking for and that luck was on her side tonight, despite everything else that had happened. She gripped the Kukri tight and shifted her feet in the dirt, ready to show her piece now in the fight against these worthless creeps.


( ok everyone, I figured I would only do the combat surprise round now and then you can all post more detailed combat action that are more appropriate to the situation. Scale mail baldy guy was taken out of the fight by Valandrils dagger sniping, but he is still quite alive. The elf hit in the face with Renders bullet is quite combat ready, just bloody and bruised in the face and really pissed off. Uryuu the man you shot at is unharmed but you have his undivided attention. Basyl, the man you drove your dagger into is on the ground but alive, the dagger did some good damage but not enough to take him out of combat. Leanderia, you have seen all this happen around you and now the next turn is when the first initiative rolls will happen, so now the fight begins. Also, everyone who was hiding, (looking at you Uryuu and Render) you have been spotted by your targets, and they have eyes locked dead on you. You were allowed one hide roll to see if you could hide after your shot albeit at a -20 which is the sniping rule, and both failed. Now there's a good chance you both will be in hand to hand combat, not a certainty depending on what happens but a good chance. Good job everyone, you put a real hurtin on the baddies!)