The country of Alsewill has always been peaceful, that is until one day mysterious creatures start attacking the railways and airships. The attacks have been confusing for everyone, as no one has survived to tell the tail of the attacks. The trains and airships would come to a stop in their docking stations, and what the guards keep finding inside is indescribable horror. The attacks eventually waned, but the peace didn't last long. Just last week a train stopped in Goldcrest, it to had suffered the fate of the attacks, except for one lone survivor. A human child; The guards found him hiding in a luggage compartment. He was immediatly taken to the castle infirmary. Lord Banum of Goldcrest put out a call to all adventurers who believe they can solve the mystery of these insidious attacks and bring them to a stop.
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Owen looked up from cleaning the bar counter when he noticed an odd duo walk through the doors, A Hobgoblin and a Dragonborn. "Why do I always get the odd ones coming in here? This is always bad for business." Owen went back to cleaning his glass as the other townsfolk looked up and noticed the two newcomers. At once they started whispering to each other about the two. "Maybe they're going to rob us." "They might be adventurers!" "No, they look more like vagabonds." Owen glanced up towards the two still standing in the door way. "So you two going to order something or do I got to kick you out?"
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The guard blinked and rubbed his eyes to make sure he wasn't imagining things again. He blinked again and sure enough, the Deva was still standing there. "Uhm... Excuse me sir, what brings you to Goldcrest if you don't mind me asking. It's just, we don't get many of your kind coming through here."

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"Ta'nil! Ta'nil!" Kilek ran towards his halfling idol holding a torn piece of paper. "Ta'nil, I've been looking everywhere for you! I found this poster along the way. The Lord posted it, he's looking for people to help solve these attacks, maybe you could help! Oh, I also saw two strange men walking into the Bearded Goat Inn, maybe you could check them out to?" Kilek looked into Ta'nils eyes with excitment and joy as he jumped up and down waiting for a reply from his idol.

"Kilek, may I see the poster?"

*gets handed the poster, looks at at and nods*"This is worth my time." *hands the poster back to Kilek and walks toward the Bearded Goat Inn*
"Want to come, if hes asking for assistance, Lord Banum won't deny a man."

*gets to the Bearded Goat Inn, enters and turns to the two men with Kilek beside him.*, "Hello friends, what brings you here to the noble city of Goldcrest?"

*Notions to the barkeep for his regular drink of of salted lime and avocado, sits down and turns back to the two men*

Serrah stood almost entirely motionless, a tribute to his Deva heritage, before blinking once, slowly, his mind thinking over each word before they are spoken.

"I understand your confusion. I am here because I had heard that Lord Banum was seeking aid against the attacks." Serrah spoke, tight-lipped and almost emotionless. He waited for several seconds, before raising his chin ever so slightly as his only expression of emotion.

"May I presume I am able to enter the city?"

Serrah briefly wondered if the javelins attached to his back by a leather strap may become problematic...though he didn't see why, as he knew many bastions of civilization saw it commonplace to carry weapons such as swords. He held no malice towards cities, but being so near to one made him feel cold. The spirits felt...dead.

*Assuming Clockwork is alright with being friends with Dryt*

"So you two going to order something or do I got to kick you out?"

"No, kicking us out is not necessary." Dryt moved forward and sat down at the bar. "Please, get me a drink and as much food as I can get with the little money I have."

Sliding his last gold coins over the counter to the barkeep Dryt turned to Vrael; "So far, I'm extremely impressed with the hospitality offered by this establishment." He whispered with a hint of sarcasm. Dryt was a firm believer that you should treat people with respect, and so far this man was not making a good impression.

"Thank you, sir." Dryt nodded taking his meal and drink quickly, tearing into it. He hadn't eaten in days and was starving.

He was almost finished when a halfling walked in flanked by another *ummm, I assume Ta'nil's worshipper is another halfling?*.

"Hello friends, what brings you here to the noble city of Goldcrest?"

Delighted by the warmth and friendliness of the halfling Dryt put down his mug, smiled and replied: "I have been traveling for quiet a while and have needed to stop for a rest. Also I've heard that there was another attack nearby and was in need of some gold so I figured I could provide my talents in the search of the fiends that are attacking these vessels."

Picking up his mug he took a swig and returned his gaze to the halfling, the smile still planted upon his face.

"Ah yes, the recent attacks. Fair reason as any. May I be in knowledge of your names, as I may be joining you in this journey of discovery. By the way, is your friend always like that."

*turns to both people, puts his fist on his heart and bows slightly* "May I say that those are beautiful weapons, I've not seen that craftmenship since my father died years ago."

"You are both welcome to Goldcrest. After the meeting with Lord Banum; if you find the city is most intriguing, I will offer my service as your guide around Goldcrest."
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"Please, get me a drink and as much food as I can get with the little money I have."
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"I've a few coins stashed on my person, you may have some."
*gives a pouch of 15 gold coins to both people* "This is the least I could do if you took the time to come help us out."

Vrael takes a coin from the pouch, twirling it between his fingers. You could never trust an inn where the patrons were more friendly than the barkeep...and you could never trust friendly patrons. He had tried to explain as such to the Dragonborn he had met on the road to Almerin, although the young warrior seemed to have trust bursting from every scale covering his body, which was bound to be a liability in a city as big as this.
Normally, at this point, Vrael would have left the young hero-aspirant to his fate in the city. Fading into the whirl of the streets to be forgotten, perhaps making his way in the guard if he was lucky, however with the recent trouble, the troubadour needed someone he could trust, and his current companion served that purpose admirably.

"I'm Vrael, sometimes called the Horned Harlequin by those that are either blind and deaf or haven't seen or heard me perform or sing. So, we'd be glad for any work you've got for us and any other services rendered. However it's a thirsty journey to the city and before any meetings take place I'd like to have myself a drink."

Taking a glance around the room Vrael grimaced again, it was the same every city he went to, the desperation that fuelled the people there. The halfling might look trustworthy, but if he did lead them to a gang of theives afterwards then by the time the watch turned up there'd be one gang less to arrest.

"Haha, i know that look, you can't decide if im trustworthy or not. Mind you I get it all the time, until they get attacked by the guard."*under his breath*"those filthy, lying, good for nothing bastards."*coughs*"Sorry can't trust the guard."

"Anyway I am Ta'nil, glad to meet you. If I recall correctly, I have heard of the Horned Harlequin, years ago on the eve of the annual bard fest, it was announced that you could not make it to Goldcrest for a peculiar reason. Whatever the reason, your here now. Oh and by the way, Lord Banum is desperate, not me, I am just like this normally;just ask any person on the street. Except the guard, they'll just say I'm a no good rogue who takes their jobs away. Oh well."

The guard blushed from embarresment. "Oh, I see. Uhm... Lord Banum's Estate is just in the northern district of Goldcrest, and yes you can enter the city." The Guard stepped out of the way to let the Deva pass, taking note of the weapons on his back. "Those are some fine Javelins sir, handcrafted?"
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Owen took the Gold and gave the Dragonborn his meal. "So how long have you been on the road without food?" He turned around to get a drink for the Hobgoblin. *Vrael, you hear what sounds like the barkeep spitting in to your drink* "Here ya go mate, a glass of our finest Ale" Owen put the mug down in front of Vrael with a smug look on his face.
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*Kilek is indeed another Halfling, and for those who've played oblivion, his voice is much like the Adoring Fans voice*

*Vrael, you hear what sounds like the barkeep spitting in to your drink* "Here ya go mate, a glass of our finest Ale"

Dryt stared at the bartender a moment. If any man had dared to do such a thing to Dryt he would have challenged him to a duel right then and there. But not this time. This was Vrael's problem. Dryt would have gladly confronted the man for not the fear of offending Vrael's honor by implying that Vrael cannot deal with such people himself. No, he would not interfere, if Vrael wanted help he would ask.

"Ah yes, the recent attacks. Fair reason as any. May I be in knowledge of your names, as I may be joining you in this journey of discovery. By the way, is your friend always like that?" The Halfling inquired, interrupting Dryt's thoughts.

"Ah, yes. My name is Dryt," Dryt smiled. "As for my friend; Well, sir, I'm not exactly sure what you mean?"

Dryt took another swig from his mug as Vrael gave his introduction. For some reason he felt a slight air of hostility from Vrael. Dryt had to suppress a chuckle, Vrael was always telling him about how untrustworthy people were, but the way Dryt saw it everyone deserved the benefit of the doubt. Besides, this halfling seemed friendly enough. He must be a good man to have another hafling follow him around like a attention-starved puppy.


"You are both welcome to Goldcrest. After the meeting with Lord Banum; if you find the city is most intriguing, I will offer my service as your guide around Goldcrest. " the Halfling offered.

"That is very kind of you," Dryt said, inclining his head ever so slightly. "I may just take you up upon that offer. As for the gold..." Dryt held up the sack and offered it back. "I cannot except it, for I have yet to do anything of value. But do not be mistaken, I am greatful all the same, I just cannot on a good conscience take this money." Dryt smiled and quickly took another swig.

"Anyway I am Ta'nil, glad to meet you. If I recall correctly, I have heard of the Horned Harlequin, years ago on the eve of the annual bard fest, it was announced that you could not make it to Goldcrest for a peculiar reason. Whatever the reason, your here now. Oh and by the way, Lord Banum is desperate, not me, I am just like this normally;just ask any person on the street. Except the guard, they'll just say I'm a no good rogue who takes their jobs away. Oh well." Ta'nil stated.

Dryt smiled. "Indeed, very well met Ta'nil. I look forward to having one such as yourself accompany us on this perilous quest. That is, assuming Lord... Lord Banum, did you say? Assuming Lord Banum will accept our offers of aid."

Dryt liked this halfling very much indeed. Even though he was apparently a thief. Thieves were the only people that didn't have Dryt's trust from the start. An old grudge, you might say. But still, there was something about this halfling, Ta'nil, that just made Dryt like him.

Still, there was this quiet voice in the back of Dryt's mind saying: He's a thief, a scoundrel! Don't trust him! Keep a hand on you coin-purse! but Dryt ignored it. Yes, Dryt really liked this halfling.

"Dryt, you do not need a worthy deed to gain something you need, you only need to be a man in need. Please take it, it is no problem to get more. I only seek to help those in need."*closes dryt's hand* "You need to live another day, you only just came to this noble ciy."

"Dryt, you do not need a worthy deed to gain something you need, you only need to be a man in need. Please take it, it is no problem to get more. I only seek to help those in need."*closes dryt's hand* "You need to live another day, you only just came to this noble ciy."

"Sir, you are too kind!" Dryt stated taking back the gold. "I can see your mind is set and I shall insult you no longer by denying this gift. You are truly a kind fellow, and I am, I must say, grateful and relieved for I had not the idea where I'd get my next meal."

Dryt inclined his head slightly as a gesture of thanks and took another drink from his now empty mug. Ah well, he was not longer thirsty.

Dryt smiled. "But please, make no mistake, kind Ta'nil, I came here not to get gold handed to me for nothing. I fully intend to prove myself worthy of your investment."

"You don't have to prove it to me, you never had to. Instead, prove it to Banum and the people of Goldcrest, for only by easing their minds will they feel safe and content."

The Deva remained stationary as he answered the guard politely. Time was not a current concern.

"Yes, I shaped the wood myself, though the copper tips of the javelings were made with the aid of a mixed goblinoid tribe."

The Deva bowed politely to the guard. The city's welcome was warmer than some he'd had in the past, after all.

"Thank you, I shall make my way there immediately." Serrah said, stepping past the guard and into the city at a slow, dignified pace. He closed his eyes momentarily, communing with his spiritual companion for strength, before continuing to make his way through the city, eyes straight ahead and unheeding of the glances thrown his way.

Vrael looks at the drink and then at Owen, a wry smile playing accross his grizzled features.
"Ah, you seem to be familiar with Hobgoblin brotherhood rites, your way of apologising no doubt." Vrael too spits into the drink before taking a swig of around half of its contents before handing it up to the barkeep. "Come on, the rite requires both of us to drink each other's spittle to show that we share each other's hearths, food and ale." The smile widens into a broad grin, showing Varel's fangs.

Owen stared down at the drink the Hobgoblin slid back to him, then looked up into his grinning face. "I always get the odd ones" He grumbled before picking up the mug and taking a swig. As he put down the mug it was clear he was trying not to vomit. "Crazy bunch you are. Ta'nil, I hope you don't swindle these poor fools." Owen spit once more onto the floor before walking off farther down the bar to serve another customer.
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People couldn't help but notice the Deva walking through the town. "I've heard they're blessed by the gods." "What could he want with our town?" These were jus some of the whispers passing between the peasants as this rare site continued throught the streets throught the market.