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Barrier Between Worlds; mid-level adventuring
Topic Started: Jun 22 2015, 03:35 AM (7,348 Views)
Invoker
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Lich King
* You've heard stories about the 'Great Barrier' growing up but there are few real facts known about it. It was believed to have been erected by an ancient wizard wielding powerful magic in a time long forgotten. There was a time where 'true' magic existed; a wizard wielded his/her powers at will without the need of components, books or even words. Even dragon magic does not compare, in fact it has been said that these wizards of old gave dragons their powers. A great battle was fought for 100 years with neither side maintaining the upper hand for very long, it started as a war of armies and hundreds of thousands lost their lives. It quickly escalated to a war of magic. It's believed it is for this reason the barrier was created, to separate the warring factions permanently. Most of these things are speculation and conjecture, very little in the way of physical evidence exists or if it does it has not been shared with the masses. The one thing everybody seems to be sure about the barrier is no one ever crosses it and returns and no one has ever come from the other side. *

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* You’ve been traveling and adventuring for many months now heading west across the old world, it’s apparent that supplies are getting low and a hot bath wouldn’t feel bad either. The lands have been rather tame as of late, at least of anything the likes to worry you. Between the two of you there is enough coin to spend a few days enjoying some wine, woman and song and hopefully hear of an adventure worthy of your skill and cunning. After running into a merchant traveling south from Taras and hearing his stories about a group that had just returned from the barrier you decide the big city might be a good change of pace.
You travel north along the roads for the few days it takes to reach the capital city of Taras, home to the benevolent ruler of the northwestern lands of the Old World, King Krull the First. *

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You arrive in the city and after looking around for time you find a place called the ‘Card & Ale Inn’. During the course of your stay in the city you learn a bit more of the details surrounding the “incident” of the returning men, apparently before their scheduled return.

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What you've learn:

* The Ardenness Expedition has been going on for six years and that regular reports have been coming back every two months since its beginning. Fresh men and supplies are regularly switched out every six months except for the wizards, priests and scholars which work on rotation but stay with the base camp even when they’re not working in case of discovery. *

* Two weeks ago five men returned from the Ardenness Expedition, they were barely alive and still not speaking of what happened. They are being cared for at the mage’s keep within the walls of the castle. *

* Out of the five men that returned one of them was a priest of the order of Ackar. Rumors are spreading that he is said to have ‘lost his faith’. *

* There was an expedition sent out a week ago, they are tasked with bringing back as many of the original expedition as possible with the emphasis on the King’s nephew who had (against direct order) traveled along with the last resupply. *


You’ve also learned by overhearing various conversations in the Inn:

* The forest of Ardenness is a dangerous place in of itself; it is fraught with many dangers. Countless adventurers have gone into the forests never to return and it wasn’t because they searched for the barrier. *

* A reward of five thousand Denars (gp's) has been posted for information on the whereabouts of the King's nephew, ten thousand Denars for the safe return of said nephew. *

* Another group of adventures seems interested that the King’s nephew is missing and that returning with him could gain them good standing and a substantial reward. There are six of them and there plans are to leave in the morning*

* There are many dwellings that have been deserted by both the wealthy and the poor throughout the western side of the forest. Some of which have been standing for hundreds of years. *

( OOC: if anyone has any questions please post them as Out of Character posts. It doesn't have to be marked red like mine but it does help to use parenthesis and precede with OOC: - Thank you. )

Do you ever feel like someone is watching you? It's me! ~ Invoker

The worthy GM never purposely kills players' PCs, He presents opportunities for the rash and unthinking players to do that all on their own."
~ Gary Gygax

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Kane Blackthorn
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Kane Blackthorne
Kane awakens from a fitful sleep, the dreaming mists clears from his eyes. He could almost smell the Black dragon's stench arising from its dark swamp cavern. The wood Elves who enslaved him gave him a choice....a chance for freedom....Kill the beast or die in the attempt. They promised a kings reward and a princess' hand to the lead warriors, but so few took up the challenge...none returned that did.

Kane shakes off the dream and arises. He gets cleaned up and dressed, looking to his companions he says:

"I am going to see if I can catch any news from the local rangers. Anyone else up for joining me?"
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Elorin Wolfswift
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Zombie Warrior
* I have been awake and dressed for about a half hour when Kane awakens. I sit at a small table across the room near a window looking down at the people below, I take a slow drag off my long stem clay pipe. As I speak to Kane the smoke drifts and swirls out of my mouth and nose mingling in my beard and mustache. *

" What is this ' news ' you are seeking from the local guild? If were staying in town for part of the day I say we start if off with a hearty breakfast. I don't feel like walking around on an empty stomach, that's for sure. I'm going downstairs, if you don't want to wait then we will wait for you here. "

* I look back out the window, still waiting to see whether or not our other friend was going to get up. I watch as Clutch dips and dives as he chases after a smaller bird. I smile to myself. *
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Kane Blackthorn
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Kane Blackthorne
Kane gets his gear and fans away the haze of smoke that has pervaded the room.

"Sounds good to me, I could use a meal also."

Kane follows Elorin's lead.
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Elorin Wolfswift
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Zombie Warrior
* I don't look back at the ranger but instead continue to look out the window. *

" Wonderful! Head downstairs and tell the cook we need three morning meals, I wish mine to be griddle cakes, fried meat or sausages and eggs scrambled up. Oh and fried potatoes with that garlic butter, she'll know. You can decide what Leo is having. "
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Kane Blackthorn
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Kane Blackthorne
Kane opens the door and heads downstairs. He closes the door behind him and makes his way to the guest tables, looking for the host or hostess.
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Leofric
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Zombie Warrior
*Leofric has been up since just before daybreak. He sits crosslegged facing east, head bowed in prayer. With sunrise, he stands and bows his head in the general direction of the rising sun. He then turns to the others as they speak.*

Breakfast would be a good decision. Afterwards, I shall consult with the local leaders of the Old Way. We should also see if we can talk to those who've returned from the Wall, to see if the night has loosened their tongues. A delegate from the local Thieves guild might be useful as well.

*He follows the others down to the common room. He orders rye toast with butter and honey, some rashers of bacon, scrambled eggs and fried potatoes. A flagon of mead to wash it down as well. After he places the order, he begins to bow his head, but stops with a concerned look on his face,*

I do hope Larry did not cause issues with his stablemates...
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Invoker
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Lich King
* Once you the three of you have gotten around for the morning you head downstairs to get something to eat, it is shortly past sun up and the local area of the city is rather quiet. You can still hear the water flowing through the channel outside the Inn. You are greeted by a young woman with long straight blond hair, she wears a simple brown and white dress . She introduces herself. *

" Good morning to you. Find a place to sit and I will come tend to your needs. "

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* She waits till your seated and comfortable then comes over and takes your order. She makes small talk with you. *

" You gents from around here or just passing through? I'll give this to the cook and bring you your drinks. "

* You look around the tavern and see that there isn't very many patrons but one does stand out among the others. He carries with him a sense of authority. *

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* He sits quietly sipping something hot from a mug. From his attire you suddenly recognize him a member of the rangers station here in the city that help protect its citizens. Known as the ' Red Crowns '. *

Edited by Invoker, Jun 26 2015, 01:24 AM.
Do you ever feel like someone is watching you? It's me! ~ Invoker

The worthy GM never purposely kills players' PCs, He presents opportunities for the rash and unthinking players to do that all on their own."
~ Gary Gygax

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Leofric
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Zombie Warrior
*Leofric nudges Kane with his toe, then discretely nods towards the Red Crown.*

I believe he's one of the local rangers.
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Elorin Wolfswift
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Zombie Warrior
* I give the pretty young wench a good look up and down and smile at her. *

" Well no darling, were not from around these parts but we have been to this great city a time or two before. I am wizard Wolfswift and these are my companions. Maybe you can tell us yours when you come back. "

* When she walks away I look at the others and say. *

" So after breakfast I say we head out into the forest, shouldn't be to hard to pick up on the route the supply party takes. I'm certain their not interested in any of the things along the route. We on the other hand love to explore lost and abandoned places. Don't we? "

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Leofric
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Zombie Warrior
*Leofric gets a thoughtful look on his face.*

I'd like to consult with the local grove to see if they have any information of the area betwixt here and there. Then we can head on if we're porperly provisioned.
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Kane Blackthorn
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Kane Blackthorne
Kane eyes the maiden with the look a hungry wolf gets after a weeks fasting.

"I will have apple mead and a double plate of your breakfast platter."

He wolfs down his food like a man packing it on before winter solstace, then wipes his face.

He gets up and crosses the room to the red warden, his own ranger insignia plain on his collar.

"Friend, mind if I ask you a couple of questions about the Ardeness forest and ts inhabitants or dangers...I am Kane, and we are going hunting for pelts and other useful things."
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Invoker
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Lich King
( OOC: Food ordered yes. Food eaten, brought to table yet? No. )

* Without looking your way he responds by saying. *

" Pelts you say? Well, there is no shortage of pelts in the forest. If it is hides you seek there will be plenty, but know there are things out there that will be seeking yours. "

* A smiles crosses his face as he turns to look at you. He eyes your table before looking you up and down. He stands up and offers you a chair at his table. He waits till you sit then joins you. He leans in a little and says. *

" The Ardenness Forest is fraught with many dangers, you need to be more specific in the nature of your request. "

He leans back in his chair and smiles

" Name's Jaccob. "

Do you ever feel like someone is watching you? It's me! ~ Invoker

The worthy GM never purposely kills players' PCs, He presents opportunities for the rash and unthinking players to do that all on their own."
~ Gary Gygax

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Kane Blackthorn
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Kane Blackthorne
Kane nods and sits quietly a moment thinking before replying.

"We are not from around these parts, but my quarry is usually Wyvern, Owlbear and young Drakes. I am usually successful these days, travelling with the druid and wizard I really need to know what is common in those woods and what I should stay away from...also if there are prominent tribes, bandits or evil undead roaming about.

I have already heard the nephew of the king is missing, and if we find him , we will bring him back. I have also wondered about the barrier or edge that the king has been sending folks to research and scout about. Have you heard anything new about the one who returned or do the rangers know anything about that...just in case we travel that way in our search for the lad or pelts."

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Invoker
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Lich King
* Jaccob sighs. *

" Yes, the nephew. He been a thorn in our side before, normally he comes back on his own. The draw to examine the barrier has seemed to have gotten the best of him this time. "

* He gets comfortable in his chair then continues. *

" You will find those things you hunt and many more, the Ardenness forest is an ancient one, many of the sub-races have lived there at one time or another. The deeper west you go the more undead you will encounter. Zombies, skeletons, ghouls, ghasts abound the farther west you travel. Creatures tied to the Keeper (undead) seem to be unaffected by the barrier, at least the ones that aren't coming from the barrier itself. See the Barrier is a 'living' thing. "

* He shifts position in his chair. *

" Well an ' un-living ' thing is probably more accurate. The magic it evokes is tied to the Keeper of the underworld, when the living cross into the barrier it allows things from beyond the veil to cross over, they are drawn to the living and seek them out. One of the more common occurrences that happen in the barrier is the 'shadow people' that appear. If one is drawn to you then more will begin to appear, the longer you stay in the area the more will show up. They don't move very fast but when they appear they have an odd way of cutting you off from one another or from escape. What ever you do don't let them touch you! "

* He quickly looks around the room then relaxes a bit. He takes a drink from his mug. *

" In the way of clans or tribes, you'll find orcs, goblin, ogre, even ettin and giants roam those woods. You might want to let your friends know that the king does not sanction any activity with the barrier. There is a special group of men that patrol the barrier called the ' Boundary Wardens ' , they are tasked with keeping others away from the barrier by any means necessary. "


---------------------------------------------------

* The serving wench returns to the table with your drinks. She smiles back at Elorin and tells him. *

" My names Gail. Your meals will be right out. "

Do you ever feel like someone is watching you? It's me! ~ Invoker

The worthy GM never purposely kills players' PCs, He presents opportunities for the rash and unthinking players to do that all on their own."
~ Gary Gygax

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Kane Blackthorn
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Kane Blackthorne
Kane again looks thoughtfu and retrieves his maps from their case.

"Jacob, could you mark my map with the location of some of the safe places or warden towers, perhaps the druids have a grove that we could visit if there is need or emergency. Is there also and friendly wizards or clerics living in that great forest? Perhaps you could also show water sources and major trails. This is our first time in this wood, we could use information about any portals back to town, if you could reveal them."

"My companions might find it helpful to check in with the local druids, magi guild or elders even with the local rogues guild. I will need a few supplies. Is there anything we should purchase that would make our journey more successful in the way of gear? Who runs the best outfitter hereabouts?"

"Can I buy you some dinner or a drink for all your help and advice, friend?"
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Invoker
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Lich King
* Jaccob listens to your questions, he looks over the map you've laid on the table. *

" I'm afraid the wizards and druids in these forests prefer to be left alone, I wouldn't say they are evil by any means but they don't take kindly to being encroached upon. I would still clear. We have three towers in the forest spread across the length of the barrier, if you require help and you can make it to any of these you may be able to get help. All of them are currently manned. "

* Motioning to the map he says. *

" How would you have me mark your map? Shall I use my tea and leave stains in those location? "

* He lets out a jovial chuckle. *

" If you give me a pen and ink I would be happy too, there is even a smaller path that leads to an ancient city known as Mogador, its believe its inhabitants fled shortly after the barrier was erected. "

* When you offer to pay for the ranger's meal he thanks you and explains.*

" That is very kind of you Kane, I will let Gail know that you are covering it. "

* He finishes his tea and gets up and excuses himself. *

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* By the time the ranger of the Red Crowns finishes updating you map of the forest your breakfast has arrived at your table. *
Do you ever feel like someone is watching you? It's me! ~ Invoker

The worthy GM never purposely kills players' PCs, He presents opportunities for the rash and unthinking players to do that all on their own."
~ Gary Gygax

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Kane Blackthorn
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Kane Blackthorne
"There is pen, inks and anything necessary in the case , right here on the table. Thanks for the information. Did you know a fair provisioner where we might get final supplies and were there items we might need beyond the norm?"

Kane sees his food arrive and hurredly eats, knowing the group may want to leave as soon as supplies are packed and the druid and mage have a chat with their orders."
Edited by Kane Blackthorn, Jun 27 2015, 03:58 PM.
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Elorin Wolfswift
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Zombie Warrior
* Finishing my meal I explain to the others that I have no need consulting with anyone. *

" You two can go talk to whoever you like but the less people to know where we are going or what we are doing the better. I don't get you two? We have spent months doing what we want, reporting to know one. Now all of a sudden were asking for advise and worrying about what's in the woods? If I didn't know better I would say you have fallen in with all this hype. You might as well just ask the next set of 'experts' where the biggest stash of treasure is. "

* I roll my eyes while looking at Kane. *

" Maybe they'll draw you a map. "

* I toss a silver on the table and head towards the stairs. *

" Let me know when you two are satisfied and we'll head out. I'm going back to bed. "
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Invoker
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Lich King
( OOC: It was stated in the previous post that Jaccob had excused himself and left so I didn't answer your final question. )

* Gail gives Elorin a smile as he heads up the stairs, she head over to your table and begins clearing the area where the wizard was sitting She offers to take yours (Kane) as well. *

" Are you finished with that? "

* During the course of the time spent eating breakfast patrons begin to trickle in. For the most part they seem to be common folk but a few look to be wealthy, perhaps a merchant or business owner or two. The chance of seeing one of royal blood in this part of the city was unlikely but from time to time they pass through. This morning didn't seem to be one of them. *
Do you ever feel like someone is watching you? It's me! ~ Invoker

The worthy GM never purposely kills players' PCs, He presents opportunities for the rash and unthinking players to do that all on their own."
~ Gary Gygax

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