The World of Layonara

In-Character Forums => Rumour Has It => Topic started by: geloooo on November 23, 2011, 08:35:31 AM

Title: The Dragon Isles
Post by: geloooo on November 23, 2011, 08:35:31 AM: [SIZE=18]Chapter One: Convergence[/SIZE]
[/B][INDENT][INDENT]The Caesin Docks of the Dragon Isles convey an image of tranquility as the subtle waves of Shindaleria caress the rocks with a tinge of sea salt wafting in the air. Branderback has already devoured the orb of flame and the moons have cast their light in turn yet there is movement abound. Humanoid shapes litter the dockside as they heft heavy crates unto a ship. The night is young, where do you fit in all of this?[/FONT]//The scenes will be set through forum RP. Once you’ve reached a certain point, a quest will be scheduled to deal with further development.[/INDENT][/INDENT]
Title: Re: The Dragon Isles
Post by: gilshem ironstone on November 23, 2011, 11:03:19 AM: An elf, clad in black disembarks from the most recent cargo vessel. He stands still and takes in the misfits, outcasts and entrepreneurs that find themselves in this exotic place. He walked amongst the rag tag population of the fort and found himself a lea to make a fire and get some shelter from the cool spring breeze. Then, there was only stillness as he took up a vigil, looking for the sign that was promised; his blade always close.
Title: Re: The Dragon Isles
Post by: Dremora on November 23, 2011, 12:24:58 PM: A foreboding figure watches the activity on the docks from the shadow of an ancient tree and the darkness of the night; black cloak wrapped about the person's attire with the hood pulled over head.

Picking out the darkly-swathed elf with the clarity of a nocturnal predator, and making no outward attempt at concealment; the figure waits and watches patiently.
Title: Re: The Dragon Isles
Post by: Dremora on November 23, 2011, 04:21:23 PM: After a time of evaluating the armed elf, the figure can be seen moving towards the dockside and mingling into the shapes working there.
Questions soon come their way as to the location of the one known as Velen.
Title: Re: The Dragon Isles
Post by: gilshem ironstone on November 23, 2011, 07:23:57 PM: Once his fire burns low, he gets up to go and speak with the revellers of the evening. He draws his hood back and brashly begins asking some carousers if they know of anyone named Velen. His sword is always visible, and although attempts at amiability are made, the withdrawn and aloof nature of his blood makes a bolder statement than his words.
Title: Re: The Dragon Isles
Post by: Dremora on November 23, 2011, 07:33:16 PM: The hooded warrior, whom with closer inspection, appears to be a breed of elven male approaches his counter-part when eventually catching sight of him amongst the crowd.

A quiet stare towards the elf as his hood is drawn back eventually gives way to the warrior moving through the crowd, intent on his racial cousin; with the same distinctive poise and grace that those of elven blood possess, he reaches him and speaks quietly in their ancient tongue, eyes like pools of liquid shadow staring out from the silhouette within the hood.

"Hello Night.."
Title: The Dragon Isles
Post by: ystrday on November 23, 2011, 08:17:37 PM: *She smiles under her hooded cloak, in her out of the way position she can see clearly the dock area. With the help of the al'noth she can remain unseen, and see the unseen. Looking around she rubs a small rune, her shroud absorbed, then the cloaked figure walks towards the two darkly dressed figures. Tapping the shoulder of one, she assumed they are here for the same reason she is, and asks them.*

Do you know where Velen is?
Title: Re: The Dragon Isles
Post by: Dremora on November 23, 2011, 08:24:21 PM: The hooded elf does not turn to look for the source of the familiar voice responsible for both the touch and query. He responds in the Common tongue.

"No, but we seek this.. 'Velen' as well."

His gaze kept on the face of Night for a moment longer before he steps to the side to form a triangle between the other two, bringing his shadowed eyes to look upon and confirm his suspicions as to the identity of the female.

"T'would seem he is not the only familiar face I will be seeing this cycle afterall.."
Title: The Dragon Isles
Post by: ystrday on November 23, 2011, 11:04:52 PM: *Fleur gives a subtle shrug, her traveling cloak moving slightly from it*

It must be your lucky day. *She turns to Night, greeting him as well*

How we go about finding this "Velen"?
Title: Re: The Dragon Isles
Post by: gilshem ironstone on November 23, 2011, 11:36:21 PM: He smirks a little and then shrugs.

I think he might find us, but you perhaps have charms you can use m'lady? Otherwise, we simply ask the right person.
Title: Re: The Dragon Isles
Post by: Dezza on November 24, 2011, 03:56:29 AM: Leisa steps off the ship nearby having been looking down on the meeting of the trio and walks straight up to them nodding to each in turn.

"More eyes can find a needle faster than less. Let us complete this contract together."
Title: Re: The Dragon Isles
Post by: Dremora on November 24, 2011, 06:17:56 AM: Quietly inspecting Leisa with perfect clarity even at night, he recognises her and gives a polite nod before turning and moving back to anyone in the crowd who looks likely to know the names of everyone present.
Title: Re: The Dragon Isles
Post by: geloooo on November 24, 2011, 10:11:03 AM: [INDENT][INDENT]Moments pass and no one approaches the illustrious group of stonebound interlopers. Like a steady procession of ants, the dock-workers go about their business hauling crates onto the ship. Amid such hustle and bustle, a few ants seem content to sit on a corner and smoke their pipes. Where is Velen?[/INDENT][/INDENT]
Title: Re: The Dragon Isles
Post by: gilshem ironstone on November 24, 2011, 11:22:59 AM: Night approaches the ticket seller at the docks and inquires if anyone by the name of Velen had checked in.
Title: Re: The Dragon Isles
Post by: geloooo on November 24, 2011, 11:35:39 AM: [INDENT][INDENT]The ticket seller merely shrugs and waves a dismissive hand at Night. He then points to three men gathered near the ship. These men seem to be busy studying a map of Mistone and its trade routes.[/INDENT][/INDENT]
Title: Re: The Dragon Isles
Post by: gilshem ironstone on November 24, 2011, 11:46:41 AM: He frowns and then follows the mans gesture. He walks away unceremoniously and then approaches the three men, coughing to announce his presence.

Gentlemen, I seek someone named Velen. Are you familiar with such a person here?
Title: Re: The Dragon Isles
Post by: Dremora on November 24, 2011, 11:50:48 AM: Following his own lack of success in searching for Velen, he notes the positions of the others and comes up behind Night while the elf passes his inqueries to the group of smokers. Nym seems content to let Night have the attention.
Title: The Dragon Isles
Post by: ystrday on November 24, 2011, 12:01:45 PM: *Comes to stand next to Night, slipping her hood further back on top of her head. She smiles flirtatiously at the men, waiting for them to respond to Night's question.*
Title: Re: The Dragon Isles
Post by: Dremora on November 24, 2011, 12:25:08 PM: Letting the dark cloak that was concealing his attire fall either side of himself; the seemingly broad and muscular elf that still has his hood up watches the group of men, folded arms across a black breastplate with katana pommels visible on his belt. His silhouetted features and lack of any hair falling from his hood all but hide Nym's identity from the three humans.

It would seem where Fleur presents a more agreeable disposition flanking Night to one side, his racial cousin on the other presents the opposite end of the spectrum.
Title: Re: The Dragon Isles
Post by: Dezza on November 25, 2011, 02:58:22 AM: Liesa takes another tact and heads to where the few vendors in the fort ply their meagre wears. She takes time to inspect the goods they have to offer and focuses specifically on one selling various implements one might need to survive in the wilds of the Dragon Isles and begins to question him as to a having sold goods to a man named Velen.
Title: Re: The Dragon Isles
Post by: geloooo on November 27, 2011, 10:29:29 PM: [INDENT][INDENT]The three men stop and look at Night with irritable looks on their faces. One of them speaks waves a dismissive hand at his companions. They all nod and continue drawing on the map as if chartering a route.
"I'll handle this one. You boys go figure out how we'll leave with the cargo.
He then moves closer to speak to Night and the others.
"You seek Velen, eh? Well, you won't find him here. He was here a few tendays ago but then he started packing and left for the woods. Haven't seen him since. Best of luck to you all if you're to find him."
With a shrug, he rejoins his companions and begins puffing on a pipe.[/INDENT][/INDENT]
Title: Re: The Dragon Isles
Post by: gilshem ironstone on November 27, 2011, 10:52:04 PM: He turns to Fleur and Nym, and then looks out across the small fort.

We have a direction, unless you have other business, perhaps we should find Leisa and set out.
Title: Re: The Dragon Isles
Post by: Dremora on November 28, 2011, 08:14:33 AM: She is far incompetant, she would not split off from us and not keep our movements in sight. We make our way to the forests and we will tarry for a short time where she can see us, just incase.

With that he turns and heads away from the docks towards the clearing before the woods
Title: The Dragon Isles
Post by: ystrday on November 28, 2011, 09:42:44 AM: What direction do we take once we enter the woods?

*On the outskirts, Fleur with quiet words and hand movements gives herself sight. Her staff once again in her hand she walks alongside Night and Nym*
Title: Re: The Dragon Isles
Post by: gilshem ironstone on November 28, 2011, 10:08:24 AM: Once in the clearing, Night takes his spellbook from his pack, and sits down to study while they wait for Leisa to catch up. At Fleurs question, he speaks without looking up.

I am no woodsman, but I suspect that Leisa will have some insight on how best to proceed.
Title: The Dragon Isles
Post by: ystrday on November 28, 2011, 10:17:14 AM: Fair enough, we wait for Leisa. *Fleur sits next to Night, and reads what she can of his spellbook.*
Title: Re: The Dragon Isles
Post by: Dremora on November 28, 2011, 12:54:57 PM: Nym on the other hand seems content to fiddle with the fittings of his breastplate and scan the dark forests ahead, while they wait.
Title: Re: The Dragon Isles
Post by: geloooo on November 28, 2011, 10:55:22 PM: [INDENT][INDENT]A lone gate leading to the forest looms over you. A single guard seems to be on duty tonight. Where's Velen?[/INDENT][/INDENT]
Title: The Dragon Isles
Post by: ystrday on November 29, 2011, 12:23:26 AM: *turns towards the long guard*

Velen? Is he a friend of yours?
Title: Re: The Dragon Isles
Post by: Dezza on December 02, 2011, 02:02:48 AM: As Fluer speaks with the lone guard Leisa steps through the gate and moves to stand near Nym and Night.

"If the guard has nothing more tangable then we head for the woodsmens hut not far from the walls of the fort and see what they have seen out in the forest of late."
Title: Re: The Dragon Isles
Post by: Dremora on December 02, 2011, 02:32:35 PM: Nym speaks without turning to look at Leisa.

A suitable enough strategy.
Title: Re: The Dragon Isles
Post by: gilshem ironstone on December 06, 2011, 11:45:50 AM: Night finishes his studies and rejoins the others.

I am ready to depart, have we heard anything useful yet?
Title: Re: The Dragon Isles
Post by: Dezza on December 09, 2011, 11:21:29 PM: *leisa regards him with emotionless eyes*

"Nothing. We make for the woodcutters lodge. Gather your things."

Without further word she turns and heads into the light woods outside the fort assuming the others will follow if they feel the need.
Title: Re: The Dragon Isles
Post by: Dremora on December 14, 2011, 02:07:02 PM: Follows in silence
Title: Re: The Dragon Isles
Post by: geloooo on December 16, 2011, 07:06:28 AM: [INDENT][INDENT]The guard shakes his head but adds:
"Don't know this Velen, but a man did go through this gate a few hours ago. He went north, deep inside the forest."
You would notice boot tracks headed toward that direction.[/INDENT][/INDENT]
Title: Re: The Dragon Isles
Post by: Dezza on December 16, 2011, 08:08:46 PM: On the trail to the woodcutters hut, by chance Leisa notices a broken trail leading north through some previously untouched brush. ON closer inspection and after a brief discussion with Night Leisa takes the northern path that is barely visible, taking care and also consulting with Night regularly to check each others presumptions when the trail disappears.

This continues over the rest of the day until near nightfall she locates a dark patch on the ground. Unearthing the disturbed section of ground she finds a small firepit that someone has tried to cover up.

She nods to Night and together they fan out to inspect the area taking little time to find other evidence of a single user of the firepit, more than likely a male who had spent several hours in this location before continuing north.

Turning to the others Leisa says;

"We rest here this evening and make an early start in the morning. The evidence suggests we are on a probable right path here. If the forest hasn't killed him yet and the fates are kind to us we may as yet locate him within days."
Title: Re: The Dragon Isles
Post by: Dremora on December 17, 2011, 08:28:05 AM: "Suits me"
Title: Re: The Dragon Isles
Post by: geloooo on December 31, 2011, 01:36:50 AM: [INDENT][INDENT]While you rest, you suddenly notice a humanoid figure dressed in a woodsman garb skulking around ten meters from your location. [/INDENT][/INDENT]
Title: Re: The Dragon Isles
Post by: Dezza on December 31, 2011, 03:05:43 AM: Leisa turns her back on the figure and speaks softy to Nymroos and Night to surround and catch the onlooker.
Title: Re: The Dragon Isles
Post by: gilshem ironstone on December 31, 2011, 03:28:34 PM: Night indicates that he will stay in this spot as his skill in these endeavors is lacking. Once the other two are in position he will instill fear in the skulker so that the other two may act more assuredly.
Title: Re: The Dragon Isles
Post by: Dezza on December 31, 2011, 04:15:45 PM: *Leisa nods and slips into the foliage disappearing from sight*
Title: Re: The Dragon Isles
Post by: Dremora on December 31, 2011, 08:12:51 PM: Nym moves off towards the foliage making it look like he's gone to check out something of interest and motions those not going into hiding to stay put, in order to give himself plausible excuse to vanish; which he does so quite literally before moving to a better vantage point at the humanoid figure's flank.
Title: Re: The Dragon Isles
Post by: ystrday on January 01, 2012, 10:34:53 AM: *Fluer softly places herself invisible, and with true sight up she watches Leisa and Nym move into position. She stays not far from Night, and ready with a hold spell and a bigby spell (bigby spell that knocks you down), which she will use first if the figure tries to run away or puts up a fight for Leisa and Nym*
Title: Re: The Dragon Isles
Post by: Dezza on January 01, 2012, 05:40:04 PM: In position Leisa gives a barely perceptable nod to Fluer to to use the hold spell and prepares to drag the man to the camp when he is held.
Title: Re: The Dragon Isles
Post by: Dremora on January 05, 2012, 03:25:00 PM: Once the figure is within reasonable distance, a rush of footsteps at an unnatural speed can be heard racing towards it; Nym's invisibility wearing off when he rammed into the figure to try and bring it to the ground.
Title: Re: The Dragon Isles
Post by: geloooo on January 06, 2012, 07:16:37 AM: [INDENT][INDENT]The figure is immediately knocked out cold. He seems to be a human male bearing brown woodsman garbs. He stays unconscious for several hours. How do you proceed?[/INDENT][/INDENT]
Title: Re: The Dragon Isles
Post by: Dremora on January 06, 2012, 07:41:42 AM: Nym snatches up the man's wrists and drags the figure into the light of the campfire for the group to examine.

"This one is a frail thing.."
Title: Re: The Dragon Isles
Post by: geloooo on January 08, 2012, 04:52:32 AM: [INDENT][INDENT]Your "captive" remains unconscious. Do what you will until he wakes up and you shall be provided with the appropriate response. He's bound to stay unconscious for a couple of hours, more or less.[/INDENT][/INDENT]
Title: Re: The Dragon Isles
Post by: Dremora on January 08, 2012, 05:51:58 AM: Nym checks the man over for anything suggesting that he is more than a simple woodsman, leaving the others to watch or conduct their own investigations as they see fit.
Title: Re: The Dragon Isles
Post by: Dezza on January 09, 2012, 04:31:12 AM: Leisa maintains a watch at the edge of the camp as they prepare to interrogate the prisoner.
Title: Re: The Dragon Isles
Post by: geloooo on January 09, 2012, 10:54:31 AM: [INDENT][INDENT]The man wakes up and puts his palms over his eyes as he grunts for all to hear. Moments pass and he composes himself. He looks at all of you with a disgruntled look.
"What were you planning on doing? Rob me? Don't have any trues. Steal my stuff? Nothing but the clothes on my back. What do you want?!"[/INDENT][/INDENT]
Title: Re: The Dragon Isles
Post by: Dremora on January 09, 2012, 04:51:15 PM: "Skulk about in the dark like an amatuer and count yourself lucky you still have a head, churl."

Nym takes out the poster but it is rolled up, clearly assuming if the man was Velen he'd recognise the gesture, especially given they all have one.

"Where is the one called Velen? He has a task for us and my patience has now run its course."
Title: Re: The Dragon Isles
Post by: geloooo on January 10, 2012, 10:16:28 AM: [INDENT][INDENT]The man fashions a toothy grin.
"Not much traffic in the isles so you don't expect folks to just show up and knock you out cold."
He shakes himself off and slowly stands.
"What's he worth to you?"[/INDENT][/INDENT]
Title: Re: The Dragon Isles
Post by: Dremora on January 10, 2012, 10:26:26 AM: The second the man asks that, a shortsword drops from somewhere on the underside of the elven warrior's arm, into his hand. With the typical speed possessed by his race and their cousins, the blade point is pressed to the woodsman's throat in a eyeblink and the man's shoulder is grasped by Nym's free hand; poster falling to the grass.

"About ten seconds before I start 'examining' ~your~ worth.."

The cold, calm and obviously threatening tone along with the baleful stare from silhouetted eyes suggests he is serious, and considers himself and his companions the ones with the upper hand in this negotiation.
Title: The Dragon Isles
Post by: ystrday on January 10, 2012, 04:04:09 PM: *Fleur takes a look around them casually making sure it is just the small group of them around.*

I would answer him *said casually* he does not normally like repeating himself.
Title: Re: The Dragon Isles
Post by: gilshem ironstone on January 11, 2012, 10:48:12 AM: Meanwhile Night stands behind the man, close to enough for his presence to be felt and inspects him for any magical impression.
Title: Re: The Dragon Isles
Post by: geloooo on January 11, 2012, 11:43:11 AM: [INDENT][INDENT]The man does not seem to emanate any traces of the Al'Noth. What with your threats and displays of power, the man eventually yields after a while.
"Alright, alright. Do all folks nowadays kill first and then ask questions later? I would have expected more civilized folk in these lands."
Oddly enough, you're all surrounded by a vast copse of trees where you constantly hear the music of a very populated forest.
"Since this one's patience has "run its course". I'll eagerly inform you of what you must do and spare you the pleasantries."
He stands upright and walks up to the spot where you all mauled him.
"I've been tracking a caravan that was supposed to reach the docks a week ago. It never showed up so I figured it would be best to track the thing myself. But since you're all so eager to get your blades wet, I'll let you folks locate the caravan."
He points further north where wheel tracks can be seen overlapping another set of tracks.
Best bet is they dragged the caravan the opposite direction. Find it and bring back what's in it to me. We'll talk trues if you succeed.
He pauses and gauges your responses.
[/INDENT][/INDENT]
Title: Re: The Dragon Isles
Post by: Dremora on January 11, 2012, 11:56:46 AM: Letting the man go but prowling on after him so he cannot get too far, his expression is concealed by the lack of light and the deep hood. Putting his shortsword away before folding his arms over his chest and studying the man before him until he has finished speaking. Nym then glances left and right to the others in the group, biting his tongue long enough for them to maybe say what he is about to instead.
Title: The Dragon Isles
Post by: ystrday on January 11, 2012, 03:10:05 PM: *Looks at each of them, then back to the man*

Wait a moment.. what -we- must do? What does that have to do with Valen?
Title: Re: The Dragon Isles
Post by: Dremora on January 11, 2012, 03:27:36 PM: This ~is~ Velen.
Title: The Dragon Isles
Post by: ystrday on January 11, 2012, 04:33:34 PM: *Fleur looks at Nym a moment, shrugging* That was simple enough.
Title: Re: The Dragon Isles
Post by: Dremora on January 11, 2012, 05:12:19 PM: "How will we recognise the item you are looking for? I trust a 'caravan' by definition would carry more than one item, or do you expect us to haul an entire wagon or several back here for you to rummage through?"

His tone is dry and cold, but spoken with the typical eloquence that marks him out as an elf if his armor, poise and height did not already suggest it.
Title: Re: The Dragon Isles
Post by: Dezza on January 11, 2012, 05:54:07 PM: Leisa moves in from the surrounding foliage and drops to one knee close to where Velen is still sitting on the ground.

"Show us these tracks, we will take it from there. Where do we find you once it is done? Or are you coming with us?" Half asks the last question to Nym standing nearby.
Title: Re: The Dragon Isles
Post by: Dremora on January 11, 2012, 06:23:16 PM: Glances at Leisa when she asks that, staring for a moment before looking back at Velen and then following his pointed finger to where the wagon tracks can be seen, taking a moment to note the impressions on the earth from where he is standing.

"If the tracks doubled back on themselves and were headed South to the dock, then we go North; as for you.."

His shadowed gaze turns back upon the man, he then swaps to Leisa once more. Leaving the supposed Velen to answer the question about where he'll wait once Nym reveals his opinion about the man coming along.

"He hired us to hunt down the caravan, so we may as well hunt it down and let him stay safe, a dead contractor cannot pay us. More importantly, is there anything else we should know.. or can we complete this as and how we see fit?"
Title: Re: The Dragon Isles
Post by: geloooo on January 12, 2012, 08:57:45 AM: The tracks look like a mass of lines starting from where you are, heading further up north into the woods. The man shrugs at your questions.
"There's a chest inside containing something very heavy, but I'm sure your dark knight can manage."
He smiles at Nym'roos mockingly.
"Find it and drag it back. Be very careful though. They say that the chest contains very volatile magic. Good luck!"
With that, he walks off casually towards the docks.
Title: Re: The Dragon Isles
Post by: Dremora on January 12, 2012, 09:27:00 AM: He watches the man go quietly, not rising to the jibe and once he is far enough away, he turns to Leisa, Fluer and Night.

"Did anyone else feel that niggling urge to kill him every time he opened his mouth, or was it just me?"
Title: Re: The Dragon Isles
Post by: geloooo on January 12, 2012, 09:56:34 AM: //HOLD. Please standby for in-game updates.
Title: Re: The Dragon Isles
Post by: Dremora on January 12, 2012, 09:57:05 AM: // the number of views on this thread is insane O.o
Title: Re: The Dragon Isles
Post by: gilshem ironstone on January 12, 2012, 10:28:45 AM: Before they set out, Night casts a ward to give the party Ultravision which will last for more than half the day.
Title: Re: The Dragon Isles
Post by: Dezza on January 13, 2012, 11:40:34 PM: Quote from: Dremora
He watches the man go quietly, not rising to the jibe and once he is far enough away, he turns to Leisa, Fluer and Night.

"Did anyone else feel that niggling urge to kill him every time he opened his mouth, or was it just me?"

Leisa merely shrugs and starts checking then re-checking her packs before standing.

"He either pays us or he dies, there is no other option. I am ready to move."