You know what to do, if you signed up in the Pregame thread, you are free to start. we also have one slot open for anyone else, post in the pregame to join
A few minutes after the halflings announcement, Owen emerges from a nearby flophouse and walks briskly to where the ship is docked. His weapons are stowed, but his dragon-faced shield is out and held proudly at his chest.
[ic]You've come to the right island, friend! The Copperhead is here and prepared to honor His Highness with his astounding skills![/ic]
[ooc]I'm keeping my Presence aura on.[/ooc]
A small elf in dark green leather, leaning against a post, listens to 'Copperhead's' speech and then steps forward. His longbow, almost as tall as himself, in his right hand, is held loosely, confidently. His copper colored hair, standing up in short spikes catchs glints from the sun.
[ic]Brilich Kandaril, at your service and up for a new challenge.[/ic]
[ic=Darien]A tall orc with a shaved head bearing the tattoo of a crescent mood across the right side of his face hoists his shield and steps up from where he was arguing with a sailor from another ship.
"Do not listen to these. They are bragarts and fools. I will accompany this trek, but i do not agree to the combat until I can be sure I will be given a real fight."
A tournament is it? Well, this should prove an interesting opportunity, I can think of few better places to learn of new fighting styles.
[/ic]
the italics stuff is thoughts.
Owen chuckles and faces the orc.
[ic]"It seems that this one's never heard of me!"[/ic]
He adresses the halfling again.
[ic]"Anyway, when will she be departing?"[/ic]
[ic]We plan to leave this island in the morining, and as we are near full with passengers will be headed straight for Port Monim.[/ic]
[ic]"Excellent! Then I'd better take my place before there's no more room!"[/ic]
[ic]Darien takes a place at the front of the ship, leaning against a pile or ,ppring rope, where he pulls out a chunk of wood and begins to whittle - tossing the chips overboard one by one.
"Tell me when we get there. How many days do we estimate the crossing to be?"[/ic]
Kooz runs up to the dockafter hearing the announcement from afar, and tells the halfilng,
"If this ship is leaving soon, I'm in! The sooner the better!"
Before the halfling can answer, Kooz scrambles aboard, thinking to himself,
"I smell diplomatic immunity!"
[ic]Assuming good sea conditions, we are about a weeks from port.[/ic]
"A week, eh? Got any place to rest, or are all the 'champions' sleeping on-deck?"
Brilich looks to the halfling and the other "champions" that have agreed to go.
[ic]If we have until morning why don't we go get something to eat, and more importantly, drink?[/ic]
[ic]We have rooms to accomadate our passengers. Now, what are your names so I may enter you into the log?[/ic] He puts away the scroll and pulls out a small leatherbound book.
Owen announces only his self-styled title to the halfling with the log,
[ic]"'The Copperhead' should be sufficient. We'll be back in time to get on board."[/ic]
He smiles at Brilich and the others,
[ic]"That sounds like a plan! Come, drinks are on me!"[/ic]
Rolling his eyes at the halflings request since he already gave his name he repeats himself.
[ic]Brilich Kandaril, good sir. And if drinks are you 'Copperhead' then lead on![/ic]
Kooz Namfooz, with two o's in each and yes, they rhyme.
Oh, and Mister, um, 'Copperhead,' is it? Where were you planning on going, and I'll met you there!
Casts invisibility when Copperhead answers.
[ic]"Perhaps I will join you later. For now, I have more important things to attend to," and he return to whittling the small chunk of wood he has.[/ic]
He points at the dockside inn from which he just emerged, the "Elf and Lobster."
[ic]That's as good a place as any - Huh?[/ic]
he says as the gnome disappears.
He feels a little uneasy, and he keeps his hand on his coin purse as he takes a step toward the ship.
[ic]um, or perhaps we should just get acquainted once we're aboard. We don't want her to leave without us tomorrow, and there's no telling what might, er, happen between now and then.[/ic]
[ic]From where he is sitting near the bow, Darien calls out, "If you wish to depart for a short while, I will see to it that they do not leave without you. Go enjoy yourself, but try and be back promptly."[/ic]
[ic]All right. One round then, to show good faith. Let no one say that the Copperhead is stingy![/ic]
Owen thanks Darien and heads back toward the inn and buys a drink for any who come with him. He keeps a metaphorical eye out for any invisible larcenous gnomes.
"Don't worry about me, mate, I'm just keeping this way for...business reasons. Plus it scares the nine hells out of people like you,"
Kooz says with an invisible smile to Copperhead, "Elf and Lobster, then."
When they reach the inn, Kooz dispels the invisibility effect next to Copperhead, "So you go by Copperhead, then. Might I query as to why?"
[ic]Heh heh, of course you can!
I... admire the copper dragon, but I go by a title because I promised myself and my former teacher that bards everywhere would sing of me one day. A title catches the imagination and stays in the memory longer than just a name, don't you think?[/ic]
Hm. So you're a warrior of sorts? And what about you Brilich? By the bow, I'd guess some sort of archer... why are you all so eager to leave?
Brilich, shrugging his shoulder, pauses for a moment before giving his answer.
[ic]You are correct I am an archer. I don't know that I 'eager' to leave per se. But rather I am looking for something new to experience. I have spent decades in the forest. And I am sure that I will return to the green glades. But it is time for me to go beyond the woods and see what else lies ahead. And what about you?[/ic]
[ooc]Do we wanna just skip past some more chatting time, and jump ahead to hte boat leaving? people seem to have worn out their discussions.[/ooc]
[ooc]Sure.[/ooc]
Afterward, Owen takes his place on the ship and begins to survey the "competition."
[ooc]I've still got Presence up. I don't go anywhere that's obviously off-limits, just wherever there are other passengers.[/ooc]
[ooc]that is perfectly fine with me also[/ooc]
[ooc]Ok then, skipping ahead[/ooc]
The Phoenix Royal begins to sail out of the harbor. The other passengers are wildly varied in their appearance, running from simple peasants in farmers garb to heavily armored warriors to mages in thick flowing robes, to the flamboyant costume of bards. Some of them are looking over the bow of the ship at the expanse of ocean in front of them, others are chatting with each other on the deck. A few are simply walking around the boat. The sailors themselves are busy setting the sails and rigging. The halfling from before stands at the base of the mast, directing them.
[ooc]Sorry, I haven't posted in a while. My DSL was down.[/ooc]
Owen walks around on deck, conversing with the various passengers. He makes a particular effort to make friends with some of the bards on board.
Brilich climbs through the rigging and if was the branches of trees, looking out across the water. This being the farthest from the forest he as ever been he gets more and more excited about the possibilities. When Copperhead wanders by he asks.
[ic]So let me see if I understand you Copperhead. You are doing this to gain fame and fortune? Or is there a deeper meaning for you?[/ic]
Owen smiles and replies to Brilich,
[ic]Aye, but that's not what to tell the bards. To other people, sometimes I'm on a mission of revenge, sometimes I'm trying to woo a girl, sometimes I want gold or enlightenment or immortality or any of a hundred things. The important thing is that I'm the Copperhead, and the Copperhead will be remembered![/ic]
Kooz looks up at Owen after roaming the deck and amusing himself with magic for a little while. [ic]Of course, you assume you'll live long and fruitfully enough to gain a reputation! Besides, I've never heard any songs concerning a Copperhead, and trust me, I've been everywhere.[/ic]
[ic]Just a matter of time, friend. Wait and see.
How about the rest of you? What brings you across the sea to beat up strangers for His Majesty's amusement?[/ic]
Flipping down to the deck Brilich answers,
[ic]To see what is on the other side of the water. Something is calling me to travel, so I am traveling.[/ic]
[ic]I like the allure, of, oh, not being back there.[/ic]
[ic]I take it you had to leave some people wanting for your company? As in the faster you left town the better?[/ic]
[ic]What a succint way to put it![/ic]
[ooc]So as to move the plot along, we are skipping ahead to whn you guys hit port.[/ooc]
As the sound of the waves begins to give way to the sounds of a busy city, the captain can be heard calling to the crew. [ic]"Coming into Port Monim, Williams! Bring us into the harbor. Beamwalker! You get these passengers their clearance."[/ic] A halfling up at the sails jumps down and nods in acknowledgement. He then blows a whistle around his neck. [ic]"Alright, were here. Everyone stick with me till I show the officers the clearance papers, then you can go."[/ic]
Brilich, grabbing his backpack, moves to the halfling.
[ic=Brilich]Do we need any special papers or are there any special rules or laws we should know about?[/ic]
[ic]"Don't worry about the papers, Ive got them for the passengers right here.[/ic]
He holds up a thick stack of paper
[ic]As for laws, the usual apply, nothing too abnormal[/ic]
[ic]What about laws against certain types of magic? Like illusion and enchantment, per se?[/ic]
Stepping forward Brilich stands next to the halfling.
[ic=Brilich]Let's get this show on the road. [/ic]
[ic]I agree! I'm ready to take on all comers![/ic]
[ic]Well, obviously you arent allowed to use harmful magic within the city walls, besides that, nothing special.[/ic]
He then walks across the dock to a uniformed man holding a short metal rod.
[ic]These are some people going to the tournament, I have the clearance papers right here.[/ic]
He hands the stack to the man, who looks them over quickly, before responding
[ic]Right, go on through then.[/ic]
Nodding to the man on the dock Brilich strides from the ship, bow over his shoulder, and takes in the new sights.
Owen steps gladly onto dry land. He wonders where he'll be staying during the tournament and when the fights will begin, and he looks around for answers to these questions.
[ooc]Guys, the tournament isnt n this town, its way up north. This is just the closest of only a few major port on the continent, as it is mostly a sharp drop of cliffs into the ocean on the coastline (Think some poictures of the australian coastline)[/ooc]
[ic]Since we still have a ways to go I believe, should we stop somewhere for supplies? Or maybe a beverage to celebrate our successful voyage?[/ic]
[ic]I'd love to raise another glass to friendship and safe travels, but I don't think we have any time to lose! Let's find out what we'll need on our trip to the tournament and acquire it posthaste![/ic]
[ic]You are probably right. Let's get on our way then![/ic]
[ooc]So, will that be going to get supplies, or heading out? And when you do head out, will you be traveling on foot or by wagon or horseback?[/ooc]
Brilich ponders for a moment, looking to his companions.
[ic]Does anyone know for sure how far away we must travel? I suggest we get some supplies for the road and see if we can find a caravan that is traveling that direction or if we can get some horses. I don't mind walking, but I'd rather not.[/ic]
[ooc]Kanotch is a good 1800 mile trip from here. The tournament starts in 3 months, but Trin uses a different calender than our world, meaning you have 120 days to get there.[/ooc]
[ic]I'm not too keen on walking 1800 miles. Let's see if we can find out what the others from the ship are doing. Perhaps there's a caravan we can join. After we've sorted out our travel plans, we'll know what we have to provide for ourselves, and we can outfit ourselves accordingly.[/ic]
Um, are you guys still interested in this? Are you going to go find others as Owen suggested?
[ooc]I've been waiting for some direction from you. Describing more of what we see or where we are or engaging us with NPC's. It was kind of hard to continue with just our conversation and not knowing anything about the city. [/ooc]
Ah, Ok.
The city is massive, far larger than anything out in the Sovereign Isles. Most of the buildings are two story. You are currently at the docks. beyond them are a line of buildings of various size. Some people are hauling a cartload of fish into one of them. Farther into the city is the merchants district, where there are hundreds of shops lining the streets. Over the tops of the buildings you can see three massive towers, one of which has been painted a bright red color, the other two are plain stone.
Owen sets out for the merchants' district and begins asking around. If he sees any stable-keepers or caravans or something, he'll ask them first. Otherwise, he'll just ask a beggar or anyone else who looks like they've been hanging around for a while.
[ic]Good day! Have you seen any adventuring types headed for Kanotch lately? We're trying to catch up with them.[/ic]
A halfling in travellers garb appears to be hanging around outside of a cart rental place, reading a poster tacked onto the side of the building
[ooc]I just wanted to say I am just waiting for the previous posts question that was asked by a PC to be answered. I'm not sure where to go or what to do here since we don't know the city or where we are even going.[/ooc]
Owen has a look at that poster, assuming he can see over the halfling.
He can. There are several posters on the side, one is simply advertising the tournement, another says about the governors daughter being missing. The one the halfing is looking at is a wanted poster for bandits that have been attacking travellers on the north road (the one that would lead to Kanotch). The halfling looks worried by the news of bandits
Owen taps the halfling on the shoulder.
[ic]You headed to Kanotch as well, friend?[/ic]
[ic]Yes, Im supposed to be delivering a cartload of goods up for the King's feast. I'm worried about those bandits though...[/ic]
[ic]You are in luck! I am the Copperhead, and my companions and I seek transportation to the tournament. We will gladly escort you and smartly smite any would-be bandits![/ic]
[ic]That would be great, I could use some bodyguards. How much do I owe you?[/ic]
Brilich nods his head in agreement with Copperhead as he thinks, *being a caravan guard could be a really good way to see this land.*
[ic]I will leave the price up to Copperhead. He is more experienced in these matters than I.[/ic]
[ic]Let no one say that the Copperhead's fairness and kindness does not match his strength! We will require nothing more than the living expenses for our journey.[/ic]
[ic]Why thank you. I am not quite ready to leave just yet, why dont you come by the Grinning Dragon in an hour or so and we can head off.[/ic]
With the hour he has to spend, Owen searches for a barber or a public bath (to look his best for his future audience,) then heads on to the Grinning Demon and orders something strong.
Inside the tavern there are three humans talking amongst themselves near the center of the room. The halfling from earlier is sitting at a table, talking to the elf across from him. Behind the counter is a kobold, and behind him are more posted notices, mostly the same ones you saw outside the other building.
Owen strides in and sits with the elf and the halfling.
[ic]Good day![/ic]
[ic]Ah, so your spending the hour here too? I was just talking to my friend Damior here, seems Prince Veram of Mistran is coming to Kanotch to see the King. Sure are going to be a lot of big names there eh? [/ic]
[ic]Really? This sounds like it will be quite an event! Not even the Copperhead has fought before such an audience.[/ic]
[ooc]How much do I know about Mistram and Prince Veran?
Knowledge: Geography
[dice]1d20-1[/dice]
Knowledge: Nobility and Royalty
[dice]1d20-1[/dice]
[/ooc]
[ooc]With those rolls, not much. Mistran is a group of 6 islands in the Gadrinth ocean populated by elves.[/ooc]
bump