Griznuq Gaming

D&D Campaigns => Threshold => In Character Discussions => Topic started by: Griznuq on February 27, 2008, 03:31:26 PM

Title: An arrival and A hundred questions
Post by: Griznuq on February 27, 2008, 03:31:26 PM
Duthash Dracum Basque  VY 237(May 29) (This is the same day as session 17 "The Cliffside Crypts" part 2)

Bastion sat twisted inside the livery wagon, looking out the small window beside him. This was his first time outside of Rhohannus, and every little bit of it was sheer excitement! He'd never seen so many squirrels and little birds! He had even seen a fox and three deer! Spectacular journey!

It was almost with disappointment that Bastion realized the wheels of the wagon had slowed. "We're just entering Threshold, Master Bastion," the driver said.

What a fantastic place! There was a river flowing right through the middle if it. The houses were small and quaint. So very different from the city. This seemed the kind of place he'd heard nobles talk about vacationing in. How could a place so beautiful function without proper spiritual guidance and divine presence? Bastion supposed they couldn't; that would be why he was called upon.

The wagon moved along slowly and finally came to a halt. The driver jumped down and opened the door, and Bastion ducked through the door way and set foot for the first time on Threshold soil. As he looked up, he saw a man approaching. This man could only be Julius Hawkhaven.

Bastion straightened and smiled. He extended his hand in greeting to the man who'd asked for assistance. "Master Hawkhaven, I presume?"
Title: An arrival and A hundred questions
Post by: Wildfire on February 27, 2008, 03:50:52 PM
Threshold was ripe with travelers from all walks and places. Carts moved up and down the street, people went in and out of buildings, and children were playing a game of tag.

Mountains cradled the small town and trees dressed the hills and cliffs. One of the features that immediately cought Bastions eye was the tall slender tower shooting a massive jet of flame from the top. Bastion instantly recognized it as a shrine to Kossuth.

Further beyond was a sight Bastion had never seen or imagined. It was a grove of trees that had a dull gold color. The light barely reflected from the leaves but it was still an unimaginable sight.

Opposite the cliff of gold trees was an enormous statue of a knight holding out his sword upright. It was carved of white marble and spoke of the strength this hero must have had. Being a learned gellow Bastion guessed that it had to be one of the legendary Heroes of Elsenban or a decendant of them.

Bastion could see that the man approaching him was either an elf or related to one. Warmly the man took Bastions hand and shook it vigorously.

"Nay, I'm not Master Hawkhaven but I am glad to see you! I am Suath...Suath Mythcinderton, the cartwright master of Threshold. If you need to travel I'm the guy you want to see. I have a fine stable of horses and wagons, though nothing as so eloquent as your coach here." Suath leaned closer to Bastion, "You wouldn't happen to know if that coach is for sale would you?" Suath tossed up his hands and shook his head "Ah, never you mind that...I'll find out. Anyway, Master Hawkhaven is over in the council house down the road around the Thornhedge..." Suath pointed across the road to a large inn, "...next to the Rosewalk. Oh, I didn't even ask you....who are you? From the sounds of it I would say you come from..." Suath cocked his head in a contemplative thought "...certainly not from Kazbourne...hrm...maybe from Vychia...no, that's not right....Ah ha! I'd be willing to bet a kings ransom that you come from Rhohannus, yes?"

Title: An arrival and A hundred questions
Post by: Griznuq on February 27, 2008, 04:02:03 PM
"Well as a matter of fact, I am from Rhohannus, you are correct! I'm Bastion, I'm here in response to the call Master Hawkhaven put out for Spiritual leadership. I am a priest of Sardior," Bastion proclaimed, tapping the medallion hanging from his neck.
Title: An arrival and A hundred questions
Post by: Wildfire on February 27, 2008, 04:18:37 PM
Suath's eyes lit up and a smile reached from one ear to the other. "Oh that is glorious news! Thank the Ruby King you are here! Master Julius sent a word out some time ago to bring folks such as yourself here! I'm so happy you have arrived! Anything I can do to lend you a hand I'd be honored to. In fact, I'll escort you to Master Hawkhaven...personally! Come with me"

Suath began to walk down the road with Bastion. "I myself am a believer in the ways of Sardior...the patron of travelers. How was your journey? Not too bumpy I hope. You'll find that Threshold is in great need of your guidance as there are many passing through here on their way to the Valley."

Wildfire's Note: Sardior carries many titles as do all of the deities. Many traveling folks (for instance, Bards) follow the concepts of Sardior's sense of freedom...hence the title "patron of travelers"
Title: An arrival and A hundred questions
Post by: Griznuq on February 27, 2008, 05:18:05 PM
"Well thank you! That's incredibly helpful. I can't tell you how nice it is to be met by a friendly fellow such as yourself. To be honest, I've never been out of Rhohannus, so the entire trip was really quite a treat! I saw rabbits and deer and even a fox in their natural habbitats! True, a carrige is not the most comfortable of things, but the experience was more than well worth it," Bastion realized it must all seem very trite to this fellow, being in charge of travel and all.

"Tell me," Bastion changed the subject. "How has the town been fareing with the lack of divine pressence? I've read that such a thing can lead to bleak outlooks and a sense of helplessness. I certainly hope this is not a problem here?"
Title: An arrival and A hundred questions
Post by: Wildfire on February 27, 2008, 11:19:06 PM
"Well, to be honest..." Suath said, "...for some it has been distressing. Here they are traveling to the cradle of divine presence and there is no one to help shape their inspiration to words and meaning...except for one. A few weeks ago a dark priest arrrived here. Not sure how I feel about that but then again, no one is."

Suath glanced over to the obsidian temple across the river. "But he's not been any trouble that I can account for so I really see no harm. In fact, as odd as it might sound, he's done more good than ill so far as I can tell. But who knows what he's really up to, eh?"

Suath continued talking not giving Bastion much chance to speak. "Really, much of the bleak outlook comes from the recent attacks from the dark cloaks that fester in the woods...Shadow Riders as rumors would have it. Believe me, you being here will help to put people's mind at ease...just so that they know that grander eyes are watching them, y'know? It wasn't too long ago that they actually attacked the town! Can you believe that?" Suath looked at Bastion and continued to walk and avoid the crowds in the streets.

"I tell ya, the Empire of Shadows will never stop until they claim everything.
Title: An arrival and A hundred questions
Post by: Griznuq on February 28, 2008, 07:40:32 AM
"Shadow Riders!" Bastion exclaimed, his heart missing a beat. "They exist?! My word, I thought they were just a fable! And they attacked the town!? Great scott! How did you fight them off??"

Bastion knew very little about anything outside of Rhohannus. How could a place so full of beauty be targeted by something as vile as Shadow Riders??
Title: An arrival and A hundred questions
Post by: Dray on March 03, 2008, 01:45:26 PM
/giggle - Great scott!

Date?

(OOC: Kit has been looking for a priest ever since day 1 on this campaign, you better hide Bastion!)
Title: An arrival and A hundred questions
Post by: Wildfire on March 03, 2008, 07:31:05 PM
Date as noted in the opening post

Suath's eyes widened and he looked at Bastion, "Aye good sir, and from what I hear they exist in vast numbers at that."

The two rounded their walk past the Thornhedge. Bastion could smell the aroma of food and hear the songs of minstrels billowing out into the street. He could also hear the repetitious banging of hammer on forge from across the river. Various traveling merchants called out their wares at bargain prices and all manner of folks walked the busy festive streets.

"Luckily Master Hawkhaven hired what is known as the Threshold Protectorate when the Squadron of Kurrian soldiers were called back to the City-State. They were the ones that fended off the attack by the Shadow Riders." Suath explained. "Like yourself they are from outside the town and have come here partly by chance but also for reasons of their own. They are good people methinks. Some of the members are folks that I've not ever seen the likes of...and believe me, I've done my share of traveling you know!"

Ahead, Bastion could see a bridge that was ornamented with rose vinesthat had barely blooming buds upon them. Just before the bridge was an elegant building with a sign that simply had a set of weighing scales exquisitly etched into it.
Title: An arrival and A hundred questions
Post by: Griznuq on March 04, 2008, 10:33:49 AM
The thought of shadow riders chilled Bastion to the bone!

He pushed the thought from his mind. "I've not doubt I'll end up meeting this protectorate before long. It's good to have people upon whom one can depend."

"This place is beautiful! I do hope my stay here is a long one. I'll certainly stay as long as there's a need."
Title: An arrival and A hundred questions
Post by: Wildfire on March 12, 2008, 12:45:50 PM
"Weel..." Suath said, "...that has the potential to be quite a while. Oh look! here we are!" Suath pointed at the Council House. "I'm sure that Master Hawkhaven is not the only one in there. Threshold is actually presided over by a council of seven officals...Hawhaven being the spokesman..." Suath leaned in towards Bastion and spoke low "...and the one with the most influence."

Suath patted Bastion on the shoulder and said, "You bring much hope here Master Bastion...much hope indeed. If you need anything at all, you be sure to let me know."
Title: An arrival and A hundred questions
Post by: Griznuq on March 17, 2008, 11:10:18 AM
Bastion smiled and nodded his thanks. "I look foward to our next meeting, sire."

The two grasped hands and Bastion turned to the council house door. Should I knock? he wondered. Government buildings where Bastion was from would have a large recieving room, but the buildings here in Threshold looked more like simple houses to him. He didn't want to walk into someone's living room, even if it was a place of business...

Well, if I am truely as welcome as I am, they'll surely forgive a little ignorance!

Bastion turned the latch, pushed the door open and poked his head in. "Hellooo?"
Title: An arrival and A hundred questions
Post by: Griznuq on March 24, 2008, 07:32:19 PM
Bastion stepped up into the lobby, and closed the door behind him. There was no one else in the lobby.

"Hello?" he called again a little lourder than before.
Title: An arrival and A hundred questions
Post by: Griznuq on March 25, 2008, 10:48:45 PM
Not wanting to be pushy, Bastion took a seat on the small bench, and tapped a finger on the arm. Nice place they've got here.

He was too antsy to stay seated, so he popped back up, and walked to the reception desk. He noticed a small silver service bell. "Ah!" he said outloud. "I'll just give this a little tap here..."

*PING!*

He waited for a response.

OOC: heheh "ping". waits for response... I'm clever.

C:\>Ping threshold.gov with 32 bytes of data:

Request timed out.
Request timed out.
Request timed out.
Title: An arrival and A hundred questions
Post by: Wildfire on March 26, 2008, 10:26:45 AM
The door to Bastion's right creeked open. Through the door Bastion could see a face poke from behind. His eyebrows furrowed with curiosity and he called out, "Hello?" Just as he said that he noticed Bastion standing at the reception desk. He stepped from behind the door to reveal himself. He was dressed in fine clothes embroidered with silver thread. He had shoulder length, brown, well groomed hair and Bastion could tell he was at the beginning stages of growing a beard. Around his neck was a silver medallion and at his side was a glinting wooden dagger.

"Oh...hello. Can I help you?" the man asked.
Title: An arrival and A hundred questions
Post by: Griznuq on March 26, 2008, 10:33:06 AM
"Yes, Good morn to you sir. The name's Bastion, I'm here to see Master Hawkhaven. I believe he's expecting me." Bastion smiled pleasantly.

"And thank you." he added with a bob of his head.
Title: An arrival and A hundred questions
Post by: Wildfire on March 26, 2008, 10:51:55 AM
The man paused in thought. He whispered to himself, "Bastion...Bastion...that name rings a...OH!" The mans eyes went wide with excitement. "You've come as a disciple of Sardior! I am Julius Hawkhaven...forgive me if your name didn't stike me right away...it's been mad busy around here. Please, come with me...there are others that will be interested to see you." Julius motioned to the room that he had emerged from.
Title: An arrival and A hundred questions
Post by: Griznuq on March 26, 2008, 05:21:25 PM
"Master Hawkhaven!" Bastion exclaimed.

"A pleasure to make your aquaintance. I've heard a great deal about you and this fabled town. I must say, you do a fine job!" Bastion bubbled with enthusiasm as he briskly shook Julius' hand as Julius lead him through the door.

"I love that antique service bell too, by the way. Quite a collector's piece!"
Title: An arrival and A hundred questions
Post by: Wildfire on March 27, 2008, 09:58:35 AM
Julius looked at the bell and smiled, "I would have to agree with you on that though I have never really thought on it. That was crafted by Torrent Thunderfist in his metalshop and given as a gift to the Council some many years ago."

Bastion entered through the door and before him was a large meeting room with a long table. Sitting at the table were six others all of different races. To Bastions surprise there was even a half-orc! All were dressed in common day to day clothes but even still, they were of a fine quality. Julius was the one that stood out among them with his fashions.

With a voice of authority Julius said, "Everyone, I would like to introduce you to Bastion. He has just arrived from..." Julius thought a moment and turned to Bastion and asked "...Rhohannus, yes?"
Title: An arrival and A hundred questions
Post by: Griznuq on March 27, 2008, 10:42:06 AM
Bastion was looking about the room, taking in every last detail. He almost appeared lost with all the new and different elements of the room.

"Oh," he said. "Rhohannus, yes, that's coorect."
Title: An arrival and A hundred questions
Post by: Wildfire on March 28, 2008, 01:05:42 PM
Julius smiled at Bastion wonder. Though Julius had grown used to the meeting room he always appreciated the fineries it held.

Purple velvet curtains laced the stained glass windows, the horseshoe shaped table with gold leaf designs, and wrought iron chandoliers with braided silver rope entwining them. Various cases were set into the walls and held a variety of odd figures, relics, and antiques.

The room could keep ones eyes busy for hours. As Bastion soaked in the culture that was concentrated in this room he could clearly see that the table at which the council members sat at, heavy and thick as it was, had no legs and was freely floating in place.

Julius continued, "...and he is a Disciple of Sardior. Yes my friends...we are one step closer."
Title: An arrival and A hundred questions
Post by: Griznuq on March 28, 2008, 01:11:09 PM
Bastion wandered from each person to the next to shake hands. "Please, no need to get up.
Title: An arrival and A hundred questions
Post by: Wildfire on April 09, 2008, 06:49:27 PM
Each of the council members introduced themselves in a delightful manner and offered their thanks. Perhaps the most striking of the members to Bastion was the half-orc named Baruth Steelfist. He was a large individual that stood a clear head above Bastion. Despite his heritage, Baruth was well spoken and wore fine clothes.

Julius spoke up, "So Bastion, it would be of ill manners for me to not give you what is now rightfully yours." Julius reached into his belt pouch and pulled out a key carved from a crimson ruby. At the end of the key handle was an odd diamond that looked to have a small glow in the center of it. Looking closer...it appeared as though it was a luminous eye. Having lived in a capital city of a city-state and being in a divine order, Bastion could easily tell that the key alone was worth several thousand gold just on it's quality alone if it were to actually be sold in some fashion. However, this key opened the door to a sanctuary that had a value that was immeasurable.

"Bastion, I give to you the key that unlocks the door to the House of Crimson Eyes...the holy place of Sardior in Threshold. It is now under your wisdom...and Sardior's."

The rest of the council clapped in joy and offered their congratualtions.

"Now, if you have any questions..." Julius said as he poured a glass of wine and offered it to Bastion "...please sit and we will answer what we can."
Title: An arrival and A hundred questions
Post by: Wildfire on May 12, 2008, 07:44:54 AM
Bump
Title: An arrival and A hundred questions
Post by: Griznuq on May 12, 2008, 10:03:36 AM
Oops! Sorry...

Bastion turned the key over in his hand a time or two, fascinated by it's workmanship. "This is truely a work of art," he said as he took a seat.

"I do infact have some questions for you," he said tucking the key safely in a pocket.

"There are several oberservations I've made in the short time I've been here and my curiousity of local lore has been piqued. The discussion I had with Suath revealed many things... First, from what I gather, the people of Threshold have a very high level of respect and love for their gods."

Bastion pulled the key from his pocket and held it up. "The incredible workmanship and monetary value of this key is testament to that, as being that a key is commonly some simple tool to allow access to something of truely great value. Once can only wonder at the splendor of the temple itself..." he paused a moment.

"I do not know much about the history of Threshold, but it's interesting to me, if a little alarming that a place that was, and in fact clearly still is so full of faith and love for the gods could suddenly be completly devoid of any holy representation."

"Julius," Bastion said in a cool level tone. He could not surpress the idea that Julius, and probably some of the others in the room, if not all, knew more about what happened than they were willing to share. This was something Bastion felt he had to know, if he were to stay.

"What happened here?"
Title: An arrival and A hundred questions
Post by: Wildfire on May 19, 2008, 07:21:35 PM
The council members glanced at each other with knowing, worried looks. It became clear to Bastion that this was a subject of profound concern for them.

Svenia Goodwink, the gnome representative for the town, stood up in her chair. It was comical to see for even standing up she was shorter than Baruth, the half-orc, who was sitting down.

"Julius, if I may?" She asked. "Julius looked at her and said as he swept his arm, "Please Svenia, by all means."

Svenia smiled with delight and stepped up on to the table. "Master Bastion, it is an esteemed pleasure to have you here" she said with a bow. "That is a most perplexing question. The answer to that, if it could be called an answer, is something rather foul. We're not sure if it's correct but near as we can tell it's the facts." Svenia seemed joyous at her spotlight in council meeting.

"What has happened, again, as best we can tell from collected information of the surrounding area and stories of travelers and tales of royalty, if they can be called royalty, is a sinster plot...most sinister indeed!"

Julius rolled his eyes.

Svenia continued, "The priests that presided here before were the victims of this twisted foulness, which again, is really only speculation as this point since we have no solid evidence of the actual happenings..."

Kardok of Clan Blackforge, the dwarven council member spoke, up in irritation, "Oh! By the rock and hammer, will you just say it!?"

Svenia huffed with disappointment and continued with a soft voice, "There was a disease...a plague if you will. The plague only affected priests, arcanists, and mages. According to stories, the City States that were affected were all of Aldebaron, most of Kazbourne, some of Kurr, and the independant towns along the road to the Valley."

Julius spoke up, "Thank you Svenia. That was why we sent out the call for priests to take residence here...the ones we had died. According to our local herbalist and apothecary, the plague has run it's course. So let me put any worries that you might have about it to rest." Julius said with a reassuring tone.

Svenia gave a wink and a nod to Julius. She smiled smuggly at Kardok and proudly walked back to her council chair.
Title: An arrival and A hundred questions
Post by: Griznuq on May 20, 2008, 07:26:23 AM
Had Bastion heard anything about this prior?
Title: An arrival and A hundred questions
Post by: Wildfire on May 20, 2008, 08:35:34 AM
The news of such catstrophe would have spread throughout all of the City-States. However, Rhohannus was completely unaffected by it. Pair that with Rhohannus's war against the Wildlanders and it would have been little more than passing news or rumor.
Title: An arrival and A hundred questions
Post by: Wildfire on May 25, 2008, 07:10:35 AM
bump
Title: An arrival and A hundred questions
Post by: Griznuq on May 26, 2008, 09:00:21 PM
Bastion nodded. He'd heard the story, but had to hear it again to make sure. He'd dismissed it as rumor the first time he'd heard it. It did sound a little fantastic.

"Well," He said at length. "First, thanks for your first class retelling, Madam Goodwink. You paint a lovely picture."

Bastion bowed his head at the gnome in respect.

"I am very eager to fill this void you've got," he gestured widely to emphasize that "You" meant everyone in the room. "If you've any direction to give me, please do. I've spent the most recent portion of my life as a healer for the wounded soldiers, and haven't much experience in building faith, but I certainly feel up to the task."

Bastion told himself to stop babbling. Of course he'd be up to the task, they already knew that. Otherwise he wouldn't have come.

"I am at your disposal," he said at length, once again indicating that he addressed the whole room.
Title: An arrival and A hundred questions
Post by: Wildfire on September 06, 2008, 06:51:36 PM
(OOC: Did my best to recreate the missing post...on with the show)

"There is more to the goings on here though." Julius explained. "There have been cryptic sightings of what could have been Shadow Riders. Recently there was an attack on Threshold. The attack came at night. Analyzing the enemies arrows I knew then that Shadows were, in fact, the attackers." Julius clenched his fists repeatedly as he spoke.

"The Threshold Protectorate diligently followed the attackers to a small stronghold about half a day's travel to the east. After a hard fought battle the bulk of the forces were slain but the leader of the garrison escaped."

"Bastard!" the dwarven council member shouted

"Kardok...please." Julius said raising a soothing hand. "In their searching of the hideout Svenia, Avalon, and Rainfire were discovered in a holding cell and the priests that were traveling here were found...sacrificed...on an alter to Takhisis. Their hearts were cut from their chest."

"So you see Bastion...I'm afraid you've gone from one war to another. Unfortunately it's the townsfolk that you'll probably be healing."
Title: An arrival and A hundred questions
Post by: Griznuq on September 23, 2008, 12:08:32 PM
Bastion was a little confused by the last statement. "You... would rather I... didn't heal the townsfolk?"
Title: An arrival and A hundred questions
Post by: Wildfire on September 23, 2008, 08:02:54 PM
OOC: I think there is a post of mine missing. I don't see Julius's explanation of the night time attack
Title: An arrival and A hundred questions
Post by: Wildfire on October 29, 2008, 06:44:05 PM
Julius smirked but stated seriously, "oh no...please don't misunderstand me. What I mean is that inevitably it seems that the Shadow Riders will return...and in greater force. The townsfolk will be the the biggest casualties I fear." He glanced to the other council members with a saddened look. "We have lost some innocents already."

Strolling around the room Julius continued, "So, Bastion...your divine gifts will be especially useful here...but moreso your guidance for those of Sardior."
Title: An arrival and A hundred questions
Post by: Griznuq on October 29, 2008, 07:14:51 PM
"Well," Bastion said.

He stood and straighten this vest saying, "My gifts and guidance such as they are, are available to all who would seek them. I look forward to starting my work.
Title: An arrival and A hundred questions
Post by: Wildfire on October 29, 2008, 08:52:07 PM
Julius again glanced at the the council then back to Bastion. Nodding he stated, "Good...that's very good. Currently there are some curious things happeing in some forgotten crypts on the center river island...which is where your temple is located. We request that you meet with the The Protectorate in the morning at the Cliffside Inn to help find the answer to the mystery of the vicious spirits that are now inhabiting the sacred ground. The inn should be easy to find since you pretty much have to pass by it to go to The House of Crimson Eyes...your temple."

Julius casually pointed to the ornate key and declared, "For now, try to settle in to your new home. Anything you need to help with that...don't be afraid to ask. Make no mistake Bastion, your arrival is most anticipated by everyone in the town. Welcome to Threshold!"
Title: An arrival and A hundred questions
Post by: Wildfire on November 23, 2008, 11:23:10 AM
I'm thinking this is the end. Would you agree Mr. Griznuq?
Title: An arrival and A hundred questions
Post by: Griznuq on November 24, 2008, 03:08:23 PM
Yeah, all done, methinks.