[Game Thread] Chapter 1: The Village of Eveningstar

[Edo]

The brown-haired man looks the knight over and then points to the ruffians, saying, "I was sent by the Kingswood Nine, I didn't question their wisdom, and these two ruffians attacked and attempted to kidnap this elf, and now somebody owes me some wine." Still looking at the knight, he tightens the grip on his spear.

The knight sternly eyes the spear, saying, "I see. Well, let us here what everyone else has to say. And what was your name again?" the knight repeats.

"My name is Ceclit," the brown-haired man says, tapping his fingers on the handle of his spear, still watching the knight's movements.

The knight sighs. "You can put your spear down, druid - the Purple Dragons are not to be feared ... unless, of course, you have done something wrong, that is. Of course, as a Cormyrean, you know that our legal system is the best in the Realms, correct?"

The gnome stands up, after finishing typing up his ruffian, and then stands up straight, turning to the knight to look his straight in the face. "Just ending a small magical incident and making sure all these fine tavern patrons were unharmed sir. I am Zook Nackle, Warrior Priest of Gaedral Ironhand," he announces. Looking around at the others, he says, "And I am sure the rest of these fine honorable people can speak for themselves," looking in particular at Ceclit, who had healed him.

The tall blonde man steps forward holding out his holy symbol - a right hand metal gauntlet held upright and palm open. "I am Jonathan Marius, Paladin of Torm. I hail from the shrine in Urmlaspyr, Sembia. As you can see, good knight, there has been an attempt on this woman's life," he says, pointing to the silver-haired elf. Pointing at Dalton and Realton, he continues, "These are the culprits. Though it seems they have been hired by a man named Grenrit for 20 dragons. A sum I would gladly have given them were I able to prevent such a crime."

The dark-haired girl says, "My name is Tabatha Silverstorm, I was just passing though this lovely town to get a bite to eat. Then the elf maiden and those fellows appeared." Pointing at the two ruffians, she syas, "These two were attacking this poor elf maiden, when all of us came to her aid." Pointing at the ruffians again, she says, "They mentioned that they are mercenaries sent after the elf maiden, your lord."

The silver-haired elf says, "I was in Waterdeep only moments ago, when I was attacked by these two men and a few others. A Watch-Wizard moved to protect me but his magic failed, and somehow my assailants and I appeared here. These strangers here protected me from harm. My name is Providence Eileithyia, by the way."

Turning to Tabatha, Providence says, "They identified themselves as Dealton and Realton, and their employer as Grenrit. As far as I can tell, they were hired to track down my mother."

The knight nods. "Ah yes - a druid, a paladin, a gnome, an elf, and ...a half-elf, I see. Well, it never hurts to have more law-abiding do-gooder-types here," he says, nodding at the paladin, "but let's here what others here have to say."

One of the onlookers in the gradually growing surrounding crowd, a freckled red-haired boy of about 12, pipes up. "The pretty elf - she - she fell from the sky! In a flash! And then, and then the two men, they appeared in the sky, too! Then there was all this fightin'! And then the green man, he took his spear, and then he pushed it in like this!" The child, excited, does a demonstration.

A middle-aged woman shouts, "The two ruffians over there attacked first, though! The gnome got stabbed TWICE! Musta hurt a lot, there. But after those guys surrendered, that blonde guy, he even healed that guy sleeping over there! Really nice man, even if a little stoopid!"

A few others chime in and give their impressions of the fight, while the Purple Dragon Knight nods.

Looking around, Realton says, somewhat hopelessly, "We... me and Dealton, I mean... We were just poor vagrants back in Waterdeep when this man - Grenrit his name is - offered us 20 gold dragons each to help him capture this elf girl here, Eileithyia her name is... We were poor and had no other jobs, so we accepted... That's all we know, we weren't going to kill her, just capture her... Maybe hurt her a little, but he wanted her for questioning... I don't know what for. We, we two are brothers, and we would do honest work if we had some, please don't arrest us - we just want to live peacefully..." Realton continues to plead with the Purple Dragon Knight, who sighs again.

"Well, I can't just let you two go - since you two did commit a crime. I will have to fine you the 20 dragons that you received from that Grenrit, and then you will have to work off another 20 gold lions' worth here before I can let you go." With that, the knight begins to instruct the crowd around him to help him put the two in a wooden cart, which some of the crowd runs to get.

The knight clears his throat. "Well - you five seem to be innocent after all - but we still can't have you run around with your weapons sticking out. Here in Cormyr, we wear something called peacestrings on our weapons as a gesture peace and because it is a law." He shows you his own still-sheathed sword, which has a specially knotted string on it, symbolically preventing drawing the sword (although practically, you could still draw it out, anyway). "Please come with me to the barracks, where we can tie peacestrings to your weapons, so that you can comply with our laws," he says.

[wyldewind]

well what if this happens again, there could be more of them looking for her. I guess I have no choice in the matter. Maybe magic could be my greatest ally here. Tabathaq looks at the others then back at the knight as you wish my lord, shall I or we I should say follow you ? Tabatha looks toward the elf maiden would you like to come with me, or are you going to be alright on your own? Tabatha asks the maiden.

[rasone77]

Jonathan nods to the Purple Dragon Knight. "I will be along shortly, good knight. I would have a word with the prisoners before we depart." He then walks over to the tied up men and says to the one that is awake. "This is a fair deal, Realton. In some parts of Faruen you would be beheaded on the spot. My suggestion to you is, when your sentence is over you and your brother stay here and get jobs to stay out of trouble. Waterdeep is a far, expensive and dangerous journey. If you prove yourself here you can make a decent wage without resorting to such demeaning jobs." He looks at the man and hands him 2 gold pieces. "This will get you started once you are free. May Torm be with you and your brother." He say in farewell.
Jonathan then walks over to the Dragon Knight. "Shall we go then.....?" He says to the knight fishiing for a name. "I'm sorry what was your name, sir?"

[Edo]

"Well, since none of you have peacestrings yet, all of you will have to follow me - it is a crime to wear weapons otherwise," the knight replies to Tabatha.

To Jonathan, he says, "My name? Oh, I am Jerrhoia Ferrowen, vice-captain of the local Purple Dragon contingent. You sure have an altruistic streak there - got to respect that." Scratching his chin, Jerrhoia says, to noone in particular, "Well, I guess we will let them keep the two gold lions, then."

Realton, now in the wooden cart with his brother, sits rather dumbstruck, not knowing what to think or what to do. He mumbles something, but you can't hear what he is saying.

"Well then, since the two seem to be ready now - follow along. The barracks are not far, just along this road a few buildings down." He beckons everyone to follow.

[rasone77]

"Well met then Jerroia." Jonathan responds when the knight gives his name. "I only do as my conscience demands. I was taught that the best way to teach is by example. In so doing I hope one day to observe others just as altrustic." He follows the knight peacefully with his hands folded in front of him so that they are easily seen.

While walking along he turns to Providence and inquires. "Providence, was it? I am Jonathan." He pauses and continues trying to make conversation. "You had said that the misguided youth were hired to track down your mother? Do you know why she is wanted?"

[Syka]

Ceclit relaxes his grip on his spear and points the tip towards the ground. "Very well, peaceful resoultions are always the most productive." He then turns to the gnome, "Please, no more foolish acts, I can't afford to heal you from every predicament." Ceclit proceeds to follow Jerrhoia toward the barracks.

[Zombieslayer]

Zook starts to head out along with the Knight for he had no qualms about peacebinding his weapon, but upon hearing the druids comment he stops and turns around in front of the druid blocking his path. "Listen druid, you may have entered civilization for the first time in a long while so I am going to forgive you rudeness, but other may not be so inclined. Beside I don't know what they may teach in the Kingswood nine, but I doubt they teach that protecting those in need to be foolish, or a wanton disregard for life, even if it is the lives of your foes. So my words of adivce, since we are now going to the watch captains office would be, first never mistake kindness for weakness. And second, learn to hold your tongue."
Then closing turning away he walks back after the knight, praying to Gaedral as we walks he infuses himself with healing magic.

OOC casts cure light wounds on himself

[dsirus5]

Providence quickly retrieves the two daggers she (inaccurately) launched before answering Tabatha: "To what place have you offered me an invitation?"

As the group begins to comply with the knight's order, she says to the paladin, "My mother was Sylvia Eileithyia, a swordswoman known across Faerun. One day she took off on some quest near Waterdeep, and I've neither heard from her nor her companions since. So I don't know why this Grenrit should be looking for her, but it is not difficult to imagine a plethora of plausible motivations."

[rasone77]

"Well the important thing is that you are not injured. Seeing as you are on the other side of the continent, you may well be realatively safe from this Grenrit fellow." Jonathan says to Providence. He continues walking along behind Jerrioha in same fasion as earlier.

Upon hearing the commotion from the Druid and the gnome. Jonathan turns toward them and says kindly. "I agree that peacefull solutions are more of a benefit to everyone, good druid Ceclit, however I also feel that Zook was not out of line in protecting Providence. Arguments generally lead to fisticuffs gentlemen. Perhaps we should seek peacefull solutions amongst ourselves, Fair enough?" He looks at the two kindly expecting their agreement to his suggestion to cease arguing.

[Zombieslayer]

As the gnome continues to walk with the group after the knight Zook looks to the tall human. "Paladin Marius, I can control myself so have no worry about myself and the druid coming to blows over this matter. I was simply giving the young man a few words of warning about how his conduct might be percieved by others. My sworn duty is to protect the people of Faerun, taking special care for the forgotten folk, I am sure you can understand and respect that. Among the human faiths Torm has had alliegiences with Gaedral Ironhand in times of need, and we gnomes, though small of stature can rally for battle against the forces of evil. And as Stern Watcher I would be glad to take up arms next to you and your fellows in that battle against the darkness, but I will not take such comments about my duty as being foolish lightly. That is all I will say about this matter, let us put it behind us and continue with the matter at hand." Zook then go back to walking with the group, somtimes shuffling to keep up with the longer legged tall folk.

[rasone77]

"Well said, sai Zook. Put it behind us we shall." Jonathan looks ahead as the government building gets bigger. "I look forward to combating the forces of darkness with both of you, if that is your desire." He nods to them both and returns to walking in a peaceful manner.

[Syka]

Ceclit smiles at Zook's words, "I gotta say, I admire your passion. Personally I am much more comfortable out in the wilderness than the confines of a settlement, even a village." Ceclit approaches Jonathan and asks, "How is it you got into the Paladin lifestyle anyways?"

[wyldewind]

Oh no I did'nt mean to sound like that, Tabatha thought to her self while they were walking with the knight. Tabatha wlked a little slower now until she came to were province was I did'nt mean to offend you Providence, I was just thinking maybe it was best if we all maybe stuck together . Who knows who this Ginret, dgidget, Gutrot or whoever he is. Tabatha stoped and her voice grew a little louder so that way all of the group could here her. I know we all introduced our selves to the knight but we never really introduced ourselves now have we. Tabatha stuck out her hand before everyone and said My name is Tabatha Silverstorm, a person who recently has gained a new found wanderlust to leave home and travel. I use a blade as well as magic, and how about after we get these peace beads put on we all go back to the Inn and see about maybe if I can finish my lunch . How about it ? the first round is on me. Tabatha then thought I hope that did'nt sound to funney, she adds maybe we can figure out what to do next. Maybe we could find out more about who hired these ruffians.

[Edo]

OOC: Let's not do the bold thing for spoken quotes anymore, okay? If you want, you can use color (indigo?) instead, to mark your spoken lines.

Jerrhoia looks at Tabatha for a moment, and then turns to her.
"Those - those ears, they look like elf ears, but you're not pure elf, are you? Half-elf, half-human, I guess?"

Soon, you reach the barracks, a medium-sized building. The townspeople helping to drag Realton and Dealton along in the wooden cart leave the cart in front of the building and then wave goodbye to the knight before they leave. Jerrhoia waves back, and then an older knight in full plate armor emerges from inside the building. Sporting a dirty blonde beard and a purple cape, he greets Jerrhoia, "What is this? Two more ruffians for our jail perhaps?"

Jerrhoia turns to the five of you, and introduces the older man. "This is Flaergan Hondh, captain of our Purple Dragon contingent." Turning to Flaergan, he then explains the battle minutes before, and about the ruffians in the cart.

Finally, he turns to you all, saying, "Now, please give me any weapons you have so that we can attach peacestrings to them - remember to come back here every time you need peacestrings attached again. You are adventurers, aren't you? I can imagine that you will be unsheathing your weapons out of town, whether it be in the Haunted Halls or the Killing Keep or Old Meg's Hut or whatever. But remember to get peacestrings when you come back, or we will have to arrest you."

Flaergan adds, "Adventurers, eh? Well, don't go around getting yourself killed - but maybe you could do something about those new outsiders that... oh well, I guess it's our job..."

[wyldewind]

OOC- Sorry Edo.How do you get color any way?

Tabatha felt the sting of his words, I’m sure he didn’t mean it Tabatha thought. To answered Jerrhoia’s question “yes sir, my father was a knight of Cormyr and my mother was an Elvin sorceress.” Tabatha gave a half smile, still feeling her own insecurities about her blood line. Why couldn’t she be one or the other, I feel like I’m not whole sometimes. Once inside the barracks Tabatha looked around, memories of her coming to visit her father before the war, how she played with wooden swords and Yarvel had taught her the art of the bow, how to care for them. Then she seemed to snap out of it as Jerrhoia introduced Flaergan, Tabatha offered up here blades, Tabatha toke her bow off wrapped it around her legs to lock it in place and removed the string. I assume he means all weapons Tabatha thought to herself.
Tabatha heard Flaergan mention “about those new outsiders” Tabatha’s interest perked up, she had always been curious of sorts, her grandfather often told her she had been a cat in a past life. “What group Flaergan?” Tabatha asked with a very enquiring look about her.