[Game Thread] Prologue: Zelkor's Ferry

[Insacrum]

Tyzvalia Dorcan Tyzvalia thought it interesting the bravado that the elf was willing to show in such a short amount of time. Looking at the rest of the group assembled with her, she smirked and stood up to follow him outside. Once there, she greated Amandin, "Hark. I am Tyzvalia. I failed to great you properly when you where first in the tavern." While waiting to see if the rest of the group she had assembled with would follow her lead she continued talking to the man. "While you might show a bit to much bravado for some, you might have gotten us our first real bit of direction from that bunch of braggarts and drunkards from within. We might want to change our destination from the Mausoleum, to the Mouth of Doom."

[Xian]

Dorian Greyeagle Dorian nodded and smiled at Illidris' greeting. The druids of all orders, save for a few depraved ones that no longer honored their charge of looking after nature, were friends to Erastil and the spirits. "Well met, Illidris of the Redleaf Order... and to you all. From what I have gathered, it seems that Master Erastil has guided me rightly. " Dorian responded to the druid's greeting. "I offer my services, as they are, to this endeavor as I agree with our fair druid friend, Rappan Athuk is a blight, and the worlds will benefit from its cleansing... however I have no intentions of dying or throwing my life away easily." Dorian listened carefully to the tales and the discussion of where to begin their quest... ending with the declaration from a robed man that he would go to the Mausoleum alone, if needed, and that the others should follow. Perhaps not the wisest nor the most convincing of entreaties, especially since not knowing each other, most of them would not feel at all remorseful if the robed one would meet his end at the hands of the "Green Watchers". "If Rappan Athuk is our goal, then I would take Zelkor's suggestion of the Mouth of Doom." Dorian reasoned as he spoke. "To travel and expose ourselves to dangers unnecessarily and does not help us to accomplish our goal of cleansing Rappan Athuk, would be... inefficient." Dorian held his tongue in regards to how it also smacked of arrogance and he had heard many of adventuring party come to ruin on the account of it. While, he knew none gathered before him, if they were to begin their venture into the evil that was Rappan Athuk, they should do so by eliminating as many uncertainties as they could. "Also I have heard of rumors of great sea serpents and other monsters that would hinder and/or bar our way to Rappan Athuk..." Dorian continued as he looked with cool determination at the group. "...perhaps it would be wise, if we do not expend all of our strength just getting there. I have heard that the labyrinth itself will test us more than enough."

[Quarterpound]

"East on the river, continue on to the Coast Road, follow it South for 15 miles and then head directly east through the hill passage. Bandits and worse make those hills their home, so I wouldn't draw attention to yourself as you travel through them. You'll know the path by two dead, black trees flanking the entrance to the path.

Once you're across the hills, you'll see the graveyard stretched out beneath you.

The Mouth of Doom, however, lies on the southern shore of the river, past the Coast Road. There lies a ruined bastion now populated by an irksome lot of goblins. They report to the denizens of Rappan Athuk below, it's said."

[Ulfskar]

Amandil Istar Loki (companion) Seeing at least one other brave soul step foot outside the tavern brought a smile to Amandil's face, and they brought forth a sensible suggestion as well. "Agreed. I don't mind which entrance we use, but this waiting around and discussing every detail only to change their minds has got to end. I've never been a fan of talking things to death. You can call me Amandil. It will be a pleasure to enter Rappan Athuk with you."

[austarrowsplitter]

Amos Lightspring the Nephilim Amos stepped outside as well, ready to leave now that they had directions and a plan that the locals weren't laughing at. He turned to Amandil and smiled, saying, "Greetings. I am Amos. I look forward to working with you, as well." As he spoke, he held up a hand in greeting, revealing the Celestial symbols tattooed on the palm of his hand. Those who were familiar with the tongue of the denizens of the Good-aligned upper planes would know that they were a symbol devoted to the cause of Good in general, rather than to any one specific being.

[baahk36]

Vashtyr Vashtyr smiled as the debate about where to set out toward picked up. He was pleased that these people weren't a bunch of milk fed pansies with one hand still clinging to their mother's skirts. Although from the look of the old man, he'd have to cling to his mother's corpse instead. If it will get us to the action faster then lets head out to this Mouth of Doom then. Goblins are always good for a little light exercise. We can stretch our muscles as we use them for target practice."

[Quarterpound]

And so the group decided on the Mouth of Doom to be the hole from which they would enter Rappan Athuk.

And so it was said that on that day, that not-small group of adventurers, thrill seekers, evil-slayers, and death-wishers began the journey to find all that they sought. Will this be the story of their triumph? Or will this story end as all others have... with the violent deaths of all who have entered...

THE DUNGEON OF GRAVES