[Game Thread] Chapter 01: King's Festival

[Finrod Ancalímon]

King's Festival

You have arrived at the town of Stallanford, on the Duke's Road. The town is bustling and
busy, with many visitors and merchants' wagons seeking hostels and stables for horses. This is no ordinary day, for tomorrow is the first day of the King's Festival!

You're rather late in arriving, and many folk are asleep. You sniff the pleasing aroma of cooking meat and warm bread, and you make for the tavern, the Hungry Halfling, for a meal and some rest.

The inn is busy, but you find a table right away. The friendly old halfling who owns the hostelry charges 5 silver pieces for dinner, a bed, and breakfast. It's good value and the joint of beef you see on the table will fill your stomach after your long journey!

[Thaco]

Marcus stops just inside the doorway and takes a deep breath, filling his lungs with the scent of meat and mead, displacing some of the road dust that had settled here during his long walk. He had looked up envy at every passing carriage, with their passengers sitting in comfort while he trudged along in the dirt at the side of the road. But he had barely enough coin to outfit himslef for the journey, and none to spare for 'luxuries'.

"It's time for you to be off, boy...to go out and make your mark on the world! What do you think you've been training for, all these years? The Festival starts in just a few days. Everyone who is anyone will be there; it's the perfect place to begin making a name for yourself...now, off you go!" With those words of 'encouragement' from his father, Marcus had set off to begin his 'life of adventure', fulfilling his father's greatest dream. If only it had been one that Marcus had shared...

Oh well, surely there was a library here in Stallanford; perhaps he could spend some quiet time there. But that would have to wait until tomorrow. It was late, and he needed food, and drink, and rest. His coin pouch is feeling rather lighter than he is completely comfortable with, but now he can finally relax, and begin to wind down after a long, hot day. He calls out to the inkeep, "My good man, I've never attended the King's Festival before...what can I expect on the morrow?"

[Ghrimm]

The Hungry Halfling? More like the Weary, Starving Elf. Sa'Byan stumbled into the inn exhausted and road weary, drawn by the tantalizing scent of roasting beef. He had barely registered the festival preparations in his current state, his thoughts consumed by the gnawing hunger in his belly and the disparaging moaning coming from his feet. It had been a long trip to reach Stallanford, and he hadn't been sure he could make it in time if at all. In fact he had thought his mentor quite nuts for suggesting it. He might even have gotten a little vocal about it, which he had regretted almost immediately as it had somewhat soured their parting. Still, it didn't pay to dwell to long on the past and ignore the present, as the growling in his stomach reminded him.

Finding an empty spot, Sa'Byan settled in and waved over the server. "I'll have a healthy helping of what ever is giving off that delightful aroma, please, and I will be needing a bed for the night."

[theclaytster]

Bobo had travelled several days from the Bentdurn Swamp, located the Duke's Road, and an additional couple of days later, he was facing the town of Stallanford. It was late when he arrived, and the night before the first day of the King's Festival. He had never been to a town this size.
He had never been out of Abita Springs. Abita Springs was tiny compared to Stallanford. Merchants and gleemen would come south to his village, but only once or twice a year. He lost count of how many there were here, almost getting run over on several occasions as he stood mouth open in awe at what he was seeing.

He knew Tika would be here, most likely holed up in some fancy inn. And speaking of inn's. They were everywhere with the smallest being larger than the Golden Lamb in Abita Springs, a two story inn owned by Tika's father. A smile came across his already smiling face as he thought of her. With his stomach rumbling, he wandered the streets looking for an inn. He was summarily kicked out of a couple. Innkeepers saying something about his smell and attire? What was attire?

Eventually he found the Hungry Halfling. That, he thought to himself, should be promising. He was hungry and a Halfling after all.

His stomach almost jumped out of his mouth as he entered. Was it mutton, bird, fish? Oh the smell of fresh bread like his ma cooks. It didn't matter. The place was crowded but he saw a free spot near an Elf and Human. He had not seen many, only those few Elves and Humans bringing their wears to Abita Springs.

Before taking a seat, he asks the barkeeper if he could get a room and meal free by entertaining with some music. He pulls out his flute to show he can play, playing a quick tune, and takes a seat after getting an answer.

"Are you here for the King's Festival tomorrow?" he asks without thinking that the answer was most probably yes, and a stupid question to ask. But he did anyway. "I don't know about you, but I'm hungrier than tick on a rat."

[Ysolde]

Rhiannon The strawberry blonde haired elf made her way into the inn. She didn't have much in the way of gold so she wasn't exactly sure if she wanted to part with her last gold piece just for the meal. She decides that eating this evening will be something she really ought to do and hopefully she can make it up tomorrow at the festival in the healer's tents. She saw an elf, a human, and a halfling over near the only real free spot and sat across from the gentlemen. Hearing the halfling mention the festival she nodded, "Yes, came to help out in the healing tents. Still working on learning the spells but I can bind wounds and the like just fine. Should bring in a bit of coin and help me move further in the ways of my faith." She smiles and adds, "Sister Rhiannon of Panacea by the way and what gentlemen do I have the honor of meeting?"

[Finrod Ancalímon]

The friendly old halfling who owns this establishment turns his head towards Marcus to answer his question.

What can you expect? Why, have you never taken part in the King’s Festival? There will be music and dancing, games of chance and ability, merchant stands with their goods from all the corners of the kingdom and at night we shall have a feast. Prizes shell be wone, ale and wine shall be drunk and fun will be had.

Turning towards Sa’Byan.

Of course, my good sir, for the low price of 5 silver I will even throw in breakfast. The name is Alton by the way, Alton Tealeaf, I’m the proprietor of this establishment.

Alton asks if the rest of you will also have a meal and stay for the night. Once you answered him, he heads for the kitchen in order to get your food.

OOC: I’ll let you introduce your selves to each other if you like before moving on with the story. If you don’t want to play out the introductions and juts want me to move the story along, just let me know on the OOC thread.

[Thaco]

Marcus Thornwall Marcus nods to the elf woman, quickly choking down the huge mouthful of food he had just taken. After a not-quite-stifled burp, he greets the others, "Good evening, I am Marcus, Marcus Thornwall...err...of Silverdale...you've probably never heard of it. I've come here to 'make a name for myself'; I suppose the Festival is the place to do that..." His voice rises at the end of his statement; it's not quite clear if he's asking a question or not.

[Ghrimm]

Sa’Byan turned over the night’s fee to the proprietor gratefully. It was well worth it for the bed and the warm food.

”Well met. My name is Sa’Byan and I too have journeyed far to see the Festival - and perhaps to find myself. My mentor has suggested none to strongly that it was high time I made something of myself.”

[Ysolde]

Rhiannon The elven cleric looked at the two, "Make a name for yourself, make something of yourself? These are similar in sound and yet unclear to me. I am here to help heal those who need healing and hopefully gain a few coins so that I might continue learning the ways of my goddess. Which would that be making something of myself or making a name for myself?"

[theclaytster]

BoBo could understand being turned down. He was a copper a dozen. Sure he knew he was no Gleeman or Bard, and maybe people in big cities did not like music from where he was from, but it was worth the try. Who knows, maybe he could become great. His eyebrows raised as his mind raced. Tika's pa would surely accept him then. He finally had the start of a plan. Anyway, it was their loss. Who doesn't like Blackberry Blossom or Chicken Reel. Toons that make you slap your thighs. Shrugging it off, he looks at the group sitting at the same table as him.

"Well, this is something isn't it. I mean. The Kings Festival. I've heard they have people who breath fire and eat swords!." There was genuine innocents and excitement in his voice. "Name is BoBo. BoBo Bibble, son of Darby Bibble." As though that was supposed to make a difference. "Travelled up from Abita Springs." Though it was a statement, it was also asked in a manner of a question seeing if anybody knew where it was located. "Pleased to meet y'all."

[Finrod Ancalímon]

After a good meal and a chat with your new friends, you settle down to sleep in a comfortable bed with clean linen. Just before dawn you wake to the sound of shouting in the streets, and you can see flickering flames through your window! Hurriedly, you dress,
grab your possessions, and go outside

Townsfolk and travelers mill about, some crying in panic or fear. You see that the small temple in the town is ablaze! A tall man dressed in gray robes walks over toward you and begs for your help.

The orcs have raided us! They have burned our temple, and Aralic the Priest cannot be found . They must have kidnapped him! The wretched orcs have to be found and slain, or they will be back to loot and kill again. Two of our people are dead. Will you help?

At once, another man-older with graying hair and angry eyes, wearing leathers-steps forward beside the gray-robed fellow and holds out his arms to you.

If you want to follow the orcs, I can track 'em for you. One bunch of warriors has already gone off looking, but they've got the wrong trail. I can show you how to find 'em . My name is Janner and I want to help. My son lies dead from their swords.

His voice breaks as he points into the distance, where the orcs have gone.

[Ysolde]

Rhiannon Reverie, getting lost in one's thoughts, daydreaming. That was the definition for what elves did when they laid down in a bed. It was as accurate as a term could get and yet it missed some of the points as well. The cleric herself took the time to organize her memories of the day and view memories of the past. Of course, she certainly didn't expect to rise in the morning to find that orcs had come through the fair and killed people. If only she'd been there she might have been able to do something and now this poor man's son had died at the hands of the filthy creatures. She moved to him and touched his shoulder, "I feel for your loss Janner. I am Rhiannon a cleric of Panacea. I will help you and remove the infection that has caused harm to this festival."

[Ghrimm]

Sa'Byan couldn't believe his eyes - or his ears. Orcs, this far in? And they took a cleric? Of course he would help. Orcs and elves had a long history - and none of it was good. If his meager skills could help save someone from their clutches than he was all in.

"Janner, please accept my condolences and know that my heart and my bow are with you. Point the way and we shall see if we can't rid ourselves of these vermin."

[Thaco]

Marcus is awakened to shouting and stage lights filtering through the curtain. He rolls out of bed, silently cursing whoever it is that is causing such a ruckus Can't they let a person sleep, until dawn at least?!? But by the time he reaches the window, it becomes clear that it is not pre-dawn revelers that are responsible for interrupting his sleep.

Reaching the street a few minutes later he finds a chaotic scene. As he tries to make out what is happening, and where he might be able to help, he spies several people he recognizes from the evening before; he joins them and hears the priest's story.

Well father, you wanted me to 'make a name for myself'. This certainly sounds like my opportunity...I sure hope you were right about this...

"Yes, we will help you in any way we can. Lead the way, and we will rescue your priest."

Marcus tightens his fists, partially from anger at the orc incursion, but mainly in hopes that nobody would notice how much his hands are shaking...

[theclaytster]

Bobo was an early riser, waking up when the first light hit his face. Stretching, he heard the commotion. The light which had woken him up was flickering. Rubbing his eyes he looks out the window and sees it's not the sun. He figured as much as the sun does not flicker like that. It had not even made its mark known on the horizon yet. Jolting himself away, he watched as people ran around trying to douse out the church on fire. His braies and shirt came off as quickly as he could, hopping around the room putting his trousers and day shirt on.

He sees some of those he met last night, overhearing 'Orcs did this'. "ORCS!" He almost shouted. He had never met an Orc. Only heard stories from his pa and from peddlers and gleemen. He wondered how anybody could burn down a church. A disgrace to the deity which he for sure thought would bring it's wrath on those who did it.

In all the excitement, as he listened to Sa'Byan and Reverie state they would help, Bobo jumps in and volunteers. "Yes. Count me in!" Shaking his head as Sa'Byan finishes. "Yes. YES! We will rid ourselves of these vermin!" Looking around at the group nodding his head. The Halfling had a smile crossing his face showing all his teeth in their glory. He was thinking about Tika and how this will surely make her pa let him take her hand. Bobo the Orc slayer. It had a nice ring to it he thought.

From all the tales he had heard, they were really big, ugly and slow. Mean as a copper head. But he had yet to meet a copper head he could not whip. Running back upstairs, he grabs all his belongings, shoves them into his haversack. Crawls around the floor looking for Iggy, his pet ferret. Pushing him into his vest, he runs downstairs, the frying pan making a racket on a bit of metal on his belt.

Breathing a bit heavily, "Ready! When do we leave?"