Arcangel II

[Kethruch]

Hi all -

 

This is going to be a second Arcangel group - starting in a different kingdom. This one is going to be geared for players of all experience levels. If you're a beginner, don't worry. If you're an experienced player, there'll be plenty of challenge for you as well. I will post an example of a character sheet on the Signup thread, so you can see what kinds of things are possible.

 

The rules are the same as for the Arcangel - the Beginning thread. Please set up a character on the Arcangel Signup thread and say which thread you wish to become a part of. As soon as I get a couple of characters set, I'll get the thread going.

 

If you are involved with the first Arcangel thread and are enjoying it - feel free to sign up here as well.

 

But first - where you are going to be:

 

OUTLANDIA

A great Orcish force has come from the northern Coroboron, displaced by dwarven expansion, but led by humans. In fact, there were reported humans fighting along side the orcs in some of the later battles. They have fallen upon the kingdom of Outlands and destroyed much of the infrastructure. It was found that some of the human nobles had been bought off by the leader of the Orcs, a human named Gorin, and fought with him to overthrow the Western Kingdoms. The Army moved southwest and engaged a combined army of Calif and Caernol in Calif, and Gorin was killed. Without his supernatural powers, the offensive quickly crumbled, and the Orcs quickly dispersed, though there are still some sizable pockets of them hidden around. The human nobles of the Outlands tried desperately to hold the Orcs together, but were unable to. Without the support of the Orcs, the remaining human Army was fallen upon and butchered by the Calif-Caernol forces.

The King of the Outlands is busy trying to put his kingdom back in order. Most of the areas have been re-stabilized, but there are a couple of areas that have not. He has promoted and titled some families to take their places as nobility, but there are a couple of areas that are still heavily occupied and dangerous on the north and eastern borders. The King will grant baronetcy to any who will take the job of holding and clearing theses areas of the Outlands and rule them as the Baron, swearing fealty to the King. Thus far, there have been many who thought that they could go from pauper to Baron quickly, but no news of these has returned, and the offer is once again being made.

The local nobles know what is going on and are shying away from trying to clear the area. Besides, they reason, we are too busy cleaning up our own areas. The areas in question should take some time to subdue, and the King is looking for some new blood to be brought into the area, anyway.

 

GOVERNMENT:

The King holds absolute power, and, thus far, the line of Olaf has not abused said power. Much of the power, however, comes from the ability of the throne to be able to use the special talents of the "court" - many magicians are included - to diffuse situations that most monarchs would not know about until it was too late.

The Nobility are very greedy, and most of them can be bought off if the money is right and the cause just about anything that would further their aims. Olaf has had his hands full trying to keep the nobles squabbling against each other for the past few years, but he has succeeded. The attack, and the betrayal by some of his nobles caught him by surprise, however, and, besides looking deeply into the matter himself, he is offering a good sized reward to find out how they did it.

 

HISTORY:

The area is noted for its bearing the brunt of just about every invasion that has come. The current incarnation of the Outlands is the fifth, the other four having been destroyed utterly by marauders. The current King Olaf has ruled for seven years, and is a wise and for the most part just ruler. The Current Outlands has been in place for two hundred and thirty six years (having been founded on June 17, 811.) The house of the current king has been in place for the entire two hundred and thirty six years.

The City of Outlandia was founded as the easternmost point on the central trade route, as a kind of way station between the human kingdoms and the Coroboron. Much wealth used to pass through the city, and much of that wealth is still apparent in the architecture of those buildings still remaining from the older periods. There are rumors that there is more wealth hidden in the mountains around Outlandia than there is in the entire Royal Treasury at Absinth.

 

LORE:

The area is noted for strange phenomena. The Paths of the Dead, the Ruins of the Great Ones, the Occurrences in the mountains in central Outlands, all form a pattern that has hardened the local populace to strange occurrences more than most of the other regions. Magic is something that the locals believe does exist, and there are many places where the gods themselves are said to speak to the locals. Many great mages of the past have come from this area, and it is thought that those who live here, and especially those who are born here, are imbued with some of the magic of the area.

In the past, the mages of Outlandia were sought after and in high positions in local and regional guilds. During the great wars during the splitting of the Old Kingdom, it was not foot soldiers, but magicians that were sent by the then Count of Outlandia to the civil wars that ensued. The army of Outlandia has always been small, and that is one of the reasons why they are able to be conquered so much, the magicians don't need the structure that exists to support the conventional military forces, all they need is a place to meditate and talk to their peers. As such, no conqueror of the Outlands has been able to really subdue the populace or the mages - they simply just went to the hills and waited for the proper and best time to strike using their special skills.

 

TRADE:

The major exports of Outlandia are horses and other livestock, foodstuffs grown from the fertile Plains of Cayl and some of the minerals that are mined form their mountains. Wood is not plentiful, as much of the forests are uncut due to the denizens therein. The trade with the dwarves is great, and the trade for the dwarven goods to the rest of the West is good for those who wish to be middlemen.

 

MILTARY

When it has had to fight, the Outlandian army consists mostly of irregular spearmen, backing up some moderately trained heavy foot. The Outlandian Cavalry, though they ride on noble steeds, are mediocre at best, especially when stacked up against the cavalries of the other plains kingdoms such as Califi and Jocethry.

 

OTHER:

The typical Outlander is a little shorter than the normal person (-5 on size roll), and a little thinner, (-5 on frame). They all seem to have hardened faces, though they seem to be of all different types, due to their origins of being almost completely immigrant based. Their attitudes show great patience, and the philosophy that everything shall come in time to those deserving pervades almost everything that they do. They are extraordinarily resilient, and are probably more open to newer ideas than just about anyone else.

 

JOBS: (General knowledge - not necessarily those taht you can do right now)

The King of Outlands cordially invites any who wish to improve their standing in life to assist him in clearing Orcs from his kingdom. Any who will and would then defend against further attacks will be granted land and possibly a court baronetcy, depending upon success. Those who would apply see the Royal Chatelaine, Outlands.

 

The King of Outlands is looking for information on how his security can be compromised. Any successful in penetrating his security on a level commensurate with the betrayal and then telling him how will receive 200 gold and land in eastern Outlandia.

[Kethruch]

ARCANGEL II - BEGINS

 

(If I haven't gotten back to you with a character sheet, begin to roleplay as you would. Sorry for the delay in getting them back to you - having all kinds of trouble fine tuning the new PC....Also, I'm going to need the e-mail addresses One more time - my old PC ate them all as far as I can tell.)

 

ONCE AGAIN - ONLY POST IF I HAVE GOTTEN BACK TO YOU AFTER YOU SUBMITTED A POST ON THE ARCANGEL SIGNUP THREAD. NO POWER POSTING PLEASE.

 

“Welcome,” the old innkeeper says as you shake off the rain that forced you here. “Welcome to the Unicorn’s Horn. We have a great fire going over there, feel free to come on in, have a warm drink, and rest up.”

 

This welcome reaches each of you as you come in over the next hour. The innkeeper welcomes each of you warmly, holding out his wrinkled, yet firm, hand, showing you over to the warmth of the fire. “I haven’t seen any of you around before, so let me tell you a little about the area.” He pulls up a chair amongst yours, sits, pulls out a pipe, and smokes an odd-smelling leaf. “Outlandia is on the edge of the world; and here in the Duchy of Landesedge, we’re on the far reaches of Outlandia. If you continue east, it’s five hundred miles to the next civilized area, and that would be the kingdom of the Dwarves. To the north is the barony of Warhome, and beyond that, the Kingdom of Jocethry with their noble stallions. To the south, lies the earldom of Southreach, then nothing all of the way to the Orcs, how ever far that might be.” He chuckles, as if it was common knowledge that the Orcish lands were so far away, that no one had even tried going there in over two hundred years.

 

He takes another long draft on his pipe, looking you all over with a keen eye. “Adventurers, the lot of you.” He says, though there is no hint of the disdain that the label ‘adventurer’ has gotten you in other places. “Well, if it’s adventure that you want, you’ve come to the right place. The lands to the south and east aren’t even patrolled anymore. Even though the land is fertile and the raw materials are abundant, it’s not worth trying to set up any kind of settlements beyond here. There are probably the ruins of a hundred settlements within ten days of here, none of which survived more than a few years.”

 

“You don’t even have to go outside the borders of the kingdom!” He exclaims, slapping his hand to his knee, expelling a cloud of smoke as if to emphasize his point. “There are ruins that predate the settlement of the area by even the oldest of our forefathers by hundreds, if not thousands, of years. The city of Landesedge itself is built on the ruins of several cities dating back til before anyone can remember as well. There are catacombs there that even the most wise don’t know about.”

 

He pauses for a second, looking for any sign from you that you are not what you seem. Seeing none, he continues.

 

“Then there are the weird happenings around the capitol city of the Outlands. I mean, who ever wanted to live in a place that had places called ‘The Paths of the Dead’, the ‘Whispering Gardens’, and even the name of the King’s castle is ‘Deathshead’. All of this and I haven’t even gotten to the weeding out of the remnants of the Northern Orcs who still dwell in pockets throughout the land. Who knows, you might even find some pockets of soldiers who are still trying to drive them out! Yep,” He says, tapping his now empty pipe on the arm of the chair, “If I were ten, make that twenty years younger, I’d join up with you and have some fun myself.”

 

His mood suddenly turns dour. “If, however, you’re looking for a people rich in treasure, you’ve come to the wrong place. While I am sure that there are vast troves around, the people do not have much, especially since the orcs came. Don’t expect a lot of hospitality, either. I understand, but most around here don’t. You’re nothing more than looters to a lot of them, coming to clean up what they worked so hard and so long for. We are right now a rather shattered people, but, by Pendepheron’s beard, we will rebuild as we always do, and life will return to what it used to be. I hope that you are here to see that day, when the mirth of my people returns.”

 

"There's not much here in the town of Caveholm, but there is a general goods dealers, though I would not count on there being much available. That's also where some of the locals would post any help wanted ads, if it's regular or even irregular work you're looking for."

 

He stands slowly, turning toward the door. “There,” he says. “It’s stopped raining, though it is late. I have to clean up and then me and the Missus are going to retire. You’re welcome to stay for the night, though I’m afraid we can’t do much in the way of amenities. May the peace of the ancients be with us all.” He puts down the bar on the door. “If you would like to wander, just make sure that I know so I can either lock the place up, or leave it open should you wish to return.

 

He goes to a small room and he and an elderly lady return with some worn brooms. They slowly begin to sweep the place, singing what sounds to be a sad song softly to themselves.

[Prowler03]

Morgo slowly stands from his chair. The air of the Inn feels great around him, especially xompared to the cold air outside.

"Master keeper," Morgo says in a hushed voice, "I shall be back tomorrow, for I am going to wander now. However, I do not know my way around. No worries though, a dwarf can take care of himself in any amount of danger!"

Morgo smiles at the Tavern Keeper, and then at his wife. As Morgo turns he raises his hands to the rest of the 'Adventurers' gathered around tables and walks out of the door.

 

The air is still dewy outside. Morgo looks around. He can see the homesteads of many people scattered around the settlement. His leather jacket keeps him considerably warm in the cold night, but it doesnt his face, which leaves his beard damp and dirty.

 

"Darned rain" he says to himself quietly "Doesn't anybody know how long it takes to dry this beard!"

 

He walks forward, looking both left and right, for any signs of life on the streets. Looking south, he can see a family of humans through a window dancing and singing. He smiles to himself and then continues to walk forward.

 

"If I am to make ends meet in this place I will have to find a job... I shouldn't have left the tavern, for the Keeper could have told me of any work."

 

He sighs and looks around. And then he remembers something that he saw on his way through town to start with.

 

The King of Outlands cordially invites any who wish to improve their standing in life to assist him in clearing Orcs from his kingdom. Any who will and would then defend against further attacks will be granted land and possibly a court baronetcy, depending upon success. Those who would apply see the Royal Chatelaine, Outlands.

 

"So the King needs an aid... what a piece of luck. I'm sure I could help fight those darned filthy Orcs! Now, which way to the King?

 

Morgo stands in the middle of the street looking lost and frustrated. He decides to head back to the Tavern, hoping that, if it is not yet locked he might be able to persuade another Adventurer to tag along.

[SimVig]

Solros sits at the table in the inn, his expression changing from grumpy to amused, digesting the innkeepers account of the situation. His fine clothing is completely wet from the rain, thought being a bit expensive, it still shows that he hasn't been adventuring before.

 

He then turns to the other people around the table: "So, looking for fame and fortune, are you? The dwarf sure left in a hurry, but I'm not going to run away like that. ... Oh, pardon my manners - my name is Solros Arain. May I learn your's?"

[Tilindra Melir]

Tilindra, nods her head in acknowledgement to Solros. She is a small slight human, with blue-green eyes and wavy chestnut hair. She is well built, looking to be in her late 20s. By her feet is a well worn pack, patched in several places, and a old lute, which at first glance looks as if it has definitely seen better days. At her side, is a dirk, and from her bearing it looks like she has the confidence to use it. Her clothes are well made in bright colours, which on most people just wouldn't look right, but on her, just seem to fit.

 

"My name is Tilindra Melir, I am a travelling story-teller and bard. I travel in search of tales and lores. I would gladly join you in your travels. Perhaps we can have a meal together, and then head over to the store when the rain lets up a little. I can provide a little music while we wait"

 

She gives him a smile and a look round the table. Then she picks up her lute, and plays a slow melody designed to be listened to in the background, and waits for the others to introduce themselves.

[Prowler03]

Morgo bursts in the doors to the Tavern.

 

"Ah isn't that lucky, still open eh?

 

He looks at the travellers around the table.

 

"Sorry about that quick dash out a while ago, I just had to get to know ths surroundings."

 

He looks around. Then he walks over to the table.

 

"Barkeep! Ale please..." Looking around at the others he adds "Make that all round"

 

Morgo smiles, and then proceeds to ask, "Is anybody interested in helping me aid the King's men in the battle against the orcs?"

 

As the barkeep brings over a tray laid with ale, Morgo awaits any replies to his question.

[SimVig]

"Pleased to meet you, miss Melir. I love music as much as I love good tales. It would be a pleasure traveling with you."

 

He pauses for a moment and then continues adressing everyone this time:

 

"You don't seem even remotely surprised by my appearance. I was expecting glances and questions everywhere I turned. Ah, it only shows my lack of knowledge of the common folk."

 

There is no mockery in his tone, just irony. Solros is a human of the Waldkin. His brown hair is not very long and well kept despite the rain messing it up a bit.

 

"For I am of noble blood, but I have become bored of my life, and now seek adventure in a distant country."

 

He turnes back to Tilindra.

 

"I agree that we should visit the shop. I left home in such a hurry I didn't take anything but this dirk with me."

 

He considers a little and says no more. He then speaks to the dwarf.

 

"You are rather rash, master Dwarf. As I said I am looking for adventure, but I am afraid that orcs are a little too much for me. I might reconsider of course, but for now I must refuse your offer. Besides, the king promises social standing and money as a reward." He smiles. "I have no need of these things."

[Sol'Kanar]

OOC: I am a bit confused here.... ketruch sent me the same character as SimVig, name, race, class and all.

[Kethruch]

OOC - just a note guys, let me take care of what is where, including things like royal proclamations, people, jobs that are available, and what the barkeep does. Just let me know what you yourself do, not anything involving things that aren't already talked about (unless we talk via PM about certain matters that the others might not know).

 

June 4, 1048, 21:05 PM

 

The innkeeper and his wife stop sweeping as they hear the delicate airs played on the lute. After a short while of listening intently, they bring their voices together in a low counter-melody to the one that Tillindra is playing. After a short time, they come over and bow before her.

 

"Thank you, milady." The innkeeper's wife says quietly. "It has been a long time since we had music in these rooms. For a moment there I was remembering happier times."

 

As Morgo bursts back in, the innkeeper does honor his request to get a round all around. "I wouldn't put too much stock in those flyers," he says, putting a full ale down in front of the soggy dwarf. "They've been here for weeks, several people have gone, just to find out that what they want you to do is way beyond just going and hunting Orcs. They want you to completely clear a fairly hefty area of Orcs - about half the size of a Barony. I lost a couple of friends who went off to try to do that job. Ever since Keegan won his Barony in the north that way, there have been a lot of others who have tried and failed. He's actually looking to clear land to the East of here - land out into the wilderness. If that's what you've got you're heart set on, so be it, but I wouldn't be so quick to try unless there were a lot more like you coming."

 

During this speech, the innkeeper's wife has gone upstairs into another room and come back down with several pieces of parchment. Upon them is a handwritten song, the words of which seem to be in a strange tongue. "Please, milady." She says, handing them to Tillindra. "Please take these. I wrote the music when I was younger, though the words came from an old book I found. I don't know what it means, but the phoenetic pronounciation of the words seemed to go so well. I know I won't be able to pass these onto anyone, so please, take them as a gift from one who has been gladdened by so gracious a sound in these troubled times."

 

The innkeeper quickly follows. "You're all welcome to stay and spend the night, no charge. We'll be finishing up our final cleaning, then heading up to our room ourselves." With that, they continue sweeping, this time humming the melodies that Tillindra had been playing.

[Sol'Kanar]

Zuriel takes in the conversation, looking at each patron at the table in turn with a cold, unfeeling stare. Finally, completing his examination, he says "Zuriel," in reply to Solros' earlier question. Zuriel's hand continues to be near his dirk.