7th of the month of Justinian  9:31 Dragon<br/><br/>Jader, the closest city of the Orlesian Empire to it's neighbor Ferelden. It's streets bore great banners of the noble houses which coveted it's wealth and power, and it's people, atleast those of moderate worth, found themselves enjoying the fruits of such frivolity and decadence. The Grand Game, as dubbed by the nobility, was the constant struggle between the nobility for power, wealth, and social grandeur. Through it the nobles would gain prestige among their fellows and shame to their enemies through various tactics. From seduction to subterfuge or even outright assassination. No rules existed for the game, all was risked to keep one's opulence.<br/><br/>Such was the blight of one Duke Averan Leland. Due to both his lustful pursuits and arrogance the Duke had lost much of his wealth and influence among the rest of Jader's nobility after being disgraced by a prostitute employed by his rivals and visibly scarred. The Duke however had one last bid to reclaim all his lost glory and more, one final bid. Through his dealings with the dwarves he had acquired a map of a section of the Deep Roads leading to an abandoned Thaig. But such an expedition would take a great deal of manpower, not to mention supplies. The Duke used much of his remaining wealth to procure the supplies needed for the journey, as well as keep a group of armed guards loyal to him on retainer. But for such a journey he'd need more than just a few Chevaliers.<br/><br/>And thus a call was sent out to all across Thedas. Bounty Boards across the land were marked with the request reading: "Talented mercenaries, thieves, soldiers needed for dangerous expedition. Payment will be whatever coin and treasure they can carry. If interested, inquire at the Golden Goblet Inn in the city of Jader of the Orlesian Empire."<br/><br/>The Duke waited, patiently at the Golden Goblet. His Chevaliers waited outside the door to his room. Already two had gathered to answer his summons, a dwarf of the warrior caste seeking answers in the lost Thaig, and an Antivan Crow eager to earn herself a bit of coin. Now it was a waiting game, wait and see who else would answer the call to glory, riches and fame. Who else would delve into the Deep Roads?<div class="messageTextEndMarker"> </div>