Link directory<br/><br/>Campaign Setting Info (https://ddb.ac/campaigns/join/2660952687337825)<br/><br/>Interest Thread (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=295120.0)<br/>OOC Thread (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=295250.0)<br/>Private Scenes Thread (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=295634.msg14483981#msg14483981)<br/>Character Roster Thread (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=295336.0)<br/><br/><hr/><br/><div class="floatright">(http://)</div><strong>Name:</strong>(Please link character roster info here.  Align right, 300 on the image please.)<br/><strong>Time of day:</strong>Month, Day, Time of day.  (Evening, morning, etc.)<br/><strong>Location:</strong><br/><strong>Tagging:</strong><br/><strong>Content:</strong>(Language, violence, etc.)<br/><strong>Notes:</strong>For spells/powers active,  HP if taken any, initiative and other pertinent facts.)<br/><strong>Stats:</strong>HP, AC, Active Effects such as Buffs, Debuffs, Diseases, etc.  (More quick stats than anything big here.)<br/><br/><div class="codeheader">Code: <a class="codeoperation" href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="return smfSelectText(this);">[Select]</a></div><pre style="margin: 0; padding: 0;"><code class="bbc_code">[floatright][img height=300][/img][/floatright][b]Name:[/b]<br/>[b]Time of day:[/b]  Month, Day, Time of day.  (Evening, morning, etc.)<br/>[b]Location:[/b]<br/>[b]Tagging:[/b]<br/>[b]Content:[/b]<br/>[b]Notes:[/b]<br/>[b]Stats:[/b]</code></pre><br/><hr/><br/><div class="floatright">(http://i.imgur.com/DJypdiL.jpg)</div>It's been fifty years, fifty largely good years since the attempted ascension of one Vecna, the Whispered One into godhood on the wrong side of the Divine Gate, the powerful barrier raised to keep the Betrayer Gods sealed away, while making it so that the goodly deities of the cosmos couldn't directly influence their mortal charges any longer.  Due to the actions of the mercenary and legendary group of Vox Machina, a band of misfits, outcasts, and individuals simply trying to find their way, the nature of the world changed once again, nearly as much as it had during the time of the Calamity.  People know now, without a shadow of a doubt, that the path to godhood is indeed not an impossible dream to achieve, but most have the good sense not to even attempt it.  Not only that, but people also know gods can be stopped, they can be killed, and brought low.  Despite all this, the day to day lives of the people of Exandria has gone on without incident outside of the occasional monster attack and bandit raid.  Unfortunately, the last twenty years has seen a strange rise in tension, and everyone has noticed.  From the lowest street urchin begging for scraps and whatever coins they can scrounge up, to the most lofty of nobles in their gated estates, all are aware of the brewing tension and anxiety that has led to mounting tensions as monster attacks become noticeably more bold and brazen, while thieves, raiders, and worse attack merchant caravans, leaving few if any survivors in their wake.  To make it worse, there are rumors of far worse events outside the formerly shining beacon of Emon, the capital of Tal'Dorei's vast expanse, of demons having been spotted around Stillben, of the dead rising from beneath Kymal, and of people being openly extorted by groups of roving thugs hired by one of the criminal organizations that had, once upon a time, nearly been ousted from the country during the Chroma Conclave's thankfully short reign of terror.<br/><br/>Whatever the case,<em><strong>Lady </strong></em>Vex'ahlia De Rollo, one of Vox Machina's founding members, and the spymaster for the city if rumors are to be believed, and the Council of Emon, long ago sent out the call for aid from any who would step up to protect the innocent people of Tal'Dorei, while hopefully figuring out why there's so much seemingly random chaos in the world.  While not everyone who's come to Emon have signed on for the right reasons, seeking their own personal glory and fame first over the safety and continued wellbeing of the people, assuming the allure of seemingly easy money hasn't drawn them in first, many who have come to their aid are ill prepared for the numerous threats that have appeared in recent years.  Some however, a very rare few, have proven themselves capable in making some real progress, with the promise of more to come, even if they themselves don't know it yet.  The days, weeks, and months to come will reveal if these fledgling beacons of light and hope are actually worthy of such hope placed upon their persons, but for now, fate has begun to draw these individuals together.  Let the adventure begin....<br/><br/><hr/><br/><div class="floatright">(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/a1/37/66/a1376601f1493eefc0b677d26e86887c.jpg)</div><strong>Name:</strong>Alana Trickfoot<br/><strong>Time of day:</strong>25th of Duscar (December), Morning.<br/><strong>Location:</strong>Emon, Central District, the Light-Heart Tavern, Brothel, and Inn<br/><strong>Tagging:</strong>Vex'ahlia, Open to anyone.<br/><strong>Content:</strong>Just talking to her friends/whores/etc.<br/><strong>Notes:</strong>Nothing much, rolling outta bed, tending the bar mostly<br/><strong>Stats:</strong>You don't know.  ;D<br/><br/>"Anything else I can get ya Vexie?"  Alana asked as she sipped at a warm mug of hot cocoa, with the half elven woman across from her dressed in a heavy black cloth cloak, dragon scale armor of the finest quality, a beautifully intricate, almost 'living' bow strapped to her back, a matching quiver of arrows stuffed to bursting, chuckled and shook her head as she finished up her meal for the morning.  The gnomish woman smirked and nodded, dressed plainly if fetchingly in a gold silk top covered by a plain brown work apron, with matching brown leather pants and heavy leather boots that made her just a little taller, which wasn't saying much given her diminutive size as she tied up her hair with a simple wooden headband.<br/><br/>"No thanks Alana.  I will say though dear, you've done pretty good for yourself despite all the shit going on around here these days."  Vex mused as she nodded approvingly, her long, intricately braided ponytail of near black locks, streaked with the first signs of gray, her brown eyes taking in the inn, tavern, and brothel that the little gnomish woman had built for herself in the last thirty years or so.<br/><br/>As for the four floored inn, tavern, and brothel all rolled into one, the ground floor, where the inn's guests and staff have gathered for an early breakfast, is pleasantly busy but not to the point there are wall to wall people.  Bar maids in skimpy outfits appropriate to their gender briskly walk from table to table, carrying drinks and plates of food to and fro.  Two sets of single stairs are situated in the back on either side of the bar, with doors to the kitchen just behind the front desk where guests can sign in is situated.  The not unpleasant smell of pipe smoke and hearty ale and wine fills the air, the wooden floor, parts of it covered in a rich, deep red carpet, is clean and freshly scrubbed pur Alana's request of the staff.  Whatever people might say about the Light-Heart, Alana runs a very tight ship, and doesn't brook nonsense from anyone.<br/><br/>Alana beamed under the praise as she stood on a wooden platform that allowed her to seem taller than she actually was as she put her little hands on her slender hips, corded muscles and a gleam only hard won experience can bring.  "Well duh, I learned from you, Grog, and the rest of the gang not to take shit from anyone.  That and my Aunt Pike's pretty awesome, but you know that."<br/><br/>"Heh, indeed.  She saved our asses more times than I can count.  Oh the stories I could tell you."  Vex chuckled knowingly, which was followed by a wistful sigh from the half elven ranger as she let her gaze fall to the mug of ale before her.  "I miss Grog.  Hells, I miss those old days altogether despite all the crazy shit we got ourselves into, but I'm happy, something I never would've thought I'd be when all that shit started."<br/><br/>"Nothin' wrong with missing the old days Auntie Vex."  Alana laid a hand on the ranger's arm closest to her, earning a sad little smile for her trouble.  "And as for this business with whatever's going on out there, you of all people will always have a safe place here if ya need it.  Don't ya doubt that."<br/><br/>"Thanks Alana, but I can handle myself for a few decades yet."  She smiled, touched by JB's daughter and her generous offer should the worst happen in the days to come.  "Besides, I should probably get going soon anyway, the Council's gonna be sending search parties, assuming that damned halfling, Prynus, doesn't sic his wyvern on me again."  With a sigh, Vex put down a few gold coins for the meal and the drink, finished up her food, and stood in one graceful movement, her gaze automatically going to the door.  "Then there's the fact my niece is late.  I thought she'd have been here by now."<br/><br/>"Well I can't say nothin' about your friend, Prynus, but I thought I heard No'lien was already in town when I rolled out of bed this morning."  Alana grinned mischievously when Vex turned, looking over one shoulder.  "You aren't the only one with eyes and ears everywhere Auntie Vexie."<br/><br/><div class="floatleft">(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DEOaP9ZXUAEdxN5.png)</div>"Heh, yeah I sometimes forget that you're more rogue than fighter or cleric like our mutual friend Pike."  Stretching her arms over her head, fingers locked, Vex groaned as something popped pleasantly in the small of her back.  "Blegh, time to freeze my tits off I suppose.  If we have to deal with more public executions today, I might just quit and go back to Whitestone to bury my head in shame."<br/><br/>"An empty threat and we both know it."  Alana countered, earning a raspberry from the ranger for her trouble, which has the gnome giggling from behind the bar.  "I'm sure I could put that tongue to use you keep sticking it out at me Vexie."<br/><br/>"Are you sure Scanlan isn't your father?"  A now doubled over Vex, laughter bubbling up from her throat, asks as Alana too devolves into another round of giggles.  "'Sigh'.  Well, you know where I'll be.  Take care of yourself kiddo."<br/><br/>"You too old woman."  Alana calls out as she turns away to get a rag down to start cleaning the bar, a cold wintry draft following Vex's departure.<br/><br/>Before the door could slam shut behind her, Vex's call of, "And take down that damn pamphlet already!  It's over forty years old!"<br/><br/>"It's good for business!"  Alana called back, glancing at the wall mounted newsletter someone had started some time ago, the Tal'Dorei Times.  While it was more geared towards mercenary groups like Vox Machina and the Mighty Nien about two decades later, the paper had done well for itself with the variety of help columns and the like that had made for good reading material.  Still, she really just kept it up on the wall, framed behind glass, more to annoy Vex than anything at this point since she had long ago gotten past her need for fame and glory.<br/><br/>Welcome to Emon ladies and gentlemen.<br/><br/><hr/><br/><div class="floatright">(https://www.arcadegamesplayer.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/3458714-ash.jpg)</div>Ashura 'Deadeye' Allaran, of the dusty city of Marquet, had had many lovers in her life.  Few, very few, had left her utterly breathless and spent as the tiefling currently passed out beneath her had though.  Sure, it hadn't been the best sex she'd ever had, but he'd come pretty damn close.  That was probably why she hadn't felt too guilty or ashamed to have slipped beneath the covers to gingerly peel his pants down to get at that wonderful cock again, wrapping her lips around him before taking his length right down her throat in a slow, gentle but firm suck until he woke up to find her head bobbing beneath the covers.  "Good morning."  She chuckled huskily before returning to her task of giving the monk a 'reward' for his excellent service the night before.  "I left a nice little tip on the dresser for ya partner, but I figured I'd give ya a proper farewell b'fore I left this morning."  She grinned, her half lidded, deep reddish brown eyes focused on his lovely face as she went back to lavishing his cock and balls with her tongue, moaning at the devilish heat that seemed to seep out of him.  It'd made the bed nice and warm for her, especially during the cold wintry morning she'd woken up to just outside the safety of Alana's bar and inn.  Only once he'd cum into her mouth would Ashura slowly pull back, swallowing every drop he had to give her before giving his soon flacid cock a parting kiss on the tip.  "Mmmm....always did have a soft spot for folk like you darlin'.  Thanks for the wonderful time last night Keri.  I sincerely hope you find whatever you're lookin' for, but if you want a job, look me and my gang up sometime.  We're headin' out to Stillben, hoping to help with that damn troll problem what we've heard 'about."<br/><br/>Slipping out of the large, comfortable bed, Ashura stretched her arms above her head as she walked to her discarded clothes, slipped on her black duster, white heavy cotton under shirt, and pulled her long black pants up over her long legs before scooping up her black, large brimmed hat with its gold emblem sewn into the front.  Her twin Pepperbox guns she looped around her waist last, tipping her hat towards the young monk on her way out as she gently shut the door behind her.  The small pile of thirty gold coins on the dresser was indeed a nice little tip, although ten of those would be going to Alana to fill her coffers to keep the inn and its patrons stocked in food and the like, let alone the staff's wages of course.  Still, it wasn't a bad bit of 'wetwork' for a night in with a beautiful woman like Ashura, who'd been not only kind to the tiefling, but also quite the enjoyable companion for being a rough and tumble gunslinger otherwise.<br/><br/>((Add 20 gold coins to your money there Keri.  :D  Feel free to try and cheat Alana of her money if you like though....))<br/><br/><hr/><br/><div class="floatleft">(https://geekandsundry.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/emon-davis-1024x637.png)</div>Kagura Orisatra might not've had a lot of experience with a lot of places outside of her home town in the middle of nowhere, only a handful of days from Shadowdale, but she had enough knowledge to know that the ravages of the Spellplague, a magical calamity of such....ferocity that had struck most of Aber-Toril with a myriad of effects, had never touched this strange and exotic world, at least by her limited understanding.  The death of a goddess, specifically Mystra, might've happened a century ago by her world's standards, but the scars were still felt almost as keenly now as they'd been when the world had begun to heal, yet this place still openly practiced every form of magic she had ever heard or experienced for herself as she wandered the city streets.  The fact few people gave her any odd looks even when wisps of dark, shadowy smoke emanated off of her pale, unnaturally cold skin, said as much, but people DID notice her passage despite their ease around such an odd sight.  Otherwise though she was left alone as dragonborns, elves of all sorts, humans from every corner of the world, and even a firbolg and golaith or two, walked past her on their various errands so early in the morning.  Snow covered the roofs of nearly every house and building on both sides as she was inevitably drawn to the Central District.  It was a marvel to be surrounded by so many people, from so many corners of the world, and with so much to keep her eye on, it was little wonder someone didn't try to pick her purse as she walked by the many street vendors and proper store fronts with books, sweets, various bits of prepared food, dresses, magical weapons and armor, and so much more, inevitably drawn to Alana's bar and inn that she'd been directed towards one of the town guards that did their best to keep the peace.<br/><br/>((Hey Snake....give me a Perception check to possibly notice someone trying to steal your purse.  :P  DC 15 or lose whatever money you have left.))<br/><br/><hr/><br/>Gilly 'Gil' Button had somehow fallen asleep in the rafters again.  More amazingly, besides the fact 'she' hadn't fallen to the ground in her sleep, was the fact there was a heavy, thick wolf fur blanket over his little frame.  When Alana noticed the little rough and tumble fighter had started to wake up, the gnome merely smiled and winked knowingly towards him before returning to her current task behind the comfortably busy bar.  How she'd gotten up there to put the blanket over Gil was a mystery and a half, but one that was mildly important at the very least.  More amazingly, a plate of bacon and a glass of milk had been left just within hand's reach of the little halfling, where her pet mouse, Snibblers, was already helping herself to a strip of the still warm bacon a few feet further along the somewhat narrow wooden beam.  To a halfling, it wasn't so bad though, and it was a simple thing to pull the plate and the milk over to start feeding 'herself'.  Whatever her mistrust of people in general, Alana at least had never proven to be anything but what she presented herself to be, and while he wasn't much of a believer, the little statue belonging to Sarenrae the Everlight was a reassuring sight to any who happened to find themselves within the inn's warm and welcoming embrace.  True, some people preferred to be embraced in another way entirely whenever they entered Alana's favored terrain, but people like Gilly who just needed a warm place to sleep for the night was also more than welcome.  It helped Gil had gone out of his way to guard the place when times were lean, or when he just needed more coin in his meager purse, but today seemed to be unusually busy.  And there was something going on outside, his attention pulled away as movement beyond the large glass windows set into the front facade of the main hall caught his eye.  Too many nights of watching over his own hide from other, far less kind street urchins and corrupt individuals had made Gil understandably paranoid, and something was going on....<br/><br/>((DC 17 on Investigation for a complete success there Chul.  :D  Anything less and it'll remain a mystery.))<br/><br/><hr/><br/><div class="floatright">(https://static1.squarespace.com/static/58814a7abf629aeb03ec15b1/t/59dd9ad9be42d65b5b0f7898/1507695332284/Vecna1.jpg)</div>The dream had returned last night.  The day Vecna, the Whispered One, had Ascended, ruining what little happiness Lenne had had left as her aunt and uncle's promises to bring the Briarwood name to heights never before imagined were fulfilled, on the slain bodies of countless innocent people, her betrothal included.  Having already turned her back on her family name by then when Guthrak had been killed during the initial slaughter of the De Rollo family, this latest crime against the very world, its very soul, had only served to solidify her stance on putting as much distance between herself and her cursed lineage as she could, but that hadn't stopped Vecna's mocking laughter from reaching her halfway across the world despite his budding godhood at the time.<strong><em>"A Briarwood that would betray her own?  I'd be impressed if I wasn't so surprised you'd throw away a chance at glory, a chance to be reunited with your beloved once more.  I brought back Sylas, I could do the same for your beloved Guthrak as well.  All you need do....is kneel, and offer your life to my name, my eternal power and might.  I have already achieved divinity, refusing my offer will only end badly for you, dear Lenne.  Why refuse what you know to be the only path forward to you now?"</em></strong>Yet for all of his attempts to persuade her to throw away her soul for a chance at happiness, knowing full well what would come back if she accepted the deal, Lenne had refused, somehow.  That had been fifty years ago now, and there wasn't a day that went by she didn't miss the man that had made her genuinely happy.  Vecna had been defeated, and Vox Machina, one of them a surviving De Rollo no less, had come out as legends, having defeated a GOD.<br/><br/>Yet that had left her without her beloved 'commoner' of a soldier, a kind man, a man she had loved the moment she had laid eyes on.  Still, time healed all wounds, and while the scars still remained, the terror of Vecna having ascended, what that would've meant for the world if he'd succeeded in subjugating the entire world to his terrible power, was far behind her now.  As such, waking up alone in Alana's tavern and inn, despite an offer to pair her off with whoever she wished for the evening along with the usual offer of food, drink, and a warm bath if she so required, to a cold yet pleasant morning, was met with a smile by the young half elven bard.  A sad smile, but a smile all the same as the dream faded to a mere annoyance at this point.  Whatever she chose to do next, the tray of food and a fresh, warm mug of hot cocoa, was making it hard to argue against Alana's generous nature.  The day was young, and full of possibilities, whatever the events of the past....