The Great Fantasy Adventure - Main Plot
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		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Bondage, D/s, S&amp;M =&gt; Bondage: Exotic Small Groups =&gt; Topic started by: Primarch on 16-01-2020, 01:39:18</h2>
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				Title: <strong>The Great Fantasy Adventure - Main Plot</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Primarch</strong> on <strong>16-01-2020, 01:39:18</strong>
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				<div class="floatright">(https://i.imgur.com/7983EzN.png)</div>"<strong>Thank you for joining me, I understand this was a significant journey for some of you.</strong>" <em>King Aemon</em> had quite recently celebrated his eighty first birthday. Though his reign had been characterised by his energetic ambitions and in his youth he had been a fierce warrior it was quite clear he was feeling the years. Strong by the standards of men who made it to his age but still quite old. Here and now however he stood by the window that gave him a view of the city. <em>His city</em>. It had been nothing when he had arrived. Forest by a beach. He had been a young man then, strong and fit. Like something from the stories. His fellowship had found treasure, such treasure! When they sailed back to his father's Empire they told everyone what they had found. Not to mention the evidence of it, gold and gems! A great expedition followed. They founded a Port and named it '<em>Breacadh an lae</em>' in the old tongue of the Empire it would mean quite literally 'breaking the day' but more correctly the place was known as '<em>Port Dawn</em>.' That had been sixty years ago. A small port to begin gathering treasures from this place and sending them back to the Empire proper. Aemon however was a third son. There was little for him to do in the old world but in this new one? It had taken great effort but ten years of people arriving had turned it into something else. Countless adventurers, farmers, merchants, stone masons, black smiths, no small number of scholars. It was endless. The port was bigger. Lay over camps became villages, a couple of town charters had to be written. Eventually Prince Aemon &amp; his father agreed, this was no little station. It was a growing Kingdom in its own right and so Aemon, Prince of the Impireacht Ghotach became <em>Aemon, King of Breacadh an lae.</em><br><br>Stepping back from the window and shifting on the spot the King turned to the great oak table where the assembled group were perched. "<strong>Allow me to explain....some time ago my chief wizard, Aeroc, received some very promising information on what we believed to be some form of ancient palace. I understand some of you are not local and have traveled from the Empire proper so allow me to elaborate. There are no known native humans, elves or dwarves in this land. None of their cousin folk either. Breeds of Orcs and other goblinoids certainly but they are....primitive, we shall say. The idea of a <em>palace</em> could change our understanding of this continent and its history. Not to mention of course, it promised all manner of ancient lore and magic! As these things are known to do.</strong>" though there was a significant sense of gravity to his words it was hard not to see him as a kindly and grandfatherly figure. Many would say he was. Certainly Aemon was quite literally a grandfather but as the King to a prosperous colony of the Empire he had founded himself and guided with great care, many saw him as the father of this land and all its people. <br><br>"<strong>No expense was spared in preparing an expedition. Aeroc assembled everything himself, he would have it no other way. He hand picked everything. It was expected the journey would take approximately a year, much of the traveling would take place where no real paths exist yet and so we understood there was some danger but that daft old wizard went off all the same.</strong>" there was an affection in his voice that made it quite clear Aeroc had not <em>just</em> been a professional aide but a very dear friend. "<strong>I received this letter some time later.</strong>" it was revealed from within a heavy purple sleeve and offered to the nearest adventurer at the table. "<strong>It would appear the palace was some form of tomb or prison, both it would appear. Aeroc believed this is the prison of Arakesh, the first Necromancer and Sorcerer King of Aegypt. You can see for yourself the concern expressed in the letter. Aeroc very much felt disturbed by the place and he implies <em>something</em> is active in that tomb. Something with enough power to terrify the most powerful wizard I have ever met in my life.</strong>" one hand slipped over the white stretch of hair neatly groomed over his chin. Aemon was silent for a time as he allowed the letter to be read by each of the assembled group. After a handful of moments he plucked at a goblet of water on the table, previously poured by a young cup bearer now standing quietly in the corner.<br><br>"<strong>As you may be working out, I intend to send you after Aeroc. Hopefully find him alive and help him come home. This...prison-tomb is also a concern. It must be confirmed if anything is alive down there, though I pray to all the Gods and my ancestors worthy of ascending to their halls that our world will never see an evil like Arakesh again. I cannot stand by and ignore this risk. Necromancers possess unnatural powers over even their own afterlife and if even a fraction of the stories are true, he was by far the most powerful in those black arts.</strong>" Aemon believed that was quite enough to start with. It would not hurt to allow the brave group before him a moment to take in everything he had been saying. No doubt there may be questions.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<br><br><div class="codeheader">Code: <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="return smfSelectText(this);" class="codeoperation">[Select]</a></div><pre style="margin: 0; padding: 0;"><code class="bbc_code">[floatleft][img height=250]URLHERE[/img][/floatleft]<br>[b]Name:[/b] <br>[b]Location:[/b] <br>[b]Tagging:[/b] <br>[b]Content:[/b] <br>[hr][hr]</code></pre><br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Great Fantasy Adventure - Main Plot</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Carly</strong> on <strong>16-01-2020, 02:53:30</strong>
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				<div class="floatright">(https://whisperingworlds.com/wp-content/gallery/fantasywomen/fantasywoman105.jpg)</div><strong>Name</strong> Ura (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=315256.msg15234872#msg15234872)<br><strong>Location</strong> Throne Room<br><strong>Tagging</strong> Open<br><strong>Content</strong> Accepting Kings Request<br><hr><br><em><strong>Arakesh ?</strong></em> The <em><strong>Sorcerer King</strong></em> of Aegypt ? Ura frowned as she read the letter. She had read many letters in her time translating them and could tell the writer was scared. If this was something the king's wizard couldn't handle, there was a good chance the assembled Heroes around her would be out classed also. Still the king had made a heart full request to prevent evil appearing in the world. This spoke to Ura deeply. Her kind was thought of as evil by many, and step by step she had done what she could to change this image, to stop her kin from being hated by so many. It seemed those steps had led her here - to this moment. <br><br>Ura had over 300 years of life and never had she been tasked with anything so dangerous.<br>It might well be the last thing she did. There was a good chance that none of those attending will make it back from such a journey. Necromancers took pains to live forever, typically. Immortality was their calling and their path usually related to becoming undead themselves.<br>Unfortunately they typically desired this to continue gaining powers over the living. <br><br>Undead. Gods Ura hated the undead. Demons can be bad, but the undead were worse. At least you can reason with demons and strike bargains with them, but not with the undead - they despised the living with a hatred not matched anywhere else. Still, what else would Ura do if she didn't accept this ? Continue to translate old texts for scholars ? Value ancient manuscripts for wills and inheritance and the likes like she has done for so many years already ? That didn't change history. But this mission might. With any luck if they do solve this problem Ura might be able to ask a boon from the king at some point later. With any luck if she handled it right and didn't ask too much, it could help her kindred minor demons be free of persecution from the Divine Knights. <br><br>Living in fear of them was a constant burden for Ura but at least the knights wouldn't follow her to this place. That fact settled Ura' decision.<br><br><strong>"My lord"</strong> Ura curtsied and lowered the hood of her robes before talking again <strong>"This is grave news indeed, but it is an honor to be welcomed at your court, even if the need is pressing. This land has been kinder to my kind than others that I have traveled and a lot of that was due to you, I will do anything to ensure it stays this way, or, as I hope, improves. My Lord, King Aemon, you have been a good king, better than any I know, and I am well read in other kingdoms natures.&nbsp; I'll do it. I am ready to leave immediately. But we need a decent map, and I can't do it alone." </strong>Ura nodded to the king before smiling 
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Great Fantasy Adventure - Main Plot</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ZephySempai</strong> on <strong>16-01-2020, 03:59:56</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.ibb.co/7RCCYSR/163b3c6b5f9d157497c686ec324ab12e.jpg)</div><strong>Name:</strong> Xane Meister (http://)<br><strong>Location:</strong> Throne Room<br><strong>Tagging:</strong>Sariandi &amp; Open<br><strong>Content:</strong> Free Travel Guards<br><hr><hr><br>Xane knew a good business venture when he heard one. Receiving the summons from the king meant something profitable was in the works. He couldn’t have imagined <em>how</em> profitable if he hadn’t let Sariandi talk him into actually attending the meeting in person rather than just sending her in to gather the information. He stood beside the beautiful elven bard doing his best to stop his hungry eyes from bulging out of his head. Deep dark crypts, hidden tombs, these things almost always meant invaluable treasures the likes of which haven’t been seen in centuries! Ofcourse, these also usually meant ancient dangers; traps and triggers awaiting to claim his mortal life. Usually, these dangers would prove too much for the squishy merchant to risk life and neck for, however… this gathering had opportunity scrawled all over it.<br><br>A few familiar faces were present in the room: A Monster Hunter &amp; Dragon Slayer Xane had the fortunate pleasure of exchanging information with was present amongst the King’s hired blades. If memory served, her name was Khaida: The Dragon Slayer from that popular guild he’d been working on a trade partnership with. Perhaps this venture would gain him a personal recommendation from the powerful woman.<br><br>Another familiar face lingered in the shadows as well. The mysterious Half-Orc whose name Xane still hadn’t mastered observed the king as well as the rest of the group. Never really having the pleasure of getting to know the Orc aside from their casual dealings, Xane felt comfortable in knowing his axes might be joining this expedition. This would be the easiest fortune made yet! All he had to do was stick close to these people and enjoy the ride. <strong>“What’d I tell you, Sari? I knew this was a great idea!”</strong> Even though the idea to come here was clearly hers...<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Great Fantasy Adventure - Main Plot</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>JFD99</strong> on <strong>16-01-2020, 06:52:42</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.pinimg.com/564x/42/6f/e0/426fe0f4c609afcd615a4bf8385a5dcc.jpg)</div><strong>Name:</strong> Sariandi<br><strong>Location:</strong>Throne Room<br><strong>Tagging:</strong>Xane, Open<br><strong>Content:</strong>The First Necromancer? Must learn more!<br><hr><hr><br>Sariandi listened intently to the King as he explained both the situation and the Lore that was at the root of it, her bright blue eyes widened by a mix of excitement and apprehension. She had her notebook open, her quill in hand to scribble down everything that sounded even remotely important in the King's explanations. <em>"I need to learn more about this Arakesh"</em>, she thought. She was familiar with the general tale, but she knew very little more than that. Dark tales of world-ending threats was not her specialty.<br><br>She peered up from her book and looked at those around her, starting with Xane who stood next to her and to whom she drew a smile, not letting on whether or not she had perceived the way he looked at her. She barely knew the man beyond the fact he was a merchant who sold all kinds of interesting items and curiosities, but he had been a fine traveling companion so far and it was definitely more enjoyable to travel with him on his wagon than it was to travel alone on foot. The two of them seemed a bit out of place with these warriors and magicians in the room (not to mention the King himself), but that didn't mar her excitement. The adventure promised to be worthy of a song, perhaps even an epic, and someone needed to be there to write it! <br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=315463.msg15241393#msg15241393">Quote from: ZephySempai on 16-01-2020, 03:59:56</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote"> <strong>“What’d I tell you, Sari? I knew this was a great idea!”</strong> Even though the idea to come here was clearly hers...<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>"I know you know a good idea when you see or hear one", she replied with a playful smile. "You let me on your wagon, after all. You might want to stock up on potions and charms before we leave town, too. I have a feeling they'll come in handy."<br><br>She closed her book once it seemed the King was finished speaking and buried it into her bag along with the quill then checked her own gear - crossbow, bolts, swords, lute and flute. She owned little else, which allowed for little chances of actually forgetting something. 
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Great Fantasy Adventure - Main Plot</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chreestafer</strong> on <strong>17-01-2020, 04:25:02</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.pinimg.com/564x/a4/af/90/a4af9095d8a81f807fa1552ac72a1d37.jpg)</div><strong>Name:</strong> &nbsp;Nazrysk Baelryg (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=315256.msg15235029#msg15235029)<br><strong>Location:</strong> Throne Room<br><strong>Tagging:</strong> Open<br><strong>Content:</strong> The Necromancer<br><hr><hr><br>A gloved hand lifted a small piece of bread to the tiny fur covered rodent that was perched on his shoulder.&nbsp; The small ferret accepted with delight as the animal companion quickly ate the morsel of food as if it were his last.&nbsp; The half-orcs eye seemed distant as he thought about the words relayed in that letter.&nbsp; An ancient necromancer? he questioned mentally as almost if the words made his covered eye twitch.&nbsp; The deserter could be a part of this.&nbsp; This was his first lead in months also, so maybe the risks would be worth it?<br><br>"How Much?"<br><br>Those were the first two words uttered by the cloaked orc kin whom quietly stood to the far side of the room.&nbsp; There were very few he knew in this meeting, and even those faces he did recognize, he wouldn't call friends.&nbsp; One golden eye glanced towards the old human royal, a man who no doubt knew what he was doing.&nbsp; It took moments for him to blink as he weighed the options over in his mind.&nbsp; Naz was a man of few words to start.&nbsp; He was also quiet apprehensive when he got word from a knight who managed to catch him in passing.&nbsp; The half-orc was a name, Naz of the north, a figure barely seen except only when he was obtaining the bounty for his latest mission he had taken.&nbsp; Yet now, the Northern Eye stood staring at the king and asking for compensation for the duties.&nbsp; <br><br>Most would judge it as rude or even disrespectful.&nbsp; Yet Naz's kin were accustom to short meetings and quick deals, so in factuality, it wasn't meant to be as rude as it sounded.&nbsp; <br><br><br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Great Fantasy Adventure - Main Plot</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>TerribleTira</strong> on <strong>17-01-2020, 11:16:40</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.ibb.co/K0D7pwv/Khaida-DS-shadow.png)</div><strong>Name:</strong> <span style="font-size: 12pt;" class="bbc_size">𝔎𝔥𝔞𝔦𝔡𝔞 𝔐𝔬𝔯𝔯𝔦𝔤𝔞𝔫</span><br><strong>Location:</strong> Port Dawn, Guild House Stables<br><strong>Tagging:</strong> -<br><strong>Content:</strong> Accepting Work<br><hr><hr>The sun warmed the back of Khaida's neck as she busied herself with the task of unburdening a sturdy mule of its trail saddlery. The wide berth of the open stables allowed the rays to cascade upon the young woman as she went about her business. The light touched upon the scars of years-old burns, shone as a redder hue upon her exposed nape. The woman's ruddy locks were pinned up in a sloppy bun, keeping the long hair out of her eyes as she worked. The short lass was in a foul mood. Only recently arrived in Port Dawn, Khaida had traveled here with the ambition to brave into the mountains west of the capital. Accounts of dragons occupying those lands had circulated and found their way to the guild. The Fangbreakers, ever diligent in being the first to make kills in new territory, had made arrangements to send their best and most dedicated slayers overseas to meet this challenge. Khaida being the single-minded woman that she was, had taken the first ship out of Maelgor. Others had set out after her, and were due several days behind. The sky-eyed slayer had made use of her time waiting in Port Dawn by acquainting herself with the local guild house and various artisans the city had to offer. Khaida had even managed to find a blacksmith she might consider skilled enough to order up spears from, in the event she needed a resupply. However, all her planning had been stricken when a report of the cargo ship, Mary's Crown, had been lost at sea in a violent storm. The other slayers that were to accompany Khaida had been on that ship, and were now numbered among those lost at sea. Dropping a leather strap to the straw piled floor of the stables, Khaida plucked the last remnants of a harness from the grey pack animal.<br><br><br>It was not the loss of her company that irked Khaida. It was the delay. In truth, there were many members of the Fangbreakers. The red-headed huntress knew a good many of them in passing, but hardly a soul by means of friendship. Their demise at sea only meant to Khaida that she would be idle here until the next packet of ships came this way from Maelgor. She had been prepping her mule so as to be ready to lead a scouting party ahead of the group and provide reconnaissance as the lot of them made their way into the westward wilds. Now, with each bag of supplies she had stripped from the mule, so too did her mood darken. As she gathered her things, Khaida moved to return the mule to the stablemaster. She was still fully armored, and her thoughts were already begrudging the notion of having to remove her equipment in the isolation of her rented room instead of a distant campsite. However, before she could make her way to the aged dwarf that oversaw the guild house stables, an unfamiliar voice called out to her.<br><br><em>"Khaida?"</em>, it was a low voice. Male, and with an air of commanding.<br><br>As the blue-eyed slayer turned to discern who it was that called upon her, she espied what appeared to be one of the guard captains. Khaida distinguished him from the obvious subordinates that followed the captain, as his breastplate was shinier and with more regalia than his lessers.<br><br><em>"What?!"</em>, Khaida returned with a discontented sneer. The last thing she wanted right now was some issue with the local law.<br><br><em>"You ARE Khaida Morrigan, yes? The Dragonslayer out of Malegor?",</em> The captain pressed a confirmation.<br><br><em>"No, I hunt pixies with that spear.",</em> Khaida retorted with a snide hiss. <br><br>The huntress waved her hand at the pile of gear she had just unloaded. Among the camping gear and trail rations was also a neat bundle of coal-black spears. Their make was of obvious quality, but their model was what quickly distinguished Khaida's vocation. The spearheads were fashioned with a serrated edge, with the tip coming to a round for strength. These were made specifically to wedge between the scales of draconian hide and slide right through their tough skin. The shaft was thin, but adamantly strong&nbsp; and polished to a sheen. When properly wielded, the spear would pass deep into a writhing cavity with little resistance, seeking vital organs. Khaida was a lancer, and hers was the most infamous of roles in the domain of dragonslayers. However, she was near useless without a team to support her.<br><br>The captain dismissed Khaida's smart comment and proceeded with his business. In truth, he had already confirmed the woman's identity with the guild house, and had only gone through formalities out of propriety. <em>"I have been authorized by his lordship, King Aemon, to offer you employment."</em><br><br>Khaida had already prepared another remark, but was taken by surprise at the captain's words. She instead said nothing, only raising a brow in curiosity.<br><br><em>"A party has been assembled to go into the lands West of the Mountain Gate. They seek to return to his highness, a dearly valued subject. This group will need the expertise of a person with your... experience with dragon kind, if they are to make quick passage. The alternative route is not of a desirable timespan."</em><br><br>Khaida shifted her stance, relaxing a bit as a smirk graced her previously grim countenance. It would seem that fate had smiled upon her. While her expedition with the Fangbreaker slayers had been postponed, here was an opportunity to push forward without them. Khaida would be the solitary Fangbreaker presence, and damn the Gods if they sank all the ships between here and Maelgor.<br><br><em>"As you no doubt already know, the presence of dragons in the-"</em><br><br><em>"Yes."</em>, Khaida interrupted the captain before he could finish.<br><br><em>"Excuse m-"</em>, but he was cut off again.<br><br><em>"I said, Yes. Or were you expecting a slayer of the Fangbreakers to turn down an opportunity to drag one of those foul lizards from their wretched nests?"</em><br><br>Khaida turned her gaze from the city official back to her pile of gear on the stable floor. <br><br><em>"When are they set to leave the city?"</em><br><br><br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Great Fantasy Adventure - Main Plot</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cirus</strong> on <strong>17-01-2020, 17:39:09</strong>
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				<div class="floatright">(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/667768594154651661/667768640065503232/image0.jpg)</div><strong>Name:</strong> Brianni LaRue<br><strong>Location:</strong> Throne Room <br><strong>Tagging:</strong> Open<br><strong>Content:</strong> Response to King<br><hr><hr><br>The sound of her armor squeaked, giving away the only evidence of her presence. The mercenary watched and heard this king with keen senses. She focused on the tone, the worry, anything that perhaps his majesty was keeping from them. LaRue learned long ago that there something always left unsaid, and it killed you in the end. <br><br>Ancient evils, always ancient evils. Brianni smirked a bit, one of the few expressions that did not cause her discomfort. She folded her arms, leaning against one of the pillars. <br><br>The pillars. This leader had a lot, and from the looks of the palace the situation seemed good. <em> Imagine for a moment LaRue, a great city at the edge of the unknown, a ripe luscious sweet fruit waiting to be taken. This one might just be a friend and not after her or use her as a weapon against that unknown.</em><br><br>They were not asking! Brianna, fidgeted again, her armor squeezing in the massive hall. Someone had to ask. Perhaps their lives, or more seriously hers, could be on the line. <br><br>It might be seen as rude, but too many times there was a fine print, an unspoken thing, that someone remembers right before the abyss swallows. <br><br><strong>My apologies if rude, your majesty,</strong> her voice cracked at the onset for lack of use. Her body was always more ready than her words. <strong> But is there anything that you are not saying? I have seen proven many times what an old dwarf companion chants before a contract...<br><br>What is unsaid makes you dead!</strong>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Great Fantasy Adventure - Main Plot</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Juggtacular</strong> on <strong>19-01-2020, 16:14:37</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.pinimg.com/564x/69/3f/55/693f5521c12e2e006fc1b94c9c39af7d.jpg)</div><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="bbc_font"><strong>Name:</strong> Xandross Aethereon (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=315256.msg15244143#msg15244143)<br><strong>Location:</strong>&nbsp; Castle Gates &gt; Throne Room<br><strong>Tagging:</strong> Open, Naz<br><strong>Content:</strong> Gaining knowledge</span><br><hr><hr><br><div align="center"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="bbc_font">Three Days Ago</span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="bbc_font"><br>Like all of the other adventurers invited to an audience with the King, Xandross has received a summons from one of his royal soldiers. The Dragonborn had been drinking away some quick coin he'd earned after dealing with some bandits near to the village of Dulthunae. He'd pawned every single one of their weapons as well as collecting the bounty on all of them. Alive was harder than dead, but it paid better. Besides, most bandits were idiots that didn't know how to deal with low-level cantrips even an apprentice could cast, so he was overkill. It was still fun however. "That's him inn'it? Biggest thing in here, drinkin' alone...scales." <br><br>The soldier was speaking to his partner, but was speaking for himself. Just to muster up the courage to go over to the menacing looking being in the hood. Finally, one pushed the other and the man had no choice but to walk the short distance over. "You are Xandross Aethereon, yes? The Dragonborn warrior who fights for many causes...one of them coin?" <br><br>Finishing his current drink, Xan looked up from underneath his hood, still managing to be a bit taller than the soldier who was standing near him. He poured himself another drink, gulping it down in a single go, then stood up, towering over everyone in the bar.&nbsp; "Who asks?" His voice was deep and guttural, rumbling from his throat as he queried his potential employers.<br><br>&nbsp;"King Aemon has sent a missive. And you were asked for personally. The reward is quite handsome, as well as having the King himself thankful for your efforts." The Dragonborn raised a clawed hand to his chin, scratching it while pondering what to do. "Is this truly something to think about? The King himself requests your presence, warrior." <br><br>The soldier seemed a bit <em>too</em> eager, but his fears had no bearing. "Relax, soldier. I would be a fool to turn down a request from Aemon. Especially since it could strengthen ties between Breacadh an lae and the Wild Lands where my father rules. My only concern is if there will be battle. But then again...he wouldn't be asking for <em>me</em> if diplomacy is what we needed for this mission.<br><br>&nbsp;Fine, I accept." Taking the missive, he nodded to the soldiers and left the bar. He read it over clearly once he was outside, then stuffed it into one of his pockets. He had a bit of a flight ahead of him, and he wanted to make good time. Bending his knees, what appeared to be a cloak on his back spread as the "clasps" on his front unhooked from one another, and two massive wings flared from his back. In the next few moments, he'd jumped, flapped hard, and was soaring off into the sky.</span><br><br><div align="center"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="bbc_font">A few minutes ago</span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="bbc_font"><br>He flew through the air with as much grace as a fish through water, catching updrafts when he needed them and gliding when he didn't. Finally, after a long journey, the castle came into view. He narrowed his eyes and took note of the archers up on the ramparts, and the guards patrolling all of the important areas. He could've landed right in the middle of the castle for dramatic effect, but sometimes soldiers were quick to draw steel against things they didn't understand.<br><br>&nbsp;So instead, he folded his wings tight and dropped like a stone, only opening them when he was near the ground so he could stop his descent and flap slowly to the ground. The men at the gate stepped forward, wary of him with hands on their hilts and pommels. "I am Xandross Aethereon, summoned by King Aemon here this day and time. Show me to him." Taking out the scroll, he handed it to the closest soldier while folding his wings around himself once more.<br><br>&nbsp;"This way, milord," the soldier said after confirming the note was real. Xandross nodded his head and followed behind him, pulling his hood up and hoping the entire walk that Aemon would tell him he would get to experience glorious battle. He memorized every twist and turn as he followed along, and after a bit of a walk, a large door was opened for him. He bent to walk through, straightening to his full height as he passed the threshold. Once inside, he looked at everyone gathered, but first crossed an arm over his chest and bent to an angle in greeting. <br><br>"It is good to meet you, King Aemon." As ready for a fight as he was, proper etiquette had been drilled into him as much as his training. He would rule his own clan one day after all. He'd noticed Naz particularly among the others. He knew of Nazrysk Baelryg, or Naz of the North as he was called. They'd crossed paths as a fight with a vicious, alchemically mutated bear drove Xandross across Naz's campground. The half-orc helped him kill the beast, and they'd become fast friends after that.<br><br>&nbsp;He nodded to the man before finding a spot at the table so the King could begin. "Good to see you, Naz," he rumbled before Aemon began. As the King spoke, Xandross nodded along, thankful his visage didn't show emotions too easily. Because as Aemon revealed more to him, his heart began to beat faster. <br><br>Even though he had his love for combat, he was still a dedicated sorcerer. He took his studies seriously, and in those he'd come across Arakesh's name before. And more than once. He was extremely dangerous during his time, and if his prison had arisen now, a single terrifying thought raced across Xandross' mind. When Aemon finished, Xan shook his head. <br><br>He couldn't help chuckle at Naz's sudden and gruff question of their pay. He did love his money."A king's ransom, my friend. There's no way Lord Aemon would send us on such a dangerous journey without inadequate equipment or funding," he said with a turn of his head toward Aemon. "I wonder, King...if the most powerful of the Necromancers tomb has risen...and <em>something</em> roams within it's walls. Then as horrible as it is to say, there is a possibility Arakesh has truly twisted and transcended death. We may face a <em>Lich</em>, or even worse considering his power...a Lich King."<br></span>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Great Fantasy Adventure - Main Plot</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ZephySempai</strong> on <strong>26-01-2020, 19:48:32</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.ibb.co/7RCCYSR/163b3c6b5f9d157497c686ec324ab12e.jpg)</div><strong>Name:</strong> Xane Meister (http://)<br><strong>Location:</strong> Throne Room<br><strong>Tagging:</strong>Sariandi, Xandross, Brianni, Nazrysk &amp; Ura.<br><strong>Content:</strong> Addressing all in attendance.<br><hr><hr><br>Looking among the collection warriors and adventurer's, Xane could hardly contain his excitement. Each one looked more capable than the last in their own respective ways. All seemed well-traveled and well-maintained up to this point, meaning each of them had their own specific needs and desires, which they painstakingly upkeep during their travels. It all seemed too good to be true. The young merchant would have to be careful, however. Adventurers such as these are more than capable of sourcing their own materials were the need to arise. He would have to take all of this into consideration. And with so many differing styles and personalities, it would be hard work satisfying all of their desires exceptionally.<br><br>It was hard work to wrangle and tame his own wild horse instead of purchasing one from the sleazy stable merchant.<br><br>It was hard work studying the mechanics and maintenance of a travelling carriage instead of hiring an machinist.<br><br>It was hard work braving the wilderness alone in order to develop both survival and cartography skills.<br><br>Xane never shied away from hard work.<br><br>He stepped up with humble confidence. He was dressed for the court in his finest attire. Those unfamiliar with him would see him as a fine merchant adorned in a carefully crafted tunic with splashes of earthy colors that complimented the form-fitting slacks. None were as impressive as his shoes, however, which carried him to the center of the room between the King and the rest of those in attendance. Shined to perfection and crafted from the hide of a common predatory reptile, his attire showed the appearance of a man who could get whatever he needed for any occasion. <strong>"My King. It is with great honor that I, Xane Meister, answer your call."</strong> He gave a strong and polite bow before the lord as he allowed his announcement to reverberate through the room. With a strong back, he stood tall. His deep eyes focused on the man atop the throne. <strong>"I have traveled far and wide across many lands, and have acquired countless resources that will prove invaluable to both yourself as well as every adventurer taking part in this epic journey."</strong><br><br>Xane's address was changed from the king to everyone else in attendance as his eyes met with each and every one of them: A feat no introvert could accomplish without first emptying the contents of their stomach upon their sweater. <strong>"As an experienced traveler, I have ventured to many places and braved many lands. Now, I assume most of you are probably wondering why a puffed-up business-type like myself isn't resting in the intestinal tract of some overgrown lizard."</strong> With a humored look, he glanced over toward <strong>Nazrysk</strong>. <strong>"Well, I'd be a fool if I swung these flimsy arms at every beast and basilisk that crossed my path. No. What serves me just as well as your sword arm... is information."</strong> His eyes drifted over towards the two dark-haired women in the room; <strong>Ura</strong> and <strong>Brianni</strong> respectively. <strong>"Whether it be maps of nearby hunting grounds for creatures much bigger than myself or local watering holes where knowledge is shared between drunken townsman and adventurers alike, the acquisition of information is just as valuable to me as the shiniest suit of armor."</strong><br><br>His eyes flashed over toward the Dragonkin, <strong>Xandross</strong>. <strong>"Of course. Knowledge is only one piece of the puzzle. No shield is complete without a proper sword to go along with it. If your requirements are of something a bit more... practical, I promise not to disappoint."</strong> His attention casually drifted across the room before landing upon <strong>Nazrysk</strong> once more. <strong>"I've been fortunate enough to align myself with a network of blacksmiths and machinists. From dagger to dragon slayer, if it can be purchased it can be procured! And that goes for everything in between as well."</strong> He faced the group as a whole once more as he listed off several items he felt might be useful to them. <strong>"Potions and ingredients, books, bobbles, scripts, scrolls, and any item for any occasions."</strong> The young merchant smiled and bowed to the group just as he did for the king. <strong>"I would be honored to make myself of service to you all."</strong> There was an awful lot of them. This could prove to be a handful. Raising his head, he happily gestured towards the blonde bard. <strong>"If there is anything you need, please see myself or my beautiful assistant,</strong> <strong>Sariandi</strong>, <strong>for any requests you might need."</strong> Knowing full well this was never once discussed with her prior, he prayed she wouldn't put up too much of a fuss. <strong>"And remember: If it can be purchased, it can be procured!"</strong><br><br>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Great Fantasy Adventure - Main Plot</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Carly</strong> on <strong>27-01-2020, 02:44:29</strong>
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				<div class="floatright">(https://whisperingworlds.com/wp-content/gallery/fantasywomen/fantasywoman105.jpg)</div><strong>Name</strong> Ura (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=315256.msg15234872#msg15234872)<br><strong>Location</strong> Throne Room<br><strong>Tagging</strong> Sariandi,Xane Meister <br><strong>Content</strong> Accepting Kings Request<br><hr><br>Ura looked to those assembled and against her better judgement thought those chosen had a place in a group seeking fame, fortune or goodwill - or just good. Some were obviously in it for money, some had other plans but that was expected. What seemed a boon was that a merchant was with them. Being supplied and fed was important for any campaign. Ura smiled and turned to Xane and his assistant Sariandi.<br><br>"I Ura, am in desperate need of your services. Due to my blood I find negotiations and trade difficult. I have three hundred gold in gems I can spare for preparing for this journey."<br><br>Ura removed her gem pouch and poured the contents of it on the table in front of the duo. To the untrained eye it looked like colored glass. But to the trained eye it was gems, which, sure enough would be valued at approximately 300 gold.<br><br>"Divine healing hurts my kind so I was hoping you could either source natural healing potions, made by nature's ingredients, prepared with nature magic or just normal alchemy. Failing that buy bandages and something to stop infection." Ura sighed, hoping the man was true to his word. It wouldn't be the first time she parted with wealth with nothing to show for it.<br><br>"If you have any left over, perhaps buy some herbal tea for us all to share. Three hundred gold is a fortune. I have no doubt someone of your talents could gather proper natural healing potions that will not hurt me, but I do not know the market as well as most" Ura then bobbed her head, hoping one of them would take the gems and return soon.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Great Fantasy Adventure - Main Plot</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>JFD99</strong> on <strong>27-01-2020, 07:46:54</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.pinimg.com/564x/42/6f/e0/426fe0f4c609afcd615a4bf8385a5dcc.jpg)</div><strong>Name:</strong> Sariandi<br><strong>Location:</strong>Throne Room<br><strong>Tagging:</strong>Xane, Ura, Open<br><strong>Content:</strong>A who to the what, now?<br><hr><hr><br>Sariandi felt a certain amount of surprise as some of the other adventurers in the room expressed what could only be described as distrust towards the King and his quest. <br><br><em>"He is a King!"</em>, she thought. <em>"A wise old King! All stories say Kings don't lie, what's wrong with them?"</em><br><br>She was as curious as she was excited about this quest and wouldn't think for a second that the King was hiding anything from them, underpaying them or taking advantage of their desperation, greed, or thirst for adventure. Still, she listened to what everyone had to say, hoping no one would upset the King.<br><br>Of particular interest to her was Xandross, the Dragonborn. He - she thought it was a 'he' - was a creature of a kind she had never seen before despite her travels. A towering, scaly creature, one someone could even call a monster, if it wasn't for his obvious civilized status. He had proper clothes and weapons on him, a speech that was in fact quite the opposite of what she'd expect from a monster or a savage. He even sounded <em>smart</em>. There was definitely more to him and Sariandi felt she had to learn more about him. <br><br>When Xane stepped forward and made his sale pitch to the King and to the other adventurers, she couldn't repress a smile. There was confidence in the merchant's speech and demeanor that she couldn't help admire. <br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=315463.msg15254051#msg15254051">Quote from: ZephySempai on 26-01-2020, 19:48:32</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote"> <strong>"If there is anything you need, please see myself or my beautiful assistant,</strong> <strong>Sariandi</strong>, <strong>for any requests you might need."</strong> Knowing full well this was never once discussed with her prior, he prayed she wouldn't put up too much of a fuss. <strong>"And remember: If it can be purchased, it can be procured!"</strong><br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>Sariandi's almond-shaped, green eyes widened noticeably at that and she couldn't help but become flustered at her sudden promotion to assistant, not to mention the compliment, but she found all she could do was playing along.<br><br>"Wha- I mean, yes, of course!", and instantly took her book and her quill out of her satchel again, fumbling with them for a short while then securing them in her hands just in time for Ura to make her request, writing down what she had asked, letting Xane deal with money matters. <br><br>She raised an eyebrow slightly, high as they already were on her forehead, at the mention of divine magic harming Ura. There were few reasons she could think of why that would be, and none of them sounded good. Still, she wrote down the woman's requests and kept her doubts to herself for the time being. <br><br>"Healing potions not made with divine magic or blessed ingredients, got it. Bandages - good idea -, and herbal tea. Shouldn't be a problem."<br><br>It was risky to make promises on Xane's behalf while she didn't know how much money was in that purse, but she had at least a small idea of how common or uncommon medicinal herbs were. She was Elven, after all.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Great Fantasy Adventure - Main Plot</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Primarch</strong> on <strong>30-01-2020, 20:54:31</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatright">(https://i.imgur.com/7983EzN.png)</div>When the demon offered a polite curtsy the King returned with a bow of his head with a warm smile. "<strong>I am most pleased to hear you have had a positive experience in my home and I will most certainly provide a map, as well as we have maps for the journey.</strong>" It was an unfortunate reality that much if not most of the territory the group would be traveling through was not mapped in any real way, or at all in fact. The very many dangers that suck up as one traveled farther from the kingdom proper had made such progress painfully slow. <br><br>The King next turned his attention to the Orcish one who had opted not to sit at a provided chair and instead stayed standing, or at least perched against a wall. King Aemon made no thought on it, he was very familiar with those who did not like to sit. As it could happen he could recall one rather amusing situation where a room did not have sufficient corners for all the rogues who preferred to position themselves in such a fashion. "<strong>You will of course he compensated very well for your efforts...</strong>" the King turned his attention momentarily to a boy standing at attention, with a brief nod the lad ran along only to return very shortly later. Now however he was followed by two guards were carried a neat wooden chest. They set it down on the head of the table and slipped it open, revealing the stacked golden bars inside. "<strong>We are a small Kingdom but we are rich. Each, enough to live out the rest of your lives in splendid comfort. I will offer you one quarter upfront if you desire any part of it to acquire anything you deem necessary for your adventure, at your preference it will be kept here safely. The rest will be rewarded upon completion of the quest, either to yourselves or a beneficiary of your choosing should the task be completed but you unfortunately do not return.</strong>" the King offered another nod of his head towards the boy and he started to slip by each person in turn, offering a standard if ironclad adventuring contract.&nbsp; <br><br>Next his attention was brought to a young woman asking about anything he wasn't saying. There was an uncomfortably shrug of his shoulders and a weariness on his face. "<strong>I am afraid a lack of information is one of the problems, the expedition went far beyond where we have mapped or explored. It is common you see, for treasure finders and explorers to venture beyond our area of influence, as it were. They come back with all manner of stories but very rarely anything along the lines of reliable topography. Allow me to show you what I mean.</strong>" with that the King took a step back before offering a nod to the guards. They closed the chest and stepped off to the side. Nice and quietly. A moment later King Aemon was before the back wall, or at least a wooden base perched on the wall. Sliding the wooden face aside he revealed the map (https://i.imgur.com/coBi04e.jpg).<br><br>"<strong>This is the entirety of my Kingdom. For those of you not familiar with this land, we are currently in the only true city. Beyond there are only a handful of townships and several villages. Should you accept my request you will travel the main road until you reach Blaviken, about two weeks by horse at a comfortable pace. Beyond that another week and you shall reach the Mountain Gate. We are shielded in this valley by the mountains but beyond them....there are no formal territories of my Kingdom. When crossing the mountain path there is the risk of dragon attack, beyond the mountains Orc and Goblin settlements are common. As a rule of thumb they are not friendly, occasionally you might find some temporary private expedition encampment, hopefully a good source of local information. We have had reports of giants, rat me. Not to mention countless claims of ghosts, fairies and all manner of unlikely things. I'm afraid many adventurers fail and exaggerate the cause so they are not always reliable.</strong>" With that the King offered them a moment to take it all in. It would be a very significant journey, would takes months at the very least. Potentially more, especially considering the very many problems they could encounter. Aemon laughed off the idea of ghosts and fairies but the truth of it was he simply could not say for a certain. Highly unlikely but stranger things existed in the world. "<strong>...and yes, noble Xandross of the Dragonborn. It is possible Arakesh himself still exists in some....abominable form.</strong>" 
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Great Fantasy Adventure - Main Plot</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Carly</strong> on <strong>13-02-2020, 05:00:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatright">(https://whisperingworlds.com/wp-content/gallery/fantasywomen/fantasywoman105.jpg)</div><strong>Name</strong> Ura (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=315256.msg15234872#msg15234872)<br><strong>Location</strong> Throne Room<br><strong>Tagging</strong> Sariandi,Xane Meister <br><strong>Content</strong> Accepting Kings Request<br><hr><br>The king seemed to take this as seriously as any could. As he should. He was prepared to dish out gold in abundance and give them the best leads and advantages they could have.<br><br>Maps ! Excellent. Pity they were sparse but any map helped. It seemed they would be asking locals of strange happenings and the likes, or any rumor of a previous expedition passing through. It was likely they would arrive months behind now, but that wasn't to be changed.<br><br>Ura noticed how many were present to come to the kings summons. Seven. Ura approached the chest that had the gold they were to be given up front and counted the gold bars. There were many. Wow. If the king was to give them this much up front for preparations and all, how much more would they get on completion of the quest ? Enough to change everything. Ura removed one seventh of the gold bars and placed them in her backpack. No doubt they may loose horses or run out of medical supplies or food and need to buy more in places they find. <br><br>Ura removed one of the bars of gold she already took and handed it to Sariandi <strong>"Perhaps this should enable you to buy more potions of healing that are not divine, and something to prevent infection for everyone, in addion to my previous order</strong>" this left a few gold bars in her backpack. It might be a good idea to exchange the gold bars for coins and gems later, but they were not that heavy.<br><br>If no one objected, Ura would retrieve any maps that were available to keep for the group. She had a lot of them and being the map keeper seemed a good idea, unless another came forward that preferred the position. She wasn't the best navigator or tracker so perhaps one would..<br>
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