A special bounty was posted on a board back at the pub, offering great reward and riches to any man or men brave enough to help a noble Dwarf with his yearly hunt.
The message described a terrifying creature, one that could rip chain mail with its stare alone and cleave the souls of men with its claws. Its breath was that of a 100 corpses and could fell 100 men with its disease ridden stench. The monster was rumored to have slain a platoon of hardened men who got lost in its forest, and none were left but their bloodied armor with not a stain on their swords.
Most of the men at the pub didn't have the gal nor the equipment for such a feat, yet a few stray adventurers took interest and decided to challenge the beast.
Also they read the fine script at the end that read that their meals, lodging, and drinks would be paid for if they joined Lord Swiftaxe on his quest along with potential room mates.
These literate travelers now ride in a wagon piloted by villagers who live in the town governed by their host, on their way to his home. It would be a little while before they reached the town where they would be staying at for the next few days or so.
Post by Jerevan Languorem on Aug 5, 2011 1:30:32 GMT -5
Daenien rested quietly in the corner of the wagon nearest to the cab, listening carefully to both the sounds around them and to the sounds that their drivers were making. His eyes were closed in a parody of sleep, attempting to trick his 'ally' into thinking he was lazy. He ignored the fact that his suit was getting damaged; he could always get it fixed with the money he would hopefully make off this venture. You never knew what opportunities would present themselves...
Zane relaxes in the wagon, stretching out as best as the space would allow. He looks around the wagon at his allies, and gives them all a big smile
"Well this isn't thought I'd be doing right after getting to town. Didn't even have time to drop into the tavern for a visit... Oh well, what kind of doctor would I be if I didn't agree to help those in need, ehh? My names, Zane, by the way. How about you fellows?"
As he waits for a response, Zane begins fiddling with his scalpel, testing out its sharpness. While doing so, he accidentally nicks his finger, causing a thin line of bright red blood to spill out. Not wincing or seemingly feeling the pain, Zane puts away the scalpel and sticks the finger into his mouth, to stop blood from getting everywhere.
Skul kept his hat tipped low on his head, his arms crossed as he stared at the wall. Why was he doing this again? Oh right, money. He needed money to get a lead on what he was looking for, and he wasn't even sure how he was going to do that. A scryer, perhaps? Was that even possible?
The "doctor's" broke the silence, and the question made him chuckle.
I would say it's a tad late, Doctor. But you're welcome to try. Skulduggery.
Jericho sat on the back of the wagon, staring at the road they had just left behind. He picked at his teeth with a splinter he had picked from the wood of the cart, occasionally glancing at the sleeping man in the corner. No telling what he's like, then theres the talking skeleton, he looks like a million gold. The dwarf may be stubborn in that dwarven way.
Jericho raises his scaly claw and said Names Jericho without turning around.
Post by Jerevan Languorem on Aug 5, 2011 1:47:43 GMT -5
Daenien shook himself slightly, as if he were waking himself from a doze. "Name's Daenien... Weaver," he responded in a carefully lethargic tone, glancing between his two companions. That scalpel made pickpocketing the doctor a bit more difficult. Didn't want to leave a trail of blood, naturally. But the skeleton seemed fair game, at least for now. Still, it would be better to wait for a while before attempting to pick anyone's pocket. Perhaps the dragonborn would make a better target in any case.
Zane listens to all of them give their names, and then stands as best as possible, removing his finger from his mouth completely healed. He then gives a slight bow before sitting back down
"Well it is very nice to meet you all. I think that with a group such as we, our venture may just yet succeed. And as for you, my fine skeletal friend, I doubt that even an elder healer would be able to help you. I have only a basic grasp of healing magic, as my skills as a doctor lay in more mundane practices."
Zane grins slightly and relaxes again, deciding it was somebody else's turn to liven the mood. Upon hearing the driver, he turns towards the man.
"Well that's a good thing to hear, I must admit that I did not relish meeting the beast without first having time to prepare"
Post by Jerevan Languorem on Aug 5, 2011 1:57:07 GMT -5
Daenien nodded solemnly. "Right then, might as well use th' opportunity t' get some sleep..." he murmured, his eyes already closing. Of course, it was still a show, but no reason for it to be obvious now was there? Unfortunately it'd be hard to keep up the appearance of a lazy weaver once he was in a forest, but perhaps he could come up with another clever ruse?
Jericho nods and returns his focus to the road, all the while keeping an ear on daenian, he seemed shifty. He contemplated whether or not he should have his back to the group or not. He shouldnt have to worry, he has well enough hearing.
Skul tipped his hat to the doctor, noting that the others seemed almost extraordinarily shifty and nervous.
If you're trying to act inconspicuous, at least do it properly. Trying to not blend in isn't working. There's no need to suspect everything straight off. Calm down and have a little faith. He leaned back.
The wagon continues through the forest, continuing on the road. As they drove closer to the village, a strange sort of mist began to thicken as they went on. The horses carrying the party slowed down a little, nervous and unable to see where their feet were on the ground exactly.
"What now, this ain't right, we had this 'appen last week already. Cept there was more Whiters. Keep a look out there Fred."
"Right," said potential monster victim Fred.
The group could feel the fog getting thicker around them, as if it were trying to touch them, strangle them even.
"You folks keep a look out too, there's other things in these parts though,"
"Right, forgot to mention that on the poster I did. Any of you good with fire?" said Fred who had a wife and daughter and it would be a shame if he died right away.
Post by Jerevan Languorem on Aug 5, 2011 2:17:03 GMT -5
Daenien sat up quietly, making no obvious show of his irritation. Mentally, though, he was kicking himself. What did I do to give myself away? he thought repeatedly. His vision wasn't exactly the keenest, but he did glance around carefully, trying to see something through the mist.