A Kindly Request (Chapter 1)

[SixthDeclension]

Tarik, a modest and powerful warrior, walks back into town and is welcomed with cheers from everyone. Having just returned from chasing a small tribe of of orcs, all wearing the sign of Vecna, from Trueport, he marched back into the coastal city. His welcoming was not small, but about as large as could be expected for a king. Tarik, however, was no king. His actions were deserving of this welcoming, though, as what he did could have very well saved an entire town.

Tarik is a man well known throughout the land, for he had recently proven the leader of Clifton, the nearby cliffside city, to be a member of the Cult of Vecna. With this recent addition to his accomplishments, his fame was growing in the nearby towns and outpost. His fame wasn't the only thing that was increasing in size, unfortunately; the target on his back from Vecna's loyal servants was ever-growing, and if his actions continued, surely would he become more targeted. He was faced with this dilemma. How well known did he want to be?

A finely dressed man approached him through the crowd he was wading through. He said he was an emissary from the mayor of Trueport, and that the mayor would like to talk to him.

[Callix]

Tarik, unable to contain a small grin at both his success and his reception, turns to the messenger, raises his voice to be heard over the crowd. "I'll speak to him once the crowd quiets a bit." He waves a little at the cheering people.

[SixthDeclension]

As Tarik enters the town a little more and reaches the town center, the bustling crowd is no more attentive towards him than they ever are. It is only then that the emissary, a rather short, bearded man dressed in fine red clothes, beckons toward you. Follow me please, I am sad to report that the matter is urgent, and you are needed right away. Before even awaiting your reply, he starts at a quick jog out of the center of town, towards the large manor you know to be the residence of the mayor.

[Callix]

"Oh. If it's urgent, I'll come now." Tarik lopes after his guide, easily catching up with the gentleman. He decides it's best not to arrive before the man sent to get him, and checks his pace once he catches up.

[SixthDeclension]

As the short man walks, you realize that he is much too stocky to be a human, and that he is, in fact, a dwarf. You arrive at the manor before you know it and are ushered in by the guard. You are brought to the personal quarters of the mayor, a regal, aging man also dressed in red. Thank you, Bjrak. He dismisses the dwarf, and beckons you to sit on the couch, while he stays standing. I have called you here because of your renown. You are fond in the heart of the people of Trueport, and that has caused me to desire your services. I have heard rumors that you are familiar with the town of Shadeglen. They are rebuilding it now, and are in need of guards and people to help build. What do you say?

[Callix]

Tarik is slightly taken aback by the news. When he recovers his composure, he still looks somewhat incredulous.

"Familiar? You could say that. I'm surprised they're rebuilding, though, after what happened to the village before..."

Sense Motive 1d20+2=5 . Not likely to work, even if he is cult.

[SixthDeclension]

Yes, that vile cult... it was dispicable what they did, but the Grahnsted Forest is a great source for timber and game, and it would be a waste to ignore it. Of course, there are a few things I would have you do on the way... What say you?

Shadeglen is in the middle of Grahnsted Forest. The forest is about 2 weeks travel from Trueport on horse.

[Callix]

Tarik makes a show of considering the offer. "Hmm. A chance to rebuild Shadeglen... but little work beyond raising rooves and driving off wolves, unless the shades have retured." Tarik's face does a quick shift from contemplating to bargaining. "What kind of extra work did you have in mind?"

[SixthDeclension]

Oh, just some investigation, some deliveries, and one... umm... how to put this.... extermination. This is the first time the well-spoken mayor has stuttered the entire meeting.

You know that to get to Shadeglen, you must pass through an outpost and by Palgrin, the city on the lake.

[Callix]

"Well, I have to say you've caught my attention, and we both know that some pests need to be exterminated. And I'm always interested in investigations. They have this way of turning up corruption and conspiracy. I think we might be able to reach an agreement here, but a few details might be a good idea before we talk price."

[SixthDeclension]

The orcs you drove back from my city, which we much thank you for, seem have joined with a few of the other tribes around the Grey Hills, and are sending an emissary to Compton, the crossroads city, to supposedly establish trade. The Lord of Compton will undoubtedly fall for their dastardly plan, and become an easy target to the orcs and other creatures from the abyss. I am nervous that the orcs are not the only ones involved in this, and that they are recieving guidance from other foul, more intelligent creatures. I want you to find out if there is any truth in these possibilites along your way, and send word back somehow. That is the investigative piece... now on to the more "morally loose" part of the agreement. On these words he makes the air-quotes with his fingers.

The Kingdom of Palgrin, which controls the Four Corners, is ruled by an evil king. Now, he is not outright evil, but his actions do not favor the citizens, his or any of ours. He has ruled in favor of Undead Labor, the horrid thing, and commanded that his wizards learn the appropriate spells to do such a thing. The Mayor of Clifton and I have discussed the matter in great detail, and we have decided that this needs to be taken care of. In three weeks time, he will be staying in Four Corners for a week. Here, he will have lowered security and you can strike. I also have a few sealed scrolls that I would like you to deliver. One to the person in charge of rebuilding Shadeglen, another to a good friend of mine in Compton.

[Callix]

"Troubling news of the orcs. Securing a trade deal after all the fuss over here seems like a better negotiator than most orc tribes turn up. Regardless of otherworldly influence, though, I'm not letting that cult get into Compton after all the trouble I went to denying it Trueport. And I'm not above carrying messages that are on the way. The orcs would be my pleasure to deal with." Tarik's face falls as he hears the rest of the Mayor's plan.

"Kings never have their guards down, and evil kings especially so. I'm curious about where he's planning to get the scrolls and books to teach every wizard in the kingdom necromancy, but I'm not so easily goaded. I was born in Shadeglen, Mayor. I've lived alongside undead. If it comes to working alongside them, I'll do that too. I'm not going to be part of a regicide just because skeletons make good mine workers. They do."

[SixthDeclension]

I understand your disagreement with our plan. The thing I don't think you realize is what the widespread use of undead entails. With more and more people become dependent on them, more and more will start to worship them and Vecna. And I believe our sentiments about Vecna are shared....

[Callix]

"Good point. If this is about getting everyone used to the powers of necromancy and darkness, then there could be some real problems here. And it would make it a lot harder to spot death-cults when every rich businessman has undead servitors, to say nothing of those who would lose their jobs to necromancy. And, of course; he's the king. The law doesn't apply to him, so exposing him might start civil war, but that's bloody and doesn't always work. Your solution has a certain... simplicity. I'll do it."

[SixthDeclension]

Good. Here are the two scrolls. He hands you two cases that you would normally put a map in, shoulder straps and all. Is there anything I can provide for you for your trip. Horses? Supplies? My Seal? And most importantly, do you have any questions?

[Callix]

Tarik takes the two cases, still looking somewhat conflicted. "A horse would be nice, and trail rations for three weeks. I won't have time to forage if I'm to investigate a cult nest and still reach the Four Corners in time. I won't take your seal; I can't afford to have it found on me while I'm investigating. I assume you're not worried if I did a bit more than investigating the orcs."

[SixthDeclension]

Of course not. They are dirty and foul creatures. Do whatever you like with them. The mayor looked over to his bookshelf, seemed to remember something, and said I'm sorry, but I have some other business to attend to. Unless you have any other urgent questions, I really must be going. I have set up for you to have a room in our finest inn for the evening, assuming you will leave first thing in the morning. Give this to the stableman, and he will make sure you have a horse. He hands you a note.

Now then, your mission is clear?

[Callix]

"Perfectly." Tarik takes the note, then turns and leaves. Once outside, he heads for the inn the mayor mentioned.

[SixthDeclension]

You arrive at the inn in a quick manner. The bartender gives you an excellent meal, takes the note from the mayor, and assures that you will have their finest horse in the morning. After a good night's sleep, you wake up rested and ready for action.

Feel free to put any nighttime actions here.

Ready? Buy anything you need now. Will have details up about world, traveling times, etc tomorrow. Wont post much sat/sunday, as a warning. I might have time for one each day.

[SixthDeclension]

Information about Huma is up. Sorry for the delay.