FKNGDKS

*v* wrote:

Bright sun illuminates grassy hills that roll on for as far as the eye can see, the ocean of green interrupted only by the occasional cottonwood tree or fence-post. A dirt path, only really made noticeable by the rocks that lined it, runs up and down, making its way from the forest on the eastern horizon to the small collection of wooden buildings in the west. An ox-driven carriage lumbers along the path, coming to a stop in front of one of the buildings. “Brenstone Hostel” reads the mailbox, “Food and Board” is etched into the wood above the main door. A stout, thinly bearded man exits the hostel, throwing open the heavy wooden door with a bang. “ ’Hoy, Elgrettor, you were due here three nights ago!” he shouts, his heavy boots clomping against the wooden stairs as he walks to greet the driver. Receiving no response, our portly character-of-focus steps up to the carriage, calling out once more before peering inside. His eyes widen, and his breathe slips from his lungs. A bloody dagger protrudes from Elgrettor’s shattered elderly skull, sticking a note stuck to his body. “FOUR DAYS UNTIL THE JUDGEMENT OF THE WEST” ~~~~~~~~~~ Enter your characters, currently staying at the hostel. Word quickly passes through the residents of the events of yesterday, and Odin Brenstone, owner and operator of Brenstone Hostel has posted a notice about a meeting. The notice describes the process of recruitment Odin will initiate tonight, assembling the group that will investigate Elgrettor’s murder.

*v* wrote:

A small fire burns in a woodstove, lighting the dining hall of Brenstone Hostel with a dull orange glow. Residents are sitting at the tables, but instead of the normal merriment and eating of food, they all have their heads turned, and are looking at the man standing at the end of these tables. A grave look on his face, he holds in his hand a the notice he had posted earlier that day. Odin Brenstone clenches his fists, crushing the note, and begins to speak in something just short of a roar. "We all knew Elgrettor as not only a reliable merchant, and a great wizard. He had been a resident of this hostel since before I could walk. A great injustice has been done, both to him and to us. We have been robbed of our friend, and he of the many years he had left." Odin pulls another note out of the front pocket of his brown smock, and unfolds the bloody paper. "This is all these bastards have to say for themselves. Four days until judgement. Judging whom? For what crimes? I know not. What I do know, is that someone pinned this to Elgrettor's body, and I intend to pin my own note to theirs. That's why I've called you all here. I know many among you knew Elgrettor, and some did not. Even those to whom this matter may not be personal can understand the repercussions of this event, and why we must bring these monsters to justice. That forest path marks the only way towards the only major trading center on this side of the mountains. It's the only way anyone can leave this hostel, or come here, and it's no longer safe. I ask for a group of capable companions to accompany me into the forest to greet this new evil and drive it out." Odin is pacing between the tables now, looking at each person in attendance. "Who among you wants revenge? Who among you seeks justice? Who among you wants to preserve the life we've shared here at this hostel? Who among you wants the option to leave without fearing for your life? Stand now."

_________________

Even though the absentminded, yet very handsome, barbarian could not completely grasp what Odin is yapping about, the words that came out of his mouth did sound quite charismatic... charismatic enough to keep Adonis' interest. Ever since he has slain his first orc, the entity of Adonis' life was killing orcs for cash. He'd travel all over the continient, decapitating orcs and other creatures that might prove to be a danger to nearby villages and towns, so he can earn some cash and get drunk after a day's work of killing. After hearing of the situation a while ago, Adonis had to join up and get involved since the owner of the hostel he usually stays is involved.

"I'm up for the challenge, chief! Let's do this!"

After listening to the strange man's inspiring words, Folevarr immediately pulled out his guild documents from his bag. Folevarr turned his head to the packet. No longer will I have to live the boring life of a simple wizard of an obscure guild! Folevarr grew excited. As several exotic individuals of the hostel yelled out to announce their participation in the quest to avenge Elgrettor, Folevarr's heart began beating faster. An opportunity to show the world his magic!! Oh, how Folevarr had longed for this day.

"The time has come!" Folevarr whispered, and he stood from his chair. After crumpling the document papers, he took the ball and tossed it on to the ground. Folevarr stomped on the ball and excitedly put his staff to the air, pretending to look very serious. "I will gladly accompany you on this quest!"

The adventurers stood, and silence filled the room. The other people present picked at their food, pretended to be interested in letters, or otherwise distracted themselves and avoided looking at any of the brave warriors who had volunteered to defend what they could, or would. not. A small dwarf in an apron restocks the fire in the wood stove.

After a considerable lull in the volunteering action, Odin realized this was all the help he was getting.

"Well...I thank you for volunteering. Prepare yourselves tonight, mingle, get to know your new companions. At the crack of dawn tomorrow we set out. That leaves us with...er...2 days, to stop the doom and gloom nonsense these monsters were spouting. Now, I'll leave you to it, I have some things to see to before I leave.

As for the rest of you, give these brave souls what encouragement you can...they're here to protect the freedoms you enjoy."

Odin's voice grew a little bitter at the end, but his strong, gruff voice had carried his instructions with a positive tone. He walked off with the female dwarf, beginning to speak of where various documents were stored, what to do in case of an emergency, and other housekeeping matters.

The residents milled about, a few approaching the adventurers, some shuffling off to their rooms. One of the housekeepers brings out an armful of mugs, and sets them on a table in front of the fire, gesturing for the party to sit. She fills each mug with ale, and walks off.

"FREE ALE? BEST DAY EVER!"

Worf took a seat in the middle of the table, landing ass first with a loud cracking sound as the table whined beneath his weight. He then further insulted the table by loudly patting the area next to him with one arm and taking a long gulp of his ale with the other arm.

Sakura looked around at the vast majority of people who had not volunteered themselves to fight for justice. She sighed, running a finger through her hair. What could she expect from a group of humans, dwarves, and other undesirables?

However, the bold orator that had given his stunning speech on justice had ordered her to mingle with these common folk, and she was never one to go against commands. Indeed, his speech had been so stunning, she could overlook his lack of elfhood. (And his name was Odin.) She hoped the same could be said for her new companions.

Sakura approached the smallest of their newly formed group, The Pookster. His name sent a shiver down her spine and he definitely looked like a meanie, but she figured if she could befriend him, she could befriend anyone.

"Greetings, comrade!" she greeted him cheerfully, bending down on one knee so she was eye level to him. "My name is Sakura Cherryblossoms. I hope we come out of this journey as bosom buds!" she said as she extended her hand for shaking.

Quickly guzzling his cup filled with ale, Adonis was pleased to be in the presence of such mighty warriors and wise wizards in this remarkable adventure. But not only he was accompanied with strong companions, he was also traveling with strong as well as attractive adventurers. From the gallant and serious-looking young man in the far right corner to the gigantic and lovable behemoth of a man a couple of tables next to Adonis, he blushed by the very thought of engaging conversation with them.

However, there are a couple of people in the troupe who don't seem to be worth looking at-- namely the elf and the bard. While Adonis dislikes the appearance of the lean and graceful elves, he also finds bards to be quite annoying at times (due to his experiences with them during his own adventures).

Doran, feeling alcohol took slight precedence over getting to know the people he would be risking his life with, immediately moved to take a seat at the table. Unfortunately, the large, awkward looking man who claimed to be 'BIG FAN OF JUSTICE' decided it would be a good idea to leap ahead to the center of the table, an act no wooden construct would appreciate. Slightly annoyed, but otherwise content that mingling and boozing were now located in the same area, Doran took a seat facing Worf, his potential friend/meat shield, and began to enjoy his presumably tasty alcoholic beverage.

"So, commit any great acts of justice lately?"

Folevarr awkardly sat next to the potentially rude barbarian while ignoring the ape-like person sitting in the middle of the table. Folevarr took a mug of ale and took a drink before setting it down. Folevarr's leg shook from under the table from pure excitement. He could hardly wait.

However, when Folevarr noticed the oddly gender-broken figure run its finger through its hair, Folevarr was sparked with interest. Looking closer, Folevarr snapped back. The ears are pointed! That horrible creature is an elf! Despicable. Folevarr's leg stopped shaking and his excitement shrank. However no elf is going to stop Folevarr from participating in such a grand adventure! He followed a gentle sip from his mug with a generous gulp of ale and rested his elbow on the table. He turned to the barbarian.

"I cannot stand elves."

Pookie knew elves. They were crafty, subtle and wouldn't stoop so low as to speak with a Gnome (let alone kneel to meet on eye level) unless it was in their best interests. This "Sakura Cherryblossoms", if indeed it was her real name, clearly had other motives. The fact that she was willing to shake hands as the barbarous humans did was all the proof he needed. So he obliged her, pulling his own small hand out from his crossed arms and clasped the much larger hand in a strong grip.

"I thank you for your greetings, my given name is Pookie, but many call me 'The Pookster'."

He wasn't quite sure what the hell the last part of her statement implied, but he just dismissed it as some crazy elf thing. It was better to make friends with someone he knew would stab him at the nearest opportunity rather than the oafs on the other table looking like they'd accidentally stab him with their sword while wiping the drool from their chests. The only other person there was a halfling, not such bad people, he recalled. At the very least he couldn't try and use him as a barstool.