Storyboards: Gurgar

A babe in the woods | Missing smithy | Journeyman | Keeper of Herds | Another loss | LoN | Dreams

Dust and muffled footsteps stirred along the hard cracked cobbles of Market square. Gurgar stopped abruptly, looking at his hand.
The crude directions, sketched from the end of a charred stick, seem to be wearing away by the second. Glancing around, he tried to make sense of the new city. Voices rose ahead, a small group gathered by the fountain.
“That’s the reason for our clan,” someone was saying “To help those who are in need, those who are new to our lands.” At this Gurgar was interested.
“Hey ... “ he thought, “ I’m new to the place, perhaps the would be willing to help me out? “
“But I am willing to help others! “ another voice raised. Several others that were gathered there chuckled at the notion. Cautiously Gurgar approached the group, trying to appear not interested in the conversation. After listening to the persistent pleas to join up with the fellow’s clan, Gurgar cleared his throat. Bashfully looking at his hand he spoke.
“Pardon me... but could someone tell me how to get to the horsemen guild? “ All eyes fell on him and the silence that followed was thick and eerie.
“Of course, I am Mortiris, if you take that street there, past the magic shop, take a right go a block, then it’s the first building on the right.”
“My thanks, good sir” Gurgar replied “ Forgive me for saying so, but I overheard your conversation here and I think it to be a great idea to gather those who are willing to help those in need.”
Mortiris looked Gurgar up and down sizing him up. “ Well when you are in a new and unfamiliar place, you need a family, a close knit group of people willing to help you out.”
Mortiris continued on laying out his plan and vision, the more that was spoke the more in the cause Gurgar believed.
“How would one go about joining your group, sir?” Gurgar rather enthusiastically questioned. Laughing lightly, Mortiris replied,
“All you need to do is apply, if you are accepted we will let you know.” Not sure of what he could offer the clan he spoke his misgivings.
“I am not sure of what I can offer, I am but a stranger here.”
Mortiris spoke reassuringly, “Ah, yes, but with our help you will learn your way, and then you can show others.”
After being reassured and refreshed on the directions to the guildhall, Gurgar, applied to the Adventure clan, ready to begin this fresh new life.

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Missing smithy

After being taken in by the Adventures clan, Gurgar set his mind on learning as much as he could. Never seeming to tire of the words of wisdom from his clan mates, he rose to meet each challenge enthusiastically. The best advice came in the form of seeking Floyd, the autoquest master. Having taken several missions head on, Gurgar soon realized that he was learning the directions to several places and got to know some of the merchants that needed help in one way or another. These missions seemed to fly by and the growing confidence of the young horseman multiplied. On a cloudless day with the sun reaching its peek, Gurgar ambles into Floyd's shop.
“Greetings Floyd, what do you have for me today?” He asked. Peering over the stack of assignments, Floyd replied,
“Ah... Golgup?? Was it?? Eh... Whichever... Yes, I have something that needs attention... It seems that the smithy in Aldurford is in need of some assistance. Be a good lad and seek him out and accomplish what ever he needs.” With that Gurgar set off to find the town of Aldurford.”
Once reaching his destination, Gurgar searched everywhere for the smithy. Far down the dusty road stood the empty Smithy, inspecting the place completely, Gurgar noticed a small note attached to the wall. “AT BAR” was scratched rather carelessly onto the small parchment. So off he went in search of the bar. Rather parched from his travels, Gurgar entered the bar and ordered a drink. Scanning over the small crowd in hopes that he would see someone that fits the smith’s description. Not noticing anyone that stood out, he began to ask around.
“Eh heh,” the bartender scoffed “The smith has left town.. He went on a bender a few months back, took to wandering the woods, we ain’t seen him in months...”
After the feeling of defeat left Gurgar, he thanked the man and set back to Sendar. Returning to Floyd, he relayed the story to him.
“Eh, so that’s why we haven’t heard from him. Was hoping to get word from him, perhaps another time then,” he casually replied. “Well, Gelpar, if you wait a few minutes I should have something else for you.” Gurgar look disappointed, mumbled that his name was “Gurgar” and sat down outside to await for Floyd to call his name...
Perhaps he would even get it right this time...
Apprentice
“Are you ready, Gurgar?” Mortiris asked, as he and Gurgar walked along the passageways of the clan hall.
“I am, Sir.” Replied Gurgar in a confident tone. With a wave, Mortitis showed Gurgar the door and wished him luck. Stepping into the bright sunshine, Gurgar blinked several times and sneezed as his body adjusted to the surroundings. Looking at the Temple Square, he remembered not too long ago when he heard his first calling to be part of the adventures. Moving along poor alley to visit Floyd, Gurgar listened and watched for an opportunity to help those in need. As usual, Floyd's was bustling with people and it would take several minutes for Gurgar's name to be called. He decided to wait next door at the River's Bend. Walking in and sitting down at a dusty table, Gurgar noticed several patrons glance his direction and mumble into their drinks. After a minute or two of a hushed conversation, one of the men stood and approached Gurgar. Speaking softly he asked,
“You are part of the Adventures, are you not?” Clearing his throat Gurgar replied in the affirmative. “May I join you?” the man questioned.
“Of course,” Gurgar said then gestured to the waitress. “A drink for me and my friend here,” he told her. After a silence that seemed to last an hour the man finally began to speak. “ I was curious about your clan,” he started. “What are you guys all about, there is something that just seems odd about your kind.” Gurgar raised his eyebrows a little at the comments. “ No offence meant, sir, just a few questions.” The man apologized.
“No, no ask away friend,” Gurgar reassured him.
“So what is your purpose?” Gurgar smiled.
“Our purpose is an easy one: we seek out those who need help, of any sort, regardless of rank in society, from the highest to the lowest. If there is a need and we are able to be of assistance it will be provided.” The man looked a bit taken aback.
“To what end… what is your reward for such acts?” Gurgar again spoke softly and confidently.
“Sometimes our reward is just a smile and thanks. Our clan takes care of our own. We provide for each other. But yes sometimes there are financial rewards, as well as many other types,” Gurgar continued, “The main idea of our clan is we are a family, a close knit group that helps take care of each other, a sense of belonging and acceptance.” The man looked thoughtfully at the table.
“And if one wanted to join your clan?”
“Just apply, the council will take it under review and will let you know either way.” Gurgar told him. Nodding the man looked back at his companion, apologized for having to leave stood and left quietly. Several of the clan members appeared behind Gurgar “Very good, you are progressing along.”
At this point a bell rang and Floyd bellowed for Gurgar, yet another quest to help someone in need. What an interesting way to start an apprenticeship.

Journeyman

“Congratulations Gurgar!” voices rang out. Gurgar had passed into the ranks of Journeyman in the clan of Adventures. But what did that mean?
After serving as an apprentice for some time, doing such deeds as running errands, giving directions, and helping those that questmaster Floyd had seemed important. Whereas being an apprentice is learning about the code of the clan, learning the intricacies that lay far below the surface. A journeyman is to put them into practice. Helping those in need not because the have to, but because they desire to do so. With that in mind, Gurgar set off into the world, promising to report every few days to his clan leader to explain his progress.
While sitting beneath a tree resting after helping a farmer right his wagon and repack his goods, a figure approached from the southwest.
“Good sir Gurgar?”
“Yes, that is me, how can I help you?” Gurgar asked as he stood to receive this stranger.
“A message for you sir, from Floyd,” the messenger replied and handed Gurgar a small tube. The note inside read:
“Gurgar, your assistance is needed to guide a small package to its destination, please return to me, much needs to be explained that can not be place down in writing. Return as soon as you can, Floyd. “ Gurgar stood thanks the messenger and hurried off to Floyd's .

Once reaching Floyd's doorstep and caught Floyd's eye he was motioned to sit inside. Floyd quickly sent people on their quest and turned his attention to Gurgar.
“Thanks for coming so quickly, this really is urgent business. A young lady needs to be escorted away from the city… It seems that Tolnedran politics have raised there are headed here to our city,” he began, “Word has reached me that a wealthy Tolnedran family has hidden their only daughter here in the care of friends. As the plots and schemes broaden they fear for her safety. I also have gotten word that several assassins have been set out to dispatch of the girl. Reasons are not known at this time, but with their sort of politics, If you look at someone in an unfriendly way its a major transgression. It is your charge to keep this girl safe at all costs for I have given my word as such. Are there any questions that you might have and I can answer?” Gurgar looked thoughtfully for a moment.
“Where do I find this girl?”
Floyd answered, “Reach the River's Bend in two days time at noon, she will be there wearing a copper coloured scarf.” Gurgar stood up.
“Agreed, if you need me you know where I can be reached.”
“Good luck Gurgar, and do try to be careful.”
With that Gurgar left Floyd's with the thought “Perhaps being a Journeymen is a lot more then I first thought.”

Keeper of Herds

Gurgar walked sombrely into the clan hall, took his seat next to Czrel and placed a small black tube on top of the table. The other members all turned to look at him.
“What's the matter Gurgar? You look like someone just died?” Mortiris asked. Gurgar handed the tube over to Mortiris, who in turn opened up the end and shook loose the papers inside. He cleared his throat and began to read.
“Greetings and salutations, Gurgar Lesant. We regret to inform you that your presence is requested by the clan chief in the gravest in the gravest of situations. Our herds were attacked by a random excursion of Murgo raiders. Unsure of the details at this time we were sent word that you are needed post haste. We will have complete details for you when you arrive.
“Be advised most information is being withheld should this reach the wrong hands. Come swiftly, Keeper of the herds. Your family needs you at this time.
“Theniel, Chief of Clan Affairs.” No one spoke for a few moment, Mortiris placed the papers back into the tube. “Keeper of the Herds?” He asked. Gurgar nodded
“The first cousin to the Clan Chief has the honour of watching over the herds, keeping track of their numbers and grazing patterns. Several other details. My father holds that title now, which is what worries me about that dispatch.
“It referred to me as the Keeper of the herds, and that can only mean one thing,” Gurgar said faintly, “ I need to return to the Stronghold,” Gurgar said, not looking up. “I should only be gone about a month, A weeks journey each way and two weeks to handle any business there.” Gares and Urmela stopped talking about how many times they won in the FTI, Rylas looked up from his teaching notes, Collenia moved in next to Czrel, each not saying a word. Gurgar stood up and started to remove the things from his locker.
Mortiris broke the silence first.
“Is there anything we can do?” he asked. “Anything at all?” Gurgar turned and looked at the assembled group. Gurgar shook his head.
“I will be alright.” Czrel stood and took hold of Gurgar's hand to shake it.
“Send word as fast as possible if you need any help.” Gurgar tried not to look any of them in the eye.
“Take as much time as you need,” Mortiris said. Gurgar looked at him and nodded, Gares gave a brief wave,
“Be well.” He solemnly said. Urmela stepped forward with Collenia,
“Come back to us soon, and be careful.” Gurgar winked at Collenia, smiled at Urmela, nodded to the rest of them turned and walked to the stables to gather his horse.
Within a few minutes Gurgar was riding at top speed heading towards the Stronghold.
The road to the Stronghold was tame compared to some of the adventures that Gurgar had become use to but this was the journey that he dreaded the most. What was the fate of his father, well fate was already determined, but what were the actual causes. His thoughts tormented him day and night.
Perhaps he should have brought someone along. His thought drifted back to his clan mates. How helpful and supportive they all have been, then to Collenia, the first to help him in the strange city, always there with a smile and encouraging word. As his thoughts progressed his horse veered sharply to the left, almost throwing Gurgar out of the saddle. His mind back on riding and off certain clan mates, he made good time and soon saw the stronghold in the horizon.
Riding hard into the main gate, Gurgar quickly dismounted.
“My mother. Where is she?” A startled Algar stammered,
“They are in the west side of the keep, sir.” Gurgar walked the corridors at almost a run. Reaching the main doors, he threw them open and quickly scanned the room. Several occupants jumped and with wide eyes said,
“He's here, go get m'lady Lesant.” Gurgar's mother quickly entered the room and embraced her son. Tears streaked down her face and she softly sobbed into his shoulder. After a few moments, she regained her composure and began to relate the details.
“It was his turn to lead the patrol, the count had been finished and he wanted to stretch his legs a little.” Softly, she sniffed. “ The wear near the escarpment, when out from cover came twenty-five Murgo riders and rode them down to a man.” Gurgar’s knuckles whitened, as his grip grew tight into fists. “A second patrol was sent out a short time after your father's was to return.” She sighed. “All the found were their remains. All the equipment, all their possessions, and all their horses were gone. The tracks led back up the escarpment and disappeared into the rocks.” Her eyes started to fill with tears again. “We brought the bodies back for a proper burial. Your father is lying in state in the chapel.” She looked her son in the eyes. “You are Keeper of the Herds now, do well by your title.”
Gurgar stepped back with out a word and headed to the chapel. Sitting there for what seemed like hours, Gurgar heard footsteps behind him.
“He was a good man,” the clan chief said softly, “he will be missed.”
As the days progressed and the funeral ended it was time to get down to business. Gurgar met with his Clan chief and the others that held important functions with in his clan.
“We expect you to take up where your father left off, young man,” one statesman said. Gurgar started to explain to them about his relationship with the Adventurers. How much that it meant to him to be able to help people, and how close he had become to his new “family”. He told them of the good that they do as a group, of the many people they help daily. The collective gathering started to raise their voices cying out with one voice.,
“This is not do, you are needed here!”
The Clan chief stepped forward. “I have a proposal that will suit our needs,” he began. “You will keep your title, but you are to report here to the stronghold, one weekend a month and the two weeks a year we have the herd count. You also will be on call, should we send word that you are needed, you will respond as quickly as possible.” The remarks silenced the group. “Is that satisfactory to you, Gurgar?”
“It is my lord,” he replied “ I will do my best to uphold our values where ever I am in the
World” The nobles muttered to themselves.
“Are these not acceptable terms to you gentlemen?” the clan chief inquired.
“No, sir, it is acceptable.” Gurgar assured all that he would not let them down and left the meeting. He returned to his family quarters and filled his mother in on what transpired.
“When will you be going back, my son?” she asked.
“The day after tomorrow, mother, once everything is finalized here,” he said as he helped her carry baskets of clothes to the laundry area. “You know I am needed there, mother, and please, if you need me for anything, send word and I will be here quickly.” She nodded kissed his forehead and said she would be fine. After the title was transferred in a small ceremony Gurgar packed his things said his goodbyes, and set out to return to his true calling as an Adventurer.
Contribution
Bright Beams of sun shire broke through the small window of Gurgar's room. He opened his eyes slightly and looked around the room. It has been just over a week since he returned from the Stronghold, newly dubbed “Keeper of the Herds” after his fathers passing. Swinging his legs down to the side, he stared blankly at the floor, willing himself to get out of bed.
Everyone seemed to be going out of their way to give him space. Hardly anyone spoke to him or asked him to go on any quests. All he wanted was to get things back to normal. Perhaps today would be the day, he was scheduled to meet with Lord Mortiris today to discuss his standing within the clan. Perhaps he would gain another rank. Dressing quickly, he left the room to grab a quick breakfast before his meeting. Porridge again! What luck! After washing it down with a very large glass of milk, Gurgar rose and proceeded to his meeting.
Mortiris was waiting for him as usual. They walked along the corridors silently for a few moments. Mortiris spoke first.
“Are you all squared away again?”
“Yes, I am ready to continue on my goals,” Gurgar replied, “I told you about the time restrictions placed on me, one weekend a month and two weeks a year during the summer for the annual herd count.”
Mortiris nodded “That does not seem too bad. Answer me this,” he continued, “what do you feel that contribute to this clan?”
Thinking for a moment, Gurgar slowly replied, “Well, that I’m not sure, I am sure I could do a lot more, but I try to set a good example for the others. I am getting better with my directions, I just want to work towards making the clan better and help people.” Gurgar looked back at Mortiris “You would be a better judge of what my contributions are.”
Mortiris nodded. “Perhaps. Well, I will bring my evaluation before the council and we will get back to you as soon as possible. We are glad to have you back. Good Luck Gurgar.” With that he turned shook Gurgar's hand and continued into his private quarters, leaving Gurgar to wonder if he had done all that is required to further his position in the clan.

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Another Loss
A solitary figure stumbles down the roughly hewn street. The early morning fog still lingering like a wet blanket, covering everything with an unwelcome moistness. A faint chuckling emits from the figure that ushers a racking cough which leaves him clutching his side and the nearby stone wall.
The man sighed but held fast his grin. "Another loss" his thoughts came, "So why am I smiling? Laughing, even after a defeat?", replaying the fight over and over in his mind. Recalling each blow, each mistake, yes, even the seldom success. With each fight the mistakes lessen and the success grow. Perhaps soon a win might happen. The more he thought about it the more it seemed likely to happen. Each fight is getting longer, dealing more damage. Hell, this last fight the person was as bad as I was, if I just didn’t run out of potions, I might have squeaked out a win." He thought.
Finally able to continue on his way, he passes by several groups of people who look on in disdain. Finally reaching his destination he pushes the door open and steps inside.
The bright lights and the sterile environment bring him back to his senses a little more. "Gurgar? You again? I was hoping not to see you for at least a few weeks." The healer opens the cabinet and retrieves the wound dressings.
"I know, but I just have this urge to prove something, I know im not the strongest in the clan, or the best at fighting, but I am determined to succeed and to make the clan succeed." Gurgar replied. The doctor nodded and pressed the antiseptic to the wounds causeing Gurgar to wince slightly. After completely dressing all the wounds the healer returned his materials to their place and Gurgar shuffled to the door.
"See you soon,” Gurgar mumbled as the door opened.
"Hopefully not too soon" the healer trailed as he counted the coins Gurgar left on the table.

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LoN
Darkness.. Followed by swirling color .. -sigh- this is how it always starts....
It is the recent past, that I can tell. People and places are strangely familiar, but myself.. I am different somehow. I am seeing with my own eyes, experiences are mine. It feels so real. But, it can’t be real, can it.
People know me as Altem and I acknowledge them as such. The wars.. Vicious battles between the clans.. Glory and honor not to mention respect. The clan members banding together as common goal, not some moralistic crusade that leads towards nothing, not the limitless drive for power that always seems out of reach. Good ?? Evil?? What does it matter if there is money to be made. The idea that held true then hold true now. The same clan, the same goals. New people mixed with, thanks to my realistic dreams, old.
Alas, I am not this Altem, I am Gurgar Lesant. An merchant with a thirst for a good war and a good profit. Ahh the Nadrak way of life, what a game. All the fun of the Dasnians with the threat of an Evil god to scare the bejesus out of you. Anything to make life more interesting. Laying, waiting for sleep to carry me back to the dreams, so I can see how to help make this clan regain its greatness, then surpass it.

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Dreams
They say all dreams mean something, perhaps that’s true. Recolections of the past, preminitions of the future, hopes, and fears. No one is sure what sets them off. Some say you even dream several times a night. These past few weeks, it seems that i am dreaming when still awake. I can hear that cool voice calling my name. Urging me to do drastic things all in the name of religion. Religion a funny term for the actions that are required. But at this point I'll do almost anything to keep His voice at bay. He tells me that once I have started my power will grow, that soon after I will even begin to enjoy the sacrifices made to my God. Its the nature of my race, he calls to me. Put down the drink, take up the sword. Fulfill my wishes! He urges me. The voice, clam, clear, demanding. Perhaps travelling will quench the dreams. With that thought in mind I pack my things leave the hall to explore and find the answers that will cure me from hearing that voice again.

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