Turn 1 -- A Simple Mission

Shadowdale. Fifth day of Hammer. Evening.

Old Skull Inn. You all came to the town of Shadowdale seeking employment and adventure of some type. Having known the reputation of Shadowdale as an adventurers haven you felt there would be no trouble in finding work but the exact opposite has been true. You have each been in Shadowdale for three weeks without any adventure whatsoever. Today, after receiving a summons from a man simply calling himself Gordrenn you all have come together in a back meeting room in the Old Skull Inn to await the arrival of this Gordrenn. The message simply stated that he was interested in hiring you to transport some cargo of his to some village called Thurmaster. As the past weeks have offered nothing up you each decide to hear this man out.

Taking a quick survey of the room you recognize all of the occupants from your weeks in the town and speaking with each of them occasionally. At the head of the table sits Beleg Cuthalion, a very large (6’ 10”) blond hair, grey-eyed human Paladin who you know is as skilled with his lute as he is with his great bastard sword. Seated on Beleg’s right in stark contrast to Beleg’s size is the halfling Rasmussen, a generally likable halfling of Stout lineage who has appeared to prefer his own company at times. To his right we find a rather stout and large (for a Dwarf) fellow by the name of Gnore WitherCourage. He also fights with a large bastard sword (two-handed for him) and prefers to keep his own company as well, often saying little to others. Next we have another Dwarf by the name of Druckner the Red, a young dwarf with very-light skin, green eyes and abundant red hair and beard. He has shown some ability in magic over the few weeks as well as much skill with his battle-axe. Following Druckner we have a young half-elf by the name of Kre. He is a small fellow with black hair and brown eyes who looks more suited to the back alleys than any battle-field. To Kre’s right we have Dain Blackfeather, a human mage of average height. His curly reddish brown hair is wavy and hangs down to the middle of his back.

Seated opposite Dain is a beautiful and charming young elf named Zir’zool. Her hair is green and long, and her skin white like milk. She also has a red feather in her hair and appears to be more comfortable out of doors than within. To her right we have Brother Randor Skycastle, a human cleric of Tyr. He is mildly handsome with sharply defined features and a hawk-like nose. Seated next to Randor and in stark contrast to him is Kersath, a fellow who appears to have elven ancestry but one that you cannot easily place. He has white hair and green eyes and has shown an insatiable curiosity in the short time that you have known him. To his right is a slender Grey Elf named Talimar Silverblade. He has silver hair and amber eyes and is dressed in forest colors. Last but not least we have a mountain Dwarf by the name of Ortho Pestkiller, a stout dwarf (how many dwarfs are not stout?) who has displayed a gentle healing touch at times.

After a few minutes of quiet banter among yourselves the door opens and a middle-aged, dark-haired, slightly portly looking wizard enters the room. “Greetings one and all, I am Gordrenn, Purveyor of Magical Paraphernalia, material necessities and related items to many wizards of note,” he says rather pompously. Gordrenn moves to the head of the table opposite Beleg and begins to explain the task he needs you for. “I need to deliver a chest of material components to the wizard Tauster, who lives in the village of Thurmaster in Haranshire, four days travel along the road east of Shadowdale. Nothing terribly expensive or important but Tauster gets very huffy if I’m even a day late.”

“What say you all?”

Druckner “Red” Brombreath drops his flagon of ale loudly on the table and speaks up, “Why, Sir Gordrenn, you must think we’re desperate indeed to suggest such a ridiculous sum! Why not pay us with fresh air and the sound of rustling leaves! We’ll take your cargo safely to your man Tauster in a zip of a time for 400 gp plus expenses. Anything less is a waste of our time, the roads are quite unsafe.”

Beleg stands, moves to stand behind Druckner, lays a hand upon his shoulder and speaks to Gordrenn, “Worthy Mage, please excuse our friend Druckner. Green eyes usually represent jealousy, but in our dwarven companions case, I think it means greed.”

Laughing lightly, Beleg pats Druckner on the back and continues, “Neither he nor I speak for anyone but ourselves. But for my part, I will gladly accept your offer and the companionship of any who wish to join me.” Beleg then steps away from the dwarf, crosses his arms and waits for responses from the others.

Dain boldly steps forward and speaks, “I would glady join you friend, dwarf. I would be proud to see that the goods are handled with proper care. After all, my knowledge is equitable in such areas. I ask all of you, please do not trouble this man any longer. I could use extra coin as readily as any of you, but I’m sure that times have been no more forgiving on this man than they have on any of us. Although, if we could borrow a horse and cart, it would make transporting the chest much easier.” With that, Dain settles down in a corner, lights a cancle, sighs heavily, begins to study his spell book and prepares a rebuttal, if any.

Talimar Silverblade stands and sketches a slight bow to Gordrenn and the rest of the group, “I would be honoured to accept this task,” he replies in a musical Elven voice, “I long to be back on the road.” He glances at the shorter members of the party with a slight grin, “Even if it is in the company of dwarves.”

Zir’zool rises from her chair, making a grumpy voice as she approaches the mage. She then lays her right arm around his shoulder and whispers into his ear, “I am getting pretty tired by this dull atmospher, what I need is a trip outside. To get my blood going and feel the fresh surroundings of strong winds and mighty oceans. You on the other hand, are willing to pay for the safe transport of this artifact you are talking about. And in my eyes, that’s not what I had in mind, but since this group has a coule of decent men, and I need some money quick, you got yourself a deal.” After her little speech with the mage, she walks back and finds her chair.

Druckner, upon hearing the replies of Beleg and Dain, chokes on his ale sending suds flying left and right (Cough, cough...) Then the assembled people see that the real reason he is called Druckner the RED has nothing to do with his hair color. “How is it possible to make a living when I’m associated with elves and giants?! Did you know that 150gp divided by eleven people amounts to 13 gp, 6sp and 3cp each?! Well, Sir Gordrenn, it appears you are a shrewd negotiator. If my associates in their wisdom, agree, then I will go also.”

“Glad to have you with us friend Druckner! I know the pay is meager but the knowledge gained is always the true payment,” replies Dain from the corner.

Gnore WitherCourage states into his mead after hearing most of the replies and speeches, he looks up, “I will go also.” He says, then drains the rest of his drink.

Kre gives a small sigh, “It’s not what I’m accustomed to, you know, guarding expensive stuff and all, but we might meet a pedlar or two and I can fill my money pouch with their loss.” Kre gives a short chuckle and practices his amazing dexterity by twirling an unusual dagger with his hand and swiping the nearly empty pouch of another patron. “Of course, if paid a tad bit more, I can ensure that none of the thieves I know will not come for the chest, if you know what I mean...”

At Druckner’s initial outburst, Gordrenn took on a visibly angered expression that smoothed as the other party members began to agree and accept the work. “Good friend Druckner, I am pleased to see that you can relent to the wisdom of your comrades and accept my offer of employment. I assure you my good fellow Kersath that these items are not that expensive. I need them to get to Tauster in Thurmaster and knew that your group could do the job. I will pay you 150 gp for the entire group, you do not need a horse to carry the chest, it is not that big and can easily fit on Master Cuthalion’s warhorse. I’m sure lady Zir’zool that you will find whatever you are looking for on this journey. Perhaps before you leave though, I could assist you in some way? No? Well perhaps another time.”

With that, Gordrenn sits down at the table and begins to draw up a formal contract outlaying the terms of the deal and requests the signature or mark of each member. After you have all signed this he gives Brother Randor a letter of credit for payment which will only become negotiable when it is countersigned by Tauster in Thurmaster. Before Gordrenn leaves he offers one final though, “And don’t even think about stealing the chest! It’s got a wizard mark inside it and I’ll know wherever it is. Steal it and I’ll send all kinds of bad things after you! I will meet you first thing in the morning to give you the chest.” He then orders another round of drinks for you all and pays for your lodging for the evening as well before leaving the inn.

Before he can leave, Randor has these words to add, “Rest assured, good Gordrenn, that I shall personally see to it that your goods arrive safely.” With that, Randor fixes each of the others, in turn, with a stern gaze, which causes most to look away. He then takes his seat at the table and graciously accepts Gordrenn’s generosity.

Forward to the next turn