[East Docks] Trident’s Masquerade (Closed)

Heartbreaker · July 6, 2008, 08:55 PM

Second Cycle of Melora, Era XV p.f.

The morning of their departure had come at last. The group couldn’t have asked for better winter conditions. The air was crisp and clean, skies clear and the water was as deep in color as the most precious sapphire. Truly, it was no wonder that Jaedaxia was home to the greatest artists on the whole of Telath…for they had an abundant source of inspiration to draw from.

The dock they had taken over was bustling with sights and sounds. Indeed, it seemed as though they were embarking on a trip that would take months, not a mere cycle. Tents, bedrolls, sacks full of food…..even a large basket of freshly baked bread made their way onto the ship. Nothing was asked of them other then to stand to the side of the dock and await the arrival of their expedition leader.

The moments passed and finally, said person arrived.

Clad in what appeared to be a costume that would remind someone of a person –trying- to impersonate a wilderness tracker, the young man who presented himself did so in dramatic fashion, waving and speaking loudly for the entire group.

“Bonjour! Bonjour!!!! Good brightening to you all! Haven’t we been given a wonderful morning to depart on our grand adventure? Enough of the nonsense however…you all look like you are a very non-nonsense group…My name is Phillip and I will be your guide on this remarkable adventure. First things first though…let us climb aboard and get settled in. They have set us up in the forward part of the ship…provided a morning meal for us if you so desire. The crew will as well show you where to stow any gear that you might have brought with you!”

As promised, the crew…which the adventurers would now notice were all wearing very formal type uniforms….so formal in fact that it almost felt as though they might, just might, be costumes as well…showed them to the bow area of the vessel where tables had been set out, full of breads, cheeses, meats and drinks. There were abundant places to sit and eat if they should so desire. To the side of the area, an easel had been set up with a map of Trident Isle, presumably to outline their trip once their stomachs had been satisfied. Those that wished to stow their packs were as well shown where to do so.

OOC: Okay, here we go! When you post, please include an ooc note at the bottom that tells me what gear you have brought along with you so I know what everyone has. This includes weapons with special abilities and things of that nature. Anyone with an SOF, I –will- be checking those prior to my next post and see what fun and interesting twists I can find for your pcs. =-)

Pescado Branch · July 6, 2008, 10:05 PM

It was time once again to journey to the island that he knew very little about. Perhaps it was fate that as a mystic who had once read the minds of people, he had forgotten about all events happening, but one would never know what had happened before when the mystical saurid had gone to the island. It was as mysterious as life itself, and the saurid was looking to unravel that mystery, and perhaps regain his memory as to what happened, and how he had awaken in a room with only a pendant. The golden pendent that had the eight symbols of each of the schools of Arcana on it. Taking it out of his pack to look at it, the saurid had his spear in it's holster on his back under his pack, and his staff of invisibility in his right hand as he walked up the ramp to the ship. Adorn in his black leather armor, with his old bank guard outfit over it to keep him warm, he made his way up onto the ship, and towards the food.

Taking a bite to eat out of some of the meat as he was standing up, he so graciously set his pack down next to a seat, as well as his staff and spear, then awkwardly manuevered his metallic tail around the chair, so that he was almost sitting sideways in it, and able to better feed himself from the lovely feast. Phillip was it? thought the mystic, as he ate. I doubt he knows what he is getting himself into... Not even the saurid knew exactly but he did have a not so good feeling about this trip. Holding the pendant in his scaled hand, he looked down at it, and examined it, trying to get a feel for what it meant. But what exactly it meant, he did not know...

OOC: Pescado is bringing his spear, staff of invisibility, and the pendant he had recieved from his last trip to Trident Isle.

Eyvind Redbeard · July 7, 2008, 01:22 AM

The waves gently licked the harbor and the ship's wooden belly when the group of warriors arrived. They were a hardy people, bringing with them everything they could need in the journey for theirs was the task of protect the expedition. Warm clothes, furs, quality foot wear, backpacks with objects popping out, some even with leather strips holding the contents and weapons, lots of weapons. The exact number of daggers and knives each man carried couldn't be counted and added to them they all carried swords hanging from scabbards and strong spears. The group was unique in composition. There was a silent Dwarf always looking around avaluating everything and near him was always a jet black Dorin with sharp teeth looking around as well raising his nose from time to time to catch a scent. The rest of the group was comprised of two Vagarans, one being old and with greying hair resembling the kind of old warrior you don't want to mess with and the other being a young blonde man with blue eyes and an eternal smile, in his hand he brought an harp and passer bys would hear him singing or playing the instrument slowly while the dock worker loaded the ship. While this two duos waited near some crates the man who resembled the leader of the group, a colossal red-haired Vagaran towering seven feet above the ground with some black tattos on the left side of the face reminding vines with thorns that twisted around his eye and cheek, and a short black haired barrel looking man spoke with a worried looking Elf.

"Calm down, Algyrdin. We will be just fine, I leave Galdoran in the lead of the others so you have nothing to worry. As for us, I'm here, what can happen?"

"Yes but...take this..." the Elf handed the Vagaran a small pack "It contains some of my herbs and potions, it might help you and..."

"Algyrdin! We are going to make a little tour, it's not Telath's end." the baritone voice of the black haired man echoed through the harbor.

"Right...but please be careful with the plants I told you about, they are rare but if you touch them your skin may grow freckles!!!"

"Freckles? Aslan save me, you worry to much about us...it's time to leave. Serale."

"Good luck...and..."

A raised brow quieted the worried healer. The six soldiers approached the ship as the Elf walked away speaking to himself about how dangerous the Winter breeze could be. From one character to another, at least Algyrdin was just a worried person but this...Philip, ridiculous, a costume that had nothing of accurate. The sleeves were too long and the pants too loose, things that got in a tracker's way. Well at least they had a morning meal, it could come in hand!

"Save something for later, lads."

Eyvind told his men while placing a piece of cheese over a bread slice and adding some strawberry compote to it.

Secrets :

Viniece · July 7, 2008, 04:18 PM

Viniece breathed in the sea breeze, somewhat uncomfortable having chosen some time before that getting stared at wasn't worth the freedom to swim that having no clothing allowed. He now wore his Nimalni clothes daily, and they were no longer soaking wet. It had been more than a month since his arrival in Jaedaxia, and he was as much a land dweller as everyone else in the tour group.

The dock that they were setting off from was the same one he had arrived from, by some odd chance, and the memories of home caused him to shake his head in disgust. That was no longer his home, his home was here now, in Aelyria, he was Aelyrian. The Nimalni no longer could hold him in their sway.

Looking at the boat and all the supplies being loaded on it, Viniece couldn't stop himself from shuddering. He'd never ridden on a boat before, and he didn't think it'd be anywhere near as efficient as simply taking off your clothes and swimming.

Before long, the expedition leader arrived, and Viniece had to repress a maddened grin. The fool was entirely overdressed and was absolutely in no shape for a roughened adventure. The man spoke, and made airs, and remarked on the first intelligent thing he'd heard from any native human to this town: “You all look like you are a non-nonsense group.” As stupidly as it was said, it was definitely correct. Looking over each of his companions, Viniece could tell that none of these people were as stupid as their supposed guide.

The guide... the crew... everyone except the adventurers were all pompously dressed in clothing entirely inappropriate for travel. As though clothing was actually needed for travel in the first place. Viniece walked onto the ship with nothing but his clothing on his back and his rusted out knife attached to his fore-arm, he demonstrated his lack of belongings without bothering to speak to anyone, and settled himself to the offered feast. Upon taking his seat, Viniece began to silently pick at his food, choosing to eat sparingly, eating too much made one sluggish and dull of senses.

Secrets :

Dego Mernoff · July 7, 2008, 10:49 PM

The day of departure was gorgeous, Dego hadn’t been in town for long and while he had trouble parting with Diligence for the cycle, the Raslin seemed to handle it well in the lovely weather. The soft winter breeze filled the elves nostrils with energy and whipped his long raven hair about in it. The half esh had never been on a ship before, and it made him a bit nervous. He continued to tell himself that they were just going on a simple trip to look around the local scenery but the way the guide had acted when he signed up still didn’t sit entirely right in his mind.

“Serale.” The young man greeted their host as he approached. It seemed he had overslept a bit and some of the other adventurers were already on board when he showed up. Their wilderness tracker, the term used loosely, made a soft chuckle rise to the elves lips as he introduced himself. “Tis a pleasure Phillip, I don’t want to hold you from the preparations so I’ll just show myself aboard.” Dego passed by, shaking his head softly as he slipped up the ramp leading onto the main deck of the ship. What an interesting fellow… what an interesting crew! It seemed they were all pomp onboard and it was easy to tell the crew from the citizens.

Heading to the front of the ship the half elf wanted to take a bit of time to relax and get used to the ship. Dego passed through the edge of the dining section in a round about way grabbing a small plate of food to nibble on, eyeing up his companions before heading to the Bow of the ship. Leaning against the railing he let his adventures pack slip off his shoulder and lay nearby his feet on the deck as he munched on some of the fresh fruit provided.

Already he had noticed an interesting elf, he looked to be a water born by the color of his flesh. Then there was a large sauird with a metal tail that seemed to have a mind of its own. Obviously the first could swim but could the metal lizard man? And if he could would his tail rust like a piece of steel. What if the spray rusted the contraption over… didn’t lizards grow their tails back… Perhaps Saurids didn’t have that ability; he would have to look into that later. He laughed to himself popping another piece of melon into his mouth before leaning down and stuffing a few of the hard tack biscuits and dried jerky into the pockets of his pack. Just in case reserves… one could never know what could happen... For example there was that one time in Acu…

Dego’s thought was cut short as he pushed the last piece of meat into the pack and happened to glance up to see an unmistakably tall Vagaran warrior with a billowing red mane. Was it… No, why would he be up here, well Dego was here, was it really such a far fetched idea? Standing and throwing the leather pack back over his shoulder, adjusting the quiver and bow to be pulled freely the elf eyed the man up. It was definitely Eyvind.

He began walking across the deck, straight for the warrior. His blue leather riding coat flipping about in the sea’s breeze as the azure Talwaska scales that covered his shoulder caught the light and glinted in it. He called out in a full yell across the deck at the man, his tone still fluid but full of confidence none the less. “There is one face I didn’t expect to see again any time soon!”

Secrets :

Bladewyn · July 8, 2008, 12:54 AM

Bladewyn woke earlier than usual that brightening to prepare for the journey. She had gathered all of the necessary equipment and supplies the darkening before, and it all lay ready for her in a corner of her bedroom. She dressed quietly so as not to wake Luricor, who slumbered soundly in his crib. When she had put on her long-sleeved blue shirt, black pants, wool socks, and brown boots, she tied her black leather armor over everything. Over that, to protect her from the cold, went her wool-lined green jacket and her waterproof brown cloak. Now she knew what it felt like when she dressed Luricor for going out in the snow. Bladewyn smiled and kissed her adoptive son on the forehead as a farewell. His babysitter, Elaine, was asleep in the guest room next door. Tearing her gaze from Cor, Bladewyn gathered up her pack and left the house.

She was glad that she had come well-prepared. At first, the extensive pack had seemed like she might have been overzealous about the quest, but there were many that were more equipped than she. Chiding herself for not thinking about it before, she wondered exactly how long this little adventure would take.

The quest's leader seemed more like an actor than an actual guide. In fact, those who showed up to embark on the adventure seemed better equipped to lead the quest. But Bladewyn kept her thoughts to herself. Hopefully Phillip would show himself to be more than a good public speaker. As for the strange assembly of adventurers, Bladewyn only recognized one, and that was Dego Mernoff. She had helped him in the adventuring shop yesterday to purchase an adventuring kit, and she had gotten one for herself as well. He seemed to be busy greeting an old friend. Ah, well. Bladewyn was more than used to adventuring on her own, and she was a solitary creature by nature.

She boarded the ship, looking around curiously at the interior of the vessel. She hoisted her full pack into a storage cubby and sat down to eat. It would be good to have as much energy as possible when they arrived at the Isle. Bladewyn had never been seasick before, and she hoped it wouldn't start now. Just to be safe, she helped herself to the meat and cheese, only drinking a little bit of water and avoiding the meat altogether.

Secrets :

Karl Armodsson · July 9, 2008, 11:39 PM

For the first time in a few months, Karl was getting ready to set foot aboard a boat and head out onto the ocean. It was somehow a nice feeling, and yet he was nervous at the same time. That was understandable considering how his last trip out to sea ended. In honesty, he was pretty lucky to actually still be alive. To this brightening, he still thanked Ioannes for that. Someone must've been keeping watch over him to make sure he didn't die on that fateful day. The Vagaran man hoped that whatever higher entity looked out for him then, was now keeping a stern eye on him as he was setting out to brave the unknown. It would be interesting to see what Trident Isle had to offer.

Glancing around, he couldn't help but feel they were maybe a little over-prepared. Still over-prepared was better than under-prepared. Other people had started to arrive, and he could only assume that they were also here for the trip. It seemed that a lot of people were interested in the Isle. FInally, the person whom was running the trip arrived as well. He seemed to be a little excitable, which caused Karl to snicker slightly. Also, the thought of a morning meal sat well with his stomach. At least the Vagaran man didn't have to worry about the prospect of sea-sickness given his background. That meant he was likely to actually keep his breakfast.

Once everyone started to board the vessel, Karl fell behind and followed. Once on the actual boat, he couldn't help but stop and let his gaze wander over everything, his sailors eye taking in all the craftsmanship and how everything should work. Some people might be interested in the meal and drinks, he was more interested in the vessel itself. The wandering eye was stopped by the announcement of where they could store backpacks and other gear. Karl wandered over to the specified area and slung down his backpack, keeping his Spatha on his belt. That might be useful on the journey, but he doubted it. Now that had been taken care of, it was time to deal with the stomach.

OOC: Very boring... Karl's just got the starting package you gave me.

Backpack, food and water for 5 days, little cash, sword...

Xyltha Thanole · July 10, 2008, 10:33 PM

The weather was promising, good omen for the adventure ahead. Xyltha had woken early enough to appreciate the Sunrise, even as he began his stroll towards the docks at the appointed time. As he glanced around, he noted that the other members of the motley crew had already showed up. Even the oddly dressed crew members of the tour were present, and readying for the ride it seemed.

He glanced around, and suddenly felt under-equipped for the adventure ahead. He had the presence of mind to bring along his dagger, his trusty dagger of many ordinations, but little else. Ah well, if what the tour-operators said was true, he would need little else.

He boarded the ship, along with the others. The food platter spread over the table served to tantalise his taste buds. He eased into a seat before the table, and grabbed a plate to fill with a fine selection of cheese (a bit of everything was just what he liked), and also a wide array of cold meats and bread as an accompaniment.

His tray of food already selected, he turned his attention to the other adventurers. Now would be the time to make friends, especially since all of them would be travelling together for a cycle.

"Serale, I'm Xyltha, how are you this brightening? What do you think the Isles will be like? Have you ever been there before?"

He addressed no one in particular, or rather everyone on board seated near the table.

Secrets :

Velese Avalon · July 12, 2008, 09:05 PM

Velese was amused and delighted as she approached the vessel. Her upbringing in an isolated hamlet in Arium had deprived her of the sights and sounds that a townsperson in somewhere like Jaedaxia would think commonplace, and so everything was still very new to her as she looked about her, her pack slung over her shoulder.

The young human woman dismissed the fripperies of the crew and the tour guide with nary a thought. These people were Jaedaxians, after all, and everybody knew that those foreigners dressed funny, something she had observed from the time she had entered town.

She took a breath of the fresh air as she came aboard and looked around. A mumble in her stomach reminded her that she had been eating light as of late, and Velese wasted no time in selecting bits of this and that from the proffered food and sat down, taking care to set her pack next to her and in her sight.

This was going to be fun!

Secrets :

Heartbreaker · July 18, 2008, 12:44 AM

As promised, when the ‘tourists’ had settled down with their food, Phillip joined them once again to outline what the trip had in store for them.

“Bonjour once again! Let us talk about this magnificent trip ahead of us, shall we?”

Bringing the easel closer, he began to point out areas of interest that they would be seeing. His finger first found its way to a small dot on the western side of Trident Isle, almost in smack in the middle of the coastline.

"Our first port will be Dralinheim. A small fishing village, Dralinheim is rich in history. It is said that the origins of the Borthanist sect began near the village. As well…there have been recent rumors of me people roaming around the waters nearby. Who knows…perhaps we shall see some, no?"

Moving around the lush green area to the east of Dralinheim, the map seemed to show green forest…but also some colored in brown hues.

"Next, we shall move into the mysterious forests of the Serewood. It is said that all manner of magical creature can be found within…but few find their way out to tell the stories. It is within that life and death have found a balance…good and evil….what will we find there remains to be seen."

A mountain seemed to sit in the center of the isle and that was where his finger slide to next.

"Mt. Trident…tis more of a glorified hill then anything but to the east sits the isle’s largest city, Frasbourg…or sometimes known as Frasburg. The south, western, and northwestern sides are all inaccessible due to the exotic Serewood surrounding it, but the town sits in a valley on its eastern face and there are quite a few trails and roads from that direction. Mysterious in its own right, the town is rumored to be home to the witch of Trident Isle. Who knows what might be under her spell!"

Finally, he moved his finger to the north…another small dot on the northern coastline.

"Blackwatch - The rumored home of pirates. The city is very hard to access but we have our ways. Who knows…we may be the first to see what it is truly like to live the life of a pirate!"

The whole presentation was very theatrical in nature, aided in part by the fact that Phillip himself was most likely a professional storyteller. The adventurers could allow themselves to be pulled into the mystique of the descriptions or not…but all in all, it still sounded like an interesting trip.

Xyltha Thanole · July 18, 2008, 01:27 AM

Xyltha was barely past his childhood, by elven reckoning. Being only forty-odd Ordinations, his young mind was still malleable to the fancy fairytale adventure that the Tour guide told. His mind was fired up with imaginations of mer sighting, and other fanciful magical creatures! And pirates too!

"Excuse me, but what or who are the Borthanist sect?" They sounded rather odd, almost like a bunch of tree-huggers. Or flower-sniffers. Did they grow flowers on all these islands?

He positively beamed, excited to be off. Maybe he could get a mer as a pet for himself. Or duel witches in magic battles... He lapsed into a trance of daydreaming.

Bladewyn · July 18, 2008, 02:06 AM

Bladewyn followed Phillip's finger on the map, making her own mental map in her mind to keep track of their trip. She was interested in the Serewood and the magical creatures within, but she knew to be wary of them. From her brief history lesson with Rowan, she already knew to avoid any deadly-looking black things that resembled horses. Not that Bladewyn wouldn't have already avoided those anyway.

Phillip's narration was making him seem more and more like a tourguide in Bladewyn's eyes. Perhaps he was an actor, hired by whoever was financing this trip to make them happy and keep them distracted while they were led into the very mouth of death. It wasn't very likely, since she and Dego (that at least she knew) were accomplished fighters and adventurers, and those who were brave enough to accompany them on the trip were most likely the same.

At Xyltha's comment, she merely raised an eyebrow. Maybe she had grown a bit snooty from her explorations of the city, and maybe she was just more familiar with the city's history than most. But it was still hard to believe that one could even visit Jaedaxia and not find out all about the Borthanists, the Wall of Weeping, Defiance... In fact, Bladewyn had chosen to come on the adventure to Trident Isle to find out even more. But she didn't say a word. She continued to eat lightly, watching the other adventurers to see their reactions to Phillip's presentation.

Pescado Branch · July 18, 2008, 06:06 AM

Listening to the clown talk was such a bore for the saurid, although, he wondered if he had once visited any of these places on his last trip to Trident isle. Taking a sip of water as the man continued to speak, the saurid shifted in his seat a bit, and allowed himself the luxury of closing his eyes for a few moments, and then reopening them only to see the clown continuing on with their tour guide. Watching his theatrics was not something the saurid wanted to see, he just wanted to get on the island, and perhaps regain his memories that he had lost when he had last visited jaedaxia.

The mysterious Trident Isle seemed to be the right place for it anyhow. Taking a brief glance at the pendant, he also wondered what exactly it was for anyways. He had never discovered it's hidden meaning, or anything about it really, and hopefully now would be a good time to find out what it meant. Pocketing it once more, the saurid looked towards the man as he finally finished his speech, and then took another bite out of the bread, and decided it best to let the others ask the questions, and stay silent himself...