The job description has come to the groups attention, via a gnome named Zil Feywind. He stands before your group at local establishment. Zil looks tired as he stands before you. He says in a nasally voice I have been told your group can do this job. Can you tell me about yourselves before we get into the details?
Zil orders a drink and waits for the group the to talk to him. The table you all are at is round. The tavern is a quite place in the Craggs. The tavern is known to have heroes for hire here.
Pushing a chair towards the gnome, Simon gives his introduction
"Greetings and salutations Mr. Feywind. Simon, Simon d'Jorasco at your service. The name speaks for itself as you can imagine."
He takes a sip of ale, winces at the bitter taste, I'd much prefer some tea or wine, and continues his small speech.
"I may be a part of the healer's guild but I don't only answer to them. I seek to experience all that the world has to offer, the Host has answered my prayers permitting me into many of their libraries for study on not only the healing arts. But books can only take one so far. I feel that I have a higher calling out in the world, and I intend to find it."
The massive warforged, clad in adamantine plating, is at first silent as if waiting for permission to talk.
After the halfling talks, and thus determining that the gnome was no threat for the party, he talks in a rasping metallic voice.
"My name is Bludgeon. My purpose is protection of my companions."
Then he stays still for a second, his emotionless eyes focused on Zil.
My name is Bludgeon. My rank is footsoldier #47 of the 14th Battalion "Battering Ram" of the Cyran Army. My purpose is protection of Cyre and my companions in the Cyran Army...
Everything is lost and my purpose diminished, yet a purpose is necessary to function.
Not having a use for ale or other fleshling commodities, Bludgeon waits for the others to continue the presentations and do the talk.
I failed my first purpose. I will pursue and fulfill my second.
Even a Kalashtar would have a hard time assessing Bludgeon's current emotions. So does Bludgeon himself.
"My name is Eldramin." said the older gentleman, having waited for a moment. Introductions are always awkward... "I, like this Jorasco, seek to experience more of Eberron through a scholar's eyes. Khyber even, one day."
The gentleman looks mid-30s, and relatively well-dressed in Aundairian style.
Zil looks at warforge and says That is good of you, where you are going you will need to protect your friends. I am well aware of your last name good halfling. I am glad Eldramin that you want to explore more of Eberron. You all will be given a chance. What about you good Elf?
Mirana gives a respectful pose to the Gnome and says to him. "It is a pleasure to meet you Zil Feywind. I am Mirana Falataur, bladesinger from the lands of Arenal. I hope to explore the lost lands of Eberron and discover lost relics of my people. But in pursuit of this my skills of blade and magic are exceptional and I shall be of a great boon to the quest at hand."
Mirana is an average sized elf with long blonde hair and viloet eyes. She is dressed in leather with a chain-shirt and carries a fine looking elven longsword and a shield bearing the heraldry of Arenal on the front. She seems quite fit and intelligent in her posture.
"Falataur." Simon whispers to himself. I could have sworn I've heard that name before Simon thinks to himself before asking "Mirana, have we met before? Maybe I've seen you at the healer's guild before, maybe you or a family member?"
Taking another sip of ale, Simon frowns with disapproval and pushes the mug away. "As with you Eldramin, maybe I've run into you in a library somewhere, you were researching something about... Oh I can't remember but something. I know I've seen you somewhere before I just can't place my finger on it."
Turning his gaze to Bludgeon, his green eyes light up and hes speaks again, "By the forge and flame this is one well crafted Warforged! I've picked up a bit about metalworking from books and a little craftsmanship myself, but look at you. Somebody surely put some time and effort into each individual part. I'd say you were built for more than just swinging a weapon around."
Bludgeon seems puzzled by the little gnome's talk. Certainly the warforged is more used to swords, not words.
Showing his face to his interlocutor, Bludgeon's voice was reminishing of the cold statements that a heartless wizard would use in describing the nature of a construct.
"The artificers of House Cannith crafted me four years ago in Metrol. When I first awoke, I was in line with other forty-nine identical warforged, except for my Ghulra."
Using his strong three-fingered hand, Bludgeon pointed at the characteristic symbol on his forehead.
"I spent my first three months of training within the Cannith facility to learn melee combat, for that is my function."
After a pause, he continues, barely changing his tone of voice in a less descriptive matter.
"I'm afraid I don't understand how you would, in fact, use me for anything more than... just swinging a weapon around, sir."
I don't know anything else to do, and the Cannith instructors were very clear when they said I was ready and no further training was required. Perhaps the Brelish forces developed some new battle tactic while I was inert?
"Hmm, yes, that is certainly possible. It's a long way from Aundair, so I had budgeted extra time for travel. Things went well, though, so I had some extra time to spend here in a few libraries."
Zil ignores the warforge and then says. Well let us get down to business. The Library recently uncovered a journal entry in it's poession. The journal talks about an ancient city in Xen'drik. Now before you dismiss this as another city in ruins in the jungle. The city was rumored to be one of the first flying cities of the giants.What do you know of this?
Mirana Falataur nods to Zil and says, "The Giants once enslaved the Elven people so likely there was elves that lived in the city. There was great magics lost to the ages employed in ancient Xen'drik so a flying city is definitely within the possibility."
Zil looks surprised at the Elf's knowledge. Why yes there was great magic. Some of it maybe elemental or even extra dimensional in origin. Have you ever heard of the Nethril? Zil says in response.
The warforged gladly lets the others do the scholarly talks. He knows that he can add nothing useful to the others' knowledge.
Upper Sharn flies as well, so it's certainly possible. Giants are being of great strength, formidable adversaries in battle. A single giant can crush armies before falling. If we encounter one, it would be advisable not to engage such a powerful creature.
Bludgeon recalls a audio conversation from his "birth". There was a entry made in his mind about a flying city from Xen'drik. It was rumored to have the key to making the next generation of warforged. This generation could challenge someone called the "Inspired". The memory ends there.. but it provides a curious feeling in you.
Knowledge Arcana:
She says to Zil, "I am afraid I have not heard of the Nethril. I am trained in the arcane arts but my knowledge of other planes is rather limited. It was not in the preview of my training."
The warforged was pondering tactical options, when a curious piece of information springs to his mind.
Curious. Somehow I've been granted specific knowledge about this Nethril. Military protocols regarding sensitive informations demand that I withhold these until I can safely report to my field commander, to avoid interception.
Bludgeon has not been trained to think, just to act.
As usual, the warforged would stay quiet. People tend to ignore living constructs, and Bludgeon was glad about that. To him, it is still preferable to face impossible odds in battle than to articulate a discussion between equals.
War was easier.
"I cannot say I've picked up anything over the years, not even the vast libraries I have read through can really help me here. A flying city certainly seems phenomenal, and I would surely like to see it if I could."
This Netheril seems like a fantastic place, but if we find it I'm sure the family will just want to sell it to House Orien or use it for their own purposes. Maybe even sell it to House Cannith and that madman of theirs.
"And to your question Mr... let's go with Mr. Bludgeon. You can do lots of things if you put your mind to it.
Orders are easy enough to follow, they are direct, they have a purpose. Usually they are a good thing. But sometimes you have, or need, to do something that wasn't ordered. If the orders you were given were bad, or vague, you have to figure out what it means right?
I have no idea what else you can do, but we can easily try various things together. I am a personal fan of the game conqueror, would you like to learn?"
Cannith officers warned me about the talkative nature of halflings
Bludgeon answers to Simon, puzzled about his interest.
"Xen'Drik is far away. I suppose I'll have time to learn your game on ship. But I think our purpose here is to learn more about this Nethril before embarking."
Then he turns his head to Zil, eager to listen more about the flying city of Giants.
A thought lingers in his head.
What he means with... bad or vague orders? One can't "criticize" orders, they're just that, orders.
[Dice=arcana] 1d20+11
[Dice=planes] 1d20+10
As with the common knowledge that Eberron touches other planes.The Giants may have contacted it.
There maybe a plane called Nethril but no one has heard of it.
Zil looks at the group and says I have been empowered to hire a group of my choice. I have a hunch your group will do well. Keep in mind this job is very important so there are conditions about this job if you accept it. So first off is this all of your group?
Zil looks for an answer. Then he says There is an Airship docked calledStorm's Glory I will need you to board it straight from here if you are going to take the job. There are many who would stop this expedition, because of the possible profit and academic glory! The information about the item you will find in this flying city will be given to you once reach Stormreach. Any last minute questions?
[I] hmm, with my extensive study of precisely these topics, I would imagine I would know morethan I do... [/b] Eldramin muses to himself.
"well if job details are to be had later, perhaps you could tell us more about the folks trying to stop us? "
Mirana Falataur looks excited and says, "An airship you say? It is excellent to have a chance to sail the very skies on one of the Airships of Ebberon. Far better a journey then by sea I would say. As for the job, you have my blade, magic and skills on your side good sir. To find a lost flying city of old Xen'drik would be an adventure unlike I have ever experienced."
Hearing Eldramin's question she says, "Indeed, knowing what threats and rivals we may face beforehand would allow us to better face that which may oppose our progress."
A barmaid comes by with a final round of drinks. Drinks that no one seemed to have order.
She pulls up a chair and sits down. She grins as her skin ripples and fades to the dull gray of changeling flesh, the curls of her hair straightens into a shock of white hair. Just as quickly color returns to their skin and before you realize what has happened a rakish young elf sits in front of you. He brushes the blond hair from his face and says, "Sorry for the late entrance, I've learned it's better to observe as much as I can before entering a risky situation, a penchant I'm sure you'll find will work to your advantage."
The elf looks around the table, stopping as he meets Zil's gaze, "Name's Nix, I believe you asked for me. I haven't had the chance to fly the skies either and if you're footing the bill I'd be glad to take you up on your offer."
He leans back in his chair and takes a deep drink from his cup. Seems as good a group as any to get off of this rock with.
As Mirana speaks to learn about their enemies, Bludgeon is happy to acknowledge his commander's wisdom, for that information was indeed the one he would have sought himself.
When the changeling reveals himself, though, Bludgeon reacts to the surprise by standing alert and he puts himself between the newcomer and the rest of the party.
"Stand still!" he orders, waiting for his rules of engagement.
Is this friend or foe?
Changelings... one can never tell their true colors, they can change their appearance at will. Fortunately my commander can tell the difference between allies and enemies even during unexpected events like this.
Mirana glares at Nix with a look of dislike. The fact that this Changeling was masquerading as an elf was a hit to her pride. She would be less offended if she took a human form but a changeling masquerading as one of the Elvenkind was an insult to her race.
She says to the Changeling, "I do not appreciate your kind taking the shape of the elves. Our race is our own in body, mind and soul. To take on such attributes is a grave offense to my people."
"Hmm, a chance to fly in the skies. I'll take it, and it looks like our little group will have a changeling as well. Nix was it, glad to meet you. I haven't met many changelings before. Of course I've seen a few as customers, they were very entertaining to be around."
Simon extends his hand to shake Nix's.
"I'm sure we will either be told of opposing interests or run into them sooner or later. For now let us at least enjoy a hot meal and each other's company."
This will either be a lot of trouble or a lot of fun. Maybe both. Who knows what the Host has in store for us.
hmm, a child of the traveler... Eldramin muses. He will take the drink and sip it, not interested in getting drunk at the moment.
Nix takes Simon's hand, "You are gladly met as well, it is always good to be on friendly terms with a scion of House Jorasco. He grins slyly and winks, "And you may have met more of my kind than you know."
Nix turns to Mirana briefly, "Apologies for any offence I have given, but I find the qualities of elvenkind to be so admirable I cannot help but imitate them. I have a great love of your people; I have lived much of my life on the shores of Aerenal, it is one of the few places I consider home."
Now, he exclaimed, clapping a hand on the shoulders of Eldramin and Bludgeon, Unless there is more to discuss I believe we have an airship to inspect."
"It would be nice for an old man to ride an airship. I didn't have the means to make the long trip here in such luxury."
Mirana Falataur says to Nix, "A spy as well it seems. Infiltrating my homeland of Aerenal pretending to be one of the elvenkind and stealing our secrets. You doppelgangers are all the same. You lack your own culture so borrow that of others for your own amusement."
Zil looks at the group. Also who is your leader in this company? I had thought your group knew each other extremely well.
"I've really no interest in... leadership..." Eldramin says, his mind on something else.
Hmm, I could be a good leader, but I don't have the attention span necessary to be a great leader. Mr. Bludgeon seems to be a bit too rigid, Eldramin a bit too condescending and calculating. No matter how much fun the changeling seems to be they make better spies. Well it looks like my decision is made.
"We all have maybe met somewhere, or are tied to each other in various small ways. The world is mysterious like that. But as for our leader, I vote for Miss Falataur. In my opinion she's the only one of us that qualifies."
Simon reaches for his bag, pulls out a piece of paper from a scroll case, a quill, and an ink bottle. Being careful not to spill he dips the quill into the inkwell, writes down each persons name with an underline and scratches a tally under Mirana's name.
"Who else?" as Simon extends the quill to the rest of the table waiting for someone to take it from his outstretched hand.
"Hmm, it is a tough choice between Miss Falataur and Nix. I like her confidence, but I like his calculation. If what I have heard of Xen'drik holds true, I imagine calculation to be more useful in ensuring our continued survival. Nix gets my vote, for now."
Mirana Falataur says to the question, "I am certainly willing to take the lead in this expedition. I have the skill to hold my own in the front lines of battle and the magic to enhance my battle prowess. Xen'drik was once the homeland of the Elves and there is likely many relics that I can identify in our journey. As for Nix taking the lead, one has to be cautious of the Changelings. They hold nothing as their own and their trickery makes them untrustworthy."
It seems that this Nix is not an enemy to be engaged afterall. Good. More allies usually means easier battles.
The warforged seems to have no reaction on Nix's clap, although he is still confused by the changeling's nature.
But when leadership comes into debate, Bludgeon is quick to say his opinion on the matter.
"Commander Mirana Falatur is in charge." is as simple and direct a statement as his view of the party.
"Well, that settles it, then. Three votes for Falataur, one vote Nix. Nix's vote, at this point, cannot tip the scales. Looks like all matters are settled, barring any details we might get about our prospective enemies."
"Mirana, I gladly follow you in this expedition, I do not know that I would have the... constitution for leadership myself" Not that I she would listen to me if I were in charge, she's too easily offended by these pointy ears of mine
"Thank you for your kind words Eldramin, but even if I were the most calculated among us, and it seems to me that honor falls to you, I believe I can be just as useful from the sidelines as leading a charge.
She nods to Blugeon and says, "I appreciate your support my good friend. With your might at my side we shall be a force to be reckoned with in the land of Xen'drik."
She looks to the others, "While I am in command, I expect you to follow my orders when given. I believe in free will however so such commands will only be issued in times of need. Feel free to share whatever advice you have on various situations as we are working as a team and should contribute all our best skills to better aid the group and its success."
As he marks the last tally under Mirana's name, Simon blows carefully on the ink to dry it then sets it aside to gather up later.
"Congratulations Ms. Falataur, now we can get down to business. We surely have an airship to catch. What time, and where? Surely we all have most if not all of our supplies on hand. But maybe some last minute prep, or a good nights rest could do us all some good."
"While I am most certainly interested in hearing more about this Netheril I'm sure there will be plenty of time once we are in the air."
Zil looks at everyone and says Now that your internal business done, lets be off to the Airship. The Captain of the Storm's Glory will be expecting you. Also be advised the Emerald Claw is afoot in this business. You will find the ship located in the Upper Dock area. Is there anything else?
She nods to Zil and says, "Very well then Mr. Zil. I appreciate you accept us for the position."
She looks to the others and says, "If you have any last minute shopping you need done, I'ed get it out of the way now. You won't find much of the features of civilization in Xen'drik."
"The Emerald Claw, eh? I have very little gold with which to shop, but I see my knowledge won't go to waste against a clan of necromancers."
At the mention of the Emerald Claw, Bludgeon says in a firm voice.
"The Emerald Claw is responsible of countless war crimes in the field of battle, like the sack of Metrol and the reanimation of many civilians as undead. I will make them pay for all they have done to my creators' homeland then and would do to my comrades in arm now."
Then the warforged looks at his wide array of war instruments that he carries: a warhammer for smashing skulls, a flail for disarming and tripping foes, a sap for subduing instead of killing, some javelins for foes who stay at range, and a dagger for foes that are resistant to his favorite method of dealing damage. A heavy steel shield carried on his shoulders above a backpack with his self-repairing kit and his lethal adamantine fists complete the picture.
"I require no additional equipment for the mission, commander."
Zil looks at Mirana and say There is no shopping to be done since I have hired you. We will leave right now for the ship.
The group then gets up to leave the tavern. As everyone is able to get their current stuff. As the group moves through Sharn the trip is realtive uneventful. As you reach the destination of the ship you each see a group of men at the ramp the the ship. The emblem of the Emerald Claw is seen on one of the men.
Simon looks around for any sign of the Watch, hoping for some help.
"Miss Falataur, it appears as though we have company. Your orders ma'am?"
I may like to joke around and have a bit of fun, but the Emerald Claw is no joke. What I wouldn't give to have the Iron Watch here right now.
Eldramin remains silent.
Mirana Falataur nods to zil at the meeting point and says "We are at your service Mr. Zil."
She looks to Simon and the others, "It appears we've got no time to prepare. Off the the ship everyone, post haste."
She stands up and begins swiftly heading out towards the meeting point.
At the ship, she boards the Emerald Claw saying, "We have a duty to perform. On the ship everyone. Let us be off on our journey."