[hr][hr][h1][b][i][color=firebrick][center]Feathers and Blood[/center][/color][/i][/b][/h1] [img]http://www.creativeuncut.com/gallery-25/art/ff11-adoulin-port.jpg[/img] [center][hider=][youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZiHtOVw8zsA[/youtube][/hider][/center] Our story begins in the port city of Ardent's Fall; quite arguably the crown jewel of Astoria. Throughout the city the sounds of anxious crowds, swindling merchants, and minstrels with heavy pockets fill every street corner. The beautifully paved cobblestone roads and impressive contemporary architecture serve as a familiar sight to the culturally diverse citizens, but also as a source of boastfulness to its many visitors. For today, is the day of the annual Festival of Broken Conquerors. No other day could a Vicellian noble recall his stories of valor whilst pouring spirits with impoverished Dwarven handmaidens. Only at the Ardent festival could an Orcish warlord share laughs with the stuffiest of Caracan elites. Of course then, it made sense for our heroes to have been assembled here together on such a day. Their stories together begin here, but ‘tis wise to beware the misty glimmer of Ithean shores; for not all is at it seems. We live in an era of owls, but in the shadow of something that exists beyond our wildest wandering thoughts... [hr] [quote] [i][color=00aeef][b]To our most trusted and loyal of beneficiaries, It is, today on the 1st of Merrus, 138 Owl that we humbly request your presence in a meeting with our representatives. The Talon Company is an honored and respected guild that prides itself on compassion and civic duty above all else. As such, it is most imperative to our efforts that the debts that our patrons incur be returned to us in full. We understand that, of course, the scarcity of coin in such uncertain times means you may not have the funds necessary to return to us what is owed. It is for this reason, that instead, we've arranged a deal that is beneficial for both parties. You are to arrive in Ardent's Fall on the 18th of Summerhill in this same year, 138 Owl. Your traveling and lodging expenses will be satisfied per our arrangement. Your passage to the city will see you here early in the morrow. You'll find our guild near the docks across from a rather fine bakery. Talis Cleverfoot will be your contact, and will be expecting your prompt arrival. Come, and enjoy the merriment of the Festival of Broken Conquerors. We assure you there is little promise in the lives you now lead. Adventure beyond the familiar, and return your favors in the process. There is so little to lose, and everything to gain. Secure your future with Talon Company. Should you fail to comply with our requests please know that the Talon Company is determined to uphold its reputation as a forceful presence in Ithea no matter the cost. Your eyes and ears, Mikael ibn Da'ud[/b][/color] [/i][/quote] [hr] [hider=I've Traveled by Land] You remember most, the smells of [color=a0410d][b]horse dung[/b][/color], hay, and [color=fff200][b]human waste[/b][/color]. These pungent scents served as foreign invaders persistent in their mission to find permanent residence in your nostrils. Next you recall the weary eyes of the stable-boy, a portly middle-aged man, study your silhouette as it hurriedly frenzies towards the city gates. You found yourself surrounded by a myriad of other foreigners, and wondered if the smells of horse manure weren’t instead coming from one of the large brith mercenaries standing nearby. It was better left unasked. It seemed nigh impossible to avoid the throngs of travelers shuffling into the city. It had taken what felt like hours, but luckily the massive influx of those eager to enter the city gates had weighed on the guards to the point that they’d all but given up on their posts. Navigating the crowds carefully, you had made your way towards the docks as your letter had instructed. The walk felt short in comparison to the many nights you’d spent traveling. Even better, you think back on the smells of warm breads and fresh foods that were tantalizing as the various attractions that lined the city streets. Regardless of your thoughts on the festivities you had business with the [color=9e0039][b]Talon Company[/b][/color], and it was best not to keep them waiting. [/hider] [hider=I’ve Traveled by Boat] You’d heard tales of [color=92278f][b]mage fire[/b][/color], but rarely had you been treated to the sight of the shimmering flames that danced like crystal in their braziers. It was quite the warm welcome upon reaching the docks of the famed [color=00746b][b]Ardent's Fall[/b][/color]. Hues of purple, yellow and green flame seemed ready to spring from their perches, and unto the docks that they decorated. The embers were nearly eclipsed by the rising sun as they played on the surface of deep blue waters. The sounds of loud church bells rang throughout the ship alerting all on board of their arrival. The bells from the city were met with bells from the deck of the ship. The sounds clashed rather unpleasantly, but even more uncomfortable were the cramped living spaces of the ship. You quickly gathered your belongings from the quarters you’d called home for quite some time before you made your way off of the ship and unto the dock. You were immediately met with creaks and moans from the boards beneath your feet as they seemed to follow every step taken. The docks at least felt more secure than the extending bridge between it and the ship. From here, you saw the large gathering of people flocking towards the eastern roads of the city. Turning back behind you there were a plethora of ships docked alongside your own. It was truly a sight to behold. The scurrying of busy dock workers was enough to shake you from your concentration, and nearly from your footing. Their sharp breaths only elucidated a yearning to finish the monotony of a work day at the shipyard so that they could prepare for the festival. Your destination was, fortunately for you, not too far from your current location. The letter you received instructed you to meet with representatives from the [color=9e0039][b]Talon Company[/b][/color]. It was best not to keep them waiting. [/hider] You shake off the thoughts of your journey here. Your thoughts travel to the new companions you've come to meet today. All very different from yourself, but all indebted to the [color=9e0039][b]Talon Company[/b][/color]. You find yourself residing, for the foreseeable future, in [color=ed1c24][b]“The Wrangled Drunkard”[/b][/color], a rather large and expensive inn that was well known for its hosting of foreigners during the festival. Most readily apparent is the large number of people conversing in your vicinity. The sing-song cheer of those around you competes with the clanking of drinks against wooden tables and stands. For the more perceptive, you hear the sound of dice sputtering out onto the wooden floors. There is an air of comradery that fills the air. It wasn’t every day that dwarves, orcs, elves, humans, and all other manner of species celebrated in jovial wistfulness as they did tonight. What fills your ears next is the sound of lute strings plucked with a careful melancholy. The notes are amplified throughout the tavern, and as the melody begins to pick up you hear a woman’s voice. Its sounds are sweet like [color=598527][b]Gnomish[/b][/color] wasp’s [color=fff79a][b]honey[/b][/color], but there is a confidence that looms within. [hider= Ardent’s Song] [center][hider=0:19][youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDXuqmRxN3w[/youtube][/hider][/center] [i]Dragon of the north, the Ardent flame still burns Compass pointing south, bound by victories that we’ve earned Praiseth be thy name, the warden of the seas You’ve used your magic wisely as the vanquisher of Deis Gone are the days of rulers overseas Gone are the days of vial tyranny Light to our shores, the ardent guides you home Tis Cristo’s will, a human takes his throne Lass from Vicelles, your strength could not be matched Imbued with mages power you repelled elven attack Protector of the light, ascension is assured Wielding greater power than the world has ever known Gone are the days of rulers overseas Gone are the days of vial tyranny Light to our shores, the ardent guides you home Sing from the docks, a champion has been born Mankind never ever bows again Mankind never ever bows again At last our lands are freed, from Redcliffe to ‘Ol Fall The Watchmen swear their oaths to you as they answer the call Mighty woman here, we raise a glass to you The champion over Ardent’s Fall the Keeper of the Blue Gone are the days of rulers overseas Gone are the days of vial tyranny Light to our shores, the ardent guides you home All ye wayward, on the seas be not alone Mankind never ever bows again Mankind never ever bows again[/i] [/hider] Before, the [b][color=6ecff6]minstrel[/color][/b] can finish her song you hear the sounds of dwarves, humans, and some elves join in before she can finish. The sound of their voices combined is gruff and twisted like the howls of werewolves. Drunken werewolves, but werewolves all the same. [hider= Ardent’s Song for the Drunkards] [i][b]Patron of the Waves, Maiden of the Mist There was no elf in sight who’s ass you did not promptly kick Ardent of the Bog,founder of the Watch We sing you songs of glory, boys let’s take it from the top Gone are the days of rulers overseas Gone are the days of vial tyranny Light to our shores, the ardent guides you home Tis Cristo’s will, a human takes his throne[/b][/i] [/hider] The charismatic might notice that some of the elves in the tavern weren't singing along, and instead shuffled uncomfortably as the others in the tavern cheered among themselves. The noise died back down to a less intense tone, and you notice that the main tavern is quite busy in its design. The bricks themselves feel stained with many-a-hushed-whisper and forgotten night, and are neatly stacked giving a sense of perpetuity that might make you feel safe and protected. Decorating the walls are various banners from local shops. “[color=f6989d][b]Jonathan’s Fabrics[/b][/color]”, you note, is having a particularly enticing sale on all boot fittings. You also see the official [color=00a99d][b]banner of the city[/b][/color]. The red tapestry is adorned with a teal fish supported by two swords and a golden leaflet beneath it. Looking to the [color=fff200][b]barkeep[/b][/color] you notice that the elven woman is working particularly quickly as she tries her best to keep her patrons satiated. She looks frustrated, and her dirty blonde hair is tied messily in a loose bun. You can see her muttering to herself. Just outside the tavern you remember beholding a great number of attractions dotting the plaza. A group of tall and scantily clad [color=00a651][b]Dalic[/b][/color] exotic dancers beckon drunken suitors. [color=2e3192][b]Dwarven[/b][/color] craftsmen have set up a small series of shops neighboring one another with a hodgepodge of trinkets, weapons, jewels, and other commodities. You remember a stout woman standing next to a strange wheel carved in the shape of a round noblemen a look of horror drawn on his cartoon face. There are also a few fortune tellers gathered outside of the taverns at a small bench. Beside them, underneath a large oak tree is a storyteller surrounded by children. From the windows of “[color=ed1c24][b]The Wrangled Drunkard[/b][/color]” you notice an array of fire jugglers, a shouting apothecary, what looks to be a group of student mages, a mercenary troupe, and local noblemen conversing on a balcony overlooking the event. ‘Tis enough to overwhelm many an unaccustomed traveler. Fortunately, should you need to retreat from the festivities, your quarters await you upstairs. [color=662d91][i][b]This is where your story begins, in the port city of Ardent’s Fall.[/b][/i][/color]