The Adventure Begins...

8/15/2009
Duvan Staul, an adventurer of sorts, has gone missing. His last known whereabouts were the small farming village of Winterhaven. Our story doesn’t begin in Winterhaven though. It begins in a tavern, like all good stories, on the road of East Way.
At this tavern, there were holy men. One by the name of Balinos Forgefire, a typical dwarf who often glared at those he disliked. The other was Bedivier, a paladin of Bahumet, who was the son of a well known clergyman. These two disciples met up and soon realized they were both looking for their mutual friend Duvan Staull.
Also occupying the tavern was a slightly odder couple. A tiefling warlock, by the name of Melech Amnon was there. Accompanying him was a seven foot goliath, who was named Eglath. Eglath had a heart of gold, and Melech not so much. One more reason these two were odd together. They both however were searching for Duvan Staull as well.
As Melech sat at the bar, drinking ale, he overheard Balinos and Bedivier talking. “So this Winterhaven, it’s a nice farming village. What could Duvan be doing there?” Bedivier asked his friend.
“No idea, he’s loved adventures. Seems like a boring place.” Balinos answered. “Perhaps if we go there, and ask around things will become clearer.”
Before the tiefling could stop him the goliath Eglath stood and shouted. “Staull! Hey red man they know Staull!”
“Do you have an inside voice?!?” Melech hissed. Thinking it better to explain the oaf’s shouts, the tiefling approaches the two holy men. “Sorry for the barbarian. He has little common sense. My name is Melech Amnon, and Duvan Staul was an old friend of mine. I am searching for him as well.”
Bedivier eyes the tiefling. “I will be straight with you, I dislike your kind. You look evil to me, and in my experience most of you are.” As these words escape the paladin’s lips, fire lights Melech’s eyes. “And even worse, you are a war…”
“ENOUGH!” A human stands up from an armchair by the fireplace.
Melech quickly answers, “this doesn’t concern you friend, these two…Holy men…are my problem.”
The human retorts, “Racism is a problem. You have done nothing to him, he has no right.”
“Not your fight sir.” Bedivier retorts. When he speaks Melech glares at him, with ever growing fire in his eyes.
The human smirks, “but it is my fight, Duvan Staull was my friend as well. My name is Larzan Crowe. I’m a weapons collector of sorts. Now if I may suggest we all calm down a little. We seem to have a common goal.”
Balinos finally speaks up. “I concur with Larzan. We met here as foes, but I believe we may be allies.”
“It would be easier with company.” Eglath agrees. “Finding our friend that is.”
“I agree, even if it means working with a paladin.” Melech sneers at Balinos.
“As long as the Warlock doesn’t try to suck my soul out, I shouldn’t have too much of a problem. I could wipe up some nasty little spell flinger any day.” Balinos retorts looking at Melech.
“Great everyone’s agreed. Let us sit for a while, drink get to know each other.” Larzan announces.
They get a table and all start discussing their plans for finding Staull. Their pasts, and how they know Duvan. Melech sits back, eying the paladin, displeased with his company. After a while Larzan gets up and takes his seat by the fire again. Shortly after he leaves seven men enter the bar. All appear to be common thugs. Two blocks the exit; four of them surround a patron of the bar, in the corner. The assumed leader approaches the man asking questions, obviously threatening him. The newly made alliance, not quite sure what to do all sits and watches for a bit.
“Where is it?” the man interrogates him. Roughing him up a bit in the process. “Where is it?!?!?!” he continues to ask, shaking him even more furiously. As he is shaking him, a holy relic comes out of the mans shirt. As soon as the thug leader sees it he immediately draws his sword.
As soon as the sword is drawn Larzan rises, and brings out his great mace. “Take care of the witnesses’!” The thug leader shouts.
Balinos immediately rises as well to protect the human cowering in the corner. As does Eglath, and Bedivier. Melech on the other hand hesitates, and only rises because of the debt he feels to Larzan for his earlier intervention.
Larzan heads over and starts swinging his mace at the leader of the thugs. As he does so, the bandits head for the two holy men, who were near each other. Eglath starts swinging at the thugs in the door way, in case the party needs a retreat. Melech, ignoring the holy men, and secretly hoping the paladin gets his just reward, heads towards Larzan to assist him in taking out the leader. Larzan unleashes a brute strike against the thug leader greatly damaging him, almost shattering his arm completely. Melech then starts to cast Eldritch Blast on the thug leader, but it misses and bounces harmlessly off the wall. As he is casting two thugs sneak up and try and hit him. Both fortunately miss, then Melech and Larzan back to back turn, so that Melech is facing the leader and Larzan the minions. Larzan easily dispatches the minions, but as the leader is swinging at Melech, who botched another spell. He bleeds out from Larzan’s brute strike earlier. The party then mops up the remaining minions. They incapacitate one of them.
“I’ve got some rope.” Eglath announces. With which he ties him to a chair. “What now?”
Balinos quickly answers “We must tend the dead, evil they may have been, but they were still sentient.”
Melech snorts, “Because I’m sure they would have shown us that respect if they had killed us. You guys have your little funeral ill be in here, drinking. Keeping an eye on the prisoner.”
“I stay with Melech. Funerals are boring.” Eglath tells them.
While the fighter, cleric, and paladin are out burying the dead. The thug reawakens. Instantly screaming. “CURSE YOU ALL! CURSE YOUR…” He is cut off by a hard smack from Melech.
“Tell us what we want to know, or else I’ll let Grog’nok over here take care of you.” Melech sneers at the captive, motioning towards Eglath, who just laughs menacingly at the comment.
“What do you want?” the thug murmurs.
“What did you want with him?” Melech asks, motioning to the gentlemen they were threatening earlier.
“We were sent to take care of him.” The thug answers, looking at the ground.
“Why?” Melech asked.
“Who cares, were just mercenaries.” The thug quickly answered looking up. As soon as he did, Melech slapped him hard across the face again.
“Who hired you?” Melech continued the interrogation. The thug still wouldn’t answer. “I SAID WHO!”
“Kalell, his name was Kalell…now please that’s all I know. Just let me go.” The thug pleaded.
“Sure, sure. Take care of it Eglath.” Melech turned his back as Eglath crushed the thug’s skull with his foot.
As Melech was sitting down he hears a shout, “What in the name of Pelor’s backside happened here?” Larzan yelled.
“Oh, um, guess the goliath didn’t watch wear he was stepping.” As Melech uttered this sentence, he winked to Eglath he let out a nervous laugh.
“Typical Tiefling Warlock,” the paladin muttered. He approached the gentleman who was threatened by the thugs. “Sorry for the brutish tiefling. My name is Bedivier.”
“M-M- My name is Gavin.” Gavin stuttered.
“Sorry for the scare, nasty business that.” Melech apologized. “What did they want from you?” Gavin immediately returned his gaze to the floor when Melech approached.
“Don’t you think you’ve done enough damage today warlock?” Bedivier asked snidely
“Well the building is still standing, so I consider that a personal victory in restraint. I’m going upstairs for some rest. Let me know the pansy’s story later.” With that Melech goes up the stairs into his room.
“Sorry, I was just so scared of him…” Gavin stammered again.
Balinos, “Oh it’s quite ok. He is just upset because he couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn with his spells.” At that comment Gavin let out a nervous laugh, but silenced it quickly in case Melech heard him. “I’m tired too, talk to you guys later.” Eglath murmured while trudging up the stairs.
“Anyway, what did those guys want from you?” Larzan asked.
“Oh…umm I was sent out on a quest to stop the cult of Shar from taking over my town of Winterhaven. I believe those men were hired by the cult to stop me.” Gavin explained.
“Really? Well we are heading to Winterhaven anyway, and you could act as our guide, and we’ll solve your little cult problem.” Larzan answered.
“Sounds like a plan, let us leave at daybreak.” Gavin agreed. Everyone heads upstairs except Larzan, who approaches the barkeep.
“Sorry for the damages, will two gold pieces suffice?” Larzan asks, extending his hand with the gold in it.
The bartender nods, and holds out his hand receiving the gold, and muttering something that sounded like thank you. The party rests at the tavern for the night setting out for Westhaven in the morning. It’s a four day journey on foot, so they have quite a bit of walking before them.
On the first day out, they are traveling down the road, admiring the scenery talking amongst themselves. Larzan entertains with history lessons, while the others sit quietly. They notice some kobold tracks but don’t think anything of it. Then further down the road, they are ambushed by several minor kobolds. Two kobold dragon shields and a kobold slinger. All of them charge the party.
“Wait, wait we come in peace!” Larzan shouts in draconic to the kobolds. But they ignore his cries of peace. As he is yelling the kobold slinger hits him causing immobilization. The others jump off the cart, except for Melcher who stays back to protect Gavin.
Bedivier and Balinos head to a nearby wood to take a few of the lesser kobolds. Eglath rushes to aid Larzan. Larzan chases the slinger trying to eliminate the ranged threat, but getting no where in his attempt. As he is chasing him, he throws his mace, hoping to hurt him. He misses unfortunately, as Eglath rushes past him, crushing the kobold. Frustrated by the death of the Kobold, Larzan incapacitates a nearby minion for later questioning.
Meanwhile Melech casts several spells at one of the kobold leaders, angering him and causing him to charge. Melech then is flanked by the other kobold dragonshield. Melech begins to worry, but just as he turns around to confront his flanker, Bedivier slices through the dragon shield smirking at Melech. Melech immediately faces the remaining kobold dragonshield.
“Spare him for questioning.” Larzan shouts to Melech.
Melech frowning incapacitates the Kobold with a “Diabolic Grasp” which pulls the kobold against the ground.
“Thank you Melech.” Larzan sighs. He then turns to the kobolds. “Why did you ambush us?”
They answer quickly, and truthfully. “We figured we could scavenge your equipment.”
“Why, who is your leader?” Larzan spoke in draconic.
“Nothing you’ll get nothing!” The dragonshield only spoke. Larzan then turned to the minor kobold.
“TELL ME!!!” he shouted in Draconic
“IRONTOOTH!!!” the minor kobold shouts back, and then he looks down ashamed.
“Just let them go, there just kobolds.” Bedivier sighed. Larzan didn’t speak but cut their bounds, watching them run off.
Melech immediately jumps up, “What are you doing? They could kill someone, rob more innocents?”
Bedivier lets out a loud laugh, “What? Suddenly you’re a philanthropist?”
Larzan shrugs, “They’ll let this Irontooth know, that not all of us are helpless.”
Melech still outraged cast Hellish Rebuke, “It only takes one to deliver a message!” striking the kobold dragonshield.
After the kobold attack the party continued their journey to Westhaven. It is a boring three days. With little conversation, and a dull landscape the days seem to drag. Finally though, the adventurers arrive at Westhaven.
As they enter the front gates, Gavin, who is obviously excited to be home, turns to the party. “I’m heading to the temple, stop by in the morning and we will discuss the situation from there.” Then, without another word he quickly scurries off, but not before giving some rudimentary directions around town.
Larzan hoping to gain even more insight approaches an elven girl selling flowers on the street. “Hello, I was hoping you could provide me with some directions around town.”
The girl sizes him up, “What are you looking for exactly?”
“I’m an adventurer, so a blacksmith, or anyone who sells armor really.” Larzan replies, pretending to examine a flower.
“You can try our local black smith over there.” As she points directly behind Larzan, “or the magic store owner, I believe his name was Bairwin, could have some goods for you.”
“Thank you, so are you seeing anyone?” ask Larzan throwing away all subtlety. As he utters this sentence, Melech snorts and walks off.
The elven girl giggles, “Yes, sorry for your luck.” She begins to collect her flowers and closes her stand for the evening. “Goodnight sir.”
Larzan hurries to catch up to Melech, who is heading for the blacksmith with the rest of the party. “Thanks for the backup friend.” Larzan snaps at Melech.
“You didn’t stand a chance. I don’t stand behind losers.” Melech laughed.
Larzan peered at him, “I’ll remember that when I’m in actual trouble.”
“You’d do well to.” Melech’s characteristic flames in his eyes ignited. “Everybody is ‘good’ when people are watching, but when it comes down to it. If it hurts you, you won’t raise a finger to save me, or him.” Melech retorted glancing at the Goliath. “You’re just here to serve yourself, just like me. The only difference is, I admit it.” Melech finished.
“We’ll continue this talk another time.” Larzan spoke as the two approached the blacksmith, who was mid conversation with the other half of the party that didn’t approach the elf flower girl.
“Just don’t go over to that magic shop, he sells dark stuff over there.” Melech heard the black smith say.
“Well, I’ve heard everything I needed to hear.” Melech says, and then he walks to the magic store.
Bedivier shoots him a dirty look then continues talking to the blacksmith. “I’m sorry, are you sure it’s dark though. Where does he get his supplies?”
The blacksmith looks from side to side. “I believe it’s the dwarves in the surrounding hills. Maybe you could check on it for me?”
Balinos states, “If we have time, we will most certainly look into it for you.” Balinos turns to the rest of the party, met with nods from Eglath and Bedivier. Larzan seems lost in thought though.
Meanwhile Melech enters the ill reputed magic store. As soon as he enters the shopkeeper eyes him, almost hungrily.
“Oh, it’s tiefling,” He murmurs.
The usual flames spurt into Melech’s eyes, “Is that a problem?”
“Of course not sir, you are most welcome here, I have a fondness for your kind, and Warlocks of course.” He begins to flatter Melech.
Melech, no longer angered but suspicious eyes him. “Most people dislike me for both of the aforementioned reasons.”
“Well, we dark people must stick together. What was your name again sir?” The shopkeeper asked.
“Melech and yours?” The warlock asked, exchanging pleasantries.
“Bairwin. Let me know if I can assist you with anything.” Bairwin told him, disappearing into the back for a second. While he was gone, Melech browsed, noticing many wands and implements, but nothing particularly nefarious. He was about to ask for the good stuff when Bairwin returned.
“Here you go my kind sir, on the house.” Bairwin then flipped a small disc into Melech’s red hand. “What is it?” Melech asked, holding it up to the light.
“Just a trinket, worthless I think. Take it as a gift, from dark heart to dark heart.” Bairwin told him.
“Well, I must be on my way, thank you for the trinket. You will be hearing from me soon.” Melech quickly shambled out of the shop. He decides to check out the local lodging, and heads for the local inn.
To his surprise the rest of the party is there. Larzan is speaking to the barmaid there. “So do you know Duvan Staull?”
“Nah, check Valthrun or Eilan. They know everything that goes on in these parts.” The barmaid shrugs off Larzan.
Larzan sees Melech entering and immediately asks, “How did the magic store go, anything useful?”
“Nope, useless junk. He gave me this trinket, seems worthless.” Melech answered frankly.
“Let’s ask these two about it, word is they know everything around here.” Larzan answered. “Wait, correction, you go ask them. I’m going to join the rest of the party for a drink.”
“Ugh, you’re an idiot. Eglath come with me.” Melech pushes past him, and points to the Goliath. Eglath begins to laugh, and downs another pint in three gulps.
“You’ve got it under control red.” Eglath answers.
“Fine, whatever, I’ll do it myself.” Melech stomps towards the two men in the corner table. They seem to be wealthier men, one wearing a noble’s hood, the other the armor of a lord. As Melech approaches they try to appear busy, hoping to distract him.
“Excuse me sirs. I hear you two are the two to see about, oh well anything around here.” Melech continues unabated. “I’ve been sent by that group of adventurers to collect information, would you mind if I sat?”
“By all means my sir.” The lord gestured to the opposite seat. “What did you wish to ask us?”
“First off, do you know anything about this trinket?” Melech placed the strange disc on the table. As he did so the man in the noble’s hood got up and started poking it, as if it were alive.
“I believe, I believe, I need to go confirm something.” The hooded man shouted.
“I’m coming with you.” Melech announced. “Larzan, were leaving, now.”
All three quickly scurried out, heading to the wizard’s tower to check on the trinket. As they left, Bedivier arose and approached the still sitting Lord Valthrun. “So, quick question lord. Do you know anything about the kobold attacks that have been going on recently? They are getting worse I hear?”
“Ugh, darn kobolds, I would gladly pay you to thin there numbers.” Valthrun offered.
“Sounds good, but I have more questions. The dwarves in the surrounding hills? Are they particularly dangerous?” Bedivier continued to ask.
“Of course not my good paladin. We don’t have many dealings but they are friendly enough folk. Believe they reside east of here a ways.” Valthrun sighed. “Between you and me, I’m quite glad your little tiefling friend left. He gave me the willies.”
Bedivier cracked a smile. “I am not a fan of him myself, but one more question. Have you heard of Duvan Staull?”
“Yes, believe he went to some gravesite looking for bones of Dragons or some nonsense, didn’t pay much attention, but I believe the site is south east of here if you’re interested. Are you a friend of Duvan?”
Bedivier enjoying the Lord’s company smiled again, “Why yes, he means a great deal to all of us. Thank you for your time milord.” Bedivier then sat back at his stool, discussing the new information with Eglath, and Balinos.
A few hours later, Melech and Larzan returned. Looking bored and tired. “So our brave adventurers return? How goes the quest Melech?” Bedivier taunted.
“Shouldn’t you be doing some pointless ritual somewhere paladin?” Melech retorted. “I’m going out, be back soon.”
Balinos asked, “So what’s the plan? It’s getting late.”
Bedivier answered, “Let’s go to bed, its getting dark anyway. Where did the warlock go?”
“Surely you aren’t worried, isn’t it each of your dreams that the other will trip and stab themselves to death?” Larzan asked.
“I’m just making sure he isn’t up to any good. Last thing we need is him summoning some demon or something.” Bedivier defended himself.
“Sure….” Larzan eyed Bedivier suspiciously.
“Ok he can be useful occasionally, let’s just go to bed.” Bedivier retorted, going up the stairs. The rest of the party followed him.
Melech however, didn’t return for several hours. He was out in the streets searching for Bairwin. The robed man had told him what the disc was, and Melech was eager for more knowledge regarding this Cult of Shar, and why Bairwin had given him the symbol for it.

Jesus saves, everyone else takes 10 damage.

So roleplaying group.
I'm excited.
You should be excited to, because this means i actually have something to write about.
It's 12:37 right now, im tired and not using proper grammer.
but anyway roleplaying group = amazingness
later.