(IC) A Hard Time in Harrowdale

[Arkhandus]

Harrowdale Town is a large town in the Dalelands of mid-northern Faerûn, lying along an arm of the Sea of Fallen Stars. While the Sea flanks Harrowdale Town to the east, a small plain flanks it to the west, the supposedly-haunted Cold Fields lie to its southwest, and the somewhat monster-infested Velarswood lies just north of town. Harrowdarrans make a steady but careful profit from Velarswood lumber, but stay clear of its deeper woods to avoid the aggressive beasts and giantkin that roam it.

Harrowdale Town is one of the oldest communities in the Dalelands, with some of its buildings dating back quite a ways, yet the port has grown in recent years, as Scardale's problems have turned nearby Harrowdale Town into a much more active and prosperous port-of-call on the Sea of Stars. Harrowdarrans have shed some of their rural country-folk image and mannerisms, as young men and women see the town grow into a busy port and welcome outsiders to do business. Harrowdarrans are generally cautious and like to plan ahead, using slow and steady methods instead of taking greater risks, and they do not much trust or appreciate workers of the Art.

This leaves the House of Mystra, a small and relatively new temple, with little business and few visitors among the locals, instead receiving more, but still infrequent, visits from travelers and adventurers. There is also a Temple of Oghma that is frequented by many locals, and the Temple of Tymora which has grown more popular with the expanding trade in Harrowdale Town's port. At the edge of town is the burnt-out ruin of Halvan's Keep, a castle built by the town's former tyrant, which is shunned by the townsfolk. Harrowdale Town is lead by the Council of Seven Burghers, the wealthiest Harrowdarrans.

All of this is common knowledge to you by the time you arrive in Harrowdale Town, traveling across the Dalelands for your own reasons. Some of you arrive with a recent caravan delivering spices, construction tools, and metal ore for local smithies. Others are here looking for opportunity in the growing port town. It is just past noon on the 27th of Eleasis, Highsun, late summer in 1372 DR, the Year of Wild Magic.

Western Gate Plaza

Evanar Brewerson, a human lad, and Storn Horn, a doughty dwarf, stride into town alongside the caravan of Evanar's uncle Niles, bringing in trade goods to feed Harrowdale Town's need for tools and raw materials to build up the port. Evanar is huffing and puffing, welcome for the rest after Uncle Niles felt eager to rush the caravan the rest of the way to Harrowdale Town, as soon as they got within sight of it. Storn is enjoying the hearty exercise of the double-time march, feeling invigorated after days of slow and fairly dull marching. Not even a single bandit or goblin crossed the caravan's path on this trip, making for a bored yet peaceful journey.

Niles' caravan stops briefly in the wide plaza past the western gate, just in front of the western market, and he calls out "Alright men, you can take a break now and enjoy your pay! The boys and I'll take care of business here."

Just as a few mercenaries are walking off towards the taverns, William Fayne approaches the western gate plaza from the south. Fayne had been wandering town for a day or two now, looking for something to do now that he's this far from home and can't go back. He needed some way to get food and shelter, though he had coin enough for awhile.

Ship fare was expensive, though. Unless Fayne spent most of his remaining coin for another trip, he'd be staying in Harrowdale Town or hoofing it overland to someplace else. He could survive for months on what he had left, probably, but he'd need to find a job or a decent score by then, and something to pass the time. He wasn't familiar with the local constabulary, though; just how tight-fisted these foreigners might be with their gold or how tough their laws, he wasn't entirely sure. For that matter, he wasn't even sure who the local criminal elements were. So what to do....?

Northern Gate Plaza

Abde'Ragman Zaliman, the young Calishite, is taking a breather near the northern gate of Harrowdale Town, as merchants haggle with customers a few yards away in the northern market. His traveling companions, his mother, were dead; he knew it. His caravan was lost, probably already emptied by the bandits and left to burn near the edge of the Velarswood.

He was just finally beginning to calm down and muster the will to stop grieving, at least for now. Surely he couldn't sit there forever. A few Harrowdarrans cast piteous glances at the weeping Calishite. The small toad resting on his shoulder tried to console him with upbeat ribbits, but usually just felt the grief emanating from Abde'Ragman and burped out long, sorrowful croaks.

Selua Lythari, a wood elven maiden, seems a little down herself as she walks out of the northern market into the plaza, idly eating the last of her lunch but not really enjoying it. It had been a few days since she was lead into Harrowdale Town, and she was still feeling a bit numb. Her mule stands by indifferently, tied to a nearby post and watching the passing and fretting humans with simple-minded apathy.

At the same time, the young sun elfess Abrielle Elaéyadar is eating lunch at the edge of the northern market square, in view of the northern gate's plaza. She sips at her tea and watches the townsfolk, as she sits at a table outside a small diner. It didn't even qualify as a tavern. She's been in Harrowdale Town for about a week now, playing tunes in the market squares and taverns to earn her room and board thus far.

Abrielle is fairly certain that she's played in half the taverns of Harrowdale Town already, but then, it is just a large town, after all, not one of the great cities of Evermeet. No, this was a far more modest and humble town, with simple and functional architecture, only a few buildings of limited beauty making this place anything more than quaint. And those few buildings were of elven design, anyhow. At least there was a lot going on here, yet it was well far enough from Evermeet that nobody'd look for her here.


(OOC: If you have anything to say out of character, put it in the OOC thread that was once the recruiting thread, or post it here in spoiler blocks. Ask in the other thread if you don't know how to put text into spoiler blocks.)

[crazy_monkey1956]

Selua has the look of a wolf about her, with silvery blond hair that falls about her shoulders and down her back wildly, yet untangled and deep green eyes. Her skin is a bronzed copper from spending most of her time in the sun.

Travel worn studded leather armor is worn over simple brown and green traveling clothes. A longsword is sheathed at her hip and a composite longbow, with a quiver of arrows, is slung across her shoulder. A silver holy symbol of Sehanine Moonbow is worn prominently on a necklace around her neck. The rest of her gear is quite obviously carried by the mule.

Her intense, wolf-like eyes scan the plaza, noting the presence of another elf. She chooses to remain near her mule, calming the creature and grooming it, her eyes returning to the other elf every so often, judging character, tracking movements, watching, waiting.

She whispers quietly to the mule in elven, "I sense a change in the wind. The leaves show their under colors, I think. Sehanine's will moves through this day. Let us see where it guides us."

[Myth and Legend]

Abrielle felt the discerning eyes of someone around her, judging her appearance and manners. "It is not like the greasy stares of drunk men, drooling over my backside. This is... different." The elf continued enjoying her mild tea and paid no apparent heed to the situation, instated taking pleasure in the lazy, warm Eleasis afternoon and the apparent calmness of this small town.

Abrielle was a radiant girl of a tiny frame, with delicate features and a beguiling smile. Her hair flowed in waves down to her shoulders, the colour of molten copper, and her eyes shone with the bright green of spring leaves. Her teeth - white and straight, were hidden behind delicate red lips, that now displayed a faint smile. Abrielle's skin was of a light brown tint, common for a sun elf, and her body was slender and delicate, with a thin waist and round breasts. Today, the girl was dressed in a dark green dress with ornate embroiders of leaves woven in to it with orange string, and wore small round earings made of polished copper.

Abrielle was feeling good about her choice to escape a boring life as a spellcaster in Evermeet. She was no longer defendant on anyone but herself, and contrary to her parents predictions, her talent for music and dance had given her a means of meeting ends meet. "And in a very pleasant way at that, - the girl thought, as she slowly looked around the diner and nearby square. - I have the free spirited blood of my seven times great grandmother. She was a traveling minstrel just like me! And her life was no poorer than that of my serious father or pious mother."

Abrielle was glad she had managed to escape her father's hired men, and she had even taken a liking to Harrowdale and it's simple ways. She had very little contact with humans on Evermeet - in fact, she had seen more sentient horses out in the wilds, than humans in the taverns.

The human race fascinated the young elven girl - their lives were so short, that everything around them seemed to move at an unnatural pace. Abrielle had been in this town for only a few short days, and already she had been approached by dozens of lads and men alike, some offering dinner and wine, others - a ride out to a nearby meadow. Some were even shameless enough to invite her to their rooms!

The elven girl was enjoying all the attention she received here, and had decided to stay as long as the weather permitted, before going south to escape the harsh winters of the Dale.

Now, Abrielle had lost herself in thoughts of men, adventures and even stories about the region she had heard around in the taverns Bardic Knowledge: 7+4=11 .

Abrielle's thoughts were drifting from one topic to the other, even taking her so far as to wander if she could become a Harper some day. As naturally distracted as the girl was, she still noticed a curious looking elven woman standing next a mule in the plaza. She was not a sun elf, that much was apparent, and her silver hair and somewhat wild eyes made her interesting for the young bard. Abrielle met the intimidating stare of the other woman and smiled, full of charm as usual, and then waved to the strange looking elf to come over and sit with her. "Oh this is truly wonderful, meeting new people and making new friends. My parents were wrong about the outside world! It's not all monsters and villains."

[Scott DeWar]

"Whew! I sure could use one of Auntie's apple pies right now..." he glances to Storn, " make that 2 of those pies. Hey Uncle Niles, mind if we grab a drink of ale 'afore we finish?"

Evanar looks to his uncle respectfully. Since the loss of his parents, his aunt and uncle have taken care of him as their own son.

[crazy_monkey1956]

Selua whispers to the mule in elven, "Stay."

She then moves to join the other elf, her voice quiet, yet intense, "I will warn you now, the company of others is not something I often seek. I am not one for small talk."

[Myth and Legend]

Abrielle blinked with amazement - this girl was somewhat hostile, yet she chose to share the bard's table. "To each his own, i suppose." "Well met! My name is Abrielle Elaéyadar. There are few elves in Harrowdale, and i thought that we could share my tea and biscuits, even if we do not know each other."

Abrielle extended her hand towards the other girl, in the hopes of making a good first impression.

[Voda Vosa]

The wounded Calishite finally stood up. He had an arrow stuck in his forearm, and it was bleeding, but the physical pain he was feeling was nothing compared with what he had lost a few hours before. He shouted a silent pain scream as he stood up, holding himself with the staff in his right hand. His left arm hangs motionless from his shoulder, dripping little blood, since most of it is absorbed by his wide and heavy blue tunic. Jasmar, his toad familiar, made some tumbles a top of his master's shoulder to avoid falling.
Abde'Ragman was a big guy, towering up to 1,8 meters; at least very tall for his people. His tanned skin has the scent of the sand deserts, and his once shiny green eyes are now wet and full of dirt. The wizard has a long beard, that's now stained and glued with his and his enemies' blood, that almost reaches his underbelly. His boots, bracer and staff are highly decorated, but the fight ad the run made them look dirty and worn out.
His head is decorated with a turban with a gem and a feather in front of it.
Abde'Ragman's spellbook hangs with a chain at his right side. The toad on his shoulder is of a light brown colour, rough in aspect. It keeps croaking, as if cheering his master up, to keep walking, since it seems the man finds it quite difficult.
Stomping heavily, helping himself with his staff, the wizard advances through the markets, searching some kind of officer, or someone who looks capable of helping him. Each step, he closes his eyes painfully.
"Please... I need help... please..." he man says as loud as he can, as he wonders the dusty streets. The toad keeps filling his throat with air and emitting soundly croaks.

[Arkhandus]

Uncle Niles replies "Sure, lad, have yourself a drink! Next time, maybe you'll earn it!" he jibes good-naturedly, laughing a bit.

Niles and a few teenage boys, who wanted to get out of Shadowdale and see other places, but got pressed into work as laborers to pay for their trip, start unloading wagons. One boy tries to sneak off, but doesn't escape Niles' notice, and before the boy knows he's been caught, Niles has run over and cut off his escape. The boy gets pushed back to work.

(OOC: Rhun's PC, Fayne, has been added to the first post. He's just entering the western gate plaza as the mercenaries disperse.)

[Scott DeWar]

Evanar watches the ever vigilant Uncle Niles Keep tabs on the boys. 'I guess I trained him with my alway trying to sneak off '

"one drink only Uncle Niles. For me that is"

[crazy_monkey1956]

Selua is about to take the offered hand and respond when she notes the wounded Calishite and runs off, going to the man's side and uttering a quick prayer to Sehanine as she places her hand lightly on his arm.

OOC: Casting cure light wounds (swapping bless).

Cure Light Wounds (1d8+1=4)

[Myth and Legend]

Abrielle gasped and followed the silver haired elf. She was no healer, but she did have three healing potions on her person. "Oh you poor man, what happened to you?" the elven girl addressed the strangely dressed man.

[Voda Vosa]

With his mouth half opened and his eyes wide open, the man looks as the two beautiful elves run to his side to aid him, surprised even more of the fact that "someone" helped him. Not even the gate guards did anything for him.
Lost in all this, he even missed the part when the more wild elf cured his arm.
Amazed he looks at his arm, closing and opening his hand. "I... I deeply appreciate your assistance and your concern for this stranger my ladies." Abde'Ragman bows sophisticatedly in his land's way. "I am Abde'Ragman, a travelling merchant from the great Calisham." the man pauses, and his face turns sad and grim "My... caravan was attacked by bandits, they... they killed my mother and my helpers. I... tried to stop them, but I fail them, I fail my mother... Maybe you should have left me to die." the calishite laments, replying the bard.
From behind his head, a tan toad comes climbing, and it croaks as he sees the elves. "Stop crying like that Jasmar" the wizard pats the female toad, which closes her eyes and "ribbits".
"Since I've lost everything, maybe I could pay your assistance with work, or with anything else you need." Again, the man bows, leaving his staff standing in the air, supported by some kind of invisible force.

[crazy_monkey1956]

The wood elf is slightly taken aback by the Calishite's demeanor and words,"It is the will of Sehanine that brought me to you and you to me. Nothing more. No repayment is needed."

[Myth and Legend]

Abrielle displayed a compassionate smile and gently grabbed the strange man's elbow. "I am not expert in these matters but you would have hardly died from an arrow shot to the arm. About your family - I am sorry. Maybe you should seek justice form the local authority? I hear that a sun elf is in charge here in Harrowdale, she will surely give an ear to your pleas."

The elven girl clapped her hands and nodded towards her table at the diner. "Come, please, both of you. Share my table, I will be happy to hear your stories. As a Bard I always take interest in the adventures of others."

[Voda Vosa]

"I insist my lady, in these days it's not common to see a person willing to help a complete stranger. Such attitude must be repaid."
Politedly accepting, the man, still walking clumsy by the ache in his legs, walks to the elf table and sits down, heavily. Almost falling in his chair. "Come down Jasmar" the small toad jumps on the table at his master's command. "She is Jasmar, she's been travelling with me most of my life." The toad insuflates his lungs with air, appearing bigger and fatty. "She wants to look impressive for the first impression, of course." the man chuckles. His humour seems to improve a bit.
In a more serious tone, he addreses the bard. "I'll follow your advice. But I'm afraid that it'll be no surprise that the authorities have something to do with the attack. I seemed all so damn well planned..."

[Myth and Legend]

Abrielle squealed with excitement and scratched the toad's head carefully. "Aren't you a smart girl? Do you want a honey biscuit?" She took one of the small brown biscuits and offered it to the creature.

"I have been here long enough to have gathered some infromation on Harrowdale. I assure you, even if the Council of Seven Burghers are naught but merchants, miss Ellarian Dawnhorn, who runs the constabulary, is a very well reputed woman. After all, we sun elves are always exceptional characters"

Abrielle laughed at her own jest and waved towards the serving girl. "Please, Bess, bring lunch for me and my two companions here, and some ale as well." The girl looked at Selua and Abde'Ragman and smiled once more, revealing her straigth white teeth. "My treat. It has been a long time since i have had an interesting conversation over lunch."

[Rhun]

Fayne (he had stopped referring to himself by his first name many years ago) glances about the plaza with his mismatched grey and green eyes, taking in the hustle and bustle of the port town. The newly arrived caravan, or more importantly, the mercenaries that had been guarding it, caught the stern-looking man's attention. Perhaps they would know of some work so that he could make a few coins. He made note that several of them were headed to the tavern...a few mugs of ale should loosen their tongues.

Drawing himself up to his full height, well over six feet, Fayne begins to walk across the plaza, using the polearm gripped tightly in his hand as a walking stick. Brushing a strand of long, copper colored hair from his face, he slowed his pace so that he was trailing behind the mercenaries, and followed them into the tavern.

[Voda Vosa]

"I'm afraid you should try something more... "bugysh" to get her attention." The man comments, showing a brief smile.

"If you say so I shall meet with her as soon as posible. Would you care to show me where does this sun elf resides?" Abde'Ragman asks, as the waitress shows up "After lunch of course; in my country, refusing an invitation to lunch is an offence, severely punished." The bearded man says, not joking at all.
"I do not know your names. I'll be glad to hear and remember them"

[Myth and Legend]

Abrielle took a mental note of Calimshan's strange custom. "Faerun has so much to offer... As dear as Evermeet is to me, I can't go back until I have explored this wonderous land."

"Well I don't know where she lives, but I can most certainly find out where to seek an audience with her - I am not one to shy away from conversation. Oh, and my name is Abrielle Elaéyadar, a Bard and traveling minstrel at your service." The elven girl displayed a radiant smile and eyed the wizard." He has lost his mother and his entire fortune only hours ago, yet he keeps his composure. A strong mind and stern logic rule this man's world."

[Arkhandus]

(OOC: Minor notes..... His name is Abde'Ragman...Rasheman is an eastern country of Faerun....his homeland is Calimshan......and the other elf's name is Selua. Just reminding. I'll update in the morning with the tavern, Niles, etc.)