Beginnings
For Ruth Lorien - Anniston Van Alorn
[sblock]After his final meeting with his old patron, Anniston heads his advice and leaves the Valley Proper headed for the Great Confederation Port of Brightlaw. Before they take their final leave, the old priest hands Anniston a small pouch. "Your father asked me to give that do you before you left." Opening the bag which Anniston later discovers to be a pouch of holiding capable of carrying 1000 coins, he sees a mass (500) of silver pennies and 20 or so small assorted gems (10 - 10gp, 5 - 25gp and 5 50gp)
Arrivinging in Brightlaw, Annsiton gazes at the great ships coming to and for in the great river port. At a loss with a dircetion for his life. Going to a small parish church, Anniston kneels in prayer searching for piece and guidance in his life. After what seems like hours Anniston ends his vigil and leaves the small church. Leaving the wind blows a flyer to his feet and Anniston reaches down and picks up the paper. Galancing down and reading it, he sees it is an advertsiment from Westmarch seeking help in their wars with the humanoids. A sense of understanding overcomes him and he feel direction for the first time in a long time. Seeking out a ship he discovers"The Western Star" a three masted 200 clipper ship who is making a direct run from Brightlaw to Westpoint. Booking passage and boading the ship on the 18th of August in 1125 YL Anniston sets forth on his quest for justice/revenge and ultimately redemption[/sblock]
For Canaan - Jaroth Urkas
[sblock]Setting sail from Eastmarch, Jaroth is sent on a diplomatic courier mission. Before leaving he is given a list of contact in the major port cites along the eastern, southern and western seaboards. Completing the eastern leg and half of the southern leg, Jaroth arrives in the great port of Brightlaw. A inland river port some 1000 miles from the coast and the principal terminus of the great river system. Arriving in Brightlaw and seeing the agent, Jaroth is handed a letter. It is addresed to him by his patron. Opening and reading the letter, Jaroth is insturcted to take ship from Brightlaw and sail to WestPoint, the major port of Westmarch by the quickest means possible. Accomping the letter is a small pouch. Inside the pouch (a purse of holding capable of holding up to 2000 coins)are 250 gold royals 500 silver pennies. After days of talking with shiping agents, Jaroth finds and books passage upon "The Western Star" a three masted 200 clipper ship who is making a direct run from Brightlaw to Westpoint. Boarding the ship on the 18 of August 1125YL Jaroth sets out on his mission.[/sblock]
For Rhun - Vadric Elareon
[sblock]During his final meeting with Bishop Toliver, Elareon is given several letters and missives to carry to "Friends of His" in the North. These letters in are a small waterproof pouch. Also in the sachel is a small leather bound book in which he is to write his reports to the Bishop. "My son, do not let this book fall into the hands of the unfaithful" summoing his divine favor he marks the book with a sigil "Invoke the Light's protection and this book will be safe from all harm and unfriendly eyes" Going to his desk he opens the center drawer and pulls out another neatly tied packet of papers and a small purse. "The purse is for you immideate needs (it contains 250 silver pennies, later you discover it to be a purse of holding capable of holding 1000 coins) Continuing he hands the the small packet of letters to Elareon "These are warrants issued on the Dicosese for your long term expenses, Use them wisely as they are all the funds we can scrape together for some time." Elareoin later discovers the small packet to be 5 (50gp) and 5 (100gp) warrants. Taking his leave, Elareon sets out the next day to the great river port of Brightlaw. Arriving in Brightlaw he soon finds a ship" The Western Star" a three masted 200 clipper ship who is making a direct run from Brightlaw to Westpoint. Booking passage, Elareon set's sail on the 18th day of August in 1125 YL[/sblock]
For DracoMender - Finnian Douglas
[sblock]While conducting reasearch in The Republic, Finnian gets a messeage more or less commanding him to meet the Duke of Cassan at a tiny village just across the border.Droping everything Finnian hastens to the Duke. Meeting at the village, Finnian is somewhat startled at the Duke appearace. The duke seems to have aged at least 20 years and appears to be in decline."Finnian my boy, I need a final service from you, I need you to undertake a very delicate and important mission for me" Out of loyalty and feeling for the Duke, Finnian readily agrees to undertake the Duke's bidding even without knowing what it is. "Before you so readily agree" the Duke says"First hear the mission" Pausing and taking a sip of his wine the Duke continues "Word has reached me that foul things are afoot in the North. Tales of bands of giants coming down from the Northlands, rumors that the Borderlords are more interested in annexing portions of the Unclaimed Lands rather than guarding the border and taking back the Deadlands. In short I need you to spy out the defenses of the Borderlands and finds out what is really going on. There are to many rumors afloat and the church is usless in this, they are in fact creating more tension than there should be." Carefully thinking the Duke's offer over, Finnian accepts knowing that the Duke would not ask if it was not important. As he accepts the commission the Duke seems pleased. He hands Finnian a small locket engraved with the Duchy Arms with the revers said of that of the Royal House of Gwyneedde."You can contact me thru this locket at need, but use it sparingly, I have not the strength left to use it that often" Pausing for a moment he continues "This is more than likely going to be dangerous and that far abroad I can offer very little protection. What i can do I have done by sending letters North to several old friends. And it is going to be expensive I fear very expensive so you will need this" At which point the Duke tossess Finnian a small black leather pouch (Pouch of holding capable of 2500 coins) In the pouch is a small letter with the ducal seal asking that assistance be given to one Finnian Douglas as a senior member of theDuke of Cassan household. Also in the pouch is 200 gold pieces and 2 very fine diamonds (500gp each) Takin g his leave of the Duke, Finnian travels westward thru the Repbulic to the Great Confederationg Port of BRightlaw. Arriving at Brightlaw, he books passage on Western Star and boards the ship for Westmarch on the 18th Day of August in 1125 YL[/sblock]
For Scotley - Bertrand Brookmead
[sblock]Settling his business in Brightlaw and purchasing his livestock Bertrand prepares to move his remuda and employees to his home. The day before he drives is ready to Drive North, Bertrand is summoned to the Local Ecclestical Magistrates Office. Arriving at the Office he is introudced to Monsignor Gorney. Monsignor Gorney has a commission for Bertrand based upon refereces he has received all in favor of him. "What i need you to do is to bring back a foul heretic. One who is associated with the most foul magics of necromancy. If you accept the commission, to bring him back dead or alive to face justice, we will be in your debit."...Thinking about the offer Bertrand seems hesitant suspecting something until the Monsignor sweetens the pot "As this is going to be an exceptionaly difficult task we are willing to offer in compensation title to 3000 acresof your choice in or around Sweetbrook. The land deed to be sealed by the Primate and endorsed by Highgate, Ironkeep and Northwarden. Further we will arrange transport of you livestock and employees to Sweetbrook under the protection of the light and will donate the mules, horses and wagons needed to make the trip plus an upfront cash payment of 500 gold pieces." Hearing the offer, Bertrand is stunned but after some relection accepts the offer. "Good Good you are to track down and bring to our justice one Balite Dornitive. He is rumored to be headed to Westmarch and here is a drawing of him" Taking his leave Bertrand settles his affairs and gives directions to his men..he then books passage on "Western Star" and boards her on the 18 of August in 1125 YL for Westmarch.[/sblock]
For Fenris - Modjan Ravensblight
[sblock]Modjan is sitting in a tavern enjoying a well earned ale when he is approached by Captain Targus Swiftwater who he has known off and on for several years."Trouble be brewing on the Western Seaboard what with all the radiers and foul beasts. I be needing some stalwart marines this trip to Brightlaw and back and want you to be the Captain of Marines" Having been sometime away from the sea and hearing it's call Ravensblight agrees to the commission. "We are going to be running two very high value cargos so we will want to add another 15 marines to the usual compliment. For compensation I will pay you 1 percent of the value to and 5 percent of the value coming back." Stunned by the staggering offer Modjan is speechless. Recruting and training a party of marines Modjan has an unevenfull voyage sailing south. Once in Brightlaw the Captain Swiftwater readily sells the cargo and hands Ravensblight a purse containg 100 gold pieces and a Draft on the Brighlaw Bank, made out to Ravensblight, for an additional 400 gold pieces. "Your one percent, the cargo will be loaded and we will sail on the 18th of August. As the 18th breaks "Western STar" is ready to set sail on her return voyage.[/sblock]