Age of Elements (online PbP D&D3e)

[genshou]

Well, my online game just started, so here is the story hour as promised. Today I will post the intro story I used to advertise to potential players. Next time, a description of the PCs. Once we finish each scene, I'll put up a description of that scene. If you want an update sooner, ask for it and I'll get it up here.

And, without further ado:

Village of Shady Greens, Village Council Chambers, 12 years ago
"The Elements of Power... Earth, Water, Fire, and Air... Long have these elements been the source of both life and true power in our world. Oh, it is true, I suppose, that mages have developed powers beyond the Elements and made this magic just as powerful... but only the four Elements possess true power. It is only our own weak bodies that keep us from utilizing the true power of the Elements. The roaring of the ocean waves as they pound into the cliffs along the edge of the known world... the tremendous force of an earthquake. The furious destructive power of a raging volcano... the swirling rage of a hurricane. All these and more are examples of the true Power the Elements endow upon our world. Long has the village in which we live, shadowed by the Green Mountain, secretly been the guardian of the Elemental Disc of Fire. That is why so many adventures feel an odd compulsion to retire here... it is the power of the defensive magic calling them here. But things are about to change in this peaceful village, nay, in the entire world! Our inaction may bring about the destruction of all. Terrible thieves come, seeking the power of the Elemental Discs. They seek to release the Elemental Power contained within the discs. I'm afraid there is nothing we can do to stop them. But do not despair, for all hope is not yet gone. The hopes of the world must be carried by the younger generation. Only those who are young and fresh may gain the level of power necessary to stop - and ultimately defeat - these thieves." Adlar, ancient elder of the village, leaned back in his chair as he finished speaking.

Ronald, one of the farmers in the village, was next to speak. "Could you possibly... do you mean that we must place all our hopes in the hands of those three?"

Adlar's face carried a mystical expression. "Long have I been watching the Elements for clues as to the future. Only the three of them - along with one who will come along later - may do this. No other is capable of it." He frowned deeply, increasing the severity of the already excessive wrinkles about his face. "It pains me to do so, but the burden of this world's fate must be placed solely upon their shoulders."

Alvin, the village's ranger, stood up angrily. "Impossible! We cannot ask them to do this! The quest will take their lives!"

Adlar sat calmly listening to this. "I understand your concern, master Alvin. But do not trouble yourself overly. It is not exactly as though they are incapable of the task. Each of them is a Child of Destiny, and I am confident in their ability to handle this task. They must do this. It is the world's only hope. The Dragon will protect them until it is time for them to undertake this task. Until then, we must raise them as our own - we must tell them nothing of their future. To thrust such responsibility on them before they are ready will only bring about our ruin. I trust this is something we can all agree on, when the fate of the world is in the balance?"

The chamber was silent as the men and women inside contemplated this.

Ronald was the first to speak. "Very well, then. I will raise one of them. It is my duty to the Dragon, and to the world."

Alvin stepped up. "I will raise another. I will teach the child the ways of the forest, and of the Dragon."

Mary and her husband Shawn came forward next. "We will nurture the last, and teach the child the value of kindness and of the mystique of Elemental magic."

Adlar stepped forward, his aged frame carried forward by his rune-covered staff. "Then we are all in agreement? Remember, the fate of the world rests upon your shoulders. I know you can do it." He smiled. "Perhaps there is more hope for the world than we think, with parents such as yourselves! Now let us go and prepare the way for the future."

The council adjourned, and the people of the village slowly trickled out, save for Alvin. "What had he said about a fourth? As the ranger of Shady Greens, I must ensure the protection of this newcomer. I, and the child I now raise, will live in the forest, ever watchful for the fourth." He stepped out with the grace of a gazelle, and went home to prepare to move out of the village...

It has been twelve years since the village met to discuss this. Since then, one more has come as Adlar prophesied. As the only four children to live in Shady Greens, they have developed friendships amongst each other already. Being raised by different people, each has developed different skills and abilities. Because they had no normal children to compare themselves against, the fact that they were so skilled was not abnormal to them. But will these four really have what it takes to save the world? That will depend on their determination, and the skill of their players...

 

[Lela]

Mariko (NG, Shugunja of Water): With Green eyes and Blond hair, Mariko takes physically after her father. Though he died when she was very young her mother (think Oriental decent) more than took up the slack. Teaching her daughter everything she knows about the healing elements of Water she, nonetheless, was forced to flee their home when Mariko was still a child. Thirsty and suffering from extreme exposore, the two pressed on through the seemingly endless countryside until her mother collapsed. It was only Alvin, continuing his dedicated watch of the countryside, who saved them both.

Since them Mariko has grown into a healthy woman of 17. Her skills with the healing magiks have already surpassed those of her mother and, at her friend Petro's insistance, she's learned some skill with the staff.

Mariko is generally an active girl, slow to anger and quick to respond. Thought of as wise for her age, Mariko makes friends easily. Though she and Kira don't always get along, as the only two teenage girls in the entire town they've formed a bond. Petro, in her opinion, has become increasingly shy over the last 5 years. Mariko finds it funny and delights in pushing him beyond his limits (pulling him onto the dance floor, starting up conversations with him, insisting that he come swimming at Orian Lake). She has a lighthearted relationship with Ivilious, though his smaller size sometimes comes off as kiddish to Mariko. She thinks of him much the way she'd think of a younger brother.

[Edit: Mariko was 8 (not 3) when she and her mother were forced to leave their old home.]

 

[Silverfang]

Kira LG Sorceror, element, Fire

Red hair, ice blue eyes, she stands a height of roughly 5 5". Raised by Alvin, her life was not a pampered one. She has learned to take care of herself when the need arises. Alvin did not allow her to become a spoiled girl, and though his guidance, she has grown into a fine, kind hearted, if somewhat brash young lady. Only recently she celebrated her 17th birthday.

Once, while Alvin had taken her out from a hunt, she showed some remarkable talent, felling a deer on her own. He had gone ahead, following it's tracks, when it suddenly jumped out in front of Kira. She shot at it with her crossbow, grazing it's right shoulder, only serving to anger the normally docile creature. Knowing she would have no luck if she stayed there, she immediately thought of Alvin, knowing he would rescue her. She bit her lip, waiting to call him, her moment of indecision, was actually a blessing in disguise. She cried out, uttering what she thought was a cry for help, only to have her fingers tingle, a surge of energy rushing from her hands, pelting the deer, causing it to crumble under the surprise assault.
A surprise to both her and the deer, a cause of great pride for Alvin.