Metropolis (The World in Waiting) - Chapter One

[D20Dazza]

Ghost Hound Elf Bard

As soon as the writing material appears Ghost gets down to writing the story of his life, he occassionally stops to confirm a fact with his friends and includes a few choice words from them "Where do you think we should ask any potential recruits to gather and when?" the pale elf asks his friend after an hour or so of writing.

 

[Bront]

"The storm gate where we went in seems to be well known, that seems ideal." Taran suggests. "You're both welcome to reside at my place tonight. I should have space."

 

[D20Dazza]

Ghost Hound Elf Bard

"Yes, yes, just the place" the elf mumbles as he finishes the story with a flourish of his quill "Just the thing, a call to action, let's see if we can appeal to anyone's sense of justice" he pauses and thinks about the average citizen of Metropolis "Probably not" he continues "maybe we could appeal to their sense of greed? Anyone have any idea where we can get a lot of cash in a hurry?" the bard asks each of his companions.

 

[Bront]

"I think appealing to their sense of justice is better. It's time someone took a stand. Not having lived on the surface, our comunity here works only because everyone else looks out for what is best for the whole, and thinks about more than just themselves. If you call people out to do that, and prop them up when they do, it can only lead to go things. If the time has come where a call for good men brings no one, then Metropolis is beyond saving, but I don't think you believe that, or you wouldn't be doing what you are."

Taran seems a bit suprised with himself, finding the inpirational words flowing so easily from him. Perhaps Vulgarth has had a stronger influince than he'd thought.

 

[Festy_Dog]

Ba'aktar stifled a yawn. All the talk of justice and... whatever went with it was the kind of thing he heard in taverns. Optimistic old storytellers recounting heroic tales they couldn't quite remember. He glanced in his money pouch, surprised the cultists hadn't touched it either. Truly they must be a misled bunch to even ignore a weighty purse. After some barely audible grumbling involving adding numbers in his head he figured he was capable of hiring on a mercenaries since the locals couldn't.

"I have money. I can pay for mercs, but someone else's gonna have to do the bargaining. And we'll need to find someone with connections, unless either of you know a local merc hangout. Worth noting here that I have no idea where I am, so I'm relying on you two," he says.

Ba'aktar was a little disgruntled about spending his own coin, but felt obliged to under the circumstances.

 

[D20Dazza]

Ghost Hound Elf Bard

"I thank you Ba'aktar for your generous offer. Hopefully, as Taran believes, we won't have need for any money. I am afraid the events of the last few days have caught up with me and I am in dire need of some rest. I will speak with you in the morning, good night my friends" With that the elf slides down the wall he had been leaning on and quickly slips into reverie.

---------------------------

Ghost rises early in the morning, his thoughts filled with children in small cages begging for food, bloodied wounds and chafed raw skin glistening in the dirty light. His doesn't rise as peacefully as he normally does from a reverie, his eyes have a slightly haunted look.

Yawning he quicks awake his comrades "Come on, we have people to recruit and children to save. Is there anything we need do here before we leave Taran?' he says turning his attention to the halfling "Maybe a quick bite to break our fasts?"

 

[Bront]

Taran rests somewhat peacefully. Comfortable in his bed, but disturbed by what he has seen today.

He awakens and prepares his spells for the day (I'll adjust them shortly). "Yes, some food would be good, though it looks like I am a bit low on food here myself. I think we should speak with Vulgarth as well before we leave."

 

[Festy_Dog]

Ba'aktar being woken was almost a dangerous experience. The exhausted half-orc was resistant to efforts to rouse him, and when he finally took notice of Ghost's efforts he interpreted it as someone trying to empty his pockets, and the agile elf weaved out of the way of a poorly aimed fist.

"Grr-rarn k'thakt!" he growled as he propped himself to get a better look at his assaillant.

He blinked a couple of times, bewilderment giving way to memories of where he was. He nodded to Ghost and got to his feet, packing his things and getting ready for the day's activity.

"Food is good," he said in agreement to breakfast, short on words during the morning.

Ba'aktar's ring still had a little while before it resumed activity, and the both new and old sensation of hunger urged him to eat.

 

[Phoenix]

[sblock]For anyone who is still injured, the herbalists of the community provide overnight care to you, allowing you to restore 8hp. Please update Rogue's Gallery (or I shall use your old hp totals).[/sblock]

The morning is that of rice and vegetables with a small cup of wine to wash it down, certainly better than much of the food available on the streets above. During breakfast a small child approaches Ghost to mention that his article has been delivered to the publishers earlier that morning and drops off a small pouch courtesy of his editor*.

As the group readies itself for travel once more, Vulgarth approaches them carrying a large pouch. "I have eighteen men able to come with you gentlemen on this endevour, all are capable with a blade enough to hold their own, and will follow your judgements on all matters. Here."

Passing the pouch to Taran, the halfling counts eight Phesen within. Obviously the elderly elf has decided to give his entire supply to the expedition, a sign that he takes the mission seriously indeed.

[sblock]Ghost Profession-journalist (DC varies) +18
*The pouch contains 18 silver pieces within and a short note commending Ghost on his work. It also mentions that the publisher would like to have words with Ghost as soon as possible.[/sblock]

 

[D20Dazza]

Ghost Hound Elf Bard

Taken aback by the generosity of the elder, and flushed with pride at the contents of the bag, Ghost is feeling particularly upbeat about the possibilites of the day. "Well as I see it, the Storm Gate and then the Yellow Robes lair. Anything else to be done?" he says to his companions after thanking Vulgarth for his aid.