The Old School: AD&D 1e

[InVinoVeritas]

Day 1, Firstmonth

The sun dawns on a new day, the new year. The week of the Spring Equinox, called The Preparation, has just finished, and the world is beginning to show new signs of life. The last mounds of snow are melting in the gently warming air, and streams criss-cross the town.

Yet for the moment, most everyone ignores the natural beauty for an event in the town square.

"I now pronounce you Graduates of the Old School! Go forth, and let the world speak of you!"

The Grand Wizard Telveno finishes his speeches for the recent class, and they cry aloud in jubilation. They rush out to their favorite hangouts, such as the Bouncing Beholder Tavern, and proceed to make merry. The elders of the town, from academia to the temple to the leaders of mining companies, observe the new crop, looking for potential. Other adventurers, wildcatters, merchants, and ruffians come from all over for this event as well, looking for an opportunity to poach a fresh Prestidigitator, find an abandoned mine shaft, supply those who would tempt fate, or wait to take from those lucky enough to discover hidden treasure.

What role do you play in this new year?

 

[Thondor]

Amirad has recently arrived in town. He was one of a number of escorts for a caravan that arrived in time to take advantage of the festivities. His uncle Thomas was one of the financiers of the caravan. Thomas had originally planned to travel with the caravan himself, however he had recently been injured in a bandit raid during his travels. Amirad felt that it was his duty to look after his uncles interests. Having settled these affairs, and made arrangements with trustworthy acquaintances, Amirad seeks out the temple/shrine of Solinar to give thanks for a safe journey, and pray for a means to reduce lawlessness and uphold goodness in the 'Old School'.
Being young and desiring to make the world better in order to honour his god and family, Amirad keeps his ears open for rumors of adventure, bandits or honest men in of need protection or help. Both at the temple and at the festivities.
He also keeps an ear out for those who may be of like mind as he.

****For my and possibly others ease of reference:
The out-of-character (OOC) thread
The character write up thread

 

[The Digger]

"All right, you lot. Who's buying the first round? Or should we just pool our money and see how long it lasts?"

Little Mo was in the forefront of the rush to the inn. Her red graduation cap was lost somewhere in the square but she didn't mind. Her scroll from the Old School was tucked away securely in her belt pouch and her eyes glittered with the promise of the future.

Adventuring, here I come! she thought. All those years of study; first the weapon training - that had been exciting. Then the hours stuck in study in with old Father Tyrell, poring over histories and theologies and necromancies and any other ..cies he could think of -booo-ring! Although probably worth it in the end.

And then studying at the Old School under Telveno and his acolytes - that had been exciting. Her face fell a little. But why couldn't they have given her something...meatier for her spellbook. Fireball perhaps, or Killing Cloud or...

Her heart rose again and she shook of the bout of 'if onlys'; she was done now. Now she could make her own way in the world. A few drinks, a bit of carousing, and then off to work.

"Charlie! Since you're at the bar, I'll have a dark ale, please!"

 

[garyh]

An elf with the grace of a cat moves next to Little Mo at the bar, his leather armor noiseless, a long sword strapped to his back, and many daggers on his person. His hair is long and light brown, and tied back in a pony tail. He grey eyes took in the room, and his gaze shifted from the woman next to him to the barkeep.

"Charles," the elf called out, "a glass of your finest feyvine red, if you please."

"Sure thing, Kel," the barkeep replied.

 

[Darkwolf71]

Zhantain strides into the Inn a few minutes later, chuckling at Little Mo's enthusiasm. He was a more serious sort. An after effect of the eruption of his mental powers a few years ago. He remember with crystal clarity the cries of surprise and pain caused by that first Psionic Blast, thankfully no one was seriously injured. Finding someone to help him learn to control his rare powers had been a daunting task, and eventually it had led him here, to The Old School.

His sword and shield are comfortable weights that he has grown accustomed to. Leaning his unstrung bow against the bar, he calls out, "Good day, Charles. Honey mead, if you please. And a sausage."

 

[ghostcat]

An extremely tall, willowy, young human female stands in a corner of the square watching the ceremony. She is wearing a dark green cloak under which can be glimpsed leather armor. Looking closely it can be seen that her clothes are dusty as if she has only just arrived in town.

If nothing else happens in the 10 minutes after the fledgling wizards have run off to their celebrations, she will go about her business. Lidia will first replenish her supplies before heading off to find some breakfast. As it happens she enters the Bouncing Beholder Tavern.

 

[Thondor]

Ah, an enjoyable day. The knife throwing contest was quite amusing. Perhaps I might find some graduates at the inn interested in adventure. Amirad thought to himself. He enters the inn and a number of patrons turn to study his confidant walk, fiery red hair and gleaming armour. He recognizes both Little Mo and Zhantain from the ceremony that morning and slides into a chair close to them both (Kel is within earshot) and smiles.

"You two both graduated today did you not? Then allow me to congradulate you and buy you both a pint. I too recently completed my training as a warrior of Solinar. You should not have to pay for your own drinks on a night such as this."
Amirad, fetches the drinks himself and returns.
"I'm affraid my purse has grown light, so I can only purchase the local draught for you lady." He slides the drinks over to Little Mo and Zhantain, takes a small sip of his own. "Ah, but I am remiss." Amirad smiles, "My name is Amirad, I recently arrived with a caravan. It is my hope that I may soon test my skills in true battle against a worthy foe. I am sure that you are also eager to test your blade sir?" This to Zhantain, "And your own unique skills lady . . .?"

 

[Darkwolf71]

"That's kind of you, Amirad. My thanks. We are most appreciative." He takes the offered mug and drinks deeply.

After a moment, he addresses the the warrior again, "I am indeed ready to return to the wilds and practice my craft. Adventure awaits, as my Da' is fond of saying. Did you have anything particular in mind?"

 

[The Digger]

Little Mo jumps from her stool and, standing right in front of Amirad, stares up into his eyes. "Now listen, big fella, who are you calling a lady? I'm every bit as able as any of you to go adventuring. You won't find me knitting or embroidering or any of those things that 'Ladies' do."

She placed her hand on the hilt of her longsword and stood proudly before the paladin, with a hint of a swagger in her movement.

She managed to hold this pose for all of 5 seconds before bursting into laughter.

"Well would you look at me. Five minutes out of the school and already I'm getting airs and graces. Sit yourself down lad and we'll have another ale."

 

[Thondor]

Amirad is a little surprised by Little Mo's outburst, but simply smiles. "I do not doubt your prowess with both sword and spell. In fact I would enjoy seeing them put to good use."

Turning to Zhantain, he says, "I don't have anything in particular in mind, my friend. I have, as I said, only recently arrived." Amirad takes another small sip, swirling the liquid around negligently. "I have heard rumors that a number of gold mines have been abandon due to difficulties with various monsters and others of ill intent. I don't know any particulars, although I'm sure they would not be hard to discover."
His gaze lingers on Kel who seems to be listening in. "Have you heard of anything of interest, my good elf? I am open to other suggestions of course, especially if any of you would be willing to join me."

**********************
(Perhaps Amirad and Lidia met earlier on the road. This could make her joining in the conversation more natural. (Your call as to if, when and how long). Also, Amirad hasn't been speaking particularly quietly, and he has let many people know that he is looking for 'a noble quest' making others approaching the group quite understandable.)