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+---- Thread: Act 1, Scene 1: Summoned to Palace! (/showthread.php?tid=1711)
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Act 1, Scene 1: Summoned to Palace! - Yaztromo - 02-08-2014
These are troubled times in Vestfold. No sooner had its ruler, Queen Desideria, got over the death of her husband, King Ewan Andahar, distant cousin and successor of Uther Andahar, first king of Blackmoor, than she was flung into a war with the Skandaharians, that threatened the very lucrative whaling expeditions to the cold, northern ocean waters. The commerce of whales-derived goods and other trading goods flowing in from the north and flowing out to Thonian territories was vital for the young kingdom of Blackmoor.
After the loss of a substantial part of the Merchant Navy, pride of King Ewen, and a major sea-battle where many lives were lost, it seemed that Blackmoor had prevailed.
Yet there was more to come. Rumours spread of armies massing on the south-western borders. The Peshwar tribes, never a friendly neighbour, were said to be preparing for an invasion. Acting decisively, Lady Desideria ordered all her armies to the south-western border. Some passes and strongholds on the border could be defended with ease. If the armies of the Peshwar were allowed to reach the flatland of central Blackmoor, however, they would wreak untold damage.
Re: Act 1, Scene 1: summoned to Palace - Yaztromo - 02-08-2014
You arrive in Vestfold, the most important city of Blackmoor, just as the last troop of soldiers are departing. You find yourselves in a city strangely deserted. Life goes on, but without the many brightly costumed warriors who used to parade so proudly down Vestfold's winding streets. With the soldiers gone, the criminals thrive. You bar the door of your room at night, and sleep with your prized weapons beside your bed.
Re: Act 1, Scene 1: summoned to Palace - Yaztromo - 02-08-2014
A few weeks pass. Then, one morning, a wild-eyed messenger rides into the city, yelling incoherent warnings of an invasion fron north-west. Less than an hour after he disappears into the palace, a servant brings you a note in stationery bearing the seal of the House of Andahar. It is a summons to appear before Lady Desideria herself. It seems your fame as adventurers has reached her, and in these dark days the Lady has need of fearless warriors.
Re: Act 1, Scene 1: summoned to Palace - Yaztromo - 02-08-2014
When you arrive at the palace, the only part of the city patrolled by plenty of guards, you find yourselves in the company of a score of other adventurers. Several are known to you by sight, and one, Sophia of Archlis, by name, as you have shared dangers with her on more than one occasion, in the lands of the Thonian Empire. Before you have a chance to exchange names and greetings with the others, you are led inside by a servant. You are ushered into an audience chamber to face five nobles behind a huge black wooden table. In the centre Lady Desideria, resplendent in ceremonial jewellery, the Sword of Office on the table before her. To her left is her cousin Calogrenant, a fat fellow with a nervous twitch in his nose. Beyond him sits Brangaine of Maus, a small woman that is reputated to be the wealthiest person in the whole Kingdom of Blackmoor. To Desideria's right are Igraine the Silent, an imposing woman of ancient lineage, and Gwenn Rehant, the stern-faced Judge. Truly you face the five most important people in Blackmoor!
You bow, and Desideria swiftly explains the situation. With the army many leagues to the south, Vestfold is unguarded. Now a messenger has arrived from the north-western regions, telling of villages found deserted. It seems that an army is advancing on the city from north-west - it must be barbarian raiders from Afridhi tribes. Some rider must be dispatched at once to fetch back half of Blackoor's army. Meanwhile, the city must be defended in some way. Desideria explains that her loyal champion, Hector the Invincible, the most feared warrior of the north, is away on a quest for a fabled relic. She praises you all for your past gallantry and asks that you help her - and gain the gratitude of the kingdom - by undertaking the defence of the city. You may be few in number, but surely the glory will be all greater?
Re: Act 1, Scene 1: summoned to Palace - Yaztromo - 02-08-2014
How can you refuse such an appeal? the others are quick to volunteer for the task by taking a step forward, and you join them.
This is your chance to become more than a swordsell and a wandering adventurer - you'll be a true hero of legend!
This is surely why you were sent all over the continent to this place...
You listen as the five nobles begin to lay plans. Some of you must ride south and summon the army, some other must ride to scout out the invaders. The rest must stay in Vestfold and use all of their wits and ingenuity to prepare a defence.
Your past experience makes you the obvious choice for the scouting job.
Re: Act 1, Scene 1: summoned to Palace - Yaztromo - 02-08-2014
Few minutes later, you are sitting at a table with the five nobles, eating a fine meal to fortify you as they give you your final briefing. They are being waited on by their own servants, while Lady Desideria has assigned one of her own pages to take care of you. Calogrenant warns you against taking any incautious action yourselves: "It is most important that you return to tell us of the nature of this menace, so that we may know how best to defend against it." he explains. While Brangaine is in the middle of advising you rest at the temple of Fourga (a cult that recently took hold in Blackmoor), you feel a light touch on your leg. You look around and see the page who was waiting upon you walking away. Looking down at your lap you see a folded fragment of paper. The page must have dropped this as he refilled your goblets.
Re: Act 1, Scene 1: summoned to Palace! - JesseOcasio - 02-08-2014
Hororin Dragonsbane unfolds the piece of paper and glances at it from under the table.
Re: Act 1, Scene 1: summoned to Palace! - Baldrick - 02-08-2014
Grumm leans over to Hororin. "What do you think about this, Ser? I feel something is amiss with these recent events... It is only too convenient that such foes would descend upon Vestfold at the same dark hour..."
Re: Act 1, Scene 1: summoned to Palace! - JesseOcasio - 02-08-2014
" I agree." Horrorin turns his attention to Grumm." Surly the enemy has been planning their attack for a while. Waiting and hiding in the shadows for their chance to strike."
Re: Act 1, Scene 1: summoned to Palace! - Yaztromo - 02-09-2014
On the unfolded scrap of paper is written: "Beware - you are watched by a thousand eyes"
You ponder what that strange message mean while quietly discussing the situation between yourselves, but are brought out of your reverie when you realize that you are being addressed by Brangaine of Maus. She seem insulted that you have failed to hear her question, and scowls at you. At the same time, the hairs on the nape of your neck prickle. You feel certain that someone in the room is watching you carefully. The meal over, you prepare to depart.