Chapter 1 - Training

[CAI4]

Chet comes out of the small room, smiling. He gulps down food with the others and pours himself a huge tankard of ale. I'm ready to go.

[AleBelly]

The party eats heartily. Small talk is exchanged between trainers and trainees as the rewards are distributed to those that successfully completed the gauntlet.

When the adventurers have their fill, they are blindfolded. "I apologize for the precautions I must take here. But this is for your protection as well as ours" explains the captain.

The adventurers are led out of the room, likely through a secret door, and make their way up some stairs. Soon they feel the warmth of the sun on their faces, and can tell it's a warm day for winter. They are led into a couple of covered carts…at least they think they are covered because the light dims. The clop of horses feet on the dirt roads is heard for awhile, when they suddenly stop.

"This is far enough" the party hears, and their blindfolds are removed and carts uncovered. The party sees the familiar rough paths and roads connecting farms, and the occasional small wooden structures that house the roving guards. They also see the familiar bells, spaced roughly a half-mile apart to warn of oncoming danger. With no crops going, there is little obvious human activity; plumes of smoke rise from chimneys and a few children play in the fields close to their homes. The rest of the journey to town is uneventful, and they arrive after sunset to the west gate.

The guards and assessors act with obvious deference to Captain Castleman and wave the group through. Soon through the gates, the carts stop, the streets crowded as always. The Captain speaks loudly to make his voice heard over the din.

"This is where we take our leave of you. The best way to contact me in the future is through the gate guards, but I may also be found in the barracks from time to time. You may even find me sipping some of Guffy's dark ale if I'm lucky enough to have a spare moment. Everyone does their part."

With that, he and his retinue depart, likely heading to the stables nearby.

The world is your oyster now. See the environs thread for possible places to visit in town - and you may discover others. Characters will also know where their guilds are if they want to visit those.

[tkrexx]

Everyone Does Their Part! Hyde joyfully (and loudly) returns the Captain's salute. He shares his grin with each party member, slapping the nearest on the back (unintentionally hard in his enthusiasm), throws his head back and laughs. Hahaahhh! We be going hunting now, hah?

[AleBelly]

And, of course, you can always go 'hunting.'

[enn.in.me]

"Hunting sounds good. But first, I must sleep and give thanks to Veles. Where shall we meet for our hunting expedition?"

[OGRE MAGE]

Hunting? asks Sev.

I must do some shopping before we head out again. I think we all need a good nights sleep or two as well.

Sev is happy to get away from the group for a while. He is not used to the looks from the commoners showing obvious expressions of disgust at some of his comely challenged new friends.

[KingOfCowards]

"You may find me at Six Steps to the Gutter, if any of you want company in your journies into the wild. I bid you all farewell until then."
Jaspar will head off in the direction of the rudimentary inn.

[Zorroroaster]

Eduard looks around at the rest of the group a moment. Perhaps he's taking it all in, trying to capture the moment for later remembrance, perhaps he's just not sure what to say next. The moment passes and he laughs aloud.

"I hope to see some of you quite soon, I too will be at the tavern. It seems a good enough location for home base, official or otherwise."

Calling out to Jaspar ahead,

"Wait up, I'll walk with you."

He heads off into the evening.

[CAI4]

Chet says I'll meet you at Guffy's. I have to do some shopping. I also polluted my body with that healing potion. I will have to visit my monastery soon to atone for that. See you later!

[MonkeyWrench]

Korok does not share the same enthusiasm as his fellow half-orc, instead looking towards the guard and the different townsfolk that are no doubt look towards them, with him in particular singled out. His face is one of suspicion and unease, masked with a glare.

He does not say anything as everyone makes their farewells, instead simply walking down the street.

[tkrexx]

Ah! Six Steps! Hyde raises a finger and both eyebrows. Yeahh, me and Guffy, we be good pals! He tags along to the saloon.